R.I.P. Jack Klugman

Obviously, we at Fish & Spaghetti are saddened by the passing of Jack Klugman. 

I’ve been a fan of his for decades and I spent summer afternoons watching The Odd Couple, which helped shape my comic sensibilities.

Monday Munchies – Popcorn, Indiana Chocolate Peanut Butter Kettlecorn

One of the aspects of moving to New York that I was looking forward to the most as the opportunity to get to try Popcorn, Indiana’s Wasabi Popcorn.  I’ve grown to appreciate wasabi over the years and I’ve always been a fan of popcorn. It seemed like a match made in heaven.

I could never find it in Charm City, so imagine my disappointment when I couldn’t find it in the Big Apple either. Seriously, I’ve been here for almost four months and strike out at every corner. 

But I did stumble across Popcorn, Indiana’s Chocolate Peanut Butter Kettlecorn, so I figured I’d give it a shot. 

Sunday Morning Quarterback – Martin Short & Paul McCartney

When this show was announced everyone joked about how the show as skewing old. And it’s a valid observation; McCartney is a musical icon who’s been a superstar for nearly five decades and Short is as a point in his career where he’s doing voiceover work for Old Navy. 

But they’re both also Saturday Night Live vets.  Short was a castmember when SNL toyed with the “big name” format and Sir Paul feels like a mainstay.  Plus with it being a holiday show, guest stars galore are expected. 

Basically, I was expecting big things from the episode.

Monday Munchies – Ben & Jerry’s Limited Batch Pumpkin Cheesecake

One of my all time favorite ice cream flavors was one that I stumbled across last year; Häagen-Dazs' Cranberry Pumpkin Spice.  It was a wonderful flavor that fully represented the holidays.  

Sadly it’s all gone now. But when I saw Ben & Jerry’s Pumpkin Cheesecake I actually allowed myself to get a tad optimistic about the prospect of getting pumpkin back in my ice cream and that ice cream back in my mouth. 

Did it live up to my expectations?

Sunday Morning Quarterback – Jamie Foxx & Ne-Yo

Confession time; I’m not a Jamie Foxx fan.  I’ve never found the guy funny.  I’ve never seen any of his comedies.  I haven’t seen a single episode of his television show.  He was my least favorite cast-member on In Living Color, and that’s including SW-1.  He does nothing for me. 

It just always seems like he’s trying to be funny as opposed to just being funny.  It annoys me.  And that’s why I was sort of dreading Saturday Night Live’s return from it’s brief hiatus. 

So, what did I think of the episode? 

Monday Munchies – Ben & Jerry’s Limited Batch Cannoli

I always love when Ben & Jerry’s announces new flavors.  It’s a treat to try to go out and find them.  And it’s a joy to sample the flavors and see what I love and what I loathe; it seems for every Rocky Road-ish there’s a Fair Goodness Cake. 

And the announcement of Cannoli certainly got my attention.  I wasn’t really up on my ice cream game when Holy Cannoli came out back in 1997, but based on what I’ve read up about it, it seems like something I’d dig. 

So, I was eager to taste the remix. 

Sunday Morning Quarterback - Jeremy Renner & Maroon 5

I will admit to being a little excited about this week’s Saturday Night Live.   I’ve been a supporter of Jeremy Renner for almost a decade now.  He came onto my radar via The It Factor, back when Bravo had reality shows that a) were vaguely grounded in reality and b) were still worth watching. 

Anyway, I was curious to see what he going to do with the SNL stage, especially since he’s not really known for comedy.  Basically I was hoping for the best and bracing for the worst (which was actually a theme for me this week, maybe I’ll explain in a future post.)

Let’s dive right in.

Monday Munchies - Green Tea Kit Kat

I feel guilty about only resurrecting Sunday Morning Quarterback.  Yes, life is hectic, but I could probably make time to put some more effort into Fish & Spaghetti.

And this is my attempt to do just that.  I'm making a valiant effort to bring Monday Munchies back, starting today.  Starting with Green Tea Kit Kat.

Did I make the right call?

