The ***OFFICIAL*** Washington, DC thread (4 Viewers)

[Sebowski]

I'll be back when I have time to talk about Pizzeria/Birreria Paradiso (which is far from new)

 

[dgreen]

Dschuler--are you married and planning to have kids? Do you expect to stay in D.C. indefinitely or are you gonna get transferred again a few years down the road?

I'll be there for 3 and a half years. No kids, but engaged.

Check out the area around the Waterfront Metro Station.You may only get a 1 br condo for the price of a starter home in Clinton, but it's an up and coming neighborhood.

 

[dschuler]

Dschuler--are you married and planning to have kids? Do you expect to stay in D.C. indefinitely or are you gonna get transferred again a few years down the road?

I'll be there for 3 and a half years. No kids, but engaged.

Check out the area around the Waterfront Metro Station.You may only get a 1 br condo for the price of a starter home in Clinton, but it's an up and coming neighborhood.

Thanks for the insight.

 

[roarlions]

If anyone in the area is interested in joining a local best ball, auction league, we are looking for a few owners.

See this thread for details:

https://forums.footballguys.com/forum/index.php?/topic/726644-fbg-2015-mid-atlantic-best-ballauction-league-looking-for-owners/

 

[Poke_4_Life]

My current project that has me going to DC once a month got extended through October. I have to assume the weather in October is pretty great.

 

[Swing 51]

Yes, I've heard lots of people claim October has the best weather of the year in DC

 

[TobiasFunke]

John Oliver is a ####### American hero.

If you haven't seen it yet, his main story this week was about DC Statehood.

 

[dgreen]

I've never looked into the statehood issue. Seems obvious that DC residents deserve a voice in Congress, but not sure if "statehood" is the right option. Not saying it's the wrong option, I've just never put much thought into it. I think the main argument against it being a state is "It's too small", which seems like potentially a week argument.

 

[TobiasFunke]

I've never looked into the statehood issue. Seems obvious that DC residents deserve a voice in Congress, but not sure if "statehood" is the right option. Not saying it's the wrong option, I've just never put much thought into it. I think the main argument against it being a state is "It's too small", which seems like potentially a week argument.

You should watch the John Oliver segment. It gets into the various options- voting representation, more autonomy, full statehood, etc. Also talks about the "it's too small" argument, which is easily dismissed by pointing out the population is greater than three states and the GDP is greater than around 16 states. Plus the song at the end is delightful.

Unrelated- I remember some idiot posting some stuff in this thread a month or two ago about metro not really being as bad as it's made out to be. What a moron that guy is.

 

[fatguyinalittlecoat]

I've never looked into the statehood issue. Seems obvious that DC residents deserve a voice in Congress, but not sure if "statehood" is the right option. Not saying it's the wrong option, I've just never put much thought into it. I think the main argument against it being a state is "It's too small", which seems like potentially a week argument.

You should watch the John Oliver segment. It gets into the various options- voting representation, more autonomy, full statehood, etc. Also talks about the "it's too small" argument, which is easily dismissed by pointing out the population is greater than three states and the GDP is greater than around 16 states. Plus the song at the end is delightful.

I liked the Oliver piece but it doesn't really mention the "elephant" in the room, so to speak. It's not just an inertia issue, it's that D.C. is overwhelmingly Democratic and there's no way the GOP wants to just gift the Democrats two extra Senators. I can't see full statehood ever happening unless the country as a whole ever becomes overwhelmingly Democratic-leaning or the District becomes more evenly balanced politically.

I know there are issues, but it's always seemed to me that D.C. should just get absorbed by Maryland. We've already got two Democratic Senators so a lot of the partisan objections would be diminished.

 

[The_Man]

It's never going to happen, particularly for the 2 Democratic Senators reason Fat Guy cites above. For most of the country, this is no more an issue than statehood for Puerto Rico or Guam or whatever. Regardless of the merits of the issue, it's simply not happening.

 

[TobiasFunke]

I've never looked into the statehood issue. Seems obvious that DC residents deserve a voice in Congress, but not sure if "statehood" is the right option. Not saying it's the wrong option, I've just never put much thought into it. I think the main argument against it being a state is "It's too small", which seems like potentially a week argument.

You should watch the John Oliver segment. It gets into the various options- voting representation, more autonomy, full statehood, etc. Also talks about the "it's too small" argument, which is easily dismissed by pointing out the population is greater than three states and the GDP is greater than around 16 states. Plus the song at the end is delightful.

I liked the Oliver piece but it doesn't really mention the "elephant" in the room, so to speak. It's not just an inertia issue, it's that D.C. is overwhelmingly Democratic and there's no way the GOP wants to just gift the Democrats two extra Senators. I can't see full statehood ever happening unless the country as a whole ever becomes overwhelmingly Democratic-leaning or the District becomes more evenly balanced politically.

