The hustle and bustle of the Christmas season impaired my blog consistency. Between Christmas shopping and work I nearly wanted to vomit when I thought of creating quality posts in the last few weeks. I don't know how some bloggers can post up to 6 times a day when I feel like it's a fairly big deal to create just ONE well put together post. Well, here's another classic copout of a blog post: THE BEST POSTS OF 2008! The following is an exhaustively egotistical look at all of my favorite posts I wrote throughout the year, which somehow translates to the "Best Posts." If you enjoy coming to this site, I appreciate it very much! For new visitors and long time friends, New Jersey is still a mess of swamps, toxic waste, and a ton of pop culture garbage, so have no fear, 2009 will not let you down!
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Monday, December 29, 2008
Bat-Blog's Batman: The Animated Series Soundtrack Contest!
Check out The Bat-Blog for your chance to win the classic soundtrack to Batman The Animated Series! All you need to do is e-mail Tommy with your info and a winner will be chosen after 1/5/09.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
New Jersey's Great Pop Culture Moments Vol.15: Lex Luthor Aims Missile at Hackensack, NJ!
In 1978, Hackensack, New Jersey increased it's status to legendary as moviegoers heard the city's name uttered from the lips of Lex Luthor in Superman. In a diabolical real estate plan, (one he possibly stole from that infomercial transgender, Dean Grazioso) Lex's missiles were directed to hit the San Andreas fault in California and Hackensack, N.J. Let's join the action after Lex puts a kryptonite chain around Superman's neck:
Superman: You don't even care where the other missile's headed do you?
Lex Luthor: Certainly I do...I know exactly where it's headed. Hackensack, N.J.
(Superman gets tossed into Lex's subterranean pool)
Lex Luthor: I have to leave you now, no hard feelings. We all have our little faults...mine's in California.
Eve: Lex...my mother lives in Hackensack.
In the single moment that explains why Hackman personified the character of Lex Luthor, Lex nonchalantly checks his watch and nods his head as if to say "not anymore she doesn't!"
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Classic WWF/WWE Event Cards from New Jersey #1
Welcome to ringside folks! It's a slobberknocker here at The Sexy Armpit where we're taking a look at the FIRST in a series of Classic WWF/WWE Event cards. An event card is the rundown of all the matches that take place at a house show, Live TV taping, or a Pay Per View. These cards are from events that I actually attended, and as we get into later posts in this series you'll notice the quality of the cards diminish greatly. Nowadays you don't see these match listings as much, since so many storylines change at the last minute, and occasionally a wrestler slated to appear gets replaced due to injury. But for now, let's enjoy the classic days of the WWF as we take you down to Gorilla Monsoon and Jesse "The Body" Ventura!
It's Monday June 8th, 1987 and the WWF Superstars have come to the arena formerly known as The Brendan Byrne, what is now known as The Izod Center. In possibly the shittiest main event in WWF history, former referee "Dangerous" Danny Davis took on George "The Animal" Steele as their feud continued. Could you imagine if it went the full hour time limit? George would have devoured all 4 turnbuckles by that time! Looking back, I have difficulty categorizing this as even a mid-card bout. It didn't bother me because the excitement of being able to go to a live WWF event was overwhelming. When I was a kid I'd be happy watching two jobbers wrestle in the main event just as long as I was at an actual WWF show. I don't think I realized I was getting ripped off, but I was still upset that I wasn't able to see some of my favorites like Hulk Hogan and Randy Savage. Not all the matches were specifically detailed but there was sure to be "other all star bouts" happening that night. It's possible even they didn't know what else was going to happen. "Who's around? Do we have Hacksaw Jim Duggan? Throw him out there against Barry Horowitz STAT!"
Friday, December 26, 2008
The Sexy Armpit RETURNS on 12/27
Fresh Blog Posts here at the Armpit will begin tomorrow. Hope you all enjoyed the holidays!
Monday, December 22, 2008
The Muthaf---ing Marshmallow Pals Are Back!
Right now it's a marshmallow world in New Jersey thanks to the mild winter storm that passed through over the last couple of days. Not too long ago, during Halloween, my world was filled with actual marshmallows. I made a few new friends who called themselves Marshmallow pals. These pals were a freaky gang of mooshy ghouls including the likes of Dracula, Frankenstein, a pumpkin, and a witch. Recently while cruising the aisles of Toys R Us I gained a few more pals, but this time they came straight from the North Pole.
