The Blake Beat <![CDATA[The Blake Beat]]> en-us Copyright 2008 - All Rights Reserved. Sun, 22 Nov 2009 22:21:18 GMT 15 <![CDATA[April acceptance anxiety no longer plaguing pupils]]> By Justin Pereira
By a show of hands, how many of you would rather not have to wait for an interminable period of time to hear back from the colleges you apply to? Keep it raised if you find the ceaseless waiting perio full story > ]]> Wed, 18 Mar 2009 12:19:21 GMT <![CDATA[Girls sans pants: only tights is not alright]]> By Kelly Shih & Sacha Vega


Patrick Howe

If it was called Sisterhood of the Traveling Leggings, no one would have seen that movie. Pants are not only magical but functional for covering up your donk...and other things. Once upon a time, a f full story > ]]> Wed, 18 Mar 2009 12:18:30 GMT <![CDATA[Real World comeback makes for millions of satisfied teen viewers]]> By Nick Foley
Never before have we had the chance to witness such beauty. A freshly-minted transsexual, a prickly gay guy, a closeted Mormon and a former lesbian have all united in Brooklyn to film the new season o full story > ]]> Wed, 18 Mar 2009 12:17:09 GMT <![CDATA[Designers out to prove FasXion never goes out of style]]> By Melissa Goldberg
Silver Spring, MD (03/20/09)--With nine designers, 20 models, about 90 outfits and over four months of practice, tonight’s annual FasXion show will transform the auditorium into Bryant Park during New full story > ]]> Wed, 18 Mar 2009 12:16:12 GMT <![CDATA[Students bid trip au revoir for now]]> By Kirsten Petersen & Juliana Sesay


Kirsten Petersen
Students on the France trip in front of the Eiffel Tower. Top row from left: Madame Vandenplas, junior Mimi Boussouf, senior Kerry Irion, juniors Caitlin Mitchell, Trevor Skibine, senior Tyler Mink, juniors Nicole Michur, Kara Korab; second row from left: sophomores Danny Lee, Delaney Cruickshank, junior Juliana Sesay, senior Beth Brown; bottom row from left: junior Kirsten Petersen, sophomore Julia Maas, junior Chris Callahan, sophomores Leena Owen, Ariel Schwartz.

Silver Spring, MD (3/20/09)--Thirty-three Blake and Paint Branch students in upper level French classes returned Wednesday from a two-week trip to France, where they immersed themselves in French cult full story > ]]> Wed, 18 Mar 2009 12:16:07 GMT <![CDATA[Obama drama: harassing presidential preteens must end]]> By Kirsten Petersen


Brendan Lipton

Sasha and Malia Obama are quite possibly the most adorable first children ever. Pictures of them smiling, laughing, kissing (who are they kissing?) and even sleeping can be found all over the Internet full story > ]]> Wed, 18 Mar 2009 12:15:37 GMT <![CDATA[SAT jump is just the right bump for graduating class of 2009]]> By Christina deGraft-Johnon & Andrew Padgett
Silver Spring, MD (3/20/09)--Compared to last year’s senior class, the class of 2009 has shown a dramatic upswing in both SAT participation and average test scores. full story > ]]> Wed, 18 Mar 2009 12:14:37 GMT <![CDATA[Nonsensical glasses fashion trend mocks true wearers’ disabilities]]> By Christina deGraft-Johnson & Steven Sites
Are you mocking us? Seriously, are you? We have been wearing glasses since before we could spell the word “glasses.” Do you think this is a joke? Because it’s neither funny nor cute. We wear glasses full story > ]]> Wed, 18 Mar 2009 12:14:37 GMT <![CDATA[No need for speed with increased police vigilance on roads]]> By Melissa Goldberg
Silver Spring, MD (3/20/09)--In an attempt to better enforce state speed limits, police officers in Montgomery County have significantly increased their use of speed guns on busy streets, resulting in full story > ]]> Wed, 18 Mar 2009 12:13:16 GMT <![CDATA[Vlogging sensation sweeping nation: Nerdfighter movement on rise]]> By Erin Washburn
DFTBA. To the average citizen, this abbreviation looks like it could stand for a government organization or an obscene phrase. But to Nerdfighters, a growing minority, DFTBA means one thing: Don’t Fo full story > ]]> Wed, 18 Mar 2009 12:11:31 GMT <![CDATA[Twenty grand is great: history teacher wins big on Jeopardy!]]> By Talia Chicherio


Patrick Howe
Social studies teacher Kara Mohler smiles for the camera during her second night on Jeopardy! after winning $23,199 the first night.

