Happy Birthday Harry

Believe it or not, three years have passed since we've last heard "The Voice" here Philadelphia. Had he still been alive and well, Harry Kalas would have been 76 years old yesterday (March 26th).

I thought I should just call a little attention to that, nothing grandiose.  But I'm sure that my friends and fellow Philadelphians will instantly hear his voice in their heads now that I've pointed this out.

 What better way to remember the man on his special day than to think of his most special of talents?  Take a second and think of your favorite Kalas moment. Wikipedia even listed some of his more memorable calls, just in case you'd like a refresher. Check out YouTube and hear the man himself.

But whatever you do...take a second and remember Harry Kalas.  I know it won't be hard.  Raise up a Gin and Tonic (his favorite) and wish the man a happiest of birthdays.

We all miss ya buddy!

Chris Hemsworth Powers Into 2012 Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con

Star of  THOR, THE AVENGERS, and SNOW WHITE AND THE HUNTSMAN To Headline Event at Pennsylvania Convention Center June 2

NEW YORK and PHILADELPHIA, March 19, 2012 – Millions of fans flocked to theaters to see him as the God of Thunder in the blockbuster film THOR last summer and are eagerly anticipating his next potential hit Marvel movie, THE AVENGERS, in the spring. This June, they can meet Chris Hemsworth as he headlines Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con at the Pennsylvania Convention Center on Saturday, June 2, where he will sign autographs, pose for Photo Ops and greet well-wishers.

One of Hollywood's fastest-risers, Hemsworth was first introduced to US audiences in STAR TREK, which led to his starring role in THOR, which grossed nearly a half billion dollars worldwide. In addition to THE AVENGERS, releasing nationwide on May 4, just a month prior to his appearance in Philadelphia, This summer Hemsworth will also star as the ‘Huntsman’ in Universal’s big revisionist fairy tale SNOW WHITE AND THE HUNTSMAN, opposite Charlize Theron and Kristen Stewart. Also set for 2012 releases, Hemsworth will star in Dan Bradley's remake of RED DAWN in the role originated by Patrick Swayze and in Joss Whedon's THE CABIN IN THE WOODS.

“Chris Hemsworth has captivated audiences across the world, and he will be an immense hit at Philadelphia Comic Con,” said John Macaluso, Wizard World Board of Directors. “He is, in short, a Hollywood superstar and we're ecstatic that he will help make this the best show we have ever had in Philadelphia.”

VIP tickets are available now for fans who want to secure their opportunity to meet Hemsworth at the event.

Philadelphia Comic Con returns to the Pennsylvania Convention Center, May 31 – June 3, featuring dozens of celebrity guests, hundreds of superstar artists, industry professionals, dealer booths and more. The event, produced by Wizard World, Inc. (WIZD.PK), will bring together thousands of fans of all ages to celebrate the best in pop-fi, pop culture, movies, graphic novels, comics, toys, video gaming, television, sci-fi, gaming, original art, collectibles, contests and more.

For more on the 2012 Philadelphia Comic Con, visit
http://www.wizardworldcomiccon.com/home-pa.html

About Wizard World:

Wizard World produces Comic Cons and pop culture conventions across North America that celebrate graphic novels, comic books, movies, TV shows, gaming, technology, toys and social networking. The events often feature celebrities from movies and TV, artists and writers, and events such as premieres, gaming tournaments, panels, and costume contests.

The full event schedule can be found at www.wizardworldcomiccon.com.

***** SAVE THE 2012 DATES *****
April 14-15 – Toronto Comic Con
June 1-3 – Philadelphia Comic Con
August 9-12 – Chicago Comic Con
September 29-30 – Mid-Ohio Comic Con
October 26-28 – Austin Comic Con
TBD 2013 – New Orleans Comic Con

The 2012 Phillies: A Season to Cheer or a Season to Fear?

 With word coming out of the Twitter-verse and then hitting the rest of the web about Chase Utley's shot knees this week, I thought this would be as good a time as any to do my breakdown of the 2012 edition of my favorite sports  team, the Philadelphia Phillies.  We'll go position by position and then hit the benches for whomever may be notable and into the news mix.

