Monday, November 30, 2020
Hi Ho Monday!
Sunday, November 29, 2020
#kindness2020
Good Morning Michael Shinafelt |
Whilst making my morning tea I got myself on Twitter and saw this trending: #kindness2020
It's the perfect message at the perfect time. Right now we are being completely abused by a malignant tyrant who gaslights, name calls and lies. What better way to counteract all this by being as kind to everyone you can during his final days in charge.
While this is something I practice daily, it never hurts to be reminded how a little kindness goes a long way. My personal favorite is to smile at people as I walk past them. What's that you say? We are wearing masks who can see you smile you say? Wrong! Others can see your smile in your eyes and your cheeks do rise up when you do it and they aren't covered. So don't lay that malarkey on me.
In all actual fact I think a comforting smile has become even more powerful during these times because all the focus is on the person's eyes when you exchange a grin with one another. Eye contact of that type has a very healing power, it can really make someone's day!
So smile your day away, it will make you and others feel good, and it costs you nothing 😄
Saturday, November 28, 2020
Saturday Sinema: Lake Michigan Monster
All aboard! The combined spirits of H.P. Lovecraft, early Sam Raimi and Mystery Science Theater 3000 inhabit this action-packed tale of nautical derring-do and monster mayhem - winner of the Audience Award for Best International Feature at the 2019 Fantasia Film Festival. On the shores of Lake Michigan, the eccentric Captain Seafield (Ryland Brickson Cole Tews, who also writes and directs) enlists a colourful crew of misfits in a bid to slay the hellish sea monster that prowls the murky depths. But as Seafield's obsession with exacting revenge on the creature that killed his father threatens to consume him, can weapons expert Sean Shaughnessy (Erick West), sonar whiz Nedge Pepsi (Beulah Peters) and former N.A.V.Y. - Nautical Athletes and Adventure Yunit - officer Dick Flynn (Daniel Long) hold the show together? Shot in gloriously retro black and white on a shoestring budget, with most of the cast also performing multiple roles behind the camera, Lake Michigan Monster is an inventive, irreverent and riotously entertaining ode to the classic monster movies of yesteryear: an absurdist urban legend guaranteed to appeal to the big kid in all of us.
Media
Bonus Materials
- High Definition Blu-ray™ (1080p) presentation
- Original lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and PCM 2.0 stereo soundtracks
- Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing
- Two cast and crew audio commentaries featuring writer/director/actor Ryland Tews and actors Daniel Long, Beulah Peters, Erick West and editor Mike Cheslik – one sober, one drunk!
- Critics’ audio commentary with Alexandra Heller-Nicholas and Emma Westwood
- Effects Breakdown comparison of the film’s underwater sequence, including storyboards and pre-composited footage
- Dear Old Captain Seafield – the Captain Seafield theme song, performed by the Seafield Monster Sextet
- Interview in a Cabin – interview with Ryland Tews and Daniel Long at the Fantasia International Film Festival
- Interview in a Bar – interviews with the cast and crew at the Beloit International Film Festival
- Interview by a Fire – interview with Mike Cheslik on Mark Borchardt’s Cinema Fireside radio show
- The first season and pilot episode of L.I.P.S., Ryland Tews and Mike Cheslik’s hybrid animation/live action sci-fi comedy web series
- Theatrical trailer
- Behind the scenes photos
- Reversible sleeve featuring original artwork by Jade Watring and newly commissioned artwork by Colin Murdoch
- FIRST PRESSING ONLY: Illustrated collector’s booklet featuring new writing on the film by Barry Forshaw
Friday, November 27, 2020
This Is Not Season 2
As far as this guy is concerned Christmas is coming December 6th. That's correct Minions Euphoria is a back for two one hour shows, but it's not season 2.
Unfortunately season 2 got sidelined by you know what, that darn COVID. But fear not until the next season happens we have these upcoming episodes to bridge the gap, fill our addiction, make us want more...Euphoria!
Zendaya who won an Emmy (rightfully so) for her portrayal of Rue has spilled that the first bridge episode is called Part 1: Rue.
In case you haven't picked up on it, to say I am a huge fan of the show would be putting it, well, mildly. I really can't wait for December 6th to come! Not only did I watch the first season when it initially aired I binged it when HBO had a marathon of it.
Euphoria is such a densely packed show that you will see something different upon repeat viewings.
Now THAT's entertainment!
