Welcome To National Tater Tot Day!

It’s a national day of celebration! Time to celebrate the simple majesty of the Tater Tot! We all know what a “tater tot” is: a perfect little nugget of crispy potato on the outside, and shredded potato inside – it comes ready to be dipped, topped, or in some cases, layered underneath a burger!

It’s the perfect accompaniment to so much goodness, so let’s look at the Tater Tot – and also other culinary mashups that are as delicious to eat as they are fun to see!

First invented in 1953, there are now more than 70 million pounds of tots sold each year!

A Cheeseburger With A Tater Tot Bun!

Yes, imagine your favorite cheeseburger – add bacon if you wish – all held together by buns of Tater Tots!

I would make – and devour – this in a second! And look at this photo – all you need to do it pre-bake your tots, then stack them upright, top with cheese, and stick under a broiler – voila! Cheesy Tater Tot Buns!

An Amazing Tater Tot Culinary Mashup!

I am a fan of taking a product and doing something completely different with it – and since a Tater Tot is one of the most delicious things ever devised by people who simply weren’t satisfied eating an “unbastardized” potato – I’m all in!

A “Caviar And Creme Fraiche-Topped Tater Tot!”

How about this amazing Tater Tot topped with creme fraiche and caviar! This is from the great restaurant Archetype, located in St. Helena, California, in the heart of wine country…

Caviar Rules!

I love caviar, and I love Tater Tots, so this is a great great taste combination – bravo to the Chef…let’s gaze upon it again:

The flavors of potato and caviar just sound right – and I found another example of this potato/caviar mashup as well, this time with caviar anchoring one end of a french fry:

And it reminded me that I once posted a story about this unique potato/caviar combo from Russia of course – the caviar flavored potato chip!

You can read all about this russian delicacy by clicking on here:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/08/29/caviar-potato-chips-cajun-squirrel-chips-the-worlds-wackiest-potato-chip-flavors/

Back to Tater Tots, how about this combo?

Bite Into A “Tater Tot Chop” With Coca Cola Ketchup!

Yes, this is a Tater Top “Chop” with Coca-Cola Ketchup! The Atlanta Braves actually served this during baseball games!

Finally, bravo to Burger Kings for literally “stuffing their tots!”

Yes, fast food has taken the Tater Tot to a whole new cheesy level by stuffing that cheese right inside for you!

If you don’t feel like cooking, look for someone who does the Tots up for you – they seem to be a staple of almost every sports bar now – and even Wienerschnitzel got into the act:

So make sure you celebrate National Tater Tot Day the right way – and if you need an earlier “boost” to the effort, you may want to try this:

“Tater Tot Bloody Mary!”

Time To Dance To The Tune Of “U”!

David Bowie and Freddie Mercury gave us one of the greatest songs that began with the letter “U”, so let’s get going there and see where this musical letter of the alphabet takes us!

“Under Pressure” by David Bowie and Queen

An unlikely collaboration at the time, ad the stories of how it came together are fascinating – but come together it did, in one of the greatest songs of our generation…

David Bowie and Queen created an instant classic – still as revered today as when they created it in 1982 – here is the video, thanks to Queen’s official YouTube channel:

I found a great story about the recording of this song, with great quotes from Queen’s Brian May – see my story here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/01/16/david-bowie-meets-queen-the-brilliant-wine-fuelled-madness-of-under-pressure/

Next up is a great group, formed by Todd Rundgren, that played progressive rock in the 70’s then transitioned to great power pop in the 80’s:

Utopia – “I’m Looking At You (But I’m Talking To Myself)”

I could have chosen so many different Utopia songs from their catalog, but I chose one of their ballads, performed by Todd, a great pop song with plaintive lyrics:

“I’m looking at you but I’m talking to myself
Looking straight at you but I’m talking to myself
Talking to myself ’cause I still can remember
Words that didn’t sound so well planned
What is wrong with me?
You don’t have to pretend to understand…”

Here they are, live in 1982, with Todd on lead vocals:

I’ve posted stories about many of Utopia’s albums, but this self-titled effort from the early 80’s is a gem – you can see more videos from the album here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/06/30/todd-rundgrens-utopia-2-a-neglected-80s-power-pop-classic-kasim-sultans-departure-and-return/

Time to get modern, with one of the most popular performers today:

“Uptown Funk” by Mark Ronson, featuring Bruno Mars

Many people think of this as a Bruno Mars song, but it’s actually from Mark Ronson’s 2015 album “Uptown Special” – it was #1 for 14 straight weeks, thanks to the Bruno Mars collaboration – giving it that swagger he is known for, as he sings at the top of the song:

“This hit, that ice cold
Michelle Pfeiffer, that white gold
This one, for them hood girls
Them good girls, straight masterpieces
Stylin’, wilin’
Livin’ it up in the city
Got Chucks on with Saint Laurent
Gotta kiss myself I’m so pretty”

Here is this terrific music video:

What’s amazing is that someone took this funky beat and edited classic movie dance numbers all over it – and it works! See it here:

https://johnrieber.com/2017/10/06/a-you-tube-find/

You can’t talk about music with the letter “U” without bringing in U2 – they’ve earned their spot as one of our era’s most enduring and popular bands…

U2 – “Pride (In The Name Of Love)”

This classic song was from their album “The Unforgettable Fire” and was written about Martin Luther King, Jr.

“Early morning, April four
Shot rings out in the Memphis sky
Free at last, they took your life
They could not take your pride

In the name of love
What more in the name of love?”

An inspiring song that has become one of their classics: here is the band performing it:

Finally, Paul McCartney recorded one album that was credited to both him and wife Linda:

“Uncle Albert / Admiral Halsey” by Paul and Linda McCartney

It was after the breakup of The Beatles, and history has suggested that Linda’s name was used in order to get some money from the album sales, since Paul was in heavy litigation with the other former members of the band.

Here’s a great video filled with vintage shots of Paul, Linda and the kids on their farm during recording:

“RAM” has become one of Macca’s masterpieces, but it was also attacked by John Lennon – see that story here:

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

Let me know your favorite “U” songs!

The Investigation Surrounding Natalie Wood’s Tragic Death Reopened!

Huge news in Hollywood today – the investigation surrounding the death of legendary Actress Natalie Wood is being reopened again!

Wood died in 1981 under mysterious circumstances, after a volatile night with husband Robert Wagner.

Great reporting on Deadline.com by Anita Busch today, a really well-written story about the night Wood died, and why police have reopened the case – here are a few select highlights, including soundbites from a press conference on Monday Feb. 5th in LA:

“John Corina, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Lieutenant, revealed that since they have been investigating actress Natalie Wood drowning death about 100 people came forth, and new witnesses were identified that have helped articulate the timeline. “We’re closer to understanding what happened that weekend, and how it kinda went down. Before we were all believing this story that she got in the dingy and tried to go into town in her nightgown and her socks by herself when it’s raining out and the seas are really rough and you can’t even see at midnight which made absolutely no sense if you really think about it,” said Corina.”

American actors Robert Wagner and his wife Natalie Wood (1938 – 1981), circa 1970. (Photo by Silver Screen Collection/Getty Images)

Natalie Wood was 43 years old when she died in 1981. Husband Robert Wagner and her “Brainstorm” co-star Christopher Walken were on the Yacht that night, along with the Yacht’s Captain Dennis Davern.

The story reports that new witnesses to the events that night have turned up to give new information that the police are acting upon. Several people on surrounding boats in Catalina Harbor that night confirm the couple had been arguing loudly.

