Michael's Musings

A Little Bit Dramatic
Michael Shinafelt

Well between the Meghan & Harry sit down with Oprah and the passing of President Biden's history making $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan it's safe to say this week has been " A Little Bit Dramatic."

Thus as you can see I am joining in the fray. Why? Why not, I ask? All the popular people are doing it...

Don't burn your mask, wear it

When I'm sad I make out with nerdy guys, the more you know

Advice: Never bang someone up against a crate of Bordeaux 

Tell me, who is the rogue metronome???

If you don't know how much I don't engage with people you would appreciate this more

What's the best plot twist in a movie you've ever seen?

All one shot, no editing. That's it, that is all

The depths of the unspeakable depravity, yeah, there's that 

Woman Crush of the Week - Meghan Markle, hey, she got Piers Morgan to STFU

FYI - Piers Morgan has left the Twitter (not that I ever followed him on there, but...)

I accept that you are a tourist attraction

Pour some sugar on me, do it and do it now!!!

If someone sends you a random dick pick, perhaps all they want is a cookie

You think Republicans lost their sh!t over Mr. Potato Head, wait until they find out Ken doesn't have a dick

Wanna know more? Follow me here: 

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

https://twitter.com/MShinafelt    

Hump Day & Chill

ALASKA THUNDERFUCK READIES FIRST-EVER COMEDY SPECIAL

"The Alaska Thunderf**k Extra Special Comedy Special" Set To Premiere on OUTtv USA APRIL 15, 2021

Star of stage and screen Alaska Thunderf**k is proud to present "The Alaska Thunderf**k Extra Special Comedy Special." Featuring some of Alaska's greatest musical hits, exciting special guests, and a series of comedic jokes, join Alaska for a one-night-only engagement filmed in pre-pandemic Hollywood, California. But in a rapidly changing world, does the comedy go too far? Are the jokes too risqué? Is the glamour too glamourous? Find out by watching "Alaska's Extra Special Comedy Special" when it debuts Wednesday, April 15 exclusively on OUTtv USA Apple TV Channel,  Canada: OUTtv Broadcast and streaming on OUTtvGo and the OUTtv Prime and Apple TV channels, UK and Ireland: Froot (froot.tv)

 

Check out the Behind The Scenes video HERE

 

“Doing a comedy special is highly outside of my comfort zone, as I have always been a queen who delivers strictly glamour at all times.  However, I have taken the plunge and finally attempted to be humorous in an exciting and new extra-special comedy special.  Please enjoy this foray into the land of setups, punchlines, stingers and zingers, and let us be united for one brief moment, in laughter and love.” states Alaska

 

In addition, Alaska’s Drag Queen of the Year Pageant Competition Awards Contest Competition crowned its second-ever winner last night.  Flying in the face of a global pandemic, economic meltdown, and catastrophic political landscape, the Drag Queen of the Year Pageant carried on with celebrity judges  Nicole Byer, Peppermint, Jiggly Caliente, Vinegar Strokes, Shea Coulee’, Willam and 2019 contestant Aurora Sexton judging and scoring the 8 stunning contestants eventually naming Chicago’s own Tenderoni the winner. Tenderoni @tenderoni88  is now $10,000 (via PayPal) richer and will  proudly wear the 2021 crown and sash throughout the next 363 grueling days & nights until they take it away from her and name a new Queen in 2022.  

Photo:
Shaun Vadella

Founded by Pageant Director and extra-terrestrial icon of stage and screen Alaska Thunderfuck 5000, and co-founded by Executive Assistant Pageant Director Lola LeCroix,The DQOY Pageant placed Drag inclusivity at the forefront, creating a space that was open to any and all Drag performers— regardless of their anatomy, gender identity, or experience level.  The result was a fierce competition that electrified the audience, inspired the world, and broke barriers for all of Drag-kind.  

 

“With so many unknowns, taking the Pageant into a digital format was a risk-- but it most definitely has paid off.  These outstanding performers each brought so much talent, so much innovation, and so much inspiration to every category, and I couldn't be happier.  I'm glad I wasn't a judge, because choosing a winner from this group of 8 exemplary artists was a seemingly impossible task, but I send my congratulations to Tenderoni  who I know will carry this crown and this title with elegance and grace.  But to all the contestants-- I extend my deepest thanks, and I assure you all that the inspiration you have provided to the world will continue to echo and reverberate around the world for ages to come.” Says Alaska

http://alaskathunderfuck.com/

Cruise With The Legends Of Drag...

