Hopscotch '11 - Eats - Beasley's Chicken + Honey

Beasley's Chicken + Honey is located at 237 S Wilmington St.
Image from New Raleigh

If you're wandering around downtown, or even if you've recently been displaced by the unfortunate incident at Sadlack's Heroes (apparently closed after a noise complaint), fear not: right down the road is a great place to weather the storm and get your hands on some fresh brewed tea and some out of this world fried chicken.

This is, hands down, the best fried chicken I've had. Now, I don't consider myself a connoisseur exactly, but I am certainly no stranger to dipping poultry in breading and hot oil. My surprise came as Beasley's Chicken + Honey managed to take that simple concept, douse it with class and upgrade the whole concept to something purposeful and tasteful, a nearly gourmet experience. From the dijon-honey sauce to the amazing (and obviously handmade) biscuits, the chefs combine attention to detail with that feel good down home style and serve it in generous portions. Even the tea is purchased by 1/2qt in re-purposed mason jars.

From the 'Net: Affirmations of the Mindheart

Mike Leffingwell, currently tenured on both Twitter and working with the Upright Citizen's Brigade, also finds time to create "Affirmations of the Mindheart." As seen at left, they're humorous takes on the idea of inspirational photographs, not unlike the demotivational poster meme. Excluding, of course, the fact that Leffingwell is both intelligent and, on an average day, pretty hilarious. Ranging from simple jokes, as seen on the left, to more adult themed work (think copulation, horses), Leffingwell covers the gamut of humor, but is always guaranteed to make you laugh.

Bruce Campbell's 53rd Birthday

Today, June 22nd, is screen legend Bruce Campbell's 53rd birthday. Rocketing out of Michigan with 1983's "The Evil Dead," the controversial horror film debut of both Campbell and fellow Michigander Sam Raimi, he has been an ever present part of the alternative culture of the United States. His popularity has risen in those almost thirty years as now even our old, conservative relatives get a huge charge out of his character Sam Axe on USA Network's Burn Notice. But those are only bookends on what is an incredible career for Mr. Campbell, working with Coen Brothers on The Hudsucker Proxy and Fargo, taking a turn as Elvis in Bubba Ho-tep, as well as bit parts in The Majestic and Sky High. You can catch his voice in Cars 2, playing Rod Redline, and as previously mentioned, catch him on Burn Notice on USA Network, starting its new season Thursday, June 23rd 2011 at 9pm/8c.

From The 'Net: "Said That, She Did"

Full disclosure: I am a complete Star Wars nerd. That being said, I am incredibly fortunate to have come across "Said That, She Did". The premise is simple: take a Star Wars quote out of context, cut to Yoda saying his broken-English equivalent of "that's what she said." Sure, it seems a bit stupid, but the results are absolutely hysterical. The site just got started on June 1st so there's not a whole lot of back catalog to go through, but judging by the gems that are on here already this will be keeping me entertained for quite some time. Check it: http://www.saidthatshedid.com.

Confirming Speculations, Apple Unveils iCloud at Developer's Conference

Finally mixing intense brand loyalty with cloud computing, Steve Jobs returned from a medical leave to address some three thousand web developers about Apples new iCloud. The new technology replaces the $99/year MobileMe application in keeping your iPhone, iPod, iPad and Mac computer synchronized both globally and wirelessly. There are a few drawbacks to the service, including a 5GB limit, a 1,000 photo maximum can be saved for a month and music not purchased through iTunes will require a $25/year storage fee. That is assuming, of course, that your music is still available from the retailer; the more obscure cuts in your digital library will not be able to be hosted at all. More on this situation as it develops but, given Apple’s track record, it’s more than likely we’ll be saying great things about iCloud 2 next June.

From the 'Net: Awesome People Hanging Out Together

GZA and Bill Murray, image from APHOT

Awesome People Hanging Out Together is the best celebrity-gawker website around. It's not catching them with cocaine and hookers, or losing their minds any kind of super-public and career-ending way. It's pictures of them hanging out with their friends and colleagues. It was difficult to choose just one picture, as there are copious amounts of awesome shots, but the one at right with GZA and Bill Murray just about sums up the website. Moments of honesty and camaraderie where you would least expect it. One picture shows Michael Caine obviously having just told a successful joke to Morgan Freeman and Liam Neeson at a bar, while another shows Trent Reznor, Jon Stewart and Marilyn Manson just hanging out. If you get a chance, I highly recommend you check this phenomenal website out.

Media News: The Sims 3 Announces Pets Expansion Pack

Earlier today, EA Play announced the latest addition to its Sims 3 Empire, the Sims 3 Pets expansion. It seems that in the new, open map style Sims 3, the Pets expansion has been upgraded to include horses. As with the previous similar expansion pack for the Sims 2, it seems you'll still be able to customize and create dog and cat breeds, or breed in game for other, unique results. The interactions, however, seem more intricate than before, but then again EVERYTHING about the Sims 3 is more intricate than the Sims 2. In any case, the expansion will be released Fall 2011 on all major consoles and yes, even PC and Mac. See the video below:

From the 'Net: Literally Unbelievable

Every now and then, you happen upon a blog that really sums up the decay of western civilization. Sometimes, it is Regretsy, the ultimate DIY craft failblog, other times its something like Literally Unbelievable. The goal at LU is to collect overreactions to the latest news stories from The Onion, the fake newspaper. I don't know what it is most people miss about The Onion being a satirical newspaper, but after reading through Literally Unbelievable, it is certainly our gain and their loss. See example below:

From Literally Unbelievable