TedE

9 hours ago, DonRocks said:

Is this a "suspend your skepticism" kind of thing? Because it's such a basic concept that it takes something silly, and makes it absurd. Okay, it takes something absurd, and makes it impossible under any circumstances.

Yes.  Remember, the zombies in this show (and basically every other end-of-the-world show/movie worth watching) are simply MacGuffins.  The main narrative is the sudden fracturing of human society, and the fallout that ensues as people try to reorganize their lives.  I think the best moments of this show in particular have had very little to do with actual zombies, it's all about inter- and intra-personal conflict.  "The Grove" may be one of the most powerful and disturbing episodes ever to air on a TV show.

On June 16, 2016 at 10:15 AM, TedE said:

If these are actually MD crabs it's just too early in the season.  We always wait until late summer to do any crab feasting; if you can wait until after Labor Day to get your fix it is WAY cheaper and the crabs are MUCH bigger for your money.  Hell, if the weather holds off there is nothing better than getting a bushel to eat outside in October!  You're going to pay a premium in June/July.  Watermen aren't going to risk their season on harvest predictions, they are going to bank money now.  That being said the early counts were the best in years, so we could see prices go down significantly as the summer wears on and supply increases.

A very timely Post article on watermen and the predicted bumper crop this year.

16 hours ago, Simul Parikh said:

Did some research. A bit cheaper at Cappy's. Bit more at QD. Down by work in SOMD, upper 90s. Must be supply issues 

If these are actually MD crabs it's just too early in the season.  We always wait until late summer to do any crab feasting; if you can wait until after Labor Day to get your fix it is WAY cheaper and the crabs are MUCH bigger for your money.  Hell, if the weather holds off there is nothing better than getting a bushel to eat outside in October!  You're going to pay a premium in June/July.  Watermen aren't going to risk their season on harvest predictions, they are going to bank money now.  That being said the early counts were the best in years, so we could see prices go down significantly as the summer wears on and supply increases.

7 minutes ago, mr food said:

There are several fish markets along Route 1 in Rehoboth. I grilled some delicious Mexican grouper from Big Fish Market this past weekend. Best deal might be the seafood at Giant-the guy knows his fish. 

We prefer Rehoboth Seafood Market, the little shack in the parking lot right next to Big Fish. They seem to have a better eye on truly local product than Big Fish.  

We'll have to check out the Giant this summer, thanks for the tip!

20 hours ago, DaveO said:

That is rich!!!  Ha Ha

Basically Angelos (Dickhead =DH) has been a remote egotistical meddling dictator during his ownership of the Orioles.  His meddling ruined the team.  He entirely divorced himself and the team from all the heroes of the past, especially and pointedly those who had become locals--> Brooks and Cal.  What a remote moron.   The town adores those two.  DH, what a mean spirited moron basically starting with the period when he bought the team and lasting ...well in many ways to this day.

Regardless, in 2012 the team did honor old heroes.  DH's son did partake in the ceremonies.  ....and we don't know...possibly between events such as being booed at Cal's remarkable achievement day...and that story from 2011 plus endless other comments on DH's' miserable personality....he thought it better not to be the team "front guy".  

I know if I saw him at one of those statue ceremonies in 2012 I would have booed him.  Dickheads don't deserve applause

And apparently has so alienated Cal that he publicly expressed interest in the Nats' manager opening last year.  Let that sink in: the public face of your franchise for the better part of two decades, a man who is synonymous with the team you own, letting it be known that he wants a leadership role in the hated rival that you personally tried to block for the duration of your ownership and with whom you are in a bitter, decade-long battle over broadcast rights.  How big of a "Fuck you!!" is that?!

