RIP David Bowie…

This has shocked music fans around the world…the announcement that David Bowie has died of cancer at the age of 69.

“Look Up Here, I’m In Heaven”

These are the first words of his music video just released…here is the brand new song “Lazarus”:

“Black Star” was released late last week on the singer’s birthday, and it’s a prescient look at what he knew was ahead…

I was just listening to one of my favorite albums of his, and was planning on posting about it…

“They Call Them The Diamond Dogs!”

“Diamond Dogs” was Bowie’s 1974 concept album: a marriage of the novel “Nineteen Eighty-Four” by George Orwell and Bowie’s take on a future that was a bit like the film “Escape From New York.”

Bowie had tried to license Orwell’s book for a theatrical play but was denied, and so the album was released, with a song “1984” included.

Here is a live version of the title track from 1996 I found on youtube…an updated feel to the song, but with the same great Bowie theatrics:

The album is also known for one of his biggest hits, “Rebel Rebel”…here is a great version of that song as well – from the era in which it was recorded:

Bowie was also an Artist and a great Actor, with “The Man Who Fell To Earth” his classic sci-fi film…and he wasn’t afraid to be commercial:

His erotic horror thriller with Susan Sarandon, “The Hunger” is good trashy 80’s fun…you can read about it here:

http://johnrieber.com/2013/03/11/the-hunger-sex-blood-bowie-new-music-lusting-for-vampires/

Alex and I saw his art exhibit in Chicago last year, and it only reinforced the various creative facets of his career…

RIP David Bowie…

Look At THIS Potato!

Yes, it’s EXACTLY what you think it is – and so is THIS!

And if you want to see what a potato is SO good at, then you have to check this out as well!

Time To Celebrate The Potato – Paris Style!

My wife Alex and I were in Paris recently, and we enjoyed three of the most amazing potato dishes – so I had to share them.

All three take a potato – always a tasty treat – and elevate it into something magical!

Let’s begin with what was our single favorite dish on our trip!

Welcome To Caviar Kaspia – And Their AMAZING Caviar-Topped Potato!

Yes, you are looking at something almost too delicious to describe!

In the Place de Madeleine, there are great food stores such as Fochon, and an incredible Cavair restaurant as well!

Caviar Kaspia sells caviar and other specialty items to take home, and has a restaurant inside as well. Once inside, you are given a great menu of caviar options, but the specialty of the house is this amazing potato dish!

Talk About A “Stuffed” Potato!

You are brought a potato skin – but the potato inside has clearly been removed, mashed with tons of butter and cream, and then stuffed back in – and topped with an amazing amount of caviar, with 4 different kinds to order…

You are also given a side dish of creme fraiche to add to the dish…and it melts immediately into the hot potato – but the caviar stays ice cold – oh, and if you are thirsty, you can order an ice cold vodka to go with it as well..

As I said, this was the single best dish we had in Paris, and the staff is friendly and helpful, the environment is casual yet upscale, and the food is terrific!

As exotic as this potato dish is, our next favorite is masterful simplicity!

Chez L’Ami Louis Has A Masterful Potato Cake!

This is simplicity, perfectly executed – a layered potato cake that is topped with raw garlic and fresh parsley – the rest is up to you!

The iconic Paris bistro “Chez L’Ami Louis” is known for their flawless bistro food – such as their legendary $125 chicken for two…

But it’s the side dish that rocks – a perfectly formed potato cake with chunks of potato that are soft inside, but nice and crunch on the outside – and a huge pile of fresh garlic and parsley to stir in…

If this makes you want to know more about this great restaurant, read my story about the $125 chicken here:

http://johnrieber.com/2013/04/20/chez-lami-louis-love-this-125-paris-chicken-garlic-potato-cake-rocks-too/

And finally, I found an unexpected place where potatoes were given a chance to shine! Time to head to the home of the pig!

There is a restaurant in Paris that celebrates the pig 24 hours a day, 365 days a year!

But forget the swine:

Look At What These Potatoes Are Soaking Up!

What you are looking at is a pig’s trotter that has been de-boned and then stuffed with foie gras!

And it is served over potatoes that drink up every single drop of the pork gravy goodness!

I never thought about the potatoes at Au Pied du Cochon until this trip, when I ordered the de-boned pig trotter and had it arrive on top of perfectly roasted potatoes!

There is plenty of delicious gravy soaking in as well – as tasty a potato dish as I have ever had – and I had to capture our night there by doing a “mirror” version of a selfie:

Au Pied du Cochon is a really fun bistro – if you want to see more of their menu – and more pig’s trotter as well, check out my story:

http://johnrieber.com/2013/04/18/pigs-trotter-cochon-pork-spread-celebrating-swine-in-paris/

As you can see, Paris know how to treat a potato right! I also recently posted about our 7 days in Paris, where we ate 10 Michelin stars…food like this:

This salmon was “cooked” on dry ice! Check out this recipe and so many more by clicking on my story here:

http://johnrieber.com/2016/01/09/bite-into-paris-7-days-10-michelin-stars-an-amazingly-tasty-adventure/

And let me know what you think of these potato dishes!

The True Story About A Brilliant Musical Mashup! David Bowie Sings With Freddie Mercury!

In looking back at David Bowie’s incredible career, there is one very unique song he wrote – or co-wrote that is! It’s one of music’s best-loved songs: Queen teaming up with David Bowie for the classic “Under Pressure!”

It’s a song that was fueled by lots of wine and other substances – well, according to folklore…so just how did David Bowie end up recording with Queen?

It All Began In Switzerland….

Doesn’t everything? Well, in this case, Queen had been working on the song – at the time called “Feel Like”, at a recording studio in Montreux, Switzerland. David Bowie was a friend and came by to sing backing vocals on another Queen song, “Cool Cat”…

They started jamming together on “Feel Like”, and they ended up with “Under Pressure!” Queen Guitarist Brian May told Mojo magazine in October 2008 that:

“It was hard, because you had four very precocious boys and David, who was precocious enough for all of us. David took over the song lyrically. Looking back, it’s a great song but it should have been mixed differently. Freddie and David had a fierce battle over that. It’s a significant song because of David and its lyrical content.”

Here is a terrific, fan-created acapella mashup of the song, focusing on performances by each singer:

Author Mark Blake wrote a terrific biography called “Is This the Real Life?: The Untold Story of Freddie Mercury and Queen.” His book has a few more choice bits about the recording…

Blake writes that Bowie and Mercury “swap[ped] verses blind, which helped give the song its cut-and-paste feel.”

And stories abound that the band and Bowie enjoyed copious amounts of wine – and other substances while recording the song.

Brian May gives an in-depth look at every facet of the recording of the song, which he admits begins with a lot of wine at a local restaurant…but he also gives a lot of terrific insight about the creative process at work – which began when Guitarist John Deacon played 6 chords for Bowie:

“Ding-Ding-Ding Diddle Ing-Ding!”

Here is how May described what happened next:

“Suddenly hunger took over and we repaired to a local restaurant for food and a fair amount of drink. (Local Vaux wine as drunk in Montreux is a well-kept secret).

A couple or three hours later, we’re back in the studio. “What was that riff, you had, Deacy?” says David B. “I was like this”, says John Deacon.

“No it wasn’t, says Bowie – it was like this”.

This was a funny moment because I can just see DB going over and putting his hand on John’s fretting hand and stopping him.

It was also a tense moment because it could have gone either way.”

So Bowie’s interest in those 6 chords led to the recording of a masterpiece – and you can read how it all came together by clicking on May’s interview with The Mirror here:

http://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/brian-tells-how-david-bowie-7161073

“Under Pressure” is considered one of Bowie’s greatest songs – and of course, Queen released it on their next album as well…

Here is the official Queen video:

David Bowie’s death caused an overwhelming outpouring from fans – and every single friend and fellow Artist praised his honesty, warmth and generosity…

Here is a look at some of the music he created that I loved most:

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

He also starred in a number of great movies, but perhaps my favorite is the erotic thriller “The Hunger”…

Queen also created an amazing amount of great music, and Freddie Mercury was a mad genius…here is a look at their masterpiece, “A Night At The Opera”:

http://johnrieber.com/2014/02/23/queens-brilliant-night-at-the-opera-freddie-mercurys-musical-madness/

Let me know what your favorite Bowie music is!

Grab A Bite With Julia Child!

She may no longer be with us, but Julia Child is still entertaining us! Julia cooked in this kitchen….and you can see it up close! It’s time for a tasty treat for foodies!

Welcome to Washington DC, the nation’s capital and a great place to see our country’s history up close…

It’s safe to say that The White House is one of the world’s “most selfied” buildings…and I am guilty as charged, but there are many other iconic buildings you can capture yourself in front of as well!

Here is the “currently begin refurbished” Capital building, the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial…

One goofball standing next to me said “I thought it would be bigger!” Um, it looks plenty big enough to me…

All of these are inspiring to see up close, but some of the city’s most memorable sights take place indoors…

Julia Child Is Cooking!

Enter The Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History for an amazingly tasty food treat! It’s the original kitchen that Julia Child cooked in when she lived in Massachusetts!

