New York’s apocalyptic big screen fantasies come true this weekend. After cruelly decimating NYC in three previous films (Independence Day, Godzilla, The Day After Tomorrow), director Roland Emmerich finally focuses the destruction on the rest of the world in 2012, his tale of the Mayan-predicted doomsday. The greatest city on Earth doesn’t escape, but at least it gets to watch California catch an L.

To better understand why the residents of the Big Apple are relieved to see other cities toppled, watch all the classic clips of New York being destroyed from throughout movie history. If we missed any of your favorites, post a link in the comments section so everyone can watch as it all falls down…

Ghostbusters (1984)
Destroyed By: The Stay Puft Marshmallow Man
Complex Says: Stomped out by a motherfuckin’ marshmallow man?! He’s soft and sweet, so what the hell does that say about NYC?

Watchmen (2009)
Destroyed By: A nuclear blast
Complex Says: The movie adaptation was a fail, but we have to admit this explosion was fresh. At least it wasn’t a giant naked blue man wrecking shop.

Cloverfield (2008)
Destroyed By: A gigantic alien monster
Complex Says: We’re not sure which is more nauseating—a monster tearing the city apart or the horrendously shitty idea to show it from the shaky perspective of a dickhead with a flip-cam for 84 minutes.

The Day After Tomorrow (2004)
Destroyed By: A storm and tidal wave caused by the effects of global warming
Complex Says: Fuck you, Accuweather.

“New York New York,” Tha Dogg Pound f/ Snoop Dogg (1995)
Destroyed By: Giant Snoop Dogg kicking buildings over
Complex Says: We thought a smackdown from Stay Puft made New York look soft until the city got stomped out by a dude with a perm.

I Am Legend (2007)
Destroyed By: Plague and low-flying fighter jets
Complex Says: We’re actually OK losing the Brooklyn Bridge. The Manhattan has way less tourist fuckery anyway.

War of the Worlds (2005)
Destroyed By: Alien attack
Complex Says: For once, somebody loves our beloved Brooklyn enough to smack it around. Thank you! Hey, we never said we had healthy relationships.

Armageddon (1998)
Destroyed By: A meteor shower
Complex Says: We have a giant explosion we’d like to give sneak racist Michael Bay. Blockbuster pause.

Deep Impact (1998)
Destroyed By: A megatsunami caused by the collision of a comet and Earth
Complex Says: We’re not sure why, but suddenly we really want to line up some dominoes.

Godzilla (1998)
Destroyed By: A giant, irradiated lizard monster and the U.S. army
Complex Says: The Chrysler name hasn’t been damaged this badly since Fiat saved the car company.

Independence Day (1996)
Destroyed By: Alien laser
Complex Says: Alien, priest, or hobo on the A train—it feels degrading no matter which one blasts off on you.

When Worlds Collide (1951)
Destroyed By: Flood caused by the collision of Earth and the planet Bellus
Complex Says: A miniature NYC flooded with a garden hose never looked so terrifying!

King Kong (1933)
Destroyed By: A giant stop-motion animated gorilla
Complex Says: Stop-motion? Nah, our grandparents’ bowels were definitely moved by this one.

X-Men (2000)
Destroyed By: Cyclops’ eye-rays
Complex Says: Hero or not, you don’t mess with Lady Liberty’s crown! That was a New Era one of one, you asshole!

Fail-Safe (1964)
Destroyed By: Nuclear bombs
Complex Says: Though it doesn’t actually show the city being obliterated, we’re still disturbed that the president would trade NYC for Moscow when he could have saved it by talking up Philadelphia’s historic value and appeasing the Soviets by wiping cheesesteaks and Freeway beards off the map. Somehow life would have gone on.

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Undercover cool guy alert! Check for dudes in a suits rocking these Porter garment bags. You can talk about how awesome the Augor/So Me covers are all the way to Vegas. [Limited Hype]

Robert Geller to design for Levi’s. Drake is crapping his pants over this one. [Slam x Hype]

So the Apple tablet miiiight be happening for this holiday. Fuck your gift guide, we want this. [Gizmodo]

Aquariums are awesome. You knew that. Giant aquariums? Amazing. (Maybe turn the sound off when you watch the video though, a little too emo-y) [PSFK]

Oh wow. Vodka in a tube. Wow. [Go-More]

Air Max to Air Maxim. [Hypebeast]

NAME: Justin

AGE: 21

OCCUPATION: Actor/ Model/Hair Stylist

HOME BASE: NYC

HAT: Vintage

SHIRT: Koto

JEANS: Levi’s

SHOES: Replay

NECKLACE: Handmade

What are you saving up for the summer? My wedding, if they ever legalize gay marriage.

