Jaybird's Jottings

Irish Gastro Pubs

2011 is shaping up to be a very good year for Irish Gastro Pubs in and around Alexandria.   Rehab work continues for “Virtue,” Cathal Armstrong’s much-anticipated fifth restaurant in Old Town Alexandria (a little birdie told us end of May), while on the other side of the river, Harrington’s Pub and Kitchen at National Harbor is making progress on their new spot at the corner of Mariner Ave and Fleet Street.

At Shirlington Village, the Guinness is flowing at “Samuel Beckett’s” which opened up earlier this month.   We took it in on Sunday.   With a red exterior, you can’t miss it.   Inside is stunning, an impressive bold statement that says, take the date or out-of-towners here.

We arrived at 11:30 with the front serving area already busy.  Our greeter spoke with an Irish accent and told us he came over from Dublin.    We were put in the back room, which many times make one feel like a second class citizen.  Not here.  In fact, we loved it as cozy and not noisy, with plenty of wall stuff to look at, including Mr. Beckett himself.

I had the Sheperd’s pie, just right temp and seasoned perfectly with lots of minced lamb.  The better half had the traditional fish and chips.  Not bad, but Eamonn’s is probably better.

When we dine at a new place we also ask ourselves, would we come back?

Yes and yes.   This new place has set the bar high (ha, ha) for the other two newcomers.     They’ll need more than the luck of the Irish to match Samuel Beckett’s.  

 

SABR Day 2011

Baseball has its prime dates on the calendar, and for fans interested in the history of the game, the last Saturday of January, is becoming one of them.   Yesterday marked the second annual “SABR Day,” as chapters across North America and in England and Japan held what amounts to winter meetings for fans, the chance to jumpstart the season a couple of weeks ahead of pitchers and catchers reporting.   155 or so members of the Bob Davids Chapter (Washington -Baltimore) met for their 37^th annual get-together (held in November for many years before switching to late January about five years ago), gathering at the Holiday Inn in Rosslyn.    The attendance is believed to be the all-time record for the chapter.

After sipping coffee and catching up with e-pals and friends, (“How bout them Giants??”) and some trivia for warm up, Emcee David Vincent led off with a presentation on how much mileage major league umpires log in a given year.   Players log a lot of miles in a given season, but for the umps planes and hotels are their home, as they don’t get home stands.   They do get some time off, about 4 weeks in a season, and select days mandated by rules, but Vincent’s presentation gave us a greater appreciation for the men in blue.  

Next up was Marshall Purnell, a DC-based architect who teamed with Joe Spears of HOK to design Nationals Park.   Purnell, saying, “It breaks my heart we couldn’t have more money,” related how $611M was the maximum amount of money given to build the park.    Speaking frankly, he admitted the outside could have looked more aesthetically pleasing but he believes the fan experience inside the ballpark is excellent.   The time crunch for Nationals Park led to a build-design concept for the ballpark.  One of Purnell’s touches on the ballpark is the oval-shaped home clubhouse.   

After a buffet lunch, we took in “The Dave Smith Show,” which has become a must-see staple of these meetings.    As he has done for the past six years, Smith, a longtime chapter member and Retrosheet Founder, provided a selection of questions that the media and teams ask him during the past year.  He gets about 60 each season.   The typical requests goes something like, “Our team or one of ours players did this amazing thing last night.   Has it ever happened or when was the last time it happened?"  Smith, a lifelong Dodger fan, will also offer factoids to the teams and the media.

A theme that has emerged with Smith’s presentations is that seemingly rare occurrences happen a bit more frequently than one would guess.   To explain this, it’s tempting to cite MLB’s long history, but most of the time, Smith’s queries go back to 1950 or so.

Smith talked about a dozen look sees.   One in particular stood out, the question of reaching base on catcher’s interference in consecutive plate appearances.    A true head-shaker, Pat Corrales did so twice in 1965.

