BETHESDA ST. ELMO-CORDELL GARAGE STAIRCASE BARRICADED (PHOTOS)

ST. ELMO STAIRS

OUT OF SERVICE,

USE CORDELL

STAIRCASE

Another Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row Exclusive

A minor update on the renovations at Montgomery County public parking garage:  The staircase on the St. Elmo side is currently closed for repairs.  A taped-up sign directs parking patrons to use the stairs on the Cordell Avenue side.

This isn't really that big of a deal, as disabled drivers wouldn't use the stairs, anyway [though they would use the elevator, which is only partially operating, so that could be a big deal].  But I bring it to your attention because, someone might enter on the Cordell side, but park on the St. Elmo side.  Not knowing the situation, they might expect to quickly run down the stairs to whatever meeting they're late for, and they'd be in for a shock.

So if your destination is on St. Elmo, plan ahead to take a few extra minutes to walk the long way out.

FOONG LIN RESTAURANT: HAULING AWAY BETHESDA HISTORY - PHOTO

FURNITURE GOING OUT

THE DOOR AFTER

25 YEARS IN BETHESDA

Another Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row Exclusive

Foong Lin is officially closed now, and the contents of the restaurant are being hauled away.

I happened to be there just as the dining room chairs were loaded into the back of this pickup truck.  Moments after this photo was taken, the truck sped away.

TAKE 5 BOUTIQUE TO REPLACE SECOND CHANCE ON FAIRMONT AVENUE

SAKINA ISKENDER

TO BRING "THE

APPROACHES OF

EUROPE'S HIGH-FASHION

DISTRICTS" TO

BETHESDA

Another Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row Exclusive

Second Chance, a consignment boutique at 4920 Fairmont Avenue is closing.  The space will get quite an upgrade in October, when Sakina Iskender opens her Asian-influenced boutique, Take 5.

Iskender says the boutique's name represents the "five essential looks of a woman - Stylish, Chic, Elegant, Modern and Sexy."  The "Asian" influence will include styles an designers far west of China or Japan.  In fact, Take 5 will be the exclusive seller of young Turkish designers Gamze Sarachoglu, Ozgur Masur, Tuba Benian, Sertac Delibas and Evren Kayar in the U.S.

The boutique will also offer consulting, custom design and fitting, personal shopper, hair/make-up styling, and style assessment services.

It sounds like Take 5 will inject something truly new and unique into the Bethesda fashion scene this fall.

While you're waiting, Second Chance is having a 50%-off liquidation sale.

REDSKINS AMBULANCE TURNS HEADS IN DOWNTOWN BETHESDA - PHOTO

EMERGENCY VEHICLE

CAME TO RESCUE OF

NFL FANS AT CADDIES

ON CORDELL

Another Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row Exclusive

Early last evening, a Redskins ambulance caused many a double-take on Cordell Avenue outside of Caddies on Cordell.

Among the special equipment aboard this "Special Operations Tailgating Unit" were large flatscreen TVs.

The vehicle was on hand for Ball Hogs Radio's NFL season kickoff party at Caddies.  No word if it was exempted from the new county Ambulance Fee...

HURRICANE LESLIE UPDATE - BETHESDA WEATHER FORECAST

BETHESDA STORM CENTER

LESLIE UPDATE

Leslie has finally strengthened into a hurricane.  The storm has also slowed to 1 MPH, and the eastern seaboard could still experience swells, rough surf, and powerful rip currents.

LOCATION:  440 miles SSE of Bermuda

WINDS:  75 MPH

MOVING:  N at 1 MPH

BETHESDA  FORECAST

Today:  Mostly cloudy with slight chance of a scattered shower.  Highs in the low 90s, 5 MPH breeze.  Chance of rain 40%.

Tonight:  Partly cloudy, 70, 5 MPH breeze.

Make sure you are following @BethesdaRow on Twitter.

