From Pulp Fiction to Pole Smoker?

Defendant, John Travolta

A second Masseuse has filed a sexual battery lawsuit against John Travolta a day after a Texas-based Masseuse filed a similar complaint. The second masseuse is being represented by the same lawyer as the first complainant and both are seeking punitive damages of 2 million dollars each. The second complainant is named only as “Doe Plaintiff #2.” He claims to have significant documentation and witnesses  to corroborate his statements. In his complaint “Doe Plaintiff #2 says: “[Travolta had] a strange demeanor and bloodshot eyes as he climbed onto the already set up massage table… Travolta removed the entire sheet from his body,  and he claimed the sheets were sticky and he could not tolerate the heat… Travolta further indicated that he like a lot of ‘Glutes’ work meaning a massage on his buttocks…  While the [the Plaintiff] was massaging around Travolta’s buttocks area, Travolta would open his legs and spread his butt cheeks open and had a full erection and would maneuver around in such a way to force Doe Plaintiff #2 to touch his chocolate starfish and around that area.” Eeewwww! It all is really disgusting. Doe Plaintiff #2 said that Travolta told him that was how Hollywood worked. He started doing “favors” when he played Vinnie Barbarino on Welcome Back Kotter. Although he never elaborated on what “Favors” he did. Personally I think this is all a bunch doo doo but then again, if you are famous be prepared for a shitstorm of sensationalism.

Personally I think the exchange went something like this:

“Good morning Mr. Travolta.”

“Hey! Welcome Back Kotter!“

“How are you feeling today Mr. Travolta?”

“Well I kind of feel like a Boy in a Plastic Bubble, I think I have a Saturday Night Fever.”

“I’m sorry to hear that.”

“Well it’s my own fault. I’ve been riding the motorcycle so much I feel like an Urban Cowboy.”

“You look okay Mr. Travolta.”

“I’m Staying Alive, But Look Who’s Talking. You look a little rough as well.”

“Look who’s talking too Mr Travolta.  I was at a club last night and I had to Shout a lot.”

“Well Look Who’s Talking Now. I read a book last night about the fantasy situation about destroying a paper factory called Pulp Fiction.”

“Mr. Travolta, are you becoming aroused?

“Yeah, why don’t you come and Get Shorty.“

“Shorty? It looks more like a Broken Arrow.“

Well the real Phenomenon is the fact it works at all.

“Joseph, Michael, and John Mr. Travolta. I think you should watch the hockey game. It’s almost time for the Face/Off.”

“Yeah, okay. By the way, General Petraeus just returned from Afghanistan.”

“Petraeus is okay Mr. Travolta but you should see the General’s Daughter.“

“Good looking?”

“Better looking than a Swordfish.”

“So anyway, I have been looking for new ladders to use around the house. I have tried 48 other ones and didn’t like them. I’m hoping Ladder 49 is the one I like the best.”

“Well, Be Cool Mr. Travolta, I’m sure you’ll find the right one.”

“I went to Home Depot to look at ladders yesterday and all the sales clerks surrounded me like a pack of Wild Hogs. Then I went to the drug store because Kelly needed a can of Hairspray. I got treated the same way there. I finally had to Bolt back to the car.

“Next time you should take Pelham 1 2 3. Most of the people who ride that are a bunch of Old Dogs.“

“Thanks for the advice. By the way, I got you a gift when I was in France last month. It’s an embroidered pillow that says “From Paris with Love.“

“Thank you Mr. Travolta. Get on the table and we’ll get started.”

As you can see. I think this whole thing is a ludicrous as the last conversation I just wrote out for you. If these were truthful charges then why were there no criminal charges filed? Just as in the Ben Roethlisberger case from Denver, I think this is just a ploy to get money. I mean the lawyer will take the case because I’m sure he’ll get at least 20%. Since all of the Plaintiffs are asking for 2 Million, and now there’s a third, that would come out to 1.2 Million. Not a bad payday for smearing a well-known celebrity.

Vinnie Barbarino

Charlie Wax

From Vinnie Barbarino on Welcome Back Kotter to Charlie Wax in From Paris with Love, John Travolta has been a perennial fan favorite and it is a shame that there are parasites out there who want nothing more than to milk them for money. Just like the Paramedics when his son died trying to get money from the information from Travolta’s personal life. Is what these masseuses saying true? No one really knows. Of course you can leave it up to the media to convict him with no proof other than hearsay. It is a sad state of affairs that this is happening. It is a sign of the times these days that pieces of shit out there will try and malign Travolta for a few bucks. Needless to say, guilty or innocent, Travolta has already been tried and convicted in the media.

From Cult Classic to Iconic

In everyone’s life they have things that influence them.  With my entire family being involved in the military it was natural that I too would join. A show we watched helped me with my decision to join the service. True my career was influenced after the service by EMERGENCY but prior to that M*A*S*H was watched by everyone in my house. I even got to see some of the areas mentioned in the show when I was stationed in Korea from 1989 to 1990. No other show in history had a larger audience and no other TV show, Prior to Super Bowl 43 had a larger viewing audience. The final episode of M*A*S*H had the largest audience ever according to the Nilson Ratings. Below are some of the main characters and where they are now.

Hawkeye and B.J.