What summer trends have you seen? Every now and again I spot some hippie look that catches my eye.

What is your dream vacation? Explore all of Italy!

Sneaker style you are rocking this season? adidas Sambas. The only sneaker I ever wear.

Summer drink? I recently discovered the new XO Cafe by Patron. I usually get it on the rocks with Baileys.

Vote on whether this week’s subject is “Stylin” or “Wildin” below…

Who inspires your style? I actually get very inspired by homeless people. I love the mix-matched baggy look right now.

What city has the best style? Any style goes in New York.

What movie best captures your style? Juno.

Who has wack style? I love Rihanna but sometimes I think her look get a little carried away.

What trend do you want to see die? Men wearing short shorts!

Most money you ever spent on a single item of clothing? $400 on this neat Polo Ralph Lauren sweater way back when.

What do you collect? Pins from places I’ve visited.

What do chicks dig about your style? My jewelry that I make myself.

What’s the most common statement people make about your style? It’s very eclectic and has a slight hippie feel to it.

Item currently in your closet you most regret buying? I went through this Kenneth Cole stage. I have like three ridiculous button-downs that I have never worn. I can’t get rid of them because they were quite expensive.

What do you see as the next big trend? I really want the hippie look to come back. Not the groovy tie-dyes but the head bands, peace signs and hemp things.

Dream job? Become an actor.

Who is your dream date? Brad Pitt.

What is your trend proof style advice for our readers? As long as you feel confident in it, the look really doesn’t matter!!

Want to be featured in our weekly Street Detail blog? Email a head-to-toe picture of yourself to: streetdetail@complex.com

Controversial billboards are nothing new, but in the last few years, a whole new crop has popped up, drawing criticism for displaying overt sexual or political messages. Check out some recent billboard scandals…

FETMAN, GARLAND & ASSOCIATES, LTD. (MAY 2007)
CONTROVERSY? Trivializes divorce.
STORY BEHIND IT: Fetman and her all-female law firm believed the billboard “promoted happiness and personal integrity.” Other lawyers thought it lowered the integrity of their career.

AMERICAN APPAREL (MAY 2007)
CONTROVERSY? Unlicensed usage of Woody Allen and his film, Annie Hall.
STORY BEHIND IT: Allen didn’t want to be associated with a company that’s known for provocative photography. What does a Hasidic Jew have anything to do with our soft white tees anyway?

MIKE MEEHAN (JULY 2008)
CONTROVERSY? Exploitation of a national tragedy.
STORY BEHIND IT: The businessman from St. Cloud, Florida thought using the image of the burning World Trade Center would help a Republican presidential candidate gain votes. Democrats said it was “a blatant exploitation of that terrible tragedy,” we say Meehan’s a douche.

EVA MENDES FOR CALVIN KLEIN (SEPTEMBER 2008)
CONTROVERSY? Too sexy.
STORY BEHIND IT: Looks like Calvin loves to ruffle feathers in Soho. This ad featured a nude Eva Mendes wearing nothing but Obsession perfume. We would never complain about her lack of clothing, because, well you already know how we feel.

GLENN WARD, WND.COM (JULY 2009)
CONTROVERSY? Attempt to make Americans unsure of Obama’s citizenship status.
STORY BEHIND IT: A copy of Obama’s Hawaiian birth certificate was released by his campaign, but some morons still refuse to believe he is a “natural born” citizen.

AMERICAN APPAREL (SEPTEMBER 2007)
CONTROVERSY? Pornographic, sexualized.
STORY BEHIND IT: Dov Charney got himself into trouble again by using a topless girl bending over in just a pair of tights. The ad was finally removed after it got tagged with graffiti that read, “GEE, I WONDER WHY WOMEN GET RAPED.” Ouchy.

AGE: 26

OCCUPATION: Teacher

HOME BASE: San Francisco

HAT: Thrift store

SUNGLASSES: Marc by Marc Jacobs

NECKLACE: Thrift store

SHIRT: Mervyns

JEANS: Levi’s

SNEAKERS: Vans

WATCH: Casio

BACKPACK: Jansport

What inspires your style? The seasons.

What city has the best style? New York City!!!

What movie best captures your style? Superbad. I dress to party!

Who has wack style? Prudes. No sense of adventure.

Vote on whether this week’s subject is “Stylin” or “Wildin” below…

What trend do you want to see die? Allover prints are on their way out. Still waiting for extinction.

Most money you ever spent on a single item of clothing? $200 pea coat from Topman.

