Scott Allan

Scott Allan

Scott Allan runs a travel blog at http://quirkytravelguy.com. He is a freelance journalist specializing in music, travel and sports who has been published on Yahoo! Sports, Livestrong.com, Spinner.com, AOL Travel, eHow and Matador Abroad, among other sites.
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Displaying Results 1 - 166 (of 166) for All Content
  • Growing My Own Food in Chicago, Week 8
    7/12/2011
    The latest update on my efforts to grow food in a small yard in Chicago soil.
  • Trying to Grow My Own Food in Chicago, Week 5
    6/18/2011
    We have broccoli! Here's the latest update on my efforts to grow food in a small yard in urban Chicago.
  • Trying to Grow My Own Food in Chicago, Week 3
    5/27/2011
    The latest update on my efforts to grow food for the first time.
  • Trying to Grow My Own Food in Chicago, Week 1
    5/8/2011
    A newbie's efforts to grow vegetables in Chicago soil. Week 1 is underway and the veggies have been planted!
  • Gwyneth Paltrow's Reported Record Deal Completes Her Transformation into Legit Music Star
    3/11/2011
    The news that Gwyneth Paltrow is close to signing a record deal means that the actress has nearly completed the transformation into a legitimate music star. She's already performed at the Oscars and Grammys, even if some critics don't respect her singing.
  • Things to Do in May in Chicago
    3/11/2011
    The month of May in Chicago brings warmer weather and a number of fun things to do, from parades to environmental cleanups to spring baseball.
  • Is Lizard Lick Towing Real or Fake?
    3/11/2011
    Lizard Lick Towing is an entertaining reality program in which repo men are attacked as they try to reclaim vehicles. However, many viewers believe the show is scripted. Is it real or fake?
  • The Best Albums of 2011
    3/9/2011
    From Radiohead to Adele to Lykke Li, a brief rundown of some of the best albums of the early part of 2011.
  • Biggest March Madness Upsets of All Time
    2/25/2011
    The NCAA college basketball March Madness tournament has produced a ton of memorable upsets. From schools like Coppin State, George Mason and Princeton, these are the eight biggest upsets in history.
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  • Best '80s Hair Metal Songs: A Top 10 List
    2/25/2011
    The best hair metal songs included '80s rock tracks from bands like Warrant, Twisted Sister and Whitesnake. Here's a countdown of the Top 10 hair metal tunes.
  • Best Major League Baseball opening day moments
    2/23/2011
    Opening Day in Major League Baseball has seen no-hitters, presidential first pitches, and heroic home runs from the likes of Hank Aaron and Babe Ruth.
  • List of In-N-Out Burger Secret Menu Items
    2/20/2011
    In-N-Out Burger's secret menu isn't so secret anymore. You can order a burger with no bun (Protein Style), fries with a saucy spread (Animal Style), or a Neapolitan Milkshake with three flavors of ice cream combined.
  • Where is Michael Jackson's Grave?
    2/14/2011
    Many Michael Jackson fans are curious to know how they can visit his grave to pay their respects. He is buried in a cemetery in Glendale, California, but security is tight and fans are not allowed inside the mausoleum.
  • Fan: Ranking the major sports' All-Star games
    2/3/2011
    Which is the superior competition - the NFL Pro Bowl or the NBA All-Star Game? Here's a ranking of all four major sports' all-star contests.
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  • Chicago Blizzard Pictures: Snowpocalypse 2011
    2/2/2011
    The Blizzard of 2011 hit Chicago this week, dumping more than 20 inches of snow on the city. Here are a few pictures from around the city during the storm, otherwise known as Snowpocalypse 2011.
  • The best hockey goalies of all time
    1/21/2011
    From Jacques Plante to Martin Brodeur, these are the eight best hockey goalies who ever played the game.
  • The best plays in Super Bowl history
    1/19/2011
    Which play is the greatest in Super Bowl history? David Tyree's catch for the Giants? Marcus Allen's 74-yard run? Joe Montana to John Taylor? Here's one opinion of the top seven Super Bowl plays.
  • The 5 Most Memorable Kathy Griffin Moments
    1/18/2011
    Comedian Kathy Griffin is controversial and outspoken. From Seinfeld to New Year's Eve with Anderson Cooper, these are the five most memorable moments of Kathy Griffin's career.
  • The 10 Best Avril Lavigne Songs
    1/18/2011
    Avril Lavigne songs have dominated the charts for the past decade. These are her ten best.
  • The Best February Songs
    1/18/2011
    The best songs about February include a synthpop tune from a young Canadian, two tracks from renowned rock bands, and both hip hop and soft pop hits.
  • The worst Pittsburgh coaches of all time
    1/4/2011
    The Penguins, Pirates and Panthers have had some downright awful head coaches over the years. These are the six worst Pittsburgh sports coaches.