The clean up hitter walked up next, chapter member and main guest speaker Jane Leavy, who spoke about her new book, “The Last Boy: Mickey Mantle and the End of America’s Childhood.”  Given that the mere mention of the word “Yankees” usually draws boos from the local fans here, it was a bit of an odd match-up.  

Levy, however, whose book is enjoying a long and lofty perch at the top of Amazon charts, was accepted with warm applause.   She related how after finishing her book on Koufax, she wanted to write one about Mays, Mantle and Snider.  A publisher told her “nobody cares about those three.”    The money, he said, was with Mantle.

Levy is an entertaining speaker, who cusses like a sailor.   But her research on Mantle was serious business.  She acknowledged the work of other biographers and said her main goal was to answer the question, “Why did he carry so much darkness with him?”  

Leaving the answer to her book, Leavy’s presentation concentrated on Mantle’s prodigious blast at Griffith Stadium in 1953.  Did The Mick’s homer really go 565 feet, as pronounced by Yankees publicist Red Patterson?  

Alan Nathan, Professor Emeritus, Department of Physics, at the University of Illinois and Chair of SABR’s Science and Baseball Committee was Leavy’s double play partner and gave an impressive Power Point presentation to try and answer the question.    I doubt most of us understood all the science behind his work, but Nathan explained it well and the evidence indicates the ball flew in the air about 540 feet.  

If you ever watch SABR members at a meeting or convention, they fidget in their seats like anyone else when the material starts to dry.   But when the presenter talks about an exhaustive search they conducted, they are spell-bound.   

And we were when Leavy told us about her three-year long search for Donald Dunaway, a teenaged fan at the Mantle game, a regular who lived behind the ballpark.  When Mantle’s blast left the park, Dunaway scampered off the left field bleachers and found the ball.    

All these years later, Leavy searched high and low so she could interview him.   After search upon search and nothing but dead ends, she finally found him living about two miles from Howard University, which sits where Griffith Stadium was located.    Dunaway, who passed away last year, gave her information that helped Nathan in his calculations.    

At this point, my kitchen pass ran out.   Chapter member Rex Bishop was to give a research presentation on William “Dummy” Hoy.    

All in all, another impressive set of speakers, and a fun day for the fans in DC and the region.    “SABR Day” can’t match the excitement of pitchers and catchers reporting, but by all indications, it’s on baseball’s calendar to stay.    A tip of the hat to the organizers and presenters.

 

Snow Fall

The snow Washington got on Wednesday wreaked havoc on the commute home, but this peculiar formation provides the lighter side.

You can bet your bottom dollar I hurried to take this photo, and dang near fell to the ice trying to get in position.

This is the Outback on Route One.  

 

 

 

New Book by Neil Peart

On a road lit only by fire

Going where I want, instead of where I should

I peer out at the passing shadows

Carried through the night into the city

Where a young man has a chance of making good

A chance to break from the past

The caravan thunders onward

Stars winking through the canvas hood

On my way at last 

 -  “Caravan,” From RUSH’s forthcoming record “Clockwork Angels”

Drummer God Neil Peart has carved out quite a niche for himself with his travel biographies, both at his website and his books.   His fans can now look forward to “Far and Away: A Reward Every Time,” his fifth, which is due out May 1.

“A Reward Every Time” is a great subtitle, and so true for the adventurous.    Sometimes even failure makes for a great story when you're trying to get somewhere.   When the better half and I were stationed in Oman, weekends were made for camping getaways.   In the early part of 1995, about 25 of us, mostly ex-pats serving in Muscat, piled in to our SUVs one Saturday morning and headed for the Wahiba Sands Desert.   Our goal was to drive through the desert on an unimproved road, and camp out at the beach on the other side.   Long story short, we took the wrong track, got stuck in the sand, and never made it.  But the experience and two nights sleeping under the stars are unforgettable.

