Pet Rock: The Pop Culture Blog

Monday night was Pet Rock's third consecutive night of watching "New Jack City" on Netflix. One viewing was enough to remember how much I forgot how good this movie was/is.

Yet, Netflix keeps calling me and calling me and calling me to watch it again. Early '90s hip-hop culture may have been the pinnacle, from the fly bright-colored suits to phrases like "kick the ballistics," from good hip-hop music to Fab Five Freddie. Good luck trying to find a curseless clip on YouTube to share for Old School Tuesday. I think this was the only one. Watch it and then see more on YouTube.

P.S. We both know that after you watch this clip, you'll be saying everything at work today is bigger than Nino Brown. You might even tell someone to sit their $5 butt down before you make change.

Is there a better movie to help put you in the mood for summer than "The Flamingo Kid"? Seriously, it's got everything you need:

- Set in the 1960s in Brooklyn
- Beach club
- Hot beach bodies
- Matt Dillon in a comedic role
- Janet Jones in a bikini
- Richard Crenna, the ultimate '80s polarizing good guy-bad guy character actor (See: Col. Trautman)
- Janet Jones in sunset light
- Youth angst
- Rebellious family tone, followed by redemption
- Janet Jones soaking wet after diving into a pool

Even Rudy Hutxable's friend Peter from "The Cosby Show" has a bit part in the movie. His character name? Peter.

After you watch this movie this week (do it 10 parts at youtube.com/mattdillonmovies, you'll be running out to CVS to buy sunblock and a new beach towel.

Maxwell ruled radio airplay in the 1990s with hits like "Ascension (Don't Ever Wonder," "Til' the Cops Come Knockin" and a remake of Kate Bush's "This Woman's Work." And now the R&B singer is back with a new single "Pretty Wings," which offers the same romantic melody his fans love and have been waiting about 8 years to hear again. His new album "Black Summers Night" is due out July 7th. Check out this old school song and stick around to hear the new joint "Pretty Wings."

Maxwell sings "Pretty Wings" live in concert. He's still got it!

I knew I waited to post this week's Old School Tuesday for a reason. News just broke that Michael Douglas and Oliver Stone will reunite for a "Wall Street" sequel.

Awww yeah!

Weak economy or not, greed is good. Watch the clip below and enjoy your evenings.

There was a lot of great music during the 1980s, but Spandau Ballet's "True" is definitely high on my list of favorite songs from that decade.

In the early 1990s, P.M. Dawn dusted off the British New Wave band's single with a sample in "Set Adrift On Memory Bliss." That song also became a huge hit!

After years of fighting within the group, Spandau Ballet plans to reunite for a world tour this fall. Watch a video clip of "True" and try to remember where you were when this song was on the radio.

Continue reading "Old School Tuesday: Spandau Ballet's 'True'" »

Got into a discussion with Luda Jon the other day about Monie Love, which, naturally, drove me to YouTube to listen to "It's a Shame." Enjoy your Old School Tuesday.

If you were a kid during the late 1980s or early 1990s, you probably wanted a pair of British Knights sneakers. They were the "freshest and dopest" kicks around, giving Nike a run for its money until Michael Jordan made his Air Jordans the pair everyone wanted to wear.

British Knights was founded by Jack Schwartz Shoes Inc., a New York City-based sports footwear wholesaler, and its commercials featured rappers MC Hammer and Kool Moe Dee in an effort to entice the urban youth market. Scarface also referenced British Knights in his rap lyrics: "Up early in the morning, lacing up my British Knights ..."

Back in the day, it was believed that British Knights sneakers were popular among the Crips street gang and for them the "BK" logo meant "Blood Killer." Nowadays, the brand is being sold primarily in Europe to skater types and hip-hop heads who likely wouldn't be caught dead wearing them.

Feeling nostalgic and want to rock a pair of British Knights around your 'hood? BKs can still be found on eBay, Dr. Jays and the official British Knights Web site.

Check out these old school commercials for British Knights.

We'll begin this week's edition of Old School Tuesday with some props. Thanks to lawyer friend Steve for sending along this link.

He hosted the party where I "debuted" this old school track on vinyl back in 1996. It pretty much brought the house down (although that was probably more because of the number of people on the past-its-prime living room floor). OK, sure, "Call Me D-Nice" was released in 1990, but not too many folks were dropping D-Nice songs at upstate New York college parties.

