Summer is about having no homework, no school and no worries. It's about not having to get up early or stay up late writing essays. But most of all it's about the silver screen block busters. This summer will hold plenty of sequels and adaptations (even a few of both), but several original films as well. With the multitude of films due for release, there's something for everyone to look forward to, from action and romance to comedy and sci-fi.
Spring may have finally hit the DC area, but it's never too late to enjoy some cold weather food, especially if it's cool out. Potato and leek soup is an easy recipe to follow and even easier to clean up. The soup's smooth and rich texture allows the dish to be served as an appetizer individually or as an entrée with bread and a simple salad. Served with bread or croutons, potato and leek soup is perfect for the rainy days of May.
The stage is dark, the tension in the audience high. A loud thwack echoes across the stage, the lights flashing on, revealing a prominent figure dressed in rich robes, smiling triumphantly. So goes Robert Bolt's classic tale of faith, God and honor, "A Man For All Seasons," recently performed at the Church Street Theater by The Keegan Theater production group.
For students without game consoles such as Playstation and Wii, the Internet is perfectly adapted for easy and quick gaming. But teens looking for a quick break often find themselves immersed in a world of bag games promoting boxy graphics and cheesy concepts. Fortunately, there are easier ways to find enjoyable games to play that are both easy to learn and fun to play.
The forces that motivate the people. The story behind the history. The hope that overwhelms the hate. The wind that shakes the barley.
Word is that the Irish know how to party. DC's Shamrock Festival, self proclaimed as the largest St. Patty's festival in DC, featured music, games and more last Saturday in celebration of the Emerald Isle's most famous saint. And boy, did they get their party on.
March 14, or 3/14, celebrates the Archimedes constant, better known as the notorious pi, by sporting the first three digits with its month and year. As for its other lesser-known digits, at 1:59:26 p.m. today, loud choruses of the irrational number may be heard throughout excited math classrooms. Of course, there are other ways to commemorate pi without memorizing hundreds of its infinite decimals. One way, perhaps the favorite way, is to eat pie. Pie is significant not only because it sounds like the Greek letter pi, but also because it physically embodies the notable constant that represents the ratio between the circumference and the diameter of a perfect circle. But please, no thinking about math is required; only chewing and savoring is absolutely necessary when eating this delightful lemon meringue pie. And, of course, don't forget to swallow.
Right from the beginning, readers can tell that the title character from "Lulu Dark Can See Through Walls" isn't a typical mystery detective. She can't spot a crime scene like "CSI" folks, drill a witness like Sherlock Holmes or even properly tail a suspect like Nancy Drew. But, despite these shortcomings, Lulu Dark makes an intriguing and humorous heroine thrown into unpredictable circumstances with wild results.
Rarely does a show come along that can bridge not just age gaps, but also social, ethnic and gender differences too. It can be challenging, tiring and potentially offensive, but, if done right, the show can be inspiring and progressive. "The Black Donnellys," written by Paul Haggis of "Crash" fame, falls into the latter category with its universal themes, powerful script and breakthrough cast.
Even though Maryland is far from the Midwest, the food from Midwestern Native American tribes can be recreated with relative ease and maximum flavor. This dish combines thick, sugary bread with traditional taco accessories like lettuce, tomatoes and beef to form a messy and delicious main course. Prepare yourself for a totally new taco experience!
Approximately 50 Takoma Park citizens gathered last Sunday to discuss the Takoma Park Recreation Deparment's (TPRD) proposal for a new gymnasium. The meeting was held at the newly renovated community center.
Despite the excess of restaurants in the D.C. metropolitan area, finding a perfect place to dine is often a process just as painful as watching somebody incorrectly answer the 200 dollar question on "Jeopardy." If the "Jeopardy" answer is "a superb Italian restaurant in Bethesda" then, without a doubt, the question is "What is Pines of Rome?"