Julia Child’s Kitchen at the Smithsonian is located in the West End Gallery on the first floor of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History in Washington DC. It includes the entire 14′ x 20′ kitchen from Julia Child’s Massachusetts home – she donated it to the National Museum of American History in 2001.

The kitchen exhibit is surrounded by text panels, photographs, selected objects, and a video: “Julia Child’s Kitchen Wisdom”.

The tape contains clips from many of Julia’s cooking shows, from the 1960s black-and-white series “The French Chef”, to “Julia and Jacques Cooking at Home”, which was taped in her Cambridge kitchen in the late 1990s – and it looked exactly like this!

As a foodie, I had to capture myself in her kitchen – well, right outside the glass at least!

The iconic Julia Child was America’s most-beloved Chefs, but read her terrific autobiography and discover it was a passion she learned later in life…and here is a hilarious “Julia Child remix, using all of her catch phrases!

Happy Birthday, Julia Child! The Classic Chef Remixed!

I had the chance to see Julia’s original provencal stove, and my wife Alex and I had the chance to cook on it!

We attended a week-long cooking class with Author/Chef Patricia Wells…and Julia gave Patricia her stove when she left Provence…and Patrica keeps it looking meticulous! Read all about our Julia / Patricia “Chanteduc” adventure here!

http://johnrieber.com/2012/09/26/a-taste-of-french-cooking-provencal-villages-and-patricia-wells-adventures/

Cooking in Provence was an amazing adventure…but if you can’t get to France, you can head to Washington DC to see Julia’s kitchen and so much more!

You can also see the air and space museum as well, to get a peek inside some of NASA’s earliest spacecraft…we literally just shot a guy into outer space on the head of a pin!

I am fascinated by Washington DC: incredible history, and as you know, a raucous political culture!

Here is a fascinating book that digs into the culture of DC right now – read all about it here:

http://johnrieber.com/2014/12/02/dirty-sexy-politics-the-politics-of-brilliant-book-this-town-washington-dc-expose/

I also had the chance to explore the neighborhoods around The White House, and came across this macabre historical site:

When you go by the infamous Ford Theater, the downside to our nation’s history is brought back to life…and here is the house where President Lincoln was taken after being shot, and where he later died…

And back at The White House, one of our greatest Presidents was killed not by his attempted Assassin, but by the White House Doctors who treated him!

Yes, there is a great book about President James Garfield…read that shocking story here:

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

Let me know if you’ve been to Julia’s kitchen!

A Tribute To These “Lyin’ Eyes…”

As the music world mourns the loss of founding Eagles member Glenn Frey, great stories are emerging about some of the songs he wrote.

My friend Alison Martino shared one of the best: a classic Eagles song written on a restaurant napkin!

” You Can’t Hide Those Lyin’ Eyes”!

“Lyin’ Eyes” was written by Don Henley and Glenn Frey – the two wrote most of the Eagles songs, and this is one of their best.

Glenn Frey talked about the origin of the song many times, and how the piercing lyrics were due to a scene they witnessed in a bar!

Frey and Henley hung out at Dan Tana’s, located in West Hollywood near the Troubadour club. As Frey tells the story, Dan Tana’s is where the most beautiful women in Hollywood hung out. What they saw one night inspired them to write the song lyrics right there!

Here is a classic live performance by the Eagles from 1977, with Frey on lead vocals:

Frey and Henley saw a couple meet at the bar and as they watched them, they imagined an illicit rendezvous, resulting in one of the Eagles’ greatest songs….

The Classic “One Of These Nights!”

“Lyin’ Eyes” was the second single from “One of These Nights” – and reached #2 on the Billboard charts…

Here is some additional trivia: the song was kept off the top spot by Elton John’s single “Island Girl”!

“One Of These Nights” was the band’s second #1 album in a row, and cemented their superstar status…

Frey and the band won a Grammy Award for Best Pop Performance by a Group for the album…and next up would be what is considered the band’s masterpiece:

Vintage Los Angeles!

“Hotel California” includes the iconic shot of the Beverly Hills Hotel on the album cover. My friend Alison Martino covers legendary Hollywood on her website “Vintage Los Angeles”. She posted this story about “Lyin’ Eyes” last night:

“Dan Tana’s Restaurant employee, Arturo Saucedo spoke about his memories of Glenn Frey on ABC and KTLA this evening. (I bet the news saw our post about “LYIN’ EYES” being written on a napkin at table 4 earlier today!)

Arturo has been working at Dan Tana’s for 23 years and waited on Glen and his family numerous times. “He was always polite and smiling. He favorite dish was the New York Steak with Chianti. I will really miss him!”

Alison has great stories about classic Hollywood – follow Alison on her “VLA” website here:

http://alisonmartino.com

RIP Glenn Frey.

The documentary “History Of The Eagles” shows how driven he was – hungry for success, but also shows the creativity and passion for music he had…

Here is a look at that remarkable documentary:

http://johnrieber.com/2012/10/04/eagles-no-peaceful-easy-feeling-here-just-heartache-tonight/

I saw the “History Of The Eagles” concert tour in 2013, and the band never sounded better:

Here is a portion of “Hotel California” that the band performed that night – as you can hear, they were flawless:

Here is my review of that concert, along with some clips of the concert:

http://johnrieber.com/2013/09/21/history-of-the-eagles-amazing-concert-old-friends-return/

RIP Glenn Frey!

“Unplug the jukebox, and do us all a favor…
that music’s lost its taste so try another flavor…”

Band: A Flock of Seagulls (Mike Score in the centre).
Bad eighties hair hairstyle

Time To Rock Your Hair Off!

Time to return to a time when music had synthesizers, wild wild hair and a distinctly British beat!

It was a time of rebellion in music, with angry rock from “The Clash” running headlong into a new “hairstyle” of music!

Seagulls! Ant Music! Bow Wow Wow! Welcome To 80’s “Animal” Brit-Pop!

They had ridiculous hair styles, face paint and wild band names, but they made some great “Brit pop!” Let’s take a look that three bands with great hair!

Taking Flight With A Flock Of Seagulls!

A Flock of Seagulls were what wikipedia called an “English new wave and synth pop band” – and that fits their bill exactly! The band was formed in Liverpool by brothers Michael “Mike” Score (keyboards, vocals) and Alister “Ali” James Score (drums), along with Francis Lee “Frank” Maudsley (bass) and Paul Reynolds (guitar).

Mike’s colorful hair got the band a lot of attention. A number of colorful albums ensued, including the smash hit “I Ran!” The band’s look and musical style was very reminiscent of the 80’s “new wave” trend…

Their songs were catchy, pure british power pop with a ton of synthesizers. Here is the great music video for “I Ran!”

My favorite “Seagulls” tune is “Wishing (If I Had A Photograph Of You)” – here is that great music video as well!

Band: A Flock of Seagulls (Mike Score in the centre).
Bad eighties hair hairstyle

The song “D.N.A.” won a Grammy Award in 1983 for Best Rock Instrumental Performance.

“I Ran” and “Wishing” were huge hits, but even with the unique hair, the Seagulls weren’t destined to stay in the air for long…speaking of unique 80’s hair, imagine how much more unique it becomes when you add face paint:

“Unplug the jukebox, and do us all a favor…
that music’s lost its taste so try another flavor…”

Time For The Flavor Of “Ant Music”!

One of the 80’s most colorful front men was Adam Ant! Adam Ant (born Stuart Leslie Goddard) played bass in a pub rock group called Bazooka Joe – and here’s a great bit of trivia – they were the band that headlined when Sex Pistols played their first concert in 1975!

Soon after, Adam And The Ants were formed! I love how brash they were: “that music’s lost its taste” indeed, so they announced a new flavor!

Here’s the “very 80’s” music video for their breakthrough hit “Ant Music!”

Adam And The Ants also had a big hit with “Stand & Deliver” – here is that music video!

The band didn’t last long, but Adam Ant has staged a number of comebacks over the years, and I will always love to listen to “Ant Music!” Now here is a great transition: let’s meet the band who went from Adam Ant to this young singer!

Meet Annabella Lwin!

Annabella Lwin’s story is a fascinating one which begins with a mass defection from Adam Ant’s band!

Bow Wow Wow was created by legendary Music Promoter Malcolm McLaren to promote his and then girlfriend/business partner Vivienne Westwood’s New Romantic fashion lines.

In 1980, McLaren persuaded guitarist Matthew Ashman, drummer David Barbarossa and bassist Leigh Gorman to leave Adam and the Ants and form a new group.

The band spent six months looking for a lead singer before discovering 14-year-old Annabella Lwin working at her local dry cleaners!

The “Bow Wow Wow” Controversy!

As you can see from the photo above, the very young singer was featured partially nude. For the cover to a 1982 EP, the band parodied Manet’s masterpiece ‘The Luncheon In The Grass’, with singer Lwin completely naked…

Lwin’s mother alleged exploitation of a minor for immoral purposes, which resulted in a Scotland Yard investigation! As a result, the band was only allowed to leave the UK after McLaren promised not to promote Lwin as a “sex kitten”!

Bow Wow Wow Wants “Candy!”

