Chicken and Waffles

You may be aware of Lay's Chips contest to create a new potato chip for the masses (and award a million dollars while doing it).

The three flavors are Cheesy garlicbread, the spicy Sriracha, and that regional favorite Chicken&Waffles.

Of course, the buzz around (and the one I have tried) is Chicken&Waffles.



So?

I will say that I didn't like it, and after a half-dozen i was done.  That opinion wasn't unanimous in the office though.

To me, it was too salty for a dessert chip and too sweet for a potato chip.  I heard Guy Fieri describe these chips as tasting like 'burned ice cream cones" and that is probably the closest description to what I thought.

I think trying to capture the flavor of these two distinct things is a bit more challenging than throwing a couple of flavors together.  The chip appears to be a mix of chicken bouillon flavor and maple syrup taste, which yes, in theory, does fulfill both sides represented.

I think the chip could have been served better by reaching more into a chicken flavor (and if not that extreme, then the other) instead of trying to meet in the middle.

In any case, while I would never buy these chips.  I would consider this a resounding success.  These chips are the most buzzed about food product that I have seen for a long time.

New Comics: February

Heavy on the Marvel and the Bendis

Nova #1 (Marvel-Now) - written by Jeph Loeb-  I really wanted to like this book.  I like Loeb's writing and Marvel seems to really want to promote it.  Plus, Ed McGuinness's art is amazing.  The first few pages in, though i was ready to give up.  I don't know know the Nova backstory and the protagonist kid is pretty basic.

In fact, the whole story feels like it has been done before.  The main character is a Peter Parker variation and the story is that of a kid who doesn't believe his dad's fantastic stories about being a superhero (There's some Superman touches here, too).  The story does pick up at the end, which does provide some promise for the series.

In a lot of ways, this doesn't feel 'grand' enough to be a Major two title.  It feels like a lesser-known press trying to sell a generic hero.  It's hard to imagine Nova taken with as much seriousness as the rest of the marvelverse.

So, I am torn.  I really was excited about this series, but the first issue is a bit of a disappointment.  I think a lot of readers aren't going to make the jump to issue 2.  That said, there was enough things to keep my interest.  i have to decide if I am in for the long haul.

Powers Bureau #1 (Marvel/Icon)- written by Brian Michael Bendis-  This is at least the third relaunch of Bendis's Powers gang.  He inevitably seems to hit a delay which slows the series momentum.  This likely also will be a possible jumping on place if the TV series goes on at FX (which it appears to still be).

Bendis also mentions that his original plan to call this Powers FBI only resulted in more redtape and slowdown in getting the series out.

In a way, I am ready to see this series close (even thought this is a new beginning).  I am not sure if others feel the same, but we have had 70+ issues.

That said, Bendis does everything right here.  It is probably as gross and "mature" as he has ever been, but it also feels grounded and accessible.

In any case, it really works here.  It should do well with new and old fans.  It re-launches the series by reminding you of what made it great in the first place.

Uncanny X-Men #1 (Marvel/Now)- written by Brian Michael Bendis-  I have really been happy with Bendis's take on the X-Men.  Similarly to what he did with the Avengers, Bendis is tying this in with his All New X-Men title, and creating a series that interacts, but also stands alone.

Cyclops is the star here, and the plot on this series seems to be around him and stopping him.  It succeeds as a big event title.

Chris Bachalo's art is great and Bendis really opens things with a running start- the plot draws you in and leaves you with an ending that makes you want to see where this is going.

At this point, probably most comic fans have an opinion on Bendis's superhero work, but this is a really strong showing, and will be a necessary pull.

2016 Election : Born This Way

GarbageCanMusic warns me I shouldn't talk election, but I can't help it.

It's out there and it can't be avoided.

We had the State of the Union address and what was that if not a practice session for rand Paul and the thirstiest man in Congress, Marco Rubio.





Of course, now is the time when potential candidates make a tribute to the Hawkeye state ostensibly for fundraising that is for someone else, but inevitably means they are seriously thinking White House.

On the Republican side, Mike Huckabee was at a GOP event targeted around "Pro-Life".  Huckabee made a point that he is sticking to his guns on abortion and gay marriage (A recent poll shows 54% of Americans support gay marriage, similarly a poll from last year showed 54% of Americans were against overturning Roe vs Wade).

Nothing to see here, really, Huckabee compared abortion to the holocaust, and if there is any news story, it's that Huckabee said he would not be averse to leaving the GOP if they made any move to the center on the 'family issues' platform.  The Des Moines Register reported an audience of about 250.

So, if Huckabee's headlining the GOP fundraiser, who are the Dems bringing in?

How about Lady Gaga?

DailyKos and others picked up on the story that someone who looks like this and someone who looks like this were joining forces:




Harkin was planning an event in DC in which a couple would get two tickets and a VIP concert for around $3000.

Of course, the fundraiser would have happened this weekend. 

It didn't.

Harkin has since announced he's not seeking re-election and Gaga had hip surgery which has put he rout of commission temporarily.

The 73-year old Senator has said he's a fan and Gaga's political career is longer than you think is it- fundraisers with New Jersey Sen. Frank Lautenberg and tweeting back and forth with Harry Reid.

So...

2016- How about Huckabee vs Gaga?

Might as well.