RACE FOR THE LID XVI

[BudGirl]

You ready... here you go...
RACE FOR THE LID XVI
Contest Rules:
________________________________________
1.  Whatever the rules are, BudGirl (your RFTL judge and jury for 2014) can change them any time for any reason, including whim.  The purpose of this rule is not to promote chaos, but to preempt wailing, moaning, whining, and griping.  Particularly griping.
________________________________________
2.  A Pick is determine the number of wins.  Picks below 60 should not win, even if they’re right they’re wrong.  They will be accepted and you can be a winner but no one will like you.
________________________________________
3.  All picks are in this thread.  Picks out of this thread are DQ’d unless BudGirl changes the rules.
________________________________________
4.  One pick per person.
________________________________________
5. If there are gaps in the high picks, say, between 95 and 162, the low pick gets the gaps down to the next highest pick.  This does not work in reverse, i.e., above 95.  We all win if the Astros lose fewer than the low pick.
________________________________________
6. The grand prize, of course, is an Astros cap of BudGirl's choosing from Astros.com.  BudGirl is allowed to make rulings on prize disputes that may arise... namely, she gets to tell you to go to hell if you whine that you should get the prize!
________________________________________
7.  NO PICKS WILL BE ACCEPTED UNTIL THE OFFICIAL COMMENCEMENT TIME, WHICH IN THIS CIRCULAR DEFINITION WILL BE ON OR ABOUT 9:00 p.m., Friday, March 28th and close on Tuesday, April 1st at the first pitch of the Astros home opener against the New York Yankees and the last opening day for Derek Jeter (the Official Commencement Time).  Anyone who posts before then will be DQ'd.  No picks will be accepted after the first pitch on Opening Day.  Or thereabouts.
________________________________________
8.  Ron Brand will assist in the verification of picks.  He will also assist in any additional matters determined by BudGirl.
________________________________________
9.  If there is no correct pick BudGirl and Ron Brand will find a winner by a method of their choosing.
________________________________________
10.  Here’s the list of past winners:

2013 - Fynn
2012 – Ebby Calvin
2011 – no winner
2010 - Lurch
2009 - Ron Brand
2008 - EasTexAstro
2007 - no winner
2006  - Fredia
2005  - Drew Corleone
2004  - Andyzipp
2003  - Jim R
2002  - no winner
2001  - Neil T.
2000  - no winner
1999  - Astrobabe

Good Luck and may be the best fan win!

[subnuclear]

67

[Ebby Calvin]

63

[austro]

66

[Ron Brand]

64

[BudGirl]

you guys are full of optimism.  bunch of ninnys. 

[Ron Brand]

I've got optimism in one hand, and the desire for a cool hat in the other...

[HudsonHawk]

70

[austro]

you guys are full of optimism.  bunch of ninnys. 

I'm +15 over last year. That seems pretty optimistic. I'd probably be more optimistic if I had some cookies.

[Nate Colbert]

60

[chuck]

58

I remember when the even if they’re right they’re wrong threshold was 80. Or was it 90? Anyway, change with the changing times I guess.

[Bench]

72

[Reuben]

69. Huh huhhuh.

[believin]

71

[Bench]

Hooray for all us cool kids on a Friday night. I think we're all winners no matter how few games the Astros win.

[EasTexAstro]

87

[Astros Fan in Big D]

68

[chuck]

87

I can't figure out whether this is your guess or the number of Shiners it would take to make someone think they'd win 87.

[Mr. Happy]

5965 Enthusiasm! A 14 game improvement will be a good thing.

[EasTexAstro]

I can't figure out whether this is your guess or the number of Shiners it would take to make someone think they'd win 87.

The same number I pick every year. It allows the better picks to be chosen by someone else.

[Mr. Happy]

The same number I pick every year. It allows the better picks to be chosen by someone else.

Always the gentleman.

[Fynn]

55

[Jacksonian]

65

[drew corleone]

73

[Mr. Happy]

65

That number was already taken by me.