Sunday Morning Quarterback - Anne Hathaway & Rihanna

I can’t front; I had a crazy week.  My week was either a rollercoaster or a yo-yo (I still haven’t determined which is more applicable.)  Suffice it to say; I had zero time to contemplate this week’s episode of Saturday Night Live. 

I vaguely recall being slightly excited by the prospect of Anne Hathaway hosting this week, when I heard who was hosting during last week’s episode.  But in all fairness that could have just been residual love from her portrayal of Selina Kyle in The Dark Knight Rises.  How awesome was that movie? 

But back to SNL…

Sunday Morning Quarterback – Louis C. K. & fun

I had high hopes for this episode of Saturday Night Live.  It wasn’t just because Louis C. K. was hosting and he’s about as funny as a comedian can get.  And it wasn’t because the last few episodes of SNL have been dismal at best. 

It was also because, despite the Sandy giving me a three-day workweek, it felt like the longest week ever and I really needed to believe that comedy could live.  I needed this episode to remind me that comedy was still possible. 

Sunday Morning Quarterback – Bruno Mars

I can’t front; I know very little about Bruno Mars.  In fact it’s safe to say that before tonight I’d never heard one of his songs.  Honestly the only think I know about the dude is that he got popped for possession of coke in Vegas a few years back. 

I had no idea he was talented enough to be the host and musical guest for Saturday Night Live.  Either he really impressed them when he was the musical guest or he’s got an agent that would put Ari Gold to shame.  Either way I was oblivious. 

Of course when you have a host/musical guest type situation for every Justin Timberlake, you have a Brittney Spears.  And occasionally you have a hyphenate who doesn’t really need to do musical sketches, like Mick Jagger. 

Sadly Bruno Mars isn’t Timberlake or Jagger. 

Sunday Morning Quarterback – Christina Applegate & Passion Pit

I can’t say that I really had any expectations for this episode.  I’m not a huge Christina Applegate fan and Passion Pit are barely on my radar, though I can’t name a song of theirs. 

Still, the cast is strong enough that I think they support any episode on their own.  There are definitely cast members that I look forward to seeing what they’re going to do on a weekly basis, despite my lack of interested in a host or musical guest. 

Ok, I was basically dreading this episode.

Sunday Morning Quarterback – Daniel Craig & Muse

I’m really trying to think if I had any expectations going into the episode.  I’m pretty sure that I didn’t. Daniel Craig’s not known for comedy.  And there really weren’t any sketches or characters that I wanted to see. 

I will say that during the opening credits, I was secretly hoping to see Paul Brittain’s name.  Sadly, not seeing his name was far from my only disappointment in the episode. 

Sunday Morning Quarterback – Joseph Gordon-Levitt & Mumford & Sons

I’ve been looking forward to this episode for quite some time.  The last time Gordon-Levitt hosted, I missed out because it was before I’d recommitted myself to SNL.  But I’d heard good things about his hosting. 

I was also looking forward to the ep because I missed the Thursday night ep (damn you dream day job!)  While I’d read reviews that said it was diminished quality, I was curious what effect it would have on Saturday’s episode. 

Sunday Morning Quarterback - Seth MacFarlane & Frank Ocean

As much as we here at Fish & Spaghetti hate Blogger’s current interface, we love Saturday Night Live more. So we’ve exhumed this corpse of a blog just for the Sunday Morning Quarterback.

You’re welcome.

Saturday Night Live is going through some growing pains, with the departure of Abby Elliott, Kristen Wiig and Andy Samberg. On the other end of the spectrum the show gains Aidy Bryant, Tim Robinson and Cecily Strong. Will any of them come into play tonight?

"Omar Coming!"

The Last Fish&Spaghetti Post?

Ok, everyone is talking about it so lets cut right to it.
We all hate the new Blogger interface.  We hate it so much that this actually happened the other day.

That's a message I got from Skip Serpico the other day. 
I agreed with him, and I planned on discussing a new collaborative project beyond Fish&Spaghetti with him this weekend.
Last weeks SMQ was going to be my last and the post below about Swede was going to be Skips last.

Swede

I spend a lot of time
listening to music. I listen to music on my way to work and on my way home. I listen to music while I clean and cook and even while I sleep. At work I also listen to music, but it's not the music of my choosing.

