Why Reality TV Changed The Entertainment Industry Forever

Why Reality TV Changed The Entertainment Industry Forever

Do you remember when MTV release its series titled The Real World back in the day? Seven strangers, picked to live in a house, and have their lives taped.

It changed television and the entertainment industry forever.

Some of the most popular reality series exclusive to Satellite TV channels, just had the participants pack carry on luggage and show up at the destination for filming with no information or warning. This added to the element of surprise.

The producers realized that if they combined personalities that could clash and cause drama they had a hit series on their hand. The public couldn’t get enough. It was like watching a real life circus. The personalities the grouped together for reality tv was like mixing fire and gas — and the outcome was the same. A total explosion.

There are three main reasons why reality tv made such an impact on the entertainment industry.

It Drove Production Costs Down Significantly

Before reality tv the producers would have to sign big name actors to contracts that paid them a lot of money per episode. When you consider all of the cast members that contributed to a large number.

Well, with reality tv, the cast was essentially free. They were not compensated, and later down the line, those that were, it was a very small number. There wasn’t a lot of editing and production time needed either, as the footage was mostly raw. That is why is was so appealing — it was new and different.

Made Producers See That There is Endless Talent Available (Cheap)

As reality tv took off in popularity the producers noticed that they were creating super stars out of people who prior were unknowns. They were regular people with regular lives and jobs.

Then, they got on a reality tv show and their lives changed overnight. They were instantly famous for doing nothing.

“The ‘stars’ didn’t need to be paid. There was always a mile long line of people willing to let the wold watch them for free. They just wanted the exposure,” says Chris Dziak of Pure Nootropics. And that line continues to be long to this day.

Now there are reality programming on almost all of the major networks. Why? Because it’s popular and it’s so cheap to produce.

Showcased The Power of Personality

“People became addicted to reality tv because they put the craziest personalities together under the same roof,” says Darryl Howard the o-shot specialist. “It’s the reason it took off like it did.”

Talent was thrown out the window, because they were reality stars. They were not expected to have any acting or performance talent.

The only thing they were expected to do was be themselves and if the producers picked correctly that alone would be the recipe for a hit tv show.

Now these reality stars are getting huge endorsement deals, from local spots, such as recording a PlayUp review, to national deals from clothing and lifestyle brands.

This recipe has been duplicated over and over, and applied to different concepts and by different networks. And it continues to work very well. There is no sign of reality tv slowing down. The studios love it cost-wise and the viewers love it entertainment-wise.

How to Leverage Celebrity Partnerships to Market Your Brand

How to Leverage Celebrity Partnerships to Market Your Brand

Celebrities have such a loyal following that their audience is almost priceless when it comes to brand partnership agreements. If they post something and hint that their followers should buy it, you can almost guarantee a sellout.

Before, you had to go through agents and it was a battle to even have the chance to talk to a celebrity about marketing your company. Now, all it takes is a DM and a CBD tincture company can be in touch with any influencer or celebrity they want directly.

Sometimes you will work with them directly and sometimes an assistant will be the point of contact. The point is that the communication barrier is down. You can get in touch with almost any celebrity you can imagine.

Now, you have to have realistic goals and be aware of how expensive it can be. To have Kylie Jenner post your product on Instagram it will cost you a cool $750,000 or more. Here are some tips to consider in the event you are able to find a great celebrity partner.

Have Them Promote to Their Social Following

This is the main goal of any celebrity partnership. You want access to their huge audience. The best approach is to have them post your product naturally. The less it appears to be an advertisement the better it will perform.

“The right celebrity partner that also has a massive social following can instantly drives sales,” says Chris Moberg of Slumber Search. “Look for celebrities that have an audience that matches your target demographic.”

Create Blog Content with Their Likeness

If your website and blog receives a good amount of traffic already you can boost conversion rates significantly by including images of your celebrity partner on your website and within the blog content.

When you are making blog content featuring a celebrity partnership keep it simple and let them be the main focus. You will want to use a very simplistic blog theme like the one used here.

