Walking in LA...

In case you haven't read any of my posts that make reference to me living in Los Angeles, well that is where I reside. Hence the byline.

While walking in my hood one day I spotted this nailed to a tree. A cross and garlic mean only one thing to me - there are vampires in my neighborhood, at least someone, somebody or many people believe so.

Now let's bear in mind that I have not encountered any of said creatures of the night to my knowledge. This being stated, if there are some that happen to be neighbors of mine please introduce yourselves I'd be interested in hanging out.

Are there vampires actually residing in LA? Always a possibility.

Vampires on History.com -

https://www.history.com/topics/folklore/vampire-history  

Memorial Day

Memorial Day

Remember and Honor 

Memorial Day on Wikipedia -

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memorial_Day

Euphoric Recall

Peter Jesperson, noted record store maestro, music executive, DJ, manager, tour manager, label founder, and life-long music hound has confirmed new live events this June in support of his recently released memoir Euphoric Recall (Minnesota Historical Society Press) in North Carolina and Virginia.   The events will include book conversation & signing with both Jesperson and Tommy Stinson (The Replacements) as well as a live performance by Tommy’s Cowboys In The Campfire. Dates include:   *June 1 @ Schoolkids Records (405-C W. Franklin St), Chapel Hill, NC w/ moderator Jon Wurster (ex-Superchunk, Mountain Goats, Bob Mould, Scharpling & Wurster) 4pm event (No Cover), 8pm Cowboys in the Campfire ($25.00 tickets) *June 2 @ Schoolkids Records (2237 Avent Ferry Rd. Suite 101, Raleigh, NC w/ moderator David Menconi (journalist, author Step It Up & Go and Oh, Didn’t They Ramble - Rounder Records and the Transformation of American Roots Music), 4pm event (No Cover), 8pm Cowboys in the Campfire ($25.00 tickets) *June 3 @ Chilton House, Richmond, VA w/ moderator Mary Lucia (famed DJ), 7pm (SOLD OUT)   Additional dates pending at the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame, Pop Montreal & more.   Since its release, Euphoric Recall has received glowing reviews from readers and media outlets: NPR, Uncut (UK), Mojo (UK), PopMatters, Houston Chronicle, Spill, and Rhythms Magazine (AU). Additionally, musicians such as Jody Stephens (Big Star), Peter Buck (R.E.M.) and Craig Finn (The Hold Steady) have praised the book for its behind-the-scenes tales; for Jesperson’s music-obsessed background, his own experiences living a rock-n-roll life, and evangelizing & supporting artists he believed in. The twelve book events in various cities so far have all been packed and audience response has been immensely gratifying.   A passionate music lover since childhood, Peter Jesperson found his way into the Minneapolis music world just as it was blossoming in the 1970s and ‘80s. While also managing the influential Oar Folkjokeopus record store and DJing at Jay’s Longhorn bar, Jesperson cofounded Twin/Tone Records, which launched such groundbreaking artists as the Replacements, Soul Asylum, The Suburbs, Babes In Toyland, the Jayhawks, and many more. By the early ‘80s Jesperson made the discovery that changed his life: the Replacements. As A&R man and manager, he guided this talented and out-of-control foursome, taking a short break to road-manage an upcoming sensation out of Athens, Georgia: R.E.M. But as his career was on the rise, Jesperson began his own descent into substance abuse.   Motivated by his love of music, Jesperson rallied and made his way to Los Angeles for the next phase of his career. While working with New West Records alongside artists such as Dwight Yoakam, Kris Kristofferson, Vic Chesnutt, and Steve Earle, Jesperson experienced firsthand the dramatic changes in the music industry of the 1990s. After a half century in the music business, Jesperson shares insights, anecdotes, and lessons from his unique vantage point. The book features a forward by noted music journalist & Sirius XM DJ David Fricke.    “An entertaining collection of stories from a rock and roll life, and an astute study of music and music lovers. Peter Jesperson takes us on an amazing journey through record-store counters, band vans, backstages, label offices, and late night record-listening sessions. Throughout, his love for the performers and songs that sent him down this path shine through, illuminating and inspiring,” said Craig Finn, The Hold Steady.

