“Yestival” Is Here! A Prog Rock Festival With Todd Rundgren!

Exciting news for progressive rock fans – the iconic band YES is heading out on the road in 2017 for a “Yestival” – described as a celebration of the band’s music throughout the 70’s…and Todd is opening for them!

Why? Well, here’s a clue:

Todd Rundgren’s “Utopia!”

This is a great photo by Chris “Razz” of a great progressive rock band from the 70’s…Todd Rundgren’s Utopia!

After starting out in the band Nazz, Rundgren had his own string of solo albums in the early 70’s, with his massive hit “Something / Anything” giving him his greatest solo success:

I’ve posted about this masterpiece, which you can see here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/04/10/hello-its-todd-somethinganything-rundgrens-four-sided-masterpiece-guns-n-roses-loved-it-too/

His next album was his psychodelic masterpiece “A Wizard A True Star”, which gave fans a clue of what was next, as his lyrics at the end of side one point out:

“Wait another year, Utopia is here…”

In fact, they were!

Introducing Utopia – Todd Goes “Prog”!

Progressive rock by bands such as Yes, Gentle Giant and Genesis were hugely popular in the 70’s: intricate, complex songs that would last ten minutes or more, musical suites like “And You And I”, “Roundabout” and “Close To The Edge” by arguably the greatest prog rock band, YES – with their distinct logo:

It’s exciting to hear that the band is going out on the road to perform their greatest progressive rock classics, and I will share a sneak peek of that at the end of this story. I love that they chose Todd as their opening act – because the debut album of his band Utopia is brilliant – and in the same progressive rock vein as YES was in their prime.

Let’s take a look at Utopia – a progressive rock masterpiece:

Utopia Theme

The album kicks off with a 13-minute opus that introduces the band…

“City in my head, Utopia
Heaven in my body, Utopia
It’s time for me, for me to go

City in my head, Utopia
Heaven in my body, Utopia
Into the sky, it rises now”

That’s it for the lyrics to the song, but the progressive rock that is on display is mesmerizing…

Here is a live version of the song, recorded much much later at the Highline Ballroom on January 29th, 2011.

Thanks to “Utopianmindset” from YouTube for sharing this

“Freak Parade” is next, another 10+ minute song that continues the band’s progressive streak…

Here is a live version from the 2011 reunion:

Thanks to “EllensEyes05” for posting this on YouTube

The so-called “single””Freedom Fighters” is the third song on the album and by far she shortest at just over four minutes…here is a terrific live version from 1975:

Thanks to “Rundgrenfan” for posting this on YouTube. As you can see, they were making great 70’s progressive rock!

Now, onto side two – yep, “The Ikon” gives you a 30:26 suite of progressive rock – just like Yes could fill an album side with one song, so could Utopia, and the band rocks out…here is a live version from that 2011 reunion:

Thanks to “wvbaker’s channel” for posting this on YouTube.

What an album of great progressive music!

Because Todd was also a huge success as a solo Artist – a “pop star” to a degree, critical reaction was mixed, with some critics labeling the album as pretentious fluff!

Still, it sold extremely well, peaking at #34 on the Billboard charts, the highest ranking for a Utopia album until “Adventures In Utopia” at the end of the decade…

Now, Todd will be playing the “Yestival” – will he play songs from his new album? Will he be fully progressive? Well, you know Todd, so who knows!!!!

Here is more information on the “Yestival”:

http://ultimateclassicrock.com/yes-2017-dates-yestival/#photogallery-1=22

Of course, there were many more Utopia albums, including one also titled “Utopia”. This one however came as power pop met the heavily synthicized world of the early 80’s…

Listen to some of the great music from that 80’s power pop classic here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/06/30/todd-rundgrens-utopia-2-a-neglected-80s-power-pop-classic-kasim-sultans-departure-and-return/

If you want to hear Utopia live from the 70’s, here is the place for it:

The BBC released Todd and Utopia’s live performances on the network in the 70’s – a seminal record of a fantastic musical era for the band…see more here:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/03/23/todd-rundgren-live-at-the-bbc-utopias-pyramid-climb-a-decade-of-brilliant-music/

And if you aren’t that familiar with YES, here is a clip from their movie “Yessongs”, which shows them at their progressive rock best – “Close To The Edge”:

Let me know if you are going to the “Yestival” to see Todd!

