When does figure skating air, how fast do bobsleighs really go, what exactly is curling? The 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin, Italy, boasts competitions in 15 different sports disciplines over 16 days of competition. More than 2,500 athletes from 85 countries will compete for 84 prized gold medals. The following is a viewing guide compiled by Silver Chips Online to help sort out details of the competitions, providing descriptions of each discipline along with viewing window times and American athletes to look out for.
After a delightful spring January, the snow gods decided to get with the program and give us a taste of winter to kick off the Olympics. Too bad the games, and festive snow, start on a weekend. Still, it's time for another snoWatch, filled with the contractions and gratuitous helping of adjectives you know you love.
Senior Sebastian Johnson will continue on Jeopardy Teen Tournament although he did not win his quarterfinal round yesterday, Feb. 6.
Kobie Boykins, a mechanical engineer at NASA's Jet Propulsion Libratory, described his role in designing and testing the Mars rovers Spirit and Opportunity in a seminar at the National Geographic Society's (NGS) Grosvenor Auditorium on Friday, Feb. 3.
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals targeted Blair Spanish teacher Maria Yordan-Torres in a letter sent to Montgomery County State's Attorney Douglas F. Gansler on Monday, Jan. 30 concerning her upcoming trial.
Eleven Blair seniors have been selected as candidates for the 2006 Presidential Scholars awards, according to the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) web site. These students represent more than half of the 20 candidates named from Montgomery County.
A third fire in two days occurred this morning in the girls' bathroom in the 250s hallway, triggering the second building evacuation since yesterday afternoon.
After the disappointment that was Tuesday's "snow," we've decided to spare everyone the emotional trauma of two letdowns in a single week.
Upstaging last year's 110 percent accuracy, this year's batch of multi-talented journameteorologists are kicking off the snoWatch season with an unheard of 9.99 percent more precision – free! It's a Christmas – excuse us – "holiday" special.
Two officials from the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), along with two members of the Maryland State Department of Education (MDOE), visited Blair and Eastern Middle School today to interview teachers and ensure that MCPS properly distributes funding for ESOL education, according to MCPS ESOL Director Karen Woodson.
The SGA Review Board certified the results of the Freshman class elections today during 5b lunch, according to SGA Chief of Staff Eric Hysen, who ran the election. There were no candidates for the office of Class Secretary.
Three cars, a van and a six-wheel box truck carrying medical waste collided at the intersection of Williamsburg Dr. and University Blvd. at about 4:30 p.m. today, Sept. 8. Two people received minor injuries, according to an unnamed firefighter at the accident scene.
The Blair Media Center (IMC) opened its doors to teachers after school today, Sept 7, to give them a look at the more than 700 new books purchased this summer by the school, according to Media Specialist Lisa Hack. The event, titled "Get graphic," boasted a superhero theme and allowed the staff to reserve copies of the new books prior to being put out on the shelf for general circulation.
Blair students satisfied the mathematics Annual Measurable Objective (AMO) for the 2004-2005 school year, as determined by the Maryland School Assessment (MSA) tests. According to Principal Phillip Gainous, Blair will not know whether it has met Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) until it receives MSA reading scores.
Christy Huddle, Montgomery County Pedestrian Safety Coordinator, spoke to the Blair PTSA yesterday, Aug. 16, in an effort to help improve pedestrian awareness and safety around the school. In her speech, Huddle noted several dangerous student habits when using crosswalks and fielded questions regarding ways to improve pedestrian safety at Blair.
The Montgomery County Board of Education (BOE) approved an out-of-court settlement for the federal lawsuit concerning revisions to the MCPS health education curriculum, on the evening of June 27, according to an MCPS press release. According to the settlement, references to specific religious denominations with regard to sexual orientation cannot be noted, among other amendments to be made to the new curriculum.
When President George W. Bush paid Montgomery Blair HS a visit last Thursday, June 23 to discuss his new plan for social security, many Blazers might have been a little surprised to find that they were not on the invite list. And, strange as it may seem, that students would be barred from hearing the president of the United States speak at their school about a policy that will affect their future, this egregious policy of pre-selecting audiences for rallies and speeches has become the trend du jour for the Bush administration.
Blair graduated an estimated 741 seniors from the Class of 2005 inside the Jericho City of Praise church on the morning of June 2, 2005. The three-hour long ceremony honored the graduating class' perseverance and dedication, according to remarks by Principal Phillip Gainous.
