Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Joe Benson
Hockey season is back.
The puck drops on the 26-27 season this Friday. Christmas is coming early this year. The 2026-27 AHL season opens this Friday, October 2nd, a whole week earlier than last season. It feels like it was just the other day that our front office staff was working our annual golf outing — now the ice is down and primed for carving.
The Complete Collection on Protective Intelligence
Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings. If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.
Perspectives on the Shinzo Abe Assassination
Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings. If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.
You Don't Only See 26 Friends on Facebook
You've probably seen the post from a friend in your Facebook feed. I know I've seen it at least a half dozen times. It talks about how a new Facebook algorithm is only showing you 26 of your friends. It goes on to ask you to like and comment on the post, and then, supposedly you'll show up in the poster's feed more. Not true. Snopes originally debunked this back in December.
Florida Woman Defends Decision to Dunk Toddler's Head in Toilet
A mother in Leesburg, Florida is defending herself against criticism and death threats after a video of her dunking her 3-year-old son's head in a toilet went viral. Kaitlyn Wolf says that her son used profanity and she was initially going to wash out his mouth with soap and water. Then she decided to discipline him in a different way. Holding him upside down, Wolf repeated dunked the toddler's head into a toilet. "It was a joke between the three of us. My sons and I horseplay rough," she told WFTV .
Vinnie Vincent Headed for 'More Legal Problems'
If you ask Gene Simmons , former Kiss guitarist Vinnie Vincent is "his own worst enemy." Commenting on Vincent's recent Kiss-related trademark applications, Simmons declared that his former bandmate was "about to get into some more legal problems, because he tried to trademark the makeup and to trademark 'Vinnie Vincent Kiss', the logo." With Vincent about to play his first show in three decades, the trademark applications suggest that he's possibly planning to put together a new band to play...
‘Last Time I Make Out With Bono'
Dave Grohl made a lighthearted reference to U2 singer Bono after the Foo Fighters were forced to reschedule two shows on their tour in support of their latest album Concrete and Gold . Soon after Bono had to abandon a U2 concert after five songs because he’d lost his voice , Grohl suffered a similar issue during a Foo Fighters show. “After opening this leg of the tour Sept. 1 at Safeco Field in Seattle, Dave Grohl suffered a loss of voice and is now on vocal rest,” the band said in a statement.
Drinking Raw Quail Eggs In Amarillo Is Better Than Expected
On my recent trip to RyKen Media , I was told about a specialty drink you can order at most sushi joints. It contains sake, loose greens, and raw quail eggs. They call it...Quail Egg Shooters. Digging online I found some people claiming quail egg shooters are delicious and have incredible health benefits. I can hit myself in the face with a hammer and claim it has health benefits; it doesn't make it true. At Rain Premiere Sushi Bar & Lounge downtown, they serve quail egg shooters during happy hour.
Students Pull Off Impressive McDonald's Poster Prank
When a couple of University of Houston students saw some blank wall space in a McDonald's, they took matters into their own hands.The pair created a very convincing ad for the restaurant featuring themselves as the models. They had their photo blown up, then they dressed as McDonald's employees to hang the poster. Seven weeks after the caper, they returned to find the ad still where they placed it.
Paul McCartney ‘Saw God’ While Taking Drugs
Paul McCartney recalled the time be believes he “saw God” while under the influence of drugs during the height of the Beatles ’ fame in the ‘60s, and described it the experience as a “clue” to his spirituality. He was in the company of several other people when they took the hallucinogen dimethyltryptamine (DMT). “There was the gallery owner Robert Fraser, me, a couple of others,” McCartney told the Times in a new interview. “We were immediately nailed to the sofa.
Stevie Ray Vaughan's Childhood Home Sells for Less Than $160K
Stevie Ray Vaughan 's childhood home in Dallas, recently sold for a song. That the legendary guitarist grew up in the home mattered little to the buyers, who purchased it for less than the $159,900 asking price. Although the exact price is unknown at this time, Realtor , who called it "wonderful," notes that it fell in the $140,000-$160,000 range.