Euphoria on the WWW -
Thursday, November 26, 2020
Michael's Musings
Wednesday, November 25, 2020
Hump Day & Chill
It's Turkey Time! Robert Downey Jr. |
It's time to choke that turkey in honor of Thanksgiving, translation: Let's Hump Day & Chill this Wednesday before we give thanks.
This TG edition of HD&C is brought to you by Robert Downey Jr. in Jodie Foster's Home For The Holidays (say that three times fast!) It's about, what else, a family gathering for Thanksgiving. Are you sensing a theme for today? Ha! of course you are...
With a commentary from Tye Briggs via his Favorite Hunks & Other Things blog about his lust for Downey Jr. in this particular film.
Unlike Tye I have lusted for RDJ in other movies, no not Iron Man, actually I have never seen one of the Iron Man films, mostly his independent work does it for me.
Thus I leave you with Robert Downey Jr. as your official Thanksgiving Hump Day & Chill. Don't forget the sauce with your turkey, gobble! gobble!
Hit the link below -
https://favoritehunks.blogspot.com/2015/11/robert-downey-jr-in-home-for-holidays.html
Tuesday, November 24, 2020
A Christmas "Serenad3"
The Serenad3,
America’s
Newest and Most Talented Trio, to
Release Debut Album,
Christmas Serenade on November 24th
The Serenad3 (pronounced The Serenade) is the magnificent new trio who will be releasing their premiere album, Christmas Serenade, just in time for the holidays. So many favorites are on their album, including Little Drummer Boy, Silent Night, Carol of the Bells and many more cherished tunes.
Accompanied on some of the tracks includes music impresario David Foster, the incomparable Gloria Estefan, pop star Pia Toscano and the amazing a cappella group Voctave.
The three multi-talented members of The Serenad3, Fernando Varela, Craig Irvin and Devin Eatmon, each have an incredible body of work, along with wide-ranging interests and hobbies.
The Serenad3 |
The story behind Fernando Varela begins and ends with a voice. A voice tells the tale of a breathtaking tenor whose spirit and determination has defied the odds. Born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Fernando moved to Florida at the age of eight, and while he always loved music it was not until he was seventeen that he discovered the impressive talent he had within him. Fernando trained with some of opera’s renowned classical icons and tours worldwide with Grammy Award-Winning producer David Foster. Fernando can also be seen featured on David Foster’s recently released all-new PBS Special. He has also performed amongst some legendary superstars including Lionel Richie, Sarah Brightman, Gladys Knight, Patti LaBelle, Jewel, The Beach Boys, Steven Tyler, and Josh Groban. He’s been married for 12 years to a beautiful soprano, Susan Williams, and is the father to two boys: Jarron and Zeke. In addition to being Is an avid golfer, Fernando coaches Zeke’s travel ball baseball team where they’ve enjoyed several major tournament wins. Being fortunate to have been raised within a large close-knit family, Fernando always puts family first. When he isn't touring worldwide, he drives carpool, loves every minute of coaching baseball, and with the little time left over, tries to work on his golf game.
Craig Irvin brings a vibrant sound and commitment to every performance. Opera News has hailed his “rich, resonant baritone” while Opera Wire says that “watching a performer like Craig Irvin up close only adds to the thrill of hearing him sing”. Craig has performed with many of the best opera companies in the country, including Chicago Lyric, LA Opera, Minnesota Opera, Philadelphia Opera, and Atlanta Opera. Craig’s performance schedule usually keeps him on the road at least six months of the year, so Craig and his wife Joelle have decided to live surrounded by family when he is home. Craig and Joelle raise their three children, a ten-year-old son and their seven-year-old twins (a boy and a girl!), surrounded by their family in Waukee, Iowa, where Craig grew up. They even decided to buy a house a block away from Craig’s parents. They joke that they’re living a musical version of “Everybody Loves Raymond”.