But here's another tidbit on the man we call D-Nice: He's got this thing called True Hip-Hop Stories on D-Nice.com, which features older and old-school rappers telling their stories. Pretty cool stuff.

In the meantime, I live in the Bronx by the D and the 4 . . .

- La Monica

I was only 9 years old when the rock/mockumentary "This Is Spinal Tap" made its debut in 1984. I finally saw this movie about a mock heavy-metal band on a rainy day in 2001 and it's been in my DVD collection ever since. A true classic! Those guys were hilarious and definitely ahead of their time.

My favorite quote from the movie: "This pretentious ponderous collection of religious rock psalms is enough to prompt the question, 'What day did the Lord create Spinal Tap, and couldn't he have rested on that day too?'"

My second favorite quote: "The numbers all go to eleven. Look, right across the board, eleven, eleven, eleven and..."

Spinal Tap is going on 30-city tour in "Unwigged and Unplugged," a series of concerts this spring, not as their famous characters, but as themselves. Christopher Guest, Michael McKean and Harry Shearer will perform acoustic versions of their soundtrack for "This Is Spinal Tap" and its follow-up, "Break Like the Wind." If that's not funny enough, they'll also belt out some crazy folk songs from the 2003 movie "A Mighty Wind." The tour is scheduled to hit New York's Beacon Theatre on May 26.

"With this being the 25th anniversary of the film 'This is Spinal Tap,' we thought this would be fun and, at the same time, a little challenging, as we have never performed as ourselves," the band said in a press release. "Think of the evening as three old friends jamming in your living room. As opposed to OUR living rooms; we won't be home."

What keeps these funnymen working together? "The three of us make each other laugh and that's why we continue to do this," they said. "Why work with somebody who is going to bore you to death? If you have a choice about things like that, no one's going to choose the guy that puts you to sleep," the mock band said in press statement.

Although this tour won't feature outlandish wigs or electric guitars, fans can look forward to the group collaborating on a new Spinal Tap album, featuring old and new material.

Wait, there's more ... my cubicle sister Jessica Damiano over at the Garden Detective blog wrote about bizarre gardening accidents and one involved Spinal Tap. Weird, but true and worth a read.

Photo above: Henry Shearer of Spoof British rock band Spinal Tap (AP Photo)

Continue reading "Smell the Glove: Spinal Tap goes on tour!" »

You want it all but you can't have it
It's in your face but you can't grab it
What is it?

Do you recognize these lyrics? It's Faith No More's smash hit "Epic" and this was one of the few alt-rock songs I loved back in the 1990s. I break out my air guitar whenever I hear "Epic" on the radio. Sadly, the group never was able to surpass the popularity of this song and split up in 1998.

After a decade of rumors and demands from devoted fans, Faith No More is finally going to reunite with bandmates Mike Patton, Bill Gould, Mike Bordin and Roddy Bottum for a European tour this year. No concert dates are currently scheduled for the U.S.

Why would they want to reunite after 10 years? “What’s changed is that this year, for the first time, we’ve all decided to sit down together and talk about it,” bassist Bill Gould said in the statement to Rolling Stone magazine. “And what we’ve discovered is that time has afforded us enough distance to look back on our years together through a clearer lens and made us realize that through all the hard work, the music still sounds good, and we are beginning to appreciate the fact that we might have actually done something right.”

Can't afford to fly to Europe for the reunion? Me either! Instead, let's remember the good 'ole '90s and watch Faith No More perform on the Arsenio Hall show. Woo! Woo! Woo!

Not really sure where I'd be without the VH1 Soul channel on my cable system. You never know exactly what you'll get when you turn it on, but you know it's going to be good.

Sometimes, it's a Bobby Brown "Soul Story" or "Def Jam Uncensored." Sometimes it's "Hip Hop Honors" or "Unplugged with Alicia Keys." Sometimes, like last night, it's the "other" song from Chubb Rock.

Of course that begets thinking about his monster hit "Treat 'Em Right," arguably one of the five quintessential club hip-hop songs of the early 1990s.

Every time I hear it, I start rocking like it was 1995 and I'm DJing at a college party again and everyone is like, "Yo, remember this song?" followed by a fight between rival fraternities that did step routines to the song. Ah, yes, good times.

