Facebook

Leave a comment Posted on October 6, 2015 Food

McDonald’s Sits Upon Fast Food Iron Throne With 24-Hour Breakfast Menu

No longer must we relive that scene from Big Daddy, where deep inside we were all that kid who couldn’t get his breakfast after 10:30 AM.

(It was all downhill for Adam Sandler after that)

Imagine Ronald McDonald, with the Hamburgler and Grimace looking on, lining up the likes of the Burger King, the obnoxious Wendy’s spokesperson, and the Chick fil A cow on the deck, waiving a crispy golden hash brown in their faces saying, “I’m the captain now.”

…as soon as the clock hits 10:30 AM, of course.

I’m not saying we needed this. Do we really need anything that we can pick up in a drive-thru line that isn’t coffee? We want it though, and we sure do like it. You know, the perfectly barely melted cheese over your eggs and bacon on a biscuit. The odd but delicious flavor of that secret sauce on a bagel sandwich. Or the thing I can’t stress enough…the hash browns. *As you read this paragraph, do so with Homer Simpson’s drool voice in your mind*

By the numbers, McDonald’s already reigned supreme with their profits in America. Below are the Top 20 according to Business Insider and each chain’s U.S. systemwide sales in 2014.

McDonald’s – $35.4 billion
Starbucks – $12.7 billion
Subway – $11.9 billion
Burger King – $8.6 billion
Wendy’s – $8.5 billion
Taco Bell – $8.2 billion
Dunkin Donuts – $7.2 billion
Chick-fil-A – $5.8 billion
Pizza Hut – $5.5 billion
Panera Bread – $4.5 billion
KFC – $4.2 billion
Domino’s – $4.1 billion
Sonic – $4.1 billion
Chipotle – $4 billion
Carl’s Jr/Hardee’s – $3.6 billion
Little Caesars – $3.2 billion
Dairy Queen – $3.2 billion
Arby’s – $3.2 billion
Jack in the Box – $3.2 billion
Papa John’s – $2.7 billion

Not even Peyton Manning could raise “Papa John’s” smarmy face above the $5 Hot-N-Ready or Stuffed Crust pizzas, huh?

Wendy’s has shifted its strategy to overtake the burger franchises by targeting the Millennial foodie market by offering non-burger items like pulled pork sandwiches, Gouda chicken sandwiches, and loaded cheese fries. If you ask me, their advertising has been way more insulting toward millennials with dumb stereotypes as their focus. Burger King’s marketing approach has been to bring back the creepy “King”, and pay to have him at highly visible sporting events…

Like American Pharoah’s Triple Crown win…

…and in Floyd Mayweather’s corner against Manny Pacquiao.

The latter is exactly why I avoid Burger King at all costs, even if it means I can’t have their awesome french toast sticks.

The crown doesn’t belong to Burger King though. It doesn’t belong to Starbucks (where I’m actually writing this), nor Taco Bell and its weekly menu innovations…

It goes to the the place that first franchised in 1955 in Des Plaines, IL. Where the Coca-Cola tastes better for some reason and the french fries are widely regarded as the best among chains. It’s also the first place you go after the Chicago Bulls score over 100 points to claim your free burger…Sitting upon the Iron Throne with a Big Mac on top is McDonald’s, unleashing their All Day Breakfast menu like Daenerys Targaryen’s dragons upon their competition.

Follow along for more on Facebook and Twitter!

1 Comment Posted on September 24, 2015September 24, 2015 Fantasy Football

NFL Week 3 Fantasy Mailbag

My favorite ongoing social media sports joke may in fact be the Andrew Luck “Civil War Era” Letters when things go wrong…

“My Dearest Abigail,

It is with much regret I must report our efforts to protect the homefront against the Jet brigade of New York were for nought. General Pagano was displeased with my inability to conquer the Isle of Revis. We lost our position upon the field on at least three occasions and despite the valiance of Private Moncrief, our company was forced into retreat. We will regroup and look to return to prominence as we move toward Nashville, led by the youthful Colonel Mariota.

Your beloved,

Andrew”

Andrew Luck decided to check out Revis Island.
Bad idea. #NYJvsIND http://t.co/cIENH9QWgH

— NFL (@NFL) September 22, 2015

Be better, Andrew.

Quick Hits

In better quarterback news, the Tom Brady Revenge Tour rolls after he completely destroyed what would probably be his toughest matchup all year. Brady dropped 3 touchdowns and 466 yards against Rex Ryan’s Bills defense in Buffalo. For the 15th time, an NFL record, the Patriots won after Brady throws 50+ passes. In perspective, Peyton Manning has 17 games throwing 50 or more passes and has a 4-13 record doing so. Hall of Famers Dan Marino and Warren Moon are tied for second in wins throwing that many passes…just 5 each.

If you drafted Le’Veon Bell and had him stashed until this week, it’s time to unleash the beast. In 15 of the 16 games he played in 2014, Bell recorded 100+ total yards and/or scored a touchdown. He also was the league’s 40th leading receiver in terms of yards, and had the most among all running backs. Ben Roethlisberger owners should really like that as well. Bell will lace’em up against a Rams defense that allowed 6.5 yards per carry to Washington rookie running back Matt Jones a week ago. Welcome back, Le’Veon.

If you were on the “Odell Beckham Jr’s overrated” bandwagon, get the hell off it. ODB (as I refer to him) came back in a hurry last week against the Falcons, catching 7 passes for 144 yards and a touchdown that looked like he ran threw a Super Mario star. This weekend, Beckham lines up opposite from a Washington defense that gave up the most touchdowns to wide receivers a year ago (23). In his only game against them, ODB caught 12 passes for 143 yards and 3 touchdowns.

Mail Time!

The universe is testing you Jason, and I know…It’s not fair. This coming from someone who started Peyton Manning in Week 1 and Tony Romo in Week 2. The WR1 epidemic is awful and hamstrings are a bitch, but I’m hoping you either drafted well or went hard on your waiver wire. There are a few adds I would recommend if you haven’t yet though:

Travis Benjamin helped Johnny Football out a lot last weekend, recording 115 yards and 2 touchdowns on just 3 catches. Won’t light it up PPR wise, but he has that “go-up-and-get-it” ability that got Josh McCown paid after his stint in Chicago. If you get return points in your league, Benjamin becomes all the more attractive against the Raiders.

Michael Crabtree is averaging 12 targets per game after his first two starts in Raider black and silver. Not a great matchup going against Cleveland, but you would think Amari Cooper will draw the Joe Haden coverage more. Cooper getting the majority of opposing secondary attention helps Crabtree’s production, as does a healthy Derek Carr that will be playing more catchup in ballgames than not.

