Two Of The Best Chicken Salads You'll Ever Eat

I have to admit it, I love food. I even love cooking it every now and then, but this post isn't about cooking, its about eating out and salads.

I love a good salad with grilled chicken and I've found two reasonably priced eateries that have stellar salads that won't make you too round after eating them.

For those of you that are lucky enough to have the Eat N' Park chain in your area, this chain has a wonderful strawberry chicken salad. This is a perfect summer salad with lots of sliced berries, almonds, and tasty chicken all on a bed of spinach with poppy seed dressing to make it extra nommy. It's served with a really good brown bread and is only $7.99.

I recommend this one as a lunch salad, because even though its exceptionally tasty, its not filling enough to eat as a meal without ordering something extra like a cup of soup or chili.

The next salad that you must eat can be found at Cracker Barrel. Its a Grilled Chicken Pineapple Salad. I can only use silly words like Rachael Ray would use to describe this salad, that's how good it is.

This salad has iceberg lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, pineapple and Cracker Barrel's incredible chicken along with a pineapple ranch dressing.

OMG! This produces saladgasms!

Its definitely a great salad for lunch or a light dinner and the dressing is so good you will want to lick the little bowl clean rather than discard any.

Oh and for dessert, have the strawberry icebox pie. OMG so good too.

I Hate When This Happens

ABC has a few shows coming out tomorrow and one is The Gates. From what I've been hearing its kind of a cross between Desperate Housewives and The Vampire Dairies.

OK, that's fine with me.

I can go for a little fluff tv in the summer. Actually I can go for fluff tv anytime. I just hate when the shows get reviewed before they air.

Why should shows be panned before they even air? Shouldn't the viewing public have a chance to decide whether we like something or not?

Plus the poor show is on Sunday nights at 10 o'clock!

Who watches TV then?

I mean why can't we have some cheesy network TV? Why do all the shows have to be about cops/lawyers/doctors or rich women getting laid?

This show will likely have the women and men getting laid, but it will have some bite too! Yay vampires! And even bigger yay if these creatures of the night don't fucking sparkle!!!! Barnabas Collins didn't sparkle and he was way cooler than Edward Cullen.

Let's hope the show is better than the media is making it out to be. I need some vampires in my life that aren't teenagers!!!

Rialto Cafe: Greensburg, PA

When setting out for meal I sometimes like to steer clear of the many chain restaurants that populate our area. Local restaurants usually offer something different, and that's why I was excited to go to Rialto Cafe in Greensburg, when we were there for the Gordon Lightfoot concert.

Rialto's is a really quaint little place with very little seating. If you want to sit in the main restaurant, call ahead for reservations, otherwise, be prepared to sit in the bar area. It is a bit noisy but you get the same menu.

I ordered the Baked Rigatoni, which was reasonably priced at $10.99 and I got a Blue Moon beer, which was draft. The bar has a great selection, to those of you that like to get the warm fuzzies while eating.

The meal came with a small salad which was rather interesting. Interesting in that the salad was just lettuce, cheese and chopped beets. It doesn't sound like much for a salad but it was really tasty. I liked the chopped cheese better than grated. I'm still at a loss for how they did that.

The meal was fantastic. The rigatoni was covered in ooey gooey cheese. This dish truly brings the old catch phrase "Behold the power of cheese" to mind. The sauce was great and the pasta cooked perfectly. Oh and then there was the big meatball in the center. That meatball was pure heaven.

My sister ordered the spinach ravioli and we both remarked that we had never seen ravioli so big before.

Rialto's has a small menu in comparison to a lot of restaurants but when you taste the food, you have to admit that sometimes its better to specialize. At a glance I saw some people with appetizers and sandwiches (those were all bigger than the avg head too and come with steak fries) and I wouldn't hesitate to order either. Their Reuban has won an award from the Pittsburgh Post Gazette.

This is definitely going to be my place to stop when I go to the Palace for any events in the future.

Pay attention to song meanings Part 1

Hey Wenches, long time no see. I got a little wrapped up in real life things, very good real life things (a promotion and a film-related project) that took up most of my free time. But now I'm back... to let you know... I can really shake 'em down?

Speaking of dancing music, today I'm thinking about the true meaning of some pop songs. Were you aware, for instance, that REM's "The One I Love*" is a song about abusive relationships? or that the Police's "Every Breath You Take" is about stalking?

I figure you folks already knew those factoids, but you'd be surprised how many people don't. I've heard "Every Breath You Take" at weddings, which really skeeves me out. And Michael Stipe has expressed his confusion in several interviews how people can not only miss the point of "The One I Love" but go so far as to make it their song, as in their lovey dovey couples song.

Once I even saw "Yesterday" on a master song list for a wedding band. Yesterday? Yeah, that's a pleasant sentiment for a wedding. "Why'd she have to go" indeed!

So I can concede that art is subjective, but that only goes so far. At some point you're just suspending disbelief and/or feigning ignorance. The latter is what I did at my wedding when I played "Hey Ya" at the reception. If you pay close attention to the lyrics, you'll figure out it's a breakup song. It's hard to pay attention to lyrics while you're dancing, though, and sometimes it's more important to get asses on the dancefloor.

*also, holy shit, did you know the Director of Photography for this music video was ALTON BROWN?!? God bless Wikipedia.

Annoying Commericals

It has been quite awhile since I did an annoying commercials post. Lately there has been only one that has really got on my nerves every time I hear it. It is the AT & T commercial that uses the song Pure Imagination that was made famous in the film, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.



The commercial doesn't bother me so much as the song. I've never liked Willy Wonka, though I love Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. It doesn't make it any better that this AT & T commercial seems to be on during every commercial break. It makes me want to pull my hair out.

I'd almost rather they go back to them showing that they aren't as bad on the MAP as Verizon points them out to be. And those were some pretty annoying commercials too.

The One Facebook Group You Should Join

I've bitched about all the hate groups on Facebook, but if you want to hate on BP, than I'm with you 100% of the way.

That's why I think any self respecting human should belong to the Boycott BP on Facebook.

Its not a hatemongering site, though by the time you read through some of the stuff posted you will be angry. But how can you not be, when our coast is being destroyed. Its hard not to be angry at everyone involved including the current administration, which took a little too long in my book to jump in club them over the head with a big stick.

However there's another group on Facebook that may just have the answer to how to stop the spill: Stop the oil spill by stuffing BP executives into the leaking pipe. If it weren't for that cruel and unusual punishment thing in the constitution I think this would be a viable solution. The ego of the CEO alone should be enough to plug that pipe!

I don't know how we can calmly sit by when so much of our planet is being destroyed by this company's carelessness. For the love of god, send them a message, don't buy their gasoline. Here are some of the BP Brands to Boycott: Castrol, Arco, Aral, am/pm, Amoco, Wild Bean Cafe and, Safeway Gas.

Make this company learn and make them accountable!

Just Call Me Imelda

Suddenly I'm having a love affair with shoes. Thankfully right now, cheap shoes or rather not so expensive shoes.

I want a pair of those Sketchers Fitness knock offs that Champion is making. I found a pair of black ones @ Payless for $35 and they are kind of cute. Plus anything that will motivate me to get off my butt and walk is a good thing right now. I've grown terribly lazy lately.

They even make a flip flop that helps you tone as you walk.

I want these shoes.

However getting both pairs, even with the sale that is going on at Payless will set me back around $50.

~Big Sigh~

I imagine that I'll have to wait until I get my birthday money in a few weeks to buy them. By then the Buy On Get One 1/2 off sale will be over and I'll have to pay more for them.

Concert T-Shirts = Evil

I've been to my share of concerts and I've shelled out hundreds of dollars in merchandise too. What pisses me off is how poorly made some of the shirts are, and we all know how much those puppies cost at a show, right?

Some cost $30.00 or more. For a fucking t-shirt!!

Well I was going through my cabinets and I found my Elvis Costello shirt from The Delivery Man Tour. "The Monkey speaks his mind!"

Guess what?

There was a hole in the shirt.

WTF!

There are no moths in my bedroom dresser drawers. I've only worn the shirt once or twice. WTF! A hole!