Busch also reports:

“Wood appeared to have fresh bruises on her body and may have been a victim of an assault. “There were bruises on Natalie Wood’s body … (the Coroner) said they are non-mechanical and probably caused by another person … I can’t say who caused the injuries. We know the last person who was with her before she went in the water. And that was Mr. Wagner.”

“We have a better understanding now,” said Corina. He added that what determines whether “it was accident or murder is we find out how she went in the water,” said Corina, who said that the Captain of the boat confirmed that actor Christopher Walken who was a guest on the boat was sleeping at the time that Wood went missing. “Was she placed in the water? Was she unconscious and then placed in the water? Was she put in the water by somebody? Or did she accidentally fall into the water and nobody helped her?”

Wow. This will be an interesting story to follow.

Read Anita Busch’s entire story here on Deadline.com:

http://deadline.com/2018/02/natalie-wood-death-robert-wagner-los-angeles-sheriff-re-opened-case-2018-1202278553/

Wood’s Sister Lana wrote a book about life with her sister:

Lana Wood is reported to have an estranged relationship with her former Brother-In-Law Wagner, which she writes about:

Lana Wood has struggled lately, and I shared the story of her becoming homeless, and how friends and fans banded together to help her – you can see more of that story here:

https://johnrieber.com/2017/09/15/lana-wood-homeless-update-the-former-bond-girl-has-a-home-natalie-woods-sister-struggling-to-put-her-life-back-together/

We’ll wait to see what happens next in this mysterious Hollywood story…

“Q” Delivers A Wild, Wild Interview!

Legendary Music producer Quincy Jones has given a crazy – and probably 100% honest – interview with Vulture.com – with candid comments that are both shocking and wildly entertaining!

“Q” claimed in his freewheeling interview that he “used to date” first daughter Ivanka Trump, who he called “a fine motherfucker” who “had the most beautiful legs I ever saw in my life.” Then he added: “Wrong father, though.”

The 84-year-old record producer then said that President Trump was a “crazy motherfucker” who is “limited mentally — a megalomaniac, narcissistic,”.

This amazing interview is blowing up the internet…Jones revealed who killed JFK (“[Chicago mobster Sam] Giancana”) and also discussed alleged affairs that Actor Marlon Brando had with Richard Pryor! His quote about Brando:

“He’d fuck anything. Anything! He’d fuck a mailbox.”

Pryor’s Widow Confirms The Story!

This wild interview just keeps getting more interesting.

Richard Pryor’s widow told TMZ on Wednesday that her late husband did indeed have sex with Marlon Brando!

Pyror, who died in 2005, wouldn’t be ashamed, according to his widow Jennifer, who said she plans to soon make public his diaries in which he wrote about his bisexuality. As she told TMZ:

“It was the ’70s! Drugs were still good, especially quaaludes. If you did enough cocaine, you’d fuck a radiator and send it flowers in the morning!”

Jones is a 28-time Grammy winner, and produced many of Michael Jackson’s greatest albums. In the interview, he clearly says that Jackson used music he didn’t write himself – as he told Vulture, Jackson:

“stole a lot of songs,” including “Billie Jean” and “Don’t Stop ’Til You Get Enough.” “Greg Phillinganes wrote the C section,” he said of the noted session keyboardist on the latter. “Michael should’ve given him 10 percent of the song. Wouldn’t do it.”

Wow! This article is blowing up – and you can see it here:

http://www.vulture.com/2018/02/quincy-jones-in-conversation.html

Aside from producing Michael Jackson, Quincy Jones produced The Brothers Johnson and their incredible song “Strawberry Letter 23”:

The entire album is great 70’s funk/soul – see the music video here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/08/20/the-brothers-johnson-secrets-of-strawberry-letter-23-revealed-great-70s-funk-tarantinos-strawberry-love/

Bravo to “Q” for opening up about so many controversial topics!

Time For A South Seas Adventure!

Imagine that this was your view of home – a south seas island paradise – thousands of miles from anywhere…well, for one adventurous young Teacher, it was home – and he wrote a book about his adventure!

“Surviving Paradise” by Peter Rudiak-Gould!

I am a huge fan of “wanderlust” memoirs – books that capture a unqiue life experience, like teaching English on an island that is going underwater!

For this young Teacher, it’s his story of living in paradise – with all of the wild adventures that you can imagine! First, let’s give you an idea of where he was:

Welcome To Ujae, One Of The Marshall Islands!

Literally in the middle of nowhere, here is how wikipedia describes it:

“Ujae Atoll is a coral atoll of 15 islands in the Pacific Ocean, and forms a legislative district of the Ralik Chain of the Marshall Islands. Its total land area is only 1.86 square kilometres (0.72 sq mi), but it encloses a lagoon of 185.94 square kilometres (71.79 sq mi). It is located about 122 kilometres (76 mi) west of Kwajalein Atoll.

In folklore, the Marshallese people have long considered the island to be home to timon (demons).

In 1998, the population of Ujae Atoll was 448.”

Yep, 448 people, most of whom are considered to be demons! Here is a short excerpt from Peter’s first day on the island:

“I stepped onto the beach and embarked on a bold one-man expedition: to circle the entirety of the island’s shore.

Forty-five minutes later, I wondered what else I could do for the rest of the year.”

Yes, he found himself teaching on an island that was a third of a square mile TOTAL!

The book is a terrific look at living in one of the most isolated places on earth, and one young man’s incredible adventure there…in what does, indeed, look like paradise…

It’s a great memoir that is funny, frightening, and enlightening in equal measure.

Of course, this entire part of the world is being impacted in a devastating way from the rise in the oceans…in fact, many of these islands will be underwater within a few decades!

I posted the story of an Olympic Athlete who “danced” his native dance at the Olympic Games to bring attention to the issue:

David Katoatau, of Kiribati, dances off the platform after an unsuccessful attempt on his final lift in the men’s 105 kg weightlifting event at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Monday, Aug. 15, 2016. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)

This Kiribati Athlete wanted to raise awareness for the plight of his island – see more about it here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/08/17/the-dancing-olympian-the-fight-to-save-kiribati-paradise-underwater/

I also shared a series of great memoirs about Kiribati, hilariously told by a Writer who lived on the islands:

J. Maarten Troost wrote several great travel books about this area, including his latest, sobering look at how the islands are disappearing:

You can see more about this powerful book here:

https://johnrieber.com/2013/11/21/holiday-gift-guide-headhunters-cannibals-south-seas-paradise-exotic-travel-escapes/

And speaking of powerful memoirs, one of my all-time favorites is from Writer Lucy Irvine:

Irvine’s first memoir, “Castaway”, told of her year on an island, and the sequel “Faraway” is even better – she tells a fascinating story ab out a family who lived in the South Seas – click here to read more:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/05/05/faraway-lucy-irvines-castaway-sequel-more-amazing-island-escapes/

Let me know what you think of these amazing, and topical, adventures!

Music In The Key Of “V” Is All Dressed Up For A Party!

Yes, I am going to talk about The Village People, but there is so much more to music with a “V”, beginning with one of the most inventive bands that barely lived!

The Velvet Underground – “Heroin”

This unique album cover heralded the arrival of one of music’s most unique “art” bands, managed for a time by Andy Warhol. They didn’t last long, but boy did they make an impression!

