Oh What a Night...

This evening I decided I would start playing "Rock Smith."  I began playing it, and well I realized this.  My fingers are killing me, and I realized, if I just keep practicing more often, I can master this thing we call the guitar.  I'm actually pretty excited that I'm going to my lesson tomorrow.  Haven't seen Paul in a while, and a little jam session with him won't hurt a bit.  So yeah...I'm on that wagon again.  However, I head over once a week, so technically I never got off the wagon.  Looking at my fingers and my calluses, well  it's looking mighty fine.

Tonight I've been thinking about the dreams that we have.  Ever imagine what it would be like to have reality take place with just a dream?  I know it sounds crazy and supernatural, but just imagine what it's like if you could do it.  Crazy right?  I think so.  As I sit here and contemplate my own thoughts, I realize I sound like I've been smoking something.  But I'm telling you right now, I don't do drugs, and I don't think it's some sort of pipe dream.  Instead this is just a thought that I've been thinking about.  Why do our minds wander to where they go at night?  Why does our subconscious continues to move while our bodies stop.  It's a crazy thing the human body.

Can you imagine the thought...what would happen if we never had a dream at night?  We dream ever night we sleep don't we?  Isn't that our body's way of telling us that we are alive and functioning?  I don't get it, what makes it so important, and is there a way to control it?  Is there a way to make the dreams become a reality?  Can we make the unknown...known?  I got to stop thinking these thoughts so close to late at night.

I've been doing a ton of research on the Japanese culture lately, and I've definitely been wondering what it would be like to visit Japan in October.  Am I going to enjoy it?  Am I doing the right thing on deciding to go there?  Or is this a bad idea to go alone?  Am I going to get jumped by yakuza members, and I'm going to get attacked by hookers and prostitutes(prostates before the correction) on the streets of Tokyo?  Am I really thinking too much into it?  Well I'll tell you what, I'm open to all of the ideas.  I think I'm in for another fun and crazy trip ahead.  I'm going to do a ton of stupid stuff...cause well, that's what I do.  Nighty night y'all.  Enjoy yourselves this evening.

One day I'm going to be able to play this...until then, I'm going to listen to the sweet guitar licks, and the smooth voice coming out of her.  Makes me smile every time I hear this song.

Mondays and its Witchcraft

It's Monday, it's suppose to be Grind my Gears...blah blah blah.  Yeah, it's not, but I do know one thing.  It is Monday, and as I sit here listening to Frank Sinatra on my record player, I'm thinking where am I going to be in the next 7 or 8 months from now.  Will I be planning my trip to Italy, or will it be Japan.  Lots of good things I guess.  I think in the pass 36 hours I have finally decided.  Lets hold on that European dream trip, and head to the land of the rising sun.  That's right, this year I'm going to Japan.  It's the only logical explanation really.  Well to me it is.  I really didn't want to go to Italy without CL, so this was the best logic.  Well, now that that is explained, there has been something on my mind lately.

Quitting my job and becoming an auctioneer at storage facilities.  Okay okay, seriously that's not going to happen, but man it would  be pretty cool to do something like that.  Who would've thought that there are jobs out there that are like that.  No me, but I'm definitely down with that.  It be cool if they had a job out there where you would test out hotels.  How epic of a job would that be?  Or evening being a sommelier or beer taster.  I want that job.  How do we apply for those types of jobs?  After doing a little research, a degree in hospitality probably would've helped.  Once again, not choosing the correct major is killing me.  Dang it.

Anywhoo, lots of good things are coming up.  Beerfest, Kina concert, St. Patty's day, and many many more to even mention.  I'm getting to that exciting portion in my life again.  Man, there is just so much for me to do and want to do.  Lately, I've been playing with my record player.  I love this thing, something about it, the static-y, cracking sound.  It just sounds right for some songs.  Sometimes it's what makes music sounds right.

You know things have been going well.  I don't know, everyone is doing the right thing, living life, and getting things set up.  I kinda feel we're all at that age.  This is the first time this year.  It's different this year you know.  So as I sit here watching the Sixers beat up on the Magic, it's seems this year is a year of everyone doing their own thing.  I guess I should've expected it right.  Me and Dave had this conversation before, and guess it's just coming to fruition now.  Hahaha, I can't believe how true our conversation came to light.  But that's life for you, and I'm pretty excited about it for everyone.  I guess I say it now more often, after watching Neel's service today.  I realize it's just way too short, this thing we call life.

