Youth Live Issue 7

Dedicated to getting YOUR voice heard

PLUS...Chav Or Chav-Not?...Wrestlemania 25...Which Games Console?...AND MORE...

Issue 7: Summer 2009

WE MUST NOT FORGET Why we need to remember what we’ve lost

COMING SOON...COMING SOON TO A SCHOOL NEAR YOU!

It’s your opportunity to: ● get your hands on a magazine ● speak to members of our team ● tell us what you want to see ● find out how to get involved.

SCHOOLS: To find out about hosting a Blitz Day contact Richard on 0151 702 6960

or email [email protected]

02 Issue 7 - Summer 2009 Youth Live

Voices In Action

Youth Awareness Programme

Voices In Action is a group led by a former Streetmate, trained by Liverpool Youth Service.

We want to increase opportunities for young people to have their voice heard and access help and support for any problems they face.

Anyone is welcome to join us in our work and we will support you by signposting you to professional agencies who can help with a wide range of problems, such as drug and alcohol misuse or financial worries.

We also want to promote young people’s voices on issues affecting them through the mediums of politically aware performance poetry, drama and dance.

If you are interested or have any queries, call Terence Whinnett on: 07516 272 992

or email [email protected]

Youth Live Issue 7 - Summer 2009 03

...WELCOME...WELCOME...WELCOME...WELCOME...WELCOME...WELCOME...WELCOME...WELCO

is supported by:

Providing Better Homes Building Better Lives

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We welcome constructive feedback, which may be included in a future edition. Please email: [email protected] advertising or subscription enquiries please contact Richard on: 0151 702 6960 or email: [email protected]

is published by Youth Communications Network (YCN), a Community Interest Company (CIC). The company exists to serve the community and its profits are reinvested to develop its work rather than awarded to private shareholders.

The views and opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of YCN’s Board of Directors, the editor, YCN’s junior membership, or any individual sponsor or advertiser. Inclusion of advertisements does not imply endorsement by YCN.

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The Editor writes... Well here we are again.

We have finally reached the last hurdle of the school year – summer term.

Starting now, we can all look ahead to the holidays and, despite previous wash-outs, this year we are (apparently) set for some half decent weather. I wouldn’t hold my breath!

But keep optimistic, there are only a couple of months to go!

Good Luck to all those sitting exams this term!

So along with a new term comes another issue of , our seventh issue in fact, and it’s as good as ever;

crammed with the latest news and pressing issues that our team feel need to be addressed.

We’ve got reviews of the Harry Potter and Twilight films, in a critique of book-film adaptations, as well as some political commentary and a reassessment of stereotypes and the extraordinary need to categorise young people.

Read and enjoy!

Jemma Wark, 18

Live in this issue...

FASHION VICTIMS Chav Or Chav-Not? 04

SPEAK UP Why We Remember 05

BE HEALTHY Check It Before You Wreck It 06

ENJOY & ACHIEVE FAST becoming a success 07

IN THE NEWS The Rise of the Right 08

AIM HIGHER First impressions of LJMU 10

STUDENT LIFE Be Streeetwise 11

SCREENSHOTS Play The Game 12 Why The Sun Won’t Set on ‘Twilight’ 13 Why The New Harry Potter Film Sucks 13

WRESTLEMANIA The Greatest Stage Of All 14

OUT & ABOUT Moving Pictures 16

Issue 7 - Summer 2009

04 Issue 7 - Summer 2009 Youth Live

...FASHION VICTIMS...FASHION VICTIMS...FASHION VICTIMS...FASHION VICTIMS...FA

AS SOMEONE who has on occasion been called all three and at an age when I’m moving on to college, I wonder where I’ll fit in!

It was in High School in Scotland that I first realised that certain groups of people began to dress differently and stood out from the crowd. Many pupils had already begun to wear Burberry scarves, lots of gold jewellery and heavy foundation - people often branded as Chavs.

But then I noticed a minority wearing skinny jeans, longer hair, nail polish and eyeliner - and these were the boys!!

Feeling confused and curious, I began talking to them, adopted their style and listened to their music - My Chemical Romance, Greenday and Sum 41. Converse basketball boots, skinny jeans and panda eyes became my regular uniform.

