Being here from Philadelphia, city of, for about 20 years now, I can give you a good heads up on the Bucs fans.

First, most are from somewhere else. We Philly diehards are just stubborn. But they switched. So know that they may be new to the team.

They're also nice folks. Not nasty or vicious, they'll kid but grin quick. Go easy on them. This is an easy tour of duty, not like the Meadowlands or Redskin Stadium.

Right now we are in the low to mid 70s during the day and low 60s at night.

Yep, bring shorts and short sleeves. And sunglasses. And a camera and sunblock.

If you chill bring a light sweater or jacket. The weather changes fast down here because of the winds so rain may not be in the forecast one day but tomorrow there's a chance, so check www.weather.com for the latest.

It's what we ALL waited for when we knew the Birds would be coming to Tampa this year.

However, it's the stuff since then that's made this a toss-up.

Yea, I know we have some problems. So do the Bucs. Bucs fans I talk to expect to lose to us and others think they'll romp.

Know what? Don't care.

Know why? Better position for better players in April come draft day. Winning would feel good but set that back.

Plus there are bigger issues. I'd rather test drive some of the 2's and 3's we have on roster. Let's see what we got.

If you will be watching the game with some Tampadelphia folks at the Doubletree we will be doing either an short buffet for $9.95 or our usual 25% discount off the menu price. Check with your server when you order. The buffet is open for you from about 12:30 till just about the end of the game.

There are drink specials as well.

And note, there is no cover charge.

There is a hot breakfast buffet in the main restaurant called ItaliAsia, which is fabulous and I think just $10. Great way to start off if you are staying there or want to come in and chow down.

Many of you will be flying in to Tampa and wondering what we are doing.

We will be catching up with family and friends who are coming in to town. Some groups will be sightseeing, some hitting the beach, some some golfing, some in pools and warming up, and some looking for nightlife. Check out www.tbo.com for ideas.

Hotel lobbies have pamphlets that can help but local papers have a weekend section (even online) that lists restaurants, movies, theater, events, concerts, nightlife, etc. Check out the Tampa Tribune online (Tampatrib.com) and the Tampa Times online.

It's hard to keep multiple sites/pages updated, so I switched over to Facebook about 2 months ago. However, I prefer this, so I'll try to do both.

If you want to see what was posted or discussed, my two FB names are Tampadelphia, and also Tampdelpha Tampadelphia. That's a mix of my old screen names on AOL when the Eagles board was a thriving place. That's how the other folks knew me, so I brought it over instead of using my real name.

On Twitter I'm @Tampadelphia1, where I mix it up with Eagles, stocks and gems. Politics was in there too but that's over now.

Anyone want to buy a possessed laptop that likes to misspell?

Remember WFIL when it was a giant in town, sponning hits and competing with WIBG (Wibbage)?

Last weekend I met the weekend jock, Bobby Mitchell, real name Jack Dineen. Bobby/Jack also drove the Boss Mustang 350 for the WFIL Prize Patrol.

Bobby/Jack said he'll stop by. When he does I'll give him a shoutout and let him ribald alot of the old 'FIL stories to anyone who wants to chat.

Hopefully Bobby/Jack and the lovely Karen will join us soon!

Go Eagles!!

You might want to get to the Doubletree early for tomorrow's game, as we packed the place last week.

We have a truly mouth-watering buffet lined up (scroll down for details) and a tough game with the Ravens, but I'm bringing some outstanding raffle prizes for tomorrow to ease any halftime pain or add to the jubilant craziness.

Remember, this is Tampadelphia. We are Tampadelphia, this is for us, it's about us and we earn it. Please partake if you like, the buffet is out about 12:30 and closes midway thru the 4th qtr. Enjoy early and often.

Tom Gilbert, our Philly guy inside the Lightning/Storm organization, will be at Tampadelphia tomorrow and can talk Flyers game tix with you if you're interested in getting a jump on the upcoming season.

Tommy always has great deals for us and is helping me with Bucs tickets for the Eagles game here in Tampa.

Go Flyers! Go Tommy!!