Melbourne – Australia’s Most Beautiful City!

That’s right, one of the largest cities in the southern hemisphere is also the most beautiful city in Australia!

Oh wait, did I mean to say:

Sydney – Australia’s Most Beautiful City!

That’s right, it’s actually Sydney, with the incredible Opera House and Harbor bridge that is Australia’s most beautiful…well, as you can see, both cities offer an amazing view…

What a dilemma! Is Sydney, with a beautiful skyline and incredible scenery, Australia’s most beautiful city? Or is is the classic, european vibe of Melbourne, with an iconic train station:

I was lucky enough to travel to both great Australian cities, which leads me to ask this question:

What Is Australia’s Most Beautiful City? Melbourne or Sydney?

Trust me when I tell you that Australians have a very strong point of view on the matter! For the entire time I was there, I was told by people from Sydney that Melbourne was dull and lifeless, even with this incredible beauty:

Down Under Pride!

Yes, residents of Sydney proudly extolled their virtues. And the folks in Melbourne told me that Sydney residents were crass and unsophisticated:

Well, let me say that it was mostly good-natured, and certainly based on pride for their environment – so I decided to show you what made BOTH cities so special…beginning with Melbourne’s Eureka Tower:

The Eureka Tower!

The Eureka Tower is the largest skyscraper in southern hemisphere – 88 stories, and the views of Melbourne and the surrounding area was beautiful from he top:

The Secret Of The Tower!

I was lucky enough to shoot a sequence at the top of the tower with my Host Sasha Grey. I filmed this sequence as Sasha discovered the secret of the tower:

I love that video – you can look straight down 88 stories and see people like ants below….and as I showed you, the views of the area are beautiful..and I also love this short snippet I filmed from the 88th floor just moments before, when I caught Sasha in a “candid” moment:

Sasha was such a great talent to work with, and you can see more of Sasha’s adventures in Melbourne by clicking on my story here!

http://johnrieber.com/2013/01/11/sasha-grey-goes-88-stories-high-in-australias-eureka-tower/

So Melbourne made a great case for itself: European style and class with a “down under” sense of adventure…and if you look on a map, Melbourne is one of the world’s southernmost cities!

I’d love to go back and be able to explore more of the surrounding areas, but on this trip was was just two days of fun and then off to Sydney!

Welcome To Sydney!

As much as I loved Melbourne, Sydney had plenty to offer as well. First of all, you are amazed by the beauty of the Opera House and the Harbor bridge, which you can actually climb up with a group if you want!

You can see those intrepid climbers on the upper right…offering an incredibly unique vantage point of Sydney –

It is a city that celebrates its beauty – with so much water everywhere you look – and what’s in water? That’s right – seafood! If you go down to Sydney’s acclaimed fish market, you can see one of their unique food items – “bugs”!

“Bugs!”

These “bugs” are a strange combination of shrimp-like creature with a “flattened” lobster head…but they are delicious! My Host Alison Haislip had no problem digging into them!

And Sydney is also home to one of the world’s most famous beaches as well…

Welcome to Bondi Beach!

It’s simply gorgeous – pristine sand and waves that curve around a gorgeous slice of Sydney…

Sasha was up for anything in Sydney, including surfing for the first time ever! But that wasn’t her only “first!”

Sasha jumped at the chance to step into a tank filled with sharks – her first time using scuba gear! And after a thirty minute instruction, she entered the pool – filled with sharks and stingrays – with NOTHING between them! Here is a short snippet of her “walk among sharks”:

And of course, one shark flipped his fin at her, but she didn’t panic! She also kept her cool when two sharks decided to “photobomb” her!

Surfing Bondi!

As I showed you, Bondi beach is absolutely beautiful, and Sasha agreed to learn to surf for the first time! This led to my favorite “candid” moment of all – when I captured Sasha telling me about surfing Bondi Beach – and then she discovered something about Australia’s water!

I appreciate that Sasha was a good sport – she still laughs about these videos – like this one that I love: I happened to be filming her as she was telling me how she did a special “circular” shot for me, then realizes she stepped in gum!

Here is a look at the entire Sydney adventure:

http://johnrieber.com/2013/01/03/sasha-grey-surfs-sasha-steps-in-gum-surfs-up-at-bondi-beach-australia/

Sasha wasn’t the only great G4 talent that I traveled to Australia with: I also got to hang out with the incredible Alison Haislip!

She got the chance to dig into a big meal in Sydney, which you can read all about here:

http://johnrieber.com/2013/03/08/alison-haislips-mega-surf-n-turf-aussie-alison-digs-into-sydneys-bugs/

Alison was also great to travel with, and she made Sydney a fun culinary adventure…

So, the question was: which city is more beautiful – Sydney or Melbourne?

As you can see, they are both beautiful, so I will give style points to Melbourne but energy credits to Sydney – if you’ve been to either, let me know what you think!

Cheers To The Internet!

Yes, the internet just keeps giving and giving…in this case, funny wine pictures and sayings like these:

Wine Description Vandalism!

Someone sent me this picture – someone vandalized a wine description on a store shelf – hilarious!

‏@Filosofizer is the person behind the picture above – great job, thanks for sharing – and it reminded me of a very funny Monty Python bit from one of their books.

This book from Monty Python includes a few of their wine reviews, like these:

“This is not a wine for drinking. This is a wine for putting down and walking away!”

And this is one of my favorites:

“A Fine Regurgitator!”

Here is Monty Python’s hilarious review of Australian Wines:

“Château Blue” –
Château Blue, too, has won many prizes; not least for its taste, and its lingering afterburn.

“Old Smokey 1968” –

Old Smokey 1968 has been compared favourably to a Welsh claret, whilst the Australian Wino Society thoroughly recommends a 1970 Coq du Rod Laver, which, believe me, has a kick on it like a mule: 8 bottles of this and you’re really finished. At the opening of the Sydney Bridge Club, they were fishing them out of the main sewers every half an hour.

“Perth Pink” –

Of the sparkling wines, the most famous is Perth Pink. This is a bottle with a message in, and the message is ‘beware’. This is not a wine for drinking, this is a wine for laying down and avoiding.

“Château Chunder” –
Quite the reverse is true of Château Chunder, which is an appellation contrôlée, specially grown for those keen on regurgitation; a fine wine which really opens up the sluices at both ends.

“Opens Up The Sluices At Both Ends!”

That might be my favorite line of all – here is Python audio of the entire review:

I love Monty Python films, and their TV show is a classic as well, but one of their funniest bits was published here:

The hilarity begins after you take the plain white cover off:

“A Weekly Look At Church Architecture!”

Yes, the book cover is really THIS!

Monty Python was a great comic troupe, and their wine reviews are hilarious – toast to the Pythons!

Finally, here is the kind of wine list you really want to see – nothing but honesty and laughs when you peruse this list to choose a nice glass of wine:

Thanks to the “WonderTonic” tumbler for this hilarious list!

If you want to enjoy a movie with your glass of wine, look no further than here:

The film that destroyed the Merlot industry is really a love letter to wine – read all about it here:

http://johnrieber.com/2012/09/28/wine-robots-breaking-wine-news-fin-merlot-toast-to-your-movie-health/

Alex and I were lucky enough to go on vacation to the Chateauneuf-du-Pape wine region of France….

Here is a look at the region – pictures of Gigondas, Seguret, and of course, the very wild vineyards of Chateauneuf-du-Pape:

http://johnrieber.com/2012/09/03/wine-roman-ruins-and-gigondas-too-whiskey-babys-and-a-few-papes-touring-provence-thanks-to-patricia-wells/

Enjoy your wine!

Looking For a Movie To Buy On Blu-Ray? Then it’s time for some fun down under!

Let’s check out two “Ozploitatiion” classics from Australia!

We begin with “The Blood And Thunder Shocker Of The Year!”

Severin Films has done it again, rescuing one of Australia’s greatest sci-fi thrillers from obscurity – here is the trailer:

“Hunting Is The Sport! People Are The Prey!”

Brian Trenchard-Smith’s outrageous futuristic gore-fest imagines an Australian government concentration-extermination camp, run by the sadistic Michael Craig and Roger Ward, where jaded rich folk come to hunt human prey!

The film stars Steve Railsback, best known for “The Stunt Man”, and Olivia Hussey, star of “Romeo & Juliet!”

The music is by the “Mad Max” veteran Brian May and now this classic slice of “Ozploitation” is back in a big way!

Severin Films has once again offered up a treasure trove of extras for movie fans, such as a look at Australian exploitation, a feature on the making of this film, extended cast interviews and more!

Read about all of the extras by going to their website here:

https://severin-films.com/shop/turkey-shoot-blu-ray/

Kudos to Severin for keeping a host of great exploitation films alive, like this amazing double bill starring Sex Kitten Soledad Miranda:

Read all about these two sexploitation classics here:

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

Time to check out another classic film from down under:

Donald Pleasence (Mi.)

“Have A Drink, Mate? Have A Fight, Mate? Have A Taste Of Dust And Sweat, Mate? There’s Nothing Else Out Here.”

Talk about obscure cinema! Thanks to people who are passionate about saving brilliant and challenging film, here is another brilliant film that has been unearthed for you to enjoy, thanks to the great Drafthouse Films!

Here is a classic 70’s era film poster for a movie that was all but forgotten to time, until now!