I know there are issues, but it's always seemed to me that D.C. should just get absorbed by Maryland. We've already got two Democratic Senators so a lot of the partisan objections would be diminished.

I think he avoided getting into that so as not to be too blatantly partisan. I assume that's also why he focused on Obama giving Boehner "DC abortions" (use of city money on access for low-income women) rather than on the GOP using that as a bargaining chip in the first place. Anyone who's familiar with the issue knows the reason the GOP is so opposed to voting representation for DC, and although ideally you'd like them to be super-principled, it seems a lot to ask to go against self-interest so blatantly.

That's why I liked that he also talked up autonomy rather than just voting representation, because I consider that the more frustrating issue, especially when you consider the GOP's supposed support for state's rights. It's so easy to make them look like ridiculous hypocrites, and it was nice to see someone finally do so.

 

[dgreen]

Unrelated- I remember some idiot posting some stuff in this thread a month or two ago about metro not really being as bad as it's made out to be. What a moron that guy is.

I was in Boston for several days this week and experienced no issues that I'd consider significant. In DC, it seems like there's multiple significant issues (not necessarily as big as today's) every week. I think 7 minutes is the longest I waited for a train in Boston and I traveled during rush hour, midday, evenings, and weekends. Didn't matter when or where I rode, things seemed smooth. I'm sure Bostonians complain about something with the T, though.

The real problem with Metro isn't that it's horrible right now; it's that it is heading downward and my understanding is the leadership is horrible and there's little confidence they can steer this in the right direction. The real issue is that things could potentially get much worse before they improve. The required improvements aren't quick fixes and will take years, if not decades.

 

[dgreen]

I've never looked into the statehood issue. Seems obvious that DC residents deserve a voice in Congress, but not sure if "statehood" is the right option. Not saying it's the wrong option, I've just never put much thought into it. I think the main argument against it being a state is "It's too small", which seems like potentially a week argument.

You should watch the John Oliver segment. It gets into the various options- voting representation, more autonomy, full statehood, etc. Also talks about the "it's too small" argument, which is easily dismissed by pointing out the population is greater than three states and the GDP is greater than around 16 states. Plus the song at the end is delightful.

I liked the Oliver piece but it doesn't really mention the "elephant" in the room, so to speak. It's not just an inertia issue, it's that D.C. is overwhelmingly Democratic and there's no way the GOP wants to just gift the Democrats two extra Senators. I can't see full statehood ever happening unless the country as a whole ever becomes overwhelmingly Democratic-leaning or the District becomes more evenly balanced politically.

I know there are issues, but it's always seemed to me that D.C. should just get absorbed by Maryland. We've already got two Democratic Senators so a lot of the partisan objections would be diminished.

The few republicans remaining in Maryland would fight that pretty hard. Southern MD, Western MD, and the Eastern Shore counties would not be happy with adding so many more dems to the state voting pool.

 

[fatguyinalittlecoat]

Yeah, some people would object but those people don't have a lot of power.

 

[dgreen]

Yeah, some people would object but those people don't have a lot of power.

Kind of like DC residents right now.

 

[Don Quixote]

Eleanor Holmes Norton probably doesn't help things, as the example of who DC would pick as a Representative. I think most (even liberals/Democrats) would agree that she's kind of batty. But there's little incentive for any one to run against her right now.

Though maybe it wouldn't it make a huge difference to Republicans, who would oppose adding some Democratic seats, regardless of the individual.

 

[dgreen]

I've never looked into the statehood issue. Seems obvious that DC residents deserve a voice in Congress, but not sure if "statehood" is the right option. Not saying it's the wrong option, I've just never put much thought into it. I think the main argument against it being a state is "It's too small", which seems like potentially a week argument.

You should watch the John Oliver segment. It gets into the various options- voting representation, more autonomy, full statehood, etc. Also talks about the "it's too small" argument, which is easily dismissed by pointing out the population is greater than three states and the GDP is greater than around 16 states. Plus the song at the end is delightful.

What determines whether something should be a state? Is it population and GDP? I realize DC would have an easier path to statehood than other cities, but making it about population and GDP would lead me to think that other cities should be their own state. Should NYC be it's own state? What about LA and Chicago? No idea if that's ok or not because I'm not sure what criteria makes something a legit state.

 

[Mr. Ected]

Population-wise, DC is close to several states

DC - 658,893 (2014)

South Dakota - 853,175 (2014)

North Dakota - 739,482 (2014)

Wyoming - 584,153 (2014)

 

[TobiasFunke]

I've never looked into the statehood issue. Seems obvious that DC residents deserve a voice in Congress, but not sure if "statehood" is the right option. Not saying it's the wrong option, I've just never put much thought into it. I think the main argument against it being a state is "It's too small", which seems like potentially a week argument.