This New Drink Will Supposedly Put You to Sleep in 30 Minutes
I think it's safe to say that we could all use some help sleeping better at night. There's a new drink on the market that might be worth a try. It's called Som Sleep and will apparently it put you to sleep in 30 minutes or less. The drink is berry flavored and is packed with a bunch of different vitamins and supplements in it that are supposed to relax you and help you fall right asleep.
Doctors Invent New Tool to Remove 23-Inch Sex Toy From Man
Imagine screwing up so hard that doctors have to invent a new tool just to remove something from your colon. A 31-year-old man went to a hospital in Niguarda, Italy because he had accidentally lodged a 23-inch-long sex toy stuck inside his rectum. He had apparently tried to remove it himself the day prior and had no luck, so he went to the experts. X-rays showed the "long and large-sized" object inside the man's colon, but doctors were at a loss as to how to remove it.
The 2018 Amarillo Tri-State Fair September 14th - 22nd
The Amarillo Tri-State Fair celebrates their 95th anniversary this year. For 95 years people of the Texas Panhandle and their families have been enjoying the good times and great memories of the Tri-State Fair and Rodeo. This is one of the events that people save up for and look forward to each and every single year. The food, the rides, the concerts and more. So are you ready for the Amarillo Tri-State Fair? Here's the great deals you can get this year.
Paul McCartney ‘Saw God’ While Taking Drugs
Paul McCartney recalled the time be believes he “saw God” while under the influence of drugs during the height of the Beatles ’ fame in the ‘60s, and described it the experience as a “clue” to his spirituality. He was in the company of several other people when they took the hallucinogen dimethyltryptamine (DMT). “There was the gallery owner Robert Fraser, me, a couple of others,” McCartney told the Times in a new interview. “We were immediately nailed to the sofa.
The Scorpions Say 'Hello' to Lemmy Each Night
Ever since former Motorhead drummer Mikkey Dee joined the Scorpions almost two years ago, the group have been covering "Overkill" live in concert as a tribute to Lemmy Kilmister . As founding guitarist Rudolf Schenker tells us, their friendship goes back to the earliest days of Motorhead. "Somehow we were always crossing each other's paths," he remembers. "We played together on stage in big festivals.
Vinnie Vincent Headed for 'More Legal Problems'
If you ask Gene Simmons , former Kiss guitarist Vinnie Vincent is "his own worst enemy." Commenting on Vincent's recent Kiss-related trademark applications, Simmons declared that his former bandmate was "about to get into some more legal problems, because he tried to trademark the makeup and to trademark 'Vinnie Vincent Kiss', the logo." With Vincent about to play his first show in three decades, the trademark applications suggest that he's possibly planning to put together a new band to play...
The Scorpions Say 'Hello' to Lemmy Each Night
Ever since former Motorhead drummer Mikkey Dee joined the Scorpions almost two years ago, the group have been covering "Overkill" live in concert as a tribute to Lemmy Kilmister . As founding guitarist Rudolf Schenker tells us, their friendship goes back to the earliest days of Motorhead. "Somehow we were always crossing each other's paths," he remembers. "We played together on stage in big festivals.
Paul McCartney ‘Saw God’ While Taking Drugs
Paul McCartney recalled the time be believes he “saw God” while under the influence of drugs during the height of the Beatles ’ fame in the ‘60s, and described it the experience as a “clue” to his spirituality. He was in the company of several other people when they took the hallucinogen dimethyltryptamine (DMT). “There was the gallery owner Robert Fraser, me, a couple of others,” McCartney told the Times in a new interview. “We were immediately nailed to the sofa.
Watch Gene Simmons and Ace Frehley Perform Kiss Tracks Together
Gene Simmons and Ace Frehley ’s Australian tour includes a number of songs Kiss have never or rarely played live, set lists have revealed. The shows also see the former colleagues performing together, and opportunities for those who’d bought Simmons’s Vault box set to hit the stage and join in. Frehley’s performance included “Rocket Ride” and “Hard Times,” which Kiss never played on tour, and “Strange Ways,” which they’ve played only five times.
