Monday, October 21, 2024

Bookworm Starring Elijah Wood In Theaters and On Demand NOW

 


Bookworm follows 11-year-old Mildred (Nell Fisher) whose life takes a wild turn when her estranged father, Strawn Wise (Elijah Wood), a washed-up Las Vegas illusionist, suddenly reappears. Years ago, after a magical encounter with the once-charming Strawn, Mildred's mom moved back to New Zealand. Now, a comical mishap leaves Strawn caring for Mildred while her mom is hospitalized. Their first adventure? Camping to hunt for the mythological Canterbury Panther. As this mismatched duo navigates the wilderness, magic tricks, and an extraordinary quest, hilarity ensues, and they might just find a way to piece their family back together.



RELEASE DATE: In Theaters and On Demand October 18, 2024 

DISTRIBUTOR: Vertical

DIRECTOR: Ant Timpson

WRITER: Toby Howard

STORY BY: Toby Harvard & Ant Timpson

CAST: Elijah Wood, Michael Smiley, Nell Fisher

RUN TIME: 103 minutes

GENRE: Comedy, Family, Adventure

Alien Celebrates It's 45th Anniversary With A Very Special Collectible & A New Chapter #alien

 

20th Century Studios is Set to Unleash the Epic Sci-Fi Horror-Thriller
as a Special Collectible VHS on December 3

 


BURBANK, CA (October 19, 2024) – Today, Director Fede Alvarez announced at a special Beyond Fest partnered screening at the Aero Theater in Los Angeles that 20th Century Studios will release the terrifying sci-fi horror thriller, Alien: Romulus, on limited edition VHS on December 3. An ultimate movie collector’s dream, the fully functioning VHS tape was created in celebration of the 45th anniversary of the legendary Alien franchise. The VHS package features artwork by renowned artist Matt Ferguson.

Talent In Attendance: David Jonsson, Isabela Merced, Shane Mahan, Matt Ferguson, and Lee Gilmore. The Q&A was moderated by Jim Hemphill from Indiewire.

Director Fede Alvarez takes the phenomenally successful Alien franchise back to its iconic roots in the next jaw-dropping installment heralded by critics as “sheer terror” (Brian Truitt, USA Today) and “utterly breathtaking” (Andrew J. Salazar, Discussing Film). Alien: Romulus is Certified-Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes™ and has thrilled audiences at the box office, becoming the second highest grossing film in the Alien franchise globally.

Alien: Romulus is the start of a new chapter with a brand-new story unlike any other Alien movie that came before it, featuring all-new creatures and characters that are “tense enough to grab you by the throat” (Owen Gleiberman, Variety).

The film is now available on digital and will also be released on 4K UHD, Blu-ray and DVD on December 3, with exclusive bonus features, including featurettes with filmmakers Fede Alvarez and Ridley Scott, behind the scenes content, and alternate and extended scenes.

Film Synopsis
This truly terrifying sci-fi horror-thriller takes the phenomenally successful Alien franchise back to its iconic roots. While scavenging the deep ends of a derelict space station, a group of young colonizers come face-to-face with the most relentless and deadly life form in the universe. Starring Cailee Spaeny, David Jonsson, Archie Renaux, Isabela Merced, Spike Fearn and Aileen Wu, Alien: Romulus is directed by horror master Fede Alvarez from a screenplay by Alvarez and frequent collaborator Rodo Sayagues based on characters created by Dan O’Bannon and Ronald Shusett. Ridley Scott — who directed the original Alien and the series entries Prometheus and Alien: Covenant — produces with Michael Pruss and Walter Hill.