Breaking Food News Thanks To NBC Chicago!

I love food trends: they can be serious, they can be goofy, but I always love new trends that take off and become culinary sensations…and here is the latest!

“Sushi Donuts!”

That’s right – these are amazing “sushi donuts” – sushi rice pressed into a donut mold, then topped with lots of fresh fish and sauces!

Here is the reporting from NBC Chicago:

“Add Chicago to the list of cities where fans can indulge in the latest sushi donut craze.

Simply Thalia has become the city’s first restaurant to serve up the viral foodie favorite.

The local sushi stop, located inside Block 37 Mall at 108 N. State St., began serving the new item last month, with fans eating up the fishy find.

“I’m always looking for something, a new concept,” said owner Fritz ColCol.

He is aware that another restaurant on the west coast was making sushi donuts already, but his are different, according to the article.

See more at NBC Chicago here:

http://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/worth-the-trip/Chicago-Restaurant-Becomes-1st-to-Serve-Viral-Sushi-Donut-Craze-418559933.html#ixzz4dcGCbkbT

ColCol’s taking this new taste fad to a new level, but he’s not alone…

California Poke!

A restaurant in Southern California holds the title as the originator of the Sushi Donut.

Project Poke in Orange County, CA came up with the idea of stuffing rings of rice with avocado or spicy tuna and then adding masago, cabbage, cucumber, and loads of fresh fish.

Watch this video!

Bravo to Project Poke for this amazing creation, and kudos to Trulia for taking it to a whole new level! And speaking of unique food mashups:

Bite Into A Ramen Noodle Burger!

Yes, here’s a burger that uses ramen noodles as buns! I enjoyed this in Koreatown in LA, and I loved it! See the pictures and recipe here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/02/19/l-a-s-ramen-burger-seaweed-fries-octopus-balls-ramen-burgers-galore/

And since everything is Asian-influenced, how about this “ramen” pizza?

A “Ramen Noodle” Pizza!

Yes, it’s a pizza topped with ramen noodles! I found this online, being made in Japan of course…I haven’t tried it, but would if I could! See more wackiness here:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/09/10/wild-bacon-ramen-okonomiyaki-pizzas-hot-and-wet-burgers-japanese-fast-food-madness/

I can’t wait to bite into a sushi donut!

The Stars Are Shining Bright In Hollywood!

The legendary Chinese Theater is ablaze this weekend with an amazing event – the Turner Classic Movies Classic Film Festival, which is celebrating legendary films from Hollywood, and the legends who made them.

Pete Hammond from Deadline.com posted a terrific story yesterday about the opening night event for 1967’s Best Picture winner, “In The Heat Of The Night.” It’s the 50th anniversary of this classic movie.

This is from Hammond’s story in Deadline.com:

“In a youth obsessed industry, the Turner Classic Movies Classic Film Festival, which runs through Sunday in Hollywood, is an oasis of cinematic treasures in the midst of a business that doesn’t always value its storied past. Once again the brain trust behind this unique orgy of movie magic from another time has created a whirlwind of non-stop cinema of every possible stripe.

Where else will you see 94 year old Carl Reiner get a Chinese Theatre hand and footprint ceremony along with son Rob Reiner (who just turned 70 last month)?”

Hammond is right, our business is youth-obsessed, and these legends don’t get enough acknowledgement, with BOTH Reiner’s being perfect examples.

Here’s a terrific shot of the Reiner ceremony courtesy of Michael Tran with Getty Images:

Generated by IJG JPEG Library

Hammond goes on to explain what happened on opening night Thursday:

“Where else will you see the 5oth anniversary of the Oscar winning “In The Heat Of The Night” celebrated with its producer, director and stars – all in their 90s and all sharp as a tack, recalling every moment of its making?”

Hammond also gives credit to the TCM Execs who have brought this festival to life:

“As usual the powers that be, including programming director Charles Tabesh and Festival director Genevieve McGillicuddy, are pulling out all the stops for this 8th edition of the live and in person version of their popular cable network, which trumpets all things to do with old movies – except don’t call them old. Thursday night’s opener, the aforementioned In The Heat Of The Night simply never looked as good as it did projected on the massive TCL Chinese screen than it did this time. And it certainly was a once-in-a-lifetime experience to actually see it with so many of its key creative forces there to watch it including star Sidney Poitier, who just turned 90, and seemed to be having a great time viewing the entire film again as he sat right in front of me with his family, and its 95 year Oscar winning producer Walter Mirisch right there too.”

