Be Nasty Day

Janet Jackson

"Be Nasty Day is celebrated every year on March 8. A fun, light-hearted holiday, this day isn’t meant to be taken seriously at all. Be Nasty Day is a great tongue-in-cheek way to celebrate being a little less polite." 

"My last name is control
No, my first name ain't baby
It's Janet, Miss Jackson if you're nasty" - Nasty, Janet Jackson

Be Nasty Day on the WWW -

https://nationaltoday.com/be-nasty-day/  

Celebrating Janet Jackson

Peppermint
Photo:
David Laffe

Peppermint - the trailblazing actress, singer, reality star, and activist who continues to defy limitations has released a special video tribute for her all-time favorite pop artist and icon Janet Jackson.  Peppermint’s dance tribute video of Janet Jackson's iconic song/video "Rhythm Nation” HERE was a labor of love as she re-created the video almost frame-for-frame with costuming and all.

“A lot of people only tune into the Super Bowl for the commercials and the halftime show, which allows us to celebrate some of the most accomplished musicians, Janet Jackson being one of them, so in observation of Janet Jackson Appreciation Day for her groundbreaking Super Bowl performance we decided to pay tribute to one of her most iconic music videos. I remember learning the dance moves to “Rhythm Nation” as a child and never really had the chance to perform it the way that I wanted, and putting together this tribute I've also allowed my imagination to come to life. In a time where politics and discrimination divide us, “Rhythm Nation” seems like the perfect song to bring back. The “Rhythm Nation” creed was music, dance, poetry and unity. In an interview Janet mentioned wanting to create a world where people are united by our passions for the Arts and not divided by racism and discrimination and colorism, so in an effort to erase the color lines Janet created the music video in black and white and all of the performers in a military, gender neutral appearance. Obviously, we wanted to pay tribute to that, but this time I wanted to make sure there were non-binary and trans performers in the mix.” – states Peppermint

 

The “Rhythm Nation” video is Peppermint’s second dance video tribute.  Last year, Peppermint released her version of Janet’s “If” HERE and had this to say - “Janet Jackson has always been an icon and I've always idolized her. Whether gathering High School football players as reluctant dancers, teaching the routine at a summer camp talent show or putting together some of my own shows, I have always modeled my live performances after Janet's but up until this moment most of those are just memories with nothing to show and no way to look back on. Now that I have the ability, I wanted to do those performances justice. I gathered a bunch of friends who are also big fans of Janet to put together a dance tribute video of "If" from her 1993 album: Janet.  Happy Birthday Miss Jackson!! – Peppermint

 

“If” caught the attention of Miss Janet herself with the icon posting her appreciation on her socials HERE 

Up next, Peppermint has been invited back for another guest starring role in season 2 of Amazon Prime's "Harlem" in the February 10 episode and a recurring role in Michelle Buteau’s brand new Netflix series, “Survival of The Thickest.” “Survival of the Thickest” is expected to premiere in the spring.  Additionally, Peppermint can currently be seen in season two of “Call Me Mother” airing on OutTV

About Peppermint: A longtime key figure in queer nightlife, actress & singer Peppermint regularly performs to sold-out crowds around the world. She has released six albums; Hardcore Glamour, Servin’ It Up, Sugar & Spiked,Black Pepper , A Girl Like Me: Letters To My Lovers and Moment of Weakness: Letters To My Lovers available on all streaming platforms - https://bio.to/PEPPERMINT. 

Peppermint’s star continues to rise thanks to her smashing success as the first out trans contestant to be cast on RuPaul’s Drag Race (Season 9) where she finished as runner-up in one of the series’ most-talked-about finales Click Here Soon after, her talent led her to become the first trans woman to originate a principal musical role (Pythio) on Broadway in the hit Head Over Heels. 

