Pet Rock: The Pop Culture Blog

10 years later: Remembering Frank Sinatra

2008-05-14T04:01:44Z

By Mark La Monica

On May 14, 1998, America lost two great icons of pop culture: "Seinfeld" and Frank Sinatra.

For me, the bigger loss was Sinatra.

Sure, "Seinfeld" was a classic American sitcom that will live forever in syndication and DVD box sets, but Sinatra was so cool, you had to call him "cat." That, my friends, is true transformation.

There's a reason they play Sinatra's version of "New York, New York" at Yankee Stadium when the Yankees win and Liza Minelli's version when they lose.

From Hoboken to Hollywood, Sinatra redefined cool. Actually, you could argue that he actually defined it since no one before him did what he could do. Bogart was legendary, but he didn't have the pizazz to transcend generations upon generations.

Sinatra, or simply just "Frank," was the original king of cool, a man capable of capturing the fluttering hearts of women or appealing to the style of the everyman of any generation. Name another person, regardless of era, who could -- and did! -- get away with referring to women as "dames" or "broads" and be loved for it. In more than one book, you'll find a chapter titled "Broads." I'm just saying.

Even now, we look to Frank as the icon of cool (Just watch "Swingers" again if you need proof). See a man in a fedora, think Frank. See a man carrying drink after drink around at a party yet never getting drunk, that's Frank. (Read "The Way You Wear Your Hat" for that tip.)

Go to Vegas and try not to reference the Rat Pack at least once. In fact, the rule among my group of people is that "That's Life" must be played in the cab ride from the hotel to McCarran Airport after a Vegas weekend. I suggest you adopt the same rule.

We'll never see another like Frank Sinatra (the closest we have in this time frame are George Clooney and Johnny Depp, and neither of them have recording contracts). And that's just fine with me. There's only one Frank.

So help us celebrate the spirit of Frank Sinatra with this photo essay on the 10th anniversary of his death.

Flashback: The life of Frank Sinatra

It's impossible to delve deep into the legend of Frank Sinatra in a single blog post, so Pet Rock recommends the following items If you want to learn more about the man and his music:

Books
• "Why Sinatra Matters" by Pete Hamill
• "The Way You Wear Your Hat" by Bill Zehme

Movies
• "From Here to Eternity"
• "The Man With the Golden Arm"
• "Ocean's Eleven"
• "Guys and Dolls"

Songs
• "Summer Wind"
• "That's Life"
• "Fly Me to the Moon"
• "New York, New York"
• "I've Got You Under my Skin"
• "The Way You Look Tonight"
• And pretty much everything else he sang.

Old School Tuesday: Wreckx-N-Effect, Ginuwine & Sisqo

2008-05-13T15:32:11Z

Ever wondered what happened to the "rump shaker heroes" of the 1990s?

The earliest stars I remember were Wreckx-N-Effect and their multi-platinum hit single "Rump Shaker," which was produced by Teddy Riley way back in '92. I can still hear 'em: "All I wanna do is zooma-zoom-zoom-zoom in the boom-boom... just shake ya rump!" It's been rumored that Pharrell Williams wrote that verse instead of Teddy. Either way, it's one catchy song! And yes, I still shake my rump when I hear it!

The group was made up of Aqil Davidson, Brandon Mitchell, Markell Riley, and Keith "K.C." Hanns. Sadly, Brandon was killed in a shooting, according to reports. The group came out with a record called "Rap's New Generation" in 1996, but Wreckx-N-Effect never acheived the success it once had with its first booty-shakin' single. What a tragedy!

Wanna shake ya rump? Check out this video by Wreckx-N-Effect ...

In 1996, Ginuwine teamed up with beatmaster Timbaland for "Pony," his first single from the album "Ginuwine...The Bachelor." Ginuwine's smooth lyrics, sexy dance moves and swagger sent throngs of screaming women over the edge. I should know, my girlfriends and I were among the throngs screaming! Remember these risque lyrics? "I'm horny, let's do it...ride it, my pony..." Ahh, the memories...

