Friday, March 3, 2017

Fundamental Rights: Cyndi Lauper

Grrrrrrrrl Power!
Cyndi Lauper
It's official. Girls Just Want To Have Fundamental Rights!

Grammy, Emmy, and Tony Award-winning artist and activist Cyndi Lauper has designed and released her official “Girls Just Want To Have Fundamental Rights” t-shirt. Inspired by the menagerie of protest signs using this empowering slogan during the worldwide Women’s March that took place on January 21st, Cyndi has partnered with Omaze in honor of Women’s History Month to raise vital funding for Planned Parenthood and the True Colors Fund.

“As I marched down the streets of New York City in January amongst a beautiful array of people of every sex, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, and nationality, I was blown away to see so many people embracing the message of “Girls Just Want To Have Fundamental Rights’ on their handmade signs,” said Cyndi Lauper. “Seeing this anthem continue to empower so many people to speak out and get involved, I was inspired to find new ways to further spread this powerful message of equality and justice for all. I am hopeful that this t-shirt will raise much needed funds to support the important work of Planned Parenthood and the True Colors Fund.”

Cyndi’s official “Girls Just Want To Have Fundamental Rights” t-shirt is available starting today at www.omaze.com/fun and can be purchased for $25. A sweatshirt is also available for $39. The net proceeds from each t-shirt and sweatshirt sold will be donated to Planned Parenthood and the True Colors Fund.

About Omaze
Founded by Matt Pohlson and Ryan Cummins, Omaze is a fundraising platform that offers once-in-a-lifetime experiences and exclusive merchandise to raise funds and awareness for today’s most important causes. By leveraging the power of audiences and technology, Omaze is radically changing charitable giving and streamlining public participation with charitable campaigns to create impact in real time. Since launching in 2012, Omaze has impacted more than 200 charities and received donations from over 175 countries. For more information please visit omaze.com.

About Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California 
Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California (PPAC) is the statewide public policy office representing California’s seven Planned Parenthood affiliates. Through advocacy and electoral action, PPAC advocates for sound public policy in areas of reproductive and preventive health care, family planning and comprehensive sexual health education and information. For more information about Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California, please visit www.ppactionca.org.

About True Colors Fund
The True Colors Fund, co-founded by Cyndi Lauper, works nationally to end homelessness among lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) youth. In America, up to 40 percent of the 1.6 million youth that are homeless each year identify as LGBT. Yet, only seven percent of the general youth population is LGBT. The most cited reason for this disproportionate rate is family rejection due to the young person’s sexual orientation or gender identity. Through a broad continuum of advocacy, training & education, and youth collaboration programs, the True Colors Fund is creating a world in which all young people can be their true selves. For more information about the True Colors Fund, please visit www.truecolorsfund.org.  

Thursday, March 2, 2017

Michael's Musings

Come To Daddy
Michael Shinafelt
Another week has passed and the Academy Awards made history twice in one show can you believe it?! One time for something progressive and liberal and another for the biggest error on an Oscar telecast ever. So big that even if you didn't tune in, you heard about it all over the news.

Never fear I am here this week to address both of those moments and more. It's time for me to crack that whip!

Moonlight, which happened to be my favorite film of the year, won the Best Picture Oscar. Thus making Academy Award history as the first film with an all black cast to do so.

Whatever actually went down backstage and on stage Faye Dunaway and Warren Beatty made Oscar history by announcing the incorrect Best Picture winner as La La Land only to have some dude from Price Waterhouse come and make the situation right.

Am I the only one who sees a commercial for Kong: Skull Island and thinks Kong: Skull Fuck Island?

Once upon a time there was a transvestite hooker fresh from a trick...

Remember: No matter what you think, I am always way ahead of you

Eat a hot dog and go home, or not



For the record I love Million Reasons by Lady Gaga, but the song really makes no sense. She has a million reasons to let someone go, but if they give her one good one they can stay? Do the math...

Can someone please tell me why? Yeah, I thought not.

