Category: Culture

Ethnic cultures as newsmakers

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Art & Life Culture International & World Lifestyle Perspectives Weather & Environment

‘The End We Start From’ review: Jodie Comer makes it through the rain in a gripping survival drama

BAFTA-winning TV director Mahalia Belo crosses auspiciously to the big screen with a lean, effective adaptation of Megan Hunter’s climate-change-themed bestseller.

 

It begins as a spatter of heavy rainfall — nothing out of the ordinary for acclimatized Brits, for whom an actual storm can even be cozily welcome after days of noncommittal drear and drizzle. But then it doesn’t stop, deep-set wet turns to invasive flooding, and what seemed a mere bout of inclement weather has swept you — and countless others like you — out of house and home. Megan Hunter’s speculative novel “The End We Start From” was a neat metaphor for the larger threat in seemingly minor signifiers of climate crisis; briskly adapted by screenwriter Alice Birch, Mahalia Belo‘s fine film version matches its pragmatic, coolly urgent vision of a world coming apart slowly, gradually, and then all at once.

 

Tight in budget and focus, this isn’t disaster cinema of the lurid Hollywood school, revelling in the grand spectacle of destruction. For much of the film’s running time, Belo turns our attention away from the sprawling geographical impact of the great flood and toward its devastating effect on the domestic sphere — as chiefly represented by two young parents (Jodie Comer and Joel Fry) raising a newborn baby with no permanent roof over their heads. That pivot may be a necessity for a modest British indie that’s more in the business of implication than illustration, but Comer’s dauntless, film-powering performance makes an outright virtue of it: The toughness and terror doing battle across her face are more than a substitute for a CGI waterworld.

 

Pretty much everyone in “The End We Start From” is anonymous: The credits identify Comer’s protagonist only as “Woman,” while other characters are granted a single initial each. This could be any of us, the film appears to suggest. Personal idiosyncrasies and backstories are kept to a minimum, while humanizing detail comes via in-the-moment actions. Only the newborn gets a name — Zeb — as a gesture of the film’s guarded faith in future generations. He arrives as the flood begins, his mother initially stranded in her sodden East London basement apartment in as she goes into labor. Once she’s eventually taken to hospital, it’s clear there will be no homecoming.

 

The hospital, filling with water and patients, is no steady sanctuary: London cannot hold. So mother, father and baby bundle into their car and head northwards, through blaring traffic jams and officious roadblocks, to the well-stocked rural home of his doting parents (Mark Strong and Nina Sosanya). There, they live the tranquilly isolated survivalist dream for a time. But supplies run out, and tragedy strikes. Hitting the road again, this time with no destination, the young couple must resort to mass shelters, and in time, to unavoidable separation. Alone with her son, the woman encounters humanity’s most anarchic selfishness in times of crisis; in another young mother (a wonderful Katherine Waterston), an American with a dry line in gallows humor, she rediscovers such quaint notions as allyship and empathy.

 

With previous writing credits including “Lady Macbeth” and “The Wonder,” Birch has form in stories of resilient women in dire circumstances, told with terse rigor. But that’s countered with a hint of stoic sentimentality in “The End We Start From,” an acknowledgement that people sometimes need to spill their feelings (or start an off-key “Dirty Dancing” singalong) to endure another hopeless day. Fleetingly, the film takes the comforting forms of road movie — sometimes without a vehicle — and buddy comedy, but these phases are mere diversions from the protagonist’s increasingly solitary quest to build back life as she knew it. The film invites viewers to consider what they would do in such peril, without supplying any moral guidance as to the right course of action: Comer’s riveting performance, physically tense with desperation, makes us believe, at least while watching, that we’d do whatever she’s doing.

 

Making the leap from small-screen work on such projects as the BBC’s “The Long Song” and Netflix’s “Requiem,” Belo directs with assured restraint, consistently stressing the human factor. There’s no flashy formal flexing here, though Suzie Lavelle’s damp earth-toned lensing, Arttu Salmi’s clipped, on-edge editing and Laura Ellis Cricks’s subtly decayed production design all play their part in connoting a jittery state of emergency, even when we can’t see the cause. (The effects budget largely goes on eerie late-film images of a ruined Big Smoke, where roads have turned to rivers.) The light electronic intrusions in Anna Meredith’s excellent score are in line with the scarce sci-fi detailing elsewhere: At every turn, “The End We Start From” pushes for immediacy, the sense that this awful near future could be tomorrow.