Favorite online shop? 80spurple.com.

What is your favorite brand? Levi’s.

What’s the item currently in your closet you most regret buying? I have some pretty awful flannels from Mervyns.

What do you see as the next big trend? Bow ties. Everyone is gonna hop on board.

What is your dream job? Fashion photographer. Chicks dig them.

Who is your dream date? Brook Power. Wow.

Last book read? Choke by Chuck Palahniuk.

What is your trend-proof style advice for our readers? My mantra: It’s not what you wear, but how you wear what you wear. When all else fails, just fake it.

How has the recession affected your life? More mixing, matching, and recycling the old clothes.

Want to be featured in our weekly Street Detail blog? Email a head-to-toe picture of yourself to: streetdetail@complex.com

The so-called “iPod tax” might make revenue from those few rubes who are still going through Steve Jobs for their chunes, but it also feels more than a bit unjust. After all, we New Yorkers have to deal with a year-round scourge of tourists who come into our city'why not rely on them to raise a little extra money? We thought of a few sure-fire revenue streams (pause); think of them as a way to say “thanks, New York, for not mugging us when we visited”…

DOUBLE THE PRICE OF T-SHIRTS WITH THE WORD ‘FUCK’ IN THE TITLE

• Shock your families! Amaze your friends! Display your lack of taste proudly! If you like, we’d be happy to replace the graphic with “I’m An NYU Freshman” or “I’m The Coolest Dickbag in Missouri.”

A FEE FOR ASKING DIRECTIONS ON THE SUBWAY

• That way, people might not even be tempted to direct you to Brownsville instead of Macy’s.

A SURCHARGE ON ALL SHITTY GOODES BOUGHT AT GRAY-MARKET RIPOFF ELECTRONICS STORES

• You’re already getting fucked sideways by an opportunistic Yemenite, you might as well help us out while you’re at it.

$40 ELEVATOR RIDES AT THE EMPIRE STATE BUILDING

• Aren’t these like $20 already? Is being up high that awesome? Didn’t you fly here in a plane?

NO FREE PEEKS AT THE CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING AT ROCKEFELLER PLAZA

• Next year, try to sneak in and we’ll have Al Roker eatcha. Yeah, he may be skinny, but he’s still got the CRAVE.

HIGHER ADMISSION FOR DOUBLE-DECKER TOUR BUSES

• These things go to Brooklyn now. Jesus. It’s like riding in a convertible, except one that provokes people to throw shit at you.

$15 TO STAND IN LINE AT “AUTHENTIC” PIZZA PLACES

• It’s under the Brooklyn Bridge! If you’re lucky, some irate locals might lean out their window in tomato-stained undershirts and shake their fists at you! Either way, there’s still overrated pizza at the end of the tunnel.

RAISE THE PRICES AT TIMES SQUARE CHAIN RESTAURANTS

• Yes, come to New York City for the top-shelf restaurant scene…then go to the Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.! Our Red Lobster is simply DIVINE. A better garlic cheese biscuit you’ll never taste, we promise.

DOUBLE RATES ON BUYING WEED IN THE PARK

• In this day and age, you should be ashamed of yourself looking for hand-to-hand trees. Don’t concierges have the delivery hookups?

CHARGE A FEE FOR LOOKING UP

• Please, yes. Get in our way. Eight-story buildings truly are a testament to human ingenuity and manifestdestiny.

If you can make it in New York, you can make it anywhere. If you can’t, you’re just a c-suckin’ sonovabitch. Star pitcher CC Sabathia, who just signed with the Yankees for seven years and $161 million, will soon find out if he can deal with the stress of hurling in the Big Apple. A fat, fun-loving California dude, he wanted to sign with a National League team in the Golden State, where life and baseball are sunny, but he took the Evil Empire’s money and now he’ll have to contend with cold weather, frigid fans, high expectations, over-involved owners and media that gets up in that ass more than a prison sugar daddy.

We’ll have to wait and see if Bronx Bummers boo the smile off his face, but in the meantime, check out six players who signed with the Yanks for big money as free agents and found out they were definitely not built for New York…

