Hump Day & Chill

Pucker Up
Christopher Meloni

"I just want your extra time and your...Kiss" Prince, Kiss 

Tomorrow night is one big Law & Order: SVU and Law & Order: OC crossover event, thus today I am feeling Meloni. "Yes" Minions we are going to Hump Day & Chill to the biggest Zaddy of them all Christopher Meloni! Yay!

The photo above is what I like to refer to as: Fetish Meloni being as our man Chris is in rubber overalls & boots, with lipstick smeared on his, well, lips, naturally. Lips like sugar baby!

While I have no real explanation for this image, it sure is hot and gives one plenty of Hump Day & Chill, well, chills. Ya know they're multiplying when you gaze upon Meloni's being.

Thus I leave with this to project your inner most desires on today.

You know that's what I'll be doing.

Pants on the ground Minions!!! 

Chris on IG -

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

Hump Day & Chill - Tom Connan

Multi-Faceted artist Tom Connan has just released a remix of his song "Chaos" which tackles the subject of drug addiction in a very direct and realistic manner. I just had to know what inspired Tom to "go there" so without further adieu let's Hump Day & Chill with Tom Connan!

MS: I love your song Chaos, obviously it resonates with many others as you did a "Black Mix" of it and a whole new video. What made you decide to do a song addressing drug addiction?

TC: I wanted to make a song addressing drugs because several friends of mine fell into that trap, went to rehab etc. It's a horrible phenomenon which is also closely linked to everyone's personal history. Nobody takes cocaine or things like that just because it's "fun". I see a lot of people feeling depressed and trying to escape with drugs. To my own point of view, I think our modern society creates a lot of psychological frustration which sometimes become a real pathology. It's not exactly the same as alcohol, even if it's also some kind of drug, after all. But with cocaine, or heroin, people are looking for something new, some brutal effect in order to erase their negative thoughts. Except it doesn't work. However, I have a lot of empathy for drug addicts as life can sometimes be a very sad and tough experience.

MS: Requiem For A Dream is one of my favorite films. I am guessing you have seen it based on the video. What are your thoughts on it?

TC: I love Requiem For A Dream and I'm very happy that you mention it. I was a child when I first saw it, but then I saw it again a few years ago and I was absolutely fascinated. Not only because it's so realistic, but also because it has this ability to grab you and force you to see what you don't want to see. I think this is precisely where cinema is the best among any other arts. With the combination of music and images, you can't help but looking at it and being focused. Of course normal people feel bad when they see that kind of movie, but sometimes we need to see embarrassing things to increase our awareness about something. I enjoy feeling embarrassed. All the time we watch stupid shows and stupid ads on TV, and it's easy for the mind. With movies like Requiem For A Dream, or Fight Club, or Eyes Wide Shut, we really learn something and become someone new -at some level.

MS: While you show plenty of skin in the re-mix video, you showed a little more in the video for the single. Why did you decide to leave your booty out this time?

TC: Lol, I don't want to show that booty too often. More seriously, this new video was something like the "dark" side of the first one. With the original video, I was trying to show the recreational aspect of taking drugs, which is obvious for everyone. With this second one, I wanted to describe how it can evolve. I have the feeling that in any phenomenon, we can find a "positive" and a "negative" side -we all know that-, but also that we can't delete one part for the other. You can't have the positive if you don't want to take the risk associated with it. If you want to have fun, you have to accept that, at some point, you can put your life at risk. It's the same in love affairs. Love can be a fantastic experience, but when it ends -which happens quite often- it can drive you nuts, so nuts that you want to kill yourself. Love is dangerous, drugs are dangerous, life is inherently dangerous.

MS: Your look in the video is very reminiscent of David Bowie in The Man Who Fell To Earth. Especially when you are shirtless, am I on to something?

