Fetch vs. Ibotta: Which Grocery Cash Back App is Better?

They say there’s no such thing as a free lunch — but with grocery cash back apps like Fetch and Ibotta, you can at least get a discount!  I’ve been using Fetch for a couple years; awhile back, I tried Ibotta but didn’t love it.  Recently, I tried it again and it’s going a lot… Continue reading Fetch vs. Ibotta: Which Grocery Cash Back App is Better?

AltCtrlToob: What Is Best In Life? Doom Metal and Pizza

This edition of AltCtrlToob features a few of my favorite things: doom metal and pizza — and documentaries! Thanks to a heads-up from a member of the New England Stoner and Doom Music Facebook group, I checked out The Doom Doc the other day.  This chronicle of Sheffield, UK’s underground doom scene has been several years… Continue reading AltCtrlToob: What Is Best In Life? Doom Metal and Pizza

#UnoccupyTheMall, 2017 Edition

It’s the most wonderful time of the year again, where we all run around like decapitated chickens trying to find the perfect gifts for our family and friends.  Don’t know where to start?  Check out these unique and often local gift suggestions from Vanessa, Lisa, and Jessie: Vanessa Wolf Conservation Center in South Salem, NY… Continue reading #UnoccupyTheMall, 2017 Edition

Bacon Fest, The Trilogy: An Interview with Eric Iocca (and TICKET GIVEAWAY)

This Sunday, I sat down with Eric Iocca to talk about the third year of his big show, Bacon Fest.  The 2017 incarnation will be on Saturday, June 3rd at Cherry Street Station in Wallingford, CT.  Doors open at 2pm, with the cooking contest at 2:30 and bands starting at 3.  Two hundred pounds of… Continue reading Bacon Fest, The Trilogy: An Interview with Eric Iocca (and TICKET GIVEAWAY)

#BeeTheScene: A Visit to Red Bee Honey

As some promoter in Massachusetts once said: “Support the scene.  Be the scene.” Alternative Control sure was bee-ing the scene on Sunday, as myself and some other Connecticut bloggers visited the Weston apiary Red Bee Honey.  You might wonder why a heavy metal blog is covering a bee farm.  It turns out that bees are… Continue reading #BeeTheScene: A Visit to Red Bee Honey

Bacon Chocolate Chip Cookies

I didn’t win the Bacon Fest recipe contest, but the cookies came out pretty damn good!  For anyone who is interested, here is how you can make them yourself:   Bacon Chocolate Chip Cookies Makes approx. 32 cookies   Ingredients 1/2 cup butter (1 stick) 1/2 cup plain vegetable shortening 1 cup white sugar 1/2… Continue reading Bacon Chocolate Chip Cookies

Allagash Black Beef Stew With Kale

  Adapted from Trisha Yearwood’s Slow-Cooker Stout Beef Stew This hearty beef and stout stew is perfect for St. Patrick’s Day… Or any other day that the temperature is below 65 degrees.  Some might consider cooking with Allagash a waste of fancy beer.  Not so!  My Grandma Fran always said never to cook with wine… Continue reading Allagash Black Beef Stew With Kale