The band had a smash hit called “I Want Candy!”

Here is the music video!

The controversy over Lwin’s age faded, as did the band’s success…still, they crashed the stage with style and a distinct beat…what makes British music my favorite!

Elbow! Doves! Athlete And More!

Here are some of the best British bands of the decade – from the critically-acclaimed Elbow to the band I say is “for people who think Coldplay is too hard-edged”:

Read all about these great new British bands by clicking on my story here:

http://johnrieber.com/2014/09/21/the-new-british-invasion-keane-athlete-doves-elbow-kasabian-long-live-rock/

Let me know what you think of Ant Music!

“Eugenie, you’ve just discovered life’s deepest purpose: the quest, the grail mankind has sought throughout the ages – ultimate power of human beings. Yes, the power which comes from the pleasure of giving pain.”

Provocative dialogue like this can only be from one classic film:

“Eugenie!” Her Journey Into Perversion! Christopher Lee’s Most Shocking Movie!

Yes, the Marquis de Sade’s most disturbing work was made into a cult classic, now being released on a great blu-ray!

As you can see, legendary Actor Christopher Lee stars in the film – except he doesn’t!

It’s a classic Hollywood tale: an Actor makes a movie he immediately regrets…but in this case, the Actor is barely even in the film! Time to look into the madness of:

“Eugenie! The Story Of Her Journey Into Perversion!”

I have posted about the films of Director Jess Franco before: he was one of Europe’s most notorious soft-core sex Auteurs, with many of the films starring his wife, the legendary Lina Romay.

As you can see from the subtitles, Franco was obsesses with sex: sex of all kinds. So it’s no wonder he made the greatest adaptation of a Marquis de Sade’s notorious work:

Here is the plot:

Eugenie lives with her stepfather, a famous writer of erotica. One day she reads one of his “erotic” books and she finds herself sexually attracted to her stepfather. He notices this, and eventually brings her into his dark world of sexual perversion and murder!

Well, then check out this movie trailer!

What follows is a whole lot of nudity, shocking sexuality, and Christopher Lee – yes, CHRISTOPHER LEE!

Christopher Lee’s “Shocking” Performance!

As you can see from the movie poster, the film is “guest starring Christopher Lee”…yes, the same Christopher Lee who was in some of the greatest films ever, like “The Lord Of The Rings”…

Christopher Lee’s Sex Movie!

So how did this legendary Actor end up in a European S & M film? Well, it’s a great story that shows what can happen in Hollywood – and the best part is, we can hear from the legendary Actor himself about it!

Lee spoke candidly about his role in “Eugenie” in the book “The Films of Christopher Lee”. Here is his great recollection of the events surrounding his role, beginning with him hearing that another legendary Actor was hired for the movie:

“George Sanders was to have done the picture; for some reason, he was not able to. Then a distinguished German actor was hired. On arriving in Barcelona, where the picture was made, he received word his wife had been killed in an accident. So someone in the production rang me up and asked me if I would come to Barcelona and do it on Saturday afternoon and Sunday, and then go back home. The part was that of Domance, who narrates the story.”

“I saw no reason not to do it: after all, George Sanders, the German actor, etc… So I went to Barcelona. Six months later, to my dismay, I was walking along Old Compton Street, in London, and to my horror I saw this film advertised at the kind of cinema that only shows exploitation films. It seems after I had left, they shot a lot of similar scenes in which everybody took their clothes off. In one scene, I had my back to the action, and behind me it showed some naked girl. This was created by the cutting. I wasn’t pleased. I made my feelings known, but it was to no avail”.

So there you have it, Lee acts in a film without even knowing what the film was about! That said, the film was just released in a terrific blu-ray package, because it is regarded as Franco’s finest film – even if he pulled a fast one on Lee!

This new blu-ray release includes some interview material with Lee as well, so you can hear more about the making of the film, and the “fast one” Franco pulled on the legendary Actor!

This doesn’t seem to surprise me – after all, Jess Franco wasn’t shy about exploiting anyone and everyone, including his wife!

The “Hot Nights Of Linda” is just one of Franco’s notorious sex shockers starring his wife…you can read all about the infamous “banana” scene by clicking here:

http://johnrieber.com/2014/03/11/lindas-shocking-hot-nights-lina-romays-classic-sexploitation/

Franco was quite the Director, making some of the most outrageous – and worst – films of all time:

If you want to read more about this fascinating Director, here is a story about some of his wackiest films:

http://johnrieber.com/2013/02/17/countess-perverse-lorna-the-exorcist-jess-francos-naked-masterpieces/

Let me know if you’ve seen Christopher Lee’s S&M masterpiece!

Hungry? Wrapped Your Mouth Around This!

A bacon-wrapped hot dog simmering in sweet-and-sour sauce. It’s just one of my favorite “street” foods – whether you buy it on the street or pop into a shop and walk away with it – “street food” is one of my passions, and I want to share my favorites with you!

Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs! Octopus Balls! Canneswiches! My Five Favorite Street Meals!

I am happier than I look, I promise! I am in Cannes, France enjoying one of my favorite meals of all: a sandwich from one of the local kiosks.

Cannewiches!

The south of France is lined with food kiosks, where you can grab a sandwich and eat it while the world drifts by on the French Riviera.

A “Pan Bagnat” is one of my favorites: flaky tuna with sliced egg, vinaigrette and lettuce on a soft french roll…yes indeed!

You can see more of the great tasting food available in Cannes kiosks by clicking here:

http://johnrieber.com/2013/04/29/cannes-french-riviera-charm-soup-de-poisson-cannes-sandwiches/

Another great place to wander the streets and eat off of food carts is Seoul, South Korea…

Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs in Seoul!

I took a team from G4 to Seoul to film stories about their technology and gaming cultures, but we found plenty of time to enjoy the food as well!

These hot dogs are wrapped in raw bacon and then left to simmer for hours in a sweet and spicy korean sauce…just one of the things I loved about Seoul!

Seoul, South Korea is an amazing city with a vibrant street culture – here’s a look at the street food carts:

You can wander through their street markets and find dried fish strung up for sale to take home and season your meals – here’s a video of some of those food stalls at a street market I found:

The street venders were everywhere, and this caught my eye: a hot dog stand where the dogs were bacon-wrapped and simmering in a sweet and sour sauce…

In addition, you could also buy a super-sized hot dog with a very unique distinction: it’s been battered and fried with crinkle-cut fries!

I will remember this food adventure forever: the people I encountered spoke no english but were helpful, friendly and fun!

You can see more of this adventure here:

Seoul Food! Bacon Hot Dogs! Hanging Fish! A Delicious Korean Adventure!

Another city with a great “street food” culture was Amsterdam, where they serve one of my favorite foods of all:

Frites w/ Mayonnaise in Amsterdam!

Yes, a good old-fashioned bag full of fries! They are sold at this spot I found in Amsterdam:

Hard to miss the shop with the large “cone of fries” outside, and a huge vat of oil fries up potato wedges all day long…and then they squirt a large dollop of any sauce you want right on top…my favorite is mayonnaise!

The best part of Amsterdam french fries is that they are served in a rolled up newspaper with a big squirt of mayo right on top!

You can see more of my Amsterdam adventure, including a tour of the “red light” district – where cameras aren’t allowed…click here for more:

http://johnrieber.com/2013/05/13/amsterdam-windmills-mayonaise-fries-red-lights-and-baked-goods/

I loved my food adventure in Amsterdam, but you don’t have to go around the world for worldly flavors…here’s an example:

Pork Belly Tacos In Chicago!

There’s a new taco stand in Chicago with some amazing flavors! Velvet Taco is located in the Gold Coast neighborhood of Chicago.

Velvet Taco serves up soft tacos that you can walk away with – like this “Crisp Pork Belly” taco, which has house pickles, grain mustard, tomato, red onion, minor celery, celery salt and of course delicious pork belly!

The flavor is intense, the soft taco firm enough to hold all of the extra toppings…and I also enjoyed this taco:

A “Shrimp And Grits” Taco!

Blackened shrimp are topped with crispy pepper jack cheese grits, charred tomato poblano and a spicy remoulade! It was as good as it looks!

And this may be a more straightforward taco, but a fried fish taco with remoulade is amazing as well!

Chicago has many “pop in” food joints, and Velvet Taco is one of the best!

Finally, I want to share one of the most unique food stands I have ever come across!

Octopus Balls in Tokyo!

I wandered through Tokyo’s Asakusa district and came across this incredible food stand: serving up Octopus is many unqiue styles: on a stick and of course, “Octopus Balls!”

I ate the Octopus on a stick, and of course a platter of fried Octopus Balls: topped with a creamy asian sauce and deliciously deep-fried, I could eat these balls forever!

Of course, not ALL food in Tokyo is for everyone:

Yes, these are “Almond Fish!” It’s a popular snack in Tokyo, just one of the many unique items I sampled there. You can see more here:

http://johnrieber.com/2012/12/23/crazy-tokyo-food-coffee-jelly-meat-fish-mix-octopus-bar-almond-fish/

Let me know what your favorite “street food” is, what what you think of a “Shrimp and Grits” taco!

The Tragic Story Of Yvette Vickers!