TC: Honestly I don't know very much of David Bowie, I was more into singers like Michael Jackson (or even Marilyn Manson). That said, I'm a big fan of transgender and genderfluid pop icons like Bowie, Cher or Prince. Playing with feminine and masculine sides of the human body is so interesting. My own body changed quite a lot the last few years, and I enjoyed all the different levels, if I can say so. We only live once, for me, we need to experience different versions of ourselves. French poet Arthur Rimbaud said something like that in the 19th century.

MS: I love that Tom Connan has gotten freer and more out there creatively.

TC: I think you're totally right about the "freer" person I became. Back a few years ago, I was obsessed with other people's opinion. Now, I just don't give a fuck. My work is not understood by everybody, including in my family, and I think that's good. If you follow what your parents or your brothers want you to do, you'll never achieve your dream. We need to stick to our own model, that nobody can copy. There are tons of singers and artists out there, I don't want to look like them. I want to express my personal, and radical freedom. Otherwise it's absolutely useless.

MS: Spill about your other ventures outside the music world.

TC: The last two years I worked a lot on other ventures outside the music world, I changed the project name many times, and I finally decided to simply choose one name for every division of the brand: Connan. That's simple, that's neutral, that's honest -it's my real last name- and there's no confusion with my full artist name. It's currently a website (connan.io) when you'll soon be able to find different cultural products: music (not only mine), tv, books, fashion and art. I'm currently working with other artists for the music division, as well as authors for the publishing division. It's super exciting as I'm working on several levels at the same time: my next novel will be published by a well-known French publisher called Albin Michel, but I will also publish myself other authors as an entrepreneur. It's great to have this opportunity to work as an author as well as a publisher. The best is yet to come. 

MS: If you could be any famous person fictional or not, who would you be?

TC: I'd love to be Tyler Durden, that Fight Club character played by Brad Pitt. He's gorgeous, he's radical, he's clever, he wants to revolt against society. That's a role model for me. No joke.

Get social with Tom at:
https://connan.io/

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

https://twitter.com/TomConnan

https://www.facebook.com/tomconnan/  

Michael's Musings

It Ain't Heavy, It's My Crown
Michael Shinafelt

When Paris is actually burning, the Kavanaugh/Blasey Ford hearing is a focus on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills and my Freeform app on my computer isn't loading this weeks episode of Pretty Little Liars: The Perfectionists (other apps are working, so this is on you Freeform) - you just know you are in for something extra this week!

Notre Dame, Notre Dame (insert these two words into Prince's classic, in lieu of Purple Rain, it gels)

Lisa Rinna's  Mom Lois is the definition of amazing!

WTF?! "Yes" Freeform I'm talking to you...

Take a look at Teddi Mellencamp on this weeks RHOBH at Camille (blech) Grammar's shower and you will wonder why she wasn't hired as fake Melania 

I see transvestite hookers

Where's Eddie Murphy when you need him?

Honestly this weeks episode of RHOBH went political, like a virgin, for the very first time touching on the Kavanugh/Blasey Ford hearing. It was the show I never knew I needed, but did. One of the best of all seasons!

Still can't view PLL: The Perfectionists - Freeform can you hear me??? 

Well my new TV arrives this week, it had better be ON DEMAND or you will be hearing from me, wait you already have and (silence like the plethora of thrillers of late)

Camille Grammar, thanks for reminding me why I initially couldn't stand you on RHOBH. Just when I was actually starting to like you, you had to go and compare yourself to Brett Kavanaugh and side with him. The charade has ended, please let the door hit you in the ass on your way out.

Michelle Williams killing it as Gwen Verdon in Fosse/Verdon (see Freeform my other apps do work)

Patricia Mae Andrzejewski = Pat Benatar's real name

TMZ has been notified - a text I received from someone working on a current project with the Kardashians. This is all part of the way they do business.

