Dope or Nope ...

So, I saw this video of this 1-year-old baby snow boarding ... at first, I thought this was absolutely awesome ... but then I thought to myself, "What parents would allow their 1-year-old child to snowboard?!?!?!?" I mean seriously, is this even safe? Isn't a 1-year-old's skull still soft? Shouldn't they have at least waited until the child was 2? Am I reading too much into this?

What are your thoughts?

Fast Food Corner

This past Friday, I wanted to give the new Subway breakfast a try ... for research purposes, of course. I got up reasonably early, let's say around 6:30 AM (had a bunch of stuff to do), and traveled to the local Subway at around 7:00, figuring that Subway would HAVE to be open at this time of day if they are serving breakfast ... NOPE! Subway apparently doesn't open until 7:30 AM for breakfast ... which wouldn't be a big deal on weekends ... but on weekdays?!?!? When people have to go to work?!?!?!? Really? Who made this decision?

As you can tell, I was very upset by this. It was my plan to have a report for my Fast Food Corner, and now all I have is a post complaining about Subway's ridiculous hours. I apologize to my readers (both of you!). But seriously, isn't this a stupid time to open for breakfast?

Song of the Week ..

This isn't necessarily a new song, but it's new to me, so there ... Coconut Records is an indie band that has musical contributions by members of Incubus, as well as appearances by actresses Zooey Deschanel and Kirsten Dunst (this, according to Wikipedia). I'm rather unfamiliar with their music, but there is one song that caught my fancy - Minding My Own Business, which was released in 2007 ... and thankfully, it doesn't sound like an Incubus song.

No, it's a much slower, bluesy song, almost as if it was something that Jack White may have penned for his Raconteurs. The song features and old "vaudevillian" piano, accompanied by a similar vaudevillian beat ... it's kind of refreshing when a band does something a little different than the "norm" we hear on mainstream radio (my opinion only, of course). There is a catchy guitar hook in throughout the song.

The lyrics are a little sketchy, but from what I gather it's about the importance of keeping your nose out of certain situations. It's definitely worth a listen.

Funny Movie Scene

I've blogged about Strange Brew before ... a movie from the early 80's that has gone seemingly forgotten. If you love beer, and you like dumb comedies, you really need to experience this movie.

I found this scene on Youtube - the "Steamroller" scene. Just plain classic.

Weekly Homework Assignment

It's time once again for Mama Kat's Weekly Homework Assignment! This week, I chose the following prompt: Who are you giving a timeout to? I'm giving a timeout to all the finger pointers in this whole Gulf of Mexico oil spill tragedy. It's downright childish at this point, isn't it?

I mean, there will be plenty of time for finger pointing later. Isn't the most pressing thing to stop the oil from spilling/pouring out? Shouldn't everyone be focusing on a solution first? I think all of these companies would gain a little more respect (and maybe some trust back) if this were the case. That should be job one at this point.

Instead, all the people at BP, Haliburton, and congress continue to point fingers, and call names like little kids on a recess yard. I'm sick of it. Obviously, these companies (and government) care more about themselves than they do about the environment ... they care more about the short-term than the long-term. It's frustrating. Heck, most news sites are tired of reporting on it, as it has slipped off the "front-page."

It's time to grow up and find a solution ... then, and only then can these companies return to acting like spoiled children.

Wacky News Stories

Memorial Day is a-comin' ... and I can't wait for the barbecued chicken, steak, burgers, dogs, and just about any other flesh!

1. On Texas cops mistaking actual weeds for marijuana:
"Do you know what the street value of these dandelions is?"
http://rawstory.com/rs/2010/0522/largest-marijuana-plant-seizure-police-departments-history-turns-mere-yard-work/

2. On England winning the World's Custard Pie Throwing Championship:
"Good to see the Three Stooges influence reaching across the Atlantic!" Or ... "I thought Moe Howard was Jewish."
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/2983693/England-wins-pie-World-Cup.html?OTC-RSS&ATTR=News

3. On a report that airlines may reuse plastic cutlery up to nine times before throwing it out:
"You should see what they do with used toilet paper ..."
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10645985

4. On a 41-year-old man who told police that he was trying to pay legal costs related to a Missouri drug conviction by growing marijuana:
"This sounds a lot like a chicken-and-the-egg complex ..."
http://www.sunjournal.com/oxford-hills/story/849964

5. On a study that finds marriages in which the woman is happier than the man last longer:
"And we needed a study for this?!?!?!"
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-1280077/Want-wife-happy-Be-miserable.html

Dope or Nope ...

