I Want Candy

Still Popping!
Pop Rocks 

While shopping at the Soap Plant/Wacko in Los Feliz, CA yesterday for a Birthday card, to what did my wandering eyes did appear when I was checking out? None other than Pop Rocks, you know the candy that's pops in your mouth but not in your hands.

I didn't even know they still made them. Thus I had to go back in time to my youth and buy some in the original cherry flavor and experience them once more...

One thing I distinctly remember about imbibing in Pop Rocks is whilst they popped in my mouth I would always laugh. I wondered if partaking in them as a full fledged adult would effect me the same way?

Yep, I still laughed!!!

Here's the website to Soap Plant/Wacko to get that crackling sensation -

https://www.wackola.com/  

The People vs Larry Flynt

On August 4, the Academy Award-nominated serio-comic biopic The People vs. Larry Flynt makes its global 4K UHD debut. Director Miloš Forman (Amadeus) and screenwriters Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski (Ed Wood) expose how Larry Flynt became an anti-censorship crusader, changing adult entertainment with Hustler magazine. The Limited 30th Anniversary Edition features a brand new 4K restoration from the original 35mm negative, hours of special features, and newly commissioned extras. 

Larry Flynt (Woody Harrelson, Natural Born Killers) begins publishing a tantalizing newsletter to promote the dancers at his Hustler Go-Go club in Cincinnati. Encouraged by the overwhelming response, he turns it into a national magazine, setting out to challenge Playboy and Penthouse by pushing adult entertainment beyond its established boundaries. When Hustler publishes nude photos of a former First Lady, the magazine’s notoriety explodes.

As Hustler’s profile grows, Flynt becomes a high-profile target in the culture wars, facing obscenity charges and a series of legal battles over First Amendment rights. His fiercest allies are his dedicated attorney Alan Isaacman (Edward Norton, Fight Club) and Althea Leasure (Courtney Love, Man on the Moon), the former stripper who becomes his wife. The cast also includes Crispin Glover (Back to the Future), James Cromwell (Babe), Vincent Schiavelli (Ghost), Norm MacDonald (Saturday Night Live), and Larry Flynt in a surprise cameo. The People vs. Larry Flynt was Oscar nominated for Best Actor (Woody Harrelson) and Best Director (Miloš Forman). Forman won the Golden Globe for Best Director.

Special features include a 4K (2160p) UHD Blu-ray presentation in Dolby Vision (HDR10 compatible); original lossless stereo audio and DTS-HD MA 5.1 surround audio option; optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing; archival audio commentaries with cast members Woody Harrelson, Courtney Love, and Edward Norton and screenwriters Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski; brand new interviews with Woody Harrelson, screenwriters Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski, and others; an archival interview with cinematographer Philippe Rousselot; Miloš Forman on The Charlie Rose Show; an archival making of the film featurette; an archival featurette on Larry Flynt narrated by Dennis Hopper (Blue Velvet); deleted scenes with optional audio commentary by Woody Harrelson and Larry Karaszewski; the theatrical trailer; TV spots; image galleries including the original script; and a collectors’ booklet.

Watch the trailer for The People vs. Larry Flynt here: https://youtu.be/fR6l4D47fW8?

si=4NyIzseu9kP19yDj  

Order Here: 

https://customers.mvdb2b.com/b2b/s/AV860

Michael's Musings

" I Try To Ascend"
Michael Shinafelt

"There's only one thing I like more than sharing what I know with other people

And that's learning
Please, someone, teach me something I don't already know" - School, Madonna 

I went to a Madonna popup in West Hollywood, CA on the 4th of July, it made me feel like I was 18 again when she first hit the scene. "Yes" I am that many years old.

Step away from where you're not valued  and step onto a dance floor, that's all

Madonna's latest, Confessions II is truly one of her best, I must "confess" I am low key obsessed with it!

BTW I don't hold grudges. I hold memories, screenshots, timestamps and supporting documents. The more you know...

I have my ticket for opening day of The Odyssey in IMAX at the Chinese theatre in Hollywood on Friday the 17h..."Yes" I am excited to see it, can't you tell???

The Devil sent me his worst demon, I sent that MF back crying, true story

Lindsay Lohan looks radiant, she just turned 40, let that sink in...

Dear problem, give me a discount, I am your regular customer, discuss 

Woman Crush of the Week - It has to be Queen Madonna. Thanks for giving us the best album and music of the summer your Madgesty!

If you think Liberals steal elections and control weather but also let Republicans control all three branches of government, you may be f#cking stupid beyond repair. 

Zohran Mamdani jumping into a pool without any algae in NYC, that's all you need to know

It's your eyes, they won't let me forget anything

Algorithms and AI are the opposite of taking risks, Think about it, but not too much.

