You know who you are...heading into 2024 like it or not! Have fun ringing in the New Year and please cautiously proceed into a year that should be one Hell of a ride, or simply throw caution to the wind.
Remember there is always the middle ground....
Gird your loins it's going to be a crazy ride either way!!!
New Year's Eve in Times Square on the WWW -
Heading in to 2024 this quote is something I've learned in my later adult life to be 100% truth! It's also one of the reasons upon rewatching Sex and the City I learned to despise the character of Carrie Bradshaw (note I said one of the reasons, there are many other ones to despise about that character as well.) I noticed how she always expected people and situations to be the way she thought they should be it was an exhausting, not to mention annoying revelation to behold.
The less expectation you put on situations and people the less, as Bill would put it "Heartache" you will have.
So heading into 2024 I have no expectations of it. No New Years Resolutions. I'm simply waltzing into the New Year with my eyes wide open and expectation free.
The way things are anymore it's the only way to roll...
William Shakespeare on Biography -
https://www.biography.com/authors-writers/william-shakespeare
"Yes" Minions it's that time of the year again where one is unsure of time and space. Consuming mass quantities of cheese (and whatever nosh is roaming free.)
It will all be over soon come this Sunday, then back to our regularly scheduled program...
January is just around the corner, gird your loins and hold on tight 2024 draws nigh!!!
2024 on Wikipedia -
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| Michael Shinafelt |
No full "Musings" column this week it will be back after the New Year. Speaking of 2024 I've noticed something different is in the air as 2023 draws to it's close...
Not a single person has said 2024 is going to be my year on Social Media. I see that everyone has learned their lesson.
Indeed!
Keep up with me all year round here -
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| Tiffany Valentine |
It's that time again, or as I like to call it purgatory. You know the time between Christmas and New Year's Eve that is less than a week so you really don't want to commit to anything and most likely have the time off. So let's act accordingly Minions and Hump Day & Chill with one Ms. Tiffany Valentine!
"Yes" the notorious Tiffany from Chucky fame is here to school us in the ways of Hump Day & Chill with a martini in one hand (gin straight up two olives for me) and a cigarette in the other (hard pass on the cancer stick here.)
Tiffany is played to perfection by Jennifer Tilly in the Chucky film series and the just wrapped second half of season three of Chucky the TV Series.
While she doesn't think were alone now, the character of Tiffany was a much needed boost to Chucky. Personally I find the TV Series better than the actual movies.
So there you have it and aren't you happy?!?! Get down with Ms. Valentine and Hump Day & Chill before it's too late!!!
Tiffany on Wikipedia -
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| Blowfuse |
Influenced by 80’s and 90’s punk rock waves and the skateboard lifestyle, Blowfuse crafts a style all its own, mixing the aggressiveness of hardcore punk, the catchy melodies of 90’s punk rock, the powerful classic rock riffs, with acidic and paranoid lyrics.
The new single "Move On" is the first off the band's upcoming 4th studio album 'The 4th Wall' out March 1st, 2024.
"Move On is a call to action and change. Its direct message conveys a sense of empowerment and the necessity of freeing oneself from the past to find a new direction in life.", says singer Oscar Puig. "The detrimental habit of complaining and self-pitying won't do anything but increase frustration. Only by accepting reality and taking responsibility can you navigate towards a new direction."
"Move On" is otu now via SBÄM, HFMN Crew, Epidemic Records and Infected Records.
Stream the single here: https://bfan.link/blowfuse-move-on
Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/znQ8KJHWZ9A
Music video directed by Blowfuse 6 @puxxoo
About Blowfuse:
Nowadays, Blowfuse is one of the most known and active punk rock bands of their country, Spain. The band, hailing from Barcelona, was founded around 2008 and began playing shows under the name Godfarts. While gaining renown as Godfarts they released their first album “Messed Up Minds” in 2010. The band was renamed to Blowfuse in 2013. The same year they released “Into The Spiral”, which was recorded, produced and mixed by Darian Rundall, who also worked with bands like Pennywise, TSOL, Suicidal Tendencies and U.S. Bombs.
