THE MYSTERY

OF THE

DRUID THEATER

The Druid Theater in Damascus is one of the most intriguing landmarks in town. It ranks right up there with the water tower in my book. Only it's not a theater, it's a drugstore.

How did that happen?

I have found so many fascinating things, just by accident, around Damascus. As a history major, I naturally feel compelled to investigate.

The first time I walked down Main Street, I was struck by this large and very unique building. You literally cannot miss it. It very obviously, from the architecture, was a movie theater. But today, it is a Rite Aid. Still, prominent letters that spell "DRUID" continue to grace the front of the building. Since "Druid" has nothing to do with Rite Aid, that was a clue.

I found out that the Druid Theater was named after its owner, who lived in Damascus. The grand Druid Theater opened in 1947(!) and closed in 1990.

The biggest mystery to me is, how could a theater like this fail in Damascus? You would think it would have been a date spot for young people, as well as a place for families.

So I'm fascinated to find out if/why the Druid Theater failed financially. Was the selection of films so poor that people felt it was worth driving to theaters outside of town? Was the theater poorly maintained? Or...?

I am sure to get to the bottom of this, and will share it with you when I do so.

But right now, I will share with you a photo of this historic landmark at my website, www.RobertDyer.net. I think you'll agree it is a very impressive building. It's just too bad it's a drugstore now, because only the exterior is left.

So here is today's special Damascus landmark photo for your enjoyment.

Starting today, I am uploading some special photos of landmarks around Damascus. You can see them at www.RobertDyer.net when you click on the "Robert's Photos" link on the Main Menu.

I also have a video of a 1937 Farmall tractor, and other Merritt Landscaping Farmall tractors, for you this morning on the Robert Dyer Channel at www.RobertDyer.net.

"WHAT'S THAT?"

IT'S THE MONEY

WASHINGTON POST

DIRECTOR COULD

BE MAKING WITH

"KIDSPOST"

GEICO

ADVERTORIAL

Another www.RobertDyer.net Exclusive!!!

The Washington Post and Warren Buffett have done it again - low ethical standards of journalism, and the use of the newspaper as a business vehicle for Buffett's financial interests!

This time, they've reached a new low by directing an advertorial for Buffett and his insurance company, GEICO, to kids on the KidsPost page.

Ostensibly a feature on a team of skywriters, the team just happens to be the GEICO-sponsored "Skytypers." And GEICO just happens to be a major financial interest of the Washington Post Co. Director, Warren Buffett. Importantly - and sadly - nowhere among the "fun facts" on the page can a disclosure to this effect be found.

To top it off, another small feature about Warren Buffett is in a sidebar on the page. It touts Post Co. Director Buffett as having made "some of the best investment decisions in the world over many years." Again, no disclosure that Buffett is a director of the newspaper you are reading these words in.

They assume adult readers are naive, but they know that kids have no idea who the Post Co. directors are. Hence, they place a GEICO advertorial and Buffett puff piece on a page used in many classrooms as a "teaching tool."

But thanks to the investigative reporting of RobertDyer.net, you've learned something today as well: The Post will stoop to new lows to promote the business interests of its director - even on the page for kids. It's outrageous.

More exclusive video from the Celebrate Damascus parade is available this morning at www.RobertDyer.net. Including some kind of experimental miniature hot rod. It's one of those things in the parade that you can only speculate as to what it is.

DAMASCUS

HIGH SCHOOL

FFA TOMATO

PLANT UPDATE

I'm always one step behind on these updates, but the tomatoes have gotten bigger. The heirlooms are starting to take on the characteristics of heirlooms. On www.RobertDyer.net, however, I have a July 5 photo update. You can see the plants are much bigger than they were on May 20; but they are twice that size now. More photos coming soon...

Also today, new video from Celebrate Damascus - St. Paul's Catholic Church and the Damascus Lions Club.

Celebrate

Damascus

Extravaganza

Continues on

RobertDyer.net

Make sure to visit www.RobertDyer.net for the latest uploads of exclusive videos and photos from the Celebrate Damascus parade and fireworks.

POSSIBLE

BREAK-IN

AT

WOODACRES ES

Another www.RobertDyer.net Exclusive!

Last evening, between 7 and 8 P.M., Montgomery County Police were called to WoodAcres ES, and were eventually joined by county government facilities personnel and a K-9 unit, according to a neighborhood eyewitness. By the time I passed by the school at 8:30, there was only someone out front watering the trees.

If a break-in occurred, it should be in an upcoming county police crime report. All I can deduct from the timeline is that either way, the situation was taken care of quickly by the police. There have been some suspicious vehicles and persons in the neighborhood recently, so make sure to keep all doors and vehicles locked. That is a good policy to have at all times, anyway.

CORRIDOR

CITIES

TRANSITWAY

Yesterday I was reading the Corridor Cities Transitway concept proposed by the Action Committee for Transit, and it addresses at least one of the two flaws in the existing plan. Namely, the current CCT's misguided and minimized route. ACT's suggestion is based more in reality: that what is really needed is a modern transit system that goes beyond Clarksburg.

ACT's route extends to Urbana and Frederick, which would increase connectivity between Montgomery and rapidly-growing Frederick counties.

Still, the CCT in either incarnation would not address the needs of those in the rural areas of the Upcounty. The Purple Line will immediately connect to all of the existing infrastructure downcounty; this infrastructure simply is not in place in the Upcounty.

It could be argued that, for the sake of preserving the Upcounty's green space, we may not want to connect those areas to rail transit - which usually brings increased development near its route.

But in any case, those residents will not be able to get out of their cars because the bus lines don't exist to take them the rest of the way home. And they may never exist, even though Upcounty residents are paying the same taxes as those who have bus and rail transit nearby.

As we modernize our transportation system (and we don't have the forward-thinking elected officials in office yet to do that) we cannot fail to recognize the realities we face - traffic will increase throughout the region and we need modern mass transit to address that. However, we also must continue to make road improvements as well.

One other 270 issue is the stretch which coincides with the local lanes up through Germantown - and happens to be the major bottleneck. There is a way to address that without the CCT or widening so far that houses are demolished, and I am working on my own proposal for that. It's one of many exciting new ideas on which we will work together as citizens to accomplish in the coming years.

Have you checked out the newest exclusive videos and photos from the Celebrate Damascus parade? Go to www.RobertDyer.net right now to see them. New videos, and there are new photos of a classic Chevrolet pickup truck, a Pontiac Firebird, and a Montgomery County Police motorcycle.

PLANNING BOARD

GOES HOG WILD,

SERVES DEVELOPERS

DESSERT BEFORE

THEY FINISH THEIR

VEGETABLES

Disaster is on the horizon in Montgomery County if we continue on the course further solidified this week by our Planning Board. Total traffic gridlock has become an accepted part of life for Dr. Yes and his Yes People on the Planning Board, for Rollin Stanley, and for their allies on the county council.

The new message this year, even from the "End Gridlock" Team on the council (please don't laugh), is that laws can be ignored (mandatory moratoriums, school population targets, even Planning Board terms!!!!), overcrowded schools are the future, and immobilized traffic is here to stay - plus you'll get to pay tolls for the priviledge of sitting in it.

It's outrageous.

Just recently, your county council turned its collective head and allowed a Planning Board commissioner whose term was up to illegally stay on the board.

Did I already say, "It's outrageous?"

Outrageous, but true. Why was this illegal move allowed by the enablers on the council? So that the developer-beholden member could break multiple tie votes on controversial decisions that profit large developers at the expense of you, the citizen.

