Monday Munchies – Ben & Jerry’s Chocolate Peppermint Crunch

The funny thing about doing Monday Munchies is the little revelations.  Case in point; my lack of love for chocolate has come up a few times in the past.  It stems from my upbringing in Tucson. 

Y’see Tucson is mighty warm and chocolate tends to melt.  And I’m not the type of guy who cares for a messy snack. Thus I tended lean towards fruity candy like Skittles and Starburst. 

But that's the thing; the past really does inform the present.  

But a new Ben & Jerry’s flavor is a new Ben & Jerry’s flavor. 

Sunday Morning Quarterback – Ben Affleck & Kanye West

It’s the season finale of Saturday Night Live, but it’s not just a season finale it’s also the final episode for some cast members.  We made our predictions of who’s leaving a few weeks back.  But Bill Hader’s already made his announcement. 

Also, Kanye West is the musical guest.  Having Kanye on the show is a big deal any time, but he’s coming off a rant, promoting a new album and performing new songs.  Plus since it’s Kanye on live television, who knows what’s going to happen. 

Finally, Ben Affleck is hosting.  For the fifth time.  But really the only reason people are tuning into SNL is for the first two reasons.  Let’s get to it. 

Remembering – The Used Section At The Sound Garden

Call me a dinosaur but I still buy cds.  I dig them.  I like having physical copies of music in my hand.  Don’t get me wrong; I get stuff digitally too.  But if given a choice between buying an album, single or EP on itunes or on a cd, I’m opting for a cd.

And during my time in Baltimore I fell in love with The Sound Garden.  It’s my Mecca.  It’s my idea of Heaven.  It’s easily one of my favorite places to spend money and it’s not uncommon for me to drop two bills in an afternoon. 

No joke; I went to The Sound Garden on 9/11.  On the 9/11.  That’s how much I enjoy going there. 

But something happened on my last trip to Baltimore that may have changed everything. 

Monday Munchies - Häagen-Dazs Peanut Butter Pie

One of the cooler aspects of living in Las Vegas was having access to Marie Callender’s.  Unless you live in one of six states you may not be aware but Marie Callender’s,, in addition to being a line of food found in your local grocer freezer, is also a restaurant and bakery chain. 

Twice a year Marie Callender’s has a pie sale.  They’ve got over 30 different pies and they all go on sale.  Being the sucker for pie that I am, I’d have three or four pies just hanging out in my freezer.  I’d average at least two slices a night. 

I like ice cream and I like pie, so I should enjoy Häagen-Dazs’ Peanut Butter Pie, right? 

Sunday Morning Quarterback – Kristen Wiig & Vampire Weekend

I’m not going to front; Kristen Wiig returning to host Saturday Night Live felt weird to me.  She’s not really there with anything to promote and she hasn’t even been gone a year.  There’s a hint of desperation coming from all parties involved. 

But on the plus side, there’s a chance that we might get to see Kalle again, so there’s that.  And being the optimist that I am, I believed the SNL writers would push Wiig to take some risks and we’d be rewarded with some exquisite comedy.

So, was my optimism rewarded? 

Sunday Morning Quarterback – Zach Galifianakis & Of Monsters and Men

I’m torn on Zach Galifianakis. On one hand I think he’s a pretty brilliant stand up.   On the other hand some of his film roles have been slightly questionable.  But comedy is the basis of Saturday Night Live, so everything should be kosher, right? 

The last two episodes of SNL have been pretty solid and with a genuine comedian hosting this episode should stay the course.  At least that’s what I’m hoping.