Winter Wonderland

Pamela Anderson
as
Hecate

Today is the first day of Winter, the Winter Solstice as they say. In Los Angeles it's supposed to be sunny and seventy degrees. Suck on that winter!

So why did I include an image of Pamela Anderson eating grapes oh so elegantly draped? This photo brought the Goddesses of ancient Greece to mind when I saw it.

Pam is here to represent the Goddess Hecate for the kick-off of Winter on Entertain Me.

Here's all you need to know about Hecate:

Hecate: The Greek goddess who sometimes accompanies Persephone on her journey to the underworld during winter. 

I'm going to join her on the journey to the underworld, so I must get going!

Happy Winter Minions!

Pamela Anderson on IG -

https://www.instagram.com/pamelaanderson/?hl=en  

Bette Davis We Love You

Bette Davis

Hit my favorite bar, Akbar last night with my friend Scott Jacobs for my Birthday. They had all these stars hanging from the ceiling with, well literally, stars on them.

Of course the one that caught my eye was the one with none other than Ms. Bette Davis.

Thus as I sat with Scott imbibing in my Amstel Light and a shot of whiskey I would gaze up at Bette from time to time.

It was like she was my Birthday guardian angel, or something like that...

That's all.

Bette on Wikipedia -

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

Michael's Musings

Popular! I know about popular!
Michael Shinafelt & Maresa Wickham

Well, well, well this has indeed been one of the best Birthday weeks I've ever had! If I gave you the details I would have to silence you...NOT! 

Getting older does not mean you act your age necessarily, but it does mean you are more responsible. So let's boogie! 

If you want religion in schools, I want the IRS in churches, that's all

Margaritas: a cold refreshing alternative to being annoyed by everyone

Everybody have fun tonight, everybody ______ the blank is yours to fill in

Binging Gossip Girl again (the original series) I can't get enough of it!

I had a grilled cheese sandwich on sour dough with garlic aioli and avocado with a side of fries for my Birthday lunch yesterday, delicious!!!

What do I do to get in the Holiday Spirit? Sit on a bearded man's lap & tell him what I want

This Christmas I'm giving people batteries with a note: Gift Not Included

I have reached the age where my brain says "you probably shouldn't say that" to "what the Hell, let's see what happens"

Woman Crush of the Week: Dorit Kemsley for her epic takedown of Camille Grammer calling her a C U Next Tuesday (several times) on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills

The one thing I didn't get that I wanted for my Birthday? Tom Hardy naked 

Anyone want to be my downward dog???

Don't judge someone because they sin differently than you

Tip: If you drink a bottle of wine before walking your dog. it feels like they are helping you solve a crime. The more you know.

Speaking of crime I'm off to do some dirty deeds done dirt cheap

Do them with me here -

https://www.instagram.com/michaelshinafelt/?hl=en

https://bsky.app/profile/michaelshinafelt.bsky.social   

Happy Birthday To Me!

Michael Shinafelt
Photo:
https://www.instagram.com/jessemerrellphoto/?hl=en

"Like hanky panky (hanky panky), Nothing like a good spanky (good spanky)" - Madonna, Hanky Panky

Yep, today's my Birthday! Yay! It's my 59th trip around the sun and being the Sagittarian that I am it's bound to be interesting like all my other journeys to say the least.

Now assume the position...

Celebrate with me here -

https://www.instagram.com/michaelshinafelt/?hl=en

https://bsky.app/profile/michaelshinafelt.bsky.social

Santa Plug

Now for something totally different head. It's amazing what you stumble upon while surfing the Internet. This is my kind of Santa Claus! 😉

Here is the intel:

The statue in question, officially named Santa Claus, is a provocative work by American artist Paul McCarthy that has become an unlikely symbol of Rotterdam’s modern identity. Installed in 2008 in the city's Eendrachtsplein, the artwork depicts a rotund Santa Claus figure holding what is ostensibly a Christmas tree. However, due to the tree's exaggerated, bulbous shape, locals quickly began interpreting it as something far less traditional: a butt plug.

