Time For Some “Lego Todd!”

I Love the internet! Where else can I find – and share with you – lego movies with classic Todd Rundgren songs!

Todd Rundgren fans are having a great 2015: a new Todd CD, “Global”, plus an extensive US tour, and now a fun Lego movie featuring his his catchy 90’s song “Espresso (All Jacked Up!)”. Enjoy!

Yes, I guess you would shop for this song at a Lego record store!

Kudos to “LegoCinema” on youtube for the effort! It’s just another way to celebrate the musical genius of Todd!

“A Lego Dream Goes On Forever!”

And here’s to Rundgren Radio for having a Lego version of “A Dream Goes On Forever” done in 2010 to support Todd’s tour at the time!

I could go on all day with more Lego videos, but you can find them on youtube by entering Todd Rundgren and Lego…have fun and kudos to everyone who makes and/or shares this great Todd stuff!

Neglected “Espresso!”

“Espresso (All Jacked Up!)” is just one of many neglected gems from Todd’s musical career…here is a look at more of them:

http://johnrieber.com/2013/12/16/todd-rundgrens-hidden-gems-espresso-umbrellas-todds-secret-songs/

And let’s not forget that Todd himself is quite the Innovator – like when he designed graphics systems for APPLE computers!

Yes, Todd was instrumental in Apple’s visual development….read all about it here:

http://johnrieber.com/2014/06/10/todd-rundgrens-early-ipad-invention-todds-itablet-graphic-flowfazer/

Whether you call it the flowfazer or Todd’s later “Grokgazer”, it’s amazing visual technology developed by Todd!

One more great moment to share on this Todd post: I worked at a cable network called Movietime, and because I was a big fan, I covered Todd’s Guitar Center Walk Of Fame Celebration!

You can see that news story plus some great performance video at the time from David Letterman’s show – all by clicking on my story here:

http://johnrieber.com/2014/12/17/todd-rundgrens-rare-1990-walk-of-fame-ceremony-todds-live-on-letterman/

And here’s to more “Lego Todd!”

Behold The “Fish Parfait!”

Here is another reason why I love the internet. What you see here is a “fish parfait”. Yes, an ice cream parfait topped with fish. According to my friends at the terrific website “RocketNews24″, this is:

“a lightly grilled sashimi bonito parfait, which combines the rich, succulent flavours of seared fish and garlic with the sweet taste of ice cream!”

Yes it is – a FISH-TOPPED ICE CREAM TREAT!

Behold The New Taste Sensation!

RocketNews24 reports that this unusual dessert is available from Restaurant Yuzuan in Nankoku, Japan. The restaurant specialises in “katsuo tataki”, or as we would say, “lightly grilled bonito”. The unique tuna parfait comes in three sizes: small (1 slice of bonito) for 490 yen (US$3.91), medium (2 slices) for 790 yen ($6.30) and large (3 slices) for 999 yen ($7.98).

Of course, thanks to the incredibly entertaining website “RocketNews24″ for the story – this website is a never-ending series of fascinating stories from Asia. You can see the fish parfait story in its entirety here:

http://en.rocketnews24.com/2015/06/09/japanese-diners-are-raving-about-fish-parfait-made-with-grilled-bonito-and-ginger/

And speaking of unique food mashups, I want to remind you of some of the more memorable efforts of the past, beginning with Asia’s unique take on the all-american hot dog!

The “Fish Dog!”

You can take it as an insult to hot dog lovers everywhere, but I see it as a fascinating cultural exchange…instead of a mystery meat hot dog, why not a fish? See more here:

http://johnrieber.com/2013/08/13/top-ten-wildest-food-ramen-burgers-a-fish-hot-dog/

And if a fish hot dog isn’t what you crave, then what about this black-bunned masterpiece:

The “Frog Burger!”

You can have frog the way nature intended: as a burger! I would try this without flinching – frog’s legs taste good, and a burger is a burger is a burger, right? Read all about the “frog burger” here:

http://johnrieber.com/2015/03/02/frog-burgers-japans-incredible-burger-magic-earth-burgers/

And if you really want to try a unique flavor mashup, have a strawberry burger! Just like the fish parfait dessert, someone had the bright idea to make your burger a bit more “fruit forward!”

Lotteria in Japan offers up a burger topped with a strawberry sauce…along with a whole bunch of other unique burgers – read all about them here:

http://johnrieber.com/2014/10/05/amazing-strawberry-burgers-bacon-cubes-choco-chicken-burgers-lotterias-top-five-burgers/

Meet you in Japan for a fish parfait!

You all know that I am fascinated by an era of filmmaking when movie posters were full of innuendo and suggestion –

JUST LOOK AT WHAT THIS POSTER SAID!

Yes, this is going to be one clean motel! The classic poster for “The Bed And How To Make It” was a pure marketing “come on”, and here are some more GREAT examples of the era! Let’s return to a time of suggestive posters and “not-very-subtle” dialogue like:

“Don’t bite! Pain hurts.”

Yes, there was definitely some “agony” in this love. In an era of “Fifty Shades Of Grey”, let’s look at a time when “sin was simpler”: checkout the poster for the story of a bored housewife and her “temptations!”

Yes, a restless, bored housewife rents an apartment where she indulges in all of her sexual fantasies. Now, since this was the late 60’s, those temptations almost ALWAYS took place off-camera, but her “temptation” was enough to fill grind house theaters with lonely men all across the country!

Exploitation Sex Symbol Pat Barrington!

Legendary sex kitten Pat Barrington stars as a housewife who has an itch she cannot scratch:

And the film includes this classic line, which could have come straight from “Fifty Shades Of Grey”:

“Don’t bite! Pain hurts.”

This was a time when films promised so much more than they ever delivered, which meant the movie posters were hilariously titillating!

Read the entire review of “The Agony Of Love” at the terrific “DVD Drive-In” website….

http://www.dvddrive-in.com/reviews/a-d/agonyoflove67.htm

Films like this always sold the same idea: “bored” women who were led down the path into temptation…the classic staples of the “sexploitation” film.

Pat Barrington made one of the all-time great exploitation films:

Yes, the sexy starlet co-stars in this classic slice of sexploitation – read all about it – and about the legendary Producer behind it – by clicking on my story here:

http://johnrieber.com/2014/04/03/weve-lost-the-king-of-mind-blowing-movies-rip-harry-novak/

And of course, this is my all-time favorite political photo: President Obama and Vice President Biden eating at a burger joint that proudly displays the “Mantis In Lace” poster!

Now of course, there are SO many classics in this genre, with posters that were as hilariously suggestive – like this classic:

As you can see, the “come on” was forbidden sex, dirty secrets and a voyeuristic “Peeping Tom” vibe…and of course, innocent women who really aren’t that innocent…

Here’s what is, to me, the all-time greatest title for a 60’s exploitation movie:

“A Taste Of Honey, A Swallow Of Brine!”

This was a real movies, folks, and I own it! You can read more about the “dirty” world of early Grindhouse cinema by clicking here:

http://johnrieber.com/2012/11/23/sex-violence-grindhouse-have-a-purient-holiday-an-exploitation-gift-guide/

Something Weird is the company that salvaged “Brine” from the movie scrapheap. And of course, you can check out these classic cult double bills thanks to “Something Weird” video:

Read all about this terrific company and their films by clicking on my tribute to Mike Vraney here:

http://johnrieber.com/2014/01/07/something-weird-wild-wild-cinema-celebrating-a-weird-genius-rip-mike-vraney/

Mike Vraney was one of the great fans of cult movies. Keep buying from Something Weird to make sure they can continue to keep sexploitation alive!

And finally, here is a subtle poster tag line:

“The Motel Had 70 Beds…And She Knew Them All!”

“The Bed And How To Make It!”

Although it suggests much much more, the star of this film actually “makes the beds” in the movie – as a housekeeper!

The poster was clearly promising a lot of “action” in the film, and there is some “boundary pushing” simulated sex and nudity, but this mostly just a classic 60’s sexploitation romp…

The folks at Something Weird have done a great job of keeping these obscure films alive for future generations to study and enjoy! Also, a big kudos to Severin Films as well, a home video company that is also working hard to keep classics like this alive:

“Vampyros Lesbos” and “She Killed In Ecstasy” are amazing new Severin blu-ray releases – with newly remastered versions, lots of extras, and real insight into what makes these films worth preserving! Read all about them here:

http://johnrieber.com/2015/05/19/legendary-sex-kitten-soledad-miranda-ecstasy-vampyros-lesbos-new-cult-films-releases/

There you have it, another trip into a fascinating time in movie history!

Welcome To Spain’s “Wild Coast!”

You are looking at Spain’s Costa Brava, their “wild coast”, located just northwest of Barcelona…it is gorgeous, isolated, and pristine…

Yes, I have posted about our Spain trip before, but while we looked at this gorgeous scenery, I forgot to share the memorable meal we had while overlooking this rugged coast…

Say Yes To “The Mas”!

