And so it came to pass, that on Sunday right before the Smashing Pumpkins show, we went to the new Philadelphia location of Chipotle on City Line Avenue. It seems like we're the last major city in the US to get them, but they're finally here, with another location in Warrington soon to follow. If you aren't one of the converted out there, then Chipotle is pretty much the Panera of Tacos and Burritos. Much like Baja Fresh and Qdoba, except better (although I still think Mike gives Qdoba a raw deal because of his Chipotle bias...I like Q better than Baja Fresh, but thats just my opinion.)
Seems like these upscale fast food taco eateries are the newest fad in the US, following the great Lunch meat joint boom of the late 90's early 00's (Subway, Quiznos, Blimpies, Potbelly, etc. etc.).
I guess there are great chains all over the place that we don't have access to here though.
I mean where'd all the Sizzlers and Hardees and Ground Rounds go? I know they are still out there somewhere.
And don't get me started on the lack of Olgas Kitchens around here. If I want a hot dog in a pita and a bitchin' Spinach Pie I have to go all the way out to friggin Michigan!
And I've always wanted to try a Tim Horton's Donut. In N' Out Burgers are magnificent! I miss Kenny Rogers' Roasters!
Regional chains are awesome. But I'm pretty sick of this regions chains.
Anyone else have any favorites?
CHIPOTLE!
Justin, 10/24/2007 06:33:11 PM
Add Comment PermalinkThe Ninth Anniversary Of An Insignificant Movie
Justin, 10/17/2007 02:33:03 PM
So next week marks the ninth anniversary of the Kurt Russell classic...Soldier.
Yes Soldier, the story of a man brought up to be a perfect soldier, and how new genetically bred soldiers were about to put him out of a job...and all this takes place on a Garbage Planet.
With some amazing...ly bad turns from Gary Busey, Michael Chiklis, and Jason Isaacs (you remember, the guy who played the uber-baddie from The Patriot, Col. Tavington), this one is pure popcorn munching fun.
In honor of this landmark heres some super fun wiki-trivia for you!
-Todd, the main character of this film, is on screen over 85% of the time, but only speaks a total of 104 words. Kurt Russell was reportedly paid 20 million dollars for his work in this film. This works out to $192,307 per word.
-The spacesuits worn in the film are later featured as Mal and Zoe's spacesuits in the TV series Firefly and its sequel Serenity.
-Todd's service record, as displayed on a computer screen, includes the following references, almost all of which were movies Russell starred in and named for the character he played in each film:
The battles of Tannhauser Gate and Shoulder of Orion — Blade Runner (1982)
Receipt of the "Plissken Medal" — Escape from New York (1981), Escape from L.A. (1996)
Receipt of the "O'Neil Ring Award" — Stargate (1994)
Receipt of the "Cash Medal of Honor" — Tango and Cash (1989)
Receipt of the "Maccready Cross" — The Thing (1982)
Receipt of the "Capt Ron Trophy" — Captain Ron (1992)
Receipt of the "McCaffrey Fire Award" — Backdraft (1991)
Receipt of the "Dexter Riley Award" — The Strongest Man in the World (1975), Now You See Him, Now You Don't (1972), The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes (1969)
Add Comment PermalinkYes Soldier, the story of a man brought up to be a perfect soldier, and how new genetically bred soldiers were about to put him out of a job...and all this takes place on a Garbage Planet.
With some amazing...ly bad turns from Gary Busey, Michael Chiklis, and Jason Isaacs (you remember, the guy who played the uber-baddie from The Patriot, Col. Tavington), this one is pure popcorn munching fun.
In honor of this landmark heres some super fun wiki-trivia for you!
-Todd, the main character of this film, is on screen over 85% of the time, but only speaks a total of 104 words. Kurt Russell was reportedly paid 20 million dollars for his work in this film. This works out to $192,307 per word.
-The spacesuits worn in the film are later featured as Mal and Zoe's spacesuits in the TV series Firefly and its sequel Serenity.