Recent projects include; recurring role in the 2023 Netflix series, Survival of the Thickest with comedian Michelle Buteau, guest starred in Hulu’s hit rom-com movie, "Fire Island" alongside Saturday Night Live's Bowen Yang, Joel Kim Booster & Margaret Cho, co-starring in OUTtv’s “Call Me Mother” drag competition series, co-hosting Amazon Prime talk show “Translation,” guest starring in season one & two of Amazon’s “Harlem,” hosted (New York & San Francisco) and presented (Los Angeles) at the 2020 & 2022 GLAAD Media Awards, hosting/moderating Black Queer Town Hall and Town Hall podcast with co-creator Bob The Drag Queen, guest appearance on Ryan Murphy’s Emmy award winning series “Pose,” recurring role on the CBS series “God Friended Me” and a guest role on the Fox scripted drama “Deputy.”

 

Peppermint, who is the ACLU’s first-ever Artist Ambassador for Trans Justice HERE has raised six-figure sums for prominent LGBT rights groups, partnered with MAC Cosmetics’ “M.A.C. AIDS Fund” and is involved in the HIV Vaccine trials network. She partnered with RuPaul Drag Race Winner Sasha Velour for a college speaking tour that focused on the challenges faced by transgender and non-binary people in today’s political climate among various other topics. Peppermint takes every available opportunity to speak at universities and to various communities on the issues.

Peppermint was nominated for a 2022 GLAAD Media Award in the Outstanding Online Journalism category for her contribution to the Discovery+ “Legendary” series. Previous honors include; GLAAD Media Award nomination alongside Lady Gaga & Kehlani for Outstanding Music Artist (2021), “Best Songwriter” by World of Wonder’s Wowie Awards 2020, Conde Nast’s “Queeroes” award (2018), Variety’s prestigious “New Power of New York” list, and was named one of Out magazine’s “OUT100” portfolio of the most influential LGBTQ people of the year.

 

Follow Peppermint here:

@peppermint247

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/peppermint247/

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4Cy4hqXIcD2Gz4NGgbNSw6

Twitter - https://twitter.com/Peppermint247

Facebook -  @peppermintnyc - https://www.facebook.com/peppermintnyc/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5t6alAyno_ehV_XvGSkjAg

Hump Day & Chill - Happy Birthday To Me!

54 Pick-Up
Michael Shinafelt

Happy Birthday To Me! "Yes" it's today, thus I thought I would celebrate by reminding myself of who I am and where I've been. When I think about it, it's quite a journey. Cheers to me turning 54 the best is yet to come!

Weight Loss is a very personal journey. It is one that has to be done for the correct reasons or it is not going to work, I repeat not going to work. Take it from one who said they were going to do it several times before they actually did. I am 5' 7 and said I was going to lose it when I was 180 lbs. I then said I was going to do it when I was 190 lbs. Then I reached 200 - yep I said I was going to do it again then too. Well guess what I didn't do it until I reached 213! By then I fit into none of my old clothes (well that happened at 180 to be fair) and only bought things that work with my expanding waist line i.e. large shirts, drawstring pants etc...

Sometimes you have to lay your pimp hand down! Yep, this is when I finally decided to drop the weight and drop it noooow! It's about wanting to feel good about yourself. It's about claiming who you are. It's about, as Janet Jackson so directly put it Control. "Yes" weight loss is about taking control of who you are and being in a positive mind space. Life is a journey we are not going to be who we are one hundred percent of it. This being stated, once we allow ourselves to access who we are on an honest and real level then we can do anything! 

Who are we to judge ourselves? The first step to happiness is to accept who you are and deal with it. Life is not about perfection it's about acceptance. Does this mean you have to like everything? Hell to the Fucking  No! It means deal with it and find out what works for you. That is exactly what I did.

Being authentic is the best gift you can give yourself. Start there, make your weight loss journey about your happiness. It's not about pleasing anyone else. I can tell you I found a wonderful guy with a six pack when I was 213 lbs. He liked me for me, because despite the fact that I was overweight, I still had some self esteem. Of course he loved the fact that I lost it. But it was because I wanted to. Doing it for yourself is the key to victory. 

I decided to take this journey when I was 51. Thus proving you are never too old and you are never too late. Honestly I was tired of looking like a balloon in the Macy's Thanksgiving day parade. 

Thus one day I got out of my bedded stupor (I suffered from clinical depression for three years prior, was treated and learned how to manage my life through therapy and anti-depressants which I have not been on for over four years now) and said: You've got this Mother F#cker! I wanted my outside to match my inside. I wanted to like what I saw in the mirror. 

