• Books

    Nuclear Site’s Shadowy Past Leads to Present-Day Horrors in Haunting New Book, Snitchland

    Based on a real place, real people and real stories gleaned from clandestine meetings with whistleblowers, Snitchland, from author and playwright Tim Mulligan, plunges readers in the town of Richland, Washington, where buried nuclear waste is rearing its ugly head.

    “There is plenty of reporting and history about this nuclear cleanup site — and it’s a pretty dark history,” Mulligan said. “My goal here is to tell a story about what it’s like to live in this type of town, near this real-life place — and make it provocative, scary, thrilling and, hopefully, really funny as well.”

    Mulligan grew up in Richland, and after a tunnel collapse at the Hanford nuclear plant in 2017, he felt compelled to dig deeper into the town’s and the nuclear plant’s history. The result is a trilogy of eerie tales packaged as graphic novels.

    “I wanted to put my own fictionalized spin on the plight of the whistleblower — one of many who have made safety complaints for years, and suffered retribution — and make it a ghost story, guided by the ghosts of people who have suffered the consequences of this dangerous place. The Witchland Trilogy takes this real-life toxic location and throws scary scenarios into the mix. Perfect for a series of graphic novels!”

    Snitchland takes place six months following the events of Witchland, the first graphic novel in the series, and draws upon hundreds of stories from whistleblowers in Richland to tell the story of a diverse family facing extreme tragedy — misfortune, extreme health concerns, unsafe conditions and death — after moving to a town plagued by decades of wrongdoing. A ghost story, a moving family drama and a love story, Snitchland is a suspenseful and cautionary tale about what can happen when one, or many, tries to shed light on the dangers lurking in a community — and unspeakable horror happens.

    Told with stunning artwork by illustrator Pyrink, Snitchland is part of the Witchland Trilogy, a series of scary (and surprisingly funny) immersive plays, each also adapted into beautiful graphic novels. The trilogy centers on one truly modern family’s experiences after moving to the town of Richland, which of course involves working at the infamous Hanford nuclear plant. The third installment, Twitchland, is scheduled for release in early 2025.

    A BookTrib reviewer called Mulligan’s work, “Chernobyl meets The Haunting of Hill House.”

    “It’s amazing that it [Richland] hasn’t made its way into pop culture, and people don’t know that there’s this place that has such a bizarre and scary reputation,” Mulligan added.

    About the Author

    Tim Mulligan wrote the Witchland Trilogy, based on his own experiences growing up in the real Witchland. In addition to the Witchland World plays and graphic novel adaptations, Mulligan wrote the plays Point Loma and Bitchland, as well as the bestselling Perfect 10 cookbooks. An avid fan of theater, movies, books, TV and pretty much all things pop culture, especially in the horror genre, Mulligan and his partner, Sean, have homes in Palm Springs, San Diego and Los Angeles.

    For more information, please visit www.witchlandplay.com, or connect with the author on Instagram and Facebook at witchlandplay.

    Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/Snitchland-Graphic-Novel-Tim-Mulligan/dp/B0DHLQBJ65

    Snitchland

    Publisher: Highpoint

    Release date: October 31, 2024

    ISBN-13: 979-8-9908488-0-1

    Available from Amazon.com

  • food,  Gift Guide,  Los Angeles,  New York,  San Diego

    Mixly Cocktail Co.: Elevate Your Holiday Gatherings with Perfect Mixers

    The holidays are fast approaching, bringing with them a season of joy, celebration, and festive gatherings. Whether you’re hosting an elegant soirée, attending a cozy get-together, or simply indulging in creative drinks at home, Mixly Cocktail Co. offers the perfect mixers to make your holiday moments even more memorable.

    Based in Minneapolis, Mixly creates all-natural, non-alcoholic cocktail and mocktail mixers that make crafting delicious drinks effortless. With premium ingredients, no preservatives, and a perfectly balanced sweetness, their mixers blend bold fruit juices, zesty citrus, and golden honey to deliver refreshing and flavorful creations for any occasion.

    Why Choose Mixly for Your Holiday Celebrations?