Silver Spring, MD (3/20/09)--Social studies teacher Kara Mohler won $23,199 on a Jeopardy! episode that aired Tuesday, March 3 and continued as the returning champion on the Wednesday, March 4 episode full story > ]]> Wed, 18 Mar 2009 12:11:01 GMT <![CDATA[Vlogging sensation sweeping nation: Nerdfighter movement on rise]]> By Erin Washburn
DFTBA. To the average citizen, this abbreviation looks like it could stand for a government organization or an obscene phrase. But to Nerdfighters, a growing minority, DFTBA means one thing: Don’t Fo full story > ]]> Wed, 18 Mar 2009 12:10:19 GMT <![CDATA[Sophomore struggles with, overcomes benign tumor near her brain]]> By Kelly Shih
Silver Spring, MD (3/20/09)--Homework, friends, clothes, boys—all these normal teenage problems can be dwarfed by something the size of a nickel. Last October, when sophomore Katie Johnson* went in fo full story > ]]> Wed, 18 Mar 2009 12:09:01 GMT <![CDATA[Deluded UFO watchers out of this world]]> By Isaac Hirsch


Brendan Lipton

Bright orange, the meteor streaked across the sky and was visible from a few states. Many residents of the Southwest looked up and wondered what the heck it was. But some didn’t; they knew exactly wha full story > ]]> Wed, 18 Mar 2009 12:08:34 GMT <![CDATA[Musical ensemble gives ‘em old razzle-dazzle with Jazz Swing Night]]> By Tomiko Mason


Arieyl Jones
Band director Brian Damron busts out a sassy saxophone solo at Jazz Swing Night. From top row, left: sophomores Marco Escobar and Zack Kaye; middle row: sophomores Gordon Gregg and Nirajj Raju; bottom row: senior Stephen Klingner and sophomore Joshua Kennes get ready to join in the song.

Silver Spring, MD (03/20/09)--Turning a school cafeteria into a smooth jazz club is no easy feat, but the Eubie Blake Jazz Ensemble, accompanied by the Eubietones quartet, met that challenge last Frid full story > ]]> Wed, 18 Mar 2009 12:07:42 GMT <![CDATA[Arguments aren't aces]]> By Luan Pham
Most advocates for pot legalization will be able to produce at least 420 reasons why weed should be legalized. The truth is that most justifications won’t generate a buzz in legislation, and for good full story > ]]> Wed, 18 Mar 2009 12:07:38 GMT <![CDATA[Blockbusted: It’s a hard knock life for downtrodden DVD rental stores]]> By Hannah Mellman
Silver Spring, MD (3/20/09)--President Obama’s administration has chosen SUVs over DVDs, and with no bailout in store for Blockbuster, slowly but surely America is losing its favorite place to rent mo full story > ]]> Wed, 18 Mar 2009 12:07:33 GMT <![CDATA[Stage Company heads west, goes into new frontier with Oklahoma!]]> By Laura Brady
Silver Spring, MD (03/20/09)--Oklahoma, as a state, would have a hard time fitting in the auditorium. However, the musical Oklahoma! will fit perfectly as the Stage Company tries it on this spring. full story > ]]> Wed, 18 Mar 2009 12:06:26 GMT <![CDATA[Abuse awareness]]>


Christine Lien

WE STRONGLY BELIEVE that all teens in any sort of abusive relationship should summon the strength to take action. One in five teenagers reports being physically or sexually abused by a partner accordi full story > ]]> Wed, 18 Mar 2009 12:05:06 GMT <![CDATA[Tim Hwang for SMOB]]> WE ENDORSE TIM Hwang for the 32nd Student Member of the Board of Education of Montgomery County. Hwang is currently a junior at Thomas S. Wootton High School and has a resume more impressive than mos full story > ]]> Wed, 18 Mar 2009 12:04:26 GMT <![CDATA[Students learn real business savvy in new school store]]> By Bronte Abell