This set of Frankford Marshmallow Pals features Santa, Mrs. Claus, Frosty, and Santa's Elf.
I don't consider myself a full fledged grinch, but I did what needed to be done to things that are so sickeningly cute and festive.
I commited mass marshmallow murder.
I love how a gnarled hunk of Mrs. Claus' remaining head remains atop her neck. That's what she gets for offering me home made gingerbread cookies. bitch.
Merry Christmas!
Friday, December 19, 2008
"New Pepsi Logo is an Atrocity!" says The Sexy Armpit.com
Last night, I had the genius plan of going to Walmart. Going there is like getting ass from a girl who you know you really don't want ass from but you convince yourself that you need it and it might not be that bad. Then the minute you leave her house you realize it was a huuuge mistake and the whole ordeal took much longer than it should have. The only good thing that comes out of the situation is that you realize you didn't catch anything, HOORAY! Even though I probably would've rather caught something than waited on the check out line for 45 minutes to buy a can of soda.As my silly "not based on real life" analogy comes to an abrupt halt, take a gander to the left and peep out this cool retro Pepsi can I found at Walmart last night. Out of all the cool cans that are part of Pepsi's aluminum retro collection, this is closest to the one I grew up with. "Take the Pepsi Challenge" appears on a banner at the bottom. It brought back memories, especially considering the atrocity that is the latest Pepsi logo...if you can call it a logo. Why is it in this country we constantly feel the need to unnecessarily change things?
Finding this can at the bottom of the shelf in the soda aisle reminded me that I took some pictures of vintage soda art when I was in Las Vegas recently. In the waiting area of the New York, New York Roller Coaster, the walls feature some awesome murals of retro soft drinks. I was easily more enthralled by this artwork than I was the actual roller coaster, which completely sucked ass. It wasn't a fun time at all and the wait time didn't justify how shitty the ride was. Perhaps I'm just spoiled living right up the NJ Turnpike from Six Flags Great Adventure.
These murals are from the "soft drink renaissance" of art history. You may recall studying that period in college. Upon careful scrutiny, do you notice anything strange about this one? The messed up thing is that the Mountain Dew cup has the modern day logo rather than it's retro look.
This mural features the Pepsi challenger race car and 3 classic soft drinks that have been lost to the ages: Pepsi Free, Pepsi Light, and Slice!
When The Sexy Armpit opens "The Soft Drink Hall of Fame," these 2 pieces will surely be prime exhibits!
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Would YOU Let Santa Claus Drive Your Corvette?
I'm surprised and excited to see how many houses have been decorated for Christmas this year. On my way home from work every day, I pass through so many towns and as Paul Stanley says "They're lit up like a damn Christmas Tree!" It seems like there's more Christmas spirit in New Jersey this year than ever before. Whatever the reason is, it's an excellent feeling! People's displays have grown more elaborate and creative. In fact, while riding through Fair Haven, NJ last weekend we saw this Corvette parked on someone's lawn:
Take a closer look and you'll see Santa behind the wheel about to take the 'vette out for a spin:
That's a pretty awesome lawn decoration if you ask me. I don't think you'll be able to pick that one up at Wal-Mart!
For all the good that Santa's done throughout time, I still don't think that's enough to make me let him borrow my Corvette to deliver presents. We have no idea what kind of driving record he has. They could drive like assholes up in the North Pole. If the elves get licenses then I'll give a definitive "NO" on that one. Besides, isn't St. Nick all tanked up on spiked Egg Nogg he drinks at houses all over the world? Isn't that what makes him so jolly in the first place? We wouldn't want him getting a DWI, so let's have him stick to flying around in his sleigh.
JAY: You're not getting my keys, Santa!
SANTA CLAUS: Ho, Ho, Ho, we'll see about that! How bad do you want that PS3 for Christmas?!?! Ho, Ho, Ho!
JAY: I'll forget about the PS3 for now, just as long as you don't crash my beautiful Corvette and turn it into a red and white yuletide mess. Oh, and toll prices just went up so it'll be cheaper if you hop in you're sleigh.