A neurotic ex-wife, her recently-released-from-jail-ex-husband and their son, split between the two. A jilted obsessed wife, a cheating husband with a quick temper and the investigator pulling them together. A trashy co-ed, several religious maniacs and a fugitive on the run from the law. At first glance, the cast of Carl Hiaasen's recently released novel "Nature Girl" appears to be compiled of characters from a soap opera, but soon they reveal themselves to be something far worse: not worth anyone's time.
Smells waft in the air, a rich and overwhelming odor of fish heads, dirt and sweat. Herbs hanging from stalls sway stiffly in the warm wind as patrons, smelling both rich and poor, shop at the market. Beneath one of the stalls a new smell has just entered the world: that of the infant Jean Baptiste Grenouille, the star of "Perfume: The Story of a Murderer."
Instead of trekking to the far corners of the county just to grab a taste of great Indian flavor and spices, Blazers can make their own at home. Chicken Curry with Asian Pears, dish with a variety of different roots, is distinctly reminiscent of the tastes of India, but also of other flavors. Strongly flavored with curry, a spice used in South Asian cooking, the dish is filling enough to stand alone, but tastes even better accompanied with rice. The variety of different toppings that the dish can be served with gives the recipes makers creative freedom.
While Silver Spring's "Piratz Tavern" lacks Johnny Depp and Keira Knightley in starring roles, the new buccaneer restaurant does look like it came straight out of the Caribbean.
What if the one person you loved was dying? Dying of a supposedly incurable disease? You've done everything you can to save them, but it's not working. What if you learned there might be a chance, a hope in the form of the Mayan Tree of Life? "The Fountain" explores this possibility while also revealing a perspective on life, death and acceptance.
You can draw pictures, guns, curtains, conclusions and lines. You can draw a breath, draw to an end, be drawn to a place and have a drawn face. And then you can draw a blank.
Classic rock and roll musicians know how hard it is to produce an album that is new enough to keep our attention but not so different to disappoint loyal fans. And even with nearly 40 years under his belt, Meat Loaf finds the perfect balance between these needs in his newest CD "Bat out of Hell III: The Monster is Loose."
Whether it is daydreaming about having wings that you can fly with or the power to read minds and lift objects, every Blazer has fantasized about having super powers. This universal desire is the key to the success of NBC's new show "Heroes," which lacks in uniqueness, but makes up with appeal.
Nearly every Blazer has had at least one chance to enjoy the sticky sweetness of a just-roasted marshmallow, the crunchy taste of graham crackers and the creamy warmth of chocolate. But for many, this taste is only available in the wilderness, where campfires are legal, or in the microwave, where the result is often explosive. Fortunately, the taste of S'mores can be easily replicated in the form of a cake. A sticky but sweet treat, the cake has the flavor of both marshmallows and chocolate, with the added zest of sponge cake. This S'more cake is a perfect way to recreate your favorite rustic treat in the warm, bear-free environment of your own kitchen.
Every year, thousands of visitors, tourists and Takoma Park natives come to Takoma Park's Folk Festival, a blend of flowing music, homemade crafts and irresistible food. Families come for the children section, adults for the music, and activists for the endless stands and their various causes. Though this year's festival, held on Sept. 19, had newer music than in previous years, it held the same allure as always.
Four students, presumed to be 2006 graduates, ran through Blair wearing only underwear, today during 5B lunch. The streakers, three males and one female, marked their bodies with "06" to identify their graduating class.
Summer has been notorious for the mass release of movie bombs (remember Charlie's Angels 2 and The Mummy Returns?), but also a few hits (Finding Nemo and Spiderman). With a variety of different types of movies, from comic book adaptations to computer animation features, summer is the perfect time to sit back and watch some of the better vacation flicks.
National Slam Poet and author Eric "Zork" Alan visited Blair's IMC during 6th period on yesterday, May 17, to discuss various aspects of poetry and present several pieces for students.
Few authors have the power to change a reader's outlook on life or to give humanity to inhuman characters and the eloquence to create a world of just words, but Australian author Markus Zusak proves his ability as an author in his recent novel "The Book Thief."
In celebration of the University of Maryland's (UMD) 150th anniversary dozens of decorated terrapin statues designed by students as part of the Fear the Turtle Project were installed in various locations throughout Maryland.
