Monday Motivation

Yes He Can!
Pete Buttigieg

With the news that Pete Buttigieg has ended his campaign to be President I felt he is the perfect poster guy for Monday Motivation, think about it, but not too hard.

I didn’t believe that a gay man would be taken seriously as a presidential candidate. He was. And every time he went on TV and talked about his husband, minds were changed. He might not have been liberal enough, for some people. But his run was historic.

This says it all. While I never thought he would get the Democratic Nomination I did feel his participation was important.

Oh, and you know you have not heard the last of this powerhouse - Monday Motivation, indeed!

Pete on IG -
https://www.instagram.com/pete.buttigieg/?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/  

The Horror!

Will The Real Sarah Paulson Please Fall In Line?

Well it looks like American Horror Story favorite Sarah Paulson is sitting season 9 out. The upcoming season is titled 1984 and takes place in a summer camp. The teaser gives slasher flick vibes. 

Given how pitiful last season, Apocalypse was I can understand Paulson sitting on the sidelines for this one. Although a throwback to 80's slice em' and dice em' terror seems like a fertile idea.

However I sincerely doubt the low quality of last season is the reason she is sitting out.It seems she has a very full plate of projects at present including a new FX series opposite Cate Blanchett titled Mrs. America. I will for sure tune into that simply to see those two power house actresses square off of with each other.

Whatever the case, this will be the first Sarah less AHS season. Hey TV series are like people, they need to, and should evolve.

Sarah on IG 
https://www.instagram.com/mssarahcatharinepaulson/?hl=en

"Oh" What A Night! The Golden Globes

Hosts
Sandra Oh & Andy Samberg

The Golden Globes have been dubbed "Hollywood's Biggest Party" due in no small part to the massive amount of celebrity skin per square inch the event contains. That's because it celebrates not only Film accomplishments, but TV as well. 

While there is nothing one can really say about the event, especially since tonight's award ceremony has yet to air. I figured why not give you a list of nominees and the prediction of who will win the Globe and who should win the Globe in each category along with other clickable coverage via USA Today.

Don't say I'm not a giver. Because I am, now click minions, click!

PS Did you catch the pun in my byline? "Yes" it's a wink to one of this year's GG hosts Sandra Oh. Ha ha ha ha ha ha...OK now you may click like your Mama taught you!!!

https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/movies/2019/01/03/golden-globes-2019-predictions-who-win-and-who-should/2449076002/   

It's NYE 2018!

2018
Courtney Love

It's another year under our collective belts and another one to tackle. What are your hopes and dreams for 2019? 

My feeling is the years all bleed together and there is not one that is more special than the other. How do I celebrate New Year's Eve? I watch TV, drink wine and give zero F#cks. 

Thus for NYE I leave you with memes featuring two of my favorite female artists Courtney Love ringing out 2018 & Madonna ringing in 2019.

Process them anyway you like I don't give a F#ck! 

Happy New Year! 

2019
Madonna

Give zero F#cks with me at:
https://www.instagram.com/michaelshinafelt/?hl=en
https://twitter.com/MShinafelt

Buffy The Harley Quinn Slayer

Harley, Buffy, Harley, Buffy
Sarah Michelle Gellar

Tomorrow is Halloween, and what would the hallowed day be without an appearance by everyone's favorite vampire slayer Buffy aka Sarah Michelle Gellar? I ask you? C'mon I'm asking, gimme an answer...whatever.

See Sarah Michelle as bad grrrrrl duo jour Harley Quinn at the Good+Foundation's third Halloween bash (say that three times fast!)

With all the reboots happening on TV I personally would love to see Buffy get one as I often wonder when I am in a quandary "What would Buffy do?!"

Can you imagine Buffy still kicking vampire booty as a grown ass woman? The possibilities of a more mature Buffy are limitless, not to mention off the chart intriguing...

Happy day before the most wonderful time of the year! "No" I am not referring to Christmas although it is already being shoved down our collective throats and the high holy day hasn't even happened - Grrrrrrrrr...

Sarah Michelle on IG -

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

Monday Motivation

Would You Like A Slice?
Jon Hamm

While speaking with a friend of mine yesterday he mentioned seeing Jon Hamm in the current flick Beirut. He praised Hamm and the film. There's a tongue twister "Hamm and the film" say it three times fast c'mon, I dare ya.

Needless to say the conversation got me Jon Hamm dreamin' - "Yes" I started thinking about the sexy guy with the um, special delivery between his legs. 

Thus here he is in retro swim trunks during the shooting of Mad Men, one of my favorite TV Shows evuh. 