-Todd's service record, as displayed on a computer screen, includes the following references, almost all of which were movies Russell starred in and named for the character he played in each film:
The battles of Tannhauser Gate and Shoulder of Orion — Blade Runner (1982)
Receipt of the "Plissken Medal" — Escape from New York (1981), Escape from L.A. (1996)
Receipt of the "O'Neil Ring Award" — Stargate (1994)
Receipt of the "Cash Medal of Honor" — Tango and Cash (1989)
Receipt of the "Maccready Cross" — The Thing (1982)
Receipt of the "Capt Ron Trophy" — Captain Ron (1992)
Receipt of the "McCaffrey Fire Award" — Backdraft (1991)
Receipt of the "Dexter Riley Award" — The Strongest Man in the World (1975), Now You See Him, Now You Don't (1972), The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes (1969)
TV Winner of the Week
Mike, 10/16/2007 12:06:48 AM
I've decided to start a new feature of this website. Every week, I'll be picking the best TV show of the week, probably around Sunday night. Lately I've noticed that TV is a lot better than most of the movies out... so maybe it deserves some equal time on this website. So, without further ado:
Week of 10/8: It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia
Yeah, this is a no-brainer. This Charlie fun filled episode introduced the twin ballads Day Man and Night Man and may stand out as the best episode of the season. Obviously there's a lot of things that are absurd in this series, but I prefer when the show is merely ridiculous, which I think is where this episode landed.
Add Comment PermalinkWeek of 10/8: It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia
Yeah, this is a no-brainer. This Charlie fun filled episode introduced the twin ballads Day Man and Night Man and may stand out as the best episode of the season. Obviously there's a lot of things that are absurd in this series, but I prefer when the show is merely ridiculous, which I think is where this episode landed.
Philadelphia Phillies 2007 Season: RIP
Mike, 10/7/2007 01:12:56 AM
Tonight, the Philadelphia Phillies 2007 season passed away quietly in its sleep around 1 AM. It was a long way from home, but will be remembered by its millions of fans who hoped against all hope against the inevitable outcome. The 2007 Phillies were not born to brilliance, opening April posting a 4-11 record. It was not born into wealth, for though it had the 2006 MVP and the league's best second baseman, its bullpen and starting rotation were severely lacking. It had a life plagued by injury, but managed to rise above adversity, and, in its waning hours, do the unthinkable: unseat its surly big brother the NY Mets and capture the division title. Friends and relatives say the Phillies enjoyed posting double digit scores, blasting homers from all slots in its lineup, and searching for a reliable closer. A viewing will be held at Philadelphia International Airport tomorrow. An estate sale will be conducted at your local Modells, The Sports Authority, and of course, Phillies.com. Better luck next year!
Add Comment PermalinkJustin VS Supply And Demand. Round 277
Justin, 10/4/2007 10:23:29 PM
So the past week has been one big whirlwind. Let me bring you up to speed.
Thursday. 3:00 PM Philadelphia:
I have won the lottery to be eligible to buy NLDS tix should the Phils make the playoffs. I manage to get in and get me 3 field level third base line tix. Bitchin. Now they just have to make it.
Sunday. 4:30 PM. Philadelphia:
The Phillies have won the NL East Division in a shocking comeback for the first time in 14 years! The city is ecstatic! The team is celebrating with swank Division Champion hats!
11:00 PM:
The hats are on Phillies.com. 24.99. Maybe I'll get me one.
Monday. 12:00 PM:
Modells Sporting Goods across the city are chaotic. EVERYONE must have this hat it seems. People are going nuts for Phils merch.
Tuesday. 10:00 AM:
Back to Modell's. Their have been, and will be no new shipments of the hat. Now I HAVE to have one.
12:45 PM:
Paul's friend Eric walks into the office to meet Paul for lunch....Holding the damn hat. He got one in Modells by noticing they were storing some behind the counter and got them to sell him one.
2:00 PM:
I head to Franklin Mills mall. None at the Modell's here. Lids? Nope, sold out a few hours ago.
3:00 PM:
Back at work and being consumed by obtaining this hat, I start calling around. The Majestic shop at the ballpark? Nope they sold out yesterday. So it was on to all area Lids stores.
The Granite Run Mall guy said he was going to be picking up a shipments worth tomorrow at 2:30...which is during the game. No go.
5:50 PM:
After handling some actual work I went to my last ditch chance...I called Lids Philadelphia Airport location.
Yep they have them. So I got Dominique to hold me one...but I also had the new problem.... How do I get into the airport to get one?
Eventually I call back and ask if they can bring it out past security and sell it to me. The answer is yes.
7:00 PM:
I have Michelle sit in the car (which was pretty cool of her by the way) while I run to the B/C Terminal Security check point and call back. A guy answers and I tell him about my arrangements with Dominique. Some background talking with him and her occurs.
Lids Guy: "OK I'll bring it out right now...how will I be able to recognize you?"
Me: "I'm wearing a green and white striped shirt...how will I be able to recognize you?"
Lids Guy: "I'm wearing a hat." CLICK.
I'll just let that sink in for everyone out there for a sec.
OK so a couple minutes go by, and a guy with a Lids nametag comes out of the gate. I wave him over.
Lids Guy: "Sorry, I went to the wrong entrance."
Me: "Ya got the hat?"
Lids Guy: "Yup.".....
Me: "Uh, ok heres the money."
So he takes the money and puts it in his breast pocket then pulls out his bag and withdraws the hat.
Me: "Aw thanks man."
Lids Guy: "Yeah, your really lucky...we just got these in today."
Me: "Well they were sold out everywhere else...so I figured no one would be thinking to go to the airport to buy them."
Guy stands there...
Me:"Well thanks! Now how do I get out of here..."
Then I took off through the airport with my new prized hat.
Anyways the story is funny in that it was far easier to get the tickets than it was to get the hat. This city is so ridiculously champion starved that everyone went nuts and had to get all the Phillies merch money could buy. I only kind of wanted the hat until I found out it wasn't available anywhere. Then I NEEDED the hat. Thrill of the hunt I guess.
The playoff game was pretty awesome up until the Phils lost...
Great atmosphere, everyone going crazy.
Today kind of sunk the cities hopes, but hey it was a pretty great ride while it lasted. I mean its not over yet...but its pretty fucking bad. Crazier things have happened though...
Add Comment PermalinkThursday. 3:00 PM Philadelphia:
I have won the lottery to be eligible to buy NLDS tix should the Phils make the playoffs. I manage to get in and get me 3 field level third base line tix. Bitchin. Now they just have to make it.
Sunday. 4:30 PM. Philadelphia:
The Phillies have won the NL East Division in a shocking comeback for the first time in 14 years! The city is ecstatic! The team is celebrating with swank Division Champion hats!
11:00 PM:
The hats are on Phillies.com. 24.99. Maybe I'll get me one.
Monday. 12:00 PM:
Modells Sporting Goods across the city are chaotic. EVERYONE must have this hat it seems. People are going nuts for Phils merch.
Tuesday. 10:00 AM:
Back to Modell's. Their have been, and will be no new shipments of the hat. Now I HAVE to have one.
12:45 PM:
Paul's friend Eric walks into the office to meet Paul for lunch....Holding the damn hat. He got one in Modells by noticing they were storing some behind the counter and got them to sell him one.
2:00 PM:
I head to Franklin Mills mall. None at the Modell's here. Lids? Nope, sold out a few hours ago.
3:00 PM:
Back at work and being consumed by obtaining this hat, I start calling around. The Majestic shop at the ballpark? Nope they sold out yesterday. So it was on to all area Lids stores.
The Granite Run Mall guy said he was going to be picking up a shipments worth tomorrow at 2:30...which is during the game. No go.
5:50 PM:
After handling some actual work I went to my last ditch chance...I called Lids Philadelphia Airport location.
Yep they have them. So I got Dominique to hold me one...but I also had the new problem.... How do I get into the airport to get one?
Eventually I call back and ask if they can bring it out past security and sell it to me. The answer is yes.
7:00 PM:
I have Michelle sit in the car (which was pretty cool of her by the way) while I run to the B/C Terminal Security check point and call back. A guy answers and I tell him about my arrangements with Dominique. Some background talking with him and her occurs.
Lids Guy: "OK I'll bring it out right now...how will I be able to recognize you?"
Me: "I'm wearing a green and white striped shirt...how will I be able to recognize you?"
Lids Guy: "I'm wearing a hat." CLICK.
I'll just let that sink in for everyone out there for a sec.
OK so a couple minutes go by, and a guy with a Lids nametag comes out of the gate. I wave him over.
Lids Guy: "Sorry, I went to the wrong entrance."
Me: "Ya got the hat?"
Lids Guy: "Yup.".....
Me: "Uh, ok heres the money."
So he takes the money and puts it in his breast pocket then pulls out his bag and withdraws the hat.
Me: "Aw thanks man."
Lids Guy: "Yeah, your really lucky...we just got these in today."
Me: "Well they were sold out everywhere else...so I figured no one would be thinking to go to the airport to buy them."
Guy stands there...
Me:"Well thanks! Now how do I get out of here..."
Then I took off through the airport with my new prized hat.
Anyways the story is funny in that it was far easier to get the tickets than it was to get the hat. This city is so ridiculously champion starved that everyone went nuts and had to get all the Phillies merch money could buy. I only kind of wanted the hat until I found out it wasn't available anywhere. Then I NEEDED the hat. Thrill of the hunt I guess.
The playoff game was pretty awesome up until the Phils lost...
Great atmosphere, everyone going crazy.
Today kind of sunk the cities hopes, but hey it was a pretty great ride while it lasted. I mean its not over yet...but its pretty fucking bad. Crazier things have happened though...