Cliff Pant-one

Marco's Pizza Cares About Customers

Today, I received a very kind letter from Marco's Pizza.  It's actually the sweetest letter I received in a while...It's kind of hard to read in this photo, so here's what it says:

WE MISS YOU!

Hi, I don't believe we have seen you in a few weeks, I hope everything is ok.  I realize this is a busy time of year and there can be many reasons why we haven't seen you.  Hopefully it's not because we failed to meet your expectations on your last order.  If so, I want to hear about it, please call me at (919)832-****.

I hope to see you soon, so please take advantage of this special offer...

PS If you received this letter in error, well it's your lucky day.  Enjoy this incredible deal with our compliments!

Wasn't that kind?  I've never had a pizza delivery place write to tell me that they miss me and ask if everything is okay.  I've got to commend them on customer service.  I'm really impressed. 

To be honest, I have never even been to Marco's (although, I WAS told that I demanded and devoured it one time when I was drunk...but I don't quite remember that...).  I'm assuming this letter was meant for the guy who lived here before me, because the one time that I allegedly drunk ate Marco's was at another house.  BUT I think I will take advantage of the special offer they sent me/the guy who used to live here, because their note was so heartfelt (and they say that it's my lucky day for getting it by accident).  You know, I may just become a regular there.  I wonder what other kind of things they send out.

So yes!  I tip my hat to you Brian (I couldn't make out the last name), owner of Marco's Pizza on Hillsborough Street!  With customer service like this, you're sure to go far!!! 

Life's Little Riddles: Who Goes to Subway for a Bag of Green Peppers

Katie and I went to Subway tonight.  You know, we thought a nice veggie delight sub would be just perfect after our power walk. 

So we were standing in line, and some guy comes in.  "You can go ahead of us," she told him. 

To that he says, "Oh cool.  I'm just getting some green peppers anyways."

We gave said guy a sideways glance as he scooted forward and requested a bag of peps. The sandwich artist dutifully filled a cookie bag with the peppers. 

Then when he got to the register, the cashier/owner or manager was like, "That will be $1 (I'm not sure that is the right amount, but something like that)."

The guy goes, "Oh really?  Well, I don't have any money.  I've gotten these here like twice before and never had to pay."

"Well you pay now!"

"Alright, let me go out to my car."

So the guy goes out to scamper up some change, and the owner starts muttering under his breath about how annoying it is to always be giving that guy peppers. 

Guy comes back in, pays for the peps, and leaves.

Now WHY was he buying peppers?  Here are some possibilities:
-He worked at a restaurant near by that had run out of peppers.
-He was using them to get high some how.
-He was making stir-fry at home and had all the ingredients but green peppers.
-He forgot to buy peppers at the store, and he remembered right when he was passing Subway. 
-He is poor and thought that peppers were free, so he figured he could only afford to eat free Subway peppers.

Now those may seem like valid reasons, but for most of them, it would make more sense just to get peppers at Kroger, which is the next block over.  Plus, what are the odds that some of those would happen 3 times (cause he said he went twice before).  I mean, a cookie bag full of peppers would not be sufficient to feed a nights worth of clientele at most restaurants, plus this guy was not wearing a restaurant uniform (he was dressed in a patterned black hoodie and baggie jeans while he wore his hair in a side swept emo style).  I am genuinely stumped.  Please let me know if you have any theories!!

Wife Swap's Taco Mama

This is what the information box on the cable guide said about an episode of Wife Swap:

"A perfectionist trades places with a woman who feeds her family takeout tacos."

I think it's great that when the writers could only pick one little trait about the woman to list on the guide, they picked that she feeds her family takeout tacos. 

It seems like a funny thing to point out, but the tacos really did play a big role in the woman's life.  When time for the rule change came, the new mother declared, "Let's not slave over dinner and work like a machine to clean it up!  This week we'll eat nothing but takeout tacos!"  The new family did not seem thrilled.

Oh, Wife Swap!  You can't make this stuff up.

(Taco Mama is on far right.)

A Horse With Shoes?! Stop Trippin'!

One day when I was in high school, my friend and I were eating a meal at Lucky 32. I'm fairly sure we ordered the "Lucky Club," because that is what we always ordered. It was delish. Too bad they changed the menu and closed the location most convenient to me...and too bad I also don't eat meat anymore, so I wouldn't be able to ENJOY the LC now anyway...