Devin Eatmon is a tenor from Ocala, Florida. His performance history includes being a Resident Artist of the Central Florida Lyric Opera during 2013-2015, a Studio Artist at Opera in the Ozarks, (summer 2015), and summers at Aspen Music Festival (2018-2019). With a bachelor's and a master’s degree in voice performance from Florida State University, Devin studied under the tutelage of former San Francisco Opera starting bass-baritone, David Okerlund. In light of more recent events, Devin had accepted a contract offer to be a member of the Apprentice Singer Program at The Santa Fe Opera, 2020 (Season canceled due to Covid-19). Currently, Devin lives in Denver performing as an artist-in-residence for Opera Colorado’s 2020-2021 season. Devin has a wide range of interests, first and foremost is spending time with his friends, along with a great ribeye steak (medium-rare, please), drawing, and fishing but singing on stage is his favorite. Interestingly, Devin has such a versatile range of talents that he almost didn’t take the path to become a singer. Before he discovered his passion for singing, he was pursuing a career in golf as a junior tour player. What he loves about golf is the personal connection it has with both his father and his sister. They all enjoy playing and it’s become one of their favorite bonding activities. For that reason, golf will always have a very special place in his heart.
The new Christmas album, Christmas Serenade, will be released on November 24, 2020, and will be available on all of your favorite music outlets including Spotify, Apple Music, Pandora, Amazon Music, and many more.
Monday, November 23, 2020
Monday Motivation
Who Is That Masked Man?! Michael Shinafelt |
"Now is the winter of our discontent" - Richard III by William Shakespeare
We are now on a lockdown, here in Los Angeles and pretty much everywhere else in the US, again.
Not being a scientist, or anything remotely resembling that I am going to keep this week's Monday Motivation simple and to the point.
"Keep Calm And Wear A Mask"
If this virus hadn't been politicized by a sociopath and we were given actual leadership instead this most likely would not be happening again at present.
However since it is....MASK THE F#CK UP!!!
Thank You, Michael has left the building....
COVID information at:
Sunday, November 22, 2020
Battle of the Network Stars
Wonder Woman Won! Lynda Carter |
With all the chaos in the world, today has gotten me feeling nostalgic for a simpler time...Thus I bring to you a memory from my youth Battle of the Network Stars.
The show ran on ABC from 1976 - 1988, it aired biannually and pitted celebrities from the big three networks against one another in track and field type of games.
Lynda Carter aka Wonder Woman pictured above was on a team with Farrah Fawcett, Penny Marshall & Ron Howard.
Their team won the inaugural games, and Carter won the swimming relay as well.
Seriously though, did you expect a team with Wonder Woman and one of Charlie's Angels to lose? I thought not!
Battle of the Network Stars on Wikipedia -
Saturday, November 21, 2020
The Main Event
Happy Birthday Mrs. Claus Kurt Russell & Goldie Hawn |
Bear Witness to Goldie Hawn celebrating her 75th Birthday with partner Kurt Russell at an event for their Netflix movie The Christmas Chronicles 2 in Los Angeles. In which Kurt reprises his role as Santa Claus and Goldie hitches a ride in his sleigh as Mrs. Claus.
Some might refer to this as the Main Event of the evening, however I think the real Main Event here is their 30 plus year relationship.
Although never married the couple are still going strong and you can actually see it in the way they look at each other, the spark is still there after all this time...amazing!
What is the secret to their longevity? If I had to wager a bet (other than the obvious attraction they have for one another) based on the way they light up with a great big smile when in each other's company, I would venture to say they make each other laugh and tend not to take things too seriously.
Yep, I believe that's the ticket. Trust me I know something about it from personal experience.
Love these two!
The Christmas Chronicles 2 on IMDb -
Friday, November 20, 2020
Delta Rae
Celebrated Americana Ensemble
Thursday, November 19, 2020
Michael's Musings
Mood Michael Shinafelt |
Today is National Stick Out Your Tongue Day! OK, it isn't the actual day falls on July 19th, but who cares about facts anymore, right??? Seriously, ruminate on that, but not too much. Since we are currently being abused by the biggest liar in history, sticking out my tongue is the tamest way I can express my mood.
What's that? Why are there reindeer in the BG? Why not? It's too early for Christmas too, bah humbug! Moving On...
This week I received an E-mail with the subject line: Are you ignoring Stacey Abrams? I felt like I was in Fatal Attraction.
New Law & Order: SVU tonight! These days it's the little things...
It's Alligator mating season, the more you know
Whore In A Drawer is 2020's Elf On A Shelf
Last Friday I was doing laundry and flipping stations to see what was on. IFC had a Friday The 13th marathon going. Me to self: "Why is this on? Halloween is over." Me right after: "Oh, yeah."