Ginuwine put out a few more albums, but none were as good as the first one. In 2002, it looked like his luck was turning around when P. Diddy/Sean Combs tapped him to sing on "I Need a Girl (Part II)," which is one of my personal faves. Shortly after, Ginuwine started his own label called Bag Entertainment and released the album "Back II Da Basics" in 2005, according to Wikipedia. Word is Ginuwine is working on a new album called "The New Beginning" slated for release this year. Keep it sexy baby!

Watch Ginuwine move in this video clip ...

Sisqo came out with "Thong Song" off the "Unleash the Dragon" LP after leaving Dru Hill to go solo in '99. This single became a mega hit and was the booty-shakin' anthem for Spring Breakers that year -- anyone remember MTV's Spring Break? -- and it was definitely the jam of the summer. Comedian Will Ferrell even gave a nod to the song's popularity by singing part of the lyrics to the "Thong Song" as Robert Goulet in a skit on Saturday Night Live.

Sisqo's success has waned over the years, but he's tried to remain in the spotlight by appearing alongside the unpredictable Bobby Brown in "Gone Country," a reality show on the Country Music Televison channel.

Wanna relive the memories up close? Both Sisqo and Ginuwine can be seen live at the Millennium Theater in Brooklyn on May 17. You can enter to win tickets on Hot97's Web site or get more information on the Millennium Theater's Myspace page.

Watch Sisqo unleash the "Thong Song" remix ...

Heidi and 'The Hills' finale

2008-05-13T14:21:53Z

It was a fairly week season 3 finale of "The Hills" on MTV last night. Although, the house in the Beverly Hills that MTV used for the show afterparty looked fairly insane on television.

After a double viewing of the finale, Pet Rock is left with one question (OK, maybe more than one, but they're all about one topic). Does Heidi Montag not watch her own show? Doesn't she know that punting away a great career move for a questionable dude comes with bad "Hills" karma?

Of course, this all happened a few months ago and we only see 25 minutes of their lives each week, so who knows what really went on. But, in terms of the show, throwing away a shot at developing the next Vegas hot spot won't look good as a bulletpoint on the resume.

Oh, well, guess that why there's going to be a Season 4. It debuts Aug. 18.

- La Monica

Video: 'Star Wars: The Clone Wars' trailer

2008-05-12T18:45:21Z

Peep the trailer for "Star Wars: The Clone Wars," a new animated movie from Warner Bros set for release on Aug. 15, 2008.

Anchorman: The Legend of Charles Barkley

2008-05-10T05:35:40Z

The old "Anchorman" change the script on the teleprompter never gets old. We do it all the time when filming green screen stuff in the office.

Ernie Jones, one third of TNT's "Inside the NBA" show, did to Charles Barkley recently. And the clip is all over YouTube. Here it is for your enjoyment.

- La Monica

Video: Britney Spears returns to 'How I Met Your Mother'

2008-05-09T17:30:40Z

After her cameo -- a successful one in the eyes of Pet Rock -- last month on "How I Met Your Mother," Britney Spears returns as Abby the secretary on the May 12 episode. Watch the clip and enjoy.

Be a Guitar Hero and drink some Slurpees

2008-05-08T21:24:34Z

Leave it to 7-Eleven to drum up some sweet emotion with its new Full Throttle Frozen Blast Slurpees.

The 24-hour convenience store chain is hooking up with Activision to promote the latest installment of the "Guitar Hero" video game -- "Guitar Hero: Aerosmith" -- which hits stores June 29.

But you can get your rock off now in 7-Eleven parking lots across the Island through May 13 as WBLI (106.1 on your FM dial) hosts Guitar Hero jams, complete with a 6 x 12-foot screen to watch your own mini rock concert.

Bring your rock star talents (heck, even dress up in tight leather pants and put in some hair extensions if you want) and compete to win a copy of the "Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock" video game. Oh yeah, free slurpees, too! And they come in a Guitar Hero cup. Ah, the joys of cross-promotional marketing. We are such suckers for souvenir cups, aren't we?

Here's the WBLI schedule:

Friday, May 9: 7-Eleven at 602 Smithtown Bypass, Smithtown
Noon - 2 p.m.

Sunday, May 11: 115 Jericho Turnpike, Jericho
Noon - 2 p.m.