CAPITAL CRESCENT TRAIL - BETHESDA ROW CONSTRUCTION UPDATE - PHOTOS

TRAIL ON SCHEDULE

TO REOPEN

NEXT WEEK

Another Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row Exclusive

Patience continues to be a virtue around Bethesda Row, as work on the massive Lot 31 construction project continues.

The good news for Capital Crescent Trail users, is that the path is on-schedule to reopen next week.  While the WSSC work was being done, the trail got a fresh paving.  If you've walked by, you've noticed the smell of fresh asphalt in the air.

This week, crews are installing the overhead protection to ensure joggers and cyclists don't get hit by a falling Acme anvil, or meet some other Wile E. Coyote-esque fate, while trying to excercise during the 2-year construction project.

This cagelike superstructure will protect
trail users from falling objects when the CCT reopens

URBAN OUTFITTERS FUTURE BETHESDA LOCATION (PHOTOS)

APPAREL AND

FURNISHINGS STORE

OPENS IN

OCTOBER

Another Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row Exclusive

As I reported last week, the popular apparel and apartment furnishings retailer Urban Outfitters is coming to Bethesda in October.

Here are a couple of photos of the future store's location in Westfield Montgomery Mall:

BETHESDA WEATHER FORECAST, WHERE IS TROPICAL STORM LESLIE NOW?

BETHESDA FORECAST

Highs in the mid-80s, cloudy, 5-10 MPH breeze today.  60% chance of showers.  Thunderstorm possible.

Tonight, mostly cloudy, lows in the upper 60s, 5 MPH breeze.  40% chance of showers or isolated thunderstorms.

BETHESDA STORM CENTER

LESLIE UPDATE

Leslie is still a Tropical Storm, and did not strengthen at all yesterday.  The National Weather Service predicts Leslie will become a hurricane by Thursday.  Dangerous surf, swells and riptides remain possible at beaches from Northern Florida, all the way up the Eastern seaboard today and tomorrow.

LOCATION:  490 miles SSE of Bermuda

WINDS:  65 MPH

MOVING:  NNW at 2 MPH

Stay tuned here and on Twitter at @BethesdaRow, for the latest Bethesda emergency weather information.

BETHESDA'S FIRST NEW CLASS A OFFICE BUILDING IN 11 YEARS DAZZLES AFTER DARK - EXCLUSIVE PHOTOS

FUNCTION FOLLOWS

FORM WITH AMENITIES,

GREEN FEATURES IN

AKRIDGE'S SLEEK NEW

DOWNTOWN ADDRESS

Another Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row Exclusive

Bethesda heard quite a bit about the 7550 Wisconsin redevelopment project when it was announced.  Developer Akridge even won several awards before the work was done.  In essence, architectural firm Shalom Baranes was tasked with turning a pumpkin into Cinderella's carriage.

And I'm rather surprised to report to you that, by golly, they just may have done it.

 Granted, the building's basic shape is simply a boring box.  But check out all that glass.  After dark, this building is a 10-story stunner.    While regular readers know my preference for taller skyscrapers, shortness aside, this is the kind of design we need more of in downtown Bethesda.

The slight contrast of the ground floor with the upper levels is appropriate, given that after business hours, that retail and restaurant space will still be active.

7550's amenities include a fitness center, commuter bike storage, secure underground garage, and one other special feature - the rooftop.

I want to be on the guest list for parties on this rooftop!  Alas, the roof will not be open to the public, but only to tenants of the building.

Not only does the roof have stunning views and a nice design you can't see from street level, but it is part of the LEED Gold environmental design.  Besides being an event space, it is a landscaped green roof.

The fact that this is the first Class A office building to be delivered downtown in over a decade, speaks again to Montgomery County's crippling lack of vision and leadership.  And, of course, that poor stewardship has directed development out to White Flint, Rockville, Gaithersburg, Germantown, Science City, etc., rather than in more appropriate places like downtown Bethesda and Silver Spring.

There's something odd about claiming we are going to add 100,000 people to the county, and at the same time, having 19 stories be the maximum building height in downtown Bethesda.  We should be building skyscrapers here, rather than trying to urbanize suburban neighborhoods by bulldozing homes and shopping centers.