I know this shirt cost a small fortune too, because:

1. Its a ladies baby doll shirt.

2. All the shirts at the show were ridiculously priced.

I have shirts from The Monkees' 20th Anniversary tour that don't have holes in them and they are over 20 years old! (And were worn EVERYWHERE!)

I'm seriously angry about this. And its not as if Elvis Costello is one of the overpriced concerts coming to the Burgh this summer.

Ruined For Castle

The other night mom, the nephew and I, watched Doctor Horrible's Sing-A-Long blog. Shortly after watching my mom declared that she would never watch Castle in the way way again, because of Nathan Fillion's part as Captain Hammer.

Understandable.

There really are some roles that stick with an actor and its hard to look at them in other parts. That's why so many of the actor's that played Doctor Who wanted to leave after only a few seasons. They didn't want to be type cast, however talented.

Sadly this wasn't really the case here. It was more of an OMG I can't believe this guy is playing such a goofy part for no good reason.

Yet, as most of us know Doctor Horrible is really full of LOLS.

I was surprised to hear my mom laughing at it so much. At 76, she doesn't always find the same things funny that we do.

Come to think of it, I don't know if I'm going to be able to look at Nathan Fillion in the same way.

In Defense Of Crocs

I have a love/hate relationship with crocs. The standard issue shoes are the most butt ugly creations I've ever seen in my life. They are, however the most comfortable shoes ever! So were those jelly sandals that were so big in the 80s. (And they only cost $5.00)

The thing is, most people just look at those ugly beach shoes.

They don't see the super cute shoes like these



Pardon me while I drool!

Cute shoes, that are super comfortable.

The only drawback to crocs, is the price. They really are too damn expensive unless you can find them on sale. I've been lucky that I found a few pairs at Ollie's Bargain Outlet and at an awesome store in Hartville, OH.

So before you totally diss crocs, take a look at some of the other styles they offer.

One from the Vaults: Marmaduke

Yesterday the Duke was loosened upon the earth as scores of eager fans lined up to plunk down two hours worth of minimum wage pay for their own personal In-Duke-Pendence Day.

Honestly? Any conventional review I'm going to give will do a huge disservice to both the movie and the loyal readers (or service, depending on how you look at things). You already know the plot: a big talking dog learns life lessons with lots of fart jokes and sight gags that its target audience is too young to understand. (I mean, seriously, did the screenwriters at least consider that the underagers were in diapers at best when the OC was airing?)

Instead, I've decided to create a highlights reel of all the WTF moments your accurate plot guessing will leave out:

• dogs on hallucinogens!
• Marmaduke rollin' in a Mini Cooper listening to Tupac!
• George Lopez as a side kick in his second batshit weird movie about talking dogs in two years!
• shade tippin'!
• William H. Macy doing his best to pretend he's in another Mamet production, weird speech pattern and all!
• A very vigilant dog catcher who's willing to go into a large thicket of bushes near a train yard close to midnight in the pouring rain!
• a dog jumps from a shed into a pool shouting "I AM A GOLDEN DOG!!!"
• a flashback to presumably the 1950s when the Duke was a puppy!
• CGI dog dance sequence!
• Racism in the guise of adorable dogs!
• "A classic OC-style rager!"
• A toddler that appears and disappears at convenient plot intervals!
• Surfing dogs! Cowa-doga!

There are many more highlights, but at this point the muscle relaxants are wearing off, so I can't remember them. And really, I couldn't make a better summary than IMDB user turok818, who states it so succinctly: "amazing movie, haters kill yourself."

PS remember in that last post, when I asked what audience the Marmaduke branding would attract that wouldn't have already been attracted by a talking dog picture? Old people, that's who. The theater was about 1/4 people without children over the age of 65.

Why Is Weight Loss So Damn Expensive

I'm fighting the battle of the bulge and I really hate talking about it. I hate talking about exercise as much as I hate actual exercise. Have I mentioned that I don't find it in the least bit fun?

But what really gets me is how anything that is healthy or better for you or promotes weight loss etc costs a small fortune.

I'm lucky my gym membership is only $19.00.

But its the food that really gets me.

Have you seen the price of stuff like Fiber One muffins? $5.00 for 4 little muffins that are in no way going to fill me up, I don't care how much fiber they put in them. That's the same with Weight Watchers TV Dinners and Lean Cuisine, both brands I buy on a regular basis, but crikey, if you can't get them on sale they cost an arm and a leg in comparison to other frozen meals.

6 Slim Fast shakes cost $5.00 too. (Technically if you follow their meal plan you should drink 2 a day with 2 snacks and a 500 calorie dinner) The snack bars cost the same as the shakes. That can be damn expensive.

Why is it that healthy items cost more? Take notice of the price of Baked Lays from Regular Lays? Or soy milk from regular milk. Or better yet, charge us more for portion control. I love 100 calorie packs but it would be cheaper to buy the stuff in the regular sized package, but then again how can we stop shoveling oreos or cheese nips down our pie holes if Nabisco doesn't conveniently package them for us?

It really makes me wonder why I don't just deal with what I weigh and give up. Oh yeah, it's bathing suit season.

The Duke Is Loose

So as you probably gathered, I'm a big fan of crappy movies. For every good, actually good movie I watch, there's five St. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Bands (the movie, mind you, not the album). There's this odd sense of respect I have for them (well, all of them except Sgt. Pepper's). It kind of goes beyond watching them ironically back to actually enjoying them.

All this is to set up the fact that my friends and I are going opening night to see Marmaduke. And by "see," I mean we've been leaving goofy messages to each other online and are having a big party beforehand. We're all like-minded and pumped because this movie really looks like the crap of the crop. (1) George Lopez automatically bumps any movie into Million Dollar B movie territory (2) They use Ke$ha in the trailer (3) why the fuck do you make a Marmaduke movie 40 years after its peak?

I guess that last question is what's weighing on my mind. Marmaduke's prime, if it had one, was back when shag carpets were fashionable and people actually read newspapers, let alone newspaper comics. Marmaduke didn't talk and certainly didn't have a sassy cat sidekick. The comics aren't even jokes! They're sentences that you assume are jokes because they're in a comic panel! (kind of like Lopez's stand up formula - random statement + I laugh = you laugh)

I've gotta think the Hollywood pitch meeting went something like this: "Yeah guys, we have an AWESOME talking dog movie for the summer with Owen Wilson, but I don't think that can carry it on its own. We need some kind of big name franchising association like Marmaduke. Yeah, that's it, Marmaduke! Nobody's optioned that, right?"

On the other hand, I can see it kind of like V for Vendetta, the scorn of many an internet anarchist. If you filmed it verbatim from the comic, it'd be seven hours long and boring as all hell. Any cinematic ridiculousness is just going to add to the premise.

Anyway, gang, expect a full write up when the Duke is finally loosened upon the earth this weekend.

Things That Both Scare And Annoy Me

~ BP and the Government: Why hasn't the Gov't stepped in and taken over and fined the fuck out of this company. Oh and if you aren't boycotting BP gasoline, WTF is wrong with you?

~ Stephanie Meyers: Shouldn't this lady be moving on and away from the whole Twilight thing or at least moving far far away to live off the millions she made on those really crappy books. Again, VAMPIRES DON'T SPARKLE!

~ My love of characters like Gene Hunt from Ashes To Ashes and The Eleventh Doctor. I really don't need to love any more fictitious things. I need to step away from the telly.

~ The calorie content of all the food at The Cheesecake Factory.

~ I can't mention this enough: SARAH PALIN! Fuck it, the whole Republican Party.

~ The cost of DVDs for shows like Doctor Who, Sarah Jane Adventures and The Tudors. Crikey! I'm not made of money.

~ The length of time its going to take to pay off my 2006 Ford Focus.

Playing The Blame Game

There's nothing I hate worse than people blaming other people for their own stupidity. There's a group petitioning McDonald's to retire Ronald McDonald because their kids are fatasses.

Excuse me moms and dads, do you not know how to use the word "NO!"

McDonald's isn't going to make you fat, if you eat it on occasion and choose your menu options wisely. Your kid doesn't have to have a Cheeseburger, fries and soft drink in their Happy Meal.