What's that? How is he Monday Motivation? Because Hamm's body is a hot regular guys body, not overly pumped but in good shape. Something that is attainable.

Having lost 40 lbs. recently having a body like his is my current goal, one I have almost reached.

So Happy Monday, time for me to have some private motivation with Jon!

Jon on IMDB:
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0358316/ 

Hump Day & Chill

Mr. Sloane I Presume
Chris Carmack

Since I'm feeling randy today I thought I would post something libidinous. Here are many skin shots of Chris Carmack on stage as Mr. Sloane in Joe Orton's play bearing the title Entertaining Mr. Sloane.

The plot goes something like this: An English landlady and her brother like their lodger, a young killer called Mr. Sloane.

"Like" their lodger is putting it mildly if you get my drift and I think you do, if not, think about it, but not too much.

If you are like me most of you first heard of Carmack  when he started playing the role of gay country singer Will Lexington on the TV series Nashville. Chris has looks, body & talent and I would have loved to have seen him portray Mr. Sloane as I think he is perfect casting.

Well thanks to Tye Briggs terrific coverage and un-coverage you can do it vicariously by clicking on the link below via Favorite Hunks & Other Things.

Fluff up your pillow & dream of Chris being your own personal Mr. Sloane. Hump Day & Chill, indeed...

Time to "Sloane Out!" 

https://favoritehunks.blogspot.com/2018/01/chris-carmack-in-entertaining-mr-sloane.html 

Coupling: Jonathan Bennett & Jaymes Vaughan

Goose & Maverick
aka
Jaymes Vaughan & Jonathan Bennett 

Aaron Samuels was "So Fetch" in Mean Girls who didn't have a crush on him?! I know I did, and "yes" Gretchen Weiners I am still trying to make "Fetch" happen for you.

Too bad Cady Heron you didn't land him, and neither did I, boo F#cking Hoo! That honor goes to Amazing Race contestant and TV host Jaymes Vaughan.

Yep, Jonathan Bennett aka Aaron "Fetch" Samuels and his guy Jaymes went as Goose & Maverick from Top Gun for Halloween. It got posted on Bennett's Instagram, naturally. 

Only one last question does Aaron like to be Top Gun, or perhaps...yeah, moving on from my bad self. 

Wishing you guys the best!

Jonathan Bennett on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/jonathandbennett/?hl=en 

Just Because...The Odd Couple

Father Figure?
Selena Gomez & Woody Allen

Just Because their in New York City. Just Because of the generation gap & Just Because she is the most followed person on Instagram I bestow upon you this photo of Selena Gomez being directed in New York by Woody Allen for his upcoming movie.

File This Under: Wonders Never Cease

Woody Allen is proof is you live long enough you can engage with all the age inappropriate women you want. He directed Miley Cyrus in an Amazon TV series and now he gets to put Selena Gomez through her paces for his latest cinematic foray.

Considering Allen's checkered past also makes this situation one for the book of Hollywood Curiosities.

That being stated I am sure Ms. Gomez can navigate murky waters just fine on her own.

Isn't the real question "What does Soon Yi think of this?" 

Think about it, but not too much, OK?

Selena on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/selenagomez/?hl=en

Kerry On

My Idea Of Washington
Kerry Washington

This has been one Hell of a week and it's only Wednesday. I mean that in many ways, some good and some not so much. 

While I try to monitor my alternative fact intake as much as possible some things are simply too hard to turn a blind eye to. Thus Washington is in the forefront of my mind's eye at present.

That being said you can see why I easily have substituted a positive version of it, of the Kerry kind today. Hey it's not that big of a stretch. Not only does she have the same last name as our nation's capital she also works at the White House on her too entertaining for words TV show Scandal.

As Olivia Pope she controls that house of cards and then some. 

Visualization is the name of today's game peeps. Enjoy life and Kerry On...trust me. Why? Because I'm not a politician. 

Kerry on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/kerrywashington/?hl=en

Slumber Party w/Christina Hendricks

Woof!
Christina Hendricks, Geoffrey Arend & Zouzou

Because she played Joan Harris one of my most favorite savvy, intelligent female characters ever to grace a hit TV show on Mad Men, who was in complete control of who she was. I present you this photo of Hollywood bombshell Christina Hendricks.

Her latest appearance being Nicolas Winding Refn's The Neon Demon as well as an all night movie slumber party Cinespia at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery. 

Pictured with her husband Geoffrey Arend and their dog Zouzou -

Can I get an Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww, It's Tuesday?