The 50th Anniversary Screening of “In the Heat of the Night” (1967) Red Carpet & Opening Night at the 2017 TCM Classic Film Festival In Hollywood, California.

“Poitier didn’t go on stage to participate in the pre-screening Q&A moderated by TCM’s Ben Mankiewicz, but Mirisch did and had total recall of just how the landmark film about race relations came about in the midst of turbulent times for this country, every bit as pertinent today as it was then. A couple of other 90 year olds, director Norman Jewison and co-star Lee Grant (who is also getting a tribute here this weekend) joined them, recalling great stories about the making of the film which was set in the deep South but actually shot in Illinois – Poitier understandably did not want to shoot it in the South at that time. They all received standing ovations, but none so massive as the one accorded the legendary Poitier.”

LOS ANGELES, CA – APRIL 06: Actor Sidney Poitier attends the 50th anniversary screening of “In the Heat of the Night” during the 2017 TCM Classic Film Festival on April 6, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. 26657_005 (Photo by Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images for TCM)

Stefanie Keenan captured this beautiful shot for Getty Images…bravo!

Here is more of Hammond’s story, talking about the age of the participants in the event:

“Co-star Scott Wilson was also there to see it again, as were the writers of the memorable theme song, 91 year old Alan Bergman and his 88 year old wife Marilyn. Quincy Jones, the 84 year old composer of that song and the film’s score, appeared on the red carpet before having to rush off to another current film premiere he was involved with.

At this festival, age is just a number, not an attitude, and the extraordinary work these artists have accomplished over the course of their lives is celebrated in pristine condition even as most of them are still active in the business. It’s heartening. The Graduate and Bonnie And Clyde, two of the films Heat beat at the Oscars a half century ago, are also part of the program here.”

Beautiful writing, and Hammond is making such a strong point – the legends of our business are getting older, and now is the time to show our appreciation for their lifetime of work…bravo to TCM for a festival that is doing just that!

I am also getting updates on social media all day long from my friend Alison Martino…

Alison is reporting from the event, so I have already seen a lot of terrific insight from her on Instagram and her Vintage Los Angeles Facebook page:

Alison has also hosted classic film screenings, including a memorable night celebrating “Bonnie & Clyde” – which as noted above, LOST to “In The Heat Of The Night” in 1967. Read about that event here – and an incredible book that tells the dramatic story of 1967 int he movie industry, through the five films nominated for best picture that year:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/03/17/bonnie-clyde-vintage-la-screening-amazing-live-guest-pictures-from-a-revolution/

Also, be sure to check out Alison’s website here:

http://alisonmartino.com

As I said, I couldn’t have written anything better on the event taking place, so please click here to read more of the terrific Pete Hammond coverage at Deadline.com here:

http://deadline.com/2017/04/tcm-classic-film-festival-poitier-reiner-brooks-1202065505/

So happy to see classic Hollywood stars being given the respect they deserve!

Generated by IJG JPEG Library

Happy 30th Birthday, Withnail!

It’s the 30th anniversary today of one of the best films ever – the classic cult 1987 comedy “Withnail & I”. Need to remember just how great it is? Let’s begin with the trailer:

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

Looking for the greatest English comedy of all time? And a “tell all” book by the film’s star? Well, you’ve come to the right place! It makes me think:

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

Yes, time to get the film fan in your family a combo pack of Richard E. Grant! This terrific British Actor was not only in one of the funniest films ever – “Withnail & I” – but he was just in “Logan” and also wrote a hilarious insider’s look at the crazy world of Hollywood – “With Nails!”

Let’s begin with one of the best British films of all time – a bold statement, but it is, to me, one of the most perfectly realized comedies ever, and it has just turned 30 years old:

Withnail & I

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

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

And Don’t Forget “Danny!”

One of the funniest supporting characters in the film is “Drug Dealer Danny”, he of the super-sized spiffs and lazy drawl – who just can’t get along with Withnail…oh, and he is CRAZY…

Danny: I don’t advise a haircut, man. All hairdressers are in the employment of the government. Hairs are your aerials. They pick up signals from the cosmos, and transmit them directly into the brain. This is the reason bald-headed men are uptight.

Withnail: What absolute twaddle.