[Ty in Tampa]

62

[mrpink]

72

[Outlawscotty]

61

[Knoxbanedoodle]

74.

[jaklewein]

75. Go Stros!

[geezerdonk]

54

[jmontessi]

77

[Jose Cruz III]

76 for the 3rd.

[hostros7]

78

[Craig]

59

[Aussie Astro]

57

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

You ready... here you go...
RACE FOR THE LID XVI
Contest Rules:
________________________________________
1.  Whatever the rules are, BudGirl (your RFTL judge and jury for 2014) can change them any time for any reason, including whim.  The purpose of this rule is not to promote chaos, but to preempt wailing, moaning, whining, and griping.  Particularly griping.
________________________________________
2.  A Pick is determine the number of wins.  Picks below 60 should not win, even if they’re right they’re wrong.  They will be accepted and you can be a winner but no one will like you.
________________________________________
3.  All picks are in this thread.  Picks out of this thread are DQ’d unless BudGirl changes the rules.
________________________________________
4.  One pick per person.
________________________________________
5. If there are gaps in the high picks, say, between 95 and 162, the low pick gets the gaps down to the next highest pick.  This does not work in reverse, i.e., above 95.  We all win if the Astros lose fewer than the low pick.
________________________________________
6. The grand prize, of course, is an Astros cap of BudGirl's choosing from Astros.com.  BudGirl is allowed to make rulings on prize disputes that may arise... namely, she gets to tell you to go to hell if you whine that you should get the prize!
________________________________________
7.  NO PICKS WILL BE ACCEPTED UNTIL THE OFFICIAL COMMENCEMENT TIME, WHICH IN THIS CIRCULAR DEFINITION WILL BE ON OR ABOUT 9:00 p.m., Friday, March 28th and close on Tuesday, April 1st at the first pitch of the Astros home opener against the New York Yankees and the last opening day for Derek Jeter (the Official Commencement Time).  Anyone who posts before then will be DQ'd.  No picks will be accepted after the first pitch on Opening Day.  Or thereabouts.
________________________________________
8.  Ron Brand will assist in the verification of picks.  He will also assist in any additional matters determined by BudGirl.
________________________________________
9.  If there is no correct pick BudGirl and Ron Brand will find a winner by a method of their choosing.
________________________________________
10.  Here’s the list of past winners:

2013 - Fynn
2012 – Ebby Calvin
2011 – no winner
2010 - Lurch
2009 - Ron Brand
2008 - EasTexAstro
2007 - no winner
2006  - Fredia
2005  - Drew Corleone
2004  - Andyzipp
2003  - Jim R
2002  - no winner
2001  - Neil T.
2000  - no winner
1999  - Astrobabe

Good Luck and may be the best fan win!

Too many rules. I'm sitting this year out in protest.

[NeilT]

93 wins.  you can figure out the losses.

[Nate in IA]

81 wins

[tbone421998]

79

[David in Jackson]

I don't think 56 is taken.  Hoping I don't win.

[Navin R Johnson]

64

[BUWebguy]

80

[Jacksonian]

Since I can't have 65 I'll take 82.

[BudGirl]

64

you are welcome to try another number.

[BudGirl]

Here's the current picks.

55   Fynn
56   David in Jackson
57   Aussie Astro
57   geezerdonk
58   chuck
59   Craig
60   Nate Colbert
61   Outlawscotty
62   Ty in Tampa
63   Ebby Calvin
64   Ron Brand
65   Mr. Happy
66   austro
67   subnuclear
68   Astros Fan in Big D
69   Rueben
70   HudsonHawk
71   believin
72   Bench
72   mrpink
73   drew corleon
74   Knoxbanedood
75   jaklewein
76   Jose Cruz III
77   jmontessi
78   hostros7
79   tbone421998
80   BUWebguy
81   Nate in IA
82   Jacksonian
87   EasTexAstro
93   Neil T

[T. J.]

83.  It could happen.

[astrosfan76]

84.  Should have checked sooner.

[JimR]

85

[VirtualBob]

86

[David in Jackson]

It's a Process.

