You Know The Face…

He’s the most famous drummer of all-time…one of four members of the greatest musical group ever…and the luckiest man in rock’n’roll?

NO!

Ringo Starr was the most accomplished musician when The Beatles drafted him to take over the drumming from Pete Best. He helped give Paul and John’s songs a driving beat that helped propel them to stardom. Ringo was the heart and soul of The Beatles, and has always deserved a bit more credit than he got for the group’s success…

I assume you’ve heard of the band…The Beatles are, of course, the most influential and creative band ever assembled – and during their worldwide trips, did you know they sent postcards to friends and family?

Yes, I own one of the limited editions, autographed mail boxes that holds reproductions of these missives….more of them in a moment, but first, let’s find out more about Ringo, thanks to a terrific new biography!

“Ringo: With a Little Help” – by Michael Seth Starr

Forget the similar last name, Michael Seth Starr has covered television as a reporter and columnist at The New York Post since 1995, with a number of great entertainment biographies. Now, he take on the world’s most recognizable drummer!

“Ringo: With a Little Help” looks at Ringo’s entire life, from his sickly childhood to what the book calls his “triumphs, addictions, and emotional battles following the breakup of the Beatles as he comes to terms with his legacy.”

Again, here is this great new book!

The story of The Beatles is an amazing one, and this book takes you inside “Beatlemania” to see how life was inside the band. More importantly, it gives real insight into Ringo’s contribution – as well as his emotional state…

With Lennon and Harrison gone, Ringo and McCartney are the last two to keep the legacy alive, and I love that this book gives him his full due…kudos to Michael Seth Starr for a terrific Ringo bio!

Oh, and did you know that the other “lads” liked to mail stuff to Ringo?

“Postcards From The Beatles!”

I bought this limited edition book that features the reproduction of 53 postcards sent by George Harrison, John Lennon and Paul McCartney to Ringo!

The superb facsimile reproductions of the cards come with drawing and scribbles from the boys, showcasing their spontaneous wit as well as the art of The Beatles. As the promo says: “The messages sent with love and kindness give insight into the unique bond which existed between the members of the Fab Four.”

The entire set came in a specially designed English “postal box” with Ringo peeking out from the mail slot…

My limited edition copy also came signed by Ringo…and as fans of Howard Stern know – from his playing of Ringo’s recent “peace and love” message – Ringo is no longer signing anything. so it’s fun to have!

This is now available to buy as a regular book as well, and it comes with great insights from Ringo himself.

Ringo explains the meaning behind the cards, along with great anecdotes…

“Keep Off The Grass!”

I love this story from Ringo about this card:

“This is just after viewing the “Let It Be” film for the firs time. I didn’t like it that much when I first saw it. It was too much ito the discussions of John and Paul. There was the interesting bit on the day George had left and we just started playing like mad people. That how we dealt with this crisis within the band.”

If you haven’t seen the documentary “Let It Be”, long out of print, here is my story about it:

http://johnrieber.com/2013/04/06/let-it-be-the-beatles-lost-documentary-londons-live-beatles-rooftop-concert/

It’s a great inside look at the breakup of the band…

“With A Little Help From His Friends!”

As the biography says in the title, one song is without a doubt Ringo’s greatest moment: “With A Little Help From My Friends” from “Sgt. Pepper’s” – so here is a live version he performed a few years ago with Paul McCartney!

And of course, Ringo was more than just a drummer!

He was also part of the cult classic “The Magic Christian” – if you want to see Ringo’s great acting performance opposite Peter Sellars, then you need to click on my story here:

http://johnrieber.com/2013/05/02/ringo-starr-the-fab-fours-magic-christian-madness-raquel-welch-dominatrix-great-solo-music/

And yes, he got to spend some time with Raquel Welch as well:

Solo Ringo!

And never forget that Ringo began as the group’s most popular solo Artist after the breakup of The Beatles…he had a string of great singles…read all about the Beatles’ solo years here:

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

I can’t wait to read more about Ringo!

“We want the finest wines available to humanity. And we want them here, and we want them now!”

“Better to be king for a night than schmuck for a lifetime.”

“That Mayor – he don’t know DICK!”

Weekends are for catching up with classic films! Here are the faces of three of the most brilliant, and neglected, comedies of the 1980’s!

Time to celebrate Rupert Pupkin, Withnail AND the best Used Car salesman in the world! Let’s begin with one of Kurt Russell’s greatest comedies ever!

Used Cars!

When the owner of a struggling used car lot dies, it’s up to the lot’s hot-shot salesman to save the property from falling into the hands of the owner’s ruthless brother and used-car rival – no matter what they have to do!

Meet Rudy Russo, the sleaziest used car salesman there is – well, except for all the others. Rudy wants to be a State Senator, and he’ll bribe anyone he needs to in order to achieve his dream of higher office. This hilariously profane comedy was directed by Robert Zemeckis, who went on to make “Back To The Future”.

Along with his partner in crime Gerrit Graham, Russell dreams up a plot to screw his arch enemy Roy Fuchs, played with a deliciousness by veteran character actor Jack Warden.

Roy Fuchs spits out hilarious one-liners like this, when he disagrees with the local elected officials:

“That Mayor – he don’t know DICK!”

Here is some great trivia, courtesy of IMDB: In a scene where Jack Warden argues with Kurt Russell and Gerrit Graham – Graham didn’t have any lines and kept pestering Director Robert Zemeckis for something to say. Finally, he just decides to repeat whatever Russell said to Warden. Apparently Warden was unaware of what Graham was doing, leading to his hilarious response:

“What’re you? A fuckin’ parrot?”

It was Warden’s genuine annoyance at Graham, which worked so well in the scene that it was included in the final cut!