Arieyl Jones
Kyle Matusek

Silver Spring, MD (3/20/09)--Sponsored by business education teacher Fred Katz, the student-run school store will reopen by the end of March. full story > ]]> Wed, 18 Mar 2009 12:03:57 GMT <![CDATA[New Future Shock DC members Deshler, Salas electrify audiences]]> By Melissa Goldberg
Silver Spring, MD (03/20/09)--While they may not be starring in America’s Best Dance Crew, juniors Lauren Deshler and Valery Salas popped, locked, and dropped their way onto the dance company, Future full story > ]]> Wed, 18 Mar 2009 12:03:34 GMT <![CDATA[Perfect attendance]]> ALL STUDENTS SHOULD attend the wonderful events that the school offers, including the arts, sports and cultural events. Dance, chorus and instrumental music concerts and plays present to students th full story > ]]> Wed, 18 Mar 2009 12:02:46 GMT <![CDATA[Blake parent, physics professor to join State Board of Education]]> By Melanie Spaid
Silver Spring, MD (3/20/09)--Sylvester J. Gates, Blake parent and co-sponsor of the Advanced Topical Fundamental Science Group, was nominated for appointment as a member of the Maryland State Board of full story > ]]> Wed, 18 Mar 2009 12:02:40 GMT <![CDATA[Maryland mistaken in giving life to death penalty]]> By Alex Blocker
What a disappointment. Maryland state legislators really dropped the ball this month when it comes to repealing the death penalty—we still have it. Even with the whole country watching, the State Sen full story > ]]> Wed, 18 Mar 2009 12:01:47 GMT <![CDATA[Letters to the Editor]]> STICKY MESS CAUSES DISTRESS Gum ruined my SAT experience. I was just breezing through my test when I decided to put my heels on the chair rack so that my knees hit the bottom of the table. Lo and be full story > ]]> Wed, 18 Mar 2009 12:00:37 GMT <![CDATA[Students open doors to personal lives, viewpoints through online portal]]> By Ryan Arrendell
Silver Sprng, MD (3/20/09)--Forget pen and paper: it is time for journals to move over because there is a new sheriff in town, and it goes by the name of Blog, Mr. Blog. full story > ]]> Wed, 18 Mar 2009 12:00:28 GMT <![CDATA[Dance Company becomes storytellers through movement]]> By Blaire Hoffman & Leah Rich


Steven Sites
Dance Company is hard at work preparing for their final portfolios. Clockwise from left: senior Lynn Poe practices moves from her portfolio piece; junior Sara Nuttle, and seniors Sarah Kershner and Corinne Chapman perfect their group choreography; seniors Nicole Williams, Natasha Gordon, and Victoria Adesanmi get caught up in the movement of their piece.

Silver Spring, MD (03/20/09)--As choreographer Martha Graham once said, “Dance is the hidden language of the soul.” full story > ]]> Wed, 18 Mar 2009 11:59:18 GMT <![CDATA[DRESSING UP FOR COMIC EFFECT: Not cosplaying around, manga fans get animated for yearly conventions]]> By Tomiko Mason


Sacha Vega
Cosplaying Sakura Haruno, senior Danielle Romig and her cousin Rachel Harris pose with Romig’s paraphernalia.

