Saturday, March 30, 2013

WATCH RIOS VS. ALVARADO TONIGHT AT HOOTERS OF ROCKVILLE

Where to watch Rios vs. Alvarado 2 in Rockville tonight?

Hooters of Rockville, of course.

Watch the match live from Vegas at 10:15 PM.

Thursday, March 28, 2013

BUY 10 WINGS AT HOOTERS OF ROCKVILLE TODAY OR FRIDAY, GET 10 FREE WITH THIS COUPON!

Watch March Madness today or Friday at Hooters of Rockville, and you'll get a bonus: Bring this coupon, buy 10 of Hooters' famous wings, and you'll get 10 more wings free!

Wednesday, March 27, 2013

HIDDEN CLAUSE IN ROCKVILLE PIKE PLAN COULD ALLOW PIKE DEVELOPMENT TO EXPAND INTO TWINBROOK

A clause buried in the latest draft of the Rockville Pike plan could one day threaten homes on Lewis Avenue in Twinbrook, if not removed before the plan is voted on.

On Page 4-6 of the plan document, under the heading, "Incentives to Build Crossing over CSX," the following sentence appears:

While the current residential development along Lewis Avenue makes this difficult, future opportunities may allow such a...crossing.

If I am a homeowner on Lewis Avenue, I'd be wondering just what those "future opportunities" might be.

The language is clear that the points of crossing would be where current homes stand today. "Future opportunities," then, suggests a time will come when those homes will no longer block the way. A.k.a. demolition.

Some may dismiss the notion, but the facts suggest otherwise.

First of all, language like this - as I know from personal experience in the planning process at the county level - can be seized upon at a future date by a developer, and can be used to justify expansion across the CSX and Metro tracks into Twinbrook. If residents protest, they'll be overruled, as officials will find such expansion "consistent with the Master Plan."

Second, there's no such thing as a footbridge anymore. The law now requires even pedestrian bridges to be wide and strong enough to carry emergency vehicles.

Third, the process of decking over railroads and highways is standard practice. A seamless expansion of Pike properties across into Twinbrook would be easily achieved by that method. And, via this clause, such decking would ironically allow those developments to be even taller and denser.

Finally, to those who say it can't happen, I would refer you to the attempted purchase of the Sacks neighborhood adjacent to Bethesda Row. A developer offered single-family homeowners in that suburban-style subdivision millions apiece. The purchase ultimately failed when homeowners demanded even more, and then the real estate market crashed.

It could have happened in Bethesda, and, with this clause left in the Pike Plan, it could happen in Rockville.

Tuesday, March 26, 2013

CELESTE MEXICAN PIZZA FOR ONE REVIEW (VIDEO)

Celeste has a new, Limited Edition Mexican Pizza for One. I found this at Target in Rockville. Watch my review.

The pizza has beef and chicken crumbles, diced green and red peppers (the same ones from the Celeste Deluxe Pizza for One), imitation cheddar cheese, and pizza sauce.  This pizza has the standard Celeste thin crust, and includes a microwave crisping disk.

Sunday, March 24, 2013

ROCKVILLE RED LIGHT CAMERAS - NEW LOCATIONS

Rockville Police have announced the locations of 3 new red light cameras.

The new locations are:

North Washington Street at Middle Lane (northbound)

Park Road at N. Stonestreet Ave (West Bound)

Gaither Road at Redland Blvd (North Bound)

Starting after April 15, citations will be issued at those three new locations, with the civil penalty of $75 for each violation.

You're on Candid Camera!

Saturday, March 23, 2013

TASTYKAKE PANCAKE KRIMPETS REVIEW (VIDEO)

Do you like pancakes? Can the pancake experience be shrunk down to a snack cake?

Join me as we find out in this video review of Tastykake Pancake Krimpets!

Friday, March 22, 2013

MARCH MADNESS AT HOOTERS OF ROCKVILLE

Hooters of Rockville invites you to "Play hooky at Hooters" for the NCAA tournament today. Today's special offer is on Buffalo Shrimp.

Wednesday, March 20, 2013

ROCKVILLE PIKE PLAN PUBLIC HEARING TONIGHT, 7:00 PM

The Rockville Planning Commission meets tonight at 7:00 PM at City Hall. Second on the agenda is a public hearing on the revised draft of the Rockville Pike Plan.

This is your chance to speak out. Do you like Rockville Pike the way it is, as a successful suburban commercial area? Or do you support the Plan's idea to urbanize the Pike with dense, mixed-use development?