When we were lucky enough to visit Spain’s Costa Brava, we stayed at the amazing Mas de Torrent hotel two hours outside of Barcelona…

Mas de Torrent is perfectly situated for exploring Spain’s Costa Brava, since there is a major highway nearby, as well as a LOT of small roads that take you on a visual journey into the past…

Many of our trips took us through small towns and villages, and one day we ended up at Mas de Torrent’s sister hotel, Hotel El Far de Sant Sebastia, located nearby in Palafrugell, which overlooks the Mediterranean Sea…

The hotel’s restaurant is perched on a cliff that overlooks the Mediterranean, and as you arrive, you park your car near a lighthouse. Before you head in to eat you can spend a few more minutes checking out the amazing view…..

The restaurant was located inside the hotel, with an outside terrace overlooking the sea. Once we were seated, we noticed that the restaurant’s “specials” for the day were posted on a chalkboard…

Even with limited ability to read spanish, we realized that seafood was the way to go…and of course, we started immediately with some spanish wine!

One thing we loved about spanish cuisine: you always began with a spanish tradition: peasant bread and ham…this bread is rubbed with fresh tomato and garlic, and topped with a touch of olive oit….the ham is of course, Iberico….

We were also told to order the restaurant’s specialty, which is also noted on the chalkboard as well:

Bring On The Paella!

The restaurant was known for their paella, which is cooked in a classic paella pan – we got their seafood version, as you can see from the shrimp and mussels that were baked in a very hearty spanish rice…

And of course, they give you more bread to make your own “peasant” style version as needed…

Afterwards, you can head back outside to take a walk along the cliffs – and everywhere you turn you see another beautiful and pristine piece of the “Costa Brava”…

As you can imagine, this is a popular tourist destination, but I never felt that the Costa Brava was crowded…there was plenty of room for everyone…with the exception of Cadaques…so let’s depart this quiet, beautiful lunch and search out one of Spain’s most legendary Artists…

Hey Sal!

Here is a beautiful life-size statue honoring Salvadore Dali. As successful as our paella adventure was, our attempt to see the legendary Artists home and museum was the opposite!

The small town of Cadaques is serene – when you are down by the water…but in the center of town it was crowded, windy and a bit rainy – and there are virtually no directions to find the place!

It seemed that that favorite pastime was to chuck rocks into the water. Read the rest of our “misadventure” by clicking on my story here:

http://johnrieber.com/2013/11/02/searching-for-salvadore-dali-our-costa-brava-adventure-hello-dali/

So we never saw Dali’s house, but we did see some amazing medieval villages…

A Bike Tour Into The Past!

Another fascinating aspect of the region are the medieval spanish villages that populate the area, and you can bike between several of them!

You can see that adventure by clicking on my link here:

http://johnrieber.com/2014/12/01/cycling-through-wild-spain-biking-costa-bravas-medieval-villages/

We can’t wait to get back to Spain and continue our exploration – and eating!

Today’s The Day To Bite Down Hard!

Happy Dawg Day! Yes, it’s “National Hot Dog Day”, and that means you need to stick one of these in your mouth right now!

See? Even Martha Stewart celebrates this day in a BIG WAY! And she’s not the only one taking hot dog love to a whole new level!

I’m not sure who comes up with these “national you name it days”, but when it’s for a delicious and somewhat misunderstood food item like the hot dog, I say let’s go!

Yes, a guy named Dan Abbate created the world’s largest hot dog, as confirmed by the Guiness Book Of World Records…you can find more on it online…

So, as we are celebrating everything “hot dog”, I want to share some of the world’ finest attempts to make a hot dog!

First, we are NOT the only country that loves a hot dog…look at this chart!

Yes, the Japanese love their hot dogs as well. So let’s celebrate all that comes between a bun!

Here are my five favorite hot dogs, and the stories I have posted about them:

A Krispy Kreme Dog!

Krispy Kreme is beloved for their SWEET SWEET SWEET doughnuts, so why not wrap one of them around a hot dog – and don’t forget the bacon!

Sure it’s all kind of wrong, but when it comes to a hot dog, why do you wanna be right?

See more of this majestic hot dog by clicking here:

http://johnrieber.com/2015/03/31/krispy-kreme-bacon-donut-hot-dog-kfcs-fried-chicken-hamburger-buns-deep-fried-sandwiches-wildest-deep-fried-mania/

Time to move on to an amazing inventive use of a hot dog. Many consider this to be some sort of sick joke, but I think it is the coolest cooking idea EVER – spahetti-infused hot dogs!

Spaghetti-Infused Hot Dogs!

Come on, if you were a kid – or a kid at heart – you would LOVE this! I love inventive use of everyday food, and you can see how it is done by clicking here:

http://johnrieber.com/2014/05/20/spaghetti-hot-dogs-amazing-cooking-technique-that-works/

If you REALLY want to abuse your faith in the traditional hot dog, then how about THIS!

Yes, it’s a “Bacon Mac’n’Cheese Hot Dog”, and you can see how it is made by clicking here:

http://johnrieber.com/2015/02/23/bacon-mac-n-cheese-corn-dogs-wild-macncheese-bacon-burgers-mac-up/

Now, it’s time to turn to one of America’s national treasures: Col. Sanders!

KFC achieved fast food notoriety with their infamous “Double down” chicken sandwich, with two chicken patties instead of buns!

Well, they couldn’t stop there: Col. Sanders just might be turning over in his imaginary grave after seeing:

“The Double Down Hot Dog!”

So what they have done is to find a way to “wrap” a piece of fried chicken around a hot dog! And people ate it!

If you can stomach it, click to see more of the “Double Down Hot Dog!”

http://johnrieber.com/2015/01/26/kfcs-unbelievable-double-down-hot-dog-see-the-pictures-double-down-mania-goes-footlong/

OK, these are, in many ways, a perversion of what a hot dog is supposed to be: a tube of meat placed between a bun. But for many of us, the bun is unnecessary!

That’s right, take a look at this delicious hot dog wrapped in bacon!

I spent a great week in Seoul South Korea, where I found incredible tasty street food what you see above, and also this:

The crinkle cut french fry wrapped hot dog on a stick!

Click on my link to see more hot dog mayhem, like the “Crinkle Cut French Fry Corn Dog”, by clicking here:

http://johnrieber.com/2014/10/28/koreas-crinkle-cut-french-fry-corn-dog-worlds-wildest-hot-dog-mashup/

And back in the United States, I want to share with you my greatest hot dog experience!

Hot Doug Shocker!

Chicago’s Hot Doug’s was known for some amazing hot dogs, like the “BLT” that you see above, and the “Foie Gras Dog” shown here:

And it was just a year ago that I posted about the shocking closure of “Hot Doug’s”, the greatest hot dog stand in Chicago!

Doug Sohn decided to walk away from his hugely successful hot dog stand, then just announced a deal with the Chicago Cubs to serve his classic hot dogs at Wrigley Field…see some of Doug’s magic right here:

http://johnrieber.com/2014/07/23/hot-dog-day-hot-dougs-shocker-chicagos-hot-dog-legend-calls-it-quits/

So celebrate this “hot dog day”, because as you can see, there are so many ways to enjoy a hot dog – just ask Martha Stewart!

Paul McCartney Looks A bit Chilly In “London Town!”

As a fan of Paul McCartney, I have purchased a number of his remastered albums from the 70’s, like his first solo album, “McCartney”…

Throughout the remainder of the 70’s McCartney released a number of brilliant albums, both as a solo artist and with his band Wings…leading to a number of remastered versions of those albums as well:

“Band On The Run” Indeed!

“Band On The Run” is arguably his most acclaimed work from the decade, but that title has significance related to one of his most neglected masterpieces:

“London Town!”

Wikipedia’s synopsis sums up the unique position that the album holds in McCartney’s career:

“London Town is the sixth studio album by Wings, released in 1978. Recording the album was a long and tumultuous project which saw the loss of two band members, the birth of a baby and the release of the best-selling single in British history.”

Welcome Home To the Neglected “London Town!”

Hard to call a hit album “neglected”, but when you are Paul McCartney, the world’s most popular Artist at the time, this great album does indeed feel neglected, flying under McCartney and Wing’s radar, even with the hit “With A Little Luck” – here’s a nice video reminder of this beautiful Macca ballad:

“London Town” is full of great Macca gems like the 50’s-infused “Name And Address” and the “Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey”-infused “Morse Moose And The Grey Goose”, but what I hear most of all is a terrific collaboration between Paul and Linda.

There is no doubt that Paul and Linda loved each other. It’s a well known bit of trivia that they were only apart for 5 days while they were married, when Paul was jailed in Japan for pot in 1979!

“Wings Take Flight!”

After the huge success of the Wings album “At The Speed Of Sound”, along with the “Wings Across America” tour and live album in the mid-70’s, the McCartneys were ready to record new music and tour again…but there was one “small” problem:

Linda discovered that she was pregnant with Paul and Linda’s third child! So Wings found themselves recording music on a yacht called “Fair Carol” in the Virgin Islands. Reflecting the nautical locale, the album’s initial working title was “Water Wings”.

Because of the pregnancy, the band only recorded a new track called “Mull of Kintyre” that year, along with a great rocker called “Girls’ School”, which would be released as the single — the only Wings song released in 1977. Yes, “Mull” was the b-side…more on that in a moment…

Wings Torn Apart!

Before the “Girls School” single was released, it was indeed “Band On The Run” again! Wings Drummer Joe English left the band and lead guitarist Jimmy McCulloch bolted to join the Small Faces. For the first time since 1973’s “Band on the Run”, Wings were once again just Paul, Linda and Denny Laine.