“Used Cars” is one of the great neglected comedies of the 1980’s…along with this british masterpiece of comedy:

Withnail: “I think we’ve been in here too long. I feel unusual.”

Looking for the greatest English comedy of all time? Well, just remember to ask for this:

“We want the finest wines available to humanity. And we want them here, and we want them now!”

Withnail & I

London 1969 – two unemployed actors, Withnail and Marwood, are freezing in their unheated flat – and they are flat broke. They need a plan, and fast. Here is their discussion about calling to ask someone for money…

Marwood: What about whatshisname?
Withnail: What about him?
Marwood: Why don’t you give him a call?
Withnail: What for?
Marwood: Ask him about his house.
Withnail: You want me to call whatshisname and ask him about his house?
Marwood: Why not?
Withnail: All right. What’s his number?
Marwood: I’ve no idea. I’ve never met him.
Withnail: Well neither have I. What the fuck are you talking about?

Withnail: I must have some booze. I demand to have some booze!

The scene where Withnail guzzles lighter fluid is a highlight….he does, after all, demand to have his booze…he has also greased his body up with muscle relaxant to get warm…

Withnail: [after having entirely covered himself in muscle embrocation] Have you been at the controls?
Marwood: What are you talking about?
Withnail: The thermostats. What have you done to them?
Marwood: I haven’t touched them.
Withnail: Then why has my head gone numb?

This movie is hilarious, and a perfect snapshot of life at the end of the 60’s – when hip, mod London turned into the cold, harsh reality of life as a struggling Actor.

From the late 60’s to the early 80’s, let’s go from a struggling Actor to a struggling Comic, who doesn’t think he’s struggling at all…

“Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Let me introduce myself. My name is Rupert Pupkin. I was born in Clifton, New Jersey… which was not at that time a federal offense.”

The King Of Comedy

Without a doubt, one of the best films ever made – released in 1982, and imagined a world when ANYONE could become a star…if you are willing to do whatever it takes….

Here is the trailer:

Rupert Pupkin: “The more scribbled the name, the bigger the fame.”

Robert DeNiro has never been better! DeNiro stars as aspiring comic Rupert Pupkin – who wants to achieve success in showbiz, by ANY MEANS NECESSARY.

“You Should Get Cancer! I Hope You Get Cancer!”

The film really digs into the cult of celebrity – and the price you pay for fame…

Jerry Lewis plays Jerry Langford, the kind of late night…who is shown being stopped by a woman talking on the telephone. When Jerry refuses to talk to someone on the phone, the lady says I hope you get cancer. This incident actually happened to Jerry Lewis. According to Scorsese, Lewis directed this segment himself!

Rupert Pupkin: Better to be king for a night than schmuck for a lifetime.

There is a great new blu-ray that gives a ton of behind-the-scenes info on the movie, and includes a reunion too! Check it out here:

http://johnrieber.com/2014/03/25/the-king-of-comedy-goes-blu-amazing-extras-scorsese-grills-pupkin/

Enjoy your movie weekend!

Here Is “The Burning Man”!

And Now, Meet “The Wicker Man!”

Hmmm….I see a bit of a resemblance…first, a quick primer on what “Burning Man” is…

Behold “The Burning Man!”

According to wikipedia, “the annual event known as “Burning Man” began as a bonfire ritual on the summer solstice in 1986 when Larry Harvey, Jerry James, and a few friends met on Baker Beach in San Francisco and burned a 9-foot wooden man as well as a smaller wooden dog. Harvey has described his inspiration for burning these effigies as a spontaneous act of ‘radical self-expression’.”

This annual event is hugely popular, and combines unique artistic expression with one really big bonfire…and speaking of bonfires:

Here is perhaps the inspiration for “Burning Man”, although this image is steeped with supernatural horror….as one of the participants says:

“Do sit down, Sergeant. Shocks are so much better absorbed with the knees bent.”

The Wicker Man!

One of the most unique horror films of the 1970’s came from England, where acclaimed Writer Anthony Shaffer unveiled the story of a young girl’s disappearance, and one Detective’s efforts to find her…

“FLESH TO TOUCH! FLESH TO BURN! DON’T KEEP THE WICKER MAN WAITING!”

There are times when words simply cannot describe the “power of strange” – this cult classic is simply one of the strangest films ever made – and spawned possibly the worst remake of all time!

First, here is the trailer for the original:

Police Sergeant Howie, played by Edward Woodward, is called to an island village in search of a missing girl whom the locals claim never existed. While conducting his investigation, he uncovers so much more…

Christopher Lee in Robin HardyÕs THE WICKER MAN (1973). Courtesy: Rialto Pictures/ Studiocanal

Veteran horror film Actor Christopher Lee is Lord Summerisle, and as always, Lee is in top form as the leader of this stage island…

Britt Ekland was immediately launched into movie infamy as Willow…a “free spirit” who performs one of the strangest and yes, “most naked” dances in movie history…

Britt Or No Britt?

While the Actress achieved notoriety for the naked dance, it was revealed later that the nude scene was a body double…but the dancing is all her…according to IMDB, “a body double was secretly used for the naked rear shots of Willow dancing. The scenes were filmed after Britt Ekland had left the set. The body double was used because Ekland would only agree to topless shots of her body. After shooting was over, not only was Ekland furious to learn she had been doubled in some shots but that she was also a few weeks pregnant in that scene. Director Robin Hardy says it was Ekland herself who did not want her bottom to be filmed, as she did not like it.”

“The Wicker Man” is widely regarded as one of the best horror films ever made. Not bad for a film that was disowned by its makers on release. There is a great blu-ray release that offers a “Director’s Cut” of the film along with a ton of great extras!