Cast
Cailee Spaeny as Rain
David Jonsson as Andy
Archie Renaux as Tyler
Isabela Merced as Kay
Spike Fearn as Bjorn
Aileen Wu as Navarro
 
Produced by
Ridley Scott
Michael Pruss
Walter Hill
 
Executive Producers
Fede Alvarez
Elizabeth Cantillon
Tom Moran
Brent O’Connor
 
Based on Characters Created by
Dan O’Bannon
Ronald Shusett
Ridley Scott
 
Written by
Fede Alvarez
Rodo Sayagues
 
Directed by
Fede Alvarez

Product Specifications
Release Date
VHS: December 3
 
Product SKUs
Alien: Romulus: VHS Tape

Feature Run Time
Approx. 119 minutes
 
Rating
U.S.: Rated R for bloody violent content and language.

Tape Length
VHS: 120 Minutes
 
Aspect Ratio
VHS: Full Screen 4x3
 
Audio
VHS: English Stereo Language Track (Specifications Apply to Film Content Only)


Sunday, October 20, 2024

80 Businesses Living The American Dream And Sharing Their Recipes In This Full Color Cookbook + I Made OFD Cookies From The Book & They ARE AMAZING


Our American Dream Cookbook (available now for pre-order and launching October 1, 2024, $30/hardcover). Authored by Jennifer Glanville Love, brewer and director of partnerships at the Boston Beer Company, this one-of-a-kind cookbook brings 100+ dishes to life from 80 small business owners, all tied to the philanthropic program Brewing the American Dream.

There were so many yummy dishes I am dying to make but this weekend we jumped into the OFD (Oaty, Fudgy and Delicious) 


We used Kodiak Oats to get more protein and they came out amazing and I don't feel bad giving them to my family. Even my son who is so picky ate 4 of them out of the oven. My husband said "meh" but the rest of us LOVE them. Bring some in for my co-workers tomorrow because after sharing on my socials they all asked for some. How could I deny them. Time to grab another bag of chocolate chunks.

Looks just like the picture. SOOO chocolatey!!!


My next recipe is Vegan Onion Soup with Beer and Chicken Kebabs with Beer Bourbon Marinade. 

My husband read the section of how to appraise beer since he has been doing a different 12 pack from Beer World every weekend. Definitely a book that will be on our counter for a while. 



Disclaimer: I received a complimentary book for my honest opinion. No monetary compensation was offered or received. 


The Dog Ate My Homework Is So Much Fun! My Daughter, Cat and I Had A Blast #review

 



 

 

 

 

 

 


THE 411:

So fun! My daughter and I try to keep busy during Football Sunday in my house. I have a Giant fan and Cowboy fan living here and Man you don't want to be in the room with them during a game. We usually go out on Sundays but since we are pet sitting we stayed close to home. 

Today I opened The Dog Ate My Homework and thought two things! My kids would have loved this game if they were younger and is this NOT genius!??

It is literally a mini puzzle game with a twist.

Insert the papers into the dog's mouth and try to guess the puzzle when it comes out the other end. 

One of the best parts of this game is there is no batteries necessary to use! Simply turn the crank and watch the paper come out cut up out the back end.











I think this will be a great gift for kids and anyone who loves setting up family game night. Make a conscious effort to play with your kids. Unplug and play! Time spent with family is NEVER wasted time. 



Disclaimer: I received a complimentary product for my honest opinion. No monetary compensation was offered or received. 

The Newest Rendition of Goosebumps Stars A Friend - Goosebumps Trailer

Tuesday, October 15, 2024

Business Rebranding: A Critical Imperative to Thrive in Tomorrow’s Business Landscape

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

 

NEW YORK — As the business environment continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace, business rebranding has emerged as an essential strategy for companies aiming to stay competitive. Karen Tiber Leland, bestselling author of The Brand Mapping Strategy: Design, Build, and Accelerate Your Brand and CEO of Sterling Marketing Group, urges companies to embrace a company rebrand to meet the demands of the changing workplace and marketplace, driven by factors like artificial intelligence (AI), generational workforce shifts, and post-COVID work culture transformations.

 

“In today’s landscape, business rebranding is not just an option—it’s necessary for survival and growth,” said Leland. “With the rise of AI, an exodus of senior talent, and a new generation stepping into the workforce, businesses need to reimagine their brands to remain relevant and thrive. Business rebranding is not just about updating your logo or website," she continued. “It’s about realigning your company’s values, mission, and market positioning to meet the demands of tomorrow’s economy. Companies that don’t embrace this shift risk becoming irrelevant.”