Miller and Angel are the voices of my childhood summers.  We absolutely used to mute the TV to listen to them, but more often it was outside on the porch where we were also close enough to the stadium hear the roar of the crowd after a big play if the stands were full.  Even when the game was a blow out it was a pleasure just listening to them be entertainers.  I can distinctly recall them coming back on air after a 2-3 hour rain delay, clearly drunk, and Miller doing a couple innings in Japanese (how fluently I have no idea, but he did speak the language a bit) with Angel providing a deadpan "translation" on the fly.  Rehearsed comedy routines are seldom as entertaining.  In the age of internet radio I should make an effort to seek out the SF broadcast the next time they play the Nats.

9 hours ago, ALargeFarva said:

1 star: Plume, Rasika, Rose's, Little Serow, Convivial, Marcel's, Jaleo, Rasika, Bombay Club, Fiola, Iron Gate, Masseria, The Source, Bourboun Steak, plus another 1/2 dozen that could go either way (maybe Taro, Ogawa, Seki, Corduroy and 1 or 2 good not great IMO French restaurants).

....

Once they move outside DC proper, I suspect Inn at Little Washington will get 3 and that Restaurant Eve, Patowmack Farm, Bartlett Pear will get 1-2 stars.  Can't think of any others I've been to outside DC that are deserving.

I think there will be a few steak houses with 1 star.  Red Hen is probably a good bet for another star recipient.

Once the Guide expands outside of DC proper I wonder how regional it will become.   Even on an average traffic day you can get from downtown to Woodberry Kitchen in almost half the time it would take you to get to the Inn.

On June 1, 2016 at 10:51 AM, TedE said:

and Espinosa ... well, Trea Turner is available as of today under an extra year of control.  I doubt we see him until later in the summer, though

Ignition!

2 hours ago, Bart said:

From Todd Kliman's twiller:

Michelin DC predictions:

3 stars:

Fiola Mare.
Komi.

2 stars:

Plume
Rasika
Metier
Little Serow
Minibar
Rose's

That seems optimistic.   Out of all of those I would guess Metier would be the best chance for 3 (I haven't set foot in the place, but from everything I've read here and elsewhere it best fits the "profile").  My guess is a relative slew of 1 star reviews, and a smattering of 2s with the outside chance of a single 3 star.  They aren't coming here blind; just by choosing DC for a city guide they would already have compiled a laundry list of eligible restaurants.  The official reviews will simply sort them into buckets.

Assorted thoughts as we round first on the season:

- The Daniel Murphy of May is unfortunately not the Daniel Murphy we will see for the rest of the season.  But Bryce Harper of May is probably not the Bryce we will see, either.  So hopefully average out those bats and that's where the combined production lands at the end of the season.

- Strasburg at 9-0 and ready to battle for Cy Young.  Scherzer with the worst ERA on the team at 4.05 (including relievers  !!!), which seems worrisome.  They have almost identical stats for Ks, hits and walks, though.  The big difference: Max has single-handedly given up almost one third of the team HRs; that is either dumb luck or he is serving up a meatball or two every game to the wrong people.  Could be some control issues he needs to rein in. Go back and watch the last 3 innings of that 20 K game.  Still worried?  Team ERA 2nd in the league.

- Offensive production outside of Murphy and Ramos is a real issue.  The occasional outbursts from Espinosa, Werth and the pinch hitters have come at opportune times it seems.  Revere needs to continue his steady ascent back to lifetime numbers, and Espinosa ... well, Trea Turner is available as of today under an extra year of control.  I doubt we see him until later in the summer, though (see Boswell's chat from yesterday for a great breakdown of minor league careers for players with the same profile)

- In Dusty We Trust

2 hours ago, DonRocks said:

You might be right (I don't remember all that well), but wouldn't Strasburg have started game 2, in which the Nats got shellacked? If so, he probably would have won it, and the Nats would have gone up 2-0, and that's a huge psychological advantage (Detweiler, as you know, started game 4).