The life of a Hollywood sex symbol can be difficult: it’s a hard transition from Hollywood starlet to life out of the spotlight, and for some, it’s an impossible transition to make…

Meet Sex Kitten Yvette Vickers!

Young starlet Yvette Vickers had it all in 1950’s Hollywood: beauty, sex appeal, and a bawdy view on life…she was poised to become one of Hollywood’s newest sex kittens!

Two things cemented Vicki’s stardom….The first being a classic cult film that rode the wave of 50’s sci-fi:

“Attack Of The 50-Ft. Woman!”

This is one of the most entertaining films of the 50’s, a huge hit that made Vickers a household name.

Here is the very entertaining trailer for “Attack Of The 50-Ft. Woman”:

Cue The Sexual Revolution!

The following year, Vickers posed for a new and scandalous magazine – Playboy! You have to remember that, in the late 50’s, nude photographs in magazines like Playboy were shocking, but at the end of the 50’s, America was ready to be jolted out of complacency, and a sex kitten like Vickers was just what the country needed!

Her 1959 Playboy pictorial was photographed by legendary filmmaker Russ Meyer!

Vickers became a cult icon, and in the 60’s she acted in several more films, and then became a common face for decades at conventions and film festivals, where she signed autographs and lived life as a “former” sex symbol.

A Death In Beverly Hills!

It is here where the story turns tragic: for decades, friends and neighbors in Beverly Hills saw Vickers changing.

People magazine ran a great story about Vickers. Here are some highlights:

“She was bright and intelligent, but she became very paranoid about people stalking her and talking about her behind her back,” her longtime friend Boyd Magers, 70, of Western Clippings magazine tells PEOPLE. “She lost her looks. She became very overweight.”

She also became “delusional” after she was no longer being invited to film festivals that tended to be “an ego boost for a lot of actors and actresses who have been forgotten from Hollywood,” says Magers.

Vickers lived off Benedict Canyon in Beverly Hills. One day in May 2011, neighbors noticed mail that was stacked up. Yvette’s small two-story house in Beverly Hills had fallen into disrepair. As People magazine states, “a fruit picker held up part of the house’s framing. A door had a panel broken, mended with duct tape. Rusty shade umbrellas hung out on the tiny upstairs balcony. The shingles on the home’s roof were pulling apart.”

A Shocking Discovery!

A neighbor went into the house to look for Vickers, and instead discovered her mummified corpse! Police think she may have been dead for almost a year…she was 82 years old when she died….

The People article goes into more details, and can be found online, but the saddest part of this story is that a beautiful Actress slowly drifted into obscurity…as People reported:

“Some of my neighbors – myself included – have been given a bad wrap for not checking on Yvette,” says neighbor Rick Trent. “We are not inconsiderate people. Yvette was a recluse by her choice.”

Stardom is elusive, and staying in the spotlight for decades is almost impossible in Hollywood…some just can’t handle life after fame…whatever led to Vickers’ death, the stories note that life after Hollywood was more and more difficult for her…

It is also, unfortunately, a story that isn’t unique. I have written about other sex symbols in Hollywood who met a tragic ending:

Jayne Mansfield was one of Hollywood’s most famous sex kittens, but she also met a tragic end. You can read that story here:

http://johnrieber.com/2014/12/28/jayne-mansfield-the-tragic-life-of-hollywoods-legendary-sex-kitten/

Some sex symbols, however, manage to navigate that difficult path from stardom – one such example is the legendary Mamie Van Doren!

Mamie Van Doren
Screen Legend Mamie Van Doren launches Mamietage Wine
held at Eleven Restaurant – Arrivals
West Hollywood, California – 14.11.07
Credit: (Mandatory): Dimitri Halkidis / WENN

This sex symbol is still going strong, with active social media and celebrity appearances…read all about this amazing woman by clicking on my story here:

http://johnrieber.com/2015/07/07/mamie-van-doren-legendary-hollywood-sex-kitten-untamed-sex-symbol/

RIP Yvette Vickers…

Dustin Hoffman Gets Gritty!

You may know Dustin Hoffman for a lot of great movie roles, but I bet you don’t know him as a hardened ex-con trying to do his “Straight Time!

“Straight Time” is a neglected gem – this 1978 crime drama starred Hoffman alongside Harry Dean Stanton and Gary Busey.

Here is the gritty trailer from 1978:

The film begins with Hoffman being paroled after serving several years in prison. He attempts to go straight, get a regular job, and just go by the rules, but due in part to a corrupt Parole Officer, Hoffman ends up going back to his very rough ways.

A young Theresa Russell co-stars as a social worker who gets involved with Hoffman, and sees how his past is catching up to him once again. She is just one of many young faces to show up in the film…

Hello, Kathy Bates!

Yes, you may think of Kathy Bates from films like “Misery” and “Primary Colors”, but a very young Kathy Bates also stars in the film as Gary Busey’s wife, who fears that Hoffman’s return may spell trouble for her husband…

Dustin Hoffman Fires… Dustin Hoffman!

Here’s a great movie legend surrounding “Straight Time”: Dustin Hoffman was going to direct himself in the movie, but after the first day he fired himself!

Yes, Hoffman allegedly “fired” himself after the first day, giving the job to friend Ulu Grosbard so he could focus on acting the complex lead role of Max Denbo!

“Straight Time” is a great crime drama, with an amazingly intense performance by Hoffman, who spent time in prison to research his role. This is one of the last of the great 70’s films. Only a few years later, Hoffman would show his flair for comedy with the brilliant “Tootsie”!

Here’s a look at his performance in that film, along with a look at his co-star Bill Murray’s directorial debut:

http://johnrieber.com/2013/08/27/quick-change-bill-murrays-forgotten-classics-tootsies-and-clowns-welcome/

“Straight Time” was directed by Ulu Grosbard, who years earlier had directed Dustin Hoffman in one of the most obscure films of the 70’s:

“What A Title!”

“Who Is Harry Kellerman And Why Is He Saying Those Terrible Things About Me?” is one of the wildest movies titles ever – and here are five more!

http://johnrieber.com/2015/11/30/cinemas-strangest-movie-titles-sex-witches-dustin-hoffman-slimeballs-too/

Of course, folks who were there in the early days of E! know that Dustin Hoffman made history when he came to the set of the iconic “Talk Soup!”

Yes, Hoffman appeared with his “Lawyer” Jon Lovitz, an amazing end to a wild stunt the show team pulled…read all about it here:

http://johnrieber.com/2013/01/18/dustin-hoffman-directs-quartet-dustins-best-one-liners-is-it-safe-hey-im-walkin-here/

Since it’s Oscar season, Hoffman also is part of the Academy Awards “X-rated Oscar” history:

Only one X-rated film has won Best Picture, and Hoffman was in it! Read all ALL 13 of Oscar’s X-rated nominations by clicking on my story here:

X-Rated Academy Awards! Obscure Oscar Trivia! Oscar’s Thirteen “X-Rated” Nominations!

As I mentioned, films like “Straight Time” and “Midnight Cowboy” were gritty action films, and here’s another 70’s classic of the genre:

Lee Marvin, Gene Hackman and a very naked Sissy Spacek star in this 70’s crime drama – you can read all about it here:

http://johnrieber.com/2014/03/23/prime-cut-grindhouse-classic-gene-hackman-vs-lee-marvin/

And the 70’s had some unusual action heroes as well – like Walter Matthau!

Matthau starred in a number of gritty action classics like “The Laughing Policeman”, which you can read all about here:

http://johnrieber.com/2014/02/07/bank-robbers-and-bus-massacres-charley-varrick-the-laughing-policeman-walter-matthau-action-star/

And finally, Roy Schneider starred in 70’s classics like “Jaws” and “Sorcerer”, but he was also in one of the early 70’s best crime thrillers!

“The Seven Ups” has one of the best car chases in movie history, all up the west side of Manhattan! Read all about this classic crime drama here:

http://johnrieber.com/2012/09/07/new-yorks-gritty-movie-streets-taxi-drivers-subway-hijackings-cop-chases/

Leave a note and let me know which of these classic 70’s crime dramas you’ve seen!

“Rebel Yell” Indeed! “The Wedding Planner”! Why Billy Idol Matters!

It’s more than just the music – it’s the sneer, the swagger, the “Billy Idol-ness” of him – it’s time to remind you why Billy Idol matters!

Billy Idol. Photo by Walter P. Calahan, USA TODAY

Billy Idol has been a music icons for decades, with such smash hits as “Rebel Yell”, “White Wedding” and “Dancing With Myself” – but he is also so much more!

First, let’s get to this amazing piece of film trivia:

Billy Idol Starred As T-1000 in “Terminator 2!”

Well, he was supposed to! James Cameron hired Billy to play the legendary bad robot T-1000 in “Terminator 2”, but shortly before filming was to begin in 1990, Idol was in a motorcycle accident in Hollywood! His injuries were so bad he was unable to perform in the film. The role then went to Robert Patrick – who did an amazing job!

Cue The Bio!