Silver Spring, MD (3/20/09)--Twenty-five thousand fans dressed as anime and manga characters walk into a convention center. No joke. full story > ]]> Wed, 18 Mar 2009 11:59:16 GMT <![CDATA[CAR CATASTROPHE]]> By Jonathan Yuen
March 9, 2009 was probably the worst way to start the week. My alarm clock did not ring, but after rushing to get ready I actually managed to get to school on time, or so I thought. It was 7:10am, a full story > ]]> Wed, 18 Mar 2009 11:59:04 GMT <![CDATA[]]>


Brendan Lipton
Mr. Blake

full story > ]]> Wed, 18 Mar 2009 11:58:54 GMT <![CDATA[Mr. Applestein takes bite out of college prep]]> By Sean McNamara & Isabela Barriga


Arieyl Jones
AP Psychology teacher Eliot Applestein, who also works privately as a college consultant, says, “Everyone needs to take a deep breath and realize that one can be successful at a number of colleges.” He offered a college admissions workshop March 11 called “Getting into the College of Your Choice.”

Silver Spring, MD (3/20/09)--Applying to colleges is one of the most stressful times of any high school career because of mounting pressure for good grades and test scores. Luckily, AP Psychology teac full story > ]]> Wed, 18 Mar 2009 11:58:13 GMT <![CDATA[Mr. Applestein takes bite out of college prep]]> By Sean McNamara & Isabela Barriga
Silver Spring, MD (3/20/09)--Applying to colleges is one of the most stressful times of any high school career because of mounting pressure for good grades and test scores. Luckily, AP Psychology teac full story > ]]> Wed, 18 Mar 2009 11:58:11 GMT <![CDATA[Bromantic relationship between boys cannot be destroyed]]> By Ian Nyanin
Silver Spring, MD (3/20/09)--Many partnerships have withstood the test of time: Bert and Ernie, Beavis and Butthead, Spongebob and Patrick. These duos represent entries in the legendary tradition of t full story > ]]> Wed, 18 Mar 2009 11:57:51 GMT <![CDATA[No: redundancy television’s current plague]]> By Samantha Steinfeld
Any given night, I can turn on the TV, flip to the CW and watch a bunch of drunk girls fighting on America’s Next Top Model. Or, I can go to Oxygen and watch a bunch of drunk girls fighting on Bad Gir full story > ]]> Wed, 18 Mar 2009 11:57:10 GMT <![CDATA[Hallways hit with growing cases of crippling disease: JUNIORITIS]]> By Samantha Steinfeld
Silver Spring, MD (3/20/09)--Every year, senioritis rears its ugly head, crippling the work ethic and motivation of seniors everywhere. But this year, even juniors have been showing signs of this high full story > ]]> Wed, 18 Mar 2009 11:57:07 GMT <![CDATA[Jonas warming up screens nationwide, baby]]> By Hayley Steffen



Silver Spring, MD (03/20/09)--So your summer sucked, your pet bunny rabbit Fluffy died, you had to work almost every day babysitting bratty kids, and worst of all you couldn’t get tickets to the infam full story > ]]> Wed, 18 Mar 2009 11:57:02 GMT <![CDATA[Blocker, Senate on same page with once-in-a-lifetime opportunity]]> By Christine Lien
Silver Spring, MD (3/20/09)--SGA president senior Alex Blocker was selected to serve as a Senate page in Annapolis for the Maryland General Assembly and will complete his second and last week of servi full story > ]]> Wed, 18 Mar 2009 11:56:27 GMT <![CDATA[Principal keeps tight bonds with previous pupils, now Blake parents]]> By Ian Nyanin
Silver Spring, MD (3/20/09)--Much has changed over the past 30 years, with trends going in and out of style from bell bottoms to the jerry curl, Rubik’s cubes to grunge music. But one thing has remain full story > ]]> Wed, 18 Mar 2009 11:56:14 GMT <![CDATA[Yes: reality shows make classier viewers]]> By Amelia Holgash
One time, I got the sudden urge to go dirt biking during a thunderstorm while wearing my Snuggie, but then I remembered that The Girls of Hedsor Hall, my favorite TV show, would be on soon. Reality TV full story > ]]> Wed, 18 Mar 2009 11:56:02 GMT <![CDATA[Schoolwork becomes child’s play as these students prepare to teach]]> By Amelia Holgash


Jasmine Cogdell
Sophomore Sydnee Bullard plays an alphabet game with six adorable kids in the Child Development class. The Child Development and Teaching as a Profession courses help aspiring educators get hands-on experience in working with children and learning the responsibilites of teachers.