 

Why Business Rebranding is More Important Than Ever:

  1. The AI Revolution: Artificial intelligence is transforming the business landscape at a breakneck speed. According to McKinsey, by 2025, 70% of companies will have implemented some form of AI in their operations. This shift is altering how businesses interact with customers and manage operations. Businesses must rebrand to ensure they are AI-ready, without losing the human touch that builds trust and customer loyalty. A company rebrand that reflects AI integration is critical for future success.
  2. Generational Workforce Shifts: Baby Boomers, who have been a significant part of the workforce for decades, are retiring in large numbers—at a rate of about 10,000 per day in the U.S. Meanwhile, Millennials and Gen Zers are stepping into leadership roles, bringing with them new expectations around corporate social responsibility, diversity, and technological innovation. A Gallup study shows that 64% of Millennials won’t work for a company that doesn’t have strong social values. A company rebrand that resonates with these values is essential to attract and retain the next generation of talent.
  3. Post-COVID Workplace Transformations: The COVID-19 pandemic has forever changed how we work. Remote and hybrid work models have become the norm, with a PwC survey revealing that 72% of employees prefer a hybrid model of working. Business rebranding must reflect this new flexibility, signaling that a company is not only adapting but thriving in the face of these changes.

 

Key Points to Consider for Effective Business Rebranding:

Leland provides the following considerations for businesses looking to rebrand in this new era:

  • Embrace AI Without Losing Human Connection: While AI can streamline operations and improve customer experiences, brands must ensure they maintain authenticity. Business rebranding should integrate AI readiness but continue to prioritize the human aspect that creates trust and loyalty.
  • Engage Emerging Generations: Rebranding isn’t just about looking outward; it’s about aligning internally with the workforce. A company rebrand should focus on values that resonate with Millennials and Gen Z, including sustainability, digital fluency, and inclusivity.
  • Redefine Work Culture: Business rebranding should also reflect the new ways of working in a post-COVID world. Flexibility, work-life balance, and hybrid models are no longer optional—they are expected by employees. Rebranding to reflect these shifts is key to staying relevant and attractive in the modern workplace.
  • CEO Branding as a Critical Component: A strong CEO brand can significantly impact a company’s overall brand reputation. Research has shown that companies with strong CEO brands can attract top talent, retain employees, and improve investor confidence. Leland advises that a company rebrand should include a focus on personal CEO branding to create a cohesive and compelling leadership image.
  • Future-Proof Your Brand: Successful business rebranding is not just about today—it’s about anticipating future trends. Staying ahead of market disruptions, technological advancements, and generational changes ensures a company is not only competitive but positioned for long-term growth.

 

About Karen Tiber Leland

Karen Tiber Leland is the founder of Sterling Marketing Group, a branding and marketing agency. Leland's clients include major companies such as Apple, LinkedIn, Google, and American Express. A bestselling author, Leland has written 12 books, including The Brand Mapping Strategy, which has sold over 450,000 copies. She is a sought-after speaker and has presented at events for YPO, Harvard, Stanford, and TEDx. Leland also writes a regular column for Inc.com and has been interviewed by The New York Times, CNN, MSNBC, Fortune, Time, The Wall Street Journal and others.

 

For more information about business rebranding strategies, please visit www.sterlingmarketinggroup.com.

 

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Monday, October 14, 2024

Baby On The Way - Create A Baby Registry For Free At Amazon PLUS A FREE WELCOME BOX From Amazon





Expecting a baby or know someone who is expecting? Start your baby registry now at Amazon and see the best baby items that are essential for you pregnancy, when the baby first comes home and after,

It's simple and there is nothing you won't be able to add. You can even add a diaper fund to have your loved ones help you with diapers and you know you will need a lot of those!

Haven't Seen It Yet But I Hear It's Funny!

