New York City Officially Outlaws Height & Weight Discrimination

New York City mayor Eric Adams officially signed into law on Friday a ban on discrimination in New York City based on a person’s weight. This new law adds weight and height to the list of characteristics that are protected from discrimination, along with race, gender, age, religion, and sexual orientation, and will apply to employment, housing, and access to public accommodations.

"It shouldn't matter how tall you are, or how much you weigh, when you're looking for a job, when you're out on our town, or you are trying to get some form of accommodation or an apartment to rent, you should not be treated differently," said Adams in a signing ceremony.

The decision to put this into law has been a long time coming for years. Only know has the government finally listened to their fellow citizens.

Many New Yorkers have testified at a City Council hearing earlier this year about being discriminated against because of their weight. A student at New York University said that desks in classrooms were too small for her. A soprano at the Metropolitan Opera said she had faced body shaming and pressure to develop an eating disorder.

Public figures have expressed their support of this new law.

Tigress Osborn, chair of the National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance, said New York City's new law could help spur similar legislation worldwide. 

"We all know New York is the global city, and this will ripple across the globe in terms of showing to people, all over the world, that discrimination against people based on their body size is wrong and is something that we can change," said Osborn, who led a rally earlier this year to push for the bill to become law. "We can't legislate attitudes, but we can do everything that's in our power to ensure that people are treated equally," 

New York City Council Member Shaun Abreu, who sponsored the legislation, said the first rallies to end height and weight discrimination took place over 50 years ago in Central Park. 

"This is a new day in New York City and I couldn't be more grateful," said Abreu.

The new city law set to take effect in 180 days.

I Ate Burger King's Spider-Verse Whopper: A Review

As a die-hard fan of Burger King, I had to partake in this recently released menu item. Knowing that my favorite color combinations are red and black, seeing this picture of the Spider-verse Whopper instantly caught my eye. So when I stepped outside and walked past my favorite place, my curiosity went into overdrive as soon as I saw the picture again. I would write a journalism piece on this story anyway, but I'm giving you a review instead.

First, here is a little backstory.

To celebrate the upcoming premiere of the upcoming movie "Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse," the fast food chain Burger King decided to collaborate with the Spider-Man film ahead of its June 2 release with the release of a new burger, which will feature a red bun with black sesame seeds. The Whopper draws inspiration from the suit Miles Morales wears in the film.  The “Spider-Verse” Whopper is a cross-promotional version of Burger King’s flagship offering, the Whopper, with a flame-grilled burger patty, swiss cheese, tomatoes, lettuce, onions, pickles, mayonnaise, and ketchup.

I paid the estimated $13, picked up my order, got inside, and took the first bite. I was actually quite impressed by what I was tasting. The patty was grilled to a stable condition. My main focus was wondering how the bun tasted. I see black sesame seeds sold in grocery stores, but I never actually taste them. 

Imagine my surprise when my tongue was in true ecstasy by how soft and addictive the bun alone was. My favorite item on the menu is a double cheeseburger. I don't know if it's the black sesame seeds or that it's a different kind of bun, but I was absolutely impressed by the bun's softness. It was addictive.

My only complaint was how soggy it was on the inside. I don't know how you like your burgers, but for me personally, I don't like my bread wet. They went crazy on the mayonnaise, causing it to drip down to my second hand. Thank God I had my bamboo napkins right next to me. Also, there are close to five large slices of tomatoes in there. I could barely get to the meet. I finished it to the best of my ability, for all I wanted to do was lay in bed.

I reminded myself why I don't order Whoppers anymore. They're too heavy. If I had to give it a 5-star rating, I'd give it 3 out of 5 stars. The design and taste look close to the picture, but if you want to get more of the meat from the burger, I'd ask them to go less or lay off on the mayo and tomatoes. You won't be disappointed.

From May 15 through June 21, customers can enjoy the “Spider-Verse” whopper in a variety of different combinations, including whoppers with bacon on them, the chain said in a news release. 

New York City Will Have Its First Professional Soccer Stadium In 2027

When it comes to sports it looks like the Big Apple is about to create a home base for the #1 sport in the world. Soccer, or in other names in certain places, football.

