I was working in the city when news of a plane "accidentally" hitting one of the World Trade Center towers broke on the radio at my desk. Instantly, I ran into our break-room to turn on the television and, along with some co-workers, we all saw that second plane crash in real time. People around me instantly began to cry and there was confusion. Everyone was looking for information on what was happening.
Work stopped, naturally, as everyone was glued to the TV or radio to get whatever information they could. My job at the time functioned in a building that was about a block from the Liberty Bell and word came that the entire area had to be evacuated just in case. After the other two planes had gone down, there was just so much uncertainty that the entire city workforce had been sent home.
Traffic was everywhere. Buses were loaded and I'm sure the subway was too. A friend of mine at the time lived near me so we walked home. It was a walk through many of the neighborhoods that make up South Philly to Center City and I'll just never forget that walk home. It was so silent out. People were everywhere, but no one seemed to be speaking, instead listening to radios outside with other neighbors and/or family.
When I got home, I couldn't stop watching it all. I remember saving every image that CNN placed on their website...saved local newspapers like the Metro. Everything seemed to just come to a complete and utter halt.
I have to say, it was great when baseball decided to restart it's season on 9/17. The American public really needed it and all us east coasters especially, needed a diversion from the imagery, the misery and that feeling of utter helplessness that we all felt.
It was only fitting that here in Philly, the voice of our city spoke to us about 9/11 and baseball...and it was incredible. See/hear for yourself:
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Saturday, September 8, 2012
2102 Exxxotica Expo coming to Edison, NJ November 9-11!
Billed as “the largest event in the USA dedicated to love
& sex” the Edison, New Jersey edition of the 2012 Exxxotica expo will soon
be descending upon us. Over the course
of the November 9-11 weekend you’ll be able to get photos, autographs and other
merchandise from the adult video industry’s hottest stars and starlets! Additionally, all weekend there will be
seminars (final list still being determined at this time) and live
entertainment highlighted with a performance by NJ’s own Grammy Award winning,
Hip-Hop legends Naughty By Nature on Saturday night.
If you’ve never attended an Exxxotica expo before and are 18
years of age or older, there is even more incentive for those who qualify. See, on Friday, all women enter the show for
FREE. Not good enough? Well, if you’re
US Armed Forces and present your valid military ID or a copy of your discharge
papers with photo ID, you too can enter the expo for FREE on Sunday in honor
and recognition of Veteran’s Day.
On the added free entrance for military, J. Handy, director
of Exxxotica remarked “This idea seemed like a natural fit for EXXXOTICA, and
we are truly proud and honored to personally thank all of those who have served
to protect our freedoms."
Whether you want to attend as a VIP and get into all the
sponsored after parties for free (among other things), watch the gorgeous Stoya
perform her aerial act or just take in a day (or whole weekend) of doing
something you don’t usually get to experience, the Exxxotica expo is a good bit
of adult fun and this year’s installment looks better than ever. The list of attending stars grows by the day
but so far some guest highlights would have to be Asa Akira, Seymore Butts,
Lexi Belle, Ron Jeremy, the aforementioned Stoya, Teagan Presley, Gianna
Michaels, Lisa Ann, Alexis Texas and so many others!
Would you like to know more? Bookmark or check for updates
at the following:
Follow Exxxotica on Twitter
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| Click to see a larger image of Ladies FREE Friday mayhem! |
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Its "Buck-A-Shuck" Heaven in the Philly Area
I happened to notice a new trend
here in cheese-steak and scrapple heaven.
In a city known mostly for eating copious amounts meat and dough in
various incarnations, a little bit of the ocean has crept onto many a city
eatery’s menu. Oysters, those ever-sexy
little bivalves are being featured all over the place and usually for a buck,
during “happy hours” or just a specific day of the week.
Below, you’ll find a listing (in
NO order whatsoever) of all the spots I could manage to find that have specific
dollar oyster times or days. So if you
find yourself in need of mass quantities of these zinc-rich aphrodisiac legends,
use this little blog as a starter manual, guiding you to some lands of promise.
Oyster House
1516 Sansom Street
Philadelphia,PA 19102
(215) 567-7683
“Buck A Shuck” Happy Hours Monday-Friday
5-7 pm, Saturday 9-11 pm
Who better to start off with than
the home of the “original” buck-a-shuckers?
I’ve got to add that the Oyster House does one hell of an incredible New
England-style Lobster Roll too!
Pub & Kitchen
1946 Lombard Street
Philadelphia, PA 19146
(215) 545-0350 (NOTICE: they do
not accept reservations)
$1 oysters during happy hour
Monday-Friday, 4-6 pm
This kicked up
corner pub is a personal favorite of mine, so whether you love oysters or
don’t, this stop bears attention. Chef
Johnny Mac’s menu always has something new to adore on it, but I’ll always come
back for the Churchill, a masterpiece of burgers.
The Pour House
124 Haddon Avenue
Westmont, NJ 08108
(856) 869-4600
Buck-A-Shuck oysters every Wednesday
This is a place that my friends and I just cannot stop
eating and drinking at! About fifteen minutes from Center City, this gem from
the folks who also own P.J. Whelihan’s is one awesome beer joint serving up
devilishly delicious bar food. In terms
of oysters, my wife loves the Cape Cod Wiannos and the British Colombia Fanny
Bays. Me? I’ll take their perfectly
cooked wings (Korean, Smoked Porter and Saigon Street) or a Pour House Deluxe
burger any day of the week.
Route 6
600 N. Broad St.
Philadelphia PA 19130
215-391-4600
Chef’s Choice $1 oysters (3 piece minimum) Monday-Friday,
4:30-6:30 p.m.
Route 6 is one of Stephen Starr’s newest enterprises, having
just opened in November of 2011 in the up-and-coming new hotspot of North Broad
Street. Admittedly, I’ve not been to this one yet as of the publishing of this
blog but I’ll tell you this: when I see
something like Crab Deviled Eggs (blue crab!) or Chicken Fried Lobster Tails,
you can bet it I’m fast tracking a visit!
Devon Seafood Grill
225 S 18th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103-6141
215-546-5940
$1 Chef’s Oysters on the half shell Sunday-Friday, 4-7 p.m.