Friends of the Amarillo Public Library Book Sale Returns for Fall
If you love to read and you love the feel of an actual book in your hand, then mark your calendars for this weekend. The Friends of the Amarillo Public Library Book Sale returns for Fall. Friends of the Amarillo Public Library is having their book sale Friday September 7th - Sunday, September 9th. How this works is you fill a brown paper bag with as many books as you can for only $7.50 a bag or 3 bags for $20. That's right, just $7.50 and you can expand your library. This is a Friends only night.
Win a Trip to Arlington to See the Texas Rangers
It's time to getaway to watch a MLB baseball game before the season is over. We have your chance to win a for two to Arlington to see the Texas Rangers.Tickets to see a home game with the Texas RangersArlington CVB/Kelly Gavin_Texas Rangers A tour for 2 of Global Life ParkPhoto Courtesy: Arlington CVBPhoto Courtesy: Arlington CVB
Watch Gene Simmons and Ace Frehley Perform Kiss Tracks Together
Gene Simmons and Ace Frehley ’s Australian tour includes a number of songs Kiss have never or rarely played live, set lists have revealed. The shows also see the former colleagues performing together, and opportunities for those who’d bought Simmons’s Vault box set to hit the stage and join in. Frehley’s performance included “Rocket Ride” and “Hard Times,” which Kiss never played on tour, and “Strange Ways,” which they’ve played only five times.
Watch Robby Krieger Guest with Alice in Chains
The Doors guitarist Robby Krieger made a guest appearance with Alice in Chains during the band’s show at the Hollywood Palladium last week. They’re currently touring in support of latest album Rainier Fog , which was released on Aug. 24.
Watch Billy Gibbons' Lyric Video for 'Standing Around Crying'
Billy Gibbons has given us another taste of his upcoming album, The Big Bad Blues . You can watch the lyric video for "Standing Around Crying" below. The Muddy Waters cover is an exclusive premiere. "When we decided that our next solo album would focus on the blues ...
JJ Smith & Tom McGuire Return to 97X
All weekend long you'll hear stories from previous 97X DJ's (97ex?). Stories from the old KSTT building and here in the Rock & Roll Mansion. We stand on the shoulders of giants and we praise those giants all weekend long here on 97X
2018 Xtream Rock Island Grand Prix Happens This Weekend
While you're down at the 97XLP release party tonight or the Cinderella's Tom Keifer show Saturday...you may be down in RI all weekend long. The 2018 Xtream Rock Island Grand Prix is happening tomorrow and Sunday through the city streets of Rock Island. The Rock Island Grand Prix combines the thrill of professional racing with the energy of a District festival event weekend in the heart of the community. Best of all, it’s all free family entertainment.
Saturday Night Local Music on MDR
Local Music Reigns on Miner Disturbance Radio every Saturday Night!Listen every Saturday at 8pm when Brian Miner gives you a behind the scenes look at the Quad Cities rock scene!Interviews with your favorite local bands and all the best music made right here in the QCA.Plus, the top 3 local hits which you can vote for on their Facebook group. Vote now & make your voice heardEvery Saturday night at 8...right before Dee Snider's House of Hair!
Night Jam with The Ruffians
Midweek Let's Freak! It's that special time of the week to celebrate QC music and community. The Channels Cats are excited to have feature artist #61 The Ruffians for this week's slot; rocking your face off. Come sign up on the list to perform!NO COVER and FREE FOOD! 8pm-12am All GENRES, solo, duo, band, and jammers welcome drums, perc, keys, mics, guitar and bass amps providedLooking to get a feature set? PM The Channel CatsWednesday at Bent River Brewing Co in Rock Island!
Watch Billy Gibbons' Lyric Video for 'Standing Around Crying'
Billy Gibbons has given us another taste of his upcoming album, The Big Bad Blues . You can watch the lyric video for "Standing Around Crying" below. The Muddy Waters cover is an exclusive premiere. "When we decided that our next solo album would focus on the blues ...