The song “Heroin” was written by Lou Reed in 1964, beatnik poetry one one hand, bleak independent rock on the other – and completely mesmerizing:

“I don’t know just where I’m going
But I’m gonna try for the kingdom, if I can
Cause it makes me feel like I’m a man
When I put a spike into my vein
And I tell you things aren’t quite the same
When I’m rushing on my run
And I feel just like Jesus’ son

And I guess that I just don’t know
And I guess that I just don’t know…”

As wikipedia explains:

“The Velvet Underground was an American rock band formed in 1964 in New York City by singer/guitarist Lou Reed, multi-instrumentalist John Cale, guitarist Sterling Morrison, and drummer Angus MacLise (replaced by Moe Tucker in 1965). The band was initially active between 1965 and 1973, and was briefly managed by the pop artist Andy Warhol, serving as the house band at the Factory and Warhol’s Exploding Plastic Inevitable events from 1966 to 1967. Their debut album, The Velvet Underground & Nico (with German born singer and model Nico), was released in 1967 to critical indifference and poor sales, but over time has been critically acclaimed; it was called the “most prophetic rock album ever made” by Rolling Stone in 2003.”

Here is “Heroin”:

That terrific video was posted on YouTube by “CIAOsydni”, described as
The Velvet Underground & Nico, footage from andy warhol’s “symphony of sound”…the entire album is fascinating, and worth a listen, especially in the newly remastered versions…

Next up, a band that was much less mysterious, and much more IN YOUR FACE!

Van Halen – “Jump”

The picture says it all! So does this one!

I could have chosen an number of great rock songs by Van Halen – with David Lee Roth of course, but this may be one of the most infectious intros in rock history – the classic “Jump”, with a “very self-aware” DLR:

Van Halen and David Lee Roth were certainly “of their time”, but what a fun time it was! Speaking of which:

The Village People – “YMCA”

As wikipedia says:

“Village People is an American disco group well known for their on-stage costumes depicting American masculine cultural stereotypes as well as their catchy tunes and suggestive lyrics. Originally created by Jacques Morali and Henri Belolo to target disco’s gay audience by featuring popular gay fantasy personae,[1] the band quickly became popular and moved into the mainstream. The group scored several disco and dance hits internationally, including three hits in the US, “Macho Man”, “In the Navy”, and their biggest hit, “Y.M.C.A.”.

My wife and I got to see them live at The Hollywood Bowl – an iconic showcase for a group that just keeps on dancing – here is the very-much-a-sing-a-long performance at The Bowl of “YMCA”:

It was a raucous night of celebration at the bowl, thanks to these guys – you can see more music from the night here:

https://johnrieber.com/2017/07/23/ymca-live-the-village-people-the-hollywood-bowl-17000-dance-along/

Finally, The Eagles also created iconic music, and just celebrated the 40th anniversary of “Hotel California”:

“Victim Of Love” by The Eagles

This huge sign in Burbank, California is an ad for a newly remastered edition of the album, which is one of the most acclaimed of all time – and on that album is the great song “Victim Of Love”:

“Victim of love, I see a broken heart.
I could be wrong but I’m not, no, I’m not.
Victim of love, we’re not so far apart.
Show me what kind of love have you got…”

Here is a great live version from 1995, with a blistering intro by Don Felder:

The music is as timeless as ever, here’s a look at this iconic album:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/11/15/welcome-to-the-eagles-hotel-california-joe-walsh-checks-in-brilliant-henleyfrey-music-steely-dan-shout-out/

Let me know what songs in the key of “V” you like!

Movie fans have a reason to celebrate – it was Burt Reynolds’ birthday!

As he himself would say:

“We’re about to make film history, right here… on videotape.”

Burt Reynolds was born on February 11, 1936 – he grew up in Riviera Beach, Florida, right next to Palm Beach. His father, Burt Sr., eventually became Chief of Police!

Reynolds worked as a stuntman – as well as small tv and movie roles, before starring in several TV shows in the 60’s, which led to work in movie westerns….

Then, in 1972 he starred in one of the most acclaimed and controversial films ever – and it propelled him to stardom…

Deliverance.

The story of four men who decide to take a river rafting trip through the backwoods of Georgia…with Reynolds as the “tough as nails” adventurer who doesn’t think the others are up to it:

Lewis: Can that chubby boy handle himself?
Ed: Bobby? He’s rather well thought of in his field, Lewis.
Lewis: Insurance? I never been insured in my life. There’s no risk.

“Deliverance” was one of the most iconic films of the 70′s, nominated for Best Picture, and it has the iconic movie line:

“Squeal like a pig!”

If you haven’t seen this brilliant movie, check out new blu-ray and DVD versions that have documentaries and commentary attached, and they are all worth viewing – and of course, there are the “dueling banjos!”

I posted a story recently about the casting of this film, when it was revealed that Marlon Brando and Jack Nicholson were considered for it! See more here:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/09/20/squeal-like-a-pig-marlon-brandos-deliverance-cult-classic-casting-coup/

His breakout performance in Deliverance in 1972 made Reynolds a star. The same year, Reynolds gained even more notoriety when he posed naked in the April issue of Cosmopolitan Magazine – a landmark moment in publishing.

Burt’s Sexy Centerfold!

Yes, Reynolds shocked the entertainment world when he posed nude in Cosmopolitan magazine – as their centerfold!

Reynolds later claimed the centerfold in Cosmopolitan hurt the chances for Deliverance at the Oscars – and the film’s stars, including himself, didn’t get Academy Award nominations because of it. Regardless, this cemented his place as a 70’s Superstar, leading to a number of huge box office hits, like this one:

The Longest Yard

This 1974 classic stars Reynolds as a pro football Quarterback who gets in trouble with the law and ends up in a grimy prison, run by Eddie Albert…

Check out the trailer:

This was a perfect role for him: not only was he the biggest star in the world at the time, but Reynolds was a great football player, first for Florida State University and then was drafted by the Baltimore Colts!

Reynolds plays Paul Crewe, a pro football player-turned-convict – who organizes a team of inmates to play against a team of prison guards. That’s right: convicts versus GUARDS!

Paul Crewe: You know what my problem has been all my life? I’ve always had my shit together. Always. My problem’s been I couldn’t lift it.

“The Longest Yard” is one of the best sports movies ever, and Burt was great.

Half A ‘Stache!

Reynolds had a great sense of humor, as evidenced when he went on The Tonight Show and shaved half his mustache off for a stunned Johnny Carson!

He was also a gifted comic actor, as evidenced by the arrow through his head – and he used that goofy humor to good box office effect in action comedies like this one:

Fuzz!

Police in Boston search for a mad bomber trying to extort money from the city. The cops in charge of finding this “mad bomber” are Burt Reynolds, Racquel Welch and Tom Skerritt.

According to IMDB, Raquel Welch did not like Burt Reynolds because of unsavory comments he made while they were filming “100 Rifles” together.

So, in “Fuzz” Welch insisted that she not have any direct scenes with Reynolds! The closest they get is during an interrogation scene. Still, the movie was a huge hit, in large part because of Reynolds and his comic ability.

See more about Raquel, Burt and their legendary catfight here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/07/18/raquel-welch-dinosaur-slayer-burt-reynolds-feud-seinfeld-catfight-a-million-reasons-to-love-this-iconic-sex-kitten/

Reynolds went on to star in some of the biggest hits of the 70’s, like these “good ol’ boy” action thrillers:

Both are now on blu-ray, so you can relive the wild days of the 70’s yourself! You can see more about these films, including their trailers, here:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/02/22/suck-down-some-white-lightning-hicksploitation-burt-reynolds-gator-good-ol-boy-action-classics/

Reynolds made many hit comedies as well, like the action spectacle “Smokey And The Bandit”. During the first half of the 1990s, he was the star of the CBS comedy “Evening Shade”, for which he won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series (1991).

Modern movie fans will recognize him for this masterpiece:

Now, an important word from Jack Horner!