Make your opinions known tonight.

First on the agenda, is a request from First Baptist Church at 55 Adclare Road. They are asking for a one-year extension for their church addition.

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

WEEKEND ROBBERIES IN ROCKVILLE

Two robberies were reported in Rockville over this past weekend.

On Friday, a robbery occurred in the 1700 block of Rockville Pike.

A second robbery was reported on Maryland Avenue in the town center on Saturday, March 16.

More details when they are made available.

Monday, March 18, 2013

ROCKVILLE MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEETING TONIGHT

Expect a barrage of numbers at tonight's Mayor and Council meeting at 7:00 PM at City Hall.

It's budget time again.

Aside from a presentation of the budget for the next fiscal year, the meeting agenda includes a six-figure bid on police cruisers, an election law change to allow candidates to withdraw their candidacy, and a proclamation of "Earth Hour."

You can watch the meeting on Channel 11, or online.

Saturday, March 16, 2013

WATCH UFC 158 AT HOOTERS OF ROCKVILLE TONIGHT

Watch Georges St. Pierre take on Nick Diaz for the World Welterweight Championship in UFC 158, tonight at 10:00 PM, at Hooters of Rockville.

ST. PATRICK'S DAY IN ROCKVILLE 2013

MILLER'S ALE HOUSE

Corned Beef and Cabbage with red skin potatoes. $10.99

Irish Flatbread with corned beef hash, melted Swiss cheese, spicy mustard and scallions. $9.79.

Corned Beef Reuben with potato chips. $7.99

Irish Red Beer Cheese Soup. $5.79

BAR LOUIE

$3 green beers, $5 Irish Whiskeys, and $6 Car Bombs.

Kegs and Eggs today, Saturday, March 16th from 9 am – 11am. $10 all you can eat buffet, with a collector's t-shirt.

MR. SMOOTHIE

Green freshly squeezed juices are 25% off.  All smoothies are 10% off.

TIPPY'S TACO

Buy any burrito or enchiladas with green tomatillo sauce and receive a side of salsa and chips free.

VIE DE FRANCE

Pick up your St. Patrick’s Day treats: Shamrock shaped cookies, Irish Soda Bread, and more.

HOOTERS OF ROCKVILLE

Celebrating all weekend. UFC tonight (Saturday) at 10:00 PM.

ROCKVILLE TOWN SQUARE

Check out the green ice at the ice rink in Town Square!

Friday, March 15, 2013

UPDATE ON HURLEY AVENUE ROBBERY - ROCKVILLE, MD CRIME REPORT

I have an update on the Hurley Avenue robbery story I broke a few days back.  Rockville Police have released their official report, and a description of the robbers, who are still at-large.

A woman was in the process of bringing her groceries into a home in the 800 block of Hurley Avenue last Friday, March 8, around quarter of 8:00 PM.  She noticed two subjects opening the left sliding door of her vehicle. Seeing her, the suspects assaulted her, causing her to fall. They then grabbed the woman's purse from inside her vehicle, and fled to the Rockshire Shopping Center.  The two suspects then leapt into a black 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt, with DC tags, and fled the scene. The suspects are described as: 2 black males, last seen wearing: black pants, and black hooded sweatshirt.

I've wondered if the closure of the Giant would make that shopping center more dangerous for nearby residents. The site is surrounded by trees, making it easier for crooks to hide there after dark.

Thursday, March 14, 2013

McDonald's McWrap REVIEW (VIDEO)

Montgomery County is one of the first places in America to get the product launch of McDonald's new McWrap menu item.  Click here for an in-depth review of the McDonald's McWrap!

The McWrap comes with your choice of grilled or crispy chicken. There are 3 variations: Chicken and Bacon, Sweet Chili Chicken, and Chicken and Ranch.

Sweet Chili sounded the most unique, so I decided to get that first.

Watch my review for all the details, and my final verdict. You'll also find out about the McWrap packaging, which is not only different, but highly functional.

WILL TWINBROOK METRO PLACE BE A "BORG CUBE" AT 1592 ROCKVILLE PIKE?

Yes, an infamous Star Trek villain was invoked, and a citizen created some very minor drama, at last night's meeting of the Rockville Planning Commission at City Hall.

The final bell is tolling for the venerable retail center at 1592 Rockville Pike, home to Radio Shack, Fuddrucker's and Pier One. I'll be sorry to see it go.

In the near future, the property will most likely be known as Twinbrook Metro Place, and will rise over its namesake community at around 150 feet.