 

 

— Variety

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Art & Life Culture International & World Lifestyle Regulations & Security

Dana Walden sends staff-wide memo at Disney reflecting on ‘worst attack on the Jewish people since the Holocaust’

Dana Walden sent a staff-wide memo to all of Disney Entertainment on Friday, reflecting on the past week since Hamas struck Israel in a deadly and devastating war.

 

“Tomorrow marks one week since the world changed forever with the worst attack on the Jewish people since the Holocaust,” Walden wrote in a memo, exclusively obtained by Variety.

 

“There are moments in history where the horror and heartbreak are so overwhelming, no words feel sufficient,” Walden said. “This is one of those moments.”

 

The letter continues, “Like all of you, I am devastated for the innocent lives lost in the region. I am also angry — that this act of evil and cowardice by Hamas has torn apart families and stolen loved ones long before their time.”

 

Walden, who is Jewish, is co-chairman of Disney Entertainment. Her letter to the staff follows The Walt Disney Company’s announcement that the company would be making a $2 million donation to humanitarian relief in Israel. Disney CEO Bob Iger released an official company statement on Thursday evening condemning Hamas’ attacks, stating, “In the wake of the horrific terrorist attacks targeting Jews in Israel this past weekend, we must all do what we can to support the innocent people experiencing so much pain, violence, and uncertainty — particularly children.”

 

Over 1,000 civilians have died in both Israel and Gaza, since Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel on October 7, which is the deadliest day for Jews since the Holocaust. Hamas fired thousands of rockets from Gaza, brutally killing innocent civilians in their homes and committing a massacre at a music festival for peace where 260 bodies were found. More than 100 civilians have been kidnapped from Israel and are being held hostage in Gaza. Over 20 American citizens have been killed, and more are missing or believe to be hostages.

 

In Walden’s letter, the executive says that she has connected with staff members to discuss “shared fears and sadness.” She addresses employees who have lost friends or family in the war.

 

“This is a moment for us all to stand together as one community — to comfort and lean on one another,” Walden writes.

 

Walden gives gratitude to the journalists at Disney at the local station level and at ABC News, thanking those teams for “working tirelessly around the clock, noting that they “risk their lives on the ground.”

 

See Walden’s full memo here:

Team, 

Tomorrow marks one week since the world changed forever with the worst attack on the Jewish people since the Holocaust.

 

There are moments in history where the horror and heartbreak are so overwhelming, no words feel sufficient. This is one of those moments. Like all of you, I am devastated for the innocent lives lost in the region. I am also angry — that this act of evil and cowardice by Hamas has torn apart families and stolen loved ones long before their time.

 

In the wake of this terrorist attack, I have had the opportunity to connect with some of you about our shared fears and sadness. Some of you have lost close friends or family — and I can’t even begin to imagine the depths of your pain. Others have reached out wanting to know how they can help and how they can support their colleagues who are hurting right now. This is a moment for us all to stand together as one community — to comfort and lean on one another. I am constantly awed by this team’s compassion and resilience, and both are needed right now.

 

I also want to acknowledge our incredible Owned Television Stations and ABC News organization who are working tirelessly around the clock, and our team who continues to risk their lives on the ground. The stories they are sharing are the ones no one ever wants to have to cover but are so important for the world to see. The 20/20 special earlier this week was raw, powerful and gut-wrenching — and it shined a light on the human cost of this horrific violence.

 

Thank you all for continuing to support one another. Please be kind to yourselves and each other during this particularly dark time. If you’re struggling or just need someone to listen, please reach out to a colleague or your leader. We’re all here for you, and we will get through this together.

 

All my best,
Dana

 

 

— Variety

Categories
Business Culture Digital - AI & Apps Economics Lifestyle Technology

ChatGPT overtakes Netflix in web traffic

The digital landscape continues to evolve, mainly driven by the ceaseless march of technological innovation. Amid this ever-shifting landscape, ChatGPT, the artificial intelligence (AI) language model developed by OpenAI, has risen to prominence, outshining some of the most dominant players in the online ecosystem.