I think the Nats should have saved Strasburg's innings by spreading them out later into the season (I distinctly remember thinking this at the time - what on earth were they thinking?) - then, he would have been under his inning count come playoff time (which, it must be stressed, was a total guess - an educated guess, but a guess all the same). I'm not familiar with the exact details of Harvey, but it can't have been the *exact* same situation, for the reasons just described. Did anyone ever say why the Nats didn't spread his innings out so he could have had some left for the playoffs? (Ted, would you mind giving us a brief synopsis of Harvey's situation, or perhaps pointing us to 1-2 good articles that describe it? I know that Boras is his agent, too - I wonder if Boras has something to do with these innings counts.) I'm going to read that Post article now - I also want to read DaveO's article about RGIII, because as far as I knew, one day he was kicking ass, then he got hurt, and the Redskins played him hurt, and he's never been the same after that. I looked at the article, started reading it, realized how long it was, then stopped until I had some time - if it makes a strong case for it *not* being the team that ruined his career for playing him while he could barely walk (which has always been my assumption), that's going to be some prize winning journalism

A couple of thoughts:

- Gio pitched Game 1 of that series, Game 2 in which they got rocked was started by Jordan Zimmermann.  If I remember, the thinking was that Staras would have pitched that first game at home, and everybody shifted back a game.  That is all just a guess, because we don't know what would have happened in the hypothetical alternate time line where Strasburg doesn't get shut down (or stretched out to bank innings, or whatever). I think if you value him that much you give him Game 1 at home.  Gio was arguably the staff ace that year, so maybe he was the better chance of going up 2-0.  JZimm of 2012 was not JZimm of 2014 (or 2013 for that matter).  Who knows, it's playoff baseball!

- Harvey was in an almost identical situation to Strasburg regarding the timing of their TJ surgeries and seasons back from that recovery.  Stras was shut down right at 160 innings; Harvey tossed 220+ last year.  It's speculation whether that means anything, of course, and you have to wait a couple years to see how he progresses compared to Stras' relatively slow come back.  Remember, he was only average-to-good post-2012, with a few stints on the DL, until he came back to full time in the second half of last season.  Been lights out since that. Given the frequency of young pitchers to have the procedure done in the first few seasons of their pro career we may actually have some better data in the next decade or so.  You can't tell me that GMs aren't looking at Strasburg and Harvey right now, though, and asking whether the Nats got it right.   Not only with the shut down, but with the way they handled *any* sign of injury in the following two seasons.

3 hours ago, DonRocks said:

I disagreed with the move at the time, and maybe I still do, because the sad truth is that playoffs are golden opportunities in sports, and you have to seize those opportunities when they arrive.

Ask the Matt Harvey of 2016 what he thinks about the Mets' decision to run him deep into the playoffs last year in a similar situation ... or just watch a replay of last night's game.

People also forget that Detwiler's replacement start in 2012 was a gem!  Scattered 3 hits for a single run.  In hindsight sitting Strasburg had zero effect on the playoff outcome.

This was a great article in the Post detailing the behind-the-scenes build up to his extension signing: No one expected a Stephen Strasburg extension. Then Scott Boras made a call.  

He is the physical manifestation of an ego writing checks that the body couldn't cash.

On May 15, 2016 at 8:58 PM, DonRocks said:

About Strasburg's contract, I just found this:

"Stephen Strasburg's $175 Million Contract is Mostly Smoke and Mirrors and is a Brilliant Ploy by Super Agent Scott Boras" by Cork Gaines on businessinsider.com

That is such a simplistic, one-sided take on the deal.  Of COURSE he signed a contract that is beneficial to him.  It's also beneficial to the Nats.  Had he gone to free agency in 2016-17 with the year he's having so far and no injuries, most analysts think that he would be getting Scherzer money (multi-year deal valued at $30M+). The Nats probably would have lost him to free agency.  Now the best case scenario: they get 3-4 years AT HIS PRIME, defer a bunch of money, and then let him go during free agency to somebody else who will pay MORE money.  Meanwhile they get those supposed $30M+ years at a real discount.  Boras didn't pull one over their eyes; he compromised to get his client financial security (his job).  Every big pitching contract is one major injury from being a bust, but you have to play that game to keep talent.  I think you are going to start seeing more of these deals in the future.

