Sunday Morning Quarterback – Jimmy Fallon & Justin Timberlake

So, tonight is sort of a big deal.  Firstly, it’s the final episode of the calendar year and the last one before an extended holiday hiatus.  This is the episode that is meant to hold everyone over until the show returns in January. 

Also, it’s Jimmy Fallon and Justin Timberlake together again.  Also it’s probably Seth Meyers’ last episode since he should be prepping for his new gig as host of Late Night. 

So yeah, tonight should be huge. 

Sunday Morning Quarterback – John Goodman & Kings of Leon

Just today I was texting Jay1 about SNL.  He was perusing episodes on Netflix and John Goodman came up.  Jay1 is a huge Goodman fan.  I dig the guy, certainly as an actor.  I enjoyed him on Roseanne and his various Los Hermanos de Cohen films.  I’m even watching Alpha House.  So why can’t I muster up more excitement for him on SNL? 

Well, for one reason despite hosting a dozen times, he hasn’t hosted Saturday Night Live in over a decade.  I’ve also noticed that Goodman has issues with commitment.  He starred in Treme, for the first season, before being written off and I fully expect the same with Alpha House.  Will he be able to commit to what SNL’s writers have in store for him? 

Sunday Morning Quarterback – Paul Rudd & One Direction

I’ve been looking forward to this episode since it was announced.  I like Paul Rudd and I’m happy for the success he’s experienced in his career.  Also, the dude is funny.  And he can act.  I caught his last time hosting on SNL and thought he held his own. 

By the same token, I’m sort of dreading this episode.  I’m pretty much over Ron Burgundy.  Anchorman was funny and fun, but I can’t even say he was my favorite part of it.  Also, it feels like the promotion for this movie has gone on for months and it’s still two weeks away.  And since Paul Rudd is here, his Anchorman cohorts are probably in tow. 

Well, let’s get this over with. 

Sunday Morning Quarterback – Josh Hutcherson & Haim

I love episodes like this.  When you get a known quantity hosting SNL things can get predictable (Timberlake will sing and dance, Miley will attempt controversy, Bruce Willis will play on his toughness.)  But Josh Hutcherson, what does anyone really know about the guy, besides The Hunger Games? 

Going in I thought Hutcherson would either impress or bomb.  I’m a very Black/white type of guy, so there’s no middle ground with me.  And would Saturday Night Live’s writers be coasting on fumes before the Thanksgiving break? 

Let’s find out, shall we? 

Sunday Morning Quarterback – Lady Gaga

When SNL has a person pulling double duty, as host and musical guest, it can pretty much go one of two ways.  It can prompt the writers to think outside of the box or can cause them to crawl into their comfort zones with established bits. 

I’ve got zero expectations for Lady Gaga.  I know she’s huge, but I’m generally only familiar with her from her appearances on Saturday Night Live.  Since it’s there was a week off, I am sort of expecting a good episode, but Gaga kind of tempers that. 

Let’s get this over with. 

Monday Munchies – Popcorn, Indiana’s White Fudge Hot Cinnamon Drizzlecorn

It’s the time of year when new flavors of familiar snacks begin hitting the shelves.  The quality is never really guaranteed; sometimes it’s a revelation, sometimes it’s an atrocity.  But what is pretty much guaranteed is that I’m going to pick it up and try it out. 

Popcorn, Indiana has been pretty consistently not terrible with their last few offerings.  While I may not have fully enjoyed every bite of a given variety, I’m pretty sure that they’ve never really struck out. 

Will they hold true to form? 

Sunday Morning Quarterback – Kerry Washington & Eminem

I used to have a huge crush on Kerry Washington.  She totally reminds me of my ex, but in a very cute way.  Like, in the perfect way possible.  Ok, so I still have a crush on Kerry Washington.  Basically I’m excited to see her hosting SNL. 

It makes sense that she’s hosting for a couple reasons.  First, she’s on a pretty popular show that you may have heard of, Scandal.  Secondly, Saturday Night Live has gotten a ton of negative attention from their lack of diversity, specifically the lack of Black women on the cast for the past few years. 

Oh, also Eminem is there, so there’s that. 

