Showing posts with label Los Angeles. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Los Angeles. Show all posts

Friday, July 21, 2023

Barbie Is Everything !!!

Alright Minions today is the official opening day of the Barbie Movie and I'm gonna be there 1:20 this afternoon Alamo Drafthouse Downtown Los Angeles.

Here's hoping they have one of those Barbie doll boxes I can get a photo of myself in. "Yes" I am riding the pink wave like many of you out there.

TGIF! It's time to party with Barbie!!!

Barbie Movie on the WWW -

https://www.barbie-themovie.com/   

Monday, March 27, 2023

Expatriate


 LA-raised singer-songwriter Sophia Marie has released her sophomore EP, “the expatriate, immortalized.”

Sophia says, “Your Songs Are Shit!” depicts the experience of going out with a fellow singer and songwriter. It’s inspired by one time I skipped class while studying abroad and showed up to his concert unannounced. This song is about trying to convince yourself that you don’t care about someone, that you’re totally fine and over them, that you think their songs are shitty because their shallow self prevents any lyrical or sonic depth, but, at the same time, you’re there at his concert, spending 20 euros on a ticket, mouthing every single lyric back to him.”

Of the new EP, she shares, “I recorded these three songs in Los Angeles over the summer of 2022 right before my senior year at Georgetown. I wrote the first song “Femme Fatale” while in the middle of my study abroad at Trinity College the fall of 2021. I wrote “Your Songs Are Shit” right at the end of that same study abroad in Ireland, finalizing the lyrics the night before I took the plane from Dublin back to L.A. in late December. I wrote “Could I Be Your Muse?” during my study abroad in Florence, Italy the summer of 2022.

Looking back at these tracks in preparation for new recordings, I thought about how I wrote all these songs while assuming the role of an expatriate, singing about immortalization and historical figures and archetypes and even a singer who mimicked my own role. I wanted to tie it altogether in an EP that would make sense. I thought the title “the expatriate, (immortalized)” really perfectly encapsulated that.”

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Sophia Marie's music is autobiographical. Each of her songs tells the story of a young life in progress. From leaving the sunny, casual west coast for a more buttoned-up DC life at Georgetown University (where she studies International Politics) to a life-changing semester abroad in Dublin, to unrequited romances and lovesick travels, each of these experiences is vividly documented in her music.

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Singer and songwriter Sophia Marie George is a Los Angeles native and senior in the School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University. Harboring various passions, she finds herself oscillating (sometimes rather chaotically) between many different realms: her major in International Politics, her authorship of creative works, and her love for acting in addition to her music.

Sophia often feels like an ambitious, lust-for-life, nomadic kind of girl without a particular direction, one who doesn’t know exactly what she wants to do or who she wants to be, or where she wants to end up, and her storytelling reflects that indecisiveness, that impulsiveness, that desire to do everything while she’s young. Drawing from her identity as a self-proclaimed “hopeless romantic,” Sophia has a penchant for romanticizing historical figures and events, contemporary lovers, and foreign cities, weaving in the story of her West Coast roots in sunny Los Angeles, her university life in the political and cosmopolitan mecca that is Washington D.C., and her role as an expatriate in foreign cities.

A shamelessly emotional person, Sophia’s vulnerability stands out, with witty lyrics and asides giving comedic, realist commentary on the different places and situations she finds herself in. She is a girl still very much figuring it all out, the kind of crazy soul who seeks out every opportunity and every emotion life can offer. A wildness that sometimes contradicts her inexperienced and naive demeanor, a romanticism that contradicts her occasional feelings of disillusionment, and a performative personality that often contradicts her desire for authenticity.

Website: https://www.sophiamarie.online

Sophia Marie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/la.sophiamarie/

Monday, March 20, 2023

First Day Of Spring

What Spring???

Today is officially the first day of Spring. It certainly doesn't feel like it, the weather in Los Angeles is rainy and cold. 