Benjamin Franklin Pierce

B.J. Hunneycutt

Born Alphonso Joseph D’Abruzzo in New York City, Alan Alda landed the role of Hawkeye Pierce who became the main character for the sitcom. He didn’t sign on to do M*A*S*H until 6 hours before filming the pilot episode because he didn’t want war to be looked on lightly he wanted people to know it was a bad place to be. He is the only person to win an Emmy in all three categories; acting, directing and writing episodes of M*A*S*H.

Born in St. Paul Minnesota Mike Ferrell was cast to play BJ Hunneycutt in the series after the departure of Trapper John in season 4. He and Hawkeye then were the main focuses of the show from then on out. After the final episode he stayed away from TV and started his own production company and was the producer of the movie Patch Adams because of his close acquaintance with the real life doctor.  He and Alan Alda remain good friends today.

Hot Lips and Ferret Face

Major Margaret Houlihan

Major Frank Marion Burns

Born in Passaic New Jersey Loretta Swit took on the role of “Hot Lips” Houlihan in the show. A no-nonsense Regular Army Major, she showed she had a soft side as the love interest of Frank Burns. They broke up when she announced her engagement to Lieutenant Colonel Donald Penobscot in season 5. She won two emmys for her performance in the show and remained for all 11 seasons.

Born in Ojai California Larry Linville played Major Frank “Ferret Face” Burns.  A stickler for the rules, a fair surgeon and tent mate of Hawkeye and BJ. He was an obnoxious whiner and loved playing every minute of the role. It was so different from him in real life. His character flipped out at the beginning of season 6 when Hot Lips got married to someone else. Consequently, his character left the show in the middle of season 6. Sadly, Linville died in 2000 from pneumonia after cancer surgery.

Colonel Blake and Radar

Lt. Colonel Henry Blake

Corporal Walter Eugene "Radar" O'Reiley

Born Edgar McClain Stevenson, McClain Stevenson played the loveable goofball commanding officer of the 4077th Col Blake. Born in Normalville Illinois to a cardiologist, Stevenson didn’t begin an acting career until he was 31. Leaving at the end of Season 3 to pursue other acting roles, Stevenson’s character didn’t just leave. When the cast was given the script for the episode, the ending was left out. No one got to read it until 5 minutes before the shoot to capture their true emotions. Blake’s plane was shot down and he did not survive. It was truly a groundbreaking ending. Stevenson died in 1996 from a heart attack.

Born in Bristol Connecticut, Gary Burghoff will best be remembered as Radar from the show. In the show he was known for knowing what was going to happen before it did, henceforth the name, Radar. He was also known for his caring for animals. He was licensed by the state of California to care for wounded animals. He was seen on an episode or two playing the drums. That was really him playing. He was the drummer for a jazz trio in the early 60′s called We Three. In Stevenson’s final episode, Burghoff was the only one to get to see ending. He left the show at the end of season 7 due to burnout and wanting to spend more time with his family but returned in season 8 for a 2 part special called “Goodbye Radar.” He was one of the original actors in the movie “MASH” in 1971.  Burghoff attended McClain Stevenson’s memorial service when he died in 1996.

Trapper and Klinger

"Trapper" John McIntyre

Maxwell Q. Klinger

Wayne Rogers was born in Birmingham Alabama and attended Princeton. He was 39 when he landed the role of “Trapper” John for the pilot of M*A*S*H. He made a small dent with minor parts in movies such as Cool Hand Luke and The Glory Guys. His part in MASH finally gave him the stardom he was looking for. Amid sour feeling of playing second banana to Alan Alda and contract disputes, Rogers left the show at the end of season 3. He stared in several TV Movies after MASH, but the fame was never the same. He became a business man and managed the affairs of Peter Falk and James Caan just to name drop a little.

Born Jameel Joseph Farah, Jamie Farr was from Toledo Ohio. He was one of only two actors to star in the show to actually have served in the Korean war. Alan Alda was a gunnery officer. The dog tags Farr wore were his issued set from the Korean War. He was only supposed to appear in one episode but was so popular he became a day player then was offered a contract in season 3 and stayed until the final episode. He was best known for his nose and recurring gag of wearing dresses. When he took over for Radar at the end of season 7 as company clerk, he stopped wearing dresses. He is on the advisory board of St. Jude’s Children’s hospital and had been battling rheumatoid arthritis the last several years.

Colonel Potter and Major Winchester

Colonel Sherman Potter

Major Charles Emmerson Winchester III

Born Harry Bratsberg in Detroit Michigan in 1915 he is best known for two roles he played. He was known first as Officer Bill Gannon in the TV Show Dragnet. There he stared with Jack Webb. He then reprised the role  in 1987 when Dragnet was replayed and Morgan played Gannon again. His first role on M*A*S*H was not as Colonel Potter, he played Major General Bartford Hamilton Steele, a general who wants to move the 4077 closer to the front lines. The episode was called; “The General Flipped at Dawn.”  In many of the MASH Episodes after returning to play Colonel Potter, Morgan is seen Painting pictures. Morgan actually painted them as it was a hobby of his. Morgan said he could have gone on playing the Role of Colonel Potter for ever. Sadly Morgan died in 2011 at the age of 96 from complications from Pneumonia.

Born on Halloween in Peoria Illinois, David Ogden Stiers will always be remembered as Major Winchester. Joining the show in the 6th season Stiers was an accomplished actor before joining the show. While in the show he claimed Harvard as his Alma Mater but actually attended Julliard where he studies drama. He does however teach acting games at Harvard. He is also seen in many episodes pretending to direct an orchestra. In real life he has conducted over 70 orchestras with over 100 appearances and is a resident conductor of the Newport Symphony Orchestra in Newport Oregon. He has lended his voice to over 30 Disney movies. Some of the best known were as Cogsworth in Beauty and the Beast, Pocahontas I and II and the Hunchback of Notre Dame. In 2009 Stires publicly came out as gay. He said he could say he came out for reasons of nobility but he honestly said that at this point in his life he wanted to find someone and didn’t want them to have lead a life of deep discretion for him. Stires still conducts and acts will voice for animated features when needed.

Father Mulcahy and Dr. Freedman

Captain Father Francis Mulcahy

Doctor Major Sidney Freedman

Born in Evanston Illinois William Christopher never dreamed he would be part of something that was so great. When he auditioned for the role as Father Mulcahy he ignored the lines given to him and ad libbed. He read it in a priestly tone and the producers liked it but cautioned him to stick to the script from there on out. He played a Catholic priest on the show buy is actually Methodist. He also plays an amateur boxer but had no knowledge of boxing prior to the show. While he moved his time in the show, when people tell him how much they loved the show and his character William simply thanks them and tells them MASH is in the past.

Allen Arbus was born in New York, New York and was actually in the Advertising and Photography business and had played bit roles before landing a recurring guest spot as Psychiatrist Sydney Freedman. After M*A*S*H he continued to play small roles up until 2000. No matter where he goes he will be remembered as Dr. Sydney Freedman.

Colonel Sam Flagg and Who was that Korean guy?

Colonel Sam Flagg

The Korean Guy

Born in Ventura California, Edward Winter was twice nominated for Tony Awards as best supporting or featured actor in a musical. e played guest stints on M*A*S*H as over zealous CID Agent Sam Flagg. He was constantly over reacting to situations and causing all sorts of chaos. He began his acting career at the San Francisco Actors Workshop in 1962, he moved to New York where he debuted on Broadway in 1966 is Cabaret. Winter Died in 2001 in Woodland Hills CA from Parkinsons

Soon-Tek-Oh was one of the more well-known guest stars on the show but some just called him the Korean Guy. He had a total of 5 guest spots on the show from 1975 to 1982 and two of those guest spots were in 1975 alone. Born in Japan but raised in Korea, Oh moved to California with his family in 1959. in 1995 he founded the Lodestone Theater Ensemble in response to the 1992 LA riots that reignited racial stereotyping.  His continued efforts to portray Asian-American culture on stage has been significant. He also voiced the character Fa Zhou in the Disney full length cartoon Mulan and Mulan II.

Nepotism and Acting

Major Anothony Borelli

Corporal Jarvis

Robert Alda born Alphonso  Giuseppe Giovani Roberto D’Abruzzo in New York city. He got his start in vaudeville. The father of Alan Alda he had two guest spots on M*A*S*H. He played a visiting medical advisor who ruffled the feathers of Hawkeye in both of their meetings. Alda says the spelling of his last name is derived from his birth name. the “AL” came from his first name Alphonso, and the “DA” came from his last name of D’Abruzzo. AL+DA=ALDA. He died in Los Angeles in 1986 from the effects of a stroke.

The half-brother of Alan Alda, Antony had a guest role on the show as well. Born Antonio D’Abruzzo in France. He played an Aid Station Medic on the 1980 episode “Lend a hand”, the second episode the Robert Alda appeared in. There wasn’t much information on Antony Alda but it did say that he dies in 2009.

Some other well-known guests

Marcia Strassman played nurse Margie Cutler on MASH but was better known as Mrs. Kotter on Welcome back Kotter

Loudon Wainright III, played Calvin Spauding on several episodes and went on to be a folk singer

Dennis Dugan had two appearances on the show but is better known as the director for the majority of Adam Sandler's movies

Mary Jo Catlett had several appearances on the show but was better known for voicing Mrs. Puff on Sponge Bob and the narrator on Caliou

Pat Morita appeared several times also but will always be remembered as Mr. Miagi from the Karate Kid Trilogy

Sorrell Booke appeared on MASH as a General and while he might not be remembered there he will always be known as Boss Hogg from the Dukes of Hazzard

Rita Wilson appeared on the show twice, is an accomplished actress and has appeared in many movies as well as being married to Tom Hanks.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The original movie, while not a box office smash, has become a cult classic. The series was only slated to last a season or two and ended up running twelve years and the finally was one of the most-ever watched of ANY TV show in history. Many actors were either unknown or little known before M*A*S*H, many had the show launch their careers. While only watched on reruns or, if you’re like me by buying the gift set, it is a show that will always be remembered as one of the greatest of all times.

Another week has come and gone…

Well, as we watch another week come and go there has been lots going on. I for one was shocked to see gas prices hold steady in our area at $3.99 a gallon. It makes me wonder when “They” said, whomever “They” is, that gas prices would begin climbing and probably top out at over $5.00 by Memorial day. Why have prices held steady for over a week? I think it is because of all the hype surrounding the effects of ridiculous gas prices. I was also shocked to learn that for every penny gas prices go up, the oil companies make around $10 Million dollars in profit per quarter. I also learned that only about 8% of the oil used in this country is from this country. We import 92% of our oil for refining and everything else. Why can’t we keep our oil in this country and use it here? There’s no profit in it for these money hungry gas companies that make all of their money screwing the middle and lower class so they can keep their 87 privet jets and all of their other perks. Will the federal government ever step in? When shit sticks to the moon I say. When you become a member of Senate or the House of Representatives you have to give up all interests in those kinds of companies. All they do is put their shares in someone’s name from their family. Even those who swear to take care of the American people are lining their pockets from the oil companies no matter what they might try to tell you.

George Zimmerman turned himself in this week after learning that he was going to have charges filed for the shooting death of Treyvon Martin. He was charged with second-degree murder in the death of the 17  year old. I think this is a travesty. There has been so much hype over this case that I know I have to watch what I say here. For those of you who live in a cave and have no idea what is going on here, Zimmerman was the neighborhood watch captain in Sanford Florida who allegedly shot the unarmed teen. Zimmerman claims he fired in self-defense. The problem is we are really only hearing one side of this story. Was there a history between these two? Was it a chance meeting? Did Something occur earlier involving Zimmerman and Martin was in the wrong place at the wrong time? We just might never know. I can say this though, if Zimmerman is convicted or he isn’t, there is going to be a riot because there are those convinced that he is guilty but there are also those who feel he is innocent.

A Lawrence County Judge has found 14-year-old Jordan Brown delinquent in the death of his father’s pregnant fiance, Kenzie Houk, and her unborn child 3 years ago in their home as Houk slept. Since his case was moved to Juvenile Court, Delinquent is the same thing as Guilty in an adult court. However, since being found Delinquent, he will be released sometime before his 21st birthday. Many of those on the Houk side of the court room feel that he should have been charged as an adult and even though he will be released by the age of 21, they hope he gets the help he needs. Those on the Brown side of the court room are not happy with the outcome and feel that someone else is guilty for the murder and not Brown, who was 11 at the time.

Justice for Jennifer – Part II

Melvin Knight, a member of the infamous “Greensburg Six”, the 3 men and 3 women charged in the torture death of Jennifer Dougherty 2 years ago,  plead guilty to first and second degree murder as well as kidnapping and conspiracy to commit murder. Knight said; “I feel it’s the right thing to do and I have to fess up for what I did.” Joy Burkholder, Dougherty’s sister, said, “I don’t know if it’s a relief to not have a trial at this point. I don’t even know if there are words to explain exactly how we feel.” Angela Marrinucci was found guilty last year and was sentenced to life for the death of Dougherty. Marrinucci escaped the death penalty because she was under 18 at the time of the murder. I called this entry “Justice for Jennifer – Part II” because I wrote Part I when Marinucci was convicted. I plan on 4 more entries to coincide with the last 4 suspects trials. Read Justice for Jennifer – Part I here.

Well, that pretty much ends this week. The Pittsburgh Penguins are in Filthadelphia today to take on the Flyers in game 3 of the Stanley Cup quarter finals. The Pens are down 2-0 in the series and look to rebound and start making their way back as soon as they can. I hope you all have a great week and by the way, DON’T FORGET TO FILE YOUR TAXES! You don’t work for the Federal Government so you have to file them on time and pay what you owe…

Quick update… The Pens are now down 3-0 after getting shellacked in Filthadelphia this afternoon…

A guy walks in to a bar carrying a 2 foot salami…

Okay, now that I have your attention… There is no joke I just thought I’d recap some of the news from the last couple months.

I guess the biggest thing is the gas prices. Since Obama took office a mere 40 months ago gas prices have climbed $2.20. That’s right kids, gas was a paltry $1.79 when we inaugurated our current president. Of course he is not to blame. He says it’s because of the speculators on Wall Street causing the prices to skyrocket. Pull my left leg, it plays Jingle Bells. Obama is also a hypocrite. In a time when he tells the American people to tighten their belts to save and they might not be able to travel like they wanted to, he has taken more vacations than any other president in history.  I will give Obama credit though. He was able to do something in less than 100 days that GW Bush couldn’t do in 8 years. What is that you ask? Triple the deficit… Some call November time for a change, I call it, “The end of an error…”

Ben Roethlisberger is in the news in the NFL off-season and for once it’s not for crashing his motor cycle or being accused of improper contact with a female while drunk. He is embarking on a trip in June he says will hopefully hone his senses for the upcoming season; he’s going to Scotland and Ireland to golf.  “It’s going to be pretty hardcore,” Roethlisberger said. “I’ll be playing something like 12 courses in 10 days and they are some of the best courses you can find. I’m going to K Club, St. Andrews and a bunch of others.” Of the 12 courses, several have hosted either the British Open or European Tour events. “Golf is such a mental challenge, and as frustrating as it can be sometimes, it can definitely make you stronger,” said Roethlisberger, who passed for 4,077 yards last season. “Playing some great courses in a setting like Ireland and Scotland will be pretty awesome, but it is also a great way to keep your mind sharp.” Well, we’ll see how this summer abroad either helps or hurts the Pittsburgh signal caller. Maybe he should take James Harrison with him when he wants to play through.