Will councilmembers refuse to leave office in 2010? I think you, the voter, will have something to say about that.

What this Planning Board was able to do, with this member staying on past his term, was to pass terribly-flawed master plans, approve poorly-designed projects for big developers, and forward new rules that devastate county public schools and the environment to their council buddies for approval.

Will they approve the new rules that will allow massive overdevelopment, crowd classrooms, and eliminate green space?

The Science City and White Flint Master Plans are environmental catastrophes and harbingers of total traffic Armageddon.

Why?

Because the developers and their puppets on the Board and Council are going right to the dessert of big profits for vacant buildings and campaign kickbacks in 2010. Meanwhile, they've avoided the vegetables on the plate - the infrastructure improvements that are essential to even somewhat handle the massive development they've ordered.

Witness the simply wacky I-270 corridor proposals. Here you have a highway that is in total gridlock, representing the utter and complete breakdown of our transportation system. A transportation system I rightly referred to in 2006 as "a national laughingstock." Because it is a national laughingstock. Thousands of articles have been written nationwide, and Americans everywhere know of our elected officials' failure to fulfill their basic obligations regarding transportation.

What is the plan for 270? Reduce - yes, reduce! - the number of lanes, add Lexus Lanes for the rich, and build the Corridor Cities Transitway. The CCT should be built when the funds are available, but not instead of making the needed improvements to the highway first, or simultaneously.

I've covered in a previous blog the serious flaw of the CCT, which is that the plan does not fit the geography of the Upcounty. If you live in Poolesville or Damascus, how do you get to your home once you disembark from the CCT? I rest my case.

So the CCT may help on the small scale, but it will not reduce traffic on 270.

Meanwhile, you're going to have all of those new cars going home around the Science City west of 270 clogging exit 6B on 270. The Johns Hopkins element of the plan is very positive, and we should welcome those new facilities. However, the mixed-use part is not ready for prime time.

Our planning process should forbid the approval of such a master plan when the transportation infrastructure is not in place. Period.

And yet, Dr. Yes & Co. have said, "Yes!" again.

Any truth to the rumor that Dr. Yes (Royce Hanson) will swoop in as a "surprise" Democratic candidate in 2010?

You heard it here first.

I have a new video from Celebrate Damascus for you this morning - it's the one where I'm getting hit by a piece of candy thrown from a parade vehicle. You will see it as if you were me; the difference is, I couldn't see it coming at the time.

There is also a new photo of a Montgomery County Police motorcycle at the parade.

Just go to www.RobertDyer.net to see both right now.

NO LEXUS LANES

ON I-270

The County Council is currently reviewing transportation improvements for the I-270 corridor. One specifically calls for the highway to have 2 toll lanes (a.k.a. Lexus Lanes, as they are only affordable to the rich on a daily basis) and 2 regular lanes.

Essentially, this proposal would reduce the highway by one lane at a time when it needs to be widened. It is already ridiculous enough to have one lane taken during rush hour by an HOV lane gimmick. Now they are going to take another lane, and gain revenue they can turn over to their developer buddies and the special interests.

It's outrageous.

No one should ever be charged to use the roads they have already paid for with their tax dollars.

CELEBRATE

DAMASCUS

FIREWORKS...

AND A

LIGHTSABER

DUEL?!

Another www.RobertDyer.net Exclusive!!

By popular demand, here it is: the exclusive video of a lightsaber duel that broke out during the fireworks display which concluded the July 10, 2009 Celebrate Damascus event.

Just click on the link to the Robert Dyer Channel on the menu at www.RobertDyer.net and watch this before you hear about it from someone else!

DAMASCUS HIGH

SCHOOL FFA

TOMATO PLANTS

PRODUCE TOMATOES

A www.RobertDyer.net Exclusive!

I have the latest update on the 2 tomato plants I bought back in May from the Damascus High School Future Farmers of America chapter plant sale in Mount Airy.

The tomatoes are out! Each one has two marble-sized green tomatoes on it. I was starting to worry about them, but I think July is when these were supposed to bear fruit. So they are on schedule so far.

If you remember, one is a Roma tomato plant and the other is an heirloom plant.

Stay tuned, and let's hope there will be red tomatoes in a few months.

Don't forget to visit www.RobertDyer.net to see the latest video and photos from the Celebrate Damascus parade and fireworks.

This morning, I have uploaded the Damascus Volunteer Fire Department video from the Celebrate Damascus parade.

You can also see the classic car nearly running me over at the end of the video - and I kept the cameras rolling and got my shot anyway. Now that's impressive.

Also, check out the new parade photos. All of this can be found at www.RobertDyer.net

CELEBRATE

DAMASCUS

Another www.RobertDyer.net Exclusive!!

This is the biggest weekend in the most All-American town in Montgomery County: Damascus. The annual Celebrate Damascus event began Friday evening, July 10, with the parade.



When I arrived in town, the parade was being lined up in the Damascus High School parking lot. Eventually, I found a great spot on the parade route on Lewis Drive. It's hard to tell in the photos and videos I took (which are now starting to appear on the Robert Dyer Channel, as well as my photos, which can both be found at www.robertdyer.net), but you can see my favorite landmark - the Damascus water tower - and the cell phone tower in the distance from this spot.



The one bad thing was the angry bee who was either very angry at me or found me quite appealing. Whatever the case, this bee (and, of course, angry bees are rarely bees - more likely hornets, yellowjackets, or killer bees) suddenly was after me. Was this a Swarmin' Hornet?



I don't know, but I kept the camera rolling, as you will eventually see when I upload that clip.



The parade route started at the high school and followed Route 27 to Lewis Drive. It ended near the American Legion building.



I did miss getting the high school marching band, and I apologize for that. Also, I did not get the honor guard, but managed to take a picture of them walking back from the American Legion.



It would have been nice to just record the whole thing, but I like to keep the videos reasonably short, so that everyone can enjoy them. Even if they don't have a fancy, high-speed internet connection.



If you liked tractors, you were in luck. There were several John Deere and Farmall tractors of various years. Speaking of John Deere, Gladhill Bros.' John Deere dealership was represented in the parade.



If you liked fire trucks, you were also in luck. Not only did the venerable Damascus Volunteer Fire Department participate, but so did the Laytonsville VFD and Mount Airy VFD, as well.



Classic car afficionados found many vintage American cars in the parade. Of course, the Cruise-in the following morning was a highlight for them. I forget what that other muscle car was, but it was a classic and I have it in one of my videos. So you will see that, eventually. There was a Corvette Stingray, and a red 1970s Pontiac Firebird (which you can see now on my photos page).



There were all kinds of community groups, and also many local businesses (or businesses that wished to appeal to the locals). Damascus is a very religious town relative to the rest of our county. The town's churches are greatly involved in community service not only within Damascus, but across the country and around the world. In the parade, I saw Damascus United Methodist Church and St. Paul's Catholic Church, and got those on video.



One of the great moments in the parade was when veterans of World War II, Iraq, and Vietnam passed by. Noticing that I was filming, the WWII veteran gave a salute, and you will see that when I upload it.



One of the strange moments was when a child on the back of a parade vehicle threw a piece of hard candy at me. It was thrown in a manner that was apparently supposed to hurt. Well, I seem to have survived. The problem was that I was looking at the screen on the camera, and never saw it coming. Suddenly, I felt a hard projectile hit me right in the stomach, and I was trying to figure out what was going on. This kid had no idea he had hit a Montgomery County elected official, but you are going to have a chance to watch that moment yourself soon in that particular clip.