A shout out to my friend Naama Kates, her indie film which she wrote, directed not to mention starred in Sorceress is out now! I highly recommend it. You can find it here: http://a.co/fzLrOq8

Just say no to blowing aliens for space Range Rovers

I was pleased Emma Stone won Best Actress for La La Land. The film, while entertaining was incredibly overrated. She really elevated the material and brought a lot of depth and heart to her role.

Until we cyber again, don't do anything I wouldn't do, but if you do, name it after me!

Follow me at:
https://www.instagram.com/michaelshinafelt/?hl=en
https://twitter.com/MShinafelt  

Wednesday, March 1, 2017

Deja Vu

From The Cher Playbook
Nicki Minaj
OK, Cher fans tell me what you see when you glance at this photo of Nicki Minaj shooting a video in Miami? If you thought Holy Shades of Cher I completely understand and relate as I did too!

Yes Darling Nicki there are those of us out there who recognize this look is a copy of one that the Goddess Cher donned back in her Sonny & Cher days. So that means we are basically old, and don't win any sort of prize other than the privilege to be smug.

Oddly no one has pointed this fact out with the blurbs that accompany this image on the WWW. My guess is either they are too young to know, or perhaps they do know and decided to let old people like myself have a smug time.

Whatever the case Cher wore it best and it shows Nicki has good taste in the inspiration department. 

Gypsies, Tramps & Thieves indeed!

Nicki on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/nickiminaj/?hl=en  

Tuesday, February 28, 2017

Big In Taipei?

Smiles, Everyone, Smiles...
Hugh Jackman
With the newest Wolverine movie Logan opening this Friday a photo of Hugh Jackman at an event for the comic book opus in Taipei, Taiwan seemed like a fitting image for a Tuesday.

It looks like Jackman and his alter ego Logan are quite a hit among the Taipei set. Hugh the ever gracious stopped and did selfies with his adoring fans.

Personally I am not too into movies based on comic books. Once in a while there is one that manages to appeal to me, but for the most part...

Hugh Jackman on the other hand is hugely appealing mainly because he is so down to earth, talented and good looking. That's a pretty lethal combo, trust me I have first hand experience with this type of guy and it is an irresistible force. 

So on that note I leave you with this Tuesday Trope - Hugh Jackman, Hugh Jackman, Hugh Jackman!

Thank me later.

Get yourself some Intsa-Hugh at:
https://www.instagram.com/thehughjackman/?hl=en   

Monday, February 27, 2017

Sorceress-Magic Or Madness?

Planets of the Universe
Naama Kates
Happy Post Oscar Monday, how about that Best Picture flub? Moving on you may recall a fairly recent interview I did with filmmaker Naama Kates about her indie Sorceress here is the link:

http://mshinafelt.blogspot.com/2016/11/the-sorcery-of-naama-kates.html

Well guess what peeps, it's been released! Here to tell you all about it is a note from Naama herself, read on minions...

Hey. Hey! What is up, hey?

Sooo... Nowadays, making movies is easy. NOT. Nowadays, making movies is frickin' hard. Writing them, shooting them, producing them-- it takes a village. Literally. A big, whopping, fat production, also literally, involving the creative and administrative skills and talents of many, many people. The most collaborative medium of all media. So there's that. To make movies...


And getting anyone to see them, once made, is frickin' hard. Hard, hard, hard!!! Because, well, because it's always been hard, because it's a competitive field, and cuz of democratization of resources, and technology, and various new media outlets, like SVOD platforms, and cuz who cares, cuz everyone has a story, and cuz there are so many good ones already being told, every moment of every day, not just at the cinema or on the telly or the radio, but on your social media feed, and over the phone, and at the neighborhood pub, and, lord knows in any newspaper, and, and, and.


