Friday, October 31, 2014

MOCO GOP SPECIAL COUNSEL RELEASES FINDINGS AFTER STUDY OF GERRYMANDERING

Frederick Seelman, who was appointed by the Montgomery County Republican Party on October 7 to study gerrymandering of election districts by Democratic elected officials, has submitted his findings to party leaders. According to a press release, Seelman concluded that gerrymandering has contributed to one-party rule in the county, and made recommendations to reform the election system.

Seelman's report cites the compactness and lack of partisan variance in the current districts as detrimental to fair and competitive elections.  "All the thirteen of the legislative and councilmanic districts had a Democratic to Republicans ratio that exceeded 2 to 1," the report notes. "This result does not seem to be the product of a chance occurrence."

The report recommends the MCGOP begin a petition drive to gain public support for changes to the current system, and then submit formal county and state charter amendments to create those changes.

Thursday, October 30, 2014

POP TARTS LIMITED-EDITION PUMPKIN PIE REVIEW (VIDEO)

Pop Tarts has two limited-edition flavors for Halloween, and the most promising variety is Frosted Pumpkin Pie. I tested it out in this video review. The Halloween Countdown continues on the Robert Dyer Channel.

Wednesday, October 29, 2014

DOGS INVITED TO FESTIVAL THIS SATURDAY AT GABLES UPPER ROCK IN ROCKVILLE

Dogs will be the guests of honor at Saturday's Paws for A Cause, 11 AM to 2 PM, at Gables Upper Rock, 70 Upper Rock Circle in Rockville. The November 1 event will raise money for fundraiser for MCPAW—Montgomery County Partners for Animal Well-Being, a partner of the Montgomery County Animal Services and Adoption Center. Most activities Saturday will be free, but with donations accepted.

Is your K-9 ready for the dog costume contest? He or she will enjoy a host of Fido-centric freebies including doggie ice cream, potty bag dispensers, natural dog treats and more. There will be activities for those on two legs, too, including face painting, music, a photo booth and food trucks like Holy Crepes and The Mighty Dog and Acai.

Pet-centric vendors will offer information, discounts and merchandise, including MCPAW, Tiki’s Playhouse, Bark!, Amazing Art Studio, Metropolitan Emergency Animal Clinic, Sniffers Doggie Retreat, Unleashed by Petco and Whole Pet Central.

If you and your dog enjoy your visit to Upper Rock, you may be interested to know that Gables Upper Rock welcomes dogs as residents in their apartments, as well. 

When completed, Gables Upper Rock will offer 441 pet-friendly apartments, a private on-site dog park, Turf, and a dog spa area for bathing and grooming, Couture. All community care products used at Gables Upper Rock are safe for pets, and the paths connecting the community’s four residential buildings are perfect for dog walking.

“We are about creating places where people want to live, and we recognize that more than ever, our residents’ pets are important members of their families,” says Greg Gaisor, Vice President, REIT Operations—East for Gables Residential.

Tuesday, October 28, 2014

STEPHEN STRASBURG TO APPEAR AT MICROSOFT STORE OPENING AT WESTFIELD MONTGOMERY MALL

Microsoft has just announced that Washington Nationals pitcher Stephen Strasburg will be a VIP guest at the November 22 Grand Opening of the Microsoft Store at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. The first 200 customers in line at 10:30 AM that morning will receive a ticket for a chance to play Xbox One with the Nats ace, who will appear from 4:00-6:00 PM.

Grand opening attendees will also get special deals, including a Toshiba Encore 8-inch 32GB tablet for just $99, or an Xbox 360 for only $99.

Microsoft will present technology grants to community organizations during the 10:30 AM ribbon-cutting ceremony. In addition to products, the store will also feature an Answer Desk where customers can receive expert advice on their Microsoft gadgets and software.

Monday, October 27, 2014

HALLOWEEN LUNCHABLES REVIEW (VIDEO)

The Halloween Countdown is underway on the Robert Dyer Channel, and the latest video is a review of the Halloween Lunchables of 2014. This year, dessert seems to be the theme, with an Oreo-based Dirt Cake, and S'mores Dippers. I tried out both, and here is my review. Both have great Halloween themed packaging, but let's find out if the actual product is as good.

Friday, October 24, 2014

WATTS BRANCH PARKWAY REOPENS IN ROCKVILLE

Watts Branch Parkway reopened yesterday, after the Rockville Public Works Department completed repairs of a broken water main. A portion of the road had been closed since October 15.

A 40-year-old pipe was the culprit, according to the department. During the work, Verizon and Washington Gas also made minor repairs to its systems affected by the water main break.

Thursday, October 23, 2014

NIGHTSWATCH: ROCKVILLE CRIME UPDATE

Here is a roundup of crimes reported across Rockville on October 20, according to crime data:

Assault with deadly weapon. 9900 block Medical Center Drive at 11:26 PM.

Assault. 300 block Howard Avenue.

Theft. 800 block Ivy League Lane.

Burglary. 5500 block Halpine Place.

Theft. 9900 block Key West Avenue.