Reynolds starred in “Boogie Nights” as Adult Film Director Jack Horner, who offered some words about how complex and expensive moviemaking can be…

Jack Horner: Before you turn around, you’ve spent maybe 20, 25, 30 thousand dollars on a movie!

Boogie Nights!

This is, quite simply, one of the best movies ever made, pure and simple – and one of Reynolds’ best performances.

“We’re about to make film history, right here… on videotape.”

Paul Thomas Anderson directed this epic look at the rise of a adult film superstar, and his journey through the changing world of porn, from the “innocent” days of the 70’s into the drug-fueled 80’s.

Inspired by the tragic story of John C. Holmes – aka “Johnny Wadd”, Mark Wahlberg does an amazing job as Eddie Adams, who is “discovered” by an adult movie Director – due to his “unique” talent – and overnight becomes porn superstar Dirk Diggler!

Adult Film Director Jack Horner Knows What Sells!

Reynolds put it all out there as the Veteran Film Director, which lines like this:

Jack Horner: I got a feeling that behind those jeans is something wonderful just waiting to get out.

Burt Reynolds was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance and took home a Golden Globe Award. He was considered a front-runner for the Supporting Oscar, but ultimately lost to Robin Williams, for “Good Will Hunting”. I can watch this movie any day of the week…a masterpiece.

Time to watch some Burt and celebrate his birthday!

Time For A Big Smile! Stevie Wonder’s Got Something To Say!

For my look at songs in the letter “W”, I had to start with the legendary Stevie Wonder, and one of his most joyous songs:

Stevie Wonder – “Don’t Cha Worry ‘Bout A Thing”

From his Grammy-winng album “Innervisions”, Stevie Wonder’s great song begins with a terrific spoken word intro by Stevie:

“See dig, mama, uh, do ya understand that?
(No)
Well uh, like, I can understand how you can’t, because I’ve been uh,
You know, Paris, Beirut, you know, I mean Iraq, Iran, “Ukraingia”, you know
I speak very very um, fluent Spanish
Ah, todo ‘sta bien, chévere, you understand that?
(Chévere?)
Chevere, bien chevere, is that right mama?
‘Cause I’ve got my shaky…”

He then mumbles briefly before heading into his beautiful groove…

This leads right into one of his most upbeat songs:

“Everybody’s got a thing
But some don’t know how to handle it
Always reaching out in vain
Accepting the things not worth having but

Don’t you worry about a thing
Don’t you worry about a thing, mama
Because I’ll be standing on the side
When you check it out”

Here’s a great live version from 2009:

My wife and I were lucky enough to see this amazing Artist live a couple of years ago, when he performed “Songs In The Key Of Life” in its entirety…here are some of the videos from that night:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/11/15/songs-in-the-key-of-life-stevie-wonders-masterpiece-live/

Next up is a great British singer, who never quite broke big in the US, but this song should have:

Robbie Williams – “Let Love Be Your Energy”

Robbie Williams had a string of smash hits around the world, including this big and bold love song:

“If you’re willing to change the world
Let love be your energy
I’ve got more than I need
When your love shines down on me”

Williams was successful in the US, but a mega-star elsewhere.

Here is the great music video from 2000:

Next up is a recent hit by a band I saw live at Lollapalooza, and they were terrific:

Walk The Moon – “Shut Up And Dance”

This big pop/rock smash is perhaps the band’s signature song, but they performed for an hour and the crowd loved every catchy minute of it!

Here they are performing “Shut Up And Dance” live at Lollapalooza –

Up next is one of rock’s most iconic lines:

“One pill makes you larger, and one pill makes you small…and the ones that mother gives you don’t do anything at all…”

“White Rabbit” by Jefferson Airplane

They were one of the great counter-culture bands of the 60’s, and lead Singer Grace Slick was a mesmerizing singer…here’s their great performance from the Smothers Brother Show in 1967:

The Smothers Brothers were very controversial for CBS in the late 60’s, especially when George Harrison came on the show to encourage to keep fighting! Here is that fascinating story:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/05/18/john-lennon-beds-tommy-smothers-incredible-give-peace-a-chance-story-the-beatles-get-political/

Finally, you can look at the greatest entertainers today, but few can match this:

The Who – “Won’t Get Fooled Again”

The raucous rock ‘n’ roll of The Who has endured for decades, and for me, this is the greatest single song of all time:

“I’ll tip my hat to the new constitution
Take a bow for the new revolution
Smile and grin at the change all around
Pick up my guitar and play
Just like yesterday
Then I’ll get on my knees and pray
We don’t get fooled again
No, no!”

Pete Townsend wrote the song, a epic statement about youth, rebellion, revolution and acceptance – eight minutes of rage, anger and energy that reaches a crescendo with what is, without a doubt, the greatest howl in rock history:

“Yeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!”

It’s almost impossible to accurately capture the power of this guttural primal scream that Roger Daltry performs in this song:

The song has great musicianship, two different solo bridges, changes in tempo, and of course, THAT SCREAM.

What follows that scream is a summation that is cutting – and iconic in rock history – as these lyrics end the song:

“Meet the new boss
Same as the old boss…”

Anger, rage – and acceptance that nothing will ever change…

Pete Townsend is famous for his powerful guitar work – and circular assault on the instrument – throughout the song – but the lyrics are just so incredibly powerful – match by the energy of the entire band – here is an amazing performance of the song live from 1977 – one of the greatest live rock songs of all:

The band endures 50 years on – here is a look at their incredible career, with lots of videos:

https://johnrieber.com/2017/08/13/the-greatest-rock-anthems-whos-1-the-beatles-led-zeppelin-let-the-rock-off-begin/

Let me know your favorite songs with a “W”!

Who needs some bacon-wrapped hot dogs on a stick? It’s Sunday, so I’m thinking about making something different today…maybe this!

THE AMAZING SPIRAL HOT DOG!

I found this story once on “LAUGHINGSQUID”: Using a metal drill bit and his “fave dog slicin’ knife”, Iowa-based Daryl Downer has transformed ordinary hot dogs into “spiralized” dogs – I love it!

SEOUL ON A STICK!

I had the chance to travel to Seoul, South Korea to shoot a bunch of segments on technology – so of course, we headed out to find bacon-wrapped hot dogs on a stick as well!

This led to another amazing discover: a hot dog that was coated with wrinkle-cut french fries – all of these sold on carts on the street!

While I was in Seoul, I also had a chance to wander through one of their street markets, where I came across dried fish hung up on ropes!

I took some video of this street market, and all of the unique food I could buy:

Back to hot dogs: do you know the old saying about them?

If You Can Make A Hot Dog, Why Not The World’s Largest?

Yes, a guy named Dan Abbate created the world’s largest hot dog, as confirmed by the Guiness Book Of World Records…

And did you know that we are NOT the only country that loves a hot dog…look at this chart!

Yes, the Japanese love their hot dogs as well.

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

#5 – 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:

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

Now, if you are going to enjoy a hot dog, I say go “ALL-IN” and really do it right, like this!

#4 – Behold The “Hamdog!”

That’s right, it’s a hot dog – but so much more, because it’s a hamburger as well! How could someone come up with this? More importantly, how could they NOT?

This is all kinds of funny, and #4 on my list of great hot dog moments….see the whole recipe here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/09/21/the-hamdog-its-real-a-hamburger-hot-dog-mashup/

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!

#3 – Not Just For Kids – The “Spaghetti-Infused” Hot Dog!

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:

https://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!

#2 – A Bacon Mac’n’Cheese Hot Dog!

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

https://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:

#1 – “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!”

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

Now that I’ve shared my top five, let’s bite down a little deeper, like this:

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!

The Krinkle Cut French Fry 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:

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

Let me know if you’re in the mood for a hot dog today!