Bettendorf Mayor Proclaims September 1st as 97X Day
Nothing like a proclamation from the mayor to make us really feel the love. In celebration of our 40th year on the air, the mayor of Bettendorf just declared that tomorrow, September 1st, is 97X Day! We spoke with Mayor Bob Gallagher this morning and he sent us the proclamation from his office. Here's what he had to say: 97X, WXLP is celebrating 40 years on the air in the Quad Cities; and in the past century, radio stations have changed the way we think about the world.
This Slayer/Bangles Mashup is Just What Your Friday Needs
This is the type of song mashup that has one genre reaching across the aisle to shake the hand of a completely different style of music.Some musical genius on YouTube spliced together The Bangles' biggest hit "Walk Like An Egyptian" and Slayer's heavy classic "Angel of Death." I know what you're thinking, "Does 80s pop and thrash metal really go together?" I'm here to say yes, yes it does.Give it a listen for yourself:
APD Officer Involved Shooting Responding To Burglary Alarm
Early this morning APD officers were dispatched to the area of 34th and Western on a burglary alarm. A male was walking away from the area. Officers found he had a parole warrant for his arrest. The suspect then ran from officers, a Taser was deployed to stop the suspect but it was unsuccessful. The suspect pulled a gun and fired at officers hitting an officer in the foot. APD returned fire which hit the suspect.
Paul McCartney is Coming to The Quad Cities in 2019
Just announced this morning: Paul McCartney is bringing the Freshen Up U.S. Tour to the TaxSlayer Center in Moline! The show will be on Tuesday, June 11th and tickets go on sale on September 7th at 10 A.M. This show is going to be HUGE! Paul McCartney of course started Beatles and had continued success in his solo career. Expect his set list to be filled with tunes that everyone will know and sing along to. This will be the former Beatle's first visit to the TaxSlayer Center.
Check Out The Swag a Big Ten Marching Band Member Gets
As my eldest daughter starts her sophomore year at the University of Iowa, she'll be taking the field as a member of the Hawkeye Marching Band. Here's something I didn't know about the Big Ten marching bands: they get the same star treatment as the football team. Mallory sent me some photos of the sweet Hawkeyes swag she got for being in the band. If you've ever been to the Hawk Shop, you know how pricey those branded t-shirts and hats can get.
Mother Discovers Kid's Phone Number Used to Belong to Prostitute
Here's another reason to think twice before buying your kid their first cell phone. A mom in North Dakota recently saw some very inappropriate texts come through on her daughter's new phone. Julie Zimny has three kids who are all under the age of 12 and she bought a cell phone for them to use in the house.
The Green Bay Packers to Serve Bratwurst Covered in Cheese Curds
There might not be any one food item that does a better job at summarizing an entire state than this. The Green Bay Packers just revealed the new foods they're going to be selling at their stadium this year. While they've got the stuff we now expect, like a pizza box full of nachos, and bacon-wrapped hot dogs, there's one big standout. It's a bratwurst, covered in melted cheese curds with beer mustard on top.
These States Are the Most Excited For Pumpkin Spice Lattes
Starbucks rolled out its Pumpkin Spice Lattes the other day. Even though it's technically summer, that's not stopping people from sucking down pumpkin-flavored sugar coffee. The Daring Kitchen analyzed 100,000 tweets from the day the PSL was released to figure out which states were the most obsessed with Pumpkin Spice Lattes. Tennessee dominated with 41% of the state's tweets being about the drink, which seems impossibly high. West Virginia came in second, at just 6%.
Listen to Paul Simon’s New Album ‘In the Blue Light’
Paul Simon 's new album In the Blue Light is now streaming in full at NPR . He also released a video for the track “Rene and Georgette Magritte With Their Dog After the War." The LP will be released on Sept. 7, two weeks before he plays his farewell concert in New York on Sept. 22. In the Blue Light consists of deep cuts from Simon’s past which he wanted to revisit. “It's unusual for an artist to have a second shot at fixing the original work,” he said in a recent interview.
Police Really Do Give More Tickets at the End of the Month
Drive carefully today, because the cops are really hoping they catch you doing 36 in a 35 like the hardened criminal you are.According to a new study, cops really do give more tickets out toward the end of a month. The most common tickets they give out are speeding tickets and license or registration violations.Here are the top five days in an average month when cops issue the most tickets: The 31st. The 30th. The 1st. The 28th. The 29th.