BACK TO THE ANECDOTE!

So we were eating, and all of a sudden my friend got really wide eyed and goes, "Oh my god! There's a horse with shoes on!"

At the time, we were young, dumb high school kids who had recently been experimenting with "ways to expand our minds." I thought she was having some sort of a flashback, and she was freaking me out. I refused to turn around and look at this mirage she was "seeing." "Stop it," I shushed! "People are going to hear you and think you're crazy!"

"No, I'm serious. There's a horse with shoes on. A tiny horse!" Reluctantly, I turned around. This is what I saw:
(note: this is not the actual horse I saw, nor is it the location in which I saw it)

So yes, there it was: a horse with shoes on!  Of course, it is a seeing eye horse, but I had never seen one before (and come to think of it, never again either). 

The thought of seeing eye ponies brings a few thoughts to mind.

1. Why would people use a seeing eye horse instead of just using a seeing eye dog?
2. Why does the horse wear shoes?  And in the pic above, it looks like the shoes are only covering half of his "feet."
3. Why is the horse so small?
4. Where can I get one?!

It seems to me, these SEHs would be as much of a curse as a blessing.  I'm sure the seeing-impaired owner of the SEH is not able to go anywhere without attracting a crowd along with a load of questions and a bunch of annoying toddlers wanting to pet the pony!   

Here's some info from The Guide Horse Foundation about who makes an ideal candidate for a guide horse:

• Horse lovers - Blind people who have grown up with horses and understand equine behavior and care are ideal candidates.
  
• Allergenic people - Many people who are severely allergic to traditional guide animals and find horses a non-allergenic alternative for mobility.
  
• Mature Individuals - Many people report difficulty dealing with the grief of losing their animals, and  horses tend to live far longer than traditional guides. 
  
• Physically Disabled folks - Because of their docile nature, Guide Horses are easier to handle for individuals with physical disabilities. They are also strong enough to provide support, helping the handler to rise from their chair. 
  
• Dog Phobia - Individuals who fear dogs are often comfortable working with a tiny horse.
  
• Outdoor Animal - Many individuals prefer a guide animal that does not have to live in the house when off duty.

So there you have it!  If you're ever out in public and see one of these cute little horses, do not fear that you've become victim to the long term effects of psychedelic drug experimentation!  It's just a guide horse!

A Cyber Valentine to All My Readers: I LOVE YOU!!!

 

I took this photo so you would all know that I LOVE YOU!!!  Have a marvelous VD tomorrow!!!

Dog Hypnotized by Cupcakes

I also react to baked goods in this manner:

Misty Water Colored Memories: Mary Jane & Friends Bakery Products

All that talk about Nancy's face on the soap got me thinking about my favorite "realistic face on product."  Me and Amy were in Myrtle Beach during the year of 2005 (May to be exact), and we found this bread, and the brand was called "Mary Jane and Friends."  I have never seen this product in Raleigh...only at M.B.  God knows why they are the only ones who get to feel its wonder.  I guess we'll never know. 

So anyways,  this bread was hilarious for a number of reasons.

• The obvious: the doobieliscious name.

• The fact that it is not just Mary Jane alone, but she has two side kicks (both of whom look much younger than her...perhaps she is their sitter?)
• Her male friend's choice of garb (the button-up denim shirt with a few claps left undone to reveal a stylish white cotton turtleneck --- hey, at least it's not a mock)
• Mary Jane's hairstyle.  We found her sideswept emo bangs highly entertaining at the time.
• The little blurb above the title that reads "enriched buns."

We were so pleased with our find that we decided to roll the shopping cart into the condo and photograph ourselves WITH Mary Jane and her two cohorts by means of the self timer function on the camera.  See below:

Every time we went to MB after the initial discovery of MJ and Friends, we made a point to pick up another of their products.  In time, I think we went through a bag of hot dog buns (and we didn't even have hot dogs), a loaf of bread and a pack of yeast rolls.  We could have kept collecting, but MJ & F is becoming increasingly harder to find.

Perhaps I will send them some fan mail in hopes of obtaining a few coupons, or even better, some free merchandise adorned with their logo.

