Michael's Musings

Michael Shinafelt

Ever feel like you are in an Alternate Universe? I know I did yesterday when I walked 1.5 miles home from brunch at the Alcove in Los Feliz. I had my usual the tuna melt with truffle fries and a margarita. Then I proceeded to walk home because it was such a beautiful day (I took an Uber there) and the next thing I knew I arrived at my place and have no real memory of the walk home other than it was tranquil and I felt like I was being guided by a higher power.

Did I go mad and heal some buried wounds??? Perhaps, or...time for some aMUSEment!!!

#ANALBUMCOVER I read it wrong too, great minds think alike

I take super hot showers to practice burning in Hell, the more you know... 

Tis a glorious day to be a twat, that's all

While I think the title is terrible I am intrigued by the upcoming horror movie I Saw The TV Glow currently with a 90% Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes

Alright who is with me when I say Dorit Kemsley needs to get the boot from RHOBH? 

Rest In Power Richard Lewis 

245 days until Halloween, in case you were wondering

Hey the gang is all here, where are you???

Woman Crush of the Week - Remembering Elizabeth Taylor who recently had a Birthday on February 27th. She was a unique one of a kind star and HIV/AIDS Activist. She'll always be my Maggie The Cat!

Miley Cyrus drops Doctor (Work It Out) with Pharrell Friday

Toilet Paper math is the hardest kind of math

Are you brave enough to be weird?!?!

"Stuns" is the most over used adjective on Social Media IMO

Wonder what Alternate Universe I'll visit today?

Find out here -

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

https://twitter.com/MShinafelt   

Hump Day & Chill

"A woman returns to her childhood home to discover that the imaginary friend she left behind is very real and unhappy that she abandoned him."

Being that I live in Los Angeles, CA and am Hollywood adjacent I get to see many things that are film industry centric and are hyping some upcoming movie. Well today we are going to Hump Day & Chill to the latest Tinseltown hype the horror of Imaginary.

"Yes" here is a big ole Chauncey Bear smack dab on the corner of Hollywood & Vine for your viewing pleasure.

As If! I could pass up getting a shot of this while I was walking through Hollywood post my In-N-Out Burger run.

Now the real question on our collective Hump Day & Chill hive mind is will Imaginary be any good?!

Well we are going to have to wait until March 8th to find that out. In the meantime get your Hump Day & Chill on with Me, Myself & Chauncey!

Imaginary on IG -

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

Vote!

Cyndi Lauper & Laura Dern

Today I am filling out my CA ballot and am voting for anyone who benefits people and isn't a fascist POS.

In case anyone needs help or my statement got lost in translation Cyndi Lauper & Laura Dern are here to help clarify my position.

Fundamental rights are on the ballot people, if you've been sleeping it's time to wake the f#ck up!

Fundamental Rights on Wikipedia -

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

Dark Victory

It's another Manic Monday, thus I felt it was a time for tears and Bette Davis. That's correct Minions, Dark Victory is one of the best tearjerkers ever and it stars none other than one of the  most commanding of screen presences Ms. Bette Davis.

At this poing and juncture I am guessing you want to know more? I guessed correctly so why don't I leave you in the expert hands of my buddy Jay Jacobson and his Classic Movie Blog.

Jay knows all about this sort of thing and his plethora of knowledge will enlighten and entertain.

Hit the link to Dark Victory after the jump and be sure to bring plenty of tissue...

https://www.jaysclassicmovieblog.com/post/dark-victory-1939  

Tonight's The Night...

"Tonight's the night
It's gonna be alright" - Tonight's The Night, Rod Stewart

I am remiss that I missed this by two days, but being a Twin Peaks person I thought we should remember Laura Palmer today, naturally.

She's here to put a little pep in your step on this Sunday Funday, just because. 

Thus in memory of Laura, go fourth and share the love today and every day Minions!

Indeed...