  • Michael Jackson: 'Michael' Album Review
    12/23/2010
    Michael Jackson's latest album "Michael" is a disappointment, but that's on surprise since the posthumous album was cobbled together from unfinished tracks.
  • The 10 best Pittsburgh head coaches of all time
    12/23/2010
    From Chuck Noll to Jim Leyland to Scotty Bowman, Pittsburgh's professional teams have had a number of great head coaches. These are the ten best.
    Also published on:
  • Biggest playoff upsets in NFL history
    12/21/2010
    Even great NFL teams like the Patriots of the 2000s and the 49ers of the 1980s were upset in the playoffs from time to time. Here's a list of the six biggest upsets in NFL history.
  • Worst Survivor Players of All-Time
    12/20/2010
    Who ranks as the worst Survivor player in the show's 21-season history? Is it the former NFL coach who couldn't cut it physically, the doctor who voted off people in alphabetical order, or the castaway who was duped into giving up the immunity necklace?
  • The Best Christmas Music Videos of All-Time
    12/15/2010
    Not many Christmas songs actually have memorable music videos. Here's a list of eight of the best Christmas music videos of all-time, featuring some acts you might not expect (Twisted Sister? BIlly Idol?)
  • Ragstock is a Great Spot for Used Clothing in Wicker Park, Chicago
    12/13/2010
    Ragstock is a great place to find used clothing in the Wicker Park neighborhood of Chicago.
  • December Concerts in Wicker Park, Chicago
    12/13/2010
    A look at the best December concerts in the Wicker Park neighborhood of Chicago.
  • Volunteering at the Halsted Center in Chicago
    12/13/2010
    The basics about volunteer opportunities at the Halsted Center in the Lakeview neighborhood of Chicago.
  • Why Not to Use Wikipedia as a Source
    12/9/2010
    Using Wikipedia is frowned upon by respected writing organizations and institutions of higher learning because the material on the user-edited site can be incorrect.
  • Fan reaction: Worst Heisman Trophy winners of all time
    12/7/2010
    The worst Heisman Trophy winners of all-time includes a lot of quarterbacks who were overrated because the played for good teams, as well as a couple running backs who should've finished second instead.
  • The best college football rivalries
    12/6/2010
    Ohio State vs. Michigan. Texas vs. Oklahoma. Notre Dame vs. USC. Army vs. Navy. All are historic college football rivalries. Which ones remain the most compelling and relevant? Here's my list of the top five.
  • Most Overrated Rappers of All-Time
    12/2/2010
    Hip hop has produced some legendary acts but also some overrated rappers. This list of the 5 most overrated rappers of all-time includes a few big names.
  • How to Uninstall DVDsoft Toolbar on Firefox or IE
    11/29/2010
    If you've accidentally acquired the DVDsoft toolbar when you installed video conversion software, here's how to remove it.
  • Best college football coaches of all time
    11/29/2010
    The short list of the best college football coaches of all-time includes some who have guided Ohio State, Penn State, Notre Dame and Alabama.
  • Groupon Interview Questions
    11/28/2010
    So you've got a job interview with Groupon coming up? Here's the inside scoop on questions you're likely to be asked during the interview, based on personal experience.
  • What Does BBM Mean?
    11/23/2010
    Read to find out what the text slang '˜BBM' means. BBM is an Internet acronym that stands for a common technological device.
  • The Best January Songs
    11/22/2010
    Among the best songs with January in the title are a Bing Crosby classic from 70 years ago and recent little-known tracks by Tori Amos and the Goo Goo Dolls.
  • A Newbie's Review of One Tree Hill
    11/16/2010
    I've finally gotten around to watching One Tree Hill. While I enjoy the drama, I'm disappointed in the show's lack of realism. Here's a newbie's review of One Tree Hill, seasons 1 & 2.
  • Enough with the Cynical Celebrity Bashing!
    11/16/2010
    These days people love to mock celebrities. But celebs are real people, not cartoon characters. When some regular joe makes fun of a multi-million dollar actress, who is the joke really on?
  • EBay Scam: How EBay Profits by Refusing to Refund Final Value Fees
    11/15/2010
    If you sell something on eBay and the buyer is from a country that you did not agree to ship to, good luck trying to resolve the issue. eBay profits by refusing to refund Final Value Fees, even in cases where the seller clearly is not at fault.
  • Fast Food Review: The Pizza Hut Buffet
    11/12/2010
    The Pizza Hut buffet can provide a filling, affordable lunch - if you can find one. Here's the lowdown on what you'll find there and how much it costs.
  • What is a G6?
    11/12/2010
    The Far East Movement scored a #1 hit this fall with the dance club smash "Like a G6." But what, exactly is a G6? Theories range from a new Gatorade flavor to a brand of Pontiac to a high-speed jet. Find out the answer here.