& 9-11 p.m.
Their bar has an awesome view of Rittenhouse Square whether
it is summer and open-air or winter and you can watch the snow fall. I’m in love with their Shrimp Scampi entrée,
but just so ya know…during the aforementioned oyster happy hours, crab claws
can be had for a mere $3 each!
Fish
1234 Locust Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107
215-545-9600
Happy hour Tuesday-Friday, 5-7 p.m. featuring $.99 “oyster
of the day”
Chef Mike
Stollenwerk’s restaurant garnered Philadelphia Magazine’s coveted “2010 Best of
Philly” award for “Best New Restaurant, City” and recently moved to its new
home on the ground floor of The Independent Hotel, which tripled its size. When you’re not slurping down the oyster du
jour, check out brunch for Carrot Cake pancakes or a Lobster Grilled Cheese.
They’ve also host a wine list worth studying.
Snockey’s Oyster & Crab House
1020 S. 2nd street (just above Washington Ave)
Philadelphia, PA 19147
215-339-9578
“Clammy Hour” Monday-Friday, 4-6 p.m. and Saturday &
Sunday 2-4 p.m. Also available during all Philadelphia Eagles football games
My friends, the South Philadelphia institution known as
Snockey’s (they’ve been open since 1912!) features a happy hour where the
prices fall to UNDER a dollar. Yep, you can get raw or steamed clams for $.50
as well as raw or fried oysters for $.75!
Know any other places? Don't hesitate to contact me or leave a comment. I'd love to keep adding to the list!
Thursday, August 2, 2012
2012 Phillies Fallout: Reloading for 2013 (part 2 0f 2)
Okay, so yesterday I broke down the Phillies trade deadline acquisitions and movement. What I want to do today is look at what the team needs and who is out there and feasible for them to bring in to make them much better in 2013. There are a lot of variables here and really, I'm going to split this piece into two different scenarios: one where players already on the team shift and one where they don't
THE SHIFT
This version of the Phillies starting lineup would need the least amount of brand new pieces. The primary part of this theory, hence the name, would be shifting SS Jimmy Rollins to 3B for the final two years of his contract and letting 2013 be the year that SS Freddy Galvis takes over the position full time. Currently, Ruben Amaro, Jr. is alluding to Galvis potentially opening next season as the potential fix at 3B and I just can't agree with that for a few reasons. Freddy has played a fantastic defensive short as well as second base, why move him again if he already excels elsewhere? Additionally, the light-hitting Galvis just doesn't have the bat to be an everyday 3B. You can live with a light-hitting shortstop that is a vacuum for the baseball, teams do it all the time. Remember Rey Ordonez, who started on the New York Mets in the late 90's? He played roughly nine seasons and was a career .246 hitter, but his glove and acrobatics kept him in the lineup and still having people talk about him as a player.
Third Base should be Rollins new home. It is the fashionable thing for all aging veteran shortstops. Cal Ripken did it. Alex Rodriguez did it. Jimmy still has a great arm and his timely power projects him to be a better three-bagger than Galvis could ever be.
"The Shift" would then require no new pieces on the infield, save backups to cover for injuries and riding the bench as pinch-hitters. Carlos Ruiz will still be catching, Ryan Howard should be that much more healthy with another off-season to work hislegs and body back into shape. Chase Utley...ugh. Chase Utley is the sole team enigma and I'll bet anyone out there that brass can't wait to have his contract come off the books as of the end of the 2013 season. The team is likely stuck in the same situation next year that it was at the beginning of this year since Utley's knees are shot and not repair-ably injured. But I have a suprise of a move here for a backup.
When this season is over, Placido Polanco becomes a free agent. I know he is pretty damned brittle at this point, but I'm going to go out on a limb and say he was so injury prone because he tried to play every day. I think it would behoove the Phillies to do what they didnot do with Raul Ibanez and attempt to bring Polanco back to the team for a low cost one-year deal (Ibanez is only making $1.1M this season). The bright side to this is that he could be not only spell days off for Chase, but he could also fill in at 3B when Rollins needs a day off too. Additionally, Polanco is still a solid contact hitter who hardly strikes out. If the decreased playing time results in less body breakdown, Poly could be a bargain of a backup.
Outfield is where focus could then be shifted to bring in new talent. Admittedly, we're not going to know until next season whether or not Domonic Brown will be in the equation. Nate Schierholtz should be seen as the solid 4th outfielder and I'll assume that Juan Pierre isn't going to be here (likely a wavier deal by the end of the season). How do you find two starting outfielders as well as someone to compete with Brown for the other spot without hitting the luxury tax? There really aren't any farm team prospects on the horizon and we already know that John Mayberry, Jr. isn't an answer for starting at any position. What I do know, is that the following outfielders of interest will be available this off-season: Michael Bourn, Josh Hamilton, Shane Victorino, B.J. Upton, Melky Cabrera, Carlos Lee, Torii Hunter.
In either scenario that I'm proposing (the one above or the one coming below), it'd be wonderful to just sign those first two (Bourn, Hamilton) and call it a day but we know that isn't gonna happen. Unless one of our $20+ million dollar pitchers is traded over the winter, the Phillies aren't to be considered in the Josh Hamilton conversation. Bourn and Cabrera are interesting potential signings, each with warning signs. Bourn is having a really nice season but isn't stealing bases at the pace of the rest of his career. Do they want to offer a 30-year old declining speedster a lucrative 3-5 year contract? If Cabrera leaves the Giants for a new team, it'll be his 5th and he isn't even 30 yet. Could 2012 be the year he cashes in on a career season and then disappoints from here on out? Upton has the potential to be a real steal and is young enough to still have not touched his stat ceiling even though he is an 8-year veteran. Victorino would be welcomed back at a smaller contract than he is currently looking for...much smaller actually. Lee and Hunter are clearly in their twilight stages, but both are still solid hitters who could challenge for playing time when you don't really have ANY outfielders. I'm not in love with any of these players, personally and I think it is a pretty lackluster year for free agents which makes the Phils work that much more difficult.
Putting out the APB
In this version of the team I'll discuss the pitching staff, as both of my scenarios mainly focus on the different needs for the batters.