Also I don't recall seeing Ronald coming down the street, grabbing kids by the neck and force feeding them Quarter Pounders. In fact, I can't recall the last time I actually saw Ronald McDonald.

Own up, parents.

Its not a restaurant's job to raise your child. Its is also not the government's business to say a restaurant can't have a toy included in a kid's meal. That my friends is BULLSHIT!

Teach your children to eat right. Let them have a treat once in awhile. A small burger with apple slices and milk is not going to kill your child or make them a fatass. Let them play in the play area instead of sitting attached to every computer game that comes on the market.

Be realistic. Own up! And stop protesting stupid shit.

MORONS!

Sometimes I Really Hate Earworms

My good friend Jennifer was talking about having Lady Gaga's Bad Romance stuck in her head, thanks to a little to much Glee. I in turn have Paparazzi stuck in mine, for reasons I have yet to figure out

This is not a song I want stuck in my head. I'm not a huge fan of Lady Gaga. Her music is ok, but she's a little too much show and not enough substance for me. She does have one thing going for her though, she's mastered the art of the earworm.

Let's face it. If you write a song that can get stuck in someones head for days, you must be doing something right, even if it is being the most obnoxious performer on the planet.

I don't know what it is with me and earworms, but I seldom get songs that I like stuck in my head. Its usually a song I can't stand and would like to find a can of brain bleach to pour between my ears in hopes of erasing the stain of the song permanently from my memory. Sadly, no one sells brain bleach. So I'm stuck with Gaga for likely the next 5 days.

I'm just thankful its nothing worse. The last time I had an earworm like this it was Bleeding Love, and that song made my ears bleed.

What was the worst earworm you've been afflicted with?

Movie review: Iron Man 2

I'm about to share a deep, dark secret with you that you probably wouldn't expect: I love gun movies. And not, "polite chuckle, I do enjoy a good popcorn movie ironically." More like my eyes light up like Christmas morning. It might be vulgar, but it wouldn't be off to say I have a total boner for gun-happy movies, which is why I dug the first Iron Man.

Now Iron Man has never been one of my favorite comic book characters, but what with 90% of the comic movies getting my favorites totally wrong, it kind of makes sense that I can get into a movie I'm not too emotionally vested in. For the uninitiated, Iron Man is a really cool giant robot gun that fights bad guys,whose real identity is a boozing conservative playboy CEO of a weapons company. That's it. No moralistic Alan Moore bullshit about it. Any touchy feely life lessons like "the end result of global business can have dire consequences" or "respect other cultures" are out the window and replaced with explosions and AC/DC songs.

If you're still reading this, then congrats, you might just enjoy this movie. This time around, Tony Stark is hosting a year long tech orgy called Stark Expo, which is a combination of TED, Mac World, and Epcot. Meanwhile in Russia, Ivan Vanko, the son of a man that worked with Old Man Stark to create the arc react used to power the suit - who co-create the process that Mr. Stark took credit for yet still somehow ended up the villain? - is holding a grudge and creates his own more bad-ass version of the Iron Man suit with electrospark whips for hands. Stark business rival Justin Hammer realizes Vanko and he have a common enemy and offers his tech for Vanko's mind to run Tony Stark out of business. Vanko, newly dubbed Whiplash, has other plans in mind.

So there's actually a plot in the midst of the exploding Grand Prix cars and nerd references. There are some great moments of Tony Stark sinking into depression when faced with his own mortality and daddy issues, something that doesn't normally hack it in Hulktown.

If gun-candy isn't your thing, then this movie is packed full of eye-candy. Robert DJ isn't really my type of good looking (though my mother-in-law was pretty swoony over him), but Don Cheadle looks pretty tasty in a uniform, and Sam Rockwell is strangely attractive as the nerdy one-part-Ben-Folds-one-part-Bob-Odenkirk Justin Hammer. And sweet jeezy, ScarJo in a leather cat suit... I think that needs no further elaboration. There's someone for everyone. Or, if you're a greedy bitch like me, everyone for someone.

I fully realize that this might just be the most vapid review I've written. I think that deserves balloons and cake. At this point, I'm just going to avoid rating it all together on a ten-point system, because I know that while my life was not enlightened by this movie by any stretch of the imagination, I'm going to buy it and watch it on a regular basis, mostly while drunk and/or sick. I can wax poetic about the French New Wave and try to hide it, but at the end of the day, I'm going to reach for the movie with guns and girls. And really, isn't that what Truffaut would've wanted?

Age Appropriate

These two words seem to appear everywhere now. It started with Miley's pole dance and now its moved on to those little girls dancing for a competition.

It makes me think. Why do parents let there children do this sort of thing? Miley and that group of dancers both have talent, thought with Miles its questionable, but is it really necessary to make our children grow up before their time just so they can acheive fame?

By now most of the world has viewed the clip of the dance troop bumping and grinding to Single Ladies. Age Appropriate seemed to be the words that came out of everyone's mouths but those of the parents.

Why is that?

Because parents don't seem to want to fess up to doing something wrong.

8 year old girls should not be doing the bump and grind. Its not right. The thing about this whole scandal/shocker/whatever you want to call it, is how oblivious the parents were when they posted the video to You Tube.

Yes, you want to show your kids off, but do you really want EVERYONE to see them. By everyone I mean some of those people whose names are on certain lists for being predators?

I mean why would you do something like that?

Its kind of like celebrities taking nude photos of themselves. Do they honestly think that somehow they won't end up online? Trouble is bound to come from stupidity of this nature.

There are a lot of sickos out there, why would you do something so idiotic that would put your child at risk?

Oh yes I forgot, the parents that would do this only care about fame and likely living vicariously through their children, or off whatever money they earn.

ARGH!

Parents, let your damn kids be kids. You're stuck in adulthood long enough.

Orchard Chicken Salad = Yum

I finally got into Subway to try their new Orchard Chicken Salad Sub. I thought long and hard about trying this because I usually do not like fruit with my chicken salad. I'm pleased to say that it is a tasty sub, not as tasty as some of the others on the menu, and definitely not as awesome as their tuna sub, but still a fresh taste.

I didn't do the sub with regular bread. I opted for the toasted flatbread with only provolone and lettuce. When the salad has a lot going on, its probably best to go sparingly with the other vegetables.

The next time I try it, I want to have it just as a salad. If only it could be on a bed of lettuce with some other fruit, it would be fab! In fact, I keep thinking that the salad itself would be super in a hollowed out pineapple.

Mmmm Nommy.

Suddenly I'm hungry again. I think I need to stop blogging about food.

This Annoys Me

There's one misspelling out there that drives me absolutely nutty and that's the word WEIRD.

I know its an exception to the rule of "I before E except after C," but for the love of god, its used so regularly in day to day life that spelling it should truly be a no brainer.

Today I witnessed "weird" being spelled "wierd" by a mostly professional writer and I'm hoping that it was a typo.

I don't want my head to explode and the continued misspelling of this word just might cause that to happen.

What misspellings drive you bonkers?

One More For The Restaurant Bucket List

I totally forgot about The Melting Pot when I did my restaurant bucket list. I have been there, but never to have dinner, which is very very pricey. I had a drink and a dessert fondue, which was fabulous.

The thing that has kept me from going there, besides the price, is the fact that you have to have reservations on the weekend. This wouldn't be something that would bother me if it weren't a chain. However you do get a four course meal when you go there and that alone is probably worth the phone call, but I'm lazy and spontaneous. I like to be able to go to a restaurant when I'm there, after all I may change my mind about where I want to eat. Plus if I'm going to a place like this I definitely need to have someone to go along with, for two reasons.

1. I don't drive to Pittsburgh alone if I can absolutely avoid doing so.

2. I don't want to look like a pig as I scarf down all the fondue and lick the hot bowl, thus burning my tongue out of my mouth.

See, I need someone with me to save me from myself.

Behold the power of melted cheese!

One Life To Live FAIL

I was at the Ford Dealer today waiting for some final paperwork to be completed and for them to check my Airbag system, which went wonky on me, so I had the afternoon to watch the soaps.

Not by choice, mind you. I am not a fan of any daytime dramas like this, at least not since Passions went off the air.

