The Crying Game

Stephen Rea & Jaye Davidson
"The Crying Game"

"I know all there is to know about the crying game

I've had my share of the crying game
First there are kisses (Kisses)
Then there are sighs (So sad)
And then, before you know where you are
You're sayin' goodbye" - The Crying Game, Boy George 

Being an independent cinema goer I attended opening weekend of The Crying Game in a theatre completely unaware of the plot twist.

Was I caught off guard? "Yes" I believe my internal reaction at the time was that of shock and awe. 

I believe it is time for me to revisit this film at some point and reassess what my take is on it today. 

TGIF! 

The Crying Game on Rotten Tomatoes -

https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/crying_game   

Michael's Musings

I've Got A Dirty Mind
Michael Shinafelt

"You stare are you looking at me

Or just an image from your colour tv
Dollar signs and neon lights
Shine on the people every night
I'm going down to the river to wash my sins away
But they'll be back tomorrow anyway
I've got a dirty mind
I've got a dirty mind
Take a look at yourself
I've got imagination
I got hallucinations
Do you want some?" - Dirty Mind, Shakespear's Sister 

I shaved my balls for this?! "Yes" this is for me to know and you to never find out. That's the way it goes!

POV: If you love someone let them go, if they come back, it means no one liked them, so let them go again...

On a personal note I am enjoying Stassi's new "reality show" House Of Stassi, especially how it breaks the fourth wall

It's going to be a mere 87 degrees in Los Angeles today, down from 91 yesterday, ugh!

Almost quit drinking wine, but then I thought about the people who work for the wineries in order to feed their families...Cheers!

Does anyone know of someone who does witch stuff? Asking for a friend

Saw Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma last Friday. Run in your underwear to see it!!!

"Anybody know how that a$$hole grew his ear back" - Vincent van Gogh 

Woman Crush of the Week - Hannah Einbinder of "Hacks" fame who looks quite fetching in her underwear in "Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma" 

As you mature, you realize nothing is ever a loss. It's either redirection, protection, or a realization.

RIP - Hayden Panettiere your portrayals of Kirby Reed and Juliette Barnes will always be iconic to me

Does anyone share my love of jalapeno peppers on pretty much everything?

It's cinnamon, not fireball, that's all...

90 plus degree temperatures and over 50% humidity is why we can't have yoga outside anymore. First world problems.

Let's talk more first world problems here -

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Hump Day & Chill

"Free Hugs From Satan" 

Hump Day & Chill!!!

Satan on IG -

https://www.instagram.com/daily_satan/   

"Heavy Healing"

Fans of Heavy Metal, Hardcore Punk and the like have been told since they were little, whether it be by their parents, teachers or religious leaders, that these genres are "not music," but noise. Each has been labeled as disorderly, violent, and detrimental to the physical and mental health of young people.

Be that as it may, many who have been affected by a wide variety of enervating conditions have come to rely on heavy artists to successfully assist them through the worst of times such as severe illness, weighty medical conditions, and mental health challenges.

Heavy Healing seeks to dispel rumors and shine a much-deserved bright light on the healing powers of aggressive music. You will hear directly and candidly from artists, fans, and industry types - remarkable individuals who have leaned on (or even become) "controversial" music-makers in order to inspire and be inspired through the grueling process of recovery from the likes of cancer, anxiety, and depression, strokes, heart attacks, cerebral palsy, blood diseases, diabetes, and HIV/AIDS, to name a few.

Appearing in Heavy Healing are Jesse Leach (Killswitch Engage), Lou Koller (Sick of It All), Jaret Reddick (Bowling for Soup), Mike IX Williams (EyeHateGod), Vinnie Stigma (Agnostic Front), Eddie "Sutton" Pomponio (Leeway), Jesse Malin (Heart Attack, D-Generation), Jimi Hazel (24-7 Spyz), Michael Alago (A&R - Metallica, White Zombie), Michael "Kaves" McLeer (Lordz of Brooklyn), Jimmy G. Drescher (Murphy's Law), Brian "Mitts" Daniels (ex-Madball), Adam Blake (H2O), as well as one of HH's filmmakers, and the inspiration for this documentary, music business veteran Seth Abrams, among others.

