Wait, don’t worry unromantics! That title doesn’t mean that today’s post will be a sequel to last week’s Valentine’s Day special. Nope. Instead it means that we’re going to be talking about cereal later!

Hopefully your V-Day was great though! And even if you don’t celebrate and hate that day, surely you must love “National Discounted Chocolates Day” the following morning! Heart shaped candies for everyone! Mmm…

My Valentine’s Day went really well by the way. My girlfriend loved everything that I did for her so much that she actually cried! Although in hindsight, my pasta contained both onions and garlic so it’s also possible that my stank breath caused those tears. Either way, it was an emotional evening!

Anyway, what’s up everybody? Welcome back to #DoubleFML FatDarrellPalooza!

So, this is the part where I would like to tell you about my experience going to see Black Panther over the weekend but unfortunately, my aforementioned girlfriend wants me to wait for her and she won’t have a break from work again until Friday! ☹

I’ll be a good boyfriend and wait, but if she can’t make it then either, I’ll be at the first matinee on Saturday morning!

We can always see it together again later, but it’s always best experiencing new things together, so I’ll try to be patient. Adulting is hard… (says the guy currently wearing the t-shirt with a T-rex trying to eat pizza on it while throwing a tantrum because he wants to see a superhero movie…)

Based on what I’ve heard, I’ll probably want to see it more than once anyway though. Everyone who’s seen it has said it’s amazing! It also posted record breaking numbers at the box office this past weekend!

I’m not one to dwell on race, but as a black actor, the blockbuster reception for Black Panther is great news since minorities account for around 90% of the cast! With that said, this movie’s performance, combined with the Oscar nomination for “Get Out” a few weeks ago is really going to open a lot of doors and opportunities. Wow, I see that we’re going all out for Black History Month this year, eh? Just kidding! Sort of…

Anyway, you know what we’re not going all out for this year? The Olympics.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m still enjoying it and fully support all our athletes but where is the hype and fanfare this time?

I know that the summer Olympics always tend to be a bit more popular, but the lack of buzz this year is still baffling to me.

I also can’t remember a year where other sports didn’t stop their seasons out of respect for the Olympic athletes. Just this past Sunday, we had not only had Nascar’s major Daytona 500 event but we also had the NBA All-star game!

Speaking of the NBA All-star game, did you catch that National Anthem? The Black-Eyed Peas are one of my favorite groups, so I love Fergie and all but um…yeah, well see for yourself!

Wowsa. Francis Scott (Off) Key, oh my! Whiskey. Tango. Foxtrot. Somewhere, Rosanne Barr is smiling from ear to ear right now!

That was definitely a memorable rendition to say the least! She has a great voice, so this was clearly an artistic choice but it’s definitely drawn some very mixed reviews. 

There’s even a “remix” out already!

If the effect she was going for was “singing in the car as someone constantly slammed on the breaks and did donuts in the parking lot” though, she nailed it! It’s all good though Fergie, I still love you!

What did you think of that performance? Comment below!

Anyway, back to my point, ESPN also aired a full slate of college basketball games on Sunday and ABC aired The Winter X-Games which literally features many of the same events as the Olympics!

Obviously, these are competing networks but even NBC had the nerve to play a regular season NHL hockey game instead of broadcasting live Olympic coverage!

Perhaps that’s part of it? For the first time in recent memory, NHL stars weren’t competing, but I never watched The Olympics for that reason anyway (hockey isn’t really my jam…). Besides, there are a ton of other great athletes and events to watch (if you can actually find them. I’m still a bit underwhelmed by the coverage this year)!

Are we really that fractured as a nation that we can’t even come together to rally behind our athletes for 2 weeks? I just don’t get it. But whatever, I’m still rooting for you guys! So, USA! USA!! USA!!!

That reminds me, I still need to look up who came up with this biathlon event. Have you ever watched this? It’s cross country skiing combined with rifling. Huh?! They just slapped these two things together like it’s supposed to make sense? Maybe it was invented in some Viking territory where this combination of events may have been more common? Otherwise, it just seems like such a random pairing!

I do enjoy fusion with foods though. Like shrimp and grits, chicken and waffles or even my namesake ®Fat Darrell Sandwich. So, hey whatever, I’m down.

Maybe they should try a few wacky combinations during the summer games too! Like after a thousand-meter breast stroke in the pool, you have to bake a Bundt cake or something. I can hear the commentary now, “Ohh, Michael Phelps just dropped part of the egg shell into the batter, that’s really going to cost him some time!”

Oh yeah, and while we’re on the subject of food and Olympic athletes, my friend Mildred (what’s up Millie?!) told me about American luge sensation, Chris Mazdzer’s, feat of eating an entire slice of pizza in one bite!