There was a down-side to my new image. Public perception of Emos, for that’s what I had become, was that we were,

self-harming, over-emotional, androgynous geeks! Taunts of “Where’s your razorblade?” become common. All because I liked My Chemical Romance and Converse!

In an under 18’s night club in Glasgow, I realized that we shared much in common with Goths - particularly the heavy eye make up and black nail polish. However, Goths – known for wearing New Rocks heavy boots and baggy jeans, despised Emos for being a watered down version of them.

Since the Columbine High School massacre of 1999 (when two students gunned down their fellow pupils and a teacher) public perceptions of Goths have become negative. However most are actually deep-thinkers, against violence and many are extremely creative and artistic. Yet they are victimized and viewed with suspicion - only recently, two young Goths were attacked in Preston and a young woman died through her injuries - just because of how they looked!

Why do people need to be categorised?

During your teenage years you are trying to find out who you are and discover your own identity. If you see traits in others which you admire you naturally copy them and seek their friendship and acceptance. Young people value the approval of their peers above all else. If they stop conforming they may find themselves exiled from a group

Older people tend to fear certain groups because of stereotypes, quite often fuelled by press and TV coverage.

Young people have always formed different cliques and adopted individual styles - Mods, Rockers, Teddy Boys, Punks! and they have clashed because of rejecting each other’s opinions. Nowadays, young people should use the internet to explore other sub-cultures for themselves, instead of bullying through ignorance. Social networking sites provide the perfect opportunity to celebrate these differences. So next time you get a “friend request” from someone a bit alternative - give them a chance. Talk to them. You may make a new friend and learn something about yourself! ■

CHAV or CHAV-not?Having an identity crisis? Where do you fit in

- are you an Emo, Goth or Chav? asks SARAH SYME

...SPEAK UP...SPEAK UP...SPEAK UP...SPEAK UP...SPEAK UP...SPEAK UP...SPEAK UP...SPEAK

AS ONE of the attendees at the Hillsborough memorial service, I was at first unsure about whether I should be there. After all, what did I know about a disaster that had occurred two years before I was even born?

But I soon realised that my preconceptions had been wrong, as a large number of those who attended were young people. I was shocked to read that half of the victims of Hillsborough were under the age of 21, and it struck a chord with me to think that these people were my age, or younger.

There has been much speculation recently about the significance of memorials in today’s society. After 20 years, should we forget Hillsborough? Or, after 60 or even 90 years, is Remembrance Day for the two World Wars irrelevant to today’s youth?

The answer, I think, is - or at least should be - no. We should never forget. To suggest that some memorials are becoming less relevant, or out-dated, because younger generations were not there to witness them is ignorant of what they stand for. November 11th is a memorial not only to those that died in the two World Wars, but to every service person that has been killed in conflicts around the world since. Very few people are

alive today who have lived through both World Wars. Does that mean that the memory of such courage and sacrifice could soon fade away? At the very least we can give up one day a year to respect and honour those who have fought, and continue to fight, for this country.

Hillsborough is a much more personal memorial, of those who witnessed the tragedy, the families of the victims, and of many football fans. But it was football’s biggest disaster, when 96 innocent people

lost their lives, and they deserve the respect and remembrance of the people of Liverpool.

Pride for our country seems to be slowly trickling away in Britain nowadays. But being a part of the memorial service on April 15ç made me proud to be from Liverpool; being surrounded by such emotion and cries for justice, as well as seeing 30,000 people joined together, regardless of their age or what football team they support, highlighted the unity and spirit that Liverpool is known for. Hillsborough united a city, just as two world wars united the entire country, and it is critical that these memories are never lost. It is up to us, and future generations to ensure that those lost are always remembered. ■

Just short of 30,000 people attended the memorial service on April 15th to mark the 20th anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster. The entire city centre fell silent for two minutes at 3:06pm, to remember the events of the horrific tragedy. JEMMA WARK asks...

Why We Remember

Youth Live Issue 7 - Summer 2009 05

Football fans from across the world and of every colour paid tribute to the memories of those lost in the UK’s worst football disaster on April 15th 2009. ABOVE: A poppy wreath is laid at a war memorial on Remembrance Day.