SANTA CLAUS: Ho, Ho, Ho! Jay, I'm going through a mid-life crisis times 3. Can't I just take the 'vette for a few minutes? Mrs. Claus never lets me have ANY fun. She took away my copy of Transformers on DVD because she said I was staring a hole in Megan Fox. I'm not even allowed to go to Hooters up in the North Pole. And if you haven't noticed, all of Santa's helpers are all gay males. I lead a sad, boring life. C'mon, help a brutha out.
JAY: OK, OK, but you're going to owe me BIG time if you crash it!
SANTA CLAUS: Yeah right, after I got you everything you asked for every Christmas? Batman, He-Man, WWF, Star Wars, Thundercats, I gave it all to you! You weren't that good this year anyway! So I owe you nothing bub!
JAY: You know what Santa, you can f---ing walk!
Friends don't let Santa Claus drive drunk.
A Public Service Announcement from the Ad Council and Mrs. Claus.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
A Diamond Dave Diversion
Here's quite possibly the most fun site that will make your work day go faster:A David Lee Roth Sound Board!
Thanks to MelodicRock.com for the heads up!
Let me tell you, there's nothing like Diamond Dave serenading your office with customized replies to pertinent business oriented questions!
Wonder if Wonder Woman Spits or Swallows? Wonder No More...
I had no idea that Wonder Woman was such a filthy, whorish, slutbag. Sitting comically on a shelf at the nearest Five Below, Wonder Woman takes the form of some sort of bath foam. For that extra shot of perversity, Wonder Woman squirts, spurts, and regurgitates "crazy foam" in a completely blatant display of nerdcore porn. This isn't the first time we've seen foamy soaps done superhero style, but in this case, we can place Wonder Woman "Crazy Foam" at the top of the peak of all children's bath foam canisters. In a glaring contrast, I'm pulling for the KISS camp to license a Gene Simmons can that spews red shave gel. It may actually make me look forward to shaving and unlike this Wonder Woman can, it would be highly appropriate.
Don't you wonder who over at DC Comics was responsible for the Wonder Woman Crazy Foam Canister getting a huge green AUTHORIZED stamp? While drunk at the DC licensing party, I wonder if some of the hornier employees approved the proposal for a Fleshlight "Wonder Woman's Mouth" special edition. Some lonely guys out there would probably kill for one. Picture Princess Diana's head on this canister about 10 times the size and I think you'll be in business. Notice she has a big hole shot through the back of her head?
Here's the trailer for DC Comic's upcoming Wonder Woman Animated movie:
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Free Dr. Pepper > Medicore GNR Album
Yesterday, an envelope in my mailbox contained a letter from Dr. Pepper. It informed me that Dr. Pepper has kept their promise about issuing FREE Dr. Pepper for everyone if Guns N Roses released Chinese Democracy by the end of the year. After almost 15 years, Axl finally mustered up the courage to release his "meh" album last month. Instead of being gloriously serenaded by a masterful musical achievement, I've been inadvertantly bestowed a free delicious soft drink. Instead of suing Dr. Pepper, GNR should thank the Doc for smoothing over such an overhyped, letdown of a record. If you were one of the lucky folks who registered for the coupon at Dr. Pepper's website in the short alloted timeframe, then you're probably guzzling some DP right now! The letter is below and you'll see a VOID watermark appeared upon scanning it:
COMMENT posted by : DeadSkin Mask12/12/2008 8:10:25 AM
CHINESE MEDIOCRITY STARTS NOW!!!!!Chinese Democracy is the musical equivalent of Waterworld & Godfather III.
COMMENT posted by : DeadSkin Mask12/12/2008 8:10:25 AM
CHINESE MEDIOCRITY STARTS NOW!!!!!Chinese Democracy is the musical equivalent of Waterworld & Godfather III.
Monday, December 15, 2008
DC Infinite Heroes Crisis 3-Pack: Superman, Supergirl, & Wonder Girl!
The recent climate in the world of toys is all about capitalizing on the older, harder to please collector. Toy companies such as Mattel and Hasbro blatantly pander to hardcore collectors. I do appreciate the recent innovations, but I don't believe that toy aisles should be filled with such expensive, delicately crafted action figures that belong in the Smithsonian rather than a milk crate in my '80s den. I stick to the basics and would be more apt to buy something that looks fun to own rather than a dust collector. I am interested in collectible statues and busts, but they have no place in toy aisles.
