#nyc special review

[kenpiercemedia]

Looking Around The KISS Pop-Up Store In New York City

New York City legends KISS recently announced their “NYC Takeover” and have revealed a number of awesome agenda items which can be found in a post linked HERE. There is a general KISSteria hitting the Big Apple and one of the awesome events is their Pop-Up Store. You’ve seen us cover such things for Metallica and The Rolling Stones, but now its time to see why KISS is “The Hottest Band In The…

[spideyhexx]

queer....plainclothes.......dates immediately please god

very real also BULL RUN

[uyuforu]

Astro Observations: Solar Return Chart IV

Hi!! Here is another Solar Return Chart Observations post lol. Since I am officially on the new one, I thought of doing another post to conclude and coming back on the last one, meaning the one of last year. Coming back and looking back over what happened :) Let's go! I hope you will enjoy this post ^^ This post has mature and triggering contents, so be aware and careful when reading it!

All pictures were found on Pinterest

Other posts you could like:

જ⁀➴ Solar Return Chart I

જ⁀➴ Solar Return Chart II

જ⁀➴ Solar Return Chart III

PRIVATE BOOKING OPEN

email adress: tarotjunoboda@gmail.com

Soft To You presentation and Q&A ᡣ𐭩 rules ᡣ𐭩 private readings reviews

astrology menu ᡣ𐭩 tarot menu ᡣ𐭩 special astrology & tarot readings

꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱ I was Leo Rising last year, and I was very popular around me, people were also checking me in the streets. It wasn't even sexual or anything, people were just noticing me super easily, and I was the center of attention wherever I was going.

꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱ Sun 12H indeed meant that loneliness was def going to be there. I was very lonely most of the times, and it's not even physically, it was def mentally. I wasn't seeing my friends often, and I was just feeling very alone in a corner. I felt like no one really understood me and as if I was just left alone. One of my friend passed away suddenly also this year, so I really felt alone for sure. Also the years I was more into Astrology and Tarot! Just a full year of learning more on the spiritual and esoteric side!

꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱ Venus 1H, I had a glow up, though it happened quite over night. I don't have much explanations on how it happened. Suddenly I was veryyyy pretty, I bought better make up products, and the way it was showing on my face was just insanely good?? IDK!

꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱ Mercury 1H, I was more confident when it came to talking to other people. I used to be very shy, and used to not be confident enough to talk to others, but this year I felt more confident to do it. Anxiety when calling, ordering disappeared. And I was less scared to talk back to people.

꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱ 1H Ruler in 12H, I was most of the times by myself, mostly doing things on my own, and I felt very alone.

꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱ Mars 2H, I was much into shopping some times, and I was more anxious and stressed about making money. I had a lot of motivation about it.

꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱ 2H Ruler in 1H, I was more spending money on myself.

꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱ 3H Ruler in 1H, I was talking more about myself to others, than before. And I was also writing more about myself, for example on the blog I post a lot about my experiences to support my theories.

꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱ Scorpio 4H, time at home was stressing and slightly toxic. I had this need to runaway or even live somewhere else. I wanted to escape. My idea of home changed.

꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱ 4H Ruler in 6H, staying at home was my routine, I was working from home too.

꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱ Vertex 5H, some destined events happened in my love life.

꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱ 5H Ruler in 9H, I traveled to NYC last year, and it was for holidays. I traveled to meet someone I loved (who didn't come in the end lmao). I also met another guy who had a crush on me there.

꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱ Pluto 6H, I took some weight lol, not so much. Since I moved less because of my job, I kept seating down and took some weight.

꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱ 6H Ruler in 7H, I was healing my relationships trauma last year, I went to therapy and understood a lot of traumas I had. I also made a lot of friends at work.

꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱ Aquarius DC, a lot of things changed in my relationships, I realized tons tons tons of things!

꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱ 7H Ruler in 10H, I was in a serious relationship last year, but 7H was ruled by Uranus, and it didn't end well.

꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱ Saturn 7H, didn't see my FS all year, didn't talk to him. And when I asked to meet him, he refused. Def a year I couldn't reach out or talk to him! I also couldn't be in a relationship, or anytime a guy had an interest in my, it's like the Universe worked through to not make it work out. I also broke up with my ex bf that year.

꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱ Saturn conjunct Groom, same!

꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱ Groom 7H, I realized my FS was my FS last year. I also realized I was in love with him.

꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱ Neptune 8H, I had a lot of vivid dreams last year, I dreamed of my mother in law too, and of my FS as well, both of them talking through dreams to me. I also didn't had s3x all year, refused any s3xual advanced. Though, I had a lot of s3xual dreams.

꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱ 8H Ruler in 8H, transformation was a keyword last year, I was also more open on the spiritual side, and I had a lot of grow that happened.

꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱ Moon 9H, I was constantly learning new things, and more on the spiritual side, and also esoteric. I discovered so many new things, and I needed that. I wanted more and more!

꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱ Chiron 9H, i traveled and felt like the travel I did was a waste of time and money lol ;-;

꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱ 9H Ruler in 2H, I traveled to NYC and it was painful for my bank account.

꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱ Jupiter 9H, similar to Moon 9H.

꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱ Moon conjunct Chiron, my feelings were hurt often this year. I was crying A LOT in general. Perhaps the year I cried the most.

꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱ Jupiter conjunct Uranus, a lot of benefic transformation, despite it wasn't that easy sometimes or just very sudden.

꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱ Taurus MC, a year of trying to find a harmonious balance at work, and trying to find my way. Was focused on the money I made, and also trying to find a routine through work.

꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱ Uranus 10H, I changed jobs twice last year! I was fired, I just changed. And by the end of the second job, I decided to work at my own name. And so, I now work online, as an Astrologer! Uranus also rule here over uncommon jobs.

꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱ 10H Ruler in 1H, was more popular, and people noticed me in the crowd more easily. I also decided to work for myself, and started my own company.

꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱ 11H Ruler in 1H, I was positing lot more selfies and pictures of me than before online. I also had a lot of internet friends.

꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱ Union Cancer 11H, I met one of my best friend last year, she is a Cancer Sun and we met online!

꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱ Juno 12H, i was dreaming a lot of my FS this year, also didn't meet or talked to him all year.

꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱ 12H Ruler in 9H, I traveled this year, and overseas!

꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱ Sun conjunct Venus, I was and felt more pretty, a glow up that happened!

꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱ Mercury conjunct Mars, I was more aggressive sometimes when I was speaking, I was often aggressive when trying to stand up for myself, or just explaining myself, I think it was me finding the right adjustment between never standing up for myself before, and doing it now, but not knowing how.

꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱ Groom conjunct Neptune, dreamed a lot of my FS.

꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱ Sun opposite DC, didn't see or talked to my FS for the whole SRC, I also didn't want to be in a relationship.

꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱ Venus conjunct Rising, very same as Venus 1H or Sun conjunct Venus.

Thank you for reading!

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[cemeteryangel725]

My Good Omens fics

Hi, I'm CemeteryAngel725, and I write Good Omens fanfiction, mostly smutty, and mostly human AU, although I do branch out from time to time. I also make weird little collages. You can find me on AO3 here.

My completed works (updated 7/23/2024):

More of a Comment Than a Question (E, 1,381 words, 1/1 chapters): Dr. Aziraphale Fell and Dr. Anthony Crowley are both architectural historians in the same department. You would think they would have a lot in common, but it's the exact opposite - from the day they met, Crowley has done everything in his power to annoy Aziraphale. But now they're being forced to share a hotel room at an academic conference, and Aziraphale is worried. Will they survive the weekend?

Over the Rainbow (E, 10,259 words, 1/1 chapters): Fresh out of college, Aziraphale and Crowley are roommates, marching in NYC Pride with their best friends Eric and Beez. Aziraphale has had feelings for Crowley for a long time, but will he ever work up the courage to tell him?

