Mandy Xu


Name: Mandy Xu
Position: News and Entertainment editor
Graduation Year: 2011


Stories (76)


Ask Chips: Where trite meets wordplay

By Liv Jacobson, Anya Gosine, Mandy Xu | May 5, 2011, 11:16 p.m. | In Ask Chips »

Welcome, readers of SCO! You are part of a very lucky and blessed group to have come across the last Ask Chips this year. We know, we will be dearly missed.

Blazers place second in the National Science Bowl

By Mandy Xu | May 5, 2011, 8:45 a.m. | In Local »

Team A, made up of seniors Andrew Das Sarma, Sandra Yan and team captain Alex Briese as well as sophomores Viju Ilangovan and Sam Zbarsky, won regionally and placed second at the National Science Bowl in D.C., which ran from April 28 to May 2.

National News Roundup for March 28- April 11

By Mandy Xu | April 12, 2011, 7:19 p.m. | In National »

Congressional leaders agreed late Friday to a compromise that will keep the federal government funded for the remainder of the fiscal year. House Speaker John A. Boehner (R-Ohio) announced the deal, which had a midnight deadline, just before 11 p.m. If finalized, the measure would cut $37.8 billion from the federal budget through the end of September

Blazers lobby Maryland House and Senate

By Mandy Xu | March 31, 2011, 10:05 p.m. | In Local »

Forty-one students, comprised mostly of Communication and Arts Program (CAP) freshmen, drove to Annapolis to speak with Maryland House and Senate representatives on March 7.

International News Roundup for Feb. 27 - Mar. 13

By Mandy Xu | March 13, 2011, 10:02 p.m. | In International »

n 8.9-magnitude earthquake, epicenter on the Miyagi Prefecture off the east coast of Japan, caused the formation of 30-foot tsunami. The powerful earthquake that unleashed a devastating tsunami Friday appears to have moved the main island of Japan by 8 feet (2.4 meters) and shifted the Earth on its axis.

SMOB Alan Xie visits Blair

By Mandy Xu | Feb. 22, 2011, 9:49 p.m. | In Local »

Student Member of the Board of Education (SMOB) Alan Xie spoke with members of Blair's Students for Global Responsibility (SGR) about the Gifted and Talented (GT) label Today. SGR is working with the countywide organization Montgomery County Education Forum (MCEF) to remove the GT label in elementary schools across the county.

The hipster effect

By Mandy Xu | Feb. 18, 2011, 10:43 a.m. | In Features »

Observe the group of teenagers sitting around their watering hole, a dingy local coffee shop in Takoma Park. The group lounges, discussing ironic pop culture. These high school students make up a new branch of the Homosapien species: hipsters.

Blair evacuated due to emergency fire

By Mandy Xu | Feb. 10, 2011, 12:41 p.m. | In Local »

Students and Blair faculty evacuated the building Wednesday due to a fire in the boys' bathroom facing room 217. The fire did not damage the bathroom.

Seniors sign on to full football scholarships

By Mandy Xu | Feb. 2, 2011, 9:19 p.m. | In Local »

Four Blazers signed on to full scholarships to Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) Division I or II colleges in a small ceremony in the media center today.

The skinny on MTV's "Skins"

By Mandy Xu | Jan. 28, 2011, 8:13 p.m. | In Lifestyle Blog »

Hastily mashed-up promos featuring hard partying began appearing on MTV in late fall last year. This time, it features teenagers in Baltimore instead of guidos in Jersey Shore. This time, it causes even more controversy.

National News Roundup for Jan.1- Jan.16

By Mandy Xu | Jan. 15, 2011, 11:23 p.m. | In National »

an 8. - Tuscon native Jared Loghner, 22-year-old, shot 19 civilians and fatally wounded six at a local Safeway during a constistuent meeting. United States District Court for the District of Arizona Chief Judge John Roll was among the six killed.