Oh good!  I found the pictures of us with their other products.  PLEASE excuse the way I look in these shots.  With its lack of social pressures, I do not take great pride in my appearance when on holiday at Myrtle Beach (especially in 2005).   And in one of these photos, we were dressed up pretending to be an emo band, so that may offer a bit of comfort to the unsettled feeling you might get upon viewing:

I made the previous one smaller in hopes to keep our appearances as inoffensive as possible.  

Help Save the Anorexindie Boys!

It's a pandemic: guys in bands everywhere are suffering from anorexia.  It's not cool!  Throughout my years of attending shows, I've always noticed the large number of waif like emo/indie/hipster guys. Oh! This issue is not only prevalent with bands, but wait-staff at Raleigh Times.  JK

Do they go overboard trying to fit into womens' jeans?  Or are they just trying to slim down so they don't crush their hipster girlfriends when kickin' boots missionary style?

Who knows?! NOT ME!  But I do know that it's getting out of control.  Lots of guys are coming forward about having eating disorders- so many in fact, that the term "manorexic" has been created.  Kings of Leon, Silverchair and The Darkness are all bands who've had food issues come out to the public. (The picture above is Ambulance LTD.)

Let's put these unhealthy standards to rest!  I'm encouraging all the willowy hipsters to pick up a burger (or a falafel if they're vegan) and dig in!  Let's make next Friday "National Anorexindie Boy Awareness Day."

On December 19, please wear a black ribbon on your lapel to show your support. 

In all seriousness, anorexia is a serious issue!  Also, I love Raleigh Times and their wait-staff!

Stoner Pie at Gumby's Pizza

I just found out that Gumby's Pizza offers a pizza with pepperoni, bacon, mozzarella sticks and french fries.  All of that stuff comes piled on the pizza.  Cleverly, this concoction is called "Stoner Pie."  I just find this wildly interesting.  Here is the only picture I could find:

 

I love mozzarella sticks and fries, but I don't  think I'd want them on top of my pizza.  Maybe on the side.  Either way, I know what I'm having for dinner tonight! SUSHI!

Just sayin'- Why pay more! at Taco Bell

I was on my way home from a run to Wilmington today, and I stopped in at the Taco Bell in Wallace.  They had these signs all over the place:

 

Why do they have an exclamation point?  Why don't they have a question mark?  It's one of the easiest rules of grammar.  In fact, it's probably one of the first grammatical rules that children learn.  You always put a question mark after sentences that start with who, what, when, where or why.  It's the "5 Ws Rule!"  I just used that rule in the first two sentences of this paragraph.  If I can do it, anybody can!  If they really wanted an exclamation point, they could have said, "WHY PAY MORE?!"  Now this seemingly deliberate typo is being seen nationwide.  I'm not sayin'.  I'm just sayin'...

Strange Ebay: Penis Potato

Whist looking on Ebay, I found this:

  

Obviously, it is a potato shaped like a penis.  If you think about it, that IS kind of amazing.  I mean, it really does look like a wang!  It's about four inches long.   The ole guy is priced at $10, and there are only 46 minutes left to bid!  According to the post, it was grown in Indiana. 

The seller seems to be a real gas.  Listen to what he/she said: "Add this fingerling dingaling to your collection or eat as is!" 

AHAHAHA, what a riot?!  Want to buy this starchy dick?  Click here!

 

We Tip Our Hats to You: Manager at Golden Corral

I've been coming in contact with a lot of REALLY nice people lately!  Truly, I have been having some great customer service for the past few weeks!  These friendly workers need to be saluted! Generally, negative experiences tend to stick out in customers' minds, and the people who're doing a great job tend to get overlooked. I think the good ones are the ones that should be highlighted!  Everybody deserves recognition! 

Here goes:

I went to Golden Corral tonight.  Don't ask me why!  Something about the endless possibilities excites me!  I don't know.  I really just wanted some of those delicious rolls with honey butter!   So after our VERY filling meal, my friend and I reached for our wallets to leave a tip.  Well, we only had a $20 bill, so I went up to the cash register to see if they could break it. 

That is when I met a very nice man!  I am assuming that he was the manager, because he was wearing a blue dress shirt and not a burgundy (I think) one like all the other employees.  Anyway, he was so jolly and happy to help me!  Oh- and he had jokes!  Of course, I didn't really get all the jokes, but he was so giddy that I just went along with them.  Here is a rundown of our interaction:

Me: Hi!  Can you break a twenty?
Him: Like in half?
Me: Um, maybe like four five dollar bills?
Him: [starts laughing hysterically]  Ah hahaha!  I got you! 
Me: Oh, haha!  I was confused.
Him: Here you go. [gives me 4 $5]
Me: Thank you!
Him: And I gave you an extra one!  HAHAHAHAHA!
Me: Oh! [looks down and only has 4, then get that he was joking again] Haha!
Him: Have a great night!!!
Me: You too! Thanks!