In short, (pun intended) we need more projects of the quality of 7550 Wisconsin.  Just taller, and more Dubai than MoCo in design.

BETHESDA MCDONALD'S ON EAST-WEST HIGHWAY CLOSES FOREVER - PHOTO GALLERY EXCLUSIVE!

AN ERA ENDS,

DEMOLITION BEGINS

Another Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row Exclusive

Several weeks ago, I reported on the plan to redevelop the current site of the downtown Bethesda McDonald's, on East-West Highway at Pearl Street.  But the actual closing date of the long-operating store was unknown.

That day came yesterday.

Although a number of downtown restaurants have been forced out by developers in the last few weeks, this one hits close to home for me.  I've had many a meal from this McDonald's over a lifetime.  Talk about "Living in the 90s."  Were you there for the Jurassic Triple Cheeseburger, the Super Hero (a tie-in with one of my favorite movies, Batman Forever), and the Arch Deluxe?

Students at BCC High School, workers in nearby office buildings, and residents who thought the Golden Arches would always be a few steps away, had a rude awakening Tuesday.  Even when these photos were taken, loyal customers were still pulling in.  "It's closed? It's closed?"  "Yes."  "It's closed," the man said to himself again audibly, with a stricken expression, as reality sunk in.

No more Big Macs, no more America's Favorite Fries.  Just super-size developer profits.

And then there was one.

There is now literally only one fast food restaurant operating in the entire town of Bethesda - the other McDonald's on River Road.  Why fast food restaurants are unofficially banned from opening in Bethesda, remains a mystery government officials have yet to share with citizens.

Do you really have freedom of choice, when there are no choices?

It's the end of an era.  The Golden Arches have stood along America's highways for decades, beckoning to hungry travelers.  So it was here on our East-West Highway.

It will be missed.

The famous Golden Arches sign has been torn down,
but McDonald's fans kept arriving for dinner anyway

The doors are locked tight

Here's all that's left of the Golden Arches
sign on East-West Highway

Left side of restaurant

Interior of the abandoned restaurant.  Note many ceiling tiles are
already missing.  A lone mystery man works on a
laptop at a table by the far windows

Ronald has left the building

No more coffee deals; Starbucks has the monopoly in
downtown Bethesda again

The End

INSIDE VINO VOLO AT BETHESDA ROW - EXCLUSIVE PHOTOS!

WHAT'S GOING ON

BEHIND THE WALL?

Another Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row Exclusive

One of the year's most anticipated openings is that of upscale wine bar Vino Volo at Bethesda Row.

The doorway was open last evening, and I was able to get these exclusive photos from the sidewalk for you.

They've got a ways to go there, but I'm definitely looking forward to this grand opening.

TROPICAL STORM LESLIE UPDATE - BETHESDA WEATHER FORECAST

Tropical Storm Leslie continues to defy the National Weather service.  It has never become a hurricane, but did gain strength yesterday.  It has slowed to a crawl of 3 MPH.  That certainly provides an opportunity to strengthen, but its current path is not towards any land mass.

However, Bermuda and the eastern U.S. coast could experiences swells, dangerous waves and rip currents over the next 24 hours.

LOCATION:  545 miles SSE of Bermuda

WINDS:  65 MPH

MOVING:  N at 3 MPH

BETHESDA FORECAST

Cloudy with scattered showers.  A chance of thunderstorms this afternoon.  High 84.  5-10 MPH breeze.  Chance of rain 70%.

Tonight, 60% chance of showers and thunderstorms.  Low 70s, with 5-10 MPH breeze.  Chance of fog after midnight.

Are you following @BethesdaRow on Twitter?

FIRST GLIMPSE OF MAGGIE'S TIKI BAR! EXCLUSIVE PHOTO!

Downtown Bethesda is getting an outdoor Tiki Bar, and it's starting to take shape at Maggie's on Cordell Avenue.

Is it too soon to order a Mai Tai?