I guess, cause it is Monday, but you know what really grinds my gears, why do people have to push their religion on me?  I'm a Buddhist, I don't blast it out there for everyone to hear or know, but just because I am, doesn't mean I should be told that I'm not going to see my friends when I pass.  I believe in the afterlife, I believe in reincarnation, so death to me is death.  Am I suppose to be punished because I'm not a believer of Jesus Christ and God.  *Sigh*

Live life people, it's short, and anything can happen.  Be good, and much love folks.

Neel

It's days like these that you don't expect.  When you're young, you learn in life it's gonna be difficult.  We go to school, learn to get a new job, get an education, make friends, get married, and all that other bullshit.  However, who teaches us about death?  We learn it along the way, but we don't really expect it, especially at 27 or 28.  So what happens when one of your high school buddies passes away?  Well you reflect on it.  My friend Neel passed on Monday, and well.  I don't expect that kind of thing.  It sucks honestly.  And no matter what you can't bring them back.

Neel was a great guy.  I remember meeting him during Senior cut day back in high school...yeah I cut.  Good guy, then I remember meeting him again during a beach house party at Scott's after prom.  Then I really got to know Neel while working at Acme with him for about a year and a half.  The kid was great, smart, handsome, and nothing but a gentleman.  It was hard staying in contact with Neel, but my memories will live on.  The kid was great, and that is how I'm going to remember him as.  A perfect gentleman.  Neel wherever you are buddy.  Smile down on us, and protect us.  We're all thinking about you, and wishing you nothing but the best my friend.  You're going to be missed, the world lost a great man today.  Much love Neel...much love.

Don't cry because it's over.  Smile because it happened.  ~Theodor Seuss Geisel, attributed

For everyone out there still holding on to a grudge, let it go...life is to short.  We're gonna miss you Neel, but we won't forget you...take care buddy.  

Happy Chinese New Year Y'all

I know what you're all thinking.  It's Monday, why am I not writing about stuff that grinds my gears.  Well, honestly it's a special day today.  Today is Chinese New Year, and I really wanted to give a shout out to it. Oh and another thing folks...sorry I have been away.  I've been in bed with a bloody cold for the past 4 days, so I technically could not write anything.  So, I'm going out of order a bit.

Anyway "GUNG HEI FAT CHOY!!!" everyone.  That's right it's the year of the dragon everyone.  So Happy Year of the Dragon to you all.  Anyway, they say the dragon is an extremely lucky and mystical creature.  The year of the dragon is suppose to represent the year of great deed, great innovation, and great strides in new projects, and finances.  So move forward with it people, also the idea of moving up a social level in your life is suppose to happen this year as well.  Keep that in mind ladies and gents.  The year of the dragon also represents the year that children born on this date will be extremely intelligent, and very artistic.  Congrats to all those new parents out there.  ^___^

It is the year of positive karmic prospects, and this should be a great year for all.  So open all your windows and doors, let out the old air, and bring in he new.  It's going to be a blasty blast people.  So keep that in mind, and you are going to be in good shape.  Fun, fun, fun, oh and of course good good luck.  ^_^

Totally adding that this year, I'm heading to Italy, making the best of what I got, and I'm totally living the life at this time.  Yup, I said it now, I'm going to do the traveling thing again this year.  What else, I really want to attempt something new as well.  What should I do?  I have no clue.  Well I am starting the running thing.  However, there is something else I want to do as well.  Any suggestions?  Meh, we'll figure that out later I guess.

Totally just stole this from Britt's twitter page, makes me laugh, and brings back some gts.  Hahahaha

Grind My Gears

You know what grinds my gears?  The office.  You ever work somewhere and you print a document, and you get up, ready to pick it up and lo and behold, what is there.  Oh I don't know a stack of about 40 pieces of paper.  So what do you do, well you rummage through about 33 or 34 pages, and you finally come up to your document.  You sit back down and then you think to yourself, what was this document about again?  Lucky for me this hasn't really been a major problem at my own office.  So "legendary," on my end.  However, when it was.  Boy, it did't make me happy.  I use to just look at all the repeated documents, and after about an hour of just sitting there, I would take an entire stack, and toss them.  Or rather, shred them.  Just seems like the most intelligent thing to do.