Not sure if anybody has seen the Montreal Canadiens' pre-game ... um ... opening, but it's pretty elaborate. So, this kid goes to center ice with this torch, and then pretends to light the ice. As the he does this, CGI is used to "show" the ice going up in flames.

It's really over the top, and those nutty Canadiens fans absolutely eat it up. They are in another league in my opinion. Anyway, I'm wondering if something like this would fly in Philly. Being a Flyers fan, I currently HATE this pregame "ceremony." But, I'm wondering if I'd like it if I were a Canadiens fan. What are your thoughts?

80's Corner

Christie Brinkley ... my god did I have a crush on her! She has to be the definitive girl of the 1980's, kind of like Cheryl Tiegs was the definitive girl of the 70's, right? Christie was the darling of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issues (and probably the cause of many a wet dream across the country). Don't quote me on this, but I believe that Christie Brinkley and Samantha Foxx were the only two posters on most adolescents' and college students' walls.

Inexplicably, she married Rock troll Billy Joel, and appeared in a number of his videos, most notably "Uptown Girl." I think this may have been the time her career began to nose-dive. The thought in my head was, "How could Billy Joel get so lucky? Maybe there's something wrong with her." And, I think I was right.

Fast Food Corner

There was a time when Little Casear's flourished in Delaware County ... we were drowned with those "Pizza, Pizza" commercials with the guy with the big nose and toga. Inexpensive pizza was the name of the game ... and quite honestly, I remember it tasting pretty good for the price. But for one reason or other, most (if not all) Little Caesars pizza shops disappeared from the area, along with those funny yet annoying commercials ... until recently.

A Little Caesar's opened up in Sharon Hill, and as part of our family's Fast Food Friday, we felt we owed it to them to purchase pizza from them. We ended up getting four medium/large pizzas and two big orders of bread sticks ... it all came out to about $28, which I think is a bargain. And folks, the pizza remains good to this day. Not only that, but the bread sticks were quite delicious too ... for the price, this stuff beats out Pizza Hut and Dominos (but it won't be able to beat out the mom and pop stores).

Ah, here's an old commercial that I remember well:

Song of the Week

As some of you may have heard, the Rolling Stones released a remastered version of arguably their greatest album ever this past week - Exile on Main Street ... and I say "arguably" because it's what the critics say. Truth be told, it's not my favorite Stones album - sure, it's definitely top 5, heck, maybe it's even third ... but I digress. The cool part about this re-release is that the Stones basically went back to the session tapes, and "found" 10 additional songs to release with the deluxe edition ... which of course I immediately purchased on Tuesday.

The songs on this additional cd are, for the most part, really good ... certainly, they could've been placed on the original Exile on Main Street album and nobody would've complained. One song on this "new" cd stands out - it's called "Follow the River." The first thing I noticed is that Mick's voice is not the "old Mick" from the early 70's, rather he apparently re-recorded his voice for this song ... and it doesn't sound bad at all.

The opening piano piece reminds me of Sunday School for some reason ... which isn't a bad thing, but it hints at more gospelly music to come. The song is quite powerful, in that the violins and background gospel-like vocals can pierce right through you if you aren't careful.

The lyrics hint at a relationship that is in the process of ending, but it seems like the break-up is nobody's fault, and that both people have mutual respect for each other. The lyrics in the chorus are also quite powerful - "I've been following the river ... til it joins hands with the sea ... I've been thinking of you so bad ... Cause you always saw the best in me."

The video is awesome, by the way:

Oh ... My ... God ....

Most of you probably don't follow hockey (hey, it's your loss, darn it!). But, I'm sure you've probably heard that the Philadelphia Flyers did something historic this past Friday ... coming back from a 3-games-to-nothing series disadvantage, and winning 4-straight games to beat the Boston Bruins in an amazing, historical playoff series. Not only did they win four in a row, but they won the last game in Boston ... not only did they do that, but they came back from a 3-0 deficit in that game to do so.

Folks, this is easily one of the top 10 greatest Philadelphia sporting events I've ever seen. This stuff hardly happens in Philly. Normally, we're on the other side of a playoff series like this, as was evidenced by the Flyers blowing a 3 games-to-one series lead to the hated New Jersey Devils in 2000.