Silver Quill places in ASPA and MDCSPA

By Mandy Xu | Jan. 12, 2011, 11:13 p.m. | In Local »

Silver Quill was awarded first place with special merit by the American Scholastic Press Association (ASPA) for its 2009-2010 edition, "Ink Track." In addition, nine individual Silver Quill submissions placed in the Maryland-District of Columbia Scholastic Press Association (MDCSPA) contest.

The curious case of Julian Assange

By Mandy Xu | Dec. 19, 2010, 7:17 p.m. | In News Blog »

Assange faced two separate sexual assault allegations, was jailed in the UK and was released with bail on Dec. 16.

Wheaton Sector Plan committee discusses zoning recommendations

By Mandy Xu | Dec. 13, 2010, 5:37 p.m. | In Local »

The Wheaton Redevelopment Advisory Committee (WRAC) and Wheaton Urban District Advisory Committee (WUDAC) held its fourth planning board workshop session on Dec. 9.

International News Roundup for Nov. 25-Dec.11

By Mandy Xu | Dec. 11, 2010, 5:38 p.m. | In International »

Dec.11-Nearly 200 countries attending the United Nations climate change conference agreed to create a $100 billion fund to help developing nations deal with global warming and to increase efforts to reduce emissions from deforestation.

International News Roundup for Nov. 7-Nov. 21

By Mandy Xu | Nov. 21, 2010, 4:32 p.m. | In International »

Nov.19-20 - The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) summit in Lisbon this weekend focused on coordinating the end of the Afghanistan war, placating with Iranian threats on European nations, and forging closer ties with Russia.

National, state and county officials visit Blair

By Biruk Bekele, Mandy Xu | Nov. 19, 2010, 8:24 a.m. | In Local »

Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, Governor Martin O'Malley, National Education Association (NEA) President Dennis Van Roekel and Superintendent Jerry Weast visited Blair yesterday morning.

Ask Chips: Back in style

By Liv Jacobson, Anya Gosine, Mandy Xu | Nov. 16, 2010, 11:05 p.m. | In Ask Chips »

A long, long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away, there once was a Silver Chips staple called Ask Chips (AC).

Blazers place fourth in the Rubik's Cube Tournament finals

By Mandy Xu | Oct. 25, 2010, 11:56 a.m. | In Local »

The Blair Rubik's Cube team placed fourth in the "You CAN do the Rubik's Cube" competition at the National Mall on Saturday.

Blair PTSA hosts "Papers" screening

By Mandy Xu | Oct. 11, 2010, 9:13 p.m. | In Local »

The Blair Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) showed the documentary "Papers" as well as testimonies from undocumented Blair alumni on Friday.

Silver Quill wins CSPA Gold Crown

By Mandy Xu | Oct. 4, 2010, 11:20 a.m. | In Local »

Blair's literary arts magazine Silver Quill was awarded the highest honor from the Columbia Scholastic Press Association (CSPA) for the magazine's 2009-2010 edition "Ink Tracks."

Fall TV Preview: Mobsters, assassins and trust fund babies? Oh my!

By Melodi Anahtar, Mandy Xu | Sept. 19, 2010, 9:31 p.m. | In Television »

SCO's personal pop culture pundits are here to break down the new shows with the most buzz. Get your remotes ready. Get your couch potato sweat pants set. Go!

National News Roundup for Sept. 5 – Sept. 19

By Mandy Xu | Sept. 19, 2010, 9:18 p.m. | In National »

Sept.11 – In an appearance on NBC's "Today" show, Pastor Terry Jones canceled burning copies of the Quran on the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. Jones cited protest against plans to build an Islamic center near where terrorists brought down the World Trade Center nine years ago as the reason for the burning.

Galarraga's grace in a classless age

By Mandy Xu | June 11, 2010, 7:26 p.m. | In Sports Blog »

Off the record, it doesn't even matter; Galarraga will be immortalized. This "imperfect" game is more special and honorable than any perfect game in history.