Special Guest Stars (E, 7,668 words, 1/1 chapters): After the Catskill Mountains Renaissance Faire finishes for the day, Crowley and Aziraphale meet a pair of Doctor Who cosplayers in a local tavern. They soon learn that they all have a lot in common.

Down to the River (E, 30,365 words, 8/8 chapters): Twenty-five years ago, Tony Crowley walked out of Azi’s life and broke both of their hearts. Since then, Azi has been living in suspended animation, working in the army/navy surplus booth he inherited from his dad and writing horror novels. Now Tony is back from the city, flush with success and wanting to catch up with Azi. Should Azi risk his heart and try to reclaim what they’ve lost? Or is it too late to start over?

Control (E, 2,142 words, 1/1 chapters): After a dismal opening weekend at their local Renaissance Faire, Crowley asks Aziraphale for some help with letting it all go. Aziraphale gives it to him in the best way he knows how.

Even Bound as We Are (E, 12,266 words, 2/2 chapters): Left on his own after the death of his mother, Aziraphale of Eastgate Hall is under the thumb of his cruel stepfather, Lord Gabriel. Alone in the forest one day, Aziraphale casts a spell to summon fae, taught to him by his mother. He’s not expecting it to work, but when a sarcastic, red-headed faery steps into the clearing before him, his life is changed forever.

Reviewing the Armies (E, 5,573 words, 1/1 chapters): It is May of 1865 and the war is over, or nearly over. Aziraphale has relocated to Washington, DC, and he is counting down the hours until he can be reunited with Anthony. When they meet again, sparks fly.

Folding the Laundry (E, 6,817 words, 1/1 chapters): Two single moms, one basket of laundry, and a bottle of wine. Azira and Toni have been best friends since middle school, but they’re about to find out that they don’t know every single thing about each other, at least not just yet.

After the Fight (E, 2,776 words, 1/1 chapters): In the wake of battle, Anthony returns to Aziraphale's tent completely distraught. Aziraphale is there to help him pick up the pieces.

Dough (E, 673 words, 1/1 chapters): Crowley and Aziraphale argue about how to knead pizza dough. Aziraphale shows Crowley how to do it properly.

Coming into Focus (E, 6,721 words, 1/1 chapters): It is the summer of 1864, and Aziraphale is an itinerant photographer set up behind Union lines outside Petersburg, Virginia. He’s no stranger to pleasure, but he has always protected his heart. But when the redheaded colonel of the 5th New Jersey walks into his tent, he begins to wonder whether it’s time to rethink his stance on love.

Of Fire and Falcons (E, 54,201 words, 15/15 chapters): Since they met at a Florida Renaissance faire a year and a half ago, fire spinner Crowley and falconer Aziraphale have been a great deal more than friends, but they've never quite admitted what they really feel about each other. Now Crowley has fallen in love, and he has five weeks at the Catskill Mountains Renaissance Faire during the most romantic season of the year to convince Aziraphale to see the light.

Hold the Lift (T, 5,621 words, 1/1 chapters): Crowley just wants to get to work on time, but when he gets stuck in a lift with new guy Aziraphale, he ends up with a lot more than he bargained for. See, Aziraphale has this list of 36 questions…

Beyond the Barricade (E, 29,854 words, 10/10 chapters): Az Eastgate and AJ Crowley are American college students in a production of Les Miserables. Will Az work up the courage to tell AJ how he feels about him?

Catching the Light (E, 3,994 words, 1/1 chapters): Azira Fell and Antoinette Crowley are American sculptors living their best lives in Rome in the 1860s. Toni has a commission to finish before Anathema’s wedding, and Azira offers to model for her.

Christmas is Definitely Not a Humbug (E, 3,071 words, 1/1 chapters): It is 1843, and Crowley brings home a brand-new copy of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol as a gift for Aziraphale. Aziraphale shows his gratitude in the best way he knows how.

[klaineccfanficlibrary]

Falling For You

Author: @bitbybitwrites

Rating: T

Status: Completed in April 2024

Word Count: 26,089

Summary: For the Klaine Secret Santa 2023 Gift Exchange and was paired up to write something for the lovely and talented @mynonah.

You gave me a fantastic assortment of things to choose for prompts. It was challenging at first to decide which combination of them for your story!

I may have taken some liberties with how the medical profession actually works and how hospitals are run just for this fic. My apologies if some things aren't factually correct.

Tropes/Genre: kid!fic, florist!Kurt, Doctor!Blaine, meet cute, AU, NYC!Klaine

Lynne's review: This story is truly special. I really enjoyed it. Any story with a beautiful scene between Blaine and Burt wins in my book.

Read at: AO3

[broadwaydivastournament]

Broadway Divas: Obscure Sondheim

To highlight how vast and varied Sondheim's roles and shows are, these five Divas have a singular Sondheim credit to their repertoire that are a little more obscure than most. So obscure that my dream of finding pictures to dazzle you all with was quickly shattered.

Bebe Neuwirth as Cinderella's Stepsister, Florinda, in a reading of Into the Woods for a 1994 movie that never came to fruition. This reading took place at director Penny Marshall's house and had a truly breathtaking cast: Robin Williams (The Baker), Goldie Hawn (The Baker's Wife), Steve Martin (The Wolf), Danny DeVito (The Giant), Carrie Fisher (Lucinda), and fucking CHER as The Witch. Bebe Neuwirth and Carrie Fisher as catty sisters tormenting Cinderella and getting their eyes pecked out. And then Cher trying to feed them to Danny DeVito. We were robbed of a masterpiece.

Judith Light as Joanne in a Reprise! presentation of Company at UCLA's Freud Playhouse. Though not known for her singing abilities, Judith was nevertheless part of an all-star cast for this two-week run in 2004. The only review I could find was...not favorable. It's been twenty years, and I, for one, think Judith Light deserves her chance at redemption.

Linda Emond as Mary in Merrily We Roll Along, 1988. The Seattle-based ACT company produced Sondheim's biggest flop musical through the month of May in 1988. Linda, then in her late twenties, played the female lead in a rare musical role for her. And I do have a picture thanks to ACT's fantastic archival system.

Pictured: Linda Emond (Mary) center, surrounded by Joseph Dellger (Franklin Shepherd) and Joseph McNally (Charley). And no, I cannot tell which man is which...

4. Susan Blackwell as The Giant in a 2019 one-night-only staged concert of Into the Woods. If you thought the recent Broadway revival was bare-bones, it had nothing on this staged concert at the Town Hall in NYC. There is one singular photo that includes Susan, and without knowing she was meant to be there, you'd never be able to identify her.

Pictured (L to R):

5. Paula Leggett Chase as Stella Deems in Follies, a one-night-only special event in Tangier, Morocco featuring a transcontinental cast of Divas. Since 2013 (excluding pandemic years), Rob Ashford has staged fundraising productions of shows such as A Little Night Music, The Crucible, and Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris. Confusingly, though Paula sang Stella Deems' song "Who's That Woman," she was credited in the program as Emily Whitman (presumably they just combined the roles for this production and gave them to the dancer in the cast?)

Pictured (L to R): The late Haydn Gwynn (Phyllis Rogers Stone, my beloved), Marisa Berenson (Solange LaFitte), Harolyn Blackwell (Heidi Schiller), Jenna Russel (Sally Durant Plummer), Paula Leggett Chase (Emily Whitman), Harriet Harris (Hattie Walker).

[mariacallous]

It is, perhaps, no great surprise that the son of a talented cantor would grow up chanting prayers during Shabbat and holiday services. Or that Yair Keydar, 11, might perform Hebrew and Yiddish songs during concerts at various Jewish venues.

What could not have been anticipated, however, is that Keydar — known for his stirring renditions of “Oseh Shalom” and “Hashkiveinu” during services — would make his New York stage debut in an off-Broadway show called “Drag: The Musical.” The loud, fun, flashy production is about two rival drag queens who open competing clubs across the street from each other; the show opens and closes with voiceover messages from one of its producers, Liza Minnelli.