Just like the white winged dove

That's a wrap! Come dish with me at:
https://www.instagram.com/michaelshinafelt/?hl=en
https://twitter.com/MShinafelt  

Kiss

Kissing Bandits
Sarah Silverman & Jimmy Kimmel

"I just want your extra time and your Kiss, Oh oh" - Kiss, Prince 

Apparently Sarah Silverman got herself a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame this past Friday. While I do like Ms. Silverman it caught me off guard that she actually received the honor. I am guessing there is an upcoming project that she is in, thus the high visibility promotion.

Well guess who showed up for the ceremony? None other than Sarah's ex-BF Jimmy Kimmel! Guess what he did? C'mon guess...he gave her a kiss. Sound the collective Awwwwwwwww....sound it, and sound it now!

Thus today's decree? Give someone you once, or are currently banging a kiss today for whatever reason you see fit. It doesn't have to be out of respect and love like Sarah & Jimmy. It could have funny, naughty or insidious intentions, the choice is yours.

Now if you will excuse me I'm gonna go kiss someone special, in a place that I dare not speak it's name.

Mic Drop!

Sarah on IG -

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

Michael's Musings

Taste The Rainbow
Michael Shinafelt

"When a rocket blows and, and everybody still wants to fly, Some say man ain't happy truly until a man truly dies, Oh why, oh why? Sign o' the times, unh" - Sign O' The Times, Prince 

Wow! What a week this has been! First let me start things off by stating I finally followed through on something that I have always thought about doing but never have. I took a boxing class at Gold's Gym Hollywood this past Tuesday night with my friend Maresa Wickham. 

Let me say this about the experience, it was exhilarating! So much so that when I did yoga yesterday morning, it's held in the same room as boxing. I kept looking over at the punching bag off to the side wanting to go a few rounds with it. 

There you have it, and here we go!

The Globe is really desperate for gossip. The headline I saw in the checkout line at my local Smart & Final read: "Dying Camilla Plans Her Own Funeral." Like no on has ever done THAT before!

Seriously Ryan Murphy? This past weeks American Horror Story: Cult featuring Charles Manson as part of the story line was on a lame par with the Valerie Solanas episode, and in bad taste in so many ways, I can't even!!!

Danica Roem is the first transgender woman to win a seat as an official in Virginia over opponent Bob Marshall who tried to pass laws discriminating against her. History and the greater good have been served.

It's raining diversity hallelujah!

Jenny Durkan an out Lesbian has been elected Mayor of Seattle. My home area, yay!

Byline: "Grey's Anatomy Will End if Ellen Pompeo Quits." I didn't know the show was still on, let alone it actually having an audience that tunes in.

Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire...
Mike Clifford

Mike Clifford's wonderful rendition & video of The Christmas Song drop this Wednesday November 15th. Keep up with Mike at: https://www.facebook.com/MikeCliffordsWonderfulWorld/

Daylight Savings Time ended this past weekend. Has anyone ever asked daylight if it really wants to be saved?

If you had a Guardian Angel what do you think they would do? What would mine do? Be spent 24/7

Speaking of 24/7 things: pizza, yes pizza you are always on my mind

Lyrics are really hard to decipher in songs you don't know. I swear there is a song I hear in Jessica's spin class @ Gold's Gym Hollywood that has the refrain: "When I put my titties on"

This week everything has been coming up Unicorns...go team uni! 

Everything is rainbows & unicorns in my world at:
https://www.instagram.com/michaelshinafelt/?hl=en
https://twitter.com/MShinafelt     

Ian Harvie Wins!

Beat It Creep!
Ian Harvie
Photo:
Lorenzo Hodges

Stand-Up Comedian/Actor Ian Harvie is no stranger to Entertain Me. Ian participated in a two, yes two part interview with yours truly about being transgender. In case you missed it, you can check our chat out at these links:

http://mshinafelt.blogspot.com/2015/05/can-we-talk-ian-harvie-part-i.html
http://mshinafelt.blogspot.com/2015/05/can-we-talk-ian-harvie-part-ii.html

Since then Ian has been busy! Playing "Dale" on Amazon's Transparent, to guesting on the ABC soapy drama Mistresses as "Michael". His hilarious comedy special titled: "MAY THE BEST COCK WIN" just landed on SEESO. In honor of that I chose to have some fun with my buddy Ian by shooting him 10 random things, which he graciously responded to. Ready? Of course you are, minions!

