Thursday, May 30, 2024

Michael's Musings

I'm The Ghost With The Most, Babe!
Michael Shinafelt


"It's Showtime!"  - Beetlejuice 

Ah, those Facebook memories, where would we be without them? This one came up today from an exhibit I went to five years ago in Los Angeles called: I Like Scary Movies. Thus here I am doing my best Beetlejuice impression at it.

My impression is my interpretation of him naturally, and it works! 

With the impending Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice coming September 6th 2024 I caught the original again (hadn't seen it since it first came out) and it surpiringly still holds up and is as entertaining as when I first viewed it.

So "Yes" I am now actually interested in seeing the follow-up. It looks like they took what worked in the original and expanded on it.

Until then go back and watch the original, it's still a whole lotta fun!

Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice...

On IMDb -

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2049403/ 

Wednesday, May 29, 2024

Hump Day & Chill

Today's secret Hump Day & Chill word is "Moist" Ahhhhhhhhh! 

Remeber Pee Wee's Playhouse and his secret word of the day? If you know, you know. If you don't there's always Google.

While this word is obviously photo shopped on to an actual image of Pee Wee holding one of the actual words of the day (imagine if he ever used "Moist" on the air???) it is a word that may as well have been featured on the show.

Those of us who viewed it wseekly knew that while kids watched it for the bright colors, silliness and cast of off the wall characters the content was 100% Adult and was designed to fly above younger viewers heads. That was part of the fun of watching it as an adult, right? Of course it was!!!

So let's Hump Day & Chill and get "Moist" Ahhhhhhh!

Pee Wee's Playhouse on Wikipedia -

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pee-wee%27s_Playhouse 

Tuesday, May 28, 2024

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  

Sunday, May 26, 2024

Euphoric Recall

 Peter Jespersonnoted 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.  

Saturday, May 25, 2024

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/ 

Friday, May 24, 2024

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