Blair administrator appointed principal of middle school

By Mandy Xu | June 9, 2010, 10:54 p.m. | In Local »

On June 8, the Board of Education (BOE) named Myriam Rogers principal of Francis Scott Key Middle School in Silver Spring. Rogers has served as Blair's assistant principal since 2007 and Blair's Principal Intern since 2009.

Playlist: upbeat singles set the mood for summer break

By Mandy Xu | June 2, 2010, 10:45 p.m. | In Music »

Summer break is almost here and Blazers are already daydreaming about trips to the beach, pool parties and endless days of sunshine. True, school hasn't ended yet, but that doesn't mean that the fun can't start now.

MCPS teachers ratify contract renegotiation

By Mandy Xu | June 1, 2010, 11:11 a.m. | In Local »

On May 26, 71 percent of eligible teachers cast the ballot in favor of the renegotiated contract between the Montgomery County Education Association (MCEA) and the MCPS Board of Education (BOE).

Senior to play in Maryland State boys' tennis tournament

By Mandy Xu | May 25, 2010, 4:05 p.m. | In Local »

On May 28 - 29, senior Dukyoung Park will play for the state champion tennis title at the University of Maryland.

Blazers win Moody Math Challenge

By Mandy Xu | May 17, 2010, 1:37 p.m. | In Local »

The Moody's Foundation awarded $20,000 in scholarship money to seniors Jacob Hurwitz, David Tolnay, Scott Yu and junior Andrew Das Sarma on April 28 at the Moody Math Challenge. The Blazers worked as a team to solve a problem dealing with the 2010 U.S. Census.

Einstein's Visual Arts Center faces budget cuts

By Mandy Xu | May 10, 2010, 8:29 p.m. | In Local »

Beginning in the 2011 school year, only one teacher will instruct all Albert Einstein Visual Arts Center (VAC) classes due to county budget cuts, according to VAC instructor Michael Piechocinski.

Boys' volleyball mauls Magruder Colonels

By Mandy Xu | April 24, 2010, 1:56 p.m. | In Blair »

Following a defeat from rival school Richard Montgomery on Monday, the Blazers (7 - 1) effortlessly won the battle against the Magruder Colonels (6 - 4).

Blazers dominate Einstein

By Mandy Xu | April 19, 2010, 7:35 p.m. | In Blair »

The undefeated Blazers (6 - 0) securely dominated the Titans (1 - 3) in three straight sets, with Einstein trailing behind the Blazers from the very beginning. Although the Blair team wasn't concentrating as hard as they could have throughout the first two sets, they were able to secure a solid win.

Blazers best Wildcats

By Mandy Xu | April 12, 2010, 3:47 p.m. | In Blair »

The boys' volleyball team (4 - 0) put up a fight against the Walter Johnson Wildcats (2 - 1), but pulled together to secure the win in straight sets, 25-18, 25-18 and 25-22. The Blazers inched ahead in a tight game, with the Wildcats at their heels.

A drab tab for "Date Night"

By Mandy Xu | April 12, 2010, 12:46 p.m. | In Movies »

Fans of "The Office" and "30 Rock" will surely rejoice the day sardonic Liz Lemon and clueless Michael Scott meet. Well, "Date Night" comes close to a successful collaboration between comedic geniuses Tina Fey and Steve Carell. It's just too bad that director Sean Levy didn't trust these actors to do what they do best.

Toyota customers begin "moving forward"

By Mandy Xu | April 6, 2010, 3:14 p.m. | In Features »

Karen Wittmann spots the familiar DARCARS Toyota dealership at the intersection of Colesville Road and Cherry Hill Road and pulls into the parking lot. On this windy March day, Wittmann arrives to have the accelerator on her 2009 Camry fixed. The dealership has changed since her last visit.

