Saturday, December 26, 2020

The Morning After...

Tis the morning after Christmas 2020, I bet it isn't what you thought it would be last January 1st. But I'm sure we all made the best of it, right???

Well mine was rather low key as I am sure most of yours were. Breakfast with a friend then I streamed Wonder Woman 1984. What did I think of WW84? Hmmmmmmm...that's a multi-layered question.

The first WW was so bank, this one was not as good (which is usually the case with sequels) but it had it's moments and bigger ideas like it's predecessor. My main issue is it was a pretty disjointed film. 

Do I think it's worth seeing? Overall "Yes" - there are many things about the movie that make it still worth your while. Notably Kristen Wiig as Cheetah (except for the crappy CGI they did for her in the action sequences.)

Patty Jenkins, like in the first WW, makes sure there is heart to this epic. That's what ultimately made the original a home run, and saves this one from being a total disaster.

But make no mistake, overall I thought this outing was hit and miss. 

Michael has left the building...

WW84 on Rotten Tomatoes:

https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/wonder_woman_1984 

Friday, December 25, 2020

"So Baby" - Ariel Beesley

"So Baby" 
Ariel Beesley

Merry Christmas Minions! "Yes" I have a present for all of you. Today a quite talented and amazing young woman, singer/songwriter Ariel Beesley joins me. She is here to chat about her current hot single "So Baby" and much, much more...

So without further explanation, herrrrrrrre's Ariel!!!

MS: Let's talk about So Baby, I love how it takes a term of endearment "Baby" and subverts it into a something entirely different. How did the song come about?

AB: Well, long story short I was mad as hell. I had dated a lot of immature boys and I basically just funneled that rage into a song to feel better and stronger about it. 

MS: I've seen by your social media that the response to it has been great, you must be really stoked!

AB: Yes! I write music for myself, because my songs are like therapy. But obviously it is always nice when other people connect with it too, I’m very grateful. 

                                                                         Lyric Video
                                                                           "So Baby"

MS: Tell everyone, are there any artists whose music you are a fan of, who are a fan of your music?

AB: I’m really lucky to be surrounded by a bunch of artists and musicians, and we all support each other. In a normal world, going to each other’s shows and so forth. So that's awesome. One day I hope Robert Smith hears my music and digs it haha 

MS: You are an avid reader, and compose some really great lyrics IMHO. Name some of your inspirations for your writing.

AB: Thank you so much! That means a lot to me because the writing always comes first. My words are very important to me. My main inspiration for my writing is honestly just my life. But I love poetry. I recently finished Rupi Kuar’s new book and it was lovely. And Anais Nin is another one of my favorite writers. I love her boldness. 

MS: One of my favorite things about you is your activism. Especially in terms of Women's Rights, extrapolate on this, please.

AB: Well this year I feel really lucky to have founded my nonprofit organization- U Start Here. It is a nonprofit specifically geared towards helping survivors of sexual assault. As a survivor myself it’s a topic that is extremely important to me, and It’s been incredible connecting with so many survivors and professionals also seeking out this kind of work. I’m very humbled and very proud. 

Express Yourself
Ariel Beesley

MS: As I recall we both share a love of a certain TV show: Law & Order: SVU - what is it you love about it?

AB: God damn I’ve been watching SVU since I was a kid haha. I’ve always found it strangely comforting. I think it’s the fact that most of the time the bad guy gets put away. If only real life were so. 

MS: What has been keeping you sane during the Pandemic?

AB: Honestly writing music. I’ve written 6 songs during the quarantine that will all be on my debut album and I’m really excited about that.

MS: I miss seeing you perform live.

AB: Ahhh thank you. that’s what I miss most about quarantining. I honestly don’t mind staying home. But the lack of shows. That’s been tough 

MS: Name five people living or not, who you would like to have a dinner party with.

AB
Anais Nin 
Frank Sinatra 
Debbie Harry 
Robert Smith 
Maya Angelou 

MS: What do you wish for 2021? 

AB: Live music to return, people to be healthy, and happiness 

Where's Ariel? Find out at the links below -

Thursday, December 24, 2020

Michael's Musings

"You Have To Believe We Are Magic"
Olivia Newton-John & Michael Shinafelt

Ho ho ho, and Merry Christmas Eve Day (say that three times fast) While this Holiday Season is quite unprecedented, there's still no reason why we can't make it fun! Thus I am caught up in and Olivia Newton-John/Xanadu fugue.

"Magic" is something we should, and all need to believe in. Not to mention it's one of ONJ's best songs ever from the movie Xanadu, which despite it's bad reputation, I have enjoyed viewing multiple times. So let's get the party started Minions!!!

Reminder, it won't work unless you are holding my flower

Got anything you need to Mansplain to Santa? Now's the time to do it

The Three Kings of Hell have returned, discuss

"And if all your hopes survive, Destiny will arrive..." - Magic, Olivia Newton-John 

Well now, that was a whole bucket of miss

Start preheating your oven now so your Holy Infant will be tender and mild

"If I can wear a mask while I give birth, you can wear a mask at Walmart" - Sophie Turner 

All I want for Christmas is January 20th

Woman Crush of the Week - duh, Olivia Newton-John and Magic!

