Happy F@#king 2017!

2017 Here We Come!!!
Ryan Seacrest & Jenny McCarthy

Tonight's the night we ring in the New Year, a night collectively referred to around the world as New Year's Eve. 

What are your plans tonight? Any traditions? Well whether my plans have been staying in or spending time with friends for it, Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve in Times Square, New York City has always been my go to show to the count down to midnight. I mean who can resist watching a ball drop slowly? Admit it you know you can't.

The only time I have never watched it was when the world rang in 2000. I was in a club with three levels that had different music themes, and yes I am going to stop there. That was the exception to this my otherwise steadfast unofficial tradition.

While things have changed over the years about the show it still remains the best way to rock in the upcoming year.

So, if I don't fall asleep before the clock strikes twelve on January 1st 2017, I plan to hang with Ryan Seacrest & Jenny McCarthy and a dropping ball with whoever else may be with me.

Let's hope 2017 errs on the side of good shall we?

Enjoy your NYE!

Dick Clark's NYRE at:
https://www.facebook.com/NewYearsRockinEve/

Praise The Lourd

Three Women
l-r Billie Lourd, Debbie Reynolds & Carrie Fisher

With all of the mourning of Debbie Reynolds and daughter Carrie Fisher's death this week, I though a little levity was needed regarding the two.

Thus when I came across Carrie's daughter & Debbie's granddaughter Billie Lourd promoting Scream Queens on Late Night with Seth Meyers telling how her grandmother tried to scare her off from acting I just had to post it!

Billie proves a sense of humor runs in the family.

Let's let the clip do it's own talking shall we? Jump to it below!

T.G.I.F!

Billie on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/praisethelourd/?hl=en  

Michael's Musings

Halo
Michael Shinafelt

With only three days left of 2016 could we please not have anymore beloved celebrity deaths? Yes, Grim Reaper I'm calling you out, enough!!!

2016 how do I put this to you delicately? Fuck off! I am ready for something new, and while there are reasons to tread with extreme caution moving forward into 2017 there are a few things I am grateful to be armed with going into it, that I reclaimed this past year.

Here on the 29th of December I am giving the ultimate kiss off to 2016, I'm so over you!

Debbie Reynolds passing away the day after her daughter Carrie Fisher died. So sad.

Ringing in the New Year early with Scott Jacobs last night via wine, cheese and German Chocolate Cake, was a welcome escape.

Even though 2016 was a pretty lame year, at least Donald Trump was not President.

Speaking of which, I am shocked that Orange Cosby didn't Tweet what a "Nasty Woman" Carrie Fisher was after her passing. She did call him out as a coke addict after all.

I'm grateful to have regained my sense of self this year, I'm going to need it in 2017.

Dear Rockettes, I advise you on not doing any high kicks during your performance at Trump's inauguration. 

The people I meet out and about everyday keep my faith in humanity alive.

Hitting spin class today, as you might imagine it is much needed.

Billy Idol said it best: "With a rebel yell more, more, more!"

Middle Creek exploded because of the Beaver Dams, sounds like innuendo to me.

Just because I grab a pole on the subway and gyrate, that does not make me Nomi Malone. 

2017 does not hold a lot of promise for anything in particular but trust me when I say there are going to be a lot of surprises. That my friends is as sure of a thing that you can count on. Let's hope they err more on the side of good than awful.

Get your last Thursday of 2016 on!

Join me won't you? at:

https://twitter.com/MShinafelt

https://www.instagram.com/michaelshinafelt/   

Sh!t Carrie Fisher Said

What A Dame
Carrie Fisher

The passing of Carrie Fisher is truly epic. Not only did she play the iconic role of Princess Leia in the Star Wars films, she was also a writer with a sharp wit and even sharper tongue. Her candor about being being mentally ill gave others the courage to face their challenges by owning them.

I think the best way to honor her passing is to let her own brilliant words speak for themselves...Carrie On!