You should watch the John Oliver segment. It gets into the various options- voting representation, more autonomy, full statehood, etc. Also talks about the "it's too small" argument, which is easily dismissed by pointing out the population is greater than three states and the GDP is greater than around 16 states. Plus the song at the end is delightful.

What determines whether something should be a state? Is it population and GDP? I realize DC would have an easier path to statehood than other cities, but making it about population and GDP would lead me to think that other cities should be their own state. Should NYC be it's own state? What about LA and Chicago? No idea if that's ok or not because I'm not sure what criteria makes something a legit state.

Citing population and GDP was more of a response to the argument that DC shouldn't be a state because it's too small, not a standalone argument that DC satisfies some sort of criteria for being a state. There's no criteria. Although citing the population underscores the point that there's a lot of people subject to federal rule (more so than anyone else) who don't get to participate fully in our system. As for large cities- the House representation addresses their relative size. NYC has 10 or 11 reps who can vote. DC has zero and just wants one.

BTW John Oliver also did a segment on the territories too, making a similar argument that they should be granted full rights/participation (although at least their citizens don't have to pay federal income tax). It aired a few months back and I believe spurred this segment; the DC Statehood folks contacted Oliver after it aired and basically said "what about us?"

 

[(HULK)]

Not granting voting rights and representation to citizens of this country because you don't like the way they might vote is nothing but anti-American.

 

[njherdfan]

I've never looked into the statehood issue. Seems obvious that DC residents deserve a voice in Congress, but not sure if "statehood" is the right option. Not saying it's the wrong option, I've just never put much thought into it. I think the main argument against it being a state is "It's too small", which seems like potentially a week argument.

You should watch the John Oliver segment. It gets into the various options- voting representation, more autonomy, full statehood, etc. Also talks about the "it's too small" argument, which is easily dismissed by pointing out the population is greater than three states and the GDP is greater than around 16 states. Plus the song at the end is delightful.

What determines whether something should be a state? Is it population and GDP? I realize DC would have an easier path to statehood than other cities, but making it about population and GDP would lead me to think that other cities should be their own state. Should NYC be it's own state? What about LA and Chicago? No idea if that's ok or not because I'm not sure what criteria makes something a legit state.

But the residents of all those other places are residents of a state. They have federally elected representatives and senators. We're the only people in the US who don't have that, and it's kind of insane. It's always surprising to me that more people don't care (although I can't say I think about it too much either, so maybe I need to be the change...)

 

[dgreen]

I've never looked into the statehood issue. Seems obvious that DC residents deserve a voice in Congress, but not sure if "statehood" is the right option. Not saying it's the wrong option, I've just never put much thought into it. I think the main argument against it being a state is "It's too small", which seems like potentially a week argument.

You should watch the John Oliver segment. It gets into the various options- voting representation, more autonomy, full statehood, etc. Also talks about the "it's too small" argument, which is easily dismissed by pointing out the population is greater than three states and the GDP is greater than around 16 states. Plus the song at the end is delightful.

What determines whether something should be a state? Is it population and GDP? I realize DC would have an easier path to statehood than other cities, but making it about population and GDP would lead me to think that other cities should be their own state. Should NYC be it's own state? What about LA and Chicago? No idea if that's ok or not because I'm not sure what criteria makes something a legit state.

But the residents of all those other places are residents of a state. They have federally elected representatives and senators. We're the only people in the US who don't have that, and it's kind of insane. It's always surprising to me that more people don't care (although I can't say I think about it too much either, so maybe I need to be the change...)

Right, which is why I said DC has an easier path to statehood than those other cities. I agree the voting thing really needs to be figured out. But, I assume there are other benefits that come along with being a state as opposed to being a city in a state. If DC is granted statehood, other cities might want the same thing. I'm not saying that's a bad thing. Maybe it would be a good thing. Or maybe it's a neutral thing.

I'm gathering that there is no criteria to state qualifications, as Tobias has indicated. I find that problematic for some reason. Should DC residents have representation on par with other citizens? Yes. Should DC be a state? No idea. I can't form an opinion because I don't really know what makes a state a state.

 

[TobiasFunke]

I've never looked into the statehood issue. Seems obvious that DC residents deserve a voice in Congress, but not sure if "statehood" is the right option. Not saying it's the wrong option, I've just never put much thought into it. I think the main argument against it being a state is "It's too small", which seems like potentially a week argument.

You should watch the John Oliver segment. It gets into the various options- voting representation, more autonomy, full statehood, etc. Also talks about the "it's too small" argument, which is easily dismissed by pointing out the population is greater than three states and the GDP is greater than around 16 states. Plus the song at the end is delightful.

