Duncan Shields, DC

I have been a patient of Duncan Shields, DC for several years. I swear the man has magic hands and an intuitive touch that constantly boggles my mind. I have seen multiple chiropractors over time due to traveling with work and no one comes close to the right on target treatments and suggestions I receive from Dr. Shields. His new wellness studio, Hands-on Health, has a nice, relaxing atmosphere.

Recently I was out of town for just over 2 months where each day I woke up with horrible lower back pain that radiated shooting pain to my legs and pelvic area. It was so bad it woke me often in the middle of the night. It would often dissipate during the day but each night it reoccurred. Other doctors were perplexed and it seemed a true mystery. I had had issues before, but this one actually scared me and I thought I might need medical attention.

I finally arrived back in VA and saw Dr. Shields. He analyzed the situation, took me through some stretches and tests and adjusted several areas. To my complete surprise - that evening and the next morning I had no pain at all! The next night (and the next) again, no pain! I never thought that something that had seemed so severe would be absolutely gone so quickly. It turned out that the muscles and tendons were impinging on a nerve and by simple adjustments to re-balance everything all was well again. Now I just have to keep it there.

I saw Dr. Shields again and commented that it was amazing how many others (including me) may have sought out serious medical attention for something that actually could be simply alleviated and prevented. Since then I do my simple stretching each day and the problem has not re-occurred. Whenever I am in town I make it a priority to see Dr. Shields.

Weight Lifting Hall Of Fame

Ok - so I'm driving on Highway 81 in PA - and I see a huge spinning weightlifter on top of a building. What's that?

Oh - I'm entering York - and this is the HQ of York Barbell. Then I happen to notice the sign on this large modern looking building - the USA Weight Lifting Hall of Fame. Cool! I admit I am one who actually watches those World's Strongest Man episodes on ESPN2 and is impressed by those who can lift and heave all sorts of heavy objects - so I made note of it.

I looked it up when I got home and found out it had been open when I passed (closes at 6pm) and that it was FREE. So next time my travels or errands (yes, I drive far for errands sometimes) took me back up that way - I went back to check it out.

There is a small store for York Barbell with weights, equipment and accessories and then the museum had all sorts of power lifting memorabilia from the man who started York Barbell along with a giant statue of him and other power lifting nostalgia. It was interesting and worth the admission price (free). They also have an auditorium where they used to hold the strongman competitions, but it doesn't appear to have been used in a while.

The displays hadn't been updated for anything recent, but the place was very organized, clean and everything was displayed and featured nicely.

Sport Chrysler Jeep INC

We got a new car and it was actually a pleasant buying experience! After driving all over the place to multiple Jeep dealerships - and by all over the place I mean as far away as 2 1/2 hour drives in different directions, we finally found the exact car we wanted in Norristown, PA.

Once we pinpointed the model, color and features and test drove different ones, I scoured the Internet and discovered that Sport Jeep had the exact one we were searching for in their inventory. I used the 'make an offer' button on the Internet page and it worked! I sent it after 4pm and within 15 minutes received a solid reply from the owner of the dealership without any haggling, even though my offer was way below sticker. We arranged to go up there the next day. It was a nice drive and everything was exactly as promised when we arrived.

They helped us to secure great third party financing and we 'drove off into the sunset' as happy owners of a new Jeep Compass.

There was one star deducted due to a very lengthy registration process (over 3 months) due to a mix-up with their outside vendor and the fact that our car needed to be registered in a state other than PA, but that was eventually completely resolved.

We don't live close enough to take advantage of any of the service specials, but we were very happy with the sales process.

American Tap Room

This has been my favorite location in the chain. I have always had friendly and efficient service, the decor is a little nicer than some of the others. The floor to ceiling windows add more light and the food quality has been consistently good.

One of my favorites here is Bevo's salad with chicken, which has a nice amount of spice with fresh, hot grilled chicken on top. Chicken or mixed fajitas are also always good - as well as even the --- chicken sandwich. Too bad they don't offer their key lime pie for $2 special any longer - as it was actually pretty good and a nice size for the $2 price.