“It’s definitely super-different,” Keydar said, describing what it’s like to perform in what some might consider a risqué off-Broadway play after a lifetime in synagogues. “I mean, I’m dancing in a tutu in this show!”

Keydar’s somewhat unlikely journey into the world of musical theater began on the bimah. His Israeli-born parents met in the U.S., and a decade ago, his mother, Magda Fishman, became the cantor at Temple Beth El in Stamford, Connecticut. (His father, Zarin Keydar, is a global technical solution manager.) As soon as their young son could walk, he would run up to his mother during services and try to grab the microphone — a not-so-subtle foreshadowing of what was to come.

“The first time I remember singing in public, my mom did an interfaith event at a church, and wanted me to do a duet with her in front of about 500 people,” Keydar said in a recent interview.

Just how old was he at the time? “Three and a half,” he said.

In 2019, Fishman was hired by Rabbi David Steinhardt of the B’nai Torah Congregation in Boca Raton, the largest Conservative synagogue in South Florida. Steinhardt and I have been close friends since our Camp Ramah days in Palmer, Massachusetts in the 1960s. As a New Yorker who winters in Florida and often attends B’nai Torah, I was captivated by the cantor’s soaring vocals and vast, diverse repertoire of music.

At the same time, I began paying attention to the budding talent of her towheaded son. When the COVID-19 pandemic forced the suspension of in-person Shabbat services, I would watch Fishman and Keydar from their home on Zoom, singing their hearts out as if they were at Carnegie Hall.

It was clear something special going on with this prodigy, who was then just 7 years old.“In addition to his beautiful voice and sweetness, Yair has always been authentic, respectful, and kind,” Steinhardt said. “And he’s an extraordinary performer.”

After years of attending the Donna Klein Jewish Academy in Boca, Keydar added voice, acting and dance classes at the after-school Broadway Bound Academy. While originally focused on singing, “I started acting, and it just kept on going, and that’s when I realized I love it,” Keydar said.

In 2023, Fishman and Keydar came to Manhattan to perform in the National Yiddish Theatre Folksbiene’s “New York Sings Yiddish!,” a massive singalong in Central Park. The duo wowed the 4,000 in attendance that evening with what was possibly the most joyous version of “Chiribim, Chiribom” since it was first recorded by the legendary Cantor Moishe Oysher in 1931.

In May of this year, Keydar received rave reviews for his portrayal of Professor Harold Hill at the Broadway Bound Academy’s production of “The Music Man.” Having acquired a manager and agent in recent years, a life-changing phone call came in an unexpected location. “I was shopping with my dad at Walmart, and both my manager and agent wanted to talk with us,” Keydar said. “We went to the back of the store where they were restocking things, and they told me I had booked the role of Brendan in ‘Drag: The Musical.’ I wanted to scream it to everybody! It was such a surreal moment.”

It was also a vindication of Keydar’s commitment to performing. For years, he said, many of his schoolmates “didn’t get it.”

“Especially me as a boy doing dance in school instead of P.E., I’m not going to say I was bullied, but I got teased for it,” he said. “And I just feel like, I don’t bully people for playing football and soccer; you have your thing, and I like singing, dancing and acting. But my close friends, they get it.”

After several weeks of previews, “Drag” opened in October. Keydar alternates in the role of Brendan — a 10-year-old who finds himself drawn to the sparkly sunglasses and glittery outfits of the drag queens — with another young Jewish actor, Remi Tuckman.

In addition to fulfilling his theater dreams, Keydar is also excited about living, with his father, in Manhattan. “I love New York,” the newly minted Hell’s Kitchen resident, who is continuing his studies at a Florida virtual school, said. “It’s so much fun. It’s my first experience with city life.”

Keydar said that his “Drag” character resonates deeply with him. “It’s a powerful character, and it relates to me in many ways,” he said. “I think it encourages other kids to be who they are.”

Audiences and reviewers are loving the campy show, and Keydar has received extravagant praise. “Keydar sings like an angel,” Chip Deffaa of TheaterScene.net wrote. “He has only two numbers. But no one in the show earned greater applause than this young boy, now making his New York stage debut. Just a beautiful, unspoiled — and sweetly tender — performance. No attitude. No guile. Just singing from the heart.”

Rave reviews are wonderful — but what matters more to Keydar is the feedback from the well-known actors who are his co-stars. Brendan’s conservative, uptight dad is portrayed by Joey McIntyre, the actor/singer/songwriter who gained instant fame at age 12 when he joined the late-1980s boy band New Kids on the Block. “He’s lovely,” McIntyre, the father of three teenagers, told me about Keydar. “And I’m not just saying that. He’s incredibly talented and really funny. I admire his work ethic, and his joy for what he does. I’m very happy for him.”

Actor/singer/dancer Nick Adams, a Broadway mainstay since 2007, dazzles in the role of drag queen Alexis Gillmore, who is also Brendan’s uncle. “I see a lot of myself in him, especially in this role,” Adams said of Keydar. “Just wanting to perform at that age, and to explore theater. I’m very surprised at his presence on stage; he’s really in the moment with me. It’s a gift to work with him, I’m very thankful we have him, and I don’t want him to get too old!”  

Acclaim is coming from all corners. In honor of the hit movie “Wicked,” Keydar recorded a cover of a song from the musical, “The Wizard and I,” written by composer and lyricist Stephen Schwartz (who also wrote the music for “Godspell,” “Pippin,” “Prince of Egypt” among others).

I thought that Schwartz might enjoy seeing how Keydar performed the song, so I sent him the YouTube link. The multiple Grammy, Oscar and Golden Globe winner loved the boy’s rendition, writing: “Yair is an extraordinary young talent with a beautiful voice, and a remarkably mature knowledge of how to use it.”

Back in Boca — where Keydar’s mom continues to work as a cantor — Steinhardt said that most B’nai Torah members are ecstatic over Keydar’s success, and at least two dozen have come to New York to see the show and kvell. “Our congregation is very proud of him,” he said. “His endearing personality has made him feel like the young son of so many people in our community.”

As for Keydar, he’s clear about his future. “This is my dream,” he said. “This is what I’ve been working towards. I can’t wait to continue and do more and see what’s next.”

“Drag: The Musical” has an open-ended run at Manhattan’s New World Stages (340 West 50th St.). Yair Keydar is currently scheduled to perform in the show until the end of March.

[brokehorrorfan]

4K Ultra HD Review: Basket Case

Unlike most "prestigious" organizations dedicated to the arts (I'm looking at you, Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences), the Museum of Modern Art doesn't ignore the existence of genre fare. Nevertheless, there's something surreal about seeing "This film is from the collections of The Museum of Modern Art" at the start of Basket Case, a sleazy exploitation picture shot on 16mm over the course of a year for under $35,000.

The 1982 film follows Duane Bradley (Kevin VanHentenryck), who carries around his formerly-conjoined twin brother, a deformed, fleshy menace named Belial, in a wicker basket. While Duane intends to get revenge on the medical professionals who performed their unwanted separation surgery, Belial indiscriminately kills anyone who opens the basket like a malevolent jack in the box.

It's clear from the start that some sort of creature is contained within the basket, but writer-director Frank Henenlotter (Frankenhooker, Brain Damage) smartly allows the tension to build before revealing Belial in all his glory at the end of the first act. There's no mistaking it for anything but inanimate rubber (save for a primitive stop-motion sequence), but its blood-curdling screams give it life. Special effects artists Kevin Haney and John Caglione Jr. both won Oscars for Best Makeup — for Driving Miss Daisy and Dick Tracy, respectively — less than a decade removed from Basket Case.