Drama department faces deep debt

By Mandy Xu | March 26, 2010, 7:45 a.m. | In Local »

The drama department is currently $8,000 in debt to Montgomery County Public School (MCPS) for play security personnel invoices that have not been paid in three years, according to Blair Financial Specialist Donna Franklin. Drama department head Kelly O'Connor was notified of the debt in the fall after producing "The Merry Wives of Windsor."

Boys' varsity volleyball annihilates Panthers

By Mandy Xu | March 25, 2010, 12:07 p.m. | In Blair »

In their first home game of the season, the boys' varsity volleyball team securely defeated the Paint Branch Panthers in three straight sets. The Blazers gained an advantage early on in the game, achieving an 11-point head within the first 10 minutes.

A risky search for freedom

By Mandy Xu | March 23, 2010, 7:48 a.m. | In News Blog »

On Monday, Google closed its Internet search service in China after weeks of negotiation with Chinese government officials over censorship issues. Now, mainland Chinese citizens will be able to access Hong Kong-based google.com.hk, which offers Chinese-language service with uncensored results.

"Back to where I was"

By Mandy Xu | March 22, 2010, 8:57 a.m. | In Features »

The ubiquitous YouTube page, well known to the millennial generation, fills the auditorium. The sound of excited chatter bounces around the room but when the play button is pressed, the noise fades. All eyes are focused on the movie screen.

SilverChic arrives on the Red Carpet

By Mandy Xu | March 18, 2010, 8:10 a.m. | In Entertainment »

We live in an age in which the winners of awards rarely shock and surprise. Instead, the audience watches those who grace the Red Carpet for some spice. The Red Carpet never fails to deliver both shockingly gorgeous and unflattering dresses. As the awards shows wrap up for this year, SilverChic separates the exceptionally glamorous from the rest of the pack.

Magnet teacher wins county award

By Mandy Xu | March 8, 2010, 9:42 p.m. | In Local »

Magnet teacher James Schafer was recognized as a finalist in the Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) "Teacher of the Year" competition on Feb. 19. The three finalists for the county's "Teacher of the Year Award" will receive $1,000 from the Marion Greenblatt Education Fund and compete for the "Teacher of the Year" title to win additional prizes.

Give a City Year, change the world

By Mandy Xu | March 1, 2010, 11:20 a.m. | In Features »

The bell rings - it's lunchtime. Rambunctious, noisy students charge through the halls to the cafeteria. In the midst of the chaos, senior Gemma d'Eustachio breezily walks to her table, pulls out her brown lunch bag and initiates conversation.

Russian roulette meets the Internet

By Mandy Xu | Feb. 28, 2010, 10:29 a.m. | In Lifestyle Blog »

The latest Internet fad ChatRoulette is taking over with more than 50,000 participants. The quasi-social networking web site is like a human version of the iPod's shuffle option.

Trojans outwit Lady Blazers in a decisive match

By Mandy Xu | Feb. 18, 2010, 9:35 a.m. | In Blair »

The girls' basketball team (8-11) struggled against nearly undefeated Gaithersburg High School (16-2) due to some poor execution, mishandling of the ball and overall unsteady efforts. Though the team kept up an aggressive defense at the beginning of the game, the Lady Blazers lost the energy to remain competitive by the second half and lost, 38-61.

No love for "Valentine's Day"

By Mandy Xu | Feb. 16, 2010, 10:22 a.m. | In Movies »

Heavy advertising for this romantic film began extremely early in the fall of 2009. The trailer features 2009's feel-good anthem "I've Gotta Feeling" as well as more than fifteen A-list celebrities, ranging from romantic-comedy veterans Julia Roberts and Queen Latifah to rising stars Taylor Lautner and Emma Roberts.

County planners propose green space in downtown Silver Spring

By Mandy Xu | Feb. 12, 2010, 7:02 p.m. | In Local »

Urban designers commissioned by the Montgomery County Planning Board are creating new guidelines to turn sections of downtown Silver Spring into large public green spaces.