This cheeky interpretation led to the statue being humorously nicknamed Kabouter Buttplug (Gnome Butt Plug) by the people of Rotterdam. While some residents and critics initially found the artwork controversial or even offensive, it has since become a beloved and iconic feature of the city, celebrated for its boldness and irreverence. The statue reflects Rotterdam’s openness to challenging norms and embracing unconventional forms of public art.

Paul McCarthy is known for his provocative and often humorous works that challenge societal taboos and conventions. In Santa Claus, McCarthy intended to explore themes of consumerism, commercialization, and the absurdity of holiday traditions. By embracing the playful nickname, Rotterdamers have added their own layer of humor and cultural identity to the piece.

Paul McCarthy on Wikipedia -

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

Twins!

"Hello Santa. Come play with us....forever and ever and ever."

Christmas time, like any other thing in pop culture, always brings about some irreverent memes.

While there are many that I have been enjoying this Holiday Season (some of them I could never post on here) this one is a personal favorite.

"Yes" it's the twins from The Shining sitting on Santa's lap. I know, I know they should be sitting on Satan's lap, but where would be the fun in that I ask you? I'll be waiting for your answer, soon!

If you know, you know. For those who haven't seen The Shining well get thee to a streaming service or whatever else to see it post haste.

Time for a Bloody Mary!

The Shining on IMDb -

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0081505/ 

The Christmas Song

Mike Clifford

Since it's a scant ten days until Christmas I felt perhaps we should partake in some music for the season.

Here is former Teen Idol Mike Clifford's take on the Nat King Cole classic The Christmas Song.

I remember this song from when I was growing up as my Father loved Nat King Cole and every Christmas he would play it...a lot! 

Mike has taken it and updated it and made it his own, keeping the song and memories of seasons gone by alive and vibrant.

So let's  get into the Christmas groove and hit the video for the song below...

I'm such a giver!

Mike on the WWW -

https://www.reverbnation.com/mikeclifford6

https://www.facebook.com/MikeCliffordsWonderfulWorld/

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

Sagittarius Season

Celebrating Sagittarius Season
Michael Shinafelt & Maresa Wickham

Tis the season for not only Christmas but Sagittarians! Last night we celebrated at the St. Felix in Hollywood, CA.

My good friend Maresa Wickham was in town and it was her actual Birthday on Friday the 13th! Yikes! Luckily nothing bad transpired.

In fact there was nothing but good cheer as everyone in attendance celebrated Sagittarius Season. Me being one as well I got my name on the celebration banner.(see above)

I noshed on some delicious chicken tacos and imbibed in two gin martinis straight up with two olives. Not to mention hob nobbing with some interesting individuals. (fluff up your pillow and dream on that one Minions)

A groovy time was had by all!!! 

Maresa on the WWW -

https://www.maresawickham.com/

Michael  on IG -

https://www.instagram.com/michaelshinafelt/?hl=en   

Friday The 13th

Twas the Friday the 13th before Christmas and all through the house not a creature was stirring, yeah right!

With today being Friday the 13th and only twelve days left until Christmas I thought the proper way to celebrate would be with a Terrifier Christmas tree with Art The Clown as a tree topper. "Yes" I am twisted that way.

For the uninitiated the Terrifier movies are the most successful indie horror series ever and they feature a homicidal clown named Art expertly brought to life by actor David Howard Thornton.

They also feature some really disgusting killings and are not for the faint of heart.

Happy Friday The 13th before Christmas!

God rest ye merry gentlemen indeed...

Terrifier Film Series on Wikipedia -

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terrifier_(film_series)  

Michael's Musings

DJ Play A Christmas Song...
Michael Shinafelt

"It's cold outside, but it's warm in here, And that's the only thing I want this year"
- Cher, DJ Play A Christmas Song

What do you want for Christmas this year Minions? Honestly I haven't given it any thought. I guess I should since it's a scant thirteen days away. Oh well, moving on...