CATCHER:

Carlos Ruiz anchors the pitching staff first and foremost and when  you've got as many studs as this staff does, that should be the most important from the team's receiver.  His knowledge with how to handle guys like Roy Halladay to Kyle Kendrick and set game plans with them for the opposing teams is becoming the stuff of legend in the city and "Chooch" has become pretty beloved by fans as well as his teammates.

That said, he isn't relied on for hitting as much as other team's catchers are.  This isn't to say that he is a terrible hitter, because he certainly isn't, but it isn't what keeps him in the line up.  It helps that he always seems to come up with a clutch hit and that his average the last few years has averaged almost .290.

Ruiz is healthy and will likely come out and get the Phils somewhere near 50 RBI, remaining a pesky lower order hitter.  He is one area of the team that I'm comfortable with and knowing that he isn't brittle helps.  Until we have some sure fire catching prospect that can hit bombs, Chooch is our man and we're happy with him.

FIRST BASE:

Ryan Howard is still healing from that final swing of the bat in 2011's post-season where he severely injured his Achilles.  There was a spring training setback in which the injury became infected and to this day he is still in a walking boot, but he is insisting on a May target date for his arrival back to the line up.  

If that is the case and there are no more mishaps, I'm fine with Howard and first base.  He isn't known as an injury prone player with the lowest game played total in the last six years being 143.  I'm in the belief that Ryan would like to make up for his past two post seasons since he was the final at bat in both.  People are going to write the big man off because of that combined with the injury and the fact that the last time he hit 40 or more home runs was 2009.  

Howard is set to make $20 million this year and in order for him to deliver, the "Big Piece" is going  to have to hit 30 home runs and drive in 100+ RBI.  Those are fair numbers considering the time he'll miss due to injury.  If he produces like I'm saying and how he is capable of, the giant contract extension doesn't seem so bad.  But if this is a down year or a year lost due to recurring injury complications, I fear that the Big Piece may become the "big problem" since he'll be due around $125 million over the next possible 6 years (there is a club option for 2017).


SECOND BASE:


This is where I've got to be frank. Chase Utley needs to go. On a team that is the second oldest (next to the Yankees) in the league, the last thing we need is a 33-year old with two bum knees manning second base and batting in the top third of our line up.  This is a man who is due almost $16 million this year and if his stats even slightly amount to more than what he did last year, he isn't worth HALF of that.  


For those who don't know, we've been treated to a repeat of last spring in regard to Chase and his achy-breaky knees.  He was scheduled to get into a game this week but alas, his body isn't responding well and he'll need to see a specialist back up north.  Last year he missed almost 50 games and when he came back, he was a shell of the player he used to be.  This is a player whose numbers have declined across the board for the last FOUR years running. His contract keeps him here in 2013 as well, so this problem is something we're going to have to have next year too.  


His knees aren't getting better. Utley may have been a really good second baseman for the early part of has career, but now all he is doing is taking money out of the pockets of the people who won't be able to afford to replace him with a comparative player.  When will he play this season?  Will he play at all?  Will 22-year old Freddy Galvis be able to fill in adequately despite never having played in the majors?  I get a headache every time someone mentions Utley to me and this migraine isn't going away at least for another full year.

 THIRD BASE:

Another position that has cause for concern as Placido Polanco has missed at least 30 games in each of his two seasons in returning to Philly.  Already this spring he has jammed a finger and was forced to sit out.  After having surgery for a double sports hernia and already having troubles in previous seasons from his back, abdomen and elbow, how much can Polonco truly be counted on for?  Yes, he did manage to win a Gold Glove for fielding in 2011, but at 36 how much range can a banged up body have? 


Polanco has never had power and never had 80 RBI.  A career .301 hitter, he was almost thirty points below that in 2011. With his contract set to expire when the season is over, could some sort of upgrade be made during the season that may swap him out?  How nice would the Mets' David Wright look in Phillies pinstripes? 