Leonard Hankerson is doing what many Roddy White and Julio Jones owners in the past have become familiar with from Harry Douglas. When either of the Top 2 Falcons WRs were injured (or going ghost like White has a tendency to do), Douglas was a PPR machine. Hankerson had 6 catches and a touchdown on 11 targets last week. The Dallas defense may sober his admirers this weekend, but he has two great matchups afterwards against Houston and Washington.

Nate Washington is a notorious spot-start guy in Fantasy and that may be the case here whether DeAndre Hopkins goes against Tampa or doesn’t. Ryan Mallett threw 58 passes a week ago and Washington is averaging over 18 yards per reception. Probably a sleeper play, but it makes a lot of sense if you’re desperate.

There’s an interesting conundrum with Alfred Morris and Matt Jones in the backfield for Washington. The running attack appears to be their offense’s bread and butter and Jones became the flavor of the week out-carrying Morris last week 19-18. What’s worse for Morris is that Jones actually catches passes and was trusted more late in the game last week against the Rams…I would go with with Pierre Garcon based on the targets he gets on short yardage downs, Morris’s role being diminished, the Giants being competent against the run, and Duke Johnson still being the #2 man in Cleveland.

Glad you were able to walk threw #1…I know you’re probably frustrated with the guys who are likely your Top 2 drafted RBs, but this may be the week to reap the benefits of taking them. Latavius Murray has a plumb rushing matchup against a Browns defense that let Dexter F’ing McCluster run for nearly 100 against them and has allowed 300+ rush yards in 2 weeks. The Raiders should be feeding Murray until he pukes…Because the Lions have no clue how to use obviously their best back in Ameer Abdullah, I lean toward Justin Forsett in your flex. He’s the second most targeted receiver for the Ravens and 2nd on the team in catches too going up against a Bengals defense that has allowed the most running back touchdown receptions so far in this young season.

I would start Forsett exactly for reasons I listed above…and then I look to Dion Lewis. The Imitation Game that is Bill Belichick’s running back strategy may have been cracked. Even after a fumble (GASP), Lewis was still getting love in the Patriot’s offense. He has over 100 combo yards in each of his first two games, and at least 5 touches of 10 or more yards in both as well. Lamar Miller just isn’t getting enough usage for me to feel comfortable playing him yet, which is super unfortunate.

Among the two WRs, I lean toward Terrance Williams. After Romo went down last week, Williams looked like the Cowboys’ best offensive weapon. Brandon Weedon is pretty gross, but he will at least be held upright behind the Dallas OL. The Falcons secondary is also allowing the third highest passing percentage to quarterbacks so far this season…Now you can comfortably wait and see if Eddie Lacy can go Monday night against the Chiefs. If he does, you definitely start James Jones. If not, then there’s an argument to be had. The KC front 7 is better at rushing the quarterback than they are stopping the run, and James Starks would get plenty of work against them. Jones doesn’t get enough targets (just 7 in 2 games) for me to feel comfortable playing him over someone who is guaranteed touches. Go with Starks if he’s the #1 running back on Monday.

I am assuming you meant John Brown and if so, you should start him. I know Larry Fitzgerald had a resurrection game, but consider who it was against. The 49ers are ripe for the taking when it comes to #1 WRs and John Brown has taken most of his reps in the X spot. Expect Carson Palmer to keep tossing bombs and for Brown to be at the end of quite a few…Now for your flex. The reasons above are why I don’t trust James Jones as much as many. Todd Gurley is finally ready to go and appears nowhere on the injury report. Gurley is part of a committee but I believe he has the highest ceiling among any of your options. If return points count in your league, go with Benjamin. He has the same number of targets as Jones, but more big play ability. If not, take a chance on Gurley. It’s early enough in the season where taking chances is fun and not terrifying.

It’s #TyrodTime, my friend. We saw Drew Brees’s decline begin a year ago, and he overcompensated by throwing more than any quarterback in the league. Until he can do more than 1 TD and 1 INT in a game, can you trust him?…Let Taylor do his thing until the league figures him out.

I won’t argue against Crowell in this situation. In a standard league, which I assume doesn’t count return yard points, James Jones does have a leg up on Travis Benjamin given the quarterbacks throwing to them. However if Vontae Davis is out this weekend for Indy, start Kendall Wright. As we saw last Monday, that Colts secondary is horrendous and it doesn’t get any better with Davis out. Marcus Mariota could potentially be having a field day this weekend.

Have more lineup questions? Feel free to ask on both Facebook and Twitter! Also, don’t hesitate to post any questions for next week’s Mailbag. Good luck this weekend!

1 Comment Posted on September 16, 2015 #TBT Year in Review

#TBT Year in Review: 2012

In the year the world DIDN’T end (looking at you John Cusack)…

After 244 years of publication, Encyclopedia Britannica discontinued its print edition.
Felix Baumgartner became the first person to break the sound barrier without machine assistance by diving out of a helium balloon from outer-space.
Key & Peele made their Comedy Central debut.
Whitney Houston passed away at the age of 49.

And here’s what happened in Movies, Music and Sports…

Movies

Comedy

Ted, 21 Jump Street, The Dictator, Pitch Perfect, Wanderlust, American Reunion, What To Expect When You’re Expecting, This Is 40, Project X, Think Like A Man, Dark Shadows, Rock of Ages, The Lorax, Wreck-It Ralph, The Campaign, Casa de Mi Padre, Safety Not Guaranteed, For a Good Time Call…, The Guilt Trip, The Three Stooges, Tim and Eric’s Billion Dollar Movie, Magic Mike, The Five-Year Engagement, Seeking a Friend for the End of the World, Hit and Run AND…

Moonrise Kingdom

Action/Thriller

Skyfall, The Avengers, Savages, Safe House, The Hunger Games, Taken 2, The Bourne Legacy, Man on a Ledge, Looper, Safe, Stolen, Jack Reacher, Resident Evil: Retribution, Premium Rush, End of Watch, Sinister, Contraband, Erased, Battleship, Seven Psychopaths, Dredd, Total Recall, Prometheus, The Amazing Spider-Man, Chronicle AND…

The Dark Knight Rises

Drama

Django Unchained, Silver Linings Playbook, Argo, Zero Dark Thirty, Lincoln, Beasts of the Southern Wild, Les Miserables, The Master, Cloud Atlas, The Vow, Flight, The Perks of Being a Wallflower, Mud, Disconnect, Red Tails, Promised Land, Amour, Trouble with the Curve, Hitchcock, The Place Beyond the Pines