 7 Night Exclusive Chartered Mexican Riviera Cruise Ready To Set Sail January 9, 2022 On Holland America’s Five-Star Luxury Ship Koningsdam

History is being made.  For the first time ever, Drag Queen royalty Jackie Beat, Lady Bunny, Varla Jean Merman and Miss Coco Peru will join forces to headline the “Legends of Drag” Inaugural Cruise with Master of Ceremonies Frank DeCaro.

 

Lovers of Drag will take over Holland America’s 5-Star luxury liner, The Koningsdam, as they set sail on a 7 Night Mexican Riviera Cruise visiting the ports of Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan and Cabo San Lucas, Mexico from January 9 thru 16, 2022 for a once-in-a-lifetime vacation experience HERE

The award winning Koningsdam is one of Holland America’s newest ships and is the most technologically advanced and most luxurious in their fleet.  A sublime balance of big and small, this mid-size ship features larger-than-life music venues and activities galore, coupled with small ship service and elbow room.  Koningsdam heralds both a new class (Pinnacle) and a new era for Holland America Line.

Each of the 4 drag legends will bring their unique talent’s to the cruise by headlining their own show in the Koningsdam World Stage Theater.  Throughout the cruise, guests will have no shortage of onboard activities including…dance parties with guest DJ’s, Piano Bar & Karaoke, pop culture trivia with fabulous prizes and free trips, meet-n-greets, drag panels, book signings, dress up theme nights, and Surprise Guests!

 “After a year in lockdown during the pandemic, can anyone think of a better way to start the New Year than by cruising the Mexican Riviera with these four Drag Legends that are sure to bring 7 nights of non-stop laughter and fun,” said Michael Levitt, event Producer.

And now, a very special video message from our queens: HERE

 

“This cast! It's so rare that I get called 'the pretty one.'

I don't normally perform in boats...except for the time I borrowed RuPaul's shoes.”-Lady Bunny

 

“Lady Bunny, Jackie Beat, Varla Jean Merman and myself at sea for a week?!? I'm gonna need the Tension Tamer IV drip! Why would anyone want to miss this historic and histrionic cruise?”-Miss Coco Peru

 

“Do you have any idea how stir crazy I have to be to go on a f@#$ing cruise with these three bitter old bitches? KIDDING! I honestly can’t wait for this legendary, historical, iconic, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to hit the high seas and share the stage with these fellow titans of drag! RESERVE YOUR CABIN NOW... OR REGRET IT THE REST OF YOUR LIFE!”-Jackie Beat

 

 “Because we will literally do ANYTHING to show the passengers a good time, free condoms will be distributed…to be used as blindfolds.”-Varla Jean Merman

 

 “ Hey, hunties! What becomes a legend most? If they're drag legends, it's a cruise starring not one, not two, not three, but four of the funniest drag queens ever to beat their gorgeous faces! Join Jackie Beat, Lady Bunny, Varla Jean Merman, Miss Coco Peru, and me, Frank DeCaro -- your Pineapple Princess and Emcee on the High Seas, as we blow the cobwebs off your caftan.” -Frank DeCaro

 

Pricing starts at $1,949.00 for double occupancy. To reserve your cabin please visit http://www.legendsofdragcruise.com/ or dial toll free 855 207-2050.  

Monday Motivation

Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious
David Harewood & Melissa Benoist

After the amazing Orpah sit down interview with Meghan Markle & Prince Harry I don't know about you, but I need some good old fashioned Monday Motivation. While it was revealing and fascinating, the interview was also quite challenging. 

Thus we are kicking off our week with Supergirl, that's correct Minions faster than a ray of light she's here to kick your ass and motivate you to have a great week! Well OK, it's actually Melissa Benoist & her co-star David Harewood on the set of the CW series in Vancouver, Canada.

But hey, Supergirl is here in spirit, right?! That is the point, catch the spirit and have a f#cking Super Week y'all! 

Now peel that banana and get to werk!!!

Supergirl on Wikipedia -

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supergirl_(TV_series)  

Pop Art

LA Pop Art Celebrates Rock Band KISS with Branded Apparel

LA Pop Art announces that it has joined forces with KISS to launch a branded “Word Art” line of apparel that celebrates the legendary band’s enduring magic.

 

“You wanted the best; you got the best!” We couldn’t be more excited and honored to be working with one of the most iconic rock bands of all time and, more importantly, being able to offer The KISS Army something so unique,” says LA Pop Art company founder Joseph Leibovic.

 

Just in time to commemorate their End of The Road final tour, LA Pop Art has created the iconic KISS logo out of their popular song titles and the famous makeup of the Demon, Starchild, Catman, and Spaceman. T-shirts, sweatshirts, tote bags and more are now available for men, women, and children.