 SHORTSTOP:

It gets a little scary when you're talking about Jimmy Rollins as being the most healthy infielder you've got, but that is what he is for the Phillies.  Jimmy missed 20 games last season and still nearly racked up 600 plate appearances.  He'll be 34 this year and while clearly on the downside of his career, Rollins is still stylin' on the base paths.  

I'd like him to score more than 2011's 87 runs, but I'll take most of the same numbers from last year and be happy.  It seems reasonable for Jimmy to hit 15 home runs and drive in about 60.  A banner season would have our usually in the leadoff hitter scoring about 110 runs and stealing 40 bases, something that he hasn't done in the same season since 2007.

Rollins is due for an up-turn kind of season after signing a shiny new 3-year $33 million dollar contract. We still don't know if he'll retire as a Phillie, but we've got our most vocal clubhouse leader and best potential Hall of Fame candidate a little while longer.


OUTFIELD:

Lets get the doom and gloom out of the way first.  At the end of the 2012 season as of this second, both Hunter Pence and Shane Victorino will become free agents.  Also as of right now, while John Mayberry is the lead dog to man left-field, we really don't know if he'll be there by the end of the year so potentially, the Phillies could have need of an entirely new outfield after this season depending on signings.

But that is later.

For now, we've got right-fielder Hunter Pence primed for his best season and I can conservatively say that if he is healthy the whole year (which the outfield for the Phillies tends to be) Pence should casually post 28 home-runs, 100 RBI and a .300 average. He'll be the main man in the lineup early on with so many other starters injured, which will place him as the likely cleanup hitter and  think Hunter'll do just fine this year.

Hopefully not too fine that he'll jack his price up and have to leave, especially since....

Shane Victorino wants to stay a Phillie for the rest of his career.  While that is awesome, the problem comes with him wanting a pretty hefty contract rumored to be in the area of 5-year deal that'd have to net him in ups of $60+ million.

It'd be tough not to re-up with Shane considering he has been one of, if not THE most consistent player on the team since he became a starter in 2006. He has been relatively injury-free and has put up consistent star (not super-star) numbers year in and out and on a team with such a fluttering offense, his day in day out appearance in the lineup card is a big deal.

John Mayberry will need to produce just like he did last year, if not better, in order to really stabilize left-field. This is a big man who is about to hit the prime of his career and it'd be so incredible to have the next "Jayson Werth" added to the batting order.  Like Werth, Mayberry was looked upon as more or less a failed first round draft pick but something about coming to the Phillies has helped these players turn it around.  In 104 games last season Mayberry hit 15 homeruns, had 49 RBI and 8 steals. It seems reasonable that even a slight improvement and playing a full season will net him 20-25 homeruns and 70-85 RBI.  How nice would that be if John's adjustments at the plate last season were real and he is ready to take this next step?  It'd be a wight lifted off the shoulders of Pence and a sigh of relief for Mayberry to know that he'll have finally cemented himself as a bonafide major leaguer.


BENCH:

Jim Thome is a great re-aquisition.  Though I'm a little worried he may injure himself while attempting to play the field once a week, I think he is an awesome hitter to have available off the bench.  I have confidence in Thome coming to the plate late in games with a win potentially on the line.  When we're playing inter-league, who better to have as a DH?  With more playing time, this is still a player (41 years old!) projected out to hit about 30 homeruns last season. I'll take him over Wilson Valdez and Miguel Cairo any day. Especially because...
It seems that Freddy Galvis is now ready to begin his major league career. The slick fielding 22-year old is presently leading the team in RBI during spring training and his bat is what had worried Phillies brass the most.  Yes, it is early but the kid seems ready and I tend to be someone who likes giving youth a chance.  If Galvis can hit at all (c'mon .250 or better average!) while subbing in for old man Utley, he may toss a positive monkey wrench into this franchise at second base. Yes, I'm still trash talking Chase!!!!  If Galvis can play and somehow, some way we can recoup some of Utley's $$$ we could land a third baseman *cough* insert David Wright mention again *cough*.

As for players like Ty Wigginton and Lance Nix, the less I see of them the better that means our Phillies are playing.  Same goes for Michael Martinez, but since he is currently in a walking boot after getting hit on the foot by a pitch, we're not seeing him for a little while any way. 