Argo

The 85th Academy Awards

Best Actor

Hugh Jackman, Les Miserables
Joaquin Phoenix, The Master
Denzel Washington, Flight
Bradley Cooper, Silver Linings Playbook
Daniel Day-Lewis, Lincoln – Winner

(This was his 3rd win out of 5 nominations dating back to My Left Foot in 1990)

Best Supporting Actor

Alan Arkin, Argo
Robert De Niro, Silver Linings Playbook
Philip Seymour Hoffman, The Master
Tommy Lee Jones, Lincoln
Christoph Waltz, Django Unchained – Winner

(Waltz has won both times he was nominated. Both for Tarantino roles)

Best Actress

Jessica Chastain, Zero Dark Thirty
Emmanuelle Riva, Amour
Quvenzhane Wallis, Beasts of the Southern Wild
Naomi Watts, The Impossible
Jennifer Lawrence, Silver Linings Playbook – Winner

(JLaw was nominated 3 times in 4 years, beginning in 2011 for Winter’s Bone)

Best Supporting Actress

Helen Hunt, The Sessions
Jacki Weaver, Silver Linings Playbook
Amy Adams, The Master
Sally Field, Lincoln
Anne Hathaway, Les Miserables – Winner

(Hathaway was nominated once more in 2009 for her lead role Rachel Getting Married)

Best Picture

Amour
Beasts of the Southern Wild
Django Unchained
Life of Pi
Lincoln
Les Miserables
Silver Linings Playbook
Zero Dark Thirty
Argo – Winner

(Argo won 2 more Oscars out of 7 nominations, for Best Writing and Editing)

Music

Rock Albums

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Hip Hop Albums

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Pop Albums

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Billboard Year-End Top 25 Songs

“Somebody That I used to Know” – Gotye featuring Kimbra
“Call Me Maybe” – Carly Rae Jepson
“We Are Young” – fun. featuring Janelle Monae
“Payphone” – Maroon 5 featuring Wiz Khalifa
“Lights” – Ellie Goulding
“Glad You Came” – The Wanted
“Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)” – Kelly Clarkson
“We Found Love” – Rihanna featuring Calvin Harris
“Starships” – Nicki Minaj
“What Makes You Beautiful” – One Direction
“Wild Ones” – Flo Rida featuring Sia
“Set Fire to the Rain” – Adele
“Sexy and I Know It” – LMFAO
“Some Nights” – fun.
“Wide Awake” – Katy Perry
“Good Feeling” – Flo Rida
“Whistle” – Flo Rida
“One More Night” – Maroon 5
“Drive By” – Train
“The Motto” – Drake featuring Lil Wayne
“Where Have You Been” – Rihanna
“Everybody Talks” – Neon Trees
“Take Care” – Drake featuring Rihanna
“Titanium” – David Guetta
“I Won’t Give Up” – Jason Mraz

Sports

Baseball

League Leaders

Offensive

Average: Buster Posey (SF) – .336

Hits: Derek Jeter (NYY) – 216

Home Runs: Miguel Cabrera (DET) – 44

RBI: Miguel Cabrera (DET) – 139

OPS: Miguel Cabrera (DET) – .999

Stolen Bases: Mike Trout (LAA) – 49

Pitching

Wins: Gio Gonzalez (WSH) – 21

ERA: Clayton Kershaw (LAD) – 2.53

Strikeouts: Justin Verlander (DET) – 239

Complete Games: Justin Verlander (DET) – 6

Shutouts: Felix Hernandez (SEA) – 5

Saves: Jim Johnson (BAL) – 51

MVP

AL – Miguel Cabrera (DET)

NL – Buster Posey (SF)

CY Young

AL – David Price (TB)

NL – R.A. Dickey (NYM)

Rookie of the Year

AL – Mike Trout (LAA)

NL – Bryce Harper (WSH)

World Series

San Francisco Giants sweep the Detroit Tigers 4-0

Basketball

NCAA

Final Four

(1) Kentucky (2) Ohio State (2) Kansas and (4) Louisville

National Championship

(1) Kentucky over (2) Kansas 67-59

NBA

League Leaders

Points Per Game: Kevin Durant (OKC) – 28.0

Rebounds Per Game: Dwight Howard (ORL) – 14.5

Assists Per Game: Rajon Rondo (BOS) -11.7

All-NBA Team

Kobe Bryant (LAL)

Kevin Durant (OKC)

Dwight Howard (ORL)

LeBron James (MIA)

Chris Paul (LAC)

MVP – LeBron James (MIA)

Rookie of the Year – Kyrie Irving (CLE)

NBA Finals

Miami Heat over the Oklahoma City Thunder (4-1)

Football

NCAA

Heisman Trophy – Johnny Manziel (Texas A&M)

BCS National Championship

(2) Alabama over (1) Notre Dame 42-14

NFL

League Leaders

Passing Yards: Drew Brees (NO) – 5,177

Passing Touchdowns: Drew Brees (NO) – 43

Passer Rating: Aaron Rodgers (GB) – 108.0

Rushing Yards: Adrian Peterson (MIN) – 2,097

Rushing Touchdowns: Arian Foster (HOU) – 15

Receiving Yards: Calvin Johnson (DET) – 1,964

Receiving Touchdowns: James Jones (GB) – 14

Receptions: Calvin Johnson (DET) – 122

AP MVP – Adrian Peterson (MIN)

Super Bowl XLVII

Baltimore Ravens over the San Francisco 49ers (The Harbowl) 34-31

Hockey

League Leaders

Goals: Steven Stamkos (TB) – 60

Assists: Henrik Sedin (VAN) – 67

Points: Evgeni Malkin (PIT) – 109

Hart Memorial Trophy: Evgeni Malkin (PIT)

Stanley Cup

Los Angeles Kings over the New Jersey Devils (4-2)

Did I miss anything? Let me know on Twitter @Mike_PiFF03 or on Facebook.

Also checkout past #TBT Years in Review.

2011

2010

2007

2006

2005

2002

1999

1998

1992

1990

1989

1988

1987

Leave a comment Posted on September 15, 2015September 15, 2015 TV

Emmys 2015 Picks: Mine and Yours

With the Emmys airing this Sunday, September 20th (at 7 PM CDT), the Television Academy will answer so many questions we’ve had since the nominations were announced 2 months ago…

Will Better Call Saul pick up where Breaking Bad left off?

Do Jon Hamm and Amy Poehler finally get their due?

Which show gets more love after airing their final episodes, Mad Men or The Newsroom?

WHY DOES EVERYONE ON AMERICAN HORROR STORY GET NOMINATED?

We may never know about that last one, but we can make our predictions anyway! I’ve stuck to most of my WAY TOO EARLY picks from the summer, but you can cast your votes for each category.