Then when we were leaving, we saw the guy again.  "Did you find that extra five?!?!" He said.  Then he burst out into another laughing fit. 
 
It just made me really happy.  He was in such a good mood, even though he was at work and dealing with a hundred hungry Golden Corral patrons and their screaming children.  He put such a smile on my face.  Oh, I just love a positive attitude!  So if you go to the Golden Corral on Capital Blvd, look for the upbeat manager guy.  I will have to try and start catching people's names!  WE SALUTE YOU!

Misty Water Colored Memories: The Confectionery at Belk

It seems that I'm feeling quite nostalgic as of late...

Long ago, The Hudson Belk at Crabtree Valley Mall had two restaurants.  Number one was the Belk Cafeteria, which sadly just closed a few years ago.  That place was good.  I love going to cafeterias and getting cake and cottage cheese.  Don't worry, I eat them separately!  One time I went to the Belk Cafeteria with my sister Katie, and we told them it was my birthday.  It wasn't really my birthday, but it HAD been my birthday a few weeks prior.  They didn't give me a slice of desert or some done up sundae like some restaurants; they gave me an ENTIRE cake!  And it was GOOD CAKE!  AND I KNOW CAKE!  Cake is my favorite food.  Anyways, I've digressed from the main point I was trying to make.

What I wanted to mention was the second restaurant, which was The Confectionery.  The Confectionery closed some years before the cafeteria.  It was a little sandwich shop/desertery.  My mom LOVED to shop, and we would go to the mall just about every day.  Pretty much anytime we were at Crabtree during a meal time, we'd eat at The Confectionery.  We would always get club sandwiches and broccoli and cheese soup!  They served the food on plain white plates and gave you Ruffles as a side.  I'm pretty sure they had a black and white checkered tile floor.  The place was a little cramped, but that was part of it's charm.

I really miss that place.  Crabtree doesn't have a cute little cafe anywhere in the mall now.  You either have to eat fast food at the food court or a chicken pot pie the size of your head at Cheesecake Factory.  Of course there are other restaurants, but no sit down places that you can just swing in and out of.  I guess Panera is Crabtree's 2008 version of The Confectionery.  I do love Panera Bread, but I miss The Confectionery.

I just thought I'd bring it up to see if any of you ole' Raleigh folks remember what I'm talking about.

Life's Little Riddles: Why am I jonesin' fo cheese?!?!

I love cheese.  It makes any food better- except cereal or ice cream or pancakes...well, maybe it is not great on everything...  EVEN SO, I love it.  I like all kinds of cheese.  My top favorites would be muenster, swiss, havarti, mozzarella, blue, and feta.  I've always felt that my life wouldn't really be complete without cheese.  I want it!  I crave it!

I've finally found out why I can't get enough of this delightful dairy product!  There IS an actual explanation for why I can't kick the queso!!! 

CHEESE CONTAINS TRACES OF MORPHINE!!!  It turns out that cows produce morphine in their liver, and this gets into the CHEESE!  I'm sure you can look elsewhere and find a more scientific explanation, but I think I've nailed the main point.

It makes sense.  I mean, cheese doesn't really taste like much of anything.  I've often wondered why I've developed such strong feelings for the cheddar!  It's because I really am an addict!  If tiny traces of morphine make me like cheese this much, I better stay away from the opiates!  Imagine how much I'd like herion! 

REALLY THOUGH, DRUGS ARE BAD.  DON'T DO OPIATES! 

I think cheese is safe enough though.  Just don't get all strung out or go on day long cheese sprees! 

So yeah, cheese is addictive and contains morphine.  Who knew eating cheese was so edgy?!

Misty Water Colored Memories: Sprinkle Spangles

I've never been a huge cereal fan, but lately I have been obsessed with Special K.  They have like six different flavors, and it seems like I want Special K for every meal.  I highly recommend the Red Berries and Vanilla Almond flavors.  After my current box is finished, I'm going to buy either Chocolatey Delight or Fruit and Yogurt.  I'm still debating which.