It's going to be another hot & humid day in Los Angeles again. I say margaritas are in order!

Imbibe with me here -

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

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

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

Hump Day & Chill

The Women Of The Odyssey

“There is nothing more admirable than when two people who see eye to eye keep house as man and wife, confounding their enemies and delighting their friends.”

― Homer, The Odyssey

In case you haven't heard The Odyssey, the latest Christopher Nolan epic opens on July 17th.

But of course you most likely already know that. Thus we are going to Hump Day & Chill with this photo shot at the London premiere. The women of The Odyssey. 

While I am not going to give you who's playing which part (that's what the Internet is for) I will give you a list of names l -r, sound good? 

Here we go then l- r Charlize Theron, Zendaya, Anne Hathaway, Lupita Nyong'o, Samantha Morton & Mia Goth. Phew! 

I can't wait to see it and already have my ticket for opening day in IMAX at legendary Chinese Theatre in Hollywood!

Until then, Hump Day & Chill...

The Odyssey on the WWW -

https://www.odysseymovie.com/   

Don't Be A Gloop!

Augustus Gloop

Today is World Chocolate Day, and aren't you happy?! Well I suppose if you love chocolate you are!

It's time for your free pass to indulge in this delectable, yet weight producing treat without boundaries. Perhaps you should rethink this and go with some boundaries.

Remember what happened to greedy chocolate monger Augustus Gloop in Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory???

"Yes" that is him above drowning in a river of his gluttony. 

Think about it, but not too much.... 

World Chocolate Day on the WWW -

https://nationaldaycalendar.com/celebrations/world-chocolate-day

"Carolina Liar"

Carolina Liar is the project of Charleston, SC native and Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter

Chad Wolf. After working for legendary songwriter Diane Warren and recording in Stockholm

with Max Martin — one of the biggest pop producers of all time — Wolf broke through with the

2008 Atlantic Records debut Coming to Terms, which spawned the double platinum-certified

"Show Me What I'm Looking For" and gold-certified "I'm Not Over." The songs soundtracked

The Hills, 90210, Gossip Girl, and What Happens In Vegas, and launched tours with Rob

Thomas, OneRepublic, Kelly Clarkson, and Gavin DeGraw. Outside of Carolina Liar, Wolf also

formed the alternative rock duo The Federal Empire with Grammy-nominated songwriter McKay

Stevens, whose songs remain a regular part of Carolina Liar's live sets.

 

"Show Me What I'm Looking For" went viral on TikTok in 2021 — generating over 70,000

creates and driving millions of daily Spotify streams at its peak — and still pulls over 144,000

streams per week with zero promotion eighteen years after its release, surpassing 169 million

total streams across platforms. Wolf has collaborated twice with Martin Garrix — on 2016's

"Hold On & Believe" featuring The Federal Empire, and 2024's "Smile," performing live during

Garrix's sold-out run at San Francisco's Bill Graham Civic Auditorium.

 

Now operating as a stripped-down two-piece with drummer Brian Ulery under the banner of

"Garage Gospel" — a raw reinvention built on honest songwriting, delivered with the intensity of

a sermon and the intimacy of a living room — Wolf is entering a new chapter. New single "I Am

King," out June 26th, is the first true expression of that direction. Carolina Liar's music is also

heading to the big screen in the upcoming comedy Concert Heroes, starring Chris Kattan and

Horatio Sanz, where the songs serve as the soundtrack for the film's fictional band and Wolf

makes a cameo appearance. A limited-edition vinyl re-release of Coming to Terms with

exclusive tracks is expected later this year.

 

Watch the "I Am King" lyric video HERE

 

Listen to "I Am King" on Spotify  HERE

Carolina Liar is currently touring the Midwest and performing at Summerfest 2026 on July 4th.

More about Carolina Liar:

TikTok | Instagram | Facebook | X | YouTube | Official

 

I Have A Confession

"Everybody Get Up And Dance!"
Michael Shinafelt

There was a Madonna popup in West Hollywood, CA this weekend for Confessions II (in fact it's till happening today). I spontaneously decided to go yesterday. Guess what? I had a fun time!

Of course there was plenty of merch to purchase, I bought a t-shirt, and immersive photo-ops to create content with.

For some reason the above photo-op was the least popular. It made me wonder if people were afraid to look silly. I knew I would and that was the very reason to do it!!! 

I'm 100% sure it's the silliest thing I have done all of 2026, and I have no regrets putting it out there on Social Media, not one.

My arrival time to the to do was 10am when it opened. "Yes" of course there was a line, I only had to wait an hour before entering.