Silver Spring, MD (3/20/09)--Child Development’s preschoolers are quite lucky to hang out with cool teenagers all day, but these tiny tots are not the only ones with the sweet deal. full story > ]]> Wed, 18 Mar 2009 11:55:33 GMT <![CDATA[Paper Towns’ fast-paced plot captivates, moves reader]]> By Christina deGraft-Johnson



Silver Spring, MD (03/20/09)--As the old adage says, you never really know someone until you walk a mile in their shoes. But if you’re Quentin Jacobsen, it would be a walk in their clues. full story > ]]> Wed, 18 Mar 2009 11:55:28 GMT <![CDATA[Working at Bagelry brings opportunity to meet new people]]> By Shannon Gale
Silver Spring, MD (3/20/09)--Only the lucky spend their after-school and weekend morning time making center-less treats at the Bagelry in Colesville. full story > ]]> Wed, 18 Mar 2009 11:54:54 GMT <![CDATA[Conlon finds puppy love, furry friends at Norbeck Animal Clinic]]> By Anna Ching & Christine League


Jasmine Cogdell
Senior Michael Conlon embraces lovable pooch Jasmine while interning at Norbeck Animal Clinic. Conlon wishes to pursue a career in veterinary medicine and hones his skills by studying with Drs. Joseph Marino and Ivanov Castellanos. His many duties include cleaning up after the animals and walking the dogs. Even though it is a difficult profession, Conlon’s affection for animals, especially dogs, allows him to be patient and kind with the animals during his work hours.

Silver Spring, MD (3/20/09)--Senior Michael Conlon knows better than most that every dog has his day, and although he may not have four paws or a snout, he loves spending his time in the doghouse. full story > ]]> Wed, 18 Mar 2009 11:53:30 GMT <![CDATA[Hollywood loses originality with adaptations of classics]]> By Merissa Dyer
Hollywood’s newest trend is recycling, but not just for the environment. In LA, sex no longer sells—copying does. This year, as well as in years to come, expect to see a surge of “borrowed” material. full story > ]]> Wed, 18 Mar 2009 11:52:42 GMT <![CDATA[Internship at Montgomery College studio has staff saying “Oh, Schnapp!”]]> By Talia Chicherio


Arieyl Jones
Senior Ben Schnapp readies to shoot and capture with his XLR camera. At Montgomery College Instructional Television studio, he learns to work with this type of equipment every day.

Silver Spring, MD (3/20/09)--During senior year, everyone wants to get out of school as soon as possible, but only some are lucky enough to have an invigorating internship to spice up their after-lunc full story > ]]> Wed, 18 Mar 2009 11:52:34 GMT <![CDATA[Fischetti shoots for stars, rockets towards engineering career]]> By Louisa Clarke
Silver Spring, MD (3/20/09)--Most kids dream of working at NASA, but senior Grace Fischetti is making every starry-eyed kid jealous with her internship in NASA’s material engineering branch, the Godda full story > ]]> Wed, 18 Mar 2009 11:51:30 GMT <![CDATA[Newsbriefs]]>


Sacha Vega
Senior Alex Gran

Silver Spring, MD (3/20/09)--The Race for a Dream 5k Run/3k Walk event will take place May 3. The race honors the memory of Alicia Betancourt, a Blake student who was killed in a car accident in 2004. full story > ]]> Wed, 18 Mar 2009 11:51:30 GMT <![CDATA[Be wary watching Watchmen without reading first]]> By Erin Washburn



Silver Spring, MD (3/20/09)--If you want to watch the Watchmen, I would suggest you pick up the graphic novel—not only because it’s one of the best graphic novels of all time, but also because otherwi full story > ]]> Wed, 18 Mar 2009 11:51:09 GMT <![CDATA[Increased cleanliness by students needed for messy, trashy hallways]]> By Morgan Cali


Patrick Howe

Dodging people throwing chips, jumping over half-eaten sandwiches and leaping over seas of spilled soda in the hallways has gone on too long. The school’s hallways during lunch have become an obstacle full story > ]]> Wed, 18 Mar 2009 11:50:58 GMT