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| There Is Nothing Like A Piggy! Miss Piggy |
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| Bad Bunny |
"And when the music starts, I never wanna stop, It's gonna drive me crazy" - Madonna, Music
"It's not boring. And I have my own Mr. Softee truck. It's not - it's not boring."
Catherine O'Hara as Gail in Martin Scorsese's After Hours
Your light will always shine bright...Rest In Power
Catherine O'Hara on Wikipedia -
A raw and powerful coming-out story from the beloved American Idol finalist traces David Archuleta’s journey from closeted Mormon teen to global pop star to openly queer man, revealing the hidden pressures of fame, the weight of religious expectations, and the courage it takes to live authentically.
People magazine - here
At just seventeen, David Archuleta rose to national fame as the runner-up on American Idol season seven, captivating millions with his angelic voice. Behind the scenes, however, he was struggling with a truth he feared would destroy everything: he was attracted to men—and a devout member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
In DEVOUT, David takes you inside his deeply personal journey as a closeted Mormon teen turned international pop star, torn between faith, fame, and identity. From dealing with the pressures of being on a hit television show to a domineering father who controlled every aspect of his career—even being banned from the show’s set—David reveals the emotional abuse and inner turmoil that he says plagued his childhood.
This searing memoir reflects on David’s ventures with American Idol, a tour with Demi Lovato, and a two-year sabbatical as a missionary in South America, charting his path through heartbreak, estrangement, three engagements, thoughts of suicide, and finally, his courageous decision to leave the Mormon Church in order to live authentically as a queer man. Featuring never-before-seen photos, DEVOUT is a must-read for fans of pop culture, American Idol, and anyone deconstructing their religious upbringing, or who’s ever wrestled with who they are versus who they’re told to be.
“A lot of people who saw teenage David on TV thought they knew me. In DEVOUT, I share that there was a lot more going on behind the scenes than many realized—with me, with my family, and with the show. I had to recondition almost everything I learned or was taught to believe, and that process can be challenging. This is a story about finding courage within yourself during your absolute darkest moment to persevere and become who you truly are.”
Watching David come into his own—embracing love, owning his truth, and standing fully in the beauty of who he is—has been one of the most inspiring transformations
I’ve ever seen. He reminds us all that our greatest gift is not just our talent, but the willingness to be unapologetically ourselves.” – Paula Abdul
And David will hit the road on a seven-city book tour beginning February 17 in New York at 92NY (See All Book Tour Dates Below). Each event will include a Q&A discussion as well as autograph signing with the purchase of the book. In addition, David will also release a 3-song EP of new music written specifically about themes in the book. The DEVOUT EP will be available only thru the purchase of the audiobook HERE which will also be released on February 17, 2026.
David shares more on the Devout EP - Since this book is looking back at the prequel of my life as it is for me today, I wanted to go back to the feel of how I approached music as a young musician trying to figure out himself, and how younger David approached his life or felt like he had to approach his life with music. The songs are a bit more raw, more vocally focused, and really about telling the story to complement the story I tell in my memoir. The focus track from the EP is “Old and Young” HERE – “Old and Young” is a song about the state of limbo you feel you're in after going through a big life change. We don't see things the same way as we once did. You've gotten so much older but yet are starting a completely new chapter of life so you feel like a baby in terms of experience and knowing what to do. In the process you realize you don't have to be perfect and that you are human.”
Book Tour Dates
Tuesday, February 17 – New York City at 92NY @ 7:30 pm
(W/DEVOUT collaborator Valerie Frankel) - Ticket Link
Wednesday, February, 18 – Boston at WBUR City Space @ 7:00 pm (w/Amory Sivertson) - Ticket Link
Thursday, February 19 – Chicago at Barbara’s Bookstore at Macy’s on State Street @ 6:00 pm –
(Please note this event is a meet & greet and signing only. No Q&A) Ticket Link
Friday, February 20 – St. Louis at Clayton High School Theatre @ 7:00 pm (w/Shane Mullen) - Ticket Link
Monday, February 23 – Austin, TX at Book People @ 7:00 pm (W/Johnny Sibilly) - Ticket Link
Tuesday, February 24 - Salt Lake City at Utah Museum of Fine Arts @ 7:00 pm (W/Jessi Draper of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives) - Ticket Link
Wednesday, February 25 – Los Angeles at Barnes & Noble/The Grove at Farmer’s Market @ 7:00 pm (w/Dan Reynolds of Imagine Dragons) - Ticket Link
Follow David Here:
TikTok 1.2M Followers + 21M Likes
Instagram 810K Followers
Facebook 3.4M Followers
YouTube 900k Subscribers
Spotify 2.7M monthly listeners
Twitter 1.1M Followers
If I Was King For Just One Day, I Would Give It All Away
Michael Shinafelt
"I've heard it said or maybe read
Margot Robbie & Jacob Elordi
“He's more myself than I am. Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same.”
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| Sharon Tate |
Sharon Tate had what would have been her 83rd Birthday on January 24. I came across this cool piece of history yesterday on the WWW. "Yes" it's a behind the scenes shot of Tate as Jennifer North in Valley of the Dolls.
Here are some of her thoughts on being in the movie:
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| Agnes Moorehead as Endora |
Here's a little bit of Hollywood History you most likely haven't heard about. It's the infamous graffiti: "Agnes Moorehead Is God"
For those of you who are unfamiliar Ms. Moorehead is best know for her role of Endora, mother to Elizabeth Montgomery's Samantha Stephens on Bewitched. I have included her photo above.