Thus my current contentious attitude about the whole farce.

Hoping you are somewhere where it's nice and springy!!!

Spring Equinox on Wikipedia -

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spring_equinox 

Monday, December 19, 2022

NSFW

As the Birthday celebration and shenanigans continue today, here's where I'll be tonight...

It's a surefire not to be boring time at my favorite bar in Los Angeles, Akbar.

See you there???

Ciao!!!

Akbar on the WWW -

http://www.akbarsilverlake.com/   

Sunday, June 12, 2022

Happy Pride Los Angeles!

Celebrate!
Cardi B

This year Los Angeles got confusing for Pride season. West Hollywood went ahead and had it's usual to do last weekend and now this weekend the Parade returns to it's original location the streets of Hollywood.

"Yes" we just can't be proud enough here in LA, thus we have two Pride celebrations. Last weekend Cardi B was in the house for the West Hollywood parade. Paula Abdul will be guest of honor at this one.

Whoever shows up I'm sure a fun time will be had by all!!!

Happy Pride Los Angeles Minions from me and Cardi B....

BTW in case you are wondering I did not go to the West Hollywood Parade and I will not be in attendance at the Hollywood Parade today.

Mic Drop! 

LA Pride on the WWW -

https://lapride.org/la-pride-2022/   

Sunday, July 11, 2021

Just Because...Think Pink

Think Pink
Lizzo

Just Because it's Sunday Funday, Just Because I'm in an indescribable head space & Just Because, well, ya know, think pink...that's correct Minions look it's Lizzo with pink hair!!! Woot!

Lizzo recently debuted her new hue for karaoke night at Dreux's Louisiana French Quarter in Los Angeles.

She also sports and airbrushed shirt with an image that appears to be her as per usual non-pink self. Essentially giving us two Lizzo looks simultaneously. That Lizzo, what a giver she is.

There really isn't much more to say regarding this, except Bend It Like Lizzo and remember this: The World Is Yours!!!

Lizzo on IG -

Friday, April 2, 2021

Walking The Pooch

Man's Best Friend
Jon Hamm

While I am fully aware that "Walking The Pooch" is a euphemism that  means....well look it up. In this case it is a literal thing, and for that my wandering eyes are quite grateful. Especially since it takes on the form of one Jon Hamm.

"Yes" Minions it's Jon Hamm letting his dog out for a walk in Los Angeles and what a sight to behold it is! Especially since he's doing it in shorts that show off his great legs. 

However one thing seems to have changed, does Mr. Hamm no longer freeball? Now don't tell me none of you remember the notorious "Hamm" in Jon's sweatpants photos of him going sans underwear. That sight was real and spectacular and from the looks of it he does not seem to have released the Kraken, or maybe the camera angle hides it.

Bummer!!! 

Jon on Wikipedia -

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jon_Hamm  

Sunday, July 5, 2020

Current Mood

Moody
Lady Gaga
So even though there was a ban on fireworks in Los Angeles County yesterday, plenty of them were illegally ignited. Luckily no major fires were started and no one (that I've heard of) was injured. 

I actually just heard one go off as I am sitting here at my keyboard clacking away. Thus this brings me to my Current Mood.

This image of  Lady Gaga sums it up perfectly. My mood is indescribable and sort of on edge much like this Pippi Longstocking  meets Orphan look that Gaga is sporting.

You know Orphan as in the horror movie Orphan and if you don't know Pippi Longstocking Google that, OK?

Thus I think I will sit with this feeling and make it work. Time to 5th of July Minions!

Gaga on IG -
https://www.instagram.com/ladygaga/?hl=en 

Monday, June 1, 2020

Peace Before Police


This post was made by singer/songwriter/activist Ariel Beesley Saturday morning on her Instagram page encouraging people to come down for a peaceful protest. Here is her first hand account of the truth no one is saying regarding it...




Photos by:
@nonquidproquo
Enough.   