"I always wrote. I wrote from when I was 12. That was therapeutic for me in those days. I wrote things to get them out of feeling them, and onto paper. So writing in a way saved me, kept me company. I did the traditional thing with falling in love with words, reading books and underlining lines I liked and words I didn't know"

"I am mentally ill. I can say that. I am not ashamed of that. I survived that, I'm still surviving it, but bring it on. Better me than you"

"No, as it turns out, I really like being congratulated on my weight loss. I like it so much, it's tragic"

"I was street smart, but unfortunately the street was Rodeo Drive"

"The world of manic depression is a world of bad judgment calls"

"Leia follows me like a vague smell"

"I'll never be known for my work with boundaries" 

"I'm very sane about how crazy I am"

"Anything you can do in excess for the wrong reasons is exciting to me"

"I am truly a product of Hollywood in-breeding. When two celebrities mate, someone like me is the result" 

Carrie on IMDB: 
www.imdb.com/name/nm0000402/   

Just Because, Lady Gaga & Elton John

Ladies Who Lunch
Lady Gaga & Elton John

Today is one of those nebulous Post Holiday/Pre-Holiday days. Yes kids it's the first Tuesday after Christmas and the Tuesday that falls before New Year's Eve aka 2017.

So I thought I would run this image of Lady Gaga & Elton John out and about in Aspen, CO.

Why? Just because the two of them together represent so much talent and creativity it would make a pig in lipstick jealous, and look, it's two icons who are still alive, together!

Hey, it's great to be here! 

Have a TT! Terrific Tuesday, in case you didn't get the gist.

Go Gaga at:
https://www.instagram.com/ladygaga/?hl=en

Go to the John at: 
https://www.instagram.com/eltonjohn/?hl=en 

"Father Figure" George Michael

Daddy
George Michael

It's the day after Christmas and I am sure a majority of you, like me, are saddened by the passing of pop icon George Michael, on, well of all things Christmas Day.

He was truly one of the greatest musical artists of all time, not to mention he was also quite ahead of it as well.

George was a Father Figure of sorts to up and coming performers looking for someone to emulate. Which happens to be my favorite song by Mr. Michael, for it's daring to touch a certain subject matter that most artists wouldn't ever dream of going near, especially in this day and age of mediocrity.

I could go on and on about this unique, one of a kind, legendary talent, but what's the point?  Every one of you has your own feelings and impressions of what he meant to your lives. This post is done to honor an individual whose influence on the world around them was truly epic.

Thus I leave you with my favorite George Michael song Father Figure. 

R.I.P.

www.georgemichael.com/   

Happy, Happy To You & Yours

When Holidays Collide

 Merry Christmas & Happy Hanukkah !

"You Didn't Give Them A Chance"

Hello Everyone, we all know what today is don't we? Why it's Christmas Eve and the first day of Hanukkah. Yes, that's right peeps this year they both fall on the same day, which is pretty cool actually.

Which brings me to an E-mail I received the other day from my buddy Tom Connan, it goes something like this...

Hi Michael,

Hope you're well! As you may have noticed, I just released my new single 'You Didn't Give Them A Chance' and the music video is doing great on YouTube already. 

I'd be more than happy to have a post about this on your blog.

I'm looking forward to hearing from you.

Cheers,

Tom Connan

But of course I will and just have. Thanks Tom for alerting me to your hot new song, oh and the look, that look you've got going on, very, um, edgy, not to mention sexy.

I've said it before and I'll say it again, I'm a giver! Let's kick off the Holidays with Tom's latest single "You Didn't Give Them A Chance."

Celebrate Below!

Tom on Social Media:

https://www.instagram.com/tom.connan/

https://twitter.com/tomconnan

https://www.facebook.com/tomconnan/

Encore, Dolly, Encore!

Nobody does Christmas better than Dolly Parton, that's why their airing her latest Holiday blockbuster special again, tonight!!!

NBC is set to re-air their blockbuster special: “Dolly Parton’s Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of Love” starring Jennifer Nettles, Ricky Schroder, and Gerald McCraney. The 2-hour special will air again on Friday, December 23 at 9 p.m. ET/PT. The DVD of the movie, which also features a guest appearance by Dolly Parton, is available at retailers nationwide.

“Dolly Parton’s Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of Love” tells the story of when the Partons, a family of humble means living in the mountains of Tennessee, face a devastating event that challenges their will. But when they experience a bewildering Christmas miracle, the Partons are drawn closer together than ever — with deepened faith and love for one another.