What determines whether something should be a state? Is it population and GDP? I realize DC would have an easier path to statehood than other cities, but making it about population and GDP would lead me to think that other cities should be their own state. Should NYC be it's own state? What about LA and Chicago? No idea if that's ok or not because I'm not sure what criteria makes something a legit state.

But the residents of all those other places are residents of a state. They have federally elected representatives and senators. We're the only people in the US who don't have that, and it's kind of insane. It's always surprising to me that more people don't care (although I can't say I think about it too much either, so maybe I need to be the change...)

Right, which is why I said DC has an easier path to statehood than those other cities. I agree the voting thing really needs to be figured out. But, I assume there are other benefits that come along with being a state as opposed to being a city in a state. If DC is granted statehood, other cities might want the same thing. I'm not saying that's a bad thing. Maybe it would be a good thing. Or maybe it's a neutral thing.

I'm gathering that there is no criteria to state qualifications, as Tobias has indicated. I find that problematic for some reason. Should DC residents have representation on par with other citizens? Yes. Should DC be a state? No idea. I can't form an opinion because I don't really know what makes a state a state.

I'm not sure why it's problematic. A state is whatever history decided was a state. If the residents of NYC want to declare themselves a separate state they can take it up with the state and then federal government and everyone can weigh the pros and cons and make that determination on a case by case basis. All we can do with DC is point that that there's some pretty significant pros: opposition to taxation without representation being a big part of the reason this country exists and all, and the ability of states and cities to govern themselves so long as they don't conflict with generally applicable federal law being a pretty fundamental tenet as well. And there's few if any actual cons I'm aware of beyond the procedural difficulty of getting it done.

 

[nittanylion]

I'm sure I'm alone on this island, but I don't think that anyone should actually live in Washington, DC...Seat of National Government, home to museums and other items of national/international/historic importance, and filled with small businesses, and all facets of the hospitality industry, all mandated to close by a certain time (business hours), with restaurants and bars being allowed to stay open later, obviously hotels, B&B's etc. open around the clock, but a point in time where the entire District would be relatively quiet and peaceful from late night through early morning hours. Absolutely unrealistic, but in my version of the U.S.A. that's exactly how a District designated as the National Seat of Government and National History would operate.

No offense meant to anyone, just my opinion.

 

[BowieMercs]

I'm sure I'm alone on this island, but I don't think that anyone should actually live in Washington, DC...Seat of National Government, home to museums and other items of national/international/historic importance, and filled with small businesses, and all facets of the hospitality industry, all mandated to close by a certain time (business hours), with restaurants and bars being allowed to stay open later, obviously hotels, B&B's etc. open around the clock, but a point in time where the entire District would be relatively quiet and peaceful from late night through early morning hours. Absolutely unrealistic, but in my version of the U.S.A. that's exactly how a District designated as the National Seat of Government and National History would operate.

No offense meant to anyone, just my opinion.

Spoken like someone who drank the happy valley Kool aid. I don't think anyone should actually GO to Penn State, but thats just MY opinion .

Full disclosure: All my siblings & I were born in DC. As were both my children.

 

[njherdfan]

I've never looked into the statehood issue. Seems obvious that DC residents deserve a voice in Congress, but not sure if "statehood" is the right option. Not saying it's the wrong option, I've just never put much thought into it. I think the main argument against it being a state is "It's too small", which seems like potentially a week argument.

You should watch the John Oliver segment. It gets into the various options- voting representation, more autonomy, full statehood, etc. Also talks about the "it's too small" argument, which is easily dismissed by pointing out the population is greater than three states and the GDP is greater than around 16 states. Plus the song at the end is delightful.

What determines whether something should be a state? Is it population and GDP? I realize DC would have an easier path to statehood than other cities, but making it about population and GDP would lead me to think that other cities should be their own state. Should NYC be it's own state? What about LA and Chicago? No idea if that's ok or not because I'm not sure what criteria makes something a legit state.

But the residents of all those other places are residents of a state. They have federally elected representatives and senators. We're the only people in the US who don't have that, and it's kind of insane. It's always surprising to me that more people don't care (although I can't say I think about it too much either, so maybe I need to be the change...)

Right, which is why I said DC has an easier path to statehood than those other cities. I agree the voting thing really needs to be figured out. But, I assume there are other benefits that come along with being a state as opposed to being a city in a state. If DC is granted statehood, other cities might want the same thing. I'm not saying that's a bad thing. Maybe it would be a good thing. Or maybe it's a neutral thing.

I'm gathering that there is no criteria to state qualifications, as Tobias has indicated. I find that problematic for some reason. Should DC residents have representation on par with other citizens? Yes. Should DC be a state? No idea. I can't form an opinion because I don't really know what makes a state a state.

Well for all intents and purposes, DC functions like a state. My car is registered there, I pay taxes there, it has its own laws, etc. While there are interesting questions about what constitutes a "state," and whether a city or area could just try and break off and form its own state, the major difference is that DC isn't currently its own state, so no existing state's borders would change.

