Hoo-Rah!  What’s up everybody?  Welcome back to #DoubleFML FatDarrellPalooza!

It’s hard to believe that next week is Thanksgiving already.  It feels like I just typed the Halloween post!  Geez. 

Maybe it’s because the Christmas junkies have had their trees up since Labor Day, but this month feels like it’s flying by. 

Before we move forward though, let’s rewind to this past weekend and give a shoutout to all the veterans! 

I know some were confused since they saw Veterans Day posts on Sunday and again Monday morning.  Think of it like when Christmas lands on a weekend day but you still get Monday off from work.  Get it? 

Celebrating both days is fine by me though.  Realistically, we should recognize our veterans every day!  Whenever I see a veteran or active duty solider, I always make sure to thank them for their service. 

Many so-called “patriots” are quick to step over homeless veterans on the street or get frustrated with the old man wearing the Vietnam hat slowly shuffling down the grocery aisle.  The rights and liberties many of us take for granted wouldn’t be possible without the sacrifices these brave men and women made for us though.  That’s something to keep in mind not just today, but every day of the year.

Yeah, yeah, I’ll step down from my soapbox now, but regulars here know I have the utmost respect for our military.  They’re like real life superheroes!  Besides, check out my family stat sheet:

My Father:  High ranking military officer and decorated war combat veteran

My Brother:  High ranking military officer and decorated war combat veteran

My Mother:  High ranking accountant for the US Department of Defense

…and me:  The actor, writer and hip-hop artist.  Can you say “black sheep” boys and girls?  Baaaahhh.

The closest I came to any of those accomplishments was my employment with the US Department of Defense during college breaks.  I have no amazing feats of badassery to report though. 

Although I once managed to clear a paper jam in the fax machine while balancing 2 cups of coffee in one hand and a box of donuts on my forehead!  That earned a standing ovation from the entire office so um yeah, there’s that. 

I know, all heroes don’t wear capes…

Speaking of heroes, RIP to Marvel Comics pioneer Stan Lee who passed away on Monday. 

Ironically, I was wearing my Incredible Hulk tee when I read the news, so it was a surreal moment when that headline hit my newsfeed.

As a 95-year-old multi-millionaire, he obviously lived a full life but it’s still sad to see him go.

He created so many iconic characters that influenced my childhood and are still enjoyed today.

Rumor has it they’d already filmed his cameo for the next Avengers movie, so it’ll be great to see him on screen one last time. 

Thanks for the memories Stan Lee!  You’ll be missed.

Anyway, I tried.  I really did.  I’ve been feeling like Spiderman at the end of Infinity War movie for the past few days (ie:  not so good).

Perhaps it’s due to the constant rain and colder temperatures lately or the fact that I haven’t taken a true vacation yet this year but I’ve been dragging these past few days!

I still tried to power through to provide new content for the week but unfortunately, the interview with Atlanta Braves star Eric Young I planned for on Saturday had to be pushed back.   

I also drove to a few stores to see if I could find the Thanksgiving flavored Pringles (nope) or the cocoa flavored Pillsbury biscuits (nope again). 

I also considered making this bizarre looking concoction:

However, those plans also fell through so I’ve decided to go in a different direction this post.  Backwards to be more specific.

That’s right, we’re going to hop in the ole #DoubleFML Time Machine to July 26, 2014 when I interviewed the legendary MC Hammer! 

I’ll preface this by warning you that the audio is a little fuzzy since it was an impromptu interview backstage after his performance at Wolf Creek Amphitheatre in Atlanta, GA.  It’s still a fun interview though and really encompasses our Food, Fitness, Music and Lifestyle theme so check it out!   

Oh yeah, and shoutout to Ian Cunningham for getting me the VIP pass which led to me not only meeting MC Hammer but also joining him onstage during his set!

Check out more exclusive content by following us on social media by clicking the logos on the main menu! 

Today’s Soundtrack

Pon de Replay – Rihanna

Solider – Destiny’s Child ft. T.I and Lil Wayne

Thank You, Next – Arianna Grande

The Choice is Yours – Black Sheep

Here We Come – Timbaland, Missy Elliot and Magoo (this song uses the Spiderman theme as the chorus)

U Can’t Touch This – MC Hammer

Do you have another song that fits today’s themes or that’s just so great we should check it out anyway?  Tell us in the comments below!

Before we head out, here’s the next batch of “foodie holidays” that occur between this and next post:

Did anyone else have to look up what “vichyssoise” was?

Did anyone else also giggle like a third grader at “Pickle Appreciation Day”? 

No?  Just me?  Okay cool.  

Not the most exciting batch this week but I’m always down for Guacamole.  I’ll pass on cleaning the fridge though!

Macchiato Day also reminds that I need to get my fix on Chestnut Praline lattes at Starbucks before they disappear again.  Since it’s a holiday flavor, they’re only around in November and December. 

It’s the only coffee flavor I’ve ever truly enjoyed so I need to figure out how to replicate it for the other 10 months of the year!  If any coffee experts are reading this, drop your recipes and suggestions in the comments below!

Actually, everyone drop a comment before you go!  You know I love hearing from you!  Don’t know what to say?  Then answer this…

I say 3…fight me.

Oh yeah, members of our Facebook foodie group, Phenomnomnomenal (click here to join!), also shamed for never trying lox on a bagel before so I’ll have to do so soon.  

Once again, thanks to all of the veterans, active military and support personnel. 

As many of you know, over 22 veterans commit suicide each day due to Post traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) so this is a very serious and major issue. 

With that said, I’d like to pass along this great free resource I learned about the other day on The All Out Show on SiriusXM’s Shade 45.

The National Veterans Foundation (NVF) hotline provides PTSD support, counseling and resources for veterans and their families. 

Talking to someone can make all the difference in the world so it’s a worthy cause and great organization.  If you’d like to learn more or make a donation, give them a call at 888.777.4443 or visit NVF.org

Okay folks, that about does it for this week.  Next week is turkey day though so get your stretch pants ready!  I’m daydreaming about baked mac and cheese and mashed potatoes already!

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

-Darrell

“Of course I struggle, I just don’t quit.”