‘Doc’ Tydon: I’m a doctor of medicine. And a tramp by temperament. I’m also an alcoholic. My disease prevented me from practicing in Sydney. But out here it’s scarcely noticeable.

Wake in Fright is the story of John Grant, a bonded teacher who arrives in the rough outback mining town of Bundanyabba planning to stay overnight before catching the plane to Sydney. But his one night stretches to five and he plunges headlong toward his own destruction.

Check out the trailer:

The movie had been out of circulation for decades because the negative went missing, sparking an international search. After a ten-year quest veteran Australian producer Anthony Buckley finally tracked it down in mid-2004 in a Pittsburgh warehouse, inside a shipping container marked “For Destruction”.

“Wake In Fright” Special Features!

And look at the extras on the blu-ray!

Audio commentary with director Ted Kotcheff and editor Anthony Buckley
To the ‘Yabba and Back…’ featurette by Not Quite Hollywood Director Mark Hartley
Q&A with Kotcheff at the 2009 Toronto International Film Festival
’ABC’s 7:30 Report’ on the rediscovery and restoration of the film
Who Needs Art?: Vintage segment on Wake in Fright
Chips Rafferty obituary
Theatrical trailers
28-page booklet

Make sure you check out all of these classic exploitation films, and if you want to know more about “Ozploitation”, check out my story here:

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

Let me know how your “Turkey Shoot” went, and if you “Wake In Fright!”

Looking For The Ultimate Escape?

For one determined young woman, that escape involved a year on a deserted island! I have written about Author Lucy Irvine’s amazing books, and her incredible life.

That life is dramatic, sad, and ultimately inspiring!

Runaway!

I will share her story of living on a tropical island for a year in a moment, but first, following the success of her first book “Castaway”, she published “Runaway” – the very intense story of her upbringing in England, where she frequently ran away from home. The book describes how, while hitchiking in Greece, she was raped at knife-point and subsequently suffered a mental breakdown.

As this cover says, “Runaway” is the story of Irvine’s life that lead her to become a “Castaway.”

She writes honestly about her life, including the traumatic moments that led her to breakdown completely. But her candor, as well as her indefatigable spirit, make the book an inspiration, and these life events led the young woman to answer this ad:

“WRITER seeks ‘wife’ for year on tropical island.”

This ad resulted in one of the best travel memoirs ever written…

In 1980, Irvine responded to the ad, placed by writer Gerald Kingsland – and they became self-imposed “castaways” for a year on the isolated and uninhabited island of Tuin, located in the Torres Strait between New Guinea and Australia.

In 1983, Irvine published her account of the experience. The book was a huge hit, and later was the basis for the 1986 film.

The movie starred Oliver Reed and Amanda Donohoe. According to Irvine, the film, directed by Nicolas Roeg, is more about the relationship between an older man and a young woman than it is about her experiences on the island.

The book is a fascinating, candid memoir – to read more about it, here is my story on Irvine’s experience on the island:

http://johnrieber.com/2013/10/04/castaway-amazing-dangerous-real-life-island-escapes/

The success of “Castaway” led Irvine to write her memoir of growing up, “Runaway.” After several years, events led her to write another book as well…

Based on reading her work, Irvine was approached by Diana and Tom Hepworth to write their biography. In 1947, the two British expatriates had set sail from England in search of a faraway paradise where they could raise a family.

They settled on Pigeon Island in the Solomons, running a trading business. Irvine accepted their invitation and in 1998 she travelled to the Solomon Islands and began the process of writing the Hepworth’s story. She took her two young children with her, and the story she wrote about the experience is fascinating.

You can read about it here:

http://johnrieber.com/2014/05/05/faraway-lucy-irvines-castaway-sequel-more-amazing-island-escapes/

Since then, Irvine has lived in Bulgaria, taking on the goal of helping feral animals in that rural country…and writes about her efforts on her Facebook page…

Along with those posts, Irvine also recently published her first collection of short fiction:

Irvine has lived a fascinating life, and deserves all of the accolades she has received. You can read more about her new book by clicking here:

http://johnrieber.com/2014/09/06/lucy-irvines-new-book-cherries-castaway-authors-new-work-real-life-catastrophe/

Check out this talented Writer’s work and life!

Talk About Excited To Eat!

Thanks for Alex Sim-Wise for sending this pic – this guy really loves his burgers! And since it’s the new year, how about this!

Happy New Year – Start It Off With A Breakfast BLT!

And thanks to my wonderful wife Alex for this idea: A breakfast BLT slider! So easy to make and such a great way to begin the new year!

It’s “SliderFest 2016!

Time for more slider recipes to celebrate the new year!

Study this chart: it’s a beautiful thing. But big massive burgers aren’t he point right now – sliders are three bites – you enjoy one, and then you try another – a different flavor…with sliders you can go around the world in your mouth!

Fry One On!

OK, I admit it: I LOVE a slider with french fries and tartar sauce…I make them all the time and I’m not ashamed. But now I have another reason to try some new sliders – and I want to share all of them with you!

“It’s All About The Topping!”

The key to a great slider is what goes ON the meat! Whether it’s cheese, spices or sauces, it is all about what adds a unique flavor to the basic hamburger patty. As for the bun, I make sliders by using small dinner rolls, but there are many specialty stores that carry slider buns as well.

Your basic hamburger uses good quality ground beef with at least 15% fat content, to ensure lots of juicy flavor. I put minced onion in as well, and I use minced garlic as well. I also like to use a fun salt – like pink Hawaiian sea salt, and a fair amount of pepper.

That’s it for me – upon this temple of meat, these slider recipes add unique ingredients that give them a special flavor or crunch….

Mai Oui? Why Not, It’s Your Burger! The French Slider!

Here’s a great slider from France. The definition of a French slider is blue cheese, and blue cheese ONLY – take your regular hamburger, and fold in crumbled blue cheese into the meat before you grill.

As you see, pics on the internet also show that you can top the burger with a chunk of blue cheese and add grilled onions underneath!

Score! If you want to go crazy you can wipe a smear of foie gras on the bun as well, but I don’t add anything else!

Get Your Truffle On!

A new slider this year will add truffle mayonnaise and sautéed mushrooms to a slider…we’ll see how it turns out but how can it NOT work?

Late Night Snack In Barcelona – The Spanish Slider! – Hamburguesa!

Time to head to Spain for this slider recipe. Spanish flavors take this slider to a whole new level – as always, start with your traditional hamburger patty. The key here are the condiments.

The topping here is an olive tapenade, that gets spread on top of the cooked slider – you can find recipes for making tapendade, or you can buy it in a jar, but it includes black olives, capers, anchovies, garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice – cook the burger first, and after you turn it add a slice of Manchego cheese and Jamón – Iberico ham – prosciutto-like ham!

Let the cheese melt as the burger cooks and the ham warms up…Take a bite and you will wake up in Barcelona!

The All-American Bacon-Cheeseburger Slider!

What can I say? Here is a burger that never fails to satisfy. Just toast the bun, cook the burger, add the cheese, let it melt, put it on the bun with some or ALL of the added ingredients, and you are set!

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

See that? DO NOT DEVIATE – this is perfection.

G’Day Mate! The Perfect Australian Sliders!

I tried to cut back on this recipe, but heard from several folks that it’s a favorite! An Aussie slider is just like ours, with two key differences. They add a slice of beetroot – OK, we call it beet, they call it beetroot – underneath the burger. It adds a great, slightly sweet and nutty flavor to the taste.

Everything else is the same – add cheddar cheese, tomato, lettuce if you like – and if you want to go totally Aussie, take the second step to complete fulfillment – add a fried egg on top….the best!

Happy New Year And A “Hoppin’ John” To You All!

Of course, you MUST include some “Hoppin’ John” as well…as my friend and terrific Author Michael Ruhlman says, “this ‘Hoppin’ John’ recipe is a dish from the American south featuring black-eyed peas, often included in southern food and soul food recipes, traditionally served on New Year’s Day by those angling for good fortune all year long.”

The beautiful photo is courtesy of his wife Donna, and see his entire recipe on his great website here:

http://ruhlman.com/2010/12/hoppin-john/

Follow Ruhls for ongoing culinary magic! And bite down hard on a slider while you are doing it!

White Castle Breakfast Sliders!

And if you want to have a slider in the morning, just take a White Castle slider and add an egg! Check it out here:

http://johnrieber.com/2012/06/28/white-castle-breakfast-sliders-behold-the-380-calorie-wonder/

Let me know what you like best this year!

Hollywood is such a funny place…critical and commercial acclaim one day can lead to direct-to-video films the next…the key is to keep working, no matter what the role is…there have been so many great movie stars – and virtually all have unique – and sometimes offbeat films – on their resumes…here’s a look at one such “True Hollywood Story: the talented Actress Olivia Hussey!

Olivia Rocks The Yellow Jumpsuit!

As I mentioned, everyone has a “strange choice, huh?” moment on their resume, and it’s no different for Actress Olivia Hussey. First, some background: she was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and first appeared on the London stage as Jenny in “The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie”, opposite Vanessa Redgrave. That’s where Italian film director Franco Zeffirelli first spotted her.

Cue Instant Stardom!

Hussey was chosen out of 500 actresses to star as Juliet in Zeffirelli’s smash hit 1968 film “Romeo and Juliet”.

Hollywood’s New Star Of The Year!

The film’s success led to her winning the Golden Globe Award for “New Star of the Year!”