The movie is filled with great scenes – as I said at the beginning, the roommates are freezing in their ice-cold flat…with only one thing to warm them…

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

The scene where Withnail guzzles lighter fluid to stay warm is a highlight….Withnail has also greased his body up with muscle relaxant to get warm…

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

After a near brawl in a bar, they realize they need to get out of town…

They decide on a holiday in the countryside, courtesy of Withnail’s uncle Monty’s country cottage. But when they get there, it rains non-stop, there’s no food, and their basic survival skills turn out to be somewhat limited.

Matters are not helped by the arrival of Uncle Monty, who shows an uncomfortably keen interest in Marwood…

Uncle Monty: “I adore you. Tell him if you must, I no longer care. I mean to have you even if it must be burglary!”

Sadly, Richard Griffiths just died of complication following heart surgery. He was 65, and although most will remember him for his roles in the “Harry Potter” films, it was his Uncle Monty that I will always remember him for…

There is a book that celebrates this film – filled with:

“Everything You Ever Wanted To Know But Were Too Drunk To Ask”

Here’s one for you: the inspiration behind the name Withnail came from an old friend of the Director’s father, who had the same name and was an alcoholic! When Director Bruce Robinson was eight, he was in the car with him, and as the book states:

“Along the way, Withnail stopped, opened the door of his car and vomited profusely before casually driving off again!”

So there you go!

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

This is a tour de force performance by Richard Grant, who exudes manic, crazy charm at every turn, such as when he storms into a fancy restaurant and demands, well…

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

Richard E. Grant proved to be a hilarious and honest writer as well!

With Nails – The Film Diaries Of Richard E. Grant

If you want to read all about the craziness that goes on when you make a movie – the egos, the out of control Stars, the drugs, booze and everythign else – then this candid and hilarious book is for you!

Here is the original review from BOOKLIST:

Film fans alert to the immense charm of the under-known British film Withnail & I will certainly enjoy the droll autobiography of the actor who played Withnail. Of the film’s script, Grant says “never before or since have I read something that conveys what goes on in my head so accurately.”

The image of the brusque, hilariously overbearing Withnail fits Grant, who has also appeared in “Bram Stoker’s Dracula”, “The Age of Innocence”, and the Robert Altman films “The Player” and “Pret-a-Porter”.

He writes of his passage through the world of the aspiring film stardom wonderfully well, producing a book far superior to the usual movie life story. “Oh up and down and forklifts, this is a dull madness,” he says of the process of landing a role, but his book wittily presenting the madness is never dull.

Let me tell you, his stories about Bruce Willis and the making of “Hudson Hawk” are hilarious – it is “no holds barred” storytelling about the crazy world of movies…check both of these out now, and remember:

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

Happy 30th anniversary to a great great film!

Talk About A Wet And Wild Water Ride!

OK, I love the internet – and this is one more reason why! I found a guy dressed like a Sumo Wrestler – so he could go body surfing!

Yes, the “Sumo Tube” is the new surfboard, and it’s amazing!

Of course, when you show up you look a bit goofy:

Um….

As you can see, the key is to don it and then get in the water AS FAST AS YOU CAN.

But, even though you may look a bit goofy, it all pays off when your wave comes in!

I love this stuff, and found a couple of great videos to promote the “Sumo Tube” – here a one that shows the surfers in action:

Distractify.com had a great video, and a ton of other fun facts about it…and here’s a link to another amazing video with professional body surfer Fred David, who also donned the “Sumo Suit” to amazing effect:

http://unofficialnetworks.com/2016/08/watch-sumo-surfing-looks-like-an-absolute-blast

I would love to try this, although with a much smaller wave, and this reminded me of a very special water park I highlighted recently:

Welcome To the Slip’n’Fly!

Yes, a water park that literally lets you fly, fly away! See the lip at the bottom of the slide? That’s to make sure you go up up up!

Check out more on this incredible water adventure here:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/03/26/slip-n-fly-wildest-water-slide-ever-incredible-video-plus-skyscraper-swimming-pools/

If you want to have a more relaxed adventure, how about this?

Yes, it’s a “lazy river” right in your underwater hotel! Check it out here:

https://johnrieber.com/2013/12/15/talk-about-gravity-outer-space-vacations-undersea-resorts-extreme-travel-options/

Let me know if you already own a “Sumo Tube!”

The Beatles Get Their “Hippie” On!