You want someone to land on your website and realize “so and so” is a brand partner. That builds instant credibility and trust, which translates into sales.

From little subtle images of them with your product in the sidebar or including their likeness on your checkout page, it’s an instant conversion booster that will skyrocket your sales.

Run Paid Ads Featuring Them

Just as a celebrity partnership can help you generate sales by having them organically post your product, using their image in your paid media campaigns will also create a buzz that leads to more sales.

“Make sure to work out an agreement that allows you to use the content they create on social media in your paid campaigns,” suggests Tony Rush of truck sub box company HiFi Sound Connection.

You can re-post what they post and you can also do a one time photo shoot and use it as an opportunity to take several different images that can be used in campaigns throughout the year. You will have to plan in advance as their time is very limited (and expensive).

What The Hit TV Show Shark Tank Teaches Us About Business

What The Hit TV Show Shark Tank Teaches Us About Business

You have probably watched the hit TV show Shark tank, or at least seen it being advertised. It’s been on the air for 10+ seasons and it really helped to bring the world of entrepreneurship mainstream.

It made people understand that they could do anything they dreamed of, as long as they were willing to work hard (and it was a good viable idea). There is a lot you can learn about business just by watching the show. The way the guests pitch and conduct themselves, to how the sharks respond and what questions they ask — it’s a great business lesson every episode.

Actually, there are many valuable business lessons brought to light each episode, so let’s go over a few of the most important ones right now.

You Have to Always Be Prepared

Preparation is key — in the shark tank and in real life — and when someone who is pitching in not prepared it becomes very obvious and very quickly. The sharks have no problem calling them out on the spot and letting them know that they made a huge mistake by entering the tank unprepared.

“One way to fail is to never be prepared,” says Lisa Rush of phone support outsourcing company Staff Outsourcing. “You have to always be prepared for every aspect of your business — every day.”

The minute you aren’t prepared you let your guard down and you become every vulnerable. This is when little costly mistakes are made that can ruin your business and have a negative impact on your future growth potential.

Always Know Your Numbers

I can’t tell you how many times I have watched this show and when the sharks ask a question like, “What does it cost to make?” or “How much does it cost you to acquire a customer?” — and the person has a deer in the headlights look on their face.

“Not knowing what your customer acquisition cost is for example, just shows how unprepared you are,” says Henk Schipper of Jaloezieen Fabriek. It’s impossible to run a successful business without knowing the numbers inside and out.

This goes without saying, but if you are ever talking to potential investors and you don’t know your numbers, how do you think they are going to react?

There is no way they will part with their money and give it to someone that doesn’t even know what a customer costs to acquire. From online resources that help find contractors to hire, to e-commerce beauty brands — every customer has a cost tied to them.

Understand The Value of Partners and VC Money

Bringing on a parter or an investor is going to end up costing you money. You have to fully understand this. If you take on an investment you are giving up a part of your company.

“Funding is not easy to come by, no matter what Silicon Valley makes you believe,” says the owner of National Pool Fences. “When you do have the opportunity, understand fully what that means.”

Are you prepared to give up 25%? 30%? If the business takes off and becomes successful you never regain that stake. Be 100% certain that you can live with all of the possible outcomes before you sign on the dotted line.

The Cheeky Bilal Alaji Tells All

The Cheeky Bilal Alaji Tells All

The fun, inspirational and multi-talented Bilal Alaji has written his own memoir to share with the world. With it he hopes to help those struggling to find their path, give guidance and reassurance that any situation can be changed by declaring “This Ain’t My Life”. Bilal’s story keeps the page turning, find out how he manages all of life’s obstacles.

Q. If you could give your book to one celebrity, who would it be and why?

     I would give my book to Iyanla Vanzant because she deals with therapeutic methods to heal people who have experienced trauma’s in their lives. My book This Ain’t My Life would be a great compliment to her show “Fix My Life”. It would be amazing for me to work with her helping people by sharing from a males perspective.