This was the end of the 60’s, when Sinatra, Dean Martin and his gang still ruled. After the acclaim for her Shakespeare role, Hussey then married one of The Rat Pack’s sons, and was entering Hollywood royalty when tragedy struck.

In 1971, Hussey married actor Dean Paul Martin, son of the singer Dean Martin. They had a son before divorcing in 1978. Dean Paul Martin died in 1987 when his National Guard F-4 Phantom jet fighter crashed in California’s San Bernardino Mountains.

From Shakespeare To Shock!

Known for her classic Shakespeare role, it was one of Hollywood’s darkest horror films that exposed Hussey to a whole new generation of fans…

1974’s “Black Christmas”

This low-budget shocker, directed by Bob Clark, is now one of the most beloved horror films of the 70’s – in fact, “Black Christmas” set the stage for a new wave of horror film like “Halloween”.

The plot was simple: It’s time for Christmas break, and a group of sorority sisters make plans for the holiday – but then the horrifying anonymous phone calls begin.

Here is the extremely creepy trailer for this classic horror film:

Margot Kidder also stars as one of Olivia’s sorority sisters, and she’s got a wicked sense of humor and an acid tongue…

Even though the film is a dark thriller, Hussey says the movie set was a very light and happy between takes. She did admit that Margot Kidder was distant from cast/crew during the filming.

What A Cast!

In addition to Hussey and Kidder, Kier Dullea also stars in the movie – Dullea of course was in Stanley Kubrick’s masterpiece, “2001: A Space Odyssey.”

Keir Dullea worked only for a week on this film, never meeting Margot Kidder and barely meeting John Saxon, but the film is edited in such a way that he appears to be present throughout the film…

During an interview with Bob Clark, the Director said Hussey’s decision to star in the film was based upon advice given to her by a psychic. According to Clark, Hussey said her psychic believed that the film would be successful and a wise career choice for her. She took the role.

Meeting Steve Martin!

Hussey continued to act in film and TV for the next decade. Around 1986, she met Steve Martin to discuss a role in his hit film “Roxanne”, and Martin said this to Olivia:

“Oh my God Olivia, you were in one of my all time favorite films”!

Hussey assumed it was for “Romeo and Juliet” – and was surprised to find out that Martin loved “Black Christmas”, claiming to have seen it over 20 times!

Talking Turkey!

Finally, here is that “why would she do this film?” role – one of Hussey’s most unique movies was this sci-fi cult classic:

1981’s “Turkey Shoot!”

This futuristic thriller involved prisoners who were set free so they could be hunted down by rich people! A very unique choice for Hussey:

As I said, when you are a working Actor in Hollywood, the key is to work. And this movie has become a cult classic. One of the most interesting aspects of the film was Hussey’s choice to do a nude shower scene in the film!

“Blu” Turkey!

The film is full of crazy action sequences – and Hussey does a great job in the film, along with Steve Railsback – “Turkey Shoot” has built up a great cult reputation – and now it’s been remastered on blu-ray! Read all about this thriller by clicking on my story here:

http://johnrieber.com/2015/09/23/shocking-turkey-shoot-sex-and-gore-down-under-wake-in-fright-new-exploitation-blu-rays/

As for Hussey, she is now a very successful voice over talent in “Batman Beyond”, and also voiced the character of Kasan Moor in the PC game, “Star Wars: Rogue Squadron”. She was also in “Star Wars: The Old Republic”.

So there’s a look at a “True Hollywood Star” who did Shakespeare, horror and sci-fi equally well!

As you can see from her credits, Hussey has had a very successful career in entertainment.

I am fascinated by Artists who have long and varied careers…and I am equally interested in Artists who appear once then disappear forever:

“One And Done!”

Anne Sparrow did just that! This Actress starred in the cult euro-sleaze film “The Sinful Dwarf”, then disappeared forever!

That’s right, Anne Sparrow has never been seen in a film again! Read all about this Actress and her notorious motion picture debut by clicking on my story here:

http://johnrieber.com/2015/09/16/sinful-sex-kitten-anne-sparrow-the-mystery-of-a-disappearing-starlet/

And let me know if you’ve seen Olivia Hussey in this classic horror film!

Step Into Paradise!

Welcome to paradise! To me, this picture captures perfectly what life would be like in a tropical paradise – a fantasy escape that most can only dream about…

Could I live here forever? Who knows – BUT I COULD TRY!

Even if you’ve had the chance to spend even a few days in paradise, it’s hard to imagine life there….

For a few amazing travel writers, life in paradise was not only considered, it was attempted – and paradise is – like everything else in life – “in the eye of the beholder.”

As beautiful and idyllic as this looks…you are also entering a world that is completely different – and in many cases, dangerous…I have three incredible travel memoirs that will immerse you in the South Seas life, beginning with Paul Theroux, who decided to see this part of the world in a very unique way:

The Happy Isles of Oceania: Paddling the Pacific!

Yes, he “paddled” across the South Pacific in a canoe! Paul Theroux is a legendary travel writer as well as Author of fiction like “The Mosquito Coast” – and quite the prickly traveler as well: Theroux spent 18 months in a one-man collapsible kayak exploring such exotic Pacific islands as New Zealand, Australia, the Soloman and Cook Islands, Fiji, Samoa, Tahiti, Easter Island, and Hawaii. His adventure makes for an amazingly entertaining book.

As one review states:

“Never a kind-hearted chronicler of place, he sets out on this voyage in an especially dour mood, leaving behind a failed marriage and expecting to be diagnosed with cancer at any moment. Soon after he escapes the crowded towns of Australia, however, he starts to lose some of his harsh edge and enjoy his travels, which ultimately heal him. A brilliant storyteller with an eye for the absurd, Theroux takes the reader to little-known places where time seems to have stood still and people lead simple lives totally unrelated to 20th-century America.”

This unique canoe trip is full of comedy, tragedy, politics and a touch of the mundane as well. The Author is a terrific writer, and you really feel you are there on the trip with him – and what a trip it is!

Another reviewer raved:

“Any perceptive reader with a sense of adventure couldn’t help but feel drawn to the islands as Theroux describes them – their idiosyncrasies, history, culture, beauty and repulsiveness in equal measure – which speckle the Pacific Ocean like stars in the night sky.”

Here is one short excerpt from the book:

“There were stars everywhere, above us, and reflected in the sea along with the sparkle of phosphorescence streaming from the bow wave. When I poked an oar in the ocean and stirred it, the sea glittered with twinkling sea-life. … It was as though we were in an old rickety rocket ship.

It was an image that afterwards often came to me when I was traveling in the Pacific, that this ocean was as vast as outer space, and being on this boat was like shooting from one star to another, the archipelagoes like galaxies, and the islands like isolated stars in an empty immensity of watery darkness, and this sailing was like going slowly from star to star, in vitreous night.”

Once you devour this book, try his journey around the Mediterranean, “The Pillars Of Hercules” – or his harrowing trip through Africa, which you read more about here:

http://johnrieber.com/2014/07/16/the-dark-heart-of-africa-paul-therouxs-last-train-to-zona-verde-his-personal-heart-of-darkness/

There are many ways to get to the South Pacific….for Lucy Irvine, her trip began when she answered this ad in a London newspaper:

Her life was never the same. After spending a year as a “wife” on a desert island north of Australia, she wrote a bestselling book about it!

Irvine’s “Castaway” is a fascinating book, and she’s an incredible writer:

“The sun is spread, hot and arched, above the reef like a woman in abandon, sky shimmering like glistening skin…”

Yet her greatest adventure happened a few years later…

“Only two hours ago I’d been living through some of the worst moments I’d ever experienced, during which an understanding of the precariousness of life had been borne in me with frightening force.”

Lucy Irvine Travels “Faraway!”

First of all, what a beautiful cover for a book. Welcome to Pigeon Island, surrounded by many other, smaller islands like the one on the cover. Lucy Irvine’s bestselling book “Castaway” documented her year on a deserted island, and after all of the acclaim, Irvine returned to a “regular” life, until the Author found herself with a unique opportunity for a sequel!

In 1999, Lucy Irvine took her three children to the farthest corner of the Solomon Islands in the South Pacific to live for a year on remote Pigeon Island…look at the center of the map above and notice the tiny mark for Pigeon island next to Reef Islands…

Irvine’s invitation to live in this isolated paradise came from an intrepid 80-year-old Pigeon Island resident, Diana Hepworth, who set sail from England years earlier with her family in their own search for a faraway paradise.

“Faraway” is not only Irvine’s story, it is the story of the Hepworth family and their amazing adventure years earlier…the two stories are intertwined, and both are fascinating…

“Faraway” tells the story of Irvine’s latest adventure – and what it was like to take her three boys with her, settling into a completely different life in the middle of the south seas…

“Faraway” also is the story of the Hepworths – an adventurous young couple who raised a family in a faraway land – and “Faraway” beautifully captures what life on a south seas island is like…because few islands are more isolated than this one…

“Faraway” is an amazing South Seas adventure, and if you want to read all of Irvine’s terrific work, see my story here:

http://johnrieber.com/2015/09/25/from-runaway-to-castaway-the-faraway-dramatic-life-of-writer-lucy-irvine/

As you can see, I fantasize about living in this tropical oasis, but as you will see from these books, it’s a difficult life as well…here’s a book that gets right to the crux of the matter:

Look at the title of this book! How can you not love it! Yes, there is a history of cannibalism in this part of the world as well!