Watch the trailer for Heavy Healing here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9xFSAaXIGlM

Order Here: https://mvd.cloud/share/sales/20260813101952.html

Tip Of The Day: Stay In Your Lane

Saw this on Instagram this morning whilst scrolling, straight outta Iman's page. It resonated with me and since sharing is caring here it is!

Stay in your own lane and mind your own business is what everyone should do. Unfortunately we live in a world where others scapegoat, project and deflect their sh!t onto those around them rather than accept responsibility for their own actions.

Be the hare you want to see in the world.

That's all...have a groovy week!!!

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

 

Could It Be Satan???

Oliver Reed & Vanessa Redgrave
"The Devils"

Urbain Grandier: "Call me vain and proud, the greatest sinner ever to walk God's earth, but Satan's boy I could never be. I haven't the humility." - The Devils, Ken Russell 1971

One of my favorite films is Ken Russell's The Devils. It came out in 1971 with a fanfare of controversy. It was cut significantly and still received and "X" rating. Thus I saw what everyone else saw a more tame version of the same film. Trust me it was still a quite intense and graphic affair.

Well I am eagerly looking forward to the restored cut opening October 16th in 35 mm rated NC-17.

Here's the synopsis:

"In 17th-century France, Father Urbain Grandier's protection of the city of Loudun from the corrupt Cardinal Richelieu is undermined by a sexually repressed nun's accusation of witchcraft"

Sex, Violence and Religion what more could you want in a controversial NC-17 film? I ask you? I'm waiting...

The Devils on IMDb -

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0066993/?ref_=ttqu_ov_i   

Bring Me The Axe

Bring Me The Axe!

Remember how you were never promised a rose garden when you were growing up? Well guess what? Perhaps it was because some homicidal psycho took an axe to it.

"Yes" it's the famous scene from Mommie Dearest where Faye Dunaway as Joan Crawford takes an axe to her rose garden. 

 "Tina, bring me the axe!" was the battle cry etched in our pop culture consciousness forever.

How fitting that the rose garden was sacrificed, the elusive paradise of our childhood. Torn to  shreds and shattered illusions.

That's why there's hope.

Mommie Dearest on IMDb -

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0082766/

"Bad Summer"

Ballyhoo!
Photo: Dennis Pike

Maryland alternative-rock mainstays Ballyhoo! will release their new single “Slowly Dying” on August 14, offering the final preview of their highly anticipated tenth studio album, Bad Summer, out August 28 via Right Coast Records.

Stream “Slowly Dying” here:
https://1212.to/bhsd

Produced by John Feldmann (Blink-182, Avril Lavigne, Goldfinger), “Slowly Dying” is a full-throttle pop-punk anthem driven by big guitars, undeniable energy, and a soaring chorus built to be shouted back from the crowd.

“This song is a huge pop-punk ripper with a chorus that soars!” says frontman Howi Spangler. “We went into the studio with John Feldmann to make this album, and we wanted an anthemic pop-punk/rock track that would really step things up. John pitched the idea for the intro and chorus, and I wrote the verses. The guys came in and smashed their parts, and the end result turned out even better than we’d hoped. It’s a standout track among the band members, and we think people will love it.”

The new single follows previously released tracks “Bad Summer,” “Cali Girl II,” “I Guess I’ll Go Fuck Myself,” and “Thunderstorms,” each revealing another side of an album that moves between beach pop-punk, alternative rock, and massive sing-along hooks.

For Ballyhoo!, working with Feldmann marked a full-circle collaboration with a producer and songwriter whose work has long influenced the band. The sessions pushed Ballyhoo! toward one of the biggest and boldest productions of their career while preserving the chemistry, personality, and honest songwriting that have defined them for more than two decades.

“Ballyhoo! were a joy to work with!” says Feldmann. “They are all such incredible musicians and super open-minded, and we made an awesome album! I can’t wait for everyone to hear it. So stoked to be included in this musical masterpiece.”