Sergeant Howie: Your lordship seems strangely… unconcerned.
Lord Summerisle: Well I’m confident your suspicions are wrong, Sergeant. We don’t commit murder here. We’re a deeply religious people.
Sergeant Howie: Religious? With ruined churches, no ministers, no priests… and children dancing naked!
Lord Summerisle: They do love their divinity lessons.
Sergeant Howie: [outraged] But they are… a-are NAKED!
Lord Summerisle: Naturally! It’s much too dangerous to jump through fire with their clothes on!

The Movie’s Shocking Finale!

If you want to know how this film ties into “Burning Man”, it’s in the shocking finale:

Lord Summerisle: Do sit down, Sergeant. Shocks are so much better absorbed with the knees bent.

And shocks are what you get when the secret of “The Wicker Man” is revealed:

Of course, as with every cult film, a remake was inevitable…but leave it to Nicolas Cage to make it one of the worst films of all time!

A remake with Nicolas Cage was directed by Neil LaBute – and they misjudged every single aspect of the film…which is worth seeing only because of how ill-conceived it is… seek out the original instead – it is a trip that few filmmakers take any longer.

OK, since you asked, here is the trailer for the remake:

Oh my…and speaking of classic films that become horrible remakes:

How did the classic Korean film “Oldboy” become THIS?

This image released by FilmDistrict Pictures shows Josh Brolin in a scene from “Oldboy.” (AP Photo/FilmDistrict Pictures, Hilary Bronmyn Gayle)

Read about Spike Lee’s disastrous remake by clicking here:

http://johnrieber.com/2013/12/04/oldboy-oh-no-the-worst-remake-ever-film-fight-club-gets-hammered/

And check out “The Wicker Man!”

Chuck Norris! Charles Bronson! Superman!

I love movie history – and here is one of the most fascinating movie documentaries that celebrates the wacky 80’s movie company known as Cannon films!

Time For Some “Electric Boogaloo!”

The new documentary is called “Electric Boogaloo”, and it’s a terrific in-depth look at Menahem Golan and Yoram Globus – two movie-obsessed cousins who launched a film company in the late 70’s that released some of the best B-movies of all time, such as:

“Breakin’ 2: Electric Boogaloo!”

That’s right, the breakdance sensation of the early 80’s “Breakin'” had a sequel with one of cinema’s most ridiculous titles of all time – and of course, it was a Cannon film! Check out the trailer for this new documentary:

Time For Some Cannon Classics!

Cannon Films was known for such b-movie classics as “Enter the Ninja”, “Death Wish 2″ and the legendary Chuck Norris action film “Invasion USA!”

Israeli cousins Menahem Golan and Yoram Globus started Cannon films in 1979, and in the 80’s offered up a never-ending array of low-budget exploitation films and star-studded action movies like Sylvester Stallone’s arm wrestling epic “Over The Top!”

JCVD! JCVD!

The cousins loved action films, which were popular all over the world, so they churned out a lot of them, working with Stallone, Chuck Norris as well as Jean-Claude Van Damme!

The documentary is full of clips from movies such as “Bloodsport” along with interviews with Molly Ringwald, Alex Winter and Dolph Lundgren, who starred in “Masters Of The Universe!”

Golan and Globus were high flyers at the Cannes film festival every year – and legend has it they once signed a deal to do a film on a cocktail napkin at the Carlton Hotel!

Director Mark Hartley has done a great job bringing this story to life…capturing the “anything goes” era of 80’s filmmaking – Cannon never made critically-acclaimed movies, but that wasn’t their goal, and a lot of these movies are still cult hits today!

Probably one of the most fascinating stories about Cannon involves America’s favorite super hero: and how Golan and Globus managed to get the rights to make a fourth “Superman” movie with Christopher Reeve!

There are so many great stories to share and campy movies to celebrate, all thanks to the renegade movie company known as Cannon!

Wait! There Are Even More Great Movie Docs To Share!

I’m now officially a huge fan of Director Hartley, not only for this film but he also made the terrific documentary “Not Quite Hollywood: The Wild, Untold Story of Ozploitation”!

This is also a great inside look at the world of Australian exploitation! “Mad Max” got his start down under, and this documentary shows you some of the wildest movies ever to come out of Australia!

Hartley was also the Director of another fun documentary – that takes you inside the world of exploitation film courtesy of The Philippines!

“Machete Maidens Unleashed!”

This is a great look at low budget cinema from around the world…check out the latest and greatest by clicking here:

http://johnrieber.com/2014/04/10/ozploitation-lives-explore-a-wild-trailer-explosion-from-down-under/

And get a look at some classic Cannon films now!

4th Of July – Burger Fireworks Galore!

Everyone loves the 4th of July! Celebrating our independence from “bangers and mash” is one reason – grilling burgers of all shapes and size is another – like this “double decker!”

Yes, we can “live free and eat hard” this holiday season – for me, I plan to have a more “subtle” cheeseburger…like this one:

Talk About A “Sloppy Joe!”

Ok, that may be just a bit more than I need this weekend, but how can I stop piling on the goodness when it can lead to one of these:

This post is going to celebrate burgers of all shapes and sizes, and share some great recipes for your grilling pleasure as well!

WHAT THE PACHISLO???!!???

I love this picture. My daughter Jessica posed in front of an ad for the “Green Peas Pachislo Burger” when we were in Tokyo…we don’t know what it was, but in hindsight we should have walked in and ordered one, just to get a real picture of it!