I was thinking about music just today and it occurred to me that I've got quite a few artists in rotation who hail from Sweden. I can't explain it. I can't even tell you why it popped into my head.

But it did.

Sunday Morning Quarterback – Mick Jagger

Last night was the season finale of SNL. All things considered, the general consensus around Fish And Spaghetti manor is that this has been a successful season.

We all missed most of last weeks episode because we were up all night helping our intern Chet study for a big exam (He's just a few credits shy of a taxidermy liscense) but the little bit I saw was unempressive.

Will the season finale be any good?

Eff Whole Foods

Does that look like "cheese and jalapeno to you?

One of the joys of having a blog is having someplace to vent. For instance I could craft an entire post about the buggery of Blogger's new interface. It blows, sucks balls, whatever euphemism you want to use, it's horrible.

But this isn't about the truly retched nature of Blogger's new interface, it about my completely losing faith in Whole Foods.

Sprint Rocks!

A few months back I decided to get an iPhone. It was one of the most fateful decisions I've ever made in my entire life.

I figured that since I already had a MacBook Pro, Apple TV and an iTouch that I should just go ahead and jump to the iPhone. That way I'd at least I'd consolidate my phone and music devices.

And honestly it was a long drawn out process. It involved me going to the Apple Store, them messing up my order, my having to call my bank to explain why hundreds of dollars were being spent at said Apple Store, my getting a second line and switching my numbers.

Yeah, that's how I spent my entire day off.

Sunday Morning Quarterback – Eli Manning & Rihanna

Going in I was pretty excited for this episode. Firstly I was pumped to finally have a new episode of SNL to watch.  But on another level I was looking forward to seeing what Eli Manning was going to do with the hosting gig. 

Jay1 and I actually talked this episode over a couple times.  And it’s taking everything I have to actually write this up.  But I feel that I owe it to you, the reader, to complete this edition of the Sunday Morning Quarterback. 

Superman is a Dick...

click pics for larger view

I have a new interest in Superman recently since I've been reading All Star Superman. I even went as far as to have a legit brainstorm meeting with resident comic nerd, Fish and Spaghetti Editor Skip Serpico about writing and pitching a real Superman story to DC comics.

So keeping in mind that Free Comicbook Day is this weekend I hit up the internets to see if I could find some classic Superman stuff to add to my list.

Instead I found a site called Superdickery.

It's funny to see how Superman, a living embodiment of "Truth, Justice and the American way" has been portrayed through the years.

Check out some more Super Dickery after the jump...

PS- This new blogger interface sucks.

Sunday Morning Quarterback – Josh Brolin & Gotye

Honestly, I had no idea what this episode was going to be going into it. I vaguely recall Josh Brolin’s first time hosting, but I don’t really know remember anything memorable happening.

I really didn’t have any clue what this episode would bring, other than Jay Pharoah would show up doing his Will Smith impression at some point in the night.

TV Drama Actor Swap...

Illustrator and designer Jon Defreest hits you with a cool pop art project for no real reason at all other than the fact that it's mad cool. 

Enjoy!


Caine's Arcade...

This is amazing.

My Five Favorite Moments From Breaking Bad's Fourth Season

I've literally been putting off writing this for six months.  Well, maybe I've been meaning to write this for six months.  Anyway, it's been six months since Breaking Bad's fourth season wrapped and I've finally decided to share my favorite moments of the season.

I guess I should add the disclaimer that these are literally my five favorite moments of the season.  They aren't going to be huge spectacular moments, but they are my favorite moments.

Sunday Morning Quarterback – Sofia Vergara & One Direction

Welcome back to another Sunday Morning Quarterback. I was apprehensive about this episode of SNL for a couple reasons. First I was worried about the versatility of Sofia Vergara. I’ve never seen her stretch in a role; she’s always sexy and naïve. Also, I had zero interest in the musical guest. But both Jay1 and I were both intrigued about the arrival of Kate McKinnon.

(Before the show I predicted we’d see The Manuel Ortiz Show, Kalle, Shanna and Drunk Uncle. In my predictions, as in life, I was 50%.)

