Bette Davis We Love You

Bette Davis

Hit my favorite bar, Akbar last night with my friend Scott Jacobs for my Birthday. They had all these stars hanging from the ceiling with, well literally, stars on them.

Of course the one that caught my eye was the one with none other than Ms. Bette Davis.

Thus as I sat with Scott imbibing in my Amstel Light and a shot of whiskey I would gaze up at Bette from time to time.

It was like she was my Birthday guardian angel, or something like that...

That's all.

Bette on Wikipedia -

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

Hump Day & Chill

I came across this iconic renedering of Bette Davis and her words of wisdom to actresses coming to Hollywood: Take Fountain.

This mural was around the corner from me in my hood and I took a photo of it, and I'm glad I did as it is no longer. I guess a furniture store's showroom expansion was more important. Thus there goes another piece of Hollywood History (I hear it is now privately owned)

So let us Hump Day & Chill to this memory from Hollywood of yester year.

Raise a glass!

Get the full 411 about the mural here -

https://franklinavenue.blogspot.com/2012/02/bette-davis-take-fountain-mural.html

Portrait

Bette Davis & Kim Carnes

Came across this portrait of Bette Davis and the woman who had a number one hit singing about her eyes Kim Carnes.

For those of you that remember the iconic song Bette Davis Eyes, this one is for us, cheers!

To those of you who don't recall it, well that's what Google is for.

Bend it like Bette today!

Bette Davis Eyes on Wikipedia -

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

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  

Just Because...Adam Rippon

Shake Your Groove Thang
Adam Rippon

Just Because he's a rebel just for kicks now, Just Because he's a fan favorite athlete & Just Because well, he's an entertainer at heart. Here is Olympic skater Adam Rippon, naked for the ESPN Magazine's Body Issue.

All the guys think Adam's a spaz he's got Bette Davis eyes...OK, he actually doesn't, but there is something about Adam that is truly captivating. While I do not find him attractive in a sexual way I do find him charismatic, someone who can make me interested in what he is doing at any given moment.

I also love nudity.That is a full proof way to catch this guy's eye! Even if I have no desire to tap it, I love to see what other people look like sans clothing.

Of course Mr. Rippon has a rocking body, it's an athlete thang.

Thus I leave you today, Saturday June 23rd 2018 with an image from the shoot, because I am such a giver and like seeing someone in their Birthday Suit as much as the rest of you do.

Having lost 45lbs. this motivates me even more to _____ the blank is yours to fill in. 

Have a terrific day! Hi ho, Hi ho it's off to the gym I go!

Adam on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/adaripp/?hl=en

Buster Keaton In His Own Time

Just sit right back and you'll hear a tale...

Buster Keaton "can impress a weary world with the vitally important fact that life, after all, is a foolish inconsequential affair,"wrote critic Robert Sherwood in 1918. A century later Keaton, with his darkly comic "theater of the absurd," speaks to audiences like no other silent comedian. If you thought you knew Keaton --- think again. 

By closely researching the responses of 1920s critics, Gehring has discovered countless new insights about the comedian's 12 features made from 1923-1929. 

After a split chapter on THE THREE AGES and OUR HOSPITALITY, each feature receives a full chapter ---- which will give the reader both a broader and better understanding of the film. This will also involve many bombshells.

For example, learn how SHERLOCK, JR. started out to seemingly be a different and controversial picture. Discover where Buster's idea to walk into SHERLOCK, JR.'s screen appears to have come from. 

Take in the many period reasons why THE GENERAL could not help but fail. These would include its pioneering use of dark comedy, and that period's sacred perspective on the Civil War. That era seemed to think it ended in a tie. Therefore, one did not make comedies about the conflict, let alone a DARK COMEDY. Moreover, ponder how THE GENERAL might be the comedian's greatest film, but NOT the greatest KEATON film. Based on Keaton's prior work that honor better belongs to THE NAVIGATOR.

Consequently, this book invites a revisionist look at the study of an era that has been stuck in amber too long. The aforementioned Sherwood quote helps explain how Keaton went from almost more of a 1920s cult favorite, to today's most timely comedian of the silent era. Moreover, readers will receive new takes on John Bunny, Fatty Arbuckle, Harold Lloyd, Harry Langdon, and other 1920s personalities. It is well researched, but if you are also stuck in amber, one might recycle a signature line from Bette Davis, "Fasten your seatbelts, it's going to a bumpy ride."

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Wes D. Gehring is a distinguished professor of film at Ball State University and associate media editor for USA Today magazine, for which he also writes the column "Reel World." He is the author of 37 film books, including biographies of James Dean, Carole Lombard, Steve McQueen, Robert Wise, Red Skelton and Charlie Chaplin.

Michael's Musings

When I Think About You I...
Michael Shinafelt

Hello from the other side. While Trump continues to be the biggest punchline to everything all over the globe, life goes on. 

There is really so much beauty in world, like plastic bags tayin' in da win, Unicorn poop and rainbows. OK, kidding about the Unicorn poop, or am I? Remember anything is possible and don't call me Yentl. 

Shall we proceed? Computer says "yes"...