Q. Who is your biggest writing inspiration?

     I have been moved by many books and authors throughout the years but I think the book that had the biggest impact on me in my impressionable years was the Autobiography of Malcolm X written by Alex Haley. This book was my introduction to a fascinating world of literary exposition.  This book melted into the fiber of my being, giving me purpose to define my destiny.

Q. If could give your book to one singer/musician, who would it be and why?

     I would give it to Alicia Keys. She has amazing vocal talent and the ability to see beyond the words. With her musical talent she would transform the book into a musical right away allowing me to see and understand my story in a completely different context.

Q. If your book was turned into a film/TV show, who would you tap to play the lead(s)? Why?

     I’m not sure there is anyone who could play the lead as good as I can. So, I’m going to have to nominate myself for the lead on this role. Eminem played the lead in his movie debut Eight Mile, centered around his life. My religious and musical background makes me a unique character to play, a challenge I’d rather take on myself.

Q. What’s one secret about you that you’ll share with the world?

Bilal Alaji

     My left butt cheek is larger than my right— just kidding. I have a great sense of humor. Those closest to me state that I should have been a stand up comedian. My humor has been my saving grace throughout the years. It has also acted as a buffer when tensions are running high. I now know that the humorous side of me is a skill set that I don’t take for granted.

Q. What is the core message you want to deliver to the world through your writing/books/stories?

     I want those who read my book to know that there is something great lying dormant inside of them. Never give up on yourself, never give up on your dreams, and never give up on your ambitions. It is through your darkest moments that you will find victory. Keep believing in YOU.

Q. Give us the scoop on your book.

      The book chronicles my life as a Black Muslim who was lead down an arduous path by my father. I had aspirations of being a recording artist that was shattered by life altering events. I remained diligent in my passion to pursue my dreams, however, I became a husband and parent at a young age. This would lead me through a web of drama, betrayal, depression, and confusion. As I try to shake to web to find some sort of normalcy, I was too deep entangled, losing myself, my dreams, and my ambition. I found hope through my faith. I began the process of transformation for the life that I’ve always dreamed of. I continued to remind myself that, This Ain’t My Life. It was because of this mantra that I was able to redefine who I was and find my divine purpose.

Rapid Fire Questions and Answers

Q. Morning person or night owl?

A. Most definitely a night owl. I have no problem burning the midnight oil. During late hours are when I receive the most inspiration

Q. Reading or writing?

A. Both. This is a tie. I love to read just as much as I love writing.

Q. Kittens or puppies?

A. I’m a cat lover. Actually, I’m an animal lover, so tie again.

Q. The beach or the mountains?

A. I love the beach. I do mountains too but beach wins this one.

Q. Road trip or Cruise ship?

A. Cruise ship. I have done several cruises as well as road trips. I think I enjoy being pampered and not having to work at all.

Q. Tea or coffee?

A. I’m a tea man. Tea all the way baby!

Q. Karaoke or bowling?

A. Both. I love being active and I’m also extremely competitive.

Q. The ability to fly or mind reading?

A. Mind reading. This will make for such a powerful weapon— I mean skill set.

Q. Selfie or group photo?

A. Group photo. I guess I have all the time in the world to take pics of myself.

Q. E.L. James or J.K. Rowling?

A. J.K. Rowling. She is an absolute beast with her imagination.

Boozy Breaks: Safe Drinking for Solo Travelers

Boozy Breaks: Safe Drinking for Solo Travelers

Traveling alone can be one of the most rewarding activities that anyone can do. Not only will you learn a lot about other cultures, but you will also give yourself time to reflect on what you desire in life and what you believe in. For this reason, we recommend that everybody try traveling solo at least once.

However, traveling alone also requires a lot of safety precautions to be taken. For example, the same situations that can be very liberating for some, might feel unsafe for others. Therefore, it’s important to understand how to keep yourself safe while traveling on your own.

One of the most wonderful things about traveling is that you are able to immerse yourself in the local culture, eating and drinking things that you wouldn’t be able to find at home. Despite how much fun it can be, drinking is often one of the most unsafe things you can do while traveling alone. 

Though you might typically have a friend or family member with you at a bar to monitor a drinking environment, traveling alone often means that you will be in situations that you are not familiar with, increasing your chances of having a negative experience.