Here’s some biographical information about Billy Idol, who was born William Michael Albert Broad in Stanmore, Middlesex, England. The name Billy Idol was inspired by a school teacher’s description of Broad as “idle”. In an interview in 1983, Idol said the name:

“was a bit of a goof, but also part of the old English school of rock. Billy Fury and all that. It was a ‘double thing’ not just a poke at the superstar-like people … It was fun, you know?”

Idol was a member of the 70’s punk rock band Generation X before launching his own solo career in the 80’s, hitting it big with hits like this:

Rebel Yell!

“Rebel Yell” showcased Idol’s swagger, arrogance and ability to command a stage.

Here is the “unbelievably a part of the 80’s” music video!

White Wedding!

Idol had a lot of great songs, from the ballad “Eyes Without A Face” to “Dancing With Myself” and this classic rocker.

Here is the hilariously entertaining 80’s video for “White Wedding”:

Billy Idol Rocks “The Wedding Singer!”

One of the best cameo appearances ever is when Billy Idol shows up at the end of the Adam Sandler / Drew Barrymore comedy “The Wedding Singer.”

First, here is the trailer:

This is Adam Sandler’s best film: a sweet, romantic and very funny comedy starring Sandler as a Wedding singer who is helps bride-to-be Drew Barrymore plan her wedding.

Of course, Drew’s husband-to-be in the film is a total dick, and at the end of the movie, Sandler enlists the help of Billy Idol in a hilarious way:

Idol steals his scenes, with just the right touch of “Billy Idol”, while also coming across as charming and sweet. And he writes well too!

“Dancing With Myself” Autobiography!

Idol did what many big stars do: as this terrific photo shows, he sat himself down at a typewriter and typed out the fiery story of his life!

The memoir was a smash hit, and the book reminded people about Billy Idol and his impact on pop culture. EVERYONE remembers those classic MTV music videos. So time has been good to Billy: he shows up on TV and in film, has a bestselling book, and still tours worldwide as well!

Billy Idol. Photo by Walter P. Calahan, USA TODAY

Billy Loves Siouxie!

Time for more great Billy Idol trivia!

Idol was briefly a member of “Siouxsie and the Banshees” in 1976!

Yes, Billy was briefly a member before co-founding the punk band “Generation X” with Tony James!

Thanks to Shea Magazine for these fun facts – click on the link to their site for 6 more!

http://sheamagazine.com/billy-idol-who-knew-8-fun-facts/

Billy Idol wasn’t the only British rocker shaking up MTV in the 80’s – there was this guy too:

Band: A Flock of Seagulls (Mike Score in the centre).
Bad eighties hair hairstyle

Yes, the hairstyles were SO 80’s at times weren’t they? Still, I loved “A Flock Of Seagulls” and other bands of the 80’s…read all about the “Animal music” of the 80’s here:

Classic 80’s Brit Pop “Animal-Style”! Flock Of Seagulls! Adam Ant! Bow Wow Wow!

And let me know your favorite Billy Idol song!

Ever Wanted To “Take To The Road?”

It’s the favorite mode of transportation for the young and free – stick your thumb out and see the world!

Well, that doesn’t sound nice! You see, life “on the road” isn’t all Jack Kerouac…it’s a dangerous world as well!

“Thumbs Up! Knives out!”

Time to look at the exploitation movie genre focused on hitchhiking – and just how horrifically dangerous it can be!

“The Scorching, Reckless Joy Rides Of Wild Girls Of The Road!”

As early as 1958, shrewd movie Producers figured out that women out on the road alone were great fodder for exploitation, especially when filmed in “naturama!”

And a few years earlier, Hollywood knew that life on the road was a thriller! Take a look at this film noir classic from 1952, written and directed by famous movie star Ida Lupino!

In the 70’s, the relaxation of indecency and obscenity rules meant that these hitchhiking films could get more and more outrageous!

“There Is No Such Thing As A Free Ride!”

As you can see, there is no such thing as a “safe ride”! In the 70’s, drive-in theaters were filled with wild exploitative films like this:

“It Was The Longest Ride Of Her Life!”

As you can see, the movie posters promised a film full of young women making bad decisions and paying the price – but these movies were more likely to involve lots of nudity AND revenge!

“Hitch Hike!”

European star Franco Nero starred in this cult film, now being re-discovered thanks to DVD and blu-ray! Here is the trailer for this forgotten classic:

“Hitch Hike” is a psychological thriller that is a rough 70’s gem – but perhaps the most iconic film dealing with the horror of hitchhiking is the 80’s classic “The Hitcher” with Rutger Hauer!

Take A Ride With “The Hitcher!”

This cult classic from 1986 tells a straightforward tale: a young man who escapes from a crazed hitch-hiker – then finds himself framed for the “hitchers” crimes!

As you can see, NOTHING good happens when you pick up a hitchhiker, no matter what these posters suggest!

This is just one category of exploitation film that is so much fun to watch – another classic of exploitation is this one:

Naughty Stewardesses!

Talk about having fun while flying! This genre got its start with the release of the bawdy novel “Coffee Tea or Me?” Read all about it here:

http://johnrieber.com/2014/05/30/naughty-stewardesses-swinging-cheerleaders-centerfold-girls-classic-70s-exploitation/

I said earlier that many of these films were actually about empowered females turning the tables on stupid guys…perhaps no more so than this genre:

“Tough as nails” biker chicks are always fun to watch, and you can see the best ones by clicking on my story here:

Sexy Chopper Chicks! “Naked” Cycle Sluts! Sex! Violence! “Hog-sploitation”!

And finally, there was one genre that was so good that even David Hasselhoff got into it!

Yes, “The Hoff” starred in a cheerleader movie! Find out which one by clicking on my story here:

http://johnrieber.com/2015/02/19/cheerleaders-pom-pom-girls-david-hasselhoff-as-boner-cult-classics-rah-rah-rah/

Let me know what your favorite genre of exploitation is!

Immortal Words From The Legendary Hunter S. Thompson!

It’s one of his most famous quotes, and it sums up the majestic insanity that was Hunter S. Thompson. And wait until you see what I found – his bizarre interview with Rolling Stones Guitarist Keith Richards!

The Story Of Hunter S. Thompson!

Thompson was one of the greatest non-fiction writers of all time, creating a “gonzo” style that has never been replicated – his unique take on non-fiction reporting includes this classic of the genre:

“Fear & Loathing IN Las Vegas” is a masterpiece – this legendary book tells the story of his journey to Las Vegas to cover a police convention, joined by his Attorney…it was turned into the cult classic directed by Terry Gilliam, starring Johnny Depp as Thompson and Benicio Del Toro as his insane legal counsel…

Hunter S.Thompson became internationally known with his first best-selling book – “Hell’s Angels: The Strange and Terrible Saga of the Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs.”

In order to write this amazing book, Thompson spent a year living with the Angels, experiencing their lives and hearing their stories first-hand – and the experience almost got him killed!

Thompson’s Take On Presidential Politics!

His book on Presidential politics, “Fear And Loathing On The Campaign Trail” is also a classic, and is a seminal look at covering Presidential candidates on the road. But the most amazing thing I came across was his work – on TV!

“The television business is a cruel and shallow money trench, a long plastic hallway where thieves and pimps run free, and good men die like dogs. There’s also a negative side.”

“Good Men Die Like Dogs…There’s Also A Negative Side.”

How can you not love that quote? It speaks to Thompson’s unique style as a Writer, and when you see this amazing TV interview with Rolling Stones Guitarist Keith Richards, you can see what he was like as a person as well!

Here it is:

The interview was filmed by ABC, but it never aired – and I can only imagine the conversation at ABC as they debated what to do with this incredible piece of material!

Thompson’s health deteriorated and in 2005, the Writer committed suicide at the age of 67. In accordance with his wishes, his ashes were fired out of a cannon in a ceremony funded by his friend Depp and attended by friends including then-Senator John Kerry and Jack Nicholson!

And what about Keith Richards?

Well, the legendary Guitarist wrote his own memoir, which is a terrific book – and Johnny Depp paid homage to him with his wacky performance in the “Pirates” movies!

But there is one movie Keith doesn’t really want you to see:

Yes, this profane movie actually exists! It’s the legendary documentary that captures the band on the road in the early 70’s…if you want to see why it’s rarely seen, just click here:

http://johnrieber.com/2012/12/16/crossfire-hurricane-censored-c-blues-the-stones-turn-50/

RIP Hunter S. Thompsn – let me know what you think of his interview!

Watch Your Head! There’s A Plane Landing!

Wow! Talk about a close shave! This is a REAL photograph of a plane landing right on top of beachgoers in the Caribbean – talk about a close shave!

As you can see, this is one tight landing – and it happens in the Caribbean country of Saint Martin…

Here is video recorded last month – it shows a Md-83 PAWA Dominicana flight coming so close to people at Maho Beach on Saint Martin that it almost looked like they could touch it!

Wave to the incoming passengers!

You can see this pic and many more amazing photos here:

http://www.airliners.net/photo/Pan-Am-World/McDonnell-Douglas-MD-83/2761216/L/

And there are a number of great photos and videos showing beachgoers enjoying this close shave day after day after day!

