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Some Metal and Rock ‘N Roll Thoughts; Connecticut Edition Part Two – Thursday, July 17th, 2014

Posted in family, food, Music, rock music news, travel with tags , , , , , , on July 17, 2014 by Metal Odyssey

Mastodon - Once More 'Round The Sun - CD promo pic - Stone:Metal Odyssey - 2014

Mastodon – Once More ‘Round The Sun – CD (Photo Credit: Stone/Metal Odyssey)

It’s a bit past midnight, EST, here in Southwest Ohio, as I write this. I became so flustered from watching the various cable news networks that I’ve decided to put together Some Metal and Rock ‘N Roll Thoughts; Connecticut Edition Part Two. With Metal Odyssey, my mind, ears and eyes don’t have to be reminded of the enormity of sadness and war that’s taking place in our world today. Metal Odyssey is an escape, for music fans everywhere.

With that said, even if you don’t believe in a god, take the time to at least wish for a better world; even the smallest acts of kindness can go a long, long way. Try extending a kind act upon a stranger tomorrow and let the fever of goodwill spread. I’m not trying to be Preacher Stone here, I’m just being human. Metal be thy name – Stone.

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Now, onto another snapshot of my trip to Connecticut, which took place the last week of June 2014. If there ever was a theme during my trip back to Connecticut, it was to cherish the small joys of life. Enjoy!

The photo (at top of post) of Mastodon’s new CD, Once More ‘Round The Sun, depicts the actual CD I bought on my trip to Canton, Connecticut. I bought this CD at Best Buy and it was on sale for $9.99. I really, really dig Mastodon and I highly recommend their new CD. Mastodon is one of those bands that doesn’t sound like anyone else. The artwork on the CD cover is a FAR OUT TRIP man! Whoa.

Best Buy - Canton CT - 2014 - Stone:Metal Odyssey

Yes, there is a Best Buy just about everywhere! The above photo I took before I entered this Best Buy store in Canton, Connecticut; just a few minutes away from where my father lives. A very clean and organized Best Buy it is, probably the cleanest Best Buy store I’ve ever been in. Truthfully. Whoa.

My Dad - June - 2014 - Stone:Metal Odyssey

I stayed with my father on this trip and cherished every moment I shared with him. We both shared a TON of laughs together… good times, indeed. We both gabbed away with each other, for certain. That is my father, pictured above. He’s a Metalhead, a voluminous book of knowledge and now roots for the Ohio State Buckeyes Football program! Love you dad! Whoa.

Meatball Grinders - George's Pizza & Restaurant - 2014 - Stone:Metal Odyssey

My father and I went out to eat together just one time, on my visit to Connecticut. The eatery we went to was George’s Pizza & Restaurant, located in a (not so large) town called Unionville. A clean environment, pleasant waitress and  good food made us both happy. That’s the meatball grinder I ordered, pictured above. My dad ordered the same, with Bud Lights as our drinks. Neither one of us knew that the meatball grinder came as TWO 12 inch portions! We both could only eat half! Metal be thy name!

I definitely have enough photos and small stories left to deliver a third installment of Some Metal and Rock ‘N Roll Thoughts; Connecticut Edition. If you’ve missed the first edition, just click on the link below! Whoa! Thanks a Metal ton for visiting and reading my blab. – Stone

Some Metal and Rock ‘N Roll Thoughts; Connecticut Edition – Tuesday, July 15th, 2014

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Stone - Motorhead Tee pic:small

LONG LIVE MY DAD.

LONG LIVE CONNECTICUT.

LONG LIVE MEATBALL GRINDERS & BEER.

LONG LIVE MASTODON.

Stone.

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Some Metal and Rock ‘N Roll Thoughts – Tuesday, August 7th, 2012

Posted in food, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , on August 7, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Holy Metal crap, it’s already August 7th! When does time ever seem to slow down? Have you been scrambling lately trying to keep up on new album releases? I have. I’m always scrambling… like an egg in a frying pan! At the end of my Metal day, it’s all about being alive and being grateful for family, friends, Metal Buddies and…

If you want to get your eardrums pounded by some (Crossover) Thrash Metal that is super saturated with FUN and Old School vibes, while not missing a beat on total ass-kicking impact, then the recently released Municipal Waste album is for you. (See top of post). The Fatal Feast (Waste In Space) was released back on April 10th, via Nuclear Blast America. Metal as my witness, I cannot stop listening to this new Municipal Waste album. It just sounds and feels so F’n good. Metal be thy name.

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Okay, okay. We’ll talk food. Geez. After all, food is… METAL.

On that trip I took to Ohio with my wife back in July, we did stop to eat at another restaurant besides Champps. Skyline Chili was recommended to us by the airport shuttle bus driver. Located in Dayton, Ohio, Skyline Chili served up both fantastic service and most importantly… terrific food. The fantastic service came courtesy of a super-duper friendly waitress named: Charlee.