Today is an unusual one in the “Burgh. Both the Penguins and the Pirates are playing Philadelphia today. The Bucco’s dropped the home opener to the Philly’s the other day 1-0, while the Penguins beat the Flyers 5-2. Today marks the end of the Penguins regular season and the Pirates will play game 2 of the 2012 season. The Pens are the 4th seed in the playoffs so they are there. The Pirates are trying to end a 19 season slide of being the worst team in Baseball. Hopefully skipper Clint Hurdle can right the sinking ship and help the Pirates raise the Jolly Roger while Dan Balsyma can help the Pens Snob their way to yet another Stanley Cup. Seeing as how they are the most conceded team in the NHL according to Rangers coach John Tortorella, who incidentally was fined $20,000 for running his mouth. He has a lot of room to talk. Hell the Rangers are the most over rated, under talented team. I mean even Winnipeg has more talent then the Rangers.  Let’s go guys. Hopefully we can remind Philadelphia why they hate coming here by handing them a loss in 2 sports today.

“Here comes Peter Cotton Tail, hopping down the Bunny… BUSTER!! No!”

Well, tomorrow is Easter. We will make it here at our house with an Easter Egg hunt with Molly in the morning then Church. Then we will gorge ourselves on Ham and all the trimmings followed by a nice huge belch. While Easter is a time most of us look forward to getting together with family and friends to eat and drink and talk and catch up, we should truly remember what it is really all about. Now keep in mind that I am no religious zealot but I do believe we should keep the true meaning of the day in our hearts as well. Easter is the day we remember and celebrate Jesus’ rising from the dead and ascending into heaven. It is more than a day of eating candy and ham. However you celebrate the day, please remember what tomorrow is truly about. Every year for Easter when I was growing up, my mom would make us new outfits right down to bow ties. We would don our new duds, pile into the family car for the sojourn to church and smile as everyone told us how nice we all looked. I searched high and low and couldn’t find a picture of my brothers and I dressed in our Easter best. It was a memory I will always have and cherish. I wish all of you a great Easter and please, do me one favor… Keep your dog inside until the Easter Bunny leaves.

Happy Easter Everyone from ATCMC!!

Cheese Burgers in Paradise – Part III – Gourmet and Great

In my final installment of my Cheese Burger blog I saved the best for last. Like I have said throughout this entire piece, I love a good burger and to me, these last 3 are the best of the best. However I must add, This endeavor was more than an excuse for my doctor to schedule a heart cath for me, it was also therapy for my wife and I. For the past 2 years I was working 3rd shift and my wife and I grew apart. Our counselor suggested something we could do together. We started making soaps and candles but the visits to the restaurants for burgers was more of a helping to our marriage than it was research for a blog. We would have a “Date” at least once a week after seeing our counselor. It was great for us and the burgers were good too. So sit back, grab a Pepsi and enjoy “Part III”.

Texas Roadhouse – Bacon Cheeseburger – 4 Stars

The first burger in Part III is the Texas Roadhouse Bacon Cheeseburger. It is a half pound burger with American Cheese, two big strips of bacon, Lettuce, tomato and onion on a huge bun with Ketchup and a pickle spear. I have to say, the flavor is really good. It is one of the most important things I look for. Every burger on here is good but the Roadhouse is one of the best at how they cook their food. They are pro’s at ribs, steaks and any other kind of animal you could throw on a cooking surface and it shines through on this burger. I like my meat cooked medium well. I got an almost raw steak before and got sick from it. Now when I say raw, I mean a couple of Band-Aids and the cow could have been back out grazing. Since then, I always get steaks or burgers at least medium well. Now, While i have given you good on this burger, it’s time for a little criticism. There was no real “Wow Factor” with this burger. Like I said in Part II about the Willie Burger, this was a really good burger but nothing to set it apart. There was some “Drippy Factor” but not a huge amount. Still a good burger though. The steak fries were great as well. All in all 4 Stars.

Chili’s – Shiner Bock BBQ Burger – 4.50 Stars

Next up is Chili’s Shiner Bock BBQ Burger. All I can say is “WOW!” this is a really good burger I have to say. A half Pound of Angus with Lettuce, Tomato and a Pickle on the side. The burger also is covered in Shiner Bock BBQ sauce. Made with Shiner Bock beer, this is a really good taste. I was pleased with this burger because it was one of the best. I wasn’t sure if I would like it or not because some places make a burger with BBQ sauce and it is horrible. The Shiner Bock BBQ Sauce gave it a nice “Wow Factor”, it also had a nice “Drippy Factor” and the steak fries it came with had a nice seasoning too. I highly recommend this burger to anyone who wants something different and highly satisfying. A great burger – 4.50 Stars.

T.G.I. Friday’s – Jack Daniels Burger – 5 Stars

Well Folks, here it is; the best of the best. TGI Friday’s Jack Daniels Burger. The first time I tried this burger, I knew this one was going to be my A #1 favorite. It was the best burger I have ever eaten in my life. Black Angus Beef, bacon, provolone Cheese and Friday’s signature Jack Daniels Sauce. Oh mu Lord, what a burger. It is the BEST burger ever. There is an unmistakable “Wow Factor”. The sauce is incredible. It also comes with extra sauce on the side for dipping. That gives it a great “Drippy Factor”. In fact I thought the sauce was so good, my wife found a copy cat recipe on-line and she changed it around a little and it is spot on perfect. I have used it several times since then. Pork chops and burgers have all gotten the sauce. It is absolutely the best. I’m drooling right now just thinking about it. I better stop before I short out the damn keyboard. The best of the best burgers on this tour. 5 Stars. If I could give it more Stars I would.