Wednesday, October 22, 2014

ARCLIGHT CINEMA NEARS OPENING AT WESTFIELD MONTGOMERY MALL (PHOTOS)

I returned to the new ArcLight Cinemas yesterday for a sneak preview of Westfield Montgomery's 16-screen cineplex, and have brought back plenty of photos (stay tuned for video). Obviously, the lobby wall of screens is what grabs your attention the most upon entering, and that real estate is currently promoting the highly-anticipated Interstellar, which starts showing on November 4 at ArcLight. I also sampled some of the food you can enjoy from the lobby's cafe, and their signature caramel corn. The latter is made on-site every day, and is more like taffy than the cheaper, "spray-on" caramel corn you might buy at the grocery store. Having said that, I'm a purist who enjoys the flavor and aroma of movie theater popcorn, preferably with extra butter. That aroma was in the air when I came in the door of the lobby, making this movie buff feel instantly at home.
Extra butter for me
Chris Nolan's Interstellar dominates
the lobby at the moment

This is just plain impressive

Showtimes

Light fixtures and a screen
"curtain" accent the upscale
feel of the lobby

Nice

Time waits for no man - and
neither will the movie, if
you're late
There is a small area of the lobby dedicated to movie-themed gifts, including merchandise from Star Wars, Star Trek, A Christmas Story and The Wizard of Oz. You'll also find exhibit space throughout the cineplex, and yesterday, that was dedicated to stills from Christopher Nolan's Interstellar and costumes from Robin Hood and Black Swan.



Costume from Black Swan

Robin Hood - as portrayed by
comic book legend Stan Lee for
ArcLight Cinemas
About that food - my favorite so far is the Popcorn Chicken. Not to be confused with a frozen chicken product, this was fried fresh, was extremely tender and juicy, and comes with dipping sauces. I also tried a flatbread pizza which was pretty good, and a fountain-prepared Coca-Cola. There are charcuterie and cheese boards, and quite a few baked pastries for dessert.
Ready for dessert?

Croissant?

Your diet just went out
the window

Chocoholics unite

Thick brownie

"Cookies are a sometimes thing"
- Cookie Monster (yeah, right!)

Not the typical theater food

Cheese board

"I'm crackers about cheese"
- Wallace,
The Curse of the Were-Rabbit
Popcorn chicken. Verdict?
Awesome

Just about all of your favorite
movie theater candies - plus
local Glarus chocolate bars!
The lobby's cafe

Enjoy food and cocktails
here, or take them into
the theater

Concessions

Classic or caramel corn?
Try an adult beverage
On to the theater! In this case, it was Auditorium 6. There was a demonstration of the theater's Dolby Atmos sound system, which was very impressive. During an on-screen rainstorm, the 360º speaker setup made it sound like rain was literally falling from the ceiling and landing on the theater floor.


During an advance preview of Nightcrawler later in the afternoon, that movie's unique color scheme for its stunning cinematographic views of Los Angeles was richly displayed. As several representatives of ArcLight mentioned, the chain's California locations are where directors go when they want to see their films as they were meant to be seen. That includes the black box theater concept, no crackling popcorn bags (it comes in tubs, instead) and nacho-crunching, and no texting during the movies. Ushers take more of a host role here, and forget about standing in line - there are no lines, and all seating is reserved. As I mentioned in the past, there are also no ads. You might get a bonus feature after the movie, or a very short one as one of the few previews before it - you may recall some of those ArcLight-exclusive features I have posted here on the blog in the past.
Large numbers help you quickly
locate your reserved seat

Comfortable
A test drive of the plush cloth seats found them to be very comfortable (although the running time of Interstellar should give them the ultimate test!).
Remember the movie poster
cases from the hard hat tour?

Little movie called Hunger Games

Interstellar still

Big Hero 6

Returning to the lobby
from the auditoriums

#RodStewartProblems
Go ahead and check out the movies on sale now, and be one of the first in Montgomery County to experience ArcLight Cinemas' first location outside of California. Why wait until the grand opening on November 4, when you can buy tickets now for John Wick tomorrow night (October 23 at 10:00 PM), and enjoy a livestreamed Q and A with Keanu Reeves from Los Angeles after the film? Looking forward to more of those types of events here in the future.

ArcLight has set the bar high for the next generation of movie theaters in Montgomery County, and it will be interesting to see how iPic Theaters will stack up at Pike and Rose up the road.
But first let me
take a selfie

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

GHOSTBUSTERS DONUTS AT ROCKVILLE KRISPY KREME REVIEW (VIDEO)

Krispy Kreme in the Fallsgrove shopping center may have the greatest Halloween-related treats of 2014. During October, the shop is selling official Ghostbusters donuts, which feature either the famous movie logo atop slime-green colored frosting, or the equally-famous Stay-Puft Marshmallow Man - complete with hat! In keeping with the Stay-Puft theme, both donuts are filled with a ton of Stay-Puft marshmallow creme filling. How do they taste? Watch my epic review now to find out!