 

In particular, data acquired by Finbold indicates that between June 2023 and Aug. 2023, ChatGPT recorded an estimated average of 1.51 billion monthly website visits to its official website chat.openai.com. The figure places ChatGPT in the ninth position overall among the top ten selected major websites by visits. The AI platform is ahead of the streaming giant Netflix (NASDAQ: NFLX), which registered 1.49 billion trips during the same period.

 

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Meanwhile, Google.com, the Alphabet (NASDAQ: GOOGL)-owned search engine, continues to dominate the digital arena with a staggering 85.41 billion visits. Following closely behind is YouTube, with 33.56 billion visits. Facebook, a product of Meta (NASDAQ: META), secures the third position overall with 17.2 billion visits, while Instagram occupies the fourth spot at 6.68 billion. X (formerly Twitter) holds steady with 6.48 billion visits. Notable entities also include e-commerce giant Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN), which garnered 2.46 billion visits, securing the eighth position in the rankings.

Behind ChatGPT’s rise

ChatGPT’s website visits place the platform among the fastest-growing entities on the internet, considering it less than a year since its launch. Indeed, OpenAI launched the tool at a point when other established traditional players held back due to the uncertainty associated with interactive AI platforms, such as the potential harm it could cause, like spreading misinformation or hate speech.

What distinguishes ChatGPT and positions it for success against established traditional players is its remarkable ability to deliver personalized and diverse content recommendations, answer inquiries, provide comprehensive explanations, and even aid in creative endeavors such as writing, coding, and idea generation.

 

Its wide-reaching availability across many websites has transformed it into an indispensable companion for internet users in pursuit of instant and pertinent information. It has seamlessly woven itself into the very fabric of the digital world, making appearances on websites, chatbots, applications, and even customer service portals.

 

ChatGPT’s user-friendly design, which allows interactions as simple as typing a message, appeals to users of all ages and technical proficiencies. This intuitive interface has significantly contributed to the surge in website traffic.

 

Behind ChatGPT’s rapid rise is also a robust, continuous learning and improvement system. OpenAI’s substantial investments in refining the model, mitigating biases, and expanding its knowledge base ensure that ChatGPT remains current, precise, and dependable.

 

The underlying design of ChatGPT has placed it to surpass a platform such as Netflix. The streaming service, known for its vast library of movies and TV shows, has long been synonymous with online entertainment. While Netflix specializes in delivering scripted entertainment, ChatGPT appeals to a broader spectrum of users, from students seeking assistance with homework to professionals in need of quick information and inspiration. It’s this ubiquity and adaptability that have allowed ChatGPT to surpass Netflix in website visits.

Dealing with competition

As ChatGPT continues to evolve and expand its capabilities, we will likely witness a profound shift in how we interact with digital technology. The competition between AI models like ChatGPT and traditional content providers like Netflix may drive innovation in both sectors, benefiting consumers by providing more choices and tailored experiences. In this line, some traditional players in the digital space, such as Google, joined the race to incorporate AI into their system by launching the Bard platform. Indeed, such products are likely to expand the dominance of Google at the top of the digital landscape.

 

However, ChatGPT is countering this rising competition with consistent improvement. The improvement is highlighted by the recent upgrades that saw the platform introduce new features, such as removing the knowledge limit cut-off and the ability to browse the web. In the meantime, the industry will watch the planned AI tool that Tesla CEO Elon Musk developed to rival ChatGPT.

What the future holds

ChatGPT has ignited the race to incorporate AI; its impact is felt across various domains. Numerous companies strive to enhance AI’s capabilities by generating video music and developing detection tools to screen artificially generated content. Most individuals will probably encounter this emerging technology in the near future. The demand has been highlighted by a previous Finbold report that indicated that demand for AI spiked about 500% in 12 months as of August.

 

Overall, ChatGPT’s meteoric rise in website visitors is a testament to its transformative potential in AI. The success highlights our insatiable appetite for smart, accessible, and versatile AI solutions in an increasingly digital world.

