It's the Monday before Christmas aka only five more day until it's here! I was taken to lunch for my Birthday Saturday at The Cheesecake Factory in the Americana in Glendale. For those who aren't familiar The Americana is basically a mall.
Oh, and it was busy! I haven't seen that many people gathered in one area in a loooooong time!
So my guess is with a scant five days left you all are gonna be manic AF, am I correct? Well being as there is so little time left and it is Monday and such I thought that seeing a magical rendition of Marilyn Monroe and Santa Claus might brighten your day a little.
Tis the season and all, thus here is a Christmas message from Vassy....😎
It's that time of the year and I'm a bit of a nerd when it comes to Christmas songs so I put together a little Christmas album for you to Enjoy!!
I want to thank everyone for supporting my current single "DON'T WANNA BE RIGHT" a collaboration with Vinny Vibe. We are currently Top 15 across the US at Dance Radio & To celebrate I recorded an Acoustic Version of it which you can listen to HERE.
The new single follow my latest release “CHASE” a collaboration with Aussie Duo Bonka which hit #1 on both the US Mediabase Dance Radio Chart & Australia's Aria Dance Charts.
Thank you for making my year memorable, I look forward to 2022. I appreciate you listening to my music and showing me much love.
Yesterday I trekked to The Bloc DTLA (Downtown Los Angeles for the uninitiated) to see Being The Ricardos at the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema.
Upon my arrival there was copious amounts of Christmas decor, naturally.
Thus I took this selfie of yours truly among the valley of the balls. Yeah, I know I could use a shave bigly!
Little did I know yesterday would turn out to be the perfect day to be at the movies. About three quarters of the way through Being The Ricardos the film stops, the lights go up and the alarm goes off. The patrons in my theater and others filed out into the hallway.
One of the employees was there telling everyone not to leave it was a false alarm and everything would be up and running in five minutes. They then announced it over the PA system.
I was relieved because I would have been annoyed had I not been able to see the rest of the movie. And just like that in five minutes the Ricardos were back!
As the story of Lucy & Desi came to a close, the waiter brought around everyone's check (you can order food and drink at the Alamo Drafthouse in case you did not know) - I had Chips & Queso along with a Margarita on the rocks.
Accompanying the bill for our five minute faux paus earlier was a free pass to see another movie anytime at the theatre.
"Yes" it was the perfect day to go to the movies. What's that you say? Oh "yes" I did enjoy Being The Ricardos...The End
I'm here today still trying to keep the season merry and bright as it were. So let's continue the good vibes with something shiny and new in the form of Lil Nas X performing at the iHeartRadio Jingle Ball.
Celebrating the season in a Silver Metallic get up Nas is the epitome of Holiday Spirit, like a human ball you hang from a Christmas Tree if you will. "Yes" we will! 😀
To hear via those who were there Nas stole the show along with Doja Cat, naturally.
Glad to hear someone is having a holly jolly time this season other than myself.
With Christmas less than 2 weeks away it's time to get to release the Kraken and get to werk!
With the release today of Steven Spielberg's retelling of West Side Story I thought it would be fun to revisit the original 1961 film starring Natalie Wood & Richard Beymer Directed by Jerome Robbins & Robert Wise.
That means the film is four years older than me. So you are correct in assuming that I saw it at a stage in my life where I was older.
I first saw West Side Story in High School for a drama class I believe. I was blown away by it then, it was amazing to a younger me, still is. But the main takeaway I have from it is it was my first exposure to the late great Natalie Wood. Her performance moved me in ways I had never felt at the movies before and have rarely felt since.
"Yes" I had a lifelong crush on her after that and sought out other things she had done post seeing WSS.
OK, enough of my hyperbole I'm now going to leave you in the expert hands of my buddy Jay Jacobson and his Classic Movie Blog. He will give you everything you need to know about the original WSS and then some by hitting the link below...
T.G.I.F! Minions only 15 more days until Christmas!!!
Tick tock Minions it's a scant 20 more days until Christmas...Yikes! Have you gotten your shopping done yet???
Here today to help you Keep Calm & Christmas is former Teen Idol Mike Clifford of Close To Cathy fame.
Mike decided to cover one of his favorite Christmas songs this year for your listening pleasure: Ave Maria.
It's his Holiday gift to all of you, and it's real and spectacular!
So take a few minutes and bask in the Seasonal glow with Mike and get your Ave Maria on. It's sure to contribute happiness to the most wonderful time of the year and then some.
Open your gift by clicking on the video link below, minus the bow.
Being as that we are in the midst of the countdown till Christmas and such I thought it would be fitting to recommend the Holiday classic It's A Wonderful Life starring the legendary James Stewart. Directed by the equally legendary Frank Capra, "Yes" legends walk among us.
While I don't want to say too much about the film I would encourage those uninitiated to watch it. There's a reason it has endured since 1946. It's themes and magic are simply timeless.
I am going to leave you now in the very capable, not to mention knowledgeable hands of my buddy Jay Jacobson with a link to his musings about IAWL on his classic movie blog.
Tis the morning after Christmas 2020, I bet it isn't what you thought it would be last January 1st. But I'm sure we all made the best of it, right???
Well mine was rather low key as I am sure most of yours were. Breakfast with a friend then I streamed Wonder Woman 1984. What did I think of WW84? Hmmmmmmm...that's a multi-layered question.
The first WW was so bank, this one was not as good (which is usually the case with sequels) but it had it's moments and bigger ideas like it's predecessor. My main issue is it was a pretty disjointed film.
Do I think it's worth seeing? Overall "Yes" - there are many things about the movie that make it still worth your while. Notably Kristen Wiig as Cheetah (except for the crappy CGI they did for her in the action sequences.)
Patty Jenkins, like in the first WW, makes sure there is heart to this epic. That's what ultimately made the original a home run, and saves this one from being a total disaster.
But make no mistake, overall I thought this outing was hit and miss.
Merry Christmas Minions! "Yes" I have a present for all of you. Today a quite talented and amazing young woman, singer/songwriter Ariel Beesley joins me. She is here to chat about her current hot single "So Baby" and much, much more...
So without further explanation, herrrrrrrre's Ariel!!!
MS: Let's talk about So Baby, I love how it takes a term of endearment "Baby" and subverts it into a something entirely different. How did the song come about?
AB: Well, long story short I was mad as hell. I had dated a lot of immature boys and I basically just funneled that rage into a song to feel better and stronger about it.
MS: I've seen by your social media that the response to it has been great, you must be really stoked!
AB: Yes! I write music for myself, because my songs are like therapy. But obviously it is always nice when other people connect with it too, I’m very grateful.
Lyric Video
"So Baby"
MS: Tell everyone, are there any artists whose music you are a fan of, who are a fan of your music?
AB: I’m really lucky to be surrounded by a bunch of artists and musicians, and we all support each other. In a normal world, going to each other’s shows and so forth. So that's awesome. One day I hope Robert Smith hears my music and digs it haha
MS: You are an avid reader, and compose some really great lyrics IMHO. Name some of your inspirations for your writing.
AB: Thank you so much! That means a lot to me because the writing always comes first. My words are very important to me. My main inspiration for my writing is honestly just my life. But I love poetry. I recently finished Rupi Kuar’s new book and it was lovely. And Anais Nin is another one of my favorite writers. I love her boldness.
MS: One of my favorite things about you is your activism. Especially in terms of Women's Rights, extrapolate on this, please.
AB: Well this year I feel really lucky to have founded my nonprofit organization- U Start Here. It is a nonprofit specifically geared towards helping survivors of sexual assault. As a survivor myself it’s a topic that is extremely important to me, and It’s been incredible connecting with so many survivors and professionals also seeking out this kind of work. I’m very humbled and very proud.
Express Yourself Ariel Beesley
MS: As I recall we both share a love of a certain TV show: Law & Order: SVU - what is it you love about it?
AB: God damn I’ve been watching SVU since I was a kid haha. I’ve always found it strangely comforting. I think it’s the fact that most of the time the bad guy gets put away. If only real life were so.
MS: What has been keeping you sane during the Pandemic?
AB: Honestly writing music. I’ve written 6 songs during the quarantine that will all be on my debut album and I’m really excited about that.
MS: I miss seeing you perform live.
AB: Ahhh thank you. that’s what I miss most about quarantining. I honestly don’t mind staying home. But the lack of shows. That’s been tough
MS: Name five people living or not, who you would like to have a dinner party with.
AB:
Anais Nin
Frank Sinatra
Debbie Harry
Robert Smith
Maya Angelou
MS: What do you wish for 2021?
AB: Live music to return, people to be healthy, and happiness
"You Have To Believe We Are Magic" Olivia Newton-John & Michael Shinafelt
Ho ho ho, and Merry Christmas Eve Day (say that three times fast) While this Holiday Season is quite unprecedented, there's still no reason why we can't make it fun! Thus I am caught up in and Olivia Newton-John/Xanadu fugue.
"Magic" is something we should, and all need to believe in. Not to mention it's one of ONJ's best songs ever from the movie Xanadu, which despite it's bad reputation, I have enjoyed viewing multiple times. So let's get the party started Minions!!!
Reminder, it won't work unless you are holding my flower
Got anything you need to Mansplain to Santa? Now's the time to do it
The Three Kings of Hell have returned, discuss
"And if all your hopes survive, Destiny will arrive..." - Magic, Olivia Newton-John
Well now, that was a whole bucket of miss
Start preheating your oven now so your Holy Infant will be tender and mild
"If I can wear a mask while I give birth, you can wear a mask at Walmart" - Sophie Turner
All I want for Christmas is January 20th
Woman Crush of the Week - duh, Olivia Newton-John and Magic!
My tranquility needs to be refurbished
I finally binged The Queen's Gambit, LOVED IT!!!
That time Santa jacked your Mom's Coke from the fridge on Christmas Eve
You deserve a stripper for Christmas, just sayin'
How am I celebrating Christmas? Enjoying Christmas breakfast with a friend and watching Wonder Woman 1984, that's how
Legendary country music singer/songwriter and animal advocateDavid Frizzell, is supporting animal rescue with his new ten-song CD and storybook,Barnyard Christmas.This original project presents the story of the birth of Christ as told by animal characters that were present in the manger.
“The greatest story ever told…the birth of Christ as told by the animals that were there. What a blessing for me to create these amazing animated characters as they tell of their participation in the birth of Christ and the wonderfully talented artist, graphic designers, musicians, singers, studio engineers, and co-producer who help bring the whole project to life. From my heart to yours,” shares Frizzell.
With Barnyard Christmas, Frizzell gives a unique perspective on the meaning of Christmas, through the eyes of animals that were present at the birth of Jesus. The album and accompanying storybook presents a tender and whimsical musical tale, woven brilliantly by Frizzell with guests Allen Frizzell and the Martin Family Circus, and an impressive list of talented musicians.
About David Frizzell: David Frizzell was born in El Dorado, Arkansas, in 1941. He began touring with his legendary brother, Lefty Frizzell at the age of 12 throughout the 1950s and 60s. After serving in the Air Force, Frizzell signed with Columbia Records in 1970 and charted his first Billboard single with “L.A. International Airport” and then a Top 40 with “I Just Can’t Help Believing.”
During the 1970s, Frizzell appeared regularly on Buck Owens' All American TV Show and began recording for Capitol Records. In 1981, he recorded his first number-one country hit, "You're the Reason God Made Oklahoma," a duet with Shelly West. The song won the Country Music Association's Song of the Year and Vocal Duet of the Year awards in 1981, was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal, and was featured in Clint Eastwood's film ‘Any Which Way You Can.’ Frizzell and West also won the Academy of Country Music award for Vocal Duo of the Year in 1981 and 1982.
In 1982, Frizzell released “I’m Gonna Hire A Wino To Decorate Our Home,” which made its way to number one. In recent years, Frizzell created his own label Nashville America Records, and has released several albums including Frizzell & Friends: This Is Our Time which includes a bonus track, written in honor of Lefty Frizzell, Merle Haggard, and traditional music in general. “Lefty, Merle & Me” features David with Marty Haggard.
David Frizzell is a timeless and tireless entertainer who continues to share his many gifts to the delight of fans old and new across the US and throughout the world. In 2020, Frizzell signed a distribution deal with Time Life / Warner Music Group to release his catalog of recordings.
With a mere 5 days left until the "Big C" let's continue our countdown to Christmas with another Sexy Santa, this one comes in the form of Ryan Phillippe.
Ryan as you may know is currently starring on the TV Show Big Sky, however this photo looks like Phillippe the vintage years. You know when he did two of my favorite movies I Know What You Did Last Summer & Cruel Intentions. The latter edging out the former on the how much I like it scale.
So here we have Ryan in all his shirtless Sexy Santa glory for you to behold. Behold him I said, do it and do it now!!!
Have you gotten your halls decked yet? Are your stocking hung? Well then have a ball and enjoy the last 5 days until Santa comes to your house and....
Today is my Birthday and it's also one week until Christmas, Woot! Every year I do a post to celebrate it, usually containing some reflection about where I've been and how far I have come.
Well, not so much this year. This year has been a challenge for us all. My take from it is we as a collective whole are more resourceful and stronger than we initially thought ourselves to be.
Thus on my Birthday I am grateful for each and every one of us, we are still in tough times, but remember tough times don't last, tough people do!
Our 2021 is looking brighter, wiser and full steam ahead with a lot of perseverance and hard work there is nothing that can stop us. We are all in this together, and, yes we can!
Ho, ho, ho - here we go again, with a mere 10 days until Christmas we count it down with more Sexy Santa time!!!
Well it looks like Kendall Jenner has been a naughty girl based on the fact that Santa is giving her a spanking. I wonder what Ms. Thang did to get the full treatment from Mr. Claus. Or perhaps it what she didn't do that brought it.
Maybe, just maybe this is what she wanted for Christmas and has been a very good girl, and this is her Christmas Kink (say that three times fast.)
Whatever the case gird you loins Minions, because it's coming fast and hard! Christmas that is, get your minds out of the gutter, I hope you are ready....
World famous drag queen, singer and actor Ginger Minj has released the official video for her new Christmas single, “Winter Wonderland.” Designer/Animator Lou Jannetty created the one-of-a-kind 3D animated video which features RuPaul’s Drag Race alum Ginger and her fabulous duet partner Gidget Galore frolicking around in a snowglobe singing the holiday classic. “I may be from Florida, but I always think of snowmen, ice skating and the old Rankin-Bass claymation specials when it comes to the Holidays. I think everyone does. Since it’s been a crazy year and an unusual holiday season, Gidget and I wanted to bring all of that nostalgic wintery goodness to the comfort and safety of your home!”- purrs Ginger
As you can see I am trying my best to get into the Holiday mood, it's been a tough year for us all, thus it's the least I could do.
With Christmas a mere 14 days away I thought I would continue what I started on Hump Day with Jared Leto. That's correct Minions, it's Sexy Santa time again in the form of Pamela Anderson.
Nothing says sexy, or sex for that matter quite like Pam. She's sure to put some pep in your something today as you toil away the hours until a scant two weeks from today.
"Yes" Christmas arrives on a Friday this year, of course it does, because we won't be able to celebrate like we have in past years. But we are resilient and will do what Martha Stewart advises in situations like these: Improvise.
Sending good vibrations today, with some T.G.I.F! for good measure...!!!
Today's Hump Day & Chill is all about Sexy Santa..."Yes" Minions, Santa can be sexy especially when he takes on the form of a shirtless Jared Leto.
Jared shirtless as a Sexy Santa is certainly what I would like to stuff my stocking this Christmas and with scant 16 days until then and all the Quarantine that has been going on, he'd better hurry his booty on my chimney stat!!!
Oh, and let's be honest, other than his bare chest, doesn't Mr. Leto have the most dreamy, intense eyes??? Imagine those looking at you as you are below him, I said imagine it!!!
So Minions it's time for a Hump Day & Chill Holiday style, or whichever style you like. If you get my drift, and I think you do...