 

[BowieMercs]

I've never looked into the statehood issue. Seems obvious that DC residents deserve a voice in Congress, but not sure if "statehood" is the right option. Not saying it's the wrong option, I've just never put much thought into it. I think the main argument against it being a state is "It's too small", which seems like potentially a week argument.

I think that DC residents should be exempt from federal income tax. The feds should lose control of the district budget/funding, as the district would boost its tax rate to whatever is needed to replace the federal government funding.

That's an oversimplification, but its a start.

 

[tom22406]

What the hell has gone wrong with the Nats?Went from being the favorites to win it all with a pitching staff that was being touted as one of the best ever put together to now below .500 that can't hit and the pitching has been horrendous of late.

Looks like it's time to throw them in with the rest of the teams in this city that were full of promise to then #### their pants when it gets tough.

 

[TobiasFunke]

What the hell has gone wrong with the Nats?Went from being the favorites to win it all with a pitching staff that was being touted as one of the best ever put together to now below .500 that can't hit and the pitching has been horrendous of late.

Looks like it's time to throw them in with the rest of the teams in this city that were full of promise to then #### their pants when it gets tough.

A lot of little things have gone wrong, especially since the all-star break. Some bad luck, some uncharacteristically bad performances the last couple weeks from guys who had been having great seasons (Storen and Scherzer), and Rendon and Werth have actually been worse than the replacements they sent to the bench when they returned.

It's not totally over yet. In fact the 2013 team was a game worse at this stage of the season and rebounded to reach 86-76, which could be enough to win the division this year if 4 or 5 of those wins come against the Mets. But they're totally out of time to turn it around. They have to at least win this series in Colorado starting tomorrow to even give themselves a shot at chasing down the Mets in the 6 remaining head to head games. And based on their performance yesterday they'd better be having the best off day ever right now if they're gonna have a chance to do that.

In brighter news- do the Caps actually look like a contender this year? I'm no expert but I've been reading good things about their offseason

 

[tom22406]

What the hell has gone wrong with the Nats?Went from being the favorites to win it all with a pitching staff that was being touted as one of the best ever put together to now below .500 that can't hit and the pitching has been horrendous of late.

Looks like it's time to throw them in with the rest of the teams in this city that were full of promise to then #### their pants when it gets tough.

A lot of little things have gone wrong, especially since the all-star break. Some bad luck, some uncharacteristically bad performances the last couple weeks from guys who had been having great seasons (Storen and Scherzer), and Rendon and Werth have actually been worse than the replacements they sent to the bench when they returned.

It's not totally over yet. In fact the 2013 team was a game worse at this stage of the season and rebounded to reach 86-76, which could be enough to win the division this year if 4 or 5 of those wins come against the Mets. But they're totally out of time to turn it around. They have to at least win this series in Colorado starting tomorrow to even give themselves a shot at chasing down the Mets in the 6 remaining head to head games. And based on their performance yesterday they'd better be having the best off day ever right now if they're gonna have a chance to do that.

In brighter news- do the Caps actually look like a contender this year? I'm no expert but I've been reading good things about their offseason

Was just looking over the stats and a few things really stood out.Since the All-Star break they are hitting.222 which is dead last,team ERA is a 4.43 which ranks 23rd and are 20th in fielding percentage.

I get injuries have been a huge issue but doesn't this speak to the lack of quality depth that they really don't have a good bench or guys ready to step in down on the farm?

I don't follow them very closely but have adopted them as my NL team,grew up a Royals fan and my interest has turned around since they've turned things around the last 2 years.

As far as the Caps go,I do like the moves they've made adding Williams and Oshie.Two quality top 6 forwards without a doubt but now the question becomes who steps in on D with Green now gone?They have some nice depth,quality young players,the best goal scorer the league has seen during his time here in D.C.(Ovie)and now a goalie who is stepping into that elite tier(which has been lacking here for years).

Are they a contender?I say yes.

 

[dschuler]

Going to look at a couple real estate options this weekend in the area. A couple in DC, Capitol Heights, and Suitland. The one I'm really excited is only 1/2 mile away from the Capitol heights metro on the DC border. What's so bad about the metro?

Also, I'm pretty sure the whole idea of having DC separate from a state is for integrity reasons. If it was about population, GDP, or size, Texas and California could have twenty states each.

 

[TobiasFunke]

What the hell has gone wrong with the Nats?Went from being the favorites to win it all with a pitching staff that was being touted as one of the best ever put together to now below .500 that can't hit and the pitching has been horrendous of late.

Looks like it's time to throw them in with the rest of the teams in this city that were full of promise to then #### their pants when it gets tough.

