Cee Lo Green - F#@*& YOU (Official Video)

This song is incredible. Thanks to my friend Pharaoh for turning me on to it. Instant classic! Enjoy!

Successful Visit to a Chicago Staple

I finally was able to visit a restaurant recommended to me by two good friends since I moved to Chicago. I'm talking about Mr. Beef on North Orleans Street.

My co-worker Mike and I hopped on the 'L' and made the short journey, and man was it worth it. If you've never had Italian beef, you don't know what you're missing.

I've eaten Italian beef from at least five or six different spots, but hadn't hit Mr. Beef yet.

The sandwiches and fries are made to order. I recommend hot peppers and you absolutely must get the sandwich dipped. Their garlicky au jus marinade is absolutely unreal and makes the sandwich and the fries were cooked hot and crispy.

Mr. Beef is not really a sit down type of joint so find a spot and get after it. And we did. I'm not really a food critic like my friend Harry, but if I have to rate it, it's getting 4.5 stars out of five. It's that good.

If you're in town and looking for a good sandwich, I'm definitely down for hitting Mr. Beef's up again.

In case you're interested, here is the address:

666 N Orleans St
(between Erie St & Huron St)
Chicago, IL 60610

Epic Beard Man

I'm Basil Marceaux dot com

BP spill live feed

Bad and Getting Worse: 110 Losses?

Well my friends here we go again. Although this year could be even worse than normal. Of course I'm talking about the lowly Pittsburgh Pirates. Bad and getting worse by the day.

Just how bad? Well their record stands at W 25, L 49, the second worst record in MLB. But two stats that stand out even worse are their 9 road wins as opposed to 30 losses but the grand daddy of them all: They have been outscored by a league worst 180 runs. Baltimore has the worst record in the league but has stills scored 41 more runs than the Bucs and have been winning some games lately.

This team may very well lose 110 games this year. I predicted 105 but that is in jeopardy. Things just don't seem to have a chance to get better. Granted, Pedro Alvarez is young but is embarrassingly overmatched. Brad Lincoln has stunk out loud and his stats are much worse than they look (29 hits, 8 BB's and a 6.00 era in 24 innings).

Jose Tabata has been holding his own and Neil Walker has been the best story of the season. It's just a dame shame he was concussed by Ryan Church, who is the worst player still on this roster. Neil Huntington is letting Steve Pearce sit at AAA so another one of his bullshit free agent mistakes doesn't have to be released. Dump the bum!

I'm actually going to the game tomorrow as it's here in Chicago. Wrigley Field is the best and the people are nice. As I type this I looked at today's lineup. Bobby Crosby is batting second and the 7-9 hitters are Andy Laroche, Jason Jaramillo and Ronny Cedeno. I actually feel bad for manager John Russell as these turds should be in AAA, some of them out of baseball.

At the end of the day, I vent because I care. The only way things will change is for folks to stop going to games or for MLB to intervene. The latter won't happen so I hope folks get the message.

Congrats finally to the fired and then rehired Pierogi. I mean, this team can't even do that right.

Pens, Buccos/Draft, Hockey and Futbol

It's been awhile but the World of KK is back. Battling a bit of a flu bug this afternoon and watching the Pirates. Guaranteed this will NOT make me feel better. Anyway, the summer is alive in Chicago and there is lots going on. Festivals, music, ribs and greek food just to name a few. I was happy to see the Blackhawks beat the hated Flyers but am happy that it's all over now and I can look forward to a new Penguins campaign in the brand new Consol Energy Center. I look forward to catching a game there this year.



Back to the Pirates, it's bad and getting worse, as usual. But, at least this year, we will get to see a glimpse of the future in such talented prospects like Brad Lincoln and Jose Tabata (pictured). Super prospect Pedro Alvarez is expected to be recalled soon, perhaps as early as this week. He will bring a much-needed power bat to this anemic offense. I look for John Russell to be fired as the Coonellly-Huntington regime will need a fall guy if Huntington is to save his job, which is no guarantee. I will offer great props on a fantastic MLB draft for the Pirates regime. Now, we'll see if they can sign these kids.

Finally, I am not a soccer fan. Never have been and probably never will be. But I do always enjoy watching Team USA. No matter what, it's fun to take in a sporting event amongst the masses knowing that everyone is rooting for the same team. I wish the U.S. squad the best of luck. That said, I won't lose any sleep over the World Cup.

Headed home in July for a few days to see my parents and accept my election to the Clarion University Alumni Board of Directors. I appreciate the nomination and election and will certainly do my best to help my school. In addition, I'll carry on my dad's legacy as he served on the board for 8 years.

Looking forward to training camp soon!

Remembering those who served

Thank you to all of the brave men and women who have served our country and for those who will make that choice in the future. Too often do we forget real sacrifice in the hustle and bustle world in which we live.

So, while you contemplate a complaint or something that just isn't going you way, remember, it could be much worse.

May God bless all of you and keep your memories alive forever.