New York City FC has released photos of the newly planned $780 million, 25,000-seat soccer-specific stadium that will be placed in Queens. But that's not the only thing the city has planned for its citizens. In addition to the $780 million stadium, the plans are set to include 40,000 square feet of public open space, a school, a hotel, and ground-floor retail shops in the Willets Point neighborhood, according to the New York Club.

When it comes to $780 million there better be some sort of benefits to be nearing a location that is going to have consistent soccer games.

To me, this comes as a bit of a surprise. When it comes to soccer the number of fans these players have is limitless. I first experienced that when I first moved to New York City. It was the middle of summer during my third year residing in the Big Apple. It was around the afternoon when I was finishing another brand ambassador gig, and I felt like shopping at Jack's World, the popular 99 Cents store near Penn Station.

On the way to the train station, I happened to notice that every bar and restaurant was crowded with people. They were screaming to the top of their lungs like they were at a rock concert or something. I took a look inside the restaurants and saw that everyone had their eyes glued to the television watching the soccer game. That's when I knew soccer has an international fan base.

When this stadium is built and open to the public in the next four years, I wouldn't be surprised to see a large number of people. The main question is which two teams will be the first ones to have a match there. This is going to be the beginning of a huge thing. A part of me wants to do everything in my power to go to the first soccer game that's ever going to be held there. That'll be a good permanent thing in my journal.

In the meantime, I will be keeping up with the news regarding the process of building this future stadium. I'm sure when it's released, it's going to be a major blast.

Burger King Will Be Closing 400 Locations By End Of 2023

I think I'm going to have a heart attack. On a personal level, I'm so sad to discover that my favorite fast food restaurant of all time will be closing it doors at such a alarming number.

This week, the CEO of Restaurant Brands International Inc., which owns Burger King, said they are preparing to close between 300 and 400 locations.

The CEO, Joshua Kobza, said in a call announcing Q1 earnings results, that the company "historically" closes "a couple hundred" Burger King restaurants each year. Kobza said in the call that the company plans to focus on working with smaller franchisees to "improve the overall health" of the company's franchise system.

So far this year, several Burger King franchisees have filed for bankruptcy: Illinois-based Toms King, Michigan-based EYM King, and Utah-based Meridian Restaurants Unlimited. 124 Burger Kings have already shuttered this year, bringing the total number in the United States to fewer than 7,000. The company didn't list which locations would be closed or gave a specific timeline of the closing prices. Despite the store closures, Burger King U.S. reported sales rose by 8.7%.

I find this a major disappointment as an avid Burger King customer. On a rainy day when I don't feel like cooking, I always stop by Burger King to get my traditional order; double cheeseburger with large fries, chicken fries, and a large root beer. When I learned that Burger King is giving out awards points just like the others, best believe that I downloaded it. Now to hear that this chain is closing down at dangerous rate. I'm disappointed.

If there is a way to save Burger King, please let me know or I'll do it myself.

McDonald's Wants To Bring Back The McPizza, It's #1 Menu Disaster

There are times when I wish fast food industries have learned their lessons from their menu disasters, and never plan to bring them back. But it looks like some industries aren't listening to us and are deciding to take another crazy risk. This restaurant is bringing back one past menu item to modern day that back in the past caused a major problem.

It's the McDonald's McPizza. You're free to watch the entire video below, but to spare you the time, you can already go up to #1.

Here is the main reason why the McPizza was a financial disaster and the ranked #1 for one of the worst mistakes that the fast food restaurant.  A line of personal-sized pizzas was first seen in the late 1970s in test-market stores near interstate highways around Milwaukee and Madison. The pizzas weren't introduced to North America until 1991. At that time, the McDonald's test markets for pizza had grown to over 500 McDonald's locations before the pizza test was placed on hold.

Unfortunately, the McPizza was discontinued in most restaurants by 1999. The main reason for eliminating pizza from the menu was that it took 15 minutes to cook a pizza, and McDonald's wanted to keep its reputation for fast service. In many cases, it makes sense. When people go to fast food restaurants they want it fast and they want to dine or go. Waiting is no longer in most human's mental state.