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Culture Entertainment News Environment Lifestyle

‘Gen V’ got ‘A Lot of Notes’ on that dolphin-blowhole sex scene, and EP explains all the bloody puppet mayhem

SPOILER ALERT: This article contains spoilers for Episode 5 of “Gen V,” titled “Welcome to the Monster Club,” now streaming on Prime Video.

 

Even superheroes can party a little too hard. The heroes of “Gen V” wake up wondering what the hell happened last night in this latest episode, but what seems like some alcohol-induced memory loss turns out to be diabolical mind wiping.

 

The culprit comes from within our core group of heroes, when it’s revealed that Cate (Maddie Phillips) was erasing people’s memories on Dean Shetty’s (Shelley Conn) command.

 

Last week’s episode ended abruptly, just as Marie (Jaz Sinclair), Emma (Lizze Broadway), Jordan (London Thor and Derek Luh), Andre (Chance Perdomo) and Cate were close to getting answers on the mysterious supe program called The Woods. But suddenly, the screen cut to black and the heroes found themselves waking up at a wild house party, with Marie in bed with Jordan and Cate with Andre. Huh?

 

The college kids assume it was just a night of blackout binge-drinking, but then their suspicions turn to Rufus (Alexander Calvert), the psychic creep who uses his powers to take advantage of women. Rufus denies the allegations, though, and Marie discovers a tracking device embedded in her neck. She then realizes it was Cate all along who had been using her mind control powers to wipe the memories of her classmates. Before Andre can kill Rufus, Cate confesses her complicity in Shetty’s scheme, shattering her friends’ trust.

 

The only person who doesn’t get his mind wiped is Sam (Asa Germann), who is on the run from Shetty’s Woods guards. Isolated and alone, Sam has mental break, and starts seeing the intruders as puppets. Yes, puppets. Fans of “The Muppets” should look away, because what follows is a brutal, bloody massacre, in which all the blood, guts and bones are made of felt and red confetti. Sam tears the puppet guards limb from limb in, and once the mayhem is over the show reveals the bodies and carnage left behind.

 

In an interview with Variety, executive producer Michele Fazekas breaks down the puppet fight scene, Cate’s betrayal and a couple of brand new supes who get a brief, but graphic, first appearance at the party.

 

Where did the idea for the puppet massacre come from?

Every outrageous, crazy thing you see on this show, or on “The Boys” comes from a real place of drama and emotion and character. We wanted to show Sam almost decompensating, and under so much stress. How can we show that in a way that we haven’t seen before? That came with the writers’ room. We had the scene with Jason Ritter and the puppet — that was great. I was really happy that everyone signed on to what on the surface sounds like a ridiculous idea, which is we’re going to shoot a fight sequence exactly as if it’s a visceral human action fight sequence, and the only differences is it’s also with puppets but treated exactly as if it’s a real fight sequence.

 

Where did you get the puppets?

The head of our makeup department goes, “Oh, I can do that. I’ve done this before.” How is that possible? So he built them all. We hired puppeteers to come in and help us, because we built that set. You can’t really go out on location and shoot something like that. The puppeteers wore a green sort of body sock and then we erased them in post. I couldn’t believe that.

 

How many unique puppets are there?

At least four or six guards. There’s the Sam puppet, the Emma puppet and we also have a Deep puppet.

 

Last week, you and Eric Kripke mentioned that the writers pulled a lot from their own college experiences. Was there any real-life inspiration behind the opening party sequence?

It’s like the supe-ified version of going on a bender in college and not remembering what you did. Eric Kripke talked a lot about his 21st birthday in college. A lot of what really works well in “Gen V” is taking those typical college experiences and putting our spin on it. That’s why for a little while they are chalking it up to “Oh, I guess I just got really sick last night.” But they quickly start to put pieces together, like maybe that’s not what happened. If you’re binge-drinking in college it’s probably not an uncommon experience. We liked the “Gen V” version of that, and it’s a great cover story for Cate.

 

We’re briefly introduced to two new supes while they’re hooking up. One is a guy who can make his hand vibrate incredibly fast, and the other is a girl with a dolphin blowhole on her back. Do they have names, and when will we see them again?

I don’t believe they have names. The dolphin girl, that was when we got a lot of notes for how much we could see, which is somewhat amusing because, I mean — it’s a hole in her back. So you’re not actually seeing anything. But I really love how it seems gross and graphic, but it’s also not a real thing, so it’s kind of perfect.