Before we get to that, let’s first give Chris a big shout out for becoming the first American athlete to win a medal of any kind in the luge events. He took home silver in his third Olympic games after attempting to reach the platform for 16 years which is a testament to his incredible fortitude and perseverance!

That’s such an amazing story that we might as well just make that the fitness tip for today. Never give up on your goals! Instead, learn from each failure and use that knowledge and experience as motivation to push forward and try again. Hard work really does pay off in the end!

Do you have a fitness question or accomplishment you’d like to share? Tell us in the comments below!

Awesome job and very inspiring stuff Chris! That pizza feat though? After reviewing the footage, I don’t know man. Call me the Russian judge or whatever you’d like, but I’m not as impressed.

Here’s a link to the video if you’d like to see for yourself, but for those of you who don’t feel like clicking over, I present the follow photo montage for your review.

Okay, yes, he did eat the entire slice but look how tiny it is! My 6-year-old nephew Domonick could probably eat that whole slice in one shot too! And you know that I could!

Maybe that’s what pizza slices look like in South Korea, but I’m from New Jersey, the land of big hair and even bigger pizza slices. I doubt anyone could swallow an entire slice of Jersey pizza down in one gulp! …well, aside from Stormy Daniels perhaps, but I digress.

“I doubt anyone could swallow an entire slice of Jersey pizza down in one gulp! …well, aside from Stormy Daniels perhaps, but I digress.” – Fat Darrell

Anyway, if Chris wants a real food challenge, he should try that with a pizza from The Garden State! Better yet, he should try the ®Fat Darrell challenge of eating 5 of my namesake sandwiches in only 45 minutes! Now THAT would be impressive! I’ll even officiate the event personally! I may have to reach out to his reps and set this up for real, the more that I think about this, it’s actually a great and fun idea!

As greedy as I am though, timed eating really isn’t my thing. It’s just not fun to me. I’d rather savor the flavors and enjoy each bite.

Of course, that’s not always possible when I’m trying to squeeze in a meal between appointments. Just last post I told you about taking down an entire pizza in less than 30 minutes (including drive time and ordering) so yes, it’s possible but not preferred.

Oh, and don’t even get me started on those hot dog eating contests where they dip the bread into water so it slides down easier? Now that’s just disgusting! Even the thought of that gross, cloudy water with soggy bread crumbs floating around in it skeeves me out! No thanks on all of that, I’ll pass.

So, could I down that tiny slice of pizza in one bite? Absolutely! But would I? Maybe on a dare, but otherwise, nah. Besides, in the Olympic village you know that baby slice probably cost him like $12! I’d definitely stall finishing that to at least feel like I got my money’s worth.

Oh yeah, speaking of pizza, here’s that shirt that I referred to earlier!

Wow, this shirt raises so many questions!

Questions like “how awful would it feel to be a poor T-rex who couldn’t eat pizza?”

“Would I have partnered up with a tetradactyl or another flying dinosaur who could have dropped the slice in my mouth for me?”

And “How do I possibly have a girlfriend?”

Hmm…that last question may be the biggest mystery of them all!

Speaking of pizza, check out this photo that Melinda Corse (yep, the same chick who wrote that savage Fergie status post earlier!) posted in our Facebook foodie group, Phenomnomnomenal, the other day (join now by clicking here)!

Based on my experience so far, I’d have to agree! I’ll still give Chicago’s version a try one of these days though.

Oh yeah, and check out this cake!

Yes, that’s a cake people! Crazy right? Quick reminder, my birthday is on Halloween. Just sayin… 😉

Oh yeah, and before we close the Olympic Village food discussion, check out this McDonald’s location on-site at the games this year!

How cool is that? It looks just like a combo meal! Well, aside from the fact that the hamburger is actually centered on the bun instead of thrown on spastically like they do at actual restaurant locations!

How is that even possible anyway? You had ONE job…sheesh.

“I Let My Tape Rock ‘til My Tape Popped” – Notorious B.I.G

So, if you haven’t heard about this yet, since digital music sales now dominate the market, starting this summer, Best Buy is planning to stop selling CDs! Target has also decided to now only sell CDs on a consignment basis which means they’ll only need to pay the record label after a customer purchases one instead of buying a bunch of albums in bulk and being stuck with the unsold inventory as they did in the past.

I suppose that it makes sense since digital streaming music currently accounts for 62 percent of US album sales, but it’s still kind of sad to see them go.

