First Thursdays!

This Thursday kicks off the First Thursday concert series by WTMD in Mount Vernon.  This concert features Joe Louis Walker, Diego Garcia, and the Happen-ins.  The concert is free to all, and accessible by the purple route of the Charm City Circulator.  Here's the WTMD event webstie.

Papa Johns 50% off Today

The Baltimore Orioles dedicated the Frank Robinson statue then went about destroying the Oakland A's.  Because they won and scored at least 5 runs (final score was 10-1), Papa Johns offers %50 off your entire online order (remember not to call the order).  To get this deal, just put in ORIOLES5 in the promotion code spot when you put your order in.

So go get that lunch or dinner 50% off:
www.PapaJohns.com

Happy Birthday State of Maryland

On this day in 1788, Maryland became the 7th State to join the union.  She doesn't look too bad for 224 years old!

Food Truck Gathering

The second food truck gathering will be on Tuesday, May 8th in the plaza in front of the University of Maryland Medical Center.  The first University Farmers Market of the season will also be on that day, which should add about a dozen more vendors to try out for this lunchtime culinary event.

Free Orioles Ticket

Did you know the Orioles offer a free ticket to a non-prime game for your birthday?  In fact, it's anytime in the same month as your birthday.  If your birthday is January-April, they offer a free ticket in April (Act fast...only 2 games left!).  If your birthday is October-December, you can get a free ticket for September.  If for some reason you don't register in time for your birthday, you can still take advantage of a free ticket for a September non-prime home game.  No better deal than free!

Here's the official website!

Congrats CAPS!

The Capitals are through to the second round of the Playoffs thanks to last night's 2-1 over-time win in game 7 against the defending champions; the Boston Bruins!  Congratulations guys!

The Raven and Baltimore's Poe Sights

The new John Cusack movie "The Raven" opens this Friday (April 27th).  To recreate Edgar Allen Poe's 19th Century Baltimore, producers chose to film in Belgrade, Serbia and Budapest, Hungary.  Why not Baltimore guys?  While they may have dropped the ball on the filming location, the movie should inspire much more interest in the poet (despite the fact that the storyline is complete fiction).  That, in turn, should translate into more interest in the Poe Sights around the city.  If you want to get a jump on all those tourists, here are a few of the sights to check out:

Beer and Books

Even though it's completely sold out, the Beer and Books event by the Pratt Contemporaries (PC) is worth a mention.  PC has done such a good job over the last few years with introducing events to engage the city's readers.  Keep an eye out for more events from PC, and stop by the main Pratt Library on Cathedral Street (across from the Baltimore Basilica)...it's an amazing building to check out.  The Library was the first of it's kind in the country:  A free library that allowed all people regardless of sex, ethnicity, and religion.

Here's the write-up from PC about the Beer and Books event:


"From Natty Boh to H.L. Mencken, beer has been part of the city's culture and literary history for generations. 

So we're pairing Beers and Books with Brewer's Art owner (and former librarian) Volker Stewart.

Set in a grand Mt. Vernon townhouse, The Brewer's Art offers many temptations for your palate. In addition to brewing fine beers on the premises, Brewer's Art offers a carefully picked selection of beers and fine wines from around the world, and one of Baltimore's best selections of scotches and spirits."

Orioles Statue Series

While their has been a lot of press on the fact that the Orioles are unveiling six statues to commemorate our six Hall-of-Famers, little mention has been made that you can buy a game plan that actually includes just these six games.  Since the first of these games is Saturday, April 28th, here's the link to buy your tickets.  Let's go O's!

Floating Wetlands (Pictures)

On Friday Afternoon, volunteers from the Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore moved the floating wetlands into the inner harbor.  After they're all in place around the World Trade Center, we'll post some more pictures of the finished project.

Saying Goodbye to Lady Baltimore

After 187 years of rain, snow, wind, and sun, the Lady Baltimore statue on top of the Battle of Baltimore monument will be moved indoors to the Walters Art Gallery.  From her perch 39 feet high, she's had an unbridled view down South Calvert Street and the harbor promenade.  She'll be replaced by a duplicate as part of a nearly $150,000 restoration of the monument.

Baltimore Bicycle Map

File this under "awesome Baltimore stuff".  Michael J. Wallace has been using his GPS tracker while biking to draw out some cool images.  Just imagine how to plan a bike ride to accomplish these.