So here's the thing people, if you work at an office, and you print documents, get up and get them.  And another thing, if you do decide to leave them there for about an hour and a half, expect it to be thrown away.  Possibly by me.  Thanks kindly all.


"Sometime, when you least expect it, you'll realize that someone loved you. And that means that someone can love you again! And that'll make you smile. " - Homer Simpson

Obscure Music Saturday

Last week as I did my obscure music Saturday I showcased Arcade Fire.  However with it, I also added a band, Ran Tan Toon.  I really wanted to do a separate article on them, and well, here it is.  Now before I start this article, and before you start reading this.  I just want to say, keep an open mind folks.  Listen to something thats different and out there.  This is why I choose to write articles like this.  I think everyone deserves a shot, and to me, there is no such thing as bad music.  Everything deserves a listen, and if you are true musician you'll agree with this.  Fun and kitschy music is all and good, however, sometimes it's the artsy and unknown that makes music worth while.  So, as it was said before, keep and open mind, and an open ear, and follow the journey.


So Ran Tan Toon, well there are three musicians, Mark Forchic, the guitarist of the group.  Paul Galdi, the bass player, and lastly the drummer, Andrew Toy.  The band formed roughly about 4 years ago, Paul, the bass player from North Jersey, answered a craiglist ad from Mark to begin forming this band.  Paul being a personal friend of mine and listening to the story behind it all reminded me that the life as an artist isn't the easiest.  However, when you're good, and you have that dream, you shouldn't get discourage.

Not that it has been difficult, but it hasn't been a super easy process, and after a couple of drummers later, Ran Tan Toon has found one by the name of Mr. Andrew Toy.  Put all three musicians together, and you got Ran Tan Toon.  So what kind of band is Ran Tan Toon, well from the words of Mr. Galdi himself, it's a mix really.  It's a jazz band with a big band/jam band feel, an improvisational and experimental band.  They play a medley of music, and they all sound great.  To me, it's between chill music, where I can sit and drink too, or when they want and they kick in with a more intense beat and sound, I'm positive you can dance to it.  Good stuff really.  

If you really want to hear them, you can catch them at a few places.  "Time," in Philadelphia, PA was the first time I heard them live.  So along with the great music, grab a drink, between their liquor selection and beer selection, they have a legendary food menu as well.  They can also be seen at, "John and Peter's," in New Hope, PA; "Valley Stables," in Oakland, NJ; and "Chris's Jazz Cafe," in Philadelphia, PA.  If you get a chance go out and take a listen.  Have a meal, and a drink.  You won't be disappointed.  

So what do you expect to hear from Ran Tan Toon?  Here's what you should expect, from the mouth of Paul Galdi, "If you're going to come to see us, come with an open mind, some of the music will groove to you, and some of it will be an assault on your senses, but come and listen to three great musician who will be communicating with each other and communicating off the audience, we will be feeding off of your energy."  This band is about the whole, and not just the individual.  When you hear the band, and you see that Ran Tan Toon is the name, and you ask why?  The answer is that this is a Frank Zappa reference, and with that in mind, you know where this band is heading.  

Paul asked me how do I feel about his band, and I don't say it because I'm his friend, but I enjoy Paul and his bandmates band.  I told Paul, this is something, if put on vinyl, I would throw on relax and chill.  There's something to be said when your senses go crazy over the sound of 3 musical instruments.  What is it that makes instrumental music so visceral?  Well, if you take a listen, you will find out.  I enjoy the fact that it is so visceral, and I can picture colors and feel the vibration of the music.  Once again this is the kind of music where you can just close your eyes too and just say, yeah, this works.  They just keep you enthralled, they just keep you listening.  And whether you like them or hate them, you won't be bored listening to them.  So give them a shot, keep an open mind, and sit back and relax.

For a few years now, I've been pushing Kina Grannis as an artist.  It looks as though the end of 2011 and now the beginning of 2012, people are starting to notice her, and she's finally getting the recognition that she deserves.  This band right here, is just like.  And just like before, from the ground up, I know that this band will get the recognition that they deserve.  It takes time, but the more they get their music out there, and the more people listen to it, the more it's going to get bigger.  It's these types of artist/musicians that deserve this recognition.  I wasn't wrong about Kina, and I'm pretty positive I won't be wrong about this band either.  

