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The Return Of The B-Boy
Discussion: break dancing—cool, embarrassing, or some mixture thereof? A new film called "Planet B-Boy," opening tonight in New York, takes a look at break dancing across the globe—the type of thing that could spark a revived cultural moment for the niche urban phenomenon, like "Spellbound" did for spelling bees. The Times gives it a fairly positive review; the New York Sun kind of pans it, but what do they know about B-boys? I always considered them to be fun to watch, but not something I would ever personally become. Will we soon see nouveau break dancing battles across Soho and Williamsburg as the form gains a brief, ironic throwback popularity? Or will it remain consigned to circles in Union Square and Rock Steady anniversary parties? After the jump, the movie's trailer, and a clip from LOZ—the best b-boy crew that I ever saw up close—in action. DC stand up! More »
the american man
Different Sports For Men: Should We Fear Them?
Alarming reports in the national media today are painting a picture of an America in which men pursue nontraditional sports. Such a development could spell doom for football, baseball, and basketball, the three real sports that this great nation has produced which define manhood for millions of terrified young adolescent males who would really rather be playing Wii or listening to music or doing something artistic, but are instead forced to prove their mettle by getting seriously injured by their larger peers. This is how it has always been. But now, American males are being seduced by the twin threats of gymnastics and synchronized swimming. We have video evidence, and the chilling cautionary tales, below. More »
The other day we went to American Ballet Theater at City Center. Jorma Elo's "C. to C.," set to Philip Glass's A Musical Portrait of Chuck Close, premiered on October 27th and is probs the best dance piece we've seen in years. Principal Marcelo Gomes (pictured!), so masculine yet sensitive! Julie Kent, such a cougar! Misty Copeland, vastly underrated soloist who should have been made a principal a long time ago.
new york times
'NYT': "A Way For The Book Business To Stay Alive"
Today's front-page story about how 'special sales' — a term we've never really loved, are other sales unspecial? sad — are becoming a bigger slice of the bookselling pie details what we think are actually two distinct trends. 1. Books as accessories: "A pop-up book called One Red Dot echoed a display of polka-dotted canvas sneakers, while another title, The Persistence of Yellow, perfectly matched a strategically positioned yellow sweater" — a trend that won't be unfamiliar to anyone who's seen a ribbon-belted preppie reading Prep on the subway and 2. Megachains as cultural arbiters, a trend that won't be unfamiliar to anyone who read this article about Starbucks's choice of Mitch Albom's For One More Day as the newest recipient of the coffee monolith's coveted "halo" effect: the perception that any product they offer will convey their signature "quality, good will, trust [and] intelligence" to their "hippyish, rockish" core consumer base. (Our personal favorite aspect of this promotion is the 'personal' staff reccommendation, pictured above, that's in every Starbucks. Classy.) More »
to do
Dumbo continues to celebrate itself via a four-day dance extravanganza featuring a whole lot of dance companies, troupes and choreographers. Can't afford tonight's $100-per-person gala? Pose as a bar attendant. [NY Mag]
Nina Hartley, porn star and registered nurse (surely that comes in handy in more ways than one), hosts the self-proclaimed naughtiest comedians in New York, which just happen to be celebrity-hating ventriloquists. [Comix]
Detroit produces a female techno DJ and the commoners (in the words of the illustrious Charlotte Bocly) are happy, if not surprised. [Flavorpill]
More »
To Do: DUMBO, Ventriloquists, or Techno
new york magazine
You Know, That Really NOTORIOUS One, It's a BIGGIE
When Fabolous was gunned down in Flatiron earlier this week, we were shaken in so many ways that one could be shaken, and could not help but think of other New York rappers whose skins were pierced by bullets. Neither could New York mag's Daily Intelligencer, who listed the "illustrious pantheon of New York MCs to get caught up with violence and cops". But there is one glaring omission, points out Razor Apple: Notorious B.I.G. More »
to do
Intrigue! (Bob Woodward makes a rare appearance in New York.) Scandal! (Secret goverment documents are unveiled.) Success! (State of Denial: Bush at War, Part III is now No. 1 on the Times Best Seller list.) Religion! (Simon & Schuster executives pray Jared Paul Stern has the same fate.) [92nd St Y]
Or you can head over to their West Side Makor location to check out one-time Gawker favorite Dawn Eden and others talk about their sexual experiences. We'll let you determine the frustration level for each event. [92nd St Y]
Forgotten New York author Kevin Walsh shares useless, but fascinating information with those fascinated by useless information. For example, Edgar Allen Poe, residing at 85 West 3rd for a mere 12 months, was a Village hipster nearly 200 years ahead of his time. [NY Mag]
The Jewish Museum (Manhattan) and The Newark Musuem (Yes, that Newark) team up to feature Masters of American Comics, an exhibition of comics throughout the 1900s including superhero favorites, the Fantastic Four and Superman. This is for the few of you who are brave enough to venture past Hoboken. [Flavorpill]
More »
To Do: Muckrakers, Forgotten New York, or Comics
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Hellhouse attempts to scare Jesus into your jaded soul via "a demon who gleefully displays wicked vignettes recalling plotlines of Laguna Beach." Scary? No. Tortuous? Yes. [Flavorpill]
Walt Frazier, former Knicks point guard, reminisces about fur coats, fedoras, feathers, and the years when the Knicks actually won championships. This has the potential to be scarier than Hellhouse. [Papermag]
Godfrapp, those British dance gods who brought oh la la back, perform at the Roseland a private gig at Capitale. Psyche!