What's probably more amazing is that the Flyers were able to win this series without some of their best players including Jeff Carter (Simon Gagne is basically playing on one leg at this point). Additionally, the Flyers have had 7 goalies on their roster this season ... that's unheard of! Normally, a playoff hockey team needs a franchise goalie to go far in the playoffs (something the Flyers have ignored since letting go of Ron Hextall the first time). The Flyers don't have a franchise goalie - but they apparently don't need one ... either that, or the goalies they have been relying on down the stretch have for some reason been overlooked by every other team in the league.

This team has energized this city ... No, hockey isn't something the majority of Philadelphians follow religiously, but when the Flyers are doing well, the casual fans kick into gear. The city becomes noticeably orange-and-black. I don't mind this - I'm ok with the bandwagon jumpers jumping on the bandwagon.

So, do I think the Flyers can win the Cup? No ... I can't see it happening, especially with the injuries. But, momentum is a funny thing. This team bonded, and they seem to be playing above their skill-level ... sometimes a hot team can do that ... I just don't know how much longer they can keep it up. It's been a great ride, though.

Friday night, I witnessed history ... and I'm still not sure if I believe what I saw ... and if this is all a dream, let me sleep, darn it!

Weekly Homework Assignment

It's time once again for Mama Kat's weekly homework assignment.
This week, I chose the following prompt: What was your medicine? Write about a time you remember being ill.

I absolutely hate puking ... I'm sure most people probably don't like it, but I, I fear it. I fear the sound, sight, touch, and smell of puking. When my wife has to spill cookies, I fly out of the room and downstairs. When my little nephew threw up on me when I was holding him, I nearly jumped out of my skin.

I can't explain it, I just plain fear it. If I was a super-hero, my "Kryptonite" would be puke ... guess that wouldn't make me a very good superhero.

I haven't "delivered sidewalk pizza" much in my life. I can only remember a handful of times that I did ... the last being sometime in 1997, and that was after a hard night of drinkin'. The last time I threw up because of a flu or virus was probably in grade school ... and yes, I probably should've done the "technicolor yawn" more times, but I've kind of found a trick.

Yes, a trick. Basically, when you feel ill, the worst thing you can do is lie still. You must keep moving. So, I've gone for walks when I've felt sick, or paced around ... and yes, this includes late at night ... I've kept active, and somehow this has kept me from unswallowing ... or at least I think it has. Sure, maybe it's a placebo that somehow convinces my body that it doesn't need to vomit, and I think that's OK.

Wacky News Stories

Yep ... still Flyered up!!!


1. On a Mosque that is planning to open near Ground Zero ... On September 11, 2011:
"This might be an excellent reason why the reputation of Muslims is dwindling ..."
http://www.nypost.com/p/news/national/mosque_madness_at_ground_zero_OQ34EB0MWS0lXuAnQau5uL

2. On a study finding that men developed thicker foreheads and jaws due to fighting over women:
"But, was it all worth it?"
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/7725655/Men-developed-thicker-foreheads-and-jaws-due-to-fighting-over-women.html

3. On an Amish girl who became an adult model:
I guess she probably had to shave her beard for this, right?"
http://www.lemondrop.com/2010/05/13/ach-the-amish-girl-turned-adult-model/

4. On BP announcing that the "top hat" will be in place in the Gulf next week:
"I had no idea this oil spill was a black tie affair ..."
http://www.wbir.com/news/national/story.aspx?storyid=121540&catid=16

5. On the Soviet Union apparently being on the brink of launching a nuclear attack against China in 1969 and only backed down after the US told Moscow such a move would start World War Three, according to a Chinese historian:
"Well, all I can say is, thank goodness G.W. wasn't in the White House back then ..."
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/china/7720461/USSR-planned-nuclear-attack-on-China-in-1969.html

Dope or Nope ...

I'm a Flyers hockey fan ... and folks, this past weekend was absolutely tremendous!!! Probably the greatest come-from-behind series win in American sports history (Sure, we can argue the Red Sox win over the Yankees might be better, but I'm a Philadelphian, and this is my blog post, darn-it!).

Anyway, game 7 of this series was held in Boston. However, the Wachovia Center in Philly opened it's doors and showed the game on the big-screen for free. My question is ... is this dope or nope - watching a game that's not being played in said arena on the big screen?

I'm on the fence about this ... I mean, I guess it's cool to be with so many other fans in one spot ... but couldn't this be accomplished at a bar? Speaking of which, with so many fans (around 11,000) packed in that arena, are the bars pissed because they didn't have as many patrons?

They kept going back to the Wachovia Center after every Flyers goal and showed the reaction of the fans ... I found that very cool.

