7/16/26 O&A NYC THE MORNING FUNNIES: Vanita Smythe – Low, Short and Squatty

Low, Short and Squatty is a vibrant jump blues and swing song recorded by African-American vocalist and actress Vanita Smythe, released on December 2, 1946. The track was famously released as a “soundie”—a three-minute musical film that served as a precursor to modern music videos—and became a prominent jukebox hit in urban clubs. Continue reading

7/8/26 O&A NYC WILDIN OUT WEDNESDAY: Little Black Sambo (1935)

Little Black Sambo, produced in 1935 by UB Iworks Studio, is a controversial book and cartoon containing racist stereotypes typical of the time. Due to its racist overtones the short film shows up on many banned cartoons and racist cartoons lists – rightfully so. We post this cartoon so we never forget the racist laughter at the expense of Black people. Continue reading

7/7/26 O&A NYC INSPIRATIONAL TUESDAY: Peanut Boy – Trouble with the Curve (2012)

Mickey (Amy Adams) showcases her new pitching phenom Rigoberto Sanchez (Jay Galloway) to the Atlanta Braves’ staff and her father, Gus (Clint Eastwood), by demonstrating how rookie Bo Gentry (Joe Massingill) can’t hit a curveball. Continue reading

7/3/26 O&A NYC SHALL WE DANCE FRIDAY: Bob Fosse Dances From Sweet Charity – The Rich Man’s Frug 

A perfect example of a Frug is found in the movie Sweet Charity, which contains a number called “The Rich Man’s Frug”, a wildly energetic dance number comprising three “movements” (“The Aloof”, “The Heavyweight” and “The Big Finish”) that showcases director Bob Fosse’s distinctive choreography style, particularly his creative use of unusual poses, gestures, and arm movement.

The Frug (pronounced “froog”) was a dance craze from the 1960s that evolved from another dance of the era, the Chicken. The Chicken, which featured lateral body movements, was used primarily as a change of pace step while doing the Twist. As young dancers grew more tired they would do less work, moving only their hips while standing in place. They then started making up arm movements for the dance, which prompted the birth of the Swim, the Monkey, the Dog, the Watusi, the Mashed Potato, and the Jerk. The Frug is sometimes referred to as the Surf, Big Bea, and the Thunderbird.

Bob Fosse dance numbers – The Rich Man’s Frug 

7/3/26 O&A NYC THE MORNING FUNNIES: Lili Goes Black- Blazing Saddles (1974)

Blazing Saddles is a classic Mel Brooks satire on racism in America. Madeline Kahn as Lilly Von Shtupp steals the show when she asks the new black sheriff  Bart (Cleavon Little),  “So, tell me, schatze, is it twue vhat day say about da vay you people are a … gifted?” Continue reading

6/24/26 O&A NYC WILDIN OUT WEDNESDAY PRIDE: The Birdcage

In this contemporary American adaptation of the 1978 outrageous French farce LA CAGE AUX FOLLES, the story centers on the life of a middle-aged, flamboyant gay couple…Armand and Albert…in the eclectic community of South Beach, Florida, who have raised a straight son. Continue reading

6/22/26 O&A NYC THE MORNING FUNNIES: Tales From The Grift- The Reflecting Pool

Tales From the Grift #1: The Reflecting Pool is styled as a horror-comedy anthology parodying the HBO classic Tales from the Crypt, the episode targets the real-world political controversy surrounding the renovation of Washington D.C.’s Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. The political satire video released on June 21, 2026, by digital creator Jeremy Newberger. Continue reading

5/19/26 O&A NYC THE MORNING FUNNIES: Lucky Number – Method Man, Tom Pelphrey

Inspired by true events, the story follows Bret Reynolds (Tom Pelphrey), an aspiring New York City sportscaster whose life is on a losing streak. His luck changes when he accidentally gets the old cell phone number of basketball superstar Tyson “The Saint” St. James (Method Man). Continue reading

5/16/26 O&A NYC SATURDAY MORNING CONCERT: Michael Jackson HIStory World Tour 1997 (Live In Munich)

Michael Jackson’s HIStory World Tour live performance in Munich, Germany took place on July 4 and July 6, 1997, at the iconic Olympiastadion. The July 6 concert, which attracted over 72,000 fans, is considered one of the most famous and definitive video recordings of Jackson’s entire touring career. Continue reading

5/11/26 O&A NYC HOLLYWOOD MONDAY: Guitar Battle Scene from “Crossroads” (1986)

The guitar battle in the 1986 film Crossroads is one of the most legendary musical showdowns in cinema history. It features the protagonist, Eugene Martone (played by Ralph Macchio), dueling for his mentor’s (Joe Seneca) soul against the devil’s champion, Jack Butler, portrayed by guitar virtuoso Steve Vai
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