Of course I can!

Christina on IMDB:
www.imdb.com/name/nm0376716/

Let's Get Gastronomical, Taylor Hicks

There's Something About Taylor Hicks

Hey Hicks fans. It's time to get your grub on with your favorite former "Idol"...

Yummy!

Though American Idol came to an end Thursday night, Tayolr Hicks' television career is going full steam ahead. He has recently been announced as the host of State Plate, a new food and travel series on INSP, to premiere this fall.

State Plate will celebrate the unique food traditions of all 50 states. “In each episode we dig into the distinctive foods of a particular state,” said Doug Butts, SVP of Programming at INSP. “Unlike most food shows, we won’t be touring restaurants; this is about the food itself, how it is grown and the people who bring it to our dinner tables. What emerges is the trivia and unknown stories behind our states’ most emblematic foods.” Taylor Hicks is no stranger to great cuisine, as the singer is a partner in Saw's Juke Joint in Birmingham, Ala.

“Taylor’s wide popularity, experience as a restaurateur, and down-home charm make him an ideal host for a traveling food series.” Butts said. “In each episode of State Plate, he travels to a particular state, where he will ‘assemble’ a plate filled with the food most associated with that state. He’ll sample everything from crab cakes in Maryland and peaches in Georgia; to chili in Texas and potatoes in Idaho. As he makes his way from coast to coast, Taylor will visit farms, ranches, markets, festivals, and other diverse and unusual locales. In the process, viewers share in the journey as he uncovers the rich details behind each state’s unique food traditions. It’s a heaping helping of America’s most beloved cuisine, rich in history, folklore, and flavor.”

“State Plate has tested very well, and audiences agree that this series complements and enhances INSP’s family-oriented schedule,” Butts said. “We are thrilled that viewers will be taking this journey with such a beloved personality as Taylor Hicks.

State Plate is produced by RIVR Media.

As the nation said a fond farewell to FOX-TV's American Idol, Hicks returned to the show that made him a star, one last time.

Taylor was among those that performed on the series' final episode.

"I'm so grateful for the platform that American Idol gave me as a performer and a recording artist," said Hicks. 

Taylor also has a fast-filling slate of tour dates woven into his taping schedule, stretching well into the fall. His 2016 tour includes more stops next week in his hometown of Birmingham, continuing on through Georgia, Tennessee, Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, and more!

TAYLOR HICKS ON TOUR:
Apr. 14 Cox Capital Theatre / Macon, Ga.
Apr. 15 Lyric Theatre / Birmingham, Ala.
Apr. 16 Franklin Theatre / Franklin, Tenn.
Apr. 17 Lyric Theatre / Birmingham, Ala.
Apr. 21 StageOne - Fairfield Theatre / Fairfield, Conn.
Apr. 22 World Cafe Live / Wilmington, Delaware
Apr. 23 Avalon Theatre / Easton, MD
Apr. 24 New Hope Winery / New Hope, Pa.
May 04 Dick Clark's American Bandstand Theatre / Branson, Missouri
May 26 The Tobin Center / San Antonio, Texas
Jun. 04 PRIVATE / Hilton Head Island, S.C.
Jun. 11 Flat Rock Summer Blast / Flat Rock, Mich.
Jun. 16 Daryl’s House / Pawling, N.Y.
Jun. 17 Flying Monkey Performance Center / Plymouth, N.H.
Jun. 24 Center for the Arts / Natick, Mass.
Jun. 25 Opera House / Boothbay Harbor, Maine
Jul. 08 Downtown Rutland / Rutland, VT
Jul. 09 Katherine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center / Old Saybrook, CT
Oct. 29 Halloran Centre at the Orpheum / Memphis, Tenn.
Nov. 26 Island View Casino / Gulfport, Miss.
Dec. 01 Black Oak Casino / Tuolumne City, Calif.
Dec. 04 Cache Creek Casino Resort / Brooks, Calif.


For more 411 visit TaylorHicks.com and follow him onTwitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Things Luke Perry Says: "It's Just Not Relevant"

Luke Perry
I'm Not Watching!

So there is an a Beverly Hills 90210 tell all being made by Lifetime. So what does the former star of the show, Luke Perry who played "bad boy" Dylan McKay have to say about this?


"I don't even watch my own actual self on TV. Why would I watch this? No, I don't see it happening," 

You go Mr. Perry! Beside I liked your appearance on OZ when you went full monty best.

Woof!