Look At this Incredible Moving “Statue Of Love!”

Here is why I love to travel: when you discover amazing places like this in the country of Georgia – the moving “statue of love!”

Yes, it moves!

The terrific Guardian website describes them this way:

‘Man and Woman’ by Georgian sculptor Tamara Kvesitadze is pretty striking on its own – two towering human made out of metallic discs – but the installation becomes even more impressive when you realise the statues are moving.

Representing a Muslim boy, Ali, and a Christan Georgian princess, Nino, characters from a novel by Azerbaijani author Kurban Said, the figures draw closer, kissing, before continuing on their route and passing through one another, eventually parting and facing in opposite directions, representative of the characters’ separation by the invasion of Soviet Russia.

The country of Georgia is located at the crossroads of Western Asia and Eastern Europe – the Black Sea to the west, Russia to the north, and Turkey and Armenia lie south. The capital and largest city is Tbilisi.

As The Guardian notes:

The statues spring into life every day at 7pm in the seaside town of Batumi, Georgia, their journey happening slowly over 10 minutes.

‘Man and Woman’, re-christened “Ali and Nino”, was designed in 2007 but not installed until 2010 – it’s been delighting passers-by ever since.

Paweł R. posted this incredible video on youtube a couple of years ago with this description:

“The Statue of Love sculpture inspired by love story of “Ali and Nino” Created by Georgian artist Tamar Kvesitadze. The story is similar to Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet and tells of an Azerbaijani youth who falls in love with a Georgian princess but dies defending his country. The 7 ton statues start their motion at 7 P.M every day and are controlled by computer and lit with dramatic color lighting.”

There are shorter versions, but this one, at dusk, lasts three minutes, has music on it and is beautiful to watch!

This is why I love to travel, to discover amazing new things like this – it reminds me of the story I posted about the eastern European country that boasts of having more marble buildings than any country in the world!

You can click here to visit Turkmenistan, home of marble buildings and a billion dollar airport to nowhere!

https://johnrieber.com/2016/09/20/the-fiery-gates-of-hell-monster-spiders-2-billion-airport-to-nowhere-welcome-to-wacky-turkmenistan-marble-building-capital-of-the-world/

Let me know what you think of this “Statue of love!”

Ready For A Good Movie? Or Even A “Best Worst” Movie?

Well, this cinephile is holding one of the most wildly entertaining “bad” movies of all time!

The phrase “best worst movie” is not only well known by film buffs, but the title of a terrific documentary as well!

Time For The “Best Worst Movie!”

The documentary “Best Worst Movie” celebrates one of those films – one that is “so bad its good!”

Before I tell you about this terrific documentary, and five of the “best worst” films of all time, something to explain so we are on the same page – THIS is a “best worst” film:

Director Paul Verhoeven decided to “tear the lid off” of Las Vegas with this inside look at the sordid world of “Showgirls”, and it’s a hilariously bad, ridiculous and at times offensive film, which makes it so good!

On the other hand, here is an attempt to “tear the lid off” stripping that was just A HORRIBLE MOVIE!

“Striptease” with Demi Moore was a truly awful film – it was pretentious, condescending and poorly done – even with all that nudity, it was NO FUN AT ALL!

So, with that distinction, let’s get down to some of the “best worst” films ever made – and celebrate them for the effort to be art!

“Best Worst” Movie #5 – “Troll 2!”

The terrific documentary “Best Worst Movie” tells the story of how “Troll 2” became a sensation – years after it was released direct to video!

Here is the vintage 80’s trailer – enjoy!

“Troll 2” is often mentioned as the worst film ever made…and now there is a documentary that looks at the cult that has sprung up around it!

“Best Worst Movie!”

This great documentary looks at the making of “Troll 2” in 1990, and its journey from being crowned the “worst film of all time” to a cherished cult classic.

Check out the trailer:

The “Best Worse Movie” documentary was actually made by the child actor from the movie! He interviews the cast about how the movie changed their lives. He also interviews the Director, who insists that “Troll 2” is a great film!

I chose “Troll 2” as number five only because I wanted to start with it and talk about the great documentary…but next up is a film even movie hater could love:

“Best Worst” Movie #4 – “Birdemic!”

Forget Hitchcock’s “The Birds”, THIS is the film that tears the lid off of wild and REALISTIC bird attacks like this one:

Once you see this trailer, you can never go back!

It takes a certain type of genius to make a film like this – you can read all about it here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/08/15/birdemic-brilliant-shocker-or-worst-movie-ever-who-will-survive-watching-it/

In compiling this list, I knew there were many really awful films, including one I had to share for other reasons:

NOT A “Best Worst” Movie – “Manos, Hands Of Fate!”

I’m taking a short break to prove my point about “Showgirls” vs. “Striptease” – not all “bad” movies deserve to be “best worst” films – case in point: this is “Manos, Hands Of Fate”, widely considered one of the worst films of all time. In Spanish, “Manos” means “hands” – so this film is actually called:

“Hands, Hands Of Fate!”

It’s inept, awful in every way – including NOT being any fun to watch – it’s just awful, even with “Torgo” in a crucial role.

Yes, look for the incredible acting of “TORGO” in this trailer:

Ahem. Well, there was THAT.

You can see, just a horrible movie that gives the viewer no “inside joke” pleasure – but it is of course available on DVD, so if you want to learn more about it, go here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/08/22/manos-hands-of-fate-is-here-celebrate-the-worst-of-the-worst-films/

Now, back to the good stuff: a film that boldly entertains you with a film poster that declares:

“Best Worst” Movie #3 – “Confessions Of A Psycho Cat!”

With a title like that, how could it NOT be deliciously bad – and fun to boot? And guess what? It is! Not only that, the “Raging Bull” himself is in it!

Jake LaMotta Battles The Psycho Cat!

OK, Jake LaMotta wasn’t really in “fighting shape” when he took on his opponent – a rich, eccentric upper east wide woman who likes to hunt men – to death!

Folks, there is SO much to love in this film: bad acting, hilarious “wandering around lost” action sequences in Central Park, and an argument between the “Raging Bull” and THIS woman:

What’s so unusual? Well, based on how it’s shot, it’s clear they were never in the room at the same time! Oh, and at one point she gets upset at his lack of attention (no doubt because he wasn’t there!) and so she goes over to a mirror and does THIS:

Yes, she makes out with herself!

Seen enough? Of course not! Click here to see more trivia about the film, why Jake LaMotta got caught up in it, and more! It’s a celebration of the late “Raging Bull”:

https://johnrieber.com/2017/09/20/rip-to-the-raging-bull-jake-lamotta-his-psycho-cat-movie/

LaMotta always had someone in his corner when he fought, and these films always have some kind of “wing man” in the plot – or in this case:

BLUE-FACED WING WOMEN!

“Best Worst” Movie #2 – “The Body Beneath!”

Imagine a film that promotes itself for being filmed in scary places in England!

The legendarily bad film Director Andy Milligan filmed this in spooky looking places in England, and also had these ladies around to scare the guests:

Here, in all its blue-faced glory, is the trailer:

If you are wondering what the blue-faced ghosts have to do with anything, you’ll never find out by watching the film, but that’s just one reason it’s so much fun to watch!

You can read more about this inept Director – and the many classically bad films he made!

https://johnrieber.com/2017/05/24/ghastly-horror-meet-the-ed-wood-of-shock-cinema-cranium-cleaving-andy-milligans-blue-faced-shockers/

Finally, it’s almost too easy to finish with this movie, but is there really any other choice?

“Best Worst” Movie #1 – Tommy Wiseau’s “The Room!”