    Mixly’s mixers are more than just ingredients; they’re tools for bringing people together. Designed for versatility, they make it easy to craft signature cocktails or alcohol-free mocktails that everyone can enjoy. Their commitment to quality and creativity ensures every sip is a delight, making Mixly a thoughtful gift or an essential addition to your holiday bar cart.

    Standout Gift Ideas from Mixly

    Whether you’re shopping for a cocktail enthusiast, a host, or anyone who loves a touch of creativity in their drinks, Mixly has options to suit every taste:

    1. Winter Bundle ($67)
      A trio of seasonal favorites perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights by the fire. This bundle inspires festive creations, from warming mocktails to classic cocktails, making it a versatile and crowd-pleasing gift.
    2. Spritz Mixer Duo ($27)
      Add a touch of sparkling sophistication to any occasion with this dynamic duo. Ideal for champagne toasts, light cocktails, or bubbly non-alcoholic refreshments, these mixers elevate simple ingredients into show-stopping drinks.
    3. Limited Edition Strawberry Rhubarb Mixer ($20)
      This bright and balanced blend is like spring in a bottle. Perfect for holiday mimosas, punches, or creative signature drinks, it’s a versatile favorite that transitions beautifully into the new year.

    Where to Find Mixly

    Mixly’s products are available online at MixlyCocktailCo.com, on Mixly’s Amazon Store, and in over 450 retail locations across the U.S. and Canada.

    Celebrate Creatively This Holiday Season

    With Mixly’s mixers, you can effortlessly create drinks that delight and impress your guests. Their dedication to quality, innovation, and natural ingredients ensures every pour is packed with flavor, making them the perfect addition to your holiday celebrations or a thoughtful gift for anyone on your list.

    This season, let Mixly Cocktail Co. bring a touch of creativity, flavor, and joy to your holiday gatherings and gift-giving. Cheers to celebrating with style!

  • Books

    Discover What it Takes to be a Resilient Leader

    Packed with practical, proven strategies to cultivate an optimistic mindset and a resilient approach to problem-solving, The Resilient Leader is your comprehensive guide to significantly boosting your leadership effectiveness.

    When challenges arise, true leaders must rely on their inner strength to navigate the storm. Without a focus on self-care, a positive outlook on personal wellness, and a system for building resilience, even the most inspiring leaders can falter.

    In this groundbreaking work, Brian D. Molitor delves into the stories of successful leaders across various fields to uncover the three essential traits of every resilient leader:

    • They consciously enhance their physical, mental, and emotional well-being while minimizing stress.
    • They excel in managing team performance.
    • They chase meaningful goals with focus and optimism.

    Resilience is a skill that can be learned and honed. The ability to endure hardship and emerge stronger is within everyone’s reach. The Resilient Leader provides everything you need to get starter.

    About the Author

    Brian D. Molitor is Chief Executive Officer of Molitor International, an award-winning company with over 35 years of experience providing consulting, training, and coaching services worldwide. His company has helped hundreds of organizations transform their cultures, including those in healthcare, business, government, education, and nonprofits. National and international audiences recognize Brian as an expert who cuts through the theories of the day and communicates the practical application of foundational principles necessary for organizational and personal success. He currently lives in Midland, Michigan.

    Praise for The Resilient Leader

    “…an inspiring and insightful book that delves into the qualities that define true leadership.” —Brian Pruitt, Founder, The Power of Dad

    “…uses personal experiences and draws from several other leaders to bring concrete lessons on facing storms with resiliency to stay the course and reach your goals.” —Barry Robinson, Vice President of Business Development, UTIL Auditors

    “…a relevant and practical guide for leaders in any industry.” —Stephen Idzior, Practice Manager, MYMichigan Health

    “…provides a wealth of wisdom from diverse leaders who share their journeys, triumphs, and setbacks.” —Jim O’Brien, Vice President, Michigan Brand

    “…a source of comfort and motivation for anyone navigating the complexities of leadership.” —Lisa Killey, Assistant Dean of Student and Faculty Affairs, Central Michigan University

    “…a comprehensive, strategic plan for victory in both a leader’s professional as well as personal life.” —John “Barney” Barnes, CDR, U.S. Navy [Retired] & Former Chief of Staff, Dorchester County Sheriff ’s Office