One of the prime culprits is DC Comics whose action figures really stepped up their game and their prices. Not to sound like an old fogey, but I recall days as a kid when I could literally buy 6 action figures on clearance for $2 or $3 bucks. Nowadays ONE Star Wars Clone Wars /Legacy action figure costs OVER $6 bucks! Regardless of inflation, is this tiny piece of plastic worth that kind of money? I say HELL NO, It's a toy for fuck's sake! If I was a kid right now and had some money saved from birthdays or allowance cash, I'd break the bank if I had to pay $7 bucks for ONE action figure. This is a shitty time for toys if you ask me. Sure us geeky dudes get all wet in the pants when we see a really cool rare character get a highly detailed treatment, but what do we actually do with it? The minority of us are actually using them to act out a storyline, and if you are, I commend you because at least you're getting your money's worth.
Even with my efforts of keeping up with the latest toy and collectible news, these new DCU Infinite Heroes Crisis 3- packs somehow zoomed passed my radar. I'm glad I got a hold of this set at Target this weekend. Here's the 3-pack which includes Powergirl, Superman, and Supergirl:
It's pretty sickening that I spent $16 bucks this set. That price breaks down to about $5 bucks per figure, which is far from a bargain especially in the dismal economic climate. What caught my eye about this set is the figure's smaller size. Too many figures today are being made too big. My first action figure memories come from Star Wars and Super Powers figures, both small in size, and both made by Kenner. My taste in toys has been influenced by those two toy lines in a major way. This set brought me back to those days. Even though they're small in size, they're detailed, colorful, and seem more collectible than a 6 inch figure. In addition, buying smaller figures in 3-packs is more exciting than just buying them seperately.
My only gripe with this series is that this is the only 3-pack that I NEED to have among the ones available because Superman looks awesome and Powergirl and Supergirl look super sexy fine. In the other sets, Black Canary, Starfire, and Raven could stand to look way hotter. This is the problem with dating action figures, they don't slut it up enough.
Toyriffic
Eclectorama
Poe Ghostal
Congrats to NEW WWE Champion Jeff Hardy!
Despite his erratic record, tonight's WWE Pay Per View Armageddon finally saw Jeff Hardy come away with the WWE Championship. Jeff is known to put his body on the line with risky aerial assaults and daredevil ring tactics which makes attaining such an accomplishment worthwhile. Hardy began his career as a "jobber" like many others, but he continuously left fans in awe by risking his career in the name of sports entertainment. Screw his drug problem, Hardy is the real deal. The Sexy Armpit congratulates Jeff on 15 years of hard work! WWE Smackdown comes to The Sovereign Bank Arena in Trenton on 12/27 and The Izod Center in East Rutherford on 12/30 and The Sexy Armpit.com will be there!
Friday, December 12, 2008
Did Elisabeth Shue Bankrupt New Jersey?
Gracie, a film about a Jersey girl who wanted to play competitive soccer, did not make enough revenue to turn a profit. Almost 4 years ago, NJ's Economic Development Authority wrote off a $2 million dollar loan to the film's producers to pay the tab for Jerseyites Andrew Shue (a co-writer on the film) and his sister Elisabeth to star in Gracie. The loan was granted by state lawmakers in hopes of boosting movie production in New Jersey. The filmmakers also have to pay back the film's lead financial backers Goldman Sachs, who shelled out $7 million dollars to make the film.
Even though Shue is no spring chicken, she's still a hot and seasoned actress who has starred in a bunch of other films close to my heart. You are all beasts for condemning her turn as Jennifer Parker in Back To The Future II and III. Leave her alone, she was in a catch 22 situation! She had to fill the "shues" of Claudia Wells who had a sexy appealing sex appeal. And no...that wasn't a typo. Wells was not only sexy, but supportive as her character Jennifer rooted Marty on: "You're good Marty, you're really good!" I love that kind of encouragement, especially when she's being "encouraging" in the back of my black Toyota 4x4 down at the lake.
New Jersey's Not Wearing Foot Pads!