First, a big shout out to “Taylor’s Refresher” in St. Helena, California for their great bacon cheeseburger…you can read all about it here:

http://johnrieber.com/2013/01/15/napas-burger-battle-taylors-gotts-great-burgers-a-mondo-burger-fight/

I am going to profile a few of America’s best burger joints as I showcase some great burger recipes….

Building A Better Burger!

Look at this picture above. Your basic hamburger uses good quality ground beef with at least 15% fat content, to ensure lots of juicy flavor. I add minced onion and garlic, pink hawaiian sea salt, pepper, and a bit of Worcestershire sauce….boom, you are ready to grill!

The All-American Bacon-Cheeseburger!

What can you say? Build your better burger this way and you are golden:

Top Bun
Cheese – melted and dripping
Bacon! Bacon! Bacon!
Slider Patty
Tomato
Pickle
Mayonaise, mayonaise, mayonaise!
Bottom Bun

See that? DO NOT DEVIATE – this is perfection.

OK, you can deviate a little…since my daughter and I were in Tokyo earlier, let me share this japanese burger!

The Japanese Wasabi-Avocado Burger!

Make your patty as usual, but this time top it with sliced avocado, and a heavy dose of wasabi mayonaise. Trader Joe’s sells it, or buy some great mayo and wasabi and mix it together to the strength you can handle…this is delicious with a Sapporo!

Lotteria’s “Bacon Cube” Burger!

If you are inspired by a Japanese take to your cheeseburger, check out these unique burgers from Tokyo, thanks to the unique restaurant “Lotteria”…read all about them right here….

http://johnrieber.com/2015/01/29/vote-for-japans-wildest-burger-shrimp-stack-ramen-burgers-everything-burgers-lotteria-wants-you/

If you head to Seattle, you can find one of America’s best burgers…

Bite Into The Dork!

Here’s an incredible burger being made by Seattle’s “Lunchbox Laboratory”! Check out the recipe by clicking on my review here:

http://johnrieber.com/2015/03/12/classic-burger-joints-dicks-drive-in-lunchbox-laboratory-seattles-burger-magic/

I am also a fan of bending the “burger rules” as necessary to offer up a unique taste sensation…and what better sensation to celebrate than “Sriracha!”

The Sriracha Burger!

This is a GREAT idea…the recipe is from the terrific “Serious Eats” website!

3 pounds ground beef (preferably chuck, 80/20)
1/4 cup soy sauce
10 tablespoons Sriracha
4 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
4 slices thick-cut bacon
2 large sweet onions
3/4 cup blue cheese dressing
8 sesame seed buns
8 thick slices Swiss cheese
1 large beefsteak tomato, sliced
Arugula or romaine lettuce

In a large mixing bowl, make your burger patties with the ground beef, soy sauce, 5 tablespoons of the Sriracha and pepper.

Cue The Bacon!

Cook your bacon, then use the bacon fat to cook your onions into a cartelized taste treat!

Grill the burgers, and while they are cooking, combine the blue cheese dressing with the remaining 5 tablespoons Sriracha to use as a topping!

There you go: a cheesy, oniony, spicy, bacon-y thing of greatness!

And speaking of “GREATNESS”, how about a bacon-covered macaroni-and-cheeseburger!

A Bacon Macaroni-and-Cheeseburger With Tater Tots!

Once you’ve tried this, you will never go back to a plain old cheeseburger again!

It’s easy! Instead of cheese, cover your burger with mac’n’cheese! Throw some bacon in there and make sure your tater tots get under the bun as well!

And if you really want to get weird, try my favorite burger of all:

Behold The French Fry Burger!

And of course, my favorite burger of all is this: just add french fries to the top of the burger, then a bit of tartar sauce, and top it off with cheddar cheese – a burger and fries all in one!

No matter which recipe you try, spend this fourth of July doing what all Americans should be doing: eating meat and waiting for the fireworks! Happy July 4th!

“Smile! You’ve Got Bacon!”

Here are more ways you can get the most out of bacon this holiday weekend – we begin with a monstrous bacon cheeseburger that is a work of art:

No, not THAT work of art. I mean bacon that is used as it should be used: to smother a cheeseburger!

Shake Shack does a great job with their bacon-drenched double cheeseburger, but imagine if you added just ONE MORE THING:

Behold The Mac’n’Cheese Burger!

That’s right, it’s burger that is topped with mac ‘n’ cheese…and yes, it’s good! It’s just one unique item topping off a burger…how about this one?

Japan’s Burger King Goes Pumpkin Crazy!

Burger King Japan’s BK Pumpkin, and its bigger, pumpkinier sibling, the Pumpkin Bomb. Via a Google translated press release: both burgers come with beef patties, fried kabocha pumpkin slices, bacon, and lettuce. They’re also topped with a nut sauce made from sesame seeds, peanuts, almonds, cashews, and hazelnuts. The difference between the two? Pumpkin Bomb has a whole bunch more pumpkin on it, ten slices in total. A Pumpkin burger? I don’t think America is ready for this yet….

5 Guys!

So I had my first 5 Guys burger, and yes, it lives up to the hype…this is one juicy, cheesy, tasting burger – and it’s BIG!

I also mentioned that it’s “cheesy”, right? This baby was “all in” – everything they wanted to put on it, they put on it – and it oozed real good…

Your Bacon Org Chart!

However you want to utilize bacon, just follow these simple rules of social media:

And here are some other examples of burgers taken to the extreme…like my favorite from Big ‘n’ Little’s in Chicago – their homage to the Big Mac called the:

“Big Mack Daddy!”

Big ‘n’ Little’s is also famous for their “pork belly po’boy” which you can bite into right here:

Big ‘n’ Little’s really knows how to take bacon and turn it into something special! Of course you need to read more about this amazingly good restaurant, and you can by clicking on my review here:

http://johnrieber.com/2013/01/27/behold-the-pork-belly-poboy-big-littles-bites-down-hard-deep-fried-cheeseburger/

Burger In A Box?!?!?