Today was full of FAIL on One Life To Live. It was the Llanview's Prom and its a MUSICAL EVENT.

Oh yeah, One Life To Live has gone High School Musical on the housewives of America and the end results are not pretty or easy on the ears. There's not a member of the cast that can really sing I don't care what the producer of the show thinks

It started out with a slaughter of the Black Eyed Peas I Gotta Feeling and it just went downhill from there. They even did a horrid duet-ish version of Cher's If I Could Turn Back Time.

It was painful, I tell you and yet I remained glued to the TV set, like it was something important. It was so bad, it almost had me laughing, because these people were getting paid good money to murder these songs. Its not like this was a try out for American Idol, though I bet Simon would have some interesting things to say about the way they performed.

I can't believe I'm saying this, but I think I'll be hunting down tomorrow's epi so I can see the whole thing in its infinite badness

Restaurant Review: Cheddar's Casual Cafe Triadelphia, WV

Northerners won't be as familiar with this chain as those south of the Mason Dixon line will be and west of PA, but after eating there 2 times, I want to shout my praises to the rooftops. You have to eat at a Cheddars!!

Why is Cheddar's so wonderful?

Cheddar's has the atmosphere of pricier chains, some of which are in the same area. At the location in Triadelphia, there's an Applebee's, Quaker Steak And Lube, a Fusion Steakhouse and a Bob Evans, to name but a few...oh and there's also Indigo Joe's but that particular restaurant deserves a review of its own. That said, all of the above mentioned eateries cost more than a meal at Cheddars.

The menu may not feature pages and pages of selections but what they do have is great, from salads, sandwiches and burgers to classic comfort foods and steaks. They also have these wonderful honey buttered croissants that can only be described as "to die for."

We started the meal off with chips and queso. For $3.99 this was a great deal for an appetizer, especially for two. There's more than enough queso dip and salsa. Oh and the salsa was really good on the heat factor, more medium than mild, which makes me go Yay!

Both times I've been there, I've been seduced by the Bakes Spasagna, which is a big slice of baked spaghetti, only it looks like lasagna. It is possibly the best comfort food ever, served with a wonderful slice of garlic bread.

My dad, who is always my Sunday dinner companion, had an 8 oz sirloin with loaded baked potato and cole slaw. Once I again, I expected dad, to lick his plate clean.

The best part is with the tip, the meal only cost $30.77! That's two dinners, an appetizer and both of us having fountain drinks! That should get a woo hoo from just about anyone!

There's more to Cheddar's than just great food and low prices though, the place really has atmosphere, from the cute waterfall fountain outside to the unique ceiling fans inside.

This place makes you feel like you've gone to a really expensive place, without hitting your pocketbook. I don't think I've been in a chain restaurant that felt so classy. I think that's why it holds court at the Cabela's plaza in Triadelphia. If you go there on a Saturday night, expect a 45 minute wait for a table. Thankfully this Sunday we got a table straight away, but the place was still packed.

You can find locations and menu items at the Cheddar's Website.

MUST LOVE BABBIES (aka, are children automatically a feminist issue?)

So I should have realized by now that I need to stop reading certain feminist blogs because the comments sections devolve into extremist two-sides mud slinging and negativity no matter what the post. There's certain blogs that make me feel worse for reading them, and even some that I feel don't offer a whole lot of safe space for me for various reasons.

Therefore, I guess I had it coming when I read the comments section of a recent Feministe article called "On Hating Children." Because it turned into the Old West of ableism (disabled adults are the same as screaming children), subtle racism (inner city people like to beat their kids), and privilege (calling the kid that threw a Tonka truck at me in the mall a "brat" is bigoted), I'm going to mainly focus on bits and pieces of the article. From what I gathered, the main focus of the article was debating whether or not it was okay to say certain restaurants weren't for kids, tentatively leaning toward the side of it being okay. But one of the throwaway comments that the author didn't elaborate on too much was that saying you "hate kids" is a sexist statement.

Here's the part where the parents in the audience automatically discount everything I say: I don't have kids, and I certainly don't want to. But I don't hate kids. In fact, in their own space where they feel comfortable, kids are pretty cool. I regard kids the same way I do cats, train whistles, and my downstairs's neighbor's love of booty bass. (A) I like interacting with them in someone else's home because I can leave before my eyes start welling shut (B) outdoors, in neutral spaces, and in spaces dedicated solely to them, they're cool and I encourage them to go full steam. Even if they annoy me, that's my bad, and I'll either suck it up or leave. But (C) when they interrupt my nice dinner, my movie, my personal space, my bodily peace, places reserves specifically for adults/dog lovers and allergy clinics/ quiet meditation/ sleeping at 2 AM, that shit has to cease.

I really hate to go into libertarian territory, but I feel that the above mentioned situations go along with the old slogan "your rights end at the tip of my nose." I fully expect to hear train whistles at a train museum or when I lived next to the depot (yeah, that wasn't a great choice on my end); I'm going to get pissed when some jackass stands outside my bedroom window and blows a train whistle for 30 consecutive minutes. Therefore, it's fair game if your kid wants to act up at Bob Evan's, but not at Bloody Slasher's Revenge 2: Blood, Guts, and Boobies. And unlike the train whistle jackass, I can't tell your kid to shut up. That's stranger danger, or disciplining your kid for you, or a myriad of other things that get you screamed at by someone other than a four-year-old.

So that rant took a different turn, and I still haven't addressed the original sticky statement: that "hating" kids is sexist. That's something I can't get behind. I do agree that sexist actions can discriminate against children, such as workplaces passing up mothers for jobs or promotions, the brunt of domestic violence going to women and children, and "all inclusive" activist activities/conferences giving the cold shoulder/ not accommodating moms. But simply not enjoying children isn't a sexist act. In fact, I think that the implied other end of that statement - all feminists (ie women) should love being around children - is a lot more sexist of a statement.

Now caveat, Wench-readers: this is not aimed at all kids and all parents (yes, parents, because for all the "mombie" bullshit that gets thrown around - and yes, that is sexist that it's always moms - it's usually uptight dads that 9/10 of the time get on my nerves). This is a subsect of parents, maybe 15% at best, that are chock full of entitlement, classism, and white privilege that make the rest of you guys look bad. If you still think you're in that 15%, and that adult-only rules are the same as Jim Crow (honest to blog, I read that comment once), then let's make a deal. The first month that a family member, coworker, or complete fucking stranger doesn't walks up to me and ask WHEN (not if) I'm having a baby and looking in revolt or disbelief when I say I'm not, you're gold. I'll accept all your strawman arguments, ALL of them, and let your kid scream directly into my eardrum cart blanche for five hours on end. Deal?

More Fail From NBC

This Network needs to go away. They really don't know anything about programming anymore.

Why the rant?

And this has nothing to do with the redheaded whiner Coco, who I've come to despise in the last few months.

Law and Order is canceled after 20 seasons. If they could have paid the actors and actresses one more season it could have gone out as a record breaker. There could have been a proper finale for the show as opposed to the simple ending it will get in a week or two.

As it is, there's nothing special to commemorate this long running institution. The show just slinks off leaving its spin-offs to continue their runs; SVU on the Peacock and Criminal Intent on USA.

Not to worry, because you can't have too much of a good thing, right? Law and Order Los Angeles will be coming soon to a tv screen near you.

Wouldn't it be great if the networks would develop DIFFERENT shows instead of franchise shows. How many CSI and Law and Orders do we have to put up with?

Oye!

On a positive note for NBC, Chuck got renewed! That means there's still a chance our spy can sing for Sarah!

speaking of bucket lists...

So Moody's post about bucket list restaurants made think of my own personal bucket list. I found some old notebooks from five to ten years ago, and it's neat to see what I've crossed off so far from those lists:

• saw six bands on my "ultimate concert" list, including No Doubt, Joan Jett, and "a full set of Ben Folds" (not accomplished until show #4, actually)
• met Ben Folds and wrote a fan letter to Francesca Lia Block
• went to New York and California
• bought Fear of Pop (really, 18 year old self? that took five minutes on Amazon)
• formed a band that performed in front of people
• wrote for a music magazine
• finished a screen play
  
• worked as a baker (this was actually a goal of mine in elementary school. I sorta kinda did this for six month, and it wasn't enjoyable)
• "make money from making a movie." Granted it was third place in a film festival, but it still counts, dammit.
  
