Smiling Scallops

The Reserve: Seafood and Steak
Bally's Casino - Atlantic City, NJ
The steak was tempting, but I haven't had scallops in a long time.  Delicious!

After dinner, we managed to catch the bottom of the 9th between the Phillies and Red Sox on the tv at the bar.  Ryan Howard hit a moonshot off of Ramon Ramirez to tie the game, but we lost in extra innings.

Late Night Sushi Dinner

China Cafe and Sushi Bar
Trump Plaza - Atlantic City, NJ
There wasn't much open by the time we got to Atlantic City, but this was pretty good.

Seventh Ave In The Eighties

Seventh Avenue
New York, NY (June 1989)
I'm not sure who to credit as the source of this photo, but it perfectly captures the summer that I turned nine years old.  A massive advertisement for the first Tim Burton Batman movie can be seen under the Coca Cola sign, but it's not playing at the Embassy 1 Theater next to McDonald's, which leads me to believe that photo was taken before it was released on June 19th.  Instead, the theater was showing Star Trek V: The Final Frontier, which premiered on June 9th, so I'm guessing that this photo was snapped sometime in the ten days prior to the premier of Batman.

The Embassy Theater opened on August 26, 1925 and remained an operating theater for over 70 years until its closure in 1997.  It reopened a year later as the Times Square Visitors Center.  Thankfully, much of the interior has been preserved after 1987 when it was designated by the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission.

The McDonald's is still in business today, but the location that it occupies was once a Weinerwald Austrian Restaurant at 1560 Broadway.  It can briefly be seen in the background during Ghostbusters when Louis Tully wanders through the city.  It closed not long after Ghostbusters was filmed and became a McDonald's soon thereafter.

...On A Routine Expedition

Land Of The Lost (2009)
Regal Cinema - Schuylkill Mall - Frackville, PA
No one is ever going to accuse me of being a card carrying member of the Will Ferrell fan club.  I think he was great as Buddy The Elf, but I didn't really enjoy Anchorman, Talladega Nights, Step Brothers, or any of his scenes in Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back.  I didn't hate Land Of The Lost, but it didn't do much to improve my opinion of Mr. Ferrell.

The Far Flung Flier

Frostbite Falls Far Flung Flier
Volume 3 Number 4 (June 1989)
Rocky & Bullwinkle has been my favorite cartoon since I was ten years old.  My dad had a set of VHS tapes, and I watched those things so many times when I was ten and eleven years old that I can't believe I didn't wear them out.

I didn't know about it at the time, but there was a zine that was being published during the late 80's and early 90's that was dedicated to Rocky & Bullwinkle and the works of Jay Ward.  It was called The Frostbite Falls Far Flung Flier, and it was published by Charles Ulrich.  I received this June 1989 issue in a lot of Rocky & Bullwinkle memorabilia that I bought on eBay.  Click on the images below to read it.

How To Pay Your Mortgage With A Gypsy Curse

Drag Me To Hell (2009)
Cinemark - Moosic, PA
This is one of the best horror flicks I've seen in a while.  The gypsy curse theme reminded me a little bit of Thinner, but Drag Me To Hell is a much better film overall.

Two Thumbs Up

Up (2009)
Cinemark - Moosic, PA
When Pixar released an animated feature film, you can pretty much bank on the fact that it's going to be excellent.  I went to see this on opening day without even knowing what it was about, and I wasn't disappointed one bit.  It's an absolutely beautiful adventure from start to finish.

The Tuskegee Airmen Are Living In The Moment

Night At The Museum 2: Battle Of The Smithsonian
Cinemark - Moosic, PA
This movie was a lot of fun, and one of the rare examples of a film that I think children and their parents can both enjoy.

Flea Market Oddities

Hometown Farmers Market
Tamaqua, PA
Where else can you find a Backstreet Boys photo album filled with pictures of Hitler and a skull with salt and pepper shakers in the eyes?

Fun With Panoramic Bathroom Photography

This is the view from the second floor of my grandparents house from the bathroom window; you know, just in case anyone needed to see this.  I was just testing out the panorama features of my digital camera.  It's not going to win any prizes, but I thought that they came out looking kinda neat.

The Saga Begins

Ten years ago, Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace was released in theaters nationwide.  At the time, it was marketed like crazy, including in store circulars, like this one from Sears.

It's far from a perfect movie.  I think the saga should have started with Anakin Skywalker as a 15 year old angst-filled teenager.  It would have made his relationship with Padme a lot more believable.  I also think Darth Maul was an excellent villain, and I was disappointed when Episode I killed him off before fully developing his character.

I remember that I enjoyed the movie when I first saw it in the theater, but I grew to dislike it shortly thereafter.  I don't know if the marketing blitz made me sick of it or if I was disappointed by its unrealized potential.  However, when I watch it now, I can more fully appreciate it for what it is.  The plot is centered heavily on three things: the pod race on Tatooine, the battle of Naboo, and the fight between Qui-Gon/Obi-Wan and Darth Maul, but my favorite scene happens before any of these.  It's the part where Qui-Gon is sitting outside of the Skywalker's home at night - when he tests Anakin's blood and talks with Obi-Wan on the communicator.  I can't put my finger on why, but I lose myself in the atmosphere of that scene.  It makes me feel like I'm there on Tatooine, with the cool desert night air and the entire Star Wars saga waiting to unfold.