Sometimes travel is just a wild hair approach, a ridiculous goal you might not even want to share with anyone.   I took this approach last summer when I drove to Richmond to see the Giants AA team.  I had always wanted to drive down there by way of Route One, just to see what I might see, and be able to say I did it.   I knew it would be slow going at first, a landscape of endless strip malls, and oh my goodness it was.   Can’t tell you how many times I felt like bailing by getting back on I-95.  Determined, I stuck with my plan.   Finally, after Fredericksburg, the traffic disappeared and I cruised along a happy camper. 

A small thing, but a reward indeed.

 

 

 

Twenty-Seven Times Two

Several years ago I complained that the Yankees, Red Sox and Dodgers were getting all the attention book-wise.  Well, now the tables are turning and Giants fans are reaping the rewards of seeing more books on the Orange and Black.

No doubt coincidence is a factor, but I can’t help but be excited for two new books set for release this year, a pair (hat tip to Ron Kaplan) that will come on top of Roy Kerr’s biography, the first, on Roger Connor.

The first is "Juan Marichal: My Journey from the Dominican Republic to Cooperstown."   Mark July 11 down for the first book on Marichal in quite a while.     I recall reading "Mister Strikeout" several years ago, but as an autobio, this one will be "Juan-der-ful.".  

The second book is "The Greatest Game Ever Pitched: Juan Marichal, Warren Spahn, and the Pitching Duel of the Century."    We are lucky that Jim Kaplan has penned this one.  He’s written over 18 books, and is highly regarded in the SABR world for accuracy.   This one shows sometime in February.

It’s all Giants baby, happy basking...

 

 

 

His Parachute is Red

A quick quiz for Nats fans.

Who has covered the Nationals from day one?

Well, the Washington Post has in terms of a beat reporter, but “Shirley” we’ve all lost track of how many different ones they have had.

Bloggers, yes, and a damn fine job some have done.

But I’m touting Mark Zuckerman today, a card-carrying member of the Baseball Writers Association of America, and a fine journalist who lost the steady paycheck in 2009 when he was let go by The Washington Times.

Zuckerman kept writing at his own blog, Nats Insider, and now has been hired by Comcast Sports Network.

Good job Mark and congrats.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Geeking out on C-SPAN

“You know you’re a Washingtonian if you..”   

Long time residents of the nation’s capital love discussing this topic.   On Monday night, the better half and I participated in a classic answer to the question by geeking out on CPSAN’s coverage of a state dinner.

This one, the Obama Administration’s third, was for China’s President Hu Jintao.    C-SPAN’s coverage began with the press conference for the two superpower leaders.   A few softballs were thrown their way but at one point a reporter pressed China’s leader on human rights.    Stiff and uncomfortable, Hu Jintao looked like he needed oxygen.   Behind the other podium, President Obama, cool, calm and collected, was enjoying the greatest home field advantage in the world.

Next up was the arrival of guests.   A gaggle of reporters waited in the corner of the Bookseller Room (Pay attention, there’s a quiz at the end).   Such assignments rarely produce headline news, but remember a certain vain couple from Virginia’s wine country who crashed Obama’s first State Dinner?    Then again, since the second one came off without incident, things seemed to be back to their normal ways with only geeks like us watching.

As we waited for the first guests to walk across the floor, a sharply-dressed White House media rep scurried over to the reporters and photojournalists.    Watching this interlude, it was clear that Roxanne Roberts is the dean of celebrity reporters in Washington.   As ruler of the roost, she got the front row, center spot among her colleagues and was enjoying the privileges of rank.   The rep stood in front of Roberts and gave her first eye contact.   

Finally, the procession began.    Between the poor quality of the audio and the fact that CSPAN does not broadcast in HD, we were handicapped in trying to figure out who was who.   We did say, “Who?,” several times, but we also did a pretty good job of knowing the lesser-knowns.  The better half really shined, having worn the State Department’s uniform for 30 years.  

It’s been said that, “Washington is Hollywood for ugly people.”

These guests looked great in their bow-ties and thousand dollar dresses, but yes, it was plain to see not all the hard-working Beltway Bandits have been working out at the gym, and what’s up with the poor posture?  