One of the positive trends in all of the change happening on Cordell, is the creation of great new outdoor dining spaces.  Freddy's Lobster's is already done and in use.  Maggie's and Brickside Food and Drink's are in progress, and very promising.

The Beachcomber.  Trader Vic's.  And now, Maggie's.

Scorpion Bowl, anyone?

WHY THE PANIC? WOODMONT AVE. CLOSURE DELAYED UNTIL FRIDAY - BETHESDA ROW CONSTRUCTION UPDATE

The TV stations are hyping the closure of part of Woodmont Avenue as an end-of-summer Apocalypse.  But even worse, they got the date wrong.

Many outlets are reporting that Woodmont Avenue between Bethesda and Miller Avenues will close today.  But last Friday, Ken Hartman of the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Services Center said the closure would actually be September 7, which is this Friday.  Hartman is "The Man" when it comes to county government-related actions in downtown Bethesda -  if he doesn't know about it, it's not likely to be happening.  Since the county is a partner in the subterranean public parking garage that will be built during the street closure, Hartman's schedule is as close to official as it gets.

Plus, I was around that intersection last night, and nothing was in place for a closure.  Now, maybe some hard hat guy will blow a whistle, and run across Woodmont with a roll of police tape during rush hour.  But barring some rush job like that, I think it's safe to say it's not closing today.

Beyond that, the effects of the closure are being blown out of proportion.  The worst thing - closure of Lot 31 and 31A - has already happened.  Compared to Parkmageddon, the Woodmont closure is going to have far less impact on Bethesda Row businesses.  It's also not going to affect traffic on the Beltway or around the county, although you might think otherwise from the hype we're hearing.

There are three main impacts that are worth monitoring during the closure.  First, it is certainly going to slow traffic around the "block" of Bethesda Row.  But then, traffic already is slow around Bethesda Row.  The difference is that people used to "split the difference" when heading to 355:  some used Bethesda Avenue, and some used Woodmont.  Now 100% of those drivers are going to use Bethesda.  Combined with the impact of that on the already-frustrating Barnes and Noble intersection, that is going to lengthen travel times around the Row.

Second, the impact on Wisconsin Avenue will be that same issue; there could be backups during rush hours at the Bethesda-Wisconsin intersection.  Whether that slows traffic flow along 355 is going to be interesting (can it get any slower?  It's faster to walk during rush hour).  Conversely, no one will be making a left turn onto Woodmont from westbound Bethesda Avenue.

Third, there is a minor public safety issue, in that firetrucks answering calls will have to take an additional 10-20 seconds to turn down Bethesda Avenue, rather than using Woodmont.  They will also have to pause for oncoming traffic at one additional intersection of 355.  I'm sure these sorts of things have been coordinated with public safety officials in advance.

So, delays won't be surprising, but this is not going to be the end of the world.  The main thing is, with the closure being later this week, everyone will have a few days to readjust to the post-summer traffic congestion, before this monkey wrench hits the works.

Frankly, closing Woodmont for 2 years is one of the craziest ideas I've ever heard of.  But as they say in business school, "It is what it is."

ANOTHER GREEN ACRES THEFT - BETHESDA CRIME UPDATE

One more theft in the Bethesda neighborhood of Green Acres has been reported.  There were 5 thefts there last week.  This is only one more, but stay alert that there may be one or more criminals working in that area.  Lock your car doors!

The latest theft is in bold below:

Tuesday, August 28

Theft.  5300 block of Western Avenue.

Theft.  4900 block of Crescent Street.

Thursday, August 30

Theft from vehicle.  4600 block of Bayard Boulevard.

5300 block of Baltimore Avenue.

4800 block of Jamestown Road.

5100 block of Wissioming Road.

7800 block of Maryknoll Avenue.

Friday, August 31

Theft from vehicle.  4900 block of Earlston Drive.

FOONG LIN CLOSES FOREVER. AND THEN REOPENS. HUH?