Still, the now-trio soldiered on and in 1978 “London Town” was released.

Here is an obscure music video for the title track, a beautiful song that underscores the relaxed, effortless style of the album…

“London Town” has a “Penny Lane” feel to it, and the album is full of songs that reinforce McCartney’s great songwriting style. The album includes such classic McCartney songs as “Girlfriend”, which Michael Jackson turned into a hit single – here is his music video:

Yes, Paul McCartney wrote “Girlfriend”, and his upbeat spirited version is on “London Town”, as well as the gorgeous ballad “I’m Carrying” and “Deliver Your Children”, which evokes memories of the first McCartney solo album.

Paul Had Enough!

The “London Town” album was a hit, largely based on the single “With A Little Luck”. But McCartney was frustrated by the lack of support the label had for the album…in fact, a fun upbeat rocker from the album, “I’ve Had Enough” failed to become a big hit, even with this music video:

Even with fun behind-the-scenes shots like this, Macca wasn’t happy with his record label, especially since “London Town” is full of Paul’s beautiful songwriting and production.

Here’s a great behind-the-scenes look at the making of “London Town” from the Wingspan documentary…

Mull of Kintyre Out Rocks Girl’s School!

Now, back to the Wings single from 1977. The song “Girls School” is a classic Macca rocker in the vein of “Helen Wheels” and The Beatles’ “Get Back”, but the song wasn’t a big hit at all…

“Three Cheers For The Girls!”

If you don’t know this song, you are missing one of Paul’s more raucous songs – like “Hi Hi Hi!” Here is a montage of images over the song:

The Beauty Of Scotland Becomes The Biggest Song Of McCartney’s Career!

The b-side of “Girls School” was a beautiful anthem, the kind that Paul seemed to write in his sleep. It was McCartney’s gorgeous ode to the beauty of a region of Scotland known as the “Mull of Kintyre” – and it became his biggest hit ever in the UK!

PKT4144 – 303020
PAUL MCCARTNEY
SINGER
1977
Paul McCartney with his wife Linda and Denny Laine make sweet music in the Highlands of Scotland.
Danny, Linda and Paul strolling in the heather during filming of the promotional film for their new single ‘Mull of Kintyre’.

“Mull Of Kintyre” became the UK’s biggest-selling single of all time! And no, it didn’t even chart in the US!

Here is the music video for Macca’s biggest hit ever – and check out those bagpipes!

So, why isn’t “London Town” remembered more? Well, to begin with, “Mull Of Kintyre” and “Girls School” weren’t even included on the album! McCartney has a history of releasing singles that don’t end up on any album…so his biggest hit ever didn’t have an album to buy!

McCartney was also unhappy with the promotion of the album – even with a number of catchy songs, the fact is that “London Town” was released in 1978. It had a laid-back, “organic” quality at a time when the music industry was changing:

“London Calling!”

Yes, punk rock had changed the face of music, and it made McCartney’s music feel out of place…the raw energy and anarchy of “London Calling” made “London Town” feel “out of touch”…but the album is a masterpiece – full of great songs, expert musicianship, and a real sense of family…worth finding and enjoying again!

Macca Is Special!

Of course, all McCartney fans have been relishing the special editions of many of his classic albums, both solo and with Wings…

McCartney’s solo music has been released in expanded editions, so make sure you re-discover the great “Venus And Mars”, with “Rock Show”, “Listen To What The Man Said” and more…click on my story here:

http://johnrieber.com/2014/08/09/paul-mccartneys-expanded-wings-venus-mars-speed-of-sound/

This was McCartney at his “stadium rock” best…

If you loved his “Wings Across America” triple live album, check out this story about his visit to Seattle before the Kingdome was imploded!

http://johnrieber.com/2014/07/12/paul-mccartney-wings-over-seattle-the-kingdome-implosion-seattle-sports-history/

Of course, you can’t forget to listen to this remastered special edition:

“RAM” is without a doubt one of his greatest albums, recorded in the midst of a bitter feud with John Lennon! Read all about that musical feud here:

http://johnrieber.com/2012/08/20/macca-ram-on-paul-mccartneys-masterpiece-john-lennons-fury-a-beatles-c-c-c-catfight/

I mean, look at how Lennon responded to the “RAM” cover…

I you want to read more about the bitter Beatles feud, there is a book that really digs into the financial battle between the band:

This is a great inside look at the breakup of The Beatles…read about it here:

http://johnrieber.com/2012/03/19/beatle-eagle-big-battles-best-music-books-pt-1/

And make sure to give “London Town” another spin!

“Well, it sounds like you’ve gone through a whirlwind of emotions for a Sunday morning!”

What can make someone so emotional on a Sunday?

Yes, We Are Talking Bacon!

So much bacon goodness to share – from controversy to celebration, and seaweed too!

And so begins the story of bacon, three ways:

1. A bacon complaint gone viral

2. an amazing study on the health benefits of bacon

3. bacon-flavored seaweed!

Let’s get started!

Tesco’s Back Bacon Rashers!

It all began in England, when a dissatisfied customer went viral against Tesco food store for “shorting” him one rasher of bacon!

A “rasher” of bacon in England is a strip, so this guy got crazy for missing out on one of his bacon strips!

As you can see, “back bacon” aka a bacon rasher, has a different shape than traditional American bacon, but it no doubt is just as delicious, so of COURSE he would be angry!

You must click on the story to see how this incredible bacon controversy played out, beginning with Tesco’s initial response back to him via twitter:

“Well, it sounds like you’ve gone through a whirlwind of emotions for a Sunday morning!”

Read the hilarious story that of course has a happy ending here:

http://socialnewsdaily.com/55633/mans-hilarious-bacon-complaint-goes-viral/

I for one will never look at a “rasher” the same way again!

Now, onto a more serious, life-affirming discussion of our favorite meat:

Live Forever! Eat Bacon!

Yes, biting down on THIS will help you live forever!

OK, I have had a number of friends send me this study – knowing that I would appreciate bacon’s many health benefits…I mean, this chart says it all:

Here are some of the highlights:

Bacon contains thiamin, vitamin B12, zinc and selenium, which are all vital nutrients the body does not naturally produce.

B vitamins fight anemia and help you with high energy levels throughout the day. Bacon’s got lots of them!

Zinc and selenium are vital antioxidants, necessary for immune health. Bacon is full of them!

Bacon has less fat than you think, and NO trans fat!

Bacon is a natural mood enhancer!

Bacon contains omega-3 fatty acids, like those found in fish! Omega fatty acids reduce cholesterol!

The website “Bacon Today” actually has a “Top 10″ list of bacon’s health benefits – read them all here!

http://bacontoday.com/top-10-reasons-bacon-is-actually-healthy-for-you/

And finally, I got a ton of notes pointing this out:

Seaweed Bacon!

Thanks to Julie Sisk and others who shared this great report – Scientists have developed a seaweed that looks like this:

And it tastes like bacon! Read all about this amazing new invention right here:

http://www.iflscience.com/plants-and-animals/engineered-nutricious-and-delicious-algae-tastes-bacon

Once again, bacon saves the day! In fact, bacon is so important that it now has its own social media guidelines:

Read all about these by clicking on my story here:

http://johnrieber.com/2015/07/03/bacon-head-bacons-social-media-guidelines-you-are-bacon-me-crazy/

OK, now get healthy – get to your bacon!

It is the world’s most difficult, and most beautiful obstacle course ever constructed…a course so difficult that thousands have tried to conquer it, and only a handful have been able to do what the Japanese call:

“Achieve Total Victory!’

Welcome to Mt. Midoriama!

As the latest season of “American Ninja Warrior” airs on NBC and Esquire network, I want to congratulate all of the amazing Athletes who are attempting the impossible: successfully finishing all four stages of the Ninja Warrior course!

Welcome To Japan’s Original “Sasuke!”

The American version of “Ninja Warrior” is a huge hit, because it is a show where Athletes must do their all to overcome impossible odds. I wanted to show you some behind-the-scenes pictures I took during my trips to Tokyo for the running of the original Japanese show “Sasuke” – what they call “Ninja Warrior!”

I attended the taping of “Ninja Warrior” four times while at G4 – and I got to see up close just how difficult and impressive the course is. One hundred Athletes show up in the morning to run this difficult course – a television event that is made possible by the incredible team at TBS – Tokyo Broadcasting System – who do an amazing job staging this television event.

“Sasuke” has aired for years on Japanese television, a huge television event that is one of Japan’s most popular. Tokyo Broadcasting System just posted a picture showing the new course for 2015!

I was fortunate enough to meet many of “Ninja Warrior”‘s most legendary athletes like Makito Nagano, the first person to ever “achieve total victory….

I also got to meet the legendary “Octopus Man”, and ran into athletes who were passionate about “achieving total victory”, which is the show’s motto, including one Athlete who “wears” his passion for the event:

Head Over Heels For Sasuke!

Speaking of passionate, here is what our four American competitors did when they saw the course for the first time in 2011:

I was there several times with some of G4’s terrific talent, including Kevin Pereira and Olivia Munn, who both ran the course – along with Producer John Hill, who willingly tried a “test” obstacle for us the day before the official competition got underway…

Oh, and here is how he looked AFTER he tried the test obstacle:

Both Kevin and Olivia took on the course as well, but first, they had to shoot some behind-the-scenes stories on the competition, and that meant they had to climb up to the top of Mt. Midoriama!