That being said, there are plenty of ways to prepare for your traveling experience and make sure that you stay safe at all times while consuming alcohol on vacation.

 Always Have a Way to Get Back to Your Hotel

This might seem like an obvious tip for some, but getting to your hotel while in a city or town you’re unfamiliar with can become quite difficult while intoxicated. For this reason, we recommend that you always figure out your path home before you begin drinking. If you are someone who prefers to use ridesharing applications, you should make sure that your preferred app services the city that you’re in and that your phone is fully charged.

Something important to consider when planning your trip home is that public transportation does not always run at consistent intervals. For example, in cities like Berlin or New York, it can be easy to get around with public transit during the day and evening, but the frequency of certain services slows down greatly after midnight. Make sure that you are able to get back to your hotel quickly and efficiently.

 Set a Drink Limit for Yourself

Let’s face it—it can be easy to overdo it when you are out trying new drinks in a new place. To prevent yourself from becoming too intoxicated, we recommend that you set a drink limit for yourself. It’s also worth noting that you should factor in alcohol percentage when deciding your drink limit. For example, if you typically have a few beers, drinking one absinthe drink with exponentially higher alcohol content might be sufficient. Not only can having too many drinks leave you impaired, but alcohol poisoning can be fatal. 

 Always Turn Down Drinks

Though it’s easy to believe that everyone is kind, it’s important to remember that there are plenty of people out there with bad intentions. Free drinks are often one of the ways for predators to drug and subsequently abuse solo travelers, so you should never accept drinks from strangers or even people you’ve just met.

Know What to Say When Turning Down a Drink

We recommend that you always have lines prepared to turn down drinks. Here are some examples:

  • “No thanks, I already have a drink”
  • “I’m waiting for a friend”
  • “I already had too much tonight”
  • “No thank you, you should have it”

Use Yelp to Find a Bar

Online review sites like Yelp can be great resources for determining which bars have controversy surrounding them. When deciding which bars to go to, you should be aware of which bars are respected and which ones have certified bartenders. By doing this, you can make sure that you are safe throughout your travels. Be sure to do your research! 

In Conclusion

Traveling alone can be an intimidating thing to do, but it can also be very rewarding if you keep certain safety precautions in mind. If you ever feel doubt about a particular situation, always trust your gut. It is definitely better to be safe than sorry! We hope that this list has been helpful so that the next time you’re traveling alone, you know exactly how to drink in a responsible manner!

Crucial Rules Regarding Film and Television Set Etiquette

If you’re a professional within the film industry, whether in Hollywood or beyond, chances are good you have spent quite a lot of time on hectic film sets. Moving from the sometimes years’ long slog of pre-production to the speed and intensity of active production can be confusing and overwhelming for many, not matter how experienced or professional they are. 

Luckily, no matter how seemingly chaotic and kinetic the set may seem, there are some simple and straightforward rules you can look to follow in order to make sure that you are behaving professionally, respectfully and productively. 

To help with your way around, whether this upcoming production is your first or 100th, here are some crucial and unwritten rules of etiquette for any film to television set. 

Walk don’t run, whisper don’t shout 

There is essentially no instance in which you should be running on a movie set. No matter what needs to be done, what your responsibility is and how much pressure you are under, the fastest you should be moving at one set is at a brisk walk. Make sure you are in control. The reason? People running on a film or television set are likely to generate a certain amount of discomfort amongst the people who are around them. 

Remember that while your job is surely crucial to the film, the main focus should always be on what is going on directly in front and directly behind the camera. Drawing attention to yourself by running from place to place is not something you want to do. 


Beyond that, with countless heavy and expensive machines and devices on many sets, running can put yourself, others and the expensive devices on set at risk. 

When it comes to the volume of your voice, you would be wise to always consider the camera to be rolling, even if you know for a fact that it is not. You have no idea who needs to focus at any time on a film set and it is wise to actively try not to disturb anyone while you go about doing your daily work. 