Every now and again, I actually pay attention to the lyrics. Some great old school bombs in there such as "Robocop last year was a shock" and "Beeper goes off . . . ."

Robocop? Beeper? Dang, this song is old. So am I. But at least we both still treat you right: 1990, Chubb Rock jumps upon the scene with a lean and a pocket full of green.

Do you remember when music videos were all about high top fades, loudly dressed back-up dancers, and New Jack Swing? Jeff Redd was at the forefront of R&B music in the 1990s and made his mark with hits "I Found Lovin," "You Called and Told Me" and "Love High." The singer-producer is said to be the one who helped Mary J. Blige land her first big break in the music industry. Jeff continues to keep busy producing other musical acts and is set to release his latest album this summer.

Check out a classic old school joint by Jeff Redd and featuring a young Halle Berry from the movie "Strictly Business."

My formula for determining selections for Old School Tuesday is easily manipulated by my surroundings at any particular time.

When DJ Girl 6 dropped "Posse on Broadway" by Sir Mix-A-Lot at Casbah in Atlantic City this past weekend, was there any doubt that it would wind up in Old School Tuesday?

So excited was I to here this 1988 classic, I immediately changed my Facebook status to "Mark is the JR Ewing of Seattle." Two commenters had no clue what that meant, which is about on par with the reaction of the people in the club aside from me, Lawyer friend Steve, DJ Girl 6 and DJ E-Noc. Such is life when you operate on an old-school rap level well above the masses. All you can do is pray that, one day, the lightbulb will turn on for those poor souls.

Enjoy the video below. And just remember, Pet Rock's got a def posse, you got a bunch 'a dudes.

Went joyriding in a friend's SUV the other day and got a taste of Pop2K on Sirius XM Satellite Radio. Their Web site claims it's a pop music station full of hits from 2000-08, yet it sounded a heck of lot like Backspin, the old school rap station that almost made purchasing radio in the car worthwhile.

But we can debate that later. Right now, it's time for another debate.

The playlist for my time in the ride went like this:

"Fight the Power" by Public Enemy (1989)
"Go Cut Creator Go" by LL Cool J (1987)
"You Be Illin'" by Run-DMC (1986)
"The What" by Notorious B.I.G. and Method Man (1994)

Can't argue with any of those song choices in terms of good stuff to listen to when driving. But the Biggie selection struck me.

Can we really consider the music of Notorious B.I.G. "old school"? I've been struggling with this topic for a few days now. What defines old school? Is it simply just music that has been out for a long time? Or is it more of a sound and style of rap? Is there a cutoff date for music that is old school and music that is just old?

I would consider anything from Run-DMC in the 1980s to be old school, but I wouldn't call the single "Down With the King" from 1993 old school. It has a different sound. Still, it's a great song. Just an old one, though, not old school. But it's Run-DMC, so do we just classify everything they do as old school because "they were the Beatles of rap" as Chuck D has often called them?

It has been 14 years since Notorious B.I.G. read up Word Up Magazine on his debut album "Ready to Die." That's quite a bit of time, but does that automatically mean it's old school rap music? I say no, at least not by the way I define old school. I say it's just great old music.

To me, old school rap is more of a sound and style than something tied to a front and back ends of a calendar. Kurtis Blow, Slick Rick, Run-DMC, Whodini, Grandmaster Flash, to name a few.

On occasion, we have artists who last long enough to disrupt the time-space continuum that Doc Brown warned us about in "Back to the Future." LL Cool J comes to mind. "Radio," "Bigger and Deffer" and "Walking Like a Panther" are clearly old school rap albums. "Around the Way Girl," as much as I love that song is not old school, just old.

Maybe it's feasible to have more than one category of old school. Or do we just lump it all in one group and let people figure it out on their own?

This is one question, in my mind, that is tougher than leather. What's your take on it? Is Biggie old school or just old?

(Newsday File Photo, 1994 / Stan Honda)

Moments that we share ... special time alone ...

Enjoy the Inaugural.

Pet Rock celebrates the Jan. 16 release of "Notorious" with Biggie Smalls Week

There was a period of time in the mid-1990s when the St. Ides commercials gave us better raps than the actual rappers did. Of course, when it comes to the Notorious B.I.G., he delivered pretty much every time he got near a microphone.

So, on Old School Tuesday during Biggie Smalls Week, we offer up the Biggie Crooked I commercial for your enjoyment and remembrance.