Twin Peaks on Wikipedia -

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

Vogue

Madonna & Pamela Anderson

"Come on, vogue

Let your body move to the music [move to the music]

Hey, hey, hey

Come on, vogue

Let your body go with the flow [go with the flow]

You know you can do it" - Madonna, Vogue

Here's an image for the ages, Madonna & Pamela Anderson on stage during Vogue for Madonna's Celebration tour in Vancouver, BC. 

Let's call this when two icons unite. If you have been living in your own Private Idaho and don't know either of these women it's called Google Minions! 

Icon powers activated, indeed...

Check out the Celbration Tour Here -

https://www.madonna.com/tour

And Aren't You Happy???

With the release of Love Lies Bleeding drawing nigh, March 8th to be exact. Here is it's star Kristen Stewart proclaiming she wants to do the gayest thing you've ever seen in your life. And aren't you happy???

From the buzz on Love Lies Bleeding this could be just that! Here's the 411 on it:

"Lou is a reclusive gym manager who falls hard for Jackie, an ambitious bodybuilder who's heading to Las Vegas to pursue her dream. Their love soon leads to violence as they get pulled deep into the web of Lou's criminal family."

Personally I can't wait to see this and plan on going opening day. I'll be the judge of whether or not it achieves the "gayest thing I've ever seen" status. If it isn't I'm sure KStew has something more in store for us on those terms past this...

Mark my words!

Love Lies Bleeding on Wikipedia -

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Love_Lies_Bleeding_(2024_film)

Michael's Musings

No Dark Sarcasm
Michael Shinafelt

 All in all, it's just another brick in the wall...I'm feeling my provocative side of late, thus I am retalitating against being just another "brick" today (and every day for that matter) that's it, that's all.

So, what's on your agenda today? All hail dark sarcasm! Time to get it Minions!!!

I'm not just going to Hell...I'm going to Hell on a full scholarship, so there!

Sometimes we ought to go mad, so we can heal buried wounds

Overthinkers at 3am: Where the Hell is my Birth Certificate?!?!

Dear music, thank you for always clearing my head, healing my heart, and lifting my spirits. 

So how about that anti-climatic season finale of RHOBH last night???

BTW Spread cheeks, not hate

Enjoy the meaty peaness, think about it, but not too much

This week's earworm? Padam, Padam by Kylie Minogue 

Woman Crush of the Week - Phoebe Cates  in Fast Times At Ridgemont High, if you know, you know.

Happy belated 21st Birthday to Olivia Rodrigo

Mark Ruffalo, that's all anyone needs 

You can go deeper than that Archie, the more you know...

Slowly realizing that this is going to be a very long year...sigh

I'm off into the world to provoke, have a great day!

Find out what dark sarcasm I get up to here -

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

https://twitter.com/MShinafelt   

Hump Day & Chill

"Crash" Cast
l-r
James Spader, Holly Hunter, Debra Kara Unger
Rosanna Arquette & Elias Koteas

Vaughan: "The car crash is a fertilizing rather than a destructive event." 

This quote from Vaughan played by Elias Koteas in David Croneneberg's Crash is pretty much the perfect summation of the film. I feel we need to have a Hump Day & Chill in honor of this masterpiece of cinema right here, right now.

Crash was a lighning rod of controversy so much so that Ted Turner who owned Fine Line Pictures at the time tried to block the studio from releasing it.

It won a Special Jury Award at the 1996 Cannes Film Festival for originiality, daring and audacity. That gives a pretty good barometer of what you can expect from this NC-17 rated film for those of you who haven't seen it.

What's that, you want more 411? Well here you go: 

"Crash" is about the strange lure of the auto collision, provoking as it does the human fascination with death and the tendency to eroticize danger. Most motorists will slow down to stare at the scene of a collision; they may feel their pulses quickening and become aware of the fragility of their own bodies. The characters of "Crash" carry this awareness a step further, cherishing and nurturing it. For them, a car collision is a sexual turn-on, and a jolting life force they come to crave.

This film deserves to be honored with a Hump Day & Chill and that's exactly what I'm going to do, join me, or not...

Crash on Wikipedia -

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crash_(1996_film)  

Current Mood

I effen love Ricky Gervais! This being stated this perfectly reflects my Current Mood in every single little way!