Understand who you should communicate with and who is in charge of you

Over the past 100+ years, the film set has been designed and refined to make sure that scene transitions and issues that arise during production can be processed and solved as quickly and efficiently as possible. 

Whether it’s a massive scene with hundreds of extras, a stunt that can only be done once, or an emotional scene that requires top-tier acting, you have to know exactly what is expected of you so that you can serve as the most productive cog in the fast-moving wheel. When it comes to working efficiently, one of the best things producers and directors can do to make sure everything is ship shape is plan for everything and anything. Ideally, all factors can be considered alongside one another. One of the best ways to do that is through Setwerks, a brilliant program that allows producers to schedule and manage everything and anything involved with a successful film set. 

On top of this, it is always important for you to know who you report to. Knowing who you report to and what they need of you is the best way to ensure that you are doing your part to keep the film set working. Failure to follow these important hierarchies can lead to miscommunications and can get in the way of the smooth and upbeat film set. 

Listen to the director 

This shouldn’t be too difficult of a concept to grasp, but you would be shocked by how many professional film sets have that one person who thinks it is their responsibility to tell others what to do. NEVER be that person. 

Remember, that even though you may have bosses on set other than the director themselves, the director is the singular person responsible for setting the tone of the set. If they say something, you listen. 

Beyond listening, you need to respect the wishes of those superior to you on set even if it may go against what you think is right. Likely, you are not being paid to offer your opinions on how a set should run. Because of that, even if you disagree with something your boss – or their boss – says, you should respect their wishes and do the tasks that are expected of you. 

Hands off! 

Unless you are on set to be working on any of the expensive and delicate machinery that is being used there, remember to keep your hands off and keep your distance at all times. Some devices that are regularly on film sets can cost tens of thousands of dollars, or more! It simply does not matter if something is in the way or you need to get somewhere fast, touching the equipment of other departments on set is not only ill-informed, it is downright taboo. 

That being said, if you are in dire need of moving something, always make a point to ask either permission, or for someone in that department to do it for you. Ultimately, everyone on a film or television set is there for the same reason and all share a unified goal. Making sure that you go through the correct avenues when you need something or need something moved is the best way to make sure that you are keeping both yourself, and the others around you, safe. 

When the camera is rolling, don’t move 

The steps that lead up to the camera finally rolling follow a clear structure in almost every film and television set. To start off, the director will announce which camera shot they want to film. The next step is to rehearse. After that, shooting finally occurs until the director is satisfied with what has been shot. If you want to make life as easy for yourself and those around you during this process, make sure to stand still and out of the way. Of course, this rule changes if you are directly responsible for working while the camera is rolling or are asked to do something in between takes. If you are not, however, it is always a good bet to stay as out of sight and out of mind as possible. 

After all, there have been some pretty infamous moments on film sets when someone decides to move and distract in between takes. 

Don’t make corrections right before rolling 

This is sort of an extension of the previous rule, but it should be emphasized on its own because it is just so important. The rehearsal period is taking place and you realize that some kind of correction needs to be made. So, when is the time to go in and make the necessary changes? Certainly not right before the camera begins to roll! As rehearsal begins to wind down, the actors, director, and other individuals tasked with working while the camera is rolling are working to get into the right focused headspace in order to perform at their best. The last thing any of them need is a long break right before the first take. 

Keep in mind, the sooner you notice that something needs to be changed or fixed the better. Nothing is more annoying on a film set than when the director is satisfied with a take, but something has gone wrong that is under your responsibility that forces another take to be done. If you spot something, announce it immediately and get it taken care of as quickly as possible in order to avoid becoming a nuisance to any of the performers or creative individuals on set.

Behave as you would off set

Just because a film set is a less-than traditional work environment does not mean that any of the rules of manners and social etiquette do not apply there. Every single job on a film set requires a high degree of responsibility and pressure. They are also all essential for the film to run as smoothly as possible. All that to say, whether you are near the bottom of the totem pole on a film set, or reporting directly to the producers of the project, treat everyone around you with the same level of respect that you would want them to treat you. No one likes to be yelled at, and while sometimes harsh words must be said in any work environment, it is always best to keep it as positive as possible. 