 

MARVEL STUDIOS’ DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE DELIVERS THE
BEST-SELLING WEEK ONE DIGITAL SALES EVER FOR AN
R-RATED FILM DOMESTICALLY


Deadpool & Wolverine has broken yet another record as it made its in-home debut, delivering the highest-selling week one ever for an R-rated film on domestic digital platforms. Following its massively successful run at the box office, it was released on Digital on October 1.

Deadpool & Wolverine currently stands as the #2 movie of the year and the highest-grossing R-rated movie of all-time at the global box office, having earned more than $1.3B globally to date ($634M domestic and $698M international). Other notable milestones include:

  • Ranks as the #13 highest-grossing domestic film of all-time.
  • Stands as the #5 domestic, #10 international, and #7 global MCU film of all-time.
  • Had the highest-grossing global opening for an R-rated film ever, surpassing 2016’s Deadpool.
  • With Deadpool & Wolverine and Inside Out 2, Disney has the top 2 movies of the year and back-to-back $1 billion hits, the only studio ever to release back-to-back $1 billion films in a given year.

The action-packed buddy film starring Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman, and directed by Shawn Levy, received an “A” CinemaScore, is Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes, and holds a stellar audience score of 95%. In addition to its availability on Digital, the film is still playing in select theaters nationwide and it will arrive on 4K Ultra HD™, Blu-ray™ and DVD on October 22.

An Almost Christmas Story Premiers Nov 15th On Disney+ #DisneyPlus, #AlmostChristmasStory

  


New Trailer and Key Art Released Today Provides First Look at Animated Short Directed by David Lowery and Produced by Academy Award-Winning Filmmaker Alfonso Cuarón

BURBANK, Calif. (Oct. 14, 2024) - Disney Branded Television announced that “An Almost Christmas Story,” directed by David Lowery and produced by five-time Academy Award® winner Alfonso Cuarón, will premiere Nov. 15 on Disney+.

“An Almost Christmas Story” is the third and final installment in Cuarón’s holiday shorts collection for Disney+. His first short, “Le Pupille,” earned an Oscar® nomination in 2022, and last year’s “The Shepherd” was shortlisted, both in the Live Action Short Film category.

“An Almost Christmas Story” is inspired by the true events of a tiny owl rescued from the New York City’s Rockefeller Center Christmas tree in 2020. The short’s trailer reveals Moon, a curious young owl who unexpectedly finds himself stuck in a Christmas tree destined for Rockefeller Plaza. In his attempts to escape the bustling city, Moon befriends a lost little girl named Luna. Together, they embark on a heartwarming adventure, discovering the magic of the holiday season and forming an unlikely bond as they journey back home to their parents.

The animated short is completing a film festival circuit including Hamptons International Film Festival, Santa Fe International Film Festival, Chicago International Film Festival, Morelia International Film Festival, Montclair Film Festival, Animation Is Film, São Paulo International Film Festival, SPARK Animation Festival, World Animation Summit and Bogotá Short Film Festival – BOGOSHORTS.  

The talented voice cast includes Cary Christopher as Moon, newcomer Estella Madrigal as Luna, Jim Gaffigan as Papa Owl, Mamoudou Athie as Pelly, Alex Ross Perry as Dave The Dog, Gianna Joseph as Peaky, Phil Rosenthal as Punt, with Natasha Lyonne as Pat and John C. Reilly as The Folk Singer, who performs four songs in the short, two of which are original songs.

Produced by Disney Branded Television and Cuarón’s Esperanto Filmoj, in association with Titmouse and Maere Studios, and with animation services by 88 Pictures, the celebrated creative team includes Lowery (director, screenplay and producer), Cuarón (producer and story), Gabriela Rodríguez (producer), Jack Thorne (story and screenplay), Nicholas Ashe Bateman (creative design supervisor) and Daniel Hart (composer). 