Fifty years ago, on April 12, 1967 – Paul McCartney was photographed on a journey back from the world of hippies, which would lead to one of the band’s great albums!

This is Paul in the US fifty years ago, and thanks to a terrific book, we know how this date in Beatles’ history led to “Magical Mystery Tour!”

The book is titled “The Beatles 365 Days” by Simon Wells – I was given it as a gift, and it has been a terrific book to dip into at any time…

It takes a day by day look at their lives, their recordings, their every move – tied to a specific day. Here is what happened on April 12, 1967 – 50 years ago!

Paul arrived at London’s Heathrow airport, after spending eight days in the US. The book points out that he was in Denver to see his girlfriend, Jane Asher, who was celebrating her 21st birthday in Denver, since she was performing on stage there.

Paul McCartney, a member of the famous Beatle singing group, has a few words with Miss Jane Asher at a party in Denver honoring Miss Asher?s birthday on April 6, 1967 in Denver. Miss Asher is in Denver, Colo., with the Bristol Old Vic?s theater group. McCartney arrived in time to help her celebrate her 21st birthday. (AP Photo)

However, Paul was always thinking music, so he was also doing this on his US trip, according to the book:

“Paul would take off in various directions along the West Coast, visiting Jefferson Airplane in Haight Ashbury and recording with the Beach Boys during sessions for their controversial album “Smile.”

Here’s a shot of Paul and Brian from almost a decade later, when Paul celebrated the Beach Boys’ birthday:

According to the book, this trip in 1967 sparked something in Paul:

“It was during this brief sojourn into the hinterlands of California hippiedom that Paul, feeding off the residual energy left by Ken Kesey’s band of psychic trailers, would form ideas that would later see light in the group’s project “Magical Mystery Tour.”

At this time, San Francisco was engulfed in “flower power”, the “free love” era that included the iconic intersection of Haight and Asbury:

It was a fascinating time, but it didn’t last long – see more about this era here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/02/25/hippies-free-love-flower-power-celebrate-the-groovy-psychedelic-60s/

I love that Paul was a supporter of the “hippie” movement. I guess you could see it in some of his apparel – very of the “moment”:

Paul is quoted as saying at the time:

“I really wish the people that look at the ‘weeds’ at the ‘happenings’, at the psychedelic ‘freak-outs’ would, instead of just looking with anger, just look with nothing; with no feeling, be unbiased about it.”

As always, Paul was open to everyone and everything.

Of course, Paul went on to lead his band on a merry journey of their own, which resulted in an album AND a TV special:

Here is the official Apple trailer for the “Magical Mystery Tour” film:

While it includes two songs recorded during the “Sgt. Pepper” sessions (“All You Need Is Love” and “Baby You’re A Rich Man”), it is a terrific snapshot of the sound of the band at that time…with instant classics like the title track, “I Am The Walrus” and “Fool On The Hill”…

So that was a look at April 12, 1967 – fifty years ago in the life of The Beatles. A couple of years ago I got to celebrate another 50th anniversary event:

Yes, the 50th anniversary of the band performing at The Hollywood Bowl! It was a “unique” night of music, as evidenced by Billy Ray Cyrus leading the capacity crowd through a singalong version of “Hey Jude”:

You can click here to see more clips from that night and my review of the show as well – a surprising paucity of legendary Artists taking part considering the magnitude of the event:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/08/24/the-beatles-at-the-hollywood-bowl-amazing-50th-anniversary-celebration/

The band also celebrated another 50th anniversary milestone last year:

Here is a look at the album that some consider to be their greatest achievement, and is still timeless 50 years on…

https://johnrieber.com/2016/08/06/the-beatles-revolutionary-revolver-50-years-ago-maccas-greatest-writing-john-lennons-near-death-yellow-submarine/

Of course, this is the year for the 50th anniversary of Sgt. Peppers, can’t wait for the special edition that is coming out to celebrate it!

“She Loved Men…To Death.”

If you haven’t heard of this new film, you are missing a classic modernization of 70’s cult horror…time to celebrate this terrific new “Love Witch!”

Meet Elaine, a beautiful young witch, who is determined to find a man to love her. Watch the trailer to really see what kind of retro cult gem this is:

Elaine stays in her gothic Victorian apartment making spells and potions, and then picks up men and seduces them. However her spells work too well, and she ends up with a string of hapless victims. When she finally meets the man of her dreams, her desperation to be loved will drive her to the brink of insanity and murder.