• made a speech that "people really liked."
• played Columbia in Rocky Horror
• thanked my two favorite authors for writing my two favorite books
• used "Buddy Holly" in my wedding
• "Fight Nazis" - I'm sure that goal was written with a literal sense (as in face-punching), though the actual action was more peaceful and legal.
• "learn to like Bob Dylan"
• learned to swim, not awesomely but enough not to drown
  

I'm thinking about a part 2 to this, but until then, what have you crossed off your bucket list? And if it applies, what the hell were you thinking then?

My Restaurant Bucket List

I love food. I love going out to eat, hence the waistline that keeps expanding, damn and blast.

That doesn't stop me from wanting to experience some great restaurants. Here are some of the places I want to eat at but haven't.

Century Inn - Scenery Hill, PA. This restaurant has been standing since 1794. It used to be Hill's Tavern. I know its terribly expensive but its the one place that I absolutely long to experience at some point in time.

Dave and Buster's: C'mon, I don't care if its a chain. Its Chuck E. Cheese for adults! I've always loved this kind of atmosphere. I want to go!!

P.F. Changs: Again, I've never been and yet there is one @ The Waterfront. I think the lure of Rock Bottom Brewery probably is the main reason I haven't been to this place.

30 East Main - Uniontown, PA: This is another restaurant that I never get to because of the lure of another favorite. When I'm in Downtown Uniontown, Meloni's always calls to me and it almost always wins too.

Bar Louie There are two Bar Louies in Pittsburgh and I've managed to not go to either of them, but not for want of trying.

Majorca: I've never tried real Spanish food and I've heard wonderful things about this place I know I could only afford to go at lunch time, but I think it would be well worth the expense, the menu sounds fantastic.

My list could go on for ages, there are dozens of restaurants in Pittsburgh I'd love to try if I had the time and money to do so. I really would love to try Thai food, and there are some great restaurants in the Strip that I would love to frequent.

What restaurants are on your list of places to try?

Sometimes Doctor Who Baffles Me

I've been watching Who as it airs in the UK, so apologies if I spoil things for those of you in the US that are watching the episodes that are cut to ribbons by BBC America.

In the last Weeping Angels epi, Amy Pond goes all leg humpy on The Doctor, for no good reason.

I realize that the New Who Crew likes to have a romantic element in the show but it should at least make sense. I know it makes it easier for them to work Rory back into the show, which leads me to another gripe which started back with Rose. Why do the female companions have to have wishy washy boyfriends that have to become companions of the sort later on?

Its very easy to fall in love with the Doctor. No matter what face he has, there's something romantic about the time and space travel that will make women go all leg humpy, but why can't the companions be strong single women? That's why in recent years, Donna Noble is the companion I liked most. When she found The Doctor, she wasn't involved and she was ready to go with him.

Much the same can be said for Amy Pond, but they had to give her a love interest so they could work more companions in the show. I'll at least give Rory credit, he's not stupid, he's just not a go getter like Amy.

The only thing that could be worse than the wussy boyfriend companion woudl be two female companions...cos then it would turn into a Who orgy...all that leg humping. Mind you, I wouldn't mind humping the leg of any of the last 4 Doctors, but that's another story altogether.

Old Bay Shrimp Fest

So I've been slacking off blog-wise and have some fuel for upcoming rants and reviews. But right now I want to do a recipe share. I found this on All Recipes, and it's freaking delicious.

Prep time: 15 minutes; Cook time: 30 minutes
Serves 8

Ingredients
1 cup Old Bay® Seasoning
2 tablespoons salt
4 quarts water
1 (12 fluid ounce) can beer
8 red potatoes, quartered
2 large sweet onions, cut in wedges
2 pounds lean smoked sausage, cut in 2-inch lengths
8 ears fresh corn, broken in half
4 pounds large shrimp in shells

Directions
In an 8-quart pot, bring Old Bay, salt, water and beer to a boil. Add potatoes and onions; cook over high heat for 8 minutes.

Add smoked sausage to potatoes and onions; continue to cook on high for 5 minutes. Add corn to pot; continue to boil for 7 minutes. Add shrimp in shells, cook for 4 minutes.

Drain cooking liquid. Pour contents of pot into several large bowls, shallow pails or mound on a paper-covered picnic table. Sprinkle with additional Old Bay if desired.

Notes
So I adjusted the recipe a little bit, upping the Old Bay to 1 cup (the original called for 1/2). I also used regular frozen cocktail shrimp, as I couldn't bare to look the shelled shrimp in the face. My beer of choice was Sam Adams Boston lager.

Why I Love Zach Levi

I fell for Zach the first time I watched Chuck. His character was impossible not to love. He is a geek who suddenly gets catapulted into the CIA. Plus he gets a totally hot girl to help him become a "real spy."

But there's more to my love for Zach than just the cute show that NEEDS TO BE RENEWED BY NBC NOW!!!!!

Zach can sing. Yes, Chuck can sing, NBC are you listening, your spy can SING! This needs to be written into an episode. Imagine the greatness. Get your boy to record an album! I know there's not a lot of brainpower working at the Peacock Network, but really, this song should clue them in that they have something that they should run with.

He recorded Terrified with Katharine McPhee and that single was just released this week on iTunes and Amazon. Watch the video NOW



This song has really reaffirmed my love for Zach...plus he was in a Chipmunk movie. How cool is that?

Ham And Cheese Pinwheels

Sandra Lee is not my favorite Food Network personality. I don't trust skinny chefs that make tablescapes and lots of cocktails.

That said, she made a recipe the other week that I had to try and with a little tweaking on my part it turned out nommy. Not as pretty as hers but nommy nonetheless.

Ham and Cheese Spirals

Recipe courtesy Sandra Lee

Prep Time:
10 min
Inactive Prep Time:
30 min
Cook Time:
35 min

Level:
Easy

Serves:
12 spirals

Ingredients
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon crushed garlic (I omitted this)
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
Flour, for work surface
1 pound refrigerated pizza dough, at room temperature
1 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar
1/2 pound deli sliced ham
1 large egg
2 tablespoons water

Directions
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, garlic, and Italian seasoning.

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a 12-inch square. Brush the entire surface with
the seasoned olive oil. Top with 1 cup of shredded cheese and an even layer of ham.

Starting from the bottom edge, tightly roll up the dough to form a log. Using a sharp serrated knife, slice the roll on the bias into 1-inch thick pieces. Arrange the rolls on their side on a nonstick or lightly oiled baking sheet. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and allow to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to proof.

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

In a small bowl, whisk together the egg with 2 tablespoons of water. Brush the tops and sides of the rolls
with the egg wash. Bake until golden brown, about 30 to 35 minutes.

Remove from the oven, transfer to a serving platter and serve.
Copyright 2010 Television Food Network G.P., All Rights Reserved

© 2010 Scripps Networks, LLC. All Rights Reserved

Next time I want to make this I'm going to try using mozzarella and pepperoni or salami and have some marinara sauce to dip.

Things I Learned About Cars

I have been in the market for a new car for a long time. If not a new car, a nice used one will do.

Well the other day I found an article on cars on my start page. It was titled 16 cars Under $16,000. You can read it here.

I can sum up the article for you.

If you want a car that isn't going to cost you your first born. The cars aren't going to have fancy schmancy features. They will likely have engine noise. Guys or in the know gals, is this a good thing or a horrid thing? I don't know. Or like the Aveo, my compact of choice right now, have so so performance.

Ah well.

What have I learned from this stuff?

You obviously get what you pay for. If you want a cheaper car you have to sacrifice options.

Guess what people? I'm more than willing to do that. I want a car that runs! It doesn't even have to be cute.

I just want a car!

I'm So Glad Michelle Obama Isn't My Mom

There was an interview with Michelle in one of the Sunday paper inserts this week and I definitely feel sorry for our president's kids. First, mom has taken up the cause of childhood obesity, so I imagine there's not much junk food floating around The White House and second, she doesn't let the kids watch TV on school nights!