They have toured with bands like Pennywise, 7 Seconds, and played all over Europe. Sometimes even for a length of more than two months. Blowfuse also played with bands such as Adolescents, Face to Face, Authority Zero, A Wilhelm Scream, Youth Brigade, The Casualties, The Unseen and many others. In 2013 they even played the mainstage at the prominent Resurrection Fest, sharing the stage with Bad Religion, Millencolin and Biohazard.
Being as young as they are, living one of their best moments, working on new projects, touring, filming their peculiar videos… And of course, totally committed to what they loved, and still love, music.
https://www.facebook.com/blowfuse
https://www.instagram.com/blowfuse_
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| Elizabeth Berkley |
"In dreams I walk with you
In dreams I talk to you
In dreams you're mine all of the time |
| Nicole Kidman Eyes Wide Shut |
'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
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| King Kong & The Abominable Snowman |
Wave your hands in the air, wave them like you just don't care! Because it's two days until Christmas!!!
That's correct Minions this is where it's at, two days away and weeeeee!!!
So let's join King Kong and the Abominable Snowman in a hair raising hand wave shall we? Of course we shall!
Oh what fun it is to wave in a one horse open sleigh, hey!
Now go jingle all the way and get ready for those visions of sugar plumbs...
Christmas on Wikipedia -
THIEF. WARRIOR. GLADIATOR. KING. Ripped from the pages of Robert E. Howard's beloved pulp stories, and brought to the screen by maverick director John Milius, Conan the Barbarian is one of the most beloved fantasy-action adventures in Hollywood history, which not only popularized a new subgenre - the sword-and-sorcery film - but also made a cinematic icon of its star, former bodybuilding sensation Arnold Schwarzenegger. In an ancient land, young Conan witnesses his family being slaughtered by an evil snake cult ransacking his village. Raised as a slave, the adult Conan (Schwarzenegger) rises up through the fighting pits, becoming an unparalleled and fearsome warrior. Unexpectedly freed, Conan and his companions - two fighters, Subotai (Gerry Lopez) and Valeria (Sandahl Bergman), as well as a Wizard (Mako) - are enlisted by King Osric (Max von Sydow) to free his daughter from the hypnotic clutches of the same cult that murdered Conan's family long ago, led by the shape-shifting sorcerer Thulsa Doom (James Earl Jones). Crom has commanded it: at long last, Milius' glorious ode to the days of high adventure (co-written by Oliver Stone) has been restored in glorious 4K with hours of bonus features and a heart-racing Atmos remix that immerses you in the action, accompanied throughout by an electrifying, career-best score by the late Basil Poledouris (RoboCop). If you do not listen... then to hell with you!
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| Michael Shinafelt |
Shall we play reindeer games? We shall!!
Hope you are surviving the Holiday Season, mine has been hectic, thus the month of December has not had a full Michael's Musings column.
They will return full throttle post Christmas.
Cheers!
Me and the joy of the season here!
As judgement day draws near (only 6 more days!) the time has come to ponder the question "Have You Bee Naughty Or Nice?"
So why don't we collectively Hump Day & Chill to this quandary. Naughty and Nice are quite relative terms with no real clear definition. Thus I'm gonna give you mine and trust me, my definitions of them are a one size fits all proposition.
Let's start with the ever so popular Naughty. Everyone is obsessed with Naughty because it promises forbidden fruit. Actually it doesn't, personally Naughty to me is treating other people badly, not being considerate of those around you and general self centeredness when in a public or social situation. There is no excuse for this kind of behaving badly, unfortunately this type of behavior has risen in the past few years.
