what's up the pike: what recession?

- The Going Out Gurus report that Latin restaurant Nicaro, located at Georgia and Thayer in Downtown Silver Spring, reopened yesterday. Chef Pedro Matamoros closed it a month ago and moved to 8407, an eatery on Ramsey Avenue. Nicaro's new management says the restaurant wants to "reach out to the neighborhood," with discounted drinks and live music.

- Several local blogs have commented on the U.S. Postal Service's plan to close over six hundred branches nationwide, including one in the Silver Spring Center at Colesville Road and Ramsey Avenue. Historical Society president Jerry McCoy blames it on the recession, but as anyone who's mailed a letter (or not mailed a letter, more accurately) recently knows, the Postal Service was losing business long before the economy took a tumble. The main Silver Spring post office, at Second Avenue and Spring Street, will remain open.

- Adam at Maryland Politics Watch is doing an epic five-part series on the ongoing Sligo Creek Golf Course controversy, which he's been an active part of as a representative for the neighboring Forest Estates Civic Association.

- A few of you have asked if I'm going to the swanky party at the Georgian (nèe Georgian Towers) Apartments' rooftop pool. Oh, I am. It's about the only way I can get back into the building where I spent my formative years without paying those steep rents. You too can relive my childhood tonight at 6pm by RSVPing at their website.

- And by now everyone knows that the state has officially endorsed the Purple Line, meaning now it's time to apply for federal funding. Come back later today for a slideshow of yesterday's press conference.