CHAV or CHAV-not?

06 Issue 7 - Summer 2009 Youth Live

...BE HEALTHY...BE HEALTHY...BE HEALTHY...BE HEALTHY...BE HEALTHY...BE HEALTH

So far so good, the launch of Teenlifecheck is only days away and already the website has been getting the thumbs up! The website has been developed to empower young people to have more awareness of their health and well-being. Using 15 simple online multiple choice questions, you can check out your physical and emotional health and find ways to get further information and support. Teenlifecheck provides all of this in one accessible place! It’s free, simple and totally confidential. The website will not save any personal details so no-one will know your answers!

Teenlifecheck (TLC) explores a variety of health issues from healthy eating and sexual health to community safety and crime. Not only does the website give you a score on how you are doing, it also gives you the opportunity to access further advice and guidance on ways to improve your lifestyle. The additional links on the site direct you to organisations which could provide you with the opportunity to access further help and support.

If you are having problems finding ways to improve your diet or experiencing problems at school, look no further than TLC. The web based tool will provide you with the information to get the support you deserve!

The visual layout of the website has been favoured by

many young people around Liverpool. Does the thought of reading through 15 questions bore you senseless? Each question on the quiz comes equipped with a video link of a young person reading the question! The video links also involve a variety of young people sharing their thoughts on the health issues raised in Teenlifecheck.

The official launch is on Wednesday 20th May at ‘The Door’, MYA on Hanover Street between 4pm and 6pm. We are asking young people to come along to the event where you will get the chance to use the site and share your thoughts. We are also providing refreshments and entertainment!

To arrange a demonstration of the website call Amy on 0151 702 6960. ■

AGED 12-15? NHS Teen Lifecheck is for you! An online quiz, plus information, videos and Top Tips are all cool features of this new website.

Young people from Albion House Youth Club tried outTeenlifecheck during

Everton Respect Week in March.

Lifestyle Centres across the city are now promoting

the website.

...ENJOY & ACHIEVE...ENJOY & ACHIEVE...ENJOY & ACHIEVE...ENJOY & ACHIEVE...ENJ

WITH THE catchy acronym “FAST”, Families and Schools Together is a scheme from America which aims to combat juvenile delinquency, prevent drug abuse and encourage academic performance. FAST is a non-profit organisation which works with schools, setting aside an evening a week for families and trained staff to eat, chat, sing and do crafts together. The programme runs for ten weeks, with the ultimate aim of enabling students to be happy, safe and motivated, strengthening family units and instilling a sense of community in the school.

At Broadgreen International School, the first ten week programme culminated at the end of March in a graduation ceremony to celebrate the programme’s success with the families involved. But despite prevalent stereotypes of teenagers disliking school and wanting to rush home to the television as soon as the bell rings, the scene of the last FAST session had a somewhat sombre feel. Year 8 student Anthony Russell said: “I will be sad when the programme finishes, as it is fun and it gives me something to do after school. My favourite part of the scheme is the games, the best competition being the one where we designed a T shirt together.”

Each week a draw is held to determine the winner of a wok and Tesco vouchers, as with each great win comes

great responsibility – it is the winning family’s task to cook the meal for everyone the following week. The Farrells made sweet and sour chicken with vegetable stir fry. They feel the project has been a great success. Mum Linda said: “I don’t want it to end! I’m definitely going to take the course and be involved in the next programme of FAST. I’d go all over the world doing it!”

Another benefit of the programme is the equality between parents, FAST mentors and Year 10 students who are “acting mentors”. Jade Platt, in Year 10 at Broadgreen says: “The communication between parents and students has been great. Since the first session ten weeks ago there has been a huge improvement in relations.” Pupils said there were other benefits, such as Year 10 pupils gaining confidence and leadership skills, and Year 7 students knowing they had an older pupil to talk to. One girl said: “If I was getting bullied or my friend was, I could trust one of the mentors to help me out.”

Already a huge success in America, with responses of young people and adults who’ve done the course overwhelmingly positive, and hailed as “exemplary” by the USA Department of Justice, we hope FAST will make an impact on crime, sense of community and health in young people. ■

FAST becoming a successIMAGINE you, your parents and friends playing board games and singing together after school in the dining hall. Does this sound like an unlikely situation? It's a reality in three schools already and it will soon reach eight more Liverpool secondary schools over the next year. VIRGINIA HALE reports.