Instagram: @DisneyPlus | @disneyorigdocs

Facebook: @DisneyPlus

TikTok: @DisneyPlus

X: @DisneyPlus

About Disney+

Disney+ is the dedicated streaming home for movies and shows from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic, along with The Simpsons and much more. In select international markets, it also includes the general entertainment content brand, Star, and in the U.S., Disney Bundle subscribers can also access extensive Hulu content, including next day TV and Hulu Original titles, on Disney+. The flagship direct-to-consumer streaming service from Disney, Disney+ offers an ever-growing collection of exclusive originals, including feature-length films, documentaries, live-action and animated series, and short-form content. With unprecedented access to Disney’s long history of incredible film and television entertainment, Disney+ is also the exclusive streaming home for the newest releases from The Walt Disney Studios. Disney+ is available as a standalone streaming service or as part of bundled offerings, including Disney Bundle plans in the U.S. that give subscribers access to Disney+ and Hulu or Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+. For more, visit disneyplus.com, or find the Disney+ app on most mobile and connected TV devices.

 

About Disney Branded Television

Disney Branded Television encompasses the creative storytellers and production and content marketing teams responsible for Disney-branded television series, movies and other programming spanning live-action, animated and unscripted formats. The group fuels the Disney+ streaming platform and Disney Channel, Disney XD and Disney Junior linear networks with content geared toward kids, tweens, teens and families, with stories that are imaginative, aspirational and reflective of their world and experiences.

*COPYRIGHT ©2024 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All photography is copyrighted material and is for editorial use only. Images are not to be archived, altered, duplicated, resold, retransmitted or used for any other purposes without written permission of Disney. Images are distributed to the press in order to publicize current programming. Any other usage must be licensed.

Friday, October 11, 2024

Delightful Children's Books That My Class Loves

 

Discover the Perfect Holiday Gifts with Delightful Children’s Books for Every

Reader on Your List

 

As the holiday season draws near, the search for the perfect gift for loved ones becomes a delightful pursuit. This year, The Collective Book Studio presents a handpicked collection of heartwarming and engaging books, guaranteed to spark joy, laughter, and inspiration in children. Our carefully curated titles, ideal for holiday gift-giving, include:

Are You Giggly?



By Tim Button, Illustrated by Ana Martín Larranaga

Find out who giggles and who doesn’t in this playful book that ends with a delightful, giggly surprise!

Hi Lion, are you giggly?
How about you, Zebra? Are you giggly?

Young readers find out who giggles and who doesn't in this fun, playful board book. Bright illustrations by Ana Larrañaga introduce readers to a collection of African animals and the sounds they make. When they get to the novelty mirror in the back of the book, children will be delighted to discover the giggliest creature of all: themselves!

The 411:

My 3.5 year old class loved this book. They can sit through a longer story so when I got this book I assumed they would be bored with it but they have asked for it 8 times in the past 3 weeks. 

This is a board book perfect for little hands. I have it on my teacher shelf because they love it so much and ask for it to be read to them. They especially love the mirror at the back of the book. 

The question Are You Giggly? Is asked and various animals answer No, I'm _________ for instance the Lion says "No I am roary." rooooar rooooar rooooar. My class loves reading along after so many reads and it gives them earlier reader confidence.  They know what to expect and now we talk about other things like where these animals may live, what do you think they eat, do you think they hibernate. The last page is a gorilla and the gorilla says Yes and tells us that they know someone even gigglier. Flip the page and there is the mirror with the words on the next page. You Are. My kids love when I walk around the circle letting each one see their face and their smile. They all giggle!


Gray Fox in the Moonlight

By Isaac Peterson

Image

Gray Fox wanders alone in the forest at night. The woods are illuminated in the silvery light of the full moon and stars. She gazes around in wonder at the light in the birch grove and stops to look at her reflection in the river. But something calls to her in her reverie. She must return to her den by dawn to care for her kits when they wake.

With simple poetry young children will love, Gray Fox in the Moonlight is a journey through a nighttime wonderland that celebrates the love between parents and children. Simple two-color illustrations overflow with light in this evergreen story that illustrates the value of independence in the parental relationship as well as the powerful bond which calls us home from wandering. Gray Fox in the Moonlight revels in the profound beauty of nature.