Available now on Digital HD

• iTunes
• Amazon
• Microsoft

DVD & Blu-Ray Available Today

• Amazon (DVD & Blu-Ray)
• Best Buy (DVD | Blu-Ray)
• Walmart (DVD)
• Target (DVD)

Or you can use this link that takes you directly to the proper place at each retailer:
gwi.io/DollyChristmas
  

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON DOLLY PARTON, VISIT:
www.dollyparton.com

Facebook: Facebook.com/DollyParton
Instagram: Instagram.com/DollyParton
Twitter: Twitter.com/DollyParton
Tumblr: OfficialDollyParton.tumblr.com
Google+: Plus.Google.com/+DollyParton 

Michael's Musings

Motley Crue
l-r Shauna Waters, Me, Lindley Waters & Kelly Waters

Since this will be my thoughts and impressions going into Christmas I thought to myself that I may try to curtail any cynicism I may be possessed by at present by posting an image of me and my three angels aka my nieces from Christmas two years ago in my home state of Washington. 

Like that will ever happen, yep get ready because here I come!!!

When I was a kid I used to think the red light flashing on a nearby radio tower was Rudolph's nose, yes really.

Parents teach their kids not to lie, yet they perpetuate the myth of Santa Claus. How many children has that fucked up?!

A virgin birth, yeah right.

What did I do for my Birthday? So glad you asked. I had a wonderful lunch with my friend Mike Clifford and an even better dessert later, not Mike...Yes, Daddy has a secret.

Lunch Time!
Me & Mike Clifford

Pentatonix has a new Christmas album out. It's what they do best.

Riot On Sunset by my buddy James Durbin is another album I highly recommend.

Taking myself to see La La Land today, in case you are interested.

My niece Shauna Waters pictured above is getting married in Cabo in June, and to think I knew her when she...

Kelly Waters, my other niece pictured is an accomplished make-up artist, so proud of her.

Now let's talk about my niece Lindley Waters, also pictured above. She now calls Berlin her home base. I want to come visit you my spirit animal! Let's go hang gliding grrrrrrrrrrrl! 

Elf on a Shelf is so tired ass, I move we shift our attention to the Whore in a Drawer. Doesn't that sound a lot more merry???

Due to the PC movement Christmas can no longer be referred to as "White" 

Tis' the season for back door crack whores

I love Lady Gaga's song A-Yo, did you know it's about smoking pot?!

My gift to you is me on Social Media. You can keep tabs on me at the following WWW addresses. Merry Christmas! 

https://twitter.com/MShinafelt

https://www.instagram.com/michaelshinafelt/  

Holiday Cheer With James Durbin

Ho, Ho, Ho!
James, Heidi, Hunter & Kinzee Durbin w/Santa Claus

Hey Durbinators, it's Christmas Time! Do you ever sit and wonder what your "Idol" James Durbin does this time of year? Well I know the answer to that...

Of course you do! Here to tell you what the Durbin family does for December 25th is, well who else other than James himself!!!

MS: What is your family Christmas tradition?

JD: The last few years we’ve gone and chopped down our own tree as a family.

There’s a great tree farm in the Santa Cruz mountains called Crest Ranch Tree Farm that we’ve made a tradition of going to. We also ride the Holiday Lights Train as guests of Santa Claus, so it’s extra special.

MS: Do you or Heidi play Santa Claus?

JD: We could never “play” the big man in red..(wink,nudge).

We do enjoy the extra element of surprise at Christmas time.

MS: Can you tell us what you got for Heidi?

JD: I can’t tell you lol. Though I can say, we’ve been getting into minimalism lately and have agreed to get each other one thing that we really really want. Something that will serve us well and bring us joy. Ya know, not just a bunch of crap hahaha.

MS: If you could give a gift to all those Durbinators out there what would it be?

JD: The gift I can give is just more honest music. I’ve got a new project I’m recording in Vegas this January that I believe will make my rock n rollers extremely happy. More details to come :)

MS: What does James Durbin want for Christmas most of all? 

JD: This year I just want to stay home, open presents, watch movies and not have to put on pants.