So, what are your thoughts?

80's Corner

Remember the Monchichis? This 1980's phenomenon started off as just a "teddybear" in which you could stick the Monchichi's foot or thumb in it's mouth ... that's pretty much it, right? However, the commercial was so painfully addicting that sales of the Monchichis were through the roof ... so much so that a cartoon was created for the Monchichis ... and yes, our household did have a Monchichi ... I believe my younger brother asked for it (wasn't me, darn it!).

I still remember that annoying song too ... probably heard it at least 5 times a day back then:

Monchichi, Monchichi!
Oh, so soft and cuddly.
Put her thumb in her mouth
It's really neat.
Fun to cuddle her little feet.
Nya, Nya, Nya ... Nya, Nya, Nya
Happy, Happy, Monchichi!

Song of the Week

When I say Georgia Satellites, you probably either think about the song "Keep Your Hands to Yourself," or you may think I'm referring to some sort of Soviet space program. Yes, the Georgia Satellites were pretty much a one-hit-wonder, although Dan Byrd had some solo success in the early 1990's.

However, the Satellites released another song in the 1980's that unfortunately didn't get much play called "Battleship Chains." The theme of the song is similar to "Keep Your Hands to Yourself," in that the lyrics talk about a woman who is suffocating a man ... my guess is that Dan Byrd wasn't having much luck with the ladies in the 80's.

The sound of the song definitely has bluesy roots, and sounds like something that could've easily been recorded by the Rolling Stones (which is probably why I really like it). Chocked full of good guitar riffs and solos, accompanied by a catchy chorus, this song should've been a bigger hit. That's ok ... maybe it's better that it was never overplayed.

Fast Food Corner

If you've been following this blog, you know that I'm a sucker for new fast-food release. And if you know fast food, you know that Chick Fil-A doesn't usually try new things. They have their standards fast food entrees and they do them well.

That is about to change, apparently. Chick Fil-A has announced a new sandwich, called the Spicy Chicken Sandwich! It looks a lot like their regular chicken sandwich, but ... ummmm ... spicy. Toasted bun? Check! Pickles? Check! Fried chicken breast? Check! Spicy???? U-betcha!

I'll be trying this soon, and you can be sure I'll give a full report on my findings. In the meantime, you can check their website for more info.

Movie clip of the Week

Semi Pro is probably not a movie you liked the first time you watched it. But much like almost all of Will Farrell's movies, it grows on you. I particularly like this card-game scene ... especially the "Jive Turkey" bit.

Weekly Homework Assignment

It's time once again for Mama Kat's Weekly Homework Assignment! This week, I chose the following prompt: Describe a popular kids toy or show that you just don’t understand.

I gotta say, I've never understood the Teletubbies .... well, that's not entirely true ... once, when I was intoxicated, I remember watching an episode where the four (I think it's 4) teletubbies were hanging around this valley, and the valley began filling up with water. Then, a ship entered the valley, sailed around for a while, and then left. The sun, which was actually a baby-face, laughed and thought this was amusing.

The Teletubbies sat there and watched, as if they were fully expecting this. Then, they started communicating with each other in a language that I couldn't hope in a million years to decipher. Then, as the ship sailed away, the water evaporated, and the Teletubbies got up and left.

Ummm ... that was the ENTIRE episode. In a drunken stupor, I was hypnotized by it. But, if I was sober, I'd either change the channel in record time, or, if the remote was broken, I'd probably stick my foot through the television monitor.

I guess, I should focus on the "drunken-stupor" state I was in. Maybe babies or toddlers have similar "drunken-stupor-like" minds, and this is why they enjoy the Teletubbies ... just a thought.

Wacky News Stories

Tasing, puking on kids at the game, and even murder at the bar in the stadium ... perfect family atmosphere for a Phillies game! Way to go, Philly!

