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I know it’s not the plural of moose, but just work with me on this one. And I’m not referring to the Great White Water Buffalo of old. More on that in a moment.

Sietsema Does “First Bite” at Pacci’s
The Washington Post’s Tom Sietsema put up a fair review of Pacci’s today. Highlights include salads (minus the chewy octopus) and the pizza (which he says could benefit from a little salt). All in all I would say a two-star review on his scale. I might give it 2-1/2 stars on that scale, but it gets bumped up a little considering the other pizza options we have around here. I suppose it’s all about context.

So Close: Fire Station #1
The Gazette has a good writeup of the almost-open Fire Station #1. Soft opening is this week sometime (which would imply around-the-clock work considering how things looked last week), and the Grand Opening will be June 6. Another good scoop writeup from our friends over at Silver Spring, Singular.

In Other News…
We bitch and moan about beer and wine sales here, but I’m glad I don’t live in Kensington. I never knew they were such teetotalers.

The Moose is Loose
Jerry McCoy’s new blog highlights the discovery of a time capsule at the now-defunct Silver Spring Moose Lodge. Unveiling will take place on Saturday, June 26 as part of the 13th Annual Montgomery County Heritage Festival. Any guesses as to what’s inside? My money’s on an actual moose.

We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these united Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States, that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. — And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor.

I’m constantly impressed at how smart these guys were.
Happy Independence Day, everyone.

A friend of mine ran across this old photo while scrounging through his computer.

Hope everyone had a great 4th of July!

Margaret “Maggie” Jane was born on May 2, 2007, at 1:28 a.m. 7lbs 5oz. 20.5″ long. The whole family is doing great, and thanks to all for your well wishes!

1. Hook & Ladder Brewpub (pending)
I used to work across the street from Summit Station in Gaithersburg. (It’s now called “Growlers” and I implore you to not waste time at that horrible establishment.) I maintain a small growler collection from that stint, and from frequent trips to Frederick to go to Brewer’s Alley. The prospect of walking up the street to fill up a jug of locally-handcrafted beer is awfully appealing. Not to mention the simple fact that there’s another beer outlet nearby.

2. The jukebox at the Quarry House
One of the best in the DC area. And no matter what you say, you can’t prove that it was me that put in that one, annoying song 15 times before I left the other night.

3. Pedestrian sense of [pedestrian] entitlement
If I have a green light and someone is in the crosswalk in front of me (usually at a slow “you can’t do nothin’ to me” pace), can I hit them and not spend time in jail?

4. Mayor-free and loving it
I like the Lewis Black quote Silver Spring Singular has on its site header, and I’ve often thought about the implications of that. It’s almost like small-scale anarchy, which, frankly, seems more along the lines of something you’d find in Takoma Park. Instead, we get people like Gary Stith. Which leads us to our next point…

5. “Green” Space
Mainly, I’m referring to some people’s (Mr. Stith, primarily) unwavering devotion to a lack of green space in front of the new civic building planned for the current “turf” area. I’m not sure if he changed his mind yet, but I sure hope we don’t get a concrete slab.

6. Black & white malts at Potbelly’s
I know it’s a chain restaurant, but just try one and tell me you won’t go back for more. Surreptitiously, if need be.

7. Mikey behind the bar at Austin Grill
I don’t even have to ask for a Shiner Bock when I belly up to the bar.

8. My next door neighbor’s coffee
He orders beans ever two weeks and roasts them himself. I have a small stash, but I will undoubtedly angle for more in the coming weeks. And this is not to dis Mayorga – I’ve had my fair share of coffee there, and it’s awfully good. Plus, whenever my wife and I go, the parking attendant knows her by name. Either she spends way too much money there, or there’s something else I should know about.

9. The Gazette, Page 6
Yup. It’s the crime blotter. If you say you don’t know about it or don’t look at it, you might be illiterate. Or lying. Just a guess.

10. Sense of community
I lived on Dennis Avenue for three years. Sure, it’s Silver Spring, but not like this. The people here make it easy to feel like we’re all part of something larger than ourselves. Many thanks to the SS Blogoshpere for the inspiration to create this blog and share something with the community.