Oops! A cheeseburger in a box? Who else has ever bought a frozen, pre-made cheeseburger in a box and taken it home to the microwave…..

And sometimes you just want a burger that is SO juicy, you might have to eat it with a spoon?

And of course, you can always just have your bacon ON A STICK!

Read all about the “bacon explosion” being sold at this summer’s Iowa State Fair by clicking here:

http://johnrieber.com/2015/06/25/bacon-explosion-pbnj-on-a-stick-deep-fried-beer-iowa-state-fairs-latest-food-mashups/

And don’t forget your bacon social media – smile, you’ve got bacon!

AJ Benza’s Terrific New Memoir!

I am excited to share this great news: my friend AJ Benza has a knockout of a new book coming out!

It’s called “’74 And Sunny”, and you need to order it now!

I was lucky enough to work with AJ Benza at E!, where he hosted a classic show about entertainment…

“Fame: Ain’t It A Bitch!”

That phrase is arguably E!’s most famous slogan, as it described the classic E! show “Mysteries & Scandals!”

AJ was the Host of the show – and your very opinionated guide into the dark corners of Tinseltown – with some of Hollywood’s most notorious stories.

We worked with a great team, including Executive Producer Michael Danahy and Producer Alison Martino…you can find whole episodes online, and they are worth watching…this show had terrific storytelling, all held together by AJ’s cool, cynical commentary…

“M & S” gave viewers a candid, shocking and honest look at one very unique aspect of Hollywood’s history, with fascinating tales of the town’s excess…

AJ was more than just my Host at E! He’s been on a number of TV shows, and did a great job acting in the 2006 film “Rocky Balboa.”

And now, it’s time to shine a spotlight on AJ’s latest project, a terrific memoir about the best summer of his life!

“’74 And Sunny!”

AJ’s new memoir is published on July 21, and here’s how “Page Six” in The New York Post described it:

“The book follows Benza growing up in a close-knit, Italian-American family on Long Island in 1974. When Ciro, Benza’s cousin, comes to live with the family, his interests include “curling people’s hair and singing along to Liza Minnelli [rather than] playing football,” according to a proposal. Ultimately, the Benza family realizes “that acceptance triumphs over ignorance.”

I love this picture that I found online, as it showcases AJ’s “tough as nails” attitude – I look forward to reading this book – here’s the first glowing review:

“A sometimes-abrasive radio and TV personality’s unexpectedly touching memoir about “the best summer of [his] life.” Benza’s depiction of how he, his father, and his cousin change is what is most satisfying about this book. That one family could make a difference in the life of a misunderstood boy and in turn be transformed by interactions with him is an uplifting message about the true nature of love. A warm and honest memoir.” (Kirkus)

I can only imagine that AJ will be as brutally honest about this summer of his life in the same way he has always been candid – and now AJ has a Facebook page you can sign up for to support this book:

https://www.facebook.com/74AndSunny?ref=notif&notif_t=fbpage_fan_invite

Kudos to AJ for his latest book – which leads me to his first encounter with the printed page:

“Fame: Ain’t it a Bitch – Confessions of a Reformed Gossip Columnist”

Yes, after the huge ratings success of “Mysteries & Scandals”, AJ published a book that told about his wild days in the gossip business in New York. This is also a hilarious and honest look at his life at the time.

Congratulations on the publication of the new book, AJ! I know the whole E! team is rooting for you…and speaking of the E! team, I also want to remind you to check out this:

Celebrate “Vintage Los Angeles”!

Producer Alison Martino, who worked with AJ on “Mysteries & Scandals”, is also an accomplished Hollywood documentarian, and has a terrific website dedicated to “Vintage Los Angeles!” Here she is with Actress Betty Olsen at a screening Alison put on for the legendary Hollywood film “Sunset Blvd.”

You can read all about Alison’s terrific website by clicking on my story here:

http://johnrieber.com/2014/08/20/vintage-l-a-noir-celebrate-las-heritage-amazing-website-and-classic-70s-noir/

Kudos to Alison for keeping great stories of Hollywood’s past alive – and let’s all support AJ by buying his great new book!

“I don’t even want to say double-D, because they’re even bigger than that.”

Celebrate One Of Hollywood’s Iconic Sex Kittens!

Mamie Van Doren is a Hollywood survivor. She is also one of the town’s most legendary sex kittens, and here’s why!

There have been a number of Hollywood sex kittens over the years: many have become legendary, like Marilyn Monroe:

And there are a number of legendary tinseltown sex symbols who have survived to carve out lucrative careers, like Ann-Margret and this smart businesswoman:

“Untamed” Mamie Van Doren!

Van Doren has been in a number of classic cult movies, and is perhaps best remembered for bringing the rock ‘n’ roll-style of music alive in the B-musical “Untamed Youth” (1957)!

Here is the classic trailer – and tell me they didn’t know what they were selling when they used the word “throbbing!”

Some of Van Doren’s more noteworthy movies include “Teacher’s Pet”, “Born Reckless”, “High School Confidential” and “The Beat Generation”!

But Van Doren was just as well known for her provocative roles, in a classic series of “sex kitten” performances that made her every man’s fantasy.

“Girls Who Grow Up Too Fast!”

Yes, that is the provocative headline in the trailer for “Girls Town” from 1959, which provoked censors with a shower scene where audiences could see Van Doren’s naked back! Here is the trailer:

“Sex Kittens Go to College!”

Look at the words on that poster! This 1960 film cemented Van Doren’s reputation as a “girl gone wild!”