MoMA's 4K restoration of Basket Case's original 16mm AB negative reels arrives on 4K Ultra HD with Dolby Vision (HDR10 compatible) and original uncompressed PCM mono audio via Arrow Video. Importantly, the restoration presents the film in newfound clarity while preserving the '80s NYC grime inherent to the film. The limited edition set comes with reversible artwork, a double-sided fold-out poster, and a booklet with writing on the film by horror historian Michael Gingold and a Basket Case comic strip by Martin Trafford, all housed in a slipcase featuring artwork by Sara Deck.

While no new special features were produced for the 4K, the plethora of existing materials including cover every conceivable aspect of the film. Henenlotter and VanHentenryck's breathless commentary from Arrow's 2017 Blu-ray doubles as a low-budget film school, from reusing sets to dumpster diving for decor. An archival track from Something Weird's 2001 DVD with Henenlotter, producer Edgar Ievins, actress Beverly Bonner, and Basket Case 2 production assistant Scooter McRae repeats most of the insight, but it's fun to hear their rapport.

Interviews are ported over with VanHentenryck, who discusses his cerebral approach to playing the character; Bonner, who wrote and starred in a play examining where her character might be 30 years after Basket Case; Florence and Maryellen Schultz, Henenlotter's identical twin cousins who play nurses in the film and share his unique sense of humor; and legendary film critic and The Last Drive-In host Joe Bob Briggs, whose campaign to host the film's drive-in premiere saved it from being cut by its distributor.

A joke interview with Henenlotter features the filmmaker portrayed by Albert Cadabra, a sideshow performer who edited Henenlotter's Bad Biology, in the nude. The Latvian Connection explores four crucial members of the Basket Case team of Latvian descent: Ievins, associate producer/effects artist Ugis Nigals, casting director/actress Ilze Balodis, and Belial performer Kika Nigals. What’s in the Basket? is a 78-minute documentary produced by Severin Films in 2012 covering the Basket Case franchise with cast and crew.

Three short films are featured: Basket Case 3½, an 8-minute mockumentary from 2017 in which Henenlotter interviews "Duane Bradley" (VanHentenryck) about the events of Basket Case; Slash of the Knife, Henenlotter's 1976 short film that ultimately lead him to make Basket Case, with optional commentary by Henenlotter and playwright Mike Bencivenga and outtakes; and Belial’s Dream, a 2017 stop-motion animated short by Robert Morgan (who just made his feature debut with Stopmotion), accompanied by its own brief making-of featurette.

Other extras include: the MoMA's 2017 restoration premiere introduction and Q&A with Henenlotter, VanHentenryck, Bonner, the Schultz twins, and Ugis Nigals; The Frisson of Fission, a video essay by film historian Travis Crawford exploring the history of conjoined twins and "freaks" in cinema; a 2011 filming location tour with Henenlotter and rapper R.A. The Rugged Man (who co-wrote Bad Biology) explore the filming locations; outtakes; five image galleries (promotional stills, behind the scenes, ephemera, advertisements, home video releases); three trailers; a TV spot; and two radio spots.

Henenlotter didn't set out to make a cult film — in fact, he didn't think anyone would ever see his feature debut — but that's what he accomplished with Basket Case. Shot on location in New York City, the picture doubles as a time capsule of a seedy version of Times Square that no longer exists; one littered with drug dealers, sex workers, and porno theaters. While the sequels would lean more into the comedy, the original film balanced its camp with well-placed shocks.

Basket Case will be released on 4K Ultra HD on April 30 via Arrow Video.

[jgroffdaily]

Your intrepid team of JGD-ers are currently in the Big Apple, the home of Broadway, New York City! And, as if that wasn’t exciting enough, tonight we got to watch our very own reason for (online) existence, Mr Jonathan Drew Groff, strutting his (*frank*ly awesome) stuff in Merrily We Roll Along, at the Hudson Theatre on 44th Street, NYC!

For those who are unaware, Jonathan Groff Daily is made up of a team of two who live on literally opposite sides of the world - one in Australia and one in the UK. And while that allows for excellent coverage of breaking news (there is always at least one of us awake!), it has somewhat hindered our attempts to meet in real life - not helped by the pandemic that was raging at the time that we first “met”, three years ago.

Until now! In fact, until Wednesday of this week, when we both checked into the same hotel (all meticulously planned; not serendipity), into rooms directly above/below one another (that bit was serendipity), and began our NYC adventure together!

After a great deal of chatting, and far too much walking (and one inadvertent trip to Long Island City - nobody should ever leave me in charge of navigation!), tonight was the night for us to see the show together (in fact, my partner in crime had already seen it, last week, but this was our first time as a team).

First I should mention the theatre (this particular one is spelt that way, despite being in America - I’m not 100% sure why). It is so beautiful and elegant, and provides a wonderful setting in which the show can unfold.

And oh my goodness, what a show it is! As you will have all seen from the various glowing reviews online (with more surely to come next week, once the press embargo is lifted) this is an absolute tour de force and it was a such a privilege and a pleasure to watch this fabulous cast being utterly and completely fabulous.

First, of course, our boy. Well, we knew he could act. We knew he could sing. We knew he was prone to spit a little while doing both of those things. And all of that was also 100% true tonight!

I won’t include any spoilers in this review/ramble, as I hope that many of you will also get the chance to see it in person.

As you may have noticed, we try to keep this account relatively sober and professional (well, as sober and professional as a fan account on Tumblr can truly be, I guess!). However, as the more emotional one in our pairing, and in deference to this very special occasion, I don’t mind admitting that when Jonathan first came on stage I was all a-flutter. I haven’t seen him live and in person before, and I think I spent the first 8-10 minutes with the knuckles of my left hand in my mouth.

As you will all have seen in the press photos, etc, he spends almost the entire show wearing black trousers and a white button down shirt, and it’s a great look on him (but then, what isn’t?!). Without getting too excited here in “public”, on this jointly-run account, I will just say that his legs go on for miles and miles, and his giant hands stand out beautifully against the monochrome outfit.

And, again without spoilers, as he walked down to the very front of the stage and stared out, unseeing, over the heads of the audience, the drama behind him crescendoed and tears glittered in his eyes. At less than ten minutes in, I knew then that we were in the safest of safe (giant) hands, and yet, at the same time, our emotions were going to be played like fiddles.

(Speaking of which, the orchestra, tucked away in an “upstairs room”on the set, were absolutely sublime.)

The show rocks along really well, with honestly no weak performances at all. The ensemble are incredible and one thing that we really admired about this version was the way in which they all seemed to have been given permission to allow elements of their personalities to shine through. Although most of the supporting actors play multiple characters, and those are by no means interchangeable, I still felt that, to a good extent, I was also watching individuals who I knew and cared about from the start.

I must confess that I found that I couldn’t take my eyes off Lindsay whenever she was on stage (which did feel a little like a betrayal, when I was literally wearing a “Jgroffdaily” pin badge 🙄!) - she is just mesmerising: funny, sad, expressive, sympathetic and just a tiny bit broken by life and love. For those who have seen the full London version of the show on YouTube, I felt that this Mary was far less brittle, even from the first scenes, when she could otherwise come across as hard to love. The warmth, humour and humanity of the character came out in spades in Lindsay’s performance, and I was truly floored by her - to the extent that, during the whole of the one song that she sings with Jonathan and Katie Rose, I got to the end and realised that I had been watching solely her throughout, despite the fact that my reason for leaving my family behind (for five days, not forever!) and flying 3,000 miles to NYC, was 12 feet to the right of her on stage. (We are going again on Saturday - I need to make sure that I keep my eyes on Jonathan next time!).

Daniel is also just so good. His American accent is (to my British ears) impeccable, and he has great comic timing and physical comedy. His voice is fantastic, too, and he does an outstanding job with Franklin Shepherd Inc. All in all, I was incredibly impressed by Dan and thought that he more than held his own in the show.