OK, Nice it's your turn. Do the opposite of the abovementioned Naughty - always live in kindness. It's the only way for the world to heal. I know there are exceptions to this rule (you know those unexpected douche nozzles that need to be schooled) but Nice is one of those things that when you give it, you receive it. Pay it forward Minions!
There you have it, now Hump Day & Chill to that!
Naughty and Nice on Wikipedia -
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naughty_or_Nice
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| Vassy |
Ranking in at #11 on MediaBase Radio Charts & #22 on Billboard Airplay Mix Show Charts 📈
Major shoutout to the Radio Stations supporting this special song 🎶🎧
🚨 TOUR UPDATE 🚨
Since I last announced that I’ll be joining world renowned Pop group AQUA on their World Tour we have now performed in over 15 cities across the US.
It has been a blast performing at all the Live Nation Venues around the US. from Seattle’s iconic Paramount Theatre to New York’s famous Hammerstein Ballroom, connecting with fans and making new ones.
We only have a few dates left, Come check out the show in any of these cities:
Get 🎟️ Tickets HERE
📍Dec 12 CHICAGO, House Of Blues
📍Dec 13 MINNEAPOLIS, The Fillmore
📍Dec 15 DENVER, The Summit
📍Dec 17 SALT LAKE CITY, The Depot
📍Dec 19 LAS VEGAS, House Of Blues
📍Dec 20 LOS ANGELES, The Wiltern Theatre
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| It's My Birthday! Michael Shinafelt |
It's my 58th trip around the sun as they say. Many people do not have the gift of getting older.
I have been given that gift today December 18th 2023.
Cheers! To the journey, I am truly a lucky guy.
Happy Birthday To Me!!!
Follow me on my journey here -
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| Grace Jones & Pee Wee Herman |
Christmas time is a time for memories, I had a recollection dance in my head as I woke this morning of Grace Jones singing The Little Drummer Boy on Pee Wee Herman's Christmas Special! Yay! It sure beats a vision of sugar plumbs, for real!!!
Pee Wee's Christmas Special has always been one of my favorite things since it aired December 21, 1988 for a myriad of reasons. But Grace Jones putting her unique spin on the Drummer Boy will forever stand out to me.
Thus there you have it one of my fondest Christmas Time memories Minions. I'm sure you have some too, tis the season enjoy!
Catch the video of Grace singing Drummer Boy to Pee Wee after the jump -
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| David Archuleta Photo: Zack Knudson |
Buckle up for excitement as the Pasadena Tournament of Roses® unveils the stellar lineup for the 2024 Rose Parade Opening Spectacular presented by Honda. Prepare to experience an electrifying and creative performance that will have you cheering, dancing and feeling the world brought together by the magic of music. An array of incredibly talented performers will take the stage alongside Honda's awe-inspiring float, “Keep Dreaming.”
To kick off the 135th Rose Parade, a magical convergence of musical brilliance awaits as four extraordinary artists ignite the atmosphere with their unique talents and vibrant energy – David Archuleta, Cassadee Pope, Michelle Williams and Rush Davis.
David Archuleta, show-stopping performer and hailed as a vocal sensation since his ascent on "American Idol," effortlessly delves into emotional depths, drawing a devoted following across diverse musical landscapes with his mellifluous tones and heartfelt renditions. Cassadee Pope, whose journey from punk rock roots to victory on "The Voice" has forged her into a vocal powerhouse, enchants audiences with an emotive depth that permeates every note, paired with an undeniable stage magnetism. Michelle Williams, revered as a luminary of Destiny's Child, graces the stage exuding charisma and unparalleled vocal prowess, firmly establishing herself as a pioneer in the realms of contemporary R&B and pop. And then there's Rush Davis, an artist whose mastery in blending genres—fusing house, Vogue beats, Underground club music with hip-hop, R&B, and soulful melodies—illuminates his performances, redefining the horizons of modern music with his innovative soundscapes.
Together, these four musical luminaries merge their talents to create an ensemble set to captivate, mesmerize, and ignite the stage with an electric fusion of their unique styles, setting the tone for the magnificence of the Rose Parade.