And so the journey began...I started with the best diet I knew: fruits, veggies & meat. Although you should eat lots of meat, protein anytime of day is acceptable. You should try to do your fruit aka sugar that is acceptable in the ayem and veggies round the clock. Sound boring? It truly isn't, it's all a matter of reprogramming your way of thinking. 

OK, I will admit it isn't easy. When I started for every 5 pounds I lost, I gained three back for a long time. The key is I did not give up. That would have been an easy thing to do. Get discouraged and throw in the towel. I owed this to who I am, not who I wanted to be. I am this person who wants this from themselves, not what anyone wants from me. It's about who you are and what you want. “Yes” I have emphasized this before. But it is the key element to what I am stating.

As I continued on this journey I kept moving adding in more exercise to what I had been doing. FYI weight loss is an 80/20 proposition - 80 percent what you consume 20 percent exercise. Exercise is to keep you and your mind healthy and focused. It's also there to take the weight you have lost and make it look fab! One of the unexpected benefits of me dumping the weight is doing my weekly routine of: Spinning, Abs, Weights & Yoga I have achieved definition in my stomach for the first time ever at 53 years old. Imagine that?! 

What that you ask? Do I still drink alcohol? The answer is "Yes" but in moderation. Honestly at this point two glasses of wine gets me tipsy. That's what Uber is for. (call a driver, don't drive drunk!) Do I  have cheat meals, you are damned right I do. Most of the week I eat clean, but there is that one day a week I eat, not like a pig. But I will eat something not on my diet and in moderation. I have a thing for pizza, burgers, Mexican food and my ultimate favorite snack is brie and crackers.

OK, now I'm hungry for some In-N-Out Burger, but I had pizza yesterday so it's off limits until next weekend. The one trick to adhering to healthy eating habits is to reprogram your way of relating to food. Don't think of it as depriving yourself, because you aren't dieting you are eating cleaner and more efficiently. I view my changed eating habits as being good to myself. Also reminding myself of all the hard work it took me to get there and not wanting that effort have been a waste of time. I remind myself of how great I now look naked too. Hey, that's a big one!

Speaking of big ones, certain other things appear to have gotten bigger when I lost the weight. Another unexpected, but welcome change to my body. If I can do it, you can too. Trust me you've got this!

Continue my journey with me at:
https://www.instagram.com/michaelshinafelt/?hl=en
https://twitter.com/MShinafelt  

Another Broken Heart

Billy Winn Returns in Dreamland II, The Final EP of His Two-Part Series

Featuring Debut Single, “Another Broken Heart”

Billy Winn’s Dreamland II picks up where Dreamland I left off.  Thematically, at least.  Sonically, its debut single, “Another Broken Heart,” releasing May 24, turns up the drama with a heavy-octane dance number.  “I love going back to EDM, where it all started for me,” Winn explains.  “High energy dance is always a great place to get things started.”  

Both EPs tell stories from the perspective of a queer kid of color who has had his heart broken.  “It’s the only position that I can write from and it’s one that I can’t recall ever hearing in pop music,” Winn continues.  “My hope is that regardless of where you come from, who you are now, or who you are becoming; you’re able to find something in these songs that resonates and makes you want to play them over and over again.”

“Another Broken Heart” was inspired by a series of circumstances in Winn’s life, including the death of his father.  “He and I weren’t close but at the end of his life, I was asked to return home to take care of him and my family.  It was an extremely emotional situation, and definitely something that I’m still healing from.” 

Billy Winn

He didn’t intend on making “Another Broken Heart” a dance record.  Its original chorus was midtempo.   The idea to speed up the melody and make it a dance record came from his production team, Johnie & Elliot.  “Johnie turned the song into something rare,” Winn reflects.  “It’s a dance track with a strong, relatable message about something we’ve all been through at least once.  I think it’s the perfect summer song.”

Billy Winn is a Billboard-charting singer, songwriter, recording artist, and performer who regularly thrills audiences with his shows and music releases, ranging from high energy dance records to emotionally charged EDM.  With Dreamland II, Winn notes his inspirations as being a mix of 90s R&B and the EDM of the last decade.