From the movie’s poster, which is just a shot of the brooding Actor/Director/Producer/Writer Tommy Wiseau, to one of the greatest trailers of all time, “The Room” cries out to be the best worst film ever!

The trailer only hints at the majesty of this movie:

Now you can experience the greatest bad moments by watching Jame Franco tells the story of the making of the film in the new movie “The Disaster Artist”…see more here:

https://johnrieber.com/2017/12/03/the-disaster-artist-is-here-james-franco-pays-homage-to-tommy-wiseaus-best-worst-film-the-room/

Let me know what I left off the “best worst” list, and yes, there will be plenty of Ed Wood movies to be mentioned for sure!

“X” Marks The Spot For Music – OBSCURE Music At That!

I am willing to admit that, although there are some terrific songs here, “X” isn’t an easy letter for music – at least music that I am proud to share….it took a bit of research, but I came up with some really terrific songs and Artists – let’s get going!

XTC – “Grass”

Yje band XTC has always been a critical favorite, and they’ve had some hits along the way as well. This song is from “Skylarking”, their ninth studio album, released in October 1986.

Todd Is God!

The album was produced by one of my favorite Artists, Todd Rundgren, and has been described as a loose concept album centered around various cycles in life, such as the seasons, days, and years. According to wikipedia, the album title was chosen as a double entendre, referring to a type of bird (skylark), as well as the Royal Navy term “skylarking”, which means “fooling around”.

Here is the video for “Grass”:

“Skylarking” is considered one of XTC’s greatest works, but it wasn’t much fun getting done – there were many stories about the band’s issues working with Todd, and he was very candid as well…here is a look at some of Todd’s greatest producing achievements, and some stories about working with XTC as well:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/04/25/hall-oates-meatloaf-funk-todd-rundgrens-top-5-producing-efforts/

As my Todd story notes, he also produced a Hall & Oates album…not this one, however, which gives us our much-needed “X”:

“X-Static” by Daryl Hall and John Oates

“X-Static” is the eighth studio album by Daryl Hall & John Oates, and it was released in 1979. It wasn’t a big hit for the duo, but it did include “Wait for Me”, which reached #18 on the Billboard charts.

While there is no song on the album called “X-Static”, here is the video for the title track “Portable Radio”, which includes the lines:

“C’mon and listen to the
(Radio)
Turn up the power
(Radio)
Rock it for hours and hours and hours
(Radio)
Now turn it soft and low
(Portable Radio)
V-v-viva la
(Portable Radio)
Crank up the power
(Portable Radio)
Turn up the power all night

It’s X-Static!”

So there you go! Take a listen – this song was clearly disco-inspired, but still a very catchy song:

As I said, the album included the classic song “Wait For Me”, and I wanted to make sure it got some love as well!

Here is the official music video for “Wait For Me:”

Some of H&O’s best songs weren’t singles – here is a look at five great album cuts:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/05/15/hall-oates-classic-music-great-hooks-the-greatest-hall-oates-album-cuts/

It’s always a tragedy when an Artist dies, but that doesn’t mean they stop releasing new music:

“Xscape” by Michael Jackson

This posthumous album was released in 2014, and one song was a huge hit, the Justin Timberlake-enhanced “Love Never Felt So Good.” But here is the title track, with a great fan music video by Jaimy Kempkes, using vintage Michael Jackson material over the new track:

Bravo for that effort…next up, a band with a name that hits this category dead center!

X – “Los Angeles”

John Doe and Exene Cervenka headed up this iconic LA punk band, and they are still going strong – here is their classic song “Los Angeles”:

Finally, my last choice was written by Jeff Lynne of The Electric Light Orchestra – for one of the most reviled films of all time!

“Xanadu” by Olivia Newton-John

Yes, this musical from 1980 starred Olivia Newton-John and the legendary Gene Kelly – but boy was it a bomb!

That said, I own it on DVD because it’s a bit of a camp classic now, and here is the scene in the film when the song is performed:

Well, then. As I said, Jeff Lynne wrote the song and has released his version as well – and it’s pure ELO ear candy – the band was recently acknowledged by The Grammy Awards fo this long career, and you can read about it here:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/02/25/elo-rocks-the-grammy-awards-brilliant-70s-orchestra-rock-jeff-lynnes-beatles-love/

Let me know if “X” marked the spot for you!

Troubling news out of the restaurant world in Beverly Hills – the legendary Nate ‘n Al restaurant, a fixture in the 90210 area code for more than 72 years, is rumored to have been sold!

Nate’n Al opened in 1945 – run by Al Mendelson with his friend and business partner Nate Rimer. The restaurant is currently owned and operated by Al’s grandsons, Mark and David Mendelson.

This classic deli is a fixture on Beverly Drive in the heart of Beverly Hills.

Here is more of the story as reported by The Beverly Hills Courier:

“Rumors were swirling Monday morning that the legendary Nate’n Al delicatessen is on the market and has either already been sold, or is very close to a completed sale.

An e-mail to the restaurant’s owners has not been returned as of late Monday morning. The Courier has also reached out to powerhouse retail broker Jay Luchs – who rumors say is behind the sale – but has not yet heard back.”

The story includes updates by L.A. food writer Jordan Okun (@JordanOkun on Twitter) who tweeted on Saturday:

“I’ve spoken to owner. They are currently in discussions. No sale yet. No talk of buyer or intentions. Pray.”

As The Courier reports:

One day later, Okun tweeted: “Sale is almost done. Talk of moving Nates to a different location.”

This is really shocking news, as Nate ‘n Al is a classic deli, with terrific sandwiches, and everything else you want from a deli – one of the best places to having out in Beverly Hills.

On Feb. 21, a story surfaced that Beverly Hills may step in to protect the iconic location.

Eater has the latest:

“City Council member and former Beverly Hills mayor John Mirisch is trying to introduce a measure at the March 6 council meeting that would determine the possible landmark designation of Nate N’ Al’s. The five-member council can take up these proceedings at any time to nominate a property as iconic, and as Mirisch tells Eater: “There isn’t a lot in Beverly Hills which is more iconic than Nate ’n Al’s.”

If the motion to move to a vote is approved, it would require four out of five council members to say aye in order for the landmark designation to pass. That’s certainly not a guarantee (nor is it 100% confirmed that the vote itself will even happen on March 6), but given the amount of LA-wide outcry over the possibility of losing the 73-year deli legend, it seems the Beverly Hills City Council will offer something at their upcoming meeting.”

Let’s hope there is a happy ending to this story – Los Angeles, Hollywood and Beverly Hills have rapidly been losing iconic buildings, restaurants and theaters.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

I have posted about other legendary locations shutting their doors in LA and Hollywood. Here is what I posted about efforts to save the famous Formosa Cafe:

https://johnrieber.com/2017/06/07/has-hollywoods-iconic-formosa-cafe-been-saved-finally-a-great-hollywood-story/

Here’s hoping that something can be done to save this iconic deli in the heart of Beverly Hills 90210!

A Quincy Jones Intervention!

Fallout from the wild wild interview that legendary Music Producer Quincy Jones gave to Vulture recently continues!

Q went to social media to apologize for his comments, and admit that his family stepped in to “counsel” him!

As The Daily Beast reports:

Quincy Jones has issued an apology for perhaps revealing too much about himself and his famous friends in a recent interview with Vulture. In a long note posted to his Twitter account Thursday, the legendary music producer explained that his six daughters—including actress Rashida Jones—took him aside for a “family intervention” after the interview was released to address some of the “silly things” he said. “I’m sorry & I’m not afraid to say it,” Jones wrote, adding, “it’s apparent that ‘wordvomit’ and bad-mouthing is inexcusable,” even at age 85. “I’m sorry to anyone whom my words offended & and I’m especially sorry to my friends who are still here with me & and to those who aren’t.”