What's going on at Foong Lin?  The restaurant had announced August 31 as its final day on a large banner out front.

But Saturday night, I passed by and there were people inside.  A sign said they were closed for a private party.

Sunday night, it got even stranger.  The restaurant was open for business, and even had a list of specials out front!

If developer JBG has allowed them to stay longer, and they can make money during that time by reopening, it makes perfect sense why they would do so.

Will they be open tonight for dinner?  I guess we'll find out in a few hours...

MEDIFAST CLOSES ON ARLINGTON ROAD, SPACE FOR LEASE - BETHESDA RETAIL SPACE

The small strip mall between Uncle Julio's and Crawford Tire on Arlington Road continues to struggle.  T-Mobile failed there and closed.  Now Medifast is the latest victim.  Shuttered for good, Federal Realty is now offering the space for lease.

It seems inevitable that this property will be redeveloped into a small, mixed-use building, possibly taking adjacent parcels, should they be available in future years.

WHEN WILL ISAAC REACH THE DC AREA?, TROPICAL STORM LESLIE UPDATE - BETHESDA WEATHER FORECAST

The big question has been, will the remnants of Hurricane Isaac hit Bethesda, and if so, when?

The center of Tropical Depression Isaac is currently over Ohio.  Some outer clouds and precipitation associated with Isaac may reach us later today, but the heavier rains will come Tuesday.  My Bethesda Forecast below will have more specifics of what to expect throughout the day.

One piece of good news, is that the National Hurricane Center has again adjusted the amount of rainfall Isaac is expected to drop on the DC area, from 2" to 1.75" over the next few days.  Assuming no stallouts in the atmosphere, that should reduce the risk of local flooding.

As Isaac moves closer to the Mid-Atlantic tonight, rains will become heavier into tomorrow.

BETHESDA STORM CENTER

LESLIE UPDATE

Leslie has again declined to strengthen into a hurricane.  In fact, its winds have dropped to 60 MPH!  The bad news is that Leslie has slowed almost 50%, which will allow it to strengthen as it enters warmer waters.  However, the National Hurricane Center says it does not expect Leslie to strengthen today or Tuesday.  If you're reading this in the northern Leeward Islands, Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands, Leslie is passing you by, but be alert for swells and rip currents at local beaches.

LOCATION:  610 miles SSE of Bermuda

WINDS:  60 MPH

MOVING:  NNW at 8 MPH

BETHESDA FORECAST

Your umbrella is still your best friend today!  This morning, it will be mostly cloudy, with patchy fog and some showers.  After 11 AM or later, showers and thunderstorms.  There is a 70% chance of rain, with cloudy skies the rest of the time.  High 82, 6-9 MPH breeze.

Tonight, cooler and cloudy, with a 5-7 MPH breeze.  Thunderstorm possible before midnight, and showers possible after midnight.

Make sure to follow @BethesdaRow on Twitter, and stay tuned here for Bethesda weather and hurricane updates.

DOWNTOWN BETHESDA PARKING NIGHTMARE JUST GOT "PARTIALLY" WORSE [PHOTOS]

LOTS DEMOLISHED,

WOODMONT SEGMENT

CLOSING... IS THIS A

GOOD TIME TO

PARTIALLY CLOSE

ST. ELMO GARAGE?

Another Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row Exclusive

Timing is everything, they say.  But try convincing Montgomery County of that.  I won't make you sit through another rant about how the county put developer profits ahead of the residents, by allowing private developers to close and redevelop multiple parking facilities all at once.  And without first building additional large lots or garages.

But now that all of that has happened, is this a good time to start a renovation of the crowded St. Elmo-Cordell county garage?

As it is, drivers can end up being lucky to find a spot in that garage on a busy night.  So any lost spaces are significant.

Here are some photos of the work going on in there:

STUART WEITZMAN OPENING BETHESDA BOUTIQUE IN JANUARY 2013

HIGH-END SHOE

DESIGNER-TO-THE-STARS

COMING TO WESTFIELD

MONTGOMERY MALL

Another Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row Exclusive

Bethesda women who are obsessed with shoes:  there is incredibly fantastic news for you, and incredibly terrifying news for your bank account.