Outstanding Comedy Series

Louie
Modern Family
Parks and Recreation
Silicon Valley
Transparent
Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt
Veep

My Pick: Parks and Recreation

Outstanding Drama Series

Better Call Saul
Downton Abbey
Game of Thrones
Homeland
House of Cards
Mad Men
Orange Is The New Black

My Pick: Homeland

Outstanding Variety Talk Series

The Colbert Report
The Daily Show
Jimmy Kimmel Live
Last Week Tonight
Late Show
Tonight Show

My Pick: Late Show, Letterman’s farewell was too good.

Outstanding Variety Sketch Series

Drunk History
Inside Amy Schumer
Key & Peele
Portlandia
Saturday Night Live

My Pick: Key & Peele

Outstanding Limited Series

American Crime
American Horror Story Freak Show
Olive Kitteridge
The Honorable Woman
Wolf Hall

My Pick: Olive Kitteridge

Outstanding Animated Program

Archer
Bob’s Burgers
Over the Garden Wall
The Simpsons
South Park

My Pick: Archer

Outstanding Lead Actor in A Drama Series

Kyle Chandler, Bloodline
Jeff Daniels, The Newsroom
Jon Hamm, Mad Men
Bob Odenkirk, Better Call Saul
Liev Schreiber, Ray Donovan
Kevin Spacey, House of Cards

My Pick: Jon Hamm, although it’s a two man race with Jeff Daniels

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series

Claire Danes, Homeland
Viola Davis, How to Get Away With Murder
Taraji P. Henson, Empire
Tatiana Maslany, Orphan Black
Elisabeth Moss, Mad Men
Robin Wright, House of Cards

My Pick: Robin Wright

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series

Jonathan Banks, Better Call Saul
Ben Mendelsohn, Bloodline
Jim Carter, Downton Abbey
Peter Dinklage, Game of Thrones
Alan Cumming, The Good Wife
Michael Kelly, House of Cards

My Pick: Jonathan Banks

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series

Joanne Froggatt, Downton Abbey
Lena Headey, Game of Thrones
Emilia Clarke, Game of Thrones
Christine Baranski, The Good Wife
Christina Hendricks, Mad Men
Uzo Aduba, Orange Is The New Black

My Pick: Uzo Aduba

Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series

Alan Alda, The Blacklist
Michael J. Fox, The Good Wife
F. Murray Abraham, Homeland
Reg E. Cathey, House of Cards
Beau Bridges, Masters of Sex
Pablo Schreiber, Orange Is The New Black

My Pick: Pablo Schreiber

Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series

Diana Rigg, Game of Thrones
Rachel Brosnahan, House of Cards
Cicely Tyson, How to Get Away With Murder
Allison Janney, Masters of Sex
Khandi Alexander, Scandal
Margo Martindale, The Americans

My Pick: Diana Rigg

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series

Anthony Anderson, Black-ish
Louis C.K., Louie
Don Cheadle, House of Lies
Will Forte, Last Man on Earth
Matt LeBlanc, Episodes
William H. Macy, Shameless
Jeffrey Tambor, Transparent

My Pick: Will Forte

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series

Edie Falco, Nurse Jackie
Lisa Kudrow, The Comeback
Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Veep
Amy Poehler, Parks and Recreation
Amy Schumer, Inside Amy Schumer
Lily Tomlin, Grace and Frankie

My Pick: Amy Poehler

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series

Andrew Braugher, Brooklyn Nine-Nine
Adam Driver, Girls
Keegan-Michael Key, Key & Peele
Ty Burrell, Modern Family
Tituss Burgess, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt
Tony Hale, Veep

My Pick: Ty Burrell

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series

Niecy Nash, Getting On
Julie Bowen, Modern Family
Allison Janney, Mom
Kate McKinnon, Saturday Night Live
Mayim Bialik, The Big Bang Theory
Gaby Hoffman, Transparent
Jane Krakowski, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt
Anna Chlumsky, Veep

My Pick: Kate McKinnon

Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series

Mel Brooks, The Comedians
Paul Giamatti, Inside Amy Schumer
Bill Hader, Saturday Night Live
Louis C.K., Saturday Night Live
Bradley Whitford, Transparent
Jon Hamm, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt

My Pick: Jon Hamm

Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series

Gaby Hoffmann, Girls
Pamela Adlon, Louie
Elizabeth Banks, Modern Family
Joan Cusack, Shameless
Christine Baranski, The Big Bang Theory
Tina Fey, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt

My Pick: Pamela Adlon

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie

Adrien Brody, Houdini
Ricky Gervais, Derek
Timothy Hutton, American Crime
Richard Jenkins, Olive Kitteridge
David Oyelowo, Nightengale
Mark Rylance, Wolf Hall

My Pick: David Oyelowo

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series or Movie

Maggie Gyllenhaal, The Honorable Woman
Felicity Huffman, American Crime Story
Jessica Lange, American Horror Story: Freak Show
Queen Latifah, Bessie
Frances McDormand, Olive Kitteridge
Emma Thompson, Sweeney Todd

My Pick: Frances McDormand

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie

Richard Cabral, American Crime
Denis O’Hare, American Horror Story: Freak Show
Finn Wittrock, American Horror Story: Freak Show
Michael Kenneth Williams, Bessie
Bill Murray, Olive Kitteridge
Damian Lewis, Wolf Hall

My Pick: Bill Murray

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Movie

Regina King, American Crime
Sarah Paulson, American Horror Story: Freak Show
Angela Bassett, American Horror Story: Freak Show
Kathy Bates, American Horror Story: Freak Show
Mo’Nique, Bessie
Zoe Kazan, Olive Kitteridge

My Pick: Regina King

Share your picks and tell your friends to do the same on Facebook and Twitter!

Leave a comment Posted on September 10, 2015September 10, 2015 Fantasy Football

NFL Week 1 Fantasy Mailbag

FOOOOOOTBALLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!

I know that’s exactly how you woke up this morning.

Your drafts are in. You’ve either comfortably sat on your lineup or you’ve been toying with who is best for your flex position every minute of the day….The latter is much more likely.

Quick Hits

While the NFL season kicks off tonight, so does the #BradyRevengeTour. That hashtag is meant to be tongue in cheek, but Tom Brady has an excellent matchup this week against a Steelers defense in transition to a new system and the same bad personnel as last season. 9 of the 10 quarterbacks they faced last season threw for multiple touchdowns and they were lit up by the BILLS QBs in Week 3 (gross).

Opposite Brady will be Ben Roethlisberger, who would benefit greatly from a shootout. No Le’Veon Bell means an iffy backfield, and more throws downfield to arguably the best offensive weapon in football…Antonio Brown. Roethlisberger averaged 2.6 touchdown passes last year and faces a Patriots defense that’s now without Darrelle Revis and Brandon Browner.

