So, I do like action movies, and I do like the Uptown Theatre in Cleveland Park, so this Holiday weekend I was to check out Mission Impossible 4.

Tom Cruise and Paramount?

Maybe I read the tabloids, but I thought that when Tom Cruise declared his belief in Scientology, that Paramount dropped him from all movie contracts, but several years later, back they are working together.

Technology!

While I do work in DC, I don’t work for a defense contractor, so maybe for you guys the technology is already used in the military today, but for me, real or not, it was really cool!  While more complicated than one would think, the projection screen with a camera behind it to camouflage them as they moved closer to the guard station was really nice.  Also, Apple must have shelled out a few advertizing bucks as the iPad was used quite often and they all had iPhones.

The briefcase with document printer was also really cool.  Paired with a camera contact lens, pretty cool.

Probably the cheesiest technical item were the seemingly static cling gloves.  While it did not seem that possible, the sound they made when “energizing” was truly annoying.  It was really funny when they broke after just a short time, I guess that was the realistic part :)

The Best MI Movie?

I do need to watch the first 3 over again, but I do have to agree that the movie was action packed and had the actors tossed in a fair share of comical statements along the way.  I am not sure if I will spend the money on Blu-Ray when it comes out, but it certainly will be a movie I will rent for a $1 to see again.

Honda of Tysons Corner

In an attempt to sell more gas powered cars when car companies are unable to keep up with demand for Hybrids even though they are being sold at a higher cost, Honda of Tysons Corner has produced a document given to those interested in their Civic Hybrid which basically says….”At the current price of gas, it will take 13 years based on some magical number of miles driven to make up ~$4000 price difference between gas only and hybrid.

WOW.   That is like saying, don’t recycle, just trash your glass bottle since you have to walk 4 feet to the recycle bin from the trash can that is in front of you!

Awaiting Response….

So I wrote to the Tyson’s Honda dealership and while I did not ask for an response, in fact did not want to hear the excuse, have not heard anything besides the automated “We got your email.”

Since I was not able to find an email for Honda USA customer service, I am going to write them a letter to see if I can find out if this is a corporate recommendation or a local dealership trying to sell more cars.

Hybrids are not new

I really do blame Honda for not meeting demands. It is not like they are brand new and everyone wants one.  They have been in production for quite some time and since they cost the consumer more, would think you would want to have more available.  Now I have heard that the actual cost to produce a Hybrid is much more than a standard combustion engine and maybe that is why production is slow since there would be a greater loss of revenue.

Recycled costs more

In any event, I will keep you updated.  In the mean time, don’t let anyone tell you it is bad to help the environment.  Sure it does for some unknown cost more money for the recycled products we buy such as paper, or the reduced container refills such as laundry detergent, but for the sake of future generations, please don’t give up over a little money.

No Sales Tax!

After paying 10% tax on food in DC, it was so nice to not pay any sales tax at restaurants or retail stores. There is only property tax which seemed pretty cheap looking at the houses for sale and tax estimates.  One strange thing with the tax is that asphalt and concrete surfaces are considered “livable space” and are taxed.  This is why there were so many gravel driveways, or driveways that were partly paved and then gravel to the road.

Friendly’s

One of my favorite spots for ice cream sundaes, I had not seen them outside of NY on the way down to DC and was so happy to see on in Rehoboth!  The first time I was there, I had a 5 scoop sundae with 2 scoops cookie dough, 2 cookies and cream, one mint chocolate chip with Reeces Pieces and extra peanut butter topping :)  Yum!

Outlet Malls..Even QVC?!

So I don’t go shopping for clothes much, but if I had a tax free outlet mall a few minutes away….I might not keep underwear for as many years :)  Just kidding, I order those online.  LOL  Granted I do have some restraint when shopping.  I typically shop the sales rack in the stores so not only do I get clothes that were popular a few years ago which are no longer making them unique, but I save around 75% that way.  For example I got a pair of Khaki’s which were a little tight, but for $2.98 from Banana Republic, what a deal!  Polo shirts… $9.99 the next trip.

QVC Outlet?  Yeah, there is one.  It seems to be returns / discontinued items only, but was cool going through the stuff.  Since I have never ordered from QVC, it was interesting seeing the quality or lack thereof of the products.  If it seems to be to good to be true….it is!

No Helmet Law for Mopeds?

Perhaps they were just kids not abiding by the law, but I saw many without any helmets on.  I have heard that many states don’t require helmets,  but you would think that since they move fast with traffic that you would want to wear one.

Bike Friendly

• Shared turn / Bike Lanes on major routes
• Signed no bikes or skateboards on sidewalks

Republican State

Based on the number of Anti-Obama shirts for sale, one can gather :)

2.5 Scenic Hours from DC

While I may never be able to own a house in Rehoboth Beach, it is only a few hours a way on mostly back roads / small highways which seemed to pass the time.

Great Good and Value

After a long Sunday, starting at 5:30 AM with a 62 mile bike ride and volunteering at the Capital Pride Festival, I was tired and hungry!  I had wanted to try the new sports bar in Columbia Heights and finally had the chance.  It is located near the metro next to the now closed “Commonwealth Gastro Pub.”

Walking by

Walking by I always noticed the large flat screens in the covered outdoor seating area which seemed to be unique.  I would think they would not be out if the weather was poor, but it was certainly a nice touch for those patrons who wanted the fresh air and a view of the game.

Sports Bar….

We had dinner around 8 PM and it happened to be NBA Finals and all of the TVs were changed to the same station and the young fans started pouring in.  We definitely got there at the right time!

Menu

The prices seemed very reasonable and there was a specials board outside which added to the single page menu.   I enjoy American food so there were plenty of $10 burgers and salads along with dinner entrees.  My stomach was definitely talking even though I just ate 6 hours before at Buffalo Wild Wings after the Air Force Crystal Ride.

The 3 course price fixe menu drew my attention at only $25.  For that price you got…

1. Salad: House or Caesar
2. Entree: Ribs, 16 oz Porterhouse Steak, or 16 oz NY Strip and 2 sides
3. Dessert: Chocolate Mousse, Apple Pie a la mode, Brownie marshmallow thing, all but one dessert item was eligible.

I was full!

It was a great deal.  The salad was large, the 16 oz steak was very tender and the sides of mac and cheese and fries came on separate plates and were very generous.  The Mac and Cheese seemed to be homemade, but pretty plain.  Only one cheese and it was more creamy than cheesy.  There was no oil floating in it which is characteristic of cheesier versions.  I have a weakness for even boxed versions though, so I was happy :)

Dessert… :(

While the portion was very generous, the whipped topping and the mousse were not homemade.  The mousse seemed a bit “gritty.”  My partner is a chef and after he tasted it told me it was that way because it was a mix.  Needless to say I did not finish all of the mousse since it tasted a bit odd, but I did leave stuffed.

Okay, so I do like chocolate mousse and have made it from scratch on occasion since it is rather easy.

• Egg Yolks
• Egg Whites
• Heavy Cream
• Melted Chocolate

Whip and mix them all together and refrigerate and viola!

Go :)

Great value, good food, and sports.  Give them a try!