[VirtualBob]

Too many rules. I'm sitting this year out in protest.

WFW

[BudGirl]

WFW

You have a great chance of winning this year because of that response.

[das]

I guess I'm 88 then.  Look away for a moment and see what happens?  Peacock will vulture in for the first of his 30 wins tonight, I guess.

[JackAstro]

159. I figure they're bound to lose a few here and there, just on unlucky bounces and the such.

[Fredia]

88

[Bench]

62

This was Mattress Mac's pick as well.  If the Astros win 63 you'll get $6,300 of furniture refunded.

[Uncle Charlie]

This was Mattress Mac's pick as well.  If the Astros win 63 you'll get $6,300 of furniture refunded.

Mac lost (or actually probably won from a purely business perspective).  Anyway, he says $4 MM being returned to customers.  Any of you participate?

[BudGirl]

Mac lost (or actually probably won from a purely business perspective).  Anyway, he says $4 MM being returned to customers.  Any of you participate?

I knew I would win, but I didn't want to pony up the ante.

[drew corleone]

Wulaw Horn, who posts on Shaggy and used to post here, won $8400 in furniture. He's a good dude that I've known for a number of years, so I was happy to see it.

Also, Fangraphs apparently has the Astros projected at 72.5 and 89.5, and I hope that rounds up. I really want to be the first two-time RFTL winner!

[BudGirl]

I did not forget.  Mr. Hudson Hawk is the winner of the Race for the Lid XVI.  I will offer you your choice of caps via PM.  Congratulations!

[Mr. Happy]

I did not forget.  Mr. Hudson Hawk is the winner of the Race for the Lid XVI.  I will offer you your choice of caps via PM.  Congratulations!

Well done, HH!!! Thanks again, BG, for doing this again this season.

[NeilT]

There's only one cap that's right for HH:

http://www.click2houston.com/news/fans-swamp-academy-as-astros-bun-b-release-limited-edition-astros-cap/28361290

[HudsonHawk]

Alas...I've already made my selection.  A nice little cotton replica to replace the one I left at the IHOP in Midland a last year. 

What I'm really wonderin, however, is what is the status of the Derek Bell card?

[Limey]

Alas...I've already made my selection.  A nice little cotton replica to replace the one I left at the IHOP in Midland a last year. 

If you'd left it on your head, you'd still have it.

[NeilT]

JimR had it last, I think.  I may have located another though.

[Bench]

There's only one cap that's right for HH:

http://www.click2houston.com/news/fans-swamp-academy-as-astros-bun-b-release-limited-edition-astros-cap/28361290

That is a good looking cap.

[BizidyDizidy]

Why the fuck are you eating at IHOP?

[Mr. Happy]

Why the fuck are you eating at IHOP?

That was going to be my question.

[chuck]

Why the fuck are you eating at IHOP?

Chili's is closed in the morning.

[geezerdonk]

To see the one-legged waitress.

[Ron Brand]

What I'm really wonderin, however, is what is the status of the Derek Bell card?

I'm pretty sure Ebby Calvin has it, unless he mailed it to Fynn. I passed it on.

[HudsonHawk]

Why the fuck are you eating at IHOP?

And just what the hell is wrong with eating flapjacks?

[Bench]

Why the fuck are you eating at IHOP?

Midland has really grown up since the last time you were there.

[BudGirl]

And just what the hell is wrong with eating flapjacks?

Nothing, but his probably need wheat germ or some "fancy" ingredient. 

[Bench]

Nothing, but his probably need wheat germ or some "fancy" ingredient. 

And lots of salt. 

[Ebby Calvin]

I'm pretty sure Ebby Calvin has it, unless he mailed it to Fynn. I passed it on.

Nope.  Never seen it.  I won a cap a year or so ago but never the card.

[Ron Brand]

I brought it, along with the other things I handed out, to SF the year after I won. I know it was passed around for people to see but that's all I remember about it.