At another point, when I was trying to film a fire vehicle, a classic car turned out of the parade and slowly drove towards me. The driver evidently wanted to enter the driveway I was standing in, and couldn't wait. I managed to sidestep the car, all while keeping the camera on the fire truck.



But I didn't let these things get in the way of enjoying the parade, and I am glad I was able to capture much of it for your enjoyment, as well.



Later, the fireworks display was held near the American Legion. But I was in a good spot in the parking lot of the Weis Markets grocery store. Most people who were lining the parade route along Route 27 kept their good seats for the fireworks display. I've uploaded the first part of the fireworks display to the Robert Dyer Channel so you have a good seat, too.



You can see and hear some of the crowd on the hill in front of me. It was interesting that the Damascus VFD went out on an emergency call after the parade, and passed right in front of those of us at the Weis Markets. People were also cheering the 18-wheelers that passed by on 27, including 2 that came out of the Weis Markets. That was another bonus at that location: lots of Weis truck activity that evening. One headed north on 27, and then turned on to Main Street and back on to northbound 27. It must have been headed to either the Weis Markets in Mount Airy, or to I-70. Weis is based in Pennsylvania.



During the wait, someone set up a lemonade stand at the shopping center entrance. Later, an enterprising lightsaber salesman worked the roadside on 27. Two new owners of the Jedi weapons proceeded to have a duel while my camera was rolling. I don't even have the Lucasfilm budget.



Eventually the fireworks show ended, but the weekend was just beginning with the car show, Damascus VFD open house, Damascus UMC flea market, and much more the next day.



Stay tuned to RobertDyer.net for all of the photos and videos you could want and more from the 2009 Celebrate Damascus event!

CELEBRATE

DAMASCUS

Parade and Fireworks Photos and Videos

Will Begin Uploading Soon

Prepare yourself for an extravaganza of Celebrate Damascus coverage on www.RobertDyer.net!

I was at the event last night, and if you weren't, I have just about everything you would want to see on video. It will be just like being there.

There is so much video that the battery was drained. Which has delayed the uploads, because I have to recharge it in order to transfer the files. But not to worry, you will have it for your enjoyment very soon. As well as the whole story here on the blog.

You're going to see fireworks, tractors, classic cars, fire equipment, a lightsaber duel (I'm not joking), me getting drilled in the abs with a piece of candy thrown from a parade vehicle (still not joking), a classic car trying to run me over, and me being chased by a killer bee. All from a first person perspective, as I was filming at the time all of these things happened.

I did manage to survive, and you won't find the video and photos I have on any other local media website.

FIRST LOCUST

OF SUMMER

HEARD

YESTERDAY

The locusts, or cicadas, are out in Bethesda. Do they come out earlier in rural areas like Poolesville, Damascus, or Barnesville? Are they out in your part of the county? Post your locust reports here as a comment.

And don't forget to visit the Robert Dyer Channel today at www.RobertDyer.net, where I have uploaded the fourth and final part of the exclusive fireworks video.

PART 3 OF

FIREWORKS

VIDEO NOW

BROADCASTING

ON

www.RobertDyer.net

More exclusive video from the Kenwood Golf and Country Club's fireworks show can be watched on the Robert Dyer Channel this morning.

NEW FIREWORKS

VIDEO!

Another www.RobertDyer.net Exclusive!!

Part 2 of the fireworks display from the Kenwood Golf and Country Club in Bethesda is available to watch on the Robert Dyer Channel at www.RobertDyer.net.

Don't forget to watch Part 1 if you missed it over the weekend.

EXCLUSIVE

FIREWORKS VIDEO

FROM KENWOOD

COUNTRY CLUB!

Another www.RobertDyer.net Exclusive!!

Watch Part 1 of this exclusive video recorded last night outside of the Kenwood Golf and Country Club in Bethesda.

Visit www.RobertDyer.net and click on the Robert Dyer Channel link right now.

Happy 4th of July!

HAPPY 4th OF JULY

WEEKEND FROM

RobertDyer.net!

But the weekend is just beginning, and there will be lots of new 4th of July coverage here and on the Robert Dyer Channel at www.RobertDyer.net!

ANGUS BURGER UPDATE:

I've done a second round of testing on the new McDonald's Angus Burgers this week, and there is some news to report:

First, the Mushroom & Swiss has an additional ingredient that was not on the first one I received. It is an essentially flavorless white dressing. It has no scent, either. I have no idea what it is, but now that I have gotten 2 sandwiches with this added condiment, it is apparently an actual ingredient. Despite its lack of flavor, it does seem to add something to the sandwich when combined with the other ingredients.

Second, it turns out that the upscale pickle slices and onions are supposed to be on the Bacon & Cheese version. This really improved the sandwich.

GEORGETOWN

CUPCAKE TO

OPEN IN DOWNTOWN

BETHESDA

Cover your ears again, George Leventhal! Another forbidden food is coming to downtown Bethesda this year: Cupcakes. That's right, the all-American cupcake - formerly the dessert of choice at school birthday parties... ...until the Democratic Party became the Food Police and Fun Police.

Apparently, even our far-reaching Food and Fun Police on the County Council cannot stop all-American greasy burgers and fries (Five Guys), nor cupcakes (Georgetown Cupcake) from being sold in downtown Bethesda.

Have you watched the latest programming on the Robert Dyer Channel? The Angus Burger Unboxing has a lot of hits, but you've missed out on Westbard, Episode 6: Giant Truck; Damascus, Episode 9: Damascus Recreation Center; Ride On Bus 29; and 2 videos of Carroll Creek in Frederick.

So hurry to http://www.robertdyer.net/ to watch them now!

EDUCATION

IS NOT A

"BUSINESS"

I have to disagree with Jay Mathews' argument that schools are businesses going through tough times like the newspaper industry.

Mathews made this assertion in a Washington Post column on the situation at Baltimore's KIPP Ujima Village Academy. Ujima Village is one of the highest performing schools in Baltimore, and is a majority-black charter school. Now of course, there are all kinds of arguments about the KIPP program nationwide. Some believe that those scores are inflated by keeping the school's population limited to the best students.

But right now, I'm just talking about his offhand comment regarding schools as businesses. Especially when we have an education crisis, and a minority achievement gap nationwide.

In education, a product is not being produced for profit. Instead, human beings are being given the tools and opportunities to advance themselves in life. We all know that success in America also involves luck, who you know, etc. But a good education gives everyone a chance if they have the determination and are willing to work. We have to control costs and have a fiscally responsible budget. But we can't take the position that schools are a place to cut big when our politicians have mismanaged the county budget. There is plenty of other wasteful spending to eliminate elsewhere. Yet our county council took $80 million away from schools this year, in defiance of state law.

Often today, the scope of education goes beyond the classroom. The Montgomery County Public Schools program to provide free meals to disadvantaged children this summer is an example. Many students in the county are not even receiving the nutrition they need to be successful in school. This and other early childhood education programs will reduce the number of those living in poverty, the number of juveniles in our criminal justice system, and increase the number of Americans attending college.

Proper nutrition, free access to internet resources from home, more assistance to parents who wish to home school their children and other initiatives will help to close the gap. Searching for profits, or charging kids for the budgetary failures of the county council, will not.

NO WAY,

KEMOSABE...

Johnny Depp as Tonto in

Lone Ranger Movie?!?!!!

I read in USA Today that Johnny Depp is going to play the Lone Ranger's sidekick, Tonto, in a new movie. If true, that is ridiculous!!