 

Marie and Jordan awkwardly navigate their new relationship in this episode. And it’s made more complex because Jordan can change their gender. How did you decide when to portray Jordan as a male and as a female when they’re with Marie?

We are really intentional about that. In a subsequent episode, you’re gonna see Jordan talk about that, and why they decide to become male for certain things and female for other things. It is intentional: Their powers are very gender specific. As a male, Jordan is like a brick wall, a tank, immovable and can withstand a really strong impact. As a woman, Jordan can expel this energy blast. It’s like offensive and defense. You heard in Episode 3, they were born male, but they see themselves as both, and it sort of depends on how they feel in a given moment.

 

In the end, it’s revealed that Cate is the one wiping her friends’ memories and causing the blackouts. It’s a major betrayal, — so can she really be trusted anymore?

It’s complicated. When Cate reveals herself to Marie and says “I’m so sorry,” she really is. There’s a part of her that really loves her friend. It’s really hard for her. A lot of this is going to come out in subsequent episodes, but is she trying to protect them?

 

I like that her motivations aren’t just like, “I’m evil.” No, she’s doing it for a reason.’I like that her motivations aren’t just like, “I’m evil.” No, she’s doing it for a reason.

 

This interview has been edited and condensed.

— Variety

Categories
Art & Life Business Culture Economics Education Healthcare Lifestyle Perspectives Science

Expert advises creators and business founders on ‘Founder’s Exit Paradox’

The departure of founders from their business creations, termed the “Founder’s Exit Paradox,” is a complex phenomenon characterized by emotional involvement and detachment.

 

Despite existing research, a comprehensive understanding and guidance that encompass emotional, relational and existential dimensions are lacking.  As founders face the intricate interplay between emotional attachment and separation, they encounter challenges in employing effective coping strategies.

 

Furthermore, departing from not only their ventures, but also the people who contributed to their success, partnerships and collaborators, adds another layer of emotional complexity. Additionally, the transition brings forth questions about finding meaning and purpose in post-exit life

Business Exit Authority Jerome Myers, PE, MBA, PMP explores a holistic framework that addresses the emotional, psychological and practical aspects of the Founder’s Exit Paradox (self-image, relationships, work, health, prosperity and significance) in a way that empowers them to navigate the departure journey with resilience, transform personally and leave a lasting legacy.

To address the emotional complexities of departing from one’s creation, founders must first grasp the nuanced dynamics of the Founder’s Exit Paradox.

 

This understanding involves recognizing the interplay between emotional involvement and detachment, along with the amalgamation of behavioral, affective and cognitive processes. Jerome can extrapolate: 

  • Leveraging Coping Orientations
  • Integration of Positive Psychology Principles
  • Adoption of the Red Pill Model
  • Barrier Recognition and Dismantling
  • Promoting Awareness, Destigmatization, and Community Building
  • Fostering Personal Transformation and Legacy
  • Ongoing Self-Reflection and Adaptation

 

About the Expert

An award-winning engineer turned business strategist, Jerome uses his rich experience and innate understanding of human emotions to ensure that your journey from the corporate world to entrepreneurship is a fulfilling one.  At the helm of a division of a multibillion-dollar Fortune 550 company, Jerome created a thriving $20M operation with 175 dedicated team members. Now, he employs that expertise to advise leaders across diverse industries, from real estate to healthcare, guiding them to double their revenue, harmony in their work-life integration, and ramp up their charitable contributions.

His multifaceted experience also extends to the realm of real estate and academia. Jerome wears the hat of a general partner in a multifamily real estate portfolio and lends his strategic acumen to the North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University Entrepreneurship Advisory Board, driving entrepreneurial progress.  But, Jerome’s efforts to guide newly-exited operators (NEOs) doesn’t stop there. As the host of the DreamCatchers podcast, he assists founders in addressing the six centers of doubt they will face following a significant life transition. Self-image, relationship, work, health, prosperity, and significance; none of these challenges are insurmountable when navigated with the right guidance and perspective.