Finally someone has spoken out about how absurd those silly "seen on TV" Kinoki foot pads are. The pads supposedly remove toxins from the body when applied to the bottom of the foot overnight. If you couldn't immediately tell that these things are bullshit then you seriously need to have your brain functionality checked out. NJ consumer affairs officials have filed a lawsuit for violating NJ's consumer fraud act. THANK YOU for waking up all the people that buy into this crap. If you get these in your stocking for Christmas this year, I'm giving you the silent treatment.
Here's some excerpts from Michael Diamonds' Asbury Park Press story about it:
"The foot pads were advertised on infomercials and the company's Web site as a prescription to remove heavy metals, metabolic wastes, parasites and cellulite. They were billed as "perfect for diabetes, arthritis, fatigue, high blood pressure, insomnia and weight loss."
"The lawsuit, filed in state Superior Court in Ocean County, said the companies last fall began an extensive advertising campaign, touting a pad that customers could place on the bottom of their feet, removing harmful toxins and boosting their energy."
The Day the Earth Stood Still on the NJ Turnpike
In his review in the N.Y Times of the remake of The Day the Earth Still starring Keanu Reeves, A.O Scott fills in on the New Jersey aspect of the film:
Normally I don't heed the majority of movie critic's warnings but in this case I will. I can't imagine this being mind blowing in any capacity. Even though Tom Cruise's War of the World's was filmed in NJ, I would personally still like to see some more alien action here. We've already seen Los Angeles and New York City have prominent roles in sci-fi and action films, so let NJ have a go at it for a while!
"A metastasizing swarm of metal bugs — the best special effects in a movie
that often looks cheap and bedraggled — is dispatched to eat us and everything
we’ve made, or at least everything on the New Jersey Turnpike.
he goes on to say:
"Its scenario and many of its scenes feel ripped off rather than freshly
imagined — why do aliens always seem to end up in New Jersey?..."
Normally I don't heed the majority of movie critic's warnings but in this case I will. I can't imagine this being mind blowing in any capacity. Even though Tom Cruise's War of the World's was filmed in NJ, I would personally still like to see some more alien action here. We've already seen Los Angeles and New York City have prominent roles in sci-fi and action films, so let NJ have a go at it for a while!
Thursday, December 11, 2008
They Live Starring John Cena?
io9.com has an exclusive interview with WWE's John Cena regarding the possibility of him starring in a remake of 1988's They Live. Will he step into Rowdy Roddy Piper's role for the modern day take on the film?
I'm glad to read that io9 is referring to Cena positively. All you Cena haters aren't being forced to watch RAW last I checked. Go watch TNA, UFC, or Hulkster's Celebrity Wrestling!
R2D2 is now an Awesome Astromech Aquarium!
I just read about an R2-D2 aquarium on Boing Boing that's available at Hammacher and Schlemmer. I hope R2 doesn't forget about the fish he's storing in his "rusty innards!"here's the item summary from Hammacher and Schlemmer:
Modeled after the most well-known astromech droid in the galaxy, this R2-D2 holds a 1 3/4-gallon aquarium tank in his central compartment, ideal for a small freshwater family of goldfish, gouramis, or tetras. The domed head rotates with any vocal command you issue and he utters his familiar "bleeps" from the Star Wars movies. His radar eye houses the eyepiece to a built-in periscope that provides an intimate view of the aquatic activity below, allowing you to watch your charges swim towards the food you've dropped in from the dome's removable feeding door. Includes filter and overhead LED tank lights that randomly morph between red, blue, and green (lights can be disabled). Includes a two-sided waterproofed cardboard insert depicting scenes from the movie as a background.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Battle Damage He-Man T-Shirt Winner!
The rules of the He-Man T-Shirt contest:
1) If you were He-Man, what Eternian/Etherian girl would you want to bang and why? ***This can include anyone from Queen Marlena (but your my mo---) to Frosta
2) What would you (as He-Man) for your first date with her? I love being Chuck Woolery, he's an idol of mine.