Just tucking in my shirt
Violent metaphors are my thing
Harry Styles looks "So Fetch" in a dress, just sayin'
Woman Crush of the Week - My friend music artist Ariel Beesley, why? Because she is a big human rights activist, especially Women's. Bear Witness to the awesome photo above shot by Alanna Durkee. Follow Ariel on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/arielbees/?hl=en
Wished you were here, love tacos & you
Michael Shinafelt has been marked safe from Mariah Carey's "All I Want For Christmas Is You"
Oh wow I was just looking at you and suddenly, boom!
Unmask the Serpent, discuss
Currently I am on Nutrisystem to drop those Pandemic Pounds, I'll let you know how it goes
Lose it with me at:
Wednesday, November 18, 2020
Hump Day & Chill
Miz Cracker Photo: Adam Ouahmane |
Hump Day & Chill...It's Cracker Time!!!
“SHE’S A WOMAN” VIDEO HERE TOPS 1 MILLION VIEWS
“SHE’S A WOMAN” 2021 U.S. TOUR DATES ON SALE NOW
Aaaaaaaand... Crack-tion! After a wild ride on RuPaul’s Drag Race All-Stars 5, America’s favorite JEW(el) Miz Cracker, the Matzo Mama herself is back with all the fabulous projects she can possibly fit into her scrumptious pickled purse. With Hanukkah just around the corner, Miz Cracker will be releasing some salty new Jewish holiday bangers via PEG Records/Warner Music Group/ADA. On December 4, Miz Cracker kicks off the season with an extra special surprise with RuPaul Drag Race alum Jujubee joining her on the “Eight Days of You (feat. Jujubee)” single & video. “Eight Days of You” celebrates a friendship that blossomed in RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars 5, Miz Cracker and Jujubee sing about the joys of spending the holidays together. But listener, be ready—though their love is pure, it's plenty weird as well. Pre-Order HERE
Then on Monday, December 7, Miz Cracker will debut her brand new “She’s a Woman” podcast. Every Monday Miz Cracker will start your week off by talking with incredible women from around the world about their achievements. Featuring interviews with detectives, pilots, bookstore owners, comics and more. Each show asks a new guest: What is it like to be a woman in your field? In the world? And what are some life lessons that every listener should hear? The podcast show includes: some good news for the week, an interview with a special guest, and information about the upcoming “She’s a Woman” 2021 Tour. Learn more HERE.
Later that same week on December 10, Miz Cracker sings about all the worst parts of getting together with family and tells a story that will ring true for far too many of us on “Get Me The F%#$ Out Of Here.” “Get Me The F%#$ Out Of Here” brings all the holiday Miz-ery and will be available on all streaming platforms. Pre-order HERE
As previously announced, the 2021 North American “She’s a Woman” tour has it all—standup, original music, slapstick, and jump splits! Giving audiences a glimpse into Miz Cracker’s world after All-Stars, “She’s a Woman” tells the story of her journey from self-doubt to self-confidence—and the ridiculous characters and calamities she found along the way. Experience the comedic world of Miz Cracker through never-before-seen videos and untold stories coming to a theater near you in 2021. This brand new drag extravaganza is set to kick off next summer with dates throughout the US and Canada. Please note that the current tour dates are being rescheduled and will be announced in the coming weeks. Tickets are currently on sale HERE
View tour announcement video HERE
Miz Cracker’s music video for the “She’s a Woman” single has now topped over 1 million views. Watch the video HERE. Plans to release more new music from the upcoming tour are in the works and will be revealed closer to the start of the summer tour.