I realize that there are many female spelling variants for this name, so I chose one at random. If Charlee ever comes across this post, I hope she can direct me to the proper spelling of her name! Charlee is a college student and aspiring entertainment journalist. Rock on.

Below is a fine example of what my wife and I ordered for lunch at Skyline Chili on our visit. After my wife and I ate this bounty of food, we didn’t eat dinner that night! Nor did we eat breakfast the next day! Whoa!

Last and definitely not least, I have decided to write for Brian Basher’s Hard Rock Nights. There are editorial responsibilities included too. Metal Buddy Brian Basher asked and Stone said… “Let’s Rock.”

Don’t panic! Metal Odyssey isn’t going away! I will still pump-out the Metal and Extreme Metal news, Metal & Rock ‘N Roll thoughts, album reviews and off-beat stuff (such as restaurants I’ve eaten at), right here!. Metal Odyssey is my Metal sanctuary; so rest assured you’ll always find something new about Metal (and Rock ‘N Roll) here, my Metal brethren!

Check out Hard Rock Nights here: http://hardrocknights.com

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METAL BE THY NAME.

LONG LIVE METAL & ROCK ‘N ROLL.

LONG LIVE SKYLINE CHILI.

Stone.

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CHAMPPS AMERICANA – Dayton Ohio Restaurant Proves Its “Champion” Status!

Posted in dining, food, hotels, people, restaurants, travel with tags , , , , , , , on July 22, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Every so often, I will write about a topic that is non-music related. This is one of those times. A couple of weekends ago, my wife and I had to travel on business to Dayton, Ohio. A very fine city is Dayton. The surrounding area and townships around Dayton are excellent to explore as well. We stayed at the Holiday Inn Express in Centerville, which is located south of (and minutes from) Dayton.

Holiday Inn Express & Suites – Dayton, Ohio

Our stay at the Holiday Inn Express in Centerville was superb, from top-to-bottom. Angela Shockley, CHS, Director of Sales was a class-act. I have no problem with recommending anyone to stay at this Holiday Inn Express. Located in the same business park as this Holiday Inn Express (and within walking distance) is Champps Americana. Seeing this restaurant conveniently located, next to where we were staying, was instant comfort for us. Food… and cold beer for Stone. Whoa.

CHAMPPS AMERICANA – Dayton, Ohio

This was our first time dining at Champps Americana and needless to say, it won’t be our last. The service and staff were brilliant. Television screens were strategically located everywhere; each one showing a different live or vintage sports game. If you are a sports junkie and like to eat, this is the place! The bar is HUGE and the table seating throughout Champps is numerous. One aspect I really enjoyed about Champps is the spaciousness between tables. This is one vibrant Sports Bar and yes, the restrooms were clean too. Whoa.

Champps Americana (bar) – Dayton Ohio 

The menu at Champps is an All-American festival of food. The portions that were served to us were bountiful! My wife ordered the BBQ Chopped Salad and loved it. She stated: “this is one of the best salads I’ve had in a long time”. I ordered the Champps Cheeseburger with waffle fries and I thoroughly enjoyed every bite. What a juicy burger it was! Whoa.

BBQ Chopped Salad and Champps Cheeseburger

Upon our first trip to Champps (we went 3 times) the General Manager made his way over to our table. Adam Harkless is his name and taking care of Champps business is his game! Adam was professional, courteous, humorous and made my wife and I feel like we were home again. In essence, Adam Harkless became an instant Metal Buddy to Stone. We both wish Adam nothing short of the very best with his career at Champps; the corporate level should know they have a top-tier General Manager running this franchise in Dayton. Whoa.

Stone and General Manager Adam Harkless – Dayton, Ohio

Our stay in Dayton included my wife’s birthday. On Saturday, July 14th, we both returned to Champps for our third time! Adam was on top of his game that Saturday night. He stopped by our table once again for some chit-chat and was thrilled that it was my wife’s birthday. Being both a gentleman and a Champps asset, Adam ordered the Mile High Ice Cream Pie for us to enjoy! On the house baaabbbbyyyy! Can you say: birthday surprise? Trust me, this Mile High Ice Cream Pie can feed four or more people.

Whoa! That’s the Mile High Ice Cream Pie! Um, that’s me in the background with a cold one.

Both my wife and I agree, that Champps Americana in Dayton Ohio has some gooooood food and nice staff, coupled with a good-times and relaxing atmosphere. Thank you, Adam. Metal be thy name.

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Champps Americana – Dayton (Centerville), Ohio – address & info:

Phone: (937) 433 – 2333

7880 Washington Village Drive

Dayton, Ohio 45459

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Holiday Inn Express & Suites – Dayton (Centerville) Ohio – address & info:

Phone: (937) – 938 – 9550

7701 Washington Village Drive

Dayton, Ohio 45459

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* For more info on CHAMPPS AMERICANA, click on the link below!

http://www.champps.com

 LONG LIVE DAYTON CHAMPPS AMERICANA.