Great travel writer J. Maarten Troost got to actually live in the South Seas when his wife was there as a official for the US government…and he found an interesting fact about the place:

“The man was eaten for his ‘mana’, that is the invisible power that resides in the head.”

Yes, it was home to cannibals! But that’s what makes the adventure so much fun, right? I mean, there has to be SOME price to pay for living here:

Time For Great Troost Travel!

Troost has written many travel books, all based on his personal experience of living in the South Pacific with his wife…here, for example is a short passage from the beginning of one book – the Author speaking to a french man about what makes the french the french:

“Dreams, he said, while pale and smelling of regurgitated chicken, do sometimes come true and this, he concluded, was how we endure the tragedy, the comedy, of life, and for a moment I was reminded of why I love the French – not even blowing chunks will ruin ‘la grande romance’ of it all.”

I love this Writer! J. Maarten Troost has written four terrific travel books – I will share his other work in a moment, but his most recent took him back to the South Seas:

“Headhunters On My Doorstep” is the story of Troost returning to the islands where he lived when he wrote his “Cannibals” book…

Roost returns to his old island home after several years away to see how his life changed since he lived there. Troost has changed as well – and the book is far more personal than any he has written before, but as always, beautifully written…

Here is an idea of Troost’s writing style, from page 159 of the book:

“Do you have some time?” Celine asked. Oh, I don’t know. I’m on an island in the middle of nowhere, without an ongoing ticket or a way off, amusing myself by going on desultory hikes to the set of ‘Survivor: Marquesas’ in the drenching rain. Yeah, I think I’ve got a couple of minutes to spare…

Yes, one of the areas explored by the Author is the location of the 4th season of the reality show “Survivor”…but Troost isn’t there to play a game – he brings to life a culture that is vibrant, proud, and nearly decimated by their interaction with white people.

As you can see, he’s got a way with words, which is why the book is so much fun to read, and full of fascinating information – about cannibalism, for example.

“The man was eaten for his ‘mana’, that is the invisible power that resides in the head.”

There is so much to love about this book, but it is a cautionary tale as well…as the world’s climate threatens to destroy an entire way of life…

In many ways, this is his most personal – and important – work. Of course, this should leave you breathless to read ALL of Troost’s books, so just click on my link below for my story about them all!

http://johnrieber.com/2012/09/09/cannibals-savages-sex-and-great-walls-too-troost-troost-troost-great-adventure-travel/

I recommend you read them in order!

So there you have it: three chances to explore the South Pacific from a comfortable “reading chair” – let me know what you think!

Time For Some “Truth!”

I love documentaries. They can be deadly serious or comically absurd – they can be lurid, spiritual, political and everything in between – here are ten examples of great documentaries you need to see!

“Roger and Me”!

With the recent water events in Flint, Michigan, Michael Moore’s first documentary is even more prescient. He looks at the decline of his hometown, a decline that helped lead to the current crisis that exists today.

Here is the trailer for what many consider to be “The Godfather” of modern docus, “Roger And Me”:

Wow, time flies – it was more than 25 years ago when this “in your face” documentary was considered radical! Moore told the story of the decline of his hometown Flint, Michigan – and his attempts to meet with Ford’s Chairman Roger Smith.

What he did was usher in a new era of non-fictional storytelling, leading to some of these I want to share!

Workingman’s Death!

Some of the world’s most dangerous jobs are highlighted in this compelling documentary. These professions are virtually unknown to most people – like sulfur mining…

The filmmaker’s style allows us a voyeuristic look at the lives of these workers…like these miners who risk their lives to slide back into abandoned crevices where small chunks of leftover coal may still cling to the abandoned walls…

This is an incredible work of art, and the late Documentary filmmaker Michael Glawogger also made a film that looked at the world of prostitution:

You can read more about these compelling films by clicking here:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/11/22/searing-expose-docs-workingmans-death-whores-glory-brilliant-documentaries-showcase-life-on-the-edge/

Sometimes, an interesting story turns into something much bigger as the filmmaker rolls the camera:

“My Kid Could Paint That!”

This heartbreaking documentary is about a child prodigy – or not. The filmmakers began the project when they heard about a four-year-old girl with special artistic abilities…but then it turned into a much more troubling story.

This story is so compelling – and so many questions are still unanswered – that is the power of the documentary – to reveal truths – and yet so sad…you can read more about it here:

https://johnrieber.com/2012/03/25/killer-fish-kids-who-paint-and-mid-west-horror-best-documentaries-pt-1/

Now, to something that you would think is amazingly harsh, yet is in fact so “Happy!”

Celebrating The Harsh World Of “Happy People!”

Director Werner Herzog, who has made a number of terrific documentaries like “Grizzly Man”, took a long-form Russian TV documentary and turned it into a compelling two-hour journey to Siberia!

It is some of the most unforgiving land on earth, but the people there are happy! See more here:

https://johnrieber.com/2013/07/18/into-the-wild-siberias-happy-people-werner-herzogs-new-documentary/

And if you want to bring a smile to your face, have I got a joke for you…

America’s Funniest People Tell The World’s Filthiest Joke! Meet “The Aristocrats!”

The history of the world’s filthiest joke is hilariously profane, and amazingly insightful! Penn and Teller allow some of the world’s greatest comics to tell one joke – a legendary joke in the world of comedy – and each re-telling gets more and more obscene – which is the point of the joke!

The Aristocrats – 2005

Comedy veterans and Magicians Penn and Teller, along with Comedian Paul Provenza capitalize on their insider status and invite over 100 of their closest friends–who happen to be some of the biggest names in entertainment, from George Carlin, Whoopi Goldberg and Drew Carey to Gilbert Gottfried, Bob Saget, Paul Reiser and Sarah Silverman–to reminisce, analyze, deconstruct and deliver their own versions of the world’s dirtiest joke, an old burlesque too extreme to be performed in public, called “The Aristocrats.”

George Carlin: The joke leads me down one path and then it switches the path on me suddenly and hits me with a hammer. It’s just, “Here we go folks.”

The terrific website IMDB has some interesting trivia about the joke: “This joke has been used by comedians for years as a mental stretching exercise. They would tell the joke to each other as a warm up for their acts. While the setup and punchline remain the same throughout, the middle section, describing the actual family act, is always varied to get the juices going by throwing in the most they can and keeping it funny. There are stories of parties where performers will jam and keep it going for almost an hour.”

The late Robin Williams does a variation of the joke in the film, as does Princess Leia, whose Mom is Debbie Reynolds…who isn’t sacred for the sake of the joke…

Carrie Fisher: “My mother was a golden shower queen.”

According to his biography, “I’m Chevy Chase and You’re Not”, Chevy Chase filmed a version of the joke as well. However, at the last second he decided not to sign the release form as he was afraid of what his daughters would think of the joke’s content.

The highlight is when the film ends with Bob Saget’s version of the joke – the most obscene, rambling and hilarious take on it imaginable…hilarious, profane, and insightful – how can you argue that?

And if profane is your thing…

Shed Some Clothes And Get Down With Some “American Swing!”

New York in the 70’s was a time of sex, drugs and swingers, and for awhile, there was actually a club that allowed casual sex among its members!

If you’ve never heard of “Plato’s Retreat”, it’s exactly the kind of place that Ted Cruz was railing against – and it was legal!

“American Swing” is a fascinating document of a long-lost time – as told by the people who partied there…see it here:

https://johnrieber.com/2012/04/06/how-can-i-offend-you-best-documentaries-pt-2/

Of course, the subject of sex is always a big seller – and here is an amazing look at the sexiest moments in cinema history:

“That’s Sexploitation” is a wild romp through the annals of grind house cinema, courtesy of Something Weird Video…read more here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/04/20/thats-sexploitation-terrific-documentary-captures-the-seedy-majesty-of-grindhouse-cinema/

I know, you are getting a bit worked up right now…if you want a mellow change of pace, dig into the story of one of the greatest bands in the world:

Not Such A “Peaceful Easy Feeling!” It’s The History Of The Eagles!

A “warts and all” documentary, made all the more powerful because the members of the band – old and new – took part. Their brutal honesty, along with amazing archival material the band collected from day one, gives viewers a riveting inside look at one of America’s most beloved bands.

Fans were stunned by the recent death of Glenn Frey, who comes across as a very driven member of the band…this documentary lasts over four hours and digs into all the professional and personal conflicts in the band…

You can read more about it here:

https://johnrieber.com/2012/10/04/eagles-no-peaceful-easy-feeling-here-just-heartache-tonight/

While we are on the subject of music, have you met’s rock’s craziest drummer?

“Beware” Of Rock’s Wildest Drummer!

Ginger Baker was the drummer in Cream, and has had one of the craziest lives imaginable, and one movie captures it all!

“Beware” is right, and if you want to know why, click here!

https://johnrieber.com/2015/01/13/beware-of-mr-baker-brilliant-ginger-baker-documentary-creams-drummer-throws-down/

As someone who loves to travel, I find the climate change debate sad – politics shouldn’t enter into the discussion, when there are entire countries at risk…

A Rising Political Tide! “The Island President!”