May The Best Cock Win
Ian Harvie
Photo: SEESO 

MS: May The Best Cock Win 
IH: GRAMMY LOL

MS: Stand-Up 

IH: THEN JUMP

MS: Sex

IH: STILL SIZZLIN'

MS: Mistresses 

IH:  LOWERED MY VOICE 

MS: Donald Trump 

IH: IVE NEVER PRAYED FOR AN ASSASSIN, UNTIL..

MS: Paisley 

IH: PRINCE

MS: Transparent 

IH:  SWEET JILL 

MS: Kale 

IH: SALAD AT BEACHWOOD CAFE

MS: Disneyland 

IH: NOPE

MS:  Uni-Sex Bathrooms 

IH:  AROUND THE WORLD

Catch Ian on Social Media at:

https://www.facebook.com/comedianianharvie/?fref=ts

https://www.instagram.com/ianharvie/

https://twitter.com/ianharvie   

Purple Rain in NYC

On Topic
Lady Gaga

"Honey, I know, I know
I know times are changing
It's time we all reach out 
For something new, that means you too" - Prince, Purple Rain

Recently Lady Gaga was snapped in NYC sporting a T-Shirt bearing tribute to the late great Prince. This is timely in many ways considering the outcome of this weeks Presidential Election, and I am sure that's the way Gaga intended it, so there!

Honestly last night was the first decent night's sleep since the debacle I have gotten.

The lyrics above from the song really hit home, especially now. Times they are a changing, we do need to reach out for something new. Time will tell how everything plays out, but one thing is for sure, we need to dust off our disappointment and come together and do the right thing by one another. Remember there is strength in unity and our own individual personal power. No one can take that away from us.

T.G.I.F! Have a terrific weekend! 

Prince on the WWW at:
www.billboard.com/articles/news/.../prince-online-museum-website 

"Call Me Mrs. Efron Already"

Put A Ring On It
Simone Biles & Zac Efron

Dreams do come true! No, the byline does not refer to me, even though it is no secret I have a thing for Zac Efron, I certainly would not be telling you to call me his Mrs. More like "Call me Daddy, Zac."

No the title of "Mrs. Efron" belongs to four time Gold Medal winner at the Rio Summer

Olympics gymnast Simone Biles who copped to having a big ole crush on Zac. 

"He kissed me on the cheek just letting y'all know" Biles proclaimed on her Twitter account upon meeting her Prince.

I'll let it slide this time Simone since you are Gold and all, but next time you need to clear it with Zac's Daddy if his boy can come out and play.

Simone on the web:
https://twitter.com/Simone_Biles
https://www.instagram.com/simonebiles/?hl=en

Stars, Stripes & Sandra Bernhard

Let Freedom Of Expression Ring!
Sandra Bernhard

Happy 4th Of July people! Today is the day we celebrate our independence and freedom. With that in mind of course I thought of Sandra Bernhard wearing an American Flag with star pasties and a striped g-string gyrating to Prince's Little Red Corvette for the film finale of her brilliant one woman show Without You I'm Nothing...naturally.

What's that? You haven't seen it? Never fear it will be posted at the end of this commentary for your viewing pleasure. 

In this moment on this Independence Day 2016 nothing says freedom of expression to me more, than the balls to the wall Ms. Bernhard. Not only is she a brilliant performer she is also a gifted actress, Martin Scorsese's The King Of Comedy is brilliant and so is she in it.

It's 2016 people be like Sandra and challenge yourself and the world around you. Push the envelope as the saying goes and most of all enjoy life on your own terms. Now that's independence!

