Beatle George Harrison was pigeon-holed as the "Quiet Beatle," but the youngest member of the Fab Four had an acerbic, dry sense of humor that was as sharp as the rest of his bandmates.He gave great performances in the musical comedy classics, "A Hard Days Night" and "Help!" while holding his own during The Beatles' notoriously anarchic press conferences. After he left the band in 1970, in addition to his musical career, he would produce the 1979 Monty Python classic, "The Life of Brian."Harrison clearly didn't lose his sense of humor for the rest of his life. Shortly before his death in 2001, he played an elaborate prank on Phil Collins that shows how the "Here Comes the Sun" singer would go the extra mile for a laugh.In 1970, Harrison was recording his first solo record and arguably the best by a Beatle, "All things Must Pass." The session for the song, "The Art of Dying" featured former Beatle Ringo Starr on drums, keyboard legend Billy Preston on keys, virtuoso Eric Clapton on guitar, and was produced by the notorious Phil Spector.Harrison wanted a conga player for the session, so Ringo's chauffeur reached out to Phil Collins' manager. At the time, Collins was a relative unknown who was about to join Genesis, a band that would bring him worldwide stardom.The 18-year-old Collins was starstruck playing on a session with two former Beatles, so he played extra hard in rehearsals, resulting in blood blisters on both hands."Anyway, after about two hours of this, Phil Spector says, 'Okay congas, you play this time.' And I'd had my mic off, so everybody laughed, but my hands were shot," Collins told Express."And just after that they all disappeared – someone said they were watching TV or something – and I was told I could go," after that, Collins was relieved of his duties and told to go home. A few months later, Collins bought the massive triple album in the record shop and was devastated to learn he'd been edited out of the song."There must be some mistake! Collins thought. "But it's a different version of the song, and I'm not on it."Some thirty years later, Collins bought the home of Formula One driver Jackie Stewart, a close friend of Harrison. Stewart mentioned to Collins that Harrison was remixing "All Things Must Pass" for a rerelease."And he said, 'You were on it, weren't you?' And I said, 'Well I was there,"' Collins recalled.Two days later, a tape was delivered from Harrison to Collins with a note that read: "Could this be you?" Collins continued: "I rush off and listen to it, and straight away I recognize it." It was a recording of "The Art of Dying.""Suddenly the congas come in – too loud and just awful," Collins was devastated, then as the end of the take, Harrison can be heard saying, "Hey, Phil, can we try another without the conga player?"Collins was devastated, to say the least.A while later, Stewart calls Collins and puts Harrison on the line. "'Did you get the tape?' Harrison asked. "I now realize I was fired by a Beatle," Collins sighed. The two changed the subject, but a few minutes later, Harrison couldn't stop laughing."Don't worry, it was a piss-take. I got Ray Cooper to play really badly and we dubbed it on," Harrison admitted. "Thought you'd like it!" So, Harrison had an entire recording session with a conga player who he asked to play poorly, just to pull one over on Collins.If you're in the mood for another of rock's greatest pranks. The story of "The Ring" told by Beastie Boys' Adam "Ad-Rock" Horovitz shared in "Beastie Boys Story" is another great example of someone going to incredible lengths just for a laugh.The story revolves around the late Beasties' rapper Adam "MCA" Yach, his bandmate Horovitz, and a very creepy ring given to him by a fan backstage at a concert.This article originally appeared on 12.01.21

I've written tons of things about minimum wage, backed up by fact-checkers and economists and scholarly studies. All of them point to raising the minimum wage as a solution to lifting people out of poverty and getting folks off of public assistance. It's slowly happening, and there's much more to be done.But when it comes right down to it, where the rubber meets the road is what it means for everyday workers who have to live with those wages. I honestly don't know how they do it.Ask yourself: Could I live on this small of a full-time paycheck? I know what my answer is.(And note that the minimum wage in many parts of the county is STILL $7.25, so it would be even less than this).This story was written by Brandon Weber and was originally appeared on 02.26.15

As the cost of living in large cities continues to rise, more and more people are realizing that the value of a dollar in the United States is a very relative concept. For decades, cost of living indices have sought to address and benchmark the inconsistencies in what money will buy, but they are often so specific as to prevent a holistic picture or the ability to "browse" the data based on geographic location.The Tax Foundation addressed many of these shortcomings using the most recent (2015) Bureau of Economic Analysis data to provide a familiar map of the United States overlaid with the relative value of what $100 is "worth" in each state. Granted, going state-by-state still introduces a fair amount of "smoothing" into the process — $100 will go farther in Los Angeles than in Fresno, for instance — but it does provide insight into where the value lies.The map may not subvert one's intuitive assumptions, but it nonetheless quantities and presents the cost of living by geography in a brilliantly simple way. For instance, if you're looking for a beach lifestyle but don't want to pay California prices, try Florida, which is about as close to "average" — in terms of purchasing power, anyway — as any state in the Union. If you happen to find yourself in a "Brewster's Millions"-type situation, head to Hawaii, D.C., or New York. You'll burn through your money in no time.If you're quite fond of your cash and would prefer to keep it, get to Mississippi, which boasts a 16.1% premium on your cash from the national average.The Tax Foundation notes that if you're using this map for a practical purpose, bear in mind that incomes also tend to rise in similar fashion, so one could safely assume that wages in these states are roughly inverse to the purchasing power $100 represents.This article originally appeared on 08.17.17