Unfortunately some people were not put here to evolve. They are here to remind you what it looks like if you don't

Christmas sweaters are only acceptable as a cry for help

If you drink pickle juice from a jar you may want to check yourself before you wreck yourself

Don't believe everything  you read on the Internet - William Shakespeare 

Krampus is my boo, the more you know...

Based on the Golden Globe nominations it seems The Substance is Oscar bound, YES!!!

Last Christmas I gave you my heart, But the very next day you stuffed it underneath the floorboards

If you can't send a Christmas card this year try offering something else (use your imagination *wink*)

Woman Crush of the Week - Pamela Anderson on receiving a Golden Globe nomination for The Last Showgirl, so happy for her!

So far the only "drama" on RHOBH has been Dorit ripping into Kyle like a hungry werewolf 

Keep yourself safe because no one has the right to say sh!t about you

A soul mate is someone who inspires you to complete yourself

Evil Dead Burn headed your way in 2026!

Speaking of burning, time to throw another log on the fire, baby it's cold outside!

https://www.instagram.com/michaelshinafelt/?hl=en

https://bsky.app/profile/michaelshinafelt.bsky.social

Hump Day & Chill

Daryl Hannah
aka
Elle Driver

"That's right. I killed your master. And now I'm gonna kill you too, with your own sword, no less, which in the very immediate future, will become... my sword." - Elle Driver, Kill Bill

Anyone remember Daryl Hannah as the badass Elle Driver aka California Mountain Snake in Quentin Tarantino's Kill Bill series? Of course you do and you should.

Elle Driver is the object of our Hump Day & Chill affection today, why? Because she can be.

I've never forgotten the impact Daryl Hannah had on me when I saw the films as the one eyed eye patch wearing assassin.

She was mysterious, intriguing and down right evil! 

Yeah, she was real and she was magnificent! Bow at the altar of Elle!

Hump Day & Chill!!!

Elle Driver on Wikipedia -

https://killbill.fandom.com/wiki/Elle_Driver

Current Mood

Ho, Ho, Hum...Lucy van Pelt has got it going on with the above statement.

While I am not a total Scrooge one of my least favorite things about the Christmas Season is Christmas Music.

So my Current Mood regarding Christmas Music is: "Over It."

Be honest with yourself the majority of Christmas Music is simply bad. When have you honestly heard any songs related to the Holiday that don't drive you crazy at some point???

The only good Christmas Song I have actually heard is "All I Want For Christmas Is You" the issue with this song is they play Mariah Carey's take on it WAY too much to the point of exhaustion. This is why people mock it, it's not because it's actually bad.

So I'm going to ride it out like I do every year and avoid listening to any and all Christmas Music. 

Hey Schroeder, play some Bauhaus for me and Lucy, do it and do it now!

All I Want For Christmas Is You on Wikipedia -

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

Verloune

Verloune

This past Saturday I had the pleasure of attending the art opening "Of Spirits & Sirens" at Galerie Lakaye in Los Angeles, CA.

Featuring prominent artists from Haiti and a jam session post the showing. 

Well there is one painting that I was particularly taken with, which I am hopefully going to buy. It's titled: Verloune by Levoy Exil the last of the Saint Soleil painters from Haiti.

It features the Haitian Goddess of the Sea La Sirene.

Above is a photo I took of it in case the work of art never becomes mine.

You should check out Galerie Lakaye online all the pieces from the show are for sale on their website.  

Personally I thought all them were great, but this one really spoke to me.

Galerie Lakaye online - 

https://www.galerielakaye.com/home

Christmas "Angel"

I came across this on the WWW it's the perfect gift for the Buffy The Vampire Slayer fan in your life.

How about a different take on the Angel Christmas tree topper, it's still an Angel, but it's Angel the vampire from Buffy! Yay!

Your slayer will love it, not to mention it will last forever.

Hey, nothing says Christmas like a vampire on top of your tree!