Back In Time

Batman & Wonder Woman

This image came up as a Facebook Memory and I wanted to post it here, so I am. 

It was a typical Thursday, May 25th 2017 to be exact, as I headed to Trader Joe's on Vine in Hollywood.

Nothing shocking other than I was completely unaware that the premiere for Wonder Woman starring Gal Gadot was happening on Hollywood Blvd. at the Pantages on this day.

Luckily I grocery shop when the Trader Joe's opens (it opened at 8 am, now it opens at 9) because the throngs of fans that showed up eventually were not there just yet.

However there was this dynamic early duo of fans dressed as Wonder Woman and Batman.

I just had to get a photo, and it turned out great! So great that I wanted to share it and it brings back a memory from a less shall we say, altered time and place in the world.

Enjoy your Memorial Day Weekend!

Wonder Woman on IMDb -

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0451279/ 

The Merry, Merry Month Of May...

Justify This!
Madonna

"Hey, they say that a stitch in time saves nine, They say I better stop or I'll go blind" - She Bop, Cyndi Lauper

Tis the Merry, Merry Month Of May! Do you know why it's so merry? Well I'll give you some hints. Cyndi Lauper is singing about it in the her song She Bop (think about the lyrics above, but not too much) 

Madonna has simulated it in concert and in the image above. "Yes" May is a month long worldwide celebration of the big "M" 

Now I'm not going to expand on what the big "M" is. Not because I am uncomfortable saying it, because it's more fun to be somewhat subtle and cryptic.

In case you still don't get it, here is a link to Planned Parenthood below to spell it out for you...

TGIF! Celebrate!

https://www.plannedparenthood.org/about-us/newsroom/press-releases/mays-happy-ending-give-yourself-a-hand-this-national-masturbation-month

Michael's Musings

"When I Wake Up In My Own Pink World"
Michael Shinafelt

"In pink, goes with everything" - Pink, Lizzo from the Barbie Movie

While I know the Barbie Movie is so last summer, I came across this photo of me in pink looking pretty in it and felt like it was the Summer of 2023 all over again! Too bad it isn't. That was a good time!

Hey remember we will always have Barbie and...pink!!!

Do something today that  would've gotten you burnt at the stake 400 years ago

Be cautious of those who bounce back from everything meant to destroy them. They're watched over by the universe and their ancestors. Messing with them could being heavy karma as they are not meant to be underestimated or played with.

I can see through your BS, the more you know...

From the depths of the sea, a tidal wave of terror, that's all

Going to scary bars is how I relax

Caught A Simple Favor on Netflix - very entertaining! Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick were great!

Had an Affogato for the first time this past weekend. It's espresso and ice cream, honestly I'm too old for espresso...WOW!

Assault with a deadly kitten, it's the random things

Woman Crush of the Week - How coudld it not be Blake Lively in A Simple Favor?! Especially since she delivered this gem to her on camera son: "I let you tear my labia as you exited my body, so you're welcome."

Dear Number 1 Victim, congrats on your award

Ever work at McDonald's as a teen? Remember the paper hat modling your hair in it's image?!

Loved the season finale of Law & Order: SVU - kudos to everyone involved! It played more like an intense short film than a TV Show.

Which color is most gagable lime green or basic brown?

I'm heading out, have a pink day!!!

Stay pink with me here -

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

https://x.com/MShinafelt  

Hump Day & Chill

Gin Martini?

Here I am doing my favorite thing to Hump Day & Chill...me with a frosty gin martini straight up two olives at my favorite (and neighborhood) bar in Los Angeles, Akbar.

Not only do they make a great martini the atmosphere is very casual and friendly and the eclectic jukebox is second to none. 

Don't bother me, I'm Hump Day & Chill...

Akbar on the WWW -

https://www.akbarsilverlake.com/