That's all...

Ricky on IG -

https://www.instagram.com/rickygervais/   

Presidents' Day

Happy Presidents' Day! 

 “I am. You’re welcome!” ~ President Barbie  

Presidents' Day Wikipedia -

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Presidents%27_Day

Sunday Funday

Blackie

Today just for the sheer levity of it, I decided to bring back the Creature From The Black Lagoon and declare it National Creature From The Black Lagoon Day!

Hey there's a national day for just about everything else why not the creature.  

I remember seeing the Creature's screen debut on TV with my Dad when I was kid. The creature was a sight to behold to my inner child. I was fascinated by this aquatic oddity. 

Something came to mind when I sae this image of Blackie and decided to hold a day in his honor. There has yet to be remake that updates his image and story for the modern day.

Maybe honoring him will inspire Hollywood!

Creature From The Black Lagoon on Wikipedia -

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

No Reason This Can't Be Fun

The Disassociates

SoCal's The Disassociates have released their debut album No Reason This Can't Be Fun.

Stream the new album and follow the band on socials here: https://linktr.ee/thedisassociates.

Vocalist Brie Marie says, “No Reason This Can’t Be Fun is a fun, wild, and completely open & honest look into coping with life and all the struggles that come with it. Whether you want to laugh, cry, or rage, No Reason This Can’t Be Fun has a song for you.”

Stream the "I Don't Wanna" video here: https://youtu.be/5aC4gKQpjbY?si=AaFUSuE6q1bwPcYT .

The Disassociates are an electrifying alternative rock band emerging from Southern California, fusing elements of alternative rock, power-punk, and catchy melodies with relatable, authentic, and at times hilarious lyrics. Debuting in 2023 with their singles "I Don't Wanna" and "30mg", this enigmatic band is comprised of longtime friends vocalist Brie Marie, guitarist Jordan Sutton, drummer Michael Bonanno, and bassist Justin Pittman, each bringing a unique musical perspective to the table.

Known for their thought-provoking lyrics and dynamic instrumentation, The Disassociates navigate the realms of introspection and rebellion through their music with influences ranging from from pop punk to classic rock to metal. The band creates a sonic tapestry that is both familiar and groundbreaking.

The Disassociates' debut album, No Reason This Can't Be Fun, showcases the band's ability to push boundaries both lyrically and musically. If the clever yet true-to-life lyrics don't grab you, the melodies will be stuck in your head for at least 3-5 business days.

Upcoming Show:

March 22 Bakersfield, CA @ Jerry’s Pizza

The Shootist

 Order Here - https://mvd.cloud/share/sales/20240214122647.html

The Shootist [Limited Edition] A dying gunfighter spends his last days looking for a way to die with a minimum of pain and a maximum of dignity. Legendary director Don Siegel (Dirty Harry) directs the iconic John Wayne as an ageing gunfighter dying of cancer in his final screen appearance, a superb adaptation of Glendon Swarthout's classic western novel, The Shootist.  Watch trailer »

Michael's Musings

Life's Too Short To Obey All The Rules
Michael Shinafelt

Life's too short to obey all the rules, and if you do, you miss all the fun!!! That's correct Minions live your life on your terms and break the rules you can, because no one is getting out of here alive.

What's that  you say? Why am I being so morbid? Oh I am being quite the opposite of that, it's called living my best life, and I truly have been for a while now. Sometimes you need a reminder to continue to do so. Some of us need to be encouraged to just do it, putting my best foot forward in gratitude, let's hit it!

Please, test that assumption and then take note of the results aka How to professionally say: F#ck around and find out, the more you know...

FYI Don't count your chickens because nobody cares how many chickens you've got

If you had to lose your virginity to one item off the Taco Bell menu what would it be?!?! Mine? Mexican Pizza

Question: Why would Satan torture people in Hell for disobeying the same God he disobeyed??? Think about it, but not too much.

Hope you all bought yourself flowers and had a Happy Valentine's yesterday!

