Intense bouts of depression and anxiety. Destroyed libido. Weight gain and hair loss. These are all side effects from the birth control pill that has come to be regarded as normal or expected, at least in my high school friend circle. The pill controls more than people’s fertility; it also affects their mental health, feelings,...
Category: Opinions
The thrill of antique shopping
At the Georgetown flea market last summer, I discovered one of my best treasures yet. Following our routine, my aunt and I woke up at the crack of dawn, grabbed iced coffee, and drove down Wisconsin Avenue to the market in order to beat the D.C. heat and score the best finds. There it sat,...
Drink more Shamrock Shakes
Delicious. Refreshing. Festive. These are all words I would use to describe McDonald’s current seasonal menu item, the illustrious Shamrock Shake. The Shamrock Shake is controversial. Its opponents primarily argue that it’s not healthy nor is it the tastiest treat on the market. Let’s first address the argument that there are dessert options healthier than...
Don’t drink Shamrock Shakes
The marketing experts at McDonald’s know what they’re doing: the minty green ice cream treat topped with waves of whipped cream, green sprinkles, and a single red cherry simply shouts spring vibes and Irish cheer. But the Shamrock Shake is disappointing. Maybe it’s my disrespect for McDonald’s (watch the movie “The Founder” if you don’t...
Learn how to drive a car with a manual transmission
At the corner of N. Hillsdale Street and Ball Road, I undergo an invigorating experience every Friday afternoon: it’s the bond between me and my 2010 Volkswagen GTI. One thing connects us: its manual transmission. Clutch in. Shift from 4th to 3rd gear at 35 mph. I stomp on the brake pedal while tapping the...