As the ocean levels rise, entire nations are at risk. Here is the inspiring story of a President who wouldn’t let his country drown due to inaction…

These islands will be underwater within our lifetime – unless something is done…and one courageous President allowed cameras to follow him as he tries to tell the world what lies ahead…

This is one of my favorite documentaries of all, read more here:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/05/07/the-island-president-a-tragic-compelling-documentary-a-nation-underwater/

There you have it – some of my favorite documentaries…leave a note to tell me your favorite!

Sasha Grey Presents “GREYSCALE”!

Hey everyone, I want to share a great new artistic effort by Sasha Grey – here is the official announcement:

“GREYSCALE” is a new short format series that approaches art as poetic commentary along with visually stunning photography, hosted and created by Sasha Grey and directed by Mattia Venni Uberti. A far turn from traditional review and television documentaries, the episodes themselves becomes cinematic art. Our first pilot episode is a sample of what I hope the future can hold. Shot at MOCA’s permanent collection in Los Angeles, I take the viewer on a photographic and poetic journey. MOCA’s collection offers a wide range of artists, where as in the future we may chose to focus on a particular artist’s solo exhibition at a particular gallery in future episodes, or conversely, classic pieces at a variety of museums. This will provide for a different dialogue and reflection, creating an individual tone for each episode.

This beautifully filmed new series explores art in a unique way – please check out this terrific video:

Sasha Grey==
Richard Phillips Exhibition Opening at Gagosian Gallery==
Gagosian Gallery, NYC==
September 11, 2012==
©Patrick McMullan==
Photo – CLINT SPAULDING/PatrickMcMullan.com==
==

I can’t wait to see more in this series, and bravo to Sasha and Mattia, the great Director of this video.

Of course, I have had the chance to work with Sasha in the past:

Sasha’s Shark Photo Bomb!

I filmed with Sasha in Australia for G4, when she went into an aquarium tank with sharks, and got photobombed!

These clips show Sasha getting ready to go into the tank, and then she walks among sharks and stingrays!

You can see more of her adventure here:

https://johnrieber.com/2013/02/26/sasha-greys-shark-dive-sashas-shark-photo-bomb-sashas-extreme-shark-diving-adventure/

Sasha also learned to surf at Sydney’s legendary Bondi Beach – leading to this hilarious moment:

Sasha is on a creative roll right now, after publishing her first novel:

The sequel comes out soon, and you can read more about her debut novel here:

https://johnrieber.com/2013/10/29/sasha-grey-conquers-the-world-best-selling-juliette-society-scores-worldwide/

Sasha is also making movies with some very inventive Directors:

Sasha worked with Elijah Wood on a great thriller called “Open Windows” – check it out here:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/10/02/sasha-greys-halloween-horror-open-windows-ondemand-extreme-sports-sasha-down-under/

Congrats to Sasha and Mattia on their new series!

Pass The Bourbon – I’m HUNGRY!

Yes, many of America’s great bars serve up great drinks and terrific food – but usually not on the same plate! Well, that has changed!

Take a look at this: it’s a “bagel burger” stuffed with a shot of bourbon – and piled high with bacon to boot!

Take A Bite Down Under!

I was sent this story by my friend Antonio Ruiz, who sent me a link from the website “First We Feast.” They tell the story of a restaurant in Sydney, Australia called “Chicken & Sons”, who has created the “Bourbon Bagel!”

What’s inside? Well, they use Angus beef, American cheese, jalapeño peppers, pickles, bourbon barbecue sauce, and bourbon-glazed bacon on a sesame seed bagel.

Yes, BOURBON-GLAZED BACON!

I am ready to buy a ticket to Australia just to bite down on this – and if you want to see more, here is the original story:

http://firstwefeast.com/eat/2016/07/bourbon-bagel-burger-has-whiskey-crammed-inside

Of course, I have done my best to keep you updated on all alcohol-related food, like this:

Yes, a roasted Chicken Bloody Mary is exactly what you need to start a day – see more of the wildest Bloody Mary recipes of all time here:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/08/08/a-fried-chicken-bloody-mary-the-worlds-wildest-bloody-marys/

It’s also a fun way to get your alcohol…have you ever tried a vodka bone luge?

I’ve got the recipe for this newest alcohol consumption system here, along with recipes for Watermelon Mojito Popsicles!

https://johnrieber.com/2015/04/10/mojito-popsicles-vodka-bone-luges-wildest-drink-recipes/

If all this great food and drink gives you a hangover, I’ve got your cure:

In case you don’t read Japanese, this is a new “miracle hangover cure” – using clam juice! See the recipe here:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/10/18/japans-new-miracle-hangover-cure-70-clams-wildest-new-products-from-tokyo/

Leave me a message and let me know if you would bite down on a bourbon bagel burger!

Behold The “Hamdog!”

If you love hamburgers – AND you love hot dogs – well, then it’s time to bite down hard on this:

This story has broken all over the internet in the past day, and here is how The Huffington Post has reported on it:

Inventor Mark Murray said he had the idea back in 2004 while vacationing with his wife in Nashville.

“I grabbed a burger and a hot dog as I was really hungry. I was sitting in the car eating them both at the same time and my wife was looking at me like I was an idiot,” Mark Murray told CNBC.

The Huffington Post has more:

“Murray, who lives in Perth, Australia, took his idea to the Australian “Shark Tank” show, only to be rejected by investors.

However, social media attention has caused the product to “pretty much explode worldwide,” Murray told CNBC.

The hamdog sells for $8 at fairs in Australia – and her is the easy recipe:

Make a very unique bun and add the beef patty – with space cut out for the hot dog – then load it up with lettuce, tomato, cheese, pickles, mustard, ketchup and mayonnaise.

Boom!

As you can see, it’s a phenomenon in Australia, and should soon be one in the US as well.

The most amazing thing about the hamdog might be how it’s made.

“At the moment there is a fair bit of labor involved in making the buns because they’re made by people, not machines,” Murray told News.com.au. “We’re still developing a way to semi automate production.”

Here is the video showing you how one is made – enjoy!

Many folks have mashed up a burger and a hot dog, but this is the first time I’ve seen a specially created bun for it!

Now, for lovers of all food mashups, let’s not forget this:

Remember this “hot dog pizza”? Now that’s a mashup you can fall in love with! Check it out here:

https://johnrieber.com/2013/08/01/the-garlic-meat-beast-potato-mayonaise-pizzas-wacky-fast-food/

Many lovers of the hot dog were stunned to see KFC get into the game:

KFC “Doubled Down” with their hot dog – served inside of a bent chicken patty bun!

See the recipe here:

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

Bravo to the “Hamdog” and let’s see when it shows up in the US!

Sasha Grey Gets “Smashed!”

Day #10 of “Shocktober 2016” features my friend Sasha Grey – who stars in a great piece of independent horror! Time to get bloody with the 2009 film “Smash Cut!”

Sasha Grey stars alongside David Hess, best known for this role in the iconic 70’s shocker “The Last House On The Left”.

In “Smash Cut”, Hess stars as a frustrated Director, with Sasha Grey as his unknowing new “star” – check out the trailer:

Yes, that was legendary “Blood Feast” Director Herschell Gordon Lewis narrating the trailer – and he also appears in the film – this legendary filmmaker died recently…read about his amazing “Blood Feast” here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/09/26/rip-to-blood-feast-maestro-herschell-gordon-lewis-the-godfather-of-gore/

Actor David Hess is best known for the early 70’s shocker “The Last House On The Left” – and throughout his career, he has shown a great screen presence:

Hess also delivered a dynamite performance in a forgotten slice of 70’s sexploitation from Europe:

Read more about this classic thriller here:

Thumbs Up! Knives Out! Cult Classic “Hitchhiking” Exploitation!

Sasha also does a great job in the film, showing a quirky side, as well as an ability to exude danger:

Sasha is great in the film, which is a fun independent horror film – perfect for Shocktober!

I had the chance to work with Sasha in Australia, when she surfed iconic Bondi Beach – check it out here!

https://johnrieber.com/2013/01/03/sasha-grey-surfs-sasha-steps-in-gum-surfs-up-at-bondi-beach-australia/

if you are in the mood for more classic horror, then nothing beats this:

Yes, the film that made Frank Sinatra divorce Mia Farrow! Check out the story here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/10/08/shocktober-day-8-satans-spawn-rosemarys-baby-shocks-mia-farrows-marriage/

It’s been a full “Shocktober 2016” already, and if you missed any, head to my home page to find all of them, like this subtle shocker:

Yes, one of the cinema’s most shocking films – with very little blood! Read the behind-the-scenes stories of “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre” here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/10/01/shocktober-is-here-31-days-of-horror-day-1-slices-up-the-texas-chainsaw-massacre/

There are more subtle films as well, still effective horror films, like this one:

Legendary Actor George C. Scott brings gravitas to this great horror film, see the trailer here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/10/02/shocktober-2016-haunted-house-the-changeling-spooks-day-2/

Let me know what you think of day #10 of “Shocktober” – with Sasha Grey!

Author Sasha Grey Is Back!

Bravo to my friend Sasha on the publication on her new book, THE JANUS CHAMBER, which is being released now!

Sasha’s LA Book Signing!

Sasha is signing copies of her new novel on October 11, so make sure you get a copy and have it autographed!

As the publisher announces, “Grey has set the bar with her narrative style and no holds-barred lust-filled pages.”

