The Scoop

the scoop

skateboard event rescheduled

Because of bad weather, the Cortland weekend skateboard competition A Skate in the Park was postponed until Sept. 27.

There are still open spots in all categories for registration. For updates on the event or to download the registration form, go to

www.myspace.com/askateinthepark.

Event T-shirts will be available for $5 the day of the event as long as the supply lasts. For additional information call Jim at (330) 565-2637.

what flavor gets your vote?

Even if you’re not yet 18, you’ve got plenty of chances to get involved in the presidential process. Well, sort of.

Baskin Robbins has released two limited edition flavors: Whirl of Change and Straight Talk Crunch. Representing Democratic candidate Barack Obama, Whirl of Change is peanut-nougat ice cream with chunks of chocolate-covered peanut brittle and a caramel ribbon. Republican candidate John McCain’s straight talk style is represented with a white chocolate ice cream with caramel ribbon, chocolate pieces, candy red states and crunchy mixed nuts. While we’re not quite clear on what “candy red states” taste like, choosing between these flavors could prove just as hard as making a choice in the real presidential election.

After you try the flavors, vote online at www.baskinrobbins.com (or in your local store) for which flavor you think should lead the ice-cream pack. The results will be announced on Oct. 21.

preventing pregnancy

The pregnancies of Jamie Lynn Spears and Bristol Palin have thrust the topic of teenage mothers to the forefront of American pop culture. Although Spears and Palin grabbed headlines, they are not alone.

According to the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy, 750,000 teen girls get pregnant each year. To help tackle this issue, the group has put together a targeted Web site for teens called Stayteen.org (www.stayteen.org).

Stayteen stresses the importance of building healthy relationships. You’ll find constructive ways to build self-confidence and tips on handling your emotions whether you’re falling in love or going through a breakup.

Stayteen features ads filmed by teens of kids doing typical teens things — playing in a band, skateboarding, playing soccer and generally goofing around — that end in the tag line “I love my life, I don’t want a pregnancy to mess that up.”

Although it sounds a bit harsh, the message is clear – there’s no time for child’s play if you’re having a baby.

The site’s “Get Informed” section includes information on abstinence and contraception.

Both feature testimonials from teens and facts measuring teens’ attitudes toward sex. Although not meant to be an exhaustive resource, both pages warrant their own individual sections and could stand to be fleshed out more.

the end of ‘trl’

Time to start the countdown clock on MTV’s countdown era: “Total Request Live” will soon leave the air after 10 years.

Dave Sirulnick, executive producer of “TRL,” said Monday that the music video countdown show will conclude in a two-hour special on a Saturday afternoon in November. He stressed that the show wasn’t ending for good, but felt now was the right time to give it a break after an unprecedented run on.

“TRL” debuted in September 1998 and became the splashy center of the teen pop music scene.

calling all cavs kids

The Cavaliers are looking for kids who can shimmy and shake and want to show off their dance moves. The team is holding a workshop-audition for the Cavs Kids at 1 p.m. Sept. 28 at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland. The youthful squad, made up of talented dancers and performers ages 5-13, has quickly became a crowd favorite. Due to their popularity in their first two seasons, last year the Cavs Kids performed in eight regular season games, and were called on to perform in a pivotal playoff game.

Requirements for the workshop-audition include a $10 registration fee and a non-returnable photograph. A parent or legal guardian must be present to register their child. Children should look performance ready wearing comfortable athletic clothes with sneakers. They are strongly encouraged to bring water and a small snack for breaks throughout the day. For complete information, go to cavs.com or call (216) 420-2255.