Jerome’s transformative program, the NEO Navigator, maps out the eight key exits a founder might encounter, from leaving a corporate role and becoming a ‘Chief Everything Officer’ to finally transitioning into roles of thought leadership and board chairmanship. He provides strategic guidance for each stage, culminating in successful business exits and the creation of a diverse post-exit investment portfolio. The ultimate goal? To help founders contribute to the causes they hold dear and leave a lasting legacy.  Whether grappling with the early stages of leaving corporate America or strategizing post-exit portfolio building, Jerome’s insightful advice and empathic approach helps founders navigate each transition with grace and confidence.

Categories
Culture Local Events Programs & Events

Follow County-wide celebrations and activities throughout fall 2023 into winter and spring 2024

Art

Oct. 5, 5:30 p.m.  

Art of Collecting 

Arts Council of Princeton | 102 Witherspoon St, Princeton | Paul Robeson Center for the Arts  

(609) 924-8777 | lpeck@artscouncilofprinceton.org | artscouncilofprinceton.org/art-of-series/  

A panel of local art collectors and sellers will help to demystify art viewing and collecting. A discussion ranging from learning to trust your taste to resources for finding art you love to live with will give you valuable tools for making art collecting part of your day-to-day life. Refreshments will be served. 

Exhibits

Sept. 23 – March 24, 2024

New Jersey Artists Series | “Caroline Burton: Way Finding”

The New Jersey State Museum, Riverside Gallery on the Museum’s second floor, 205 W. State St, Trenton

(609) 292-6464 | www.statemuseum.nj.gov 

The New Jersey State Museum is pleased to present a new exhibition in the New Jersey Artists Series, “Caroline Burton: Way Finding.”

In her process-driven canvases, Jersey City-based artist Caroline Burton draws on architectural and agricultural forms, nature, and elements of chance for inspiration. Her often experimental painting practice includes the rejoining of torn canvas with thread, as well as the use of discarded afghan blankets and scarfs as matrices for printing directly on canvas. According to Sarah Vogelman, Assistant Curator of Fine Art at the State Museum, “The unique and enigmatic patterns left behind by these handwoven knits capture the gestural traces of the original maker, whom Burton considers a silent collaborator. Each work is a delightful and unanticipated chance encounter between canvas, paint, and textile, between Burton and an unknown artistic partner.”

“Wayfinding” is a term used for informational systems, like maps or signage, that help people navigate through the physical environment of public spaces like this museum. It has also been used to describe the ways in which humans and animals orient themselves and find their way from place to place in nature. Caroline Burton learned of this term only after completing many of the works in this exhibition, but found it useful when describing the process of both creating and reflecting upon her oeuvre. Separated into two words, way finding conveys an active approach to navigation that more accurately describes Burton’s practice.

This exhibition features some of Burton’s most recent work, from 2020 to the present, including a series based on the mid-century architecture of the State Museum building. An exhibition catalog will be available for purchase in the Museum Shop.

*Free Admission

Fairs & Festivals

Oct. 7, 10 a.m.  

Hightstown Fair  

Borough of Hightstown, Memorial Park, N. Main St., Hightstown

harvestfairhightstown@gmail.com |hightstownborough.com 

Revived in 2002, the Hightstown Fair brings residents, neighborhood organizations, and local businesses together in a fun-filled celebration of our heritage and community. The festival is designed to bring awareness to the community, commerce to local business and sponsors, and to provide family fun. 

If you would like to participate in the 2023 Hightstown Harvest Fair, please fill out the form below: 

Artisans Crafters: 

https://forms.gle/mTUHWKXkQHtCyxFB9 

Food Trucks: 

https://forms.gle/EhLiQ5dLHYefqeWD7

Fall Festivities

Oct. 11 to 15 

The Amazing Pumpkin Carve 2023 

Hopewell Valley Arts Center | Woolsey Park – 221 Washington Crossing-Pennington Road, Titusville

info@hvartscouncil.org | hvartscouncil.org 

The Hopewell Valley Arts Council is proud to announce the return of the Amazing Pumpkin Carve, back bigger and better than ever. In its ninth year, this year the Carve will be like an old-time festival with expanded activities and, of course, outrageously carved giant pumpkins. Visitors can wander through a captivating illuminated walk of creative Halloween fun.