So, not to make a short story longer, and because I have not won any awards* so a long-winded gushing acceptance speech is not in order, I'll refrain from thanking, in this email, all of the incredible people who made this all possible... Also, that's what the credits are for... But I would like to mention my awesome distributor, Global Genesis Group, and in particular Charles Morris Jr. of GGG for taking a chance with me and my film, Sorceress, because now it is available for y'all to see, on-demand on Amazon, for rent, and free if you have Amazon Prime (which I highly recommend as a longtime member for like 5 years now). So, YEAH!

And this is IT:
http://a.co/fzLrOq8

If you wanna know a bit more before you take the plunge, check out the images and synopsis on the Global Genesis site at: http://globalgenesisgroup.com/portfolio-view/sorceress/
Or the review by brilliant philosopher and author, Daniel Coffeen at:
http://hilariousbookbinder.blogspot.com/2013/04/the-beautiful-blur-of-being-on-10.html
And if you wanna, stop by and like the FB movie page (though I really got update that) at:
https://www.facebook.com/srcrssthemovie
And follow on Twitter (gotta get that together too):
https://twitter.com/SorceressMovie

So okay YEAH. Most importantly, drum roll please, just go watch it!!!!!!!! http://a.co/fzLrOq8

Now y'all take care. Be safe. Drink a lot of water and wear sunscreen and a hat. And a scarf and a coat, cuz it's cold.

Love and other indoor sports,
xoxoxo
N

Saturday, February 25, 2017

Dance Erika, Dance!

She's A Painkillr
Erika Jayne
This morning I woke up with a reason to actually watch Dancing With The Stars this season. It turns out Erika Jayne of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills will be on hand when the cast is officially announced March 1st! Yahoooooooooooooo....!!!

Can I get a Pat The Puss?! I knew I could...this will give the show a much needed shot in the arm after the previous lackluster season (I don't even remember who was on, nor did I watch any of it.)

Erika is my favorite "Housewife" bar none. She has class, sass and most of all she IS real and gives zero fucks. I'll let you in on a secret, I actually follow her on Instagram, the more you know.

I will for sure be tuning in to see Jayne shake her groove thang! She gives the gays everything they want and more after all.

Erika on Instagram:

Friday, February 24, 2017

"The Help" Reunion

Can We Help?
l-r Octavia Spence, Emma Stone & Viola Davis
Since this Sunday is Oscar Sunday and all three of these ladies are up for an Academy Award, I thought this was a fitting image for the Friday leading into the hallowed event.

Here we have Octavia Spencer, Emma Stone and Viola Davis at the 2017 nominees luncheon. Yes, the cast members from The Help are reunited and it felt so good.

Spencer posted the photo op on her Instagram with this caption:

"Today was so fun it felt like graduation. Especially seeing my #HelpAlums. Congrats to all nominees especially these two!!" 

Pretty cool that three women who shared an experience all all up for the Big "O" this year.

While I'm at it let me state Viola Davis is a shoo in for supporting actress for her work in Fences and Emma Stone is my personal favorite (and is predicted to win by many) for best actress in La La Land.

Congratulations you three and have fun Sunday

Octavia on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/therealoctaviaspencer/?hl=en 

Thursday, February 23, 2017

Michael's Musings

Don't Bother Me I'm In Leather
Michael Shinafelt
As I sit at my computer finishing off a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon, my mind starts to wander and wonder - WTF is happening to the world?!

Sometimes I retreat to my Purple Room for solace. This week has sort of been the week I tuned a lot of the static out. One must do that these days on occasion to keep ones sanity.

Right now the only vision dancing in my head is that of hitting spin class tomorrow morning. That means this weeks thoughts may be a little tainted with a view from my bubble. That's the way it goes!

The La La Land awards, I mean Academy Awards are this Sunday. Note to self: Stock up on the wine.

Speaking of wine, just had a lovely evening drinking it and having nosh with Scott Jacobs, thus the glass I am finishing up.

Is Caitlyn Jenner the ambassador on behalf of the LGBT community to the Agent Orange administration? I thought they already filled the position of narcissist reality show star in the White House.