A lot of little things have gone wrong, especially since the all-star break. Some bad luck, some uncharacteristically bad performances the last couple weeks from guys who had been having great seasons (Storen and Scherzer), and Rendon and Werth have actually been worse than the replacements they sent to the bench when they returned.

It's not totally over yet. In fact the 2013 team was a game worse at this stage of the season and rebounded to reach 86-76, which could be enough to win the division this year if 4 or 5 of those wins come against the Mets. But they're totally out of time to turn it around. They have to at least win this series in Colorado starting tomorrow to even give themselves a shot at chasing down the Mets in the 6 remaining head to head games. And based on their performance yesterday they'd better be having the best off day ever right now if they're gonna have a chance to do that.

In brighter news- do the Caps actually look like a contender this year? I'm no expert but I've been reading good things about their offseason

Was just looking over the stats and a few things really stood out.Since the All-Star break they are hitting.222 which is dead last,team ERA is a 4.43 which ranks 23rd and are 20th in fielding percentage.

I get injuries have been a huge issue but doesn't this speak to the lack of quality depth that they really don't have a good bench or guys ready to step in down on the farm?

I don't follow them very closely but have adopted them as my NL team,grew up a Royals fan and my interest has turned around since they've turned things around the last 2 years.

As far as the Caps go,I do like the moves they've made adding Williams and Oshie.Two quality top 6 forwards without a doubt but now the question becomes who steps in on D with Green now gone?They have some nice depth,quality young players,the best goal scorer the league has seen during his time here in D.C.(Ovie)and now a goalie who is stepping into that elite tier(which has been lacking here for years).

Are they a contender?I say yes.

Actually it's been pretty much the opposite- the problem has been that the regulars, both the ones who were injured and the ones who have been healthy all year- have been struggling mightily. Anthony Rendon and Jayson Werth have been pretty bad since returning from the DL, Wilson Ramos is having a horrible year at the plate, and Max Scherzer has had a brutal month after being the NL Cy Young favorite in the first month. The other rotation guys have also had their struggles- right now it's Strasburg that's carrying the rotation.

The bench guys and depth on the other hand has been surprisingly good. Joe Ross, acquired in the Stephen Souza trade, was called up a year earlier than anticipated and has held his own in the rotation, at least good enough to sent Fister to the pen to work out his struggles. Clint Robinson has been the lefty bench bat they haven't had since 2012. Danny Espinosa was supposed to just be the utility backup infielder but he's probably been the team's second-best position player. And the farm is in very good shape- it's rated as one of the best in the game. It features the best pitching prospect in the minors and a guy who will replace Desmond at SS next year and might outperform him immediately.

Anyway, they should be worth watching at least through the second week of September. They have a three game series at home against the team they're chasing, the Mets, starting on Labor Day, that will be huge. If they win that series it probably goes down to the wire, if not it'll be next to impossible to come back.

Hopefully they can at least keep us entertained until the Caps are back on the ice, nice to hear another positive review of their chances from someone in the know

 

[dschuler]

Yup, you guys were right about NE Washington DC. Went housing hunting over there, had quite the experience. Started at about 9:45 this morning, driving around the Capitol Heights Metro area and DC. Saw a couple guys drinking beers, people walking around town without shirts and pants that didn't fit. One street was completely blocked off for car maintenance. Music blaring from multiple houses. All the public restrooms have locks. It seemed like there were as many mini mart / liquor stores as regular convenient stores. Ended up finding a really nice place around Fort Foote national park, south of the National Harbor. It's just a block away from the oceanfront, I could hit a golf ball into the ocean from my patio. Looking to put in an offer this week. Area seemed a lot nicer than Capitol Heights / Temple / Oxon Hills. What do you guys think?

 

[dgreen]

Yup, you guys were right about NE Washington DC. Went housing hunting over there, had quite the experience. Started at about 9:45 this morning, driving around the Capitol Heights Metro area and DC. Saw a couple guys drinking beers, people walking around town without shirts and pants that didn't fit. One street was completely blocked off for car maintenance. Music blaring from multiple houses. All the public restrooms have locks. It seemed like there were as many mini mart / liquor stores as regular convenient stores. Ended up finding a really nice place around Fort Foote national park, south of the National Harbor. It's just a block away from the oceanfront, I could hit a golf ball into the ocean from my patio. Looking to put in an offer this week. Area seemed a lot nicer than Capitol Heights / Temple / Oxon Hills. What do you guys think?

I think Riddick Bowe lives over in Fort Washington so you're in good hands there. It's a nice pocket of PG County. Should be a pretty good commute into DC. You'll have a casino opening near you in a couple years, so that could be good or bad. Oh and that's not the ocean. It's the Potomac River. Get yourself a kayak!