Top 50 (cont.)

Yup, it's another Wednesday, and you know what that means.  My list of top 50 cars to me.  Tonight, the 96 Nissan 300ZX.  Man, I love this vehicle.  They are heavy behemoths, but man are they fast if done correctly.  I remember these cars back in the day.  They were part of the of the big Japanese super cars.  Supras, NSX, Skylines, and the 300ZX.

I remember these cars being extremely quick, and honestly, they were pricey.  However, because of their weight, it slowed it down a bit, however, this was a car to be reckoned with.  The twin turboed version was beastly.  And it had a roar.  Whether it was quarter miles or track run.  The car had oomph, it was a big and clunky looking, and quite boxy.  Not a lot of sharp angles, but to me, it was pretty, fast, and elegant.  Nice...so enjoy the video, and see why I like the car.

Grind My Gears

You know what grinds my gear?  Uncultured people.  Why does everyone have to assume their race is the best.  Why can't we live in a world that is suppose to be for everyone.  I still don't get it, even in this day and age.  We still have bullshit racism.  Blacks hate Asians, Asians hate Hispanics, Hispanics hates Europeans, and Whites hate everyone.  That last one was a joke.  Seriously though, why do we still have all this hate in this world.  I'm going to make this short tonight.  Grow up, learn a different culture, and broaden your world.  There is more to life than what's in your box.

Second thing that grinds my gears.  When receiving products from a copy, and they come shipped broken, and not working.  I've waited weeks for this record player that Wei got me, and what happens, that shit is broken.  Now I'm out 40 dollars worth of LPs, and I need to send one back and getting a new record player.  Shit makes me mad.  Thanks Wei for the record player though.  It's the thought that counts.  *Sigh*  Gotta get another one.

Well enjoy your Monday everyone, tomorrow will be something better.  However for tonight, I'm tired, and I just want to get ready for bed.  Nighty-night y'all.

Obscure Music Saturday

It's that time again, and after missing about a weeks worth of obscure music, it's time to choose another band/artist.  This weeks band is Arcade Fire.  Okay, they may or may not be super obscure, but they are definitely not mainstream.  However, they are good though.  

Okay, so Arcade fire consist of a husband and wife duo, Win Butler and Regine Chassagne.  There are also approximately 6 other band member.  It's an amazing Band.  The band plays so many instruments:  guitar, piano, violin, bass, viola, drums, cello, double bass, xylophone, glockenspiel, keyboard, French horn, accordion, harp, mandolin, and lastly the hurry-gurdy.  It is awesome.  The melody of sounds coming out of these instruments are amazing.  I still can't believe a band like his has so many instruments being played.  However they all do it, and all the instruments are taken on tour with them.  

Now, as I sit here at a B&N typing this blog, I'm listening to, "Neighborhood 1," it's awesome.  I can't believe how good this is.  Just the fact is this.  Listening to something out of your comfort zone will get you into things you never realized was your type of music.  With that in mind, I wanna add a plug as well for one of my dear friend's band.  Ran Tan Toon.  They are a little different and they are mainly and instrumental band.  They are talented and unique.  And real artist like this deserve the plug.  So this is a first for Obscure Music Saturday, I'm doing two bands, and next week Ran Tan Toon will get their own dedicated blog.  So take a listen to both, and enjoy.  

Ran Tan Toon playing "Drop and Roll,"by John Scofield's

Arcade Fire, "Neighborhood 1 (Tunnels)"

RTK

Well I've been thinking about this for a while now, and honestly after a holiday season of gorging, I think it would only be suitable to get back into better shape...right?  That's the idea no?  Everyone always has the idea that, "Well it's that time for New Year Resolution this and New Year Resolution that, and they are right.  It is that time.  I've been thinking about doing a 5k for sometime now, and what a 5k is only 3 point something miles right?  It can't be that bad.  However, I have no experience running.  I do it for fun, and I don't do it very often.  By frankly, I'm actually worried I'm going to pass out from exhaustion from it.  And I most likely will.  But I really really want to do one.  After that day in Amsterdam looking for Vondelpark.  I honestly don't think it could be that bad.  So lets give this a go.  