    “…a must-read to help one live their fullest life and develop their innate leadership potential.” —Kevin Birchmeier, COO, Covenant HealthCare

    “…serves as encouragement to anyone who has faced the challenges of leading with integrity and resilience.” —Rhonda Sciortino, Founder, Successful Survivors Foundation

    THE RESILIENT LEADER
    Written by Brian D. Molitor
    978-1-961293-12-0, $17.95 paperback
    978-1-961293-13-7, $9.99 ebook

    Published by Hatherleigh Press.
    Distributed through Penguin Random House.
    Available wherever books are sold.
    www.hatherleighpress.com

  • New York

    Gaylord Rockies Debuts ICE! Featuring The Polar Express

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    ICE! Polar Express Tree (1).jpg

    Gaylord Rockies officially opened ICE! featuring The Polar Express™ today, Nov. 22, marking the start of the holiday season for the resort. ICE!, the popular, 24-year-old tradition, in partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Themed Entertainment, brings the beloved holiday classic to life in a stunning 17,000-square-foot display made from more than 2 million pounds of ice. This immersive experience, created by a team of 30 world-class artisans from Harbin, China, will be on display through Jan. 1, 2025. Overnight packages and day-guest tickets for ICE! featuring The Polar Express™ are on sale at ChristmasatGaylordRockies.com.

    In celebration of The Polar Express™’ 20th anniversary, ICE! features nine iconic scenes from the film including the arrival at Hero Boy’s house, hot chocolate aboard the train, the exhilarating descent through Glacier Gulch, and magical arrival at the North Pole. A state-of-the-art chilling system keeps the exhibit at 9 degrees Fahrenheit, and guests will be provided with signature blue parkas while they explore the immersive displays, featuring two-story tall interactive ice slides, tunnels, and arches. The exhibit also features vibrant colored ice and LED lights.

    This stunning display was made possible by a team of ice artisans who traveled more than 5,700 miles from Harbin, China, where they’re known for their world-renowned ice and snow sculpting festival. Many of the same artisans who create that festival transformed 300-pound blocks of ice into towering scenes at Gaylord Rockies. Led by Mr. Gao, a veteran of ICE! since 2005, the artisans used chisels, tongs, and chainsaws to craft intricate details as small as a coin to soaring scenes as tall as 30 feet. Beyond the sculptures, the exhibit offers live carving demonstrations and culminates with a Nativity scene, meticulously carved, and shaped in a dramatic display of crystal-clear ice.

    ICE! is just one highlight among the extensive holiday offerings at Gaylord Rockies; transforming into a true winter wonderland with millions of twinkling lights, more than 200 Christmas trees, and a variety of festive events:

    • Cirque: Frost – Embark on a magical journey with the all-new Cirque: Frost, where young Jack discovers his destiny as the legendary winter spirit, Jack Frost. Through a 50-minute show of high-flying stunts and breathtaking feats, witness the heartwarming tale of a dreamer who brings enchantment and wonder to the world.
    • Festival of Trees – Lantern, a longstanding Colorado nonprofit formerly known as Bright by Text, will host the 2024 Festival of Trees at Gaylord Rockies Resort from Nov. 22 to Dec. 7. This fundraiser will feature beautifully decorated trees available for auction, interactive activities for all ages, and support for Lantern’s mission to help every child thrive.
    • Mistletoe Mile Scavenger Hunt –The big man in red has misplaced pieces of the blueprints for some of his favorite toys. Search for the Christmas-themed clues hidden throughout the resort and complete your interactive guidebook to rebuild Santa’s blueprints and receive a souvenir.
    • Gingerbread Decorating Corner  Let your Christmas creativity run wild when you adorn tasty gingerbread. After you’ve reached confection perfection with your edible art, head over for a sweet meet and greet with Nutmeg, our very own gingerbread man.
    • Build-A-Bear Workshop® has been adding a little more heart to life for more than 25 years! Visit Build-A-Bear® to experience the fun of personalizing furry friends and taking part in our one-of-a-kind Heart Ceremony. Add adorable outfits, sweet scents and fun sounds to make any furry friend the perfect gift or a cuddly Christmas keepsake!
    • Photos with Santa – Mailing a letter to the North Pole is great, but nothing can beat a personal visit with Santa Claus to let him know what you want for Christmas and make sure you’re on his nice list. Capture the moment with a keepsake photo.
    • Elf Training Academy – We all envy Santa’s elves: they have a great boss, eat tasty treats and sweets whenever they want, and can make their own Christmas gifts! Your opportunity to join Santa’s staff awaits at the Elf Workshop. You will learn the secrets of becoming one of Santa’s helpers from his top toymaker and create a keepsake gift or craft for someone special.
    • Mrs. Claus’ Christmas Traditions – Join the jolliest hostess of all for a fun-filled celebration of Christmas traditions. Delight in the retelling of the Christmas classic, “‘Twas The Night Before Christmas,” sing along to favorite holiday songs, and share a batch of Santa’s favorite snack – warm, freshly baked Christmas cookies and ice-cold milk.
    • Yuletide Street Market in Mistletoe Village features wall-to-wall holiday gifts, collectibles, toys, plush, home décor, apparel, ornaments, branded merchandise, and more.
    • Cozy Comfort at Relâche Spa – Embrace cozy spa treatments featuring self-warming enzyme masks, soothing flannel scents, and rich body butters, leaving you rejuvenated and ready to relax in the Alpenglow Fireside Lounge.