  • Best Cheesy Love Songs of All Time
    11/11/2010
    The list of the best cheesy love songs of all-time include gems by Celine Dion, Foreigner, Phil Collins and more.
  • Best men's tennis players of the 2000s
    11/1/2010
    Pete Sampras and Andre Agassi dominated men's tennis at the turn of the millennium. Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal have taken over in recent years. These are the five best men's tennis players of the 2000s.
  • Dining at Mexican Restaurants in Chicago's Logan Square Neighborhood
    10/28/2010
    The Logan Square neighborhood of Chicago has more than two dozen Mexican restaurants within its borders. Here are five of my favorites.
  • The Best One-Album Wonders in Pop Music
    10/28/2010
    One-hit wonders are common throughout music history, but one-album wonders are rarer. This list counts down seven bands like Hootie & the Blowfish and the Wallflowers who recorded one great album and then were never able to repeat that success.
  • The 5 best Western Pennsylvania quarterbacks in NFL history
    10/27/2010
    The list of western Pennsylvania quarterbacks in the NFL Hall of Fame is a long one, including such superstars as Dan Marino, Jim Kelly and Joe Namath. These are the five best QBs in history from that region.
  • The Best Dresden Dolls Songs
    10/25/2010
    The Dresden Dolls have a cult following, thanks to their best songs which blend punk and cabaret with attention-grabbing lyrics. This is one opinion of the duo's best songs over the years.
  • Best Pittsburgh athletes of all time
    10/22/2010
    The best Pittsburgh athletes of all-time include players from the hockey, football, baseball and college football Halls of Fame. Here is one opinion of the ten best Pittsburgh athletes.
  • The Best December Songs
    10/18/2010
    Here's a rundown of the best songs with December in the title, a list that includes such diverse acts as Linkin Park, Demi Lovato and the Four Seasons.
  • The Best November Songs
    10/11/2010
    The best songs with November in the title include classics by The National, Wyclef Jean and Guns N Roses, plus a few lesser-known songs that deserve attention.
  • What is Four Loko?
    10/6/2010
    The caffeinated alcoholic drink Four Loko has been growing in popularity thanks to its powerful punch and cheap cost - less than $3 for a can that contains the equivalent of 5 beers. But the product is also causing some controversy.
  • The 10 Best Michael Bolton Songs
    10/5/2010
    Adult contemporary singer Michael Bolton re-entered the spotlight with his appearance on Dancing with the Stars. Here's a list of the 10 best songs of his musical career.
  • NFL strategy: Does icing the kicker work?
    10/4/2010
    Coaches often call timeout before a last-minute field goal attempt to try to make the opposing kicker nervous. But is this strategy effective? A Wall Street Journal analysis says no, while an ESPN analysis says yes - under certain circumstances.
  • The 10 best Pittsburgh sports teams of all time
    10/4/2010
    There's a reason Pittsburgh is called the City of Champions. Six Super Bowls, three Stanley Cups, five World Series and a college football national championship add up to a rich sports history. Here are the 10 best Pittsburgh sports teams of all-time.
    Also published on:
  • The 10 Best Michael Jackson Duets
    9/28/2010
    Michael Jackson recorded duets with an impressive list of performers: Stevie Wonder, Freddie Mercury, Mick Jagger, Paul McCartney, Lenny Kravitz, Diana Ross and even Princess Stephanie of Monaco. Which ones make the list of the best Michael Jackson duets?
  • Bishop Eddie Long Lawsuit Document Links: Read the Actual Lawsuits
    9/24/2010
    Here are links to online copies of three of the actual lawsuit documents that have been filed against Bishop Eddie Long thus far.
  • Best Rides at Kennywood in Pittsburgh
    9/22/2010
    The Kennywood theme park just outside Pittsburgh is one of the nation's oldest and most respected amusement parks. These are the five best rides at Kennywood.
  • Pittsburgh: A Bike Friendly City
    9/22/2010
    In 2010 Pittsburgh moved up to become the #28 most bike-friendly city in the U.S. Can we now officially say Pittsburgh is a good city for bicyclists?
  • Where to Bike in Chicago, Illinois
    9/20/2010
    Chicago is one of the most bike-friendly big cities in the U.S. Here are four of the best places to bike around the Windy City.
  • How to Get Rid of Hiccups
    9/17/2010
    Getting rid of hiccups can be a difficult task, but I discovered a technique years ago that works every time - for me, at least.
  • Providence's Questionable Overnight Parking Ban
    9/17/2010
    Should you be forced to pay a ticket for breaking a law you had no idea existed? The city of Providence, Rhode Island thinks so. It bans overnight parking on its public streets but fails to post signs indicating this.
  • What is a Hipster?
    9/17/2010
    The common joke is that if you dislike hipsters, it's probably because you are one. What exactly is a hipster? Here's one definition.