Youth Live Issue 7 - Summer 2009 07

MAIN PIC: Young people and parents made their own family shield for one craft activity on the ten-week after school programme INSET: Families received certificates and trophies at a graduation ceremony

08 Issue 7 - Summer 2009 Youth Live

...IN THE NEWS...IN THE NEWS...IN

TODAY IT SEEMS that our economy has gone down the plughole and it’s only natural to find someone to blame like greedy bankers or incompetent politicians.

The UK officially entered recession in January 2009. In October 1929 the

world was in a similar crisis due to the Wall Street Crash.

It was around this time that the Nazis started to gather momentum in Germany, and finally in 1933 they came into power.

Like Germany in the 1930s, it seems modern Britain is at risk of following the same pattern with the rise in popularity of the right-wing British National Party (BNP). Just like the Nazis did in Germany, ome argue they have been known to use simplistic racist ideas to prey on people’s financial and security fears.

The BNP is a legitimate political party based on the cloudy principle of keeping Britain British. In my opinion this is a load of simplistic nonsense - after all, what does it mean to be British? Is it someone born in Britain, or raised in Britain? In the past it appeared that, according to the BNP, it was about the colour of your skin. However, in a report from the BBC in April 2009, it seems there is a shift in attitude towards ethnic minorities. The BNP is gaining momentum, with more people supporting and voting for this party, and this seems to be an attempt to become more acceptable to the electorate.

Looking at the BNP website, the first

thing you are drawn to is a banner with a slogan saying ‘British Jobs for British

workers.’ This

phrase echoes Nazi propagandist

Joseph Goebbels who famously said: ‘German jobs for German people.’ Is it just me or can you see a pattern?

The BNP has its own youth group, the YBNP (Young British National Party). Children aged between 13 to 18 are targeted - I am concerned that this is just breeding fear in young people in our multicultural society - and fear can lead to prejudice and bullying.

Evidence of how offensive some BNP members can be is found on the BNP website, where members comment on stories posted by BNP officials – for example one comment said: ‘the nature of the Muslim is such that they will not be able to stop themselves stealing or using bank funds to prop up and support terrorism, either directly or via the good old favourite, the local Mosque Fund.’

In my opinion this pushes the idea of free speech to its limit and could be seen as promoting racial hatred.

One of the key policies of the BNP has been to offer repatriation to “legal immigrants”, the majority

The Rise of the Right

What does it mean to be British? Is it someone born in Britain or raised in Britain? asks

FAYE DRAPER

Youth Live Issue 7 - Summer 2009 09

...IN THE NEWS...IN THE NEWS...IN

of whom are hard working people, through the use of incentives (free money from the government) to leave the country, in order to “Keep Britain British”. However, in the same BBC report, BNP leader Nick Griffin says: “If you want to go home, we will help you, but if you stay you must obey our laws.”

In 2006 the BNP fielded an ethnic minority candidate for city council elections in Bradford. Sharif Abdel Gawad, the grandson of an asylum seeker whom the BNP described as a ‘totally assimilated Greek-Armenian’, said: “We don’t call for Asians and coloureds to get out, but an end to immigration, whether it’s black, white, green or purple.”

The BNP website is less clear on how to keep Britain British in the case of the majority of citizens who are descended from other nationalities due to the scale of the British Empire. By 1922, the Empire held sway over a population of 458 million people, one-quarter of the world’s population, and covered more than 13 million square miles (33,670,000 km2): approximately a quarter of Earth’s total land area. We are very unlikely to find someone who is 100 per cent British, as most people have Irish, European, Asian and African blood running through their veins, and we are all related to someone who was not born in the UK - to quote The White Stripes: “What, nothin’ better to do? Why don’t you kick yourself out? You’re an immigrant too.”