Obviously I'm not eligible to enter my own contest, but if I was, it would definitely be a toss up between Glimmer and Frosta. I'm good either way. Glimmer's deceiving because she's a goody two shoes on the outside but she's a hardcore party girl so don't let her fool you. At least Frosta is blatant about her sexual attraction to He-Man. I think if I had a date with Frosta we might go to a nice little dinner at The Melting Pot just to be ironic. From then on it's over the top perversion, so I won't even go into detail. See, I almost had you! You thought I was going to settle for just Frosta? Silly you! If you can recall just a few sentences back I described how Glimmer was a real party whore, so she's obviously going to be down for an "etherian ethreeway" as it's known in those parts. All while you're trying to tag two Etherian dames, you need to keep your eyes peeled because somewhere around your bedroom Loo-kee is hiding and you have to find that cagey, multicolored motherfucker.
Even though I only received 3 "official" entries it was difficult choosing a winner. By official I mean your entry isn't eligible if you tell me your answer when I run into you while I'm at the grocery store picking up milk. The winning of He-Man T-Shirts is serious business! I came to my final decision today and I thank the 3 people who participated. I feel honored that my Sexy Armpit T-Shirt giveaway during Halloween was a runaway success compared to this one. I really thought more people would be clamoring for an obscure He-Man Tee, but who knows...the winner may just have this baby up on eBay as soon as they receive it! And now let's take a look at the entries:Laura from New Jersey wrote:
Since I'll assume that I'm probably one of the only girls who entered this contest, I decided to take a few liberties. Sure I could pick any of the "hot" ladies in the world of MOTU but to the chagrin of many guys out there reading this, I'm just not into chicks. So, while I'd like to say that Catra is a dirty little minx and I want her paws all over me, that's sadly not the case. I'm sorry.
I'm going to change the rules a bit since Jay didn't think that a girl would want to enter. With that said, any guy reading my entry will automatically think I'd pick He-Man or Bow to go out on a date with but that's surprisingly not the case at all.
My answer would be Orko. Just thinking of him working his magic on me gets me HOT! Even though his spells usually turn out disastrous I definitely give him credit for trying so hard. Not too many guys out there give such an incredible effort like Orko. Sometimes, it's more charming when a girl sees a guy really trying and being creative rather than a jerk who acts like he's God's gift and everything he does in bed is perfect. OK, ok, the real reason why I chose Orko? He had THE BIG "O" on his chest!
Eric "Bubba Shelby" from California wrote:
Here are my answers (as He-Man of course!)
1) Madame Razz. I watch "Desperate Housewives," I have every Teen Beat magazine issue
that features Ashton Kutcher, and my favorite film this summer was "Sex and The City," so I know all about the Cougars! Rowr!
2) Obviously it would all begin when I held aloft my magic sword and said "I have the Poweeeeeeerrrrrr!!!!" I would then point my throbbing power sword at the quivering pussy and ZAP - That pussy will ROAR! After that I'll strike a quick manly pose, glance from side to side, and run away.
Donovan Jacob S. from Gloucestershire, England:
I chose Zilora:
1) Zilora...isn't it obvious? She's got hypnotic spiral breast coverings!
2) I would lure her to Zodac's sex dungeon: Zodac's Pleasure Shack, where Fisto would be waiting to perform his "trademark specialty" and Modulok would be ready with his "Mod-u-cock." I'd take pictures and make a special ViewMaster disc to commemorate the event...
It was a close call between Eric and Donovan. Thinking of Madam Razz as a cougar is pretty damn funny but I ultimately had to go with Donovan's genius creation of Zodac's Pleasure Shack and the Fisto mention (he's one of my favorites). How awesome would it be if we had cameras that took pictures directly to a Viewmaster reel? That would kick ass! Congratulations Donovan, you are a visionary and the winner of the He-Man Battle Damage T-Shirt! I had no idea The Sexy Armpit was being read in England! Unfortunately, the only parting gift I have for the contestants is a sincere THANK YOU to Eric and Laura for entering! I know...that's a pretty lame parting gift, but it's pretty low budget here at the Armpit.
Tuesday, December 09, 2008
BetaMaxmas brings you Holiday Specials Retro Style!
My friend Steve alerted me to this awesome site called Betamaxmas. As you can see from the screenshot, it's a late '70s or early '80s living room fully equipped with a Christmas tree decorated with BIG BULBS, a TV set with rabbit ears and a remote control, and a Betamax player. On the TV set you can watch all different vintage holiday specials. If they come in a little fuzzy...just click the rabbit ears to adjust the reception! It's amazing how fast technology has been "museumified." A bonus is the classic TV guide listing on the top right.
