The little leprechauns in storefront windows and the signs at restaurants that exclaim, "Half off on St. Patty's Day!" are a blatant indication: St. Patrick's Day is almost here. Although most Blazers probably think of this Irish holiday as an occasion to pinch their friends and enemies for not wearing green, St. Patrick's Day is an important day for the Irish and Irish-Americans. Named after the patron saint of Ireland, St. Patrick's Day is a celebration of Irish heritage and cuisine. While we can't recreate Ireland in Silver Spring, many gastropubs around the area can supply authentic Irish food. McGinty's Public House in the heart of Downtown Silver Spring, provides savory Irish in a satisfying dining environment.
The medals, the snowsuits, the way an ice skater's feet execute a perfect triple axle — the Winter Olympics are full of wonder. Every four years, world-class athletes from across the globe come together for hair-raising competitions on ice and in snow. We, your entertainment editors, were shocked and embarrassed when we were not invited to the 2010 Vancouver Olympics. Demeaned but determined, we decided to host our own event in Silver Spring to showcase our Olympian talents in three winter sports.
Every year along with shiny new presents and tasty desserts, the holiday season brings the elusive "holiday spirit." Yearlong grinches become angels just for these two months – or at least, that's the hope. But can your entertainment editors live up to these tall expectations?
Click. Kae Denning-Evans turns on the tape recorder. It starts rolling and the student begins her lines and the session begins. Then, another click. The tape stops. The student replays the tape, listening carefully for any mistakes in his or her speech. Denning-Evans makes sure the student finds his or her mistakes and corrects them. No, Denning-Evans is not leading a play rehearsal — she is conducting a speech pathology session.
Everyone knows the stereotypes of farmers markets: aging hippies, obscure organic fruit, hybrid cars and Free Tibet tee-shirts. But as more mainstream people, including teenagers, have been drawn into the local eating movement, farmers markets are not just for the elderly anymore.
With the stress of classes, looming college applications and uncertain futures, we Blazers can always use a little help in learning what our lives will bring. As seniors, we were naturally tempted to get some advice from the paranormal by seeking a psychic. So, we, Samantha Lint and Tasnia Habib, your fearless entertainment editors, set out to test the murky waters of palm reading.
It starts out innocently enough. A friend suggests it casually, says everyone else is doing it. "Just once, I'll never do it again," you say. Or "I won't use it that much." But then one day you realize you're hooked and will never be free again. They don't teach you about it in health class, but with more than 140 million users, it's as addictive as any gateway drug: it's Facebook.
Samantha bulks up for the Silver Spring Olympics.