My only slight criticism of the show (which is no reflection whatsoever on the actors) is that I would have liked a little longer to sit with one particularly tragic moment in Act One. Despite being a person who is shaky, giggly and butterflies-in-the-stomach-y at the simple sight of her hero stepping onto a stage, it takes me a few minutes to build up to proper crying, and I felt that I was jolted out of that feeling a little too quickly by the friends’ singing in an attempt to cheer up their heartbroken friend.

Katie Rose and Krystal Joy both had really difficult jobs to do, particularly Katie who is dropped into the show immediately before having to act in a very challenging, emotional scene. Both were stunning and their voices just soared, although Katie’s also cracked with emotion when it needed to, which was incredibly effective and moving.

The little boy who played Frank Junior at tonight’s performance was excellent, and got a lot of love from the audience. As the parent of a seven year old myself, I can only imagine how difficult it must be for him and his family to be juggling these late nights and, to be honest, quite a bit of sitting around during the show itself - and all at the age of only just five. They are all doing a great job.

And now for Jonathan. My (our) lovely Jonathan. Well, he absolutely smashed this whole performance right out of the park and over the East River. His voice was impeccable. His acting, as always, was moving, deft and brilliant - and that in a show where, although he is undoubtedly the “lead” character (whatever the order of the names above the title may suggest…), he spends a lot of time staring off stage or standing, stunned, as various other characters shout at him / flirt with him / cry hysterically over him. He does that so well (and if that doesn’t sound like damning with faint praise, I don’t know what does - in my defence it is now past 1am and my body clock thinks it is 6am!).

Potentially controversial point here: I felt that, during a-song-that-will-remain-nameless-for-spoiler-related-reasons (in Act One), Jonathan was not playing the piano himself (ie it was being played by the orchestra, and other instruments then come in behind it), but during Good Thing Going and Who Wants to Live in New York in Act Two, it *was* him playing. It is, however, incredibly hard to tell due to the placement of the piano on the stage, and I would be very interested to hear what others think on this topic.

Overall the show was just stunning. The audience seemed very engaged throughout, and it seems that they were also paying attention, judging by the gasps and laughs at later call-backs to earlier scenes. As he was signing autographs after the show, Dan said that it had been a great audience tonight (he might say that every night, of course!).

I am so glad that I will get to see it again at Saturday’s matinee, as I am sure that there were so many details and nuances (and entire performances of beautiful songs - sorry, Jonathan!) that I missed this time around.

Just a note on the stage door situation. It was all very organised and calm; much more so than I had expected. Dan came along the line to his waiting car, autographing playbills and taking selfies with people as he went, and he seemed just adorable and so pleasant and friendly with everyone. From what I could see, everyone was very respectful and polite, and everyone who wanted something signed seemed to get it. At one point someone shouted out that Merrily is their favourite ever show, and Daniel took time to pick her out of the crowd and thank her personally, saying that they all find it a privilege to be in the show.

Jonathan and Lindsay did not stage door tonight, but apparently “sneaked out the front” (as, of course, they are fully entitled to do). As I don’t think he is likely to come to see the fans at the stage door following a matinee performance, I suspect that I won’t now get a chance to show Jonathan my “jgroffdaily” pin badge - which he may think is for the best!

Oh, I almost forgot to mention, Steven Sater was in the audience tonight, sitting behind and to the right of us. I’m sure that he was bursting with pride, to see Jonathan shine as bright as he does.

[littlespacereader]

A Little’s Trip to the Jellycat Diner in NYC!!😆💞🎀

I’m a huge fan of Jellycat stuffed animals! I think they are so cute and especially so soft!! So when I heard they opened a cute experience in FAO Schwarz in NYC I knew I had to go see it for myself!

Before going I have three Jellycats of my own! I have a Manatee, a Sheep and a Kola!

Every time I go to FAO Schwarz I always end up getting a Jellycat since they have a MASSIVE selection. This time they really did not disappoint!

For starters there’s the Jellycat Diner on the first floor of the story! This is where they sell their food stuffed animals! If you ordered a special pack (which included stickers, a pin and a wrapped food such as a hotdog, burger, taco or pizza) they would wrap it like the actual food and give it to you at the diner counter, complete with them hitting a bell and saying you “order number”. It’s such a cute idea!! Below are photos of the food stuffies on the sides of the diner:

Next to the diner was a smaller display of some of their Christmas collection stuffies:

Upstairs they have more of their stuffed animals which are my favorite and go to Jellycats when I come to here! I sadly forgot to take photos of this section but I can describe it to you! This is where all the animal Jellycats hang out! They had a ton of see animals such as whales, shrimps, sea lions, and octopuses. They also had some fall Jellycats such as a pine cone, a fox, and a porcupine. On the back wall they had a mixture of different ones such as dragons, chickens, lions, horses, dogs, cats and more!

I’m the type of Little that has to see EVERYTHING before making a proper decision. So I search that section about 5 times for the perfect Jellycat… and I think I found the best one! I found this elephant section and instantly fell in love with how soft and cuddly the elephant design was! I’m always the type of person who grabs one from the back who isn’t appreciated like the ones in the front, and that’s when I met Wally!

Wally was on the back of the shelf with his head buried. I immediately worried that maybe he had anxiety about how loud store was. So naturally he won my heart over. I immediately grabbed him and brought him close. Maybe we could help each other through our anxieties. So Wally came home with me. He is very happy and has been properly introduced to all my stuffed animals! Here’s Wally back home in my dorm:

Right before I went to check out I noticed this tiny little rattle Jellycat dog. Immediately my little side was screaming at me to get it. It’s such a small size that I reasoned with myself I could take along with me when I travel.

It’s always scary buying something so obviously for a baby. But I do have some advice! For one I took this trip alone to avoid any questions from friend. But when I got to the register with Wally and the rattle I was asked who I was getting it for. The cashier was super nice and was probably just striking up a conversation. So I simply said it a gift for my cousin. Is it? No. This is a gift to myself. But they don’t need to know that! Just make up that you have a younger cousin you’re buying something little or younger for. Trust me it works every time!

But back to the topic of my rattle, I LOVE IT!! The bell is not overwhelmingly and the rattle is super soft! It’s definitely coming with me every time I travel! I named him Spot the Rattle!

I had a great time today!! I’d like to thank everyone again in this post. Your advice really helped me with dealing with the subways today! Thank you again! I hope everyone liked this review of the Jellycat Diner in FAO Schwarz. Comment any questions you have about the store! I’d be happy to answer them!

-Clara🥰💞🎀

[thegayhimbo]

Stranger Things x Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Crossover Review

If you haven't yet, be sure to check out my other Stranger Things Reviews. Like, Reblog, and let me know what your thoughts are about the show or the upcoming final season! :)

Stranger Things Reviews/Theories

Stranger Things Comics/Graphic Novels:

Stranger Things Six

Stranger Things Halloween Special

Stranger Things The Other Side

Stranger Things Zombie Boys

Stranger Things The Bully

Stranger Things Winter Special

Stranger Things Tomb of Ybwen

Stranger Things Into The Fire

Stranger Things Science Camp

Stranger Things “The Game Master” and “Erica’s Quest”

Stranger Things and Dungeons and Dragons

Stranger Things Kamchatka

Stranger Things Erica The Great

Stranger Things “Creature Feature” and “Summer Special”

Stranger Things Tales From Hawkins

Stranger Things Tie-In Books:

Stranger Things Suspicious Minds

Stranger Things Runaway Max (Part 1 of 3)

Stranger Things Runaway Max (Part 2 of 3)

Stranger Things Runaway Max (Part 3 of 3)

Stranger Things Darkness On The Edge Of Town (Part 1 of 3)

Stranger Things Darkness On The Edge Of Town (Part 2 of 3)

Stranger Things Darkness On The Edge Of Town (Part 3 of 3)

Stranger Things Rebel Robin Book and Podcast (Part 1 of 2)

Stranger Things Rebel Robin Book and Podcast (Part 2 of 2)

Stranger Things Hawkins Horrors Review

Stranger Things Flight Of Icarus

Stranger Things Lucas On The Line

Stranger Things Episode Reviews:

The Vanishing of Will Byers (Part 1 of 2)

The Vanishing of Will Byers (Part 2 of 2)

Synopsis: Set before the events of Season 3, Mike, Will, Lucas, Dustin, and Max take a field trip with Mr. Clarke's class to New York City (with El secretly tagging along) to explore all the sights in the Big Apple. However, when the group gets separated from the class and encounters an old enemy, they're forced to join with some unexpected allies as they attempt to stop a world-ending threat........