I still have to watch the premiere of the final season of Bates Motel, just sayin'...

Fuck the rain, I'm over it! 

Trump officially rescinds Obama's protection of transgender students. Where are the backwoods Hillbilly's from Deliverance when you need them?

Hey America, clean up on aisle 45, there's a pile of shit.


Feud
Joan Crawford & Bette Davis
Eden Sassoon & Lisa Rinna
Weirdest reality show feud ever? Lisa Rinna & Eden Sassoon on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. It's pretty Freudian

If you could teleport yourself by blinking your eyes ... where would you go right now?

"When you see something beautiful in someone, tell them. It may take seconds to say, but for them, it could last a lifetime"

What's your safe word? Mine is flan.

And with that revelation I am off this electronic device and onto another one.

Bare witness to me at:

https://www.instagram.com/michaelshinafelt/?hl=en
https://twitter.com/MShinafelt   

Wednesday, February 22, 2017

Feeling Blues?


Get the "Hump Day" Blues!

Professor Louie & The Crowmatix "Crowin' The Blues"
coming to CD on April 7th

Roots music royalty return with a collection of classic Blues covers and original songs

"The Band lives again. Professor Louie and The Crowmatix echo the sound they had in their heyday. Just like The Band, it takes in a lot, but gives it all back and then some."
- Grant Britt, No Depressio


On Crowin' The BluesThe Crowmatix dig down into the origin of many great Blues songs from the Texas Rhythm & Blues style of "I'm Gonna Play The Honky Tonks" by Marie Adams (Peacock) to "High Heel Sneakers" that is a Rock 'n' Roll standard. The Crowmatix combined the Soul tune, "On Broadway" with a blues by Jimmy Reed for our arrangement of "Bright Lights, Big City." They also remember Big Bill Broonzy recording his hit "Why Did You Do That To Me" and the shuffle blues by Elmore James, "Fine Little Mama."
Levon Helm taught us Jimmy McCracklin's hit "I Finally Got You" and a gut wrenching blues by Jimmy Rogers "That's Alright." The Crowmatix originals "Love Is Killing Me," "Blues & Good News," "Prisoner Of Your Sound" are featured, and the band gives a nod to Buckwheat Zydeco with "Blues For Buckwheat." Many performers walked the fence between the straight path and the Honky Tonk Chitlin' circuit lifestyle and recorded Gospel songs, here The Crowmatix chose "I'm On My Way." 
We're Feeling Blues
Crowin' The Blues, their thirteenth studio CD, was recorded in three days live in the studio . Grammy nominated PL&C from Woodstock. The band was inducted into Blues Hall Of Fame, New York Chapter and hold a permanent place in the Canada South Blues Museum.

The Crowmatix are... Professor Louie (vocals, accordion, piano, Hammond organ, keyboards); Miss Marie (vocals, percussion, piano); Gary Burke (drums, percussion); Frank Campbell (bass, vocals); John Platania (electric /acoustic guitars); Josh Colow (lead guitar) special guest Michael Falzarano (guitar).

Professor Louie & The Crowmatix have an upcoming tour and are available for in-person interviews, appearances, etc: http://www.crowmatix.com/sched.html 

Tuesday, February 21, 2017

Zero F#@ks Given - Lisa Rinna

Not Giving A F#@k
Lisa Rinna
Whatever your take on Real Housewife of Beverly Hills Lisa Rinna is, I think we can all  agree on one thing, the woman has chutzpah! 

Recently during some down time in her hotel room Rinna decided to take a nude selfie and post it on Instagram. Then she had second thoughts and took it down, then she did what Lisa does, put it back up with the caption:

“It’s back, I got scared then I said I’m 53 — zero f--ks given! Cheers to @playboy for going back to nudes. The female body is so beautiful, every size and every age. Be proud! #thefemalebodyisbeautiful #allshapesandsizes #loveyourself #loveyourbody.”

Yes, Lisa is 53 and she looks amazing, quite inspiring I must say. If this is what putting Xanax in your smoothies does I'm going to start that regime pronto!