Well, that’s it. The tour is done. My heart and veins are happy and my cholesterol will undoubtedly come done now that I’ve ended my burger tour. I highly recommend that you try some of these burgers because I like them all. Everyone deserves a good burger and these ones will leave you happy, that’s for damn sure. Super-size your Lipitor, grab a Dr. Pepper and enjoy. Thank you to my wife for coming along and for duplicating Friday’s sauce. Enjoy and more later…

Cheese Burgers in Paradise – Part II – A little more upscale

Now that I have healed up a little I am ready to move on to Part 2 of “Cheese Burgers in Paradise”. I called this one “A little more upscale”, not because I think these places are better but they are a tad fancier than Mickey D’s and BK; although not that much more. I was going to go to 5 Guys, Red Robin and Stake and Shake but I changed my mind, however these places are well-known too.

Hoss’s Steak and Sea House – The 1/2 pound Willie Burger – 3 Stars

The 1/2 pound Willie Burger wasn’t a bad burger. If you’re hungry this burger will fill you up but to me it didn’t have the one thing I was looking for. Well, actually 2. It is a half pound of Angus beef with lettuce, tomato, pickle, and onions. The condiments are on the table and you add them as you want. Like I said, it wasn’t a bad burger but to me there was no “Wow Factor”. There was nothing to set this burger apart from any other burger out there. There was also no “Drippy Factor”. I love a good burger and love it even more when it drips down your arm. You can make this burger have a “Drippy Factor” but it takes a good bit of work. Not a bad burger, I have had worse, but it still gets 3 Stars.

The Dairy Queen 1/2 Pound Grill Burger – 3.75 Stars

Next in my “A little more upscale”,  is the Dairy Queen Grill Burger. 2 Quarter Pound burgers, pickle, lettuce, tomato and onion along with ketchup, mayo and 2 slices of cheese. One slice is American and the other is Swiss. The ingredients all go together nicely. The Swiss cheese adds to the “Wow Factor” with a nice little tang. There is also a nice “Drippy Factor” with this burger too. I had to get up and go get some more napkins during my meal. The fries are nice and crispy but there was a little too much salt on them for me. However, I think it had to do with the DQ we ate at. Sometimes whomever makes the fries adds too much salt. That has happened at every fast food place I’ve ever eaten at. I also had a hankerin’ for a Pepsi with my burger too. Usually I have a Dr. Pepper or an Iced tea but I needed a Pepsi. My wife agreed with me on this being the best ” Upscale Fast Food” burger in our area. I suggest you go to DQ and try out their food menu if you haven’t done it yet.

Denny’s – Bacon Slamburger – 4.25 Stars

Denny’s is my last stop on the upscale tour. They have a burger on their menu that is one of the most unusual burgers I have ever eaten. The Bacon Slamburger comes with a quarter pound of ground beef, American cheese, Bacon and then mayo. Now it gets interesting. It also has hash browns and an egg, cooked anyway you like. When I first tried this burger I was a little apprehensive. I mean, who wouldn’t be? I ordered the burger medium well and the egg over medium. When it was set down in front of me I couldn’t believe my eyes. I could feel my arteries hardening just looking at it. I dove in, after taking my Prilosec and a Lipitor, head first. Immediately I got the drip of egg running down my hand. I was in Heaven. A burger like this is incredible. The egg and hash browns give it a nice “Wow Factor” and the egg makes it have a nice “Drippy Factor”. Add the steak fries and a Pepsi, Iced Tea or Dr. Pepper and it is a really nice deal. I was certainly full after eating this monstrosity of meat. I highly recommend this burger to anyone who wants something different. Truly a great burger.

As I end Part II I hope you have enjoyed this so far. Part III will look at burgers at TGI Fridays, Chili’s and Texas Roadhouse. I need to make a few preparations before I start. I want to walk a few days and I’ll probably need to super-size my Lipitor. The burgers at these places will be awesome. Call 911 and get the cath lab standing by. I’ll probably need it after I finish this trip. Thanks for reading and more to come…

Farewell Hines Ward

Hines Ward returned to Steelers headquarters yesterday to announce his retirement. Ward was cut by the Steelers earlier last week and after spending some time searching his options as a free agent, Ward decided to retire so he could end his career as a Steeler. He didn’t go through this decision alone. He spoke with someone he considered to be a “big brother”; Jerome Bettis. Bettis told him; “Your true value is always having a Steeler helmet attached to you. When you leave you don’t quite have that, you lose some of that mystique.” Bettis also said; “For a guy who’s played his entire career in Pittsburgh, I just thought it would be a shame if he put another helmet on for someone else for a year or two. He understood where I was coming from but, ultimately, he had to make the decision for himself  and I’m just glad he made a great decision.”

Wards career contained 6-1,000 yard receiving seasons, 29 games of 100 yards or more, 1,000 receptions, 85 touchdowns, 12,083 yards and was Super Bowl MPV in Super Bowl XL in 2006 when the Steelers got “One for the Thumb”. Some feel his stats are Hall of Fame worthy. This blogger feels that way as well. Ward was obviously emotional when making his announcement at Steelers headquarters. Ward said; “Today I came back to Pittsburgh to grant Steeler Nation its one last request, so, today, I’m officially retiring as a Pittsburgh Steeler. As much as I’ll miss football, my teammates, coaches, and everything about the game, I don’t want to play in any other uniform. The Black and Gold runs deep in me and I’ll remain a Steeler for life,” Ward said.

