People are definitely trying all over the country. DC voted for that by referendum and then the city council overturned it. The complicated part is that until then, unless we’re substantially advocating for this issue, we have to make choices about how to compensate people for the work they do.

Yeah, that’s pretty bad. It’s crazy that didn’t raise red flags all over the place. The part where he cuts her off particularly sunk it for me.

One of my biggest issues with gentrification in DC in particular is that “control over existing ways of life” aspect. Stuff like the Prince of Petworth phenomenon (ugh) and the outright disdain a lot of newer residents have for interacting with neighbors or participating in the community drives me nuts. Before I moved…

I can agree with that, although a slightly lower bar for the first episodes. You’re right that it has to be just enough, although not perfect. Sustaining that interest is key too. Lots of shows fizzle out or frustrate the viewer by not improving.

There are so many shows/movies like that I haven’t seen--Harry Potter, Breaking Bad, etc. and so on. I’m just glad I watched The Wire before rampant spoilers were really a thing. I would have been too tempted. 

I actually don’t mind people geeking out over it for a couple of months since we all have our thing. The constant media coverage is what exhausts me, especially if there are other things not getting covered to make room for one more esoteric GOT analysis.

I think this is a more modern perspective since there’s so much choice. But what hasn’t changed is that a decent number of great TV shows have had middling first seasons as they found their rhythm. I’d say it’s much more uncommon to see a show really hit the ground running. A cool modern tool is the ability to skip…

It’s shocking to me how unspoiled I am given my nerd saturation. It’s like I hear something that might be pivotal and my brain automatically diverts. I don’t have HBO so I only watch GOT when I have a preview weekend or I’m house-sitting for someone with HBO (thus I’m on season 2--I like it but don’t love it). But I…

I walked past there a couple months ago when the music was off for some reason and it felt really weird. I didn’t like it.

Right? I love that they’re bold and unapologetic about cranking up the music. I would hate to live with that all day. But that’s why I didn’t move there. What a concept.

I’ve lived in DC off an on for a couple of decades and I was just there a few months ago ... for the first time! Ridiculous, I know. I was probably too old for that crowd, but the bartenders were great. 

I’ve never been, but I’ve heard good things about Churchkey. I think they do brew their own beer. That 14th St. stretch has really developed (even if it’s a little much for me).

I find the bar scene in DC more miss than hit. But I do really like Benjamin’s on Franklin in Brookland. It’s located in this small-ish food hall called Tastemakers where there are these different vendors you can grab food from (including ice cream sandwiches). It’s low-key and the cocktails are solid. But it’s also…

Agreed, although I was specifically talking about grand jury service which can be quite long (as I mentioned, I was a litigator so I’m definitely familiar). Thanks for the info!

It is long past its prime for sure. There are sooooo many better options.

I have native San Antonian cred. We all know it’s true.

City Center is dumb and a waste of space. 

If I go to the River Walk, it’s not to the downtown area. The outskirts can be cool though even if kind of boring. 

I know. DISAPPOINTED.

The food is way more diverse than people think.