“SHE’S A WOMAN” TOUR - HERE
(PLEASE NOTE THE BELOW DATES ARE CURRENTLY BEING RESCHEDULED FOR MID 2021 AND WILL BE ANNOUNCED IN THE COMING WEEKS)
01/30 Los Angeles, CA (Dynasty Typewriter)
02/01 San Francisco, CA (Alcazar Theatre)
02/03 Portland, OR (Revolution Hall)
02/04 Boise, ID (Knitting Factory)
02/05 Salt Lake City, UT (Metro Music Hall)
02/09 Lincoln, NE (Bourbon Theatre)
02/10 Madison, WI (Majestic Theatre)
02/14 Chicago, IL (Metro)
02/15 Columbus, OH(Lincoln Theatre)
02/16 Cleveland, OH (Ohio Theater)
02/17 Boston, MA (Royale)
02/19 Washington, DC (Miracle Theatre)
02/20 Atlanta, GA (Out Front Theatre)
02/22 Birmingham, AL (The Lyric)
02/23 New Orleans, LA (House of Blues)
02/24 Dallas, TX (Kessler Theater)
02/26 Houston, TX (Heights Theater)
02/28 Austin, TX (Emo's)
03/01 Vancouver, BC (Vancouver Playhouse)
03/05 Toronto, ON (The Royal)
03/08 Ottawa, ON (Algonquin Commons Theatre)
03/15 Buffalo, NY (Shea's Smith Theatre)
Follow Miz Cracker here:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/miz_cracker/
Twitter:https://twitter.com/miz_cracker
Facebook :https://www.facebook.com/MizCrackerOfficial/
Official website: https://mizcracker.com/
Tuesday, November 17, 2020
Shine A Light
Johnny Rzeznik
The Goo Goo Dolls
SHINE A LIGHT
A Special Light of Day Concert Stream Fundraiser for Asbury Park Dinner Table
Goo Goo Dolls’ Johnny Rzeznik Highlights 19-Artist Fundraiser from Producers of Annual ‘Light Of Day’ Winterfest Extravaganza – Sunday, Nov. 22
Proceeds Support Pandemic-Challenged Restaurants and the Food-Insecure in Legendary Seaside Resort
Joe Grushecky & The Houserockers, Jim Babjak of The Smithereens, The Weeklings, John Easdale of Dramarama, James Maddock, Richard Barone of The Bongos, Ben Arnold, Danielia Cotton also among Performers
"As winter approaches, The Light of Day Foundation shines its light on the growing issue of food insecurity during the Covid crisis in an effort to raise money and awareness to support its spiritual hometown and the great work of Asbury Park Dinner Table”
- Tony Pallagrosi, Executive Director and Co-Founder of the Light of Day Foundation
The world seems to change on an hourly basis, but there is at least one thing that remains constant: When help is needed, Light of Day’s musical family is always there to lend a hand — and a tune.
That’s been the case countless times, and will be once again beginning 11:15 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 22 as 19 Garden State music makers combine their talents for SHINE A LIGHT, a streaming musical event in support of ASBURY PARK DINNER TABLE.
The non-profit organization is dedicated to helping Asbury Park’s dining industry — a key component of the town’s stunning rebirth as a leisure and entertainment destination — which has been severely affected by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and to helping local residents who are experiencing food insecurity as the pandemic rages. The concept behind APDT is that donations it receives are spent at local eateries to purchase meals for those in need.
Heading up the formidable talent roster is Johnny Rzeznik, lead singer of superstar rock act, The Goo Goo Dolls. He’ll be joined by 18 other artists including longtime Bruce Springsteen collaborator Joe Grushecky and his band, The Houserockers, Jim Babjak of The Smithereens, Jersey Shore favorites The Weeklings and a host of acclaimed singer-songwriters, among them Richard Barone of The Bongos, James Maddock, Ben Arnold and Danielia Cotton. Each artist will perform one song. See below for the complete list of participants.
The event will formally kick off right before 11 a.m. as Tom Cunningham, host of the Jersey Shore Sunday morning radio institution Springsteen on Sunday on 107.1 “The Boss,” will “shine a light” on the presentation and direct his listeners to Light of Day’s YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAxn20nnBJoPVkfyiqxjcLg) channel and Facebook page (www.facebook.com/LOD2000).
You can also join the APDT Watch Party at https://www.facebook.com/APDinnerTable.
This very special event is being staged by the Asbury Park-based Light of Day Foundation (LOD), whose annual January-long concert series in support of Parkinson’s Disease research and treatment have been a Jersey staple for more than two decades. “As winter approaches and the issue of food insecurity during this COVID crisis grows, The Light of Day Foundation will ‘shine its light’ in an effort to raise money and awareness to support its spiritual hometown and the great work of Asbury Park Dinner Table,” said Tony Pallagrosi, LOD’s executive director and co-founder.
“The Asbury Park Dinner Table is honored to have the Light of Day Foundation “shine a light” on us as we now face the Winter months, which normally are stark in Asbury Park, but now are at a crisis stage with the addition of the pandemic. We also thank and appreciate the artists donating their time and talent to this concert fundraiser in the Asbury Park community spirit that many of us know is something very special,” added Allison Kolarik, co-founder, Asbury Park Dinner Table.