15 Most Influential Bands of All Time
This Loud List is dedicated to the artists who carved the path for generations of awesome acts. If these 15 bands never existed, the rock and metal landscape wouldn’t be as diverse, colorful, imaginative or impactful. In fact, it might not exist at all. So we offer our undying appreciation to these legends. If you’re aware that music exists, you know how influential the Beatles are.
Disney’s Star Wars Land Cantina Looks and Sounds Insane
Every new announcement about Disneyland and Walt Disney World ’s new land dedicated to Star Wars (officially known as “Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge”) is crazier than the last. There’s going to be a Millennium Falcon ride, and you pilot the Falcon. How you perform on this ride will supposedly affect the interactions you have with the other characters in the Land. And Florida’s version will also include an immersive hotel that convinces you you’re actually in outer space. It goes on and on.
Listen to Paul Simon’s New Album ‘In the Blue Light’
Paul Simon 's new album In the Blue Light is now streaming in full at NPR . He also released a video for the track “Rene and Georgette Magritte With Their Dog After the War." The LP will be released on Sept. 7, two weeks before he plays his farewell concert in New York on Sept. 22. In the Blue Light consists of deep cuts from Simon’s past which he wanted to revisit. “It's unusual for an artist to have a second shot at fixing the original work,” he said in a recent interview.
Dokken Without Dokken Reveal Debut Album Plans
George Lynch revealed the new name of the band featuring himself, Jeff Pilson and Mick Brown – the original lineup of Dokken except for frontman Don Dokken himself. The End, who were originally called Super Stroke , is rounded out by former Lynch Mob and current Warrant singer Robert Mason. The band is working on its debut album, which is tentatively expected in February.
Lynyrd Skynyrd Lineup Changes: A Complete Guide
From humble beginnings in the swamps of Florida, to the biggest stages on the planet, to perhaps the greatest tragedy to befall a popular band, to resurrection and renewal, Lynyrd Skynyrd have not just seen it all, but lived it, died from and for it and risen from nothing to take it all on again.
Bill Ward 'At Peace' After Being 'Torn Apart' By Sabbath Split
During a poetry reading in downtown Los Angeles last Saturday (Aug.
Listen to Steven Tyler and Nuno Bettencourt Cover 'Brown Sugar'
Aerosmith singer Steven Tyler and Extreme guitarist Nuno Bettencourt have teamed up to record a version of the Rolling Stones ' classic "Brown Sugar." The track comes from Muscle Shoals … Small Town, Big Sound , a tribute to FAME Studios that's due on Sept. 28. The album is the brainchild of Rodney Hall, the son of FAME owner Rick Hall, who died earlier this year. His idea was to have current artists cover songs that were birthed in the legendary Muscle Shoals, Ala., studio.
15 Most Influential Bands of All Time
This Loud List is dedicated to the artists who carved the path for generations of awesome acts. If these 15 bands never existed, the rock and metal landscape wouldn’t be as diverse, colorful, imaginative or impactful. In fact, it might not exist at all. So we offer our undying appreciation to these legends. If you’re aware that music exists, you know how influential the Beatles are.
Have Breakfast with the Butterflies at the Botanical Gardens
There is nothing more Disney princess than this. The Botanical Gardens of Amarillo is one of my favorite spots in town. It's like something out of a movie, our little green lush oasis in our dry flatlands. Plus, breakfast is my favorite and the most important meal of the day so this event sounds incredible! On Saturday, September 8th from 8am-10am The Botanical Gardens is holding a "Breakfast with the butterflies" event.
What The "Scopes Monkey Trial" And Amarillo Have In Common
I recently came across the AUUF (Amarillo Unitarian Universalist Fellowship) by chance. When digging on the origins of this community that exists within Amarillo, I discovered an interesting connection to famous lawyer Clarence Darrow. If you need a refresher, Darrow was the defense attorney for John Thomas Scopes during the infamous Scopes Monkey Trial of 1925. The prosecutor was none other than famed politician and preacher, William Jennings Bryan.
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Joe
Contact Joe, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack