Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Whhhy? - Far East Movement
Now I know this article is going to make me seem really old, but that's one of the risks I take as a blogger.
Far East Movement currently has a Top Ten Hit with their new single Rocketeer, which follows on the heels of their previous hit, Like a G6. And while the song is catchy, it makes my brain want to climb out through my ass. Far East Movement does a good job of producing music, but they're shit when it comes to lyrics. Now the lyrics make sense ... sort of. But first we should maybe take a quick look at Like a G6.
Now I like that song. It's got a very catchy tune that reminds me of Debbie Deb's Lookout Weekend (First instance of dating myself). And here's hook:
Poppin' bottles in the ice, like a blizzard
When we drink we do it right gettin' slizzard
Sippin' sizzurp in my ride, in my ride like three six
Now I'm feelin' so fly like a G6
I have to admit I had to use Urban Dictionary to decipher some of those lines (Second instance of dating myself). Apparently a couple of the terms are from the dirty South which is only slowly making it's way westward (or at least that's what my age would have me believe). However the gist of it should be clear to anyone who's been young once. Essentially she is saying that when they drink they get so plastered they're feeling good. But there's a lot of negative notions being condoned here. Drinking isn't necessarily bad, and getting drunk isn't necessarily bad. However sizzurp is a drink that blends cough syrup, specifically the type with codeine, with a Jolly Rancher, and any fruit-flavored soda, so it's not exactly Kosher. Furthermore, drinking it while driving (because presumably she is driving her ride, or car for even older folks out there) is highly illegal. Although it's a well packaged song, I wish the lyrics were a little more socially responsible.
So what about Rocketeer? Well here the lyrics are just lame:
Where we at, only few have known
Go on the next level, Super Mario
I hope this works out, Cardio
'Til then let's fly, Geronimo
Say what? I guess you shouldn't expect a whole lot from a love song that references "Back to the Future" (which is a great movie by the way, just not in a romantic song) in the first verse. So word association here, I get it. "Go on the next level" like in the videogame "Super Mario Bros." Again, perhaps not the most romantic thing to say when you're trying to pick up a girl. But at least it's not the origin of Pac-Man as Puck-Man. "Cardio," because you're working out. Oh, that's right, you "hope" it "works out," so not exactly the same connotation because of the context. Then "Geronimo," because you're going to fly. If I remember correctly, you only invoke "Geronimo" when you're jumping out of a plane, so not exactly flying, more like falling.
In any case, how could I—or any slightly intelligent girl—take this song plea seriously? Well, I guess there are a lot of stupid people out there. So I ask why, Far East Movement? Whhhy?!
Far East Movement currently has a Top Ten Hit with their new single Rocketeer, which follows on the heels of their previous hit, Like a G6. And while the song is catchy, it makes my brain want to climb out through my ass. Far East Movement does a good job of producing music, but they're shit when it comes to lyrics. Now the lyrics make sense ... sort of. But first we should maybe take a quick look at Like a G6.
Now I like that song. It's got a very catchy tune that reminds me of Debbie Deb's Lookout Weekend (First instance of dating myself). And here's hook:
Poppin' bottles in the ice, like a blizzard
When we drink we do it right gettin' slizzard
Sippin' sizzurp in my ride, in my ride like three six
Now I'm feelin' so fly like a G6
I have to admit I had to use Urban Dictionary to decipher some of those lines (Second instance of dating myself). Apparently a couple of the terms are from the dirty South which is only slowly making it's way westward (or at least that's what my age would have me believe). However the gist of it should be clear to anyone who's been young once. Essentially she is saying that when they drink they get so plastered they're feeling good. But there's a lot of negative notions being condoned here. Drinking isn't necessarily bad, and getting drunk isn't necessarily bad. However sizzurp is a drink that blends cough syrup, specifically the type with codeine, with a Jolly Rancher, and any fruit-flavored soda, so it's not exactly Kosher. Furthermore, drinking it while driving (because presumably she is driving her ride, or car for even older folks out there) is highly illegal. Although it's a well packaged song, I wish the lyrics were a little more socially responsible.
So what about Rocketeer? Well here the lyrics are just lame:
Where we at, only few have known
Go on the next level, Super Mario
I hope this works out, Cardio
'Til then let's fly, Geronimo
Say what? I guess you shouldn't expect a whole lot from a love song that references "Back to the Future" (which is a great movie by the way, just not in a romantic song) in the first verse. So word association here, I get it. "Go on the next level" like in the videogame "Super Mario Bros." Again, perhaps not the most romantic thing to say when you're trying to pick up a girl. But at least it's not the origin of Pac-Man as Puck-Man. "Cardio," because you're working out. Oh, that's right, you "hope" it "works out," so not exactly the same connotation because of the context. Then "Geronimo," because you're going to fly. If I remember correctly, you only invoke "Geronimo" when you're jumping out of a plane, so not exactly flying, more like falling.
In any case, how could I—or any slightly intelligent girl—take this song plea seriously? Well, I guess there are a lot of stupid people out there. So I ask why, Far East Movement? Whhhy?!
Sam Rockwell Dance
When I saw "Moon" over a year ago, I was very impressed by what I thought was the best sci-fi movie of the year (Sorry "Star Trek" and "District 9"). I enjoyed it even more than "The Hurt Locker" which I watched later that day. "Moon" is an excellent, beautifully designed movie that flew under most people's radar. But if there were one scene that elevated it to heights of awesome, it was Sam Rockwell's dance scene:
[Ed. Note: The video contains a spoiler for those of you who haven't seen the movie, but then again watching the video may entice you to watch the movie if you haven't already.]
Within that one scene, Sam Rockwell is able to combine comedy, obstinance, and sassy jack-assery all in one. It makes the movie totally worth watching. So imagine my surprise and delight when he showed up on stage in "Iron Man 2":
The man is a dancing machine! I later found out he also dances in "Charlie's Angels." If only he danced in every one of his movies, I would then watch every one of those movies. (Despite the lack of dancing I still watched "G-Force," excellent, and "Matchstick Men," also excellent.) So here's one last video of Sam Rockwell gettin' his groove on until the next movie boogie.
[Ed. Note: The video contains a spoiler for those of you who haven't seen the movie, but then again watching the video may entice you to watch the movie if you haven't already.]
Within that one scene, Sam Rockwell is able to combine comedy, obstinance, and sassy jack-assery all in one. It makes the movie totally worth watching. So imagine my surprise and delight when he showed up on stage in "Iron Man 2":
The man is a dancing machine! I later found out he also dances in "Charlie's Angels." If only he danced in every one of his movies, I would then watch every one of those movies. (Despite the lack of dancing I still watched "G-Force," excellent, and "Matchstick Men," also excellent.) So here's one last video of Sam Rockwell gettin' his groove on until the next movie boogie.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
The Original Rinaldi's
In my ongoing quest to find a suitable replacement for Hoagie Hut and their Godfather sandwich, I took a trip out to El Segundo's the Original Rinaldi's. However a little bit of background on Hoagie Hut might be in order first.
Hoagie Hut was a small sandwich shop on 3rd Street right across from the Beverly Connection. The owner was a real character who used to call everyone "Tiger" or "Babe" regardless of gender. He reminded me of Sal from "Do the Right Thing." From what I understand, he and his wife used to own one of the first strip clubs in L.A. with a mirrored ceiling or runway. I used to go there almost every week to get a jumbo Godfather (thick-sliced mortadella, cotto salami, provolone, lettuce, tomato, and Italian dressing for only $5.40), a bag of chips, and a Yoohoo. Before that, my grandparents used to go there when the restaurant was only half the size. The owner sold the restaurant about seven years ago, and since then it's changed hands and cuisines a couple more times. I have yet to find an Italian cold cut sandwich that fills the hole in my heart and my stomach.
So I must admit I didn't have high hopes for the Original Rinaldi's. The staff behind the counter was primarily Asian which is not who I think of when I think "sandwich shop." I ended up ordering an Italian combo which consisted of thick-sliced pepperoni, salami, cappy (cappicola), oil & vinegar, lettuce, tomato, and provolone. Incidentally the Original Rinaldi's features a Godfather sandwich, but it's made with salami, cappy, pepperoni, steak, bacon, mayo, lettuce, tomato, and provolone cheese and it's served hot. I might have to try that next time. There was no yoohoo so I just had an iced tea.
When the sandwich arrived, it was quite sizable. The large is a 10" sandwich versus the regular 6". It's not much for presentation, but once I tucked the meat in, it was far from being a slouch. I've never been particularly fond of cappicola, but I've found myself enjoying it more and more lately. The Italian combo was deceptively filling, due to its limited but very thickly sliced meats. They use Boar's Head so taste-wise it's not a whole lot different. It's pretty hard to make a really distinguishable Italian sub. The olive oil & vinegar was a nice touch and better than at most other places. All in all, I ended up being pleasantly surprised despite my first impressions.
So the Original Rinaldi's probably won't replace Hoagie Hut (and neither will you delicious Bay Cities), but it has a quality Italian cold cut sandwich that I wouldn't mind returning to.
Some other interesting notes about the Original Rinaldi's:
- 4 out of 7 on my mess-o-meter. If you tuck the meat in right at the beginning, you'll avoid a lot of the mess later. Some salad might fall out, but overall you shouldn't require a great deal of napkins. It also helps to have big hands and a big mouth.
- I really should have taken advantage of their abundance of potato chips, but since I was in a bit of a rush, I just stuck to the sandwich. But that doesn't mean you have to.
- If I had to rank Italian cold cuts thus far: Hoagie Hut's Godfather, Central Grocery's Muffelata, Original Rinaldi's Italian Combo, Philly's Best's Italian Hoagie, Bay Cities Deli's Sopressata, Sorrento Italian Market's Cold Combo Sandwich, Which Wich's Italian Grinder, Bay Cities Deli's Godmother, Togo's Italian Cold Cut #16, Quizno's Classic Italian, Subway's Italian B.M.T., Subway's Spicy Italian.
The Original Rinaldi's
323 Main Street
El Segundo, CA 90245
(310) 647-2860
Hoagie Hut was a small sandwich shop on 3rd Street right across from the Beverly Connection. The owner was a real character who used to call everyone "Tiger" or "Babe" regardless of gender. He reminded me of Sal from "Do the Right Thing." From what I understand, he and his wife used to own one of the first strip clubs in L.A. with a mirrored ceiling or runway. I used to go there almost every week to get a jumbo Godfather (thick-sliced mortadella, cotto salami, provolone, lettuce, tomato, and Italian dressing for only $5.40), a bag of chips, and a Yoohoo. Before that, my grandparents used to go there when the restaurant was only half the size. The owner sold the restaurant about seven years ago, and since then it's changed hands and cuisines a couple more times. I have yet to find an Italian cold cut sandwich that fills the hole in my heart and my stomach.
So I must admit I didn't have high hopes for the Original Rinaldi's. The staff behind the counter was primarily Asian which is not who I think of when I think "sandwich shop." I ended up ordering an Italian combo which consisted of thick-sliced pepperoni, salami, cappy (cappicola), oil & vinegar, lettuce, tomato, and provolone. Incidentally the Original Rinaldi's features a Godfather sandwich, but it's made with salami, cappy, pepperoni, steak, bacon, mayo, lettuce, tomato, and provolone cheese and it's served hot. I might have to try that next time. There was no yoohoo so I just had an iced tea.
When the sandwich arrived, it was quite sizable. The large is a 10" sandwich versus the regular 6". It's not much for presentation, but once I tucked the meat in, it was far from being a slouch. I've never been particularly fond of cappicola, but I've found myself enjoying it more and more lately. The Italian combo was deceptively filling, due to its limited but very thickly sliced meats. They use Boar's Head so taste-wise it's not a whole lot different. It's pretty hard to make a really distinguishable Italian sub. The olive oil & vinegar was a nice touch and better than at most other places. All in all, I ended up being pleasantly surprised despite my first impressions.
So the Original Rinaldi's probably won't replace Hoagie Hut (and neither will you delicious Bay Cities), but it has a quality Italian cold cut sandwich that I wouldn't mind returning to.
Some other interesting notes about the Original Rinaldi's:
- 4 out of 7 on my mess-o-meter. If you tuck the meat in right at the beginning, you'll avoid a lot of the mess later. Some salad might fall out, but overall you shouldn't require a great deal of napkins. It also helps to have big hands and a big mouth.
- I really should have taken advantage of their abundance of potato chips, but since I was in a bit of a rush, I just stuck to the sandwich. But that doesn't mean you have to.
- If I had to rank Italian cold cuts thus far: Hoagie Hut's Godfather, Central Grocery's Muffelata, Original Rinaldi's Italian Combo, Philly's Best's Italian Hoagie, Bay Cities Deli's Sopressata, Sorrento Italian Market's Cold Combo Sandwich, Which Wich's Italian Grinder, Bay Cities Deli's Godmother, Togo's Italian Cold Cut #16, Quizno's Classic Italian, Subway's Italian B.M.T., Subway's Spicy Italian.
The Original Rinaldi's
323 Main Street
El Segundo, CA 90245
(310) 647-2860
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