We wouldn't be doing anything if it were not for you.

Happy Birthday Biskit, KK Dodges Bullet

It's certainly been an eventful few weeks up here. First off, happy birthday to Biskit. She turned four today and was given a treat of steak and tater tots. For dessert, Frosty Paws ice cream was the choice. Of course, it's all long gone and a very happy pug is now relaxing.

As for me, my MRI diagnosis had the shit scared out of me but thankfully, my surgeon did not see it that way. We looked in depth at the images and he explained different areas and images. Finally, he drained my knee and collected what seemed to be the sixth great lake. Regardless, I was back on my feet, albeit limping, almost immediately after the draining and shot of lidocaine and steroid. The diagnosis was a nasty case of gout/pseudogout. I've suffered a few gout flares on both feet but this was the first on a major joint and it sucked. Thank God its over and I did not need surgery. Living here by myself, I would have been facing a major challenge.

Finally, Let's Go Pens! Let's Go Pens! Let's Go Pens! Huge Game 7 tomorrow that we need to win. The boys can't send the old barn out like this.

KK Hurting in Chicago

It's been awhile since my last blog. The NFL Draft is in the books. I like most of what the Steelers did but no. 2 pick Jason Worilds will be the true caveat. Great series win for the Pens and I enjoyed some dinner and drinks with my friend Harry over the weekend. However, it was all about to change. When I first moved in, I had an accident and didn't think that much of it. My brother Khris and I were carrying my big screen TV and I was walking backwards. I tripped over a high curb and went down but caught the TV. I felt a tweak in my leg but kept going. Well a few weeks passed and I felt some pain but left it go. I took some pills two weekend's ago and that seemed to help. Well, last Thursday the pain and discomfort came back. I took it easy all weekend but it continued. Sunday was unbearable and I finally got to the doctor this a.m. After x-rays and an MRI, I was diagnosed with:
1.) Partial PCL tear
2.) Large joint effusion
3.) Partial medial meniscus tear
So, I'm hobbling around awaiting an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon later this week. It's ironic as I have never even broken a bone. So with this, I guess I was long overdue. There goes my hopes of finding a softball team for the season. Oh well. Until later my friends, take care and Let's Go Pens!

Chicago Chicken Wing Crisis

Those of you that know me are well aware of my fond affliction for chicken wings. Of course, they have to be to my liking. Any ole wing doused in hot sauce and tossed on a plate will not suffice. At a minimum, I expect the wings to be extra crispy and without breading. Hot sauce is fine but my favorite are wings coated with seasoned salt. I then dip the wings in Frank's Red Hot to control the amount of kick. That said, extra crispy and wet hot wings are fine and delicious. Well, the food Mecca that is Chicago is not aware of this. I've tried wings from at least five bars and at least 4 pizza places. Some of the bar wings were OK, led by Four Shadows and Durkin’s Tavern. Yak-Zie's Bar & Grill boasts the best in Chicago. Well, their flavor and cooking were perfect but the wings were the size of a baby sparrow. The pizza joints can't even come close. Most bake the wings and when you ask for extra crispy, you get them burnt. Wings are to be fried and then if you like, tossed on the grill for a unique finish that many crave. I have thrown away two orders after trying one of these begrudged birds. Thus, I'm pretty much resigned to making them at home as:
a.) I make kickass wings (whole wings).
b.) They're cheaper, fresh and better.
c.) I'm a wing connoisseur and I'm sick of this shit.
A former colleague Al suggested Toon’s here in Chitown and at first look, their menu says "jumbo chicken wings." I'll put them to the test. Until later, Let's Go Pens! Let's Go Pens! Let's Go Pens!

See Ya Later Tone

A lot of people including myself were stunned at the initial report of the trade, but should we really be? The more people that ask me and the more I think about it, this move should have been seen coming but wasn't due to our blind faith and hope for a change in behavior. Santonio Holmes saved the Super Bowl for the Steelers and as fans, we will be eternally grateful. However, the man also had repeated off-field issues, including the latest prompting his suspension. His wake-n-bake comment on Twitter didn't help but when he told someone to kill themself, well that did it for me.
Adios Santonio, it's been real. Thanks for the good memories but not for the bad. You've been awful quiet on your normally boisterous Twitter account today. Guess you've been humbled, if that's possible? Such a shame as the talent is undeniable, yet the immaturity is unmistakable.

Beautiful Day in Chicago

It's about time. We had flurries the other day and the heat was on last night. Now, it's 74 and the windows are open. As you can see, Biskit is a huge fan of this as people are constantly walking by with dogs, kids etc. and she just loves seeing it all. Was pleasantly surprised at the local grocery store to find Heinz dill relish. I'm sure most of you couldn't give a shit about this but I love pickles and Heinz are my favorite. I was able to get them in Columbus but not in Charlotte or Florida. So, the relish is better than nothing plus my parents can bring me some or I can scoop some up when I visit them as the drive home now is very much shorter and a mid-summer trip will be made by myself and said dog. On a lighter note, my very good friend Harry has a great blog that he writes often and he rates different restaurants that he visits. Why bring it up? He hates pickles and has an interesting story as to why. For a good read, visit the Stiff Competition blog. I had no intention of going out today but I have wanted to see what this dogs in bars thing is all about so what the heck, Biskit and I are gonna roll up to Durkin's Tavern for a few cold beers. I hope everyone has a great weekend and we'll be a bloggin' soon. Next topic may include the lack of good wings joints here in Chicago. Kickass pizza and Italian beef but lousy wings so far. Stay tuned!