Here is the 411 on the graffiti via Vintage Los Angeles:
On February 24, Arrow Video presents the blockbuster science fiction western Westworld in its global 4K UHD debut. Director and writer Michael Crichton (author of the bestselling novel Jurassic Park) thrilled and scared viewers with what technology can do at an immersive amusement park. The Limited Edition release features a brand new 4K restoration from the original negative by Arrow Films, hours of special features, and newly commissioned extras. There is also a Blu-ray release.
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| Natalie Wood |
Just Because I'm in the mood for something different, Just Because it's Friday & Just Because I am a big fan of Natalie Wood, here it is Natalie Wood being whimsical with something straight outta the citrus family! (Since the shot is Black & White I can't tell if it's an orange or a grapefruit, for practical reasons I'm going with orange)
For those of you who don't know me "Yes" Natalie Wood was my first movie star crush. I remember the moment it happened was seeing her in West Side Story for the first time. I was completely mesmerized by her beauty, charisma and talent. She was Maria!
Once I saw that I devoured everything thing she did. She was so heartbreaking in Splendor in the Grass. In Rebel Without A Cause she was teen angst incarnate.
"Yes" I could go on, but I won't.
Enjoy your weekend, Just Because...
Natalie on Instagram -
Lord Of The Wild Things
Michael Shinafelt
"Wild thing
You make my heart sing
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| Michael Shinafelt |
"I will drive past your house
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Long Island, NY — Progressive rock quartet Dhärä return today with their expansive new single “A PLACE IN TIME, (the entities, divided)”, offering the next glimpse into their forthcoming full-length album Elemental Four, arriving January 11, 2026.
Known for their immersive instrumental storytelling and dynamic compositions, Dhärä continue to push beyond strict genre boundaries on “A PLACE IN TIME, (the entities, divided).” The track unfolds with patience and atmosphere before erupting into driving rhythms, soaring guitar interplay, and a powerful sense of momentum—highlighting the band’s signature balance between precision, emotion, and scale.
The band shares: "This is the opening of our concept album Elemental Four. "A PLACE IN TIME, (the entities, divided)" introduces many themes that are heard throughout the album. This album is also a concert movie that features five ballerinas who perform modern lyrical dance to the music. Elemental Four is a journey of four entities whose world is shaken by a meteor which threatens their existence. They are separated by a great earthquake, and the only path to saving the planet and themselves is to unify and summon The Conduit, whose power can hopefully vanquish the threat."
Stream the new single here: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/dhr1/dhr-2
Watch the video: https://youtu.be/bgegZtzrjJM?si=jRY9wnZdPoorjL5m
Pre-save the album here: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/dhr1/elemental-four
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Since forming in 2015, Dhärä have been steadily carving out a distinct voice within progressive and instrumental rock. Based in Long Island, New York, the band has released an EP, standalone singles, eclectic music videos, and even a coordinated custom light show—embracing a fully DIY ethos from recording and production to visuals and live presentation. This new single marks another step forward in what the band describes as only the beginning.
Critics have consistently praised Dhärä for their virtuosity, atmosphere, and cinematic approach:
“The way the song is sort of divided into two parts is really interesting, with a skyrocketing shift in dynamic and tempo about halfway through… There’s also a little bit more prog in Dhärä’s DNA, which might make people think more of projects like Skyharbor or The Helix Nebula.”
— Michael Whiteside, Deputy Editor, Fecking Bahamas
“The guitars in this track create an absolutely captivating atmosphere and an inspiring arrangement… irresistible riffs and melodies unfold, combined with intense drive and concentrated energy.”
— Indie Tapes Blog/Playlist
“Playful and versatile… incredible virtuosity… epic and exciting instrumental progressive rock without needing any vocals.”
— Zona Emergente
“Let the melody of this song sweep you away… a dreamlike opening that gradually envelops us in a tinkling, atmospheric soundscape.”
— End Sessions MX
“Awesome guitar work and spirit that captures a bit of a cinematic and melancholic atmosphere.”
— We All Want Someone To Shout For
Dhärä is comprised of four distinct creative voices whose differences fuel their sound: Chris Rodriguez (drums), Austin Sandick (guitar), Kay Tyagi (guitar), and Ryan DiPietrantonio (bass). Together, they focus on building immersive atmospheres while always serving the song—embracing instrumental music as a limitless medium for exploration and expression.
“A PLACE IN TIME, (the entities, divided)” is available now on all major platforms. Elemental Four arrives January 11, 2026.
Listen & Follow Dhärä:
Main Website: https://www.dharamusic.com/
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/dharamusic
Bandcamp: https://dhara.bandcamp.com/album/dh-r
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dharamusicny
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dharamusicny/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dharamusicny
In Honor & Remembrance...
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Martin Luther King Jr on Wikipedia -
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| Photo: Michael Shinafelt |
Hit Rough Trade in the Sunset Junction (one of my favorite hoods in Los Angeles) section of Silverlake, CA the other day and while walking around the area I came up this slogan splashed a few times in various places throughout:
DON'T BE DUMB
IMO this statement has arrived somewhat on the tardy side. "Yes" it's late. However perhaps there is hope that collective consciousness will gain enough wisdom to perhaps salvage something from the wreckage.
IYKYK.
So keep on keeping and have a Sunday Funday!
Yeah, that's the ticket...
Visit Sunset Junction on Wikipedia -