There happened to be a younger gay couple in front of me and we conversed while awaiting our time in Confessions II palace.

I tantalized them with my tale of attending the Virgin Tour in college...that's for another time and Place...

Madonna on IG -

https://www.instagram.com/madonna/ 

July 4th

Celebrate your independence..."No Kings" - Think about it, but not too much...

Be safe and enjoy!

Independence Day on Wikipedia -

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Independence_Day_(United_States)   

Today's Secret Word Is...

Rosie O'Donnell
"Common Knowledge"

The secret word for today, Friday July 3rd 2026 is: "Sociopath" 

Sponsored by Rosie O'Donnell and her one woman show "Common Knowledge" which recently wrapped it's European tour and is headed to New York City for a limited run at the Daryl Roth Theatre July 22nd - August 8th 2026. 

One can clearly see who this word is dedicated to and about in her show. 

Perfection! 

Rosie on IG -

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

Michael's Musings

Lips Like Sugar
Michael Shinafelt

"Lips like sugar

Sugar kisses
Lips like sugar
Sugar kisses" - Lips Like Sugar, Echo & The Bunnymen

If you ever find yourself mad at someone. Put on a cape and be super mad!

FYI Jesus doesn't listen to prayers he listens to jazz, the more you know 

Saw The Invite L-O-V-E-D it!!!

Had lunch with a friend at El Coyote yesterday. "Yes" I experienced the divine

I talked too much not it's time to disappear and be mysterious again

"Bit#h I'm Gagging" - That's all

Bananas in pajamas, discuss...

Sometimes I think to myself: What would Miss Piggy do???

Woman Crush of the Week - Olivia Wilde she did an ace job directing The Invite. I loved every delicious minute of it!

Less toxic masculinity and more Toxic by Britney Spears, indeed

PS What doesn't kill you, still tried to kill you, think about it, but not too much

Now matter what day or time it is there is always a Law & Order: SVU marathon on somewhere

Imagine denying children free school lunch while making them read about Jesus multiplying loaves to feed all?

This is the day...laundry day, and aren't you happy?!

Wash with me here - 

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

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

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

Hump Day & Chill

The Heat Is On
Michael Shinafelt

Hello July...

It's July, officially the hottest month of the Summer, literally. After living the many years I have in Los Angeles, CA it's always been anywhere from 90 - 100 degrees during various parts of it.

So I'm going to dedicate this weeks Hump Day & Chill to the whole month of July. If any month needs it, this is the one.

Instead of an adult beverage might I suggest something hydrating? We're going to need a bigger glass.

Hump Day & Chill!

July on Wikipedia -

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/July   

Pride Month!

Madonna

Today is the last day of Pride Month let us end it on a high note, so to speak with the one the only Madonna!

The Queen of Pop dropped this iconic line during an interview with Graham Norton. Kylie Minogue was along for the ride as well.

"Maybe We're All Gay"

Needless to say it quickly became a viral meme.

Some food for thought as we usher out the month of Pride.

A friendly reminder the month may be over but Pride is all year long. 

Madonna on IG -

https://www.instagram.com/madonna/  

Served Cold

Gillian Anderson & Hannah Einbinder

They say revenge is a dish served cold...at least the signage states that things are frosty in this image. Well it looks to me like there is no revenge happening in this photo and it's anything but cold, in fact it's smoking hot!!!

The hot twosome here is one Gillian Anderson and one Hannah Einbinder in a publicity photo for their upcoming sapphic horror yarn Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma directed by indie darling Jane Schoenbrun. The tale was a huge hit at the Cannes Film Festival and hits theaters August 7th.

I'm really excited to see this one and can't wait! In the meantime we'll have to make do with being teased by these sexy photos of the two leads

Sigh...

Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma on Rotten Tomatoes -

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

Good Omen

Damien Thorn
"The Omen"

It's Sunday Funday so let's turn a negative into a positive, shall we? We shall!

"Yes" this is Damien Thorn the Devil Child from the 1976 movie The Omen.

"If you are seeing this, the curse has been lifted"

So be it, indeed...

The Omen on IMDb -

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0075005/   

"Falling Down"

On July 21, Falling Down, a transgressive travelog through post-riots Los Angeles, makes its global debut on 4K UHD. Director Joel Schumacher creates a compelling portrait of an everyday man feeling obsolete in the modern city. The Limited Edition release features a brand new 4K restoration by Arrow Films approved by cinematographer Andrzej Bartkowiak, hours of special features and newly commissioned extras. A Blu-ray edition will also be available.