Spangler adds, “We knew we wanted the next thing we did to be special, and I’ve always wanted to make a record with Feldy. We put ourselves out there and took a big swing to make that happen. The record turned out even better than I thought it would. We’re so very proud of Bad Summer, and we can’t wait for you to hear it August 28th!”

“Slowly Dying” arrives just days after Ballyhoo! wrapped their first European tour, which included appearances at BrakRock in Belgium and Punk Rock Holiday in Slovenia alongside club dates throughout the continent.

On Monday, August 24 at 8 p.m. ET, Ballyhoo! will premiere the video for the album's title track, “Bad Summer,” and join fans for a live chat during the premiere.

The band will return to the road later this month, beginning with an August 29 hometown-area performance at Cult Classic Outdoors in Stevensville, Maryland. Additional North American dates follow this fall, including a run with Bowling for Soup. Ballyhoo! will also join the 311 Caribbean Cruise in March 2027.

Nearly twenty-five years into their career, Ballyhoo! remain one of alternative music’s most enduring independent success stories, building a fiercely loyal audience through relentless touring, undeniable live energy, and songs made to be shouted back from the crowd. With Bad Summer, the band enters its next chapter without losing the chemistry and personality that brought them this far.

Bad Summer arrives August 28 via Right Coast Records.

Pre-save Bad Summer:
https://badsummer.ballyhoorocks.com/

Follow Ballyhoo!:

Facebook
Instagram
YouTube
X
TikTok

Michael's Musings

Gotta Get Up, To Get Down
Michael Shinafelt 

"I won't bore you with the detail, baby

I don't even wanna waste your time
Let's just say that maybe
You could help to ease my mind
Baby, I ain't Mr. Right" - Fastlove, George Michael 

Always say yes to a quick 30 minute drink with your bestie. those 90 minutes could be the best 3 hours of your life 

Frank-N-Furter said it best: Don't dream it, be it! 

Your past doesn't need you anymore. Your future does. The more you know...

Karoline Leavitt leaving the White House to spend more time lying to her family 

The humidity in Los Angeles has been quite grotesque of late, discuss

I love DeSano Pizza...that's all 

Why would one go to an AA meeting when they are not an anonymous alcoholic, but a well known one? I ask you??? I'm waiting...

Granny had two passions in life. LSD and ducks. And aren't you happy?!

Woman Crush of the Week - with Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma playing how could it not be the amazing Gillian Anderson??? 

I can't get enough of the Madonna/Kylie Minogue collab Love Sensation! The lyric video is resplendent!

Sagittarius Thought of the Day: I choose to play stupid but trust me, I know everything you think I don't 

America is becoming a torture chamber for smart people, think about it, but not too much

Put the lime in the coconut and ________ That's correct fill in the blank, do it and do it now!!!

Having my pre-colonoscopy screening appointment today. Hope it all comes out OK

Be the universe with me here -

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https://www.tiktok.com/@michaelshinafelt    

Hump Day & Chill

"Little Death"

"If you've seen his movies, you know, he always comes back." - Billy Presley (Gillian Anderson)

Who always comes back? Well we are going to Hump Day & Chill to them as a matter of fact. It is none other than "Little Death" from the long running Camp Miasma franchise.

And guess what "Little Death" is back in Teen Age Sex and Death at Camp Miasma.

Here's some background on the killer du jour:

"Camp Miasma is a long-running slasher franchise that originated in the 1980s. Its recurring villain is "Little Death", the ghost of a child who was purportedly raised as both boy and girl by their parents. After being drowned by hateful campers, Little Death periodically rises from the lake that borders Camp Miasma, slaughtering everyone they find with a spear. The series' original installments were successful, but a spate of low-quality, unprofitable sequels has left it in limbo."

Wow! "Little Death" seems like they are pretty angry!

Hump Day & Chill and watch your back!!! 

Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma on Rotten Tomaotes -

https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/teenage_sex_and_death_at_camp_miasma

The More You Know...

Michael Shinafelt

The more you know...that's all

And aren't you happy???

Catch me on IG -

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

Monday Motivation

Hello Monday..."Yes" it's another one of those Minions, Monday August 10, 2026 to be exact. 