PS If you haven't gotten your copy of James' current album Riot On Sunset that would make an awesome Christmas gift. Take it from Santa Michael, it's his best to date! Ho, Ho, Ho!

"Riot" on iTunes: 
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/riot-on-sunset/id1132264028

James on Social Media:
https://www.facebook.com/DurbinRock/
https://twitter.com/DurbinRock
https://www.instagram.com/durbinrock/    

All I Want For Christmas...

No Fluorescent Lighting!
Mariah Carey

Right off the bat let me make this declaration that I have never been, nor will I ever be a fan of Mariah Carey. That being stated, who doesn't think of her song All I Want For Christmas this time of year?! Of course you do!

James Corden brilliantly paid homage to it in a recent edition of his too cool Carpool Karaoke series. Where it looked like Mariah's right breast was ready to cause a huge wardrobe malfunction the entire time.

Which brings us to the curious fact that I am watching her eight part series Mariah's World on E! It's the proverbial train wreck you can't tear your eyes away from. 

Also, since I have never really cared about or followed Ms. Carey's career, there are a few interesting revelations here and there. My personal gem was how former husband Tommy Mottola basically kept her under lock and key when they were married making her write music all the time and because of that she never really toured. Yeah, I never noticed, but apparently she didn't tour until recent years.

Then there is the usual diva biz, like only being photographed in fluorescent light with her sunglasses on. If I have to explain the reason behind that to you...I didn't think so.

Only five more days until Christmas, check out Mariah, James and a whole bunch of other big names sing All I Want For Christmas below!

Remember it's Mariah's World you just live in it at:
www.eonline.com/shows/mariahs_world

On Mondays We Wear Paisley

Yee Haw!!! It's time to get your Paisley on!

Life Amplified World Tour: Live at WVU is the new live concert DVD and CD from multi-platinum country superstar, Brad Paisley. Paisley returned to his roots by going home to West Virginia for a special outdoor concert at West Virginia University. Straight off the wildly successful "Life Amplified World Tour," the show was shot with 20 cameras in front of a hometown crowd of over 15,000 people. Paisley played an electrifying 2 hour show that included many of his 23 number one singles, such as "Mud on the Tires," "Then," and a surprise rendition of "I'm Still A Guy," featuring Chris Young.  The show also includes a very special version of the John Denver song "Take Me Home, Country Roads," which has become an anthem for WVU.

 

The concert will air on PBS on Friday, January 27, 9:00 - 10:00pm EST and is titled Brad Paisley - Landmarks Live In Concert: A Great Performances Special. Paisley takes his unique skills as singer, songwriter, guitarist and entertainer back to his home state as well as to viewers everywhere.

 

The concert special was produced by award-winning director Daniel E Catullo III (Rush, Rage Against The Machine, Dave Matthews Band).

"I am so pleased to be partnering with Brad on the WVU show," said Catullo III, who is also the CEO of City Drive Films. "Being an alumnus of WVU this show is very special for me. To be able to bring WVU to the world stage is something I am proud to do and I couldn't think of a better artist to do it with than Brad, who has similar feelings of WVU, having grown up not too far from the campus. It has been a dream of mine to go back to WVU and put on a huge show, free for the students."

Songs included in the show are: Crushin' It, American Saturday Night, Water, Online, Perfect Storm, Letter to Me, This is Country Music, I'm Still a Guy (featuring Chris Young), She's Everything, Ticks, Country Nation, Old Alabama, Then, Beat This Summer, I'm Gonna Miss Her, River Bank, Take Me Home, Country Roads, Southern Comfort Zone, Mud on the Tires, and Alcohol.

Both the DVD and the CD/DVD can be ordered at the MVD Shop or on Amazon   

Happy Birthday To Me!

Baby It's Cold Outside
Michael Shinafelt

Since today is my 51st Birthday I thought: "why should I celebrate anything but myself?" Especially since the past four years have been the most challenging of my life and I have survived them. Which has made me stronger, it has also brought me to the best place I have ever been in my entire life. 

Yes, it is a day for me to celebrate indeed. I am someone who has went through a clinical depression and came out the other end of it. It took a lot of work, therapy and self examination. There were a lot of times I never thought my life would ever be good again. 