Despite small signs of change, I am still very suspicious - my impression from the BBC report is that they still appear anti-Muslim. Their suited and booted image doesn’t fool me for one minute! So when you’re able to vote please use it wisely! ■

On Saturday 29th November 2008 there were Anti-BNP and BNP demonstrations in Liverpool city centre. The BNP

arrived around 12pm by McDonalds on Lord

Street to hand out leaflets. They were

there because a week before 12 members of the BNP were

arrested in Liverpool while handing out leaflets. The Anti-BNP demo, which

started at 10am, was held further up the road on Bold Street to protest the BNP’s actions. After about 10 minutes of the BNP handing out leaflets a group of protesters

started shouting at them. The police arrived and set up a line to hold the

Anti-BNP back. It was a small group that

grew to at least 50-100. Three lines of police were set up to keep the peace between

parties. After about 30 minutes the police

set-up a box and moved the Anti-BNP

protesters back up to Bold Street. Crowds of people lined Church Street watching the

demonstrations.

Black & white photos by Pete Carr

We would welcome an inteview with a YBNP

member in a future issue.

The Rise of the Right

...AIM HIGHER...AIM HIGHER...AIM HIGHER...AIM HIGHER...AIM HIGHER...AIM HIGHER

10 Issue 7 - Summer 2009 Youth Live

ON THE 30th of January a few people from Park High School who are in year 7 went on a trip to John Moores University in Liverpool, where we had to see how different a high school was from a university. The rest of the year 7 have the chance to go to the university a week or so after this one.

When we arrived at the university we met up with the people who were going to give us a tour around Liverpool John Moores and tell us all about the different rooms that there are.

We went through to the Lecture room where we met our head leader Phil. The year 7s were put into groups with the people who were taking us around. We were in our groups and we then began to look around, the Mentors told us about each room and what it was used for and how it was good for them. We had a sheet that we had to fill the questions in on what we have learned.

I thought it was good that people who are currently at the university and some who used to study there showing us around telling us about all the different

rooms. We all learned a lot and had a better idea of what university is like.

I think it had changed the view on a lot of the year 7s on whether to come to university. We all enjoyed it and I think we would all like to come.

This trip has made a positive effect on the year 7 pupils to make them want to come to any university. This trip has made them think that if they work hard and get good grades they can get into university and study on what they would like to do.

It has made a good effect on me and I would like to go to university. We enjoyed our time at Liverpool John Moores University it was brilliant. ■

First Impressions of LJMUYear 7 pupils from Park High School visited Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) for an Aimhigher taster day recently and reported back with their impressions from the visit. This news article, by aspiring journalist HANNAH CARPENTER, was written for the the Liverpool John Moores University website:

Youth Live Issue 7 - Summer 2009 11

...STUDENT LIFE...STUDENT LIFE...STUDENT LIFE...STUDENT LIFE...STUDENT LIFE...S

UNIVERSITY is an experience most people my age (17) are impatient for - it brings a whole new level of freedom and responsibility. You get to live your own life, study subjects you choose, go out anywhere and with anybody you want. You also get to have your own place - an exciting yet daunting prospect.

Many people my age also feel that they can just move out and rent a place very simply. That is where landlords can take advantage and lock vulnerable young students into signing longstanding Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreements or ASTAs. This can mean that, while you might only require the property for university term time, (36 weeks) you will be required to live and pay rent there for, say, 52 weeks which is just unnecessary expense.

You will also want to get to know the area that you are considering moving to - have a look around with friends or family make sure the area doesn’t change when it goes dark. Also, be sure to check out the property you are moving into thoroughly.

Make sure all of the electric appliances have been PAT tested, and that this has to be done every 12 months. Check with your prospective landlord that he/she has a Gas Safety Certificate - again this has to be renewed every 12 months. Carry out your own safety checks - do all the windows and doors lock securely?

Do not rent a property unless you trust your landlord! Some will try to get as much money for as little as possible, claiming that rates are high because of a shortage of student accommodation. I know that Liverpool Student Housing (LSH) are currently in possession of information on more than 5000 rooms! Make sure your landlord is approachable - after all it will be them that you will need to speak to if repairs are needed, which they often will be!

Finally, remember to trust your gut! If you think that a landlord or a property look ‘dodgy’, it is because they probably are, and you don’t want to get into any sort of arrangement with these people because it will only end badly! ■

Providing Better Homes Building Better Lives

SAM HORNER has sound advice on how to make sure your university home is sweet

SOME LANDLORDS keep their properties in good order and understand the needs of students. Others may take advantage

of young people living away from home for the first time.