If Rollins doesn't want to move to 3B or the team never even mentions it, then they're going to have to put out an all points bulletin to grab as many free agents as possible. It should be noted that, God forbid, people are mentioning Ruiz possibly taking over third next season instead.
In addition to needing two and a half outfielders the team in this scenario will also need a third baseman, as Rollins would stick at short and Galvis would become a "super" utility player, moving between 2B/SS/3B. Frankly, there isn't a single free agent 3B that I'd bring to this city. Do we really want a Mark Tehan or Scott Rolen? David Wright, Kevin Youkilis and the non-fielding Mark Reynolds all have options and will most likely be renewed, so dream on Phillies faithful who imagine Wright manning our base for the next so many years.
The non-availability of someone to sign really makes my option of Rollins sliding over pretty darned attractive, doesn't it? Why spend money on a bum when you can patch the situation in-house and put that money elsewhere?
Besides the outfield (as stated above), that "elsewhere" would be the bullpen, a place that Amaro has really neglected in his time as full-time GM. I'd still like to believe that Antonio Bastardo and Mike Stutes will be big-time contributors and that 2012 may have been just an aberration for both, but they'll still need some veteran support. Two names that come instantly to mind are Ryan Madson and David Aardsma, two hard throwers coming off major injuries. Madson still has an option but the Reds are more than likely going to buy him out. These guys could be bargains on one-year, low cost deals. Other really good additions would be Mike Adams, Shawn Marshall, Brandon League, Casey Janssen and option-folk like Rafael Betancourt, Joakim Soria (another injured dude) if they're not renewed.
So while I think the bullpen has the best chance for overhaul, my biggest worry comes from the starting rotation, believe it or not. Cole Hamels is thankfully remaining a Phillie for another six years and we've still got Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee (no matter what his season looks like) and Vance Worley. Joe Blanton thankfully will not be back and I don't care how wonderful his stats say he is in the second half of a season, watching him for full seasons for the last five years will tell you that he stinks and always has. Unfortunately there are only the likes of Kevin Correia, Kyle Lohse, Derek Lowe, Carl Pavano and other past their prime or Blanton-like people to take fat Joe's place.
Even more unfortunate, considering there have been rumors since a week or two before the trade deadline, Cliff Lee may not be here in 2013. Today he was put on waivers and he is sure to be dangled during the winter. Is this the right move? I'm asking this and I'm not even a fan of the guy - never have been (with the exception of that one post-season behind the back catch). Why trade Lee when you've got him under control for more than one year? If someone has to go, shouldn't it be Halladay since his contract is up after next season? I don't want any of them to leave the team but if we're peddling someone, it should be the guy who we have less control over. Should the Phillies trade Lee and not resign Doc, 2014 looks to be Hamels, Worley and three pitchers to be named later and that just isn't going to work for anyone.
There are many ways for the Phillies to improve themselves before 2013. What we're going to have to do as fans is trust in Ruben Amaro, Jr. and the ownership that the right pieces to the puzzle will arrive and fit in seamlessly. It sounds easy, but since the departure of Hall of Fame GM Pat Gillick at the end of 2008, Amaro's teams have incrementally taken a step backwards every season since.
Time for the former Phillie outfielder to put the owner's money where his mouth is, step up and right the ship. One thing I'd like to point out before I depart is that when the Phillies won the World Series in 2008, they were second in the regular season in runs scored, first in home runs, second in RBI and third in total bases. On the pitching side, their staff was forth in ERA, fifth in complete games, eleventh in strikeouts, and fifth in WHIP. In the years since, the Phillies have migrated from a hitting team to a pitching team and though they had three pitchers in the top five for the Cy Young award last year, they just couldn't get out of the first round of the playoffs.
Why was this change enacted?
THE SHIFT
This version of the Phillies starting lineup would need the least amount of brand new pieces. The primary part of this theory, hence the name, would be shifting SS Jimmy Rollins to 3B for the final two years of his contract and letting 2013 be the year that SS Freddy Galvis takes over the position full time. Currently, Ruben Amaro, Jr. is alluding to Galvis potentially opening next season as the potential fix at 3B and I just can't agree with that for a few reasons. Freddy has played a fantastic defensive short as well as second base, why move him again if he already excels elsewhere? Additionally, the light-hitting Galvis just doesn't have the bat to be an everyday 3B. You can live with a light-hitting shortstop that is a vacuum for the baseball, teams do it all the time. Remember Rey Ordonez, who started on the New York Mets in the late 90's? He played roughly nine seasons and was a career .246 hitter, but his glove and acrobatics kept him in the lineup and still having people talk about him as a player.
Third Base should be Rollins new home. It is the fashionable thing for all aging veteran shortstops. Cal Ripken did it. Alex Rodriguez did it. Jimmy still has a great arm and his timely power projects him to be a better three-bagger than Galvis could ever be.
"The Shift" would then require no new pieces on the infield, save backups to cover for injuries and riding the bench as pinch-hitters. Carlos Ruiz will still be catching, Ryan Howard should be that much more healthy with another off-season to work hislegs and body back into shape. Chase Utley...ugh. Chase Utley is the sole team enigma and I'll bet anyone out there that brass can't wait to have his contract come off the books as of the end of the 2013 season. The team is likely stuck in the same situation next year that it was at the beginning of this year since Utley's knees are shot and not repair-ably injured. But I have a suprise of a move here for a backup.
When this season is over, Placido Polanco becomes a free agent. I know he is pretty damned brittle at this point, but I'm going to go out on a limb and say he was so injury prone because he tried to play every day. I think it would behoove the Phillies to do what they didnot do with Raul Ibanez and attempt to bring Polanco back to the team for a low cost one-year deal (Ibanez is only making $1.1M this season). The bright side to this is that he could be not only spell days off for Chase, but he could also fill in at 3B when Rollins needs a day off too. Additionally, Polanco is still a solid contact hitter who hardly strikes out. If the decreased playing time results in less body breakdown, Poly could be a bargain of a backup.