Buffy The Vampire Slayer on IMDb -

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0118276/  

"Lucky Gift"

Margaret Cho returns with new music today. The Grammy & Emmy nominated comedian/actress/singer has announced she will release a brand new album via her Clownery Records label on February 14 2025 with the first single and title track, “Lucky Gift” available today HERE. The full album of Lucky Gift is also available to pre-order HERE

 

On “Lucky Gift,” (which was written by Margaret and produced by Garrison Starr here ) Margaret sings in a sultry-pop tone while playing her double neck mandolin-guitar, “The Mandotar.”  “This is my power pop anthem and the first song I wrote on my mandotar. It is definitely giving gay pop in the best way and it’s my favorite song I’ve ever written.” states Margaret.

 

Click here to view the “Lucky Gift” lyric video!!!

 

It’s been 8 years since Margaret released her 2016 Grammy nominated American Myth album HERE

which featured the standout track “Anna Nicole” here written about her friendship with Anna Nicole-Smith.

 

Margaret says of the forthcoming Lucky Gift album – “I am thrilled to share this album which has been many years in the making. There’s tributes to Robin Williams, lost love, found love and anthems to non- binary and gender non-conforming folx. I collaborated with Garrison Starr and Roger Rocha in different cities at different times but it all feels like it comes from the same place and the same heart.”

 

 

Lucky Gift Album Track Listing:

 

Lucky Gift

 

Funny Man

 

Wheels Of Gold

 

Doot Doot

 

Stevie

 

90s Sysiphus

 

You Can Be You

 

Baked Bread

 

Melinda

 

Waterside

 

Boyfriend From China

 

Follow Margaret Here:

Website: HERE

Tik Tok: HERE

Instagram:HERE

Facebook: HERE

YouTube: HERE

 

Watch Margaret in the new Netflix documentary - Outstanding: A Comedy Revolution

 

Inglorious Basterds

On January 14th, Arrow Video exposes an alternate version of World War II history with the invigorating Inglourious Basterds arriving on 4K UHD and Blu-ray. Director Quentin Tarantino puts his own verbal and violent twist on the fighting in Nazi-occupied France. The Limited Edition release features a brand new 4K restoration from the original camera negative in Dolby Vision (HDR10 compatible) and hours of special features.

 

Lieutenant Aldo Raine (Brad Pitt, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood) is tasked by the U.S. Army to put together a unit of Jewish-American soldiers to sneak into France. The “Basterds” spread fear by ruthlessly torturing and killing German troops. Among the men under Raine’s command are Donny Donowitz (Eli Roth, Hostel), Smithson Utivich (B.J. Novak, The Office), Hirschberg (Samm Levine, Freaks and Geeks) and Omar Ulmar (Omar Doom, Death Proof). Shosanna Dreyfus (Mélanie Laurent, Now You See Me) is living under a false identity in Paris after her family is slaughtered by Standartenführer Hans Landa (Christoph Waltz, Django Unchained). She runs a cinema that gets chosen to premiere a movie about a famed Nazi sniper (Daniel Brühl, The Bourne Ultimatum). The person in charge of security is Landa. Shosanna and the Basterds are eager to make this film a bomb. 

 

The special features include audio commentary, extended and alternate scenes, a new video interview with editor Fred Raskin, actor Omar Doom, special make-up effects supervisor Greg Nicotero, archival roundtable discussion with Quentin Tarantino and Brad Pitt, archival featurettes, a film poster gallery tour, trailers, a double-sided poster, 3 postcard sized double-sided art cards, a strudel recipe, a beermat, replica of Nation’s Pride Premiere program, and an illustrated collector’s booklet.

 

Watch the trailer for Inglourious Basterds here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uSEDz-my7XQ

Order Here -

https://customers.mvdb2b.com/b2b/s/AV587   

Michael's Musings

Be Extra
Michael Shinafelt

The countdown to Christmas has begun with a scant twenty days left, what to do and oh bother etc, etc...