More »
To Do: Laguna Beach = Hell
to-do
• After polling New Yorkers on their thirteen worst fears, Pyscho Clan founder Timothy Haskell based his third annual fright fest based on the results. Shit yourself in a haunted house in each borough. [Haunted House NYC]
• Williamsburg celebrates Friday the 13th and its paraskavedekatriaphobia (a fear of Friday the 13th) with an art gallery that explores common phobias you love to hate. [WUNYC] More »
To Do: Halloween on Friday the 13th
Friday:• After polling New Yorkers on their thirteen worst fears, Pyscho Clan founder Timothy Haskell based his third annual fright fest based on the results. Shit yourself in a haunted house in each borough. [Haunted House NYC]
• Williamsburg celebrates Friday the 13th and its paraskavedekatriaphobia (a fear of Friday the 13th) with an art gallery that explores common phobias you love to hate. [WUNYC] More »
to do
• VH1 throws a preparty for Hip Hop Honors Week, their earnest attempt to honor the music they never actually air. Nevertheless, it's the thought that counts, so go and view a gallery of photography and graffiti art while dancing to old school DJs. [Powerhouse Arena]
• Nick Lachey croons about how Jessica broke his heart as he silently undresses Vanilla Minillo with his eyes. All this and more can be yours for only $40. [NYM]
To Do: Nick Lachey Will Show You What's Left of Him, Playa
• Dark Side of the Cop is a pop group that syncs their music to their inspiration, Beverly Hills Cop. Kind of like Pink Floyd and The Wizard of Oz, but without the munchies. [flavorpil]• VH1 throws a preparty for Hip Hop Honors Week, their earnest attempt to honor the music they never actually air. Nevertheless, it's the thought that counts, so go and view a gallery of photography and graffiti art while dancing to old school DJs. [Powerhouse Arena]
• Nick Lachey croons about how Jessica broke his heart as he silently undresses Vanilla Minillo with his eyes. All this and more can be yours for only $40. [NYM]
to-do
• Chanel and Cosmo team up for an event, the purpose of which doesn't matter, as there will be a goodie bag and cocktails. [WUNYC]
• Long past the days when they were content enough to play music in an actual basement, Basement Jaxx plays at Webster Hall tonight. Dance your ass off and talk about how much you loved that video with the monkeys. [flavorpill]
To Do: Megazines, Goodie Bags, or British Boys
• Magazine freaks and design nerds alike flock to the Megazines exhibit, a collection of magazine covers throughout the years. [Visionaire World]• Chanel and Cosmo team up for an event, the purpose of which doesn't matter, as there will be a goodie bag and cocktails. [WUNYC]
• Long past the days when they were content enough to play music in an actual basement, Basement Jaxx plays at Webster Hall tonight. Dance your ass off and talk about how much you loved that video with the monkeys. [flavorpill]
to-do
• The Lower East Side Girls Club hosts a celebrates its 10th anniversary with a benefit gala featuring local hero Rosario Dawson as mistress of ceremonies. In traditional, over-the-top fashion, there will be uninhibited flamenco dancers and unlimited desserts. [Girls Club]
• Nixon (played by Gerry Bamman) and Kissinger (Steve Mellor) relive August 7, 1974 for approximately 75 minutes. Another night, another scandal for Nixon's Nixon. [Nixon's Nixon]
• If you're struggling along Park Avenue at 10 a.m. on Wednesday morning, you're probably running into congestion from car-porn aficionados jacking it to the parade of new and classic Audis. [Jalopnik]
To Do: Comic Relief, Girls Club, or Nixon
• Join Matt Groening, creator of the The Simpsons and Futurama, and Gary Panter, former set designer for Pee Wee's Playhouse, as they discuss the art of silliness. [Upcoming]• The Lower East Side Girls Club hosts a celebrates its 10th anniversary with a benefit gala featuring local hero Rosario Dawson as mistress of ceremonies. In traditional, over-the-top fashion, there will be uninhibited flamenco dancers and unlimited desserts. [Girls Club]
• Nixon (played by Gerry Bamman) and Kissinger (Steve Mellor) relive August 7, 1974 for approximately 75 minutes. Another night, another scandal for Nixon's Nixon. [Nixon's Nixon]
• If you're struggling along Park Avenue at 10 a.m. on Wednesday morning, you're probably running into congestion from car-porn aficionados jacking it to the parade of new and classic Audis. [Jalopnik]
to-do
• Tired of American indie pop groups? Don't worry. The Islands are Canadian. Go and support America Jr., won't you? [flavorpill]