“Fun With The Student Body!”

This was a time when Hollywood was trying to “spice up” the movies without running afoul of stringent censorship laws…and a beautiful, aggressive woman was just the ticket…

The Sex Kitten Years!

Van Doren used her popularity to branch out into other areas as well, including being one of the most popular pin-up models of the 60’s:

As the sexual revolution raged at the end of the 60’s, actresses like Van Doren took full advantage by appearing in a number of men’s magazines…

She posed twice for Playboy in 1963 to promote her movie “3 Nuts in Search of a Bolt”, and became a legend with this quote:

“I don’t even want to say double-D, because they’re even bigger than that.”

Read Her Version Of Events!

This iconic sex symbol has survived Hollywood and released her autobiography, “Playing the Field” in 1987.

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

Van Doren is very active on Facebook and Twitter today, and her husband Thomas maintains her website where various merchandise and movies are available – so “follow” her here!

https://www.facebook.com/mamie.vandoren

Of course, Van Doren is not Hollywood’s ONLY sex kitten to have a long and commercially successful career:

Ann-Margret went from acting opposite Elvis to writhing in baked beans thanks to The Who!

Read all about her incredible career here:

http://johnrieber.com/2014/11/23/hollywoods-legendary-sex-kitten-ann-margret-rock-operas-baked-beans-elvis/

There are, unfortunately, a number of tragic stories about Hollywood sex symbols as well – perhaps none more so than Jayne Mansfield:

This Hollywood sex symbol died tragically, but left behind an incredible legacy – read about her here:

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

And one of the more recent tragedies involved rising star Rainbeaux Smith:

Hers is a Hollywood cautionary tale, but her friends and family are helping keep her legacy alive. Read about here here:

http://johnrieber.com/2014/09/20/hollywood-tragedy-70s-starlet-cheryl-rainbeaux-smith-the-runaways-caged-heat/

Congratulations to Mamie Van Doren for a great career!

Behold The Human Body As A Work Of Art!

Here are some of the most beautiful works of art ever created – if you are willing to consider the body as a canvas!

The Planets Align!

Kudos to “TheGuardian.com” for their coverage of this event. As The Guardian notes of the body painting above, “this majestic creation blends planets, alien figures and what looks like a rollercoaster track to turn the model into a galaxy not so far away.”

The beautiful photograph is by Jan Hetfleisch of Getty Images, as is the one below:

The World Bodypainting Festival!

More than 45 countries participated in the 18th edition of the World Bodypainting Festival in Pörtschach am Wörthersee, Austria the weekend of July 3, 2015.

You can see more photos and videos by going to the official website here:

http://www.bodypainting-festival.com/en/home.html

This work is really stunning!

Behold The Work Of Artist Brittney Pelloquin!

Look at the artistry of this:

According to The Guardian, bodypainting artist Brittney Pelloquin “designed this image, incorporating time, a lion, literature, and a watchful eye.”

The amazing photograph is by Didier Messens of Getty Images!

Jan Hetfleisch of Getty Images took the above photo.

Kudos to TheGuardian.com for their photos and great story…read all about it here:

http://www.theguardian.com/world/gallery/2015/jul/06/world-bodypainting-festival-2015-austria-in-pictures?CMP=share_btn_fb

These are stunning works of art, and kudos to the Artists who used the human body for such a gorgeous purpose!

Time To Meet A “Supermensch!”

Here is one of the most entertaining entertainment documentaries I’ve seen – and a terrific inside look at Hollywood – and Hollywood excess – it’s the classic story of Shep Gordon, who did indeed wear this T-shirt while managing the group Alice Cooper:

Mike Myers Tells The Story!

In his directorial debut, Mike Myers tells this fascinating story of the astounding career of the ultimate Hollywood insider, Shep Gordon! Here is the trailer:

Myers takes advantage of a ton of great archival footage PLUS great new interviews with a ton of celebrities who worked with Gordon!

The Making Of A “Supermensch!”

Shep Gordon fell into music management by chance after moving to LA after graduating from college in the late 60’s. He immediately became friends with Jim Hendrix and Janis Joplin!

Gordon helped turn Alice Cooper into a superstar, along with a wide variety of musicians and performers. Alice has some great anecdotes to share about their adventures…

Gordon also managed chefs such as Emeril Lagasse, ushering in the era of celebrity chefs on television!

Mike Myers spent twenty years persuading Gordon to let him tell his story. There is a poignant aspect to their relationship that is revealed in the film as well.

Oh, and Shep was a ladies man too…

This is a GREAT movie, and a fascinating look at the world of music, movies and HOLLYWOOD.

And let’s never forget that because of Shep we have this:

I LOVE Alice Cooper, and as a group and a solo performer, I could listen to classic songs like “I’m Eighteen” and “Elected” forever….which leads to this great movie that uses a Cooper tune:

Yes, the cult classic “Rock ‘n’ Roll High School” includes Alice Cooepr’s incendiary classic, “School’s Out!”

Read all about the classic “blow up your high school” film here:

http://johnrieber.com/2013/02/09/schools-out-rock-n-roll-high-nuke-em-high-and-alice-cooper/

And make sure you check out this classic documentary!

Time For Some “Lego Todd!”

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

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

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

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

“A Lego Dream Goes On Forever!”

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

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

Neglected “Espresso!”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

And here’s to more “Lego Todd!”

“You Can’t Stop Bruce Jenner!”

Forget the controversy about Caitlyn Jenner: what was Bruce Jenner thinking when he starred in a movie with The Village People?!?!?!?

Hello Boys! Caitlyn Has Arrived!