Seriously this is only really happening because of the whole RTK thing.  Kina is only giving me another reason to try and attempt something I want to do.  What is RTK?  Well RTK stands for Run Team Kina, it's basically Kina creating a group and trying to get people involved.  Not only that, she's planning to make a good cause out of it.  A charity event along with a health conscience effort.  Kina is awesome.  Anyway, with running being in the back of my mind lately, and Kina coming out with RTK, I'm finding that running a 5k in our area may be a little difficult.  So I may decide to do my own little 5k.  I don't know what I've been thinking of lately, whether what I do is technically smart or not, well that's the case.  I honestly don't know what is or isn't anymore.  

Well I decided if I want to do this.  I gotta start training on Monday.  I'm going to go for a couple of nonstop runs to see how long I can last.  After that, I'm just going to attempt to increase the distance and the longevity of it all.  Lately I've been getting running tips.  And it looks as though the thing I also need is new running shoes.  Like real deal running shoes...like real deal $150 running shoes...ridiculous honestly, but it must be done.  

Seriously there are a few things going on right now in 2012, and it's pretty jazzy.  I guess I'm trying to take things to a new level.  However, everyone always says that, gotta do big things.  I don't wanna say it.  However it's time to show what I got this year.  So Mr. 2012...howdy.  Also, this is the last day I will discuss or say anything about the new year.  I think after a week into the New Year, you shouldn't really be allowed to talk about it anymore.  Just some food for thought.  :D

Top 50 (cont.)

I missed last week, I would do 2 this week, but no.  I'm going to stick with the one.  So this weeks lovely vehicle for top 50 Wednesday will be...the 350-Z, but you know what, this list was created about 8 years ago.  This is insane, I created my top 50 list back in 2004.  So technically I can say the 370-Z, but I stopped following cars around 2006.  So I honestly don't know too much about the 370.  So I'm going to stick with what I know.  The 350.

The 350 was the first iteration after the 300-ZX.  The 300-ZX was sleek, fast, and equipped.  However the vehicle was massive.  Extremely heavy, and if you didn't have the twin turbo version, well that's all you craved for.  Hence the 350 shining through.  It was a beautiful vehicle, guys picked them up for their tuning capabilities and girls...well they thought it was pretty.  And rightfully so, the car was beautiful.

To me the car represented an upturn in the import market.  Imports were hot at this point, The Fast and the Furious basically blew open the import scene (stupid FF).  People were staring in this cars direction.  And so was I.  It was basically a big beautiful beast.  I've always remember the 2006 model with the 300hp/260tq.  It was awesome, gleaming and powerful, what could you possibly hate about this car?  Not much really.  It is what it was, and it drove just as well.

Enjoy the video everyone.  Have fun with that.

By the way people...it's not my car.  Just a youtube vid.  Enjoy.  I can't own 50 cars...yet.

Uhn Tss, uhn tss, uhn tss

I got the beat in my head, the feeling in my feet..."What do you want to do,"  I JUST WANNA DANCE!!!  No, I'm just kidding I don't really want to dance, however if the mood fits, I'm in.  Well, anywhoo, random Thursday, getting dinner with Jillian and Posef.  Looking forward to the sushi.  Hmm, what else.  Oh, half day tomorrow, and totally looking forward to Christmas now.  Seriously, how epic is this holiday season?

So lately I've been searching for the perfect french toast.  It's a weird phenomenon honestly.  Is there really a perfect anything?  No not really...however there is something called the perfect cheesesteak.  Being relatively close to the Philadelphia region, and wandering the streets of Philly, I know a thing or two about cheesesteaks.  Seriously, I do, and I'm going to list the top ten cheesesteaks in the Philadelphia region.  So let's be that guy, and start it up.

10. Pat's King of Steaks

Pat's is only in here for one reason and one reason only.  If it weren't for Pat and Harry Olivieri, Philly would never have this gem of a sandwich.  It has to be recognized that Pat's was a leader of what they have made and done.  Yes, there has been over a million sandwiches sold, they make a greasy chopped cheesesteaks, it oozes with wiz, and the fried onions are spectacular.  It's the first bite of a real cheesesteak that any novice cheesesteak eater should eat.  Enjoy it.  It's good, not great, good.  And there may be a ton of haters out there, and tons of people that enjoy it.  It is what it is.  They were the first, and I'll recognize that, but I'm not, and I repeat, I am not claiming they are one of the best.  They're okay, they will never be great in my eyes.  Enjoy the ride of it...but there are better out there, and I'm going to show you that with the next few places.  