If you love adventure travel, this is a must see. I love seeing amazing travel adventures from all around the world…for example, I’d love to eat some chinese food here:

A “Cliffhanger” Of A Restaurant!

Yes, in China you can eat at a restaurant that clings to a cliff and offers you this view!

It almost doesn’t matter if the food is any good, but if you want to peruse the menu, you can by clicking on my story here:

http://johnrieber.com/2014/05/27/cliffhanger-dining-chinas-terrifyingly-delicious-cliff-restaurant/

And if you need something even MORE adventurous – well, what do you think about hiking on this trail:

Hang On, Hikers!

Yes, this is a trail you can hike in China! And if you think this is only for Ninja Warriors, you are wrong – all kinds of people actually hike this!

I couldn’t imagine doing this, but as you can see, lots of people do it!

See more incredible pictures here:

China’s Glass Bridge Cracks! World’s Most Dangerous Hiking Trail! China’s Extreme Adventures!

And if you aren’t in the mood to hike, but just want to drive through China – or better yet, ALONGSIDE a river, then consider this:

Yes, it’s a bridge the doesn’t go over a river, it goes alongside it! Check this amazing stretch of road here:

Amazing China Highway Runs Over LENGTH Of River! Wild China Adventures!

And finally, if you just want to read more about amazing travel adventures in China, then you have to check this book out:

Yes, there is a book that looks at this unique country – Troost has written four travel books, and I recommend them all! If you want to see all of them, just click on my story here:

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

So, explore the world and let me know: would you reach up and touch this plane?

Time To Say “I Love You” With Bacon!

Yes, these “bacon roses” are the best way to tell someone you care! And if you need more, then try this:

THE LOVEBURGER!

In the mood for love? I thought so…and what better way to show it than this perfectly shaped Valentine’s Day burger, just one of many crazy things happening between buns today!

Behold The “LOVEBURGER!”

It sure is, a nicely formed patty and bun that says “I love you!” And if you really want to impress someone this Valentine’s Day, then give them this gift:

The World’s MOST EXPENSIVE Bacon Sandwich!

Yes, this is the “Bacon Bling” sandwich at Tangberry’s cafe in Cheltenham, England!

Two years ago, they set a new record for the world’s most expensive bacon sandwich!

This incredibly expensive burger was invented by Tangberry’s owner Paul Philips – and it sells for £150, almost two hundred dollars!

This Burger Sets A NEW “GOLD STANDARD!”

The burger is stuffed to the gills with ground beef, eggs and what the restaurant calls “rare breed bacon” – then they add black truffles, truffle oil, gold leaf, gold dust and saffron!

Now, back to a gift you can make yourself that says “I love you” in the most unique way!

Bacon Roses!

If you aren’t up for a trip to England, you still have time to get these in the oven:

Click here to see the entire recipe!

http://johnrieber.com/2013/02/10/valentines-day-bacon-roses-more-bacon-love-jerseylicious-olivias-cheeseburger-hat/

And when in doubt, there is always THIS solution! As always, our friends at White Castle are ready to roll out the red carpet for you this Valentine’s Day!

Yes, an annual tradition continues at White Castle restaurants – a social Valentine’s day menu…let me know how you plan to bite into Valentine’s Day!

How About Waking Up To THIS Review?

Legendary Comic George Burns, after seeing the movie, said:

“For the first time in 65 years, I wanted to get out of show business”.

Time For The Demented Madness Of “The Gong Show Movie!”

If you haven’t heard about this movie, you are missing one of the strangest films ever released by a major studio – receiving some of the worst reviews of all time – but, in its own bizarre way, a wildly entertaining movie! First, let’s remind you about the mastermind behind it:

Meet Chuck Barris!

TV Exec-turned-Producer Chuck Barris created some of the longest-running TV game shows in history, including “The Dating Game” and “The Newlywed Game!”

But of course, his masterpiece of TV insanity was “The Gong Show!”

I don’t think we could ever have gotten to Simon Cowell and “American Idol” if it wasn’t for this series, which gave people a chance at stardom – and ridicule….a wildly entertaining talent show where all of the talent was awful – need proof?

Meet “Gene Gene The Dancing Machine!”

Here is one of the “breakout” stars from the show:

“The Gong Show” also introduced America to “The Unknown Comic”, who always performed with a bag on his head!

The success of this syndicated comedy show led to one of the most surreal films ever released in movie theaters!

Behold the Majesty Of “The Gong Show Movie”!

You saw at the beginning of my post the reaction from comedy legend George Burns…but read some of the movie dialogue:

Father Ed: Today I’d like to pose a Biblical question. Is there reincarnation after death, and if there is, does the individual return in a higher or lower state than he or she held in his or her mortal life?
Chuck Barris: Ooh, that’s an interesting question, Father Ed. What is, uh, what is the answer to that question?
Father Ed: Beats the shit out of me.

The plot is simple: it’s a week in the life of “The Gong Show” host and creator Chuck Barris – who lives through a series of outrageous competitors, stressful situations, a nervous breakdown and other comical characters involved in his life and work on the TV show.

Here is the somewhat amazing preview:

Here’s an amazing fact for you: the film was co-written by Barris and underground film legend Robert Downey Sr. – yes, HIS Dad!

NEW YORK – MAY 08: Actor Robert Downey Jr. and father Robert Downey Sr. arrive at TIME’s 100 Most Influential People Gala at Frederick P. Rose Hall on May 08, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images)

Shout! Factory has a new blu-ray release of this obscure film, which you can read about here:

https://www.shoutfactory.com/film/film-comedy/the-gong-show-movie

And you will see one of the more surreal moments – from the TV show – that was included in the film:

This is footage of Judge Jaye P. Morgan flashing her breasts! This moment was taken from an actual “Gong Show” taping, was censored for TV – and found its way into the film!

And if you want to know more about the wacky creator of “The Gong Show”, here you go!

“An Unauthorized Autobiography!”

Yes, Chuck Barris wrote one of the most unusual autobiographies of all time! In Barris’s autobiography, “Confessions of a Dangerous Mind”, he claims that he worked for the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) as an assassin in the 1960s and the 1970s!

The memoir was turned into a 2002 film, directed by George Clooney!

Here is the trailer:

That’s Sam Rockwell playing Barris…what a surreal life! Oh, the CIA denies Barris ever worked for them in any capacity. After the release of the movie, CIA spokesman Paul Nowack said Barris’ assertions that he worked for the spy agency “[are] ridiculous. It’s absolutely not true.”

Barris wrote a sequel to his bestseller called “Bad Grass Never Dies” in 2004.

If you appreciate what “The Gong Show Movie” delivers, then you must know about this film as well:

“Manos” Indeed!

Widely considered one of the worst films ever made, “Manos: The Hands Of Fate” has some competition….like this:

Yes, there are some wildly entertaining films that may not be critical favorites, but boy are they fun to watch! Read all about them there:

http://johnrieber.com/2015/10/06/manos-hands-of-fate-is-here-halloween-2015-celebrates-horrors-worst-directors-sex-fleshpots-4d-witches/

And let me know if you are going to take the wild “Gong Show” ride!

Tempura!

Tempura!!

TEMPURA!!!

Prepare To Have Your Pre-conceptions About Tempura Blown Away!

A new restaurant has opened in Beverly Hills, California – and has turned the world of tempura upside down!

Welcome To Tempura Endo Beverly Hills!

Tempura Endo recently opened in Beverly Hills, and reviews have been stellar! And when you see what I had to eat there, I hope you will agree! A beautiful new restaurant exterior only hints at what is in store. Inside, there are only a handful of seats – 8 total – all clustered along the sushi counter…

This is a high-end gourmet Tempura adventure. You have three options to choose from – 9 items, 11 items or the big 13 item menu. As they say on their website:

“Our Kyoto-style tempura feature the freshest seafood such as sea urchin wrapped with laver and prawn, and a variety of Kyoto vegetables.
The dinner course includes a seasonal appetizer, the choicest sashimi,
hashiyasume (palate-refreshment side dish), a special original salad, and a rice-dish.”

They hand you the menu that you choose before you arrive, and the menu has your name on it…with a full description of the menu inside.

We chose the “all-in” $280 option…but before you dig into your meal, you must put on your Tempura bib!

Alex put the bib on – my son Jeff went commando! Once bibbed, a plate is set before you with five different salts – you are given instructions when to use each one, including a rice salt, truffle salt, matcha salt and one with a yuzu flavor.

Here is our tasting menu at Tempera Endo, as laid out on our individual menu:

Cold Tempura Appetizer: Kyoto-Eggplant, minced shrimp and ginger dash glee

This is a light, refreshing way to begin – and then you are dropped right into the deep end of magic!

Amuse Tempura: Corn

So, to understand this dish, you have to know that it’s a deconstructed corn on the cob tempura, without the cob!

The corn was slightly crunchy, but full of creamy corn flavor – then, look at the restaurant’s logo on the next dish!

“Branded Shrimp Bread!”

yes, we were next served Shrimp bread – a crispy bite of toasty bread layered with whole shrimp! More fish follows:

Sashimi: three kinds of today’s fish and wagyu

Yes, next up were thick slices of fresh fish: yellowtail, abalone, fatty tuna – served in big fat chunks!