Biggie link of the day: One More Chance (TheSource.com)

With the holidays upon us, it's time to go diggin' in the crates for a hip-hop classic that is one of my favorites: "Christmas in Hollis" by Run DMC. Can you believe this song was released more than 20 years ago?

I believe the hit song was part of the 1987 “A Very Special Christmas” album compilation to benefit the Special Olympics, which also included “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus” by John Mellencamp and "Merry Christmas Baby" by Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band.

Sing along with me:

It's Christmas time in Hollis Queens
Mom's cooking chicken and collard greens
Rice and stuffing, macaroni and cheese
And Santa put gifts under Christmas trees

Or just watch the music video for "Christmas in Hollis." Happy holidays!

Today's Old School Tuesday pays tribute to William "The Refigerator" Perry. The former defensive tackle for the Chicago Bears turned 46 today!

Perry retired from football in the mid-1990s but made occasional appearances in ESPN and Coors commercials. Known for his ability to pack it away, the Fridge ate his way to second place in Nathan's Hot Dog Eating contest back in 2003.

Anyone remember him in "The Super Bowl Shuffle"? Well, if you don't, shame on you! Here's a clip of the famous song to enjoy.

While you're at it, check out The Refrigerator's Web site (www.fridge72.com) where you can buy your very own copy of the song or an official throwback jersey.

It started as a simple throwaway line based on someone else's e-mail. Now, it's my Facebook status and the subject of this week's edition of Old School Tuesday.

See, a pod-mate mentioned how Marconi plays the mambo. Big Cat and I jumped in, finished the line then sang the entire chorus of the quintessential '80s Starship jam "We Built This City."

We know we have problems. But we also know how much you love this song. So enjoy Old School Tuesday.

Pet Rock spent most of Election Night last week doing the Ed Lover Dance every time CNN prepared to call a state for either of the presidential candidates.

As soon as CNN played its little intro, Boss friend Luda Jon cued up the DJ Mark the 45 King classic "900 Number." Once Wolfie or AC made the projection, Luda Jon hit play and I got up to do the Ed Lover Dance.

Sure, I'm an idiot, but there's something to be said for having the onions to do the Ed Lover Dance 20 years after the fact in the middle of the newsroom on a most chaotic night. And that something to be said is this: Hello, Old School Tuesday!

You'll likely have to sit through a quick commercial before the actual video kicks in, but MTV needs to make its loot, so don't hate, just wait. Old School Tuesday is worth 20 seconds of your time. Enjoy the show.

I dug through YouTube looking for the Warren Beatty rap from "Bulworth" to post here for Old School Tuesday in honor of Election Day.

No luck.

Apparently, YouTube is slacking off today. Such a pity. But I went to an old standby, "All the President's Men," the best political movie ever made.

So enjoy this scene with Robert Redford and Hal Holbrook as you await the results of Election 2008. Rock the vote!

DJ Reptile dropped this little video on his Facebook page, and because I can't figure out how to turn off my news feed, I got hit up with the notification on it. Clearly, it was his subtle way of muggin' for some free pub.

Or, maybe it was just a brilliant suggestion. Leaders of the New School. Case of the P.T.A. Busta Rhymes, the original version. Dang, that guy knew what he was doing back then on the streets of Uniondale.

(As always, Pet Rock welcomes your suggestions for Old School Tuesday, so feel free to email them at any time.)

Not really sure where I pulled this one out of when I dropped it on a colleague, but once I did, it was instant Old School Tuesday material.

Enjoy the show.

It's next to impossible to open up a newspaper or magazine or Internet site and not come across a Tina Fey-Sarah Palin reference within a few minutes.

That's the beauty of nailing a political impression as well as Fey does with the Alaska governor and GOP VP candidate. And Fey, her star as bright as ever, has probably wrestled away the title of "Best 'SNL' political impression" from Dana Carvey (George H.W. Bush), Phil Hartman (Bill Clinton) and Chevy Chase (Gerald Ford).

As we all await the next Weekend Update Thursday to see what they come up with, we'll use Old School Tuesday to salute the "SNL" skit that started it all.

Some things are a coincidence. Some things are a sign from above.

Three involuntary hearings of "Forever Your Girl" by Paula Abdul in a two-day span? A sign! A huge sign!

