December 29, 2021

New Year's Eve party checklist

Planning a New Year's Eve party? Fortunately, you can ensure a successful (and relatively COVID-safe) get-together and pull off your merrymaking without a hitch by following best practices recommended by the pros.

Learn more by reading my newest article for CTW Features, found here, and happy (early) New Year!

December 15, 2021

It's a wonderful podcast

In Cineversary podcast episode #42, host Erik Martin honors the 75th anniversary of It's a Wonderful Life, directed by Frank Capra, by interviewing Jeanine Basinger, the recently retired film studies professor at Wesleyan University and the author of The It’s A Wonderful Life Book. Together, they take the scenic route to Bedford Falls and explore why the film is worth celebrating all these years later, its cultural impact and legacy, what we can learn from the movie in 2021, and more. This episode also features a conversation between Erik and Tom Lucas, vice president of studio relations for Fathom Events, the entertainment content provider that brings classic movies back to the big screen for anniversary rereleases; Tom reveals Fathom's theatrical anniversary slate for 2022.
Jeanine Basinger and Tom Lucas


To listen to this episode, click here or click the "play" button on the embedded streaming player below. Or, you can stream, download or subscribe to the Cineversary podcast using Apple PodcastsStitcherSpotifyGoogle PodcastsBreakerCastboxPocket CastsPodBeanRadioPublic, and Overcast.

Learn more about the Cineversary podcast at anchor.fm/cineversary and email show comments or suggestions to cineversegroup@gmail.com.

Guilt-free grab-bagging (without the guesswork)

It’s easy to blow your budget on holiday presents quickly, especially if you have a large family or band of friends with whom you exchange. After all, part of the joy of the season is getting gifts for those you care about. But that list of recipients can fast outpace your ability to afford wrapped goodies for all of them.

Thankfully, there’s a time-tested method that groups can pursue that is not only designed to save money and ensure that every holiday party attendee goes home with a present, but one that will add fun and excitement to the festivities: create a gift exchange via either a white elephant game or secret Santa strategy. Learn more by reading my newest piece for CTW Features, available here.

December 5, 2021

Gear up and get in tune

Eating your vegetables, exercising, and getting good sleep have their perks. But another helpful way to keep your mind sharp, decrease stress, and feel content is to strum a six-string, tickle the ivories, toot a tune, or strike a snare. Because the secret to feeling young and happy, say the experts, is to practice and play music, regardless of your age.

Discover more about the benefits of learning or relearning a musical instrument by reading my newest article for The Costco Connection magazine, available here.

December 1, 2021

Shoppable TV: What is it, and why do companies need it?

As consumers, we’ve been long conditioned to look at television as more than a mere entertainment and informational device. As the enduring popularity of QVC and the Home Shopping Network has demonstrated for decades, watchers often covet the goods and products they see on screen, which creates a fantastic opportunity for savvy marketers to capitalize on, provided they partner with the right technology and outlets.

In recent years, a confluence of events has ushered in a new era of shoppable TV, including technological innovation and advancements, a shift in consumer buying behavior from brick-and-mortar retail to online e-commerce, and the increasing consumer adoption of streaming and on-demand convenience capabilities via smartphones and smart televisions – trends that have been accelerated due to the pandemic. Exciting new sales opportunities are now available to brands and companies that, with the right planning and execution, are poised to benefit from the burgeoning growth and acceptance of shoppable TV.

Discover more about shoppable TV and why it's due to explode in the coming years by reading my newest article for Destination CRM, available here.