Although most of my recent album purchases were digital, I always preferred the actual CD for my favorite artists. I loved flipping through the insert and reading all the credits and lyrics. It just didn’t feel the same viewing it on a computer.

I remember once having towers of CDs proudly displayed in my living room to show off my collection. I did the same for my DVDs – which I’m guessing will start disappearing next. Actually, I just saw a commercial for The Justice League Movie which is being released for home viewing soon and instead of promoting Blue Ray and DVDs, the commercial only mentioned iTunes!

According to the articles that I read about the Best Buy situation, they’ll continue to sell vinyl albums for at least 2 more years due to an agreement they have with Billboard.

Vinyl will always have a place though because it’s retro cool. The jury is still out on how CDs will be remembered in a decade, but now that they’re slowly being phased out, people are already beginning to fondly reminisce and appreciate them a bit more.

That’s all well and good but you know what piece of music technology never quite got the respect that it deserves? The cassette tape. That’s right, I said it. The cassette tape!

Wait, don’t laugh! Hear me out on this…well, some of you. If you were born after 2000 (even mid 90’s may be pushing it) you might want to skip ahead because I’m about to kick it old school for a second! You’re either about to get lost or get a history lesson. Either way, here goes…

So yes, vinyl was first. It’s got that amazing, raw vintage sound that’s unbeatable. I get that. But you couldn’t listen to that record in the car so 4 and 8-tracks were born to solve that issue. These old relics held either 4 or 8 songs on a cartridge that was playable in a car but they were still clunky from what I’ve seen of my parent’s collection (these were phased out by the 80s. They’re a bit before my time so I don’t have much personal experience with these).

But okay, we had records for homes and 8 tracks for cars but what if you wanted to play music on the go? Or play more than 8 songs? Ah yes, that’s where the mighty cassette tape comes in! The cassette tape was the first portable music technology, yet nobody wants to give it its props!

How many iconic 80s movies featured a “boom box” blasting mix tape of some sort? What about the iconic scenes in Breakin 2: Electricboogaloo? You think Turbo would be able to dance on the ceiling without the cassette in the boom box? Nope!

There would also be no iPod (or the Sony Discman that played CDs) without the OG Sony Walkman cassette tape player!

Cassette tapes even gave you the power to record live radio broadcasts!

Okay, granted, it wasn’t all good though. You had to manually fast forward or rewind to each song that you wanted. The magnetic audio reel inside also used to get pulled by the stereo equipment at times but it was an easy fix so long as it didn’t rip and you had a number 2 pencil lying around!

Kanye West and Eminem both released albums on cassette last year so perhaps they’re making a comeback. I’m sure a hipster cassette movement must also be coming soon (if it hasn’t already) but for now, very few people are “putting ‘spec on cassette’s name.”

I still have all of mine though! Literally, hundreds of them! From singles to full albums and personally made “mix tapes.”

Oh yeah, and check out my current #DoubleFML business cards!

Fresssssshhhh! I know, right?!

So, needless to say, when they finally make their triumphant comeback, I’ll be ready!

And before any of you try to call the team from the show Hoarders to come clean my apartment, don’t worry, I don’t keep everything! My music collection though? Absolutely!

Besides, you never know when some of this old stuff will come back or just come in handy. Don’t lie, I know that half of you were jealous when I broke out my original Starter Jacket in the 90’s fashion show post!

Anyway, here’s to you cassette tapes! Cheers!

Hmm, for some reason I don’t have the same love for VHS which doesn’t make much sense but that’s a different topic for a different day. Enough of that nonsense, let’s eat!

Since we’re talking about triumphant returns, it gives me great pleasure to make this declaration: Ladies and Gentleman, after a 10 year absence from shelves, I’m proud to announce that Oreo O’s Cereal is officially back baby!!!!

Oreo has really reinvented itself over the past few years with all of the new crazy flavors, candy bars (which I still have to try) and candy canes. Bringing back the cereal just made too much sense and now it’s finally happened!

Oh, but it didn’t come back alone! Oh no, with it, Post and Nabisco also launched 3 other cookie inspired cereals!

So with that said, I’m also proud to introduce, Chips Ahoy, Nutter Butter and Honey Maid S’mores cereals as well! What a time to be alive…

I used to eat cereal like Pac-Man eats power pellets back in the day. I literally had about 20 boxes lined up across the top of my refrigerator at any given moment. I don’t eat it as often as I used to though so I had no idea that some of these new flavors existed! During my hunt for the 4 new Post flavors, I also spotted girl scout cookie cereals, one called Donut Shop which looks interesting and even Super Mario cereal with marshmallows that grow like the mushrooms in the game (hmm, I wonder if they can make me taller too…)!