  • The Problems with Heisman Trophy Voting
    9/2/2010
    Why can't an offensive lineman ever win the Heisman Trophy? Why are there so many Heisman Trophy voters? Why do we start a "Heisman watch" before a single down of football has been played? These are the problems with the Heisman Trophy voting process.
  • The Most Painful Loss in Sports History: The 1992 NLCS
    9/1/2010
    In 1992 the Pittsburgh Pirates were one out away from reaching their first World Series in 13 years. Instead they lost, and they've followed that with 18 straight losing seasons. A look back at one of the most difficult losses in sports history.
  • Unbreakable NFL Records
    9/1/2010
    The San Francisco 49ers' 18 consecutive road victories are an NFL record that is unlikely to be topped. Here's a rundown of some other unbreakable marks.
  • Best '90s Soundtracks
    8/27/2010
    Some of the biggest hits of the 1990s came from soundtracks, like "I Will Always Love You," "My Heart Will Go On" and "Lovefool." Here's a rundown of the best soundtracks of the '90s.
  • Best '70s Soundtracks
    8/11/2010
    The 1970s produced some of the most commercially successful soundtracks of all-time, including Grease, Shaft, and Saturday Night Fever. Which one is the best?
  • The Lollapalooza 2010 Legacy
    8/10/2010
    When people look back on Lollapalooza 2010, what will they remember most, and how will that affect future music festivals? Does Lady Gaga's appearance open the door for someone like Madonna to appear in the future?
  • Why Major League Baseball Needs Realignment
    8/3/2010
    Major League Baseball needs to realign - and not because the Yankees and Red Sox have to compete in the same division (boo hoo!) No, MLB needs to realign because the AL West only has 4 teams, giving those teams an unfair competitive advantage.
  • The Best Lee Greenwood Songs
    7/29/2010
    Lee Greenwood recorded dozens of hits in addition to 'God Bless the USA." A couple of his best songs are obscure album tracks from his days as one of the '80s top male country vocalists.
  • Unbreakable NHL Records
    7/29/2010
    Wayne Gretzky's 215 points in a season and 2,857 points in a career? Though many fans believe otherwise, both are eminently breakable records. Bobby Orr's +124, however, is likely to stand for a long time.
  • Best '80s Soundtracks
    7/28/2010
    The 1980s were the heyday of blockbuster soundtrack albums, with Flashdance, Footloose, Dirty Dancing, and Top Gun among them. Here's a list of the best soundtracks of the '80s.
  • 5 Ways to Fix Major League Baseball
    7/19/2010
    Baseball is losing ground among younger fans. Here are 5 ways (certain to upset traditionalists) for the sport to fix itself, including the radical ideas of shortening the season and installing a salary cap.
  • Pitchfork Friday Review: Robyn Brightens Up a Slow Day
    7/17/2010
    Modest Mouse was the headliner for Day 1 at the Pitchfork Music Festival, but Swedish dance-pop queen Robyn was the day's best performer.
  • The Best Matt and Kim Songs
    7/16/2010
    The adorable Brooklyn indie pop duo Matt and Kim have had several of their songs appear in tv commercials and won an MTV Video Music Award in 2009. Here is a list of the 10 best Matt and Kim songs.
  • Six Flags Chicago Review
    7/13/2010
    Six Flags Great America in Chicago features so-so roller coasters and a fun water park. But is it worth the high ticket price?
  • How to Bake a Sweet Potato
    7/13/2010
    Baking a sweet potato is a simple way to make a tasty, nutritious side dish or main entree. You can prepare one easily in a microwave or conventional oven.
  • New Michael Jackson Album Rumored for November 2010
    7/7/2010
    According to rumors, Michael Jackson will release a new album in November 2010 containing 10-12 brand new songs, possibly including a song about Hurricane Katrina and collaborations with Lenny Kravitz, Akon and will.i.am.
  • The 10 Best Cobra Starship Songs
    7/1/2010
    Sassy pop band Cobra Starship earned a hit single last year with "Good Girls Go Bad," but they've been recording catchy songs for several years. Here are the 10 best Cobra Starship songs.
  • Why Do Baseball Managers Have to Wear Uniforms?
    7/1/2010
    Why do baseball managers wear uniforms? Why is the penalty kick in soccer so ridiculously close to the goal? Why didn't the sports media take the NFL's Spygate scandal more seriously?
  • The 5 Strangest Concert Moments I've Witnessed
    6/30/2010
    From KISS starting "USA!" chants to Olivia Newton-John serenading the trees, these are the strangest concerts moments I've witnessed.
  • The 10 Best Michael Jackson Songs You've Never Heard
    6/28/2010
    Everyone knows "Beat It" and "Billie Jean," but what about "Don't Walk Away" or "Whatzupwitu?" Or the creepy "Morphine," a song that seemed to foreshadow Michael's drug-related death? Here are the 10 best Michael Jackson songs you've never heard.