9th and Passyunk

Philadelphia, PA

2 Greasy Rolls - Okay Sandwich

9.  Pudge's

Okay, I remember the first time I ever went to this cheesesteak place, I was going to Rutgers, and my brother said, "Hey, you wanna get a cheesesteak?"  Yeah sure Wei, why not doode?  Well to my surprise, Wei Tak took me to Blue Bell.  Yeah, to my surprise, it was a cheesesteak outside of Philadelphia, and man, it was good.  However, as my taste buds grew up, I realized it, Pudge's was good, not great.  However, because of the size of their cheesesteaks, a little longer than 2 feet, it made it a pretty darn good sandwich.  And well...here we are.  

1530 DeKalb Pike
Blue Bell PA

2 1/2 Greasy Rolls - Good Sandwich

8. Chubby's Steak

Ahhh...Chubby's, man were you a pain in the ass to find.  However, you were delicious.  A nice greasy roll, and the nice thinly chopped steak, greasy, cheesy, savory deliciousness.  Good steak, my only complaint a little too greasy, but I do enjoy licking the grease off my fingers.  So yummy.  Once again, an okay sandwich, better than some of the other unmentionables.  

5826 Henry Ave. at Wendover St.
Philadelphia, PA

2 1/2 Greasy Rolls - Good Sandwich

7. Delassandro's

This was one of the last few places on my travels for looking for the best cheesesteaks in Philadelphia.  Even though it was across from Chubby's, I just didn't know, and I couldn't find it.  So making a second trek out to the Roxborough wasn't excruciating.  I don't know why it took me forever, but it did.  I wish I had found it sooner, however better late than never I guess.  Delassandro's had a very cheesy and sweet tasting caramelized onion on top of their steak.  Because the steak is chopped very thinly, almost into a minced type steak, I enjoy a grisly steak where the fat gives off a nice flavor, and that's what this steak does, the cheese is able to ooze throughout the entire sandwich and both flavor's just meld together nicely, it's a really nice touch.  It's a good sandwich, the bread is okay, nice and chewy, almost a home baked taste.  It doesn't scream the best, but it screams, I'm a good sandwich, and good enough to make it to the top 10.  

600 Wendover Street

Philadelphia PA

3 Greasy Rolls - Great Sandwich

6.  Tony Luke's 

Tony Luke's, back in my day, you were always my go to cheesesteak.  I went to you cause you would never sell out.  You had fresh bread, crispy, crusty, and delicious.  Thick slabs of non-frozen rib-eye, and thick cheesy wiz with delicious fried onions.  You were a beautiful thing, and even though things are a little different nowadays, frozen beef slabs, chewy rolls, and a little more grisly/greasy, and selling out to tourists...I still don't mind, I enjoy going up to the window and saying, "Can I get a wiz wit."

39 East Oregon Avenue (South Philly)
Philadelphia, PA 

3 Greasy Rolls - Great Sandwich

5. Sonny's Famous

Mmm...mmm...good.  Sonny has always done one thing for me that I enjoyed the most.  Take my favorite cut of beef (ribeye) slice it thin and grill it.  Oh wait, that's not what Sonny's did, instead, they took my favorite cut of beef, and made thick slices of steaks.   Every bite is a meaty bite, of both cheese and beef and onion.  A nice crispy roll, and honestly it's good.  Not a super greasy cheesesteak as well.  Instead, the only grease comes from fat from the steak itself.  let the deliciousness ensue.  

216 Market Street
Philadelphia PA

3 1/2 Greasy Rolls - Excellent Sandwich

4.  Campo's Deli

Oh Campo's, what a treat you were to me when I first met you.  You were succulent and delicious, you taught me that a cheesesteak doesn't have to be made in South Philly, and that I can find a cheesesteak anywhere.  It's a winner when you start with Sarcone's bread, seeded non-seeded, it don't matter to me to me, Sarcone's make some of the best bread in the world.  This is a great sandwich all around, cheesy, beefy, delicious.  Try one, you won't deny it.  But try their other sandwiches too...they make great sandwiches.   