“The Janus Chamber” is a sequel to Sasha’s best-selling debut novel “The Juliette Society”. Here is how the book is described:

“A few years have passed since Catherine’s time in the The Juliette Society, but things haven’t been going the way she planned. Her life with her fiancé Jack has become predictable and boring, especially in the bedroom. Now working as a journalist, she struggles to find inspiration in her work or at home-until she starts writing about the death of a publicly beloved model, Inana Luna, whose experiences reflect Catherine’s own blossoming sexuality and independence. What started as a routine story quickly becomes Catherine’s obsession, as she follows the tale of a woman whose tracks take her down a road with too many familiar facets: a fascination with kink, lustful men, and some very sexy intrigue. Like the Roman god Janus, Catherine is simultaneously looking to the past and the future. Can her experiences with The Juliette Society, along with Inana’s diary, help her figure out what she really wants in life, love, and sex? Or will the story drag her back down into a tantalizing world from which she might not be able to escape a second time?”

If you haven’t read her first bestseller, here is a closer look at that book!

https://johnrieber.com/2013/10/29/sasha-grey-conquers-the-world-best-selling-juliette-society-scores-worldwide/

Congratulations to Sasha on the release of her new work, make sure to support it!

And don’t forget that it’s “Shocktober 2016”, so you need to check out Sasha’s great horror film as well:

See more on her terrific horror movie here:

horror post

Sasha also shared a terrific work of art with her fans – a poetic commentary called “Greyscale”:

See this haunting video here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/07/20/sasha-grey-greyscale-a-beautiful-poetic-commentary-on-art/

I was lucky enough to travel with Sasha to Australia for some great G4 TV specials – you remember, when she got “photo bombed” by two sharks?

Here is that video of Sasha inside a tank with two sharks!

Sasha Grey’s Shark Dive! Sasha’s Shark Photo Bomb! Sasha’s Extreme Shark Diving Adventure!

While she was in Australia, we also went to the legendary Bondi Beach, where Sasha learned to surf:

Oh, I might have forgotten to tell her how cold the water was – here is a great video that shows her reaction:

See more of this incredible adventure here:

https://johnrieber.com/2013/01/03/sasha-grey-surfs-sasha-steps-in-gum-surfs-up-at-bondi-beach-australia/

Finally, Sasha is also part of “Shocktober 2016”, with her dark comic horror film “Smash Cut!”

Check out the film’s great trailer right here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/10/10/shocktober-day-10-smashes-sasha-grey-the-darkly-comic-horror-of-smash-cut/

Bravo to Sasha on her new book release, and don’t forget to stop by and get one signed!

My Movie Alphabet!

Yes, the poster art says “Vol. 2” – because I missed the first “go-round” on this fun exercise in cinema! A movie for every letter of the alphabet – who can refuse?

For many of us, this is our great escape – a movie auditorium where magic happens – I have seen so many incredible films in my life…oh, outside too!

I love this idea – thanks to “MettelRaySe7en” for doing this, here is the link to see how you can participate:

https://mettelray.wordpress.com/2017/05/01/mettelrayse7en-my-movie-alphabet-vol-2-blogathon-announcment/#comment-10520

Let’s get started with a film that, while fictional, captured one of the most exciting and influential pop culture changes in our nation’s history!

A – A Hard Day’s Night

Hard to imagine how culturally significant “Beatlemania” was in today’s social media world, but this film captures the pop culture impact of The Fab Four through a hilariously droll, fictional film the band starred in – how did they know to make this film so it would come out as they were taking over the world – what an achievement! If you want to see just how wild their first trip to the US was, check out the terrific documentary here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/09/06/the-beatles-first-us-tour-new-movie-the-fab-fours-segregation-battle-ron-howards-fascinating-new-beatles-documentary/

Next up is one of my top ten films of all time:

B – Boogie Nights

Paul Thomas Anderson shows the birth of adult cinema in LA’s San Fernando valley through the fictional story of Dirk Diggler…one of the greatest cinematic achievements ever, and career bests for the entire cast – see the “oral” history here:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/12/11/dirk-digglers-livin-thing-70s-sex-80s-excess-the-oral-history-of-boogie-nights/

Here is another film from my “top ten of all time”:

C – Chinatown

This lost Best Picture in 1972 to the greatest film of all time – more on that in a minute, but Roman Polanski’s story of Los Angeles in the 40’s, as seen through our thirst for water – and power – still resonates today – read more about this classic film noir here:

https://johnrieber.com/2013/02/19/forget-it-jake-its-chinatown-cynical-attitudes-and-sexual-motivations/

Ok, these were all fairly well known, let’s get obscure:

D – Darker Than Amber

This very obscure action film from 1970 has one of the most brutal – and REAL – onscreen fights ever captured – yes, the two main actors got carried away and the Director captured it all – see it here:

https://johnrieber.com/2013/03/01/darker-than-amber-film-noirs-legendary-fight-scene-a-brutal-hidden-gem/

Next up is one of the most hypnotic films I’ve ever seen…

E – Enter The Void

Argentinian Director Gasper Noe uses “2001: A Space Odyssey” as his inspiration to tell the story of a young man killed in Tokyo, who floats over the city to observe life after his death – see the hypnotic trailer here:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/11/01/audacious-mind-blowing-cinema-enter-the-void-vanishing-waves-and-holy-motors/

Need some 70’s horror? Great, let’s head to France!

F – Fascination!

French Horror Director Jean Rollin made moody, cerebral horror films filled with nudity, blood and amazing images like this one:

See all of his incredible work from the 70’s here:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/09/13/bloody-fascination-sexy-shockers-wildest-cult-horror-directors/

Now, time to celebrate the greatest film ever made:

G – The Godfather

For me, it is simply the greatest cinematic achievement in film history – beautifully acted, lyrical, violent and multi-layered to reveal something new each time I see it – and of course, Brando read from cue cards held by Robert Duvall!

One last bit of trivia – the horse’s head was real! Here is more on that:

https://johnrieber.com/2017/02/15/brandos-cue-cards-real-horse-heads-the-godfathers-best-stories-2/

Now, a film that was so good it had three different names!

H – Hookers Revenge!

I HAD to get a Christina Lindberg film on this list! She is the “Queen of Artsploitation”, and this one was so good they kept releasing it to grindhouse theaters with different titles! Officially known as “Thriller: A Cruel Picture” – it’s also AKA “They Call Her One Eye” and also AKA “Hooker’s Revenge” – even thought she doesn’t play a hooker in the movie!

She may have been mute in the film, but she really kicks some ass, and recently Christina spoke about her career – see that interview here:

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

Christina Lindberg is my “grindhouse guilty pleasure”, but the next film is serious, compelling and vital:

I – The Island President

This documentary tells the story of one person trying to save his country from drowning – and the politics of climate change…so powerful and important, see the trailer here:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/05/07/the-island-president-a-tragic-compelling-documentary-a-nation-underwater/

The next film on my list is one of those “movie theater experiences” I will never forget…

J – Jackie Brown

Some Quentin Tarantino was overdue, but more importantly, some Pam Grier! He wrote it with her in mind, and she stars with a timeless swagger…just one of her great films, like “Black Mama White Mama” and the blaxploitation classic “Foxy Brown”…see her here:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/03/21/black-mama-white-mama-queen-of-blaxploitation-pam-grier-naked-showers-women-in-prison-classics/

I was inspired by my friend Pete from Beetley, England…he is counting down his movies as well – you can follow along with them here:

https://beetleypete.wordpress.com/2017/05/10/a-z-film-challenge-day-ten/

Next up, a cerebral thriller with a very young Donald Sutherland…

K – Klute

A somewhat forgotten film from 1971, Jane Fonda won an Oscar for her portrayal of a lonely prostitute who is being watched by one of her clients…a young Donald Sutherland is also great…see more here:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/06/01/klute-the-late-show-electra-glide-in-blue-three-obscure-film-noir-70s-classics/

Now, one of my top 5 favorite movies…

L – The Last Of Sheila

This terrific mystery puzzle of a film was written by Stephen Sondheim and “Psycho” Anthony Perkins! An all-star cast including James Mason James Coburn, Raquel Welch, Richard Benjamin and Ryan Cannon make this a must see – here is the trailer:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/06/29/psycho-and-sondheim-the-last-of-sheila-classic-hollywood-murder-mystery-richard-benjamin-rules/

Time for one of America’s greatest Actors to lighten up…

M – Midnight Run

“Why are you unpopular with the Chicago Police Department?” The greatest buddy/action film of all, the first time we discovered that Robert DeNiro could do comedy! See the new blu-ray here:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/11/28/fistophobia-the-brilliant-but-neglected-buddy-action-comedy-midnight-run/

Next up, a European Actress from the 70’s who was naked in every single film she made!

N – Night Of A Thousand Desires!

I love Lina Romay – her haunting beauty and willingness to put it ALL out there – I mean, she is naked in every single film she made, and most of it was lovingly captured by her partner/husband Jess Franco – this is a great example of her hypnotic appeal, with a great blu-ray thanks to Mondo Macabro – see it here:

https://johnrieber.com/2017/05/06/night-has-a-thousand-desires-lina-romays-cult-classic-jess-francos-sex-shocker/

Next up, my second favorite film of all time…

O – O Lucky Man!