Taking A Bite Outta Mine

photo via Wikipedia

By this point anyone reading this blog should be well aware that I’m a huge fan of ice cream and frozen desserts in general.  They make up the majority of our Monday Munchies features.  I dig putting that stuff in my mouth. 

But something happened to me on Monday that shook me to the core.  It jostled my faith in humanity and really caused me to question where we are as a society. 

This is my story. 

Sunday Morning Quarterback – Edward Norton & Janelle Monae

I guess you could consider me an Edward Norton fan, I mean I’ve seen both Down in the Valley and Leaves of Grass and how many people can say that?  So you could say that I’ve been looking forward to this episode of Saturday Night Live since it was announced.  Plus, I really dig Janelle Monae, so the episode feels loaded with potential. 

That said, I almost had to temper my expectations because they were so high.  I wanted Norton to knock it out of the park, but I also had to accept that SNL’s writers seem to be hit or miss lately.  Still, I’m an optimistic type of dude. 

Was my optimism warranted? 

Sunday Morning Quarterback – Miley Cyrus

Like most of America, I’m effectively over Miley Cyrus, which is one of the reasons I was dreading tonight’s SNL.  Another reason; I’ve got zero confidence in the writers at this point.  I know, I know; it’s only the second week.  But the premiere was so unimpressive, that I’ve got no faith in anyone writing anything on Saturday Night Live. 

Of course there’s a difference between uninspired and lazy.  Lazy is what happens at the end of the year (or a long run of episodes) and uninspired is usually what happens when a musician hosts or pulls double duty. 

Oh crap.

Sunday Morning Quarterback – Tina Fey & Arcade Fire

It’s the season premier of Saturday Night Life.  It’s a rebuilding year, which means there’s a ton of new cast members.  That can be a good thing or an awkward thing. 

On the plus side Tina Fey is hosting and you’d be hard-pressed to find another SNL alum in recent memory who has been more successful.  She wins awards, conquered tv and was successful in both print and film.  Also, Arcade Fire are along for the ride. 

Let’s get it on. 

Preview – Hello Ladies

One of the awesome things about having nothing but time on your hands is that you aren’t really hindered by responsibilities.  Because I have nothing but free time, I can watch the Emmys carefree, just like I did tonight. 

By the same token, I can attend tv show tapings or screenings pretty much whenever I want, because my schedule is completely open.  Thanks to my open schedule, I was able to check out a screening of HBO’s upcoming comedy Hello Ladies. 

Monday Munchies – Steve’s Sweet Corn & Blackberry Preserves

This is what an empty container looks like

Obviously I love ice cream.  I’m pretty sure at least fifty percent of Monday Munchies have been ice cream related.  Ice cream is almost part of my daily routine.  But I’m also a fan of corn. 

I love corn the way Bubba loves shrimp.  I love popcorn.  I love corn on the cob.  I love kernels.  I’m even cool with it as an component of succotash.  My family roots goes back to Iowa, so corn is in my blood. 

Naturally seeing a sweet corn flavored ice cream got my engines flowing. 

Monday Munchies – The Ramen Burger

I’m not really much of a meat eater.  Occasionally I’d do turkey bacon and I’ve been known to make some chicken taquitos.   There are even times when I genuinely crave a burger.  But for the most part, animals are part of my diet. 

But I do love noodles.  I dig pasta of all sorts.  I also had a cousin who spent some time in Japan and convinced me that ramen was going to be the next big thing.  Sure enough, he was right. 

When I heard about the Ramen Burger, I was instantly intrigued. 

Monday Munchies – Fig and Mascarpone Cronut

Cronuts are the latest New York pastry sensation to catch the national spotlight.  Personally, realized cronuts weren’t going away when Dominique Ansel popped up on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon to detail the process of making them.

I like croissants and I like donuts, so the idea of something that merged them sounded appealing.  Of course the thought of waiting in a line for hours to get them didn’t seem all that appealing.

But then again, I do have a ton of free time.

My Cronut Adventure

This is not a Cronut, but it will make sense. Later.

 Unlike most people I don’t always make the best decisions.  I moved to Las Vegas without having a job lined up.  I’ve gone to the movies with girls I was trying to hook up with, and invited their boyfriends along too.  And then there was that one time I walked home during a blizzard. 