The Lone Ranger was one of my childhood heroes, so I am not pleased to hear about inaccurate casting like this. Tonto, of course, was a Native American. What "updates" do they have planned for the Lone Ranger himself? That would be tampering with an American hero. Something that Hollywood and comic book publishers have enjoyed doing in recent years.

As Bob Dole would say, "where's the outrage?"

Are Native Americans going to embrace a white man as Tonto? (Yes, I know that Depp is claiming a fraction of Cherokee heritage, according to the newspaper - but he appears as Cherokee as Chevy Chase did "Comanche indian.")

This sort of thing happens in Hollywood all too frequently because TV and movies do not cast Latinos or Native Americans in many starring roles.

Is Hollywood saying that there is no Native American actor who can play Tonto? Don't young Native Americans - many of whom grow up in difficult environments on reservations - deserve to have a hero onscreen? Especially when the character was a hero on the screen already?

How is it that we claim on the one hand to be making progress on race relations, when on the other hand, our self-proclaimed "morally-superior" Hollywood liberals are casting a white man as Tonto?

That was your cue, Mr. Palance....

Johnny Depp as Tonto.

"Believe it... or not!"

FIVE GUYS

TO OPEN ON

BETHESDA ROW

Are Damascus and Poolesville Next?

I've just heard that a new Five Guys restaurant will be opening on Bethesda Avenue this year. Perhaps those areas which have gone without for many years - such as Bethesda, Damascus, and Poolesville - will finally have a Five Guys location.

While you're waiting, you can see the Carroll Creek location of Five Guys in the video on the Robert Dyer Channel at www.RobertDyer.net.

DR. YES & COUNCIL

SAY "YES!" TO

BETHESDA SCHOOL

FUNDS; "NO!" TO

UPCOUNTY SCHOOLS

It is Dr. Yes' natural response to say, "YES!" to developers - and predictably, he's done it again. I'm following a two-track power grab by the developer-beholden County Council and Planning Board.

On the Planning Board side, the law makes clear that a development moratorium must be imposed when schools reach a certain level of overcrowding. That was not convenient for a developer with a project going forward in downtown Bethesda. So Dr. Yes (a.k.a. Royce Hanson) and other developer allies on the Board have rushed to approve that questionable project - without regard for the design or the impact on Bethesda ES and other schools.

It seems that Amy Presley, one of 2 members to vote "NO" on that, is the only objective member of the board. Former delegate and fellow Republican Jean Cryor does offer much hand-wringing, but virtually always goes ahead and votes with Dr. Yes and the developers.

We hear all of this doublespeak from Dr. Yes and Rollin Stanley, but the results going forward are clear: our current officials have no intention of making substantive road and highway improvements, have no regard for the quality of education nor the environmental conditions in our school buildings, and have set a mad course for radical infill overdevelopment countywide.

Meanwhile, councilmembers Nancy Floreen (D - at Large), Mike Knapp (D - Upcounty), and Marc Elrich (Marc Elrich - helping developers?!) (D - at Large) are planning to wave a magic wand and generate generous new funds for Bethesda school construction.

Improvements to recently-built schools in wealthy areas would then take precedence over improvements to old buildings in Gaithersburg, Damascus, and Silver Spring, for example.

And the goal of these councilmembers is to ignore the law and lift the moratorium in Bethesda, not the one in Clarksburg - putting councilmember Knapp in the position of betraying not only the schoolchildren in his own district, but residential development and business interests in the Upcounty, as well.

What does this mean in the most basic sense?

It means that older schools, such as those in the Damascus cluster, will not receive emergency funds while new schools in Bethesda will. Those schools - Damascus ES, Baker MS, and Damascus HS - all have specific facility needs which have been delayed for "lack of funds." Yet, we are to believe that funds can magically appear for Bethesda school improvements?

But it also reveals again what I said in 2006: the school population estimates have been set too low. Here in Bethesda, Woodacres ES will install its sixth portable this fall. And that is a brand new school, built a few years ago.

Same for Bethesda ES and the renovated Westland MS. Schools which could have been built larger.

Biased reporters laughed off my comments at the time, but look like fools now.

It's outrageous.

EXCLUSIVE

REVIEWS OF

MUSHROOM & SWISS,

BACON & CHEESE

MCDONALD'S

ANGUS BURGERS

Another www.RobertDyer.net Exclusive!!

As you read here earlier this week, the McDonald's Angus Burger has arrived in Montgomery County.

Now that I have had a chance to try the other 2 Angus Burgers, here are my thoughts:

Having eaten one of each, so far I think the Mushroom & Swiss version is the best Angus Burger. The similarities of the Deluxe version to the existing Big & Tasty can make the Angus Burger seem more familiar. Like a more upscale Big & Tasty, so to speak.

The Mushroom & Swiss version seems like it was designed specifically for the Angus hamburger. It has only the burger, 2 slices of Swiss cheese, and plenty of mushrooms, along with a hint of a sauce for the mushrooms. Not only is this the best combination of the 3, but - for the reason mentioned at the start of this paragraph - it emphasizes the unique flavor of the 100% Angus beef burger.

You can more easily tell that this is a superior burger to the Big & Tasty. This one was also juicier than the Deluxe, but cooked all the way through.

The Bacon & Cheese could have been the return of the McJordan (anyone remember the Michael Jordan sandwich of the '90s?). All it would need is the McJordan barbeque sauce.

Instead, this has the Angus Burger, 2 bacon strips, ketchup (not Michael Jordan's BBQ sauce!!), mustard, and... wait a minute... the regular McDonald's pickle slices and onions. Instead of the more upscale pickles and onions I received on my Deluxe Angus Burger! Was this just a mistake, or is that what they meant to put on the Bacon & Cheese version? I won't know until I've ordered them all a few times. But it would seem a better branding strategy to use the same ingredients across the Angus Burger line. So I'm subtracting a star for the lack of premium ingredients on the Bacon & Cheese version.

Bacon strips were limp and tough to chew. It may be a personal preference, but I like my bacon crispy. The Angus Burger wasn't quite as juicy, but still more flavor than the Deluxe, and well done.

I can summarize by saying that if you want to get the best impression of the Angus Burger, order the Mushroom & Swiss first. I'm usually a Deluxe (mayonnaise, [real] onions, pickles) kind of guy, so I'm surprised that the Deluxe wasn't the best of the 3.

Final scores for this first round of testing:

Angus Burger Deluxe: ****
Angus Burger Mushroom & Swiss: *****
Angus Burger Bacon & Cheese: ***

I know my readers in Damascus are getting a bit impatient; so don't worry, I have a new Episode of Damascus on the Robert Dyer Channel for you this morning. And, as a bonus, a photo update on the Damascus High School FFA tomato plants I bought last month. So go to www.RobertDyer.net right now!

OMG!

WASHINGTON POST

COPIES USA TODAY

GOSSIP GIRL

FEATURE

Another www.RobertDyer.net Exclusive!!

We know that the Washington Post is running low on original ideas (and pages per copy!). But now they've resorted to reprinting material from other newspapers the next day.

Tuesday's USA Today Life section had a chart comparing Gossip Girl with new reality show NYC Prep.

24 hours later, the Post printed a similar comparison chart, with some of the same categories, and even some of the same quotes from the program NYC Prep.

The Post gave the byline to its self-described "Gossip Girl correspondent" Emily Yahr. (Let's get this straight: The Post has fired all of its copy editors [or at least it seems that way from all the errors printed each day], many editors, and apparently cannot afford to hire a reporter who will cover the full spectrum of opinions and political developments in Montgomery County... ...and yet it can afford to employ a "Gossip Girl correspondent?").