Winner of my favorite Valentine card yesterday? A Saltburn themed one with an image of Barry Keoghan saying: I'd Drink Your Bath Water

Hey person that just got slightly angry with me for not remembering that we'd already met be...more...memorable, that's all

The Silence of the Lambs was released 33 years ago yesterday! Classic!

Woman Crush of the Week - Kristen Stewart, love this photo from her Rolling Stone cover story shoot! Can't wait to see Love Lies Bleeding!!!

Fun Fact: Did you know I am a big fan of Lana Del Rey? Now you do

Taylor Swift is the second coming of Christ, fight me on this (for those of you who may not get this is a joke in response to certain absurd conspiracy theories regarding her, it is)

Speaking of which, looks like Travis Kelce is Europe bound with Taylor Swift for her eras tour. Now that's the way to celebrate winning the Super Bowl!!!

When someone disturbs my energy with their drama I exit stage right

I'm off, wonder what rule I will choose not to obey today?!?!

Find out here -

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

https://twitter.com/MShinafelt  

Hump Day & Chill

Today is Valentine's Day thus let us Hump Day & Chill to getting physical shall we? We shall! I'll make it simple for you. All you have to do is copy this Valentine of Olivia Newton-John with the verse from her monster hit song Physical and put in the name of you and yours in the To: & From: section. "Yes" it's that simple...

Happy Valentine's Day Minions!!!

Valentine's Day on Wikipedia -

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valentine%27s_Day  

Going Platinum

Vassy

Friday marked a career milestone for me

receiving my 1st Song Writers Platinum Plaque 💿
from The National Music Publishers' Association through my publisher
The Royalty Network for my record BAD w/ David Guetta & Showtek hitting
Certified RIAA Platinum in the US.

I have received other Plaques before, but getting this Gem 💎 is Rare!!
Such an honour 😭 to be acknowledged.  
The timing was serendipitous as it was the same day my new
LP 𝐒𝐔𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐌𝐄 released.

It was so much fun making this album with Grammy Hit producer Tim Myers
[One Republic] with Label Position Music.
It was a chance for me to go back some of my original musical roots
creating a fusion of quirky eclectic songs.

 I'm excited to share it with you. 🧡🧸🧡

VASSYMUSIC.COM

Monday Motivation

Sharon Stone is everything and she serving up all the Monday Motivation we all need to hear!

This quote is amazing and hits the nail on the proverbial head.

As someone who is 58 to Sharon's to Ms. Stone's 65 nobody has said it better!

Cheers to you Sharon, live long and prosper.

Sharon Stone on IG -

https://www.instagram.com/sharonstone/  

Superbowl Sunday

Taylor Swift

It's Superbowl Sunday again Minions! The showdown is between the San Francisco 49ers and the Kansas City Chiefs for those of you out of the loop.

However this year's MVP will not be on the playing field. "Yes" this year's MVP is Taylor Swift, saw her name 5 times and she will appear (OK, kidding, you do't have to day her name at all and she will appear.)

Taylor has had quite the 2023 and looks like she is going to win 2024 as well. Not to mention  her guy Travis Kelce who is tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs needs cheering on, Taylor style. I know you've seen her engaging because MAGA (ts) have lost there sh!t over it!

Whatever the outcome of the game Taylor Swift for today's win!

Taylor on IG -

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

The Name Game

Sutton Stracke

Real Housewives of Beverly Hills fans know this is Sutton Stracke's go to quote when unlike Baby she is put in a corner.

Thus when I saw this meme of Sutton with her infamous "Name 'Em" defense mechanism quote behind her in pink neon,well I knew it was bound to be featured on Entertain Me.

Now here's the real trick to bending Sutton's trademark quote like Ms. Stracke herself. You must repeat it over and over as many times as you can possibly insert it into the conversation you are having where you are deflecting from yourself.

I believe Sutton's personal record (on the show, perhps not IRL) is five or six times in one continuous loop.

"Yes" it's as obnoxious as it sounds and, well we wouldn't have our Lady of Stracke any other way! 