“I was listening to a lot of TLC and Janet Jackson while I was working on Dreamland II; specifically, Crazy, Sexy, Cool, Fanmail, and Janet’s Velvet Rope album.  At the same time, I was listening to artists like Flume, Owl City, Robyn, and Tove Lo; trying to find a place musically where all those influences could exist or become something completely different altogether.”

Last year, Billy Winn released Dreamland I, an album that explored life as a perception of fantasy and guilty pleasures.   Singles “Seal It with a Kiss”, “If You Really Cared”, and “Crash” were all presented as chapters in a larger story.    “Another Broken Heart” is the next chapter in Winn’s Dreamland saga. 

“In ‘Another Broken Heart’ and all of the songs in Dreamland II, the idea is that it’s all fun and games until someone catches feelings,” Winn says.  

Dreamland II is a bit angrier than the first EP with a little more underlying pain because the perspective has changed.   “I’m not only talking from one individual’s thoughts or feelings anymore. In Dreamland II, I consider multiple angles.”

It’s been a year since Winn released Dreamland I and the acclaim from the album has allowed him to tour and expand his fan base.  It has also taught him to not doubt or second guess himself.    “I’m trusting my instincts a lot more these days and I have to admit I’m pretty confident in the road ahead.” 

“Things will happen that are outside of my control, but I’m not letting those forces control me.” 

Billy Winn’s Dreamland II is being distributed by Ferocious Music and OneRPM and is available on iTunes, Spotify and all digital platforms.  For more information, visit BillyWinn.com or follow him on Facebook.

 

Just Because...Janet Jackson

All For You
Janet Jackson

Just Because we are part of a rhythm nation, Just Because it's all for you & Just Because she's Janet Jackson - Awwwwwwww sh!t I gave it up on the third Just Because - Ladies and Gentlemen here's Janet!

See Janet being quite the fashionista, See Janet filming her latest video under the Williamsburg Bridge in Brooklyn, New York, See Janet, well looking at you...

I'm coming out of the closet, "Yes" minions I am a Janet Jackson fan. It all started in 1986 when the notorious JJ declared she was in Control. She then declared herself the leader of a Rhythm Nation I followed. Then she became simply Janet and damn that was one amazing ride! 

Although there were many great songs on her first name basis opus the one that really was my ultimate jam was Throb -

"I can feel your body
(Ooh baby)
Pressed against my body
(Ooh baby)
Wrap yourself around me
(Ooh baby)
Love to feel you throbbin
(Ooh baby)"

Save your judgement calls and move on - this is about the wonder of Janet. Janet was of her time and really amazing. I wish her the best moving forward. Her call to arms anthem Rhythm Nation is especially relevant right here, right now. 

"With music by our side
To break the color lines
Let's work together
To improve our way of life
Join voices in protest
To social injustice
A generation full of courage
Come forth with me
People of the world today
Are we looking for a better way of life
We are a part of the rhythm nation
People of the world unite
Strength in numbers we can get it right
One time
We are a part of the rhythm nation"

Janet on IG:
https://www.instagram.com/janetjackson/?hl=en

Michael's Musings

It's Summertime, Don't Be Cruel
Michael Shinafelt

It's the first day of Summer and the motto for it is "Don't Be Cruel!" It's also just another Manic Thursday - what? Monday isn't the only manic day of the week it simply had a nice ring and thus The Bangles birthed a ditty about it. So it is, and so it shall be written forever, indeed.

This week has been quite challenging to myself and many children who had no right to have the scars left on them by the monster in the closet they always feared. 

Moving on...

I'm officially down 45lbs. - that's correct I weigh 168!

But what does it mean?!

Tinsley Mortimer of the RHONY needs to get a job. She went wedding dress shopping and she isn't even engaged. Tragic,

Sometimes you have to make a huge mistake to really appreciate your life again

There's a fine line between pleasure and pain, and I know what that line is 

Janet Jackson has opened up about her intense battle with depression. Welcome to the club and thanks for addressing it, Janet.

Strike a poser

Why R U So Scary?!
Selena Gomez

Why did adorable Selena Gomez have to start giving me nightmares

I get enough nightmares daily with the current State of the Union

Step in time, never need a reason, never need a rhyme...