Monday, December 08, 2008
Sunday, December 07, 2008
A Twisted Sister Christmas at The Nokia Theatre in Times Square 12-5-08!
I was impressed with opening acts ZO2 and The Dirty Pearls, both from Brooklyn. I've seen ZO2 live before, and their afroed frontman Paulie Z has a dynamic voice and a likeable personality. Bassist David Z and Drummer Joey Cassata are abundantly talented and make the tunes sound rockin', even though they've got a run of the mill '70s retro rock vibe. Regardless, I found myself wanting to come home and download "Isolate" and "Ain't it Beautiful." Their TV show Z-Rock airs on the Independent Film Channel, and it's also available on iTunes.
I've heard songs from The Dirty Pearls before but last night was the first time I saw them live. They've got plenty of hard rock swagger and sleaze but thankfully they don't chince out on the great chorus' and hooks. What's with all the afros in rock music? Both of the aforementioned openers have bandmembers with afros. Didn't we get the memo? The afro thing was over a few years ago!
Hearing that Twisted Sister is playing Christmas music might seem cheesy to elitist music snobs, but they pull it off with cool to spare. You'd be surprised at how unbelievable Dee Snider's voice sounds, it might be as strong as it was 20 years ago. I couldn't make it to last year's Twisted Christmas show, but I'm glad I was at this one because the entire band chewed up the Nokia Theatre and ate it for a midnight snack. Twisted consists of all original members (Dee, J.J, Mark, A.J, and Eddie) who effortlessly shred, hit, and berate their instruments yielding primal musical results. The band slashed through all their classic crushing tracks as well as the holiday fare from A Twisted Christmas, released in the fall of '06.
The Twisted Christmas extravaganza became nothing short of holiday TV variety show! Mini Kiss ushered Santa Snider's sleigh onto the stage. And still looking sexy, Lita Ford strutted onstage in a skintight red hot vinyl body suit to sing "I'll Be Home for Christmas," with Dee. Another surprise was TNA Wrestling star, Mick Foley, who graced us by his presence disguised as Santa Claus offering to give the band members anything they wanted for Christmas. Naturally, Dee answered: "I WANNA ROCK!"
At the show, Dee announced that Twisted will release an album of all new material in '09! And now onto my video montage of the show:
Friday, December 05, 2008
MINDGAME: "A Comic Psycho Thriller" Review 12/3/08
On Wednesday December 3rd, 2008 I drove into lower Manhattan, to review Mindgame, a play billed as a “comic psycho thriller” at the Soho Playhouse. When I see a play or movie I try to refrain from doing too much research prior to my experience in order to go into it without any preconceived notions. I won’t spoil too much and if by the end of reading this you decide to check out the play for yourself, I suggest going in with an open mind.Mindgame is no mere mortal of a play, and while immersing yourself in it you’ll feel like you’re stomping up and down the stairs of MC Escher’s painting Relativity, never really reaching a destination. Although, those who persevere through this rich Mindgame will feel rewarded. You’ll be left with a lingering fallout of thoughts, possible conclusions, and a multitude of unanswered questions. If you don’t consider that a reward, then you should think of going to see Shrek the Musical instead.
In the lore of the play, best selling writer Mark Styler has come to a mental hospital in hopes of interviewing Eastman, a serial killer. Styler’s book Bloodbath chronicled the exploits of 9 notorious serial killers, but an interview with Eastman eluded him. Styler first has to meet with Dr. Farquhar, the head of the hospital, in order to get clearance to meet with Eastman. The enigmatic and seemingly dignified Farquhar is not aware of who Styler is, nor is he familiar with his apparent written request to interview one of his patients. The play's comic tone grows eerie as the quest to figure out exactly what the hell is going on begins. Farquhar calls for his assistant, Nurse Plimpton, a couple of times until she finally arrives. In what seems like an outlandish ornament to the play in her pink wig, white vinyl nurses costume, fishnet stockings, and silver hooker boots, the sexy nurse isn’t just eye candy as you’ll find out. The nurse is noticeably uneasy judging by her uncomfortable chuckles that follow her dialogue.