I guess reprinting features from USA Today is what that Post editor meant when he told me they want only "fresh content" for their newspaper.

TTYL

ANGUS BURGER

HAS ARRIVED!

A www.RobertDyer.net Exclusive!!

Close your ears, George Leventhal! The McDonald's Angus Burger has landed in Montgomery County. It is a full 1/3 pound of 100% Angus beef.

The signs went up over the weekend at my neighborhood McDonald's, with a "Coming Soon" note taped over them.

But last night, after years of waiting, I finally got my hands on a Deluxe Angus Burger. I definitely earned it, after a long night at Republican headquarters. Where I was "doing the business the People elected me to do," as Bill Clinton once said. We pretty much were appointing new members to about half of the Central Committee, it seemed like.

So after I brought it home, I opened the box. You can watch the exclusive video of this on the Robert Dyer Channel at www.RobertDyer.net! You can also see a photo of the Angus Burger there, too.

Now it was finally time to eat the sandwich, after years of testing, rumors, hype, and speculation.

This was the Deluxe version; you can also get Bacon & Cheese or Mushrooms & Swiss.

The Deluxe has one 1/3 pound Angus burger, 2 slices of American cheese, a tomato slice, pickles, onions, lettuce, and mayonaisse.

I guess you have to consider the burger first, as it is the star of the show here. It is a big burger, but not the world's biggest. There is plenty of Angus beef flavor. It is not all that different from the Big & Tasty, except in size. Overall, it is a good-tasting burger, although a little tough for a gourmet burger.

The pickles and onions, as well as the bun, are the most upscale elements. These pickles and onions are more like the ones President Barack Obama has on his upscale burgers, than the ones you usually find at McDonald's.

What does that mean? It means that the dill pickle slices are crinkle cut, and a bit crispier than the usual flat pickle slices. The onions are red instead of plain white.

The bun is upscale, but not sweet like the recent chicken sandwiches' buns. It is toasted with sesame seeds, and tastes very fresh. As do the other ingredients in the Deluxe Angus Burger.

Mayonaisse is mayonaisse. The cheese, tomato, and lettuce are virtually the same as you find on the other McDonald's sandwiches.

My verdict is that it could have been even better, if every ingredient was upscale. I also wonder if the Deluxe version will battle it out with the Big & Tasty, which is quite similar.

But overall, I enjoyed the Deluxe Angus Burger, and look forward to trying the other two flavors.

All of the tractor photos are finally uploaded now at www.RobertDyer.net.

Be sure to visit www.RobertDyer.net to see the final photos from the Montgomery County Gas & Steam Engine show. And a new video featuring the Ride On 29 bus in Bethesda.

COUNTY COUNCIL,

NON-PROFIT

STILL CANNOT

ACCOUNT

FOR

MISSING

TAXPAYER FUNDS

$900,000+ of Taxpayer Funds Missing in Weird

Web of Conflicts of Interest & Mismanagement (or Worse)

Capital Properties' Westbard Lobbying Firm COO

Embroiled in Centro Familia Investigation

The Washington Post and county Inspector General are certainly taking their time investigating what happened to over $900,000 of taxpayer funds gifted to non-profit Centro Familia by your County Council.

As I said when this came up a few months back, don't you think the average citizen would be in some major trouble if they couldn't account for $900,000 in public funds? So what is taking so long to get answers in an age when senior citizens are thrown out of foreclosed homes onto the street on short notice?

According to the Post story, a whopping $450,000 of Centro Familia's $700,000 is county taxpayer funds from the council. That's more than half!

We often hear - just the other night on Channel 6, in fact - that we need to fund non-profits in order to save money in the county budget.

Now, that is absolutely true.

However, that theory is absolutely not true when a) the non-profit is a partisan political actor, and b) the non-profit is providing its services with taxpayer monies exceeding what it would cost the county to provide those same services directly.

You could argue that Centro Familia is guilty of "b."

Again, according to the Post, Centro Familia provides "an early childhood program to about 30 preschoolers." Okay. I'm all in favor of that. In fact, I was recognized by the director of a local early childhood education for my proposals in that area during the 2006 campaign. It is also of special importance to have these programs for very young citizens whose parents' first language is not English. They often have neither the environment conducive to learning, nor even the meeting of basic nutritional needs, that most county children have at home.

But would it cost $750,000 a year (or even the $450,000 per year given by the county) to provide an early childhood program for 30 (30!) children?

I daresay, no.

It also says they have trained over 300 in-home child care providers for children. But that doesn't add up either.

So why is the county council spending your money so freely on Centro Familia?

The Westbard Connection

You may remember I broke the story last year that Capital Properties (now owner of most of Westbard) had hired lobbyists from the firm of Lerch, Early & Brewer to - what else? - lobby the county council to do the bidding of Capital Properties on Westbard.

According to the Washington Post, Lerch, Early & Brewer's Chief Operating Officer is also Chairman of the Centro Familia board. And as such, is mentioned in regards to - and quoted on - this mystery of the vanishing public funds.

This County Council has Zero Fiscal Responsibility

If you run into your local councilmember, you might just want to ask him or her why he or she is giving away your tax dollars with no accountability whatsoever.

For services they could provide directly for less!

And ask them about the portion of that $900,000 that went to "activities 'outside the country.'"

What's that about? What's going on here? Councilmembers?

And where do representatives or employees of Centro Familia "travel" at taxpayer expense?

Gee whiz, I'd like to do some traveling myself! How about giving us citizens a free vacation, councilmembers?

Apparently, the council keeps funding the organization without even examining or requesting the appropriate documentation for the expenditures!

We need fiscal responsibility! And that's going to be the voter's responsibility in 2010, at the county and state levels.

Let us keep that money so we can take vacations this summer.

It is the first day of summer, after all.

INCOMPETENCE

WITHOUT

CONSEQUENCES

New County Budget Method: "Punish the Kids"

County Council Cuts $79.5 Million from

Public Schools; Washington Post Applauds,

Endorses Council's "Inspired" Budget Disaster

Leventhal on Charging Schools for Council's

Budget Mistakes:

Let's Do This Again in the Future!

Can a county executive and council run the county's budget into the ground, take COLAs and step increases from teachers and public safety employees, take away senior citizens' dentures (I'm not making that up), slash education by $79.5 million dollars...

...and avoid media criticism, public outrage, and possibly civil unrest, in a county supposedly obsessed with services and public schools?

The answer, so far, is apparently "Yes!"

Witness yesterday's bizarre editorial in the Washington Post.

After defying state law which requires the county to maintain a minimum level of education funding, the county council then turned around and charged MCPS $79.5 million dollars. Essentially, the council and executive decided to "punish the kids" for their own fiscal incompetence (kind of like how they tried to punish disabled police officers earlier this year).

Over a barrel, Superintendent Jerry Weast agreed to a one-time deal of this sort. This was probably a mistake, in light of the state mandate.

But realizing what a boon this could be, to move school funds over for general kickbacks to political allies and developers, the council soon backed away from the original deal.

In fact, member George Leventhal (D - At Large) was quoted in the Gazette days ago on his enthusiasm for repeating the "punish the kids" practice in future budgets.

The Post's response to the council's disgraceful actions?

The Post says derelict councilmembers should take "justified pride" in their final budget. You know, the one that not only introduced this new "punish the kids" budget method; but also the one that cut compensation for teachers, police, and firefighters.

"Justified pride?!" As Bill Clinton would say, "Give me a break."

Of course, in making such a shady budget move, the council has now risked not only Wall Street's wrath, but a $40 million fine from the state.