It's Tuesday, and aren't you happy?!

Lisa on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/lisarinna/?hl=en  

Monday, February 20, 2017

Hello, I'm Dolly



It's been 50 years?! Well Hello, Dolly...!!!

50 years ago Dolly Parton released her first full-length album, Hello, I'm Dolly. The album, which debuted on Monument Records, contained Parton's hits "Dumb Blonde" (written by Curly Putman) and "Something Fishy" (written by Parton). Both singles reached the top twenty on the country singles charts, and the album itself reached #11 on the country albums chart.

Produced by Fred Foster, Hello, I’m Dolly caught the attention of Porter Wagoner, who ultimately invited Parton to become a member of his band and appear on his popular weekly television show. These appearances led to Parton’s rise to superstardom and she became a bonafide household name.

“I can't believe it's been 50 years since I did my first album,” Parton recalls. “What a wonderful 50 years it has been. Thanks to my Uncle Bill Owens and Fred Foster for believing in me early on. And thanks to all the fans out there...I hope to have at least another 50 years!”

The album contained Parton's versions of three songs she wrote that had already been hits for other artists: "Put it Off Until Tomorrow" (Bill Phillips), "Fuel to the Flame" (Skeeter Davis), and "I'm In No Condition" which charted by Hank Williams Jr.

To learn more about this American icon, visit www.DollyParton.com.

Saturday, February 18, 2017

I Am Nicole Kidman Hear Me Roar...!

Easy, Breezy...
Nicole Kidman
It's been really nice to see Nicole Kidman back this awards season after a few low key years, the spotlight is where she is meant to be for many reasons and she should never ever stray from it again.

One of those reasons is her considerable acting chops, which are on display is the heavily nominated film Lion. I have yet to see Lion but those in my circle who have say it's amazing! Due in no small part to Kidman's award caliber performance.

Another reason Nicole always belongs front and center is her fashion sense. She always makes a splash with her bold choices, and while she has chosen outfits with a higher glamour quotient than this dress she wore to the Lion premiere in Paris Friday, the above look is my favorite on her thus far during this awards season.

Why? It's casual, yet stylish. Fun, yet dressy. It really allows Kidman to let her hair down, quite literally as you can see and she looks like she is having a blast wearing it. Yes, fun Nicole is back and ready to laugh!

It's nice to see this side of her again. She looks rested and her smile is radiant.

Get fashion tips from Nicole at:
nicolekidmanofficial.com/   

Friday, February 17, 2017

Have A "Pretty Reckless" Weekend!

TPR Front Woman Taylor Momsen
Photo:
Taryn Decken
They're pretty, they're reckless, deal with it!!!  

The Pretty Reckless continue their ascent on the rock charts with the release of their new single, “Oh My God.”  It's just me and the band, pouring ourselves into the song, and into the camera.  It's subtle, you have to really watch it to understand all the layers, but it's honest, and that to me always yields the best art.” says lead singer Taylor Momsen  

The song is already in the top 10 on the active rock chart and the video can be viewed here:http://vevo.ly/wsMImY.
   
“Take Me Down,” nominated for Rock Song of The Year at the upcoming iHeart Radio Music Awards taking place March 5 was the first #1 rock single from their latest album Who You Selling For. This milestone marks the fourth consecutive #1 for the band, who broke records as the first female-fronted band to have three chart toppers in a row with “Heaven Knows,” “Messed Up World” and “Follow Me Down” (all from 2014’s Going To Hell) - a feat that has not been accomplished since The Pretenders in 1984, over 30 years ago. 

The Pretty Reckless will perform on CONAN February 28

The Pretty Reckless’ extraordinary third studio album Who You Selling For features the bands #1 rock hit  Take Me Down.”  Produced by longtime collaborator Kato Khandwala, Who You Selling For expands the band’s sound to encompass soul, blues and rock and roll. The songs were written by front woman Taylor Momsen and guitarist Ben Phillips. Momsen’s dark lyrics and raw, charismatic vocals are on full display and the band delivers at full intensity with a level of musicianship that raises the bar.