First hearing: On the radio driving across the Mojave Desert to Los Angeles.
Second hearing; In the bathroom at a non-elite Las Vegas casino.
Third hearing: At the blackjack table at the Bellagio.

At that third hearing, I officially gave up the coincidence theory and convinced the dude sitting next to me to sing along. What the hell, right? We were both on a major winning streak.

Fourth hearing: Right now in Old School Tuesday

While scanning the Web for free music to download at work (I know, don't judge me!), I discovered this cool Wu-Tang mixtape, "14 Deadly Secrets" by Germany's DJ Derezon. It's free to download! Hear some of your favorite Wu-Tang Clan songs along with commentary from RZA about how the group got put on the map, why they use acronyms like C.R.E.A.M., his thoughts on Biggie and more. It's pretty hilarious and interesting if you're into the Wu. Stop what you're doing and click here to download this now!

And while you're waiting, check out "Ice Cream," one of my favorite Wu-Tang songs and the first time the Wu ever put girls in their video. Enjoy!

It's official: VH1 loves hip hop. VH1 is offering up two shows bound to keep hip hop fans happily entertained and noddin' their heads, too. (See past debate on top 5 MCs of all time.)

First up, VH1 100 Greatest Hip Hop Songs tonight at 10 p.m. This is genius! We all love those TV shows that count down everything, such as worst celebrity mug shots, hottest celebrity moms, etc. And now, a countdown show paying tribute to hip hop's finest and the songs that illustrated their urban, sometimes gritty lifestyle. I can't wait to tune in!

Here's my beef: "Rapper's Delight" by Sugar Hill gang is No. 2 on the list. What gives? I understand the song popularized the genre, but they didn't write all their own rhymes and are not true hip hop pioneers in my opinion. However, I'm very pleased that female rap duo Salt 'N Pepa cracked the top 10 with their hit "Push It." I guess there is some justice in the world.

My TiVo will be kickin' into overdrive when VH1 Hip Hop Honors airs on Monday, October 6 at 10 p.m. This year's awards ceremony honors rap artists Slick Rick, Cypress Hill, De La Soul, Naughty By Nature, and Too Short. I'm hoping to see the honorees perform some hip hop classics like "Children's Story" by Slick Rick or the hook of "O.P.P." by Naughty By Nature.

In the meantime, let's enjoy these old school videos ...

Late last week during a post-midnight blog session, I received an e-mail from Artist-in-Italy-but-not-anymore friend Jenny.

It was one of those "remember this song" e-mails, quite possibly one of the best types of e-mails to send and/or receive. And yes, I do recall this 1990 smooth R&B jam. And yes, I immediately had to make it this week's edition of Old School Tuesday.

So smooth it out with a little Tony Toni Tone and "It Never Rains in Southern California."

The morning after Labor Day.

Remember back when that meant you were excited to slap on those new kicks and carry your new "Star Wars" lunch box to school?

Remember now when it means the summer is over and you can't get away with wearing shorts to the office or goofing around because everyone returns their focus to working?

Yeah, that kinda sucks, but alas, such is life. Hark back to the carefree days gone by and celebrate the portrayal of school -- be it high school or college - with this little "Back to School Movies" photo gallery, compliments of Old School Tuesday.

DENVER -- Seeing how Pet Rock is all up in the Democratic National Convention here, it seems fitting to celebrate Old School Tuesday with some political fun.

I couldn't find a TV edit version of this video to embed it here, so you'll have to click here to watch the "None of the Above" scene from Richard Pryor's classic movie "Brewster's Millions."

We know you'll enjoy it, even if you have to have a new window pop up on your screen to watch the clip.

Madonna turned 50 this past Saturday, and yes, she's still quite hot in real life. Hence, Pet Rock kindly extends its belated birthday wishes to its original fantasy girl. Puberty would not have been the same without Madonna.

We salute her with our all-time favorite Madonna song. Why "Dear Jessie" you ask? Good question. Well, it's arguably the least "Madonna" of Madonna songs. Plus, it always makes people do that quizzical dog move with their heads when they ask "What's your favorite Madonna song ever?" and I say "Dear Jessie."

Watch more Madonna videos at youtube.com/madonna. Share your favorite Madonna songs below in the comments field.

Lawyer friend Tim paid a visit to the Pet Rock satellite office this past weekend hell-bent on Schlitz Malt Liquor commercials.