With all of the Caitlyn Jenner controversy continuing to swirl around us, let’s go back to a time when Bruce Jenner swirled around for an entirely different reason – he was partnered up with The Village People – and Steve Guttenberg!!

Can’t Stop The Music!

As the poster says “The Musical Event Of The 80’s”!

Here’s the idea the flamboyant Producer Allan Carr had. Let’s capture this “disco craze” by doing a big budget musical extravaganza starring Steve Guttenberg, the Village People and Bruce Jenner!

First, check out the trailer!

Go Go Nancy!

Oh, and since it was a lavish musical, they decided to get aging “character actress/never-directed-before so let’s have her do it” Nancy Walker behind the camera to direct it!

Walker was best known for her role as Rhoda’s mother on “The Mary Tyler Moore Show.”

A1J7KX Can t Stop The Music Year 1980 Director Nancy Walker Village People

“YMCA!”

Yes, the movie stars The Village People, who sang one of disco’s catchiest songs of all time. But it doesn’t end there!

Bruce Jenner (PLAYING A STRAIGHT MAN), runs around New York City in Daisy Dukes and a bare midriff, with a shrunken tee shirt!

CAN’T STOP THE MUSIC, front from left: The Village People: Ray Simpson, Randy Jones, Glenn Hughes, David Hodo, Alex Briley, Felipe Rose, 1980, © Associated Film Distribution

Because it’s a musical – and because it stars the imcomparable Village People, there are a variety of wildly over the top musical sequences!

In fact, “Village People” member David Hodo was the Construction Worker in the group, and he gets a big solo number, “I Love You to Death”. Hodo jumps around in his skintight jeans, while being clawed at by overly-made-up mannequins in Halston knock-offs!

WOW!

And did I mention Steve Guttenberg?

Yes, Steve Guttenberg!

For reasons you will only be able to understand when you see the film, here he is with Actress Valerie Perrine trying to take Bruce Jenner’s pants off:

No matter how you feel about Caitlin Jenner, and let’s be honest – who cares how someone lives their life – remember this: you DO have a say over the type of movie you choose to star in!

Not sure what Bruce was thinking, but THIS is the real scandal!

Run out in a buying frenzy to get your hands on this masterpiece…and if you need more of the worst films ever committed to celluloid, check out my list here:

http://johnrieber.com/2014/05/03/from-the-beatles-to-flying-severed-heads-five-mesmerizingly-bad-films/

Trust me, when you’ve seen these, you will look like this!

Today’s The Day To Bite Down Hard!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A Krispy Kreme Dog!

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

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

See more of this majestic hot dog by clicking here:

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

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

Spaghetti-Infused Hot Dogs!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“The Double Down Hot Dog!”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hot Doug Shocker!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Band On The Run” Indeed!

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

“London Town!”

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

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

Welcome Home To the Neglected “London Town!”

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

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

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

“Wings Take Flight!”

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

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

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

Wings Torn Apart!

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

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

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

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

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

Paul Had Enough!

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

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

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

Mull of Kintyre Out Rocks Girl’s School!

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

“Three Cheers For The Girls!”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“London Calling!”

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

Macca Is Special!

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

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

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

This was McCartney at his “stadium rock” best…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What can make someone so emotional on a Sunday?

Yes, We Are Talking Bacon!

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

And so begins the story of bacon, three ways:

1. A bacon complaint gone viral

2. an amazing study on the health benefits of bacon

3. bacon-flavored seaweed!

Let’s get started!

Tesco’s Back Bacon Rashers!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Live Forever! Eat Bacon!

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

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

Here are some of the highlights:

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

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

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

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

Bacon is a natural mood enhancer!

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

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

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

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

Seaweed Bacon!

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

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

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

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

Read all about these by clicking on my story here:

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

OK, now get healthy – get to your bacon!

Time To Bite Into Genius!

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

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

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

Meet The World’s Most Inventive Chef!

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

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

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

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

Bite Into A Bellini Ball!

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

Surf Clam Necter With Cucumber!

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

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

Bite Into Some Graffiti!

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

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

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

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

Look Out Above!

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

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

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

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

“Percebes” To You!

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

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

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

This Place Is On Fire – Literally!

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

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

A Foie Gras Butter Sandwich With A Dehydrated Icefish Cracker!

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

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

Grab The Needle And Slide It In!

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

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

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

“Jump Into The Fire!”

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

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

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

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

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

And of course, it’s not over yet:

Hot Potato Cold Potato!

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

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

Time now for your protein:

Rabbit Over Redwood Forest Moss!

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

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

Black Truffle Explosion!

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

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

Bacon Glazed With Butterscotch!

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

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

Apple Leather Balloon!

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

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

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

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

When finished, your table looks alike an abstract painting!

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

Bravo to Alinea!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ready For Some Obscure Cult Horror?

If you are a cult film lover, you can’t help but admire when a film maker creates a unique vision – especially on a low low budget.

Here’s a very imaginative horror film that was made for almost nothing!

Check out the creepy trailer for this horror film from Norway – “Thale”:

This Norwegian horror film finds a way to be very imaginative on almost no budget. Here is the plot, courtesy of IMDB:

Norwegian folklore turns out to be real when Leo and Elvis encounter “Thale” in a basement. A regular cleaning job turns into a struggle for survival, while they’re trying to figure out what or who “Thale” is.

A 10K Movie!

Reports say that “Thale” was shot on a budget of just $10,000! And here is one reason why: Director Aleksander L. Nordaas was also the film’s writer, co-producer, cinematographer, editor, and set designer! He also built the sets and shot most of the film in his father’s basement!

The film’s reviews were mixed, but I am here to celebrate the ingenuity and creative drive that was behind it..a real labor of love, and worth supporting for that reason…now, this next guy doesn’t need any help at all with his self-confidence:

Meet “The Troll Hunter!”

