Sunday, August 16, 2026

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   

Saturday, August 15, 2026

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/

Friday, August 14, 2026

"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!:

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Thursday, August 13, 2026

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 timeLet's just say that maybeYou could help to ease my mindBaby, 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 -



Wednesday, August 12, 2026

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

Monday, August 10, 2026

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)  

Sunday, August 9, 2026

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  

Saturday, August 8, 2026

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 -

Friday, August 7, 2026

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   

Thursday, August 6, 2026

Michael's Musings

"I really get a dirty mindWhenever 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 -



Wednesday, August 5, 2026

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/  

Tuesday, August 4, 2026

"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


Monday, August 3, 2026

Ju-On: The Grudge

On August 11, the iconic J-Horror Ju-On: The Grudge arrives on 4K UHD. Writer-director Takashi Shimizu unleashes a deadly curse born from violent rage, transforming an ordinary home into a place of inescapable terror. The Limited Edition release features a 4K restoration from the original camera negative by Arrow Films, hours of special features, and newly commissioned extras. 


Social worker Rika (Megumi Okina, Shutter) visits the Tokunaga family’s home to care for an elderly woman, only to discover that the house carries a horrifying legacy. Once the site of an unspeakable tragedy, the home is now bound to a malevolent curse that marks anyone who enters. As the terror spreads beyond its walls, Rika is drawn deeper into the mystery of the Saeki family and the nightmare they left behind. The film was later remade in America as The Grudge, with Takashi Shimizu directing Sarah Michelle Gellar (Buffy the Vampire Slayer) for producer Sam Raimi (Evil Dead).

Special features include a 4K (2160p) UHD Blu-ray presentation in Dolby Vision (HDR10 compatible); original DTS-HD MA 5.1 surround audio plus stereo audio and alternate English dub track in 5.1 surround; optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing; an introduction by writer-director Takashi Shimizu; two audio commentaries with Sam Raimi, Scott Spiegel, and others; an interview with Takashi Shimizu on the Ju-On films; an interview with Takako Fujion; a discussion on the cultural forces that shaped the series; archival interviews with director Takashi Shimizu and actors Megumi Okina and Kayoko Shibata; on-set interviews with Takashi Shimizu, Megumi Okina, Misaki Ito, Misa Uehara, and Yui Ichikawa; deleted scenes with commentary by Takashi Shimizu; behind-the-scenes footage; two ghostly true-life tales that inspired the films; original trailers; image gallery; and a collectors’ booklet.

Watch the trailer for Ju-On: The Grudge here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OfBfZdijxG8 

Sunday, August 2, 2026

Just Say Slow

Rihanna 

It's Sunday Funday and here's Rihanna straight outta Instagram reminding you to slow down. 

OK, she's just looking sexy and provocative to promote her Savage X Fenty lingerie line, but what a way to get you to pay attention to the wisdom of being slow.

Take time to note and appreciate the many little things that make your existence special. 

I know I notice them every day and it truly makes a difference in my quality of life and how I view the world around me.

Beauty is where you find it...

Just Say Slow

Rihanna on IG -

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