Observations:

This is one of those comics where I wish I had been in the writers room so I could understand what their thought-process was.

The premise: Sometime in 1985, the Party is in New York City on a field-trip with Scott Clarke's class (why and how they get this trip arranged is never explained). Along the way, they split from the main group and end up lost in the underground subway. As they try to come up with a plan, they hear sounds coming from the tunnels and go to investigate. Guess who they end up running into?

DEMODOGS...........except with robotic parts attached to them?!

To make this more surreal, the Party gets saved by (you guessed it) the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (TMMTs for short):

Later on, after introductions are made and explanations given, the kids and TMNTs (with encouragement from their sensei Splinter) discover that:

a.) The robotic demodogs (referred to as Demomousers by Dustin) are being controlled by Baxter Stockman, a mad scientist who's one of the Turtles adversaries.

And b.) There's a gate in NYC allowing demodogs and demogorgons to come through, and the Mind Flayer is preparing to invade.

Realizing they need to join forces, the Party and TMNTs attempt to take down Baxter and the Mind Flayer before they bring ruin to the city.

If all of this sounds weird, you now know how I felt reading it.

I'll admit when it comes to the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, I'm not an expert. I have some knowledge of the franchise from when I was growing up, mainly from the 1987 cartoon and the first two live-action TMNT movies (no, NOT the Michael Bay produced ones), but as far as the comics go, I've never read the original ones. In terms of my knowledge:

I know the 4 turtles are named after famous Italian Renaissance artists: Leonardo, Donatello, Raphael, and Michelangelo.

I know they have a sensei named Splinter, a former human martial arts instructor from Japan named Hamato Yoshi who was transformed into a rat via a chemical mutagen (since the chemical mixes the DNA of living beings who've been in contact with one another, and Splinter had constantly been in contact with rats while living in the sewers).

I know that the turtles were originally ordinary turtles that Splinter adopted in the sewers before they also got infected with the chemical and (because they were in contact with Splinter when he was human) became humanoid turtles.

I know Splinter named and trained the turtles in ninjutsu, adopting them as his students/children.

I know Splinter and the Turtles arch-enemy is Oroku Saki, aka The Shredder. He was responsible for dumping the chemical that transformed them, he runs a criminal ninja organization called "The Foot Clan," and (in the 1987 TV show at least), he has two animal/human hybrid henchmen named Rocksteady and Bebop. Also, Shredder aims for world-domination.

I know Shredder was allied with an alien brain named Krang from Dimension X, and they operated from a station called the Technodrome.

I know there was a scientist named Baxter Stockmam (who's one of the main antagonists in this comic) who created MOUSERS (also present here) that did his bidding and reeked havoc.

I know about April O'Neil, the news reporter who is an ally to the turtles, and Casey Jones, a violent vigilante who wears an ice hokey mask and has a bag of weapons, who is also an ally to the turtles. They make a brief appearance in this comic towards the end:

Finally, I know about this earworm of a song:

Like I said, my knowledge primarily comes from the 1987 show and the first two movies. What little I'm aware of about the original comics is that the turtles all wore the same red-eye masks before later media would color-code each turtle (likely so audiences could tell them apart). In typical 80s fashion, the comics were dark and gritty. Judging by how the Turtles are depicted here in this crossover, it appears they based the Turtles characterizations off their original comic book iterations:

This brings me to one of my problems with the crossover: Because it's dead-set on portraying the characters in a grim fashion, it doesn't leave much room for humorous interactions between the turtles and the kids. What little humor is present is either forced, or just recycled jokes from the show. Stranger Things is rooted in the science-fiction/horror genre, but it balances it out by having funny moments between the characters to level out the tension. Same thing can be said for the 1987 TMNT cartoon: Part of what made that work is the creators realized how absurd the premise was, and embraced the weirdness while having fun with it. This comic expects the reader to take the story solemnly, and all it does is highlight the ridiculousness of its premise.

Another issue I have is the whole crossover aspect. I know this isn't unique to TMNT and characters from this franchise have done crossovers with Batman, Power Rangers, Street Fighter, Transformers, Archie Comics, etc. The difference though is that 1.) These were usually done with other superhero or cartoon characters franchises, and 2.) To my understanding, most of those crossovers weren't usually considered canon in either universe.

This comic on the other hand tries REALLY HARD to make itself canon in the Stranger Things universe by setting it between seasons 2 and 3, before The Battle of Starcourt:

On top of that, when the kids and the Turtles finally confront Baxter at his lab about his motivations, he reveals he was a colleague of Dr. Brenner, which is how he knew about El:

This ends up creating several plot-holes:

1.) You'd think that if the events in this comic took place in the show's continuity, the kids would have talked about it at least once during seasons 3-4. I have a hard time imagining, for instance, that Dustin wouldn't have been chatting Steve's ear off about encountering a bunch of humanoid turtles living in NYC sewers, or the Demomousers they had to fight off.

2.) Same problem with Baxter Stockman and Dr. Brenner's relationship: No mention of it on the show? That's not even including how this relationship is at odds with Brenner's character since he considered other people (even fellow scientists) to be beneath him in terms of intellect. Brenner was NOT a man who saw others as his equal.

3.) Since Stranger Things is a show set on referencing 80s media and paying homages to it, and since the TMNTs were a big franchise in the 80s, does that mean the first volumes of the TMNT comics that came out in 1984 don't exist in this universe? Especially when the kids reactions to first encountering the TMNTs is not knowing who they are:

I get that Stranger Things is a fictional show that requires suspension of disbelief when it comes to its science-fiction elements (i.e. The Upside Down, El's powers, etc), but for the most part, it was grounded in a believable way. By that, I mean its universe was set up to be one that could conceivably take place in this reality. From its references to historical moments that occurred in real life, to its disturbingly realistic portrayals of bullying, bigotry, Cold War paranoia, homophobia, racism, government corruption, abuse, forced conformity, trauma and grief, and other social issues, to the whole dynamic of the Party being outcasts trying to survive middle school and high school. It's a coming-of-age story that also acts as a deconstruction of the 80s, and uses science-fiction elements in service of that goal. I've talked before about the Upside Down being a not-so-subtle metaphor for Hawkins and the 80s as a whole: Things look shiny, bright, and appealing on the surface (especially since the 80s continues to be a decade our current culture is obsessed with romanticizing), but when you actually dig deeper, there is rot underneath.

By setting the Stranger Things universe in the TMNT universe, it breaks that illusion in favor of turning it into popcorn entertainment. Some would argue Stranger Things was already this to begin with, but considering how the Duffer Brothers incorporated the themes I've just described into their work when they could have ignored them altogether, and considering how Stranger Things has a passionate fanbase dedicated to analyzing the show, its characters, and how it acts as a commentary for events and situations in the present, I would argue the show transcends that in a way TMNT never could. This comic tries to achieve this, with the Turtles (and Splinter) preaching about the importance of friendship, how everyone has challenges, not being defined by where you come from, etc, but all of these themes were already examined on the show way before this comic ever came out (and in a much more satisfying manner). Here, it comes off as repetitive without offering anything new to the table.

This isn't to say that the comic itself is bad. It still has cool moments and impressive visuals, and the fights between the heroes and the monsters of the Upside Down are a treat to behold:

The levels of detail put into these images is impressive, and it's neat seeing each member of the Party take up weapons to deliver damage to the Mind Flayer and his monsters.