214 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106

3 1/2 Greasy Rolls - Excellent Sandwich

3. Steve's Prince of Steak

I remember the first time I went to Steve's.  I wasn't crazy about it.  Me and Ant had gone together.  I thought it was terrible honestly.  It just wasn't good to me.  It was tough, chewy, and well I thought the cheese was very watery.  I promised myself, I wouldn't go back.  However, when I got a little older, I went back.  It was delicious.  I don't know, maybe it was just an off day those few years back, but it was better the second time around, thick crusty roll, nothing like the chewy italians.  Thick slices of ribeye, and this time around not tough at all, but better yet more buttery and delicious.  And lastly those fried onions on that thick creamy savory cheese wiz...amazing.  It was good, so if you had a bad experience the first time around, always give it a second shot, cause yeah, it was definitely better the second time around.  

7200 Bustleton Avenue at St. Vincent
Philadelphia, PA

3 1/2 Greasy Rolls - Excellent Sandwich

2. Chink's Steaks

Okay, I'm telling you right now, get over the name now.  Cause I don't give a shit, and neither should you. I remember the first time here.  I saw a few Asians and Caucasians outside complaining about the name.  They tried handing me brochures and what not, trying to make me avoid going into this awful awful place because of the name.  Don't go in, it's racist, I looked at each and one of them, laughed, and said, "I need to get a sandwich, and you people are in my way.  I have a date with a cheesesteak, fries, and a supposedly epic milkshake..."  I went in with a smile on my face, and knowing I was going to taste glory.  And for the next 20 minutes I did.  You get these sandwiches one way, fried onions and American cheese.  Great steak sandwich, however it isn't the best, it's the atmosphere, and their shakes that sold me.  Great shakes made with frozen bananas...delicious.  

6030 Torresdale Avenue
Philadelphia PA

4 Greasy Roll - Outstanding Sandwich

And finally our NUMBER 1!!!

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1. John's Roast Pork

Take a good look at this cheesesteak.  This is the perfect cheesesteak.  No matter where you are from, Europe, Asia, Australia, NYC, California, Florida, Texas, Chicago, it don't matter.  You may be in an area that makes a cheesesteak, but no one does it better than Philly.  NYC has their pizza, Chicago has their hotdogs, Texas has their BBQ, and Philly has their cheesesteaks, and the best comes from a little shack called John's Roast Pork.  For years I have been coming here.  I don't call ahead to pick up my order, I wait in line, and make sure my sandwich is made fresh in front of me.  Whether the building is packed with over 30 or 40 people, and I have no where to move.  I wait in line, and order my cheesesteak from the grill, and when JRP sells out of bread for the day, they're done for the day.  JRP makes one of the greatest cheesesteaks ever.  The amalgamation of rib eye, cheese, and onions is amazing.  Every cheesesteak consist of 1 pound of beef, the middle of the bread, (which is also amazing, a crusty, chewy, seeded roll) is stripped of it's doughy center to make room for the beef, and the time and attention that the steak is on the grill with the cheese and onion is amazing.  Seasoned to perfection, and finally ladled onto the roll perfectly.  It is a process, a loving process...and if you ever come to Philadelphia, PA...try a JRP cheesesteak.  You will never have any that is better.  If I could eat one thing for the rest of my life and never have a problem...it would be this sandwich.  

14 E. Synder Ave.

Philadelphia PA

5 Greasy Rolls - Legendary Sandwich

Some honorable mentions:

Honorable Mentions:

Donkey's Place - Camden NJ

Shank's - Philadelphia PA

Rick's - Philadelphia PA

Give it a shot, and if you disagree, let me know.  I love to hear your opinion. 

And Old Acquaintance

Okay, so I need to do this.  It has really been way to long, and as good as Grind my Gears Monday has been.  Lets do a real recap on the holiday, the new year, and everything in between.

Well world, Christmas.  What can I say really?  I believe everyone enjoyed their gifts.  I really hope they did, honestly.  Between Dave's tabletop foosball table, to George's exciting Airswimmer.  I think everything was a hit actually.  I'm pretty happy about the gifts this year.  It was an excellent year for this.  Great dinner as well, Wei T. and Tina, Dad making an epic meal, everything was great.  Good times really.