Jones had given a wild interview to Vulture, filled with comments about the JFK assassination, dating Ivanka Trump, and Marlon Brando’s insatiable desire for sex. As Q said int he interview:

“He’d fuck anything. Anything!” Jones said of Brando. “He’d fuck a mailbox.”

You can read more highlights from the original interview here, including comments about Richard Pryor’s sexuality that his ex-wife confirmed, but his daughter adamantly denied:

https://johnrieber.com/2018/02/07/wild-quincy-jones-interview-he-dated-ivanka-trump-marlon-brandos-sexcapades-with-richard-pryor-confirmed-michael-jackson-who-killed-jfk-wild-stuff-from-the-music-legend/

We’ll see what happens next!

Judd Apatow Takes Us Inside The Brilliance Of Garry Shandling!

HBO just released their trailer for an amazing look at Comedian Garry Shandling’s life!

Here is their release:

“Epic in scope and intimate in detail, The Zen Diaries of Garry Shandling features conversations with more than 40 of Shandling’s family and friends, including James L. Brooks, Jim Carrey, Sacha Baron Cohen, David Coulier, Jon Favreau, Jay Leno, Kevin Nealon, Conan O’Brien, Bob Saget, Jerry Seinfeld and Sarah Silverman, and four decades’ worth of TV appearances, along with personal journals, private letters and candid home audio and video footage that reveal his brilliant mind and restless soul. Don’t miss the premiere of The Zen Diaries of Garry Shandling March 26 a 5:00PM on HBO.”

Shandling died on March 24, 2016, and I can’t wait to see this tribute to his talent.

Here is the trailer:

When Shandling died two years ago, I posted this look at his career – which includes his brilliant standup act and a look at his TV shows, including “The Larry Sanders Show.”

Click here for some great clips from this great Talent:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/04/08/rip-garry-shandling-brilliant-tonight-show-standup-larry-sanders-hilarity/

Let me know if you are a fan of his shows!

Anyone Want A Six Pound Donair?

Hey, who wants to head to Nova Scotia with me to take on this BIG BIG BIG meal?

Doesn’t that look great? I would love to bite down on this donair, wouldn’t you? What? You have a question?

Um, What Is A “Donair?”

Good question! The “Donair” is a uniquely Nova Scotia dish – and for those who don’t have a globe nearby – I do by the way – Nova Scotia is the easternmost of Canada’s ten provinces, north of Maine.

Allrecipes.com describes the origin of the donair:

“In the early 70’s, a Greek restaurateur in the city of Halifax introduced the Donair. Within a few short years, virtually all pizzerias had added their version of the dish to their menus. Not to be confused with gyros, the Donair has a vastly different flavor.”

Now, You Can Bite Down On Six Pounds Of It!

According to the “Globalnews.ca” website, a restaurant in Nova Scotia is giving you the chance to eat six pounds of Donair – and of course there’s a prize attached:

“It’s six pounds of roasted meat, tomatoes, onions and sweet garlic sauce atop a pizza-sized pita – and so far no one has been able to eat it all.

Alexandra’s Pizza in Sydney, N.S., has been challenging people to devour its massive donair, but no one has finished it after 17 attempts in the last five months.

Up for grabs is a year of free pizza or donairs, $500 to a local charity of their choice, and a photo on the pizza shop’s wall-of-fame.”

Well, do you think you could handle all of this?

Each donair costs $59, and you can read more about this enormous meal at the “Global News” website here:

https://globalnews.ca/news/4039125/nova-scotia-enormous-donair/

Thanks to my Canadian friend Sly LaCroix for sharing this with me! He knows that I love these “mega meal” stories, and have shared them before, like this one:

The World’s Largest Burger!

Now that is a big burger…but just how big? Well, here’s a clue:

That Big!

If you want to know more about the world’s biggest cheeseburger, you can click here:

https://johnrieber.com/2017/10/22/the-499-worlds-largest-burger-super-size-mega-food-madness-serving-sizes-explode-along-with-us/

Let me know if you’ve ever had a “Donair!”

CL, EXO “K-Pop” The Olympics!

The Winter Olympics in South Korea ended with an incredible series of performances by some of the biggest “K-pop” performers on earth! EXO did their synchronized boy band music, an upbeat and energized performance that wowed the crowd!

Rapper CL also wowed the crowd – she is a huge star in her native South Korea and around the world, but for many others, especially in the US, this was a revelation.

She is part of a huge musical phenomenon in South Korea known as “K-Pop!” I wanted to share my in-person exposure to this…

Welcome To Seoul!

One of the most beautiful sights is Seoul, South Korea at night…I had the chance to travel to Seoul with an amazing team of people at G4, and while we were there I saw the K-Pop phenomenon up close by accident!

Seoul is the capital and largest city in South Korea, with a population of more than 10 million. Seoul Capital Area, which includes the surrounding Incheon metropolis and Gyeonggi province, is the world’s second largest metropolitan area with over 25.6 million people.

We shot stories all over the city, and I will share some of my food adventure in a moment…

Seoul’s Answer To N’Sync!

There is action everywhere you look in Seoul – here is a video of us wandering the streets at night – and we ended up walking into a “Street” performance by their version of N’Sync! Note that the sound gets loud, but we literally walked into a live performance on a stage right off the street!

Click on to see this impromptu performance!

This street performance was packed with fans, and as you heard, VERY LOUD – but it also seemed normal in a city that is always alive with energy – and food!

SEOUL STREET FOOD!

Yes, bacon has shown its face halfway around the world! These are bacon-wrapped hot dogs, one of many street treats we sampled in Seoul! Click on the video to see some of these unique bacon dogs bubbling away…

As you can see, the street food was plentiful…in fact, here I am holding one of those bacon-wrapped hot dogs with Executive Producer Wade Beckett…not the best shot of me, but I will suffer that indignity in order to showcase the food!

Wade and I dug right into these breaded, grilled sticks of what we thought were chicken – we will never know, but they sure tasted good! And remember, you can also just order the corn dog embedded with fries:

As you can see, the streets are packed with people…and you can find yourself on any small side street filled with tiny shops and stalls:

Tie Your Fish Up!

We also found a great Seoul street market – a fascinating place to wander…where locals shop for all sorts of unique items, like fish that has been tied up with rope, or dried and flattened in a fan shape…

Noryangjin Fish!

I loved this place – a huge, bustling fish market where they sold a number of unique items, like tied up dried fish…here is a video that shows piles of dried fish, plus tied up fresh fish as well – nicely bundled in bright yellow rope to carry home easily: click on to see these fish being sold!

I can’t wait to go back to this incredible country, and bravo to them for putting on an incredible Olympics!

I also found the “J-Pop” phenomenon when I was in Tokyo:

Here is a look at the “Tokyo Idol” performance we stumbled upon in a park in Tokyo:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/09/27/meet-these-tokyo-idols-tokyos-dancelicious-pop-idol-dance-phenomenon/

I bought a bunch of this music at a Tower Records in Shibuya – let me know if you’ve heard J-Pop or K-Pop!

Barbra Streisand Cloned Her Dog For Double The Fun!

Yes, this is a true story, and here is what happened!

As People Magazine reports:

“The Academy Award-winning songstress recently revealed to Variety that two of her three dogs — all fluffy, white Coton du Tulears — are clones of her late dog, Samantha.