Yes, as part of our G4 coverage, Kevin and Olivia were escorted to the top of Mt. Midoriama – a very exhausting and laborious trek, since they were attached by safety cables the entire time!

Olivia Takes On Sasuke!

Both Olivia and Kevin were willing to take on the course, and here is the first obstacle they faced:

As you can see, a small group of family members are allowed to observe the first stage of the competition only – sworn to secrecy of course – and this energetic cheering helps the competitors when it comes time to run…

While she may have pretended to be nervous, Olivia stepped up bravely and gave it her all, taking on the famed Sasuke course, the world’s most difficult obstacle course!

Both Olivia and Kevin ran the course, giving it their all. In the 24+ runnings of the competition, only a handful have ever successfully beaten all four stages of the course, including “Mt. Midoriama”! One Athlete who has done is the legendary Makito Nagano, shown here with his son.

“Ninja Warrior” Behind-The Scenes!

Here are some shots of the course during the day as well as at night. Filming goes on until the last of the one hundred competitors has either fallen into the water or “achieved today victory!”

At night, when the air gets cold, they actually light a bon fire for crew members to stay warm…making Mt. Midoriama look even more impressive in the night sky…

Bravo To Sasuke!

I want to take a moment to thank the entire team from the Tokyo Broadcasting Company – they put on the world’s most challenging obstacle course, and they are consummate professionals every step of the way – no wonder competitors come back over and over to compete in this coveted TV event! It was a great shoot with a terrific team, both in front of and behind the cameras…

I was fortunate enough to attend several tapings of “Ninja Warrior” in Japan, and we also had other talent take part int he event…none more successfully than the talented Athlete Sara Underwood!

Bravo To Sara!

Sara Underwood competed in “Women Of Ninja Warrior”, and she won the first stage of the competition!

Sara also competed in the early G4 versions of “American Ninja Warrior” as well…

Along with competition in “Ninja Warrior”, Kevin and Olivia shot a lot of stories while in Tokyo, and many of them involved getting dressed up and hitting the streets of Tokyo!

Olivia and Kevin Pereira shot episodes of “Attack Of The Show!” from Tokyo, including this hilarious sketch at the world famous Shibuya crossing with the legendary “Dancing Stormtrooper!”

Olivia has portrayed Princess Leia many times…you can see some more of her “Star Wars” performances here…

http://johnrieber.com/2013/11/09/official-star-wars-vii-release-date-olivia-munn-as-princess-leia-bloopers-bacon-darth-vader-fans-galaxy-of-star-wars/

And now, Olivia has become a “Super Hero” herself!

Director Bryan Singer excited fanboys around the world when he announced on twitter a casting for his latest film, X-Men: Apocalypse. “Excited to welcome Olivia Munn as Betsy Braddock aka Psylocke.”

Olivia recently shared her thoughts on this with Entertainment Weekly:

“It’s one of the coolest things,” Munn said. “It really doesn’t feel really. It’s a very cliche thing to say, but it’s just a really surreal thing when you’re on set. … I try not to mess up anything or touch anything, don’t break anything because they’re going to ask you to leave. It’s this feeling of very surreal and temporary in a way, if that makes sense. Like a dream.”

Bravo to Olivia for this great role, she is going to rock it! And remember, she’s not G4’s first Superhero:

Sara Underwood As “Bustice!”

Yes, Sara willingly became G4’s first Super Hero “Bustice” for a series of comedic sketches for our live Comic-Con shows…

And of course, all of G4’s talent went to Comic-Con, and with that incredible pop culture event about to begin, here is a look at what they wore:

http://johnrieber.com/2014/07/22/comic-con-2014-g4s-epic-live-shows-remembered-amazing-cosplay-photos/

So kudos to all of the Superheroes and Super Talent from G4 – including all of our Ninja Warrior champions!

Time To Bite Into Genius!

Yes, that is a strip of “hanging bacon”…from the world’s most inventive Chef…need more proof?

What you see above you is Rabbit – yes, Rabbit….and then again, what you see next is a black truffle potato soup:

And one last piece of proof: your table is literally turned into a mini-outdoor grill!

Meet The World’s Most Inventive Chef!

Chef Grant Achetz has been known as one of the world’s greatest Chefs for years, but based on a meal we recently had at his restaurant, it’s time to acknowledge that he is, for us, the world’d most inventive Chef as well!

Alinea, A Molecule Masterpiece – 7-19-15!

Welcome to Alinea, Chicago’s culinary institution, where Chef Achetz puts on a 3-hour display of molecular wizardry and imagination that must be tasted to be believed! And that’s exactly what my wife Alex Duda and I did on July 19, 2015…

You are seated quickly and immediately given a “drink”:

Bite Into A Bellini Ball!

Yes, your first taste is a Bellini served inside a frozen ball…champagne, basil and peach cleanse your palate for the SEVENTEEN tastes of wonder that await:

Surf Clam Necter With Cucumber!

Your first taste is of the sea, a delicious sip of nectar that is full of flavor, is sipped with a straw….

After sipping your soup – and yes, you are expected to slurp, you move on to a delicious “Steelhead Roe” with english pea, olive oil and chamomile…

Bite Into Some Graffiti!

Next, a plate of gravel appears. This is referenced as “spring through the concrete”, and it’s a collection of delicate lettuces and flowers served within an edible concrete!

Next, you are served a collection of delicate “bites”:

Here is a look at what you taste: a caramel-roasted sun choke, flower custard, a cucumber and horseradish sandwich, some sort of purple flower bubblegum, and a clam salad!

Next is a grilled lily flower with mango and ginger foam…and that is when you glance upward and notice something very interesting:

Look Out Above!

When you sit down, you notice something hanging above the table, and yes, it’s for one of your dishes!

It’s a hanging lemongrass ginger wrap, that is cut down, steeped at your table and poured over banana and mustard seed and becomes a freshly scented darjeling tea!

By the way, these dishes come out in a nice pace, and the restaurant isn’t stuffy at all – they have fun with menu and want you too as well!

A shallow bowl arrives next with some broth added, then you are plated with eggplant, banana cocoa and curry!

“Percebes” To You!

Next up is a unique taste of the sea: in case you don’t know, “Percebes” is a sea barnacle that is served to you sashimi style – a delicate barnacle of sea freshness!

Let’s pause for a moment to reiterate: this restaurant is amazing, with unique dishes served in a fun and inventive manner, with no stuffiness – and the “Percebes” dish was a preclude to the most unique dining experience we’ve ever had!

Along with the barnacles, a plate is set down with two pieces of sashimi on it…and then they set the plate on fire!

This Place Is On Fire – Literally!

You can see there are two twigs on the plate, and you are instructed to pierce the sashimi and you can cook it a bit over the fire if you don’t like your fish raw!

Alex gave the fish a quick sear…and then we quickly moved on to our next dish…while the fire continue to burn gently on the table…

A Foie Gras Butter Sandwich With A Dehydrated Icefish Cracker!

After the slightly seared sashimi and fresh barnacle, you are served an intense bite of deliciousness thanks to this presentation:

Yes, it’s a sandwich of foe gras butter on a dehydrated icefish cracker – and then your taste buds get scrambled once again with a frozen bite of wonder!

Grab The Needle And Slide It In!

Yep, grab the needle and lift up you frozen cocktail – called a “Siam Sunray” – with vodka and lemongrass…you slide it off the needle and into your mouth! It’s one of three dishes served on a single plate:

Tamarind with young coconut is one bite, and a crab with rice and green curry is the other…

Now, time to return to a dish that was left on your table…that’s right, it’s back into the fire!

“Jump Into The Fire!”

There’s an incredible inventive reason the dish is left on your table – it is cooking your next course!

While you were distracted, your table was continuing to cook a roasted parsnip and chunk of pork belly in the fire…

They return to remove your fiery plate and dig into the fire – first up is a roasted parsnip, with the char scarped away….

Next, they dig around in the embers and a banana leaf is pulled out of the fire, and inside is a delicate chunk of pork belly!

The imagination that went into the creation of this multiple fiery course is so impressive, and everything is perfectly seasoned and smoked…an absolutely incredible culinary experience!

And of course, it’s not over yet:

Hot Potato Cold Potato!

What you see here is a hot truffle potato soup, with a slice of cold potato and truffle on a pin sticking out of the plate…

You slide the pin out, the ingredients slide into the soup and you take it down in one delicious shot!

Time now for your protein:

Rabbit Over Redwood Forest Moss!

Your next plate arrives as a piece glass over redwood forest moss! This is braised rabbit with morel mushrooms…

There is also a Rabbit Rilette and Rabbit Pate stuffed inside the morel mushroom…and the mushroom is a prelude to one of Alinea’s signatures tastes:

Black Truffle Explosion!

This is an Alinea favorite: you put the entire bite in your mouth, because the delicate dumpling is filled with black truffle jus!

Time to get sweet now…first up is a Cheesecake served colorfully with blueberry and hibiscus powder….and then, butterscotch got a chance to shine!

Bacon Glazed With Butterscotch!

Take a look at this, bacon suspended on a wire, delivered to your table after being “encased” in a butterscotch glaze!