Yikes!

I hope those two kids are into sports or have a really early bedtime.

I don't watch a huge amount of TV and I didn't as a kid except on Friday night, but to say NO TV! That's kind of harsh. Not even iCarly? Or cartoons?

But what can we expect from the woman who made the Easter Egg hunt healthier.

BAH!

But that could send me spiraling into the I wish the government would let me be as fat as I want rant.

That said...I'm still glad Mrs. Obama isn't my mama!

My TV Boyfriends

The only men in my life are on TV. That's how I like it too. I can drool and fantasize all I want and when I'm done, I can flip a switch and off they go. Plus, unlike real boyfriends, I can have several without worrying about getting myself into too much trouble.

Who are the guys who keep my hormones raging, when I watch the telly?

1. Nathan Fillion: Its next to impossible not to love Nathan Fillion and that's why its just as impossible not to love Richard Castle. The guy is like a big lovable puppy that you want to cuddle and play with. In the opening credits when Beckett says he does remind her of Hootch from Turner and Hootch she really isn't lying.

After all, how can you not love puppy dog eyes?

And if he wants to lick my face....or any other part of me, I can't say I'd do much complaining.

2. Fredrick Weller: I love Marshall Man on In Plain Sight. He's a big part of why I tune into USA to watch this show.

First of all, I love skinny guys. Second of all, he's a bit of a geek and we all know how I love geeks. I prefer them to more manly men any day.

I adore his relationship with Mary in the show. You long for them to hook up, but you never want to see it happen either, because it would spoil half the fun of their bantering.

3. Phillip Glenister: Gene Hunt is probably the most chauvinistic character on tv, but I'd be his bitch any day. I'd get him his booze. I'd cook his meals. But most of all, I'd warm his bed. That is, as long as I'd get to ride with him in that crazy awesome Quattro!

Its funny. You know he's not totally a good guy, but you can't help but love him. Maybe its because he looks so good in his suits, or maybe its just because he doesn't take any shit from anyone. Whatever it is, Gene Hunt is probably my number 1 TV boyfriend right now. Ashes To Ashes rocks my world.

4. Matt Smith: Matt is the least sexy of all my TV boyfriends. In fact, he's most likely the guy I'd want to hang out with rather than shag. Still, Matt is THE DOCTOR and that automatically makes him sexy in some strange sort of way. Its the timey wimey stuff.

There's also the fact that the 900 + year old Time Lord looks like he's about 12...well that kinda saps the sexy from him, just a tad, but still. He can travel through space and time, so that makes him sexy in my book.

5. James Roday: I don't know that I ever would have gotten into Psych if James Roday hadn't played Shawn Spencer. Ok, that's probably not the case, cos I love Corbin too, but OMG, James is gorgeous! How can you not love him and his childish antics in the show?

I know that if it hadn't been for his cuteness I might have given up on the show the season before last, which was less than stellar. Thankfully I didn't because this winter's season was really awesome.

So there you have it, 5 of my TV boyfriends. Actually I have more, but I'm saving them for another day. So come on...I know some of you have TV boyfriends or girlfriends, care to share who they are with The Wenches?

Support Yer Local Sheriff, Indie Bookstore, Record Store...

Today was Free Comic Book Day, and I set foot in my local comic shop for the first in about a year. I used to chat up the owner of the place at least once a month in college, but I realized I hadn't bought a comic in a good long while. So I set out to do just that and was pleased to find the place packed.

A few weeks ago was Record Store Day, in which I drove to Columbus to see a Mr. Freakin' Folds do a meet & great at a local record store in North Short. And unbeknownst to me, last month was Support Your Local Indie Bookstore Month. Which begs the question (*puts on Seinfield voice*) what is the deal with all these support your local yada yada holidays?

There's a couple of answers. Because the economy sucks for them too, sometimes worse than other stores. Because they love you. Because some people can't walk down the street and buy the latest Eels CD, a local author's book, and a giant voice-changing Dalek toy.

But maybe the best reason is "so the Big Dogs don't win." With even the heavy hitters like Tower Records shutting down, it's getting harder and harder to find a place that sells physical CDs that isn't Wal-Mart anymore. And sure, maybe that's the nature of technology. I can guarantee, though, that no software or patch or app is going to recommend a band to me better than a human (Pandora and iTunes' Genius feature constantly plugging Coldplay to me even when I tell them not to is proof enough of this.) While Amazon has recommended some pretty neat stuff I might not have found otherwise, it's never asked me how my latest film project's going.

Goodness knows I do my fair share of online shopping, and it's a godsend to the people that live in areas without these local shops we tend to take for granted. But nothing can replicate the Cheers effect that a local store can bring. I guess this makes me an old fart. But I can't be the only old fart out there. We old farts have to band together, and where else can we do that but our local pop culture chapels?

Hey guys, remember Snowmaggedon? No?

You know what I'm getting sick of? People calling this recent bout of spring weather "cold." (and maybe this is just an "in my area" rant, so bare with me.) April = spring, so 50s and 60s are normal, not cold. You're thinking of summer, which is two months from now.

It's barely been a month since it snowed here. I remember everyone desperately praying for a day over 30 degrees. Now the snow's gone, and everyone's back to bitching when it gets sorta chilly. Seriously, are our attention spans that short now?

Book Review: Jen Lancaster - Bright Lights Big Ass

I'm generally not a non-fiction kind of girl when it comes to reading. I like chick-lit, I like romance and some good paranormal books, but for the most part, non-fiction to me would be a cookbook. Then I discovered Jen Lancaster.

I discovered her books a few months back and I really wanted to read ALL of them. She writes snarky humor about her life. I knew instantly that I'd like her, and when I finally got a copy of Bright Lights Big Ass, I knew I was right, for the most part.

Jen is snarky, a little goofy, often mean, which means she should be my new best friend. However, she's a Republican. That kinda made me sigh sadly as right now, I prefer to distance myself from all of that breed of politician. Oh and she admits to reading Ann Coulter. Ewww.

However her attitude and her life in general make for good reading. OK, they make for more than good reading, they make for good laughing. If you don't want people looking at you funny, don't read this book in public, because you will laugh out loud.

Some of her issues will really have you shaking your head and some will have you nodding in agreement, especially her issue with nudity in the spa. You really have to read it appreciate it.

There's too much funny to go into, but some of the things she talks about are Rachael Ray, her temp jobs and her neighbors. Pretty normal stuff, eh? But not with Jen.

This was one of the funniest books I've read in ages and I still wouldn't mind having Jen as a friend, as long as she didn't talk politics.

Movie review: The Notorious Betty Page (2005)

Trigger warning: review may have triggering sexual language.

I debated whether or not to make this a "One from the Vaults" column and decided against it. Despite being about 50s pinup and bondage queen Betty Page, it's a pretty un-exploity (and pretty standard) IFC-worthy biopic. It's a great story shot with stunning cinematography and vintage editing tricks.

The movie starts with Bettie growing up in rural Tennessee right outside of Nashville. She's constantly catching the eye of the guys in her town and ends up marrying a high school classmate before he ships off for WWII. After a series of pretty terrible events (including childhood abuse and a gut-wrenching rape scene), she goes to New York to be an actress.

She meets a photographer/cop on the beach and quickly becomes a successful pin-up model. Her stint in camera clubs (1950s dudes with cameras that use some jargon that allows them to take nudie photos without getting arrested) brings her to Irving Klaw, who reinvents Bettie as a bondage model and skyrockets her career. She has a good rein as the Pinup Queen of America before it all crashes down, forcing Bettie to reinvent herself again.

I love love love two things about this movie. (1) it was written, directed, and produced by women (2) they used some great cinematography tricks to make it look like a movie from that era: John Ford-style scene fades, crisp black and white, 8 mm camera grain, and vivid Technicolor when Bettie goes to Miami.

I also liked the messages of the film. One of the themes that popped up was unexpectedly about spirituality; Bettie firmly believed that you shouldn't let anyone else define your beliefs and that you can still validly call yourself Christian when other people condemn you for what you do/ who you are. (Bettie Page's thoughts on God are pretty interesting, from what little bits I've read)

Another message that dovetails into that is Bettie was never regretful about her pictures and seemed to see it as a way of giving back. She kept hammering in the point that the people who were into the not-so-vanilla pictures of her were "nice guys," a contrast to the extreme sexual violence she experienced growing up. It presents an interesting debate about what the public at the time (and hell, even now) considers "good urges" vs "bad urges."