Here's the Grist.org article and here's Mike's website (check out the gallery of different images he's made).

JHU Spring Fair

The Johns Hopkins Spring Fair kicks off Friday morning and goes all weekend long.  The fair is free to attend and includes music, games, a beer garden, arts&crafts, and food.  It's a must-do event in the Homewood Campus (which is really cool if you haven't been there yet).

Here's the official website!

Privateer Day

This Saturday, April 21st is Privateer Day in Fells Point.  It's truly a one-of-a-kind event featuring Privateers invading Fells Point after a battle out on the water.  The gorgeous Pride of Baltimore II will be present for tours after the "battle".  Dress up in your best Pirate gear, and head down for food, the Grog Garden, and fun for all ages!

http://www.fellspointmainstreet.org/privateerday.html

Pride of Baltimore II

50% off Papa Johns Today

The Baltimore Orioles came from behind to win last night against the Chicago WhiteSox.  After being behind 1-4, they scored 3 in the final 2 innings to tie it up...then scored 6 in the top of the 10th to win!  Because they won and scored at least 5 runs (final score was 10-4), Papa Johns offers %50 off your entire online order (remember not to call the order).  To get this deal, just put in ORIOLES5 in the promotion code spot when you put your order in.

So go get that lunch or dinner 50% off:
www.PapaJohns.com

Oh, and Check out the 10th inning GRAND SLAM by Matt Wieters!

http://baltimore.orioles.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2012_04_16_balmlb_chamlb_1&highlight_content_id=20680133&c_id=bal

Let's Go O's!

Earth Day Events in Baltimore

This Sunday(April 22nd) is Earth Day, but Green festivities are going on all weekend long.  What better way to celebrate Earth Day than by checking out one of these events.  Make sure to walk, jog, bike, or take public transit this weekend!

• Baltimore Eco-Fest - The 9th Annual festival of all things green kicks off on Saturday from noon to 5PM.  The sapling I got a few years ago (for free) from this event now towers over me...and it looks great.  Click here for more info.
• Localize it II -  On Sunday, The Baltimore Free Farm teams up with Baltimore Green Currency and BaltiBrew to put on a chili cook off, home brew competition and street festival.  Click here for more info.
• Earth Day at the MD Science Center - On Saturday, bring the kids to the science center for workshops, exhibits, and even a tour of the rooftop deck (just imagine the views).  Take a sapling home with you to plant also! Click here for more info.
• Floating wetlands in the harbor - you may have noticed a few floating wetlands in the harbor last year.  This year the living classrooms steps it up with over 10 times the amount of floating wetlands.  If you're at the harbor on Saturday morning, check them out as they're moved into position around the World Trade Center building.

Harbor Bacteria Mapping

As the Baltimore Harbor cleanup continues, a new tool has emerged to track bacteria levels in the harbor.  This easy to use map gives you a great glimpse into how much still needs to be done.  If the soon-to-be-deployed floating wetlands make an impact on the water quality this year, we should be able to see it here.

Check out the tool:
bacteria.bluewaterbaltimore.org/home

FYI...until most of those dots turn green, don't go swimming just yet.

50% off Papa Johns Today

The Baltimore Orioles won in stunning fashion last night against the Toronto Blue Jays.  Because they won and scored at least 5 runs (final score was 6-5), Papa Johns offers %50 off your entire online order (remember not to call the order).  To get this deal, just put in ORIOLES5 in the promotion code spot when you put your order in.

So go get that lunch or dinner 50% off:
www.PapaJohns.com

Food Truck Gathering (Pics)

Great weather, good music, and fantastic food; The Food Truck Gathering is just fun.  Note for future Gatherings:  Make sure to show up early to avoid the VERY long lines that form.  That way you can make sure they don't run out of the stuff you want to try.  The Baltimore Museum of Industry played a wonderful host and provided fantastic harbor views for the event.

Voice of Baltimore

Do you have (or know someone that has) that great Baltimore voice?  Do you sleep on a "Pillar", drink "Wuter", or just go see out for some "Oreo" games in "Balwmer"?  If so, go to http://thevoiceofbaltimore.com/ to enter to become the voice of the Utz girl or Mr Boh himself.  Although anyone over 18 can apply, they're looking for someone in the 40ish range.