Green Club promotes wind power

By Mandy Xu | Feb. 3, 2010, 3:39 p.m. | In Local »

The Blair Green Club is launching a new campaign to encourage the Blair community to replace traditional forms of energy with wind power through Clean Currents, a small Maryland-based green energy company.

Athlete of the Week: Inkera Patterson, Girls' Varsity Basketball

By Mandy Xu | Feb. 3, 2010, 1:28 p.m. | In Blair »

Senior point guard Inkera Patterson eagerly crouches in anticipation for the sound of the whistle. Her heart races as she focuses on the opponents around her. The shrill ring of the whistle shatters the tense silence and she springs into motion, gliding across the court with the ball.

Finally at peace

By Mandy Xu | Feb. 1, 2010, 12:57 p.m. | In Connections Blog »

JD Salinger was a man who understood the angst-filled, awkward years of young adulthood better than anyone. His famous best seller "The Catcher in the Rye" revolutionized literature. Although "Catcher" was criticized initially, reading the novel has now become a vital rite of passage into adulthood.

Barely reaching the "Edge of Darkness"

By Mandy Xu | Jan. 31, 2010, 4:27 p.m. | In Movies »

After a seven-year hiatus, Mel Gibson returns to the other side of filmmaking in "Edge of Darkness." Gibson made his mark as director of the heart-wrenching and controversial "Passion of the Christ" in 2004. Indeed, "Edge of Darkness" will be known as Gibson's comeback film.

Girls' varsity basketball dominates Magruder Colonels

By Mandy Xu | Jan. 17, 2010, 10:26 p.m. | In Blair »

A combination of skill and intensity enabled the Lady Blazers to defeat the Magruder Colonels 75-37 on Wednesday. The team controlled the game with aggressive defensive strategies. After scoring the first point within 20 seconds, the girls played consistently throughout the rest of the game.

The mischievous noughties

By Mandy Xu | Dec. 31, 2009, 10:30 p.m. | In Lifestyle Blog »

To say the least, the noughties, another term for the 2000s, have been an interesting decade, but they didn't turn out to be the happiest in history. The nation recently went through the worst economic depression since the 1930s, a frightening terrorist attack in 2001, two wars and a devastating natural disaster.

Pro/Con: Calorie crackdown

By Blake Morgan-Gamber, Mandy Xu | Dec. 25, 2009, 2:26 p.m. | In Op/Ed »

Montgomery County Council members passed a measure on Nov. 17 requiring some restaurants to post calorie counts on menus and menu boards. The law, which was passed by an 8-1 vote, requires restaurants in the Maryland county with 20 or more outlets nationwide to post calorie counts alongside food items and provide additional nutritional information to customers upon request.

Upstairs bathrooms reopened during lunches

By Mandy Xu, Lauren Kestner | Dec. 14, 2009, 8:31 p.m. | In Local »

The Blair administration and security team reopened bathrooms on the second and third floors during 5A and 5B lunches at the beginning of last week, according to Principal Darryl Williams. Security team leader Cedric Boatman implemented the lunchtime bathroom closures to prevent students from skipping classes in the upstairs bathrooms.

Panthers outplay Lady Blazers

By Mandy Xu | Dec. 12, 2009, 1:49 p.m. | In Blair »

The girls' varsity basketball team (1-2) was unable to prevent a powerful rally by the undefeated Paint Branch Panthers (3-0) on Friday evening. Starting the game with a disadvantage, Blair tried unsuccessfully to manage a patient offense and consistent defense across the court.

Silver Quill to host second Open Mic on Friday

By Mandy Xu | Dec. 10, 2009, 8:44 p.m. | In Local »

Silver Quill will host its second "Open Mic" event during 5A and 5B lunches tomorrow in the Media Center, according to senior and Silver Quill Editor-in-Chief Emily Jones.