Either way, all this thinking about Special K got me to reminiscing about my childhood cereal choices.  I always enjoyed Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Trix and Fruit Loops.  However, there was ONE cereal that was my FAVORITE, and then all of a sudden, it disappeared.  I would go shopping for a box, but I could find it nowhere!  To make a long story short, I gave up trying to locate it a long time ago.  I just assumed that they just stopped making it. 

Anyways, the cereal that I LOVED so dearly was Sprinkle Spangles!  I LOVE SPRINKLES, so of course I would naturally be drawn to a breakfast cereal covered in the tiny pearls of delight.  It was so good.  I find myself thinking of this from time to time and I just don't understand why they took it off the shelves!  WHY did General Mills stop making this?!  I'm tempted to create another online petition to try and bring it back (although, it might not be worth the effort, seeing as my petition to bring Bravo to Raleigh was not really received with as much enthusiasm and recognition as I'd hoped for...)

I just wanted to bring up Sprinkle Spangles to see if anybody else remembers it or enjoyed it as much as I did.  Maybe I can buy a vintage box somewhere.

Oh, and here is what I dug up on the subject.  According to Wikipedia, "Sprinkle Spangles was a short-lived breakfast cereal by General Mills. It was introduced in the early 90s, alongside Hidden Treasures. The cereal was of star-shaped pieces covered with multi-colored sprinkles. The commercials claimed that they "Spangled every angle with sprinkles." Sprinkle Spangles were no longer available in 1995."

The mascot for the cereal was genie.  Maybe that's why it failed.  Who likes genies?  I'm willing to bet that Sprinkle Spangles would have REALLY blown up if the mascot were a unicorn who whimsically shot sprinkles from her horn.  But I don't know, I'm kinda partial to Unicorns, so maybe I'm biased...

UPDATE: Looks like somebody beat me to the punch with the petition.  Click here to sign it.

And here is a commercial:

Ode to Mariah Carey's TRL Ice Cream Meltdown 2001

Today I got to thinking how random it is that Mariah Carey married Nick Cannon.  He seems totally average, and she is like a mega-diva who wears outdated clothing and sunglasses when she's inside.  I was commenting on this to my roommate, and all of a sudden, I remembered my favorite Mariah moment.   Well, it is actually probably the only Mariah moment that ever had any sort of impact on my life.  I haven't really been a big fan since "Always Be My Baby."

The moment I recalled is this: It's 2001,and am in 10th grade.  I've probably just come home from school and am eating a snack in front of the TV, which is playing TRL (a show that I never paid much attention to, yet always seemed to be on in High School). Carson Daily is about to cut to a commercial, when all of a sudden Mariah Carey bursts onto the set with an ice cream cart, wearing an oversized T-shirt.  She begins acting crazy, and Carson is obviously caught off guard.

I remember thinking, What is the world is going on?  Did they plan this?  I think Mariah may be insane...Now remember, this is long before the BHS (Britney Head Shave), so the clip might seem tame in comparison with some of the events the public has witnessed since its airing.  Regardless, I find it highly entertaining.  My favorite quote from the segment is, "Every now and then, somebody needs a little therapy, and today is that moment for me.  Everything's great!  Hello!"

Enjoy:

• MTV
• Music Videos
• MTV Shows
• Entertainment News

Want Pokey Sticks?!

Gumby's Pizza on Hillsborough Street had to close, because they had a really really low sanitation grade.  They always had a pretty terrible score, but everybody still ate there.  The Pokey Sticks were just THAT good.  Plus, they delivered, so you didn't really have to SEE how gross it was.  It was kind of an 'out of sight out of mind' thing.  Oh- and they delivered pretty much all night, so they had that going for them.

Anyways, they finally got the boot when the score got down to 60.5!  YEAH!  That is pretty sick!

But now, they are coming back!  They will be in a new location where the Papa Johns used to be.  Hopefully, they will keep up work on their cleanliness so that they can supply the NCSU campus with deliciously greasy Pokey Sticks and pizza that tastes great when you are drunk (but not so much the next morning).  I know Meg would be excited if she still lived in Raleigh. 

Cliff's Favorite Things (just like Oprah's, but you buy it yourself): McDonald's Vanilla Cone

I can't get enough of the McDonald's Vanilla Cone!  I would choose this ice cream over Ben & Jerry's, Baskin Robbins, Cold Stone, or any other specialty ice cream place (welllll, maybe not Goodberry's, but that's custard...). 