Now pull yourself up by your panties or briefs and sally fourth playing the name game today! 

Be your own Sutton Minions!!! 

Sutton on IG -

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

The Linguini Incident

David Bowie & Rosanna Arquette

MVD Entertainment Group has acquired North American rights to Emmy-winning director Richard Shepard’s (The Matador, Dom Hemingway, The Handmaid’s Tale) debut film, The Linguini Incident. Rock music legend David Bowie (The Man Who Fell to Earth) and Rosanna Arquette (Pulp Fiction) star in the film along with Academy Award® winner Marlee Matlin (Children of a Lesser God), Buck Henry (Heaven Can Wait), Eszter Balint (Stranger Than Paradise), Andre Gregory (Demolition Man), Viveca Lindfors (The Sure Thing), James Avery (The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air) and Maura Tierney (Liar Liar). MVD is planning a limited theatrical release for the film, followed by its debut on digital, video on demand and physical media in summer 2024, under MVD’s Marquee Collection banner.  

The Linguini Incident is a romantic caper about a perennially underpaid waitress named Lucy (Arquette) and Monte (Bowie), a mysterious, charming (and very in debt) bartender. Lucy is seriously in need of cash and Monte needs to marry someone, anyone, by the end of the week… or else. Together they join forces — along with Lucy’s lingerie designing best friend, Viv (Balint) — to rob their terminally hip New York City restaurant and solve their financial woes. However these three are far from master criminals and they soon learn that in robberies, as in love, things never go as planned.

Originally released in spring 1992, co-writer and director Richard Shepard and producer Sarah Jackson re-claimed the rights to Shepard's debut feature film, scanned and restored the movie in 4K and assembled a never-before-seen director’s cut. According to Richard, “I’m thrilled that the great folks at MVD are going to re-release The Linguini Incident and present this brand-new director’s cut, with an incredibly beautiful transfer. It’s going to be a fun discovery or rediscovery for fans of Bowie, Arquette or independent films of the early 90s.” 

“I’m a huge fan of Richard’s body of work, especially The Matador, and one of the great privileges of my career is getting to collaborate with some of my favorite filmmakers and help bring their passion projects back to life,” said Eric D. Wilkinson, Director of Acquisitions at MVD Entertainment Group. “The Linguini Incident is a criminally underrated gem and I’m excited to be re-introducing Richard’s restored director’s cut the way it was meant to be seen, under our prestigious Marquee Collection banner.”

https://mvdentertainment.com/

Michael's Musings

Michael Shinafelt

In my defense the moon was full and I was left unsupervised...this is what transpired and I'm sticking to it! 

In other news one of the first people to ever befriends me in Los Angeles passed away unexpectedly yesterday. Photographer and Author Jay Jorgensen no one is quite sure why yet. With his passing and the one year anniversary of my Mom's transition recenlty it has been a time for reflection indeed. Time to crack that whip and muse Minions!!!

Wisdom has been chasing you, but you have always bee faster. Think about it, but not too much

Outgrow and depart from certain eras of your life with a gentle sort of ruthlessness

Has your pocket pussy become sentient?

Watch horror films...keep America strong, the more you know

Always remember, never forget: Merce is in the purse! - Erika Jayne RHOBH

Finally saw the Martin Scorsese film Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore starring Ellen Burstyn on Netflix - Great filmmaking and performances, especially Burstyn who an Oscar for her portrayal of Alice.

Fact: The average human will talk to 16 murderers during their lifetime

Glad Law & Order: SVU is finally back dun dun...!!!

Woman Crush of the Week - Molly Ringwald as Joanne Carson in FEUD: Capote vs The Swans. There's something about Molly...

Miley Cyrus winning a Grammy for and performing Flowers at The Grammys was everything!!!

Square One, my favorite neighborhood resaurant is open again for business on the weekends after shuttering for 6 months due to renovations, YAY!

If you are always trying to be normal, you will never know how amazing you can be

Things that make you go hmmmmm...Jesus came with you on his mind

Well It's time for me to forge forward with things have a groovy Thursday!!!