Let me say to those of you out there who may be in the same situation. Never give up! It may seem bleak, but if you hang in there and give it time, care and mostly be kind to yourself, it will get better. Sure there are things I still want that I don't have, but I know I will get them. Why? Because when you overcome it you will have the power to achieve anything! 

It's 44 degrees at 5:03 ayem here in Los Angels, CA on December 18th 2016, the day of my 51st Birthday. I am thankful for my Family, Friends and most of all my amazing Life! 

My wish for my Birthday is for all of you to have one of the best days of the rest of your lives.

Happy Birthday Everyone!

Follow me at:
https://twitter.com/MShinafelt
https://www.instagram.com/michaelshinafelt/

It's Santa Mickey!

Not A Creature Was Stirring, Except For Mickey Mouse!
Ryan Reynolds, Mickey Mouse & Blake Lively

Santa made me post this. Blame it on the spirit of Christmas taking possession of me, but I just had to post this way too cute photo of Ryan Reynolds & Blake Lively striking a pose with Santa Mickey in front of the castle at Disneyland. 

Apparently the twosome were there celebrating their daughter James' second Birthday. Happy, Happy James! 

What made me cross over to the saccharine side? If you have ever been to Disneyland at Christmas time you would understand just how much more magical it is this time of year. It can turn any Scrooge into a Tiny Tim. I was there last year in December and had a truly enchanted day. 

The theme park's halls are decked with the most festive of decor and the happy factor is off the hook!

Speaking of which, Happy Saturday to and to all a good one!

PS Although I had a blast, I must say I am a bit grouchy that I did not get a photo with Santa Mickey too...Bah Humbug!

Disneyland on the WWW:
https://disneyland.disney.go.com/  

Film Buff Friday: Cinema Paradiso

Remember when "Cinema Paradiso was the go to hot Foreign Language film?

I do...well film buffs it's making it's way back to video as a Barnes and Noble exclusive this March, the 7th to be exact.

Cinema Paradiso

(Separate DVD and BD SKUs)

A  CELEBRATION OF YOUTH, FRIENDSHIP, AND THE EVERLASTING MAGIC OF THE MOVIES

A winner of awards across the world including Best Foreign Language Film Oscar, five BAFTA Awards including Best Actor, Original Screenplay and Score, the Grand Prize of the Jury at the Cannes Film Festival and many more.

Giuseppe Tornatore's loving homage to the cinema tells the story of Salvatore, a successful film director, returning home for the funeral of Alfredo, his old friend who was the projectionist at the local cinema throughout his childhood. Soon memories of his first love affair with the beautiful Elena and all the high and lows that shaped his life come flooding back, as Salvatore reconnects with the community he left 30 years earlier.

Presented in both the original award-winning cut and the expanded Director's Cut incorporating more of Salvatore's backstory, newly restored from original negative materials.

SPECIAL EDITION CONTENTS 

• Restored from the original camera negative and presented in two versions - the 124 minute Cannes Festival theatrical version and the 174 minute Director's Cut
• Uncompressed original stereo 2.0 Audio and 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio options
• Optional English subtitles
• Audio commentary with director Giuseppe Tornatore and Italian cinema expert critic Millicent Marcus
• A Dream of Sicily - A 52-minute documentary profile of Giuseppe Tornatore featuring interviews with director and extracts from his early home movies as well as interviews with director Francesco Rosi and painter Peppino Ducato, set to music by the legendary Ennio Morricone
• A Bear and a Mouse in Paradise - A 27-minute documentary on the genesis of Cinema Paradiso, the characters of Toto and Alfredo, featuring interviews with the actors who play them, Philippe Noiret and Salvatore Cascio as well as Tornatore
• The Kissing Sequence - Giuseppe Tornatore discusses the origins of the kissing scenes with full clips identifying each scene
• Original Director's Cut Theatrical Trailer and 25th Anniversary Re-Release Trailer

FIRST PRESSING ONLY: Collector's booklet by Pasquale Iannone illustrated with archive stills, behind-the-scenes images and posters

Barnes and Noble at:

www.barnesandnoble.com/

Michael's Musings

I'm Horny!!!
Michael Shinafelt

"The devil inside, the devil inside, Every single one of us the devil inside
The devil inside, the devil inside, Every single one of us the devil inside" - INXS

Yes this pretty much sums up how I am feeling today. I suspect a lot of you are in that zone too. Fasten your bondage strap, it's going to be a Hell of a ride!