Finally, remember to enjoy the experience. There are thousands of people who dream of working on a film set. And you’re lucky enough to do it! Whenever you are feeling down, or wondering why you put yourself through all the hardships to begin with, remember what the ultimate goal is and what you are passionate about. While you may not be the famous actors or director on set, you are just as important when it comes to getting the work done from day to day.

Best-selling cocktails in the world

Best-selling cocktails in the world

The world of cocktails is ever evolving. Mixologists and bartenders are forever pushing the boundaries of this realm of drinks as they craft new and exciting concoctions. The question remains, however, do people prefer the classics or these new creations? What are the best-selling cocktails in the world? 

As it turns out, people do love the classics. While bars continue to sell variations on these old standbys, people crave the familiarity of a perfectly crafted cocktail. Here are the top sellers from around the globe. 

Old Fashioned

The number one drink on any continent remains America’s Old Fashioned. This bourbon or rye cocktail is mixed with Angostura bitters, a few dashes of water, and is muddled with a sugar cube. If you’re looking for the real deal, it should also be finished off with a citrus rind. 

Negroni

The Negroni has earned its spot in second place for five years in a row now, with almost 20% of bars worldwide saying it’s their most-served drink. This cocktail calls for one parts gin, vermouth rosso, and Campari. An orange peel acts as garnish. 

Experts and car accident attorneys alike warn drinkers to be careful with this one. It’s so easy to knock back that you almost forget you’re drinking at all. So, take it easy and gauge yourself if you’re planning to drink Negroni all night. 

Whiskey Sour

Coming in third is the whiskey sour, which is popular thanks to its ability to be sweet and sour all at the same time. This simple yet delicious drink calls for whiskey, sugar, and lemon juice. You can also add in a dash of egg white if you prefer your drink to be creamier. 

Daiquiri 

Another simple mix, the Daiquiri combines simple syrup and lime juice with white rum. However, bars around the world serve up their own variations with several types of juices sweeteners. In most cases, you’ll find this cocktail finished with a lime rind. 

Manhattan

Straight from New York, this cocktail is sold at 40% of bard worldwide. It uses a sweet red vermouth mixed with rye whiskey and Angostura bitters. To make it traditional, a maraschino cherry is used for garnish. 

Dry Martini

Ever popular, the dry martini almost always finds itself in the top ten. There are dozens of ways to make a martini, but the dry variant calls of one-part dry vermouth and six parts gin. It is also garnished with three green olives. 

Due to the high alcohol mix in the dry martini, it’s advised to sip on this cocktail. More than two in an hour sitting is often enough to have you fail a sobriety test. As always, drink responsibly before you find yourself in need of a DUI defense attorney

Espresso Martini

If you want a less alcoholic option, try the seventh most popular cocktail in the world. An espresso martini combines vodka with espresso, coffee liqueur, and sugar syrup. It’s sweeter and more decadent than it’s dry cousin. 

Margarita

Finishing off this article’s list at number eight in worldwide popularity is the margarita. It remains the most popular tequila cocktail, but you might have had this drink without one key ingredient. A traditional margarita combines tequila with the lime juice, simple syrup, and salt rim you love, but also includes orange liqueur.

Chef and Author, David Ruggerio Discusses His Best Recipe for a Horror Novel

Chef and Author, David Ruggerio Discusses His Best Recipe for a Horror Novel

David Ruggerio is a well-known chef and New York restaurant owner. He mastered his culinary skills in France at its leading restaurants. At the age of twenty five, David rose to fame. He received raved reviews as he worked as a chef at the legendary New York eatery, La Caravels. In 1995, he was recognized as one of the thirteen best young chefs in America.

David Ruggerio is also the author of two cook books. His third book, A Wistful Tale of Gods, Men, and Monsters will be releasing soon. He gives us the best recipe for the makings of a horror novel and more.

David Ruggerio

What made you want to become a horror author?