After a long two-years "Star Wars" fans have waited and prayed that "Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith" would outshine the disappointing Episodes I and II. Thankfully, Lucas is not one to let down his public and managed to create a cinematic tribute to "Star Wars" that almost outshines the original Episodes IV, V and VI.
A mother mallard duck and her ducklings were discovered in the teacher courtyard on Wednesday, May 11 by a group of students shortly after the mother's ducklings hatched. According to Business Manager Laurie Checco, the ducks were relocated to Sligo Creek on the morning of Saturday, May 14 by the Second Chance Wildlife organization.
Because of the success of the ninth grade teams, the Blair administration hopes to implement similar tenth grade academic teams that would revolve around students, administrators and teachers, according to several Blair administrators.
The cherry trees situated around the Tidal Basin and East Potomac Park are facing an early demise as their roots are being crushed because of soil compaction. The deadly pressure on the roots is caused by the feet of the 20 million observers who flock to the National Mall every year and the one million who come to Washington exclusively for the Cherry Blossom Festival.
Junior Jody Pollock and senior Kristina Yang were named Sweepstakes Winners in the 2005 Quill and Scroll competition, co-sponsored by the University of Iowa and the American Society of Newspaper Editors. The students were judged on their stories "Politics get personal" (in-depth reporting) and "Athletes sobered by dose of reality" (sports story), respectively.
The brain-damaged Terri Schiavo died at the age of 41 today, Thursday, March 31 at a Florida hospice, 13 days after the court ordered the removal of her feeding tube. Schiavo's death ends the legal battle amid her husband, Michael Schiavo, and her parents, Bob and Mary Schindler.
Blair's vending-machine sales fell sharply after the introduction of new, healthier snacks earlier this year. In response to the low sales, Monumental Vending and Midlantic Vending companies altered their contracts with Blair, according to Principal Phillip Gainous.
Washington Post staff writer Jay Mathews discussed his book "Harvard Schmarvard: Getting Beyond the Ivy League to the College That is Best for You" and gave a speech to interested parents and students at Richard Montgomery High School on Wednesday, March 9, concerning the college-application process and how to receive an Ivy-League education at non-brand name schools.
Blair sophomores took part in an MSA/HSA-style practice test administered in English classes on Thursday, March 3 and Friday, March 4. The test was graded by Blair's entire faculty on Monday, March 7. The intent was to familiarize students with the format of standardized tests, according to Assistant Principal Linda Wolf.
After being a Miami loan shark and Hollywood movie producer, Chili Palmer (John Travolta) has decided that neither of his previous occupations suited him. On the prowl for a new career, he settles on the music business after hearing the R&B sounds of Linda Moon (Christina Milian). Declaring that Moon's previous contract with the notorious record producer Nick Carr (Harvey Keitel) is void, Palmer teams up with Edie Athens (Uma Thurman), the widow of another record producer, to send Moon to the top of the charts. Now just add an Ivy League-educated gangster-rap producer (Cedric the Entertainer), a white band manager who thinks he is a hustler (Vince Vaughn), a homosexual bodyguard (The Rock), the Russian Mafia and viola! You get a sequel to the cool 1995 film "Get Shorty."
It happens with every vague forecast that predicts the possibility of some accumulation. Come 5 a.m., it's show time. Dozens of weather maps are rendered, hundreds of reporters are stationed along insignificant roadways, the prismatic peacock is readied and oh yeah, other news stories are organized into a small pack.
Born in 1797 in Ulster County, a Dutch settlement in upstate New York, Isabella Baumfree was one of 13 children born to slave parents. She lived with her family until she was sold off at the age of 11. Although enduring much hardship intrinsic to the times, Baumfree traveled the country inspiring others who were suffering like her and who desperately needed hope.
Although she may have not been an abolitionist or brilliant orator, Leontyne Price contributed her talent to the classical arts, becoming the first black opera singer to perform on television. She also performed in Vienna, Austria, the home of classical opera, immortalizing herself as one of the greatest singers of her time.
Born into poverty in September of 1930, loosing his sight at age seven and loosing his parents by his early teens, Ray Charles has had a lot to sing about. But, rather than sing to someone else's tune, Charles invented his own musical style, combining 1950s R&B with jazzy rhythms and blues, making him one of the foremost pioneers of soul music.