Saturday, May 9, 2020

California Dream

Tom Sless
NEW AMERICANA ARTIST TOM SLESS DRAWS HIGH PRAISE FOR ‘ASSURANCE, CRAFT AND CONVICTION’ ON ‘UPLIFTING’ DEBUT ALBUM, ‘CALIFORNIA DREAM’

Live Quarantine Concert Series, California Dream: Melodies and Remedies, Continues Each Wednesday to Also Help Musicians Battle Adversity

California Dream, surveys Sless’s soulful ride down the winding roads of life and love from Jersey Shore and Baltimore roots to Los Angeles with celebratory country rock, nod-and-a-wink humor, and rough-hewn folksiness.

“[California Dream’s] assurance, craft and conviction belie the fact that [Tom]’s a novice or a newcomer of any kind. … Great stuff indeed.” - American Songwriter

Critical acclaim is mounting for LA based Americana singer-songwriter-guitar slinger TOM SLESS as the media continues to discover and embrace his new debut album, California Dream.

Released just as the COVID-19 pandemic in late March forced postponement of live Album Release events at home in Los Angeles and plans to tour across the country, California Dream receives high praise in the current edition of American Songwriter as an “uplifting” work that is “Great stuff, indeed,” offering an “assurance, craft and conviction” that belie Sless’s status as “a novice or a newcomer of any kind.” The song “Astronaut,” the magazine continues, “asks the question, ‘Will anyone remember me?’ Based on the evidence offered here, the answer is an emphatic yes indeed.”


Americana Highways hailed California Dream for its “wealth of good musical touches [with] style & a commercial charm that’s not too sweet,” adding that the “superb rollicking” guitar-driven track Gimme the Breeze” – also featured in the Los Angeles Post-Examiner and Baltimore Post-Examiner – is “worth the price of the CD” alone. That rock-fueled energy, the review continues, is beautifully countered by the “sweet and dynamic” cut “Too Much On My Mind,” a looping, Grateful Dead-like, exploration of a musical theme driven by the pedal steel of — no relation — Barry Sless (Phil Lesh, Chris Robinson) with “excellent lyrical imagery.”

Midwest Record joyously noted “it’s always a treat to stumble across a singer/songwriter that knows how to make sensitive, personal songs without stooping to bleeding gums music,” adding that Sless “captures the wanderlust” in creating an album that’s “a dandy ear opener throughout.”

Sless likewise earned high marks from New Jersey Stage (“refreshingly honest”), Short and Sweet LA/NYC (“a songwriter not to be deterred” with “an insidious way” of “getting our feet tapping while he delivers lyrics of substance”), and Exclusive Magazine (“[he] immediately gets our attention, and as we progress, his musical messages carry us along on his rich journey”). Elmore Magazine and Nashville.com are among others planning coverage.

With coronavirus consciousness for his fellow musicians and followers in mind, Sless continues his weekly live streaming quarantine concert series “California Dream: Melodies and Remedies” also designed to help battle adversity through music and discussion. The interactive series premieres new episodes every Wednesday at 7 p.m. Pacific/10 p.m. Eastern on Instagram Live at www.instagram.com/tomsless with on-demand archived episodes at www.soundcloud.com/tomsless.

California Dream: Melodies and Remedies” includes under-the-hood discussions of the inspiration for each week's featured song from the new album, an interview with a key contributor to the song's production, and an audience-Q&A round table focused on self-help strategies applicable to the pandemic, such as dealing with anxiety, maintaining motivation, and “finding joy in the little things.”