Outfield is where focus could then be shifted to bring in new talent. Admittedly, we're not going to know until next season whether or not Domonic Brown will be in the equation. Nate Schierholtz should be seen as the solid 4th outfielder and I'll assume that Juan Pierre isn't going to be here (likely a wavier deal by the end of the season). How do you find two starting outfielders as well as someone to compete with Brown for the other spot without hitting the luxury tax? There really aren't any farm team prospects on the horizon and we already know that John Mayberry, Jr. isn't an answer for starting at any position. What I do know, is that the following outfielders of interest will be available this off-season: Michael Bourn, Josh Hamilton, Shane Victorino, B.J. Upton, Melky Cabrera, Carlos Lee, Torii Hunter.
In either scenario that I'm proposing (the one above or the one coming below), it'd be wonderful to just sign those first two (Bourn, Hamilton) and call it a day but we know that isn't gonna happen. Unless one of our $20+ million dollar pitchers is traded over the winter, the Phillies aren't to be considered in the Josh Hamilton conversation. Bourn and Cabrera are interesting potential signings, each with warning signs. Bourn is having a really nice season but isn't stealing bases at the pace of the rest of his career. Do they want to offer a 30-year old declining speedster a lucrative 3-5 year contract? If Cabrera leaves the Giants for a new team, it'll be his 5th and he isn't even 30 yet. Could 2012 be the year he cashes in on a career season and then disappoints from here on out? Upton has the potential to be a real steal and is young enough to still have not touched his stat ceiling even though he is an 8-year veteran. Victorino would be welcomed back at a smaller contract than he is currently looking for...much smaller actually. Lee and Hunter are clearly in their twilight stages, but both are still solid hitters who could challenge for playing time when you don't really have ANY outfielders. I'm not in love with any of these players, personally and I think it is a pretty lackluster year for free agents which makes the Phils work that much more difficult.
Putting out the APB
In this version of the team I'll discuss the pitching staff, as both of my scenarios mainly focus on the different needs for the batters.
If Rollins doesn't want to move to 3B or the team never even mentions it, then they're going to have to put out an all points bulletin to grab as many free agents as possible. It should be noted that, God forbid, people are mentioning Ruiz possibly taking over third next season instead.
In addition to needing two and a half outfielders the team in this scenario will also need a third baseman, as Rollins would stick at short and Galvis would become a "super" utility player, moving between 2B/SS/3B. Frankly, there isn't a single free agent 3B that I'd bring to this city. Do we really want a Mark Tehan or Scott Rolen? David Wright, Kevin Youkilis and the non-fielding Mark Reynolds all have options and will most likely be renewed, so dream on Phillies faithful who imagine Wright manning our base for the next so many years.
The non-availability of someone to sign really makes my option of Rollins sliding over pretty darned attractive, doesn't it? Why spend money on a bum when you can patch the situation in-house and put that money elsewhere?Besides the outfield (as stated above), that "elsewhere" would be the bullpen, a place that Amaro has really neglected in his time as full-time GM. I'd still like to believe that Antonio Bastardo and Mike Stutes will be big-time contributors and that 2012 may have been just an aberration for both, but they'll still need some veteran support. Two names that come instantly to mind are Ryan Madson and David Aardsma, two hard throwers coming off major injuries. Madson still has an option but the Reds are more than likely going to buy him out. These guys could be bargains on one-year, low cost deals. Other really good additions would be Mike Adams, Shawn Marshall, Brandon League, Casey Janssen and option-folk like Rafael Betancourt, Joakim Soria (another injured dude) if they're not renewed.
So while I think the bullpen has the best chance for overhaul, my biggest worry comes from the starting rotation, believe it or not. Cole Hamels is thankfully remaining a Phillie for another six years and we've still got Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee (no matter what his season looks like) and Vance Worley. Joe Blanton thankfully will not be back and I don't care how wonderful his stats say he is in the second half of a season, watching him for full seasons for the last five years will tell you that he stinks and always has. Unfortunately there are only the likes of Kevin Correia, Kyle Lohse, Derek Lowe, Carl Pavano and other past their prime or Blanton-like people to take fat Joe's place.
Even more unfortunate, considering there have been rumors since a week or two before the trade deadline, Cliff Lee may not be here in 2013. Today he was put on waivers and he is sure to be dangled during the winter. Is this the right move? I'm asking this and I'm not even a fan of the guy - never have been (with the exception of that one post-season behind the back catch). Why trade Lee when you've got him under control for more than one year? If someone has to go, shouldn't it be Halladay since his contract is up after next season? I don't want any of them to leave the team but if we're peddling someone, it should be the guy who we have less control over. Should the Phillies trade Lee and not resign Doc, 2014 looks to be Hamels, Worley and three pitchers to be named later and that just isn't going to work for anyone.
There are many ways for the Phillies to improve themselves before 2013. What we're going to have to do as fans is trust in Ruben Amaro, Jr. and the ownership that the right pieces to the puzzle will arrive and fit in seamlessly. It sounds easy, but since the departure of Hall of Fame GM Pat Gillick at the end of 2008, Amaro's teams have incrementally taken a step backwards every season since.
Time for the former Phillie outfielder to put the owner's money where his mouth is, step up and right the ship. One thing I'd like to point out before I depart is that when the Phillies won the World Series in 2008, they were second in the regular season in runs scored, first in home runs, second in RBI and third in total bases. On the pitching side, their staff was forth in ERA, fifth in complete games, eleventh in strikeouts, and fifth in WHIP. In the years since, the Phillies have migrated from a hitting team to a pitching team and though they had three pitchers in the top five for the Cy Young award last year, they just couldn't get out of the first round of the playoffs.
Why was this change enacted?
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
MLB Trade Deadline and the Phillies Fallout (pt.1 of 2)
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| We'll miss you guys! |
I'm not saying that the whole city jumped onto the Phillies would-be dynastic coattails because as a lifer, I can tell who has been here before along with me. We're the people who know that despite missing the playoffs for the first time in six seasons, there is still a hell of a lot of important baseball to be played in this city.
See, once you get over the fact that there will be no Phillies post-season, the real fans begin looking to see what is needed to avoid this same situation in 2013. We don't sit around moping about the run being over or that it was good while it lasted. True, the Phillies have a long and winding road of heartbreak, but this current incarnation is a different world entirely and we owe them our faith even if it means we're not watching our team come this October.