The presentation is unique, and the flavor delicate and salty sweet – and how can you not love this bacon dish? But of course, the imaginative creations continue:

Apple Leather Balloon!

This is another amazing molecular treat: a helium balloon made out of edible green apple – delivered to your table on a string – and yes, you are told to suck out the helium and talk!

Finally, the uniquely inventive dessert finale that begins when your table is completely cleared and covered with a rubber mat!

Then, a series of small colorful dishes are delivered to your table:

A Chef arrives at your table and begins to “paint” an incredible table of color!

When finished, your table looks alike an abstract painting!

Although it looks too beautiful to disrupt, you are instructed to wipe the white chocolate across the rum, vanilla and kafir lime sauces that are painted on the table!

Bravo to Alinea!

Kudos to the entire team at Alinea – the food is incredibly inventive, delicious, and creatively presented by a staff that makes you embrace the fun side of the food!

The restaurant was in the news recently when Chef Achatz tweeted this:

Chef Achetz’s honest comment on twitter – where he wondered if an infant should have been allowed in the restaurant – drew a lot of media coverage…but the question is real: should a small child be at a restaurant like this? Read the entire story here, along with the story of Chef Achetz and his incredible life story:

http://johnrieber.com/2013/03/13/the-hunt-menu-brilliant-next-chef-grant-achatz-alinea-life-on-the-line/

Achetz worked with legendary Chef Thomas Keller, whose 3-star Michelin restaurant recently celebrated its twenty year anniversary:

We were lucky enough to attend this culinary celebration, which you can read about here:

http://johnrieber.com/2014/07/07/the-french-laundrys-20th-anniversary-celebration-chef-thomas-kellers-xx-party-food-pics-galore/

And we got to see Chef in the French Laundry kitchen as well!

Kudos to both of these Chefs, creating the most inventive food in the world!

Welcome To Lollapalooza 2015!

Time to head to Chicago for an amazing day of sun, music and food! I’ve got a look at the festival through the music of Tame Impala, Sam Smith, Walk The Moon and Metallica!

Welcome To Chicago!

Lollapalooza has taken up permanent home in Chicago’s Grant Park, which is a perfect location for a music festival: plenty of room for multiple stages, great food and drink, and of course, for more than 100,000 fans a day. Oh, Did I say food?

Cue The Lobster Corn Dog!

Yes, there were a number of great food options: everything from ribs to pulled pork sandwiches, pizza, and of course, Graham Elliott’s Lobster Corn Dog!

It was delicious. although Alex didn’t need quite so much of the creamy mayo – but you got a good Lobster flavor – and in case you just needed the basic, we also tried a bratwurst from the terrific restaurant Publican!

Nestled up against the Chicago skyline, Lollapalooza has become a well-organized event with stages spaced out well, so you can enjoy a wide variety of music throughout the day, with our handy schedule as a guide:

Time To “Shut Up And Dance!”

We settled in and started to listen to music, beginning with the upbeat rock/pop of “Walk The Moon”, who got the crowd worked up with their hit “Shut Up And Dance”:

Walk The Moon played an hour set of upbeat catchy music, and the crowd was fully into the performance – well, except maybe for this Led Zeppelin fan:

The vibe of this year’s event was upbeat and fun – and crowded! Still, with so much room, you could always finds a place to get away from the masses….

There was a wide variety of music, from Walk The Moon to Tame Impala, who performed on the main stage as the warm up to Metallica:

We missed Kid Cudi, who was performing at the same time at the other end of the park, but we did well with Walk The Moon and Tame Impala, and then we hung out for a bit – the best way to avoid a crowd was to avoid the crowd!

Time For Metallica!

Then, it was time for the headliners to take the stage! Here is the first 4 minutes of Metallica from Lollapalooza 2015, including their extended introduction, courtesy of a clip from the classic western “The Good, The Bad & The Ugly:”

The band was tight, and as energetic as the crowd…we listened to them for about a half hour before heading up to the north end of the park for the other headliner, who hit the stage just as it got dark:

Time For Sam Smith!

A more laid-back crowd greeted Sam Smith when he hit the stage at the other end of Lollapalooza – but they were no less enthusiastic for Smith’s soulful singing:

Sam Smith’s Voice Makes The Crowd “Crazy”!

Smith’s voice was perfect on “He’ll Never Love You Like I Can” – an the singer was talkative, funny and upbeat – which lead into a flawless rendition of his hit song “Crazy”:

Sam Smith’s voice was beautiful – and all of the bands we saw were polished, professional and genuinely excited to be part of Lollapalooza 2015!

This was our second year attending Lollapalooza – and 2014 didn’t disappoint either:

Yes, our first visit to Lolla included listening to Eminem and Rihanna! Read all about 2014 by clicking on my story here:

http://johnrieber.com/2014/08/02/lollapalooza-2014-eminem-lorde-fried-cheese-on-a-stick/

And kudos to the Lollapalooza organizers for another flawless event!

“Nothing is sweeter than the taste of…”

In the 60’s, smart theater owners made a fortune by peddling movies that promised lots of “adult erotic action” to lonely men looking for a thrill.

These films were pretty clear in their intentions:

“There is an expression for girls like her…you see it scrawled on walls!”

An “Adult Experience” Indeed!

Yes, it’s time to go back to the movies, down ‘n’ dirty style! Before the sexual revolution, you had to venture into the more dangerous parts of town to get your movie kicks, such as in New York’s legendarily dangerous Time Square “grindhouses” like these:

The movies were rough, the audiences even rougher! In movie theaters like these, the action on screen was rarely as exciting as what was going down in the seats!

It was an era of cheap tricks and dirty movies – even if the films were mostly full of “shocking” moments like this!

Enter a world where just drinking a bottle of coke seems wrong! And words like “Honey” meant a whole lot more than sweetness!

This “Honey” double bill is a prime example of how Movie Producers took “cautionary tales”, sexed them up a bit, and made a fortune…let’s start with the sweet and sinful:

“Honey!”

The poster says it all, but look at this plot! Honey runs away from home and meets Ray, a carnival barker who offers her a job in his “girlie revue.” Honey accepts, unaware that Ray is a pimp!

But of course! So you see what is going on here: wanton women led down a path of moral destruction by evil men…it’s a formula that works every time…check out this classic sexploitaiton trailer:

Thanks to “Mick’s Public Domain Movies” site on youtube…check Mick out for great exploitation classics!

“Honey” was directed by Jerry Denby, and stars 60’s sex kitten Peggy Steffans. She made several more exploitation films like….

Under the name Cleo Nova, she also did “The Love Merchant” and “The Sex Cycle” among others…

these are classic cult movies that deserve to live on. Thanks goes to @trashcompactorX on twitter for sharing this movie poster!

There are a number of people who are keeping cult cinema alive, so keep it up! For, for the second “honey” feature, time for “an adult experience!”

A Smell Of Honey, A Swallow Of Brine!

Let’s pause for a moment to LOOK AT THAT TITLE! And what about that tagline! “There is an expression for girls like her…you see it scrawled on walls!”

I mean, C’MON, MAN! This is sexploitation at its finest!

Welcome To The Black ‘n’ White World Of “Nudie Cuties!”

The era of “sexploitation” was full of movie like this, and posters that promised rampant nudity and sexual situations – but the movies barely had either! Grindhouse cinemas were an easy way to make money off of “lonely” young men…without ever really showing anything “dirty”…staying just on the right side of the law!

“I May Be A Bitch, But I’ll NEVER Be A Butch!”

Check out this classic moment from “Brine”:

So what exactly is “A Smell Of Honey, A Swallow Of Brine” about? Well, the poster suggests it’s every young man’s fantasy: AN ADULT EXPERIENCE! Look at what it says at the bottom right: “The cunning young cannibal who devoured everything that fell into her soft warm trap…”

Sexy Stacey Walker, with her arched eyebrows, wicked smile and heavily sprayed hair, burns up the screen as Sharon Winters, a character who gets her kicks seducing men, then crying “Rape!” (In his commentary, Producer Friedman tells how he considered calling the movie “C.T.”, but figured no one would get it.)

Shot in black and white, “A Smell of Honey” has a deliciously tawdry look, yet shows some artful flourishes- likely attributed to the early worked of legendary Cinematographer Laszlo Kovacs. Even when the actors are clothed, our imaginations are nudged into the gutter – here are some examples: Walker and her “victim” framed in a tree that looks like spread thighs – and of course, THIS:

It’s the classic moment when Walker suggestively drinks from a Coke bottle while the camera periodically cuts to the thrusting, bulging crotch of her boyfriend singing in a bar. In a world when nudity in a film was an invitation to being busted by the vice squad, this kind of stuff worked!

According to the Producer, Walker could’ve easily gone on to stardom, in either exploitation or even mainstream movies (she reportedly was courted by Paramount). But, as pointed out on the film’s entertaining DVD commentary track, she married “some gazoony” and moved back to her home state of Texas after only making two feature-length movies. Folks, THIS is what you call an audio commentary worth listening to!

The Producer Of “Scum!”

If you want to read more behind the mad genius who pushed the boundaries of sexploitation, click on my story here:

http://johnrieber.com/2013/02/27/nudie-cuties-a-swallow-of-brine-the-defilers-meet-the-producer-of-scum/

Let’s not forget there is a home video company that has done a lot to keep this genre alive as well:

All Hail “Something Weird!”