Great first week in Chitown

Well, I've been here two weeks but it was a great first work week. I spent Monday at the massive Hoffman Estates compound, which is where Sears Holdings is now headquartered. The people were great and the facility is impressive. That said, I'll be spending over 90+% of my time at the downtown office located on State Street. The flagship Sears store is right across the street so it makes it convenient for anything I might need. We broke a record for temperature on Thursday at 83 degrees! That was awesome and people were really enjoying it. The commute to work is easy. Walk a block to a covered bus stop. Ride about a mile and a half to the subway and then get dropped off a block away from my office. It only takes 35 minutes and beats traffic, parking, gas and tolls that's for sure. Biskit is adjusting well and loves it when the windows are open as many dogs live in the neighborhood. The town is abuzz as baseball season nears. I hate the Cubs but at least I'll get to see my Buccos a bunch here in the Windy City. I'm sure they will lose every game but I'll still be there as often as I can. The neighborhood (as seen in the picture) is great and I love the fact that I can walk to just about anything. That's about it for now. Happy Easter to all!

Old School in Chicago

I just moved to the Lakeview/Lincoln Park area of Chicago and went to Mario's Place Barber Shop on Saturday, which is obviously their busiest day. Mario welcomed me as a new customer despite the fact that he was booked solid. I was offered a doughnut and a Pabst Blue Ribbon beer while I waited (now that is impressive) and was given a great haircut with the always-enjoyable straight razor neck shave. I am now a customer until my travels take me elsewhere. Thank you for a great experience, Mario. I know many of you like stylists but I am a barber man for life thanks to my late uncle, Dave Anderson, proprietor of the former Irwin, PA staple Guyon & Anderson barber shop.

Biskit gets a new shirt

OK, so the 'Windy City' is just that and it's cold. I knew that going in but poor Biskit had no idea. This being a dog who has lived her entire life in sunny Florida and is now freezing her little ass off. She has been taken aback that's for sure. Potty outings have been quick and sometimes she just won't go. So, we went to Petco today in search of a sweater. Well, it's no longer winter so they have the spring and summer collection. Don't tell this to Biskit as she shivers and shakes but slowly but surely, she's coming around. Debating on what to do for the evening and I'm probably gonna head out to the local Steelers bar and watch some March Madness. My dad, brother and I enjoyed Durkin's Chicago over the weekend and they made us feel at home. So, it looks like they'll get a return visit out of me. Why the hell not? Last non-working weekday is tomorrow for me (for the foreseeable future) and I'm certainly happy about that.

We have furniture in Chicago

This week is absolutely flying by as I try and get settled here in the Windy City. I was able to get a good deal on a sofa and chair from a local furniture store and have it delivered on the same day. Beats the shit out of the fold-up chairs I was using as I gave my previous couch and love seat to my good friend Rebecca. Biskit is already liking them both and as you can see, she can look out the window to see when I'm arriving. She is growing more and more accustomed to Chicago each day. I love my neighborhood and went on a pub crawl last night and hit three different locales. Each has a different flavor but a common theme: neighborhood bars that cater to the locals. Two offered a free drink which I gladly accepted, not that doing so should surprise anyone but why the hell not? The next fun will be going to the DMV when my paperwork from the bank arrives. I'm sure I should practice up on my Spanish if past DMV visits tell me anything. Looking forward to watching the Pens play the Caps tonight. Hope they can take down Ovechkin. A superstar player no doubt but also a world-class cheap shot artist. Until next time...

World of KK Returns Live From Chicago

Hello family and friends, it's been awhile. In case you haven't heard, I have relocated to Chicago arriving last Friday. I begin my new position at Sears Holdings Management Corporation next Monday.
I'm excited about the new opportunity and to be away from the extreme negative environment of my last stop on the employment wagon. I cannot say thank you enough to my Dad who came and helped me pack, load, drove my car to Chicago and helped unload and unpack. You're the best! Thanks also to my brother Khris who flew in for the weekend to help unload in Chicago. Both of you mean the world to me and Biskit and I couldn't have made it without you. We had a great weekend and sampled some local fare, including deep dish pizza. Very solid. I'm living in the Lakeview neighborhood which is close to everything and an easy commute via bus/train to 'The Loop.' I absolutely love it here so far and the people have been great. Look for frequent updates as I take this next step in my professional career.

Doritos Slap

This is some funny stuff right here.