A welcome kiss for Disney

By Mandy Xu | Dec. 10, 2009, 9:44 a.m. | In Lifestyle Blog »

Over 70 years ago, "Snow White" broke the boundaries of film. Not only was it the first full-length color feature in motion picture history, but it also created a magical legacy that would capture hearts around the world.

Bathrooms closed at lunch

By Mandy Xu | Dec. 1, 2009, midnight | In Local »

The bathrooms on the second and third floors are now locked during 5A and 5B lunches due to a new bathroom policy that began at the start of the second quarter, according to security guard Adrian Kelly. Building service and security workers implemented the new policy due to security shortages.

A craving for kicks

By Mandy Xu | Nov. 23, 2009, midnight | In Features »

Junior Andres Gomez makes his way down the stairs of a modest building in D.C. A refreshing, cool atmosphere replaces the hot and sticky summer air. A dimly-lit, moderately-sized room filled with about a hundred people comes into his view. Tables are stacked with a rainbow of sneakers that lights up the room. The characteristic rubbery smell of shoes floats heavily in the air as Gomez drinks the scene in.

"New Moon" a phase ahead of "Twilight"

By Mandy Xu | Nov. 21, 2009, midnight | In Movies »

Very few films have enough bite to divide people. Only a dim pool of films can cause heartbreak and simultaneously saturate with dark humor - but one film does all in vampire-galore. It's the long-awaited sequel in the "Twilight Saga," "New Moon." With comedy-gold Director Chris Weitz, "New Moon" glorifies the essence of the supernatural, angst-ridden teen novel more truthfully than its predecessor through a more threatening, mature film.

Blair's first Annual Walk for the Cure to be held Friday

By Mandy Xu | Nov. 18, 2009, midnight | In Local »

The Science Math and Technology (SMT) Academy is organizing a benefit walk for breast cancer that will be held from 1-3:30 p.m. The Walk for the Cure will begin with a breast cancer awareness discussion in the auditorium before moving to Blair's track. Monetary donations will be given to the Avon Foundation, a 501 (c) (3), nonprofit, public charity.

Infamous Vick cashes in on new show

By Mandy Xu | Nov. 3, 2009, midnight | In Lifestyle Blog »

What do mothers with eight children, bachelors and young fashionistas have in common? They are all a part of the reality show cult, allowing cameras into their private lives.

Girls' tennis finish playoff games

By Mandy Xu | Nov. 3, 2009, midnight | In Blair »

Girls' tennis ended their county and regional playoffs on Oct. 26 with several advances just short of the semi-final round. Two seniors, co-captions Sarah Tran and Deepa Chellappa played a doubles match in regional playoffs but did not advance to the next round.

Halloween on the silver screen

By Ava Wallace, Mandy Xu | Oct. 30, 2009, midnight | In Movies »

In the spirit of mischief and mayhem, SCO has watched and ranked three classic Halloween scary movies for spook-o-meter status. Most of them inspired lucrative Halloween franchises but all of them provide suspense, thrills and of course horror. So grab some candy corn, loosen up, invite some friends over and lock the door - these movies are sure to cause a fright.

Seniors place in Siemens Competition

By Mandy Xu | Oct. 27, 2009, midnight | In Local »

The Siemens Foundation recognized three Blair seniors as regional finalists and 11 students as semi-finalists of both individual and team projects in the 2009 Siemens Competition last Friday, according to Magnet Senior Research Project teacher Elizabeth Duval.

Athlete of the Week: Sarah Tran, Varsity Tennis

By Mandy Xu | Oct. 20, 2009, midnight | In Blair »

Steadily gripping her racquet with both hands, Sarah Tran crouches low as she waits for the opponent to serve. In a flash, Tran leaves her spot with eyes solely on the lime green tennis ball. She moves her racquet behind her, preparing for a backhand stroke. The ball comes into contact with Tran's racquet, and a soft pop echoes across the tennis court.