Director Anna Biller also wrote the film, designed the sets and made many of the costumes – with a sharp eye toward classic 70’s exploitation!

The film is a modern twist on classic serial killer films, with a woman’s sexuality being the catalyst for carnage.

“The Love Witch” is one of the last films to cut an original camera negative on 35mm film, and was lit and shot to look like a 1960’s Technicolor film. So a modern take on a classic film genre – bravo!

“The Love Witch” is now on demand, so check it out! This poster and visual style reminded me of another cult classic:

Yes, iconic exploitation Actress Soledad Miranda was stunning in “She Killed In Ecstasy” – exactly the kind of “artsploitation” that “Love Witch” evokes. See more here:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/05/19/legendary-sex-kitten-soledad-miranda-ecstasy-vampyros-lesbos-new-cult-films-releases/

Speaking of witches:

Yes, “witches” have always been big box office, especially when naked! See more of that malarkey here:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/10/17/bloody-witchcraft-horror-sexy-virgin-witches-halloween-2015-heats-up/

And finally, here’s another “empowered female” horror story for you:

Yes, it’s “The Lure” of zombie mermaid strippers – and it’s a musical! See the trailer and much more here:

https://johnrieber.com/2017/03/03/the-empowered-female-lure-of-flesh-eating-stripper-mermaids-get-ready-for-the-wild-musical-yes-musical-movie-the-lure/

Let me know if you’ve checked out “The Love Witch!”

Source: The Professor

Want To Hang Out With Some Friendly Sea Lions?

Well, who doesn’t? It’s very easy to do on the west coast of the US – there are a lot of places to see them in the wild – including in the heart of San Francisco!

Welcome to Pier 39!

San Francisco’s legendary piers are full of unique adventures and surprises – everything from crab and shrimp cocktails at Fisherman’s Wharf, all the way south to The Ferry Building, which houses amazing restaurants and shops…in between, there is a terrific place to drop in and see some sea friends…

It all happens just a few doors down from San Francisco’s famed Fisherman’s Wharf, at Pier 39 – very unassuming, as you can see from this picture of my wife Alex and her sister Lauren:

We were walking north towards the Wharf when we noticed the action in the water and headed over for a closer look…of course, I had to get a picture of them getting that closer look:

Here is the official history of the Sea Lions hangout, as posted by the Pier 39 website:

“A few California sea lions began “hauling out” on PIER 39’s K-Dock shortly after the Loma Prieta earthquake hit San Francisco in October 1989. By January 1990, the boisterous barking pinnipeds started to arrive in droves and completely took over K-Dock, much to the exasperation of PIER 39’s Marina tenants. The Marina Staff turned to The Marine Mammal Center, an organization devoted to the rescue and rehabilitation of marine mammals, for advice about their new slippery tenants. After much debate and research, the experts from The Marine Mammal Center recommended that the sea lions stay in their newfound home.”

“With a plentiful supply of food from the Bay and an environment protected from predators, the PIER 39 Marina proved to be an ideal living situation for the sea lions. Within a few short months, the number of sea lions grew to more than 300 and hit an all-time record of 1,701 in November 2009.

California sea lions are known for their intelligence, playfulness and noisy barking.
Although they usually avoid humans, sea lions may bite if provoked.”

Well, we weren’t going to do that, but here is a video showing two of them getting into a bit of a tussle…nothing too serious, just some posturing:

So there you have it – walk out onto the pier and watch hundreds of them play around…here is some more video of their activity – playful, noisy, and if you get too close, a bit smelly too:

Sea lions migrate to areas across the Pacific Coast, from Vancouver to the southern tip of Baja. Most pups are born on the Channel Islands located off Southern California in June.

Oh, and since you are out on the pier, look north and you will see Alcatraz Island:

Once you’ve seen the sea lions, and then imagined escaping from Alcatraz by swimming across San Francisco bay, it’s time to drive across the bay – yes, over the Golden Gate bridge, just so you can pull off at the lookout spot and take this picture:

Yes, it’s a perfect shot of the bridge, and a perfect way to end the day in a great city!

If you travel north a few hours from San Francisco, you come across one of California’s iconic tourist destinations:

It’s the drive-thru Chandelier tree – and we did squeeze our Prius through it, but it’s more fun to walk through…see more pictures here:

https://johnrieber.com/2017/01/10/one-of-californias-last-drive-thru-redwoods-has-fallen/

Drive a few hours north and you can end up on Oregon’s magnificent coast!