  • Why the Pitt Vs Penn State Rivalry Should Never Return
    6/23/2010
    Penn State and Pitt are two successful football universities but they haven't gone head to head in a number of years. Unlike most Pennsylvanians, I hope it stays that way. Here's why.
  • Best Karaoke Duets
    6/22/2010
    Performing a duet can be one of the most fun ways to enjoy karaoke night. From Sonny & Cher to a power ballad by Ozzy Osbourne, here are the ten best karaoke duets.
  • Dermontti Dawson Should Be in the NFL Hall of Fame
    6/9/2010
    Dermontti Dawson is unquestionably one of the five greatest centers ever to play NFL football. But because of the Hall of Fame's bias against offensive lineman, he hasn't been inducted yet. Will that change in 2011?
  • Worst Super Bowls of All-Time
    6/2/2010
    Recent years have produced a number of exciting Super Bowls, but Super Bowl history is full of boring, sloppy, and non-competitive championship games. These are the five worst Super Bowls ever played.
  • Sex and the City 2: Soundtrack Review
    5/28/2010
    Liza Minnelli sings Beyonce's "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)." That should make anyone want to listen to the Sex and the City 2 soundtrack, if only out of morbid curiosity.
  • Sun Studio Review
    5/27/2010
    Visitors to historic Sun Studio in Memphis are allowed to pose with a microphone used in the 1960s by the Studio's biggest names, including Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley.
  • 10 Best Weird Al Yankovic Parodies
    5/20/2010
    With 12 million albums sold and a career that spans five decades, Weird Al Yankovic is no joke. His 10 best parodies include send-ups of Madonna, Michael Jackson, Usher, and Puff Daddy.
  • Why is Justin Bieber Nominated for a BET Award?
    5/20/2010
    One thing Justin Bieber is clearly not is African-American. So why is Justin Bieber nominated for a BET Award? Hint: The answer is found in Ke$ha's name.
  • Pittsburgh Penguins Free Agents 2010
    5/17/2010
    Hockey's Pittsburgh Penguins saw their season end earlier than expected with a second-round playoff loss. Which free agents should they try to re-sign this offseason to remain a contender?
  • Survivor Finale Recap: Heroes Vs Villains
    5/16/2010
    The Survivor finale narrowed the final five players down to the three, who then had to persuade the jury to vote for them. Which Survivor claimed the title of sole survivor and the one million dollar prize?
  • In Defense of Unique Baby Names
    5/14/2010
    Most people seem opposed to giving babies strange or unusual names. But why? I strongly support unique baby names that will make people scratch their heads and wonder what the parents were thinking.
  • Survivor May 13 Recap: Heroes Vs Villains
    5/13/2010
    On episode 12 of the CBS reality show Survivor: Heroes vs Villains, the evil Russell makes an unlikely alliance with Heroes Colby and Rupert. Will they be able to send the women home?
  • About Women's Olympic Volleyball
    5/11/2010
    Volleyball is always one of the most exciting sports at the Summer Olympics. U.S. women have been successful over the years, but not as successful as Cuba, Japan, China, and the former USSR.
  • Survivor May 6 Recap: Heroes Vs Villains
    5/6/2010
    On episode 12 of the CBS reality show Survivor: Heroes vs Villains, two tribal councils are squeezed into one episode. Will the last remaining Heroes, Rupert and Colby, survive the votes?
  • Report: Country Singer Chely Wright 'almost Certainly' Coming Out as Gay on May 5th
    5/1/2010
    For weeks now, we've known that a celebrity is planning to come out of the closet on May 5. Queerty.com is now reporting that celebrity will be country singer Chely Wright.
  • Survivor April 29 Recap: Heroes Vs Villains
    4/29/2010
    On episode 11 of the CBS reality show Survivor: Heroes vs Villians, Sandra decides she's had enough of Russell and tries to take him out. But he finds another hidden immunity idol. What happens if he decides to play it at tribal council?
  • Mitch Hedberg Quotes: A List of Mitch's Best Jokes
    4/28/2010
    I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it. These sorts of off-the-wall jokes made Mitch Hedberg one of the most hilarious comedians of our time. Here's a list of the best Mitch Hedberg quotes.
  • Ravinia Festival: Chicago's Summer-Long Music Festival
    4/27/2010
    The Ravinia Festival doesn't get as much attention as other Chicago music festivals like Lollapalooza, but with Sheryl Crow, Nelly Furtado, the B-52s and Rodrigo y Gabriela on the schedule, the Ravinia is worth paying attention to.
  • Tru-Fit - the Best Ankle Brace?
    4/24/2010
    Is Tru-Fit the best ankle brace available? I used a Tru-Fit brace while recovering from a volleyball injury. Here are my thoughts on this particular brand of ankle support.
  • Bumper Stumpers Game Show
    4/24/2010
    Bumper Stumpers was an '80s game show on the USA Network in which contestants had to use clues to decode the meaning of vanity license plates. Here's an overview of the show.