Take a long, deep breath. Exhale. Now, all you wannabe die-hards who only know the previous five winning seasons collect yourselves and lets take a good hard look at what transpired yesterday and what needs to happen to avoid this same mess of a season in 2013:
CF Shane Victorino traded to the Dodgers for RP Josh Lindblom and minor league pitcher Ethan Martin
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| Pitcher Josh Lindblom |
Between the two, the talent is there and if Martin harnesses any of his talent - his top two pitches are his fastball (93 to 95 mph) and a power curve that's been ranked as the best in the Dodgers farm system, so says Baseball America - The Phillies will have two solid pitchers for a player they could still very well have back on their roster next season.
What I mean by that is...should Shane sit around all winter twiddling his thumbs from the lack of teams bidding on his services, the Phillies could swoop in and see if he'd come back on a lesser deal. At last mention, Victorino stated he was looking for a 5-year deal and considering he is making nearly $10M this season, you're looking at something in the range of a $60 million dollar demand and that is being conservative. Considering that he turns 32 in November, that is a deal approaching insanity, so who knows. If the stars align and he sits out in the open too long, maybe the Phillies would shoot him a much more reasonable 2 or 3-year offer.
RF Hunter Pence traded to the Giants for OF Nate Schierholtz, minor league C Tommy Joseph and minor league right-hander Seth Rosin
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| Catcher Tommy Joseph |
Hunter just never lived up to the hype or the cost of players that GM Ruben Amaro, Jr. sent to the Astros to get him on the team. This trade was done to recoup something (anything) for him as well as enabling the Phils to avoid going to arbitration with Pence in the off-season and getting stuck giving a player a raise who had been nothing but a statistical disappointment. Note that I said "statistical" disappointment, because if baseball games were won on personality only, Hunter Pence would have gotten us to the World Series single-handedly.
In OF Nate Schierholtz the Phillies get a 28-year old serviceable outfielder who has a career .270 batting average with occasional pop who doesn't strike out all that much. As a lefty, he'd make a great platoon partner with right-handed slumping outfielder John Mayberry, Jr.
Catching prospect Tommy Joseph is something the Phillies haven't had in ages; a power-hitting catcher. Playing in A+ ball, the then 20-year old bopped 22 home runs and had 95 RBI in 127 games, batting a solid .270. This season in AA he has just 8 homers and 38 RBI, but the Eastern League is said to be more of a pitcher-friendly league. Clearly though, this was an acquisition to place the team in a much more comfortable position than they were to eventually replace the Philly beloved Carlos "Chooch" Ruiz (now 33 years old).
The final piece to this trade is 23-year old Seth Rosin. This kid projects to be a fireball reliever. in 145 innings he has struck out 161 batters. His control is solid, having walked 48 and giving up 9 home runs. Currently in the low minors, Rosin could potentially be fast-tracked as he seems to be lagging behind in terms of age/league placement.
So this is who the Phillies lost, what they got for them and a little bit about the new folks. As mentioned earlier, since this season is more or less finished in terms of post-season competition, I'm happy with who the Phillies acquired. They all look like solid prospects that project to be potential major leaguers, but there is always the risk that someone won't make it...it just can't be helped. In terms of replacing Victorino and Pence on the 2012 club we've got Schierholtz and this guy right here.
Another thing the above two trades have done was enable the promotion of former wunderkind outfielder Domonic Brown. Finally, this kid is going to get his fair share of playing time and the whole world will see whether he'll sink or swim. It is about time too, as his "prospect" moniker was about to switch over to "suspect" considering he'll turn 25 in September.
There is about 1/3 of the season left to play and our Phillies are taking auditions for 2013. Who will still be here when next season begins? What holes do Phillies brass need to fill and who is available?
Check back tomorrow for the answers!
Monday, June 25, 2012
My other gig: The Top 10 Hottest Women In Their 50's
Yep, you read that correctly. I have a second writing gig that I shoot all of my non-Philly-related material to. I think that whenever I post a new piece over there, I'll be sure to at the very least post a quick link blog up here so that my readers know that I'm not slacking off.
So this time out over at www.PopCultureShock.com I created my top ten list of the hottest women over the age of fifty. I mean why not? The mature ladies need some love and attention just like the young'uns! I'd love to get some comments and see if you agree with my list or who you think I may have even forgotten. Lists are fun because they always spark debate.
With that said, here is the link...and below it, the intro to the list that you'll find at:
http://www.popcultureshock.com/top-10-hottest-women-50/58146/
I remember being about fourteen and standing in the front row of Veteran’s Stadium in my hometown of Philly for Madonna’s 1987 “Who’s That Girl” tour. When you’re that young and up close to someone that hot, it’s easy to become a lifelong fan, which I am rather unabashedly. To myself and many others (though certainly not everyone) she is beautiful and incredibly talented and we love her. With this knowledge now passed onto you, my friends, is there any wonder at all why I’d be jokingly pissed at my PCS Editor and fellow writing stud Kayode Kendall for sending me the link to an online article entitled “Six-Older Women More F-ckworthy Than Madonna”?
Yup, whether we’re here on PopCultureShock or virtually hanging out on Facebook, “Wile E.” Kayode and I are always debating SOMEthing, that much can be said. So while I was insulted that he totally dissed my childhood first love, he got me thinking about older women…HOT older women. And if as they say, the sincerest form of flattery is imitation, then I guess I should thank THE SMOKING SECTION for inspiring me to out-do their list of older women supposedly more hot than my Madonna.
That said, here are the top ten hottest notable 50-year old women who are not Madonna.
Remember, see the list HERE!
So this time out over at www.PopCultureShock.com I created my top ten list of the hottest women over the age of fifty. I mean why not? The mature ladies need some love and attention just like the young'uns! I'd love to get some comments and see if you agree with my list or who you think I may have even forgotten. Lists are fun because they always spark debate.