All Purpose opened yesterday.  Looking forward the checking it out in the near future.

On May 9, 2016 at 6:08 PM, DonRocks said:

Bryce Harper hasn't had an official at-bat in his last 12 plate appearances.

Really.

12. BB
11. BB
10. SF
9. BB
8. IBB
7. BB
6. BB
5. IBB
4. HBP
3. BB
2. IBB
1. IBB

That's 0-for-0, with 1 RBI, and an OBP of .917

"Bryce Harper's Controversial, Frustrating, Record-Setting Day Versus The Cubs" by Chris Chase on foxsports.com

At the game on Tuesday I remarked to my brother that Murphy's average was a full .150 higher than Bryce, yet their OBP and OPS were within a couple of percentage points (both outstanding).  A walk is as good as a hit!  We'll see if the switch to Murphy hitting behind him will get him some more official at bats.

On March 26, 2016 at 8:32 AM, porcupine said:

I see you tagged this as "science fiction" and "horror".  I really don't see it as a horror film.

I think the "horror" tag is perfectly apt, and that is how it is usually described.  "Suspense" is probably the better descriptor, but you can't have a good horror film without building suspense.

I can't think of another film series that comprises two entries that were so genre-defining.  Alien as the archetypical sci-fi/horror/suspense film, and Aliens was a ground-breaking sci-fi/military/action piece that laid ground for Predator, etc.  Both are personal favorites of mine, but given the timing of the release the sequel is near the top of my all-time list (can't say how many times I've watched it, and can recite most of the dialogue by heart).

We are just finishing up a 4 week trial run with Blue Apron (first couple at a discount, the last two regular price).  I *like* it, but don't *love* it.

Pro:

• The quality of the product is pretty high, but at full price I'm not sure it's any better than what you could get locally with effort.
• It's two fully planned meals delivered to your door (duh).  Easily feeds 2 adults and two kids, usually with leftovers
• Agree with the CSA comment above, it is an incentive to branch out, and we have found some recipes that we will keep in rotation (but will be able to recreate at half the price shopping on our own)
• Recipes are clear, if a bit formulaic (I think we've made the same thing with different spices/sides at least once)

Con:

• Limited ability to choose menus; we've had at least one dud recipe
• Price.  I like shopping, and we prepare almost all of our dinners at home, so that is our basis for comparison.  If we were a 3-4x a week takeout family I would put this in the Pro column
• Packaging.  I'm overly critical of the waste.  However, you can send everything back to Blue Apron (they will provide a printed return label if you have more than two deliveries worth of packaging, including the ice packs).  It's extra effort to essentially put recycling back on a truck to New Jersey where the shipments originate, and who knows what they do with it on the other end.
• A couple of the recipes have seemed fussy, and on average take a lot longer to prepare than our normal go to's (but see the "branching out" comment above)
• No option to specify gluten free for a household with a celiac sufferer.   We've found ourselves just supplementing our own pantry items where necessary (GF pasta or flour)

I could see us returning to doing it once a month as a weekly break from our normal routine, but for now we are putting the subscription on hold.  We may try one of the other options, but Blue Apron seems to be the best reviewed from friends.

Sadly, the in-stand vendors had 100% compliant ABI offerings (Bud, Bud Light, Stella, Stella Cidre, Shock Top, etc.). I'll miss the Heineken and Flying Dog. 

We found at least one roaming vendor in the 300s who had Flying Dog cans, so they are still out there somewhere.

Sadly, I'm going to agree with the comment on Old Ox; I think there are better local offerings.  They seem to have knocked 3 Stars from the District Drafts stand outside 309.  Breweries rotated somewhat in years past, so maybe they'll be back at some point.

I think the only thing not specifically covered in Allen's summary of changes is what's going to happen to the beer offerings inside the Red Porch (now Budweiser Brewhouse). Red Porch has/had about a dozen independent craft offerings (Flying Dog, Heavy Seas, Dogfish, many others) -- I'd be amazed if those stay inside a "Budwesier Brewhouse" -- some Goose Island taps at best.