So, while the idea of waking up in the middle of the night to travel downtown for a chance to get something that I might not actually enjoy, should have caused immediate second thoughts, I actually thought “yes, I’m doing that.” 

And that’s how I ended up waiting in line for a mythical and infamous cronut. 

My Latest Music Discovery

I’ve got some awesome memories to songs that were considered old before I was even born, and that feels weird to say.  But it’s honestly 100% true.  Let me explain. 

In the past six months I’ve grown quite fond of oldies, specifically music from Rock & Roll’s first decade.  That’s right; I’ve gotten hooked on Sirius/XM’s 50’s on 5 station.

Monday Munchies – Ben & Jerry’s Truffle Trifecta

Yeah, I know; I update sporadically at best.   I almost feel like I should apologize for that, but I’m not going to.  I’ve had an interesting year, to say the least, and honestly this place hasn’t been a pressing concern. 

That said, when I see a new flavor of ice cream, you know I’m going to offer up my thoughts on it.  And since I recently moved to a new neighborhood with a Walgreen’s just around the corner, I realized an elusively exclusive flavor was within my reach. 

My Five Favorite Moments from the Fifth Season of Breaking Bad

Given that tonight marks the beginning of the end for Breaking Bad, I figured that it was an apt time to note my favorite moments from the first half of the final season. 

It’s happening now for a couple reasons.  Firstly, I’m a huge procrastinator and this is the last possible moment for it to still be relevant.  But I’m also getting it done because I’m making a genuine effort to try to lock down some positive habits, and more writing is one of them. 

TV Week – Five Other Shows Netflix Should Resurrect

So by now everyone has been elated and deflated by the return of Arrested Development.  At some point I’m going to jot down my ideas on the whole thing, but that’s going to have to wait until I’ve finished watching. 

But of course, being the positive guy that I am, I’m not going to dwell how Arrested Development misfired.  No, I’m going to turn my attention to other shows that Netflix could possibly bring back from the dead. 

Monday Munchies – Edamame Crunch

I remember when candy bars cost 49¢.*

It’s very true.  When I was cognizant enough to be aware of how much things cost and aware of candy, a Snicker’s bar cost 49¢.  And that’s why I’ve got such a hard time paying for a candy bar today.  Plus you’ve got those fancy exotic candy bars that cost ten times as much as my old school bars. 

It’s ridiculous…or is it?  

Movie Week – End of Watch

Image via Behance

I’m a sucker for a good cartel story and not just because I grew up a stones throw from Mexico.   I dug when they showed up in The Shield.  I dug when they showed up in Breaking Bad.  I enjoyed their inclusion in Southland. 

And since I know I dig cartel stuff, I knew I wanted to watch End of Watch.  Plus it was a pretty buzzed about movie and who isn’t remotely interested in those? 

Movie Week – Savages

Image via Return to Fleet

Welcome to the final day of Movie Week here at Fission Spaghetti.  As much as possible I tried to come up with themes to string double features together.  The last theme of Movie Week was Mexican Cartels. 

The first movie of the night was Savages. 

Monday Munchies – Ben & Jerry’s Chocolate Nougat Crunch

You know how they say that every seven years you’re a brand new person because that’s how long it takes for every cell in your body to be replaced?  No?  Well how about the idea that you should try new things because your palette grows?  Well, I believe both. 

There was a time when I wouldn’t have dared to try Ben & Jerry’s Chocolate Nougat Crunch.  But those days are far behind me. 

Movie Week – Behind the Candelabra

So earlier in the week, I had a Steven Soderbergh double feature of Contagion and Magic Mike.  But then I remember that Esteban had another movie that I’d really wanted to see; Behind the Candelabra. 

Who doesn’t want to watch a movie about Michael Douglas seducing Matt Damon?  Doesn’t that sound like an awesome Saturday Night? 

And now our feature presentation. 

Movie Week – The Hunger Games

Image via Minimal Movie Posters

I’ll admit to being reluctant to check out The Hunger Games.  On one hand I’m loathe to jump into anything based on a Young Adult series of novels  I got fooled by Harry Potter, but carefully avoided Twilight. 