Last night, the applicant, Twinbrook Partners, LLC, presented its site plan to the Rockville Planning Commission.

One initial complaint by a speaker was that notification procedures had not been followed.  Unable to get the answer he wanted from city staff, he turned to the applicant's attorney, Heather Dlhopolsky, reminding her, "You're under oath!"

Planning commissioners corrected him, clarifying Dlhopolsky was not under oath.

Later, the same man rushed to the podium and interrupted commission deliberations on the project, prompting Chairman Jerry Callistein to respond, "You're out of order."

The building that will front to the Pike has a glass facade, which raised concerns about glare among some commissioners.

Beyond that, there was a question as to how well this fits in with 1-2 story structures nearby.

Commissioner Jack Leiderman found the proposed design "very different in architectural character" from its surroundings.  Leiderman pressed for design changes throughout the meeting, saying the city would not want to end up with a "Borg cube" in the middle of Rockville Pike.  He also questioned how the contrast in aesthetics would create a "sense of place."

Commissioner Dion Trahan asked planning staff if the site would be part of the region's growing bikesharing network.

City Transportation Planner Rebecca Torma said there are no plans for a Twinbrook bike sharing station. However, the project does have around 200 bicycle parking spaces.

Commissioner David Hill wanted to know if it was feasible to retain street trees along the Pike.

Assistant City Forester Elise Carey noted sidewalk expansion there will require removal of street trees.

Commissioner Don Hadley inquired as to how many street trees would be subject to removal.

"5," responded Carey.

Twinbrook Civic Association President Christina Ginsberg pointed out that Tilden and Farmland public school parents should be notified of development along this stretch of the Pike, as they are two schools that will have to accomodate children who live in these buildings.

A majority of the commission concluded that the site plan was worthy of approval, but requested two conditions: that the building  facade facing the Pike be altered to fit less-imposing city design requirements, and that any compartmentalizing of on-site parking facilities be approved by city staff.

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

ROY ROGERS RETURNING TO ROCKVILLE! OPENING THIS SUMMER!

Happy trails to Rockville: Roy Rogers restaurant is returning to Rockville.

The new Roy's will open this summer on Rockville Pike.

But the company has been secretive about the exact location. The only clues it has given are that it will be south of Town Center, on the Pike, and near Marlo.

Behold! I believe I've found the future home of the legendary fast food restaurant. It's on the old Century Ford property, diagonally across from Marlo.

CHEETOS MIX-UPS XTRA CHEEZY MIX REVIEW (VIDEO)

There's been another mix-up at the Frito-Lay factory, and I suspect Chester Cheetah had something to do with it!

The result is Cheetos Mix-Ups Xtra Cheezy Mix, and here is my review.

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

SHOULD THE ROCKVILLE MAYOR AND COUNCIL TWEET DURING MEETINGS?

To tweet, or not to tweet. That is the question, according to Rockville City Councilmember Bridget Newton at last week's meeting.

Newton's colleague, Councilmember Tom Moore, recently encouraged citizens to make public meetings broadcast on Channel 11 interactive, by tweeting throughout using the hashtag #rkvcouncil.  Ostensibly, councilmembers could also interact during the meeting on Twitter, as well.

Newton says there should be a discussion, and a policy, regarding councilmembers tweeting during a council meeting. However, the discussion has not yet been added to a future meeting agenda.

Initially when I heard about this, I thought it was a great idea. Few citizens watch the meetings (the most recent survey revealed most residents get their information on city issues from the old-school Rockville Reports newsletter, mailed to every home). Even fewer vote. So anything that engages the public in the political process has to be a positive.

But Newton makes a valid point. Unless a time is set aside on the agenda for "tweets," at what point in a public meeting should an elected official "tune out" the People's Business at hand?

Whatever policy ends up being adopted, the biggest value would be to continue to encourage the citizens to tweet during the meeting.

What's your opinion? Do you think the council needs a "Twitter policy," and should councilmembers tweet in real time during meetings?

Monday, March 11, 2013

WIN TRIP TO FLYING DOG BREWERY AT AMERICAN TAP ROOM IN ROCKVILLE TONIGHT!

Head to American Tap Room at Rockville Town Square for Trivia tonight from 8-10 PM, and you could win a trip to Flying Dog brewery in Frederick, MD.

Wait a minute, that's not much of a vacation, you might say.

Well, you'll be traveling in style aboard the official Flying Dog Hurricane Winnebago!

