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News!

February 5th, 2015 | Posted by Sara in Uncategorized - (0 Comments)

Good morning all!

Today it was announced that Sony Co-Chairman Amy Pascal will step down three months after the massive data hack!  I think it is interesting that Hollywood gets hacked and it is a huge story but businesses get hacked every day it does not seem to matter much.

Another great story today is Pope Francis will address Congress in September.  This is a first for any Pope.  Talk about mixing church and state!!

Lastly, the Little Free Libraries are seeing some controversy.  In LA and Louisiana, neighbors are calling foul.  Many want them taken down because the owners do not have a license for them.

Come on! Don’t we have better things to do with our time?!

Happy Thursday!

Huge Publishing News!

February 3rd, 2015 | Posted by Sara in Uncategorized - (0 Comments)

Harper Lee is going to publish a new novel this summer!

According to USA Today, Lee will publish Go Set a Watchman this July.  It is actually the first book she wrote more than 50 years ago.  It was the story of a woman named Scout.  Lee said her publisher was interested in Scout and thought a story of her childhood would be a good story.

“I was a first-time writer, so I did as I was told. I hadn’t realized the original book survived, so was surprised and delighted when my dear friend and lawyer Tonja Carter discovered it,” said Lee.

What a discovery!

It will be an exciting summer but don’t expect to see Lee out on the publicity circuit.

The publisher said she is unlikely to do a publicity tour for this book.

To Kill a Mockingbird sold more than 40 million copies.

Five more things….

January 29th, 2015 | Posted by Sara in Uncategorized - (0 Comments)

There is so much going on in the world.  Here are my top five!

1. Melissa Gilbert.  What an odd way to start!  She was in the news this morning for talking about getting her breast implants removed.

2. Kathie Lee is back on TV.  I really didn’t know she left.  She was back on with Hoda this morning and the show was a little more tipsy.

3. Colleen McCullough passes.  The author of The Thorn Birds passed.

4. Joel Gray announces he is gay.  Makes me want to watch Caberet again!

5. Uptown Funk:  I’m addicted to this song.  Spotify it! Bruno Mars and Mark Ronson are perfect together.

Happy Thursday!

My Favorite Five…

January 27th, 2015 | Posted by Sara in Uncategorized - (0 Comments)

Good morning,

I hope all out east are recovering from the snowstorm.

Here are the top-of-mind thoughts today.

1. That snowstorm…I live in Minnesota and that was not the storm of the century.  Granted Boston got snow but was it necessary to ban cars and cancel 6,000 flights before a flake hit the ground?

2. Lucy: My husband and I sent to see Lucy Live on Saturday.  The show was mediocre at best but the costumes were super!

3. Grantchester: If you are not watching this little show, tune in Sundays at 9.  It simple, fun and well-done!

4. Joan Rivers: Her daughter filed a malpractice suit against the clinic where she passed.  What a tragedy!  So unnecessary.

5. Another Cosby accuser has spoken out.  This time it is former Hollywood executive, Cindra Ladd.

What are your top five?

Five Things..

January 22nd, 2015 | Posted by Sara in Uncategorized - (0 Comments)

Good afternoon!

Feeling a bit under the weather today but still wanted to blog.  Migraines can be tough.  Any remedies?

Here are my top five things I’m thinking about today:

1. American Sniper:  Wow, what an opening weekend! As a book publicist, I’m thinking about memoirs and how successful they can be.

2. Paddington:  Go see this movie.  It’s sweet, beautiful and handles a talking bear with class and style.

3. State of the Union dress:  Can someone tell me why we care about what Ms. Obama is wearing and not any of the men?  For once I would like to the men analyzed for their fashion.

4. Selfies:  I can’t wait for this trend to die down.  I guess Kim Kardashian is releasing a selfie book.  According to the book, she has been obsession about herself since 1984 with photos.

5. I Love Lucy:  This week in Minneapolis the stage play, I Love Lucy is playing at the State Theatre.  We have tickets for Saturday night.  Can’t wait!

Have a great weekend.

 

Five Things…

January 20th, 2015 | Posted by Sara in Uncategorized - (0 Comments)

Happy Tuesday Afternoon!

I decided to do something new in 2015.  Once per week I’m going to mention the five things I’m fascinated with.

For example:

1.  The Kardashians:  I’m always fascinated with them.  I’m fascinated with why they are fascinating.  Maybe I’m just fascinated with our obsession with them?  Thoughts?