Huffington Post says, Who You Selling For is a fire-breathing monster of a record that offers adrenaline-rush stompers (“Oh My God”), revolutionary rockers (“Living in The Storm,” “Take Me Down”), breathtaking ballads (“Who You Selling For,” “Bedroom Window”) and pretty-gritty R&B (“Wild City” is like taking a step back into 1970s Motown). 

The Oakland Press quipped, "Part Kurt Cobain, part Janis Joplin, Momsen showed off some serious vocal chops and towering onstage charisma — the kind that hints this one-time actress is genuinely focused on achieving enduring musical relevance."

TPR will continue to tour throughout the year in support of the album, hitting major markets and festival shows including Rock on The Range, Carolina Rebellion and Rocklahoma  
in the US as well as European and South American dates. Additional tour dates will be announced in the coming weeks.


The Pretty Reckless official website:www.theprettyreckless.com






Full routing is as follows:

April 25                           Boston, MA                           Paradise Rock Club
April 26                           Washington DC                    930 Club
April 27                           Richmond, VA                      The National
April 29                           Jacksonville, FL                    Monster Energy Welcome To Rockville
April 30                           Fort Myers, FL                      Monster Energy Fort Rock
May 2                             Mobile, AL                            Soul Kitchen
May 6                             Concord, NC                        Monster Energy Carolina Rebellion
May 13                           Somerset, WI                       Northern Invasion
May 19                           Sayerville, NJ                       Starland Ballroom
May 20                           Camden, NJ                         WMMR – BBQ – BB&T Pavillion
May 21                           Columbus, OH                      Rock On The Range
May 26                           Pryor, OK                             Rocklahoma
May 27                           San Antonio, TX                   River City Rock Fest   

Thursday, February 16, 2017

Michael's Musings

Peek-A-Boo, I See U & I Know What U Do
Michael Shinafelt
Once upon a time there was a man who lived in a house of cards...and so the story goes. It's that time of week when I spout word vomit.

This past week brought us a variety of things, such as The Grammy's, Valentine's Day, Fifty Shades Darker and the shit show we all affectionately refer to as Donald Tump.

Wonder what will spew fourth from the corners of my mind this week? Let's find out...

Lady Gaga continues to amaze and show her versatility by teaming up with Metallica and blowing us away by nailing hardcore rock music. I wasn't surprised she could get her head banger on, and frankly I wished she do an album of it.

Thirsty Ivanka is a thing. Apparently Ms. Trump inherited her father's lech gene, I am sure by now you all got a look at the way she drooled when she met Justin Trudeau.

VD was Tuesday, and that of course meant the release of the Fifty Shades of Grey sequel Fifty Shades Darker - a Harlequin Romance for the domestic abuse set.

Let me extrapolate on the domestic abuse comment re: Fifty Shades. Author E.L. James is a terrible writer. I read two paragraphs excerpted online from the first novel and couldn't bear anymore. Not to mention she does not know the first thing about BDSM. Anastasia Steele is an abused woman, end of story.

Dear Pentatonix, please get a new stylist
Fierce! This is How U Red Carpet!
:Lady Gaga
Remember that time when James Hetfield's mic didn't work at The Grammy's? So does everyone else. Really Grammy's?! The whole premise of the fucking award is based on sound, enough said.

AC/DC said it best: "Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap"

Toughen up buttercups, it's going to be a wild ride!

Ask yourself this, are you a good little pony worthy of a biscuit?

In case you were wondering, Erika Jayne is my favorite Real Housewife of Beverly Hills. She out classes and sasses them all while giving no fucks.

Enjoy your Thursday, it's the day before Friday after all.

Join me on the Internet at:
https://www.instagram.com/michaelshinafelt/?hl=en
https://twitter.com/mshinafelt?lang=en