    Overnight guests will enjoy perks including:

    • Chill Pass: Offering front-of-line access to ICE!, available for eligible guests at no additional cost.
    • Extra Cool Hour: Provides early access to ICE! and Mistletoe Village one hour before general opening, offered to eligible guests at no extra charge.
    • Arapahoe Springs Waterpark: Exclusive access to the indoor and outdoor waterpark, featuring hot tubs, heated pools, and a 720-foot lazy river.

    Christmas at Gaylord Rockies is offering exclusive packages that include special room rates and admission to select holiday events. Guests are encouraged to book early, as advance online reservations are required for all ticketed experiences, with many events having limited availability. For tickets, more details, or to book an overnight stay, guests can visit ChristmasatGaylordRockies.com.

     

    About ICE!   

    The annual ICE! events bring to life beloved Christmas stories hand-carved by master artisans from Harbin, China at resorts around the United States. Created and designed by Gaylord Hotels, ICE! debuted at Gaylord Opryland Resort in Nashville, Tennessee in 2001. ICE! has been visited by tens of millions of visitors who travel to each resort to see more than 2 million pounds carved into beloved scenes and characters, two-story ice slides, photo-worthy tunnels and archways, and more. ICE! takes place at each Gaylord Hotels resort across the United States, including Gaylord National Resort in National Harbor, Md., Gaylord Opryland Resort in Nashville, Tenn., Gaylord Palms Resort in Kissimmee, Fla., Gaylord Rockies Resort in Aurora, Colo. and Gaylord Texan Resort in Grapevine, Texas, in 2024, ICE! makes its debut at JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country in San Antonio, Texas. More information can be found at ICE.marriott.com.

    About Warner Bros. Discovery Global Themed Entertainment 

    Warner Bros. Discovery Global Experiences (WBDGE) is a worldwide leader in the creation, development, licensing and operating of location-based entertainment based on the biggest franchises, stories, and characters from Warner Bros.’ world-renowned film, television, animation, and games studios, HBO, Discovery, Cartoon Network and more. WBDGE is home to the groundbreaking locations of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal theme parks around the world, award-winning Warner Bros. Studio Tour locations in London, Hollywood, and Tokyo, the iconic Harry Potter New York flagship store, Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, The WB Abu Dhabi, The FRIENDS Experience, The Game of Thrones Studio Tour and countless other experiences inspired by Harry Potter, DC, Looney Tunes, Scooby-Doo, Game of Thrones, FRIENDS and more. WBDGE is part of Warner Bros. Discovery’s Revenue & Strategy division.

    Warner Bros.’ The Polar Express™: THE POLAR EXPRESS and all related characters and elements © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.