2. It was announced today that the New Kids on the Block are going back on tour.  Love Joe!  They are going to the Xcel in May.  Let’s see what is my Ticketmaster password…

3. Amazon will produce 10 original films this year.  Wonderful!  Now if TCM would just make their app subscription based v. cable based.

4. PBS will also start producing more original content!

5. Lastly, do we really need another Grease?  I think the original was perfect.

Happy Tuesday!

2014 Oscar Nominations Announced!

January 15th, 2015 | Posted by Sara in Uncategorized - (0 Comments)

It’s officially award season.

With the Golden Globes over and the Oscar nominations released this morning, Hollywood is in full swing!

There were a few surprises: Steve Carrell in Foxcatcher, Marion Cotillard in Two Days, One Night and Meryl Streep picked up her 19th nomination for Into the Woods.  Wow!

Some snubs included Sienna Miller in American Sniper, Amy Adams in Big Eyes, and all the actors in Selma.

There are some lesser known animated features that were nominated such as Song of the Sea and The Tale of the Princess Kaguya. 

One of the most surprising aspects of the announcements was that the Academy read all of the announcements live versus just the top categories.

Congrats to all of the nominees.  The show will be February 22 live on ABC at 6 pm.

 

The world of streaming is taking over television and movies!

USA Today announced today that Woody Allen will write and direct a series on Amazon Prime Instant Video next year.  In typical Wood Allen fashion he said, “I don’t know how I got into this.  I have no ideas and I’m not sure where to begin.”

Amazon also had two big wins at the Golden Globes.  Transparent won for Best  TV Series, Musical or Comedy.  Jeffrey Tambor won for Best Actor in a TV series, Musical or Comedy.  It was the first show produced by Amazon Studios to win major awards.

Congrats!

Award Show Season is Here!

January 8th, 2015 | Posted by Sara in Uncategorized - (0 Comments)

It has officially started! Can you feel it!  The celebrities are gathering!

Now, I love an award show but come on, we are overdoing it!  I counted, there are 50!!!

Here are a few:

  • The Academy Awards (a.k.a. “The Oscars”)
  • The Golden Globe Awards
  • The S.A.G. Awards
  • The Emmy Awards
  • The People’s Choice Awards
  • Hollywood Film Awards
  • MTV Movie Awards
  • Academy of Cinema and Television Arts Awards
  • Critics’ Choice Movie Awards (a.k.a. the Broadcast Film Critics Association Awards)
  • Teen Choice Awards
  • Kid’s Choice Awards
  • People’s Choice Awards (because Teens and Kids don’t count apparently)
  • Independent Spirit Awards
  • American Film Institute Awards
  • BAFTA Film Awards (British, so it doesn’t really count either)
  • Various Critics’ Association Film Awards (19 separate U.S. cities or states listed)
  • Film Festival Awards (five in the U.S. counting Sundance, plus don’t forget Cannes

 

So I came up with an idea.

I think we should have an award show for normal Americans!  I don’t mean a HERO show or a show about a normal person doing something extraordinary.  We should have a show honoring the best plumber, carpenter, teacher, student, editor, writer, boss, etc .

It can be the same format as a normal award show, red carpet, dresses, tuxes and speeches.  It would be fascinating to see Sam from Seattle get an award for just doing his job.

I guess my point is this:  we focus on one or two industries and put those individuals on a pedestal.  The day when we realize no job is more  important than another is the day we truly become equal.

Happy Golden Globe day on Sunday!

Happy New Year! What’s New?

January 6th, 2015 | Posted by Sara in Uncategorized - (0 Comments)

Ahh, the start of a New Year.  There is something refreshing about it.  Resolutions and promises to do better.   I admit that I do make resolutions and try my best to stick with them.  My biggest accomplishment is losing 60 pounds.  It is true that if one tries, they can accomplish anything.

So what are my resolutions.  Oh, pay of debt, volunteer and be less stressed are a few.

If anyone wants to read a great new book about success, try out Mehdi Toozhy’s book, Keys to Success at School and Beyond.  Full disclosure: He is a client but I believe he has some of the best simple techniques to accomplish one’s goals.

Here is his blog: http://mehditoozhy.com/2014/09/16/hello-world/

So what are the new trends in PR for 2015.

Here are a few:

Giving readers actual content that is a tool for their lives.

Give them an experience.

Give more content like videos, blogs, free downloads.

Happy New Year!