Celebrating a remarkable 30-year legacy as the parade’s Official Vehicle, Honda shines brightly once again in the 2024 Rose Parade, marking their 14th consecutive year leading the floats as the Presenting Sponsor.
Join us on Monday, January 1, 2024, to experience the floats, bands and equestrians as they parade down Colorado Blvd. as we ring in the new year.
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With a scant 10 days until Christmas it's time to celebrate with the Director of the Plan 9 From Outer Space Ed Wood and it's star Bela Lugosi! Plan 9 has the dubious distinction of being named the worst movie ever made, well there's a lump of coal in your stocking...
Here they are in Hollywood at Paul Marco's Christmas Party accentuated by a black Christmas Tree. Paint it black is my motto, always.
BTW I haven't seen Plan 9 From Outer Space it's so amateurishly made that, while bad, is actually a blast to watch! Thus I can not in good conscience dub it IMO the worst movie ever made because it did Entertain Me. Hey, I can think of plenty of movies that were painful to watch that never achieved that for me.
If you need am escape from the family I recommend watching it, or the great bio film by Tim Burton called, what else? Ed Wood starring Johnny Depp as the hack filmmaker.
Gird your loins Christmas is nigh!!!
Ed Wood on Wikipedia -
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| Michael Shinafelt |
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| Join Her? Madonna |
Since the Holiday Season is hectic I'd thought it's time for something one can truly Hump Day & Chill to. You've heard of Elf on the Shelf of course, how could you not?! Well today I bequeath you the most chill thing ever on this Hump Day December 13th 2023 - Ladies & Gentlemen it's Madonna and a Martini...Yay!
While I am not specifically sure what Madonna era this was shot in, I do know the location, this was shot at, the now defunct Small's Bar across from Paramount Studios (I loved that bar and had Martini's there quite often) for an issue of Vanity Fair.
Thus take a Holiday breather and join Madonna and myself for that matter in a Martini!
Do you prefer vodka or gin? I am a gin straight up two olive sort of guy...
Hump Day & Chill Minions!!!
Madonna on IG -
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| Julia Roberts |
The hot Netflix film presently is Leave The World Behind starring Julia Roberts & Ethan Hawke. It is proving to be divisive among the audience and that's not hard to understand why.
So here you are going to get my quick hot take on it as to why I liked it. First off let's refer to the meme above. This is how Ms. Roberts closes an opening monologue, this closed the deal for me to continue watching.
A lot of fuss has been made about how the movie seems random and not connected. While I don't disagree with that entirely. I liked that about it. It was a bold choice IMHO because that is the way a situation like this would play out in real life. Do any of you know exactly what you would do or how you would behave, let alone what would happen when no one really knows what's happening in a situation like this? Yeah, I thought not...
There is that ending, which I felt captured the spirit of the rest of the story the film told. No one knows anything and they are trying to figure out who and what they are in this extreme situation.
My only real criticism is it felt all too possible and real to me, and that Minions is truly frightening!!!
Leave The World Behind on the WWW -
Tis the season for stress and anxiety fa la la la la...etc. & vice versa. Thus when this meme popped up in my Facebook Memories today I said to self: Self this is perfect for this time of year and it's also a great reminder of how one should live a good life.
So here we are December 11, 2023 and collectively we are going to let go of the things that no longer serve us for our Monday Motivation.
Think about things you do on a daily basis, habits you have and the people that surround you. Now think about how the enhance your quality of life and the ones that leave you empty handed, well guess what? Those are the things in your life that are no longer of service to you.
Approach this like an early Christmas Gift to your self. Given with self care and love.
Trust me, it's the best present you'll receive all season!!!
Let go here on the WWW -
https://peacefulmindpeacefullife.org/letting-go-of-things-that-no-longer-serve-you/
Alright with there being a mere fifteen days till Christmas I guess it's time to throw my winter hat into the ring and start counting it down...
