Music critic, copy editor, blogger, photojournalist
The Surprising Origins of 9 Jean Trends
From high-waisted denim and ultra-wide legs to extreme cut-outs and double denim, jeans have seen their fair share of dubious trends (and outright fashion disasters). Here are nine (sometimes embarrassing) demin trends and where they came from.
1. Acid Wash
Like many an '80s slang term, the acid washing process has its roots in 1960s surf culture. According to CRFashionBook, the trend really took off in the 1980s, after Guess released “the first pair of ‘pre-washed’ bleach-splattered jeans.”
...
Matthew McConaughey Recalls That Sexual Tension Between Brad Pitt & Jennifer Aniston
Alright alright alright! Matthew McConaughey's here to stoke the fires that started when Jennifer Aniston and Brad Pitt took part in a charity table read to re-enact a scene from "Fast Times At Ridgemont High" on Sept. 17.
Aniston's character, Linda, was hard at work trying to seduce Pitt's character, Brad Hamilton, during a scene from the film. The rest of us watching could tell that there was just a tad bit of sexual tension between the two, and now McConaughey is confirming that yes, he fe...
'Saved By The Bell' Reboot Trailer Blends Old-School Stars With Incoming Talent
The first official trailer for the upcoming reboot of "Saved By the Bell" was released from Peacock on Tuesday. It's surprisingly fresh and relevant, while seamlessly merging the show's old-school actors with its newer, younger stars.
Much of the original gang is here, including Mark Paul Gosselaar (Zack Morris), Mario Lopez (A.C. Slater), Elizabeth Berkley (Jessie Spano) and Principal Toddman (John Michael Higgins). Tiffani Theissen also returns as Kelly Kapowski.
Dustin Diamond's character,...
That One Time a Frank Zappa Fan Mashed Up “Absolutely Free” and a Christmas Poem Perfectly
As we near the blessed end of 2020, let’s revisit the time Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention inspired some fans to combine the group’s experimental music with a fragment of America’s decaying pop-culture symbolism: Santa Claus. Gather ‘round the computer and burn some incense—it’s time to experience “Twas The Night Before Christmas” through the twisted mindset of Zappa’s avant-garde song “Absolutely Free,” thanks to one fan, his brother Bob, and a little help from the Yippies.
First, a...
‘Star Trek: Picard’ Calls Back to a Pivotal ‘Next Generation’ Episode About Data
Patrick Stewart at Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek: Picard‘s latest episode “Maps and Legends.” CBS All Access
Patrick Stewart at Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek: Picard‘s latest episode “Maps and Legends.” CBS All Access
Spoilers ahead for Star Trek: Picard‘s second episode, “Maps and Legends”
Up until now, classic Star Trek characters Data (Brent Spiner) and Bruce Maddox (Brian Brophy) have only appeared on screen together once: in Season 2, Episode 9 of The Next Generation called “The Measure of...
Denny Laine spreads his Wings in a night of rock and (Moody) blues
Besides Paul and Linda McCartney, Denny Laine was the only other constant in Wings, McCartney’s first post-Beatles band, from 1971 to 1981.
That trio was the creative force behind Wings’ biggest album, “Band On the Run,” which scored hits with the songs “Jet,” “Helen Wheels” and, most famously, the title track.
Laine pays tribute to that stage of his career, as well as his time with the Moody Blues in the mid-1960s, with a performance by the Moody Wing Band on Saturday night at the Flying Mon...
The race begins: Which Democratic candidate will face President Trump?
This is a primaries explainer for the New York Times For Kids section.
Nickelback bassist Mike Kroeger sets the record straight about being a metal head
Nickelback bassist Mike Kroeger began his interview with NHWeekend by giving props to a local band.
“I was just looking up one of my favorite bands, and I was pretty sure they’re from New Hampshire. There’s this group called Scissorfight. Totally awesome,” said Kroeger.
Nickelback does its homework on the Granite State. Kroeger said the band often researches what Nickelback songs are most favored in a particular area.
Nickelback — Kroeger, along with his brother, vocalist and guitarist Chad K...
Lupine festival blooms in North Country
Purple, pink and blue lupines are springing up, and the North Country is blooming with colorful back roads and Granite State artistry.
The annual Fields of Lupine Celebration runs through June 22, but the highlight is this weekend with the open-air Lupine Festival Market on Main Street in Sugar Hill. Visitors on Saturday and Sunday will find jewelry, woodworking, quilts, gifts, preserves and other items from more than 70 vendors and local crafters. There are will be photography lessons, music...
Selling Slacker Culture: ‘Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure’ 30 Years Later
Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure (working title: Dudes) debuted 30 years ago, a film about two dim high schoolers traveling through space and time in a phone booth, picking up famous figures to help them pass their history presentation. Bill & Ted scored big at the box office, but promoters were prepared for the next step. They marketed anything they could get their grubby hands on and aimed it at unsuspecting teens: a breakfast cereal, a cartoon, clothing, a TV show, video games, action figu...
Purple Reign's Jason Tenner on meeting -- and channeling -- Prince
When Prince tribute artist Jason Tenner first met The Purple One, the iconic performer’s physical appearance struck him the most.
“It was such a strange thing, to sit and see him face to face and to realize just how small in stature of a guy he was. Such a trip,” says Tenner, a funk-music artist who regularly portrays the late Grammy Award-winning musician, songwriter, guitarist, record producer, filmmaker, and overall virtuoso, in the tribute show “Purple Reign.”
The group, dancers and all, ...
Q&A: Adam Wakefield on 'The Voice,' a hometown concert, and keeping things vague
Adam Wakefield’s roots run through New Hampshire, though they may be hard to recognize behind his country twang and the effortless way he can meander through an acoustic ballad.
But growing up in Plymouth, it was common to see Wakefield working at the farm across from his home or playing in the Plymouth High band. His talent as a musician led him to New School in New York City, where he entered the Jazz and Contemporary Arts program, but the rigors of school life and music theory didn’t take....
Big burp brings levity to play about standing up to bullies
Roald Dahl’s “Matilda” is about overcoming adversity, but it’s a children’s novel at heart, so it’s got some gross stuff, too.
Director Sharon Arsenault gives up one light-heartedly revolting reveal from the Millworks Theatre Troupe’s version of the classic British book (the first regional production).
“You don’t have to share this, but there is a 20-second burp in the show. That’s going to make the kids laugh, because it seems it goes on forever,” she says.
Arsenault sets up the scene: “Bruc...
Suitcase Drums Are Still Alive and Kicking
Buskers and one-man bands are jacks of all trades, attaching their bodies to all manner of cymbals, kick drums, and mandolins to create the fullest sound possible for a street corner gig. Suitcase drums were born out of the necessity for solo musicians to sound professional and be portable while on a shoestring budget—but they can also bring a unique sound and flavor to everyone from folk artists to heavy metal headbangers. Plus, it’s a near guarantee that no suitcase drum is built alike.
Bil...
20 Years Ago, Missy Elliott's 'She's A Bitch' Video Redefined What Hip-Hop Could Look Like
By Emily Reily
Though it’s more commonly known as an insult to offend and degrade, in Missy Elliott’s capable hands, “bitch” means something far more positive: a freedom of expression and a symbol of empowerment. Elliott, who’s wielded the term like a jackhammer in her raps and throughout her career, pries the contentious word open with a crowbar on the debut single off her 1999 sophomore record, Da Real World.
“She's a Bitch” (which was originally the album’s title) is a sparse, menacing rap...