Co-produced by the Jersey Shore native with John Bottrell (Christina Perri, Mike Posner) and recorded live in the studio at comp-ny in Glendale, CA, California Dream carries us along Sless’s soulful ride down the winding roads of life and love with a vibe that alternates between the celebratory country rock of Luke Combs, the nod-and-a-wink humor of Sturgill Simpson, and the rough-hewn folksiness of Donovan Woods. Through canny lyrics and infectious tunes, California Dream captures Sless’s love of LA, the highs and lows of his decision to move there from the Baltimore area after college, and his struggles to embrace the past and push forward. Like Steve Earle, Sless displays bracing honesty in his songwriting, and like Jason Isbell, has a knack for creating a world in which our souls struggle to define themselves. With ceaseless creativity, Sless possesses an ear for the just-right melody and lyric, and a passion for songs that evoke his disappointments, hopes, joys, and loves.

Sless still plans to host album release events on the West Coast and East Coast once the live music terrain gets more clearly defined.

“This album is a huge step toward a realization of myself as an individual and a creative artist,” he says. “It’s a jumping off point into a world in which I can fully express myself as a human being. There truly is no better feeling.”


Monday, April 27, 2020

Surfin' Bird!

Surfin' Butler!
Gerard Butler
"A-well-a everybody's heard about the bird!, Bird bird bird, b-bird's the word" Surfin' Bird, The Trashmen 

You've heard of the Surfin' Bird, now there is the Surfin' Butler, Gerard Butler that is. In the midst of a Los Angeles heat wave Gerard was caught surf board handed heading to the ocean in Malibu.

Funny my understanding was the beaches had been shuttered and no bueno with regard to inhabiting them, but I'm guessing if you are a resident???

Moving on, Gerard is looking good in his quarantine scruff and unkempt hair, and then there's the matter of his wet suit, it seems to me Gerard's not so little friend would like to say "Hello" and Happy Monday!

Indeed...

Gerard on IG -
https://www.instagram.com/gerardbutler/?hl=en

Sunday, April 12, 2020

Happy Easter Lockdown

It's All An Illusion...
Michael Shinafelt
My name is Michael, I'll be your Easter Bunny today, give it up do as I say, give it up and let me have my eggs...

This is my current Easter Mood, black & white, with the beautiful Los Angeles skyline in the background and a mysterious bunny, that is symbolizing who knows what?

While times are uncertain, there is still beauty in the world and this captures all of that and more, depending on what you take from it.

Honestly I felt like Frank the bunny from Donnie Darko when this was shot. However I don't believe the world is that bleak, I always choose the ray of light over the darkness. That doesn't mean I don't have my moments, I am realistic, but my will and belief in the good of others is strong.

Wishing you and yours the best. 

Happy Easter from Michael Bunny!

Hop to it with me here -
https://www.instagram.com/michaelshinafelt/?hl=en
https://twitter.com/MShinafelt  

Friday, April 3, 2020

Film Buff Friday: Elvira Mistress Of The Dark

She's back! Elvira, Horrorland's hostess with the mostest, finally busts out on Blu-ray with this long-awaited, positively bursting-at-the-seams special edition of her big screen debut, Elvira: Mistress of the Dark! Having just quit her job as a Los Angeles TV horror hostess, Elvira receives the unexpected news that she's set to inherit part of her great aunt Morgana's estate. Arriving in the small town of Fallwell, Massachusetts to claim her inheritance, Elvira receives a less than enthusiastic reception from the conservative locals - amongst them, her sinister uncle Vincent, who, unbeknownst to Elvira, is in fact an evil warlock secretly scheming to steal the old family spellbook for his own nefarious ends... Campy, quirky and stuffed to the brim with more double entendres than your average Carry On movie, 1988's Elvira: Mistress of the Dark helped solidify the horror hostess (played by Cassandra Peterson) as a major pop culture icon, here owning every inch of the screen with her quick wit, sass, and of course, cleaving-enhancing gown!