John Constantine (Keanu Reeves) is a self-righteous exorcist attempting to buy his way into heaven in director Francis Lawrence's "Matrix" meets Sunday school horror flick "Constantine." Though from the previews "Constantine" may look like a demonologists' cup of tea, the film, based on the DC/Vertigo comic book "Hellblazer," would satisfy anybody looking for a remedial plot along with a satanic dose of blood, violence and gore.
Reporters Judith Miller of the New York Times and Matthew Cooper of Time magazine are currently being held in contempt of court after refusing to testify in a federal investigation on the leaking of CIA agent Valerine Plame's identity to the press. The recent high-profile U.S. District of Columbia Court of Appeals decision forcing the two reporters to reveal their confidential sources in this case marks a continuing trend of the government to use newspapers as intelligence agencies, while giving the courts and/or Congress a chance to set a precedent for protecting news sources in the courtroom.
The non-profit Old Blair Auditorium Project held a tour of the Old Blair Auditorium on the morning of Monday, Feb. 14 in an attempt to draw attention to the ongoing effort to renovate the isolated structure. According to the organization's president Busy Graham, the auditorium would further the development of performing arts programs in downtown Silver Spring.
A hush falls over the crowd as sophomore Merlyn Deng and junior June Hu daintily pluck the strings of their Chinese harps. As the lucid melody and intricate harmonies flow throughout the piece, crescendos and torrents of notes overpower simple passages, foreshadowing the elegant brilliance and perfection of Magnet Arts Night 2005, which was held on Feb. 11 at 7:30 p.m. in the auditorium.
Blair's vending-machine sales fell sharply after the introduction of new, healthier snacks earlier this year. In response to the low sales, Monumental Vending and Midlantic Vending companies altered their contracts with Blair, according to Principal Phillip Gainous.
The Balanced for Life Assembly scheduled for P.E. and Health classes at Blair on Jan. 13 was canceled due to scheduling conflicts, according to Assistant Principal Linda Wanner.
Parents, students and teachers filed into the Northwood High School cafeteria yesterday, Jan. 11, to voice their concerns to several MCPS officials regarding the decision to replace the 4x4 block scheduling with an eight-period block schedule. The meeting also allowed MCPS to explain their reasoning behind the decision to institute the new scheduling system.
The dead have gone high-tech, and now anybody can turn his or her TV and radio into a means of contacting them. Just record the sound of an empty room and play it back to hear, or even see, the deceased on any radio or TV. In "White Noise," the masses are given a glimpse as to how this revolutionary, if not ridiculous, form of contacting the other side really works.
Local author Richard Currey never thought that he would go from a carefree 18 year-old to a 21 year-old tossing his Vietnam War medals onto the steps of the Capitol. Now, decades later, he is speaking to Edamarie Mattei's fifth period English class on Dec. 6, talking about both his novel Fatal Light, about a young boy coming home from the Vietnam War, and his experiences as a writer, in a discussion lead by the seniors' questions.
Who would believe that American media networks would lie to their viewers? Although many liberals and conservatives alike would scoff at the presumption that the media is unbiased, director and narrator Danny Schechter explains why the most powerful networks in America manipulated the truth and the footage Americans saw before, during and after the war in Iraq in his ground-braking documentary WMD: Weapons of Mass Deception.
Silver Chips print staff recently won 23 out of a total 51 possible awards, excluding honorable mention, in the 2004 Maryland Scholastic Press Association Individual Writing and Editing Contest. Silver Chips outscored all other high school newspapers, including the The Blake Beat, which received 11 awards, excluding honorable mention.
The Metrorail Red Line has been slowing down in recent months as budget shortfalls have caused trains to operate on slower schedules and Metro fares to increase. Additionally, Metrorail's Red Line is facing problems as older trains deteriorate, reported The Washington Post.
The PTSA Minigrant Committee held a meeting at 3:30 p.m. today, Nov. 30, to discuss the allocation of $7,000 set aside by the PTSA to fund projects initiated by students, staff, parents and community members. The recommendations made by the Minigrant Committee will be considered and voted on by the PTSA this coming Monday, Dec. 6.
Christmas with the Kranks
Silver Chips Online collected some recipes that can help make your Thanksgiving this year especially yummy!