On top of that, there were elements in the comic that (whether intentional or not) tie into the show and leave a lot to chew on.

For example, the whole fight against Baxter Stockman's forces and the Mind Flayer gives an idea of what we might see in Season 5. Whether it's the main characters dealing with Colonel Sullivan (who's still set on capturing El) or Vecna's impending invasion.

Even Baxter Stockman and his ambush of the heroes reminds me of Colonel Sullivan and the soldiers under his command from S4:

There's also Will's description of the Upside Down being worldwide and how the dimension isn't just limited to Hawkins (which is something S4 also confirmed):

There's also the Turtles speculating that El's powers are tied to the Upside Down, which is something I've discussed in my reviews (specifically Six and Suspicious Minds):

Additionally, the comic introduces the idea that there are other dimensions out there besides the Upside Down that can be traveled to.

While I doubt the Utroms (i.e. the alien brains) that the Mind Flayer possesses will be making an appearance in season 5 (or the TMNTs for that matter), the idea of multiple dimensions is something the Duffer Brothers could explore in the final season. It could also give more detail about what the Upside Down is, and whether the Mind Flayer really was just black particles with no conscious that Vecna formed into his avatar, or it was a multi-dimensional conqueror (as I've seen speculated by parts of this fandom) and it was simply dormant until Vecna woke it up and started collaborating with it:

But like I said, this is all speculation.

Overall, my feelings about this comic are mixed: On its own, it's a decent read and has plenty of cool moments and creative imagery. However, when you look closely at the story and how it's supposed to tie into the Stranger Things universe.........it starts falling apart. I think fans will enjoy this crossover for the sheer entertainment of it, but I seriously doubt this is going to be counted as canon.

[sergle]

Genuinely curious - why NYC and not somewhere in Oklahoma, or even Mexico? (I know someone who just had a baby there bc it was cheaper than doing it in the US and her experience was really good. I know it’s a different procedure but I just wanted to share why it came to mind.)

Genuine Answer: I wasn't specifically looking for surgeons in NYC, but I saw this dude's work by chance, and just really really liked the quality. I also liked that it was a place specializing in breasts (reductions, reconstructions, top surgery) and that it's their Whole Thing, it made me feel like I'd get good quality of care there. It also had really good reviews, talking about the guy's friendliness and the staff being helpful and understanding. My eldest sister is also going to be moving a couple hours' drive from NYC this summer, so by the time I hypothetically set up the surgery- fall or winter- I could stay with her to make travel easier. It wasn't really my intention to find a surgeon far away from me. I'm looking at reductions in Oklahoma, too, but that's harder. Texas is a little easier. Breast reductions are, after all, performed by plastic surgeons. Oklahoma isn't one of the big Plastic Surgery Hubs of the united states, you can find higher quality reduction results in places where plastic surgery is more common, like LA or NYC. As far as medical tourism... That's just more layers of complication and kinda makes me wanna cry LMAO. Researching surgery in my own state is hard enough as it is. I know it might be cheaper in mexico or wherever, but I just don't want to, unless I have no options left.

[vintagelasvegas]

Wonder World - W🌐W - Maryland Parkway, February 28, 1968

Frank Mitrani Photographs (PH-00332) UNLV Special Collections & Archives

Among the first wave of suburban shopping centers to open around Las Vegas in the 60s was Wonder World Discount Department Store. Founded by a corporate developer in NYC, the first location opened in ‘62 at Decatur Blvd & Vegas Dr. VP of the parent company Herb Kaufman relocated to Las Vegas in ‘66 and turned Wonder World into a local chain, opening Wonder World at Maryland & Twain in 1968, and two others at W Sahara, and E Owens in North Las Vegas. Each department was leased with their own check-out; WOW owned the stores and property.

Wonder World Industries became Chanin Development Corp in ‘71 and developed Regency Tower, the first residential high-rise in Las Vegas. Kaufman later became the producer of Kenny Kerr’s Boy-Lesque. Pay Less bought Wonder World in ‘86, and phased out the name by ‘88.

Photo: Elvis shopping for ammo at Wonder World in the 70s.

Discount Store Opens Thursday. Review-Journal, 11/4/62; Wonder World Opening. Review-Journal, 2/29/68; Birthday Sale. Review-Journal, 10/30/75; S. Caudle. Colorful Herb Kaufman. Review-Journal, 8/7/77; M. Caruso. Wonder World undergoes transformation. Review-Journal, 7/31/86; Wonder World conversion completed. Review-Journal, 2/25/88; T. Hawley. Before Walmart or Target, Las Vegas had Wonder World. News3LV 12/6/2017.

[deadweight-at7am]

Are we in the French Revolution Season of America? Well, we should have been decades ago.

I have a migraine and can't sleep so let me yap about insurance for a bit.

Everyone's heard the UHC CEO was shot dead in NYC. And I'm sure most people are like "yeah, and?" Indeed. I have a unique perspective on this because I work in healthcare, specifically healthcare admin and my actual specialty is fighting claim denials on behalf of my company. I am unusually qualified to have opinions on this. I know quite a bit more about it than the average joe.

United Health Group is a notorious ghoul in the healthcare world, specifically behavioral health (mental health). It surprises me how many people don't understand what I mean when I say "behavioral health". We're talking psych. UHC's vendor for behavioral health is called Optum. Not many people know this but you can have Blue Cross and Blue Shield insurance, but your behavioral health benefits can be taken care of by Optum. This is called a "carve out". Insurance companies do this for... God knows why (cost? savings? something to do with saving a buck I'm sure) but it surprises patients time and time again. It doesn't happen super often but it does happen. And what that means is that you have to find providers that take Optum/UHC even though your main insurance is BCBS/Cigna/Aetna/Whatever. Behavioral Health is it's own little special world in the insurance marketplace and it's... sometimes very poorly run and very mismanaged. I work in psych and this isn't my first job working in psychology - so I have a LOT of experience here. When I tell you that Optum is one of the WORST and most predatory behavioral health payors I've ever encountered, I kid you not. The only other tragic fucking mess I've seen that rivals UHC is Cigna's BH group called Evernorth. Oh my god, don't ever try to get any answers at Evernorth - no one there knows how a fucking thing works.

So anyway, what UHC likes to do with patients that get therapy is they will see that a patient is costing them a lot of money - you know, actually using the benefits they pay premiums for. They'll then decide that this can't continue and they'll stop paying for services until the provider that is doing them undergoes a "Medical Records Review". What that means politely is that they think you're over-using their benefit and they don't want to pay for this service, so you now have to prove that you need it. This is usually a taske the provider must do. Our providers must write an appeal and submit the patient's records for review to UHC. You might think "so what? submit the paperwork". Not so fast. The process is not cut and dry. You have to write the review, which is time the provider isn't being paid for. They must then give it to someone (me) or fax the paperwork themselves, while also compiling their medical records which usually means months worth of notes. This means in our practice that we must have a medical records person submit the documents to our boss, who then signs off on them after proofing them - this is so the records meet requirements medically. Then we have to compile, sort and fax the paperwork and then we get to track it. Meanwhile, the payments for the service stop. UHC does not continue to pay for services while a review is in process. You just have to assume it will work out. Our success rate with these reviews is low, something like 40%... so our providers often just opt not to do them. When I tell you it doesn't matter what the provider writes in the review or who does it, I mean it. We have a Harvard trained Psychologist who sees patients for talk therapy and knows all the specifics. She wrote one of these for a patient, gave it to me, I sent it, tracked it, etc. It was magically approved (one of the only successes I've personally seen) and then 6 months later they did it AGAIN and this time our Psych was like "I'm not doing this anymore, we've proven she needs the therapy, her situation hasn't magically changed in 6 months!" The patient had complex issues that definitely required therapy and pharmacological intervention. I also get calls from Optum, about 1-2 a month wherein a doctor will call us and say they're from Optum and they're stopping services because X, Y, Z. They'll say that the diagnosis doesn't require the amount of visits that the patient has had and I can't argue with them - I just note it and relay the message. Every single Psychologist in our practice hates UHC. Whenever the email I write contains the word "Optum" or "Denial" the providers tell me they don't even want to read them LOL I do not get the same kind of denials from any other insurer, JUST Optum. That tells you something. There is no insurance company I like, to be frank, but if you asked me who I hated the most it's Optum. And the funny thing is that our healthcare through my job is UHC (but I can't afford it). The benefits are outrageously expensive and have high deductibles. Count me out.