Bring On The Golden Wagyu!

The last beautiful slice on the plate is actually raw Wagyu beef – speckled with gold leaf!

The flavors on display so far have been phenomenal – a unique mix of dishes, and each time we are instructed by a Chef as to which salt or sauce to use – or none at all!

Time For An Incredible Tempura Display!

What you see if tempura shrimp – but this huge Scampi was living just moments before, and with a touch of salt, the delicate crust and incredible flavor just pops – and then you eat the fried head next!

Endo’s Tempura -style1-

That is how it is listed on the menu, and after Live Scampi comes King Crab – a big meaty chunk that is full of flavor – and all of this is amazingly fresh!

Now comes Sea Urchin wrapped in seaweed – probably the most luxurious taste of Urchin I have ever had!

Next, our Chef told us they created this dish just for the Beverly Hills restaurant, since Americans like something unique – and so it is:

A Truffle Stuffed Scallop With Caviar!

Yes, a huge meaty scallop is split in half and then a slice of black truffle is slid in!

Silage and Pea Croquette were next, and each was light, delicate and full of flavor….

Then Comes The Rare Abalone!

One of the more dangerous shellfish to harvest, a couple of wedges of Abalone are served: crunchy and refreshing…

Then, time for a “Refreshment Tempura: Flambee’d Sweet Potato with Zuzu Granite”

What makes this so much fun is the presentation – take a look:

By the way, the tempura batter is flour that is low in gluten – called “weak” flour on the menu – and only hard water is used, except when Chardonnay is added if frying seafood — and the oil is a blend of cotton seed, taebek sesame and safflower oil.

More of this delicate Tempura follows, including this unique Sesame tofu that comes in a paper cone that you mash up like a punching bag – a punching bag also filled with sliced black truffle:

Then, time for some “Wagyu Tempura” – that light batter surrounding a delicious chunk of prime Wagyu beef:

Finally, you are served a Tempura Bowl that is topped by a tempura’d egg, which you poke and unleash hot egg yolk into a bowl of miso soup:

After a refreshing dessert, you are treated to one last incredible show:

Matcha by Tea – Ceremony Style!

The specialty of the house is the special “tea” ceremony…it is actually made for you in an elaborate process they encourage you to film! Here it is:

This intense green tea is creamy, like hot chocolate, and as intensely flavored as any green tea I have ever had…a hot and satisfying end to an incredible meal!

Bravo to Tempura Endo – a memorable feast full of surprises and classic touches…and if you want to enjoy the world’s greatest food, then you must try this as well:

This incredible squid and chickpea dish was served to us in Barcelona…read about the world’s best food by clicking on my story here:

http://johnrieber.com/2015/10/03/bite-down-on-the-worlds-best-food-paris-napa-barcelona-provence-chicago-five-incredible-bites/

Let me know what you think of this amazing tempura!

It began as a Beatles battle, became a plea to John Lennon, and ended up the formation of a new band!

Beatles fans know all about the breakup, but here’s the story of a failed reconciliation between the John Lennon and Paul McCartney…

Paul McCartney’s Disastrous “Wings” Debut! His Plea To John Lennon!

It’s one of McCartney’s least popular albums ever – and it was the first official Wings release – and his first attempt to reconcile with John Lennon – time to look at the creation of “Wild Life!”

First, let’s set the stage: The Beatles had broken up, Paul was being sued by the other band members, and he had released one solo album, “McCartney”:

The album included one McCartney masterpiece, “Maybe I’m Amazed”, and while he looks happy – the “Battle Of The Beatles” was causing him severe financial hardship:

This book takes a great look at the financial battle over the band’s breakup – check it out here:

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

Facing all of these legal battles, Paul retreated to his farm with Linda to record his masterpiece “RAM”:

Widely considered his second solo album, it was in fact credited to “Paul & Linda McCartney” – his only album that credited Linda as well…it was recorded at a time of music animosity towards Paul – not only from the other Beatles, but from fans and music press as well. you can click on my story here to read about the many subtle and overt digs that Paul included on “RAM” toward his fellow ex-Beatles:

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

It was in this atmosphere that Macca decided to form a band and tour again – one of the factors behind the breakup of The Beatles – Paul’s desire to perform live…which leads us to the disastrous debut of Wings!

“Wild Life” was the debut album by Wings and was recorded during July–August 1971 at Abbey Road Studios by Paul, Linda, session drummer Denny Seiwell, and Denny Laine, formerly of the Moody Blues.

Let’s begin with some music! Here is a recently released piece of promotional footage with the first 90 seconds of “Wild Life” being rehearsed!

Paul and his newly formed Wings recorded their first album in just over a week! Paul wanted the songs to be instant and raw in order to capture the freshness and vitality of a live studio recording. Five of the eight songs were recorded in one take!

The Music Of “Wild Life!”

“Wild Life” is, frankly, a wildly fractured collection of songs. The album begins with two slight numbers that feel like rehearsals: “Mumbo” and “Bip Bop”…as pointed out, most of the album was recorded in one take, but the “verite” feel is a strange way to begin…hard to know what point Paul was trying to make. What follows next is a COVER! Yes, the song “Love Is Strange” is a cover of someone else’s song!

To this point, the album feels like you are sitting in on a fun jam session with Paul and the band – the music is relaxed, a bit experimental, and as a listener, I’m not sure what Wings is supposed to be…then comes the title track.

I love this song – “Wild Life” is a haunting, slow rumination that showcases McCartney’s ability to tell a story and evoke images…it begins with a short introductory line before the song begins:

“Applies to the words ‘You’ and ‘Me’
While takin’ a walk through an African park one day
I saw a sign say, ‘The animals have the right of way’

Wild life, whatever happened to
Wild life, the animals in the zoo?

We’re breathing’s so hot, another political nonsense in the air
You’re making it hard for the people who live in there
You’re moving so fast, but, baby know not where”

Here is a video promoting the 2012 remastered version of the album – with the title track “Wild Life” in its entirety:

Side two consists of “Some People Never Know”, a likable song that could have fit on “RAM”, then “I Am Your Singer” and “Tomorrow” – songs that seem like pleasant album cuts, but there was still no single to be heard…suddenly, the album ends with a plea to an old, and estranged friend…

“Dear Friend!”

The most poignant song on the album is “Dear Friend”, which was actually recorded during the Ram sessions! It was Paul’s attempt at a reconciliation with John Lennon.

Paul’s Attempt To Reconcile With John Lennon!

“‘Dear Friend’ was written about John, yes,” Paul said later. “I don’t like grief and arguments, they always bug me. Life is too precious, although we often find ourselves guilty of doing it. So after John has slagged me off in public, I had to think of a response, and it was either to be [to] slag him off in public—some instinct stopped me, which I’m really glad about—or do something else. So I worked on my attitude and wrote ‘Dear Friend,’ saying, in effect, let’s lay the guns down, let’s hang up our boxing gloves.”

This fan video was posted on youtube by “philippemarin17” – using a myriad of shots of the two over the audio of the song:

Here are the song’s lyrics in their entirety – repeated over and over:

“Dear friend, what’s the time?
Is this really the borderline?
Does it really mean so much to you?
Are you afraid or is it true?

Dear friend, throw the wine
I’m in love with a friend of mine
Really truly, young and newly wed
Are you a fool or is it true?
Are you afraid or is it true?”

“Wild Life” Bombs!

“Wild Life” was released to almost universal disdain – the album sold poorly, and critics took glee is pointing out Paul’s failure with The Beatles.

In 1993, “Wild Life” was remastered and reissued on CD as part of ‘The Paul McCartney Collection’ series with singles “Give Ireland Back to the Irish” and “Mary Had a Little Lamb” as well as B-sides “Little Woman Love” and “Mama’s Little Girl” — all recorded in 1972 except for “Little Woman Love”, which was a Ram outtake — as bonus tracks.

Many of these songs ended up on a number of legal – and illegal – McCartney reissues like this:

You can see music videos for “Give Ireland Back To The Irish” and “Oh Woman Oh Why” by clicking on my story here:

http://johnrieber.com/2015/09/12/paul-mccartneys-cold-cuts-classic-macca-one-beatles-legendary-single-gems/

Macca fans know that he released so much great music – just not always on the right album! In this case, many of his best songs of the early 70’s were only released as singles!

Wings took off very poorly, and it was conceivable that the band would never take flight at all. That said, you have to give Paul McCartney credit – after the horrible reception “Wild Life” received, many would have retreated to lick their wounds – but not Paul, he just kept moving forward, and it was only a year later that a new Wings album emerged:

“My Love” Rules The World!

Paul instinctively knew that a hit single was needed, and he gave the world his biggest ever: “My Love” was a worldwide smash, and so was the album “Red Rose Speedway”…but did you know that it could have been known as “RAM II?”

A few of the songs on “Speedway” were originally recorded during the “RAM” sessions! See more about his great album here:

Paul McCartney’s Brilliant “RAM 2!” Wings Soar With “Red Rose Speedway!”