Feeling overwhelmed? Then bend it like I do! That's me at Akbar in Silverlake, CA imbibing on a gin martini straight up two olives. What's on your agenda?

If you see me dancing in public don't judge me I just escaped some dark places  

Farrah Fawcett said it best in Charlie's Angels: "I am not a yo-yo"

Meat consumed as comfort food is also an emotional support animal

The real border crisis we're having in America is the one between church and state

Run the homecoming queen has a gun, and a tube on lipstick

I caved and wen to see Wicked in IMAX at the Chinese Theater in Hollywood...consider my mind blown!

When you see someone crying ask if it's because of their haircut

People just don't moon each other the way they used to

Woman Crush of the Week - Cynthia Erivo in Wicked she was off the hook amazing!

You have to die to live, think about it but not too much

Do you like Gladiator Movies? Asking for a friend

I'm late to the party but I am now on TikTok: @michaelshinafelt

Would you let the Prince of Sweden top you?

Thoughts and prayers I'm going to do some Christmas shopping today

Shop with me here -

https://www.instagram.com/michaelshinafelt/?hl=en

https://x.com/MShinafelt   

Hump Day & Chill

Cookiefoot

Remember when there were a plethora of Bigfoot sightings back in the day? Cut to now, no one ever speaks of Bigfoot anymore.

Well now there is Cookiefoot, he was spotted recently in the woods of the Pacific Northwest. So let's give a Hump Day & Chill toast to the latest make believe beast wandering deep in the forest.

I'm not sure exactly where he will find cookies out in the wild, but I'm sure he has his ways.

And how about that blue fur?!?!

Hump Day & Chill Minions!

Bigfoot on Wikipedia -

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

Dear Santa

With twenty-two more days until Christmas I was thinking to myself what type of letter would I write Santa Claus.

Then the Gods of inspiration smiled down on me and this is what I came up with...

PERFECTION!

What's in your letter???

Santa Claus on Wikipedia -

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

Current Mood

Alison Arngrim 
& 
Nellie Oleson

Took a bus ride home from Fresno, CA yesterday where I visited some friends and did a photo shoot. Being it was the Sunday after Thanksgiving needless to say traffic was bad coming into Los Angeles (and the route was somewhat wonky) we arrived an hour and half later than scheduled.

Long story short I tend to be claustrophobic thus Allison Arngrim mimicking an image of her iconic character Nellie Olsen straight outta Little House on the Prairie perfectly sums up my Current Mood.

Honestly I am still reeling from the PTSD that ride provided. I can't help myself, look what it did to me.

PS it also didn't help that the driver was somewhat green 

Have a groovy week!

Nellie Oleson on Wikipedia -

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

World AIDS Day

Michael Shinafelt
Photo:
Jesse Merrill

World AIDS Day

Remembering those who gave their lives to save our lives 

https://worldaidsday.org/  

Just Because

Hollywood Forever Cemetery

"Are you brave enough to let me see your peacock?" - Peacock, Katy Perry

Just Because I personally like this photo I took here is a peacock in a cemetery. You're welcome...

Whilst walking in to Hollywood Forever Cemetery to get my Zen on, I spotted this photo worthy moment. The composition was perfection! Thus I aimed my phone and shot.

"Yes" I shot Mr. Peacock in the cemetery with the Android 20 and I'd do it again so there!

So obviously I am brave enough to let you see my "peacock"

Until we meet again...!

Peacocks on National Geographic -

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/birds/facts/peacocks  

Something "Wicked" This Way Comes

While I haven't seen Wicked, I know the story, so I'll just leave this without further extrapolation. That's all...

Wicked on IG -

https://www.instagram.com/wickedmovie/?hl=en

Gobble, Gobble!

 

Happy Thanksgiving from Myself & Tiffany Valentine

PS She's carving the turkey, obviously 🦃

Gobble, Gobble!