CAPS back in Baltimore!

It appears that the Washington Capitals are coming back to play a game at 1st Mariner Arena in Baltimore on Thursday, September 27th.  Here's the BBJ article.  Expected team to play them for this pre-season game is the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Charm City Beer Wars

Want to help decide the best beer in Baltimore?  On April 22nd (From 1-5PM), you can taste and vote at Mothers Federal Hill Grille at the first ever Charm City Beer Wars.  Tickets are $30 each, and are available online here.  Breweries attending so far:

• The Brewers Art
• Flying Dog Brewery
• Heavy Seas Beer
• Pratt Street Ale House
• Red Brick Station Restaurant and Brewpub
• Baltimore Washington Beer Works
• Brewers Alley Restaurant and Brewery
• Dog Brewing Company
• DuClaw Brewing Company
• Stillwater Artisan Ales

Here's the Facbook Page for the event as well...check it out!

Food Truck Gathering this Friday!

A dozen food trucks will be converging on the Baltimore Museum of Industry in South Baltimore this Friday (April 13th) from 5-9PM.  A food truck gathering is a must-do experience if you're in the area.  Food trucks coming include:

• The Silver platter
• Kooper's Chowhound
• Icdegems Creations
• Souper Freaks
• Cazbar Gypsy Queen
• GrrChe
• Miss Twist
• South Carolina BBQ
• Dangerously Delicious Pies
• Miss Shirley
• Chicken and Waffle
• Cupcake Runners

Tiki Barge Opens Next Week

The Tiki Barge has set April 13th as their seasonal opening.  If you haven't been, it's one the of the best places to watch the sunset on a warm afternoon.

Camden Yards Opening Day Stats

With Opening Day for the Orioles tomorrow, a look back at previous Opening Days at Camden Yards is in order.  All the numbers below are from 1992-2011:  the first 20 years in Camden Yards.

• The Orioles are an impressive 14-6 on Opening Days in Camden Yards.
• Mike Mussina had the most Opening Day starts for the Orioles at 6, but the Orioles were 3-3 when he started.  The next most common starter was Rodrigo Lopez, with 3 Opening Day starts (all 3 of which ended with a win).
• The Orioles have averaged 4.95 runs a game for Opening Days, while giving up an average of 3.7.  In the games that they won, they averaged 6.07 runs, and gave up an average of 2.79.
• The Orioles have scored 10 runs 3 times (1999,2002,2009), and have only been shutout once in 1995.  The highest overall scoreline was a 10-7 Orioles win in 1999.
• The average game-time on Opening Day is 2 hours and 57 minutes.  The shortest opening day game was the very first game in Camden Yards in 1992 at 2 hours and 2 minutes.  The longest games were in 1999 and 2003.  Both games lasted 3 hours and 45 minutes.  The game in 2003 included a snowy 13 innings.
• The average temperature is 60 degrees on Opening Days at Camden Yards.  The warmest year was 1998 at 84 degrees and the coldest was in 2004 at 43 degrees.  Opening Day for 2012 is forecasted to be 59 degrees at game-time.

Connect to Your O's

As the 2012 season comes nearer (Only 2 more days left!), it's time to connect with the Orioles you love.  Here's the official player twitter accounts for the players and team!

Adam Jones - @simplyaj10
Brian Roberts - @1brianroberts
Jake Arrieta - @JArrieta34
Zach Britton - @zbritton
Kevin Gregg - @KevinGregg63

Club Accounts - @Orioles and @BirdlandInsider

Orioles License Plates!

For the first time ever, the state of Maryland now offers official Baltimore Orioles license plates!  Order yours here, or enter to win license plate #1 (pictured above) by going here.  If you buy, the tags cost $50 total.  That includes $25 for the MVA and $25 for the Orioles Charitable foundation.

Celebs in their Orioles Gear!

Who doesn't love the Orioles?  Here's a quick run down of some celebrities in their Oriole gear (in no particular order)!

New at Oriole Park in 2012

There's plenty new to see and do this season at Oriole Park.  Here's a short listing of some of the highlights.

Orioles Week!

It's that time of year finally!  The Orioles 20th season in Camden Yards kicks off this Friday, April 6th at 3:05PM.  Throughout the week, I'll be focusing on all things Orioles.  Make sure to check back in!

Let's go O's!