Ice

A world-class ice dancer and figure skating coach is expected in Howard County courtroom on Monday after being accused of sex offenses in New York, charges that come on top of a civil suit alleging that he fondled a figure skater he mentored in Laurel. Genrikh Sretenski, who was born in Russia and placed fourth in the 1988 Olympics, will have an opportunity to ask for bail on felony sex abuse and related allegations. He has been held without bail in Howard County since he was taken in handcuffs Tuesday from his Clarksville home, Rene Sandler, his lawyer, said.

Given how quickly dogs learn by food reward, how long does it take them to recognize the sound of Tiki's Playhouse doggie ice-cream truck? Probably with one sample, since the possibilities include tantalizing banana, blueberry, molasses and peanut butter in various tasty combinations, plus fruit cups, soft biscuits, dental bones and nice cold water.  “They're actually pretty good!” says Kelvin Abrams, 42, owner of both the truck and Tiki's Playhouse Doggie Day Care in Glenelg, as he acknowledges giving the cool canine treats a try himself.

The Maryland State Fair begins on Friday, and the Midway will again be the place for perennial favorites such as funnel cake and Italian sausage. But there are a few new twists for 2012, according to Jim Ingram of Deggeller Attractions, the Stuart, Fla.-based carnival company that stocks the Midway with rides, amusements and food. Making their Timonium debut will be two new chicken booths, one selling a variety of wings with fresh-cut fries and the other chicken-on-a-stick with ribbon fries.

Anthony Allen may not have the decisive edge in a four-way battle to back up starting tailback Ray Rice, but his weight won't be an issue. The 6-foot-1 Allen said he weighs about 225 pounds, which is 10 pounds less than his weight from last season. He said the weight loss coincided with shaving five percent of his body fat - all in the name of being a better back. “I just toned up,” he said after Wednesday's practice at the team's headquarters in Owings Mills. "I just wanted to get a little faster, a little quicker.

If you stop at Starbucks for coffee in the morning, save the receipt to get a discount in the afternoon. A receipt for any beverage in the morning will be good after 2 p.m. for a Grande cold beverage for $2, plus tax. At participating stores, customers can choose from iced coffee, iced tea or Starbucks Refreshers in the Grande size - 16 ounces. The Starbucks deal is good through Sept. 3.  

Back in 2000, when he was a shy and portly 8-year-old, John Boias had a grown-up-sized dilemma. There he was in the family townhome one day, sweltering on a summer afternoon, when the strains of "Send in the Clowns" came wafting through the windows. The jingle had always meant one thing: "Mr. John," the local Good Humor man, was in their Edgewood neighborhood, his mother, Beth, was about to give him some money, and he was free to toddle out and snag a frozen treat. Lately, though, the visits had grown less fun. Mr. John had a photo on the side of his truck that was very popular with his customers.

The storm left us without power for 44 hours and we all are blessed to be restored so quickly. During that time we searched for ice. After searching about six establishments, we found the liquor store in Linwood shopping center recommending going to another vendor in the same shopping center — aisle 14 they told us. Sure enough aisle 14 had someone loading a reach-in freezer with more ice. The merchant stated take as much as you need....

Gertrude's has been picked again to represent Maryland in a national promotion for Rainier cherries. For National Rainier Cherry Day on July 11, Northwest Cherries has commissioned one restaurant in each state to create a menu item featuring Rainier cherries. Gertrude's represented Maryland in the Tree to Table promotion last year with executive pastry chef Doug Wetzel's cherry almond tart served with sour cream ice cream. This year, Wetzel has created a peach cake with Rainier cherry ice cream.

Public safety workers toiled in record-breaking heat in Baltimore and around the region Saturday to help vulnerable residents regroup as Maryland attempted to return to normal life after a devastating series of weather events. Baltimore's high temperature was 104 degrees Saturday — the highest on record for the date — and the state confirmed that its 10th heat-related death of the season had taken place a day earlier. Streets were empty, and most of those who lost electricity in a powerful storm last weekend were back online.

Craving a summer treat that's icy, sweet, and a bit exotic? Then make gourmet ice pops your go-to cooler for the sunny season. Ice pops aren't exactly new - remember the juice and Kool-Aid bars Mom would freeze in tiny paper cups? - but these cold confections on a stick are getting a zippy culinary makeover. Artificial grape and cherry flavors were once the standard-bearers. Today's ice pop varieties are bursting with fresh fruit, veggies, herbs, spices, and even spirits that evoke happy hour.