You would think that such hubris, such brash disregard for the law and the welfare of the children of Montgomery County, would bring about a tragic end. Schools would lose not only the $79.5 million, but then the county would take another $40 million blow.

And then, you would also think, there would be heck to pay for the county council among parents, the media, and eventually, the voters.

But the Post thunders, Don't you dare punish our county council! in so many words. The Post attempts to shift blame to Dr. Weast, stating that he is "grandstanding," taking "jabs at the council," and "feuding" with our hard-working councilmembers - the same councilmembers that just ran the county into the ground!

In truth, you could argue that Dr. Weast has actually accomplished some things over the last 3 years, unlike our "justifably proud," do-nothing council.

The Post subtly endorses the "punish the kids" accounting method, mainly by stating that the council "didn't want to limit future options." "Punish the kids" is a future option, according to the liberal Washington Post.

As long as there is more money for the developers, special interests, partisan non-profits, and political allies, the Post and assorted Chambers and Boards will heartily endorse our council's "Punish the Kids" budget method.

It's outrageous.

The state board of education should absolutely hold the council accountable, so that their hubris and self-serving contempt for the law - and the residents of Montgomery County - can be known to all.

And shame on the Post for another despicable display of politics-as-usual.

I have a new video from Carroll Creek in downtown Frederick for you this morning on the Robert Dyer Channel. If you wondered whether or not the water is really moving in the creek, you will know for sure after watching this video.

The rest of the many tractor photos from the April Montgomery County Gas & Steam Engine show are finally going up as well. Today you will find a picture of a great open cab John Deere tractor.

So visit www.RobertDyer.net right now!

I-270:

MONTGOMERY COUNTY

ELECTED OFFICIALS

COMPLETELY

OUT OF TOUCH

WITH REALITY

If you believe the Montgomery County Councilmembers quoted in yesterday's Washington Post, a new rapid bus or light rail transitway will solve gridlock on Interstate 270.

I just fundamentally disagree.

First of all, you have to actually drive up 270 in the late afternoon. And try it again now, because the congestion I've encountered on 270 and 355 over the last 45 days is beyond anything I have witnessed before.

What is causing the delays? First of all, volume of traffic has increased - and will continue to increase, in contrast to the Gazette letter writer's opinion this week.

But frankly, it's also highly suspicious. You keep waiting (and I mean waiting!) to find out what it is up ahead that everyone is stopping for. A lot of cars are just going real slow. When a light finally does turns green, some people seem to take their time starting forward. What are you driving 25 or 30 MPH on 355 for?! What are you waiting for?

You think there must be a terrible accident ahead, but mile after crawling mile, there is absolutely no obstruction. Except for the lights, which are intentionally mistimed by the county. You literally stop at every block.

Ultimately, their goal is to convince you that gridlock is inevitable and you must relinquish your automobile to Big Government. And pay higher gas taxes! Big Government even wants to install a GPS in your car to monitor your location and mileage - and then tax you on that basis. Somebody get George Orwell on the phone.

The truth is, both 270 and 355 need to be widened. This has become an absolute crisis where it used to be just a major inconvenience.

Importantly, the new lanes must be free to use by all of the taxpayers who pay to have them constructed. No toll lanes! And unlike 355, there simply may not be enough room for transit lanes on 270.

Why does a mass transit proponent like myself feel that transit is not the solution on 270? It's very simple. Unlike downtown D.C. or even the downcounty, the infrastructure does not exist to conveniently get home once you disembark from transit at the CCT station. If you live in Damascus, for example, how would you realistically get home? Most of the upcounty is dependent on the automobile. And retaining the rural areas' character precludes many urban transit options.

What's embarrassing is that our county executive and council just drastically cut many of the few bus route schedules available in the upcounty.

That's not only hypocritical, but also proves my point: the powers-that-be are trying to fool you about the CCT's potential. It should be built, but it will not solve 270 or 355 gridlock. They are simply trying to grease the wheels for their developer buddies to build wider and higher beyond Shady Grove.

We need new leadership that will put fiscal responsibility first, by recognizing that we have failed to put federal, state, and county funds where the highest priority is: widening 270 and 355.

EXCLUSIVE

DIGITAL TV

UPDATE!

Another www.RobertDyer.net Exclusive!

Here is the latest from my TV testers across Montgomery County:

Viewer A - Digital television is still receiving all channels, but the Retro TV channel went out yesterday.

Viewer B - Still struggling with old TV and converter box.

Viewer C - If you remember, Viewer C has a digital TV like Viewer A, but could not receive channels 4, 20, 22, 26, 32, or 50. Viewer C reports no improvement either; in fact, now Channel 5 has disappeared as well! (But returned hours later).

Still don't believe you've been had? Well, you probably have digital cable or satellite connected to every TV in your home.

But if you're part of the audience that doesn't, enjoy these headlines from the Land of Greed:

The electronics industry predicts that, as a direct result of the digital TV transition, 25% of homes in the United States will purchase a new, digital TV this year.

The cable industry projects a huge increase in subscriptions to basic cable service over the next 4 years. Basic cable just happens to be the logical step up from a broadcast TV gone dark.



Don't forget to check out the new photos from the ice cream social, and the latest videos on the Robert Dyer Channel at www.RobertDyer.net!

By the time you read this, there should be a new video of Carroll Creek in downtown Frederick on the Robert Dyer Channel. And a new, exclusive photo from last month's Ice Cream Social. So go to www.RobertDyer.net right now!

THE REAL STORY

OF

DIGITAL TV IN

MONTGOMERY COUNTY

Another www.RobertDyer.net Exclusive!!!

You've heard the official press releases, statements, and echoes of those in the Washington Post and on the tv news. "Digital TV turnover goes smoothly... ...off without a hitch ...smooth ...a few hundred complaints."

Now, with my random sample of [former] broadcast tv viewers, RobertDyer.net will bring you the real story from inside 3 homes across Montgomery County. It could have been much worse, but the change was not as "smooth" as the tv anchorpeople are telling you.

Viewer A had a tv with digital tuner, and reported having difficulty receiving channels 20 and 50. After adjusting the (costly additional) antenna, those channels are now being picked up by the TV.

Viewer B had an old tv, and bought one of those wonderful converter boxes that Big Government has been telling you about all year. That box produced poor reception and a constant buzzing sound on all channels, Viewer B reports. A different antenna may be needed.

Viewer C, like Viewer A, had a digital tv, but cannot pick up channels 4, 20, 22, 26, 32, or 50. However, the other channels received have a good picture quality and sound, Viewer C reports. Viewer C may solve the problem with some of the tedious antenna adjustments such as Viewer A went through.

We'll check back in with Viewers B & C to find out what progress they've made later in the week.

Meanwhile, your elected officials in the county did absolutely nothing to stop this absurd switchover. They did a good job of parroting the official line, when the FCC knew all along that the new tvs, tuners, and antennas are very difficult to work with. And that some homes are located in spots that will never receive a good digital signal, under any circumstances.

Can you imagine what an isolated elderly person is going through in this situation? Obviously, our congresspeople either can't, or just don't care. But then again, we have a county government that literally took the dentures away from some senior citizens in the recent budget "cuts." (I'm not making this up). So perhaps we shouldn't be surprised.

Many of the stories about tvs going dark in remote areas, or in non-English speaking communities, will never be told. That's because the media is simply not going to cover those stories. They are so good at that here in the Washington area! The fact is, the Great TV Shut-off has created a small-scale public safety danger. A good number of people are now unable to receive severe weather warnings or emergency bulletins.