Like a breath of fresh air, the non-political stars came to the rescue several times.   Jackie Chan, Michelle Kwan, Yo-Yo Ma, Vera Wang, thank you for flying in.   And bonus points if you recognized the devilish Anna Wintour, the editor-in-chief of Vogue magazine, Thomas Friedman, Steve Ballmer, Brent Scowcroft or other middleweights.   

Interrupting this procession, C-SPAN switched to their outside cameras covering the arrival of Hu Jintao.   Stepping out to greet him, the First Couple looked mighty fine.   The First Lady, wow, what can you say?  She looked fabulous in a bright red dress that looked like it kept the seamstress very busy.

After two hours of watching, (yea, no commercials!), we threw in the towel.   Picked it back up on Tuesday morning, as we read the Post’s excellent coverage that includes the guest list.

Give the list a look.   If you recognize most of the Feds and the Pols, you’re a full-fledged Washingtonian.   If not, keep reading “The Reliable Source” and watching C-SPAN.   

Hey, maybe they’ll start calling it "C!"

 

 

 

 

R.E. Lee Camp Hall

Best kept secret, place-wise, in Old Town Alexandria?

That’s easy.  It’s the R.E. Lee Camp Hall at 806 Prince Street.   

Lived in Alexandria for years and never heard of it?

Don’t feel bad.    There’s no historical marker, not even a sign at the three-story dwelling (the one seen in the photo was put up just for the open house), and the doors swing open to the public only on select rare occasions.

Previously known as “Confederate Hall,” and also known as the “Parson Johnston House,” the Camp Hall opened its doors this past Sunday in honor of Lee’s birthday (January 19).    I had a chance to go last year, but felt funny about it, so I didn’t.   Now, however, with the Civil War 150, I felt the visit necessary.   To understand what happened, one just can’t ignore the Southern perspective, uncomfortable as it may be for some.

The docents were very friendly and helpful.    The genteel lady who guided me on the first floor was a descendant of one of the members of the 17^th Virginia Infantry Regiment.    Many of the boys who marched down Prince to Manassas never returned home to Alexandria.

The Greek Revival house was built in 1852 by Dr. Parson Johnston, who wanted a retirement home that reminded him of his beloved Savannah.    Like many large houses in Alexandria, it became a hospital during the war.    After the turn of the Century, the Civil War veterans on the Confederate side needed a gathering place and chose this house.    For many years, the sign outside said “Confederate Hall.”   Today, the house has several single tenants and is home to the Mary Custis Lee-17^th Virginia Regiment Chapter #7 United Daughters of the Confederacy and the R.E. Lee Camp Hall and Confederate Museum.

To walk inside is to take a step back in time with its creaky floors and musty smells.  Walking into the parlor, one sees large paintings of Lee, Stonewall Jackson and other Confederate officers.   Upstairs is the museum with Civil War artifacts such as uniforms, flags, canteens, hats, emblems, a Bible taken from a “Yankee knapsack” and photographs.

As someone interested in commemorative markers, I was pleased to see one hanging on the wall below the staircase.   I told them about my historical plaques project, but unfortunately, the Director said no exceptions to their No Photography policy.  

The marker is beautifully done.  Part of the wording is, “In Loving Remembrance, Miss Julia Celeste de Lagnel, 1824-1881.”  The Woman’s Auxiliary presented the plaque to the Hall in 1906.

Having not heard of this individual, I asked the docent about de Lagnel and her historical significance.   A mystery, she said.  They know nothing abut her other than that she was the wife of Colonel Julius DeLagnel, who purchased the house in 1875.     

As noted, no photography is allowed, but I happened upon Eric Spiegel of Old Town Alexandria Patch, who was given permission.  His photo essay is at their website, be sure and check it out as the rare peek inside.   