With that said, here is the link...and below it, the intro to the list that you'll find at:
http://www.popcultureshock.com/top-10-hottest-women-50/58146/
I remember being about fourteen and standing in the front row of Veteran’s Stadium in my hometown of Philly for Madonna’s 1987 “Who’s That Girl” tour. When you’re that young and up close to someone that hot, it’s easy to become a lifelong fan, which I am rather unabashedly. To myself and many others (though certainly not everyone) she is beautiful and incredibly talented and we love her. With this knowledge now passed onto you, my friends, is there any wonder at all why I’d be jokingly pissed at my PCS Editor and fellow writing stud Kayode Kendall for sending me the link to an online article entitled “Six-Older Women More F-ckworthy Than Madonna”?
Yup, whether we’re here on PopCultureShock or virtually hanging out on Facebook, “Wile E.” Kayode and I are always debating SOMEthing, that much can be said. So while I was insulted that he totally dissed my childhood first love, he got me thinking about older women…HOT older women. And if as they say, the sincerest form of flattery is imitation, then I guess I should thank THE SMOKING SECTION for inspiring me to out-do their list of older women supposedly more hot than my Madonna.
That said, here are the top ten hottest notable 50-year old women who are not Madonna.
Remember, see the list HERE!
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Rob Zombie to write and direct a movie based on the Broad Street Bullies!
I just heard this one today while listening to sports radio station 94 WIP and had to look up all the "what nots" the second I got in from the day job.Apparently, it was an exclusive piece on the website Deadline.com, and if you click that link you'll be taken to their full piece. The gist of it though is that Rob Zombie has landed the rights to and will write/produce/direct a movie about our legendary hometown Philly hockey heroes from the 70's, the Broad Street Bullies. What comes as an even bigger surprise to me is that he also reportedly has the full support of the franchise. C'mon, imagine for a second (if you will) a photo opp something to the effect of Zombie flanked by old-timer brass like Paul Holmgren and owner Ed Snider. Could there be a more odd trio?
For those who only know Rob Zombie as a musician, he has created films such as "House of 1000 Corpses," "The Devil's Rejects" and more recently the "Halloween" I and II remakes. While it is obvious that the man likes horror films (even more so if you know his music!) the man has a genuine love for all things dirty and from the seventies. When I say "dirty" I'm not talking smut here, but the obvious definition of the word...and hell, take a look at a photo from the Broad Street Bullies days and tell me if those were pretty boys. As odd as it sounds, this could be a really well matched creator and concept. There must have already been 30 sites when I Googled up the information and all of them are stating the same thing, so I don't feel too bad in saying a little more info since everyone else pilfered it from Deadline.com. Zombie likened his take on the film as something like "Rocky" meets "Boogie Nights." Again, it couldn't get more perfect than this! Also mentioned as potential story elements were the game against the Soviet Union's Red Army team, where the Flyers beat them up so badly the Russkies walked off the ice in the FIRST PERIOD and threatened not to play anymore...until they were told they wouldn't be paid.
Yeah, this is gonna be nothing but increasingly more interesting to read up on each time a news bit drops somewhere on the internet. Hopefully Philly will get some excellent film representation and perhaps a Flyers alumni cameo or two. But the story possibilities seem endless on this one.
If you have yet to see it, you'll want to watch HBO's brilliant "Broad Street Bullies" documentary, which'll totally fill you in (I'm sure) on what to mostly expect in the Zombie-created film. I've watched it repeatedly and you will too, even if you're not a fan of the team! you just don't see hockey or people like that anymore. Consider me hyped. Get to work on that script Rob!
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
The 2012 Great Chefs Event in words and visuals
This entry is the full on follow up to the blog I posted up last week speaking about what the then upcoming event was all about. Just in case ya'll didn't see it...
The 2012 Great Chefs Event benefits Alex's Lemonade Stand and aids in funding pediatric cancer research. Hosted by the Vetri Foundation For Children, this annual event features a host of the world's top chefs all donating their valuable time for the cause at hand. There were silent auctions for items ranging from bottles of wine, to cookbooks to autographed memorabilia by the Phillies Hunter Pence. For a brief time there was a live auction where attendees could bid on higher-end items like a twenty course dinner from Philly favorite, Chef Michael Solomonov, that included lots of wine (can you say 2 bottles of 2003 Dom Perignon among them). Ever dream of having dinner with chefs Marc Vetri and Mario Batali up in NYC at Birreria? Yep, that was up for grabs too. It was truly amazing to hear the bidding on these few items; 19K, 25K and all that cash going right to Alex's Lemonade! Before the night was over we'd hear an announcement that over a million dollars had been raised due in large part to the commitment of the people putting on the fundraiser. People like Alex's mother Liz Scott, who spoke to the audience before the auctioning began, reading all of us the eulogy she read at her daughter's funeral. People like Food Network television host Marc Summers (a member of Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation's Board of Directors) and Chef Marc Vetri; two folks who I swear made clones of themselves so that they could be in all places at all times during the event, talking and being general ambassadors of the evening's cause. Certainly not to be left off the mentions list are people and groups like the Five Below retail chain of "trend-right, extreme-value merchandise" who found it in their corporate hearts to donate a check worth two hundred thousand dollars.
Indeed, there were great food and drinks. There were celebrity chefs, financial tycoons and hot women; all necessary parts of big event-style parties. But what will forever differentiate this high-end culinary bash was the ceaseless generosity on all levels and that is what made it a night I won't soon forget...and look forward to attending again next year.
But "where are the photos," I'm sure you're asking? "Where is your usual narrative?" Duh! It is right here, my friends:
I arrived at the party straight from my day job, which I hadn't eaten at in preparation for the night's chow down. After skulking about for a moment or two the first thing I had to eat was offered up by Chef Marco Canora, co-owner of "Hearth" in New York. It was a slider-sized smoked beef brisket sandwich with beer mustard and pickles and it was out of this world! The brisket was so tender...that crispy pickle was a perfect contrast and set the bar for what I'd try the rest of the night. Chef Canora had me hyped!
Hype? Hell I was also thirsty now and after a stressful workday, in need of an adult beverage. Who better than hometown Philly brewers Yards to supply me with a nice cold glass of their seasonal Saison to quench my thirst and calm my nerves? We spoke for a time and I can promise you all that sooner rather than later I'll have a full blog dedicated to a tour of their facility and a drinking of many of their beers. Can't wait to hang out with this personable bunch again!