Tiffany Valentine on Wikipedia -

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

Hump Day & Chill

The Tinman 
& His Heart

Twas the night before Thanksgiving and the Tinman finally gets the Heart of his dreams...

In case you are completely unaware tomorrow is Thanksgiving and Wicked is up in your grill. Thus I thought we should Hump Day & Chill by revisiting the original Wizard of OZ with a twist.

This is the Heart I think the Tinman would have enjoyed much more than that hokey clock the Wizard gave him. Seriously what could be better than having Ann and Nancy Wilson of the iconic rock group Heart on your person at all times.

You would be able to access some bad ass rock music 24/7 that also has, well, heart. Double the heart, double your fun! 

Now that's a reason to Hump Day & Chill!

Heart on IG -

https://www.instagram.com/heartofficial/?hl=en  

Salvador Dali's Car

Alice Cooper & Salvador Dali

"Lying in the gutter, Shooting up the stars, I'm driving in Salvador Dali's car" - Salvador Dali's Car, Thompson Twins

What happened when renowned surrealist artist Salvador Dali and the Godfather of Shock Rock Alice Cooper got together?

This is all speculation, but perhaps they went for a ride in Salvador Dali's Car. Let' say this is  what played out.

I can only fluff up my pillow and dream to have been along on that adventure. Can you imagine the conversations they would have had!

Be fearless today and take the ride...

Salvador Dali on Wikipedia -

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salvador_Dal%C3%AD

Alice Cooper on IG -

https://www.instagram.com/alicecooper/

Truth!

Oh the Internet what a glorious place, you can find almost anything your black soul desires. Like for instance I found out there is a horror movie coming out based on the Popeye cartoon titled: Popeye The Slayer Man (ugh!) 

But then you stumble across a gem of a meme like this one. Something that speaks to your feelings about where things sit with the world.

You ponder the astute accuracy of the statement and realize in some ways it's not a bad thing, but in most ways it's plain blows!

However it is the TRUTH!

Future in the Cambridge Dictionary -

https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/future

What's On My Mind...

Sam I Am

This is what's on my mind...for real!

I am Sam
Sam I am

That Sam-I-am!
That Sam-I-am!
I do not like that Sam-I-am!

Do you like 
green eggs and ham?
I do not like them, Sam-I-am.
I do not like
green eggs and ham. 

Would you like them 
here or there?

I would not like them
here or there.
I would not like them anywhere. 

I do not like
green eggs and ham.
I do not like them, Sam-I-am.

Would you like them in a house?
Would you like them with a mouse?

I do not like them
in a house.
I do not like them
with a mouse.
I do not like them
here or there.
I do not like them
anywhere.
I do not like 
green eggs and ham.
I do not like them, 
Sam-I-am.

Green Eggs and Ham on Wikipedia -

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

Crust

"Crust is the feel-good sock-monster story the world needs right now"

     —Matthew Orozco, Macabre Daily

Written by Sean Whalen and Jim Wald, Crust tells the story of a lonely laundromat owner, Vegas Winters (Whalen), who keeps the leftover socks from customers and uses them to clean himself. When he gets abused and weeps into the pile of socks, it turns into a creature who seeks revenge on Vegas' enemies.

Media

 Watch trailer »

Bonus Materials

• Commentary with Writer / Director / Star Sean Whalen
• DOROTHY: 50 YEARS LATER
• DOROTHY: THE BUMP AND RUN
• Q&A from CRUST Los Angeles Premiere

Sales Points

• Offbeat Horror film fresh from Theatrical Release for fans of BASKET CASE & GREMLINS
• Supporting cast includes Alan Ruck (SPEED, FERRIS BEUHLERS DAY OFF) and Daniel Ruck (RIVER'S EDGE, UMBRELLA ACADEMY)
• Directorial debut of Sean Whalen, star of THE PEOPLE UNDER THE STAIRS and the iconic 'Aaron Burr' Got Milk? commercial

Order Here: 

https://customers.mvdb2b.com/b2b/s/MVD16515BR