OVERALL:

I like the Phillies' position players, I really do...honest!  But the fact remains that if you're in this city and watching them every day like I am, you pick out the faults much easier.  I have no problem saying that I wouldn't want to be ANY other team in the National League, but the Phils aren't perfect.  We're going to need that rotation to stand on its head this year and maybe serve up two 20-game winners.

If Howard comes back and Polanco remains fairly healthy and Galvis can hit and Mayberry is finally the real deal...we could be better than we're already believing we are.  That is a lot of "ifs"  but then again, they do play 162 games so we'll see.

UP NEXT:

I'll be scribbling my thoughts about the Phillies rotation and bullpen. Coming real soon!

The Philadelphia International Flower Show is fun for men too!

Last weekend (March 10^th) I got to spend the day at the Philadelphia International Flower Show.  Let me tell ya, for a show that has been happening here in Philly for like over a hundred and fifty years (seriously!) I think the week-long convention may be slightly mis-marketed.  Yep, despite bringing in an average of 250,000 show-goers annually I think this show can do better.

When the discussion of flowers arises in conversation it tends to also feature women.  Women like flowers and buy flowers and plants, the like to sniff them and what now.  Many of us know this simple word association. Men do one thing: we buy flowers for women. We’re not the type to discuss the season’s blossoming flora and we certainly don’t take the time to stop and quite literally, smell the roses.

I hobby as a photographer and one who specifically likes shooting inanimate objects like buildings and statues and uh, flowers and such.  This is one of the reasons that, as a man, I felt I should try out the flower show at least once. Adding to my faux list of reasons for attendance this year was the introduction to a “man cave” where it was promoted guys could come and relax while their wives, girlfriends and loved ones were frolicking amongst the Hawaiian settings that this year’s convention featured. Oh yeah, there was also appearances by Melissa Gorga of “Real Housewives of New Jersey” and Bethenny Frankel from “Bethenny Ever After.” Both shows are on BRAVO and while most won’t admit it, men know who these women are. Married men, men who live with women, gay men…we all watch these shows, having been introduced to them usually by a woman…most notably the woman in our lives. But Melissa and Bethenny are cuties so I had zero problems taking time out of my flower show wandering to meet them and grab a photo opp.

So here we go.  I’m going to breakdown some of my favorite parts of the Philadelphia International Flower Show and attempt – hopefully succeeding – to show my fellow manly men that there is in fact plenty to see and do for a day.

THE MAN CAVE

Complete with a giant projection screen television and plush leather recliners, the “man cave” made its debut at this years show.  What I figured I’d do was wander around outside the main convention floor first and then tip toe through the tulips afterwards, so being a man I started with the place that was made just for me and my kind (insert snicker here).

There was a bar and some hot food available for purchasing courtesy of ESPN’S “2011 Best Sports Bar in North America” Chickie’s & Pete’s. Sugar House casino provided a few gaming tables where poker and blackjack could be played. The buy-ins went toward support of the PHS City Harvest program, which provides fresh produce for families in need and game players who were eligible, won prizes. 

No doubt, that near-hundred inch screen television was the centerpiece and it was cool to be able to purchase some delicious Chickie’s Crabfries as well as Kona beer. But I couldn’t help but think to myself that this was just an ancillary room. It wasn’t a man cave; it was just a room with beer and TV!  I don’t want to disparage though, seriously. This was the show’s first attempt at such an addition and things can only get better and hopefully more elaborate from here.  Those chairs were quite comfortable enough to take a load off in and watch the Sixers or Flyers in, that’s for sure.

CONVENTION FLOOR IN GENERAL

It was crowded, lemme tell you that. I was amazed that for a show running the whole week, it still drew a big crowd on one of the last days. Walking through the main entrance you’d see not only the pretty blue lights that displayed tidal waves and shark shadows on them but also the three-story waterfall that also served as a stage for Hawaiian performers. Yes, it really did it’s best to make you feel transported to the beautiful islands upon entry. It was the rest of the floor that reminded you that you were in fact still inside a convention center and that took away from some of the overall experience for me.  Having scenes and set ups that were roped off from traffic didn’t do anything but to make me feel as though I was in a museum looking at exhibits. Others got into the spirit by getting lei-ed (I couldn’t resist, sorry). The lei hut was jam-packed with business every time that I walked by it.