For a geek like me, some of the highlights were seeing people I watch all the time on television. Despite it being criminal, I didn't taste the wares of Iron Chefs Masaharu Morimoto and Jose Garces but it didn't make it any less exciting to see them. I've eaten at their restaurants plenty of times so I didn't feel that cheated. What made me feel a little ripped off was that I found Charm City Cakes owner Chef Duff Goldman doing what I was doing - wandering around the event and sampling all the yummies - instead of "working" and giving me a taste of one of his incredible cakes! Yes, I jest. I chatted with Duff for a few minutes, asking him about what he'd been up to since his "Ace of Cakes" series wrapped. He told me he'd been working lots in California to firmly establish "Charm City Cakes West" and basically enjoying life without the time restrictions of making TV. He'd lost some weight from being able to hit the gym and came off every bit as laid-back-everyman that television portrayed him as. When I brought up the topic of television being a necessary evil to him at this point, in true Duff-style he told me that, "not to sound douche-y" but at this point his "brand is strong enough" without any more television visibility. He couldn't have said it better in my opinion.
Time for more food! I was on a slider kick, which brought me over to Chef Rocco Whalen, owner of Cleveland, Ohio's "Farenheit," "Rocco's at the Q" and "Rosie & Rocco's". The chef and his crew were serving up char-grilled lamb sliders on a brioche bun with a mint & lemon glaze. Lamb and mint together are the equivalent of chocolate and peanut butter, so this was a no-brainer. But those little gems of lamb were cooked perfectly and remained nice and juicy. It was so hard to not grab a second and I think that observation could be said for others too. While I stood at Chef Whalen's table eating my slider there were two others standing there ravenously doing the same. I wish someone had a photo of the three of our most serious faces as we ate.
Before this eve I never heard of Monks / Russian River Brewing Company, but I can tell you I won't soon forget them. The unique taste their Supplication Ale (7% ABV) had from sour cherries and being aged in used Pinot Noir barrels was right up my alley. It was crisp and refreshing in a totally different way than I was used to as a drinker of many Belgian whites. Additionally, I'm a real fanatic for fruit beers and even off just one glass, I'd easily place this one in my imaginary top five.
Though I wanted to drink more, I forced myself to continue alternating between food then drink. This time I needed to devour some of Chef Michael Schlow's fantastic Super Mac N' Cheese from his restaurant "Tico" in Boston, Massachusetts. Those crispy breadcrumbs we the real clincher for me. Serrano ham is always nice, as is a really creamy cheese and veggies. This is one I'm going to attempt to replicate at home, being a mac and cheese mad scientist myself.
And then I deviated...
There was a momentary opening where the Shake Shack gang was handing out burger halves and unlike my journey to their location up in the city, I made it into this line and got me a half of a Shack Burger. Boy, let me tell you...this burger was freaking OUTSTANDING! Check out my previous blog about the Shack to see, albeit playfully, I was a little skeptical about how tasty their burger would be, especially being across the street from Iron Chef Garces' "Village Whiskey" and it's signature "Whiskey King." But I will tell you without a single joke or snicker, Shake Shack's burger is the real deal and certainly enters into my later in the year "best burger" competition. Culinary Manager Mark Rosati (center in below image) and his gang are a welcome addition to the Philly foodscape. My only regret is that I never tasted the "Lemon Meringue Pie" custard they also brought. What is wrong with me? (don't answer that)
Joe Campanale is partner and Beverage Director of New York's "L'Artusi", "Anfora" and "Ellabess." On this night he was making and shaking a blueberry bourbon lemonade and told me it may have been one of the simplest drinks he'd ever made. Just as I told him, sometimes there is perfection in simplicity. Joe's drink was the only beverage at the event that I had more than one of. Unfortunately I drank them so fast that I never shot a photo!
Since I had been close by, I thought it high time to pay Brooklyn Brewery a visit. They were offering their company's Summer Ale, as well as an exclusive beer that they make for Shake Shack, Shack Meister Ale. I took a swig of their seasonal and left the exclusive for when I finally made it to the real Shack.
There was one more thing that I had to try before I called it a night and that would be Chef Suzanne Goin's s'mores. Look at these things! I stood there and had no shame in eating three in a matter of seconds. Some people were being nice and taking it in bites. Sorry, I don't work that way. I just popped those suckers into my mouth whole and chewed'em up. That dark chocolate and melty marshmallow was sweet, sweet heaven and the perfect finish to my dining.
The finish to my blog will be a simple photo and caption ending because there were a lot of sights where I may not have interacted. That doesn't mean I shouldn't show'em off! If you've got the cash, be on the lookout for this event in 2013, it is well worth the price of entry and never forget that your dough is being spent for a great cause in Alex's Lemonade Stand in their fight against childhood cancer.
The 2012 Great Chefs Event benefits Alex's Lemonade Stand and aids in funding pediatric cancer research. Hosted by the Vetri Foundation For Children, this annual event features a host of the world's top chefs all donating their valuable time for the cause at hand. There were silent auctions for items ranging from bottles of wine, to cookbooks to autographed memorabilia by the Phillies Hunter Pence. For a brief time there was a live auction where attendees could bid on higher-end items like a twenty course dinner from Philly favorite, Chef Michael Solomonov, that included lots of wine (can you say 2 bottles of 2003 Dom Perignon among them). Ever dream of having dinner with chefs Marc Vetri and Mario Batali up in NYC at Birreria? Yep, that was up for grabs too. It was truly amazing to hear the bidding on these few items; 19K, 25K and all that cash going right to Alex's Lemonade! Before the night was over we'd hear an announcement that over a million dollars had been raised due in large part to the commitment of the people putting on the fundraiser. People like Alex's mother Liz Scott, who spoke to the audience before the auctioning began, reading all of us the eulogy she read at her daughter's funeral. People like Food Network television host Marc Summers (a member of Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation's Board of Directors) and Chef Marc Vetri; two folks who I swear made clones of themselves so that they could be in all places at all times during the event, talking and being general ambassadors of the evening's cause. Certainly not to be left off the mentions list are people and groups like the Five Below retail chain of "trend-right, extreme-value merchandise" who found it in their corporate hearts to donate a check worth two hundred thousand dollars.Indeed, there were great food and drinks. There were celebrity chefs, financial tycoons and hot women; all necessary parts of big event-style parties. But what will forever differentiate this high-end culinary bash was the ceaseless generosity on all levels and that is what made it a night I won't soon forget...and look forward to attending again next year.