The weekend of April 15 marked the 90th anniversary of the Irish uprising against British rule. Thousands gathered outside the General Post Office on Parnell Street in Dublin, Ireland, where the Proclamation of Independence was read to celebrate the anniversary, according to The Irish Times.
Nearly all teenagers like to eat food and burn things. Whether it is simply lighting candles while eating dinner or building a fire to cook a homemade meal, fire and food go together. Fortunately, here are some recipes that combine these two elements to create perfect, fiery food. Remember to use extreme caution when making these dishes.
The implementation of the First Amendment, which guarantees freedom of speech, religion and press, has always caused controversy in schools. Whether sexually explicit or revolutionary, certain books have always been banned from the shelves of school libraries. But when books like "Where's Waldo" and "A Light in the Attic" make the American Library Association's list of 100 Most Frequently Challenged Books, parents have taken safety too far. These books offer valuable view points that teenagers might not get otherwise; despite the language and sex, they are crucial to schools.
Imagine a group of selfless men tirelessly defending our nation from terrorism, dedicating their lives to the protection of American lives. These heroes are members of an elite military team, a team that does not exist in the outside world, known only as The Unit.
There is something more to St. Patrick's Day than wearing green and pinching your friends for not wearing green: the cultural exchange through food. Though many associate the Irish with potatoes, many of their recipes are considered gourmet. These simple, traditional recipes are a great way to celebrate the culture of St. Patrick's Day without all the commercialism.
Tired of wandering around the house late at night, desperately looking for some soda to drink? Well, now that search is over. Homemade ginger ale tastes as good as the store-bought variety and is easier to obtain. With a strong taste and a sugary flavor, homemade ginger ale is a surprisingly good treat for all Blazers.
When Blazers think about musicals, usually "cheesy," "Disney" and "singing animals" come to mind. Any thoughts concerning plays evoke an intense loathing for some and blissful joy for others. This year's spring musical, "Crazy for You," manages to combine exciting musical numbers with an enjoyable plot, while tactfully avoiding the use of petite forest animals.
It is a Sunday afternoon in Old Town Takoma Park and the shops on Carroll Avenue are bustling with people. Bells ring as customers filter in and out of stores carrying bags, holding their children's hands and completing errands. Vendors at the Farmer's Market are packing up their remaining produce into trucks and vans. The clock at the center of Old Town reads 2:15 p.m. It is windy outside, but the sun is shining and the storefront windows decorated with merchandise, mannequins and glittery hangings invite passerbys to enter.
Tired of the same old meals of ramen noodles and granola bars while in the wilderness? Next time you and your friends go camping, try some of these delicious, easy recipes, varying from breakfast foods to dessert treats. Even if the weather is not temperate enough to go camping, these recipes can be duplicated at home.
Who would have thought that mashed potatoes and candy could be used in the same recipe, or even the same sentence? But don't be fooled by the strange mix of ingredients; this dessert is truly tasty. Mashed potato candy has a uniquely smooth and creamy texture that is absolutely sensational.
Every die-hard movie fan has at least once looked at the scrumptious food that characters eat in their favorite flicks and wondered how to make the delicious treats. Whether it be the butter beer in "Harry Potter" or the Turkish delight from "The Chronicles of Narnia," the food is always notable. Fortunately, many of the dishes are easier to prepare than they look. With the help of the following simple directions, movie fans can enjoy these cinematic dishes.
Looking for a good movie to watch on Valentine's Day, one that is not overly sappy or just cheap jokes? Fortunately, there are a lot of great movies out there for everyone. These nine movies are perfect for a date or an afternoon hanging out with friends.
When readers think of the various Marvel comic legacies, most think of Spider Man, X-Men and Fantastic Four, not of historical drama pieces. Marvel comics has done the inconceivable. They created an alternate history where Doctor Doom and Queen Elizabeth coexist, albeit not-so-peacefully.