Something Weird Video still offers a great way to keep this genre alive: buy their special edition videos!

The late Mike Vraney was the man behind this genre – read all about him here:

http://johnrieber.com/2014/01/07/something-weird-wild-wild-cinema-celebrating-a-weird-genius-rip-mike-vraney/

So much exploitation, so little time!

“Our father, we have nothing to envy in the world.”

Those words are sung by schoolchildren all over North Korea, in reference to their “God”, their leader Kim Jong-Un…

A view of a parade to commemorate the 65th anniversary of the founding of the Workers’ Party of Korea in Pyongyang in this October 10, 2010 file photo. North Korean leader Kim Jong-il died on a train trip, state television reported on December 19, 2011 sparking immediate concern over who is in control of the reclusive state and its nuclear programme. A tearful announcer dressed in black said the 69-year old had died on December 17, 2011 of physical and mental over-work on his way to give “field guidance”. REUTERS/KCNA/Files (NORTH KOREA – Tags: POLITICS MILITARY ANNIVERSARY OBITUARY) NO THIRD PARTY SALES. NOT FOR USE BY REUTERS THIRD PARTY DISTRIBUTORS

Behold The Majesty Of North Korea!

With so much news about North Korea lately, I wanted to share a book that take an inside look at the rarely-seen country…first, look at the majesty of this picture: a dramatic, elegant procession in North Korea…with a leader who is worshipped by his country:

These are photos from Pyongyang, the capital of North Korea. Oh, if you were North Korean, you’d have to APPLY TO LIVE THERE, and you would most certainly be denied. That’s right, you must APPLY to live in North Korea’s capital city!

The Never-Ending Hotel Construction!

If you were one of the three million residents, you could walk by The Ryugyong Hotel, a 105-story pyramid-shaped skyscraper under construction since 1987!

After 1992 the building stood topped out, but without any windows or interior fittings. In 2008 construction resumed. In 2011, the exterior was completed.

Instead of living in this city, you would probably live like this:

“Nothing To Envy!”

The world’s most impoverished country has been hit with a famine that has killed millions, and the vast majority of the country lives with no food, electricity, or heat. Here is a fascinating look at the horrific living conditions in the world’s most isolated nation.

I was riveted by this book, which tells the story of North Korea through the lives of several people who have managed to escape…the book was published in 2010, but is just as prescient today…

It’s “Pyongyang Time!”

The country is not only isolated from the rest of the world, it continues to act up in ways that are beyond ridiculous. North Korea announced that it would permanently turn its clocks back half an hour on Aug. 15 and create its own “Pyongyang time.” In a typically bellicose state media announcement, North Korea said the move was timed to coincide with the 70th anniversary of the liberation of the Korean Peninsula from Japan, whose imperialist force had committed the “unpardonable crime” of depriving Korea of its rightful time zone!

Kim Jong-Un “inherited” his leadership role from his father, and one of the greatest things about this powerful book is how it weaves the history of this impoverished nation with the shocking living conditions of the country’s 29 million people.

The book was written by Barbara Demick, who was the Beijing bureau chief of the LA Times. It’s a country where virtually nothing has changed in more than 50 years – a nation of crumbling buildings and mass starvation.

In this June 20, 2014 photo, North Korean people rest next to the railroad tracks in a town in North Korea’s North Hamgyong province. The Associated Press was granted permission to embark on a weeklong road trip across North Korea to the country’s spiritual summit Mount Paektu. The trip was on North Korea’s terms. An AP reporter and photographer couldn’t interview ordinary people or wander off course, and government “minders” accompanied them the entire way. (AP Photo/David Guttenfelder)

A “Dark” Country!

One of the most fascinating aspects of this book is how to shows you “real” life in North Korea – virtually no jobs, no infrastructure, and almost no electricity. Look at this photo:

You can see the lights from all of the countries that surround North Korea. And the large black hole shows how the North Koreans have almost NO electricity, with the exception of the capital, which has barely any at all!

It’s almost impossible to comprehend: imagine living in a country that has almost no cars! There are virtually no stores to shop in, no jobs, and no food. The book tells the heartbreaking story of millions of North Koreans who started to death in the last famine.

Oh, and what about this:

Applying For A TV!

That’s right, in North Korea you must apply to own a TV! The state controls the only two channels you can watch, and the television is “adjusted” so that you can’t watch anything else. And they will drop in for a “surprise” visit to ensure you haven’t tampered with the set, which has a seal to keep you from having access to anything other than what they want you to see!

Also, note the above photo: the ONLY pictures you are allowed to hang in your home are of Jong-Un and his late father!

“Harmonica Living!”

Of course, you don’t have money to buy posters anyway! Imagine living like this – here is an excerpt from the book describing how North Koreans live in the city:

“There is almost no signage, few motor vehicles. Private ownership of cars is largely illegal, not that anyone can afford them. You seldom even see tractors, only scraggly oxen dragging plows. The houses are simple, utilitarian, and monochromatic. There is little that predates the Korean War. Most of the housing stock was built in the 1960s and 1970s from cement block and limestone, doled out to people based on their job and rank. In the cities there are “pigeon coops,” one- room units in low- rise apartment buildings, while in the countryside, people typically live in single- story buildings called “harmonicas,” rows of one-room homes, stuck together like the little boxes that make up the chambers of a harmonica.”

The title of the book comes from a children’s song – and speaks of a country’s love of their leader:

“Our father, we have nothing to envy in the world.
Our house is within the embrace of the Workers’ Party.
We are all brothers and sisters.
Even if a sea of fire comes toward us, sweet children do not need to be afraid, Our Father is here.
We have nothing to envy in the world.”

To see more about the book, here is the official website:

http://nothingtoenvy.com

It is a sobering look at a repressed country…through the lives of those who escaped – who had no idea how prosperous and modern South Korea had become:

I was lucky enough to go to Seoul, South Korea with my co-workers at G4, and Host Morgan Webb actually made it to the DMZ!

Read the entire story of this great country by clicking here:

http://johnrieber.com/2013/07/10/seoul-food-bacon-hot-dogs-hanging-fish-a-delicious-korean-adventure/

I am fascinated by life in Asia – from South Korea to Japan, and of course, China – I have never visited, but this is a great look at life in that country:

Read all about the Author’s amazingly hilarious adventures in the world’s largest country:

http://johnrieber.com/2012/09/09/cannibals-savages-sex-and-great-walls-too-troost-troost-troost-great-adventure-travel/

One of the most fascinating things about China are the unique adventures that await you there….like this hiking trail:

Read about China’s amazing dangerous trail by clicking here:

http://johnrieber.com/2015/07/11/worlds-most-dangerous-hiking-trail-cliffhanger-restaurants-chinas-extreme-adventures/

And if you want to talk a drive, look at this bridge that doesn’t go “across” the river, it goes along it!

See my story on this unique highway by clicking here:

http://johnrieber.com/2015/02/28/amazing-china-highway-runs-over-length-of-river-wild-china-adventures/

And make sure you buy “Nothing To Envy” to read about real life in North Korea!

Wacky McDonald’s “Big Mac” Mashups!

Time for some of the wildest fast food mashups from around the world, all through the filter of the golden arches – starting with this “deep fried Big Mac!”

More on this creation in a moment, but did you know that McDonalds sells some very unusual stuff around the world? Here are some examples:

So Romania has a special menu to call their own, and if you went to India, you could order this:

“The Maharaja Mac!”

As you can see, there are many unique McDonalds menu items around the world, but one inventive website took a “Big Mac” to a whole new level.

DEEP-FRIED!

Yes, some of the world’s most inspired Chefs have taken it upon themselves to “mash up” some of McDonald’s most well known food!

In this case, it’s a “deep fried Big Mac”, and I can only imagine how “two all-beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles onions on a sesame seed bun” taste breaded and fried!

The terrific food website “Peepmyeats.com” posted this.

Check it out here:

http://peepmyeats.com/2015/06/24/deep-fried-big-mac/

I love food sites like this, especially when they take an iconic food and have some fun with it. That said, McDonald’s seems to have a bit of fun themselves. Let me suggest that you:

“McDo Me!”

Yes, McDonald’s has been mashing themselves up all over the world, with such offerings as a “McCurrywurst” and a “McDo!”

See them all by clicking on my story here:

http://johnrieber.com/2013/02/19/bite-down-on-a-mccurrywurst-mcdo-me-unique-fast-food/

Of course, fast food gone Mexican is called:

A “McMolettes!”

It’s the restaurant’s take on the traditional open-faced mexican sandwich with an English muffin, refried beans, cheese, and pico de gallo!

And if you love sushi, but still want the delicious flavor of a Big Mac, then look no further:

“Big Mac” Sushi!

Yes, see “Big Mac Sushi” being made by clicking on my story here:

http://johnrieber.com/2015/02/17/delicious-big-mac-sushi-incredible-real-footage-of-a-sushi-mac/

Not sure I’d enjoy the flavor of a Big Mac turned into sushi, but why not give life a taste? And if you are in Japan, then you go to McDonalds for this:

The Mega Tamago!