Keep the kids, deport the deplorable's 

The Deplorable's should be the next follow-up to Pixar's  The Incredible's 2 - I bet they would have a field day with it!

“You’ve been criticizing yourself for years and it hasn’t worked. Try approving of yourself and see what happens"

When in doubt, shout, shout, let it all out!

Summertime, I hope the living is easy...

Why don't you cum up and see me sometime at:
https://www.instagram.com/michaelshinafelt/?hl=en
https://twitter.com/mshinafelt?lang=en   

We Are Part Of A "Rhythm Planet"

Angel City Chorale
Photo: Danny Moloshok

"People of the world today, Are we looking for a better way of life

We are a part of the rhythm nation" - Rhythm Nation, Janet Jackson

Angel City Chorale (ACC), the acclaimed Los Angeles choir led by Artistic Director Sue Fink, will present Rhythm Planet, the first weekend in June, featuring the music of two-time Grammy-winning composer Christopher Tin and other world beats. A stunning musical journey that traverses the globe, Rhythm Planet celebrates both our diversity the humanity that unites us all. ACC’s 150+ voices, its orchestra, and a rhythm section playing percussion instruments from around the world will combine to create an exhilarating and joyous celebration of Earth's rich cultures and beauty. A concert highlight will include 

ACC’s version of Toto’s “Africa,” (almost 3 million YouTube views). Special guest Tin will also conduct a portion of the concert with Fi nk. The family-friendly Rhythm Planet world music concerts will take place at Wilshire United Methodist Church in Los Angeles over two very special nights on Saturday, June 4, and Sunday, June 5, 2016. The performances start at 7:00pm and include a 15-minute intermission; a dessert reception follows each performance. For additional information on ACC, please visit http://angelcitychorale.org/concerts-events/rhythm-planet-concert.

Tickets for ACC’s annual spring concerts are $30 in advance and $35 at the door. Children’s tickets (ages 5-12) are $22 and seniors are $27 (both in advance and at the door). Preferred front-of-house seating may be reserved online for $50 in advance and $55 at the door; children’s preferred tickets are $42/$47; and seniors’ preferred seats are $47/52. VIP tickets (all categories) are $75. Advance tickets are available via the ACC website or by calling 310-943-9231. Online ticket sales close at 10:00pm on the day prior to each show. Same day tickets may be purchased at the door. Wilshire United Methodist Church is located at 4350 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90010 (between Highland Ave. and Wilton Pl.; map). Free parking is available in the venue’s small parking lot and on neighborhood streets. Early arrival is strongly encouraged.

“At our spring concerts this year, we will create a cinematic soundtrack that scales Earth's mountains, traverses her rivers, revels in her dawns and sunsets, and reaches to the stars,” says ACC’s Fink.

Rhythm Planet –

Rhythm Planet will take audiences on a stunning musical journey that traverses the globe. Featuring the music of Christopher Tin and other world beats, ACC’s 150-member choir and 34-piece orchestra will present a vibrant celebration of cultural diversity as well as the common ground that unites humanity. Selections from Tin’s world-bending masterpieces, Calling All Dawns and The Drop That Contained the Sea will be featured. The Drop That Contained the Sea depicts global visions of water, from the snows of Mongolia to the rains of Africa. Calling All Dawns celebrates the circle of life in 12 languages.

Pieces by Aaron Copland, Moses Hogan and Ēriks Ešenvalds will also be performed. In an unforgettable moment in store for audiences, a field of sonic stars will surround concert guests as percussion from crystal glasses unites with the majesty of human voices joined in harmony.  

Links –

• Angel City Chorale - http://www.angelcitychorale.org

• Tickets - http://angelcitychorale.org/concerts-events/rhythm-planet-concert

• Angel City Chorale on Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/AngelCityChorale

• Rhythm Planet FB Event Page - https://www.facebook.com/events/796527613817032

• Angel City Chorale on YouTube - http://www.youtube.com/user/AngelCityChorale

• Angel City Chorale on Twitter - https://twitter.com/AngelCityChoral

• Angel City Chorale on SoundCloud - https://soundcloud.com/angelcitychorale