In November 2020, only the largest U.S. McDonald's, in Orlando, Florida, features pizza, pasta, and Belgian waffles.

In my personal opinion, there is no way this is going to sell well in NYC. In the Big Apple, we're linked to various pizza joints. When it comes to pizza McDonald's isn't the first place we think about to get pizza. Shut down this idea.

Disney Plus & Hulu Set To Be Combined And Become One Streaming Service

To be more specific, the streaming service Hulu is being pulled tighter in Disney Plus, and by the end of the month will become one.

CEO Bob Iger said the company will soon launch a “one-app experience” in the U.S. that incorporates Hulu content into Disney+. The new combined offering will launch by the end of 2023, available to customers who subscribe to both streaming services, he said.

“While we will continue to offer Disney+, Hulu and ESPN+ as standalone options, this is a logical progression of our [direct-to-consumer] offerings that will provide greater opportunities for advertisers while giving bundle subscribers access to more robust and streamlined content, resulting in greater audience engagement and ultimately leading to a more unified streaming experience,” Iger said.

Iger also said that Disney intends to raise the price of the regular ad-free Disney+ tier (currently $10.99/month on a standalone basis) and moderately increase the price of the ad-supported plan (which is $7.99/month). In the U.S., the company increase the price of Disney+ without ads in December 2022 by $3, when it introduced the ad tier at the lower price point.

A part of it makes sense. Hulu has particular subscription options that includes Disney+ as well as live TV. So it shouldn't be a total surprise that those two decide to combine one another. Not only that, it's not the first time two streaming services decided to combine and become one. HBO Max and Discovery + will soon become just "Max" starting at the end of May this year.

Looks like digital changes are continuing to happen this year.

Biga Bites' 10-Feet Long Pizza - Binge or Blow

There are many things in the world that deserves the title "the bigger the better." Here in Manhattan, I made another discovery and this one deserves it. I want to personally thank Instagram for sharing this to the public. 

We all love pizza. Sometimes, we even like more than one type. It wouldn't be so awesome to have all of our people together. Then come to Biga Bites over in NYC. This restaurant provides groups of people with their selection of what type of pizza they want to consume. Along with selling individual pies for anyone's personal taste, what makes this restaurant stand out is the ten-foot-long pizza that contains whole or different types of pizza that people want.

This is an awesome way to get people together. What better way to enjoy our pizza than to come to a location where once the entire platter is set on the table, everyone is able to eat without waiting. Have a glass of drink, grab a slice, put it on your plate, and got nuts. In between, have excellent conversations with your friends. After all, Italian-style family dining, metaphorically and literally, is always the best thing.

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Here is why Biga Bites stands out the most from all the pizza joints in New York City. As stated on the website:

"FIRST THINGS FIRST, WE ARE THE ONE AND ONLY IN THE WORLD TO MAKE PIZZA UP TO 10 FEET LONG!"

That alone would make people want to come over and expand their lives spontaneously, even if it is just a few minutes with a good slice of pizza. The restaurant accepts walk-ins, but they highly recommend you make a reservation, that way a table will be greatly reserved for you and your people. I find that a great idea. By the way, don't BYOB. If you bring your own open bottle to this restaurant, you'll be charged $25.

In conclusion, would you binge or blow on this pizza extravaganza? 

Arby's Curly Fries Voted #1 For Best Fast-Food Restaurant Fries

In the middle of my research, I came across this article that was ranking the best french fries that are served at fast food restaurants. A part of me went into deep shock to discover that the restaurant that was chosen was Arby's.

Arby's curly fry batter is made from a mixture of water, garlic, onion, salt, and other spices. Once thoroughly coated, the seasoned fries are treated to a 30-second bath in 375-degree oil before they're frozen and shipped off to Arby's restaurants where they are fully cooked to order. More specifically, gloriously coiled potato fragments bathed in some nuclear-orange spice concoction that boldly states "It's time for your taste buds to party." 

No other fries manage to so consistently steal the show from the rest of the menu. Top them with a combo of Arby's Sauce and Horsey Sauce and you may see the face of God. I, myself, am a little shocked to read this news. I was expecting McDonald's iconic fries to be #1. After all, everyone I know can't get enough of them. I'm a die-hard Burger King lover of the entire menu, but McDonald's fries are admittingly better than them. Now to hear that I know that Arby's combination of fries and onion rings, it makes me wonder now.