My tranquility needs to be refurbished

I finally binged The Queen's Gambit, LOVED IT!!!

That time Santa jacked your Mom's Coke from the fridge on Christmas Eve 

You deserve a stripper for Christmas, just sayin'

How am I celebrating Christmas? Enjoying Christmas breakfast with a friend and watching Wonder Woman 1984, that's how

Come Into My World at:

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

https://twitter.com/MShinafelt    

Tuesday, December 22, 2020

Barnyard Christmas

Legendary country music singer/songwriter and animal advocate David Frizzell, is supporting animal rescue with his new ten-song CD and storybook, Barnyard Christmas. This original project presents the story of the birth of Christ as told by animal characters that were present in the manger. 

“The greatest story ever told…the birth of Christ as told by the animals that were there. What a blessing for me to create these amazing animated characters as they tell of their participation in the birth of Christ and the wonderfully talented artist, graphic designers, musicians, singers, studio engineers, and co-producer who help bring the whole project to life. From my heart to yours,” shares Frizzell.

With Barnyard Christmas, Frizzell gives a unique perspective on the meaning of Christmas, through the eyes of animals that were present at the birth of Jesus. The album and accompanying storybook presents a tender and whimsical musical tale, woven brilliantly by Frizzell with guests Allen Frizzell and the Martin Family Circus, and an impressive list of talented musicians.

To order the CD and storybook, visit www.davidfrizzell.com for more information.

About David Frizzell:
David Frizzell was born in El Dorado, Arkansas, in 1941. He began touring with his legendary brother, Lefty Frizzell at the age of 12 throughout the 1950s and 60s. After serving in the Air Force, Frizzell signed with Columbia Records in 1970 and charted his first Billboard single with “L.A. International Airport” and then a Top 40 with “I Just Can’t Help Believing.”

During the 1970s, Frizzell appeared regularly on Buck Owens' All American TV Show and began recording for Capitol Records. In 1981, he recorded his first number-one country hit, "You're the Reason God Made Oklahoma," a duet with Shelly West. The song won the Country Music Association's Song of the Year and Vocal Duet of the Year awards in 1981, was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal, and was featured in Clint Eastwood's film ‘Any Which Way You Can.’ Frizzell and West also won the Academy of Country Music award for Vocal Duo of the Year in 1981 and 1982.

In 1982, Frizzell released “I’m Gonna Hire A Wino To Decorate Our Home,” which made its way to number one. In recent years, Frizzell created his own label Nashville America Records, and has released several albums including Frizzell & Friends: This Is Our Time which includes a bonus track, written in honor of Lefty Frizzell, Merle Haggard, and traditional music in general. “Lefty, Merle & Me” features David with Marty Haggard.

David Frizzell is a timeless and tireless entertainer who continues to share his many gifts to the delight of fans old and new across the US and throughout the world. In 2020, Frizzell signed a distribution deal with Time Life / Warner Music Group to release his catalog of recordings.

 
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Monday, December 21, 2020

Winter Solstice Queen

Hail The Queen!
Dua Lipa

"Don't look around, The leaves are brown, And the sky is a hazy shade of winter" Hazy Shade of Winter, Simon & Garfunkel 

Today is officially the first day of the Winter of our discontent. Buck up the year is almost over, in the meantime check out the ever so talented Dua Lipa wearing all white on her recent Saturday Night Live gig.

Dua is Winter chic and the perfect way to represent and kick off the Winter Solstice. 

I had merely heard of Ms. Lipa prior to her Future Nostalgia album. Which I gave a listen to and LOVE!

Thus I will also being listening to Lipa (say that three times fast) today while looking at her in her Winter finest to "celebrate" the first and shortest day of the longest year.

Fingers crossed it the kick off for Winter doesn't feel like a year unto itself, that's why I getting down with Dua to help make the day more jolly.

Mic Drop!

Dua on IG -

https://www.instagram.com/dualipa/   

Sunday, December 20, 2020

Ho Ho Ho...5 More Days!

Hurry Down My Chimney...
Ryan Phillippe

With a mere 5 days left until the "Big C" let's continue our countdown to Christmas with another Sexy Santa, this one comes in the form of Ryan Phillippe.

Ryan as you may know is currently starring on the TV Show Big Sky, however this photo looks like Phillippe the vintage years. You know when he did two of my favorite movies I Know What You Did Last Summer & Cruel Intentions. The latter edging out the former on the how much I like it scale.

So here we have Ryan in all his shirtless Sexy Santa glory for you to behold. Behold him I said, do it and do it now!!!

Have you gotten your halls decked yet? Are your stocking hung? Well then have a ball and enjoy the last 5 days until Santa comes to your house and....

Ho ho ho 😉

Ryan on IG -

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