Thus in true Entertain Me style here is a hybrid holiday meme (say that three times fast!)
It features a classic Christmas movie with a classic comedy/drama. While I am sure you can guess the famous Holiday classic can you guess the other???
Here's a hint, it starred a young Dustin Hoffman. Still wondering??? Here's another hint, it was directed by Mike Nichols.
OK, some of you may have gotten it by now for those who might not have the obvious reference is A Christmas Story the unobvious one is The Graduate.
Fifteen more days...here's to you Mrs. Robinson!
A Christmas Story on Wikipedia -
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Christmas_Story
The Graduate on Wikipedia -
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Photo Credit: Sergio Garcia
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Margaret Cho continues to be the must-see comedian-actress: she stars in Hulu's EMMY nominated rom-com movie -"Fire Island" (People’s Choice Award, GLAAD Media Award, Dorian TV & Gotham Award winner) with SNL alum Bowen Yang, in Awkwafina’s Nora From Queens and with Iliza Shlesinger in Netflix's "Good on Paper." Most recently, Margaret starred in the Disney+ "Prom Pact" movie - watch trailer HERE as well as a guest star appearance on ABC's "Not Dead Yet" with Gina Rodriguez. Margaret was also part of Netflix's “Stand Out Comedy Special” and "Over The Moon" film with Ken Jeong & Sandra Oh which was nominated for an Academy Award & Golden Globe Award. And, the cherry on the cake may be her inclusion in VOGUE Magazine’s “9 best female comedians of all-time’ alongside other comedic icons Joan Rivers, Gilda Radner and Wanda Sykes.
Now, Margaret - the five-time Grammy and Emmy nominated comedian/actress who has been touring North America since the start of 2023 has added brand new 2024 dates to her highly successful Live & LIVID! tour. Tickets for the new 2024 Live and LIVID! tour go on-sale Friday, December 8 HERE .
“Live and LIVID is a show celebrating my 40 years as a stand up comedian. I will be radiating rage about homophobia, sexism, racism and the fight to stay alive in a culture that is killing us daily. You will love seeing me Live and LIVID! This is living! Come through life!”
“I’ve cycled through many names to get to Live and Livid. Absolutely Angry, Bitch and Bitchy, Count on this C***, but Live and LIVID seems to have a ring to it.” - says Cho.
Not enough Margaret for you? In addition to "Prom Pact" on Disney +, HBO Max's "The Flight Attendant" with Kaley Cuoco & Rosie Perez,"Hacks"with Jean Smart, "The L Word:Generation Q"on Showtime and Hulu's "Sex Appeal" w/Mika Abdalla & Paris Jackson, Cho has also appeared on NBC's long-running drama series "Law & Order:SVU" and stunned America by singing her way through season one of the wildly popular break-out hit show The Masked Singer. Additionally, Margaret was named one of Rolling Stone magazine's 50 Best Stand-Up Comics of All Time (Rolling Stone HERE) while CNN chose her as one of the 50 People Who Changed American Comedy (CNN HERE ).