Monday, May 12: 2397 Hempstead Turnpike, East Meadow
6 - 8 p.m.

And here's the schedule for 7-Eleven appearances without WBLI:

Friday, May 9
3 - 5 p.m.: 616 Union Blvd., West Islip
6 - 8 p.m.: 403 Broadway, Amitville

Saturday, May 10
11 a,m. - 3 p.m.: 101-04 Metropolitan Ave. Forest Hills (WKTU in the house!)
6 - 8 p.m.: 72-01 Eliot Ave, Middle Village

Sunday, May 11
3 - 5 p.m.: 901 Jericho Turnpike, Huntington Station
6 - 8 p.m.: 247 Broadway, Huntington

Monday, May 12
Noon - 2 p.m.: 251 Montauk Hwy, Lindenhurst
3 - 5 p.m.: 4350 Merrick Road, Massapequa

Tuesday, May 13
2 - 5 p.m.: 850 Hempstead Turnpike, Franklin Square

If you can't make it to one of these events or if you don't live on Long Island, find a 7-Eleven near you, buy a Slurpee and enter the code at slurpee.com to see if you won a copy of "Guitar Hero: Aerosmith."

- La Monica

Best "Real World" cast of all time

2008-05-08T14:23:40Z

I’m not exactly sure who handles casting at ‘The Real World,’ but they should get a raise, an Emmy and any other accolade you can give a casting director. This year’s show features the best, most disturbed, cast of all-time.

There is a stripper, a former meth-addict and someone with an arrest warrant issued for them. Oh, that’s all the SAME PERSON! It just gets better from there.

You also have Joey, a roid-raging alcoholic who has a problem with drugs. Ratings GOLD! There is also a S
outhern girl who is a total racist and doesn’t even know it and then perhaps the best cast member of all time in Greg, the winner of this year’s viewer’s choice for roommates, he doesn’t even care that he is on the show. It is awesome.

In this week’s episode, Joey gets drunk, destroys the house, threatens all his roommates, cries and then gets sent to rehab with Dr. Drew from ‘Loveline.’ Only in Hollywood.

In case you missed it, here is what you need to know about each cast member:

Joey: Alcoholic and avid weightlifter now in rehab for addiction to everything. Cries a lot.

Kimberly: Made famous for saying things like ‘let’s not get all ghetto.’ Resident racist is clueless.

Dave: So far the most normal of the bunch.

Sarah: Good girl recently admitted an eating disorder. Destined to cheat on boyfriend soon.

Will: Wedding DJ trying to make it in Hollywood. Seems like a good guy.

Brianna: Stripper recently returned home after a bench warrant was issued for a fight she had with her boyfriend in Philadelphia

Greg: Viewers choice refers to people as ‘peasants’ and women as ‘associates.’ Greatest cast member of all-time!

Just in case you thought Whoopi had talent …

2008-05-08T13:57:42Z

While star turns in the hits like ‘Rat Race,’ ‘Eddie,’ and ‘It’s a Very Merry Muppet Christmas Movie,’ may have made you forget that our favorite center-square, Whoopi Goldberg, was once a decent actress (see ‘Ghost’ and ‘Clara’s Heart’), there is nothing in her career path to show that she would ever make a good singer.

She proved that on yesterday’s ‘View’ when she jumped in on ‘Higher Love’ with Steve Winwood. My bet is he never goes back and that there were thousands of cats lined up outside after the show.

Check it out on the web site for ‘The View’ under ‘Whoopi’s duet.

Frank Sinatra gets a stamp!

2008-05-07T19:38:24Z

I always knew not believing in online bill pay would pay off one day. That day is today. Actually, that day is May 13, when the Frank Sinatra stamp will be released by the U.S. Postal Service.

Woo hoo! Now we can all celebrate the original king of cool by licking Frank's back and affixing him to envelopes. Seriously, sign me up. Where can I get these things?

The Post Office has three ceremonies planned for the new 42-cent stamp (up from 41 cents, effective May 12), the first of which is at 10 a.m. at Gotham Hall in Manhattan. Expect to see Sinatra's children Nancy and Frank Sinatra Jr., along with the obligatory local politicos.