[HudsonHawk]

I brought it, along with the other things I handed out, to SF the year after I won. I know it was passed around for people to see but that's all I remember about it.

And how have the Astros done since you necks managed to lose the card? Hmmm??  Thanks.

[das]

And just what the hell is wrong with eating flapjacks?

My question exactly.  I don't understand elitist foodies at all.  Food that tastes good, whether layered and complex or simple peasant food, is still good.

The CTO of a big French engineering firm was in town a couple of years ago and while there, blathered on and on about the superiority of french food.  He and I agreed to grab some lunch but were tight on time.  I took him out to my favorite hot dog stand here in DC and ordered up a couple of chili, cheese and onion dogs for each of us and we ate them on the roof of the building.  Afterwards, he said, "thank you, that was one of the best meals I've had in months" and talked about it to anyone who would listen for the rest of the week.  Good food is good food.

Bad food is bad food.  Dodger Dogs, I'm looking at you...

[JimR]

JimR had it last, I think.  I may have located another though.

not me. I sent it on.

[HudsonHawk]

My question exactly.  I don't understand elitist foodies at all.  Food that tastes good, whether layered and complex or simple peasant food, is still good.

Exactly.  It's 5:00am, I've got to get out in the field, and I'm hungry.  Yet there are two types of critics; one who says "I can't believe you didn't fly to California and drop $4,000 at some Michelin starred bistro" and the other who says "I can't believe you eat food that wasn't cooked in the back of a van."  It was breakfast people...I LIKE pancakes. 

[Limey]

Nothing, but his probably need wheat germ or some "fancy" ingredient. 

Gluten-free.

[Limey]

My question exactly.  I don't understand elitist foodies at all.  Food that tastes good, whether layered and complex or simple peasant food, is still good.

I had lunch at Punk's today.  How I'm still up and moving after that CFS I have no idea.  Awesome in its simplicity and delivery.

[GreatBagwellsBeard]

I had lunch at Punk's today.  How I'm still up and moving after that CFS I have no idea.  Awesome in its simplicity and delivery.

How much is a lunch CFS there?

[Limey]

How much is a lunch CFS there?

$21.  Comes with horseradish mash (not the green beans per the website photo).  They don't appear to have lunch menu, it's the same menu all day except for brunch or happy hour).

[das]

$21.  Comes with horseradish mash (not the green beans per the website photo).  They don't appear to have lunch menu, it's the same menu all day except for brunch or happy hour).

Holy cow. I just sat mesmerized by the scrolling pics in that link. If I do indeed make it down there for opening day in April, I gotta go to Punks. DC is just a hair too far north to get in on much good southern cooking.

[Limey]

Holy cow. I just sat mesmerized by the scrolling pics in that link. If I do indeed make it down there for opening day in April, I gotta go to Punks. DC is just a hair too far north to get in on much good southern cooking.

It's got a full bar and some cool (southern-themed) cocktails too.

[NeilT]

It's got a full bar and some cool (southern-themed) cocktails too.

A couple of weeks ago we went to The Barbecue Inn on the corner of Crosstimbers and Yale.  It's been there for a long time, and is circa 1965 sourthern cooking.  The barbecue isn't important, but we went for the fried chicken, which is pretty amazing.  I suspect they have a chicken fried steak that will cause me to go back as soon as I get to Punk's.

Beer, but no bar.

[BizidyDizidy]

It always did strike me as strange that the only two restaurants in the world are IHOP and the French Laundry

[NeilT]

Exactly.  It's 5:00am, I've got to get out in the field, and I'm hungry.  Yet there are two types of critics; one who says "I can't believe you didn't fly to California and drop $4,000 at some Michelin starred bistro" and the other who says "I can't believe you eat food that wasn't cooked in the back of a van."  It was breakfast people...I LIKE pancakes. 

They've got better coffee at IHop than either of those other places.

[HudsonHawk]

It always did strike me as strange that the only two restaurants in the world are IHOP and the French Laundry

Well, there's a Waffle House, but it's in Odessa.