In the late 18th century the Founding Fathers inherited and hid the largest treasure in the history of the world, leaving obscure clues as to its whereabouts. Now, Benjamin Franklin Gates (Nicholas Cage), a direct descendent of the one man who was entrusted with the first clue, is on the verge of discovering the unimaginable wealth of earth's greatest empires somewhere within U.S. borders.
Vera Drake
The Blair PTSA discussed newly-released enrollment projections during its meeting with several MCPS officials last evening in the Media Center. Despite the optimism expressed through the figures, many PTSA members were disappointed with the lack of solutions offered and still feel that the overcrowding problem will persist for several years to follow.
Thousands of Native Americans from across the country flocked to the noon dedication of the National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI) that took place today, Sept. 21. The event marked the completion of a $219 million project to recognize North, South and Central America's most ancient cultures.
The first annual Long Branch Youth Speak Out was held in the student parking lot at Blair on Aug. 28. The five-hour event, organized by parent Gina Smallwood, gave students and parents a chance to participate in several workshops and activities.
Superintendent Jerry Weast announced a record-breaking SAT average of 1102 for MCPS students in a press conference held earlier today in the Blair media center that was taped by several cable news services. The scores were hailed by MCPS Board of Education President Sharon Cox, and Weast specified that the improved scores are just the beginning of MCPS' positive changes.
Principal Phillip Gainous became the most senior high school principal in MCPS after the retirement of Walt Whitman principal Dr. Jerry Marco. Despite his rise in seniority, Gainous does not believe that his new status will drastically influence the politics in MCPS.
Although a heavy downpour put a quick end to the Independence Day Parade, the sun poked out of the clouds to show a little bit of Fourth of July spirit just in time for the evening concert at the Capitol.
Pratik and his muscle-tee.
Puran Bangura, left, discusses his experiences as a slave before being rescued. Dr. Sudhanshu Joshi, right, translated for Bangura.
Seniors Minh-Phuong Huynh-Le, left, and Chelsea Zhang, right, were named as 2006 Intel Science Talent Search (STS) finalists. They are two of 40 total Intel finalists in the nation. Twelve Blair students were named semifinalists.
Behold the future of snoWatching innovation and technology.
Social studies teacher Kevin Moose talks with prospective Blair students and their parents about the Blair academies during an open house held on Nov. 14. The event, which began at 6:30 p.m., allowed participants to meet with Blair staff and listen to speeches given by seniors Jody Pollock, Samir Paul and Segen Beshir.
Blazers break it down at the annual Homecoming dance, held this year on Oct. 29.Click on the photo for a gallery of Homecoming events.
Blair seniors participated in a career and college fair sponsored by the Counseling Department during PSAT testing on Oct. 12. Freshmen and sophomores took practice PSATs, which were provided by Kaplan Inc. and the Montgomery College/MCPS Partnership, respectively.
Senior Lu Chen (center) and volunteers from other schools set up artworks for sale.
Billy Allen takes a break from reading his Bible for a moment to view his fellow survivors gathered around the D.C. armory on Sept. 10.
The D.C. Armory, designed to hold crowds of up to 10,000 persons, is currently home to around 168 New Orleans evacuees, according to the Red Cross. The Red Cross is also helping evacuees find jobs and housing in the surrounding area.
Vivian Lu, 6, solicits donations for survivors of Hurricane Katrina during the silent art auction on Sept. 10 at Walt Whitman High School. More artwork will be auctioned on Sept. 11 from 2 to 4 p.m. at Walter Johnson High School.
Assistant Principal Linda Wanner made an appearance at the "Get Graphic" book party as Wonder Woman. The book party allowed teachers to browse more than 700 new books added to the Media Center this year.
Blair's Media Center staff disguised themselves as the "IMC 6" during the "Get Graphic" book party on Sept. 7. The themed party unveiled approximately $35,000 worth of new books, according to Media Specialist Lisa Hack.
Christy Huddle, Montgomery County Pedestrian Safety Coordinator, gives PTSA members her recommendations as to how pedestrian safety can be improved at Blair.
The bulk of spectators for the Independence Day celebration sit on the National Mall were fireworks illuminate the sky behind the Washington Monument.
Thousands of tourists and Metro Area residents flock to the National Mall to view Independence Day fireworks.
Spectators line the steps of the Jefferson Memorial to catch a unique glimpse of fireworks as they reflect in the calm waters of the Tidal Basin.