 

[Uruk-Hai]

Yup, you guys were right about NE Washington DC. Went housing hunting over there, had quite the experience. Started at about 9:45 this morning, driving around the Capitol Heights Metro area and DC. Saw a couple guys drinking beers, people walking around town without shirts and pants that didn't fit. One street was completely blocked off for car maintenance. Music blaring from multiple houses. All the public restrooms have locks. It seemed like there were as many mini mart / liquor stores as regular convenient stores. Ended up finding a really nice place around Fort Foote national park, south of the National Harbor. It's just a block away from the oceanfront, I could hit a golf ball into the ocean from my patio. Looking to put in an offer this week. Area seemed a lot nicer than Capitol Heights / Temple / Oxon Hills. What do you guys think?

You may have posted it already. If so, apologies for asking you to repeat yourself, but where will you be working? Were you already living in the area?

 

[dschuler]

Yup, you guys were right about NE Washington DC. Went housing hunting over there, had quite the experience. Started at about 9:45 this morning, driving around the Capitol Heights Metro area and DC. Saw a couple guys drinking beers, people walking around town without shirts and pants that didn't fit. One street was completely blocked off for car maintenance. Music blaring from multiple houses. All the public restrooms have locks. It seemed like there were as many mini mart / liquor stores as regular convenient stores. Ended up finding a really nice place around Fort Foote national park, south of the National Harbor. It's just a block away from the oceanfront, I could hit a golf ball into the ocean from my patio. Looking to put in an offer this week. Area seemed a lot nicer than Capitol Heights / Temple / Oxon Hills. What do you guys think?

You may have posted it already. If so, apologies for asking you to repeat yourself, but where will you be working? Were you already living in the area?

I'll be working in the DC Naval Shipyard. It's right off 695 across the water from Anacostia park, down the street from Nationals park.

 

[nittanylion]

dschuler, I owe you some communication. I'll be getting in touch with you over the next few days about real estate stuff.

Without going into detail, there's nothing wrong with Metro, in my book...and one of my best friends' wives works in the Navy Yard, and commutes via Metro from the Aspen Hill community in Rockville, near where I live, via the Red Line from Wheaton, just south of where she lives, daily, with no issues.

I have options for you, and they have absolutely nothing to do with either DC or PG County, for what I think are very valid reasons, no offense to anyone advocating those areas here in the thread. Those just aren't areas where, if I had the means to make choices, I would choose to reside. Demographics are one reason, and also that I favor rural living over urban, we may or may not have those things in common.

 

[dschuler]

dschuler, I owe you some communication. I'll be getting in touch with you over the next few days about real estate stuff.

Without going into detail, there's nothing wrong with Metro, in my book...and one of my best friends' wives works in the Navy Yard, and commutes via Metro from the Aspen Hill community in Rockville, near where I live, via the Red Line from Wheaton, just south of where she lives, daily, with no issues.

I have options for you, and they have absolutely nothing to do with either DC or PG County, for what I think are very valid reasons, no offense to anyone advocating those areas here in the thread. Those just aren't areas where, if I had the means to make choices, I would choose to reside. Demographics are one reason, and also that I favor rural living over urban, we may or may not have those things in common.

Sounds good.

 

[nittanylion]

PM Sent.

 

[dschuler]

PM Sent.

Thanks

 

[dschuler]

Was really hoping to catch some MLB playoff games this season, didn't think the Nationals would take such a dump after the all star break. Ill be looking forward to watching America's team show it's dominance to the skins though this season.

 

[dschuler]

Yup, you guys were right about NE Washington DC. Went housing hunting over there, had quite the experience. Started at about 9:45 this morning, driving around the Capitol Heights Metro area and DC. Saw a couple guys drinking beers, people walking around town without shirts and pants that didn't fit. One street was completely blocked off for car maintenance. Music blaring from multiple houses. All the public restrooms have locks. It seemed like there were as many mini mart / liquor stores as regular convenient stores. Ended up finding a really nice place around Fort Foote national park, south of the National Harbor. It's just a block away from the oceanfront, I could hit a golf ball into the ocean from my patio. Looking to put in an offer this week. Area seemed a lot nicer than Capitol Heights / Temple / Oxon Hills. What do you guys think?

I think Riddick Bowe lives over in Fort Washington so you're in good hands there. It's a nice pocket of PG County. Should be a pretty good commute into DC. You'll have a casino opening near you in a couple years, so that could be good or bad.Oh and that's not the ocean. It's the Potomac River. Get yourself a kayak!

Thanks for the geography lesson there dgreen

 

[AAABatteries]

I'll be back when I have time to talk about Pizzeria/Birreria Paradiso (which is far from new), as well as Chez Billy Sud and the upcoming "the Sovreign" featuring Chef Peter Smith.

Are there two of these? I ate at one near DuPont Circle and it was very good.

Thanks to Tobias for the recommendation.