1. On a man named Lord Jesus Christ being hit at a crosswalk by a car.
"Son of God, my left ear!"
http://abclocal.go.com/wpvi/story?section=news/bizarre&id=7428553

2. On a South Korean woman who earned a driver's license after 960 tries:
"Ummmmm ... looks like Dominos might have a new pizza delivery person!"
http://abclocal.go.com/wpvi/story?section=news/bizarre&id=7426073

3. On a Southern California man being sentenced to five-and-a-half years in the federal pen for hauling 14 tons of pot in his truck:
"Looks like Cheech Marin might have to find a new side-kick."
http://abclocal.go.com/wpvi/story?section=news/bizarre&id=7426039

4. On Pennsylvania proposing interstate highway tolls at state borders:
"And yet we still can't buy beer at a supermarket ..."
http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2010/05/pennsylvania_proposes_intersta.html

5. On a former Michigan inmate saying he was denied toothpaste for nearly a year while behind bars and planning to sue, citing his right against cruel and unusual punishment.
"Oh yeah ... and he's also a Lions fan."
http://www.wxyz.com/news/local/story/Ex-Inmate-Can-Sue-Over-No-Toothpaste/dJ2ZerVoeESz5KVGz1Zzww.cspx

Dope or Nope

Well ... I might as well check the blogging community on this one ... being that I'm a Philadelphian. What did you think of the recent tasing incident at the Phillies game? Personally, I have no problems from a "morality" standpoint. The kid was an idiot, and an example was made of him.

Here's the problem I have. It did the exact opposite of what the Phillies or the police wanted. It shined a spotlight on this knucklehead, and gave him 15 minutes of fame he never should've had.

A lot of other knuckleheads thought it was cool, and are probably thinking about jumping onto the field in the coming games. In fact, one of said knuckleheads did in fact jump onto the field the very next night!

So, in my opinion, this tasing was ultimately a nope.

On a side note, we Phillies fans have not been put in a good light nationally in recent weeks - first the dope who threw up on a girl at the game, and now this ... sigh!

80's Corner

Remember the DeLorean? It was that car that was in Back to the Future. It had the doors that opened upwards, towards the sky. It looked like a car from the future ... heck, maybe that's why it was used in that movie! Most, if not all DeLoreans were silver (at least originally), having that clean stainless steel look.

My friends and I would marvel when we saw a DeLorean drive by on our way to school. We thought those cars must've cost a million dollars (in truth, I believe they were around $25000 base price), and wondered what it would be like to drive in one of these cars.

Sadly, the car company, and John DeLorean could never properly market the car, and lost quite a bit of money on it. Still, it was a cool car for the time, wasn't it?

Song of the Week

Stellastar is a band out of New York City, and although they formed in 2000, and have released three albums to date, they haven't made much of a splash in the U.S. maintstream music world (maybe that's a good thing, actually).

Their latest album, called Civilized, is pretty listenable all the way through. But one song I particularly like is a song called "The People." Starts off in an almost folksy sound, but once the chorus approaches, the sound picks up. A rolling base line is noticeable throughout the song. Guitars are practically unnoticeable until the main chorus sections, when they build and then take over the song.

Enjoyable tune ... one I'd recommend playing whilst driving with the sun-roof open.

Fast Food Corner

This week, I wasn't able to try any "new" fast food, but I have one in mind for next week - the Subway breakfast sandwich (or at least one of them, as they have a bunch).

Anyway, I figured I'd put together a "Top 5 - Bottom 5" list on fast food service for sh**s and giggles.

Best/Quickest Fast Food Service
5. Subway - Not a bad assembly line.
4. Popeyes - Beats the hell out of KFC with their speed.
3. Wendy's - They do an OK job. Nothing special, but the food gets to ya reasonably quickly.
2. McDonalds - They have the whole assembly line thing down to a science.
1. Chick Filet - Without a doubt, these guys have it down. It's probably mainly because of their limited menu. But hey, they know what they know, if you know what I mean. It doesn't matter how long the line is, you'll probably get your food in less than 5 minutes.

Worst/Slowest Fast Food Service:
5. I couldn't think of another one off hand.
4. Arby's - They're lucky I love their roast beef sandwiches.
3. Burger King - They're just lucky their sandwiches are good. They often get orders wrong.
2. KFC - Who knows if they'll have the kind of chicken you even want.
1. Taco Bell - Just plain awful. Order, and plan to sit for 10-15 minutes.


BTW - Rumor has it that a Sonic is opening up in the Mac Dade Mall parking lot ... if that is indeed true, I'll be in fast food heaven!

Cool Flow Chart

This is how I feel every weekend. Thought I'd share it with you.

Weekly Homework Assignment

It's time once again for Mama Kat's Weekly Homework Assignment! This week, I chose the following post: In honor of teacher appreciation week write a poem to a teacher you remember or currently know.

Mrs. Duffy ... oh, how I remember you! You were a breath of fresh air after that ... how should I put it kindly ... not so welcoming kindergarten teacher I had. You made first grade a pure joy with your enthusiasm, friendly demeanor, and your oh-so-beautiful smile ... yep, I'm pretty sure you were my first real crush.

