JFG Nation, Monday NFL owners voted to approve the move of the Oakland Raiders to Las Vegas. I wanted to be on record that I think this is a stupid stupid move. 

Not because of anything involving gambling. That ship had sailed – with more and more casinos in the US and people with secret Bovada accounts still placing wagers on games, I’m not as concerned with point shaving, or any sort of mob “you’re going to throw a pick in the 4th quarter” sort of thing. That ish probably happens already. DONAUGHEEEEEY.

No, my beef, as well argued by this week’s Deadcast podcast: who the heck is going to watch these games live? First of all, watching a football game live is the worst live sports experience ever (hockey is the BEST live). Second, as a seasoned veteran of Vegas, the last thing I’m going to want to do on a Sunday after eight hours at Marquee is go sit in the sun for four hours. I don’t care if it is the Fall. That’s the worst.

Everyone flees Vegas on Sundays and for good reason – so you can escape the disgusting monster you’ve been for the past three days. After losing your life savings at the Bellagio craps table at 3am the night before, who is really gearing up to watch Raiders-Chargers?

Vegas is the place where there are literally HUGE GIGANTIC ROOMS to watch sporting events, complete with plush chairs and slot machines. Who is gonna want to tailgate in friggin’ Vegas? Thumbs down.

Most people who I know that actually LIVE in Vegas don’t really go down to the strip, and lead normal lives. AND THEY CAME FROM SOMEWHERE ELSE, so they have their own allegiances to sports teams. Do the residents go bonkers over UNLV basketball? No. No they don’t.

I apologize for being a big pessimist but I just don’t see how this move benefits the Raiders except for the fact that they get a new stadium. That no one will go to. And they get to flip the bird to Oakland. Nice.

What do you think, JFG Nation? Let me know in the comments below.

Today’s junk food: Matthews 1812 House Lemon Coconut Cookies!!

JFG Nation, I love baked goods, and sometimes I’m fortunate enough to get to try homemade cookies from old school American bakeries. Today is one of those days.

Matthews 1812 House was started in 1979 by the Matthews family, and now the next generations of Matthews has continued their brand. They make cakes, cookies, all kinds of stuff. Here’s the PR schtick for today’s cookie:

“This bakery makes handmade specialty desserts that can be shipped anywhere in the US…Matthews 1812 House is launching their new Lemon Coconut Cookies, made with coconut flour and featuring a decadent lemon filling with toasted coconut topping. This is perfect for a tasty spring treat, party hosting, unique gifts and more!”

Cool. I like lemon. Time to eat.

DO THESE TASTE GOOD? Yes.

WHY OR WHY NOT? These look like a thumbprint cookie but aren’t. The lemon is centralized on the cookie but it’s not a jelly. When I opened the box, the smell of lemon was distinct – not overwhelming, not faint, it was just right.

Biting into the cookie, the texture was REALLY interesting. The coconut flour and potato starch cookie dough was soft and chewy, like a nice soft baked flour cookie. It did have a tiinnnnnny bit of grittiness, but I didn’t mind it. The flavor of the lemon was nice and tart, and meshed well with the toasted coconut flavor – I’m sort of used to these flavors going together because a friend’s mom used to always make lemon meringue pie with coconut fluff topping. These remind me of that homemade treat. I think citrus and coconut pair very well, so this cookie was right up my alley.

The cookies weren’t super sweet which I appreciated – these definitely felt homemade and not mass produced with corn syrup. People who want a candy lemon flavor will be disappointed, but overall I think this cookie had perfect balance. So easy to eat many of these in one sitting. Great gluten free cookie!

ANYTHING ELSE I SHOULD KNOW? It’s a good cookie but I wouldn’t have minded even more lemon. I’m a Meyer lemon mark, though.

PURCHASED AT: Sent to me! Thanks, Matthews 1812 House!

WHERE FOUND IN STORE? Soon to be sold on 1812house.com

COST? Their other cookies run anywhere from $20-$30 bucks per 16-24 cookies.

Sincerely,

The JFG