Though I did not attend college, and my education was limited, throughout my life, I sought refuge from a horrific childhood through reading. In the worst of times, I escaped my surroundings by leaping into the story I was reading at the time. Now, that I’m no longer working behind the stove, I returned to books, but this time, I became the storyteller instead of the reader. I don’t consider myself a true writer, instead, I’m a storyteller in its truest sense.

Did being a famous chef influence your writing?

My fame as a chef took me on a tour of the world. I saw cultures, people and food that I never knew existed. I learned things that later had a great influence on my storytelling. In addition, hosting a television show hones your ability as a storyteller, these were great advantages for me when I decided to trade in my knife for a pen.

Find on Amazon

What is the best recipe for a horror novel? What are some of the twists and turns, scary things, or elements that you added to yours?

I wish I had a secret recipe, but my books begin with either a real place, an actual event, or a nonfictional person. Though fiction, I think using these realities adds a special flavor to my books.

When I decided to pick up the pen, I first read Stephen King’s book on writing. I adopted his formula, I began my first book and allowed the characters within to take me on a journey. I never planned or anticipated any twist or turn within it, and because of that, I have great joy writing about them when they occur!

What is your favorite part of this time of year?

Without a doubt, autumn. With the change of the leaves, the chill in the air, this season reminds me of a saying—“Ghost and Goblins come out to play in October’s final day.”

Where did you come up with the idea to write A Wistful Tale? What inspired you?

I am a true horror aficionado and living in New York, one of my favorite places to visit is Sleepy Hollow. I adored Washington Irvings’ novel and it inspired me. On a trip upstate, I found the village of Brunswick, and I came upon the towns’ abandoned cemetery that some say is the most haunted place in America. It didn’t take much more after that!

What books are you reading this Halloween?

My grandmother left me an original copy of Dracula from 1897. I’m going to enjoy Bram Stocker’s words in its most wonderful original text!

Stay tuned for the release of David Ruggerio’s award-winning horror novel—A Wistful Tale of Gods, Men, and Monsters. It is now available for pre-order on Amazon, Target, and Barnes and Noble, and will be released on October 31, 2019. You can find and read more about David on his website.

San Francisco’s Most Iconic Movie Locations to Visit

San Francisco’s Most Iconic Movie Locations to Visit

If you love movies, you’ll delight in all the different San Francisco locations that have been used as features and backdrops in famous films. Movies are tied to the very history of the City by the Bay.

In the first moving picture, Eaweard Muybridge’s galloping horse was filmed in the Bay Area. In the following decades, Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton used San Francisco to shoot silent features. Since then, producers and directors have chosen the city for its unique landmarks and culture.

As you make your way through some of the most recognizable neighborhoods and tourist spots in San Francisco, here some of the most iconic movie locations to add to your list.

Alcatraz

The island prison visible from Fisherman’s Wharf is known for housing some of this country’s most dangerous criminals, including Al Capone and James “Whitey” Bulger. It became both a major tourist attraction and a popular movie set after closing for good in 1963.

Alcatraz was the obvious setting for the 1979 feature Escape from Alcatraz starring Clint Eastwood. Another popular movie shot on the island was The Rock (1996), starring Sean Connery and Nicholas Cage.

Golden Gate Bridge

A San Francisco landmark that is tough to miss, this bridge spanning the bay is painted International Orange (official color) and has been featured in countless films. Probably one of the most famous is Alfred Hitchcock’s Vertigo (1958), where Kim Novak leaps off the base of the bridge into the water, and the Jimmy Steward jumps in after her.

Other movies that used the iconic bridge as a scene prop include Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home (1986), Zodiac (2007), Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011), Pacific Rim (2013), and Ant-Man (2009).

Chinatown

As one of the oldest Chinatown’s in North America, San Francisco’s has served as an inspiring setting for many feature and award-winning films. Amy Tan’s The Joy Luck Club (1993) was partially set in Chinatown and other parts of the Bay Area.

Other films that were set in or had major scenes in San Francisco’s Chinatown include The Dead Pool (1988), Mrs. Doubtfire (1993), The Pursuit of Happyness (2006), Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home (1986), and Big Trouble in Little China (1986).