Blair to celebrate 75th anniversary

By Mandy Xu | Oct. 13, 2009, midnight | In Local »

From Oct. 16 - Oct. 17, the Blair Alumni Association, founded by alumnus Mark Levin of the class of 1966, will hold events in honor of 75 years of Blair education and spirit. Events planned include golf and tennis tournaments on Friday, a gala celebration at Strathmore Music Hall in Bethesda and a homecoming parade, pep rally, open house, football game against former rival Bethesda-Chevy Chase (B-CC) and block party in downtown Silver Spring on Saturday.

Barons monopolize matches against Blair tennis

By Mandy Xu | Oct. 9, 2009, midnight | In Blair »

As girls' tennis winds down their season game schedule, the team still strains to outmatch their competitors. The loss brought the season record down to 3-7. Coach David Ngbea attributed the loss to the team's mistakes; he believed the teams were evenly matched in terms of talent.

Walter Johnson faces Blair in two extended matches

By Mandy Xu | Sept. 25, 2009, midnight | In Blair »

The girls' varsity tennis team endured lengthy single and double matches throughout its meet with Walter Johnson, a divisional school. Although the two schools were evenly matched, the Wildcats' stability and consistency secured their win, 5-2.

"Love Happens" like so many Hollywood clichés

By Mandy Xu | Sept. 21, 2009, midnight | In Movies »

Perhaps there have been too many films that merge a romantic comedy into a drama without substance. Yet beneath mediocre layers of love story in director Brandon Camp's "Love Happens" lies heart; the actors openly and truthfully address the reality of grief. A-list actors Aaron Eckhart and Jennifer Aniston star in this cheeky, bordering unoriginal film. Despite the familiar formulaic plot, the tender Eckhart engenders the grace to carry this uplifting narrative.

Bulldogs send Blazers to the dog pound

By Mandy Xu | Sept. 21, 2009, midnight | In Blair »

Heading into the mid-season, girls' tennis is struggling to maintain a competitive element. Following two losses to Wootton and Whitman, the Blazers fell to Churchill 6-1. The close match had numerous deuces, but the Bulldogs won overall. The Bulldogs' strong returns and quick swings secured their victory against the Blazers.

Montgomery Blair Players to perform "The Merry Wives of Windsor"

By Mandy Xu | Sept. 19, 2009, midnight | In Local »

Blair's theater program began rehearsals for the 2009 fall play "The Merry Wives of Windsor" last Tuesday. Directed by drama teacher Kelly O'Connor, the play will feature additional scenes in order to incorporate as many Blazers as possible; as a result, the production will feature more performers than those of years past.

Blazers hold the Panthers' feet to the fire

By Mandy Xu | Sept. 5, 2009, midnight | In Blair »

The girls' tennis team brought competition to the court Friday afternoon in their season opener against the Paint Branch Panthers. Despite the unyielding sunlight, the Blazers outplayed the Panthers' performance with a decisive 7-0 score.

Everything's louder in China

By Mandy Xu | Aug. 24, 2009, midnight | In Lifestyle Blog »

My summer this year was not spent at the beach or the pool. Instead, I lived the realities of the Chinese countryside and grew to appreciate a way of life so different from the hustle and bustle that characterizes Americans' day-to-day routines.

"Funny People" is bizarrely amusing

By Mandy Xu | Aug. 4, 2009, midnight | In Movies »

Comic king Judd Apatow returns with the new film "Funny People," showing a somber, dark side of his directing fans will find unfamiliar. The critically acclaimed director made his mark with the box office hits "The 40-Year Old Virgin" and "Knocked Up."

SGReen places third in county competition

By Mandy Xu | June 17, 2009, midnight | In Local »

On May 27, Montgomery County Public School's School Energy and Recycling Team (SERT), headed by Program Manager Hillary Kirchman, awarded Blair's SGReen club $2,000 for placing third in their "Lead by Example Energy and Recycling Awareness Campaign."