"The Notorious C.H.O.! Margaret is a jack of all trades and master of many. Whether conjuring the spirits of George Carlin, Joan Rivers or Lenny Bruce, she is committed to navigating the world of comedy and uniquely making it her own. Completely unapologetic about the life experiences that have shaped her path and journey to where she is today. These are just some of the reasons I love Margaret." Wanda Sykes
“I was inspired by Margaret. I got my start in comedy because of Margaret.” When I was in medical school and being her opening act at university inspired me to do this full-time. I would always ask Margaret, ‘Should I quit being a doctor? Should I quit medicine?’ I was so tortured, and I know I annoyed her. And she was so patient with me and so loving. It was just like a sibling – and it got me through my own internal confidence crises.“Margaret really is a pioneer in so many ways. Every Asian-American comedian owes a debt of gratitude to Margaret. Also, when I developed my own show, Dr Ken, I had Margaret as my character’s sister for a reason.” Ken Jeong - Click HERE
A pioneer amongst women in comedy, Margaret doesn’t take anything for granted as she continues to tackle difficult subjects with sensitivity and her razor sharp insight with her takes on addiction, abuse, activism and Asianness. It's all about the politics of disgust and what is disgusting about politics. Margaret has received many rave reviews for her live shows with the Chicago Tribune saying “Be it on-screen (“30 Rock,” “Drop Dead Diva”) or on stage, Margaret Cho has been one of the most exciting, unpredictable stand-up comics working for some time, and that hasn’t changed. If anything, the Asian-American female comedian’s voice has become more valuable than ever, given today’s social climate, and Cho’s material remains just as compelling, thanks in part to—and sometimes in spite of—her unapologetic delivery.”
Live & LIVID! Tour Dates
December
15: Royal Oak Music Theatre - Royal Oak, MI
16: The Vic Theatre - Chicago, IL
February 2024
22: The Pabst Theater - Milwaukee, WI
23: Egyptian Room – Indianapolis, IN
March
29: The Fillmore – Philadelphia, PA
30: Byham Theater – Pittsburgh, PA
April
11: The Paramount/Moontower Festival - Austin, TX
12: Texas Theatre – Dallas, TX
May
3: Mount Baker Theatre - Bellingham, WA
Madonna
"Santa baby, I want a yacht and really that's not a lot, Been an angel all year, Santa baby, so hurry down the chimney tonight" - Santa Baby, Madonna
Santa Baby has been covered by many artists over the years, my personal favorite is the cover Madonna did of it.
Here she is proving what a Bad Girl she has been with an outtake shot of her from her SEX book by Steven Meisel.
So what do you want Santa Baby to bring you this Christmas 2023? Hopefully you won't get a lump of coal.
I know what I want, and it's not a lot, and it's not a yacht...
Ho, Ho, Ho! (if you get my drift...)
Santa Baby by Madonna after the jump!
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| Michael Shinafelt |
Tis the season, give me a reason...
Ho, Ho, Ho and all that jingles!
Go ahead, give me a reason here -
Well here's something that's totally different head. A different type of Hump Day & Chill. While I usually use levity on this sacred middle of the week in need of relief day. I saw this quote from Megan Fox and found it worthy of our collective attention.
Depending on the type of men one has been with, Ms. Fox makes a very valid point.
Now this isn't meant for you to take a ride on a bummer. It's actually meant to inspire everyone to greater heights. That too is what the Holiday Season is all about as well.
Bringing good tidings and all that jazz!
So here's some Holiday Cheer and something that hopefully inspires you to make a change in yourselves, whatever that may entail. One can always change ones self and be a positive influence on others.
Hump Day & Chill to that! Cheers!
Megan on IG -
Who's Afraid Of Virginia Woolf? Is a charming Holiday Film for the whole family...NOT! Having seen this brilliant piece of movie making rest assured you are in for an emotional journey unlike anything you have ever seen before...
"A psychological drama, the likes of which you’ve probably never seen, “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” (which I’ll call “Virginia Woolf”) follows a pair of married couples from 2 AM until daybreak, beginning as the middle-aged “George” and “Martha” return home a bit drunk from a party. "George" is an associate history professor at a small New England university, and "Martha" is his wife and the daughter of the university’s president. The party was was one of her father’s faculty parties, where “Martha” met and invited a young married couple to come over for drinks because “daddy said to be nice to them”. The young couple is the university's newly arrived handsome biology professor "Nick", and his wife “Honey”, who “Martha” describes as “a mousy little type without any hips or anything”
Click the link below for an in depth perspective on it at my buddy Jay Jacobson's Classic Movie Blog!
https://www.jaysclassicmovieblog.com/post/who-s-afraid-of-virginia-woolf-1966