Gone are the "good old days" of our parents' youth when the movies that Hollywood made were actually good, original ideas, or at least did not focus entirely on sex and violence. Although most critics believe that the increasing presence of violence and sex in films is the biggest issue in the movie-making industry, the real problem is the lack of new ideas.
Blazer Avi Silber, a junior, performed his rap song "Forecast" at the Sidwell Friends monthly Arts Guild in Washington, D.C. last Friday, Jan. 20. This was his third time performing at the event.
Jared Diamond, the author of the acclaimed novels "Guns, Germs and Steel" and "The Third Chimpanzee," promoted his newest book, "Collapse," and held a brief question-and-answer session at the DC-based bookstore Politics and Prose on Wednesday Jan. 18.
Lucas walks down the street, a nervous feeling increasing with every new step, rain pelting down on him. Anxious thoughts bounce around in his head as he contemplates where to go, what to do and whom he can trust. Whether he turns back now and returns home or keeps traveling, his actions will stay with him for the rest of his life. Running away always does.
Imagine a life full of extravagant balls, beautifully-crafted dresses and mysterious other-worldly magical Realms. Sixteen-year-old Gemma Doyle has recently been initiated into this way of life after her mother's untimely death. Set in 1895 London, Libba Bray's newest novel, "Rebel Angels," expands on Gemma's magical adventures with several fresh characters and surprising twists.
With the holidays comes gift giving, sleeping and visiting with family, but no winter would be complete without great food. The aroma of hot chocolate and cookies baking are enough to soothe any cold soul. Whether you are an inexperienced cook or an expert one, these five recipes will be a fun and tasty addition to your cold holiday nights.
Get out your parkas, hot cocoa and sleds and start preparing for cancelled school days, snowball fights and winter fun. Before you immerse yourself in winter cheer, have a back-up plan in case your snow dance works a little too well and you find yourself snowed in. These five novels will help you get in touch with the snowy adventure outdoors, even if you're not there.
The Pine Players, a student-run acting group, held a fund-raising gala on Sat. at the Silver Spring stage in the Woodmoor Shopping Center at 8:00 p.m. with the intention of earning funds for their acting group.
How much would you pay to be near your friends, your only family? How much is staying by the side of the love of your life and being near your best friend worth? How many secrets would you keep, lies would you tell and fights would you have? "Rent," a Broadway musical adapted to the silver screen, deals with the complex answers to these questions through the depiction of a group of friends living in New York City.
Every month, five hundred volunteers in D.C. help over ten thousand homeless and poor citizens through the D.C.-based Bread for the City program. Simultaneously, a group of Takoma Park teens practice and plan for their next theater production, a short locally-produced play. These two seemingly unrelated groups have been brought together by charity, caring and an urge to help the less fortunate.
John Heffernan, a senior investigator for Physicians for Human Rights (PHR) held a lecture on the Sudanese genocide after school on Nov. 17 in the media center, hosted by Students for Global Responsibility (SGR) and Amnesty International.
Do you feel that the $12 million municipal building, without the promised gym, is a success or a failure? Unless you are a Takoma Park resident, this dilemma means as little to you as the price of tea in China. But to the families residing in Takoma Park, a city so liberal it has been nicknamed "The Berkeley of the East," the gym may be the deciding factor in the Nov. 8 election.
For Blazers who yearn for candy, Halloween is the perfect excuse to indulge in sugary treats. So, why not add to the sugar haze by creating your own culinary concoctions? To help you, we chose four easy recipes sure to satiate Halloween cravings.
Thirty-one percent of students nationwide ages 12 to 17 know someone their age who carries a gun. In just one year, 20 percent of all public schools experienced at least one violent crime. In the 1997-1998 school year, 20,286 physical attacks involving weapons occurred at schools.
For the most part, British culture in America is entertaining. The Beatles, James Bond and Julie Andrews, for example, revolutionized Hollywood in the 1960s. However, some elements of British media should have stayed on the other side of the ocean. "The Minister's Daughter" by Julie Hearn is a prime example of unwanted British culture and makes the reader wish that Columbus had never discovered America.