Worst of all, those losing channels are not just the vulnerable citizens who were hit hardest - the elderly, the poor, and immigrant communities. But just the average citizens who have a lot of now-useless tvs, or now-poorly working tvs. And the cost of these new antennas, and the time to get them working, was kept quiet all along by the government and media. It's a disgrace.

And it's brought to you by the monopoly cable companies and their friends in Rockville, Annapolis, and Washington - the politicians who get the fat checks from Comcast while allowing their monopoly practices and poor customer service to continue (such as forcing upgrades by moving channels to digital-only). They voted to make this changeover possible.

It's outrageous.

I have a new video for you - of a fire truck returning to the fire station on Old Georgetown Road in Bethesda. Watch it on the Robert Dyer Channel now at www.RobertDyer.net. I apologize for the fact that the video is a bit dark, much darker than it appears on my camera. But the flashing lights are going on the truck, and you can see the electronic sign in front of the station.

FULL

"DISCLOSURE:"

WASHINGTON POST

FAILS TO DISCLOSE

FINANCIAL INTERESTS

IN

"SCREEN ON GREEN"

EDITORIAL

Another www.RobertDyer.net EXCLUSIVE!!!

Today I'm giving you a bonus blog entry, because the computer ate my homework (blog entry) yesterday.

But first, let's get right to the breaking news... another ethical violation by our good friends at the Washington Post editorial board.

Yesterday's Post had a featured editorial touting the success of the Facebook group that mobilized support to restore the cancelled "Screen on the Green" outdoor movies on the Mall.

It liberally (pun intended) made numerous mentions of "HBO," "Comcast," and "Facebook" throughout the editorial. All references were in a positive light.

Wonderful human interest story, right?

As Donald Rumsfeld would say... "Wrong!"

At the most basic level, what is the need for a full editorial that tells us no more than the story already published days ago did?

Knowing the ethical history of the Post, you've probably guessed there's more to the story.

And it's a story that only RobertDyer.net can bring you! Because once again, only RobertDyer.net is holding the Post accountable for its ethical lapses.

Here's what the Post editorial writer failed to disclose to you:

The Washington Post has a financial relationship with HBO. It has a financial interest in cable television. The Post has a financial relationship with Comcast, the company that broadcasts - and supplies national B-list celebrity guests for - a laughable, daily Washington Post "sports" program. And the Post's Donald Graham is a member of the Facebook board.

These editors are really clever, aren't they? More free advertising and advertorials for business partners of The Washington Post.

CHESTNUT LODGE:

WHODUNNIT???

The possible arson of Chestnut Lodge in Rockville is one of the great mysteries in recent times.

You can help in the investigation by offering tips at

http://mcfrs.blogspot.com/2009/06/chestnut-lodge-fire-information-needed.html

You can also call the Arson Tip Line at 240-777-2263

LAST PAY PHONE

IN THE STATE

OF

MARYLAND

I have a special episode of the Damascus series for you this morning on the Robert Dyer Channel at www.RobertDyer.net. There was a rare object in front of Damascus High School - a pay phone. And now it's... gone!

What happened? It was strange enough to discover a pay phone, but what are the chances that Verizon would remove it soon afterward?

See the phone for yourself right now in Damascus, Episode 8 on the Robert Dyer Channel!

MASS (TRANSIT)

HYPOCRISY

I have a new video for you this morning on the Robert Dyer Channel at www.RobertDyer.net. It is a new episode of the ongoing Westbard series, featuring Ride On bus #23.

Bus 23 travels from Sibley Hospital to the Friendship Heights Metro station via Sangamore Road, Massachusetts Avenue, and yes, Westbard. It is an easy way to access Metrorail from those areas.

But did you know that the neighborhoods along the southern part of River Road (outside the D.C. line) have no bus to downtown Bethesda?

I've been talking about this since I was running for office in 2006. In fact, I've spoken directly to several elected officials, including Ike Leggett, about the need for an express bus to downtown Bethesda to serve Kenwood and Springfield. Of course one could go to Friendship Heights and take the Red Line to Bethesda Metro Center. But why demand citizens take the extra time and expense if Big Government is supposedly encouraging us to use mass transit?

It is hypocrisy of the highest order, and I thought I would take the occasion of this new Ride On video to update you on this situation: There has been no progress whatsoever.

We'll only have a modern transportation system - and gridlock-free roads for the majority of residents who use automobiles - when we elect the right people in 2010.

DISABLED

BASKETBALL

PLAYER

RECRUITED BY

MAAC TEAM

Here is a positive story to start the week:

http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/basketball/news?slug=jn-laue060509&prov=yhoo&type=lgns

This is a remarkable story for 2 reasons: First, it shows again how "disabled" athletes can be just as good as "able-bodied" players. Second, it emphasizes how so many people can be inspired and benefit from one disabled athlete being given a fair chance to play. It is a lesson about equal opportunities that goes beyond the world of athletics.

EXCLUSIVE

NEWT GINGRICH

VIDEO

You can watch an exclusive excerpt from Newt Gingrich's speech at last night's Maryland Republican Party Red, White and Blue Dinner now on the Robert Dyer Channel at www.RobertDyer.net.

WESTERN MARYLAND

RAILROAD BRIDGE &

TUNNEL PHOTO

UPDATE

I have some more information about the photo I uploaded a few days ago to "Robert's Photos" at www.RobertDyer.net.

Using a map in the newest issue of Trains magazine, I have a better idea of what the 2 tracks are in this photo. I believe the upper track is the former WM route from Hagerstown to Baltimore, now owned by CSX. This is the track that WM engine 202 (see my Hagerstown Railroad Museum photo set for shots of train 202) traveled daily for 40 years.

The lower track may be former WM (now also CSX) route from Hagerstown to Brunswick, MD.

According to Trains magazine, in 1973 these routes were owned by the Chessie System. (C&O bought B&O, then became Chessie System, and later CSX). The Baltimore route passes through Emory Grove, MD, and carried 1-4.9 million gross tons in 1973. It operated under Centralized Traffic Control in that year, and had a fork going to Hanover and York, PA.

The Brunswick route carried less than 1 million gross tons of traffic in 1973. It was classified as "Dark Territory," in terms of train control.

Fascinating information, but I still may have it all wrong if those aren't the routes in my photo. So post a comment on that photo if you know what we're looking at in City Park in downtown Hagerstown.

BOB EHRLICH

FOR GOVERNOR?

I'm not aware of any potential challenger who could beat Bob Ehrlich in the primary, if he decides to run. At the most fundamental level, he is one of the few established Republicans who projects an aura of leadership, optimism, and confidence.

For the historical record, he is the only Maryland governor who signed a substantive measure to improve the health of the Chesapeake Bay. He didn't set a fake goal that would come due after his reelection, like O'Malley just did. He just got the job done without a whole lot of theatrics.

Who were the great environmentalists in Maryland history? Republicans. Gude. Mathias. Gleason. And Ehrlich. He has a new website, if you haven't visited yet:

http://www.bobehrlich.com/

And what about the rumor of Kendel Ehrlich's interest in the vacant State Senate seat? Isn't it a no-brainer that she should be appointed?

I can't believe there is any question about the appointment if it is true she is in the running. She would be a formidable future candidate for higher office. If someone else were appointed, that would be a self-inflicted disaster for the Republican Party. Kind of like how we had several promising candidates for president, who all mysteriously were knocked out. And then John McCain mysteriously surged to the front Bob Dole Style. We did get a future president out of the deal in Sarah Palin, but let's not damage ourselves at the state level by making the wrong appointment in the State Senate.