                                                         Little Red Corvette     

Sandra on the net:
www.sandrabernhard.com/

Colton Ford, This Time It's Personal

Once upon a time in Southern California there was a boy name Glenn Soukesian. That boy grew up loving theater and most of all, music.

After a few deals with major labels that did not quite materialize what he had hoped for,  He decided to try a different approach to springboard his singing career. Glenn went into porn under the name of Colton Ford.

Well it worked. After many hit singles and albums, Colton has hit his fans with his most personal CD to date, titled, what else? Glenn Soukesian. We met at Desano Bakery in Silverlake CA, to catch up and talk shop. Take note world at large and listen closely....

MS: You recently got back from Pride in Spain.

CF: Yes, it was really a good time, where everybody gay and straight were there to enjoy themselves and celebrate.It was a free spirited, accepting non-judgemental party with great energy, and everyone was carrying their alcohol and mixers in a bag and making their drinks on the sidewalk. A PARTY!! I performed three songs off of the new record for the first time which was awesome! People were there from allover Europe, it's really a great mix of people.

MS: I listened to your new music just before I got here.

CF: Right before you come and do your thing. (laughs)

In Spain, No Rain
Colton Ford
Photo: Romi Simmons

MS: Yeah that way it's fresh in my mind. I love your current single "Free Yourself," it's pretty bluesy.

CF: Well I'm going back to my R&B/Soul roots. My roots  have always been in R&B/soul, something that's been present in all of my dance releases. But now, at fifty-three, I wanna do what I wanna do. I'm more of a bluesy crooner, ballad singer anyway. I took the opportunity to do what I felt. I worked with some amazing producers who get me. This is the first record where I didn't have to consider anyone or anything else.

MS: Did you self produce your current album?

CF: Yeah, the five people that I worked with, they wrote the tracks, I get the track and I write the melody and the lyrics. They produce the track and and I arrange and produce the vocals. Larry Peace did five of the tracks on the record, and he co-executive produced it with me. He was the DJ for Prince. 

MS: Funny you should say that when I saw your song "R U Gonna" I thought of Prince because of the spelling. 

CF: Yeah, yeah. (laughs) Now that guy is Eddie J Free who is another mixer/producer I did that and "True Love" with. 

MS: I still can't believe Prince is gone. Fifty-eight is not old, especially since I'm fifty and your fifty-three, it really caught me off guard.

CF:  What a trip. It was so sudden.

MS: Honestly I like this CD best out of everything you've done. I can hear how much more you are connected to the songs on this.

CF: Well Thank You. My EP "Next Chapter" was a nice segue into "Glenn Soukesian." This is more about the songs and the vocals and less about production. "The Way I Am" was a great dance album, but it was high in production. In terms of this album when you compare it to that one, it's much more personal.

It's All Good
Colton Ford

MS: It feels that way. 

CF: Totally more personal. It was a very liberating project. 

MS: Something about it pops more to me.

CF: Cool, I love it! That is also the feedback I have been getting from people. Before I did the record I would see people posting: "We love your stuff, but we feel there's something else, and we look forward to what that is" and here it is. (laughs) 

MS: And that's why the CD is named after you. 

CF: Yes, my actual name. (both laugh) I really thought this through, a lot of people use my real name anyway because of the documentary about me "Naked Fame." It's about continuing that connection between Colton Ford and Glenn Soukesian. I'm in a place right now where I want to be as organic and true to myself as I can. 

MS: The connection between music and sexuality is a strong one...sometimes people forget you have a great voice to go along with it. Miley Cyrus for example.

CF: She's amazing! She's got an amazing fucking voice! No Joke! If she wants to swing around naked on a wrecking ball, go for it! 

MS: You lose sight of how good an artist is sometimes when that is the way they choose to express themselves.

CF: Well, I know I've experienced it, they judge you as if your doing that because your music is not strong enough. That's a bunch of bullshit. Some people actually do, but you can tell based upon the music who's doing it and who's not. Put the visuals aside and listen to the music and respond accordingly. 