Monday Munchies - Häagen-Dazs Limited Edition Coconut Macaroon

Coconut is an interesting proposition.  It's something that I've always been enamored with and I'm 99% certain it's because of it's high profile in pop culture.

Seriously.  Coconuts were all over Gilligan's Island and they always seemed so cool.  Coconuts could also frequently be seen in cartoons like Scooby Doo and The Flintstones.  Coconuts are just it.

Häagen-Dazs' Coconut Macaroon sounded like a heavenly flavor.

In Defense of The Killing

I'm a huge fan of AMC's original programming.  While I initially began watching Mad Men with my knives sharpened, I fell in love with the show before the pilot was over.  And I was down with Breaking Bad from jump.

From there I sort of dropped the ball.  I watched the first episode of Rubicon, but sadly I can't track any other episodes down.  And I didn't even give Hell on Wheels a shot because of my general boycotting of Common doing anything other than rapping.

But then I saw The Killing was available on Netflix.

Cutting Through The BS...

Upstairs by shawnwines

Sunday Morning Quarterback – Anna Faris & Drake

This is a pretty unique version of the Sunday Morning QB in that we’re looking at a rerun. But both Jay1 and I missed it the first time around, so for all intents and purposes this show is new to us.

But honestly, I may start watching reruns more often, since it’s the only time I’m going to get to see Paul Brittian now that he’s off the show. I’m really going to miss that guy. Oh well, let’s get onto dissecting a show that’s five months old.

Sean Fury

This is the next big thing in music.



Or at least in viral internet memes.
You're welcome either way.

Peep dude in the red on the far right, he loves it.

Wait a second...

via imremembering

Shout out to Tom Hanks for inventing the eBook Reader in 1988.

Good Books - Metamorphosis

Good Books - Metamorphosis from Buck on Vimeo.

Monday Munchies - Häagen-Dazs Limited Edition Salted Caramel Truffle

Even though it's bad for me, I love salt.  Salty is one of my favorite attributes that something can have. I'm pretty sure I've shared my love for saladitos, the dried and salted prunes of my youth.

Salt is great on fruit.  It's great on everything.  But would it work with ice cream?  That's a question I had to find the answer to as soon as I saw Häagen-Dazs' new Salted Caramel Truffle flavor.

Monday Munchies - Ben & Jerry's Limited Batch Rocky Road-ish

For me Ben & Jerry's Limited Batch flavors are a bittersweet proposition.  By their nature, they tend to be elusive.  They seem to be there one minute and gone the next, which can be torture when you're dealing with a flavor that you love.

On the other hand they can also merely adequate, which means they're taking up shelf space of other flavors that you enjoy more, in which case their limited appearance is a plus.

So which side does Rocky Road-ish fall on?  Let's find out.

Sunday Morning Quarterback – Jonah Hill & The Shins

Jonah Hill is having a huge year.

I'm happy for him...I guess.

I'm at the very least happy to see him on SNL again. I think. I don't really remember how he did last time, which could be a good or bad thing. At the time of the show I really struggled to try and recall if he in fact ever hosted at all.

At any rate, everyone at Fish And Spaghetti Manor were cautiously optimistic about SNL this week, I mean if they could make a solid episode with Lindsay Lohan then an episode with a legit comedic talent like Jonah Hill should be a home run right?

Biggie...

The Notorious B.I.G. - Juicy by Warner-Music

I like pictures...

Back in 2009 I remember saying I wish that I had started a picture site. They're so fun and I imagine very easy.  A lot easier than coming up with funny or clever things to talk about everyday.

At any rate,  pictures of "What Dr. Seuss Books Are Really About" have been floating around for a few weeks and it reminded me of the fact that I had always wanted a blog that was just pictures. Then I realized, "hey wait, that's just what Tumblr is."

So I'm gonna go start a Tumblr today. 

I'll almost immediately abandon it or hand it over to someone else like everything I take part in, but it should be fun for a few months  days.

In the meantime, peep these pictures that I've mentally filed as "clever, yet so obvious I'm slightly annoyed that I didn't think of it first." 

Also, click on the "pics" tab below for more cool/stupid pictures.

Enjoy...

Aren't these cool?