 

[nittanylion]

I'll be back when I have time to talk about Pizzeria/Birreria Paradiso (which is far from new), as well as Chez Billy Sud and the upcoming "the Sovreign" featuring Chef Peter Smith.

Are there two of these? I ate at one near DuPont Circle and it was very good.

Thanks to Tobias for the recommendation.

Yes, the other one is in Georgetown, and it's the one with the Birreria...

The one in Dupont Circle is right next door to what I consider to, at times, be the best restaurant in DC, easily in the Top 5 or 10, and has been for the past 20 years it's existed: Peter Pastan (same Chef who owns 2Amy's and Etto): OBELISK

http://www.obeliskdc.com/

 

[dgreen]

Was really hoping to catch some MLB playoff games this season, didn't think the Nationals would take such a dump after the all star break. Ill be looking forward to watching America's team show it's dominance to the skins though this season.

A lot of Cowgirl fans in PG County. You'll fit right in.

 

[5Rings]

Countdown to 3 weeks till I take the family to DC for a week. Staying two blocks from White House, so should be walking distance or metro to most places. Not getting a car.

Any recommendations on dinner spots? My boys are 11-8-6.

 

[dgreen]

Countdown to 3 weeks till I take the family to DC for a week. Staying two blocks from White House, so should be walking distance or metro to most places. Not getting a car.

Any recommendations on dinner spots? My boys are 11-8-6.

DC has some good pizza options. Nittany recently mentioned Pizzeria Paradiso (Dupont Circle and Georgetown). 14th Street has Etto and Ghibellina, which I've heard are good but haven't been myself. I've enjoyed Seventh Hill Pizza in Eastern Market/Capitol Hill area and there's also Pete's Apizza in Columbia Heights, neither are walking distance from your hotel but are Metro accessible.

I'm sure the boys would like Ben's Chili Bowl on U Street. Wouldn't be a horrible walk depending on where your hotel is, but also Metro accessible.

Good Stuff Eatery for burgers and shakes? That's Georgetown and Eastern Market. I don't think it's anything great or worth going out of your way for, but boys will definitely like it assuming they like burgers and shakes. And if you go to the Georgetown one (or Pizzeria Paradiso in Georgetown), you can waste your time in a line for Georgetown Cupcake. Not sure what's considered the best local burger place these days.

The heaviest concentration of restaurants is probably on 7th Street near the Gallery Place Metro Station and Georgetown if you just want to walk around and see what you stumble upon. Google Maps is my friend for finding places to eat in other cities.

Georgetown isn't Metro Accessible. Not a terrible walk from Rosslyn to the west end of Georgetown or from Foggy Bottom to the east end. Or there's a DC Circulator route that will go from near your hotel to Georgetown. If you're comfortable with figuring out bus routes, it's easy enough.

I'm just assuming you're looking for options on the cheaper side. If not, there's a ton more out there. Figured I'd just throw some ideas out there, bump the thread, and maybe others would have some suggestions too.

 

[Lowen1]

I'll be back when I have time to talk about Pizzeria/Birreria Paradiso (which is far from new), as well as Chez Billy Sud and the upcoming "the Sovreign" featuring Chef Peter Smith.

Are there two of these? I ate at one near DuPont Circle and it was very good.

Thanks to Tobias for the recommendation.

Yes, the other one is in Georgetown, and it's the one with the Birreria...

The one in Dupont Circle is right next door to what I consider to, at times, be the best restaurant in DC, easily in the Top 5 or 10, and has been for the past 20 years it's existed: Peter Pastan (same Chef who owns 2Amy's and Etto): OBELISK

http://www.obeliskdc.com/

I'll be back when I have time to talk about Pizzeria/Birreria Paradiso (which is far from new), as well as Chez Billy Sud and the upcoming "the Sovreign" featuring Chef Peter Smith.

Are there two of these? I ate at one near DuPont Circle and it was very good.

Thanks to Tobias for the recommendation.

Yes, the other one is in Georgetown, and it's the one with the Birreria...

The one in Dupont Circle is right next door to what I consider to, at times, be the best restaurant in DC, easily in the Top 5 or 10, and has been for the past 20 years it's existed: Peter Pastan (same Chef who owns 2Amy's and Etto): OBELISK

http://www.obeliskdc.com/

Question for Nittanylion. What do you think of Chef Tony's in Bethesda? Had dinner there Saturday night. My 10yr old wanted to see the open kitchen so we walked up to watch. Chef Tony spent about 10 minutes talking to us about his restaurant, parking in Bethesda, food, entrepreneurship and what to get for desert as he cooked. Seems like a nice guy and the food was good. Wouldn't say it was great but we liked the grilled Cesar salad, the cod and the sole.

 

[VA703]

went to Black Hog BBQ in Frederick MD. Everything I got was delicious! Had pulled pork & brisket with mac & cheese beans coleslaw