Jack Harkness and his special watch are on their way to Phoenix Comicon.

John Barrowman is one of Phoenix Comicon 2013's biggest celebrity gets. That's because Whovians everywhere love his portrayal of the sexy and sassy Jack Harkness on Doctor Who and its spin-off Torchwood.

Jackalope Ranch had some burning questions for Barrowman, who's scheduled to appear from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Sunday, May 26, the Phoenix Convention Center. He responded with tales of chasing The Bionic Woman, his take on the Face of Boe, and 51st century (non-existent) promiscuity.

See Also:
- John Barrowman (a.k.a. Captain Jack Harkness from Doctor Who and Torchwood) Is Coming to Phoenix Comicon
- 10 Must-See Events at Phoenix Comicon 2013
- Cara Nicole (a.k.a. AZ Powergirl) and Her Superheroine Cosplay

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Benjamin Leatherman

Partiers at a recent Relentless Beach event at El Santo in Scottsdale.

Anyone planning to party this coming weekend should be thankful that Monday, May 26, is Memorial Day (a national holiday) and wherever they happen to work is gonna be closed for business. That's because they're probably gonna need that entire 24-hour stretch to recover from whatever shenanigans transpire during the preceding two days and three nights.

Memorial Day weekend is going to be filled with activities and adventures, whether you happen to be dropping by Phoenix Comicon in downtown Phoenix, attending a backyard barbecue, or getting in some nightlife action at a local club. For those seeking distractions in the form of the latter, perhaps partaking in a pool party or two, or having fun in the drinking or dancing vein, we've assembled a rundown of several worthwhile events happening around Metro Phoenix both on Saturday, May 25, and Sunday, May 26.

See Also:
- Five Must-Attend Arts and Culture Events This Week in Metro Phoenix
- 10 Must-See Events at Phoenix Comicon 2013

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There's no denying that the television powers that be were hard at work this spring when comedian Patton Oswalt made an appearance on the already star-studded NBC show Parks and Recreation.

Playing more or less a crazier version of himself, the nerd culture savant delivered an elaborate 7-minute filibuster detailing his pitch for Star War Episode VII. It brought together the story lines and characters not just from Star Wars, but also The Avengers, X-Men, Spider-Man, and, heck, why not some Greek mythology while we're at it?

See Also:
10 Must-See Events at Phoenix Comicon 2013
Cara Nicole (a.k.a. AZ Powergirl) and Her Superheroine Cosplay

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Melissa Fossum

Spanish Fly Pool Party in Scottsdale, 5/18/13
Scottsdale swimmers cooled down at Daylife Saturdays, Spanish Fly's free weekly pool party. We spotted plenty of bikini babes on Saturday, May 18.

See also:
Pot Smokers Are Skinnier, and Here's Why
Five Must-Attend Arts and Culture Events This Week in Metro Phoenix

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New Times

At long last, there's pie again at Bragg's Pie Factory.

A new vegan cafe, Bragg's Factory Diner, has opened in the very spot out of which the Bragg family originally sold cakes and pies in the '40s and '50s.

See also:
- Lunch Under $10 at Bragg's Factory Diner

Now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the 15,000-square-foot cast-in-place concrete Pie Factory was erected in 1947 by the Bragg family. They ran a bakery out of the tiny, pie-wedge-shaped front store at 1301 Grand Avenue; in the cavernous space behind, the family baked pies and cakes and sold them to restaurants, groceries, and other bakeries.

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Modern Phoenix Facebook

Each week, Jackalope Ranch brings you a free event, workshop, or you-name-it happening in Phoenix. Because sometimes the best things in life really are free.

As the saying goes, home is where the heart history is, and whether you missed the Modern Phoenix home tour last month or your love of Lloyd knows no bounds, this week's freebie is for you.

This Saturday from 3 to 4 p.m. local history buffs and Midcentury Modern enthusiasts are invited to stop by Burton Barr Central Library for "Mid-Century Modern Architecture in Phoenix," the final presentation in Phoenix Icons:  The Art of Our Historic Landmarks, a free lecture series hosted by Artworks Culture Connects and the city of Phoenix.

See also:
Endangered Wright House Is Phoenix Architecture Worth Preserving
Alison King's Modern Phoenix Home

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coopstuff.com

One of the many devils drawn by hot rod art king Coop.

Lulubell Toy Bodega co-owner Amy Del Castillo has an important piece of advice for anyone who's planning to attend tomorrow night's appearance by the Baby Tattoo Roadshow at the Mesa boutique: Come early.

That's because the four popular and highly influential artists who are participating in the tour -- rockabilly culture king Coop, macabre illustrator Gris Grimly, surreal-meets-swanky graphic designer Ragnar, and bizarrely beautiful doll maker Marina Bychkova -- are almost certain to draw a crowd during their stop at Lulubell on Tuesday, May 21. Plus, Del Castillo says, they'll be at the shop for a mere two hours. Better heed her advice and be plenty punctual.

See Also:
- Best Place to Buy Vinyl Toys - 2012: Lulubell Toy Bodega
- Ten Favorite Places to Geek Out in Phoenix

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Flickr via decor8

We know. The beginning of the work week sucks. But if you take a quick look at the New Times calendar, you'll see we have plenty of art haps, sporting events, dance parties, and more. Here are the must-attend events from now to the weekend.

Monday, May 20: Craft Hack @ Gangplank HQ
Emulate as we might, we are not and will never be Martha Stewart-style domestic goddesses. Our attention to detail, ability to organize, and DIY spirit will never match that of the millionaire mogul. We need support in our attempts at craftiness, and, luckily, we aren't alone in the matter.

See also:
10 Life Lessons Learned from Bill Hader's Saturday Night Live Character Stefon (in GIFS)
Artcade Lounge Finds a Home in Downtown Phoenix and Will Open Later This Year

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http://www.the-shirt.com

Mind the gap.

It's a mantra that many women of all shapes and sizes are accustomed to thinking. Whether it's a meeting, interview, or any one of life's most somber moments, the shirt's gap never fails to make an untimely appearance. The pop of a button, the hint of a breeze, and ladies (hopefully) immediately know that everyone (yes, even the IT guy) can see their sideboob.

See Also:
Le Slip Français Presents Indomitable, a New Line of Scented Men's Underwear
Flashbang: The NRA's Bra Gun Holster That'll Keep Your Cans Close to the Trigger

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If Bob Ross were alive today, he'd be painting happy little trees all over the place in ecstatic fervor for all the arts and culture happenings in Phoenix. To help you see the forest for the trees, here's a recap of the top arts and culture stories of the week.

Phoenix Shop Hard Goods to Close

Sad news for fans of Hard Goods: Owner Brandon Gore announced via Instagram that the store, which carries concrete wares, along with local art and other home accessories, will close up shop soon.

"It's been a fun ride, but the Hard Goods pop up shop is coming to an end (for now)," Gore wrote in the post.

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