The Trumps visiting the Pope. The Pope looked like he needed an Exorcism in the photos.

I'm in the mood, come on give it up

A successful man is one who can lay a firm foundation with the bricks others have thrown at him. Werd!

Tinsley Mortimer has a hotter vag than Sonja Morgan. Sonja needs to get over her jealousy tour.

Turning tricks with my crucifix. Someone has to.

I know Vampires who have aged more than Pamela Anderson. Don't judge me by the company I keep.

l-r Myself, Mike Clifford & Ivan 

Yesterday I celebrated the success of my friend Mike Clifford's video. It's a dance cover of  "What A Wonderful World" - we had a "wonderful" lunch at Casita Del Campo check Mike out on the net here: https://www.facebook.com/MikeCliffordsWonderfulWorld/

Beware of the trash that will not burn

Congratulations to Troian Bellisario aka Spencer Hastings. She directed the best episode thus far of Pretty Little Liars this season. Only five more to go until it the show ends. Yes, I am sad.

Hating people takes too much energy, pretend that they're dead

Helpful Hint: Never drink Tejava Tea (which I love) after you have had a fruit smoothie. The combination of acids made me hurl.

I wonder what the world would be like if I had Bette Davis Eyes?

Come & Get Me at:

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

https://twitter.com/MShinafelt    

Michael's Musings

Want Some Candy?
Michael Shinafelt

This week I became acutely aware that my microwave was quietly judging others. Damn! That is pretty motherfucking impressive for something that cost me a mere sixty dollars when I bought it over ten years ago!

Now if only I could get it to print money, hey if it can judge others I bet I can coax it into doing that, riiiiiiiiight?!?!

Hereeeeeeeeeeee's Michael!

Kyle Richards blocked Eden Sassoon on Twitter. I would too, she's so creepy, not to mention she will one day die of a one night stand.

"Fingers are for Lesbians" - The More You Know

Am I the only one who does not get the appeal of This Is Us???

A certain sexy boy who met Bette Davis told me that Susan Sarandon's portrayal of her on Feud is awful, that Susan is playing a character, not Bette at all. As if we all need another reason to think Susan Sarandon is lame. 

Trump supporters are like a white trash Braveheart

Scarlett! Ivanka! Scarlett! Ivanka!

Some idiot blasted me for posting the SNL skit with Scarlett Johansson as Ivanka Trump on my Facebook page. She stated I was a bully. I deleted the comment. Overreact much?

Why does anyone give a rat's ass about The Bachelor? On the plus side it  does make a case for legalized prostitution, which I am for.

Things that make you go shhhhhhh......

I use my small snowblower, it gets the work done - weirdest post I saw on Facebook this week

According to an online quiz I took, I am "Wild Sexy" - Duh!

Sweet Baby Elephant! That one's for you Shani Bayne!

"I wish I was like you, Easily amused" - All Apologies, Nirvana - because you can never have enough Nirvana in your life

My ideas for this column were so much sharper earlier in the day, but I was nowhere near a computer to write. Guess I have to record them on my phone and let people think I am conversing with myself in public...now that's Entertain Me!

Follow me, I'll give you candy at:

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

https://twitter.com/MShinafelt  

It's "Feud" Sunday!

Kiernan Shipka
as
BD Hyman

In case you have been living under a rock tonight the FX limited series Feud premieres. What's it about you ask, boy you really need to get out more. It's about the legendary Hollywood feud between Bette Davis & Joan Crawford.

The show has been getting a lot of hype due in no small part to the fact that it pairs two real life acting legends Jessica Lange as Crawford and Susan Sarandon as Davis. While that is all well and a good reason to tune in, there is someone else in the cast who is deserving of just as much attention.

Kiernan Shipka who portrayed Sally Draper on Mad Men is going to set her relationship status to complicated when she appears as the daughter of Bette Davis BD Hyman. 

Shipka is a quite magnetic and gifted actress and is sure to chew her fair share of scenery when she spars with Sarandon as her on screen Mother (read into that word choice what you will.)

Tonight's the night, let the games begin!

Start your own "Feud" at:

http://www.fxnetworks.com/shows/feud  

Anything Goes: The VMA's

Get Your Tongue Off My VMA Miley Cyrus!

"Fasten your seatbelts, it's going to be a bumpy night!" - Bette Davis as Margo Channing in All About Eve

That's right MTV's Video Music Awards are on tonight with Our Lady of Cyrus, Miley hosting. So that means anything can happen when she hits the stage and as you know, anything will!

Executive producers have been proactive and prepared a delay for her and lots of wide shots for audience reactions. Way to work those ratings people!

With live performances by Nicki Minaj, Macklemore, Pharrell Williams, Tori Kelly and many more planned it is a music lovers buffet.

Aside from the hostess with the mostess, or is it host with the most, sorry Miley I know you have stated you feel more like a guy than a girl in the past...the other wild card of the evening will be the coming of Yeezus!

That's correct, Kanye West will be accepting the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award, prepare thyself. 

Here's hoping Taylor Swift makes an appearance during that moment and there's no Bad Blood!

Tune in or be square to the MTV Video Music Awards tonight at 9/8c on MTV, duh!