LONG LIVE DAYTON HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS.

The words “chit-chat” were used in this post.

Stone.

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High River Sauces Releases Chris Caffery’s Tears of The Sun Hot Sauce

Posted in food, guitarists, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock guitarists, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , on September 7, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

Lead guitarist Chris Caffery (TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA & SAVATAGE) has collaborated with High River Sauces to release an amazing gourmet hot sauce called Tears of The Sun. This sauce is a deliciously dangerous blend of habanero peppers and tropical fruit. Your taste buds are greeted by the sweetness, then rising like the sun on a hot summer day, the heat settles in to make this truly a unique sauce. If your food is crying for help… it’s crying for some Tears of the Sun!

The Tears of The Sun Hot Sauce will be released on September 12th and can be pre ordered on the High River Sauces website at http://highriversauces.com/main/shop-hr/. Each bottled pre ordered will be personally signed by Chris Caffery.

High River Sauces will also have a booth at this years 16th Annual Chile Pepper Food Festival in Bowers, PA on September 9th and 10th. (http://pepperfestival.com/Chile_2011/Home.html) Caffery will be attending the festival on Saturday September 10th from 1 PM to 5 PM to do a signing and a  showcase tasting for Tears of The Sun.

“Ever since my first world tour in 1987 I have been on a global hunt for great hot sauces. About six years ago I began making my own. Trial and error led me to a sauce that had something very unique. My fellow band and crew members loved it so much I would actually make batches in catering on my recent tours. I am truly excited to finally be able to share Tears of The Sun with fellow chili heads” states Caffery about his inspiration behind his newest craft.

High River Sauces was created by music industry veteran, food junkie and Heavy Metal Cookbook author Steve “Buckshot” Seabury. His cookbook titled “Mosh Potatoes – Recipes, Anecdotes & Mayhem From The Heavyweights Of Heavy Metal” (Simon & Schuster) is a collection of recipes from the biggest names in Hard Rock & Heavy Metal.

High River Sauces also had 3 different hot sauces that were available exclusively on this summer’s Willie Nelson Throwdown Country Tour (Hillbilly Hellfire Hot Sauce), the Vans Warped Tour (King Scott Hot Sauce) and the Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival (The Devils Blood Hot Sauce). Each hot sauce is an artisan sauce that promises to give fans who love fiery foods a unique culinary experience. Each recipe captures the finest ingredients, variety of spices and the hottest of peppers to bring you the exceptional blend of heat and balance of expressive flavor.

Crank Up Your Bottle

(Source: Steve Seabury)

For more information about High River Sauces: www.HighRiverSauces.com

For more information about Mosh Potatoes Cookbook: www.MoshPotaotoesCookbook.com

Long Live Chris Caffery

Long Live Steve “Buckshot” Seabury

Stone.

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Turkey Fart Public Awareness Announcement From Metal Odyssey

Posted in current events, current news, family, feel good stories, food, holidays, humor, rock music, travel with tags , , , , , , , , , , on November 23, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

CAUTION: Turkey Farts are an extreme public safety concern, when inhaled in a confined living room, with no air circulation, amongst a large gathering of relatives, friends and/or total strangers that ate like famished farm goats on Thanksgiving Day. Do not light a match or lighter in this extreme situation either, Turkey Farts are incredibly flammable. Any door marked “bathroom” within a Thanksgiving feast setting should also be avoided… unless you are equipped with a certified industrial gas mask.

* LOWER DWELLING EVACUATION PROCEDURES:

*NEVER move to a higher level of the house/apartment to escape a Turkey Fart… as with all nasty farts, they are fueled by excessive heat which only makes them rise farther into the air. Survivors of Turkey Fart inhalation will tell you, move to lower ground and make certain you bring enough beer with you. Beer Farts are not known to be as toxic as a Turkey Fart, therefore, the Beer Fart is the lesser of two evils.

* NOTE: You can escape a Turkey Fart by going outside; only the NFL games, assorted pastry, party platters, cheese, crackers and refreshments are all readily available… inside your own/hosts dwelling. Also, it is not far fetched to walk/run into an invading “Turkey Fart Thunder Cloud” from another neighborhood dwelling that is engulfing an entire street or city block… that is a whole other Turkey Fart nightmare for another day. Instead, be wise and refer back to  “lower dwelling evacuation procedures.”

* WARNING SIGNS OF POTENTIAL TURKEY FART OUTBURSTS:

In the extreme event you begin to hear a relative/friend/stranger utter: “gobble, gobble”, they are experiencing what is known as Turkey Fart hallucination. Get as far away from this person as you can! This is a tell tale sign that this Turkey glutton has eaten more turkey than their body can handle, resulting in toxic Turkey Fart emissions.