Turns out he had been reading a story earlier that day that said Pabst Brewing Co. is bringing back the popular 1970s beer and malt liquor in its original recipe and bottle design. It's just plain funny to think that you can now order a Schlitz at a bar or buy it in a supermarket instead of a thrift store.

So, we got to YouTubing on Saturday afternoon and determined this 1970s Schlitz Malt Liquor commercial to be the best of the bunch. It's got everything: awesomely bad '70s white-guy afros, satin jackets, awkward body language by the Average White Band, a pinball machine, tragic lyrics and . . . wait for it . . . a guy singing into a beer can.

Enjoy this week's Old School Tuesday. It's a gem.

Back before he played multiple characters in every movie, Eddie Murphy was a brilliant stand-up comedian and sketch artist.

Old School Tuesday salutes Eddie with this old SNL clip.

The '80s and '90s All-Star Summer continues this Saturday when Rick Springfield plugs in his guitar and goes to work at the Planting Fields Arboretum in Oyster Bay.

That's right, folks. It's a big ol' open space surrounded by trees and funky plants and Rick Springfield is going to be loving it with that body, I just know it.

Contrary to popular opinion, Springfield's greatest hits include more than "Jessie's Girl." However, "Jessie's Girl" is still "Jessie's Girl." And everytime I listen to it, I find another hilarious lyric. This week, it's "I've been funny, I've been cool with the lines."

For those of you not willing to fork over the $35 for a ticket or if you're not around the Island, Old School Tuesday proudly presents "Jessie's Girl" in full 1980s mono.

Last week, lawyer friend Steve sent along this link: gethimabodybag.ytmnd.com. Fans of "The Karate Kid" will appreciate its singular function.

This past weekend, "First Blood" made the rounds on Spike TV. It is perhaps Stallone's best work in a non-"Rocky" environment. More importantly, it gave us Richard Crenna as Col. Samuel Trautman, one of the most underrated characters in 1980s movie history.

What are the odds that two separate incidents involving use the use of the word "body bag" in 1980s movies would show up within 48 hours of each other? Very slim, indeed, which is why I had no choice but to compare the two in Old School Tuesday.

It's such a tough debate. It's a very random word to use, especially in the early and mid-1980s when every show on television wasn't some version "Law & Order" or "CSI." Seriously, who else but a medical examiner or CSU worker would even think to say that word in a sentence on camera?

Of course, everyone knows and remembers "The Karate Kid" scene, where a gimpy-kneed Daniel La Russo (Lately, I've been wondering if it was an ACL tear or just a meniscus issue) guts out the win against nemesis Johnny Lawrence while Cobra Kai guy Tommy screams "Get him a body bag!" You can see that at the 28-second mark of the video below.

But Col. Trautman's usage requires a bit more background. He shows up to explain to the local Hope Sheriff Will Teasle (Brian Dennehy) that he should let John Rambo go peacefully instead of risking further death and destruction to his police force. The exchange is brilliant and begins at the 37-second mark of the clip below.

Trautman: "You want a war you can't win?"
Teasle: "Are you telling me that 200 of our men against your boy is a no-win situation for us?"
Trautman: "You send that many, don't forget one thing."
Teasle: "What?"
Trautman: "A good supply of body bags."

Before I started typing this, I wasn't sure which way I was going to vote when I posted the link to our poll. Now, after studying both clips, it's clear Col. Trautman wins this silly little debate.

I have absolutely no idea why I even thought to look for this on YouTube. But I did it, so I shall own up to it.

This could be the pivotal selection that either ends Old School Tuesday or catapults it into mainstream Blog America.

Enjoy a little "Stop That Train" from Vanilla Ice.

Fueled by his shoutout last week for the fake tattoo Web site, Videographer friend Serra, a devoted Pet Rocker, passed along a link so impressive, we're dedicating an entire week of Pet Rock air time to it.

TomCruise.com.

That just happened!

Yes, indeed, folks. TomCruise.com. The site is all about Tom Cruise, as one might expect by its name and URL. It's pretty much designed to reshape his image, under the guise of the 25th anniversary of Risky Business. Someone on his Web team even bought sponsored links on Google. Still, the site looks cool and it leads off with an impressive video montage on Tom Cruise hits edited by the Museum of the Moving Image.