Plus: $10-off growlers tonight.

ROBBERY ON HURLEY AVENUE LAST FRIDAY

A robbery was reported last Friday, March 8, in the 800 block of Hurley Avenue in Rockville, according to crime data.

No further details are available at this time, but I will post them as soon as they are released.

"TEAM ROCKVILLE" TAKES FIELD EARLY IN 2013 CITY ELECTION, PIERZCHALA RUNNING FOR MAYOR

Slates are back in Rockville city politics. Whether voters still obey them, will be just one intriguing outcome of the November 5 Mayor and Council elections.

The first slate - "Team Rockville" - has already gone public: Councilmember Mark Pierzchala is running for mayor, and Councilmember Tom Moore, Virginia Onley, Julie Palakovich Carr and Beryl L. Feinberg are in the race for the four council seats.

Two questions have been answered: Will there be slates? And will Pierzchala run for mayor?

But others remain, before one can get a true sense of the dynamics of this race.

Will John Hall run for mayor? Will Mayor Phyllis Marcuccio run for reelection? And will the council vote on the Rockville Pike plan before, or after the election?

Former councilmember Anne Robbins is also expected to run, and would be a formidable challenge to the lesser-known candidates on the "Team Rockville" slate. Robbins is skeptical of smart growth, having noted that advocates have been talking about "getting people out of their cars" since the 60s, with little results.  She brought an independent streak to the council, referring to herself as "the Lone Ranger" during a contentious council meeting over a decade ago.

Pierzchala won election primarily on his strong work on behalf of the College Gardens neighborhood as a citizen, and diligent attendance and engagement at city meetings. Once on the council, he has pivoted to take an aggressive pro-development stance, and has helped organize two summits on Rockville's future.

Tom Moore is a first-term councilmember who often sides with Pierzchala on issues. He recently made news beyond the city limits when he questioned the use and storage of data collected by license plate readers onboard Rockville police cruisers.

Virginia Onley is the only other member of the slate who has name recognition at this early stage, having run for council previously. If I recall correctly, Onley is one of the relatively few candidates smart enough to use the Citizens Forum during the election season, as a free platform to reach voters. It's surprising more candidates don't utilize that forum. Larry Giammo made hugely-effective use of it during his successful campaign for mayor.

Now, of course, the other question is, who else will throw their hat into the ring?

Drew Powell and Dion Trahan are two former candidates still actively engaged in city politics and government, but there are certainly others who could make a run, as well. Stay tuned.

If there's a Rockville citizen you think would be a great mayor or councilmember, feel free to put his or her name in the comments section below (there is an option to post anonymously, if you wish).

Saturday, March 9, 2013

WATCH CLOUD VS. HOPKINS CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING TONIGHT AT HOOTERS OF ROCKVILLE

The live HBO championship boxing match of Cloud vs. Hopkins will be screening free at Hooters of Rockville tonight at 9:30 PM.

An undercard matchup of Arreola vs. Stiverne is also included.

Friday, March 8, 2013

COOL RANCH DORITOS TACO REVIEW (VIDEO) - TACO BELL COOL RANCH DORITOS LOCOS TACOS REVIEW

It finally happened: the biggest fast food product launch of 2013, the new Taco Bell Cool Ranch Doritos Taco!

How does it rate? How much Cool Ranch is on there, anyway? Watch my video review, and all of your questions will be answered!

Thursday, March 7, 2013

ASSAULT AT ROCKVILLE HOTEL, DRUG ARREST AT WOOTON HIGH SCHOOL - NIGHTS WATCH: ROCKVILLE CRIME REPORT

According to recent crime data, an assault was reported at the Quality Suites Hotel in Rockville, and a drug arrest was made at Wooton High School, both last Friday.  Disorderly conduct was reported at the Twinbrook Recreation Center last Sunday.

Here's a list of incidents around Rockville between March 1-4:

Friday, March 1:

Assault. Quality Suites Hotel, Piccard Drive.

Drug arrest. Wooton HS.

Theft. 400 block College Parkway.

Theft from vehicle. 400 N. Washington Street.

Saturday, March 2:

Robbery. XX block Congressional Lane.

Theft from vehicle. 200 block N. Adams Street.

Sunday, March 3:

Disorder. Twinbrook Recreation Center.

Theft from vehicle. 1900 block Henry Road.

Monday, March 4:

Assault. 400 block Redland Boulevard.

Theft. 500 block Elmcroft Boulevard.