But "where are the photos," I'm sure you're asking? "Where is your usual narrative?" Duh! It is right here, my friends:
I arrived at the party straight from my day job, which I hadn't eaten at in preparation for the night's chow down. After skulking about for a moment or two the first thing I had to eat was offered up by Chef Marco Canora, co-owner of "Hearth" in New York. It was a slider-sized smoked beef brisket sandwich with beer mustard and pickles and it was out of this world! The brisket was so tender...that crispy pickle was a perfect contrast and set the bar for what I'd try the rest of the night. Chef Canora had me hyped!
Hype? Hell I was also thirsty now and after a stressful workday, in need of an adult beverage. Who better than hometown Philly brewers Yards to supply me with a nice cold glass of their seasonal Saison to quench my thirst and calm my nerves? We spoke for a time and I can promise you all that sooner rather than later I'll have a full blog dedicated to a tour of their facility and a drinking of many of their beers. Can't wait to hang out with this personable bunch again!
For a geek like me, some of the highlights were seeing people I watch all the time on television. Despite it being criminal, I didn't taste the wares of Iron Chefs Masaharu Morimoto and Jose Garces but it didn't make it any less exciting to see them. I've eaten at their restaurants plenty of times so I didn't feel that cheated. What made me feel a little ripped off was that I found Charm City Cakes owner Chef Duff Goldman doing what I was doing - wandering around the event and sampling all the yummies - instead of "working" and giving me a taste of one of his incredible cakes! Yes, I jest. I chatted with Duff for a few minutes, asking him about what he'd been up to since his "Ace of Cakes" series wrapped. He told me he'd been working lots in California to firmly establish "Charm City Cakes West" and basically enjoying life without the time restrictions of making TV. He'd lost some weight from being able to hit the gym and came off every bit as laid-back-everyman that television portrayed him as. When I brought up the topic of television being a necessary evil to him at this point, in true Duff-style he told me that, "not to sound douche-y" but at this point his "brand is strong enough" without any more television visibility. He couldn't have said it better in my opinion.
 |
| Marc Summers, Duff Goldman,Jeff Michaud, Jeff Benjamin |
Time for more food! I was on a slider kick, which brought me over to Chef Rocco Whalen, owner of Cleveland, Ohio's "Farenheit," "Rocco's at the Q" and "Rosie & Rocco's". The chef and his crew were serving up char-grilled lamb sliders on a brioche bun with a mint & lemon glaze. Lamb and mint together are the equivalent of chocolate and peanut butter, so this was a no-brainer. But those little gems of lamb were cooked perfectly and remained nice and juicy. It was so hard to not grab a second and I think that observation could be said for others too. While I stood at Chef Whalen's table eating my slider there were two others standing there ravenously doing the same. I wish someone had a photo of the three of our most serious faces as we ate.
Before this eve I never heard of Monks / Russian River Brewing Company, but I can tell you I won't soon forget them. The unique taste their Supplication Ale (7% ABV) had from sour cherries and being aged in used Pinot Noir barrels was right up my alley. It was crisp and refreshing in a totally different way than I was used to as a drinker of many Belgian whites. Additionally, I'm a real fanatic for fruit beers and even off just one glass, I'd easily place this one in my imaginary top five.
Though I wanted to drink more, I forced myself to continue alternating between food then drink. This time I needed to devour some of Chef Michael Schlow's fantastic Super Mac N' Cheese from his restaurant "Tico" in Boston, Massachusetts. Those crispy breadcrumbs we the real clincher for me. Serrano ham is always nice, as is a really creamy cheese and veggies. This is one I'm going to attempt to replicate at home, being a mac and cheese mad scientist myself.
And then I deviated...
There was a momentary opening where the Shake Shack gang was handing out burger halves and unlike my journey to their location up in the city, I made it into this line and got me a half of a Shack Burger. Boy, let me tell you...this burger was freaking OUTSTANDING! Check out my previous blog about the Shack to see, albeit playfully, I was a little skeptical about how tasty their burger would be, especially being across the street from Iron Chef Garces' "Village Whiskey" and it's signature "Whiskey King." But I will tell you without a single joke or snicker, Shake Shack's burger is the real deal and certainly enters into my later in the year "best burger" competition. Culinary Manager Mark Rosati (center in below image) and his gang are a welcome addition to the Philly foodscape. My only regret is that I never tasted the "Lemon Meringue Pie" custard they also brought. What is wrong with me? (don't answer that)
Joe Campanale is partner and Beverage Director of New York's "L'Artusi", "Anfora" and "Ellabess." On this night he was making and shaking a blueberry bourbon lemonade and told me it may have been one of the simplest drinks he'd ever made. Just as I told him, sometimes there is perfection in simplicity. Joe's drink was the only beverage at the event that I had more than one of. Unfortunately I drank them so fast that I never shot a photo!
Since I had been close by, I thought it high time to pay Brooklyn Brewery a visit. They were offering their company's Summer Ale, as well as an exclusive beer that they make for Shake Shack, Shack Meister Ale. I took a swig of their seasonal and left the exclusive for when I finally made it to the real Shack.
There was one more thing that I had to try before I called it a night and that would be Chef Suzanne Goin's s'mores. Look at these things! I stood there and had no shame in eating three in a matter of seconds. Some people were being nice and taking it in bites. Sorry, I don't work that way. I just popped those suckers into my mouth whole and chewed'em up. That dark chocolate and melty marshmallow was sweet, sweet heaven and the perfect finish to my dining.
The finish to my blog will be a simple photo and caption ending because there were a lot of sights where I may not have interacted. That doesn't mean I shouldn't show'em off! If you've got the cash, be on the lookout for this event in 2013, it is well worth the price of entry and never forget that your dough is being spent for a great cause in Alex's Lemonade Stand in their fight against childhood cancer.
 |
| Liz Scott |
 |
| Michael Solomonov and friend |
 |
| Marc Vetri and friend |
 |
| Gina DePalma's little lemon olive oil cake |
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