12 Issue 7 - Summer 2009 Youth Live

...SCREENSHOTS...SCREE

Play The GameVIRGINIA HALE reviews the

three big brand consoles and gives her tips on your best bet

With three home consoles on the market and many games appearing on more than one platform, it can be difficult deciding which to buy.

In an ideal world, gaming enthusiasts could own all three, but considering they’re priced up to £300, with games costing a further £20-£50 each, you’d pretty much have to get your parents to sell their house to make the most of these machines.

To make things easier, each one caters to a slightly different market meaning it’s not absolutely necessary to have them all.

Playstation 3 Since Sony’s original foray into the games industry, the Playstation has picked up many loyal fans thanks to well loved franchises like Final Fantasy and Metal Gear Solid. With Blu-Ray discs slowly beginning to replace DVDs, although the PS3 may be expensive it is a sound investment. The PS3 houses perhaps the most diverse collection of games, with solid FPSs like Bioshock and Dead Space, more family oriented games like Little Big Planet, pretty platformers such as Price of Persia and well respected beat ‘em ups like Tekken and Soul Calibur. With Second World-a-like “Playstation Home” in the beta stages, the machine’s Blu Ray capabilities and inbuilt web browser make the PS3 a full entertainment system rather than just a console.

Nintendo Wii

I happily bought one of these machines on its release, having quite liked my Gamecube for its Ocarina of Time/Majora’s Mask ports, Tales of Symphonia and Metal Gear Solid update, Twin Snakes. I expected similar from Nintendo’s latest foray into the home console market, purchasing Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess along with the shiny white machine. A couple of months later and with Zelda clocked, I ventured to my favourite game store to find something new to play. There was quite a selection…of pet simulators and child sports games.

My point is not that the machine is redundant, in fact the opposite. It fills a gap in the market long ignored by developers, and Nintendo have done well to include parents and more females in the

world of interactive entertainment, however if you are a more experienced gamer there will be little for you here.

Xbox 360

If you like guns and good value, the Xbox 360 is your best bet. Significantly cheaper than the PS3 and packing a similar punch graphically, it shares many titles with the PC such as Left 4 Dead and Halo 3, meaning if you like your FPSs but your PC isn’t exactly a £2,000 Alienware model the Xbox 360 will more than suit you. Most multiplatform games appear on Microsoft’s new console so you are unlikely to miss out on much. There are also a selection of decent RPGs, something its predecessor lacked, so if you prefer spells to guns, Fable 2 and Oblivion are much acclaimed. All in all it’s a more basic package than the PS3 but for engrossing FPSs and good value it can’t be beaten. ■

Youth Live Issue 7 - Summer 2009 13

...SCREENSHOTS...SCREE Stephanie Meyer’s ‘Twilight’ book series has become something of a phenomenon, enjoying popularity to rival Harry Potter, with hordes of obsessive fans. With all the surrounding hype, the film adaptation of ‘Twilight’ smashed the box office late last year. As someone previously unacquainted with the story and unconvinced by the gushing devotion of the book’s fans, I was intrigued to see what the fuss was about!

‘Twilight’ is directed by Catherine Hardwicke, whose previous film ‘Thirteen’, released in 2003, acquired cult status and critical acclaim for its hard hitting, controversial depiction of teenage life, gaining several prestigious award nominations. Kristen Stewart, in her first major lead role, plays Bella Swan, a teenage girl who moves to live with her dad in Forks, Washington, a sleepy town cursed with continual rain. On her first day at school, Bella disregards the attentions of the many cheerful, overly enthusiastic ‘normal’ kids desperate to befriend her, and instead is instantly drawn to Edward Cullen. Edward, played by Robert Pattinson, who some may recognise as Cedric Diggory from the Harry Potter films, is one of a family of pale, mysterious people, who spend most of their time avoiding sunlight.