Blair girls' junior varsity soccer team beat the Damascus Hornets yesterday, four to two.
Car radios blast loudly, immersing the expansive grounds in the soundtrack of "Charlie and Chocolate Factory" with literal surround sound. The aroma of popcorn fills the air, as tots are herded back to cars by weary traffic directors, who are glad that the film is finally starting. Viewers sit in cars, on lawn chairs and atop picnic blankets, attentively watching the main attraction. Stuck in time, guests have no idea that they are living history, enjoying an evening in Maryland's last drive-in, Bengies – an artifact from a bygone era. One of only 402 drive-in theaters left in the United States, Bengies draws viewers from all over the East Coast.
A little slice of heaven lies amid the daily bustle of construction workers, shopping teens and harried mothers in Old Town Takoma at 6923 Laurel Ave. Although it's been there for years, Everyday Gourmet has the friendly staff and beautiful decor of a freshly opened café.
Perfect Irish punk is hard to come by. You don't want too many bagpipes, but without them, the songs seem lacking. A proper balance between old and new is needed; too many traditional ballads seem outdated, while too few is too modern. And variety is just as important as the traditional choice (or not) of songs. For the first time in their nine year career, Dropkick Murphys succeed in all aspects of the Irish punk genre.
"It was nearing midnight and the Prime Minister was sitting alone in his office, reading a long memo that was slipping through his brain without leaving the slightest trace of meaning behind," and so begins the sixth installment in JK Rowling's best selling Harry Potter series, "Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince."
Even though these words were spoken nearly 250 years ago by Benjamin Franklin, they hold just as true today. In light of the recent terrorist attacks in London, it is reasonable to assume that more changes will be made to American security.
From jodipicoult.com
Indian Tacos combine a variety of different ingredients, such as lettuce, cheese, beans and fried bread, to create a unique dish.
Chicken Curry with Asian Pears is a savory dish that tastes even better served over warm Basmati rice.
Gooey and delicious, the S'mores cake brings camping to the kitchen.
Eric "Zork" Alan, National Poetry Slam participant, spoke at the media center on May 17th.
"Crab feast" by Jessica Brosch is located on the corner of Fenton and Wayne in Down Town Silver Spring.
Galway Seafood Chowder blends shrimp, potatoes, clams and fish in a creamy mix of flavor.
Banana Flambé is a tasty treat that is both fun to make and fun to eat.
The Garden of Remembrance in Dublin is dedicated to the Irish who died in the 1916 Easter Rising. The 90th anniversary of the Rising was on April 15.
Making ginger ale at home is an easy, and cheap, alternative to buying it at the store.
Irish Soda Bread is a traditional dish made using only a few ingredients to produce a thick, delicious snack.
The recently opened knitting section at Now and Then sells yarn, needles and kits, just a few of the many fascinating products available at the store.
Homemade jewelry is available at Sangha, a fair-trade store and performance space for Takoma Park residents.
Junior Avi Silber performs his song "Forecast" at Sidwell Friends School.
Jared Diamond, the author of "Guns, Germs and Steel," visited the Politics and Prose bookstore last Wednesday to discuss his newest book, "Collapse."
Candice Nicole, who normally performs in the ensemble but understudies for Eponine, collects donations for a cure for AIDS in the lobby after the show.
This delicious hot cocoa is a wonderful treat after playing all day in the snow.
These yummy muffins are quick to make and perfect as an easy present to give to friends.
Easy to find and fun to decorate, these treats are excellent for an afternoon snack.
On the right, junior Ellie Deustachio performs in the one-act play "Diversions” put on by the Pine Players on Oct. 1 at the Sanga Cafe. The Pine Players who are made up of about 20 commited teens perform regularly to raise money for the homeless and donate to the Bread for the City program.
A Pudding Cake, half way through the decoration process.
A cat sniffs the Halloween Sugar cookies.
A mug of homemade butterbeer.
Ellie Deustachi (right0 acts with the Pine players in the play "Diversions” at the Sanga Cafe on October 1.