In the events that follow, a scalpel, a vintage 1966 bottle of wine, a shopping bag from Marks and Spencer, and a straight jacket all come into play. You may have to call upon your days as household champion of Clue to sift through the conundrums that makeup Mindgame. In this case though, you can’t be sure Colonel Mustard is actually Colonel Mustard and you most definitely will not be able to rely on the old standby and blame the butler “Didit.” When we reach what seems to be a turning point in the play, there’s a revelation about one of the characters. At that moment it occurred to me that I may not have been mentally raising the right questions. I had to fine tune my thinking. After more revelations occur, it’s not obvious which one we’re supposed to believe. The play's finale is left open to interpretation, and for that reason Mindgame is the epitome of clever and thought provoking.
Coming from a former English major, I’d say Mindgame is quite a juicy subject from a literary standpoint. I did not read the novel by Anthony Horowitz, but solely based on what I saw in the play, there’s a profuse amount of themes imbedded in it's layers. So exactly how many licks does it take to get to the Tootsie Roll center of mind game? Chances are, the center will probably turn hard as a rock before you can even crack the candy coating. Don’t bite it and walk away or you’ll miss out on fully enjoying and appreciating the finer details. Here are just some of the themes of Mindgame: influence, identity, insanity, perversions, murder, contradictions, incest, homosexuality, liberation, psychoanalytic methods, cannibalism, BDSM, role reversal, deformity, self perception/public image, mind over matter, and the arousing nature and glorification of murderers like Jack the Ripper. Or it could be about none of those things. Confused?
Ken Russell directs the fine cast through the taught script of Mind game. Russell states in the director’s note in the playbill: “By the end of Act I on my first reading of Mindgame, I was ready for a small scotch. By the time I reached the grand finale, I was in need of a large one.” No matter how bemused by the script, Russell’s inspiration shines through in this well conceived production. Helping the translation from script to stage was Beowulf Boritt who has designed yet another exceptional set. The stage was set as Farquhar’s office and it contains several props and decoys of varying importance. Be perceptive and especially take a glance over at that morphing painting on the wall!
You’ll find Mindgame to be funny and suspenseful, yet mind boggling. It’s not as simple as it first seems. The play relies on atmosphere and dialogue so don’t expect big huge ensemble dance numbers. If you’re not down with perverse subject matter, or some scalpel slashing then you may want to sit this one out. The material is a bit challenging for someone who’s not a theater goer, it can be repetitive at times. The methodical nature of the script may just get you frustrated. But if you’re "all in" then pay attention to the subtle details, you may or may not need them! Is this not making sense to you? Good, that’s the point! It’s refreshing to know that much passion went into the production of Mindgame and it’s not just some slapped together stage show starring some already forgotten American idol reject. Even though it's more to digest than recycled clichéd fare, it’s an experience you’ll be talking about for a long time so allow yourself to be engaged in the Mindgame! Back to The age old question What does it all mean? Carpet. Envelope. Wallpaper. Cigarette. Jelly. Yeah…that’s it! Intrigued?
MINDGAME
Soho Playhouse
15 Vandam Street
BTW 6th Ave & Varick
Tuesday, December 02, 2008
Witches in Bikinis - Party Like a Chimpanzee!
I came across Witches in Bikinis a while back on Myspace and I've been trying to review one of their live shows in NYC, but I keep missing them. No worries, because watching this video is even better since all of you can see how rad they are for yourselves. If you're like me and Seth Gecko, hot women in bikinis are rated very high in your "cool book." The Witches' visual aspect is right up your alley, especially mesmerizing is their wild colored wigs, which I dig. Witches in Bikinis sing upbeat, theatrical pop songs which need to be heard to be fully appreciated. Some of their songs have definite surf and garage rock undertones with the girls' bubble gum vocal harmonies floating on top. You'll most likely find yourself bopping your head to their tracks. Check out their first video for "Party Like a Chimpanzee":
Monday, December 01, 2008
Paris Hilton Sprinkles New Jersey With Her Fairy Dust
Unbeknownst to me, Paris Hilton made an appearance at Macy's in Woodbridge Center Mall yesterday to promote her new Fairy Dust perfume. Apparently she didn't want to rekindle our old flame. The linked story at MyCentralJersey.com says there was about 300 fans on line to meet her. Someone needs to tell me this crap BEFORE it happens! She never returned my Masters of the Universe Season One Volume 2 DVD box set that I let her borrow. Bitch.
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