The 411:

My class and I love this simple book and the gorgeous illustrations of blues, greys and white (for night) and yellow, grey and white for daybreak. The kids loved following the fox through the moonlight woods on a mission back to it's den where it left baby kits sleeping. As a teacher I love how pretty the illustrations were and the calmness the story brought to my classroom. We are 14 3.5 year olds and two teachers and whenever I read this it feels like the kids know to be silent as to not scare our fox friend.  

I Hope You Will Know

By Jaren Ahlmann, Illustrated by Pete Olczyk

 

Image

… as you wonder and marvel and grow,
There are some things in life that I hope you will know …

So begins a love letter from an unnamed narrator to their dearest one. Rhyming couplets peppered with metaphor offer readers thirteen heart-felt and admirable credos, together presenting a guide for a life well lived.

These collected words of wisdom express the narrator’s deepest wishes for their cherished one as they step into their future, perhaps most importantly that they are loved unconditionally. This joyfully illustrated and artfully designed package may be shared with a loved one of any age to complement life's milestone moments and holidays.

 

Image

Ooo...Poo! Big Poo, Small Poo, It’s True! We All Poo!

By Elliot Kreloff

Smelly, stinky, sandy poop.
Litter poop. Whose poop?
Kitty poop! Please scoop.
 

Yes, we all poop—animals and humans, young and old, those who walk and fly and swim. And Ooo…Poo! is a joyful investigation into the who, what, why and where of poop on our planet Earth. The upbeat, rhythmic text encourages young readers to celebrate both their time spent on the potty and any scat they come across in the wild.

Let’s hear it for poo…woo hoo!

The 411:

As a teacher I did not read it to my class but I did bring it to my two babysitting jobs for kindergartners. They loved it! My 3.5 year old class would have been unable to sit through this book. It wasn't rhythmic enough for preschoolers. They would have loved the pictures but I am not sure how the parents would be about it so I didn't bring it to class.  The book talks about how everything poops. The 2 kindergartners loved the pictures and thought the book was so funny. I found the pictures pretty funny and I know my own kids at a young age would have absolutely loved this book. Great bathroom reading when you are potty training a toddler.

 



Our Friend Earth

By Lea Redmond, Illustrated by Regina Shklovsky

 

Cultivate your child's sense of wonder and gratitude for our ever-present friend, Earth, with this charming, circle-shaped board book—perfect for preschoolers learning about the planet and their place in the solar system.

Introduce little ones to our place in the solar system with Our Friend Earth, a circle-shaped ode to the planet we call home. Life on Earth is a gift from the sun. Like day and night, the people, places, and things we love come and go. But while our days are full of flux, the Earth is our constant companion, an unconditional friend who reminds us we are never alone.

Gratitude for the Earth begins with awareness. After reading Our Friend Earth, children will love pointing to the ground under their feet and recognizing it as Earth, their forever friend. From the diagram in the back of the book, they can learn how day and night cycle around the Earth as it rotates in the light of the sun.



 The 411:

I absolutely adore the book and the little cloud carry case. My class loved the "round earth book" I loved talking about how the earth is daylight in some parts of the world and dark in other parts. 

This one is one they have on their book shelf and it is picked up repeatedly throughout the day. 

The Collective Book Studio is dedicated to bringing readers high-quality books that inspire, entertain, and educate. Our carefully curated selections are perfect for readers of all ages and interests, making it easy to find the ideal gift for any occasion.

This holiday season, give the gift of reading with these wonderful books that are sure to delight everyone on your list.


The Collective Book Studio, a woman-owned, independent press based in Oakland, CA, publishes high-quality lifestyle, gift, and children’s books. Their books are distributed by Simon & Schuster, a global leader in general interest publishing, dedicated to providing the best in fiction and nonfiction for readers of all ages. For more information, visit www.simonandschuster.com.