Monday, October 20, 2014

COUNCILMEMBER'S AMENDMENT WOULD ALLOW LIVESTOCK IN ROCKVILLE BACKYARDS

No sooner has the dust settled from the Montgomery County Council's controversial foray into backyard barnyards than the issue is now coming home to roost in Rockville. City Councilmember Julie Palakovich Carr has proposed animal regulations changes that would permit chickens in Rockville backyards, schools and daycare facilities, under various terms and circumstances. No roosters would be permitted. Goats would also be allowed on public property to clear invasive plant species.

Concerns about noise and disease that would affect humans were part of the discussion among County Council members. However, many seemed to avoid the topic of Histoplasmosis in humans, a disease caused by spores of the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum, which can be found in chicken waste. The potential health issue has been raised by critics of backyard chicken coops elsewhere in the country. At the same time, some in Rockville have argued for years that residents should be allowed to raise backyard chickens. Where do you come down on the topic?

You'll have a chance to make your feelings known: Councilmember Palakovich Carr is hosting a meeting on the proposed changes tomorrow, October 21, at City Hall, from 7:30-9:30 PM in the Black Eyed Susan Conference Room.

Friday, October 17, 2014

TOWN CENTER PHASE II, BIKEWAY MASTER PLAN ON ROCKVILLE PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA FOR OCTOBER 22

A new 6-story, mixed-use apartment building with 6000 SF of ground floor retail is on the agenda for the Rockville Planning Commission next Wednesday, October 22. The 275-unit building replaces the historic Suburban Trust Building, tragically demolished earlier this year at 255 N. Washington Street. It is one of several Town Center Phase II projects underway, with others by JBG and Brightview also moving forward.

The meeting will also include a work session on the Rockville Bikeway Master Plan, the results of which will impact automobile travel and parking in the city as much as cyclists. Wednesday's meeting will be at 7:00 PM, in the Mayor and Council Chambers at City Hall, and also broadcast live on Channel 11.

Thursday, October 16, 2014

WATTS BRANCH PARKWAY CLOSED BETWEEN HURLEY AVE. & INGLESIDE COURT FOR WATER MAIN BREAK IN ROCKVILLE

A water main break will keep Watts Branch Parkway closed between Hurley Avenue and Ingleside Court for up to several days. No customers are without water at this time, says the City of Rockville Public Works Department, which is currently repairing the break. Running cold water will help flush any discoloration of water away, they say. Should air become trapped in your pipes, they suggest slowly turning on all faucets in your home, starting on the highest floor and working downward.

Wednesday, October 15, 2014

NEW SPECIALS AND EVENTS AT 82 STEAK-OUT IN ROCKVILLE

82 Steak-Out in Rockville Town Square has several new specials, and October promotions, you'll want to check out.

First, there are 5 new lunch Sandwich Specials: The Adrian, Leaving Las Vegas, A Fish Called Wanda, The Italian Job, and The God Father - all under $9, and they include a side order of hand-cut fries.

There are 4 new weeknight promotions, as well:

Monday Night- “Thirst and 10” - Happy Hour specials available all night long.
4:00pm-9:30pm

Tuesday Night-“Penne Night” - $11.82
Choose your sauce: Bolognese, Amatriciana, Pesto, Quattro Formaggi and Salmone (includes mixed green salad).
4:00pm-9:30pm

Wednesday Night- “Wine Down” - 50% off of all wine bottles.
4:00pm-9:30pm

Thursday Night-“Thirsty Thursday” - Happy Hour specials available all night long.
4:00pm-9:30pm

Finally, don't miss these special days coming up this month:

Tuesday, October 21: National Pumpkin Cheesecake Day. Home-made pumpkin cheesecake served all day.

Wednesday, October 22: National Nut Day. Subscribe to, and mention, their newsletter, and you'll get a free Dark Chocolate Brownie with vanilla bean ice cream and walnuts.

Friday, October 24: National Bologna Day. They'll be celebrating with Lasagna Bolognese, rather than sandwich meat - and Italian wines with that lasagna will be 50% off.

Saturday, October 25: National Pasta Day. They'll be offering the Tuesday night Penne Night specials on a rare Saturday, from 5:00-10:00 PM. Mention the newsletter again to get the deal.

82 Steak-Out
101 Gibbs Street, #C 
240.428.1295

Tuesday, October 14, 2014

MONTGOMERY COUNTY COUNCIL AT-LARGE DEBATE (VIDEO) + HOW TO REGISTER TO VOTE

Montgomery Community Media and the League of Women Voters of Montgomery County hosted a Montgomery County Council At-Large Candidate Forum last night. You can watch the debate in its entirety here. Candidates from the Democratic, Green and Republican parties participated in the forum, which included transportation, Bus Rapid Transit, the Silver Spring Transit Center debacle, and affordable housing among its topics.

Today is the deadline to register to vote in the November 4 election. You can register today online or go to the Board of Elections office in person at 18753 North Frederick Avenue, Suite 210, Gaithersburg, MD 20879. If you have questions, call 240-777-8500.

Early voting will be available for all registered voters between October 23 and October 30 at these early voting sites around the county.

Monday, October 13, 2014

ROCKVILLE CONSTRUCTION UPDATE: THE UPTON/CAMBRIA SUITES (PHOTOS)

Things are coming along quite nicely at the construction site of the future Cambria Suites hotel and Upton apartments in Rockville Town Center.