bboyle

Ok...so I'm new at this type of game (having not played strategery since the cardboard version of Third Reich) and I'm getting absolutely nowhere trying to take Asmara. I simply can't decimate the Graziani HQ and thus can't reduce the Italian force. What's the best way to approach this?

There's an excellent study somewhere (Glantz?) that breaks down the sizes and outcomes of engagements in France in 1940. The main finding is that the larger the size of the component units involved, the better the Germans did. In other words, squad to squad the Germans weren't any better than the French (maybe worse) but their operational expertise was simply overwhelming.

Excellent point.

Not the classiest move in the world to post that link here, eh?

Read "One Bullet Away" by Fick. He backs up the version in Generation Kill to a great degree. I think what's lost in the conversation above that Fick explores is that the unit was profane, skeptical, et cetera but also very professional and capable.

They are really spy novels but if you want to read truly excellent late 30's to WWII then get everything by Alan Furst.

Oh, the Thin Red Line was all right...if it had been named Cowboy Poets Go To War! though, that would have been more apt. And I still don't know the answer to 'why does nature vie against itself'.......yeesh.

Sure..if the wife is into shopping it's worth a spin. There's an excellent cigar store at Wisconsin and M (Georgetown Tobacco) and actually you could check out Cafe Leopold too. It's an Austrian cafe in Cady's Alley on the west end of Georgetown/M Street). Eggenberg on tap and great schnitzel. Very chic but the food is really excellent.

And one more thing...avoid Georgetown like the plague....

Mike, My rec's above for food still stand. I would also check out Founding Fathers on 19th and Penn. Ate there tonite, really good organic food...and I mean organic as in pan fried chicken with mac and cheese and waffles. If you want to check out a great bar, make a reservation at the Gibson. It is on 14th and U Streets. There's no sign (it's really just a non-descript doorway next to a bar called Marvin's) so make sure to write down the address. They take 20 reserved seats a night and don't allow any crowding so line it up ahead of time. The bartenders are outstanding and the drinks are extremely good but the do not serve food. There's a review of it in the NY Times online if you want more detail. It's a throwback to New York's 21 Club without the formalities of dress. Also check out bar with great food called St. X on 14th and T. The fried green tomato blt is not to be missed. Finally, there is a small hotel on N between 17th and Connecticut called the Tabard Inn. The restaurant is very, very good and if it's cool there is a wood panelled lounge out of the 19th century and if warm they have a great back patio. All of the spots I've mentioned are non-touristy and don't have dress codes, obnoxious doormen, et cetera. Enjoy and shoot me a message if you have any questions. Cheers.

Wha??? I had my wedding party stay there last year and they paid $165.00 a room! You didn't ask for the Michael Collins Suite, did you?

Mike, On lodging, get it set now....that's prime time for tourists in DC. I would also suggest staying in town...check out the Jury's Doyle hotels. The one on Dupont Circle serves a solid pint of Guinness. On meals, shoot me a line a couple of weeks before you get here and I'll let you in on what's hot. At the moment, that would be Komi (a bunch of courses with a wine attuned to each), Granville Moore's (over 50 belgian beers plus frites) and Five Guys Burgers for a quick, excellent chow. I would reserve a day or two for the Mall sites. Make sure to get to the FDR memorial and the Lincoln Memorial is best at sunrise and sunset. Also, if you are bringing a chica I would take a look at the Textile Museum. Again, connect with me right before you come and I will let you know the latest and greatest. There are alot of cultural events (Screen on the Green, Shakespeare at the Folger's, drink specials at The Derby) that are fleeting and that you won't have any way to know about unless you talk to a local. You should also stop in at Ben's Chili Bowl to see a real, old school DC institution. You have an even chance of running into the Mayor, Bill Cosby, et cetera there. Also, don't forget that you can literally just walk into the Rayburn and Cannon office buildings where the Congress does (or does not do) it's work. You can get a glimpse of the sausage factory involved in make law. Walk into your Congressman's office to say hey and you will learn alot about what kind of Rep. you have. Cheers and don't hesitate to email me with any questions you may have. bboyle P.S. This city is not remotely as dangerous as it is made out to be....so unless you are hanging out with the residual crackheads you shouldn't have any problems.

I was recently reading an article about Anthony Bourdain and he used the term 'nerdfury'. I didn't understand what he meant then but I think now I'm beginning to get it....I suppose that makes sense though as "No Reservations" is entirely unplayable....

Also, drop in games at around 6pm EST on Sundays are usually well attended and quite good.

Congrats.