That was a lot of words to say that their processes are in place to make things hard on providers and on patients. They want it to be difficult, confusing and nearly impossible to navigate. They bank on you not knowing anything - so the best thing to do is know AS MUCH as you possibly can. What I described here is the main reason why I can not work for an insurance company or become a broker, I do not like or want to sell anyone any of it. I hate insurance and I think it's all a huge scam.

An insurance company's first priority is to keep profit margins high. It is not to help provide excellent care. It's not patient satisfaction. You give them money and they aim to keep it. That's it. So, a CEO is most definitely in charge of helping to keep that company profitable. Insurance companies make BILLIONS - yes, BILLIONS of dollars - a year. They're not "just scraping by".

My number one concern has ALWAYS been single payer healthcare in the US and I have never quite figured out why people are so against the idea. I know why greedy companies don't want it to happen and all I can assume is that the lobbying against it and spreading of misinformation and fear mongering is the reason it's gotten in to so many people's heads that it's "bad". Look around you, does it seem like anything is working well the way it is?

[boroughshq]

Welcome to the community bulletin board! Here are some events happening around the Boroughs this month:

July 3: Hamilton Trivia @ The Corner Pub, Brooklyn

July 5: Maxxxine Night @ Retro, The Bronx

July 7: Pinball Tournament @ Bit Bar, Staten Island

July 10: Annual Summer Flash Sale @ Electric Ink, Brooklyn

July 12: Slam Poetry Night @ Muse, Manhattan

July 14: NYC Friends Meet Up @ Central Park, Manhattan

July 18: Beginner's Line Dancing @ Cowbells, The Bronx

July 23: BOGO Sale @ Main Squeeze, Queens

July 26: Olympics Watch Party @ Tailgaters, Staten Island

July 30: Peer Review Workshop @ Inkwells, Queens

July 3: Hamilton Trivia @ The Corner Pub, Brooklyn

Stop by the Corner Pub for a special weekday trivia night in celebration of Independence Day! Broadway fans of Hamilton: An American Musical are welcome to compete in the nightly trivia - top 3 winners get gift cards of varying amounts for the pub!

July 5: Maxxxine Night @ Retro, The Bronx

The Ti West trilogy comes to an end, and Retro wants you to celebrate with them! Jam out to 80s themed music while donned in your best X-inspired or horror-inspired fits (full set costumers/masks are not permitted)!

July 7: Pinball Tournament @ Bit Bar, Staten Island

Bit Bar's wall of pinball machines will be in full use as regulars and new customers alike partake in an all out pinball tournament! The top winner gets bragging rights and a free appetizer and drink on the house.

July 10: Annual Summer Flash Sale @ Electric Ink, Brooklyn

It's finally time for the much anticipated annual summer flash sale at Electric Ink! Pick your favorite summer-themed tiny tattoos (less than 1"x1") for only $35! This absolute steal of a deal only comes once a season, so don't miss your opportunity for one! Walk-ins only, first come first serve, no more than 3 tattoos per person, from1 2pm - 5pm. Your artists are working hard to provide a safe tattoo, so don't forget to tip them!

July 12: Slam Poetry Night @ Muse, Manhattan

Calling all poets! Slam Poetry Night is back at Muse, and everyone's invited to take the mic and spill their soul!

July 14: NYC Friends Meet Up @ Central Park, Manhattan

Are you a late twenties/early thirties year old New Yorker struggling to make friends in the city? This event is for you! The Instagram group boosting 90k+ followers has put together another community organization for new friends to meet each other - this time at Central Park! Ice cream/popsicle vendors, light refreshments, and water will be provided, along with fun icebreakers and silly games and challenges to get people talking, laughing, and making friends!

July 18: Beginner's Line Dancing @ Cowbells, The Bronx

You don't need to be a bonafide cowboy to know how to line dance, and Cowbells is here to prove that to you! Instructors will walk you through basic line dancing routines starting at 7pm!

July 23: BOGO Sale @ Main Squeeze, Queens

Quelch the thirst of both you and a friend this hot summer day by stopping by Main Squeeze for their one-day Buy-One-Get-One-Free sale for any of their freshly made smoothies!

July 26: Olympics Watch Party @ Tailgaters, Staten Island

Ring in the opening ceremonies of the Olympics at Tailgaters - every screen in the place will be showing some form of Olympics coverage, making it your one-stop shop for food, drinks, and sports camaraderie!

July 30: Peer Review Workshop @ Inkwells, Queens

Working on a piece and in need of a peer review? Look no further than Inkwells! Bring your latest draft with you and trade papers as you help fellow writers get feedback for their works, too!

[beardedmrbean]

The Uber passenger charged with a hate crime for pepper spraying a Muslim driver in Manhattan is a former sorority girl who was fired from her PR job over the shocking incident.

Manhattan College graduate Jennifer Guilbeault, 23, had just started a promising career at a New York public relations firm when she was caught on dashcam springing forward to spray her rideshare driver in July, horrifying the pal who was with her.

However, her employer, D Pagan Communications in Melville, fired her over the shocking incident. Agency president Debra Pagan confirmed to PR Weekly that Guilbeault had left the firm, without saying when she left.

“We are aware of the actions of this former employee and we don’t condone this behavior,” the company, which specializes in PR for tech companies, said on X in August.

Guilbeault’s attorneys argued that the case should not be handled as a hate crime — and that a full review of the evidence would prove that.

“Ms. Guilbeault was not motivated by race, religion, national origin, or any other discriminatory factor,” Michael J. Alber said in a statement.

“This case needs to be looked at with all surrounding circumstances which include assessing all of the evidence and lack of evidence,” he added. 

“We look forward to working with the District Attorney’s office to fully vet all of the facts in the proper forum, which does not embellish or exaggerate the claims, especially where the integrity and credibility of claims can properly be tested.”

Guilbeault, a native of Northbridge, Mass. earned a bachelor’s degree in public relations, advertising and applied communication at the Bronx university, where she also served as the VP social chair for her sorority, Sigma Delta Tau, according to an online profile.

Glitzy photos posted to the Manhattan College chapter’s social media page show her and her sisters dressing up for formals and celebrating scholarships.

Guilbeault was indicted in New York State Supreme Court on two counts of assault as a hate crime and aggravated harassment for the Upper East Side attack, the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office announced Tuesday.

Guilbeault was riding in the backseat with the other woman at around 12:15 a.m. when she suddenly sprayed the noxious substance in the 45-year-old driver’s eyes, according to a viral clip circulating online.

The driver, Shohel Mahmud, later claimed that Guilbeault launched her assault simply because of his skin color. He said he hadn’t spoken to the at all women when he picked them up near Lexington Avenue and East 66th Street in Midtown.

“Her friend, she is yelling, ‘Jen, Jen, what the f–k, what are you doing? What’s going on?’” Mahmud told The Post days after the attack. “Her friend is asking ‘Why did you do that?’ And she say, ‘He’s brown.’”

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said Guilbeault attacked the driver when he began praying in Arabic just as he approached a red light.

The father of three jumped out of the car, thinking the women were trying to rob him and his vehicle. When he hopped back inside as the car started to roll, she maced him again.

Cops arrested Guilbeault at the scene, but initially only gave her a desk ticket.