Of course, no Sinatra party is complete without a Las Vegas reference, so at noon Vegas time, 3 p.m. EDT, Tina Sinatra will be at the Bellagio Fountains to celebrate the Frank stamp. Frank Jr. will also be at the Hoboken ceremony at Pier A Park at First Street and Frank Sinatra Drive.

- La Monica

The 'Superbad' McLovin ID maker

2008-05-07T14:18:35Z

"Superbad" cleaned up at the MTV Movie Award nominations Tuesday morning, earning five nominations including Best Movie and Best Comedic Performance (Jonah Hill).

The Golden Popcorn statues get handed out June 1 in Universal City, Calif., and on your television set. More important, after seeing this story online, I got to thinking. And thinking more often than not leads to Googling. And Googling leads to remembering a link Sammy Search Engines once sent me: The "Superbad" McLovin ID maker.

Click the pic and make your own McLovin ID. Then come back and post the link in the comments field. Show us your McLovin!

Get your own Mclovin ID

Mariah Carey's new video with Nick Cannon debuts

2008-05-07T13:50:29Z

I still can't believe that Nick Cannon bagged Mariah Carey! How did he pull it off? I really want to know ...

In case you've been living under a rock, Nick and Mariah reportedly ran off and got married in a private ceremony on an island, suprising family and fans. It's believed that they first met on the set of her new video for the single "Bye, Bye" off Mariah's "E=MC2" album.

I mean, Mariah is definitely hotter than Nick, and she's achieved way more success in her career. After watching Mariah's new video, it's pretty clear there was some chemistry between them and, dare I say, sexual heat!

Take a look and judge for yourself ...

Antonio Pierce: Howard Stern intern?

2008-05-07T12:32:47Z

By Adam Abramson

Three months ago, Antonio Pierce was racking up 11 tackles in Super Bowl XLII. Wednesday morning, he was answering phones on "The Howard Stern Show."

The Giants linebacker said he was serving as the show's "intern" because he was interested in a role in broadcasting after his days in the NFL are done.

The Super Bowl champion was subjected to Stern hijinks, answering questions about his sex life and the NFL lifestyle.

Pierce spent the morning answering phones, getting hazed by Stern staff veterans via prank calls, directing Stern's TV show, critiquing the throwing motion of members on the staff and towel-whipping those who pranked him earlier in the morning.

Normally constricted by a helmet and visor, Pierce showed his human side in the studio and came off very well. He spoke adoringly of his three children and fiancé, Jocelyn Pierce, whom he said he's marrying May 24.

Pierce’s tenure lasts just today, but his boss said multiple times he was impressed with his newest intern.

Watch out, Tiki.

Old School Tuesday: '90210' double feature

2008-05-06T05:33:28Z

With all the chitter-chatter lately about teen sensations doing things some people deem inappropriate, it's time to take a look back at the days when teen matinee idols were looked at it through less judgmental eyes.

That's right, folks. We're talking all the way back in the early 1990s, when the Peach Pit was the only place people could eat, seemingly only eight students went to West Beverly High and Donna Martin graduates.

Ah yes, "Beverly Hills 90210," quite possibly the greatest teens growing up show and characters ever created for television. So, while the world unfairly hammers away at Miley Cyrus and touts new people to "replace" her as top teen queen, let Pet Rock take you back with this double feature. And we'll keep it in the Cyrus theme will musical numbers from "90210."

First off, we have Brenda Walsh impersonating Laverne from "Laverne and Shirley" and lip-synching "It's My Party" with backup dancers Kelly Taylor and Donna Martin.

The closing number is by my all-time favorite character in a "90210" mini-arc, Emily Valentine. Again, backup vocals provided by Kelly, Donna and Brenda.

You may now carry on about your day, and we both know you feel much better now after watching these videos.

- La Monica

New Nine Inch Nails album FREE!

2008-05-05T16:35:35Z

Following in the footsteps of Radiohead, but even better, Trent Reznor and Nine Inch Nails have made their new album, The Slip, available for a free download on NIN.com

All that is required is an e-mail address (you have one right?).