We did this as well – it really is worth taking a few days and seeing the left coast of the US, beginning in San Francisco…here is our trip:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/03/14/oregons-coast-amazing-views-majestic-sunsets-whales-drive-thru-trees/

Let me know if you’ve hung out with San Francisco’s Sea Lions!

Source: “Nothing To Envy!” The Horror Of Life In North Korea! Brilliant Book Looks At This Isolated Hell!

Talk About A Shocking Movie Debut!

Here is one of the most disturbing movie debuts ever: the shocking exploitation revenge classic “Ms. 45!”

“Ms. 45”, also known as “Angel of Vengeance”, is the 1981 cult classic directed by Abel Ferrara and starring Zoë Tamerlis Lund.

This film was Lund’s movie debut – an amazing performance from an Actress who died much too soon…here is the story:

Zoe Lund is mesmerizing as a young woman who decides to fight back against her attackers, in a style and tone that echoes some of the roughest 70’s revenge films made.

Here is how wikipedia describes the film:

Inspired by films such as 1973’s “Thriller – A Cruel Picture” and 1974’s “Death Wish”, the film is a rape and revenge story about Thana, a mute woman who becomes a misandristic spree killer after she is raped twice in one day when going home from work. It was critically maligned on its theatrical release, but is now generally highly regarded among fans of underground and independent film.

Here is the trailer for this powerful exploitation film:

“Ms. 45” was Lund’s acting debut. Amazingly, Zoë was only 17 years old when she starred in the film, and a creative turn away from something she had been involved in all her life: music.

At a young age, she was an accomplished composer/musician – but was always intrigued by film. As she said:

“I could write a concerto with 17 violins that could be very powerful, but film works on a more visceral level where I can go into the collective audience and make sure my point gets across.”

This is a powerful, raw and gut-wrenching film – directed by Abel Ferrara, who went on to make such provocative films as “Bad Lieutenant” with Harvey Keitel – with tremendous creative input from Lund! More on that in a moment…

“Ms. 45” is a tour de force for Zoe Lund, and she said at the time that she was fully involved in the character’s development:

“In the beginning stages of the film, the only material that existed was vague descriptions of several scenes. Being that my face is on camera, without dialogue, for something like 98% of the time, I was involved very much. As to the film being pro-woman, I go beyond that by saying that the film is as much pro-woman as it is pro-garment worker, whatever.”

Zoe’s “Bad” Behavior!

As I mentioned before, Director Ferrara later made “Bad Lieutenant”, and Zoë Lund collaborated with him on creating that character, one of cinema’s most unforgettable cops – living life on the edge.

Here is the trailer for this film:

In “Bad Lieutenant”, Lund has a small role, and showcases the rawness of her personal life – she was a heroin addict and was open and honest about that fact.

Here is a great interview clip from “Mediafunhouse” on Youtube where Lund discusses the scene in the movie where she shoots up onscreen:

Zoe Lund’s Tragic Heroin Downfall!

Yes, Lund shot up in the film, and was a regular heroin user in real life.

Here is the tragic True Hollywood Story. As wikipedia reports:

“Lund was unapologetic about her heroin addiction. She wrote at length about heroin and advocated it for legal recreational use in the USA, as well as romanticized its effects. “She loved heroin, she was killed by heroin,” Ferrara said on her heroin addiction. “…Zoe was one of these people who thought heroin was the greatest thing in the world, and she did until the day she died. She was down on coke, down on everything, but you know, heroin was the elixir of life for her.”

Yes, Lund was a heroin addict, and it ultimately killed her. She was 37 years old when she died. It’s a sad Hollywood story – but if you want to celebrate her life and career, go to a website in her name to see all that she created in her short life:

http://www.zoelund.com

“Ms. 45” has a lot in common with the sexploitation classic “Thriller: A Cruel Picture” starring Christina Lindberg – a woman who is assaulted decides to fight back…

Christina Lindberg is the “Queen Of Artsploitation” – artistic films that still showcased sex, nudity and violence. Quentin Tarantino is a huge fan and based a character in “Kill Bill Vol. 1” on Lindberg’s character in “Thriller.”