DANNY TARTABULL
The outfielder, who signed a five-year, $25-million contract after the 1991 season, was a decent hitter for the Yankees but interfering owner George Steinbrenner and fans attacked him publicly for not producing more. When he was traded, Tartabull said, “I feel like I’ve been released from jail.” He also said the team was going to be a “disaster” in 1996. He was right, if disaster means World Series champions.
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ED WHITSON
The pitcher played for the Yankees from 1985-86 and was booed for not living up to his high salary. Oh, and also ’cause he broke manager Billy Martin’s arm in a fight. Whitson hated the Yankees and their fans so much that, after leaving, he refused to sign baseball cards or pictures of him in which he wore pinstripes. Well, on the occasions he didn’t sign “Blow me.”
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HIDEKI IRABU
In 1997, the Yankees signed the chunky Japanese pitcher (nicknamed Hideki “I rob you” by sharp fans) to a four-year, $12.8 million contract. He won back-to-back World Series rings with the team in 1998 and 1999 but was a non-factor in the postseason. When his inconsistent production wasn’t the issue, his weight was. After the big fella lazily failed to cover first base on a ground ball in spring training, Steinbrenner called him a “fat pussy toad.” The owner, realizing he’d gone too far, later apologized publicly to any fat pussy toads he may have offended by comparing them to Irabu.
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CARL PAVANO
After signing a four-year, $39.5 million contract with the Yankees after the 2004 season, Pavano bombed in the Bronx because he proved injury-prone and everyone from fans to teammates questioned his work ethic and desire to get back out on the field. While many suspect he may have been faking injuries by the end because he hated everyone, we think he was suffering from a very real broken heart. Aww.
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JASON GIAMBI
The superhuman first baseman signed with the Yanks for seven years and $120 million in 2001 and slugged like only a steroid user can. Then in 2004 it came out that he’d been taking human growth hormone. The Giambino issued a vague apology for having done something wrong, then got off the juice and shrunk back to mere human size. Weighing testicular cancer and the World Series he never won them, warm and caring Yankees fans say, “Hey, alls we’re sayin’ is New Yawk has a lotta friggin’ great nut doctors…”

This July, Peter Ruprecht (the photographer who brought us the stunning ladies of the Ecko Manufacturing ads) focused on a more humanitarian cause with his exhibit “Monadic Nomad.” It was through this series of environmentally and socially-conscious images that were both scenic and gritty that he documented his recent travels through India.

For the opening of “Monadic Nomad,” Ruprecht printed his photos on hand-made paper and hung them at the new Splashlight Studios Soho location in Tribeca. The exhibit officially closes its doors this Wednesday night, but the photos are available for purchase HERE. Proceeds will be donated to a charity that’s dedicated to providing clean drinking water. See some of the photos in the gallery below…

Related: Peter Ruprecht Opens Splashlight Studios Soho

Check out the line at your favorite cool-guy boutique, or cop it online through their website. See below for more photos of our favorite pieces from the collection…


Floral T, $52

Mix Check Crew Neck, $110

Watermark T, $52

Check Jean, $125

Rain Jacket, $250

Plaid Button Shirt, $98

Acid Wash Jean, $125

These laces just dropped at the GAP/Colette pop-up shop, where they are available now for $8. Look for these guys to continue creating special editions with top brands in snowboarding and skate shoes as the temperature drops. We can’t say who yet, but you already know. See the GAP x Colette laces close up below.

Etnies wanted to team up with a company that has remained skateboarder-owned and operated, and has continue to kill it without selling out to the pressures of going corporate'so SHUT was the lay-up choice. Check for these to hit Etnies retailers for Holiday 2008.
$110, www.etnies.com, http://www.shutnyc.com/

Their on-stage chemistry poured through every song, especially when Krispy ad-libbed off-stage in the audience while his little brother’s flow resurrected the era of Tribe and Pharcyde’s golden heyday. After the jump, see a few flicks from the show.

Click here to read about The Knux in Complex’s Men of 2008 package.

You’re probably wondering why we’re showing you this image of what looks like a burnt corpse on the streets of Manhattan. It's from a new vampire movie being filmed called “I Am Legend” starring, who else, but Will Smith. It won't be out for a bit, but then again who's in a rush to see anything Will Smith is starring in lately? Plus it’s a bit unrealistic since you’re chances of being bled by a NY’er far outweigh the threat of a vampire.

Pocket culture magazine Frank151 recently opened up a barbershop in NYC’s Lower East Side. The appropriately named ‘Chop Shop’ houses three 1930’s style chairs and has barbers with straight edge razors ready to slice you while you sit back and enjoy the vintage era decor. One of the bonuses of this barber shop is the full range of custom New Era caps just in case you couldn’t sit still in the chair or just rethought that Ceasar cut. After the jump check out the front of the Chop Shop and glance at the full Frank menu including a man on man neck massage for $5. Chop-chop.

Frank’s Chop Shop, 19 Essex Street, Tuesday-Sunday 12:00pm-10:00pm

Update: Sir Frank chimes in to let us know the neck massage is from a female, but male on male can be arranged per special request.