This Norwegian film is also based on a fairy tale – the story of the monstrous trolls that live in Norway’s wilderness! Check out the trailer:

These films are now available on DVD and blu-ray, so you can check out this imaginative Nordic horror in the privacy of your own home!

And if you are in the mood for more “nordic” horror, then check this out:

Yes, the Norwegians were also behind the hilariously over-the-top Nazi Zombie movies known as “Dead Snow”, and of course:

There’s a sequel too! These two movies are actually critically-acclaimed! Check these out by clicking on my story here:

http://johnrieber.com/2014/10/07/nazi-zombies-dead-snow-2-the-five-wildest-zombie-movies-ever/

The Norwegians seem to have a sense of bad taste humor AND a ton of creativity, and they have some great cult horror films of you to discover!

And speaking of cult horror, sometimes the Brits really know how to do it right:

Meet “The Wicker Man!”

Here is one of cinema’s strangest and most iconic horror films from he 1970’s…read all about this cult horror classic – and its disastrous remake – by clicking on my story here:

http://johnrieber.com/2015/06/23/burning-man-inspiration-the-wicker-man-naked-cult-horror/

More recently, an inventive Director named Ben Wheatley has a great moody horror film for you as well:

Check out “A Field In England” by clicking on my story here:

http://johnrieber.com/2013/08/20/a-field-in-england-new-modern-horror-master-ben-wheatley/

And if you like your cult horror a bit more contemporary – and wildly “out there”, then it’s time to head to Japan!

“J-sploitation Lives!”

Yes, the world of “japanese exploitation” is fascinating – known as “J-sploitation”, and it offers up some of the most imaginative and over=the-top movie making in the world today!

“RoboGeisha” is just one of the crazier films in the genre – to see more of the wildest horror films ever, just click on my story here:

http://johnrieber.com/2012/05/31/mutant-girls-pinky-violence-sex-fury-and-lady-snowblood-too-japanese-sexploitation-lives/

Time to explore the wild world of cinema! Leave me a note and let me know what you think!

“Nothing is sweeter than the taste of…”

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

These films were pretty clear in their intentions:

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

An “Adult Experience” Indeed!

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

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

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

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

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

“Honey!”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A Smell Of Honey, A Swallow Of Brine!

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

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

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

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

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

Check out this classic moment from “Brine”:

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

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

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

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

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

The Producer Of “Scum!”

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

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

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

All Hail “Something Weird!”

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

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

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

So much exploitation, so little time!

“I can’t go back to who I was. I’m different now. I sing.”

Time to celebrate a neglected gem of a film – with a beautiful version of Todd Rundgren’s classic ballad “Hello It’s Me” – performed by none other than the great character Actor Paul Giamatti!

It’s The Karaoke Movie “Duets!”

Yes, “Duets” is the best karaoke movie ever made! Of course, was there another one? No matter! It’s an entertaining movie with a great cast, including Huey Lewis, Gwyneth Paltrow, Maria Bello, Paul Giamatti and Andre Braugher!

First, here’s the trailer for this terrific gem of a film:

Yes, There ARE “Professional Karaoke Hustlers!”

Here is the plot of “Duets”: A professional karaoke hustler reconnects with his daughter, while a bored suburban businessman turns outlaw karaoke singer! Karaoke has never been so complicated!

“Duets” is a classic ensemble movie, with a large cast telling a number of different stories, all intersecting at Karaoke events…

Scott Speedman and Mario Bello are among the terrific cast…and here is some casting news: Brad Pitt was originally signed on to be in the film, but after his engagement to Gwyneth Paltrow was called off, he dropped out of the movie.

The film was directed by Bruce Paltrow, Gwyneth’s father. It was the only time they worked together.

The film isn’t perfect, and the tone is a bit off at times, but there is genuine chemistry between Paltrow and Huey Lewis, who is a really good Actor…

Here is some fun trivia: singer Michael Buble is one of the karaoke singers in the final contest at the end of the movie!

Paul Giamatti Does Todd Rundgren Proud!

I am a huge fan of Paul Giamatti – great roles in “Sideways”, “American Spendor” and of course as “Pig Vomit” in Howard Stern’s “Private Parts” among many many others…but he has a great voice too! Here is Giamatti’s rendition of “Hello It’s Me” from the “Duets” soundtrack:

Bravo, Paul! Todd Rundgren should be proud of his version of the song…of course, this is just the tip of my:

“Todd Iceberg!”

The “Wizard And True Star” is going stronger than ever after a 40 year career! Todd Rundgren has spent the last year going “Global”, with one of his best albums ever!

Todd has been on a non-stop worldwide tour to support his latest CD, which you can read all about here – and see a great montage of his 30 years on David Letterman!

http://johnrieber.com/2015/05/05/todd-rundgren-goes-global-new-cd-todds-30-years-on-letterman-one-amazing-video/

Todd has inspired many fans – and fellow musicians over the years, including one creative filmmaker who took one of his catch songs from the 90’s and make it a LEGO movie!

Check out “Espresso” done with Legos by clicking here:

http://johnrieber.com/2015/07/15/lego-todd-rundgren-his-caffeinated-hit-espresso-gets-all-jacked-up/

And finally, I recently re-discovered Todd’s Cyberia event in London!

Yes, I have a signed copy of the original VHS of the concert, which you can read all about right here:

http://johnrieber.com/2015/06/09/todd-rundgren-goes-to-cyberia-behold-the-futuristic-interactive-todd-pod/

So check out “Duets” and enjoy Paul Giamatti’s great rendition of Todd’s most popular hit!