    About Build-A-Bear

    Build-A-Bear is a multi-generational global brand focused on its mission to “add a little more heart to life” appealing to a wide array of consumer groups who enjoy the personal expression in making their own “furry friends” to celebrate and commemorate life moments. More than 500 interactive brick-and-mortar experience locations operated through a variety of formats provide Guests of all ages a hands-on entertaining experience, which often fosters a lasting and emotional brand connection. The brand’s newest communications campaign, “The Stuff You Love,” commemorates more than a quarter-century of creating cherished memories worldwide. The Company also offers engaging e-commerce/digital purchasing experiences on www.buildabear.com including its online “Bear-Builder” as well as “HeartBox” and its age-gated adult-focused “Bear Cave.” In addition, extending its brand power beyond retail, Build-A-Bear Entertainment, a subsidiary of Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc., is dedicated to creating engaging content for kids and adults that fulfills the Company’s mission, while the Company also offers products at wholesale and in non-plush consumer categories via licensing agreements with leading manufacturers. Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. (NYSE: BBW) posted total revenues of $486.1 million for fiscal 2023. For more information, visit the Investor Relations section of buildabear.com.

     

  • Art

    Lovewatts Joins Forces with SCOPE Art Show as Official Cultural Partner in a Landmark Multi-Year Deal

    Lovewatts, a pioneering force in merging art with technology, announces its official partnership with SCOPE Art Show as a Cultural Partner in an unprecedented multi-year deal. Orchestrated by the notable industry envoy, Mike Heller, founder of Talent Resources, this partnership is celebrated as the onset of an ongoing and multifaceted collaboration between two pioneering platforms.

    This strategic collaboration between Lovewatts and SCOPE Art Show promises to reshape the cultural landscape through a variety of collaborative efforts. At the heart of the partnership is the unveiling of a Lovewatts-curated interactive space, aiming to captivate and invigorate the global art community. This immersive space At SCOPE Art Show in Miami Beach December 3rd – 8th will showcase the harmony of Lovewatts’ vision for the art’s future and SCOPE’s prominent network.

    **A New Era of Artistic Collaboration and Discussion**

    Focusing on the horizon, Lovewatts and SCOPE are dedicated to not only presenting art but also igniting insightful discussions regarding its trajectory. A centerpiece of this partnership is a panel discussion with up-and-coming disruptors at the convergence of art, technology, and society. Anticipated for a mid-November announcement, this panel is set to provide novel, thought-provoking viewpoints on the art world’s changing dynamics.

    **Innovative Night Time Activation: The First of Many**

    Intensifying their joint efforts, Lovewatts will align with SCOPE to launch an unparalleled nighttime activation. This endeavor aspires to merge performance, music, and digital art in a curated spectacle, laying the groundwork for future events aimed at enchanting spectators and transforming nighttime art culture.

    **Featuring Esteemed Artists**

    As part of this monumental partnership, Lovewatts is excited to showcase in their SCOPE exhibition space the works of Richard Hambleton, the Godfather of Street Art and a main contemporary of Basquiat and Haring, featuring two original masterpieces at SCOPE. This homage to Hambleton emphasizes the continuous influence of groundbreaking artists on contemporary culture.

    Additionally, the partnership will spotlight GODS MGMT, an enigmatic collective known for leading future generations as a conceptual art collective, already being hailed as the American Banksy for its thought-provoking and boundary-pushing artworks.

    Moreover, renowned for his significant contribution to the early New York City 80’s graffiti scene, KEO XMEN, one of the most critically acclaimed graffiti artists, will also have his work featured, underscoring the rich diversity and depth of street art’s impact on contemporary art.

    Lovewatts and SCOPE Art Show invite the global art community to look forward to more announcements regarding this dynamic partnership, the details of the panel discussion, and the highly anticipated nighttime activation event. Together, Lovewatts and SCOPE Art Show aim to redefine the benchmarks of cultural collaboration.

    About Lovewatts
    Lovewatts stands at the intersection of art and technology, committed to pushing the boundaries of creative expression. Through cutting-edge exhibitions and interactive experiences, Lovewatts seeks to open new vistas and engage a worldwide community in the ongoing narrative of art.