MS: One last personal thing, Glenn Soukesian. What is your favorite track off of your current CD?

CF: Well that's a hard one. Each song has a special meaning to me for a variety of reasons, both personally and artistically. I really love "Love's Around." Love the track, love the spirit of the song, the "you're not alone" message. And it's a universal love song. Could be to a friend, family member or a lover. It represents the personal relationships that I have. Loving, kind and supportive.

Keeping Up With Colton at:
https://twitter.com/coltonfordmusic
https://www.facebook.com/ColtonFordMusic/

Get Him On iTunes:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/colton-ford/id256309957 

#Hashtag Monday...#Prince #MargaretCho #JamesDurbin #MichaelShinafelt

Me & Margaret Cho
@ The Wiltern

"It's just another manic Monday, I wish it was Sunday
'Cause that's my funday, My I don't have to runday" - The Bangles Written by Prince

Wow! What a week it has been all I can think of is Prince, Prince, Prince. I have always loved the Purple One for his art, humanity and balls.

The reality of the impact he had on my life really set in after a few days. Hearing my awesome spin instructor Michelle Siegel play his songs while I toiled away on the stationary bike brought me to how he really influenced my life and person.

This quote from the Internet nails my sentiments perfectly:

"Thinking about how we mourn artists we've never met. We don't cry because we knew them, we cry because they helped us know ourselves"

Me & James Durbin
@ Universal City Walk

I really had to put this out there as Prince meant a lot to me and is a big part of who I am. Things to come this week? Look for my chat Wednesday with Margaret Cho about her CD that drops this Friday, April 29th American Myth.
Also I am attending my buddy James Durbin's free concert at Universal City Walk this Friday coincidentally the 29th as well. So you know I will have some killer exclusive pics.
Have a terrific week!
Follow Me On Twitter:
https://twitter.com/MShinafelt

When Doves Cry - R.I.P: Prince

Millions of people found out what it sounds like when doves cry with the passing of Prince Rogers Nelson, and justifiably so. The man was in a word: brilliant!

He was one of the key artists that shaped my world view, like he did so many others. The one overriding message he preached was - live.

Prince was all about living, love and passion. I especially took to him linking spirituality and sexuality. This is how he should be remembered. In his utopia there was no right or wrong, there simply was.

So rather than me continue, why not let his lyrics do the talking. Here are some excerpts of poetry from this amazing artist. Let's Go Crazy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

"We can fuck until the dawn, making love 'til cherry's gone
Erotic City can't you see, thoughts of pretty you and me" 

"Electric word life
It means forever and that's a mighty long time"

Lovesexy

"But I just a virgin And I'm on my way to be
Wed. But you're such a hunk. So full of spunk, 
I'll give you Head"

"I never meant to cause you any sorrow
I never meant to cause you any pain
I only wanted to one time to see you laughing
I only wanted to see you
Laughing in the purple rain" 

                                                 

"I was dreamin' when I wrote this
So sue me if I go 2 fast
But life is just a party, and parties weren't meant 2 last"

"Why do we scream at each other
This is what it sounds like
When doves cry"

"You don't have to be beautiful
To turn me on
I just need your body baby
From dusk till dawn
You don't need experience
To turn me out" 

"Oh yeah!
In France, a skinny man died of a big disease with a little name
By chance his girlfriend came across a needle and soon she did the same
At home there are seventeen-year-old boys and their idea of fun
Is being in a gang called 'The Disciples'
High on crack and totin' a machine gun"

"She wore a
Raspberry beret
The kind you find in a second hand store
Raspberry beret
And if it was warm she wouldn't wear much more
Raspberry beret
I think I love her"

                                                        Nothing Compares 2 U
                                                               Prince Cover: 
                                                          Sinead O'Connor

"It's been seven hours and fifteen days
Since you took your love away
I go out every night and sleep all day
Since you took your love away"

R.I.P. Sweet Prince

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0002239/