Monday Munchies - Häagen-Dazs Limited Edition Spiced Caramel Biscuit

Three Monday Munchies in one day?  Yeah, there's a ton of new ice cream out.  and someone's got to write about it.  Right?

Anyway, since Häagen-Dazs has four new flavors on the shelves I figured I'd do a second Häagen-Dazs flavor today; Spiced Caramel Biscuit.  You game?

I'm a fan of cookies from across the pond.  I like biscuits and whatever else their called, so I was down for this Spiced Caramel Biscuit.  I've also enjoyed Häagen-Dazs' recent forays into the spice territory with Cranberry  Pumpkin Spice and Sweet Chai Latte.

My hopes were high.

Monday Munchies - Ben & Jerry's Chocolate Therapy

I am a consumer.  As such I'm a part of the whole "supply & demand" dynamic.  I buy products based on their supply. And when I see something with "new" on the lid, I demand it.

But that comes at a cost.  Sometimes when Ben & Jerry's puts out a new flavor it's something that's not quite entirely in my wheelhouse.  And that's the case with Chocolate Therapy.

Monday Munchies - Häagen-Dazs Limited Edition Vanilla Bean Espresso

As you know, I'm a fiend for ice cream.  It's always in my top three favorite things (usually joined by "females" and "music.")  So of course when I heard that Häagen-Dazs was putting out some new flavors, I literally jumped for joy.

Last weekend I stumbled into a not so local Target and found that they had all four of the Häagen-Dazs' new flavors fully in stock.

I was in heaven.

Sunday Morning Quarterback – Lindsay Lohan & Jack White

First off, why am I just realizing that Paul Brittain isn’t on the show anymore? A quick net search reveals that he left the show in January? Well that sucks because he was certainly a Fish & Spaghetti favorite. He will be missed.

Collectively Fish & Spaghetti was worried when he heard Lindsay returning to SNL to host. She’s more famous for her infamous deeds than for any talent she have at one time possessed. In fact here’s what I texted Jay1 as the show began;

“Gearing up for a trainwreck on SNL.”

Skip's Oscar Picks!

Having just wrapped AMC's Best Picture Showcase, I now feel that I'm well informed enough to give you my Oscar Picks.

I know, it's late, but c'mon; the faster we get through this the faster we can say that we've done it and go on with our lives.  Deal?

By The Numbers - Oscar Best Picture Nominees

Once again I've participated in AMC's Best Picture Showcase.  Nine films spread across the last two Saturdays in February.  It's a challenge, but once again I've bested it.

What follows is my crude attempt to break down the films and spot similar themes.

Meanwhile, In Hip Hop

Oscar Predictions 2012

Is it time for the Oscars already?  This Sunday A-listers and seat-fillers will fill the Kodiak Theatre.  Once there they will sit in their seats offer up faux-applause for their colleagues and compatriots.  It's an annual tradition that's more akin to a Homecoming Court contest than a genuine gauge of talent.  And when it's all said and done, one celebrity triumphs over all the others.

Of course we're talking about the annual Montage of the Dead and who get's the incredibly coveted closing spot.

Meanwhile, In Hipster Hop...

Monday Munchies - Ben & Jerry's Greek Frozen Yogurt Raspberry Fudge Chunk

I can remember a couple years back when Greek yogurt was sweeping across the country.  Greek yogurt was the cool new treat.  I never bothered to investigate and find out what differentiated Greek yogurt from regular yogurt or what made it better.  Yogurt's not my thing.

But when I saw something emblazoned with a "new" lid in the Ben & Jerry's freezer I got excited.  Then I saw it was an entire line of Greek Frozen Yogurt. My excitement decreased by 50%.

Like I said yogurt's not my thing.

Sunday Morning Quarterback – Maya Rudolph & Sleigh Bells

It’s so funny that Maya Rudolph is hosting Saturday Night Live this week because just under a week ago Jay1 and I were discussing how Maya Rudolph lost one of the bits in her repertoire with the passing of Whitney Houston. And boom, Maya’s back on SNL.

I know it’s been awhile since I did a Sunday Morning Quarterback (or even really posted anything on the blog) but I’m back. And baby, I promise, I’ve changed. Things will be different now.