Admittedly, I find tulips great photography subjects and there was a whole area of the floor dedicated to them.  Some I’d never seen before while others just made for fun shooting again.  They really are more attractive than roses and more men should look into these as sentiments of love for our ladies.  You can find so many different looks and colors with tulips.  I dunno…perhaps there is more to my being at this show, eh? 

I thought it was awesome that in one section featuring floral designs based around mailboxes, someone put together one dedicated to Phillies Hawaiian implant Shane Victorino.  There was a copy of The Maui News from 2008 when our boys won the World Series, with “Victorino is Maui’s first World Series champion” as a subheading.

There were eye-catching tiki statues all over the convention floor.  Also gotta say that as a man, I was drawn to the bright red area resembling a lava flow and a section of the convention that was based on food-based plants.  Here I go walking through an isle and I had the wish that pizza was in the near vicinity, but alas it was “just” the Oregano and Rosemary plants. Over and over I kept hearing about people mentioning a wall made out of lettuce and I finally discovered it myself.  Instantly, I wondered how many people may have either bitten something on the wall or acted as if they were doing so for the sake of a silly photo.

BONSAI TREES

Dude! These trees blew my mind and I found myself in this small isle or few for about a half hour or so, just staring in awe at these miniature trees.  I kept thinking how they reminded me of something out of Fangorn Forest from “Lord of the Rings.” It wasn’t that they were just so identical to full-size trees that made it interesting to check out, but the placards next to them held information that just pushed it over the top. Look at the accompanying images and marvel at this mini 45 and 70-year old trees!

 
PURCHASING OPTIONS

Let me tell you this, there was a ton of things to spend money on and variety was certainly the theme.  There were two major areas you could have spent your hard-earned dollars and they were:  inside the flower show where plants, seeds and crafts were being sold.  Then, on the exterior of the main floor (past the man cave) you’d find the second market place that had foodstuffs like the heavenly offerings of Philly legend Di Bruno Brothers and lots of individual Hawaiian vendors selling jewelry and other arts and crafts.  It’d be embarrassing of me to leave off the inclusion of a PA Wine & Spirits shop and free tasting area. This would lead me to…

MEETING BETHENNY FRANKEL

I had friends who were in line ahead of time so I met up with them, since I was trying to be somewhat professional and truly look around and take in the convention that I got to cover for the day.  All that went out the window once I got into this insane line – and I say that in a good way. 

Attending various conventions have me used to meeting famous people, but what I never stop getting a kick out of are all the other people who aren’t used to meeting folks they’re into.  This line was chock full of Bethenny fanatics and they were hype!  You had to purchase a bottle of her Skinnygirl line of products in order to get a photo with the guest of honor, but somehow I managed to get a bracelet anyways. 

Once Bethenny arrived it was controlled chaos with handlers positioning all the fans for photos and ushering them right off.  I think that many fans missed an appearance by he husband, who I spotted and shot a couple of photos of before he wandered off.  My turn at the front of the line happened so fast that I didn’t even get to say a single word to Bethenny, who seemed momentarily as confused as I was that we’d had no greeting or “goodbye” exchanged.  See, the people who handle the lines of fans waiting to meet talent don’t know what they’re doing most of the time and it makes things a little more crazy/intense than a situation should be…that is a conversation for another time. 

It was fun to meet the gal and from what I saw she was nothing but friendly more than happy to shoot a photo with and sign autographs for the many fans who waited in her long line.

Unfortunately for me I only had a one day pass so I was unable to attend the show the day before and meet the hottie Melissa Gorga. 