* Stay clear from any relative or immediate family member who exclaims upon finishing their Thanksgiving meal: “gosh, all I want to do right about now is lie down.” This person is a carrier of  Turkey Fart fever! Within 2 to 4 minutes, this dangerous individual will be letting loose Turkey Farts so potent and bizarre, you will wish you were standing in the middle of the Arctic Circle… with some cold beer and Black Metal blasting, of course.

Keep it safe this Thanksgiving and beware of Turkey Farts.

If you or someone you know, is a Turkey Fart inhalation survivor, please feel free to comment about it. Letting your story be heard, is the first step towards defeating your Turkey Fart anxiety.

Stone.

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WHERE I ATE THE WORLDS GREATEST CHEESE OMELETTE – LET ME SHOW AND TELL YOU!

Posted in breakfast food, dining out, everyday experiences, everyday people, everyday social experiences, family, feel good stories, food, funny stories, life, life stories, living, people, personal stories, restaurant experiences, restaurants, road trip stories, social encounters, travel america, travel stories, vacation stories with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on February 6, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

When I wake up each morning, the future is all a mystery. Sure, I know my daily routine and can predict the happenings that are all a part of my usual schedule. However… I never could have predicted that I would eat the greatest cheese omelette of my entire life today! This same cheese omelette I have now looked back upon as The Worlds Greatest Cheese Omelette. Yes, I have eaten and enjoyed many a cheese omelette, at many fine restaurants and diners during my life. Yes, many family members have made a cheese omelette for me over the years. I have consumed every style, shape and even store brand type of cheese omelette, from the half cooked to eye popping in taste. Still… this cheese omelette I ate today was something special. An omelette experience to behold… really.

How my cheese omelette experience came to pass today: My wife had a vacation day from work, therefore we embarked on our journey to find a diner/restaurant that was not filled to capacity with hungry breakfast zombies. Fate was in the works from the get-go… our first stab at finding a parking spot at the first diner, Hamilton Family Restaurant or Ham Fam as we locals call it, had no parking space available. Lately, Ham Fam has been very difficult to get into… maybe due to President Obama dining there for lunch, back in early December of 2009, has something to do with it’s excessive overflow of popularity? Nevertheless, Ham Fam, (located in the fantastic city of Allentown, Pa.), is as excellent a diner as one could ever eat at. Upon our realizing Ham Fam was out of the breakfast equation, we set forth for another fine, morning dining destination – The Willows Restaurant, located in East Texas, Pennsylvania.

Admittedly and not to sound too cheesy… this omelette I savored at The Willows Restaurant today, well, it ROCKED.

Upon arriving at The Willows Restaurant, (which has ample parking), my wife and I noticed quickly, there was quite a morning breakfast crowd already there. Not to be shunned away a second time this morning for lack of parking, there was a space for the car… and not too far from the building itself! Walking towards this aged, yet well kept and inviting restaurant, we were already semi-psyched knowing the breakfast vibe was good. Once inside, we noticed the staff was super friendly and professional. Being seated in micro seconds put me into an instant tailspin too. Laughter, chatter and the sounds of a baby crying made this breakfast theater come alive… a feeling of home away from home swept over us both.

Both the waiter and waitress catered to my wife and I like we were the Presidential Couple. Our coffee cups were filled without request! Both breakfast meals were served upon us with the upmost expediency. (Pinch me please, service like this only happens in Mayberry R.F.D.). Now, for the cheese omelette experience… relax and enjoy what I’m about to tell you.

I gazed upon this cheese omelette as if it was gazing back at me. The cheese was melting out from it’s delicate edges and the visual softness of the egg was like nothing I have witnessed before. This omelette was thick, not thin or semi-thick… a real home cooked omelette… and I was not even at home! Alas, we did feel at home, here at The Willows Restaurant. With service and food this unreal great, again, this is not a Happy Days episode either, this is supposed to be 2010. I needed to save this precious omelette for last, the home fries and wheat toast beckoned me to devour them first. I eyed, even flirted with this omelette while my fork gently, ever so deftly, began to part it’s layers. Delicious and satisfying was this cheese omelette. The cheese really was melted to perfection, flowing within the cavernous egg omelette, making for a taste so remarkable, I can only call it The Worlds Greatest Cheese Omelette.

There are those moments in my life I cherish the most, moments shared with my wife, on a Friday morning where normally our schedules dictate us to feel like we are worlds apart. Instead, we were able to enjoy the simplicity and joy of just going out to breakfast together. As a bonus, I discovered the greatest omelette I have ever tasted.

Besides the exceptional service, food, cleanliness and prices at The Willows Restaurant, this is also an establishment where you can laugh and/or cry at… as the above sign reads, from the happiest of occasions to funeral dinners.

– Stone

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