Drug arrest. 12600 block Twinbrook Parkway.

Theft from vehicle. 14500 block Southlawn Lane.

Drug arrest. 1600 block E. Gude Drive.

Burglary. 300 block Crabb Avenue.

Theft from vehicle. 600 block Hungerford Drive.

Wednesday, March 6, 2013

ROCKVILLE SNOW UPDATE - WINTER STORM SATURN

Well, so far the weather experts have been dead wrong on Winter Storm Saturn. Rain starting at 5 PM yesterday? Never happened. 1-3" of snow last night? Nope. Now they're telling us the worst is still to come today. I don't have much faith in these "experts."

Roads are slick but quite passable at this hour.

Schools and the federal government are closed. The Maryland state government is on liberal leave.

Almost all Metrobus routes are running, but some are on "limited" schedules. That means more waiting than usual at bus stops.

Forecast remains the same, with snow accumulation of 5-6" by tomorrow, while other models say anywhere from 3-12".

Stay tuned here and at @RockvilleNights on Twitter for updates.

Tuesday, March 5, 2013

NEW GIANT APP LETS YOU SELF-CHECKOUT WITH YOUR SMARTPHONE (PHOTOS)

Grocery shopping just got faster and easier at Giant.

Giant has a new smartphone app for iPhone and Android that can replace the self-scanner device you may have used in the store previously.

The Scan-It Giant app helps you with your shopping list, scans each item via your smartphone camera, and then checks you out when you're done.  Best of all, app users get special deals beyond the sales and Bonus Card prices.

In Rockville, the service is currently available at the Giant on Hungerford Drive by N. Washington Street, and at the Montrose Crossing Giant further down Rockville Pike.

HOW MANY INCHES OF SNOW WILL ROCKVILLE GET FROM WINTER STORM SATURN?

Rockville is under a Winter Storm Watch right now. The sun is shining, but there's a wintry chill in the air.

Winter Storm Saturn is on its way to the DC area.

How many inches of snow will end up falling on Rockville tonight and on Wednesday?

The average prediction is 5-6 inches. Some forecasters say it could be as many as 8-12.

But here's an intriguing prediction: the now-famous Euro Model is saying the DC area will receive a 1-3" accumulation. This contradicts the majority of forecasts. Yet it is intriguing because the Euro Model was dead-right about the hurricane last fall.

The fact is, nobody knows. But conditions are right for up to a foot of snow.  And it is supposed to be a wet, heavy snow. That means more effort to shovel and plow for humans and machines.

Even though the Euro Model sounds unlikely, you can't rule out the data from a model that has been accurate so many times.

The fact that temperatures will rise above freezing on Wednesday could certainly reduce the potential total accumulation.

But that ice and slush will freeze solid after dark again, so watch out.

Today, expect light showers by 5:00 PM, changing over to snow after dark.  Accumulation of 1-2" possible tonight. Winds gusting to 30 MPH.

Wednesday, heavy showers and heavy snow. Accumulation of 5-12" possible through Thursday morning. Winds will gust to 35 MPH. Visibility could be affected if snowfall is heavy, due to winds.

Metro and Metrobus are total wildcards in recent years, in contrast to their past practice of operation during all but the worst snows in prior decades.

Stay tuned here and at @RockvilleNights on Twitter for updates throughout the storm!

Monday, March 4, 2013

ROCKVILLE MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEETING TONIGHT AT 7 PM

The Rockville Mayor and Council will meet tonight at 7:00 PM at Rockville City Hall.

A discussion with the city Board of Supervisors of Elections, and the establishment of a Financial Advisory Board are among items on tonight's agenda.

Saturday, March 2, 2013

CHEETOS MIX-UPS CHEEZY SALSA MIX REVIEW (VIDEO)

There's been a mix-up at the Cheetos factory, but Chester Cheetah isn't complaining.  That's because the result is new Cheetos Mix-Ups Cheezy Salsa Mix! How hot is it? How do they rate? Watch my video review to find out.

Bags of this just arrived at Giant this week.

Friday, March 1, 2013

FREE BEER TASTING IN ROCKVILLE TONIGHT!

Tonight, March 1, 5-8 PM, meet George Humbert of Pub Dog Brewing Company at Gilly's Craft Beer and Fine Wine in Rockville. 

Try 4 of Pub Dog's most popular beers, and hear from the brewmaster himself.

Gilly's Craft Beer and Fine Wine. 2009 Chapman Avenue, Rockville.