After their first encounter in a science lesson, Bella and Edward spent at least ten undiluted minutes of screen time gazing at each other in such an intense, moody way that it is impossible for anyone except the most dedicated fan to restrain from laughing. Soon, Edward reveals to Bella that he is, as any remotely observant viewer will have noticed, a vampire. What’s more, he has been this way since the First World War, making him a grand total of 108 years old. Not one to be deterred by such a revelation, or the fact that her boyfriend describes himself as ‘the world’s most dangerous predator’, Bella continues her relationship with Edward, even though she could be putting herself or her family at risk.

What is most surprising about ‘Twilight’ is the

fact that although the dialogue is

sometimes almost painfully clumsy and awkward, the plot gets increasingly unbelievable and

the special effects cause some unintentional humour, it is actually

quite enjoyable. It manages to be much more engaging and original than

the average copycat film aimed at teenagers and definitely establishes itself as a contender to steal Harry

Potter’s crown. Although it is inescapably clichéd in some parts, ‘Twilight’ was not the ‘High School Musical with vampires’ that I had feared!

However, the sign of a good screen adaptation is the ability to win over uninitiated viewers whilst still managing to please the dedicated fans of the book. Having never read the series myself, I asked Lizzie, 13, what she thought of it. “I think that when you see the film of a book you’ve really enjoyed, it’s hard for the film to measure up! Twilight did work as a film, and I liked it, but I didn’t think the plot flowed as well as it did in the novel, and some parts ended up being a bit cheesy”.

With an adaptation of the second book in the series, ‘New Moon’, on the way, ‘Twilight’ is guaranteed to keep gaining in popularity, and with its strangely compelling plot it’s easy to see why. Also, despite the vampires, the film manages to portray what teenage life is like. After watching the film, I didn’t feel the need to devour the next three instalments, so I’m not a complete convert, but next time I hear someone going into raptures about ‘Twilight’, I’ll be a bit more sympathetic! The DVD came out on 6th April, and although it is probably a film to rent instead of buy, it is one I would definitely recommend watching. Rating: 3.5/5

Why The Sun Won’t

Set On

by KATIE ROSSEINSKY

14 Issue 7 - Summer 2009 Youth Live

AFTER 15 hours of travelling, my journey was about to come to a climactic end with seats at the best show in the world, The 25th Anniversary of Wrestlemania.

Wrestlemania 25, held at the Reliant Stadium in Houston, Texas, brought in more than 72,000 fans, making it the highest-grossing pay-per-view show in WWE history, grossing US$6.9 million in ticket sales. The show- stopping event opened with the Money In The Bank Ladder Match featuring superstars such as CM Punk, Kane, Finlay, Mark Henry, MVP, Shelton Benjamin, Christian and Kofi Kingston.This was by far one of the ‘Oh My God’ matches of the night, with superstars displaying high flying moves from ladders as tall as 20 feet, including Shelton Benjamin performing a Senton, a 360 degree flip from the top of a ladder.

After a non-stop action match, CM Punk grabbed the briefcase to become the only man in history to win two Money In The Bank ladders matches in back

to back Wrestlemanias. The match was a hit with the crowd and definitely prepared us for the next seven matches to come.

The 25 Diva Battle Royal involved 25 WWE Divas all fighting it out to become Miss Wrestlemania. The Divas were introduced by musician Kid Rock, who performed a medley of his hits before the match. The highlight wasn’t the return of any old diva but the fact that Santino Marella took the win.

Up next was Chris Jericho vs WWE Legends. After the release of the movie The Wrestler, starring Mickey Rourke, Chris Jericho challenged three legends to a match on the grandest stage of them all. He went on to defeat Rowdy ‘Roddy’ Piper, Jimmy ‘Superfly’ Snuka and Ricky ‘The Dragon’ Steamboat. Hall of Famer Ric Flair accompanied the legends to the ring , but even he couldn’t save them. After the match, Jericho pulled

The Grandest Stage Of All ...WRESTLEMANIA...WRESTLEMANIA...WRESTLEMANIA...WRESTLEMANIA...WRESTLEMANIA...WRESTLEMANIA...WRESTLEMANIA...WRESTLEMANIA...WRESTLEMANIA...WRESTLEM

The Money In The Bank Ladder Match gets Wrestlemania 25|

off to a flying start!