City Hall

San Francisco’s City Hall might seem like a typical tourist attraction, but the site has appeared in an interesting variety of movies. You’ll see City Hall in Milk (2008), which is a film depicting how Harvey Milk fought for LGBTQ freedoms in the city. The building was also used as a set in Dirty Harry (1971), Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978), and Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981).

Lombard Street

The twisty switchbacks on Lombard Street have made it a top tourist attraction in the city, and it’s also been used in several feature films. You can see Herbie tackling those turns in The Love Bug (1968), and Barbara Streisand and Ryan O’Neil being pursued by bad guys though this one-way street in What’s Up, Doc? (1972).

Most of these San Francisco movie locations are out in the open and simple to access. While inspiring on their own, knowing that they were also featured in some famous movie productions can add another layer of intrigue and excitement to your next outing in the City by the Bay.

Young Adult Novels You HAVE to Read

Young Adult Novels You HAVE to Read

If you’re a fan of Young Adult novels, 2019 is turning out to be a banner year.  From romance to magic spells, there are plenty of compelling and fun new books for you to read regardless of your taste. There’s even a dark love story with a young Edgar Allen Poe as the protagonist. Pretty cool.

Now, some of you may enjoy sticking with the trends while others get excited about referrals from friends.  That’s great! But what if you’re looking to find the next book that you can recommend. You’ve come to the right place.

Here are a few YA novels that are making waves this year:

The Engine Woman’s Light – by Laurel Anne Hill

Emotions run high in this action-packed tale as 15 year-old Juanita is charged with stopping a sinister plot perpetrated by the Director of a California Asylum. Set in the backdrop of an 1894 alternate world, the story is both marvelous and terrifying as we follow Laurel’s protagonist on her journey to save the victims from a horrible fate.  Juanita is a very well developed and insightful character filled with conflict and complexity.  As a reader you can’t help but root for her and empathize as she struggles through love, loss and the inhumanity of what she finds.

The Last of Will – by Sheryl Benko


Now Available: The Last of Will

Why would a normal teenage girl give up her summer vacation to deliver a stranger’s ashes out of state? Hilarity ensues when Greer Sarazen is forced to road trip with her father who’s on a mission for a local cemetery. A stranded van, a clown, a rodeo, a disco-dancing nerd and a belligerent dwarf threaten to throw off the itinerary, while the departed “passenger” becomes an unexpected friend … proving that, sometimes, the things we truly need are the last things we would ever expect in this truly heartfelt and wonderful novel.

The Lonely Heart’s Bar – by Konni Granma

What happens when Connie, a young woman filled with hope, travels to Los Angeles to study directing and screenwriting, but on the way, meets an unlikely traveler at a roadside bar?  Destinies are linked and our heroes haven given up everything to follow their dreams, team up for a wild adventure. What’s in store for the young rebels in Los Angeles? Does a dream have another side, one that’s just as enigmatic and invisible as the far side of the Moon?  This book is a fun ride with characters that come to life with every emotion they feel and every decision they make.

Growing Up Hollywood – by Tara Botel Doherty

Anything can happen in Hollywood, it can be both a dangerous place and a place where dreams come true. After all, Hollywood is the land of hopes, dreams, and make believe. On these tarnished and run-down streets, especially Hollywood Boulevard in the 1970’s you need to watch your back. Annie and Gracie live on a street above the Boulevard up in the Hollywood Hills in a California Craftsman with large picture windows. Although the picture looks perfect, pictures are often deceiving. With a mother and father on the edge of divorce, these two young girls are left to their own devices and try to make sense of their surroundings on this unfriendly, dead end street. Go on the adventures with these two sisters as they grow up among the famous landmarks, and meet the people who make Hollywood the destination to find fame and fortune among the stars on the Walk of Fame. 

As you can see, 2019 is truly a great time to be a fan of Young Adult novels.  So whether you’re heading off to some exotic location for vacation or just hanging on the patio on a hot summer night, grab a new book and let your imagination take over for a while.  You may even discover that a new author has become a new favorite.