This obscure British masterpiece was written by and starring Malcolm McDowell – right after “A Clockwork Orange” – it is a brilliant satire of a world gone mad with an equally brilliant soundtrack – see it here:

https://johnrieber.com/2013/03/22/o-lucky-man-malcolm-mcdowells-seinfeld-connection/

Time for more 70’s stuff, this time a grindhouse classic:

P – Prime Cut

The “grindhouse” era of the 60’s and 70’s allowed studios to make gritty B-movies like this one, with lots of sex, nudity and violence, and many big stars willing jumped in! “Prime Cut” stars Gene Hackman, Lee Marvin and a VERY naked Sissy Spacek in her movie debut – see the trailer here:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/03/23/prime-cut-grindhouse-classic-gene-hackman-vs-lee-marvin/

Need more obscure classics?

Q – Q! The Winged Serpent

Legendary Exploitation Director Larry Cohen made this film about a “winged serpent” terrorizing New York – one of many great movies he made…here is a documentary about his life – and his wild wild work!

https://johnrieber.com/2017/05/08/king-cohen-exploitation-director-larry-cohen-killer-babies-winged-serpents-exploitation-master-dynamite-new-documentary/

I think a musical is in order….

R – Rude Boy

I grew up loving The Clash – but did you know they made a film? “Rude Boy” is the story of a roadie who dreams of success while following The Clash on their REAL tour of the UK at the end of the 70’s – and the birth of punk rock! This is terrific stuff – see the trailer here:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/03/09/the-clash-is-live-rude-boy-iconic-punk-music-meets-classic-cult-movie/

Another from my top twenty is next:

S – The Shawshank Redemption

One of the most inspiring movies ever made – brilliant from start to finish – Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman was flawless – click here to see the real “Zihuatanejo”:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/05/18/zihuatanejo-the-inspiring-greatness-of-the-shawshank-redemption/

Here is #3 on my list of greatest films:

T – Taxi Driver

Martin Scorsese and Paul Schrader capture the gritty streets of New York perfectly – as seen through the eyes of Travis Bickle – this masterpiece is still topical forty years on – see the anniversary reunion here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/04/21/travis-bickle-turns-40-taxi-driver-tribeca-screening-3-reasons-to-love-him-one-big-reason-to-hate/

OK, from masterpiece to Russ Meyer!

U – Up!

Need a break from the seriousness of the list – well, how about some Russ Meyer? The man who gave us “Faster Pussycat! Kill! Kill!” also got us “Up!” See how here:

https://johnrieber.com/2012/03/16/sexploitation-classics-the-russ-meyer-edition/

Need more grindhouse?

V – The Virgin Witch

I love the sexploitation era of the 60’s and 70’s as you can see, and films like “The Virgin Witch” are the reason why…virgin witches baring all for our pleasure – see how here:

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

Another from my top twenty is next:

W – Withnail & I

Simply the greatest British comedy ever – Richard E. Grant is brilliant, and the film is acerbic, insightful, and hilariously funny – read more here:

https://johnrieber.com/2017/04/10/withnail-i-30th-anniversary-classic-80s-cult-comedy-richard-e-grant-tell-all-book-with-nails/

Some letters of the alphabet are better sung than spoken…

X – Xanadu

What, you don’t want an 80’s musical with a rollerskating Olivia Newton-John? I included “Xanadu” because it’s so “of its time”, and because it also has a terrific soundtrack from The Electric Light Orchestra! Here’s proof:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/02/25/elo-rocks-the-grammy-awards-brilliant-70s-orchestra-rock-jeff-lynnes-beatles-love/

Mel Brooks was a brilliant filmmaker, and here is one example:

Y – Young Frankenstein

The funniest film ever? Well, argue amongst yourselves, but Brooks competes with himself for that title (“Blazing Saddles!”), and this film gives Gene Hackman – yes, GENE HACKMAN! A chance to show how funny he is! To celebrate this legendary Actors birthday, I highlighted his ten best roles:

https://johnrieber.com/2017/01/30/happy-birthday-gene-hackman-ten-roles-that-defined-a-hollywood-legend/

Finally, I leave you with Bond, James Bond…well, this next film is a 007 you’ve never seen before!

Z – Zardoz!

Yes, that’s 007 in a bright red loincloth! But WHY? The answer lies in one of the wackiest films ever committed to celluloid – the lunacy of “Zardoz.” Click to see some of the hilariously “WTF” dialogue and trailer!

https://johnrieber.com/2012/10/01/suspiria-caligula-zardoz-wacky-one-word-movie-wonders/

Well, I tried to showcase movies you knew and many you didn’t, so let me know what you think!

“It’s my money,” he said on April 25. “If I want to buy 15,000 cotton balls a day, it’s my thing.”

Yes, Johnny Depp recently said that, and his “thing” has erupted into a fascinating and sad legal battle!

First, bravo to Journalists Stephen Galloway and Ashley Cullins – they have the inside story of Johnny Depp’s legal battle over his finances – a long, in-depth story in The Hollywood Reporter (THR).

The THR story laid out in detail the money problems that Depp is facing, and the lawsuits resulting from it. A huge legal battle has erupted between Depp and his financial advisors, and the stories coming out show a wildly out-of-control lifestyle…here is an excerpt from the story:

“There just wasn’t enough liquid money to cover Depp’s $2 million in monthly bills.
Without a fire sale, Depp — then arguably the biggest star in Hollywood and certainly one of the best paid, thanks to the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise — would never be able to meet his obligations. Not the payments on his portfolio of real estate around the world. Not the impulse purchases such as the three Leonor Fini paintings he had bought from a Manhattan gallery (the first two for $320,000, the third as a $245,000 gift for then-girlfriend Amber Heard). Not the $3.6 million he paid annually for his 40-person staff. Not the $350,000 he laid out each month to maintain his 156-foot yacht.”

As you can see, a huge monthly “nut” came back to haunt the Actor!

Johnny Depp’s $30k Wine Tasting!

That’s right: according to the article, Depp routinely spends $30,000 a month on wine! I can understand that for sure, but it is another example of spending that was out of control for the Actor…

Jack Sparrow Returns!

The lawsuit – and these stories – have all come out right as Johnny Depp is returning to movie screens with his biggest hit ever: the character Jack Sparrow and “Pirates Of The Caribbean 5: Dead Men Tell No Tales!”

The THR article reports on issues related to the filming in Australia – specifically that Depp was routinely late to set.

Here is what the article says about his tardiness – and how the production dealt with it:

“Often, sources say, a production staffer was stationed in an unmarked car outside the Coomera, Queensland, compound that Depp had rented from Grand Prix champion Mick Doohan so that the sentinel could alert everyone the second a light was switched on in the morning (or afternoon).

“When he got up, he’d turn on the light, and the moment the light went on they’d call the line producer, who would then call the directors [Joachim Ronning and Espen Sandberg]: ‘He’s up! He’s getting ready!’ ” says an on-set source. “They even had a special code term, like ‘The eagle has landed.’ Johnny had no idea this was going on.”

EXCLUSIVE

Picture by: Splash News

Splash News and Pictures

Los Angeles:310-821-2666

New York:212-619-2666

London:870-934-2666

photodesk@splashnews.com

Welcome To “Fuck Off Island”!

Thanks to Splash News! This is a picture of one of Depp’s properties: 45-acre Little Halls Pond Cay in the Bahamas, which he has referred to as “Fuck Off Island.”

It’s just one of many properties the Actor owns around the world, indulging a 5-house compound at the top of Sweetzer Avenue in Hollywood.

The Actor clearly has great taste, and lavishing spending habits as well, and this article gives an in-depth look into the world of celebrity that we rarely see…

Bravo to The Hollywood Reporter and Stephen Galloway and Ashley Cullins for their amazing story….I just gave a couple of highlights, but the story is so much more – read it all here:

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/features/johnny-depp-a-star-crisis-insane-story-his-missing-millions-1001513

My wife Alex interviewed Depp at the Cannes Film Festival one year, and he was articulate, friendly and very professional…unfortunately, we spoke to him about his biggest film debacle ever!

This very offbeat film was received so poorly in Cannes that it saw unreleased for years…read about it here:

https://johnrieber.com/2012/02/08/ten-most-misguided-movies-of-all-time/

It will be interesting to see how this story plays out, and once again, bravo to THR!

It’s Raining Burgers!

Now THAT is a sky full of tasty delight! Imagine cheeseburgers everywhere you turn – how could you ever decide which one to eat? For example, here are some of my favorites:

Yes, that is a Cheeseburger wedding cake! There are so many to love, where to begin? Well, how about HERE, with a burger that can kill you!

The Legendary “XXX-Burger!”

It might not look that dangerous, but this is a “XXX-Burger”, so named because it’s hot enough to kill! In fact, you have to sign a legal waiver just to eat it!

As you can see from the sign, you have to be 18 years of age to even order it! See more about this English trip to the edge by clicking here:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/03/12/the-worlds-hottest-burger-xxx-hot-chilli-burger-madness-fire-up-your-meat/

If you don’t want it hot, just TALL, then try this out!

The Super Stacker!

Only in Tokyo – where Lotteria offered up an amazing “stack” of cheeseburger goodness for you to enjoy – it’s just one of the wacky offerings from the restaurant chain – like this:

Meet The “Burger With Everything On It!”

Inventive Japanese burger chain Lotteria is now offering up their “Burger with Everything On It” – or called the “Zenbu Nose Burger” in Japanese!