Now what about NYE?  How was the New Year's celebration.  Excellent of course, good scotch, cigars...and the drinking till midnight fun times.  Oh, and of course hearing from Jay himself, the most drunkest at the party...Steffie!!!  And I missed it.  Fiddlesticks.  However, New Years was awesome, fantastic even.  Gt's of the year.

Okay, lets get to the meat and potatoes of this jib.  2011 was a great year, learning, traveling, experiences, nothing but not giving a fuck right?  That was 2011's motto.  I did a lot of dumb things, however as I got older, and the experience kicked in, and the idea of me doing these idiotic things, they really needed to come to an end, and they did.  Well here we are, it's 2012, this year's motto, "The year of big things."  2011 was a learning experience for me, and honestly, I don't know what I'm expecting out of 2012, but I'm expecting bigger things.  Finding a new job, a new direction toward the right steps in life, reaching out to what I really need to do.  I want to, nay I must start moving to the opportunities that are in front of me.  I can't keep cowering over these false hopes and that the idea of failure will be stuck with me.  I can't fear the future if I don't try.  It's time I take the big steps in my life.  I don't know where I will be in 5, 10, or 15 years from now.  However I do know that I want to be a changed man.  A changed human being with more to offer than a depressing job, and nothing else to show for it.  I want to travel more, go places that I never been, experience things I don't or even consider to have any thought of experiencing.  I want to be free of all this negativity that was kinda pestering me in 2011.  The future is bright, may or may it not end in 2012.  Whatever is happening in the future is honestly just the beginning.

"The future ain't what it used to be." - Yogi Berra

Grind My Gears

Ello ello white America, assassinate my character...First things first, Happy New Year everyone!  So, as you may know today is Monday, and the first order of business is this...what grinds my gears.  So lets begin the process, and lets move in to the new year!!

So this weeks topic of annoyance to me is this, being a Philadelphia sports fan for the last 25 years I guess. Besides the one glimmer of joy in our city of sports.  The 2008 World Series, not much else has gone our way.  Disappointment after disappointment, however I should appreciate that one though.  Even though I do, I guess I would really like something else, once you get the taste, you just want more.  However lets take a real look at my disappointment.

Lets start with baseball, since 08' the Phillies have been awesome contenders, but year after year we have been falling short.  Makes me sad, and this year was the cream of the crop.  After acquiring Cliff Lee and winning 102 games, getting knocked out in the first round in a 5 game series against the St. Louis Cardinals is extremely disappointing, especially when we were expected to win the entire thing.  After all pitching win games right?  Ugh...disappointment.

Next, basketball.  Yeah, the Sixers, since they've lost Iverson the first time, and losing the championship series back in the 2000-2001 season to the Lakers.  Well things have pretty much halted for the Sixers, getting back to that "Iverson," era is going to take some time, however the Sixers are capable of doing it.  However how disappointing is it going to be for us Philadelphians to watch another year of the Sixers losing.  Probably not that much since no one is watching at the moment, but for some of us that are still trying to root for them, it's a little disheartening still.

Okay, how about the Philadelphia Eagles?  They're great right?  They're so great we can make it through anything right...well nope.  After a season where we are suppose to be the "Dream Team," we go through the season 8-8, and not making the playoffs.  On top of all that, we knew last week that we weren't going to be in.  It seems like the Eagles are complacent with being mediocre.  Us as fans...we don't feel that way at all.  However we don't run the team, however change is needed.

Lastly, the Philadelphia Flyers, after today's debacle of a game, between the refs, and all the lazy game playing it's just a little disappointing is all.  I understand that it's just a regular game, and technically there isn't really much to worry about, however it's really like this to me, after all the hype of this game being setup, and after what is suppose to be a win for us, once again it's a loss.

So here it is, it's disappointing sometimes to be a Philadelphia sports fan.  I understand that that's just the way it goes, however it's disheartening.  That is all really.  So this is where I'm going with it.  Sometimes being a sports fan, you gotta go with the good and the bad.  And yes being a Philadelphian sports fan hurts at times...but I gotta believe that there are good days ahead of us.  Come on Sixer/Flyers/Phillies/Eagles...make it happen, make it a 4 sports team town.  Make us blue collar fans have a reason to continue in believing in you.  And you know what, we expect change, and not just being complacent with mediocrity.