Samantha died in 2017 at 14 years old, but before the dog crossed the rainbow bridge, Streisand, 75, had cells taken from the pooch’s mouth and stomach.”

People adds:

“She used these samples to get two clones of Samantha — a pricey procedure. When the copy dogs arrived, Streisand, understandably, had trouble telling the puppies apart. Her solution was to put one pup in a red sweater and the other in a purple sweater, leading to their names Miss Scarlett and Miss Violet.”

The Future Is Now – And It’s Cloned!

Streisand may sound wacky for doing this, but she’s not alone…Japan has been cloning dogs for years!

Sit Fido, Sit!

In Japan, people have been cloning their image onto dolls, and do the same thing for their animals too! And when you do it, someone takes a picture of it, and that picture looks LIKE THIS!

I have covered many unique aspects of japanese life, but this is the craziest ever! People are not only cloning animals, but they are going through a process by which their own cloned image is being put on – well – everything!

According to one story, the cloning service is popular among Japanese women looking to preserve a special moment in their life – such as their wedding day, by cloning the hair & makeup – and even the dress they wore!

This is quite a disturbing, fascinating new trend – I find the pictures to be unsettling yet impossible to look away from!

Danny Choo Is Doing It Too!

We shot with Danny Choo once in Tokyo – he’s known as the “Dancing Stormtrooper” – and can be seen in the Shibuya district of Tokyo, dancing in his Stormtrooper outfit – here he is dancing with Olivia Munn and Kevin Pereira when we filmed a story there:

Danny has posted an in-depth story about the entire process of how he cloned himself as this doll – it’s fascinating – click on the link to see it!

http://www.dannychoo.com/post/en/26119/Human+Cloning+in+Japan.html

It is clear that technology doesn’t stop – and here is the proof!

Steven Spielberg’s “Empowered” Directorial Debut – With Goldie Hawn!

While his latest film “The Post” was nominated for Best Picture of 2017, it was his theatrical motion picture debut in 1974 that showcased his interest in telling stories about real people – with an “empowered female” role for Goldie Hawn that is one of her best!

After wowing TV audiences with his terrific made-for-TV film “Duel”, a very young Steven Spielberg was given the chance to make his big screen directorial debut with the 1974 action drama “The Sugarland Express.”

Here’s the plot:

A woman attempts to reunite her family by helping her husband escape from prison. Once out, they make plans to get their son before he’s put into a foster home. But things don’t go as planned, and they end up taking a police office hostage – and try to outrun the law.

“The Sugarland Express” is based on a true story, and was a very dramatic departure for Comedic Actress Goldie Hawn. William Atherton co-stars, along with legendary character Actor Ben Johnson.

Here is the trailer:

It might seem an unusual choice for the Director of such big box office films as “E.T.”, “Raiders Of The Lost Ark” and “Jurassic Park”, but characters and story were always important in his films, and in this debut, he combined action, drama and emotion well, allowing time for you to care about all of the people involved.

Oh yeah – just one year later, Spielberg’s next directorial effort was released:

Talk about a dramatic leap! While “The Sugarland Express” was critically acclaimed, it didn’t do much at the box office. One year later, he made the biggest hit in movie history!

Here is a look at how “Jaws” changed cinema forever:

https://johnrieber.com/2017/06/23/jaws-42-years-ago-cinema-was-changed-forever-time-to-celebrate-bruce-the-great-white/

Let me know if you’ve seen “The Sugarland Express!”

Zevon! Ziggy! Zeppelin! Wrapping Music “A-Z” With A Hard Rocking Bang!

I’m wrapping up this “A-Z of music” with some classic “Z” music and musicians – and Eminem too! I’ll share his great take on a cult “Z” band in a moment, but first, all hail this classic “Werewolf”!

Warren Zevon – Werewolves Of London”

He is one of our great singer/songwriters, known for this song as well as “Lawyers Guns And Money”, “Searching For A Heart” and “Muhammad’s Radio”, but these may be his most revered lyrics:

“I saw a werewolf drinking a pina colada at Trader Vic’s
His hair was perfect
Werewolves of London again
Draw blood
Ah-ooo
Werewolves Of London…

“Excitable Boy” was Warren Zevon’s biggest album, and here is the wacky and wonderful “Werewolves Of London” music video with Warren:

When Zevon was diagnosed with cancer, he went on David Letterman’s show and told us to “enjoy every sandwich”…click here to see that moment:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/12/14/warren-zevon-werewolves-of-london-brilliant-letterman-final-appearance-musics-mutineer/

Another music legend also died too young, and created an alter ego that is still iconic today:

“Ziggy Stardust” by David Bowie

It was Bowie’s fifth album, released in 1972, and it heralded the debut of a new figure in rock and roll, his alter ego Ziggy Stardust:

Here’s how Bowie described it:

“What I did with my Ziggy Stardust was package a totally credible, plastic rock & roll singer – much better than the Monkees could ever fabricate,” David Bowie later said of his definitive alter ego. “I mean, my plastic rock & roller was much more plastic than anybody’s. And that was what was needed at the time.”


As Rolling Stone said just last year:

“In fact, what Bowie concocted on 1972’s The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars was more than just a fresh, clever concept. Ziggy was a tight and cohesive song cycle that laid out a visionary direction for pop music, setting a new standard for rock & roll theatricality while delivering his synthetic ideal with campy sex appeal and raw power.”

This video is from a terrific BBC documentary on the making of “Ziggy Stardust”:

Bowie’s death stunned music fans.

Here is a look at some of the incredible music and movies he left us:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/01/11/david-bowie-rip-diamond-dogs-to-young-americans-great-music-the-hunger/

Up next is a cult song from the 60’s that was resurrected brilliantly by Eminem:

The Zombies – “Time Of The Season”

It was the psychedelic 60’s, and The Zombies captured it perfectly with this iconic hit with the instantly memorable lyrics!

“What’s your name?
Who’s your daddy?
Is he rich like me?
Has he taken, any time
To show you what you need to live
Tell it to me slowly (tell me what)
I really want to know
It’s the time of the season for loving”

Lead Singer Rod Argent wrote this smash hit, which was recorded at Abbey Road studios in 1967, and released in 1968, where it reached #3 on the Billboard charts…it is use extensively in film and TV.

Here is music video filled with classic images of “swinging London” in the mid-60’s:

Recently, Eminem sampled the iconic hook from the song for his “Rhyme Or Reason”, but he did more than that, he integrated the lyrics too!

Here are all of the lyrics for Eminem’s “Rhyme Or Reason”, making great use of not only the song’s great hook, but those lyrics as well!

I’m a huge Eminem fan, along with everyone else on this list, including the greatest rock’n’roll band of all time!

Zeppelin, Led Zeppelin – “Stairway To Heaven”

Yes, I might be breaking the rules, but we all know them as Zeppelin, and since it’s my list, let’s not forget they were the greatest rock and roll band of all time! I mean, who else looked like this onstage!

The song is a classic of course, with incredible lyrics, like those that end the song:

“And as we wind on down the road
Our shadows taller than our soul
There walks a lady we all know
Who shines white light and wants to show
How everything still turns to gold
And if you listen very hard
The tune will come to you at last
When all are one and one is all
To be a rock and not to roll”

“To Be A Rock And Not To Roll…” Indeed!

Such a great song.

Here they are performing “Stairway To Heaven” live in 1975:

While I love this song, and this band, I did post a story that stated it was only the 2nd greatest song in rock history – click here to see what’s my #1:

https://johnrieber.com/2017/08/13/the-greatest-rock-anthems-whos-1-the-beatles-led-zeppelin-let-the-rock-off-begin/

Let me know if you enjoyed my “A-Z” trip through music!