Bonus Materials

  • Brand new restoration from a 4K scan of original film elements
  • High Definition Blu-ray (1080p) presentation
  • Original uncompressed stereo 2.0 audio
  • Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing
  • Introduction to the film by director James Signorelli
  • 2017 Audio Commentary with director James Signorelli, hosted by Fangoria editor emeritus Tony Timpone
  • 2017 Audio Commentary with Patterson Lundquist, www.elviramistressofthedark.com webmaster and judge of US TV show The Search for the Next Elvira
  • Archival Audio Commentary with actors Cassandra Peterson, Edie McClurg and writer John Paragon
  • Too Macabre – The Making of Elvira: Mistress of the Dark – newly-revised 2018 version of this feature-length documentary on the making of the film, including interviews with various cast and crew and rare never-before-seen archival material
  • Recipe for Terror: The Creation of the Pot Monster – newly-revised 2018 version of this featurette on the concept and design of the pot monster, as well as the film’s other SFX
  • Original storyboards
  • Extensive image galleries
  • Original US theatrical and teaser trailers
  • Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Sara Deck
  • FIRST PRESSING ONLY: Illustrated collector’s booklet featuring writing by Kat Ellinger and Patterson Lundquist

Wednesday, April 1, 2020

Hump Day & Chill


In the Age of ‘OK Boomer’, Michael Fairman Releases “Other Side”

You don't have to be a boomer to Hump Day & Chill to these cool beats...

Michael Fairman is after what his name implies: a fair chance.  He is out now with “Other Side,” his mid-tempo pop/soul track about ageism, personal struggles, and finding ones inner-strength to face adversity and ultimately triumph.  He co-wrote the track with engineer and producer, Kyle Mangels, in hopes it might inspire those over 35 into action.  “For years now, I have been told, ‘You’re doing music? You sing? How nice!’ when what was really meant was ‘Good Luck with that boomer, you’re too old for the music industry,’” he explains.  Fairman says he understands that pop radio is targeted to those under 25, skews female, and that there are only a few coveted spots for artists.  Many amazing talents – both younger and older - simply don’t get the airplay they deserve.  He hopes to be the artist to break that barrier, because the music he performs and writes is similar to that being played on pop radio and in dance clubs right now. “I have a point of view and a unique vibe and sound to share, and I hope listeners will give me a chance.”     Michael Fairman’s Other Side” is being distributed independently and is available on Apple MusicSpotify and all major music digital platforms. 

Michael Fairman
It’s a song for all the disenfranchised,” Michael Fairman continues from his Los Angeles home.   He believes “Other Side” is relatable for anyone who has ever felt disconnected, alone, or has broken out of a relationship and is trying to come terms with it.  “It’s a reminder that it is ok to feel down, to cry, to hurt, but eventually we all need to rise up, and fight the fight with whatever life throws our way.”

Michael acknowledges there is still plenty he has his sights set on in life.  A self-professed ‘workaholic’, Michael would like to spend more time cultivating a personal life, but he also has his lifelong dream of performing in-concert in front of thousands of people who are singing his songs.   And why shouldn’t he pursue it?

“We should never listen to people who say something cannot be done because it’s a pipe dream or we’ve missed our chance.  While we’re still breathing, there is hope.  The worst that can happen is it doesn’t lead to where you hoped it might, but at least you gave it that shot and fulfilled that part of yourself.”

Michael Fairman grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin where music was always his passion and first love.  As a teen, he released his first recordings through a small label in Chicago.   Once he graduated high school, he moved to Los Angeles and eventually to New York to pursue his career as a recording artist.  He formed a band with some of the top studio musicians in the city, performed in rock, pop, and soul clubs, recorded, and tried to get the A&R reps out to his showcases in order to get signed by a label.  Between the financial drain, and the disappointment of not having key people show up to his gigs, Fairman eventually felt burned out and needed a major change.  He decided to put music on hold and move back to Los Angeles where he began a career in TV Production and entertainment journalism. 

Fairman has no idea where this next attempt at a music career will take him, but it’s something he feels he had to do now or regret forever.

“One of my great musical influences was George Michael and his passing made me realize how short life is and how I was wasting my talent,” he explains.  God gave me a voice, and it is time that I share it and make others aware that this is a part of who I am, at my core.”