A frustrated William Foster (Michael Douglas, Fatal Attraction) abandons his car during a morning traffic jam and begins walking toward home, only for the city around him to turn his commute into a volatile odyssey. Along the way, Williams gets more and more angry at a city that’s changing into something that he doesn’t recognize. As Foster’s encounters become increasingly dangerous, LAPD Sergeant Martin Prendergast (Robert Duvall, The Godfather) heads out to arrest him instead of taking it easy on his last day before retirement. Prendergast soon learns why Foster cannot be allowed to make it home. The cast includes Barbara Hershey (Insidious), Rachel Ticotin (Total Recall), Tuesday Weld (Once Upon A Time In America), Frederic Forrest (Apocalypse Now), and Michael Paul Chan (Goonies).

Special features include a 4K (2160p) UHD Blu-ray presentation in Dolby Vision (HDR10 compatible); newly restored original lossless stereo 2.0 and DTS-HD MA 4.0 surround audio; optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing; an archival audio commentary by director Joel Schumacher, editor Paul Hirsch, actor Michael Douglas and others; a brand new interview with screenwriter Ebbe Roe Smith; a brand new interview with composer James Newton Howard; revisiting the real-life Los Angeles sites used in Falling Down; an archival interview with Michael Douglas; the original trailer; an image gallery; and a collectors’ booklet.

Watch the trailer for Falling Down here: https://youtu.be/09XCNERMIwU?si=JwiO-M5CyBMWY-Jv 

Order Here: https://customers.mvdb2b.com/b2b/s/AV846    

Beautiful

Gin Martini With A Twist
Michael Shinafelt

Beautiful Means...

"Be You To The Full" 

Shine bright like a diamond and Happy Pride Month!

Pride Month on the WWW -

https://www.hrc.org/campaigns/celebrate-pride-with-us   

Michael's Musings

I Can Be Anything I Want
Michael Shinafelt

"Back to nature, it's human nature

Getting on back to

I think I'm done with the sofa
I think I'm done with the hall
I think I'm done with the kitchen table, baby

Let's go outside (let's go outside)
In the sunshine" - Outside, George Michael 

Stop hiding your magic! Happy Pride Month!!!

The amount of beautiful things in your life depends on your ability to notice them

You've heard of Panic At The Disco, wait till you hear Crying At The Orgy, discuss

If you think I'm mean...wait until I don't like you, the more you know

Had lunch on the patio of Marix in West Hollywood, CA yesterday, resplendent 

A computer can never be spiteful or horny. Therefore a computer must never make art, that's all

The Invite looks quite intriguing, looking forward to seeing it tomorrow

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

Woman Crush of the Week - The incomparable out queer icon Cynthia Erivo, nobody does it like her!

After getting what you manifested, ask for discipline to keep it and wisdom to multiply it

MAGA = Make Algae Great Again

Ready for another week of crippling anxiety and a nice ass???

Inflation has gotten so bad it takes two Karens  to speak to the manager, there's that

I wished a motherf#cker would...

Would what you ask? Find out here -

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

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

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

Hump Day & Chill

Madonna & Connor Storrie

Madonna + Connor Storrie + Paris Fashion Week = Pride Month. "Yes" I stated Pride Month, honestly what could scream it more than a gay icon and the star of Heated Rivalry at the Saint Laurent fashion show in Paris during Fashion Week??? I ask you? I'm waiting!

Thus we are going to Hump Day & Chill to the last Wednesday of Pride Month in style. 

"Ladies with an attitude, fellas that were in the mood, Don't just stand there, let's get to it, Strike a pose, there's nothing to it" - Vogue, Madonna 

Show your Pride - Hump Day & Chill!!! 

Madonna on IG -

https://www.instagram.com/madonna/

Connor on IG -

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

The Algae Of Truth

"Tear the petals off of you
And make you tell the truth" - Petals, Hole

What about the algae?

Remember January 6th 2021? Think about it, but not too much...

January 6th on Wikipedia -

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/January_6_United_States_Capitol_attack

Tell Me Why I Don't Like Mondays...

Adrienne Barbeau & Friend
"The Crate"

Hello Monday...

The look on Adrienne Barbeau's face in the segment "The Crate" from Creepshow a horror anthology Directed by George A Romero circa 1982 illustrates how most people feel about today, Monday.

On a personal note Mondays really don't hold any particular weight with me as a day of the week. But for those of you it does I get why.

Here's what "The Crate" is about: 

The Crate: Based on another Stephen King story, this fan-favorite segment follows a timid college professor (Fritz Weaver) who discovers a ravenous, ancient monster trapped inside an old crate beneath the university stairs and uses it to deal with his demanding, abusive wife (Adrienne Barbeau). 

Have a great week and be weary of any crates you might come across...

Creepshow on IMDb -

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0083767/