Back in the days yore, 1980 to be exact, Devo summed up Monday Motivation best when they said: "crack that whip" from their hit song Whip It!

Thus we shall go fourth and and fulfill the prophecy of the mighty Devo...

C'mon whips start cracking!!!

Whip It! on Wikipedia -

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whip_It_(Devo_song)  

The Age Of Fake

Let's face it the world is topsy turvy presently, it's like were in some messed up other dimension where honesty is questioned and fake is believed above all. 

It's time for the universe to reset itself into sane mode.

Meanwhile enjoy the BS!

That's all...

Honesty o Wikipedia -

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

Is It "Safe?"

Julianne Moore
"Safe"

• At the end of her first day at Wrenwood, Carol experienced a complete nervous breakdown and crying fit, and was comforted by Claire, who urged Carol to repeat to herself a self-affirmation as a remedy: "I love you. I really love you"

Do you feel "Safe?"

Safe on Rotten Tomatoes -

https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/safe

Bashed!

And this is how you get Bashed! Be the Dana Bash you want to see in the world...

TGIF!

Dana on IG -

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

Michael's Musings

"I really get a dirty mind
Whenever you're around"
Michael Shinafelt

"There's something about you, baby

It happens all the time
Whenever I'm around you, baby
I get a dirty mind" - Dirty Mind, Prince

Friendly reminder, August is National Dog Month

Happiness is submission to GODzilla, think about it, but not too much

May your anger turn into a fart and leave your body, have a nice day!

What do you think of The Shards? I viewed the first two episodes last night and am enjoying it. I also lived through the 80's so the math makes sense on this.

The Universe says: There's so much peace in knowing that you will not miss out on what's meant for you. Relax a little.

What's the difference between Vietnam and Iran? Trump had a plan to get out of Vietnam

Long live Dana Bash! IYKYK

Creativity is what happens when life moves through you without resistance, indeed

Woman Crush of the Week - Since The Shards is on my mind Kaia Gerber, what beauty

Crack that whip, that's all...

Sometimes you have to hug people you don't like so you know how big a hole to dig in your backyard

My circle of friends is now extremely small, it's not even a circle anymore. It's a dot.

Craving some Tex Mex, right here, right now

In other news this column was brought to you by Cabernet Sauvignon 

Raise a glass with me here -

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Hump Day & Chill

Neve Campbell & Ghostface

Today's Hump Day & Chill is brought to you by the movie Scream...

One of my favorite horror movies is Scream straight outta 1996. Thus it was fun to come across this behind the scenes shot on the Internet of Neve Campbell & Ghostface.

Based on this shot the shoot looked exactly as I imagined it to be...fun!!!

So, what's your favorite scary movie?

It's time to break out the wine and the popcorn throw on a scary movie and Hump Day & Chill.

Scream on IMDb -

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0117571/  

"Warm Me Up"

Singer-songwriter-author David Archuleta has already had a banner year with the release of his memoir, DEVOUT HERE which is now a New York Times bestseller. Now David is set to switch things up to a more festive vibe this holiday season as he turns up the heat to bring his heartfelt/feel-good holiday show – Warm Me Up Holiday Tour - to venues across North America with stops in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles and other cities this November and December.  Expect to hear a full holiday set list including brand new songs, along with his undeniable original holiday hit, “Christmas Every Day,” (which ranked  #1 on Billboard magazines Top 30 songs in 2024 and 2025 HERE) and all of your favorite holiday classics including, “O Holy Night,” “Let It Snow” and more. 

 

Broadway World raved about the 2025 holiday show here -  “There’s nothing that savors of the ordinary here. The concert is a perfect mixture of Christmas Past and Christmas Present… and if you think about the hope and humanity that David Archuleta brings to the production and the performance, you kind of have Christmas Yet To Come.  Whichever lane Archuleta is in, whatever vibe he is creating, he does so with impeccable vocals. It’s the Christmas show you want to see.” 

While The Mirror US suggested – “Mariah Carey might be the Queen of Christmas, but David Archuleta might be gunning to be the king.” 