  • Survivor April 22 Recap: Heroes Vs Villains
    4/22/2010
    On episode 10 of the CBS reality show Survivor, tension appeared when the Heroes and Villains tribes merged, and Rupert decided right away he didn't trust Russell.
  • Sears Dental Center: A Review
    4/17/2010
    How does Sears Dental compare to private dental offices in terms of price and customer service? Here's my review.
  • Healthiest Ice Cream Products
    4/17/2010
    Ice cream and eating healthy are not mutually exclusive. Here's a list of healthy ice cream products that won't wreck your diet.
  • Survivor: JT Giving Russell the Immunity Idol was Not a Dumb Move
    4/16/2010
    Some Survivor fans are mistakenly saying that JT giving Russell an immunity idol is the dumbest move in Survivor history. It was actually a smart, aggressive move that just didn't work out.
  • The 10 Best Bee Gees Songs
    4/16/2010
    The 10 Best Bee Gees songs span the trio's career, from their beginnings as a harmonizing pop vocal group to their later reign as the kings of disco.
  • Reasons to Move to Albuquerque
    3/18/2010
    When I visited Albuquerque I didn't expect much, but I found a vibrant city with plenty to do. If you're wondering "Should I move to Albuquerque?" here are five reasons to consider making the move.
  • Are Sweet Potatoes Good for You?
    3/16/2010
    Sweet potatoes provide a number of health benefits. They are one of the most nutritious vegetables you can eat.
  • Lollapalooza 2010 Lineup
    3/16/2010
    A few credible sources have leaked some of the bands for the Lollapalooza 2010 lineup. Here's what we know so far about bands performing at the festival.
  • Why is ABBA in the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame?
    3/16/2010
    Why is ABBA in the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame? Is it appropriate for a dance-pop group to take its place among the legends of rock n roll?
  • The License Plate Game: A Fun Car Game While Traveling
    3/15/2010
    The License Plate Game is one of the most fun car games for kids that doesn't involve portable gaming devices or iPods. Here's how to play.
  • May Holidays: A List of Traditional and Fun Holidays in May
    3/15/2010
    The holidays in May range from the serious to the silly, from Mother's Day to National Hoagie Day. Here's a look at some of the noteworthy May holidays.
  • Amanda Palmer and the Evelyn Evelyn Conjoined Twin Controversy
    3/15/2010
    A controversy is brewing over Evelyn Evelyn, a set of musically-inclined conjoined twins set to release their debut album. Why the controversy? It seems that Evelyn Evelyn are actually Amanda Palmer and Jason Webley, pretending to be conjoined twins.
  • 10 Best Bands to See at Coachella
    3/11/2010
    The lineup for Coachella 2010 includes a number of amazing bands. Here's one list of the best bands to see at Coachella 2010.
  • Best Albums of 2010 (So Far)
    3/1/2010
    Okay it's early, but there have already been a number of excellent albums released in 2010. Here's a short list of some of the best.
  • 10 Best Dave Matthews Band Songs
    2/26/2010
    From Crush to Crash, the Dave Matthews Band has recorded a number of memorable songs. Choosing the ten best DMB songs is difficult, but here's my personal list.
  • The 10 Best Bands to See at Bonnaroo 2010
    2/22/2010
    If you're headed to Bonnaroo 2010 and you're wondering, "Which bands should I see at Bonnaroo?," here's a list of the ten best bands worth checking out at this year's festival.
  • Cereal Review: Post Cupcake Pebbles
    2/8/2010
    For years, Fruity Pebbles and Cocoa Pebbles have been mainstays in the cereal aisle and on kitchen tables across the country. Now comes the latest from Post's Pebbles line of cereal: Cupcake Pebbles.
  • How to Fix NFL Overtime
    2/8/2010
    There's a simple way to fix overtime in the NFL. A side-effect of this proposal is that good teams would no longer tank meaningless games at the end of the regular season. Yes, we're solving two of the NFL's biggest problems in one fell swoop.
  • Live Blogging the 2010 Grammy Awards Pre-telecast
    1/31/2010
    Our live blog of the 2010 Grammy Awards pre-show begins at 4 pm EST. The non-televised pre-telecast features the presentation 99 of the 109 Grammy Awards, leaving only ten for the main show tonight.
  • Brett Favre is the Most Overrated Player in NFL History
    1/25/2010
    It was vintage Brett Favre yesterday in the NFL playoffs. Which meant lots of killer interceptions. Yesterday's epic Favre failure was further evidence that Brett Favre is the most overrated player in NFL history.
  • Best Lionel Richie Songs of All-time: A Top 10 List
    1/18/2010
    In the '80s Lionel Richie was one of the biggest music stars in the world. If you're like me, you secretly play Lionel Richie's Greatest Hits all the time. Here are my choices for the 10 best Lionel Richie songs.