What do you think?

La Palma's 100-Layer Lasagna - Binge or Blow?

We all love lasagna, but how many layers can you stomach? How about 100 layers? If you're up for the challenge, then take a ride to Toronto and stop by La Palma. Once you sit down and this meal is placed on your table, get ready for an Italian explosion in your mouth.

La Palma is well known as an intriguing lunch spot during the day and transforms into an elegant, out-of-this-world restaurant with polished cocktails at night. They also serve brunch, and it is very clear that La Palma wants to bring a cool, balmy, and sexy Californian vibe to Toronto's buzzing city. One of their most well-known and well-respected dishes is their 1000-layer lasagna.

At the cost of $24, the lasagna is not only beautifully presented, with a crispy torched parmesan crust overtop garnished with fresh basil, but with every bite, the lasagna delivers a soft crunch on every single layer. This recipe is actually based on the owner's nonna's recipe: rested overnight, then fried in butter and olive oil to get a crispy crust on the edges. It is said to be truly delectable. 

If you want to know how this is made, feel free to watch it above. In conclusion, would you binge on this lasagna or blow the stand altogether?

La Palma is located at 849 Dundas St .W. in Toronto.

500 Pounds Of Pasta Mysteriously Dumped In New Jersey Woods

 

There are things in the world that I will never understand when it comes to our world. This is another addition to these tales.

On April 28th, regular individuals in the New Jersey area took a look at the woods and discovered a colossal amount of pasta dumped next to the streams by Hilliard and Mimi roads The crazy part is the township did not receive any calls or reports from any residents after discovering this massive dump. The way the world found out about this was through a Facebook post. Once the news became public, The Department of Public Works went to the site and found what appeared to be 15 wheelbarrow loads of illegally dumped pasta along a creek in a residential neighborhood, Shah said in a statement.

It's not clear how the pasta got there or where it came from. Some cooks speculate that maybe someone bought too much for a nonprofit's fundraising dinner. Even though pasta is easy to cook for your family, friends, and social gatherings as long as the number is less than 10, it's very difficult when you're making it for dozens and even hundreds of people in one day. 

Another speculation is that it was a high school senior class prank to end all pranks. I truly hope it's not the latter.

Whatever happened or why this occurred, I'm calling this an unnecessary and uncanny addition to society. This is a waste of food and an invitation to expose the world to more bacteria. Let's do well for our environment and our lives by staying clean. Things like these are so uncalled for.

Disney Releases New Lightsaber Churros to Celebrate Star Wars Day

Even though The Mandalorian might be done with its current season, there is a piece of Star Wars that we're going to be to sink our teeth into. I literally mean that. The national day commemorating Star Wars will be happening on May 4th. As part of the celebration, the franchise is giving us a little treat to eat and play with when you get the chance to step into Disneyland.

Introducing the new Lightsaber Churros.

Lightsaber Churros are red and blue varieties of the treat. Unlike other specialty churros, these don’t have a different flavor but are recolored for the “blade” of the lightsaber. So if you like the classic cinnamon and sugar snack, you’ll love these Star Wars-themed churros! In Disney’s Hollywood Studios, guests can grab these in a lightsaber hilt for some excellent photo ops! Unfortunately, the hilt gets a little too greasy to take home.

Although these churros are going to be available exclusively at Disneyland, it doesn't mean you can't have them at home. Here is a fellow YouTuber who shares the recipe on how to make this delicious snack. You can also watch the secondary video where people went to Disneyland and shared their experiences trying out these churros. May the force be with you and let it satisfy your hunger.

Bread & Butter Pizza - Binge or Blow?

 

When I first heard the name of this item my first assumption was that the Bread & Butter food chain was back in business. Instead, I came across something different and seemingly more delicious. Here is a combination of using two different ingredients. If you like pizza and butter bread separately, try them all together at once.

Here is the link. Would you binge or blow on bread and butter pizza, a spontaneous appetizer?