2008: It Was A Very Good Year

The 2008 World Champion Philadelphia Phillies visited the White House today where they presented President Obama with a #44 jersey. 

Cardboard Drive-Thru

Matchbox Kids Meal Box
Burger King (1989)

Drive In Announcements

Laurel Drive In
South Church Street - Hazleton, PA
I saw my very first movie in theaters at the Laurel Drive In when I was a little kid.  It was before my sixth birthday, and the movie was The Karate Kid Part 2.  Since then, I've always made it a point to see at least a few movies every summer when I was in town.

One of the best parts of the Laurel Drive In is the food.  They have a huge variety and all of it is tasty and reasonably priced.  Where else can you relax in your car and watch two movies with a dish of pierogies and homemade pizza?

These radio announcements were made during the preview opening weekend.  They were showing Paul-Blart: Mall Cop and Fired Up.

Victory Never Tasted So Sweet

Phillies Butterscotch Krimpets
Tastykake (2009)
The official iced sponge cakes of the 2008 World Champions.  Accept no substitute.

World Series Trophy

2008 World Series Trophy
Citizen's Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
Before the game, we had an opportunity to see and take a photo with the 2008 World Series Championship banner and trophy.

Did James Bond Fight Zombies In Space?

Rivoli Theater (1979)
Broadway and 49th St - New York, NY
The iconic Dawn Of The Dead premiered in the United States 30 years ago today.  This photo was taken at the Rivoli Theater on Broadway in the Spring of 1979 during the film's first run.  An ad for the upcoming Moonraker can be seen above marquee.  The eleventh James Bond flick was the next feature to show at the Rivoli starting in late June.

The Rivoli Theater was built in 1917 and did not survive for long after this photo was taken.  The theater closed in 1987 and was demolished to make room for office towers.

Harry The K

"To be sure in Philly, there might be some boos;

Because you passionate fans, like the manager, hate to lose.

Your reaction to the action on the field that you impart;

Spurs us as broadcasters to call the game with enthusiasm and heart.

We feel your passion through and through;

Philadelphia fans, I love you."

- Harry Kalas

  July 28, 2002

Graphic Tribute by Philly.com

The Voice Of The Phillies

Harry Kalas
1936 - 2009

It's hard to imagine watching a Phillies game and not hearing your voice.  We'll miss you, Mr. Kalas.

Time Capsules and Numerology

Knowing (2009)
Cinemark - Moosic, PA
The reviews for this movie have been mixed at best, but I enjoyed this movie a lot.  It tells a compelling story with an ending that I didn't see coming, the special effects are especially good, and it's use of Symphony No. 7 - Allegretto in the final scene is haunting.  And, of course, you absolutely cannot go wrong by casting Nicolas Cage as the star of any film.

Hats Off To Larry

Adventureland (2009)
Cinemark - Moosic, PA

This is an absolutely brilliant film!  The story takes place in the summer of 1987 and is centered around James Brennan (Jesse Eisenberg), an aspiring writer who has just graduated from college and is looking forward to spend his summer vacation in Europe before moving on to grad school.  He learns at the last minute that his family won't be able to afford to cover his tuition, so he instead stays back at home (Pittsburgh) to live with his parents and save money by working with his childhood friend at a local amusement park called Adventureland.

This movie reminded me a lot of two other movies that I love: Dazed and Confused and Empire Records.  If you enjoyed those films, I'm pretty confident that you would love Adventureland too.  In fact, you could probably have one hell of a 70's / 80's / 90's triple feature.  Adventureland has a lot of genuine laughs with a fantastic soundtrack, but be forewarned that you will walk out of the theater with Rock Me Amadeus stuck in your head.  It also tells a great coming-of-age story with excellent performances by Jesse Eisenberg, Kristen Stewart and Ryan Reynolds that is easy to get lost in.

Opening Day 2009

Opening Day
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Atlanta Braves @ Philadelphia Phillies
Citizen Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA

Pitching: Derek Lowe vs. Brett Myers
Results: Braves defeated Phillies, 4-1
Photo Gallery

Not counting the West Palm Beach Expos in the Florida State League, this was my first time seeing a game on Opening Day.  The vibe in the park was electric at the start of the game.  The team paraded on a red carpet onto the field, Miss America sang the Anthem, and members of the Army's 82nd Airborne jumped out of a plane to land on the field and deliver the Opening Day ball.  Regrettably, that vibe didn't last long into the game.  Chipper Jones got a single and Brian McCann hit a two run homer in the top of the 1st to give the Braves an early 2-0 lead.  They followed it up in the second with a pair of solo shots from Jeff Francoeur and Jordan Schafer to put the Braves up 4-0, and that's where the score remained until the bottom of the 9th.