Those other brands will have to wait for another day though because today’s post is all about Post and their 4 new flavors (yes, I’m including Oreo O’s in that statement since it’s new too after a 10 year absence)!

Anyway, enough chit-chat – let’s dig in and taste these! Normally my catchphrase is “May the fork be with you” but this time, I’m going to need a different utensil. Let’s get to work!

Unfortunately, I’m not disciplined enough to “save the best for last” so first up? Oreo O’s!

The Review: OMG YES!!!! These are EXACTLY as I remembered them! These legitimately taste just like the cookies. Wow. If you like Oreos, you’ll love this cereal! Wow, that was awesome.

Next up? Chips Ahoy! I have high hopes for these too. I’m imagining they taste like Cookie Crisp but we shall see…

The Review: Wow, they did a great job with these too! I haven’t had Cookie Crisp in ages but based on memory, this Chips Ahoy blend tastes a bit richer. So yeah, these also taste just like the cookies! However, dumping an entire bag of cookies into a bowl of milk is usually frowned upon. Um….or so I’ve been told 😉

Let’s try these Honey Maid S’mores next! I’m guessing these will be similar to Golden Grahams….but with chocolate and marshmallows? Whatever, why guess? The box is literally right here in front of me…

The review: Oh man, 3 for 3! These are also REALLY good! I was right about the Golden Grahams part, but some of you who also do “Frankenstein” cereal bowls (ie: mixing a bunch of them together) might understand this next statement. So, imagine a base of Golden Grahams but dump some Coco Puffs in there along with a few marshmallows and viola! That’s what this awesomeness tastes like. And if you can manage to scoop up all 3 elements at the same time, it really does taste like a S’more! S’more please? These are delicious!

Last up are the Nutter Butters! I’m not so sure about peanut butter cereal but #yolo right? Let’s give this a shot…

The review: OMG wait, what?! Those were incredible too!!! Man, I’m now trying to figure out what cereal tastes like jelly that I can mix with these to make a PBJ blend. Hmm…

Overall Summary: Okay, Post wasn’t playing around when they made these. They seriously taste just like the actual cookies. I already knew that I’d love the Oreo O’s but I was equally blown away by the whole collection.

Unfortunately, you probably shouldn’t eat these every day. They’re not exactly health food. Plus, there are some artificial dyes and flavors in a few of these (read your nutrition labels kiddos!).

If they can somehow manage to maintain the flavor profiles but use natural ingredients as many cereals are now doing, these would be absolutely perfect!

Ignoring health for a moment though and speaking strictly about taste, they really knocked these out of the park. They’re Grrreea….oh wait, wrong company.

Anyway, yeah, these are awesome! Oh yeah, and there are also cool facts about each brand on the side of the boxes! I had no idea that the very first Oreo was sold in Hoboken, New Jersey back in 1912! Bada Bing Bada Boom! How YOU doin?

Do you have another food item, recipe or restaurant that we should all try out? Tell us about it in the comments below!

Today’s Soundtrack

Spoonman – Soundgarden

Fergalicious – Fergie (in case you only heard her sing that um, interesting, rendition of the anthem, here’s an actual song of hers!)

Juicy – Notorious B.I.G. (Let my tape rock ‘til my tape popped)

Milky Cereal – LL Cool J

Do you have another song that fits today’s themes? How about a song that doesn’t fit today’s themes but is just so great that we should check it out anyway? Tell us about it in the comments below!

Okay peeps, I should probably close this out before that cereal sugar crash kicks in! But before I go, I’d like to invite you to also follow me on social media by clicking the icons on the side panel! Also, please don’t be shy! Leave a comment below before you leave!

I’m also proud to announce that we’ve added another affiliate discount for you! You can now save 10% off your purchases at RiptApparel.com by using discount code: DOUBLEFML at checkout!

They have some really cool pop culture tees and bags including a full line of Black Panther items! Check out our #DoubleFML Deals and Discounts page often as we’re constantly looking to ad more hookups for you to take advantage of!

Last but not least, RIP to all of the victims of that horrific school shooting in Florida last week.

This meme is unfortunately an accurate depiction of how the world reacts when events like this take place.

We throw a few hashtags up, send thoughts and prayers, fight about gun laws on Facebook for a few days and then forget about everything until the next tragedy strikes.

Wash. Rinse. Repeat.

Hopefully we can find a way to break this horrific cycle before more innocent lives are lost.

Anyway, thanks again for dropping by everyone! Until next time my friends, May the Fork be With You…

-Darrell

“Apparently this guy at Target was just tying his shoe and did NOT want to play leap frog. My bad dude, my bad.”