  • It's Inevitable: Gay Marriage Will Be Legal in All 50 States Within 20 Years
    1/18/2010
    Changing demographics in shifts in public attitudes towards same-sex relationships lead to the conclusion that gay marriage will be legal in all 50 states within 20 years, perhaps sooner.
  • Conan Ratings Soar as O'Brien Drama with Jay Leno Continues
    1/16/2010
    Ratings for The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien have soared since Conan released his public statement refusing to host the show at 12:05. Ratings remain high as Conan continues to mock NBC and Jay Leno in his monologues.
  • How Can I Vote for the Grammy Awards?
    1/11/2010
    Many music fans would love to support their favorite Grammy-nominated artists by casting votes for them, but it's not that simple. Here's an explanation of who can vote for the Grammy Awards.
  • What is Vevo and Why Does it Make the Videos on YouTube so Slow?
    1/11/2010
    Most music videos on YouTube are now presented by a company called Vevo. Videos that used to play with no problems are now frequently caught in endless buffering loops. Why is Vevo making all the music videos on YouTube so slow? Here are a few answers.
  • The Ten Best Whistling Parts in Songs
    12/22/2009
    The few pop songs that dare to employ whistling are some of the most memorable of the last 40 years. Here's a list of the top ten whistling parts in pop songs.
  • What to Watch on New Year's Eve: Television Viewing Guide
    12/21/2009
    Millions of Americans will be ringing in the new year with parties and celebrations. Millions more will be at home under the covers watching tv. Here are the best television viewing options for New Year's Eve 2009.
  • Is Wendy Williams a Man?
    12/21/2009
    Is Wendy Williams a man? The question may be considered rude or politically incorrect, but it's also a question many reasonable people have asked after watching The Wendy Williams Show on daytime television.
  • What to Watch on Tv on Christmas 2009: A Television Viewing Guide
    12/13/2009
    Several holiday specials will give viewers plenty of television choices on Christmas. Here's what to watch on tv on Christmas 2009.
  • Best Christmas Pop Songs of All-time: A Top 10 List
    12/7/2009
    While old-time, traditional Christmas standards are nice, it's the rock and pop Christmas songs that are more fun. Here's my take on the ten best Christmas pop songs of all-time.
  • How to Find Andy Warhol's Grave Site
    12/3/2009
    Andy Warhol is an icon. His grave is located just outside Pittsburgh, but even native Pittsburghers often have trouble finding the site. Here's how and where to find it.
  • What the Deuce? a Review of Monopoly: The Family Guy Edition
    11/30/2009
    Family Guy is one of the most popular animated shows on tv. Monopoly is one of America's most popular board games. Here's a detailed explanation and review of the Family edition of Monopoly.
  • Thanksgiving NFL Football Games Predictions
    11/18/2009
    Here's a preview of the NFL football schedule for Thanksgiving 2009, with predictions in each game.
  • Thanksgiving 2009 Television Guide: What to Watch on Tv Besides Football
    11/18/2009
    If you're not interested in football, what choices do you have for entertaining television on Thanksgiving Day? More than you might think.
  • Oprah Winfrey Interviews Sarah Palin: Video Clips Now Online
    11/12/2009
    Today CBS News posted two video clips from Oprah Winfrey's upcoming interview with former Alaska governor and Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin.
  • The Inside Scoop on Self-serve, Pay-by-the-ounce Frozen Yogurt Stores
    11/6/2009
    If you're not familiar with pay by the ounce frozen yogurt, here's the inside scoop. As an ice cream/yogurt lover, I find the self-serve quality and wide selection of candy and fruit toppings to be irresistible.
  • Ticketmaster Concert Ticket Surcharges: Where's the Outrage?
    11/4/2009
    Remember in 1994 when Pearl Jam spoke out against Ticketmaster's outrageous service charges? Fifteen years later, consumers are paying higher service charges than ever, yet the outrage seems to have disappeared.
  • What Does Doug Hoffman's Loss in NY District 23 Mean for the Future of the Republican Party?
    11/3/2009
    Looks like Newt Gingrich was right all along. Democrats have won New York's 23rd Congressional District for the first time in over 100 years. Now the question is, Where does the Republican Party go from here?
  • Michael Jackson and Madonna: The Musical Collaboration that Almost Was
    10/29/2009
    It could've been one of the greatest musical collaborations in history. Michael Jackson and Madonna got together to write a song but couldn't reconcile their different visions, and the song was never completed.
  • How to Handle an Unwanted Facebook Friend Request from a Parent
    10/27/2009
    More and more older people are joining Facebook, and that means unwanted parental friend requests are becoming all too common. Here are the three basic ways to handle an unwanted parental Facebook friend request.
  • Top 10 Rap Songs of the 2000s
    10/26/2009
    Hip hop took over the Billboard charts in the 2000s. Here's one opinion of the top 10 rap songs of the 2000s.