Fireworks light up the D.C. sky during the 25th annual "A Capitol Fourth" national Independence Day celebration.
Graduation keynote speaker Andre Williams recounted his experience at Blair to the Class of 2005 and gave the seniors several words of wisdom along with a slam poem.
Senior Class President Alejandra Barberena said farewell to her fellow classmates in a heartfelt speech.
Principal Phillip Gainous gives the Class of 2005 some words of encouragement before they head off to college and the real world.
Seniors Dominic D'eustachio (Left) and Will Timpson (Right) make their way onto the John Lennon bus for a look at the recording studio, eager to begin the production of a both a song and music video over the course of the day.
The Blair contest winners produced and recorded a new song all in one day with the help of the John Lennon bus staff.
The John Lennon Bus houses a fully operational recording studio boasting top-of-the-line equipment donated by corporate sponsors.
Julian Talley and Dominic D'eustachio begin to lay down basic elements of the soundtrack composed for the tour bus music video.
The John Lennon Bus made a stop at Blair in the teacher parking lot on Thursday, March 5 as part of the John Lennon songwriting contest. Blair produced five contest winners who were given the unique opportunity to record an original song.
Doug Lubowitz gives a brief tour of the recording studio and explanation of the song writing contest to Blair students and faculty.
Blair Media Assistant Susan Madden leans up against the John Lennon bus. Blair faculty and news organizations were given short tours of the mobile recording studio.
Montgomery County Police were awarded the final contribution to their community-based policing in Long Branch during the Weed and Seed Steering Committee meeting on April 7.
Sophomores Maggie Sullivan (right) and Shante Henderson (left) flaunt their green outfits on St. Patrick's Day.
Media Center specialist and Blair's "Spirit Lady," Susan Madden, is dressed up for St. Patrick's Day.
Freshmen Markisha Walker (left) and Saletta Taylor (right) show off their green spirit.
Washington Post reporter Jay Mathews gives a lecture regarding college applications at Richard Montgomery High School on Wednesday, March 9.
Washington Post reporter Jay Mathews speaks at Richard Montgomery High School on Wednesday, March 9, informing students and parents about the college application process.
The football field and bleachers are covered in snow while slush and ice melt away on the sidewalks.
The soccer field remains buried under snow after the storm.
Snow in the student parking lot begins to melt after the Feb. 28 snowstorm.
Snow covers Blair's student parking lot late on Monday, Feb. 28.
Silver Spring at Four Corners is hit by another winter blast on Monday, Feb. 28.
After renovation, the Old Blair Auditorium will seat 1,200 people and feature a rising pit orchestra area.
Playbills decorate the wings of the Old Blair Auditorium.
Freshman Christina Zou performs on a piano for parents and peers at Magnet Arts Night on Friday, Feb. 11.
InToneNation performs "I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)" at Magnet Arts Night on February 11.
Sophomore Merlyn Deng performs "Fisherman Sings at Dusk" on the Chinese Harp with junior June Hu (not pictured).
Magnets perform a traditional Chinese ribbon dance.
Junior Brian Nieh sings "Ocean Avenue" by "Yellowcard."
Junior Kiran Belani (blue) and sophomore Anjali Parekh (green) perform Bhangra, a traditional Indian folk dance.
Seniors Ana Karimi and David Crawford swing to the beat of "Sing, Sing, Sing."
Ronald Reagan National Airport
The inside of the Crystal City Metro station.
The view outside of the L'Enfant Plaza Metro station.
The Metro station at Ronald Reagan National Airport.
Director of Curriculum Dale Fulton and Community Superintendent Don Kress listen to PTSA testimony advocating for continuing a 4x4 schedule at Northwood High School.
Community Superintendent Steve Bedford answers questions from Northwood Hs parents during an open discussion about MCPS's decision to do away with 4x4 scheduling.
Northwood freshman Jeff Adams advocates for 4x4 scheduling during the Jan. 11 PTSA meeting at Northwood High School.
The Blazer Choir performs during the Winter Concert on Friday, Jan. 8 under the direction of Paul Newport.
Blair's Blazer Choir, along with several other musical and instrumental groups, performs at the Winter Concert held on Friday, Jan. 8 at 7:30 p.m.
Senior Susan Blythe-Goodman plays the cello during the symphony orchestra's rendition of Handel's "Messiah" in conjunction with the Blazer Choir.