After giving up three home runs in the first two innings of the season, Brett Myers settled down, but so did the Phillies offense.  Derek Lowe gave up only two hits and no walks in 8 innings of work.  When the Braves brought in closer Mike Gonzalez in the bottom of the 9th, the Phillies finally managed to get a rally going.  Eric Bruntlett started off the inning with a pinch hit double.  With one out, Jayson Werth got an RBI single to put the Phillies on the board.  This was followed with a Chase Utley walk.  Things were looking hopeful with runners on 1st and 2nd with one out and the 2008 HR and RBI representing the tying run at the plate.  Unfortunately, the Fightins couldn't capitalize as Gonzalez struck out Ryan Howard and Raúl Ibañez to end the game.

McFadden's

McFadden's
Philadelphia, PA
Grabbing a quick bite to eat before the ballgame.

The Phanatic Stands Tall

Philadelphia City Paper
April 2 - 8, 2009
I'm tempted to frame this and hang it over my desk.

Let Them Eat Cake

Lewis Black: Let Them Eat Cake tour
Kirby Center - Wilkes-Barre, PA
March 27, 2009
Not only did I get to see one of my favorite comedians, but I had the opportunity to meet Mr. Black and take a photo with him.  It was an excellent show, and he's a very cool guy.

Don't You Want To Go To Happy Piggyland?

Peanuts
Charles Schulz (March 23, 1979)

Build Your Own White House

This chunk of white marble is roughly the size and thickness of a deck of playing cards, and if the small metal plaque on it is to be believed, it was once a part of the White House until it was removed in 1950 when Harry Truman was president.  I have no idea how to have it validated, but it only cost me three bucks so I'm not too worried about it.  It's definitely one of the strangest things I've ever found for sale at a flea market.

A Beautiful Adventure

Coraline
Cinemark - Moosic, PA
This is one of the best animated movies I've seen in a long time.

The Expression Never Changes

My grandfather saved the photo from a few of his drivers licenses after they expired.  His expression is almost exactly the same in all of them.  I'm pretty sure he's even wearing the same shirt in the first two.

The Ram vs The Ayatollah

The Wrestler (2009)
Cinemark - Moosic, PA
I've been looking forward to seeing this for the past year.  Angie and I worked as extras in the final scene.  I didn't notice either of us in the background on the big screen, but it's tough to say for sure.  I'll have to wait until it comes out on DVD to see if we made the final cut.

Even if you're not a fan of professional wrestling, this is a powerful film that I wouldn't hesitate to recommend to anyone.  Mickey Rourke delivers a flawless performance as a wrestler who was on top of the world back in the 80's, but has now found himself back on the indy scene, hoping to scratch a buck out wherever he can.  I can't help but to notice the parallel's between his character, Randy "The Ram" Robinson and the peek behind the curtain that we get to see of Jake "The Snake" Roberts in the 1999 Beyond The Mat documentary.

The ending is different than the one that I saw on the second night of filming (the night with the ROH crowd from their live event), which is where most of the crowd shots from that scene seem to have come from, but I'm thinking that ending was never intended to be used for the film and was just tacked on for the benefit of the wrestling fans in attendance.  If that's the case, Daren Aronofsky made the right call.  I don't want to spoil anything but I think that they way the finished movie ended was absolutely perfect.

President Samurai

President Obama action figure.
This is the most badass awesome toy ever made.
source: Gamu Toys

My Not Quite Live Journal

I found my old LiveJournal a few weeks ago.  It was mostly filled with diary entries and thoughts about movies, music and sports.  Evidently, the 23 year old me was obsessed with The Butterfly Effect.  I still think it's a pretty good movie, but I don't remember loving it THAT much.

Most of what I wrote was so cringeworthy that I deleted the whole thing out of sheer embarrassment, but this entry from five years ago brought a smile to my face. It was written on the morning before the Eagles 4th and 26 game that would go down in history as one of the most dramatic come from behind wins in franchise history.  The Eagles finished their 2003 season with a 12-4 record and played the Packers in the first round of the playoffs.  By the middle of the 4th quarter, it wasn't looking good.  The Eagles were losing 17-14 with 1:12 remaining in the game when they faced with a fourth down and 26 yards at their own 26 yard line, but Donovan McNabb completed a 28 yard pass to Freddie Mitchell for the first down.  They continued to drive the ball until David Akers kicked a 37 yard field goal to tie the game and sent it to overtime.  The Eagles won in OT when Brian Dawkins intercepted a pass from Brett Favre and returned the ball 35 yards to set Akers up to kick a field goal for the win.

At the beginning of this entry, I mentioned that the Baseball In The 70's video that I ordered had just arrived in the mail.  Dad bought me the Baseball In The 80's VHS tape from Blockbuster Video when I was in middle school, and I must have watched it a hundred times.  I knew there was another tape in the series from the previous decade, but I was never able to find it until many years later when I found a copy for sale on eBay.  It was pretty good, but it wasn't the same format as the 80's tape.  It seems like they took two completely separate short documentaries and released them in similar packaging to make it feel like a series.  I kind of wish they would go back to this concept and release a series of videos that tell the story of the game for previous decades, but I suppose this already exists in the fantastic Ken Burns documentary.