Another game I’m incredibly interested in is the Broncos vs. Ravens, and not for Peyton Manning vs. Joe Flacco…Two of the league’s breakout running backs last season were CJ Anderson and Justin Forsett, and neither were starters in their opener a year ago. Forsett led all starting running backs with 5.4 yards per carry. Since taking over #1 duties week 9, Anderson averaged 132.1 yards from scrimmage per game. Now that Forsett’s OC a year ago is guiding Anderson, it will be fun to see how the two follow up their pro bowl seasons.

Giants vs. Cowboys could be quite the show as well. Tony Romo OWNED the Giants last year throwing 7 touchdowns in both games against them. In their first meeting, Dez Bryant caught 9 passes for 151 yards and then 2 touchdowns in the second. It was against the Cowboys though where Odell Beckham Jr. really came onto the scene. Beckham scored 2 touchdowns in the first game, then 10 catches, 146 yards and 2 touchdowns the second time around. Similar to tonight’s NE vs PIT game, this matchup has barn burner potential.

Mail Time!

I think the highest ceiling from this group will eventually be Ameer Abdullah, but Lions have a mirky RB situation with Joique Bell still listed as the starter and Theo Riddick #2 on the depth chart. My rule with Week 1 is to go with your proven players while watching how your bench guys develop. DeVante Parker has a great matchup against Washington, but there are only so many balls to go around with Jarvis Landry, Kenny Stills and Greg Jennings. Wait and see on his usage…I lean toward Danny Woodhead over Charles Johnson. Woodhead is Philip Rivers’s guy on passing downs and will be relieving rookie Melvin Gordon plenty against the tough Lions run defense. I trust Woodhead getting more touches than Johnson, as the Vikings will be focused on riding Adrian Peterson against the Walking Dead 49ers.

Start with Jeremy Maclin. I really liked how he and Alex Smith looked working together in the preseason, and he’s the undisputed #1 guy for an offense that needs to use it’s receivers more in the red zone…Both Brandon Marshall and Andre Johnson have tough secondary matchups this week. Johnson is in a crowded WR group going against the Bills and Marshall will draw Joe Haden. I like Marshall as a red zone option more than Johnson though. Obviously Johnson has the better QB throwing to him, but how much will he be thrown to?

Appreciate ya, Matt…Despite my worry of Melvin Gordon going against Detroit, Alfred Blue may have an even tougher one against Kansas City. I also don’t get the impression that the Texans are all that in love with Blue, considering they were willing to try 3rd string cornerbacks at running back in the preseason. Let Gordon loose out there.

Although he is getting the call with Martavis Bryant out, I don’t trust Markus Wheaton yet like I do two starting running backs. Washington is a dumpster fire, but you can feel better about their running game with Alfred Morris way more than their quarterbacks and wide receivers. And take advantage of having Jonathan Stewart while he’s healthy. The key in Week 1 is starting guys that you know will be getting touches, and plenty of them. Only 5 times did Wheaton catch 5 or more passes last season.

Amari Cooper is going to be one of the best wide receivers in the league and he’ll show it sooner than later. Unfortunately, I don’t think that will be this weekend as his quarterback may be eaten alive by the Bengals front 7. Jordan Matthews should be strong play though as the new #1 WR in Philly and going against a Falcons pass defense that was putrid a year ago.

I don’t love Brandon Marshall at all and I don’t think his quarterbacks will be helping him much or vice versa. However…the Washington offensive line could easily get Kirk Cousins killed this weekend against Ndamukong Suh, and D-Jax simply won’t get great opportunities to make plays for you. Your chances are better with Marshall.

Have more lineup questions? Feel free to ask on both Facebook and Twitter! Also, don’t hesitate to post any questions for next week’s Mailbag. Good luck this weekend!

Leave a comment Posted on September 1, 2015September 12, 2015 TV

September 2015 TV Premieres and What To Watch

Ready your DVRs!

Fall TV is coming. While you still have to wait another month for big premieres like Homeland, The Walking Dead, American Horror Story, and Fargo…

(“…very friendly people”)

…but September is no slouch for new Television. After this week, CBS will be leading off big for Late Night TV lovers and it only gets better from there.

September 8th

The Late Show with Stephen Colbert (CBS)

10:35 PM CDT

The table is set for Stephen Colbert, who takes over for Davide Letterman at The Late Show. The Tuesday premiere schedule is pretty thin as is, and all eyes will be on Colbert to see how he transitions from his Comedy Central character and takes on the likes of Conan O’Brien, Jimmy Fallon and Jimmy Kimmel in that time slot.

For me, it’s a breath of fresh air after the disappointing showing so far from Colbert’s new CBS teammate, James Corden. I wasn’t expecting the spastic preteen pandering that Corden’s Late Late Show was going to bring. It’s a long “ughhhh” when you go from Craig Ferguson and his “Don’t give a shit” brand of comedy to…sing-a-longs with Justin Bieber.

Here’s the slate of guests to look forward to with Colbert when the new Late Show kicks off.

Tuesday: George Clooney, Jeb Bush and band leader Jon Baptiste with special musical guests

Wednesday: Scarlet Johansson, Elon Musk and Kendrick Lamar

Thursday: Uber CEO Travis Kalanick and Toby Keith

Friday: Amy Schumer, Stephen King and Troubled Waters

September 9th

The League (FXX)

9:00 PM CDT

The 7th season of The League will be it’s last. It’s a show about a Fantasy Football league that only sorta talks about Fantasy Football, which is fine. Every few episodes have their NFL cameos that include Matt Forte, Darren Sproles, JJ Watt, Marshawn Lynch, Jay Cutler, and the “Cameron Jordan & Jordan Cameron” combo that never gets old.

I’ll be honest, I have only watched the show as a Netflix binge watch ever since their move to FXX. It’s a ridiculously quick watch that way. For the final season though, it’ll be worth the effort week-to-week. A lot of familiar faces will be reprising their roles like Rob Riggle, Will Forte, Zach Woods, Ike Barinholtz, Leslie Bibb…and Marshawn Lynch. And don’t forget all the near decade long running jokes between Mark Duplass, Nick Kroll, Jon Lajoie, Stephen Rannazzisi, Paul Sheer and Katie Aselton and their quest for THE SHIVA!

