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

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.