Lots of new photos, and a new episode of Westbard: The Last Stand (on the Robert Dyer Channel) have been uploaded to www.RobertDyer.net.

FIRST FIREFLY

OF

SUMMER

The first firefly was spotted on Searl Terrace last night.

WALK FOR

BRITTANY JONES

AT

DAMASCUS H.S.

Walk-a-thon Raised Funds to Cover Medical

Expenses for Damascus Crash Survivor

Another www.robertdyer.net Exclusive!

Last week, on my way to Mt. Airy, I saw an announcement on the electronic sign in front of Damascus High School. It said there would be a fundraiser - "Walk for Brittany Jones" - at the school on May 27.

You may remember the horrific auto accident last fall, in which Damascus H.S. student Ryan Didone was killed and several others were seriously injured. One of those survivors is Damascus sophomore Brittany Jones. She has made a tremendous effort toward a full recovery, but her insurance company is refusing to pay for the 6 weekly rehabilitation sessions she needs to complete her recovery by the end of 2009.

That is where we are able to assist her and her family by donating to the medical fund established to cover those costs. Once again, it is not our health care system which is flawed, but our insurance companies which deny access to treatment. It's outrageous.

Anyway, I got there later in the afternoon. I suspect there was probably a official ceremony when the event started at 7:00 AM. But by this time, there were just supporters walking around the track, and other people hanging out.

I went to the donations table, but there wasn't anybody sitting there. So I filled out the form and put my donation in the big jar. There weren't any instructions about what to do, either, so I just went ahead and took a couple of laps around the track. I haven't been on a track since I was in high school. I'm in much better shape now than I was then, that's for sure.

I took a short video - a pan around the stadium, so that those of you who weren't able to attend would have a chance to be there. You can watch it now at www.RobertDyer.net on the Robert Dyer Channel. I also took some photos, which you can enjoy there as well. It was an opportunity to get some shots of the water tower from the vantage point of the football stadium, as well as of the venerable scoreboard and bleachers. Damascus may not be the newest or fanciest high school in the county, but it has plenty of character, and has fielded a huge number of outstanding athletes over the years.

There was music playing over the stadium speakers, and the concessions stand appeared to be open. Right before I left, a man came down from the press box (or whatever you call that thing) and manned the donations table. The crowd was increasing the whole time I was there.

Dark clouds appeared in the sky at one point, but it was a false alarm. By 6:00, the sun was shining, and that was appropriate on this day.

You can help by sending a donation to:

Brittany Jones Medical Fund

c/o Chevy Chase Bank

26001 Ridge Road

Damascus, MD 20872

Memorial Day weekend may be over, but you can still remember those who fought in past American wars at my website, www.RobertDyer.net. There you will find new photos from a reenactment of a French and Indian War encampment in Hagerstown, Maryland. Of course, the French and Indian War was not technically an "American" war because we were still under British rule at the time (1754-1763).

You might not have heard much about this war in school, but you've heard of some of the people who were involved in it... George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, General Edward Braddock... So despite the lack of attention, it was a very important historical conflict.

RobertDyer.net

"SCOOPS"

WASHINGTON POST,

GAZETTE

Exclusive Coverage of Domestic Violence

Ice Cream Social Not Found in Local Papers;

Only on www.robertdyer.net!

Another www.robertdyer.net Exclusive!!

Now that the Washington Post Monday Metro and Thursday Montgomery Extra have been published... and the Gazette published on Wednesday... it is confirmed that only www.robertdyer.net brought you exclusive coverage of last Sunday's Ice Cream Social in Kensington. Only on RobertDyer.net did you have the full story, including video and photos. The local papers did not even mention the event.

And it was a significant event, raising funds to furnish the Children's Waiting Area at the new Montgomery County Family Justice (Domestic Violence) Center. There were many prominent members of the community there, as you can read in Monday's entry:

http://robertdyer.blogspot.com/2009/05/yesterday-i-attended-fundraiser-to.html

As the area's liberal Democrat house organ newspapers collapse, RobertDyer.net is growing in features, size, and readership each day. RobertDyer.net is now the place to go on your computer or phone to find out what's really going on in Montgomery County.

And speaking of exclusive coverage, head over to RobertDyer.net now to watch the newest exclusive video: magician Alain Nu performing at the event!

DAMASCUS FUTURE

FARMERS OF AMERICA

CHAPTER PLANT SALE

AT MT. AIRY

FARMERS MARKET

What was I doing in Mt. Airy yesterday? The Damascus High School chapter of the Future Farmers of America was selling student-grown plants at the grand opening of the Mt. Airy Farmers Market. You might be surprised - as I was - to find out that the DHS chapter is the only Future Farmers club in all of Montgomery County. One of many crises we have in our county is that the majority of our farmers are older, and there are very few young farmers to replace them. Aside from county and state policies that are greatly contributing to this decline, a lack of interest in farming has been a deterrent for young people in choosing a career. Future Farmers of America is one of the few successful programs addressing this issue. Because the Damascus chapter is the only one we have right now, we really need to support their program. So I decided to head up to Mt. Airy to buy some of their plants.

This required the usual monster commute on 270 (including an accident that closed all of the local lanes and 2 right lanes south of exit 9). Which made the Washington Post article yesterday all the more laughable - the one that claimed, with a straight face, that traffic congestion has greatly improved recently. One of those Council of Governments/chamber of commerce-type groups was making the claim. I'm wondering how often these people get outdoors.

Anyway, up Route 27 I went, to beautiful downtown Mount Airy. This was the grand opening of the Mt. Airy Farmers Market for 2009, in the municipal parking lot. Damascus may be the pearl in the oyster of Route 27, but I do like all of the towns along this road up to Westminster. Mt. Airy is a real American town like Damascus and Westminster, and the part on Main Street that burnt down has been rebuilt.

There were several types of tomatoes, herbs, and flowers for sale. All were grown by students in the greenhouse at Damascus High School. I bought one heirloom tomato plant, one roma tomato plant, and a set of 6 verbena "obsession mix" flower plants. I've got pictures of all of these, and a short video showing the whole selection. The video is online now on the Robert Dyer Channel at www.RobertDyer.net. It's interesting that among the 35 members of the Damascus FFA chapter, only 4 actually live on farms. The rest are just interested in agriculture, which is certainly a positive development.

I stopped by a new shopping center (another great shopping center, without mixed-use development, I might add) to get some shots of the Mt. Airy water tower. It's unique in its own way. But it has nothing on the Damascus water tower. The Mt. Airy tower has a taller stem, and actually says "MOUNT AIRY" in an interesting font on the tank. But it just can't compete with the otherworldliness, and sheer bulbousity of the Damascus tower. In short, the Mt. Airy tower doesn't instantly make any photo it appears in interesting. But, like I said earlier, I do love Mt. Airy, and of course, you will be able to see my photos of the tower.

Even the destroyed Laurienzo's Brick Oven Café is open for business again in Mt. Airy's revitalizing Main Street historic district. Along with the California Tortilla restaurant - which also includes outdoor dining - Mt. Airy seems to be following the downtown Frederick model of redevelopment.

But I am digressing here. The real story is that we cannot preserve farmland through Big Government regulation and land seizures. Farming needs to be profitable, and we need farmers to do the farming. I believe it can be done with more programs like the FFA and getting government off the backs of farmers in Montgomery County. You can do your part by electing the right people to public office every four years, but also right now by supporting the Damascus FFA chapter at events like this.