Forge with me here -

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

https://twitter.com/MShinafelt   

Hump Day & Chill

Darth Vader

Today we are going to Hump Day & Chill Darth Vader style...who knew Darth was a huge fan of the Jacqueline Susann novel Valley of the Dolls. I sure didn't and now we all know!

BTW Chilling the DV way does not mean we are reading said novel, it means we are going to simply read something whilst we Hump Day & Chill. Mr. Vader is leading us by example is all.

So what is yours truly going to read? I thought I would give Taylor Jenkins Reid Daisy Jones and the Six a go. I acquired a copy of it at my neighborhoood Little Library. Not to mention there's a rain storm here in Los Angeles, thus what better to do than stay in and read.

Anyway I'm off to Hump Day & Chill Vader style Minions!

Reading on Wikipedia -

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

25 Years Of Law & Order: SVU

Law & Order
Ice-T & Mariska Hargitay

I would be remiss if I did not acknoledge that my favorite TV show ever Law & Order: SVU is currently airing it's record breaking 25th season on NBC!!!

Thus there has been much celebration and press covering the blessed event focusing on rhe two stars who have been with it the entire run Mariska Hargitay & Ice-T.

Ice sums up the appeal of the show like this: "The beauty of SVU is that its entertainment doubles as a source of comfort for many. Characters like Fin Tutuola, Hargitay's Olivia Benson and even Kelli Giddish's Amanda Rollins are determined to get justice, and they can do it all in the span of 45 minutes."

Exactly! Justice is almost always served on SVU and in a world of uncertainty that is comfort of the highest order.

Here's hoping SVU goes at least a few more years past season 25...Kudos!

Law & Order on IG -

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

Monday Motivation

Some of the best things you find on the WWW are those random gems you stumble upon whilst searching for something else. Hence this quote by Lao tzu that is absolute perfection and our Monday Motivation!!!

Don't be beholden to anyone else's thoughts about who you are Minions. Wake up every day knowing yourself and what you are about and you will never be anyone's prisoner.

Trust me it's the only way to go through life happy. I used to care what people thought of me way too much and every since I haven't (for many years now) I have been happy. It's the best  decision ne can make for your own self care.

So what do you say? Don't worry, be happy!

Lao tzu on the WWW -

https://www.worldhistory.org/Lao-Tzu/    

A Celebration Of Music!

Tonight is a celebration of music! "Yes" it's time again for The Grammy Awards. I've got my two turn tables and a microphone ready.

Honestly I'm going in with my usual agenda, watching the show for the live performances!!!

I'm especially looking forward to Annie Lennox and Miley Cyrus taking the stage.

Eat the music and enjoy the show!

The Grammys on the WWW -

https://www.grammy.com/   

Icons

Iconic
Sylvester Stallone & Lynda Carter

What does one do when they have a photo opp with Sylvester Stallone and Lynda Carter? Well you photo shop their iconic chracters into the mix with them, naturally.

"Yes" someone got the clever idea of photo shopping Rocky Balboa and Wonder Woman into the image of these two icons, taken where, I don't know. But when I saw this on the WWW I loved it!

I'm 99.9% sure I will see nothing cooler than this for the rest of the week, maybe month.

Why don't we call today Super Saturday to honor them, yeah, I like that. 

Be the Rocky or the Wonder Woman today, the choice is yours...

Sylvester on IG -

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

Lynda on IG -

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

TGIF!

It's the first Friday of February 2024, it's also Graoundhog Day! Based on what's going on with the weather around the United States I'm going to guess that we are not having an early Spring despite the fact that Punxsutawney Phil did not see his shadow and predicts otherwise.

On that note, I leave you with this meme. Think about it, but not too much...

PS Let's hope the groundhog is right and I am not.

Groundhog Day on Wikipedia -

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

Michael's Musings

Michael Shinafelt

I'm going to leave you with this and only this for the week, No truer words were spoken...

I'm paying too high a price for being in the prescence of my own mind!

Dear Mind, slow your roll, that's all

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

https://twitter.com/MShinafelt