Fall Equinox

Peel Back The Layers
Michael Shinafelt

Well it happened today. We all collectively woke up and Bam! it was Fall just like that. Where did this year go, I ask you? I know you don't have an answer, and honestly I don' either.

All I know is I spent this year basically out of commission because of of a surgical procedure I had to have done and the adventure will finally be over in the next two weeks. Thus I am ready for a change of pace, that just so happens to coincide with the change of season 😘

Fall has always been my favorite time of the year, there is something comfortable, yet transformative to me about it. Having been laid up for ten weeks this is going to be one Hell of an interesting Equinox for me. "Yes" I have had a lot of time to reflect and redirect. 

What does it all mean? I know what it means, but I'm not going to spill, not yet anyway. Just know, you'll find out...

Michael has left the building, for now.

Turn and face the strange with me at:
https://www.instagram.com/michaelshinafelt/?hl=en
https://twitter.com/MShinafelt

For The Love Of Anais

Troian Bellisario

"And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom." - Anaïs Nin. 

Today, let's get literary. Although there are many quotes I love by writer Anais Nin the one above is a particular favorite.

Troian Bellisario formerly of one of my must see TV shows Pretty Little Liars inspired me to out myself as a Nin fan by posting this picture perfect image with said quote on her Instagram page. An action I just repeated except I posted the two together on Entertain Me, right here, right now.

Spencer Hastings, was always a fascinating character to me, because despite her flaws she had a fierce intelligence. This was due in no small part to Troian. 

Troian is a gifted actress with an intelligent mind, who happens to like one of my favorite wordsmiths of all time. This intelligence came across in her performance as Spencer and how she lives her life.

I'm so glad there are individuals like her in this world. She is a one of a kind unique person and I can't wait to see where she will go next.

"Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail" - Ralph Waldo Emerson 

Indeed. 

Troian on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/sleepinthegardn/?hl=en   

Gentlemen Prefer Gina Rodriguez

Love The Hair! About Those Sunglasses...
Gina Rodriguez

One of my favorite TV shows is the CW's Jane The Virgin starring Gina Rodriguez who turns plenty of heads each week as the brunette title character. 

Well Gina decided to go into the light recently and go blonde...so tell us Gina do they really have more fun?!

"I mean I did have fun as a brunette"... she captioned the photo on her Instagram. I am guessing that is a "yes" from Ms. Rodriguez on her experience with blonde ambition. 

Brunette or blonde, Gina is to dye for!

Happy Saturday!

Gina on Instagram at:

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

It's Selfie Saturday!

Grrrrrrrl Power Selfie!
Demi Lovato & Carrie Underwood

Since it is merely the 2nd day of 2016 and everyone is still New Year giddy I thought to myself: Hey, it's a good day to break out that old standby known as "Selfie Saturday."

This selfie is full of so much charisma, beauty and talent it's gonna turn your giddy up to euphoric proportions.

Why it's none other than Demi Lovato & Carrie Underwood! Via Dick Clark's Rockin' New Year's Eve With Ryan Seacrest. Say that three times fast!

I must say all I ever knew about Demi until recent, was she was a child star. Well she is now one of my favorite performers and singers. With songs I love and the powerhouse performances she has been giving on various shows, including Rockin' Eve proves her to be one of the best!

Carrie is a given she started out on top and has managed to stay there! Happy 2016 to two of my favorites!

Demi on Instagram: 
https://www.instagram.com/ddlovato/

Carrie on Instagram: 
https://www.instagram.com/carrieunderwood/?hl=en   

All Is Quiet On New Years Day...

Love Birds
Lady Gaga & Taylor Kinney

When I woke up on this first day of 2016 that lyric from the U2 song immediately entered my mind. Why? Other than the obvious reason, the lyric is quite literal right now. My neighborhood is so peaceful and quiet you could hear a bird poop from a telephone wire.

So when I saw this photo of one of my favorite couples Lady Gaga and her soon to be groom Taylor Kinney looking all lovey dovey I went, Awwwwwwww....This really compliments the zen and vibrations of what feels like an amazing year to come!

The two turtle doves captioned the photo on Instagram with:

"thank you to our fans and loved ones who bless us with so much each year. We had a beautiful holiday and are so grateful because it wouldn't have been the same without you in our lives! Happy New Year's Eve."

Likewise you two.

Go Instagram with Gaga at:
https://www.instagram.com/ladygaga/

Reese Witherspoon Sprinkles Fairy Dust

Don't Make Me Dust You! Reese Witherspoon

Do you believe in fairies? If so clap your hands, Reese Witherspoon is set to produce and star in Tink. Tink will be a live action story based on the temperamental character Tinker Bell from Peter Pan.

Much like Angelina Jolie in Maleficent, Tink is supposed to give viewers insight into "the story you don't know," and will offer a new perspective on our favorite Disney fairy.

Reese will be an awesome Tinker Bell! But please Reese, don't wear boots.

Reese on IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000702/?ref_=fn_nm_nm_1

"Independence Day 2" Elects Sela Ward As President

Sela Ward: Kicking Alien Ass!

Portraying the president of the United States in 1996’s Independence Day, Bill Pullman pilots a fighter jet straight into an interplanetary siege and delivers the rousing “We will not go quietly into the night!” speech that ultimately compels the allied human forces of earth to unite in kicking some alien butt.,,

Well that's all going to change in Independence Day 2 landing on June 24, 2016.

There's a new sheriff in town played by Sela Ward. That's correct the US has an ass kicking female leader whose name is President Lanford. 

Sela Ward has always been a favorite of mine, not only is she a good actress, she is just so damned beautiful. The perfect choice to play the leader of the free world!

Sela on IMBD: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000688/?ref_=fn_nm_nm_1

Evan Peters: Five For Five

Evan Peters Meet Tate Langdon

Evan Peters will be returning to American Horror Story for it's fifth season. This makes him the only actor to do the show all five seasons.

As we AHS fans all know Jessica Lange is bowing out this season. Although I have liked him in all the seasons my favorite character he has played on the anthology series is Tate Langdon from season one "Murder House." 

On American Horror Story: Hotel he will be playing a character know as: 

The Prowler, a mysterious young man that can be found hanging around the hotel and dark alley ways - in the early and present day segments.

Sounds like we have another Tate like treat from Evan.

Season 5! Season 5! Season 5! Yay!

The "Horror" at:

https://www.facebook.com/americanhorrorstory   

WTF?! Nicole Kidman In A Lifetime Movie?!

Nicole Kidman as Grace Kelly

OK, I had heard Grace of Monaco, starring one of my favorite actresses, Nicole Kidman was not all that good.This latest news on the indefinitely delayed film which was supposed to premiere in theaters in November of 2013. Well to put it mildly it is by passing the silver screen all together now and premiering on Lifetime May 25th, WTF!?

Nothing says bad like a Lifetime movie, and this must be some sort of awful since it costs $30 Million to make, the highest budgeted TV movie of the week ever.

Kidman, however, has defended the film, saying that it is not meant to be a biopic or documentary, but is just a "small part of  Grace Kelly's life when she reveals her great humanity as her fears and weaknesses."

Well at the very least, unlike a lot of acting in Lifetime movies, I am sure Kidman will deliver a great performance. 

Check out the trailer below -

Love yourself some Nicole at:
https://www.facebook.com/NicoleKidmanOfficial

Can't Retouch This! Cindy Crawford

Cindy Crawford: Just Say No To Retouching 

An un-retouched image of one Ms. Cindy Crawford has been circulating the Internet since Friday the 13th.

I just caught it this ayem online. One werd...Hot! 

Marie Claire magazine which commissioned the shot that the leaked photo came from confirmed it's authenticity by stating: "It's real and it is gorgeous." 

Obviously I concur. Cindy has always been one of my favorite supermodels not only because of her beauty, she also has a down to earth accessibility to her. A warm personality and a brain to go with it.

So nice to see how she really looks with out all the smoke and mirrors. 

Hey Cindy, you should never be retouched, just sayin'...

Cindy Crawford Online at: 
https://www.facebook.com/CindyCrawford
https://twitter.com/cindycrawford

Scoop! "Revenge" For Courtney Love

Courtney Love On Empire

Is anyone out there loving Courtney's return to acting? I know I am!

Starting with her story arc on the final season of Sons of Anarchy to this weeks stint as a fading rock star saved from obscurity on the hot, hot, hot break out show of the season Empire.

Up next for Ms. Love? She will be appearing on one of her favorite shows Revenge.

That's right the rocker loves the show and met with the creators of it and they came up with an awesome role for her, naturally.

It's always riveting when Courtney appears on the big and small screen. After a quite lack luster season I am finally looking forward to seeing Revenge again!

Take a look at Courtney Love on Empire below: 

Get your "Love" online at:
https://twitter.com/courtney
https://www.facebook.com/courtneylove
http://instagram.com/courtneylove/

Dudley Saunders, "Jesus Didn't Love Us Enough"

Dudley Saunders

One of my favorite artists, Dudley Saunders, has just released a video for his song - Jesus Didn't Love Us Enough. Read the statement below from Dudley himself: 

After a year of performing multimedia-style in IN THESE BOXES, I decided 2015 is about releasing all the videos I used.  Plus.  Meaning every two weeks until my entire catalog is up.

Here's the first one.

Now, back to work on the next video!

Best,
Dudley

View "Jesus" here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bGZf0dK4ySk

Follow Dudley Online at: 

https://twitter.com/DudleySaunders

https://www.facebook.com/dudleysaunders                                                         

Will Dolly Parton Be The "People's Choice?"

Always On Top: Dolly Parton

And the nominees for the People's Choice Award for...

Favorite Female Country Artist

Carrie Underwood

Dolly Parton

Faith Hill

Lucy Hale

Miranda Lambert

Well hello Dolly, so not surprised to see you on this list. Hats off to one of the longest most enduring careers in show biz. The ever gracious Ms. Parton had this to say about her nomination:

“I am so excited to be nominated for a People’s Choice award.  It is always a good feeling to be recognized for whatever you do,” says Dolly Parton.  “This year has been an amazing year!  I released a new album Blue Smoke, traveled to Australia, Europe, and across America and even performed for 170,000 people at one show; woo that makes me tired just saying it.  But seriously, I am honored to be nominated amongst these great gals.”

Cast your vote for Dolly, now at: http://vote.peopleschoice.com/#!/home/all/62/3

People’s Choice Awards will air live from the Nokia Theater L.A. Live on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2015 (9:00-11:00 PM, ET/delayed PT) on CBS.
 

www.dollypartonentertainment.com

Facebook: Facebook.com/DollyParton
Twitter: Twitter.com/DollyParton
Tumblr: OfficialDollyParton.tumblr.com
Google+: Plus.Google.com/+DollyParton

Be Fearless: Joan Rivers

I enjoy life when things are happening. I don't care if it's good things or bad things. That means you're alive. Things are happening - Joan Rivers


This is and will always be my favorite Joan Rivers quote as I believe it best exemplifies who she was and really captures her spirit and zest for living.

Joan was a comedian who mattered. Not only did she pave the way for females in comedy today, she was flat out ballsy.

She wasn't afraid to call out anyone or anything, including herself.

If something can be learned from her death it is to bend it like Joan: live, love, laugh, cry and above all be fearless.

R.I.P. Dear Lady, you will be missed

Always remember: http://joanrivers.com/

Eric Himan @ Room 5

One of my favorite singer/songwriters, Eric Himan took to the Room 5 stage in Los Angeles, CA last night for his Everything To You Tour.

As usual Eric gave 110% and the audience loved the show, of course! I would like to give a special shout out to the fan who requested Mr. Himan sing his hit song Red Hot Tears since it happens to be my personal favorite by him. Thanks Dude!

Enough of this already let's check out the photos this fan took of the evening, shall we?

Getting Set-Up For A Great Show!!!

Red Hot Tears

Look, It's Eric Performing!

Eric And A Fan

Let Eric be "Everything to You" at: www.erichiman.com/ 

Margaret Cho Remembers Robin Williams

Robin Williams

"No matter what people tell you, words and ideas can change the world" - Robin Williams

I love this quote and it best sums up who Robin Williams was to me. I will never forget the impact of the laughter, joy and ideas he brought into my life. 

Words can not begin to describe how seeing The World According to Garp influenced and changed me when I was young.

I thought it best to let his life be discussed by someone who knew him well, friend and Entertain Me favorite Ms. Margaret Cho said this to Time Magazine about the passing of our Captain:

"He was the first celebrity I ever met. My parents owned a bookstore in San Francisco in the ’70s and ’80s. My father made Robin autograph a copy of The World According to Garp for me. When I started comedy in San Francisco in the ’80s, Robin would hang around the clubs I started doing shows at and grew up next to. He would always come in, and then later, of course, we would always see him in clubs here. He was the patriarch of our little clan of comedians in San Francisco. All of us looked at him, in a way, as a father figure. That’s why this is so upsetting.

He was just very supportive. He was very shy, and possibly a little embarrassed by his fame. Inside, he really was a comic. Naturally, all comics just wanna hang around other comics, so he would come to these little clubs and open mics, and you’d get bumped, and he would go on and you’d have to follow him, which was always really terrifying because he’s so great, and people were so excited to just be in his presence. Also, we were all excited to be around him. He’s the kind of guy, I remember, he would help out comics who needed money. When I was a teenager, my first boyfriend needed money to live, and he loved this guy’s comedy, so he would give people money to survive. It’s a beautiful thing. He was a great guy."

R.I.P. Oh, Captain! My Captain!

Robin Williams on IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000245/?ref_=fn_nm_nm_2

Miley Cyrus Weekend Wrap Up

Pharrell: No Twerking Allowed Miley

For those of you who follow her, Miley Cyrus never slows down and continues to make entertainment news week after week.

This week I pulled out my two favorite Miley tidbits - since yeah I am a fan...

Let's start with the coolest bit first and then give the runner-up it's due. The coolest? Her video for the song she collaborated on with Happy hit maker Pharrell Williams Come Get It Bae a fun, tasteful video and song that really does make you want to get up and dance!

So glad she toned it down, her talent as a vocalist and performer really come on strong in this.

Yay! Pharrell Williams, for utilizing her abilities quite astutely.

Miley & Floyd: Puppy Love

On a lovely note she also hired a psychic to contact her beloved dog who died Floyd. This item is from the heart and really shows you what a sweet young woman Ms. Cyrus truly is....

Hey Miley, I hope you make contact with Floyd, I honestly mean it.

                                                                    Come Get It Bae

Miley at: https://www.facebook.com/MileyCyrus

Pharrell Williams at: http://pharrellwilliams.com/

An Ode To Helena Bonham Carter

Helena Bonham Carter

For those of you who think Ms. Helena Bonham Carter only has a career because of her partner Tim Burton, that just proves how Mother F#cking young you are!

She has been around for a while and has had a quite successful acting career long before that.

I first remember seeing the amazingly talented Helena in the great film "A Room With A View" if you don't know it, check it, with my friend Jennifer DiMartino of the "Americana With Twisted Roots" band, The Drews, she is a fellow Helena fan, FYI.

Not to mention the lovely film "Howard's End" and one of my all time favorites "Fight
Club."

Helena's career has been a unique one, she has always marched to the beat of her own drummer and ALWAYS let her freak flag fly!

Here is what she has to say about why she does not have a stylist:

"I've had a stylist once or twice, but it doesn't really work out because basically, I don't like being told what to wear. I don't like being told what to do, so there's no point. A lot of people suggest that I should."

Keep on bucking the trends and keep being you Helena, we will always love ya!

XOXO

HBC on IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000307/?ref_=fn_nm_nm_1

James Durbin @ The Viper Room 1/3/2014

James Durbin kicked off his 2014 acoustic tour last night at The Viper Room in Los Angeles, CA -
and of course I was there!

This is the way I like James live and raw, his voice is simply amazing on it's own without the recording studio wizardry.

So all you Durbinators out there, if James is coming to a venue near you, get yourself to one, or miss out big time!

My personal favorite of the evening was when James let loose on an acoustic version of "Higher Than Heaven" - Wow!

Here are photos by yours truly (except for the one of me and James, his publicist took that) from last night as as well as the remaining dates on James tour, enjoy!

Yep, I Was Standing Right In Front Of Him

Mr. Durbin, I Presume

James & His Back-Up Men

James & Yours Truly Backstage 

Rock On James!

2014 Tour Dates

January

7                                           Belly Up Tavern                      Solana Beach, CA

8                                           Pub Rock Live                         Scottsdale, AZ

10                                         HOB-Cambridge Room           Dallas, TX

11                                         The Station Bar & Grill           Lafayette, LA

12                                         HOB-Peacock Room               Houston, TX

14                                         The Parrish                              New Orleans, LA

15                                         Wills Pub                                Orlando, FL

17                                         Brewster’s megaplex              Jacksonville, FL

18                                         The Masquerade                      Atlanta, GA

21                                         Ziggy’s                                     Winston-Salem, NC

22                                         Lincoln Theater                       Raleigh, NC

23                                         Empire                                     Springfield, VA

24                                         I Play America                         Freehold, NJ

26                                         The Note                                  West Chester, PA

29                                         The Hollow                               Albany, NY

30                                         Marlin Room@ Webster Hall   New York, NY

February

4                                            The Rock Factory                    Akron, OH

5                                             Agora Ballroom                      Cleveland, OH

6                                            Thompson House                     Newport, KY

7                                            Austin’s                                   Libertyville, IL

8                                            Another Hole in Wall              Steger, IL

9                                            7^th St. Entry                             Minneapolis, MN

12                                          Marquis Theatre                      Denver, CO

15                                          The Catalyst                            Santa Cruz, CA

Follow James on Twitter and Facebook here: 

http://twitter.com/durbinrock,

http://facebook.com/durbinrock,

 http://www.durbinrock.com