La La Kent is leaving Vanderpump Rules. Considering she was the only thing interesting on the show I may stop watching. No offense Lisa Vanderpump.

I need to start doing my Christmas cards pronto. It's not that I don't care about family, friends etc., the Holiday season really holds no interest for me.

Kanye West met with Donald Trump. That says it all.

Things you should do this Holiday season, WTF you should do them all the time. Smile at  everyone you see, the response is always amazing.

My friend Jackie Kilmer has had the stomach flu, she says it makes her feel like Linda Blair in the Exorcist. Blech!

"Pat The Puss" - Thank you Erika Jayne for one of my go to phrases that makes me, and several people I know happy throughout the day.

Almighty Isis! I need a housekeeper!

Dear Hollywood Chamber of Commerce - the Walk of Fame is a major tourist attraction, can't you keep that shit clean?! Refer to my image below you bastards. Freddie Mercury is tossing off in his grave. PS - good for him!!!

Dirty Star, Clean Foot

As seen on Shark Tank, I bought a Scrub Daddy sponge that I spied at Ralph's the other day. It's the most awesome sponge ever! You know you are old when a great deal on a kitchen use sponge excites you!

This weekend is my Birthday, the 18th, worship me.

Leah Remini's show on Scientology is a must see! Go Leah!!!

You know your mission this weekend, it's my Birthday, give it to me!

Follow me here:
https://twitter.com/MShinafelt
https://www.instagram.com/michaelshinafelt/   

Warm & Fuzzy Wednesday

Storytellers
Ryan Seacrest & Michelle Obama

So here is a pic that gave me the Holiday feels, it's Michelle Obama & Ryan Seacrest stopping by The Children's National Health System in Washington DC to read stories to the kids. 

To me the gift of time and presence has so much more meaning than any material thing could ever have.

It motivates me to find a vessel to give back like this to those in need. Thus I am declaring today Warm & Fuzzy Wednesday. Take some time today and think about how you can affect those around you in a positive way. Whether is be my personal favorite, smiling at everyone you encounter in public or something else that may tickle your fancy or float your boat.

Be Michelle or Ryan today and go get fuzzy with it! 

First Lady Michelle Obama on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/michelleobama/?hl=en 

"Strike A Pose" Chris Pratt

It's Not A Bird, There Is A Plane, It's Chris Pratt!

Pssssssst! Did you hear? Chris Pratt has a new sci-fi film coming out co-starring Jennifer Lawrence called Passengers that opens December 21st, just in time for Christmas!

OK, now that's out of the way here is an image of Pratt going all Vogue and striking a pose next a jet at the Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego.

I love an attractive man with a who can make me laugh, and Pratt checks those two boxes off very nicely. 

There's really not much else to expand on here other than, this image is something to behold on many levels. So take what you want from it and enjoy your Tuesday!

Pratt on IMDB:
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0695435/?ref_=nv_sr_2

Double Ryan's, Double The Fun!

Three Way?
Ryan Reynolds & Ryan Gosling

Once upon a time there were two hunky actors name Ryan. One with the last name of Reynolds, the other Gosling. They collided in one truly lust inducing moment at the Critic's Choice Awards held in Santa Monica, CA. 

Reynolds being nominated for Deadpool and Gosling for La La Land. This satiated the fantasy of a menage for many women & gay men.

Personally I would not kick either of them to the curb. But if I had to pick one, just one, I would go with the Ryan named Gosling. Yep, I tend to like my guys a little more edgy, and Gosling has that in abundance.

Of note Reynolds won for Best Actor in a Comedy for Deadpool, while my my boy Gosling did not for La La Land. Yep, Reynolds whipped Gosling's butt in the competition. 

Hey, I don't judge the object of my personal lust on such things. Gosling I am still here for you if you ever need me, I've got your back! 

Check out the list of winners from the award ceremony here:

www.ew.com/article/2016/12/11/critics-choice-awards-2016-winners