See how McDonalds is stacking their burgers “mega Tamago” style by clicking on my story here:

http://johnrieber.com/2012/02/12/worlds-craziest-burgers/

I also love to profile people who use McDonalds as an inspiration…for example:

Some Chefs take a Big Mac and supersize it this way – it’s the “Big Mack Daddy” and it’s offered at “Big & Little’s” in Chicago – read all about it here:

http://johnrieber.com/2014/10/22/big-n-littles-rocks-the-big-mack-daddy-chicagos-best-burger-bite-on/

So much to enjoy this weekend – I think a deep-fried Big Mac may be in my future!

Todd’s On A Roll!

This portrait of Todd Rundgren is in the June 2015 issue of MOJO magazine, which includes a terrific profile of Todd!

Todd Gets HIs MOJO!

Todd’s latest album “Global” is getting him his best reviews in years, as well as a ton of press – including making the cover of MOJO!

“Mescaline, Meat Loaf, Mad Fans & Me”

What a great title for the article, which is full of great insight about Todd…

“Genius At Work!”

Look at the first line of the story:

“In the 70’s, Todd Rundgren was a prolific creator of conceptual prog-pop genius. In 2015 he’s at it again.”

It’s a lengthy article, with great photos…and fun interview bites like this, when he shows the Writer his bedroom:

“Don’t tell Michelle you came up here,” he requests, “because it’s not very neat.”

He tells great stories about his early albums, as well as the importance of his fans:

“Without them,” he admits, “I’m screwed. That’s a good reason to stay humble.”

The Writer, Piper Feguson, visited Todd at his house on the Hawaiian island of Kauai, where Todd grilled up sausages, poured great wine, and shared a number of terrific stories about his life and career…

In speaking of his commercial success with “Something / Anything”, Todd admitted he chose a more “noncommercial” direction, never delivering on his early commercial promise.

“I can understand”, he replies, with a knowing, toothy grin. “I certainly got enough grief from the record label about it.”

Thea article is full of candid, fascinating stories and reflections on his career, as well as a great look at the future as well.

“I never wanted to get bored. I still don’t. I have to have new options and new possibilities.”

One of those new options is his new CD with Hans-Peter Windstorm and Emil Nikolaisen of the Norwegian band “Serena-Maneesh”, and the terrific new experimental CD, “Runddans”!

Runddans Rules!

They refer to their debut release “Runddans” as “space disco.” And MOJO points out how impressive it is that Todd released TWO new CD’s in the same year!

Here is a great promotional interview Todd gave to support the album:

Kudos to Todd for the terrific magazine article – it’s great to see new young Artists flocking to him…and don’t forget, Todd had a muse as well:

The Genius Of Laura Nyro!

Todd spoke many times of his love for the music of Laura Nyro, and you can read the story I wrote about their friendship by clicking here:

http://johnrieber.com/2013/10/25/brilliant-laura-nyro-todd-rundgrens-muse-their-beautiful-musical-history-together/

And speaking of musical friendships, one of Todd’s greatest is with this guy:

Todd’s musical friendship with Daryl Hall has been highlighted twice on “Live From Daryl’s House”, and you can see clips here:

http://johnrieber.com/2013/11/12/todd-rundgren-and-daryl-halls-creative-musical-friendship-bang-on-the-drum-hula/

Let me know if you saw the MOJO article, and what you think of Todd’s latest work!

“It’s a good thing I’m not a woman. I would always be pregnant. I can’t say no!”

Those were the actual words of America’s 29th President – the smug White House Sex Stud known as Warren G. Harding!

News just broke that DNA tests have confirmed that President Warren G. Harding fathered a “love child” with one of his many mistresses, Nan Britton!

Here’s a link to the entire story on CNN.com:

http://www.cnn.com/2015/08/14/us/president-harding-affair-dna-revelation/

In an era when we know everything about our leaders – both professionally and privately – it’s is shocking to think such a scandal would never be revealed!

Forget the fact that Harding is widely regarded as the worst President in American history, for such corruption as the “Tea Dome Scandal” – he found time, when not posing with Babe Ruth, to run a sexual carnival in the White House!

Now, a terrific Politico article sheds light on this “super-sexed” Commander-In-Chief!

Warren Gamaliel Harding was America’s 29th President, serving from March 4, 1921 until his death. When Harding died suddenly, he was one of the most popular presidents in history – but now, as time has gone by, in historical rankings of the U.S. presidents, Harding has been rated among the worst.

But he was clearly #1 in one regard:

Harding Was America’s Horniest President!

Forget all those amateurs – when it came to sexual shenanigans in the White House, President Harding was Caligula! Here’s a portrait of Harding – no doubt thinking about who to bang in a White House closet next!

Kudos Politico!

Politico just published a terrific article that lays out some of the more notorious aspects of this sexual Presidential Maestro!

Here is what Politico says:

“No other philandering chief executive had the 29th president’s way with words (he termed the vagina of one of his mistresses “Mrs. Pouterson”) or his sense of scenery (he and Nan regularly had sex in a White House closet). And, as was underscored this week, when news broke that Harding did in fact father a child with Britton as she had claimed, no other was quite as reckless with his libido.”

02 Jun 1928 — Original caption: Nan Britton, publisher of the book “The President’s Daughter,” is shown in a waist-up portrait, with a fur stole off the shoulder. — Image by © Bettmann/CORBIS

Last year the Library of Congress released letters Harding wrote to his longtime mistress, Carrie Fulton Phillips. The correspondence revealed that he and the Republican National Committee paid the woman $5,000 per month to stay silent about their affair while he was president!

Politico also shares details of Harding’s hilariously obscene poems, written to his girlfriends:

“I love your poise/Of perfect thighs/When they hold me in paradise … /I love the rose/Your garden grows/Love seashell pink/That over it glows.”

Phillips repeatedly admonished Harding for his lewd talk, but he couldn’t help himself: “I like to dream in loose, flowing garb, because I can dream more intently. And I did—to alarming release. I called your name aloud thrice, begging you to come,” he wrote the lady.

Harding died while in office, and a year later, his Mistress wrote a book detailing their long affair and love child:

Harding will always be remembered as a horrible President, and now he will also be remembered for comments like this:

“It’s a good thing I’m not a woman. I would always be pregnant. I can’t say no,” he told reporters when he was president.

Kudos to Jordan Michael Smith for a terrific article in Politico – there are many additional anecdotes and amazingly offensive quotes from President Harding – read the article in its entirety by clicking on this link:

http://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2015/08/warren-harding-child-sex-sandal-121404.html?hp=t4_r#.VdCnILT91UQ

President Harding wasn’t the first President to die in office…I also read a book about one of the most shocking events in US Presidential history:

Here is a fascinating look at the short presidency of James Garfield, killed not by an assassin, but by the White House doctors! Read about it here:

http://johnrieber.com/2014/09/24/shocking-presidential-history-the-destiny-of-the-republic/

As a fan of the Presidency, I also enjoy the many films that capture life inside the White House:

If you don’t remember, Michael Douglas was one of our greatest Presidents, and you can read all about that here:

http://johnrieber.com/2012/07/21/movie-politics-heat-up-candidates-comedy-and-cover-ups-mr-president-mr-president-the-camera-is-rolling/

Finally, if you really want to dive deep into political disfunction, then check out this terrific book:

It’s a great inside look at Washington DC, where politicians go to ge rich! Read all bout it here:

http://johnrieber.com/2015/02/10/the-beauty-of-washington-dc-the-dirty-side-of-politics-presidential-m-ms/

And let me know what you think of sex stud Harding!

Looking For A Unique Dessert? How About THIS?

You are looking at the velvety richness of smooth vanilla ice cream, swirled in a cup – and topped with dried meat and shrimp!

Behold “Cup Of Noodles” Ice Cream!

Once again, my favorite place in the world – Japan – shows us how to embrace life and bite down hard! It’s a “cup of noodles” ice cream, served where else but the “Cup of Noodles” museum.

Yes, there really IS a Cup Of Noodles Museum!

Since I love exclamation points, special bonus points for how the museum is titled outside!!!

Let’s travel to Yokohama Japan for a tasty look at one of the world’s most unique museums! While in the US we refer to the brand as “Cup Of Noodles”, in Japan it’s “Cup Noodles”, and there is a museum to show off all of the greatest of their product!

Bravo To RocketNews24!

Once again, the intrepid reporters at the “RocketNews24” website have the story, with a ton of great pics showing off the inside of the museum, where iconic containers of the world’s greatest instant ramen line the walls…

Of course, there is also a restaurant inside where you can actually create your own CupNoodle ramen container to take home…I love that idea, and you can also make a special batch of “cup of noodles” to eat there as well:

RocketNews24 reports that the longest lines are for the unique “Cup Noodle Ice Cream” – yes, there are two different ways to enjoy cup noodles as a dessert!

You can order the “Cup Noodle Curry Ice Cream”, which comes with chives, ground pork, carrot, and potato!

Or, you can order this:

“Cup Noodle Ice Cream” – topped with dried chives, egg, shrimp and bits of ground pork!

Yes, it’s soft serve ice cream topped with dried egg, dried ground pork and a dried shrimp!

Of course, the brave journalists at RocketNews24 tried it out, and you can see their entire taste test, along with more great photos, by clicking on their story here:

http://en.rocketnews24.com/2015/08/15/we-try-cup-noodle-ice-cream-filled-with-shrimp-meat-eggs-chives-and-madness-【taste-test】/

Bravo as always to RocketNews24 – they post multiple stories a day about the wonders of Asia and Japan, and I love them all!