 

“There has never been a band like KISS and there will never be another band like them,” Leibovic adds. “We wanted to honor their legend with a truly one-of-a-kind design that is a must-have for any KISS fan.”

 

This fully licensed KISS merchandise is boldly printed with pride in the USA and available for purchase at LAPopArt.com, Macys.com, Amazon.com, and other select quality retailers.

 

LA Pop Art worked with KISS’s licensing agency, Epic Rights, to facilitate this partnership.

 

The company’s full line of products are available at www.lapopart.com.  

"Gossip"

Sound of a Squint in Partnership with Symphonic

Release New Single

“Gossip”

By Experimental Electronic Duo

NMND

In Support of Skid Row Housing Trust

March 5, 2021

Sound of a Squint (SOAS), an imprint helmed by music industry veteran Allen Avanessian, has just released “Gossip,” a new single by NMND , today, March 5, 2021. Following the recent release of Mana Contractor and McLean Macionis’ debut EP, Integration, the duo’s next tune is a colorful and eclectic dance track featuring chopped-up vocals and lo-fi vibrations ricocheting over shards of broken breakbeats. Avanessian’s new label, in partnership with Symphonic Distribution, will donate a portion of proceeds to the Skid Row Housing Trust, a Los Angeles-based non-profit organization seeking to eliminate the structural causes of homelessness. To learn more about NMND, please visit https://linktr.ee/nmnd.

“We are thrilled to release our next single with Allen,” says NMND. “Our creative process is motivated by the intention to make a positive impact on people’s lives. Having spent most of our lives in cities surrounded by a growing homeless population makes this collaboration with Sound of a Squint, in support of Skid Row Housing Trust, that much more meaningful to us.” NMND Mana Contractor & McClean Macionis Photo: Lindsey Best With their latest single, NMND builds on the collage process that is central to both artists’ creative practices. In Macionis’ words, “‘Gossip’ is a reflection on the power of our words and the manner in which we use them to influence the people around us.” Beginning with a cacophony of glitched-out conversation amongst family, Contractor improvises a melody garnished with an emphatic sigh; blowing off the drama before sharing her exasperation with a sly sonified eye-roll. Her voice is then pulled apart, rearranged, and reorganized using a plethora of creative technology. These alluring vocal manipulations spread like a rumor throughout the track, tempting the listener ever closer until they find themselves right in the middle of the conversation. Contractor calls out several repetitions of the phrase “you are” as if to point an imaginary finger toward the listeners themselves. The chorus signals a triumphant and unifying shift as the phrase “who we are” resounds over scintillating synthesizers and a playful lo-fi piano lead. The track is sealed with a kiss and Contractor’s lighthearted beatboxing leaves the listener tapping their foot having long-forgotten about what all the fuss was about in the first place. LINKS • NMND Hub • Sound of a Squint • Bandcamp • Instagram @nmndmusic • SoundCloud @nmndmusic • Twitter @NMNDMusic • Spotify

Film Buff Friday: The Invisible Man Appears

"A monochrome gem"

     —Letterboxd

Finally released outside Japan for the very first time, these unique riffs on H.G. Wells' classic character (though undoubtedly also indebted to Universal's iconic film series) are two of the earliest examples of tokusatsu (special effects) cinema from the legendary Daiei Studios. In The Invisible Man Appears, written and directed by Nobuo Adachi in 1949, a scientist successfully creates an invisibility serum, only to be kidnapped by a gang of thugs who wish to use the formula to rob a priceless jewel. In addition to being the earliest surviving Japanese science fiction film ever made, the film's entertaining special effects were an early credit for the legendary Eiji Tsuburaya, five years before he first brought Godzilla to life. Eight years later, Mitsuo Murayama's exciting The Invisible Man vs. The Human Fly tells the story of a series of mysterious murders where the only clue is strange buzzing noise at the scene of the crime... could this be linked to secret wartime experiments in shrinking humans to the size of insects? And can a scientist who's just invented an invisibility ray be the one to stop it?

Media

 Watch trailer »

Bonus Materials

• High Definition (1080p) transfers of both films on one Blu-ray disc
• Original lossless Japanese mono audio on both films
• Optional English subtitles for both films
• Transparent Terrors, a newly filmed interview with critic and genre scholar Kim Newman on the history of the 'Invisible Man' in cinema
• Theatrical trailer for The Invisible Man Appears
• Image galleries for both films
• Reversible sleeve featuring new and original artwork by Graham Humphreys
• FIRST PRESSING ONLY: Illustrated collectors' booklet featuring new writing by Keith Allison, Hayley Scanlon and Tom Vincent