And so, we here at Pet Rock proudly declare this to be Tom Cruise Week. All our regular features -- Old School Tuesday, Top 5 Thursday, YouTube Friday -- will focus on Tommy Boy, be it good or bad or indifferent. We may even sneak in a little Tom Cruise drinking game of sorts if you're not careful. Check out previous blog posts on Tom Cruise.

We'll begin with a double feature here on Old School Tuesday, so enjoy the festivities.

No one is really sure where I pulled this one out of, or more importantly, how. But seeing how school ends for all the kiddies this week, the song title fits.

So enjoy a little "School Days" from The Runaways, circa the late 1970s. And yes, that is indeed Joan Jett on lead vocals and Lita Ford banging away on the guitar. Do a little research and maybe even downloading and you'll learn that The Runaways were a very talented and influential band. It paved the way for Jett to start the Blackhearts, sell records out of her car in Long Beach and force the police to close down the streets outside the Malibu Beach Club when they played there once.

Last Friday, I got caught up in a big Color Me Badd session on YouTube. OK, so, yeah, I still own their CD and I know all the words. And yeah, DJ Reptile put me on blast at a recent wedding when DJ White Castle played "I Wanna Sex You Up," but, whatever.

After watching the 1992 AMA medley performance from CMB, there it was teasing me in the Related Videos box on YouTube: "Shanice - I Love Your Smile 1991 PV."

I heard it screaming "Click me! Click me! Click me!" So I did. And I hit replay about five times. Sure, I have problems but this is the type of bomb that Old School Tuesday thrives on, so enjoy the 1991 throwback. (I think they used to play this when DJ Reptile worked at Chess King.)

Every now and again, I am reminded why YouTube was invented. And it's for things such as what you'll find below in Old School Tuesday, submitted this week by CL.

If you've got ideas for future Old School Tuesday installments, email me.

- La Monica

When a random movie from the 1980s comes up in two different conversations on a Monday, I begin to wonder if the world is trying to influence my mind for Old School Tuesday.

After a few seconds, I stop wondering and scour YouTube for the clip. This week, it's "Midnight Madness," an '80s classic scavenger hunt movie set in L.A. It ruled Saturday mornings on HBO, usually preceded by or proceeded by "Star Wars." This was back when HBO had one channel and there was an actual cable box with buttons to push for each channel.

Yeah, it's that old, and it has a young Michael J. Fox. This clip, however, is one of the, um, uh, "musical numbers" from this classic. Enjoy Old School Tuesday.

- La Monica

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 achieved 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 ...

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

Way back when we started Old School Tuesday, we said use photos, videos and stories dating back to the 1970s to help tell stories and have some fun in the world of pop culture.

Up to this point, it's been all videos, but this week, it's time to share a story.

Last Wednesday, after a hellish day of working in one county, then shooting video in one borough and editing it in another then coming back to a different county -- with audio issues in between, I needed a nice walk around town to destress.

One problem: I left my iPod at work. Damn!

So I dug up my Sony Walkman (yes, I still have it) and popped an old mix tape from my DJ days. No luck. Even with fresh batteries, it wouldn't play.

So I dug even deeper into the early 1990s and found my Discman, the one with the 35-second anti-skip technology. I still can't believe I have that. Fresh batteries and TLC's "CrazySexyCool" CD and we're good to go.

I creeped and chased waterfalls for a little bit. But while walking around town -- on flat ground, mind you -- it started to skip. I caught every fifth word of Left Eye's raps, Chilli's smooth hooks and T-Boz's sexy, raspy voice.

What the heck happened 35 seconds ago to cause this skip? Was there an earthquake that only my Discman could detect? Did I walk by an invisible construction site with pounding jackhammers?

God, discmans suck these days. Remember when we thought they were cool? When pushing a button to change songs was all we know? Now that is old school!

And it's all bad.

Usually we use Old School Tuesday as a nostalgic look back. Not this week. If the old expression is "the greatest thing since sliced bread," then I vote for the iPod to be next on that timeline. A few generations from now, we'll be hearing "the greatest thing since the iPod."

In the past few weeks, there have been way too many MC Hammer sightings in the pop culture world. Is it a coincidence, or am I just watching all the wrong shows and reading all the wrong things?

Either way, the subliminal marketing worked because it's Old School Tuesday and you can't touch this. Such a great song back then, such a great song now. The dance moves are still impressive. The clothes, eh, not so much,

- La Monica