They just discontinued their e-club and migrated everyone over to their Rewards club. It's a card you give them each time you go and it gives you a $10 credit as a welcome gift and a $20 additional credit for your birthday. Rewards add up quickly as - making it easy to get all kinds of future discounts.

American Cafe

Surprisingly good restaurant inside of a nearly empty mall. I had a coupon for a 2 for 1 entree here from their e-club so I ventured over.

The service was very good and the food was terrific. I ordered the grilled herb chicken with scalloped potatoes, veggies and a baby bleu salad - all for $9.99 - and my companion ordered the Chicken Milan. With my favorite orange spice ice tea and coupon - 2 had a nice lunch for $12 + tip! Not bad...

The section down by the windows is a little more bright and airy than the enclosed room above - but at least there's lots of booths in both parts, which I prefer.

A nice meal at a good value. Lots more things to try on the menu for future visits. They offer a lot of specials as well. Even without 2 for 1, I'll be back - and for me that's saying a lot.

Gordon Biersch

Great service, Decent food - best for sandwiches and burgers... salads need work mainly with dressing choices... But I guess who orders a salad at a brewery restaurant? (Answer: Me... once in the past only).

Most current visit - Had the Marzen BBQ Chicken sandwich and crispy garlic fries... Friend had same but sub'd Gorgonzola potato wedges for fries... downed a Hefeweizen (banana, clove mmm) with it - and oh, by the way, the have a free e-club that gives you a free entree for your birthday (good for 2 weeks surrounding it) which is also nice. Wish they had a little better happy hour prices. Usually sit in the booths here as I like it more quiet - but mock 'outdoor' area in mall offers lots of viewing of Tysons Mall goers... heading into B & N.

Hertz

Had to get a one way car rental to go pick up my new car in Pennsylvania. Found the deal for this location of Hertz on CarRentals.com - at half the price of the other locations. It is hidden in the bottom of a building in the back.

They only had 2 total cars to pick from, but they were in the class I had reserved so all was well. The car had less than 200 miles on it, which was nice. Easy reservation - good customer service on phone as well.

Tip - if you usually get the collision damage waiver purchase it in advance for 1/2 the price when making the reservation.

Orthotic Solutions

I was referred here for a special foot brace for my elderly mother. We saw Dr. Michael Malagari and he was wonderful. He was patient, very personable and came up with the perfect solution to my mother's problem. He did a casting and we will back to pick up our custom boots in 2 weeks.

The place specializes in custom solutions for all sorts of needs and performs full evaluations. It was easy to make an appt, insurance was verified prior to coming, and there was no wait upon arrival. We are definitely in the right hands and are very glad we were referred to Dr. Malagari.

Extreme Hair

Finally - a good hair cut! This time I made sure to see the girl that was recommended and it worked. After the last one that made me have to wear my hair up for the last 5 months because it looked like I had tried to cut gum out of my hair myself, I took the plunge and a friend's recommendation and saw Tracy at Extreme Hair in Germantown. I heard that Trinh is great as well.

It's no frills - but they are talented, efficient and very affordable. A hair cut with shampoo was $30 - brow wax was $8. My hair looks better than it has in a long time and will be easy to maintain.

The salon does men's and children's hair as well. My friend's whole family has gone there for years and is very happy.

Bring a photo when you go - (if desired) and they will do their best to give you what you ask for.

David J. Levine, DPM

I have taken my elderly mother here 3 times now and I have to say Dr. David Levine is fantastic! At first she needed a special shoe for a leg length difference and my request stumped every 'supposed' orthotic shop in the local DC area - so luckily I found Dr. Levine. He has a full service orthotic shop in-house and can custom make any type of orthotic desired, using your own shoes or any from his vast selection.

His staff is very friendly and kind and our wait has always been less than 5 minutes. He also does all of the other normal podiatry services, surgery and has a cool gait lab. A really nice guy and a special discovery. We are very pleased with Dr. Levine.