Michael Fairman’s Other Side” is being distributed independently and is available on Apple MusicSpotify and all major music digital platforms.  Follow Michael Fairman on TwitterInstagram, and Facebook.

Monday, March 30, 2020

Getting To Know: Shannon Hemmings

Shannon Hemmings
In case you missed episode one, when yours truly chatted Actor Jeremiah Hahn up from filmmaker Robert Hensley's current project Family Affair, well we are now on to episode two.

"Yes" another cast member from the film was also in attendance at the grand opening of Silverback Coffee of Rwanda in Echo Park, CA.

Her name is Shannon Hemmings she portrays Charlie, she has a tale to tell...

MS: So spill who do you play in Family Affair?

SH: Well, I play Charlie. I can't say too much about my character. She's there, she's a happy face, a caring character. Let's just say she was really fun to play.

MS: Nice. How do you know Robert?

SH: I moved to Los Angeles only six months ago...

Shannon
On The Set Of "Nashville"
MS: Where are you from originally?

SH: Atlanta, GA. About two weeks in I was submitting myself for things. I didn't expect anything because they say when you come out here it's hard, it's competitive. So I saw this character and I loved her and I thought "why not" I might as well audition. I was submitted and I was taped, I got the job. I got a little E-Mail, I was like "No Way!" I already booked my first job in LA!

MS: Awesome!

SH: When I went to the table read and got to know who these people were for the first time, it was like "This is really cool." I felt so welcomed in, so excited! It really is who you know and the connections you make, it's a really beautiful thing.

MS: Congratulations! Sometimes it takes forever.

SH: Yeah, thanks! I came here so grounded thinking it would take a whole year to build up my resume, get a manager, what's happened now is mind blowing!

MS: Fantastic! There are so many pitfalls and it's easy to get discouraged.

SH: There were those times where I wondered if it was time to go back home. I wasn't sure if I could do this (laughs) There were time when I felt really alone, it's hard to find community in a brand new place. I'm glad I've stayed strong because everything is really coming together now.

MS: Nice to meet you.

SH: You too! Are you on Instagram?

MS: Yes.

SH: Let's follow each other.

Family Affair on the WWW -
https://familyaffairfilm.weebly.com/

Shannon on IG -
https://www.instagram.com/shanhem1/?hl=en  

Sunday, March 29, 2020

Walking In LA...

The Air That I Breathe
Lucy Hale
How's your quarantine going? Are you keeping your social distance y'all? Well something truly wonderful has happened despite how gnarly this is...the air quality in Los Angeles has been clean for weeks now.

That's correct minions, when go outside for a walk, run or whatever I am truly getting 100% verified fresh air! 😲

In fact it's so great outdoors these days I take really long walks, I'm kind of at loathe to go back indoors. Bare witness to Pretty Little Liars Lucy Hale, that smile on her face after exiting the grocery store isn't for naught. She, like me is vibing on the good clean air. I'm telling you it's real and it's spectacular.

In fact as soon as I exit the lap top I'm gonna go out and snort me some.

Mic Drop!

Fresh Air -
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fresh%20air

Sunday, February 23, 2020

Inspiration

These Legs Were Made For Walking
Selma Blair & David Lyons
Some days, you know the ones where you need a little something to inspire you, make you that much more motivated? Well that day is here for me today. I'm not in a bad mood or place, but I could use some extra inspiration.

Here it is in the form of actress Selma Blair who is fighting MS (Multiple Sclerosis) -  She was photographed out and about in Los Angeles on a stroll with her guy David Lyons, seizing the day and enjoying the sun.

While some days are better then others, MS is a daily battle, one that Selma doesn't let get her down. Her courage and strength to live each moment to the fullest is truly inspiring.

So get out there and get your inner Selma Blair on and grab life by the ______ the blank is yours to fill in!

Selma on IG -
https://www.instagram.com/selmablair/?hl=en