Honestly, this would be a hard movie to blanket recommend. Like I tagged the review earlier, the film has some material that could definitely be triggering. It's also hard to recommend to just anybody based on the subject matter alone (ie, I'm not going to tell your grandma to watch a biopic that has nudity and riding crops).

But that aside? If you're interested in Bettie Page, about pop culture or censorship in the 1950s, or are even just looking for an interesting movie based on real life, I not only urge you to rent it, I say buy it. Just like how Ms. Pinup described her own career, it's a lot more fun than sitting in an office for eight hours.

Final Verdict: 9/10

buy The Notorious Bettie Page on Amazon

Restaurant Review: Rock Bottom, Homestead, PA

Rock Bottom is a slightly upscale chain of restaurants that specialize in good food and microbrewed beers. This past Sunday I took my Dad to the Rock Bottom @ The Waterfront in Homestead.

The menu in the place is across the board, from Southwestern specialties to comfort foods. My dad opted for comfort food, choosing the Chicken Pot Pie and I had a Santa Fe Ranch Salad with Crispy Chicken, which came with a nice garlicky dinner roll.

The Pot Pie was huge and full of large pieces of potato and veggies. It was obviously good, because I was pretty sure my dad was about to lick the plate. Thankfully he has good manners and didn't do that.

My salad was phenomenal, with lots of corn, black beans and the most wonderful tempura-battered Anaheim peppers. The crispy chicken was just that, but also moist and delicious.

As for the beers, you definitely want the house brewed beer. I had the seasonal wheat and it was superb. My father had the North Star Amber, which he enjoyed as much as he did the pot pie.


I've been to one other Rock Bottom before, in Cincinatti, and aside from differences in the beer, the atmosphere of the place is also different. Pittsburgh's Rock Bottom is more posh, whereas the one in Cincy is a bit more "sports bar" even in the dining room area.

This location is definitely a great date night restaurant, even if the date is your dad. It isn't the type of place you frequent weekly. Its a bit to pricey for that. The pot pie was $12.50.

This is definitely a place for special occasions or when you want to treat yourself, unless, you have the dough to toss around.

You can check out the menu and find a location at rockbottom.com

Comedy Review: Craig Ferguson Palace Theater, Greensburg, PA 4/24/2010

There are very few comedians that I'd pay $50.00 or more to see. Craig Ferguson is one of them. I'd even pay $129.00 to rent a car so I could feel safe driving to the venue that's only about 25 miles from my home.

Oye!

The show started rather late, thanks to the Palace not being able to get everyone seated in a timely manner. Sheesh! Perhaps they should have had a last call at the bar, because I've never been to the theater when it took that long to get everyone seated, but maybe that had to do with the size of the crowd. I'm pretty damn sure it was sold out or close to it.

After sitting through an opening act that wasn't nearly as funny as I hoped it would be, we finally got Craigy...and some dancers. Woo hoo. One such dancer was wearing black leather shorts playing a flute. Woo hoo! And the hilarity begins.

Craig is one of those men who can simply be funny, just by being, if that makes any sense and his stand up plays out nicely like one really long monologue only he's not wearing a suit. Nope he's not. He's wearing a lovely pair of jeans, a t-shirt and a leather jacket.

Ladies, its hard to drool and laugh at the same time. Just to let you know, in case you are going to see Craigy any time soon. Its something you'll have to try to perfect though, because between stories about sex scandals, his home life and his discussion on how he likes to cuss, well, its safe to say the drool buckets will be needed. Mr. Ferguson is a good looking guy. Actually he's a good looking, funny guy, who makes the song Oops I Did It Again a whole lot more entertaining.

Look Who's Late to the Great Movies Party. Again.

When you're in high school & a critically-acclaimed movie comes out - say, The Constant Gardner for example - you pretty much don't care because it sounds a little bit boring. I mean, really, who wants to see a movie that at its heart is about - minor spoiler - shitty pharmaceutical companies? Obviously, people who aren't in high school that do things that don't involve malls for fun.

But I'm in college now & I'm a journalism major, which obviously means that now I like said film.

So yeah, that means I finally watched The Constant Gardner five years too late. As usual. But at least I know now how good it is, right?

Honestly, what's not to like? I mean, it's not a feel-good, upbeat family movie, but everything it does it pretty much does well. In writing classes, we're taught that flashbacks are bad, & much of the background & characterization we're given through flashback, but it works really well. I'm all about characters, getting to know them, & actually giving a damn, & really, the story wouldn't work at all if we weren't made to care about not just Tessa, but Justin, as well.

And on that note, Rachel Weisz & Ralph Fiennes are both fantastic in this. No wonder Rachel, especially, got so much praise for this.

It was filmed on-location in Africa, & when the cast & crew were done, they set up a trust for the slums they were filming in, which is pretty awesome. The Slumdog Millionaire creators did the same thing (and I saw that when it was in theaters so no worries there).

And now I have to go out & read the book.

Well, that & see everything else I found uninteresting at 15.

Sandwich Review: Dunkin Donuts Flatbreads

Flatbread sandwiches aren't just for breakfast anymore. Dunkin Donuts, home of crazy wonderful coffee, has some great lunch flatbreads, which rocks my world because egg whites are just not my think. I like my yoke and cholesterol thank you very much.

So seeing as I have a super shiny new Chevy Cobalt for the weekend, I decided to drive up to Dunkin' Donuts and get my dad some sweets and a sandwich and coffee for me.

I have one thing to say about the Turkey Bacon Cheddar Flatbread is "YUM!"

I'm also saying that after bringing the sandwich home after a 12 mile drive. So the sandwich wasn't nice and warm as it should have been, but I didn't want to eat in the teeny tiny shop. I wish I had, because if this sandwich was that good lukewarm, I can only imagine how good it would be nice and hot!

There are 3 other choices for lunch, Chicken Parmesan, Grilled Cheese & Ham and Swiss. If it weren't so early in the day I think I would have tried the Chicken Parm, which looks really good.

If you get the combo, you have a choice between Iced Tea and Iced Coffee. Dunkin' is known for their coffee, so I opted for the coffee with cream and a shot of raspberry syrup.

I will be awake for days now. This is good coffee!

I'm always searching out cheap eats that I can get fast. This is definitely one that fits the bill. I can't wait to try some of the other sandwiches. I may even be brave and try the egg white ones, but I'm not promising anything!

An Interesting Breakdown of the Music Industry

I'm not going to sit here & act like I don't download music. I did a speech on the subject last semester & a lot of people agree that, at least for huge acts, downloads don't hurt the industry all that much & that not every single download equals a lost sale - it's more like ten downloads to get to that point. And frankly, some music out now isn't worth the price labels want you to pay for it. But I'll let the breakdown speak for itself.

Apologies in advance for the huge pink circles. You'll see what I mean. It's out of my hands.



Now it's not 100% accurate & also doesn't account for touring, merchandise sales, & the new pay-what-you-want trend, but it's interesting to look at.

I will say, though, that you should totally support indie artists & your local scene. Because they do need the money & are more than likely worth it, too.

Personally, I download then buy the album if I like more than a few songs.

Turn Off Week

This week is TV Turn Off Week. What is that? Its a week of no TV thought up by a bunch of idiots that think TV is bad and is rotting our minds, making us fat and a host of other nefarious things.

Its funny. The way my TV schedule is, I could actually do it, as most of my shows are in reruns right now.

HA!

Have a look at the website for TV Turnoff Week here.

Now I'm not saying that the idea is bad, but the group itself are a bunch of wingnuts. Eliminate TV?

I'm sorry there's not that much amusing stuff to do in my neck of the woods. Plus some of their suggestions don't fit into a busy person's life. I don't know about you but when I get home from work I'm usually tired.

Here are some work week suggestions of things to do when you have your TV shut off.