September 10th

Longmire (Netflix)

Full Season Available at 12:01 AM

Originally on A&E, Longmire is an excellent fix for fans of both Justified and Hell On Wheels. It’s a modern serial western about a Wyoming county sheriff solving gruesome crimes in both his jurisdiction and the neighboring Cheyenne reservation. Robert Taylor didn’t have much notoriety before playing Walt Longmire, but it seems like the role he was meant to play. Along with Battlestar Galactica and 24 alum Katee Sackhoff, Lou Diamond Phillips takes viewers back to his Young Guns days as Walt’s badass Native American sidekick.

September 13th

Doll & Em

9:30 PM CDT

If you’re having Emily Mortimer withdrawal since The Newsroom went off the air, this may be your fix. This 6 episode sitcom follows the actress and her best friend/assistant Dolly Wells around during their adventures in Hollywood and Broadway. It’s cheeky…Did I use that correctly?

September 15th

The Mindy Project (Hulu weekly)

Best Time Ever w/ Neil Patrick Harris (NBC)

9:00 PM CDT

The Bastard Executioner (FX)

9:00 PM CDT

Kurt Sutter’s followup to FX’s highest rated show, Sons of Anarchy, is medieval in every way possible. It’s Game of Thrones with more historical relevance, as it takes place during King Edward III’s reign. Lee Jones has some Chris Hemsworth/Thor to him playing the protagonist Wilkin Brattle. True Blood fans will enjoy Vampire Bill aka Stephen Moyer back in a period piece in a co-starring role. Longtime Sutter enthusiasts will recognize plenty of familiar faces from his SOA and The Shield runs, including Katey Sagal and Timothy V. Murphy.

September 16th

South Park (Comedy Central)

9:00 PM CDT

THIS IS SEASON 19!!! Trey Parker and Matt Stone truly have it made, as they have been renewed through 25 seasons with Comedy Central. It’s fun to speculate which pop culture and political news, issues and events will be parodied in the upcoming season…I’ll throw down some bets for Donald Trump, Star Wars, and Deflategate (they love their football and their Denver Broncos).

September 19th

Doctor Who (BBC America)

8:00 PM CDT

I have to confess…I’ve never seen an episode of Doctor Who (*ducks*). I guess it’s never too late to start, right?

September 21st

The Big Bang Theory (CBS)

7:00 PM CDT

Minority Report (FOX)

8:00 PM CDT

Gotham: Rise of the Villains (FOX)

7:00 PM CDT

I’m not sure if anyone really loved Gotham’s Season 1. Whether it was the campiness of the show or the inconsistent schedule that made you forget it was still on-air…Regardless, all the Batman bad guys you saw in S1 are back for S2…and they are angry.

September 22nd

NCIS (CBS)

7:00 PM CDT

Scream Queens (FOX)

7:00 PM CDT

The Muppets (ABC)

7:00 PM CDT

It’s the F***’n Muppets…what more do you need?

September 23rd

The Goldbergs (ABC)

7:30 PM CDT

Empire (FOX)

8:00 PM CDT

Modern Family (ABC)

8:00 PM CDT

Going into it’s sixth season, Modern Family still guarantees at least one solid belly laugh every episode.

September 24th

Heroes Reborn (NBC)

7 PM CDT

I understand that Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal, and How To Get Away With Murder all return that evening, but Heroes is all that matters to me…and many.

September 28th

The Daily Show with Trevor Noah (Comedy Central)

10:00 PM CDT

By the end of the month, we’ll be comfortable with the new Late Show hosted by Daily Show alum Stephen Colbert…and we’ll finally get to know Trevor Noah better as he heads the post-Jon Stewart era.

What TV shows are you looking forward to most this Fall? Let me know on Facebook and Twitter.

Leave a comment Posted on August 27, 2015August 27, 2015 Food

Planning Ahead: National Food Days in September

September is my favorite month.

It’s the start of football season, sweater weather, and the midwest is absolutely gorgeous as the leaves start to change. What we can also look forward to is another full month of National Food Days.

We did the same in July and August and today happens to be #NationalBurgerDay. So plan accordingly.

(Maybe stop by Au Cheval in Chicago, now that you’ve seen this photo.)

Usually people are caught off guard or feel like they may have missed out because they didn’t know about the social media driven holidays. Here’s your chance to get ahead of the curve and get the calendar ready for some awesome food and drink experiences.

Without further ado…

September 1st

National Gyros Day

Whether you pronounce it “yee-roh” or go full on Bridgeport and say “Jye-roh”, I take my gyros very seriously. It’s one of my favorite combos of rotisserie meat and sauce and goes perfectly on pita.

Recommendation: You could take a fun trip to Greektown, but here’s a nice list of other Chicago favorites. If you can get it homemade though…*Homer Simpson drooling noises*

September 7th

National Beer Lovers Day

Why yes, yes that is Labor Day. So you really don’t have an excuse to find a nice patio or crack a few on your back porch, and enjoy your favorite brews.

Recommendation: Find a nearby brewpub/brewery (like Revolution) or bar that specializes in beer options (like The Beer Market), and order an excellent beer flight to your liking.

September 10th

National Hot Dog Day

Before you ask, there was already a #NationalHotDogDay back in July…but who’s complaining about having to eat hot dogs again? Personally, I’m a polish sausage guy but that IS my birthday. So I’m down.

Recommendation: Go to Gene and Jude’s, trust me. And bring your own ketchup to apply in the car…because you’ll be shunned if you ask about it.

September 12th

National Chocolate Milkshake Day

Hard to find a good milkshake for less than $5 today, amirite…?

Recommendation: Oberweis. Go inside too and get one of those big fish bowl sized glasses too with a cookie straw.

September 23rd

National Pancake Day

The thinner the pancake, the better…in my world. I’m Swedish, so you can’t blame me.

Recommendation: Walker Bros Original Pancake House. If you also like thin pancakes, get the 49er flapjacks. The Apple Pancake is like the “deep dish pizza” of pancakes.

Foodimentary.com has the full September schedule. Have some more recommendations for those wishing to partake in these holidays? Let me know on Facebook or Twitter.

5 Comments Posted on August 26, 2015August 26, 2015 Fantasy Football, sports

Fantasy Cheat Sheet 2015: Defenses and Kickers

The last two things on your mind in a Fantasy Football Draft are Defenses and Kickers, but they are still positions that will either put you over the top in a close game…or kill you.

Aggressive Fantasy players rarely stick with the defenses and kickers that they drafted, always rotating for great matchups. If you grab a solid point producer though, that’s one less stress you need to deal with for your weekend.

Here are my Top 10 for both defenses and kickers. You know when you should be drafting them already, so I spared the recommendations this time.

Defenses

1. Philadelphia

2014: 28 Takeaways, 49 sacks, 1,405 Return, 11 TDs

Eagles defense won games for people by themselves last year. Seattle will get overdrafted because they are talked about the most, but they don’t really score much. Philly gets pointage and they’ve improved in the off-season by adding Kiko Alonso. Philly is also insane in special teams situations blocking kicks and returning.