After that line I needed a drink.  It was just our luck (my friends and I) that the departing line for Bethenny led straight into the entry line for the wine/spirit-tasting area.  This was at capacity so we had to await the exit of someone before getting in, but don’t let that make you think it was too crowded because it wasn’t.  There was ample walking room in the sampling area and sample I did!  We were given a cup for wine and a cup for spirits, but since I don’t drink wine I sort of racked it up on various vodkas and other things.  Highlights for me were definitely (and surprisingly) the Skinnygirl Sangria, Adult Chocolate Milk and the Vieux Carre Absinthe.  After the show I actually went out and grabbed a bottle of the Adult Chocolate Milk because that was just too tasty to pass up!

When all was said and done I had a great day at the Philadelphia International Flower Show.  The crowds never stopped moving and everything was available for viewing within moments.  The non-floral entertainment was excellent and I’ve got to say…can’t wait for next year!

Special thanks to Stephanie Edwards for getting me into the show, my wife for putting up with me and our pals Karrie and JoAnne for coming and hangin' out with us for the day. A good time was had by all!  Now, onto the "bonus" photos!

The weekend "To Do" list

Looking for something to do this weekend? Here are a few choice items to keep you busy:

The Philadelphia Museum of Art is currently featuring "Van Gogh Up Close," containing in the area of 40 of his works borrowed from various collections around the world. I've been to a few of the more famous artist exhibitions that came and went at the museum and must say that as one who appreciates fine art, it is sometimes awe-inspiring to walk and gaze at such greatness.  Also, it takes a good bit of time to put together large collections like this were many of the show pieces are individually owned so if you're a fan of Vincent Van Gogh or may have just always wanted to see some of his works, this is one hell of an opportunity that may not come around again for a good long time.

CLICK HERE for ticket information.  This exhibition is also on display there until May 6, 2012.
 
2012 Philadelphia International Flower Show -- In it's final days (last day is 3/11), this weekend looks to have some of the heavier foot traffic as the show welcomes reality show hotties Melissa Gorga from "Real Housewives of New Jersey" TONIGHT (signing pre-purchased bottles of Voli Lyte Vodka in the Grand Hall from 5-7) and Bethenny Frankel of "Bethenny Ever After" tomorrow (signing pre-purchased bottles of her Skinny Girl line of products from 2:30 - 4:30.  The show features a Hawaiian theme this year and worry not men, as Chickie's & Pete's has you covered if you're not into checking out all the flower-y goodness.  The South Philly restaurant institution has opened up a "man cave" area where you can grab a Kona beer and some crab fries while watching some sports on the many flat-screens.

CLICK HERE for ticket info and if  you can, save a few bucks and buy them online and print them at home!  I'll be talking more about the show in coming days as I'm covering it all day Saturday.

Monster Mania is taking place this weekend minutes away in Cherry Hill, New Jersey.  The March 9-11 horror convention is featuring appearances by the likes of Robert Englund (the original Freddy Krueger), a reunion of the trio from "The Blair Witch Project," Kristin Bauer (Pam De Beaufort from HBO's "True Blood") and many others.  If you've never visited a convention like this before you're in for a treat as fans come in all manner of costume and dress and the vendors have a plethora of interesting collectibles to peruse.  Tickets are currently available at the door only for this one.

Bruce Springsteen tickets will get you a preview of the Xfinity Live! complex

Tis true!

If you are a ticket-holder to the March 28th and 29th concerts for "The Boss" you'll be treated to exclusive access to the new Xfinity Live! complex simply by flashing  your tickets at the entrance after 4 p.m..  Set to have their grand opening on March 30th, Xfinity Live! will house eateries such as the Spectrum Grill, Victory Beer Hall, Broad Street Bullies Pub, PBR Bar and Grill and the country's first NBC Sports Arena.  Not to be left out and situated an area designed the "Philly Market Place" will be a Chickie's and Pete's (roughly a mile away from the giant one on Packer Avenue), Nick's Roast Beef and the Original Philadelphia Cheesesteak Co. with more to come.  