You allowed me to bring in colored pencils and even markers to color some of my papers (always seemed to look more "professional" than the crayons). You taught us so much ... Phonics, math, spelling, and heck, even some social studies if I recall correctly.

You allowed us to play my favorite classroom game, 7-up, a lot. You even taught us about pregnancy (hey, it's not what you think!), as you went through pregnancy during my first-grade year. Heck, you made learning fun!

Thanks, Mrs. Duffy!

Wacky News Stories

Did a church-sponsored yard sale with the wife last weekend ... I'll never get those 5 hours back!

1. On a waitress on disability because of a bad back being caught stripping at a strip club:
"In defense of said waitress, she was trying to take people's orders ..."
http://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local-beat/Waitress-on-Disability-Caught-Stripping-92442919.html

2. On a man who got shot with an arrow by his neighbor for parking in his parking spot:
"I'm guessing the man who 'illegally' parked, got the point ... I'll be here all week!"
http://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local-beat/Neighbor-Shot-With-Bow-and-Arrow-92491449.html

3. On a memo from a fire department - The couch is not an ashtray:
"What about the recliner? Is this an ashtray?"
http://host.madison.com/ct/news/local/article_10a7ac14-5466-11df-9d6c-001cc4c03286.html

4. On TIME Magazine naming Lady Gaga the most influential artist of 2010:
"Well, at least it wasn't the Jonas Brothers ... or Nickleback."
http://webn.com/cc-common/news/sections/newsarticle.html?feed=104650&article=7058068

5. On the Oil Spill that took place last week:
"Exxon is finally breathing a sigh of relief, thanks to BP."
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/30/business/30bp.html?hp

Dope or Nope ...

The World Cup is only a few months away, and almost the entire World is geared up for this once-in-every-four-years event ... but, for some reason, the United States doesn't particularly care too much about it. Soccer just doesn't provide enough scoring, and the thought of using just your feet is a turn-off, I guess.

Personally, I enjoy soccer ... I wouldn't say I'm a fanatic, but I don't mind watching a few games here and there. Come World Cup time, I try to watch as many games as possible. I enjoy the passion not only from the players, but from the fans.

So, what are your thoughts on the World Cup? Dope, or nope?

80's Corner

Mustaches were a cool thing in the 80's. Don't believe me? Check out Tom Selleck in the TV show Magnum P.I. The man's mustache looked like a broom. Don't forget the TV show Matt Houston - this guy was a rich man's Magnum P.I., driving around in some fancy red sports car, always wearing a suit.

Heck, the best baseball players of the 80's seemed to have mustaches, as evidenced by Keith Herndandez and Michael Jack Schmidt. I was too young to be a part of the mustache craze of the 1980's, sadly, and at this point, mustaches seem to be about as popular as a childrens' sleepover at Michael Jackson's house.

Maybe some day, the mustache will once again gain it's rightful spot at the top of hip trends ... maybe.

Song of the Week

The Hives ... a rough-sounding band, certainly leverages early Stones influences but increases the intensity to 11 (Spinal Tap reference). Unfortunately, they haven't hit the big time in the States, thanks to radio stations kow-towing to the overplayed Emo sound.

The band itself uses guitar riffs heavily, along with a strong-sounding baseline, and a drum-beat that Charlie Watts would probably swear was swiped from him. The lead singer shouts but doesn't scream (another EMO-like turnoff for me). Their songs would probably make great entrance songs for professional wrestlers (but, I digress).

Their Black and White album of 2007 hardly made a blip on US radio, but man does this album rock! "Hey Little World" fuzes the classic Stones sound with the edgy Afghan Whigs fervor.

As an aside, I was shocked to hear this band has been together in one way or another since 1989 (thanks Wikipedia!) and are from Sweden. Give 'em a shot

Fast Food Corner

A few weeks ago, I blogged about the new Burger King Breakfast Muffin, which was a credited rip-off of the Sausage McMuffin with Egg sandwich from McDonalds. This past weekend, I got to try it ... for research purposes, of course.

Truth be told, the McDonalds Sausage McMuffin with Egg is better than Burger King's efforts ... but not by much. I think McDonalds does a better job with their egg preparation keeping it almost poached in a way, whilst Burger King scrambles their eggs. Outside of that, they taste very similar. There's really no difference in the muffin, the sausage, or the cheese.

And for $1, you can't beat it.