While emotions ran high at the announcement, I feel that Ward can hold his head high. He was a great ambassador of football and a man of fair play.  No matter the outcome of a play, he would smile. He was also the consummate competitor. He proved he was a champion when he took on the ballroom on Dancing With The Stars. He and partner Kym Johnson won the competition even after Johnson was taken away from one of their practices in an ambulance after sustaining a neck injury. Rumors flew that Ward and Johnson we dating. I have seen no proof either way. The way I see it, who cares.

I also believe that you will see Ward again on the Steeler sideline in the future. He is the best receiver in Steelers history and he played his entire career in Pittsburgh. I believe the Rooney’s will reward Hines for his loyalty. I look to see him join the coaching staff. With his record he would make a great receivers coach. I could also see him in the front office. No matter what Ward decides to do, you WILL see him again. My wife thinks he will go to Hollywood. She could be right.

I congratulate Ward on his stellar career and positive face of Steeler Nation. He will be in Canton some day soon and he will remain a positive fixture of the Steelers. Hines Ward is one in a million and I am thankful we had the opportunity to have Hines in Steeler Nation. ATCMC congratulates Hines Ward and we all hope to see him again soon.

As a tribute to Hines, please enjoy his ultimate career highlights. [See Video]

The time is a changin’

Hopefully you all remembered to change your clocks and move them an hour ahead. It is yet another sign that the warmer weather is almost here. Not to mention it is the time to change the batteries in your smoke detectors. I am in my last few days of convalescing after having my tonsils out, yes, I can hear you all shaking your head at that. Nonetheless, it was a nice weekend and we enjoyed as much of it as we could.

My wife and I have embarked on a new venture. We have begun making soaps and candles. We have stumbled across some really good scents but I think my favorite is the one we named “Woodstock”. It has a nice earthy scent and we also found an essential oil that has the distinct smell of a certain glaucoma-curing herbal treatment. We spent Saturday with my daughters making the “Woodstock” soap and another that has a nice floral scent. Sunday we made the candles. All in all it was a really nice weekend and very relaxing.

I started the “Cheeseburgers in Paradise” piece before my surgery but I have had to put it on the back burner until I’m ready to dive head-first into the heart-stoppers once again. I also have put the blogging to the side for now while we get the house and yard ready for spring and summer. There is still lots going on that I need to write about but I have put things in a list of priorities and the writing is not at the top of the list.

I am happy to say that NASCAR is in full swing and this weekend is one of my favorite tracks they race at, Bristol Tennessee. Elliott Sadler once said that racing at Bristol was like trying to fly a fighter jet in a gymnasium. I have been there to watch a race and I have to say it is really awesome. When the cars get a good green flag run going, they actually create a wind vortex that you can feel. You can also smell the racing fuel in the exhaust. For those of you that have never been to a race should try to go to one. It is an experience like nothing else on this earth. My wife’s first race was the Bristol night race. She didn’t know what to expect. I explained that it was 110,000 screaming red necks in one place. I was afraid she wouldn’t like it but she loved it and we went to races the next few years.

As the weather gets warmer we will all be able to start doing more and more activities outside and I for one am excited. i get cabin fever and being outside is the best medicine for almost everything. My family loves the outdoors and we are looking forward to spending a lot of time outside this year and possibly even going camping. I advise everyone to get out and enjoy the weather while it’s nice. I also think we will have one more good snow before it is all said and done. Hopefully we won’t go from winter right to summer like last year but even of we do, we will be out enjoying the weather.

I will get back to my “Cheeseburgers” series before long and there will be other postings as well. Until then….

And a Juan and a WHOOPS!

Harry Hogg: “Okay, while we’re under caution I want you to go out and hit the pace car.”

Cole Trickle: “Hit the pace car?”

Harry Hogg: “Yeah, hit the pace car.”

Cole Trickle: “What for?”

Harry Hogg: “You hit every other goddamn thing out there I want you to be perfect!”

[Days of Thunder Clip]

That was from Days of Thunder where Robert Duval’s character was chiding Tom Cruise for his poor driving in a NASCAR race. I was reminded of those words after several replays of an initially horrendous appearing crash during the rain delayed Daytona 500 run on Monday night.

During a caution period about 43 laps in to the Daytona 500 Juan Pablo Montoya came on the radio telling his crew chief he felt like he had a vibration. He came around the track and there were sparks flying from under the car like he had a tire going down. The car spun sideways and he slid up the track and hit one of the Jet Dryers being used to clean the track. It caused a huge fireball initially then blew itself out. Montoya’s car was on fire and he was able to get safely out, because of the dryer being hot and there was jet fuel leaking on to the track the jet dryer caught fire again. [See Video] The crash caused a two-hour delay in a race that had already been delayed almost 36 hours for a training rain storm over Daytona Beach. Every driver was excited to get started and get the race going. With Phoenix next week, there couldn’t be too much more of a wait to get the season opener underway.

In it’s 54 year history the 500 has been rain shortened and rain delayed but never canceled. They were confident they would not have to cancel and would move heaven and hell to get the race in. Between the rain delays and Montoya’s Cole Trickle impersonation, the race that began around 7pm on Monday the 27th and ended after 1am on the 28th. It saw,as usual, a great race.