• In a union of c-list glory, Lisa Marie Presley performs with Ryan Cabrera, who happens to be sleeping with her model/actress daughter. Good to hear that it's a family affair. [NYM]
To Do: Adaptations, Canadian Pop, or American Pop
• The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, the novel turned Broadway play turned movie turned TV series turned off Broadway revival, features Cynthia Nixon as the eclectic Scottish schoolteacher. Have fun finding tickets. [Paper]• Tired of American indie pop groups? Don't worry. The Islands are Canadian. Go and support America Jr., won't you? [flavorpill]
• In a union of c-list glory, Lisa Marie Presley performs with Ryan Cabrera, who happens to be sleeping with her model/actress daughter. Good to hear that it's a family affair. [NYM]
to-do
• Indie cred-bearers Serena Maneesh and Dirty on Purpose hit Warsaw to try and rectify the musical damage wrought by "SexyBack." [WUNYC]
• Film Forum shows The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie, the 1972 satire of the lives of the rich and richer, comes complete with cocaine deals and a very long dinner party. Socialites should take copious notes on their Sidekicks. [flavorpill] More »
To Do, This Weekend: Because the New Yorker Festival Sold Out in 2 Seconds
Friday:• Indie cred-bearers Serena Maneesh and Dirty on Purpose hit Warsaw to try and rectify the musical damage wrought by "SexyBack." [WUNYC]
• Film Forum shows The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie, the 1972 satire of the lives of the rich and richer, comes complete with cocaine deals and a very long dinner party. Socialites should take copious notes on their Sidekicks. [flavorpill] More »
to-do
• Ever wonder what millionaires do in their spare time? They write cookbooks. As if they ever cooked for themselves. [B&N]
• The Fever perform one last show before they part ways. Every good break-up needs "organ grinding and slightly drunken horns." [flavorpill]
To Do: Broadway, Millionaires, or the Fever
• A Chorus Line debuts on Broadway after a 16-year hiatus; ticket scalpers are able to pay rent for the next three months. [Paper]• Ever wonder what millionaires do in their spare time? They write cookbooks. As if they ever cooked for themselves. [B&N]
• The Fever perform one last show before they part ways. Every good break-up needs "organ grinding and slightly drunken horns." [flavorpill]
to-do
• The Gimme Shelter fundraiser has it all: 80s musicians in the process of making a comeback (Debbie Harry), New York icons (the Beastie Boys), a good cause (saving cute, fuzzy animals), and a reason for you to keep living (an open bar). [Rational-Animal]
• Lord Whimsy, one of New York's top dandies (certainly there must be a ranking of these things somewhere), shows other dandies how to refine their lives. Your brows should always be perfectly arched, even in hell. [flavorpill]
To Do: Media Shocker, Animals, or Dandies
• New York EIC and Elvis Costello imposter Adam Moss joins Time ME Richard Stengel to remind you that the media can be slightly inaccurate. Hold on to your seats for this one. [NYSEC]• The Gimme Shelter fundraiser has it all: 80s musicians in the process of making a comeback (Debbie Harry), New York icons (the Beastie Boys), a good cause (saving cute, fuzzy animals), and a reason for you to keep living (an open bar). [Rational-Animal]
• Lord Whimsy, one of New York's top dandies (certainly there must be a ranking of these things somewhere), shows other dandies how to refine their lives. Your brows should always be perfectly arched, even in hell. [flavorpill]
to-do
• Dragons of Zynth, Harlem Shakes, White Rabbits, and the Subjects team up to bring you more psychedelic, new-age, doo-wop, post-garage pop than your Chucks can handle. [flavorpill]
• Tired of being elbowed by the douchebag who attempts to unfold a Times on a crowded train? Sick of that stupid kid and his candy bars? Had enough of heavy breathing perverts who flash you? Listen to those who share your pain at a reading of The Subway Chronicles. [NYM]
To Do: Laughing or Listening
• Remember the first time you had sex? At Fresh Meat, comedians share their first jokes, which are almost as bad as the night you lost it. [Comix]• Dragons of Zynth, Harlem Shakes, White Rabbits, and the Subjects team up to bring you more psychedelic, new-age, doo-wop, post-garage pop than your Chucks can handle. [flavorpill]
• Tired of being elbowed by the douchebag who attempts to unfold a Times on a crowded train? Sick of that stupid kid and his candy bars? Had enough of heavy breathing perverts who flash you? Listen to those who share your pain at a reading of The Subway Chronicles. [NYM]