The WWE champion takes on his challenger and rival

Mickey Rourke into the ring

for a one on one challenge. Mickey went on to punch Chris Jericho in the face and left the ring victorious.

In an extreme rules match, dubbed Brother vs Brother, Matt Hardy went on to defeat his brother Jeff Hardy. The match was filled with emotion and looked to put an end to sibling rivalry that had grown for months.

Possibly the shortest match of the night came next as Rey Mysterio defeated JBL in 21 seconds to become the new Intercontinental Champion. JBL then went on to quit professional wrestling, making this his historic moment in Wrestlemania history.In the most breath-taking match of the night, Shawn Michaels kicked out of two tombstones before eventually allowing the Undertaker to continue his winning streak. The Undertaker is now 17-0 at Wrestlemania and it doesn’t look like that streak will end anytime soon.

The next match saw the World Heavyweight Championship on the line in a triple threat match with John Cena, Edge and

The Big Show all fighting for gold. John Cena left Houston victorious after lifting 670lbs of the Big Show and Edge on his shoulders to deliver the attitude adjustment.The night came to an end

with the WWE Championship on the line. Triple H went on to defeat Randy Orton to retain the championship. This was a disappointing match, and the crowd didn’t seem to react well to it. There was a lot of hype surrounding this match and it didn’t deliver much.

I would urge anyone who gets the chance to witness Wrestlemania to do it. It is a night you will never forget and the atmosphere is always immense. Wrestlemania 26 is on March 28, 2010 at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, and I’m already looking at planning my next road to Wrestlemania!FFI: wwe.com ■

AMY WESTLAKE reports from Houston, Texas on the 25th annual professional wrestling pay-per-view event

by World Wrestling Entertainment.

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Youth Live Issue 7 - Summer 2009

17-0, the streak continues

John Cena delivers the Attitude Adjustment to 670lbs of wrestler

The aim is to encourage more young people to use public transport, and these entertaining shorts depict how everyone can be positively affected by increased use of Merseyside public transport.

Working with Red Hot Media films, schools and young people of various ages, the films tackle a number of familiar issues. The films are showing now on Teenagesoap.tv, but Youth Live magazine can give you a preview of what’s on offer.

New Wheels

Brothers Mickey and Sean reflect on their high school years and wonder was it really worth missing out on so much just to save up for a car. With ridiculous petrol prices and drunk driving being a serious hazard and criminal offence, convenient, fast and good value public transport in Liverpool make needing a car while still a teenager redundant.

The Bridge

This short film explores vandalism and antisocial behaviour. Jake and his friends head to a dual carriageway to spit on oncoming vehicles. The boys’ cheap fun quickly escalates into something much more serious and Jake discovers his reckless activities have resulted in almost losing the person dearest to him. It shows how what may seem like harmless ways to pass time can have tragic consequences for you, as well as others.

What a Day!

Joe and his cousin have nothing to do until presented with All Zone Saveaway tickets by their mum. They take the opportunity to explore Merseyside, and discover how cheap it is to have an action packed tour of the entire area, from daredevil stunts on the sand dunes of Formby to checking out the Dr Who exhibition on the Wirral.

Missing Out

Emily’s safety-conscious mother is hesitant about her daughter’s safety on public transport so delivers her to school every day in the car; however Emily soon becomes lonely, missing out on all the fun her friends have on the bus travelling to and from school every day. Her mum soon realises she has to make a decision – is Emily independent enough to catch the bus with all her friends?

The Result

Media Studies student Ruby enters a competition to make a public transport themed film, so she decides to investigate respect for other passengers on public transport, her friends’ behaviour provoking her to consider those around her when travelling on trains. She observes what happens when her friends who regularly put their feet on the seats on trains do the same in their own homes to varying effect. Her film is a great success, posing the question, “If you wouldn’t do it in your own house, why do it here?”

Check all five out now at www.teenagesoapbox.tv

TOP TO BOTTOM: Stills from ‘The Bridge’ and ‘What A Day!”

Moving Pictures

We are constantly told that using public transport is important in the battle

against climate change. But Merseytravel’s new series of five

short films show benefits far more immediate and closer to home.

VIRGINIA HALE reports.

16 Issue 7 - Summer 2009 Youth Live

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