what's up the pike: death by fast food

- One East County motorist says the new restaurants on Tech Road are putting her in danger. "I take my life in my hands everyday as I drive on Prosperity Drive and then try to cross or turn left on Tech Road," she wrote in a letter to the Gazette. MoCo DOT says they're preparing a traffic study for the intersection of Tech and Prosperity.

- In another letter, Burtonsville resident Chris Miller says he wants to see more live music in the area. "It is clear that the county's zoning, liquor/food percentage rules for restaurants, and the NIMBY factor means people must drive to D.C., Northern Virginia, or Baltimore to see bands," he writes. If he hasn't been already, he might want to check out Chapala Palenque on Route 198, where you can enjoy quesadillas and some tasty local bands as well.

- Takoma Park's started a new marketing campaign dubbed "The New Ave," directing shoppers and developers alike to the stretch of New Hampshire Avenue between University Boulevard and the District line. “Who wants to pay exorbitant prices for basmati rice? At the Indian stores here you can get a two or five-kilo bag for half the price," says mayor Bruce Williams on the website, which includes a listing of local stores and development plans for the area. We're hoping this initiative will get carried up New Hampshire to White Oak, whose many ethnic businesses could benefit from such enthusiastic boosting.

- Of course, tonight is Aretha Franklin at Montgomery College's new Robert E. Parilla Performing Arts Center, located on Georgia at Burlington. According to the website, tickets are still available for the Queen of Soul's 8pm performance at just $75. Aretha will be breaking in the new venue, followed by what appears to be a five-night run of 1976 cult classic The Rocky Horror Picture Show. (Now, don't judge.)

- It's another big weekend in Downtown Silver Spring: Tomorrow, come out to the first Fenton Street Market from 9am to 2pm in the parking lot at Fenton and Silver Spring Avenue. After that, stick around for the sixth-annual Silver Spring Jazz Festival featuring Allen Toussaint and local boy done good Marcus Johnson. That's from 3:30 to 10:30pm, also in a parking lot, this one at the corner of Colesville and Georgia.