The vanilla soft-serve comes in a delightful cone.  When filled with the creamy desert, the cone becomes saturated and softens until it reaches the perfect smunchy (not a real word) consistency- soft but still keeps a crunch.

The best part of this ice cream is that it only has like 150 calories per cone.  And on top of that, it's only $1.08 with tax! 

So drive to the nearest McDonald's drive-through, roll down your window, and shout, "One vanilla cone please!"  It's quite fun to say.  You'll be surprised.  And hey, buy one for your roommate while you're there.  Karma will reward you!

Drank: Slow your roll.

I first heard about Drank on Perez Hilton's blog (the competition, I know...), and I was immediately intrigued.  Drank is an anti-energy drink.  Inspired by the hip-hop community in Houston, Drank is proven to "slow your roll." 

Drank combines rose hip, melatonin and valerian to give you a nice relaxed feeling.  According to Drank's press release:

"From design to production, every aspect of this calming drink was inspired by today’s popular hip hop artists who embrace the much sought-after hip hop lifestyle that encourages people to capture a stress-free state of mind."

I've also heard that Drank is supposed to be similar to  "Purple Drank," which (according to wikipedia) is "a recreational drug popular in [...] the southern United States. Its main ingredient is prescription-strength cough syrup containing codeine and promethazine."   

Unlike Purple Drank, Drank is comprised of all legal ingredients- which let's be honest, will probably not do anything but make you drowsy. 

I am curious to try this Drank.  I wonder if you are allowed to drive with Dranking...

You can buy Drank on-line at www.buysomedrank.com .  I've emailed the company to find out if there is anywhere in NC to buy the stuff.  Rest assured that I will update when I'm informed!

UPDATE: Via email, I asked the Drank people, "Does anybody in NC sell Drank?"  This is the response I got: "I Dont Know Im An Inline Distributor." 

Ugh, no help there!  Guess we will just have to buy on-line!  P.S.  What is an inline distributor and why did he capitalize every word???

Miller Lyte

Matthew McConaughey has a brother named Michael (or Rooster, as his friends like to call him).  Well, Rooster had a baby and decided to name him Miller Lyte after his favorite beer.  Good thing he's not a Natural Lite drinker.  The baby could've been named Natty Lite.   Michael's wife told him that if they had a baby boy, he could pick the name.  She said if they had a girl, he'd probably want to name it Ginny after Miller Genuine Draft!  I can't believe the wife agreed to the name Miller Lyte.  Maybe they could have just named him Miller and given the baby a different middle name...

Anyways, I think it's great, but Michael's wife should probably get some sort of a trophy for being the most compromising wife ever. 

Ja-maican' Me Hongary!

I realize that I may have a strange sense of humor, or maybe I just find totally stupid things hilarious.  But at the risk of coming off like a total lunatic, I'm going to share something with you.

Every now and then, like most people, I have trouble falling asleep at night.  I usually read or play online when this happens.  There are times when I am still not tired after I have surfed all the essential sites: Facebook, Perez Hilton, Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie, Forever 21, What Would Taylor Durden Do, and The NC Inmate Directory (usually in that order).  So, when I'm STILL awake after all of that I go to Myspace (which I feel has lost a lot of it luster).  And one day, I SOMEHOW found these weird myspace pages, and they are incredibly addicting. 

They are Myspace pages dedicated to food!  Yeah!  Here are some of my favorites (don't judge):

Cupcake: This page is hilarious!  I love that it has the Growing Pains theme song playing in the background!  Cupcake also has a lot of other foods in its Top Friends, so you can get off to a good start on your Foods of Myspace scavenger hunt!

Fried Rice: This one is great because the Fried Rice is acting like a person!  Check out his About Me section!  This is my favorite quote from the Fried Rice: "Sometimes when nobody is looking I like to dance! But I know, even if I don't like to say it, that the dream of dancing will never come true for just a plate of rice."

Fried Cheese: Just looks good. 

There are so many more.  If you get on a good trail, the possibilities of how many you will find can be limitless! 

Anyway, some of the sites offer recipes or history about the featured foods, so it can be pretty informative.  I don't know who has time to sit around making these.  I guess I can't really talk, because I sit around looking at them.   I just think it's highly entertaining. 