McCartney never looked back after that point, with hit after hit throughout the 70’s…but “Wild Life” will always remain as the strange, disastrous Wings debut…leave me a note and let me know what you thought of it!

TSUKIJI! TSUKIJI! TSUKIJI!

The world’s largest fish market is in Tokyo – the “Tsukiji” Market is one of the most fascinating places I have visited – and I had the pleasure of filming there with G4 and eating there as well – here is a look at this amazing place!

A Shocking Closure!

I was saddened to hear this news: the Tokyo metropolitan government has announced that the city’s famous wholesale Tsukiji fish market will close on Nov 2, 2016!

The Tsukiji fish market opened in 1935 and is one of Tokyo’s most popular spots for tourists to observe the tuna auctions early each morning. These huge sides of Tuna would auction off for as much as $6,000 each!

Here is a look at what it’s like to wander through the market in the morning – this is what I filmed while we were there for G4 TV with eh great team of Vinny Rutherford, Kristen Wheeler, Kristen Rutherford, Takeshi Fukushima, Nick Uemura and Corrado Caretto!

No More Tsujiki Tuna Auctions!

One of the market’s legendary activities was the daily tuna auction: before 4a each morning, vendors would show up to bid on huge Tuna, with a single side of the fish going for upwards of $6,000!

The market is being moved to a larger site, clearing the way for new roads that will be used for the 2020 Olympic games in Tokyo…the end of an era for those who live in Tokyo, and for visitors as well…

Time For One Last Visit With G4!

In 2010, a team from G4 TV went to Tokyo’s legendary market, led by our terrific Host Morgan Webb….and this is what it looks like to film at the fish market – here is some behind-the-scenes video of Morgan filming a standup:

Morgan had the chance to participate in the cutting of a giant tuna – in half! That’s Corrado, Takeshi, along with Kristen and Vinny, all working hard to bring this story him to our viewers…first, you give Morgan a sword AS LONG AS HER ENTIRE BODY!

Morgan’s $6,000 Slice Of Tuna!

Morgan spent time watching the fishmongers do their job – as this was a real cut she was going to make:

She sliced the fish in two, then stepped aside to allow the pros to finish the job:

Outside, it was time to film more sequences…the Tokyo fish market has a core area for wholesale fish sales, but ringing the facility are a never-ending array of shops selling all sorts of seafood!

There were plenty of places to buy finger food – such as these fish sausages on a stick – which I was all set to buy, but got distracted by a series of tiny tiny tiny food stalls that were serving all of the fresh fish being cut up inside the market.

Check out this video!

Sushi For Breakfast!

What better way to begin a day than by having “sushi for breakfast!”

So, the process is easy: find a stall with an open seat, sit down, and then order something. What? Can’t understand the signs? Well, there’s not much you can do about that – there isn’t much english being spoken here…but what you DO have are friendly people who are honestly interested in helping you order – no matter how difficult it might be!

I ate breakfast at the fish market three days in a row – three days of sushi, sushi, sushi. Each stall is operated by master sushi chefs…and older Japanese women who, in my case, served me a bowl filled with yellowtail, sea urchin and rice. They spoke NO english, there were no english menus, and they were, I think, afraid that I was ordering wrong – and since I didn’t speak Japanese, and they didn’t speak english, they just yelled louder at me!

At the end of the conversation I had my bowl of fresh fish and urchin, and they just laughed and laughed and laughed…just another reason why I love Tokyo, one of the most spectacular cities in the world…

If you want to see more reasons why I love this city, see my story here:

Tokyo, A Love Story…Colorful Cosplay! Bikini Robots! Breakfast Sushi!

And if you want to take another incredible adventure with Morgan Webb, well how about the DMZ!

Yes, this is Morgan on the bridge that separate North and South Korea! See her amazing trip by clicking here:

Seoul Food! Bacon Hot Dogs! Hanging Fish! A Delicious Korean Adventure!

Leave me a note and let me know if you’ve had the honor of “sushi for breakfast” at Tokyo’s legendary fish market!

“I know that you’ve been wondering
If I’m the same man inside
Never tried to fool you
’cause I’ve got nothing to hide”

Todd Gives “Fair Warning!”

One of Todd Rundgren’s most spiritual – and brilliant – albums of all was released in 1975 – an album that explored themes that would define his vision of life…time to celebrate that majesty of “Initiation!”

“Initiation” was Todd’s sixth solo album, released in the summer of 1975. There are so many reasons to love this cerebral, spiritual and inspiring collection of music. As critics noted at the time, Rundgren fully embraced the synthesized prog sound he had begun exploring in more depth with Utopia.

Initiation was a concept album broken into two parts – each over 30 minutes long.

Todd Becomes A “Real Man!”

The only “single” from the album leads off the album, and is a statement about Todd’s growing maturity as an Artist…and a shot across the bow to his fans…things are about to change…

Here are the lyrics to the single “Real Man”:

“There it is – way down inside me
It’s a real man
You got to grow up sometime
Be a real man
Suffer them slings and arrows
Be a real man
Now be a real man
Don’t sell yourself for nothing
Be a real man
Don’t take no crap from no one
Be a real man
Get your trip together
Be a real man”

Here is a great video for “Real Man” – it’s from the 1975 TV show “Midnight Special”, and Todd speaks to the audience first to explain why there’s no band on stage – this is great!

The first side was made up of Rundgren’s songs from various rock genres, similar to previous Rundgren albums such as Todd: and since Todd had launched Utopia, all of the members of appeared on this album as well…

“Born To Synthesize” is an experimental song, followed by “The Death Of Rock And Roll”, followed by a bit of Todd humor, on the song “Eastern Intrigue”.

Here’s a great fan video from Youtube:

“There’s jokes there,” Rundgren admits, “but I don’t have that kind of Bill Maher hostility toward religion.”

In fact, at this point Todd looks at the impact religion had on his life – which led to the brilliant title track:

Here are some of the lyrics to “Initiation”:

“Too late to be afraid of the choice that I have made
But there’s one thing I know
Where my spirit says to go,
You know that’s where I must go
When the golden ray
Of the dawn signifies a new day
Initiation”

Here is a live version of “Initiation” from 1977, performed by Todd and Utopia!

The last song on side one is a brilliant song that speaks directly to fans…and includes the members of the Edgar Winter Group:

The Edgar Winter Group were riding high at the time with the smash hit instrumental “Frankenstein” – interesting they performed on the last song on side one, considering that the second side is a 30+ minute instrumental!

Todd Gives Us “Fair Warning!”

Here are some of the lyrics to this brilliant song:

“I know that you’ve been wondering
If I’m the same man inside
Never tried to fool you
’cause I’ve got nothing to hide
I gave you fair warning
I could never be tied down
’til I’ve seen paradise
with my very own eyes…”

Here is another amazing music video, which begins with Todd explaining his philosophy about music, then it goes into the music video for “Fair Warning” – WOW!

Make sure to watch all the way to the end!

Thanks so much to “HarryRunt danu” who posted this on youtube.

The song ends with these lyrics – and note all of the references to earlier songs:

“I gave you all fair warning
Now it’s goodbye
And every once in a while why don’t you think of me
’cause it’s a long, long time and a long way to go
Can’t you see the light shining in my eyes
’cause it’s just one victory
’cause your dream goes on forever
Don’t you know that I’ve been trying
To get my trip together
Be a real man
I got to be a real man”

Side one ends where it began, with a short reprise of “Real Man” – similar to how he bookended “AWATS”….then, Todd goes into unexplored territory…as he explains in the great book “A Wizard A True Star: Todd Rundgren In The Studio” –

“Ever since ‘A Wizard, A True Star’ I had gotten into this habitual problem of recording more than could fit on a record.”

Yes, “Initiation” was one of the longest albums ever released – more than 67 minutes of music! The second side is the synthesized instrumental work “A Treatise on Cosmic Fire”, named after a 1930 book of the same name by theosophist Alice Bailey. Rundgren performs all of the instrumental parts, co-written and performed as well by Utopia band member Roger Powell.

Here’s a video of part one, which is covered with some amazing landscape imagery:

The album is one of the longest single LPs of all time, almost 68 minutes long! Due to the length of the LP, Rundgren sped up the master tape to eliminate 2-3 minutes per side as well as EQ’ing and limiting the recording’s dynamic range to fit the entire album onto one piece of vinyl!

The album’s original inner sleeve included a “Technical Note” stating “Due to the amount of music on this disc (over one hour), two points must be emphasized. Firstly, if your needle is worn or damaged, it will ruin the disc immediately. Secondly, if the sound does seem not loud enough on your system, try re-recording the music onto tape”!

“Initiation” was certainly a musical departure for Todd – an album side full of spiritual songs, with a second “cosmic” side…of course, fans loved it, as it showed Todd heading into new musical territory…and he keeps making music today!

Todd Is “Global!”

Todd is currently on tour to support his new CD “Global” – first doing a tour full of new material, and now out with a sort of “greatest hits” collection!

Here are some videos from his stop in Beverly Hills:

http://johnrieber.com/2016/01/07/todd-rundgren-rocks-beverly-hills-todds-2016-tour-reviewed/

Let me know what you think of Todd’s spiritual “Initiation!”