2. Buffalo

2014: 30 Takeaways, 54 sacks, 1,124 Return, 4 TDs

The Bills upgraded their already excellent D by hiring Rex Ryan. They don’t score a lot of TDs, but they do get to the quarterback a lot which forces turnovers and scoring chances.

3. Seattle

2014: 24 Takeaways, 37 sacks, 1,072 return, 3 TDs

The Seahawks give you the best opportunities for shutouts and control the game by running a lot. They can pack on the INT and Sack points as long as they get the opportunity to…Oh and #LegionOfBoom

4. St. Louis

2014: 25 Takeaways, 40 sacks, 1,581 return, 5 TDs

The Rams D-Line could be the best in football and with an unreliable offense, they get plenty of opportunities to reek havoc on opposing quarterbacks.

5. Kansas City

2014: 14 Takeaways, 46 sacks, 2,035 return, 3 TDs

The Chiefs didn’t generate many takeaways last year, but they have the best return game and pass rusher (Justin Houston) in football. They also get one of the best safeties in the league back in Eric Berry,

6. Houston

2014: 34 Takeaways, 38 sacks, 630 return, 6 TDs

Houston is the anti-KC. They take the ball away and they score. Plus, they have JJ Watt.

7. Arizona

2014: 25 Takeaways, 35 sacks, 684 return yards, 5 TDs

The Cardinals were very vulnerable to the pass last year, which is surprising when they have Patrick Peterson and Tyrann Mathieu in their secondary. That may be the bright side because they DO have Peterson and Mathieu, two of the league’s best athletes…and an excellent pass rush.

8. New England

2014: 25 Takeaways, 40 sacks, 1,124 return, 5 TDs

Patriots lost Revis but they always fill in their vacancies well. Very savvy pass rushers and special teams have a penchant for coming up big.

9. Baltimore

2014: 22 Takeaways, 49 sacks, 1,359 return, 3 TDs

The Baltimore D isn’t going to carry you like they used to, but they are very good for spot starts and getting sacks. Their divisional games are generally slugfests too that work in their favor.

10. Green Bay

2014: 27 Takeaways, 41 sacks, 888 return, 6 TDs

The formula to GB’s success last season was getting out to a big lead early and then forcing opposing teams to throw and and be pressured into turnovers. I anticipate that to be a similar circumstance for them again this year, but they can give up a lot of points at times.

Kickers

1. Stephen Gostkowski, NE

2014: 35/37 FG, 51 XP

What you generally want in your kicker is someone who doesn’t miss often, gets a lot of opportunities, and picks up plenty of XPs. The Patriots spend a lot of time in their opponents’ territory and that Gostkowski rarely misses.

2. Cody Parkey, PHI

2014: 32/36 FG, 54 XP

Similar to the Patriots, the Eagles get into their opponents’ territory plenty for Parkey to get attempts. It also helps that they score TDs on both offense and defense for him to pick up XPs

3. Steven Hauschka, SEA

2014: 31/37 FG, 41 XP

Hauschka has some of the best range in the league, his longest FG last year being from 58 yards out. His leg definitely shortens the field for the Seahawks.

4. Randy Bullock, HOU

2014: 30/35 FG, 40 XP

Bullock benefits from getting to play in a dome for most of his season without dealing with the elements. Not sure how many scoring chances the Texans will get with their quarterback and running back situations, but Bullock’s good.

5. Dan Carpenter, BUF

2014: 34/38 FG, 31 XP

Scuzzy Dan made the 2^nd most FGs in the league last year, and will get a chance to kick plenty more if Buffalo commits to their run game. Scoring touchdowns may still be an issue without a viable quarterback in their system.

6. Matt Bryant, ATL

2014: 29/32 FG, 40 XP

Bryant is reliable. As long as the Falcons offense does their job this year, his attempts and extra points will certainly rise.

7. Adam Vinatieri, IND

2014: 30/31 FG, 50 XP

Vinatieri is SO OLD but still SO ACCURATE. The Colts should be scoring in the bunches again this season, and having a better RB in Gore will make Vinatieri an excellent pick for your team.

8. Justin Tucker, BAL

2014: 29/35 FG, 42 XP

Tucker admittedly plays Fantasy Football as well and is well aware that you depend on him each Sunday….and he is very dependable.

9. Blair Walsh, MIN

2014: 26/35 FG, 29 XP

So much of a kicker’s success is dependent on the offense putting him in a position to kick. Year 2 of Bridgewater and the return of Adrian Peterson should bode well for Blair Walsh getting more attempts.

10. Dan Bailey, DAL

2014: 25/29 FG, 56 XP

At the very least, you want your kicker to kick a lot of PATs. Bailey led the league in XPs last season and I don’t expect his attempts to waver too much this year. Cowboys Stadium has never been too bad to him either.

Do your rankings look different? Let me know on Facebook and Twitter!

Also…

Quarterbacks Cheat Sheet

Running Backs Cheat Sheet

Wide Receivers Cheat Sheet

Tight Ends Cheat Sheet

1 Comment Posted on August 3, 2015August 3, 2015 Movies, sports

Ranking Trainwreck’s Sports Moments

I didn’t know how sports-centric Amy Schumer’s sorta-RomCom feature would be prior to seeing it yesterday. Sure Bill Hader’s character is a sports physician/surgeon and his closest friend in the film is LeBron James, but Judd Apatow goes above and beyond in sports-ness throughout the film.

If you haven’t seen “Trainwreck” yet, I’ll warn you that there are spoilers ahead…but you should have assumed that before clicking. Let’s take a look at the numerous cameos and references that made a generally “okay” movie a little bit better.

10. Hader Sports Trivia

In an effort to distract Amy’s dad (Colin Quinn) while sewing up stitches for him following a fall in an assisted living home, Bill Hader asks him a Trivia question that many sports fans have been asking to kill time or break the ice with for years…

“Which 9 Pro Sports Team Names Don’t End With ‘S’…?”

Tampa Bay Lightning
Minnesota Wild
Colorado Avalanche
Miami Heat
Utah Jazz
Orlando Magic
Boston Red Sox
Chicago White Sox
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

You’re welcome…for future parties.

9. Amy’s Cheerleader Number

Anyone who tells me that Cheerleading isn’t a sport is dead wrong. This scene is certainly evidence of that. While it also puts the icing on the cake to define “Trainwreck” as a RomCom (like as How To Lose A Guy in 10 Days as it gets), it’s actually a super impressive scene. Schumer said herself that it took 2 and a half months to train for the scene…and at least 10 takes.