1. Catch up on your sleep.

2. Visit a library and then READ!

3. Clean the house.

4. Take the family out to dinner.

5. Teach your kids to do the laundry, so that you can do more of #1.

6. Turn on the radio and try to discover some music that isn't crap!

7. Do some gardening.

8. Get to the gym.

9. Discover how long it takes for a family conversation to turn into a family argument.

10. Read the TV listings to see what you are missing because you have to TV shut off this week.

Later Alligator (Revisited): Wheeling, WV

This past Saturday, my friend Jen and I stopped by Later's down at Central Market again to try some different crepes.

Once again I was wowed by the total awesomeness of the food at this tiny little place. I had a Southwestern concoction, whose name I can't remember, Jen had Pesto Chango. You have to love the "Pun-y" names the place gives to the food.

My crepe was full of egg that seemed to lay right against the pancake, omelette style, white rice, black beans and salsa. The combination was wonderful. It certainly wasn't anything I'd come up with to fill a crepe, savory or otherwise.

Its impossible to leave without sampling a dessert crepe, and of course, we did. This time our crepe was filled with unsweetened ricotta cheese and topped with fresh berries and powered sugar. It was light and fluffy and full of the "Om nom nom nom...AHHHHHHs."

Later's offers up many sandwiches as well, most are bigger than the customer's head, but its so hard to get past those crepes! Plus the crepes are pretty reasonable @ $7.95. Two people can eat crepes have a soda and split a dessert crepe for around $30.00. Not a bad deal. Plus, there just aren't many restaurants that specialize in sweet and savory crepes. These aren't your IHOP pancakes (and I have nothing against IHOP).

The other thing I love about this restaurant is the mascot; Aldo Gator. How can you not love a 'gator who wear's Converse?



So if you happen to be in Wheeling, and you're hankering for a fantastic pancake, you have to to the 'gators! After all the motto is "Eat Or We Both Starve!"

The More I Watch, the More I Like

Anyone else watch V? And if so, is it just me or does it seem like it gets better every week? Like it's getting more & more intense. As well it should be. I mean, really, we're talking about crazy aliens, here.

I admit, I didn't watch the original. For starters, I'm too young. And even though SciFi (I will NOT call it SyFy because it's dumb) aired the whole thing back in the fall, it was bad timing for me & even though my little brother watched basically the whole thing, I didn't have that luxury. But I will get to it eventually. I've heard some complaints that too much is different or they're moving way too fast, but I imagine it's a little difficult to take something that was more of a mini-series & adapt it for an hour-long weekly TV show.

I just liked the fact that it's pretty solid science fiction. It's also pretty clear that ABC is trying to get Lost fans on board, but most of us - unless we have reason not to - get on the internet or talk to anyone else nearby who will listen. Anyway, there's a lot to like with V. It's about aliens but the aliens are all pretty attractive, so it doesn't feel like you're watching an alien show. Plus there's plenty of personal drama & violence. Most bases are covered, here.

I also love that we've had more than one Firefly cast member, & that Krycek from The X-Files is making guest appearances at the moment. I want more of him. I love seeing Nicholas Lea playing a character that's not a villain (or at least, doesn't seem to be).

I'm interested to see where it's going & how long they can make it last.

A Must Drink: Coconut Mocha Frappe

I don't know when I became a fan of fancy coffees. Actually I don't even know when I became a fan of coffee. It just sort of happened one day. I love trying new concoctions from places like Starbucks and Joe Muggs.

Today I was in Wheeling, and when I'm in that town I always stop at Books-A-Million. That's one of my favorite chain book stores. Well, Joe Muggs has really got a winner with their Coconut Mocha Frappe.

This wonderful drink has just the right amount of sweet coconut flavor and coffee flavor. It doesn't just taste like a really sweet brown drink with whipped cream and chocolate shavings on top. No, you can actually tell that its a coffee drink!

Amazing!

But that's the thing about Joe Muggs. Their coffee is fantastic, especially when it comes to fancy flavors.

In the autumn, they did a caramel apple latte that was simply to die for. I had the ranked at about number 2 on my favorite coffee scale.

The Coconut Mocha Frappe is pretty close to number one.

Its definitely a must try on a hot summer day. But do you know what? Its not bad on a chilly spring day either.

Kudos to Joe Muggs!

Personal Entitlement to Public People

Last weekend I saw Ben Folds in Pennsylvania, and it made me wonder about our expectations of the artists we love. Some chatty, kind of annoying high school kids behind me were waiting outside to see if Ben would pop out and do a meet & greet. When he didn't, they called him "a big meanie grouch" (no, seriously, direct quote) and left.

Now, I know they were just being goofy and flippant, but this rubbed me the wrong way. The man just played a 2+ hour concert for you until his fingers bled. Literally. During shows he has to tape up his fingers so his fingernails don't gush blood. So he doesn't owe you a damn thing beyond that. If he wants to say hi to his fans, all the better, but goodness know he's probably wore the fuck out.

But that got me to wonder, what is an artist's obligation to their fans? Is it enough to put art out into the world, or do you have to make an effort beyond that? And how much effort is too much?

I really dig an author named Francesca Lia Block. I don't so much dig an author named Chuck Palahniuk. But the both of them are well known for interacting with their fans. A lot of ladies in the late 90s had starry-eyed stories of getting positive, praise-filled letters when they sent her their personal zines. My friend Erin wrote Palahniuk a fan letter, and he sent her a pretty heavy box of trinkets.

I think that both of those are super cool, and I'm definitely a fan of artists giving their fans that little something extra. The problem comes when fans start expecting that shit and getting indignant when they don't receive that treatment. Or, worse, when they hold other artists up to those same expectations. Just because Artist A hung out with you before the show, that doesn't mean Artist B has to do the same, or that Artist C is a sellout for not doing that.

There's also the issue of fans having preconceived expectations of you based on a couple of interviews, or worse, a character you play. I got that in a tiny dose when I did Rocky Horror for a few years. Teen boys never knew my real name (which I guess was a bit of a relief) but would swarm me in public to hang out with Columbia. Sometimes it was cool, but sometimes I just wanted to get a mocha and not talk about Rocky Horror for ten minutes. Occasionally, I'd have to teach these guys terms like "personal boundaries" and "sexual harassment." Just because I can tell you crass jokes at a midnight show doesn't mean you should start the same jokes when I'm having dinner with my family. And just because the character I play is "the groupie" doesn't mean I appreciate groping in OR out of costume (no, not even if you're gay, because it most certainly does still count. Misogyny isn't just for straight guys.)

So how much interaction is enough? Too much and you have no personal life, too little and you're a "snob" or a "rockstar."

Big Ben = Big Butt Munch

I'm a huge Steelers fan. It really is a requirement if you live in the Pittsburgh area. Actually I'm pretty sure you have to love sports or pretend to if you want to live anywhere near the city of Pittsburgh.

But lets get on to the matter at hand; Big Ben, super asshole extraordinaire it seems.

2 sex related lawsuits in what? A year? With mentions of a 3rd incident?

Excuse me, but Benji, you need to keep it in your pants and you need to lay off the booze, because you are obviously a bad drunk.

The headlines today say the NFL may punish him soon. I think the Steelers should punish him first. I know he's under contract, but dammit, buy him out...kick him the fuck off the team. I'd rather have a few losing seasons with a respectable quarterback than having to wonder what this guy is going to do next.

When he got their first Super Bowl win in years, he was a boy wonder. I even had a #7 shirt that said "I love Ben."

That shirt was sent to Goodwill a few weeks ago.

I don't love Ben. I don't love his arrogant attitude and I don't like his behavior either.

I hope the Rooney family kicks his ass from here to eternity.

Have You Seen The Nook?

I'm totally fascinated by eReaders. Barnes and Noble has a new one out, and it has some really awesome features. It can hold up to 1500 books and if you need more memory, a simply SD card that you'd use for your camera will work to add additional space for more books...or wait for it...MUSIC!

Check out all the features here.

I've never really been tempted to buy an ereader, but the multi-tasking abilities of this one are wonderful.

Plus it would be great for exercising on the treadmill etc. I love to read while running. I'm crazy like that.

If I ever suck it up and buy an ereader, I think the Nook is going to be my choice.