As RocketNews24 reports:

“The Burger with Everything on It has four patties: regular hamburger, cheeseburger, fried shrimp, and rib. More hearty deliciousness come from bacon, sliced cheese, and a soft-boiled egg. The towering burger also checks off the food pyramid’s vegetable section with lettuce, cabbage, tomato and onion. Finally, in keeping with the burger’s magnanimously inclusive attitude, the sauce is a mix of teriyaki, regular mayonnaise, spicy mayonnaise, tartar sauce, meat sauce, and ketchup!”

Read that again as you look at this towering stack of burger!

I’d climb up that! In fact, Japan seems to love their burgers, wacky in every way – as opposed to some countries that are a little more conservative – say North Korea…who offers up only one burger – a “mystery” burger indeed!

North Korea’s Mysterious Koryo Burger!

This burger is from North Korea, and it is probably as awaful as it looks – in fact, this one’s so exclusive it’s only sold on North Korean Air!

Imagine this platter being set down in front of you…see the recipe of this mystery meat here:

https://johnrieber.com/2017/04/24/north-koreas-legendary-koryo-burger-the-mystery-of-a-mysterious-hamburger-revealed/

If you want a burger that’s a taste of the “wild wild west”, how about “The Roadhog!”

Let’s head to Queensland, Australia…yes, we are talking Australian Outback, folks – their version of the “wild wild west”:

According to a Queensland travel blog, “‘The Roadhog Burger’ weighs in at around 14kg – the same size as an average two-year-old. It feeds up to 15 people and will set you back about 150 bucks!

You’ll need to order this monster a few days in advance though, as the buns are ‘custom made’ by the nearby St George Bakery. And yes, those are raw sausages fashioned as fingers!

What could possibly top this?

That’s Right – A Cheeseburger In A Can!

I admit I am obsessed with these – and have eaten one!

I cooked one, looked at it closely, smelled it and then, after cutting it open, I took a bite – here’s what happened:

See the entire taste test here:

https://johnrieber.com/2017/05/07/my-cheeseburger-in-a-can-taste-test-i-cooked-one-i-ate-it-too-heres-my-review/

There you have it, five examples of burgers from every extreme!

Time For A South Seas Adventure!

Imagine that this was your view of home – a south seas island paradise – thousands of miles from anywhere…well, for one adventurous young Teacher, it was home – and he wrote a book about his adventure!

“Surviving Paradise” by Peter Rudiak-Gould!

I am a huge fan of “wanderlust” memoirs – books that capture a unqiue life experience, like teaching English on an island that is going underwater!

For this young Teacher, it’s his story of living in paradise – with all of the wild adventures that you can imagine! First, let’s give you an idea of where he was:

Welcome To Ujae, One Of The Marshall Islands!

Literally in the middle of nowhere, here is how wikipedia describes it:

“Ujae Atoll is a coral atoll of 15 islands in the Pacific Ocean, and forms a legislative district of the Ralik Chain of the Marshall Islands. Its total land area is only 1.86 square kilometres (0.72 sq mi), but it encloses a lagoon of 185.94 square kilometres (71.79 sq mi). It is located about 122 kilometres (76 mi) west of Kwajalein Atoll.

In folklore, the Marshallese people have long considered the island to be home to timon (demons).

In 1998, the population of Ujae Atoll was 448.”

Yep, 448 people, most of whom are considered to be demons! Here is a short excerpt from Peter’s first day on the island:

“I stepped onto the beach and embarked on a bold one-man expedition: to circle the entirety of the island’s shore.

Forty-five minutes later, I wondered what else I could do for the rest of the year.”

Yes, he found himself teaching on an island that was a third of a square mile TOTAL!

The book is a terrific look at living in one of the most isolated places on earth, and one young man’s incredible adventure there…in what does, indeed, look like paradise…

It’s a great memoir that is funny, frightening, and enlightening in equal measure.

Of course, this entire part of the world is being impacted in a devastating way from the rise in the oceans…in fact, many of these islands will be underwater within a few decades!

I posted the story of an Olympic Athlete who “danced” his native dance at the Olympic Games to bring attention to the issue:

David Katoatau, of Kiribati, dances off the platform after an unsuccessful attempt on his final lift in the men’s 105 kg weightlifting event at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Monday, Aug. 15, 2016. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)

This Kiribati Athlete wanted to raise awareness for the plight of his island – see more about it here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/08/17/the-dancing-olympian-the-fight-to-save-kiribati-paradise-underwater/

I also shared a series of great memoirs about Kiribati, hilariously told by a Writer who lived on the islands:

J. Maarten Troost wrote several great travel books about this area, including his latest, sobering look at how the islands are disappearing:

You can see more about this powerful book here:

https://johnrieber.com/2013/11/21/holiday-gift-guide-headhunters-cannibals-south-seas-paradise-exotic-travel-escapes/

And speaking of powerful memoirs, one of my all-time favorites is from Writer Lucy Irvine:

Irvine’s first memoir, “Castaway”, told of her year on an island, and the sequel “Faraway” is even better – she tells a fascinating story ab out a family who lived in the South Seas – click here to read more:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/05/05/faraway-lucy-irvines-castaway-sequel-more-amazing-island-escapes/

Let me know what you think of these amazing, and topical, adventures!

“That’s The Way I Like It” by and Sasha Grey

Congrats to my friend Sasha Grey for her latest work, an electronic remake of the classic KC & The Sunshine Band hit “That’s The Way I Like It!”

She did the track with PIG – the posting won’t allow me to show PIG with brackets like on both sides…but here’s the official bio:

PIG’S TALE

PIG is Raymond Watts, a British musician whose brand of electronic rock is danceable and deadly serious in turn. Watts’s words spring from the well of gallows humour in a world of corruscating cruelty and truth. PIG climbs peaks and mines troughs, and musical genres slide and collide like tectonic plates.

Here’s the music video:

And Sasha gave me a number of links to share with you so you can buy the song so check these out!

Here is the site to buy from:

http://bit.ly/Pigsg

You can also get it at Amazon here:

http://bit.ly/TTWAMZN

You can buy the tune at iTunes here:

http://bit.ly/TTWITUNES

Sasha also has a great song called “Honey”. It was part of her ongoing collaboration with Death In Vegas.

You can find that song here:

http://bit.ly/DIVHoney

And their song “Consequences of Love” appears in the new Mission impossible movie!

Bravo to Sasha – check that out here:

Sasha promoted all of this music, including the latest “That’s The Way I Like It” on her Instagram account as well:

Bravo to Sasha on her new music – some of you know that I was lucky enough to work with her for a couple of years when she hosted shows for me on G4TV – including this great trip to Australia where she walked among sharks!

There is nothing between Sasha and her “friends”, part of a great shoot we did at the Aquarium at Manly Beach….and Sasha also surfed for the first time at Sydney’s iconic Bondi Beach, which is as gorgeous as described:

I have shared these two videos before from the shoot – the first has Sasha getting ready to surf, and she is “surprised” by just how cold the water is!

Even though it was cold, Sasha did indeed surf…and then as she was telling me later about a camera shot she tried, she realized that she’d stepped in gum!

Filming in Australia with Sasha was a blast, and here is a link to more of that adventure, including that shark “photo bomb”:

https://johnrieber.com/2013/02/26/sasha-greys-shark-dive-sashas-shark-photo-bomb-sashas-extreme-shark-diving-adventure/

Sasha was terrific to work with, and I’m excited to share her latest music projects – buy them and support her and her fellow Artists!

Ready To Bite Down On Greatness?

Many of you know I have a “thing” for burgers: of all shapes and sizes, no matter what is done to them – in fact, usually BECAUSE of what is done to them…like this:

Some of you have decided to regularly send me burger info or tag me on burger posts, and for that, I say “THANK YOU”.

How About This For Lunch?

Deb Jenkins invited me to lunch, enticing me with a post on my Facebook page of this massive tower of meat and cheese apparently on the menu if I agree…to which I said: “pick a time!”

Bigger Breakfast Bites!

Kareen decided I needed to know that McDonald’s was now serving a “Triple Breakfast Stack” – two slices of American cheese between two hot sausage patties topped with thick-cut Applewood smoked bacon and an egg.

She suggested it was perfect for my blog.

To which I replied to her: “yes, indeed!”

And here it is….now, one more suggestion, which has actually been sent to me by more than a dozen people – notice a trend?

The “Cheese-Dipped” Burger!

Thanks to all of you for this one!

The Burger Point Restaurant in Sydney, Australia is known for its massive gourmet burgers, but their cheesy sauce is the real show-stopper. Their Big Boss handcrafted burger is perfect for dipping in the sauce.

Check out the video:

Yes, “dip and dip again” is what I say!

So, the wild world of burgers never stops changing…I posted about this one before, and it still fascinates me:

Yes, it’s a burger served in an edible wrapper in Brazil, because why not? See video of that invention here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/12/15/burger-technology-brazils-edible-burger-wrapper-cambodia-mikes-superstack-burger-bite-down-on-the-worlds-most-unique-burgers/

Of course, one of the most unique burgers I have tried is thanks to “The Squeeze Inn” – and this masterpiece of burger greatness:

This burger joint has a unique way of making their burgers, which makes it look this way – read more here:

https://johnrieber.com/2017/11/02/squeeze-with-cheese-please-the-amazing-squeeze-inn-burger-unique-cooking-recipe/

Thanks again to all of you for sending me “burger porn” – keep it coming!