Chatting with the Godfather of Survivor TV

I had a chance to chat with Les Stroud who is best known for his award winning TV series, Survivorman (Discovery Channel). Les Stroud is an amazing producer who entirely wrote, videotaped and hosted his show alone. He also is an author of two books; “Survive! – Essential Skills and Tactics to Get You Out of Anywhere–Alive!” and “Will to Live”.

Here is a rarely known fact about Les Stroud, he is revered harmonica player. He has shared the stage with Alice Cooper, Steven Stills, Tommy Shaw, Robbie Krieger, Blues Traveler, Tesla, Jacob Dylan, Chicago and The Roots. He was parodied on the hit TV sitcom ‘The Office’ (segment officially titled, ‘Survivorman’). I think together we could have a hit show.

Beatboxing

What is beatboxing you may ask? Beatboxing is a form of vocal percussion primarily involving the art of producing drumbeats, rhythm, and musical sounds using one's mouth, lips, tongue, and voice. If you are not gifted enough to become a beatboxer, let me give you the next best thing. This awesome time killing website will make allow you to become a beatboxer or make your own a capella band. You can even record your composition. It does take a few moments to load, but it is worth the time. Let’s be honest, your killing time anyway if you’re reading this blog. http://www.incredibox.com/en/#/application

Welcome to Las Vegas Architecture

Las Vegas has always been a city of change and that holds true in regards to its architecture. The 1990s began a change to more high-rise buildings thus changing the cities skyline. Prior to this Las Vegas was consumed with themed casinos/resorts such as Paris, New York New York, Excalibur, and many others. I have included a few pictures from both periods from my last visit to show the contrast.

Happy National Sea Monkey Day!

In case you have never heard of Sea Monkeys, let me give you a fast history. Sea monkeys have been popular with all age groups for almost 50 years, and are still sold today. Sea monkeys were first introduced in the year 1957 by a marketer called Harold van Braunhut. Van Braunhut decided to use a recognizable name for his creatures, and they became known as "Sea Monkeys". In the 1970s, Sea Monkeys were widely marketed in comic books, and they were inaccurately portrayed as humanoid creatures with crowns on their heads. These appealing drawings helped the creatures gain popularity, and many people became attracted to their strange appearance and playful demeanor. So I present the original ads from the 70’s and a picture of what they really look like.

May is National Hamburger Month

This could rank up there as the greatest month ever. Let me take a moment to wish you a Happy Hamburger Month. I thought I would give you some facts about this American staple.

Americans eat an astounding 48 billion burgers a year, or about three per week per person.

June is the biggest month for beef sales in restaurants, with nearly 800 million pounds of beef consumed in this month alone in 2005.

In 1921, a burger from America’s first fast-food restaurant cost 5 cents.

Burgers account for 40% of all sandwiches sold.

So what is your favorite burger? My favorite is made by Five Guys and is pictured below.

Welcome to Amsterdam

Amsterdam a city with a rich historical atmosphere meshed together with a modern feel creating a unique environment. The city is built around the canal systems with densely packed streets. I suggest a map as the canals and streets start to look the same. The city has the highest concentration of museums in the world and includes the Van Gogh Museum, Anne Frank House, and the Rijksmuseum to name a few. The canal district is walkable, but you can rent bikes. This is the bicycle capital of the world so you would fit right in. The historical canal district which was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2011.

Gordon Ramsay BurGR

I wanted to highlight a resturant I ate at in Las Vegas. This new burger joint is the branchild of TV chef Gordon Ramsay. First things first, this is Vegas so this is not a $4 burger. Most were in the $14 dollar range so a little pricey. Average meal is about $25 per person. They say business casual for dress code but it was mostly shorts and t-shirts while I was there.

The burgers are cooked over open flame that is fueled by different hardwoods for flavor. My choice was the Hell's Kitchen burger consisiting of  oven roasted tomato and jalapeño slices, avocado, and asadero cheese melted on and around the edges of the meat. I added the hand made jalapeno poppers.

The roasted jalapeno poppers were filled with cheddar cheese, cream cheese and bacon bits, and presented in small shooter glasses. One of them is left with seeds on purpose which may be hot for some.

I was very pleased with the food and especially the poppers. The location is right off the strip in Planet Hollywood. The were 16 HD televisions, colorful furnishings and a open kitchen. I sat in front of the kitchen which was quite interesting and recommend this if you eat by yourself. I would go back for another batch of poppers for sure.