The reason I didn’t rank this higher, despite the admirable effort by Schumer, the scene and its conclusion made me walk away feeling like I just watched an Adam Sandler movie. Not a good thing.

8. “Dallas Sucks”, Tony Romo

Kind of a sleeper in this film is Amare Stoudamire and his handful of scenes, despite being a real focal point to the movie’s plot. It’s awkward and a little dated because Amare isn’t even in New York anymore, but how can you not appreciate a “Dallas Sucks” heckle when Tony Romo is trying to have a semi-heartfelt moment introducing Hader’s character for an award.

7. John Cena “Dirty Talk”

I’m going to have a hard time looking at John Cena the same way again…and wash cloths.

In an attempt to spice things up, Amy tells John Cena’s character, Steven, to try talking dirty. Cena warns her that he’s not very good at that but he gives it a shot anyway…It goes from talking about “protein” to his best attempt at a cheesy sports movie coach’s inspirational speech. The sad part is that it pretty much summed up all of the cliches Gene Hackman used in “The Replacements.”

6. Hader hitting a shot on LeBron

I’ll be more extensive in my appreciation for LeBron James later, but I have to give props to Hader first…He takes a beating for most of this scene while LeBron is trying to give him dating advice and blocking every attempt made. It ends with a Hader jumper from the elbow, a weak contest from LeBron, and the ball hitting nothing but net.

I too would give up playing basketball forever if I hit a shot over LeBron James.

5. Colin Quinn vs. Babe Ruth

Anyone else wonder where Colin Quinn had been for the last thousand years? The former SNL ‘Weekend Update’ Anchor opens the film explaining why monogamy is dumb to his kids and that kinda-but-not-really justifies Schumer’s “Trainwreck” behavior throughout the film.

He’s living in an assisted living home due to MS and goes on typical Colin Quinn rants whenever he’s on screen. The best of his rants comes toward the beginning when one of the residents brings up Babe Ruth. As a huge Mets fan, he ruins the old Yankee fan’s dreams by telling him that every latin pitcher today would destroy Babe Ruth…who never played against black ballplayers.

4. Amare really likes Tom Brady’s wife

As I mentioned earlier, Amare is a serious sleeper in this flick. There is (and isn’t) a lot riding on Hader being able to successfully operate on Amare’s knee to get him back playing for the Knicks.

Sidenote: If this is taking place during the NBA season, why is LeBron spending so much time in New York following Hader around?

Anywho, Amare asks Hader how the procedure went and he is told that it was “Tom Brady” good. That prompts a medically drug induced Amare to profess his love and admiration for Gisele Bundchen.

From “I need me one of those” to “I follow her on Instagram”, that single scene was the perfect contrast to the creepy and gross Tom Brady stalking in “Ted 2”.

3. Marv Albert in the Intervention

While the scene seemed wildly out of place, and even more Sandler’ish than the cheerleader number, Marv Albert calling play-by-play of an intervention curated by LeBron for Hader following his breakup was too good.

Matthew Broderick and Chris Evert were there as well (why?), but that randomness was subsided by Marv doing his Marv thing.

2. Any and All LeBron Scenes

I want LeBron to be my best friend after seeing this movie.

He makes the movie fun by trying to be a normal dude looking out for his “best friend.” You’re not totally sure if Hader feels the same way about the LeBron, but that makes the chemistry all the more entertaining.

And you giggle like a kid when he gets pumped about “Sexual Intercourse”.

1. Hader’s “Client” Namedropping

I laughed the loudest (and probably way more than the few people where in the theater with me) at this scene, warranting it’s #1 ranking.

While at a birthday party for Schumer’s nephew, Hader gets the “new boyfriend” treatment from the other guys there. Tim Meadows and Mike Birbiglia ask Hader specifically who he has worked on as a sports surgeon and it goes a little like this…

Bill: “Tom Brady…”

Them: “Wow!”

Bill: “Jay Cutler…”

Them: “Cool.”

Bill: “Alex Rodriguez…”

Tim Meadows: “FUCK THAT GUY!”

Yep. The “Ladies Man” gets the smallest part in the movie, but drops the best timed punchline over the course of 2 hours and too many more minutes.

Can you think of anything else from “Trainwreck” that sticks out to you? Let us know on Facebook and Twitter.

5 Comments Posted on July 23, 2015July 23, 2015 Drinks, Food

Planning Ahead: Upcoming National Food Days

I love the social media driven National Food days. They give us something to look forward to. They encourage us to go out and grab something good to eat. I also just really like having a reason to try new places.

For instance, today is #NationalHotDogDay. I’m not the biggest fan of hot dogs (more of a polish sausage guy) but I am always interested in experiencing something different. For years I’ve heard people rave about Superdawg in the Chicago area, so it being a “holiday” seemed as good an excuse as any to try it.

Let me tell you what…the hype is REAL at Superdawg.

Who decides these “National Food Days”? According to Food Timeline, there are 4 different sources that plan the National Food Calendar.

– The Federal Government, either by Presidential proclamation or the Department of Commerce

– Industry Associations

– Companies promoting their products

– Charities and Not-for-profit organizations

I know, right? Learn something new everyday.

So rather than waiting to see what advertisers and social media surprises us with next, why not take a look at the calendar and plan ahead for what’s to come.

July

July 24th

National Tequila Day

These National Holidays aren’t always just for food either. When it hits 5 o’clock (somewhere) tomorrow, find the nearest watering hole and have some fun.

Recommendation: Cesar’s Killer Margaritas on Broadway in Chicago.

July 29th

National Buffalo Wing Day

Recommendation: Skoogs in Utica, IL (but I’d be happy to hear what your favorite is)

July 30th

National Cheesecake Day

Apparently there’s a Cheesecake Festival in Chicago the next two days after this momentous holiday.

Recommendation: I say Eli’s, but you can never go wrong with Cheesecake Factory

August

August 4th

National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day

Recommendation: I have yet to find any that beat my mom’s cookies, but I recommend making your own.

August 16th

National Rum Day

(Insert your best Jack Sparrow impression here)

Recommendation: If you can find it, Kilo Kai is where it’s at. Don’t even need a chaser.

August 19th

National Soft-Serve Ice Cream Day

Recommendation: Your nearest ballpark…Soft-serve is best in a baseball helmet.

August 19th

National ‘Bacon Lovers’ Day

If you love bacon, you know exactly where to find it. If you’re feeling adventurous, Little Caesar’s has a treat for you.

Recommendation: Any Brazilian Steakhouse will do the trick. Texas de Brazil even has a bowl of thick bacon pieces in their salad bar to take care of you.