Human beings have consumed alcohol for millennia. It's a staple of cultures all over the globe because it helps people relax and break the ice, thus making social gatherings and celebrations more enjoyable. Unfortunately, as we all know, alcohol also comes with some pretty huge drawbacks—including hangovers, addiction, high blood pressure, disturbed sleep patterns, and an increased risk of cancer. That’s why, in recent years, more and more people have decided that they want a healthier alternative to alcohol. And this is exactly what BRĒZ Lemon Elderflower social tonics were designed for. These innovative drinks help you achieve the perfect mix of euphoria and relaxation without the dreaded hangover, so you can enjoy an epic night with friends and actually wake up feeling refreshed. Sounds pretty great, right? Well, let’s dig deeper into what makes this drink so unique. The rise of non-alcoholic social beveragesIn recent years, non-alcoholic beverages have surged in popularity as more people prioritize their health and wellness. This shift reflects a broader societal trend towards mindful living, where consumers seek out products that enhance their lifestyle without compromising their well-being. According to market research, the global non-alcoholic beverage market is expected to reach $1.6 trillion by 2026, driven by increasing demand for healthier alternatives to traditional alcoholic drinks. BRĒZ Lemon Elderflower social tonics stand at the forefront of this movement. Combining the uplifting effects of THC and CBD with the cognitive benefits of Lion's Mane, BRĒZ offers a unique, sophisticated alternative for those looking to enjoy social occasions without the negative side effects of alcohol. This innovative approach not only caters to the health-conscious but also provides a refreshing experience that aligns with the growing trend towards sustainable and mindful consumption. As more people turn away from alcohol, BRĒZ is leading the charge in redefining how we socialize.The science behind BRĒZ Lemon ElderflowerBRĒZ Lemon Elderflower social tonics are crafted with a carefully balanced blend of 2.5mg THC, 5mg CBD, and 1600mg Lion's Mane. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in delivering the drink's unique effects. THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is known for its euphoric properties, while CBD (cannabidiol) offers calming and anti-inflammatory benefits. Lion's Mane, meanwhile, is a powerful mushroom extract that supports cognitive function and mental clarity. The combination of ingredients in BRĒZ works synergistically to create a sense of euphoria and relaxation. The microdosed THC ensures a controlled, enjoyable experience without overwhelming the user with anxiety or paranoia. And unlike traditional edibles that can take hours to kick in, BRĒZ is formulated for rapid-absorption, so effects to be felt within minutes, which leads to less overconsumption.Why BRĒZ is the healthier choiceUnlike alcoholic beverages, BRĒZ Lemon Elderflower social tonics offer numerous health benefits without the negative side effects. Alcohol causes dehydration, liver damage, and hangovers, which can ruin your next day. It has also been linked to more serious long-term health problems such as insomnia, high blood pressure, and increased risk of cancer. In contrast, BRĒZ combines scientifically formulated microdoses of THC, CBD, and Lion's Mane to provide a sense of euphoria and relaxation without the unpleasant side effects. It should also be noted that BRĒZ isn’t just better for you. Because it is crafted with ingredients that are both natural and sustainable, this drink is also better for the planet. And consumers who want to know exactly what they are putting in their body can rest easy, because BRĒZ undergoes rigorous third-party testing to ensure safety, quality, and potency. Parties Without Regrets BRĒZ Lemon Elderflower social tonics offer a refreshing taste, numerous health benefits, and a balanced blend of euphoria and relaxation. As such, it’s a perfect NA option for a variety of social activities, from lively parties, to intimate gatherings, and even quiet evenings at home. It’s specifically designed to help you unwind and enjoy yourself without having to worry how you’ll get through the next day. Ready to experience the revolution in social drinking for yourself? Visit BRĒZ's website to purchase BRĒZ Lemon Elderflower and see why so many are choosing BRĒZ as their go-to social tonic.

A true talent. The post The five best songs Paul McCartney gave away first appeared on Far Out Magazine.

A real look at America. The post The Bob Dylan albums Bruce Springsteen called definitive: “A version of my country” first appeared on Far Out Magazine.

Find out what made Bruce Springsteen so rich.

You may already know the five mother sauces, but have you ever heard of the man who's said to have fathered chasseur sauce? Some might call him a pope of sorts.

A lot of times it's the little acts of kindness people do that stick with strangers long after an encounter happens. That is certainly the case for one family in the U.K. who had a sweet and memorable experience with the builder who was responsible for installing their new patio. Some days you just need a feel-good story to remind you that there are always kind people out there. A mom in the U.K. Source

Dorothy: MUD “Our first single off this record (no release date set) is an amalgamation of Hard Rock, Metal, and Country tied together with a trap beat and spicy, heavily layered vocals. It was also my first time attempting a scream” stated Dorothy (pictured above). Flat Black: A Bit Of Lightning The band was formed by ex-Five Finger Death Punch guitarist Jason Hook. The track is from their debut album, “Dark Side Of The Brain,” which just dropped. Fever 333: Higher Power The song’s chorus reinforces the message of empowerment and unity and calls for recognition of the contributions of Back, Bown and Asian people to the nation.   ### The post New Music: Dorothy, Flat Black & Fever 333 appeared first on RockinTown.