Stuart Weitzman is coming to Bethesda in January 2013.

The Stuart Weitzman who uses unusual materials like cork, Lucite, and even 24-carat gold in his high-end creations?

The Stuart Weitzman who designs a one-of-a-kind pair, for one Oscar-nominated actress to wear at the Academy Awards each year?

Yes, that Stuart Weitzman.

Weitzman's company also sells handbags, clutches and other designer accessories.

Of course, you could always just shop online.  But having a physical location in Bethesda means no surprises, no wrong sizes, and plenty of impulse buying for you and your girlfriends.

This is another coup for Westfield, again demonstrating the company is trying to improve Montgomery Mall, even as other greedy mall operators in the county are conspiring to demolish their gallerias.

Ladies, start celebrating, and start saving up; the shop whose brand slogan is "a little obsessed with shoes" is coming to Bethesda.

TROPICAL STORM LESLIE UPDATE, WHERE IS ISAAC?, BETHESDA WEATHER DC FORECAST

BETHESDA STORM CENTER

LESLIE UPDATE

Tropical Storm Leslie continues to defy all predictions, failing to strengthen into a hurricane again Saturday.  Leslie is now expected to avoid a direct hit on the Leeward Islands, but there could be swells coming ashore in the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rican islands such as Vieques and Culebra.

LOCATION:  295 miles NNE of Leeward Islands

WINDS:  70 MPH

MOVING:  NW at 15 MPH

WHERE IS ISAAC?

Isaac is currently over Mississippi and Tennessee, and is expected to pass over Ohio today.  One model shows that Isaac could bring 2" of rain to the DC area early this week, rather than the .10" originally forecast.  Part of this depends upon a front stalling or not on the Atlantic seaboard, which could trap precipitation over our area.

BETHESDA FORECAST

Umbrellas at the ready again today!  High of 86, 5 MPH breeze, 60% chance of thunderstorms.

Stay tuned here and on Twitter at @BethesdaRow for all of the Bethesda weather news you want and need to know!

THEFT SPREE CLOSES OUT BETHESDA NEIGHBORHOOD'S "SUMMER OF SNATCH"

Seven thefts in 72 hours was not how some residents of west Bethesda wanted to end their summer.   And once again, the beleaguered Green Acres neighborhood had the majority of the thievery.

It's been a long summer of discontent for Green Acres, which started the season with a burglary spree in May, rode out a midsummer theft wave, and now tops it off with 5 additional thefts, just as autumn leaves begin to fall.

What is it about Green Acres that attracted criminals like magnets this summer, in a year in which the 20816 zip code overall experienced unusual crime activity?  Certainly, unlocked vehicles may have played a role in some thefts from autos.  But one teenage burglar who went wild there in May was breaking into the basement windows of homes, according to police following his arrest.

There have been sporadic thefts in west Bethesda over the last few weeks.  Two thefts in Green Acres on Tuesday initially appeared to be part of that typical activity.

But Thursday's 5 additional thefts strongly suggest one or more thieves are actively working that area now.

So make sure to secure your vehicles and home, and don't leave any money, GPS systems or other valuables in your car.

Here is the complete list of thefts:

Tuesday, August 28

Theft.  5300 block of Western Avenue.

Theft.  4900 block of Crescent Street.

Thursday, August 30

Theft from vehicle.  4600 block of Bayard Boulevard.

5300 block of Baltimore Avenue.

4800 block of Jamestown Road.

5100 block of Wissioming Road.

7800 block of Maryknoll Avenue.

BAKE BETHESDA A PIE CONTEST IS HOURS AWAY AT BETHESDA CENTRAL FARM MARKET

While Labor Day weekend is a time many relax, Bethesda Central Farm Market is offering even more than usual at today's market.

Stop by between 9 AM and 1 PM at 7600 Arlington Road (Bethesda ES) to pick up supplies - like premium, organic ketchup and mustard - for your holiday cookout.