No matter what the case may be, all seem to agree that David Archuleta is a must-see show!

 

Tickets for the “Warm Me Up” North American Holiday tour go on sale this Friday, August 7 with Presale on Thursday, August 6 @ 10 am local.  Special VIP packages are also available. Click HERE for all ticketing info. 

 

 WARM ME UP ULTIMATE VIP EXPERIENCE

 

PRICE - $350 (excl. ticket face, tax & fees)

CAP - 10

·       EITHER One (1) standing GA ticket with early entry OR One (1) reserved ticket in the best available seated sections with a fantastic view of the stage

·       Access to an intimate Q&A session with David Archuleta where you’ll hear him play One (1) acoustic song and get the chance to ask your own questions about his career and life on tour

·       An invitation to the official meet & greet with David Archuleta, including One (1) individual photo taken on your device and One (1) take-home Polaroid photo per guest

·       One (1) autographed, VIP-exclusive David Archuleta holiday card*

·       One (1) limited-edition autographed holiday lyrics sheet*

·       One (1) VIP-exclusive David Archuleta merchandise item

·       One (1) commemorative VIP laminate & lanyard

·       Crowd-free access to a dedicated tour merchandise stand before public doors

·       On-site benefits including priority check-in, dedicated VIP host, and a pre-doors VIP lane into the venue**

*Item is pre-signed

**Where available

 

 

CHRISTMAS EVERY DAY MEET & GREET EXPERIENCE

 

PRICE - $200 USD (excl. ticket face, tax & fees)

CAP - 50

·       EITHER One (1) standing GA ticket with early entry OR One (1) reserved ticket in the best available seated sections with a fantastic view of the stage

·       An invitation to the official meet & greet with David Archuleta, including One (1) individual photo taken on your device

·       One (1) autographed, VIP-exclusive David Archuleta holiday card*

·       One (1) VIP-exclusive David Archuleta merchandise item

·       One (1) commemorative VIP laminate & lanyard

·       Crowd-free access to a dedicated tour merchandise stand before public doors

·       On-site benefits including priority check-in, dedicated VIP host, and a pre-doors VIP lane into the venue**

*Item is pre-signed

**Where available

 

 

“WARM ME UP” HOLIDAY SHOW TOUR DATES

 

Nov 28 - Capitol Theatre | Salt Lake City, UT

Nov 30 - City Winery | Atlanta, GA

Dec 1 - Arlington Music Hall | Arlington, TX

Dec 2 - City Winery | Philadelphia, PA

Dec 4 - Toad's Place | New Haven, CT

Dec 5 - Sony Hall | New York, NY

Dec 8 - Mary D'Angelo Performing Arts Center | Erie, PA

Dec 9 - Danforth Music Hall | Toronto, ON

Dec 10 - Des Plaines Theatre | Des Plaines, IL

Dec 12 – Anaina Hou Community Park | Kauai, HI

Dec 16 - El Rey Theatre | Los Angeles, CA

Dec 18 – Chandler Center for the Arts | Chandler, AZ

Dec 19 - Castro Theatre | San Francisco, CA

Dec 20 - Gallo Center for the Arts | Modesto, CA

 

“10 David Archuleta Songs You Need on Your Holiday Playlist”

1.       Christmas Everyday - HERE

2.       Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays - HERE

3.       Winter in The Air - HERE

4.       Christmas in California - HERE

5.       God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen (Spanish version) - HERE

6.       The Christmas Song - HERE

7.       Wish At The Top Of My List (duet with Jordin Sparks) - HERE

8.       Ave Maria - HERE

9.       O, Holy Night - HERE

10.   Holly Jolly Christmas - HERE

 

Follow David Here:

TikTok 1.3M Followers + 23M Likes

Instagram 809K Followers 

Facebook 3.4M Followers

YouTube 905k Subscribers 

Spotify 2.7M monthly listeners

Twitter 1.1M Followers 

 

www.davidarchuleta.com

 

Complete David Archuleta Press info including hi-res art here:  HERE

For further information contact Ken Phillips Publicity Group, Inc.- Kppublicitygroup@gmail.com