And the almost certain death of Firkin Fridays

I strongly disagree. People should be able to discuss whatever they feel like that's on topic. I certainly don't owe Kwame or anyone else the obligation to refrain from discussing his new venture.

Nobody is saying not to discuss whatever they feel is on topic, talk about whatever the hell you want.  My point is (and I've been playing the curmudgeonly devil's advocate here), why don't we talk about things that are unique to this offering?  Here are topics that have been discussed extensively, if not ad nauseam, on this site:

- Celebrity chefs riding out their TV fame

- Tasting menu price points and value thereof

- Pre-paid ticketed seatings

You know what hasn't been offered up?:

- People who have tasted the chef's food

- People who have worked in a kitchen with the chef

- People who can vouch for any of the principals involved

My gut feeling is that there is only a small chance that this will live up to it's self-described billing, but my opinion means a lot less than anybody who can chime in on that second list of items.  Everything else just seems like the cool kids' table poking fun at the awkward newcomer in the corner.

Ted, I realize it was my (now deleted) post that prompted yours, but are you really going to go to this restaurant?

I am not.

I'm not going either, but at this point only because high-priced tasting menus are not on my radar right now (I haven't been to Rose's Luxury, for reasons that have nothing to do with the quality of the food being produced there).  If I were in the demographic they are targeting I wouldn't dismiss it out of hand before any patrons have even darkened its doors.  We can discuss the (de)merits of prepaid dining tickets, the nebulous definitions of the "concept", the prospects of a young chef who has not paid his dues, etc, but the sniping is tiresome and just the kind of thing I thought this board was supposed to be above.

How about we wait until the f'in restaurant actually opens, so we can either bask in the glory of its genius or smugly gloat at a Great-Oz-behind-the-curtains farce?

As a group these are self-promoting chefs who applied to be on a reality TV show so that they could self-promote.  Is anybody surprised that any semblance of substance is veiled in a thick layer of style?  It's obvious that some of them have the chops and others don't, but nobody is there because they have to be.  These are conscious career choices, and if I were them I'd milk it for all it's worth.  Whether you respect these choices or not is beyond the point.

What's even more amazing is that the car was in a fatal accident, and rebuilt by the factory.

Aug 15, 2014 - "Classic Ferrari Once Involved in a Fatal Accident Becomes Most Expensive Car Ever After Selling for $38.1 Million" on dailymail.co.uk

Pretty much all of the race chassis from that era were rebuilt by the factory at some point, whether because it was crashed or to replace or upgrade major components.  These were working cars, and they were tinkered with constantly in pursuit of performance; no two are the same,  And if they survived this long without serious damage somebody has probably done a frame off restoration which is basically the same thing.  Sometimes you can pay the manufacturer to do it for you so that you can claim it was still "factory rebuilt" (the restoration facility for Mercedes maintains all of the tooling for parts that haven't been manufactured for production in decades).

Having even a semi-famous person die in a car undoubtedly increases it's value for the same macabre reason that people assign to any mundane object linked to celebrity.  What is worth more: a "normal" Porsche 550 Spyder, or the one that James Dean died in?

I wonder what it is about this particular car that brings such high auction value - obviously, all it takes is two bidders, but there must be something special about it (other than being titanically awesome, of course).

1) It's a Ferrari

2) It's a racing Ferrari with a distinguished career from the golden age of the marque

3) They made less than 40 of them, and some number less than that remain in restored condition

4) It's fucking gorgeous

After that it basically comes down to rich guy oneupmanship (one of them reportedly changed hands privately for $52 million prior to this sale).  Just a small deviation in the history of a car (which races it won with which famous racer behind the wheel, etc.) can swing the sale price to astounding extremes. Similar reason why someone paid north of $300M for a piece of Post-Impressionism.  Name a collecting hobby and somebody will pay ridiculously amounts of money for the "best of the best", whoever-the-hell determines that notwithstanding.