I've got to say that while many of those places are awesome sounding, I've never in my life heard of that place making cheesesteaks and with an establishment of this size in South Philly, I'm left to wonder why I'd purchase one from them when there are dozens of other (and more home made) versions available minutes away.  Not to be the whiner here but to have a Chickie's in the complex seems pretty redundant considering their largest establishment is only a walk away and their products are featured in all three sports complexes.  I think that Pete may be locally competing with Starbucks for the most locations. I honestly love the place and hope that they don't lose that feeling that made them so special before they had so many locations.  You can always find me at Packer Avenue's long bar just below the giant HD screen.

But back to the point at the beginning.  Take advantage of this opportunity, Springsteen fans.  Check out the place and let the world know your thoughts a day or two in advance of the grand opening because moments like this don't come along all that often.  Xfinity Live! is primed to be one of THE places to dine and watch your favorite sport teams if you aren't at the games themselves and this offer wasn't being hyped all over the place so I'm guessing they don't want every single ticket-holder walking through their doors.  So feel cool and be the first kid on your block to check it out.  Unfortunately I won't be among the few and the proud since I don't have tickets to the concert, but I'll be there the night of the opening since it is a 10-minute walk from my home.

Also of note is that a Mitchell & Ness will be opening up a 700 square-foot retail shop that utilizes original parts of the demolished Spectrum. I'll be hyped to see how they've used the hardwood from the basketball court as well as the hockey dasher boards.

For those who don't know, Mitchell & Ness make some of the best sportswear/fan gear in the country and I've been a customer of the brand literally all my life.  They make great high-end jerseys as well as awesome retro t-shirts, and scarves and hats and all that other good stuff! 

Though I'll never need it since I live in the area, parking for the complex will be free only on NON-EVENT days and if you're showing up 1-hour after the latest event has began. After that, parking fees during all other times will be set by the event being held at the Sports Complex.

See ya there...eventually!

There be a Philadelphian Among the Walking Dead

Television’s mega-popular show about the zombie apocalypse, AMC’s “The Walking Dead” has claimed one of our own.  It’s true!  There on the outskirts of Atlanta, at the farm where Rick and his group have holed up for season two is where you’ll find Maggie Green; oldest daughter of Herschel and would be girlfriend of Glen.  Better known to the masses as actress Lauren Cohan when she isn’t running from the undead, she was born right here Philly, PA and raised during her childhood in nearby Cherry Hill, NJ.

For reasons unknown to me, her family took her away from our fair city and moved her to the United Kingdom where she eventually graduated from the University of Winchester/ King Alfred’s College, studying Drama and taking part in theater.  In doing a minute amount of internet studying (MORE than just looking on Wikipedia – ahem) on our subject I discovered that Lauren speaks with an English accent, which couldn’t be more comical considering that's like polar opposite to a Philly accent.  

Though I’m pretty sure things have since changed now that Lauren resides on a cable rating’s juggernaut, she splits her time between both countries  living and working in both London and Los Angeles.  My heart breaks that she never seems to come “home” to visit us even for a weekend during convention season. I mean, c'mon! There are plenty of comic cons and horror cons that showcase "Walking Dead reunions" as part of their draw. It'd be pretty cool to wish a fellow native well...especially on a show that I love myself.

I don't read the comic book - which comes out monthly from Image Comics via the creative mind of writer/co-creator Robert Kirkman - so I don't know if our home-girl is going to die soon or become a zombie or whatever.  If interested, one could read up on Wikipedia about the comic book and the direction her character takes, but there are no definites since the show isn't an out-and-out adaptation.  Hopefully our Philly gal will remain on the show for the long haul but since she has also had parts on shows like "Supernatural" and "Chuck," it is a safe bet that this local beauty will pop up again real soon.

Check her our on AMC's "The Walking Dead" Sundays at 9 p.m. eastern!

 

 Doesn't quite look like the same gal from television does it?  I've got to say that even I was surprised once I looked her up on the web.  Lauren really epitomizes the southern belle on "Walking Dead" but here in the slightly more real world of Hollywood she is quite the looker.  *sighs* If only she would be more outward bound in her acknowledging she was from our city. Perhaps she could help us with this problem we've been having for a few years now. Oh, I know that link is a little old, but I swear I've read those same crappy sentiments about us more recently than that!