Luke on IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000580/?ref_=nv_sr_1

R.I.P: Dick Van Patten

R.I.P: Dick Van Patten

8 is Enough was my seminal family show that I grew up with. The Brady Bunch was in reruns by the time I could actually watch TV.

Dick Van Patten was the best TV Dad ever! Sorry Mike Brady.

You will always be one of my fondest memories growing up.

I salute you sir with grace, gratitude and my first introduction to Betty Buckley.

Remember Dick on IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0887694/?ref_=fn_nm_nm_1

That's So Raven

Rave-Symone on The View

While The View is a show I avoid at all costs I do love Ms. Raven-Symone for a myriad of reasons. 

Having caught her on the show by happenstance (it's what they had on TV in the waiting room) I may now tune in once in a while to check her thoughts out. She has brings a sparkle to the show that has sorely been lacking for years and I really respect her opinions and intelligence, Raven is bad ass!

And if she gets her way on her request to have Caitlyn Jenner on the show you KNOW I will be glued to the TV for that one!

Here is what she has to say on the subject -

Source E! News:

"I think Caitlyn Jenner is a very brave woman," the 29-year-old TV personality told E! News. "I think she has done a lot of things that will inspire many other people in the world to journey down their truth path...and I'm sure she would love us!"

That's so Raven, and I love her for it!

Raven Rules at: 
https://www.facebook.com/ravensymone
https://twitter.com/ravensymone

A "Stalker" Romance

Maggie Q & Dylan McDermott

Sometimes life and art bleed together and it's hard to tell the difference, apparently such is the case with Dylan McDermott and Maggie Q who co-star on the new hit series Stalker on CBS.

Neither of them have confirmed it, but the stalkerazzi have caught them with their all seeing lenses out and about together looking thisclose.

Hey they have great chemistry on the show so this really should not surprise those who have seen it.

I have met Mr. McDermott he attended a play I was in once because one of my co-stars was his waiter at a restaurant where he was a regular. What a cool guy he is and if you think he looks good on TV you ought to see him in person.

Fact: Stalking cases have gone up 400 percent since the Internet boom, only two more days until Halloween!

"Stalk" Dylan & Maggie at: http://www.cbs.com/shows/stalker/

R.I.P: Lisa Robin Kelly

Lisa Robin Kelly

Lisa Robin Kelly passed away from problems having to do with addiction today, although she had only copped to alcohol addiction in the past, judging by the recent photo I have seen of her, I suspect drugs might have been involved.

She will always be known best for her role as Laurie Forman - Eric Forman's older sister on "That 70's Show".

Creative people in general tend to be predisposed to alcohol and drug abuse and Lisa was no exception. The lucky ones are able to beat their demons, unfortunately her demons got hold of her before she tamed them.

Let's remember Lisa as the vibrant human being she was, someone who entertained us all as one of the best "Mean Girls" on TV.

The "That 70's Show" Gang

Thank You, Lisa Kelly for bringing Laurie Forman to life, the character and the show will live on in syndication and our memories forever.

Peace.








Lisa on IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0446605/?ref_=fn_nm_nm_1

The Horror: Pentatonix "Aha"

Myself & PTX, Hey Where's Avi?! Perhaps the Zombies have him...

Just in time for Halloween one of my favorite groups evuh - PTX aka Pentatnoix cuts loose with a cover of Imogen Heap's "Aha" -

In the tradition of George A. Romero's "Night of the Living Dead" and the current runaway TV hit "The Walking Dead" PTX gets all zombie on your a$$ and comes for you ...Eeeeeeeeeeeeeek!

These creatures of the night are a treat, no tricks here.... so, get down with your inner flesh eater and watch the video...Brains!

Brains are yummy at: http://www.ptx-official.com/

Your New American Idol Is: Mariah Carey

"If you don't know my dog's name is Jack, you must live under a rock" - Mariah Carey "Access Hollywood"

Earth to Mariah, we have much to teach you. No I did not know your dogs name was Jack, and I really don't care, sorry if I hurt your feelings. But how could I miss today's news?!

What do I think of this? It really does not matter to me as I have long stopped watching "American Idol" or caring...it is still the highest rated show on TV despite the ratings slip of late. Yeah, boo hoo to the producer's of that show....NOT!

Do I think Mariah will boost ratings, who knows, whatever, I am blogging on this because I do entertainment and it is "news" in the world I cover.

There are only two times I ever cottoned to Ms. Carey - 1) was her surprisingly good performance in the film "Precious" and 2) well if she promises to be drunk every week like she was at the Palm Springs Film Festival, I would TOTALLY tune in to see THAT!