NASCAR reconfigured the cars to try and break up the big group of cars drafting around the track, but everyone found out that even two cars weren’t really that good together. In the end Matt Kenseth edged Dale Earnhardt Jr by .210 seconds. The Daytona 500 holds many different memories for many different people. I remember feeling the elation when Dale Earnhardt Sr won the 500 after 20 years of trying. I saw him lead the race on lap 199.5 and be in second on lap 200. He had cut a tire one year, ran out of fuel in another try and even hit a sea-gull one year taking him out of the lead. Then I remember watching the 2001 Daytona 500 when Dale was killed on the last lap. When Mike Helton. NASCAR President stood before the assembled press, raised his hand and said; “Ladies and Gentlemen, we have lost Dale Earnhardt.” It was a dark day and I have to admit I had lost some interest in watching NASCAR after that. My wife Michelle however got me back in to watching and I do enjoy it again. I like Dale Jr, Tony Stewart, Jeff, Jimmy, Mark Martin and those types of drivers. I hate the Busch Brothers and anyone who uses their cars as a lethal weapon. Of course that is what makes NASCAR what it is.

To conclude, the top 10 in the rain delayed Daytona 500 are as follows

1. Matt Kenseth

2. Dale Earnhardt Jr

3. Greg Biffel

4. Denny Hamlin

5. Jeff Burton

6. Paul Menard

7. Kevin Harvick

8. Carl Edwards

9. Joey Logano

10. Mark Martin

Congratulations to all the drivers and good luck to a great and safe season. I’ll blog more on up coming races and maybe have an on the scene report from one later in the season… Until then.

Cheese Burgers in Paradise – Part I – The Every Day

As I promised in my last blog, I decided to do a cheese burger tour in the area around where I live. Jimmy Buffet sang about a Cheese Burger in Paradise and I thought that was fitting for this piece. [Listen to song]  Much to my wife’s chagrin, she will be accompanying me. I’m sure I will need someone CPR certified as this tour goes on so i told her she had to come. To prepare for this mission, I stocked up on Tums and refilled my Lipitor so hopefully I should be able to hang. There are many good burger spots in our area as well as the typical chains. I will start with the run of the mill every day joints then I will move into the higher end chains then the top of the line in my opinion. I will use a simple grading system. 5 Stars is the best and 1 Star isn’t worth whatever animal they killed to make it.  As we begin keep in mind, I do not advocate cheese burgers every day and I did not have one every day, my poor gall bladder couldn’t take it. So sit down, grab some ketchup and a Dr. Pepper and enjoy.

McDonald’s Quarter Pounder with Cheese – 3 Stars

I figured I would start where most of us are familiar, the McDonald’s Quarter Pounder with Cheese. For years this was the only thing I ever got when I went to McDonald’s. It comes with a quarter pound burger made of ground something but no one is sure what, two slices of American cheese, ketchup, mustard, pickles and onions. It was quite a nice combination but most days it wasn’t really filling. Even with fries and a drink I wasn’t always satisfied. Then McDonald’s came out with the Double Quarter Pounder. It was a little better. The thing about McDonald’s though is that it is a name that everyone knew and grew up with. There is a comfort level there as well. Most people are loyal to McDonald’s and will not go anywhere else. The fries at McDonald’s are good too and are a nice accessory to this burger. I give the Quarter Pounder with Cheese 3 Stars. It is a good burger but I like the ones that leak all over my arm as I eat them. The Quarter Pounder doesn’t have the “Drippy Factor”, and it doesn’t have that “Wow Factor” so it’s 3 stars.

Wendy’s Big Bacon Classic – 3 Stars

Next up is Wendy’s Big Bacon Classic. The “usual” when I eat there is this burger here. I think bacon was made to go with burgers so this one is a no brainer when it comes to this sandwich. It comes with all the usual fixin’s like Ketchup, mayo, mustard, lettuce, tomato, pickle and onion. Two slices of American cheese and two nice sized beef patties. The kaiser roll is the perfect bun for this “sammich” and wash it down with a Dr. Pepper, you have a nice little meal. “Where’s the beef..?” It’s right here. They switched their french fries and I for one am not exactly fond of them but I guess they will do. All in all I give this burger 3 stars. There is a little more “Wow Factor” with the bacon, but still no “Drippy Factor”. The Big Bacon Classic at Wendy’s is not a bad burger.

Burger Kings – Whopper – 3.25 Stars

“Hold the pickles, hold the lettuce special orders don’t upset us…” Burger King was one of the first burger joints to allow you to make your burger your way. The Double Whopper with Cheese is my personal favorite. From the flame broiled beef to the toppings it is one of the better chain burgers. Instead of the typical ketchup and mustard, they use a ketchup/mayo mix that I think is perfect. Now add the fact that the lettuce is nice and crispy, the tomatoes are perfect and there is a nice “Drippy Factor”. Oh my goodness. I always end up with something on my lap or shirt after this one. It is a good burger and is filling. However, there are times when I feel a little too bloated from eating this one. I have to honestly admit though that the Double Whopper is still my favorite chain burger. The fries at Burger King are nice and crispy too. Just the way I, and many others, love them. The “Wow Factor” is still not out of the box but it is a little better for a Chain Burger.  Now add the “Drippy Factor” and oh my.  You got a great chain burger and a good meal. I’ll give it 3.25 stars. Not bad at all.

Well, this will conclude the first stop on our artery cloggin’ adventure. As a matter of fact, just sitting here writing this is making me hungry for a good Burger tonight. Hmmm, should I go grab one out or make one? Coming up next, I’m going to eat a few upscale chain burgers and let you know how those ones rank. When I say upscale I mean like Steak and Shake, 5Guys and Red Robbin. Stay tuned and get the Tums Ready…