  • Why I Hate Starbucks and Will Never Use Their Wifi Again
    10/16/2009
    While traveling this summer, I thought I'd be able to go to Starbucks for free wifi, but that plan proved to be a disaster. Here's an account of my humorous, frustrating attempts to use the wireless internet at Starbucks.
  • Urban Biking Tips for Beginners
    10/15/2009
    Biking is a great way to get around a city. If you're reluctant to ride a bicycle in an urban environment, here are a few basic tips that can help you feel comfortable on the road.
  • Michael Jackson Nominations Make a Mockery of the American Music Awards
    10/14/2009
    The American Music Awards have just released their nominations for 2009, and get this - Michael Jackson is nominated five times. The same Michael Jackson who released exactly one new song in 2009.
  • New Michael Jackson Song 'This is It' Released
    10/12/2009
    After weeks of buildup, Michael Jackson's new single "This is It" was finally released on Monday morning.
  • Miley Cyrus Quits Twitter and Posts Rap Video to Explain Why
    10/11/2009
    Miley Cyrus canceled her Twitter account this week, and reactions ranged from "How could she betray her fans like that?" to "Who cares?" The Disney actress and pop singer decided to quit her Twitter account, evidently because her boyfriend told her to.
  • Bubble Bobble: Best Nintendo Game Ever?
    10/5/2009
    There's something great about the old Nintendo Entertainment System from the 1980s. One of the best and most underrated Nintendo games was Bubble Bobble.
  • Advance CD Review: Sad Man Happy Man by Mike Doughty
    10/5/2009
    Mike Doughty's forthcoming release, Sad Man Happy Man, finds the former Soul Coughing frontman returning to an acoustic sound, with great results.
  • Top 10 Rock Songs of the 2000s
    9/30/2009
    The genre of rock encompasses everything from folk to emo to metal. Here's one opinion of the top 10 rock songs of the decade.
  • Top 10 Dance Songs of the 2000s
    9/21/2009
    Everyone loves to dance. Here are my picks for the top 10 dance songs of the 2000s.
  • Top 10 Country Songs of the 2000s
    9/21/2009
    Here's one opinion of the Top 10 country songs of the 2000s that managed to break free of the formulaic Nashville sound and give us something fresh.
  • Fast Food Review: Is the KFC Buffet Worth the Cost?
    9/5/2009
    This review will answer your questions about the KFC buffet, a much-sought-after but little-understood dining option.
  • The Five Best Music Blogs, 2009
    9/3/2009
    If you're specifically looking for "good music that isn't played on the radio," here are five music blogs worth checking out.
  • Best Places to See Celebrities in Los Angeles
    9/3/2009
    I've composed a list of five places where you might be likely to spot famous folks. This list focuses on easily accessible locations that everyone can visit.
  • The Lowdown on the Seattle and Portland World Naked Bike Rides
    9/1/2009
    This summer I happened to be in both Portland and Seattle during the World Naked Bike Rides, which were quite illuminating experiences. Here are my impressions as an observer.
  • Five Things I Love About Pittsburgh
    9/1/2009
    It's no mistake that Pittsburgh ranks at or near the top of any "most livable city" list. The complete list of things I love about Pittsburgh is far too long, but here are five.
  • Crafting a Road Trip Mix CD: The Best Songs About Traveling
    8/31/2009
    This summer, I embarked on a road trip through 46 states. Before leaving, I wanted to create the ultimate road trip CD.
  • 2009 NFL Preview: Are the Steelers Overrated?
    8/31/2009
    All the talk in Pittsburgh this summer has been about how the Steelers are the favorite to repeat as Super Bowl champs. One columnist called them "so good they're boring." Talk about hyperbole!
  • Recent Trades Show the Pittsburgh Pirates (Finally!) Have a Sense of Direction
    8/28/2009
    There's been much hand-wringing among Pittsburgh Pirates fans over this summer's spate of trades that have seen three former All-Stars sent packing in exchange for prospects, but the Pirates are doing exactly the right thing.
  • Where to See Bears in Yellowstone National Park
    8/27/2009
    When I went to Yellowstone National Park, I had one goal: To see a bear. I ended up seeing four. Here's where I saw them.
  • "Weird Al" Yankovic to Release Internet Leaks, an EP of New Material
    8/21/2009
    On Tuesday, August 25, veteran pop parodist "Weird Al" Yankovic will release Internet Leaks, a collection of five new recordings, via iTunes, Amazon, and other digital media outlets.
  • Kathy Griffin Launches Online Petition to Make Her Memoir an Oprah Book Club Selection
    8/21/2009
    Tart-tongued comedian Kathy Griffin is pulling out all the stops to try to get back on The Oprah Winfrey Show. Her latest tactic: Launching an online petition to make her forthcoming memoir an official selection of Oprah's book club.

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