Of course, Japan has more than just a “Cup of Noodles” museum:

Yes, they have a sex museum too! Click on my tour of these hilariously entertaining, and safe for work museum…

http://johnrieber.com/2014/09/29/love-doll-exhibit-japans-sex-museum-bikini-robot-warriors-wild-tokyo-nightlife/

Japan is known for so many great things, but I truly appreciate that they have jumped to the forefront of technology involving robots!

See how Japanese News Anchor Robots are now delivering the news! Check it out here:

http://johnrieber.com/2015/05/29/fashion-robots-human-robot-tails-anchorbots-japans-wacky-technology/

And leave a comment – would you try the “Cup of noodles” ice cream?

This Is Paul McCartney’s Brilliant Album “RAM!”

And This Is Paul McCartney’s Brilliant Followup, “RAM 2!”

If you haven’t heard “RAM 2”, then you have missed one of Paul McCartney’s greatest solo achievements!

Wait, you didn’t know there was a Macca album called “RAM 2”? Well, here’s a look at how “Red Rose Speedway” began as part of Macca’s “RAM” sessions!

Paul’s second solo album “RAM” was credited to Paul and Linda McCartney. If you want to know why, check out my story on the book that dives into the financial world of post-Beatles legal battles…

http://johnrieber.com/2012/03/19/beatle-eagle-big-battles-best-music-books-pt-1/

That is a great book about The Beatles and their tough legal battle after they broke up…

As the book makes very clear, Paul was in tough economic shape after the breakup of the group, so adding Linda to the album credits released half of the money they made – while his was being held up! As tough as this time was, Paul wasn’t going to let it slow him down, and he decided to shake it all off and start a new band!

So he created another group known as Wings, and they released the shaggy, funky and melancholy “Wild Life.” Terrible reviews and dismal sales resulted in the band flying to Los Angeles to begin recording a more commercial followup – an album that came to be known as “Red Rose Speedway”.

Paul’s Pair Of “RAM” Songs!

The album was initially planned as a double album, and McCartney wanted to include some unreleased songs that had originally been recorded during the RAM sessions: yes, “Red Rose includes two RAM songs: “Get on the Right Thing” and “Little Lamb Dragonfly”.

And “RAM 2” Was Born!

So “Red Rose” has two “RAM” songs on the album. In addition, let’s not forget how the song “Ram On” ends:

“Who’s That Coming Round That Corner? Who’s That Coming Round That Bend?”

Yes, the very first lyrics from “Red Rose” are from “RAM!” Here is a great mashup of both of the “Ram On” songs that are from “RAM”:

Thanks to “Jakestardust2” on youtube for creating that…of course, those lyrics are the first lines from the song “Big Barn Bed”, which is the leadoff song from “Red Rose Speedway!”

So “RAM” carries right over onto “Red Rose”…

And Here Is “Big Barn Bed!”

The first song on “Red Rose” is “Big Barn Bed” – and it signals that the album is going to be a funky collection of catchy songs. This is a great video from the “James Paul McCartney” TV special from 1973 – the opening of the show, when the band Wings kicks into a feisty live version of “Bed”:

McCartney’s Mega Hit “My Love”!

The album contains what many consider to be Paul’s greatest love song, “My Love.” Most importantly, it put Paul right back at the top of the charts, where he would stay for the rest of the 70’s. Here is the video for his iconic love letter to Linda:

“Red Rose Speedway” is full of catchy songs, and is a worthy followup to “RAM”. What takes it to the next level is the addition of the band, giving the songs a bigger level of fullness – a richness that his solo music didn’t have at the time – but there is still the unmistakable sound of Paul, like on “Single Pigeon” and “When The Night.”

“Abbey Road 2!”

Finally, in a nod to another brilliant piece of musicianship, “Red Rose Speedway” is closed by an 11-minute medley of songs “Hold Me Tight”/”Lazy Dynamite”/”Hands of Love”/”Power Cut”, in a similar style to most of “Abbey Road” side two.

“Power Cut” has an anthemic style, ending with a terrific singalong chorus, and sums up a terrific album from Paul McCartney & Wings.

“Red Rose Speedway” went straight to the top of the charts and was the beginning of a decade-long string of hits for McCartney and Wings…and of course, Paul also recording THIS song at the same time!

The Greatest 007 Theme Song Ever!

Yes, Paul also recorded “Live And Let Die” during the same recording sessions, and it has always been, to me, the best 007 song ever! Here is a look at the best – and WORST – James Bond songs ever!

http://johnrieber.com/2013/11/05/rock-on-007-the-best-and-worst-james-bond-theme-songs/

Another of my favorite James Bond theme songs is from THIS guy:

Alice Cooper’s “Censored” 007!

You didn’t know that Alice Cooper wrote and recorded a James Bond theme song – only to have it rejected? Read all about that here!

http://johnrieber.com/2012/10/05/adele-skyfall-new-james-bond-theme-best-bond-themes-censored-bond-music/

Controversy is nothing new for Bond songs – and nothing new for Macca either…let’s not forget the HUGE and very nasty battle between McCartney and John Lennon at the time of the original “RAM” release!

C-C-C-Catfight!

Yes, “Red Rose” is a worthy sequel to “RAM”, which is a brilliant album, but it was also the cause of a major battle between Paul and John….read all about it here:

http://johnrieber.com/2012/08/20/macca-ram-on-paul-mccartneys-masterpiece-john-lennons-fury-a-beatles-c-c-c-catfight/

Obviously, we all wish that The Beatles had stayed together – imagine what incredible music would have resulted….

Oh wait, someone did! This fascinating book takes a look at all of the solo music from the 70’s and reimagines it as Beatles music! Read about it here:

http://johnrieber.com/2013/03/03/exclusive-the-lost-beatles-album-the-fab-fours-solo-songs-remixed/

Beatles fans love to talk about what could have been…but let’s not forget what was – a “RAM 2!”

Oscar’s On The Phone For Lily Tomlin!

Lily Tomlin is getting some of the bet reviews of her career for her performance in the new comedy “Grandma!” Check out the trailer:

Lily Tomlin is forced to re-embrace life when her 18-year old grand-daughter, played by Julia Garner, shows up seeking her Grandma’s help.

The reviews have been great for the film, which will be rolling out across America all fall, leading to a heavy push for Oscar attention at the end of the year!

The film is directed by Paul Weitz, who has made a number of great films such as “About A Boy” and “In Good Company”, and he is overdue for some Oscar love as well!

While Tomlin has appeared in a number of films and TV shows, “Grandma” is Lily Tomlin’s first leading role in twenty seven years, since co-starring with Bette Midler in 1988’s comedy film Big Business.

Here is some great trivia, courtesy of IMDB: The car that Elle (Lily Tomlin) and Sage (Julia Garner) drive in for much of the movie is a 1955 Dodge Royal that is actually owned by Lily Tomlin. Tomlin told USA Today that she bought it in 1975 for $1,500. She said, “It’s not a prize car. It’s not a car that people yearn for. But it has a nice look to it. . . . The car is almost a character in the movie. I knew I kept that car for a reason.”

I cannot wait to see this film! I AM ALSO A BIG FAN OF LILY TOMLIN: FROM HER EARLY DAYS ON “Laugh-In” to her breakout role in Robert Altman’s “Nashville” – and here is one of her greatest performances ever!

“You wanna know somethin’, punk? You were born dumb and you’re gonna die dumb.”

“The Nicest Movie You’ll Ever See About Murder And Blackmail!”

Time to celebrate one of the greatest 70’s films ever, the classic:

The Late Show!

Director Robert Benton created one of the best films of the decade – with a terrific cast including Art Carney, Lily Tomlin, Bill Macy and Joanna Cassidy. Benton would go on to win an Oscar for “Kramer Vs. Kramer”, but this late 70’s film noir look at LA is a neglected gem.

Here is the trailer:

“Back in the Forties, this town was crawlin’ with dollies like you. Good-lookin’ coquettes tryin’ their damnedest to act tough as hell. I got news for you: they did it better back then. This town doesn’t change – they just push the names around. Same dames… screwin’ up their lives just the same way.”

That’s Art Carney speaking: a broken down gumshoe struggling to make rent, who has seen it all. He gets a new client, Lily Tomlin, who needs help finding her cat!

“Boy, it’s really lucky for you that I just happen to be a very self-destructive person.”

Tomlin has never been better as a woman full of self-doubt, paranoia and big big dreams! What happens next is one of the best tales of Hollywood noir ever, with terrific acting and a ton of recognizable faces in small roles.

“The Late Show” is poignant, touching, full of action and twists, and oozing with the smell of Hollywood glitter and grime. Director Robert Benton was oscar-nominated for his script…

There are SO many great supporting characters in this film, but none more memorable than Bill Macy, a veteran character actor from TV’s “Maude”, who is pitch perfect as a small time Hollywood hustler…

Macy captures perfectly the kind of small time hustler who Carney has to deal with as he tries to find Tomlin’s cat…the plot, however, is much much more than that, and a truly great gem of a movie…

“The Late Show” is now on DVD, and you can also find it on various ondemand services…be sure to watch this great film as well! And kudos to Lily Tomlin, America’s hippest “Grandma!”