The headlining event is the annual Bake Bethesda a Pie Contest from 11 AM-noon.  While Chef Joseph Poupon and Bethesda Magazine food editor Carole Sugarman will handle the professional judging part, you will have a chance to try every pie after the winners are chosen.

Also here today:  Mr. Divabetic, who will be wearing his "world famous fruit suit."  He will be asking your opinion on healthy lifestyles, and you'll be asking him how he got that name, and about his fruit suit, I suppose.

Finally, Bethesda's venerable BCC Rescue Squad will be on hand to give you a free blood pressure check, and with an ambulance customers can tour.

By getting your BP check out of the way, then you can go ahead and cheat at brunch in downtown Bethesda!

BURGLARY IN BETHESDA

A break-in Wednesday in the Springfield community of Bethesda continued a slow-but-steady series of burglaries in wealthy neighborhoods.  The crime occurred in the 5300 block of Ridgefield Road.

Somerset has had the most break-ins with 5; Green Acres, Kenwood, Spring Valley (DC), Foxhall (DC) and Chevy Chase are among the affected communities.

Lock your doors, and note any suspicious vehicles or persons, particularly if you are in any of the above-mentioned neighborhoods.

LONELY ZIPCAR SEEKS DRIVERS ON CORDELL AVENUE IN BETHESDA

EXCLUSIVE PHOTOS!

As Zipcar continues a rollout of new vehicles in Montgomery County, I found one parked all by itself on an empty stretch of Cordell Avenue.  It's not getting the attention the new Bethesda Row Zipcars are, but it's here and waiting for you to borrow it in Old Town Bethesda!

INCREDIBLE: ISAAC MADE MIGHTY MISSISSIPPI RIVER FLOW BACKWARDS! TROPICAL STORM LESLIE STRENGTHENS - BETHESDA WEATHER DC FORECAST

The U.S. Geological Survey has released an incredible finding.  According to its measurements, Hurricane Isaac at one point reversed the waters of the Mississippi River.  For a time, America's most famous and mightiest river was flowing upstream, rather than rushing towards the Gulf of Mexico like usual.

How could this happen?  It turns out that the Midwestern drought had lowered the river's height, making it less of a match for Isaac's precipitation and storm surge.

BETHESDA FORECAST

Mostly cloudy, 10-15 MPH breeze, 90.  Bring umbrella! 60% chance of thunderstorms.

BETHESDA STORM CENTER

LESLIE UPDATE

Tropical Storm Leslie is taking its time out in the Atlantic.  Despite predictions, Leslie did not become a hurricane Friday.  But the storm is gathering strength, and if you're reading this on the Northern Leeward Islands, this would be a good time to head to the grocery store for Spam, Vienna sausage, bottled water, batteries, etc.

The National Weather Service is now predicting Leslie will get hurricane status today, and based on the latest data, I'll buy that.

TS LESLIE BULLETIN

LOCATION:  550 miles E of Leeward Islands

WINDS:  70 MPH

MOVING:  WNW at 17 MPH

Make sure you're following @BethesdaRow on Twitter, and stay tuned for the Bethesda weather news you want and need to know!

BETHESDA PLACE CUSTOMERS GET MORE CONFUSING SIGNS DURING GARAGE CLOSURE

"HUH?"

Another Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row Exclusive

Bethesda Place, an apartment, retail and restaurant complex in downtown Bethesda, had said earlier this week it was closing the property's public garage through Tuesday morning.

But now an additional sign has been posted, directing Safeway customers to the store's alternate entrance on Old Georgetown Road.  And a valet service is being offered.

The Woodmont garage entrance remains blocked and closed for Labor Day weekend.

Frankly, I would just go to Giant or the Safeway at Arlington and Bradley.  This is not a customer-friendly thing to do, and ultimately the businesses lose money, because the building management chose to close off parking access.  I don't do business where I have to solve a Rubik's Cube just to get in the store.