At several locations in the Historic District of Old Town, Alexandria’s Civil War history is marked by a handful of commemorative plaques.  Paradoxically, however, the Parson Johnston House/R. E. Lee Camp Hall is not one of them.   Whether one cringes at the site of the Confederate flag or feels some level of pride for it, those passing by this house should be able to at least know it is more than just another home in Old Town.    Installing a historical marker here would be the right thing to do because no place this important in understanding our past should be kept a secret.     

 

The Trophy Set to Arrive in The Big Apple

"A haven for everything from football to opera to ethnic festivals, the Polo Grounds was nothing if not functional--and flexible." – Polo Grounds, Stew Thornley (SABR BioProject)

New York City is gearing up for the Giants trophy tour this weekend.   The New York Times has an excellent related piece, Richard Sandomir’s well-written valentine to the Polo Grounds.  Great to see Stew Thornley and Phil Lowry included.  You can’t do any better than that for expertise.

Some observations:

As noted in the article, Ebbets Field seemed to tug on the hearts of Dodgers fans more than the Polo Grounds did for Giants fans.  But look at the floodgates, an outpouring of affection at the end of Sandomir’s article, over 75 comments and counting.  

Today we observe that to be a better citizen, baseball parks should hold more non-baseball events.  Perhaps more than any other ballpark, the Polo Grounds did just that.

The trophy will stop at Public School 46, just north of Central Park where the original Polo Grounds (Giants 1883-1888) stood.   Would have liked to have seen more written about it, and a photo in their slide show.  

The Giants are spreading a lot of goodwill with this tour, and nice to see that Say Hey Willie will come along, as well as Buster Posey.   

Have fun if you go.   Once a Giant, always a Giant!

 

Virginia: "Sorta' Southern"

Excellent article by Steve Hendrix in Sunday morning’s Post on the Washington area losing its “southerness.” (“D.C. area and Dixie drifting farther and farther apart”) and the southward movement of the cultural Mason-Dixon line.

 “And it's not just the D-word. The region's Southern accent is also becoming measurably less pronounced, linguists say. The Confederate flag doesn't fly much in these parts anymore. Korean barbecue has taken its place alongside the Southern pit-cooked variety in many neighborhoods, and the "sweet tea line" that once stretched across Virginia has gotten blurry.”

As someone pointed out in the comments section, I don’t think there is one hard and fast North-South line that can be drawn. Living in Alexandria, however, I’ve come to notice the contrast between the Virginia and Maryland/DC side of the Potomac.   In Old Town Alexandria you can eat grits, pass by the Appomattox statue, and just a few minutes later cross the Woodrow Wilson Bridge into Prince George’s County where you might find grits, but with the county two-thirds African-American, sensitivities to all things Confederate run high.         

But then again, this demarcation comes from the point of view of a Caucasian looking south to north.   In the article, Greg Carr, Chairman of Afro-American Studies at Howard University, gives the other perspective.

"For black folks, this is still very much a Southern city," Carr said. "D.C. has very little in common with a stereotypical Northern city."

In his piece, Hendrix refers to a sweet tea study.    

“A researcher, looking at where McDonald's franchisees stopped offering sweet tea, once mapped the line just north of Richmond. But the chain took sweet tea across the country in 2008 and it is now available nationwide.”

According to this Sequitur blogger, the researcher, Justin Stimmel, made up the data.

Yes I did make the map, and sadly it is fake. I grew up in Arlington, VA...but I went to school at NC State. Several times a year I would make the drive up and down I-95 to DC. After a while I began to plan my rest stops based on whether or not I thought they would have sweet tea. Obviously, I'm a big fan. This went on for a year or two and developed a mental sweet tea map. I was studying graphic design at the time and we had an assignment to graphically map something of interest. Most students choose things like mitosis or the cycle of water, but I knew exactly what I wanted to 'map'. Because it was a student project, and I didn't want to actually contact every McDonalds in VA, made up the data based on my experiences.

Anyway, to end on a lighter note, what’s the plural of ya’ll?

All ya’ll.