Read more about this iconic “women’s revenge” picture here:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/08/11/christina-lindberg-speaks-the-queen-of-artsploitation-bares-all/

Unfortunately, Hollywood history is littered with stories of great young Actresses who succumb to the “fast lane”:

Cheryl “Rainbeaux” Smith was in a number of great films in the 70’s and early 80’s before the Hollywood lifestyle got the best of her – read her story here:

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

Let me know if you’ve seen “Ms. 45!”

Coffee’s For Closers!

Alec Baldwin screamed at Jack Lemmon to put the coffee down – but I have no problem picking up cup after cup after cup – and here are three unique ways to drink it yourself!

Celebrate “Colorless Coffee”!

I had to share this latest news: a company has developed “colorless coffee”, which they say has all the flavor you demand, with none of the staining!

Here is the story from NEWSER:

“Two Slovakian brothers are promising to protect coffee lovers from stained teeth with a concoction they’re calling the world’s “first colorless coffee drink.” It looks like a bottle of water, but CLR CFF is a “potent, cold brew,” per the Evening Standard. Self-described heavy coffee drinker David Nagy says he came up with the idea with brother Adam while in London, and the brothers aren’t sharing their production process except to say it involves methods never used before. They say it’s safe, however, with arabica beans, water, and no chemicals or sweeteners. The label notes that a 200ml bottle has 100mg of caffeine, on par with a typical cup of coffee.”

Well, I just might give it a try! See what others thought by checking out the entire story on Newser:

http://www.newser.com/story/241406/a-colorless-cup-of-joe-plus-white-teeth.html

Of course, this new coffee sensation reminded me of a unique coffee I tried:

Nothing better than “coffee jelly” to get you caffeinated – yes, and you can buy it from a machine!

Of course, there is only one place you go for such a treat!

Welcome To Tokyo!

Time for another trip to one of the greatest places on earth to explore: the exciting night lights of Tokyo!

Tokyo’s Vending Machines!

Of course, Tokyo is famous for all of their vending machines – they are EVERYWHERE, on virtually every single block.

My Producer Corrado LOVES his vending machines….he had to make sure I understood how important they were to him…he actually WASN’T trying to shake it down…

Even our Host, Alex Sim-Wise, used a bit of downtime to shop at the vending machines…the rain wasn’t about to stop her!

Coffee Jelly!

The reason we love the vending machines is simple: where else can you get a nice icy cold can of COFFEE JELLY?

Yep, I found this unique drink in one of Tokyo’s vending machines, and I had to give it a try…

I got my can, which props out of the machine ice cold. I will spare you the suspense: coffee jelly is EXACTLY what you think it is going to be: a coffee gelatin, like espresso jello – you suck it out of the can and squish it through your teeth…I mean, I think so, it wasn’t like it came with instructions…if that’s not for you, try this instead:

Yes, “Hard” Coffee!

I have no idea why it’s called this and yes, it’s a coffee drink too…in fact, there are a ton of different coffee drinks – both hot and cold – that you can buy in vending machines in Tokyo, along with a ton of different waters and sodas – see more here:

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

Finally, my friend Sabrina brought me a special gift from her trip through Southeast Asia:

Yes, it’s “Weasel Coffee!”

If you haven’t heard of this unique coffee, it’s thought to be the world’s most expensive – because it comes straight from this guy!

A Palm Civet stands near Arabica coffee cherries in a coffee plantation owned by state plantation firm PT Perkebunan Nusantara XII in Bondowoso, in Indonesia’s East Java province June 27, 2009. The fruits are fed to civets bred in cages and their droppings collected to make a brew enriched by the civets’ stomachs that sell for as much as $770 a kg in London. Picture taken June 27, 2009. To match Reuters Life! INDONESIA-COFFEE/ REUTERS/Sigit Pamungkas (INDONESIA – Tags: BUSINESS AGRICULTURE ANIMALS) – RTR2HLBT

Yes, the coffee bean is harvested AFTER it goes through this guy – an Indonesian “Palm Civet” – or “weasel” for short…as you can see here:

IT IS A PREMIUM WEASEL PRODUCT!

I have more interesting trivia to share, along with my own taste test – see it here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/05/22/worlds-best-weasel-coffee-bring-on-the-kopi-luwak-yes-its-poop-coffee/

I don’t know about you, but after weasel coffee and coffee jelly, I can’t wait to try “colorless coffee!”