Rich Prosecco

Ever since I heard about it, I have desperately wanted to try the sparkling wine in a can that Paris Hilton is endorsing.  It is called Rich Prosecco.  She started promoting it forever ago, and I have yet to see it at the store.  I love champagne (OK, sparkling wine if we're being technical), but I HATE popping the cork!  The noise startles me, and I'm afraid it's going to shoot me in the face.  SOOOO, it seems obvious that the sparkling wine in a can would be the perfect choice for me.  Plus, I don't think it is that expensive. 

Anyway, I have been distraught (as you can probably imagine) since I've not been able to find the object of my desire.  So today, I took initiative and emailed Rich Prosecco to get find out when I would finally be able to buy the stuff!   I received an email back in a timely fashion (great customer service).  And because I know that inquiring minds want to know, here is what it said:

Dear Mary,

You will LOVE RICH® PROSECCO. We are going to launch in fall in NC.

Unfortunately you cant buy it online,

Best,

Wolfgang

I'm so excited!  Wolfgang says I will love it.   I'm sure he's right!  I can't wait to try it.  My eyes are going to be peeled in the grocery stores come September!  Who's with me?! 

Myrtle Beach Myrtle Beach Myrtle Beach

I went to Myrtle Beach over the weekend with some of my girlfriends, and we had such a great time.  I just wanted to point out some places that I LOVE around Myrtle Beach, so you can hit them up next time you're in the area (which I'm sure will be soon- because what normal person doesn't frequent Myrtle Beach?...wait, don't answer that...). 

Anyway, #1 would be The Golden Griddle.  Sure the menu is sprinkled with misspellings and typos, and the coffeepot handle is secured together with duck tape....Those are just menial little things that can easily be overlooked.  Actually, those are the things make The Golden Griddle so charming.  It's a breakfast restaurant, but the menu also includes a few lunch items.  If you're an early bird, you're in luck...they open at 6 in the morning!  You can order delicious pancakes, and while you wait, read the "State Facts" on the paper placemat.  There you will find interesting tidbits.  One we learned: milk is the South Carolina state beverage.  WHO KNEW?!  Anyways, in all seriousness, The Golden Griddle is awesome.  I go there pretty much every time I'm at Myrtle Beach.  This past weekend, we ate there twice in three days.  It is at 508 Main St in North Myrtle near the Bi-Lo.  Check it out!

Another place that I love is the Flamingo Grill.  Me and Amy discovered it a few years ago.  Of course, that day we moseyed in wearing cut-off shorts and T-shirts full of holes, not knowing that the ambiance would be a bit more refined.  Either way, they let us eat there.  And that was lucky for us, seeing as it is amazing!  Everything on the menu is great.  They have GREAT seafood, steak (I get sad because I miss it), chicken, pasta, and fried lobster bites.  The prices are around $15-$30.  The decor is a little random.  It's like a mix between a 50's diner and Miami Vice, but it would still be great for a date or dinner with friends.  It's a little far from North Myrtle, but I think it's my favorite place to eat at the beach.  It is on Highway 17.  Here is the website: Flamingo Grill

So, shockingly, both places that I've recommended are places where you can get food.  I do love food!  But let's just be honest, who doesn't?!  I can't wait to be back in Myrtle Beach.  Maybe I'll just move there and live on the beach away from social pressure.  Sounds good, right?  YES!

Cliff's Favorite Things (Just like Oprah's, but you buy it yourself): Gruyere Chik'n Cutlet

Okay.  I just wanted to share something with you.  Quorn Gruyere Chick'n Cutlets are the most amazing thing ever.  I could eat them everyday!  In fact, I have one in the oven RIGHT NOW!!! It is meatless chicken with gruyere cheese inside.  It melts out of the side when it cooks!  It is sooooo good!  It tastes exactly like chicken.  I prefer Quorn fake chicken over Morning Star Farms.  It is wayyyyyyyyyy  better, but I don't think many people know about it.  Anyways, you should really try it (or any Quorn products) because it's  delicious.  They have it at pretty much any grocery store.  Here is the website: QUORN!

UPDATE:  Quorn products are made from Mycoprotein, which the Quorn website defines as "a nutritious member of the fungi family, as are mushrooms, truffles, and morels."   This sounds weird, but it's incredibly delicious, high in protein, low in fat and calories and cholesterol, and high in fiber.