    About SCOPE Art Show
    SCOPE Art Show is the premier showcase and incubator for contemporary art, presenting the most dynamic emerging galleries and artists from around the world for more than two decades. Its annual flagship show in Miami represents the future of the arts ecosystem by forecasting new trends and the people and ideas that drive them, from alternative and nomadic gallery models to cutting-edge artists traversing the boundaries of technology, culture, and society. As the highest attended fair during Miami Art Week, SCOPE Art Show is a welcoming hub for art and culture seekers, from the established collector to the first-time fair visitor. Its signature experiential programming across art, design, music, technology, wellness, and hospitality offers visitors myriad access points for discovery, learning, and community.

    About Talent Resources
    Talent Resources, under the guidance of Mike Heller, bridges the divide between brands and their audiences via strategic partnerships and immersive experiences. Concentrating on the power of celebrity influence and digital innovation, Talent Resources creates unique opportunities for engagement and advancement.

    For more information, please visit: https://scope-art.com/

  • Miami

    Historic exhibition of Cuban art to open at WEAM in Miami Beach

    WEAM is pleased to present a new, historic exhibition, Forbidden Fruit: The Art of Cuban Sexuality, which will open on December 2nd, 2024 to start off Miami Art Week.

    Exhibition: Forbidden Fruit: The Art of Cuban Sexuality

    Curated by: Antonio Permuy, joined by assistant curator Karina Sirven

    Location: WEAM, 1205 Washington Avenue, Miami, FL

    Dates: December 2, 2024 – July 2025

    Opening: December 2nd, 6-7pm Press & VIP preview, 7-10pm public opening

    WEAM is proud to present the museum’s first-ever exhibition of Cuban art, a notable and historic exhibition, as it is the largest known exhibition dedicated to Cuban erotic art ever held, on-or-off the island. It spans more than 50 artists and over 100 works across painting, drawing, sculpture, and photography from the last 90 years. The featured works span from the legendary Cuban “Vanguardia” (Vanguard) generation, who are credited with creating modern Cuban art, up to contemporary artists, to bridge as well as contrast contemporary works with the works of previous decades, stretching back to the early 1930s. Forbidden Fruit is noted for its ambitious scale and taboo-breaking, genre-bending approach to curation. The fullest range of sexuality is showcased, from the subtle, lyrical, abstract, and symbolic to the palpable and explicit. Sexuality is explored through various themes, including spirituality, mythology, and nature, to the surprisingly dark landscapes of the psychological.

    Forbidden Fruit is the last exhibition to feature the active involvement of two pioneering longtime leaders of the Miami art community, Baruj Salinas and Margarita Cano, who both passed away in 2024. Additionally, the exhibition features works by established and emerging Cuban artists of the 20th and 21st centuries based in Greater Miami, Tampa Bay, New York, Boston, Chicago, Europe, and on the island, capturing the growth, evolution, and synthesis of Cuban art with American art, African art, European art, and Asian art. Even with this astonishing breadth, curator Antonio Permuy explains, “The exhibition does not attempt to aim for completeness within the vastness of Cuban art, but rather prioritizes impact through unique selection of works and exhibiting arrangements.” Many of the works by the more well-known artists were purposefully curated to show rarely-seen aspects of these familiar artists, therefore contributing to the public and historical depth of their legacies and respective bodies of work.

    Notable featured artists include vintage works by renowned pioneering “Vanguardia” (Vanguard) artist Carlos Enriquez, Amelia Pelaez, the only woman who was part of the same pioneering “Vanguardia” (Vanguard) movement, as well as established figures such as Víctor Manuel, Wifredo Lam, Mario Carreño, and René Portocarrero.

    Visit weam.com to get your ticket for the opening reception. Additionally, Mariette Pathy Allen: Breaking Boundaries, a special guest exhibition from the Kinsey Institute, will also be opening that evening. Breaking Boundaries showcases photographs by Mariette Pathy Allen that capture the love, beauty, intimacy, joy, and heartache of transgender and gender-expansive communities across the globe, offering a powerful look into the evolution of attitudes toward transgender, non-binary, gender-fluid, and gender non-conforming individuals.

    This exhibition opens on December 2nd and will remain on view through July 2025.