On the other hand, I’m a fan of Jennifer Lawrence.  She was amazing in Winter’s Bone, which was a star making role.  And of course she killed Silver Linings Playbook.  So, I want to support her work as an actress. 

And that’s what I was thinking about when I saw that The Hunger Games was on Netflix.

Movie Week – Good Night, and Good Luck

So, I’ll admit to floundering a bit to at this point in Movie Week.  There were three movies that I knew I wanted to watch, with two of them being a thematic double feature and the third being a movie I promised I’d watch with someone. 

I’m stuck.  But then I remember that Amazon Instant Video may have some movies that aren’t on Netflix . Might there be a film I wanted to see on that service? 

And that’s how I came up with Good Night, and Good Luck. 

Movie Week – Martha Marcy May Marlene

You know those movies that have buzz but for some reason or another you never get around to watching them?  Maybe it’s because it’s an indie flick and it doesn’t hang around for long.  Maybe your movie buddy hasn’t heard of it and is reluctant to check it out.  Who knows? 

Well Martha Marcy May Marlene is one of those movies. It got a ton of buzz because it introduced Elizabeth Olsen to the world.  And because it was allegedly a good movie. 

I didn’t get a chance to see it, but I’d wanted to check it out.  I finally got the chance. 

Movie Week – The Debt

Doesn’t everyone love a good revenge flick?  I know I do. I enjoy when their fictional like Cape Fear or Kill Bill and when they’re based on historical events, like oh let’s say Munich. 

And because I did actually enjoy Munich (except for that last super on-the-nose last scene) I thought I’d try out The Debt.  I mean it’s The Mossad, hunting enemies of Israel and it’s got Ciaran Hinds starring.  What could possibly go wrong?

Movie Week – In Bruges

Image via Minimal Movie Posters

Since I committed myself to this Movie Week, I found myself with a kind of daunting list of movies to watch.  This meant that some days I’d have to double up on the movies.  On those “double” days I tried to come up with some rhyme or reason to connect the two films. 

The first double feature was Steven Soderbergh films, the second was films with single word titles.  Now it’s titles with two words. 

Hey, I didn’t say the connective tissue was any good. 

Movie Week – Wanderlust

I dig comedy.  I’ve got fond memories of going to a casino and catching a midnight showing of Wedding Crashers or some other raunchy comedy back when I lived in Las Vegas.  Good times. 

But I can’t front; I was skeptical about Wanderlust.  I can’t put my finger on it. 

No wait, I totally can; Jennifer Aniston. 

Movie Week – Prometheus

Image via Minimal Movie Posters

Another day, another double feature.  Yesterday’s theme was Steven Soderbergh films.  Today’s is “one word title.”  First up is Prometheus. 

Prometheus is yet another film that I’d meant to see in the theater, but never found the time to check it out.  However, since it was available On Demand I figured there was no time like the present to make up for that error. 

I’ll admit that I was worried that some of the negative things I’d heard about Prometheus had crept into my head. 

Movie Week – Magic Mike

So the second half of the Soderbergh double feature was Magic Mike.  Being someone who genuinely trusts Steven Soderbergh, I really kind of wanted to see Magic Mike in the theater. 

But I’m a guy who’s cool with going to see a movie dolo.  But considering that certain segments of the population were using Magic Mike for group outings, I felt like I’d be really out of place in that theater alone.  Plus it seemed like the type of flick that elicited audience interaction. 

Fortunately I was able to watch Magic Mike while chilling at home. 

Movie Week – Contagion

Image via Minimal Movie Posters

As movie week progressed I felt that I needed to incorporate some sort of order to the proceedings.  So, whenever possible I tried to come up with themes for the movies that I watched. 

Since there were two Steven Soderbergh films that I’d planned on watching, I figured that I’d have a Soderbergh double feature.  The first film in the double feature was Contagion. 

Monday Munchies – Ben & Jerry’s Limited Batch Piña Colada

Image via One Second Scoop

The summer has finally arrived.  It’s at the very least warm out, if now downright hot.  Which means it’s the perfect time for some ice cream. 

Of course as anyone familiar with Fission Spaghetti already knows; it’s always a perfect time for ice cream.  But there’s something about the summer that makes ice cream even more refreshing than usual. 

In honor of the season Ben & Jerry’s have release their latest Limited Batch flavor, Piña Colada.

Movie Week – Safety Not Guaranteed

So, Sunday night’s movie was originally intended to be Contagion, but things conspired to prevent that viewing from happening.  Because I didn’t want to be up all night long, I opted for the shortest option available; Safety Not Guaranteed. 

I really don’t know what I was thinking. 

Movie Week – Inglourious Basterds

Image via Reelizer

After watching Cabin in the Woods, I decided that I wanted to check out another film that I’d heard a lot of good things about; Inglourious Basterds.  (Incidentally, that’s probably going to be the last time I refer to it by it’s name because the intentional misspelling pushes me towards OCD.)

While I don’t necessarily love his work, I have a great deal of respect for Quentin as a filmmaker and I do love his taste in music.  Combine that with hype around the movie and I had some lofty expectations. 

Movie Week – Cabin in the Woods

Image via Reelizer

Last week, for some unknown reason, I decided that I was going to watch at least a movie a day for seven days.  Wait, I know why; it’s because Letterman and Fallon were repeats all week, which frees up two hours of viewing time for me. 

So I figured that I’d catch up on some movies that I’d wanted to see or heard good things about (though mostly the former.)  So on Saturday I tried out Cabin in the Woods.

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. 

Monday Munchies – Ben & Jerry’s Brownie Chew Gooder

One day I’ll come to grips with the fact that I’m addicted to junk food.  I’m a habitual snacker.  When I hit up the grocery store at least 50% of my purchases are snacks.  And the same could probably be said of my actual diet. 

But as long as my metabolism maintains it’s breakneck speed, I’m going to continue eating what I want, when I want. 

Which brings me to this week’s edition of Monday Munchies and yet another Target exclusive flavor of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream; Brownie Chew Gooder. 

Sunday Morning Quarterback – Predictions

So since there are only three more episodes for this season, I figured now would be a good a time as any to offer up some predictions about who in the SNL cast won’t be returning next year. 

Obviously I’m not privy to any behind the scenes working at Saturday Night Live, so this is pure speculation with some educated guesses. 

It’s a fun game to play, plus this week’s episode was a repeat so I’m out some content. 

Five Shows That Are Inventively Exclusively White

You know what I love about television? I love how it’s a medium where worlds can be created, worlds limited, for the most part, only by the imagination.   After all, imagination is really what makes television great. 

And that’s why I want to applaud these five shows for really using their imagination when it comes to excluding people of color from their casts. 

Monday Munchies – Ben & Jerry’s Peanut Butter World

Peanut Butter.  It’s one of those substances that most people are indifferent about, yet some people love.  It’s something that often conjures up memories of childhood.  It’s versatile; it works well with apples, celery and of course chocolate. 

Count me in the indifferent category.  I’m not allergic to peanuts but I also don’t immediately star salivating at the though of peanut butter.  I get occasional cravings, but nothing that demands satisfying. 

Would Ben & Jerry’s Target exclusive Peanut Butter World flavor be up my alley? 

Monday Munchies - Häagen-Dazs Limited Edition Bourbon Pecan Praline

I’m not much of a drinker.  I don’t have anything against the stuff, it’s just not for me.  Imagine any cartoonish overreaction to liquor you’ve ever seen on a tv show or in the movies; that’s how that stuff affects me. 

So it was with some trepidation that I picked up Häagen-Dazs’ latest limited edition flavor; Bourbon Pecan Praline.  Would it actually put hair on my chest? 

Sunday Morning Quarterback – Vince Vaughn & Miguel

I like Vince Vaughn.  He’s a funny actor who usually plays variations on the same character, but it’s enjoyable enough.  I’m not saying I’ve had huge expectations for Saturday Night Live, but I had faith that he wouldn’t let me down. 

I’m also glad that Miguel was getting his moment to shine.  His performance on the Grammys was dope and certainly raised his profile.  Hopefully he’ll get a boost from appearing on SNL. 

Ok, so I do have expectations.  Were they met?