Grinning skeletons, giant crows, and other Halloween inspired creations come to life through the skillful carving of local celebrated artists. Marvel at the intricate handiwork that transforms more than 30 massive 150+ pound pumpkins into whimsical masterpieces artistically illuminated.

The Amazing Pumpkin Carve is more than a pumpkin display. The event offers an array of activities for kids of all ages. Live music performances, a hay bale playground, face painting, cornhole and games, photo-ops, and delightful surprises are around every corner.

“This year’s event is back as an all-walk-around event. Although the drive-thru was a fun solution to social distancing, these amazing works of art really shine when you can see them up close,” said Carol Lipson, HV Arts Council executive director. “Plus, you can take as much time as you’d like!”

This event is also the primary fundraiser for the Hopewell Valley Arts Council, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Ticket proceeds benefit artist-carvers’ honoraria and fund other Hopewell Valley arts-related programs.

Don’t miss your chance to celebrate fall fun in Hopewell Valley while supporting the many talented artists who call this region home.

*Ticket Cost: Adults $20 / Seniors $15 / Kids 18 and Under $5 / Strollers Free.

*Hours: Wed, Oct 11 7-9 p.m. / Th, Oct 12 5-9 p.m. / Fri, Oct 13 5-9 p.m. / Sat, Oct 14 3-9 p.m. / Sun 3-7 p.m.

 

Oct. 14 & 15

Fall Come Out & Play Camp Out

Mercer County Park Commission | Rosedale Park, 424 Federal City Road, Pennington

register.communitypass.net/mercer | facebook.com/mercercountyparkcommission

Join us for our annual community campout! Bring your tent, family and friends for some fun under the stars. Enjoy s’mores, hot dogs, campfires, night hikes, nature crafts and a complimentary breakfast! 

*Registration closes October 11. $15 person in-county; $25 person out-of-county. Space limited to 20 tent sites (approx. 80 guests). 

October 20 at 8 p.m. | October 21 at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. |

October 22, 3 p.m.

Halloween Playfest

Mercer County Library System, West Windsor Branch, 333 N. Post Road, Princeton Junction

(609) 799-0462 | westprogs@mcl.org | mcl.org 

This year’s Halloween Playfest at the West Windsor Branch of the Mercer County Library System will feature five new short plays written by librarian Michael Kerr: “Bookworm;” “The Cube of Infinite Transformation;” “Hauntings, Inc.;” “The Strange Misadventures of Miss Anna Logg;” and “Until the End of the World.”  All the plays are performed by teens from the local area.

*Free Admission. Recommended for ages 10 and above. No registration required. Doors open 20 minutes before showtime.  

October 24, 6 p.m.

Build a Bouquet Workshop with Autumn Blooms

Morven Museum & Garden, 55 Stockton Street, Princeton

(609) 924-8144 | info@morven.org | morven.org 

Help bring the fall season into your home with an autumn-themed flower arrangement! Inspired by Morven’s signature gardens and led by the skilled florists at Vaseful Flowers & Gifts, this evening workshop will teach you how to choose flowers and craft your own unique arrangement. Flowers, vases, and light refreshments provided.

*This workshop is limited to 20 people. Pre-registration is required.

October 27, 5 p.m.

All Barracks Eve

Old Barracks Museum, 101 Barrack Street, Trenton

(609) 396-1776 | info@barracks.org | www.barracks.org

Join Old Barracks Museum for an evening of spooky seasonal fun at All Barracks Eve! On Friday, October 27, enjoy cider and donuts around a bonfire while listening to chilling tales told by historically outfitted storytellers. Festivities begin at 5 p.m. and will include living history demonstrations and kids’ activities. Spooky stories will begin at 6 p.m.

*Admission is $5 per person. Children 5 and under are free. Tickets will be available for purchase on-site the evening of the event. All proceeds from this event go to help support our mission of preservation and education.

October 28, 12 – 3 p.m.

Harvest Festival at Morven

Morven Museum & Garden, 55 Stockton Street, Princeton

(609) 924.8144 | info@morven.org | morven.org 

Fall back in time and celebrate the harvest with music and activities for the whole family at Morven. This free, festive program will feature ensembles and musicians performing music of Medieval, Renaissance, Baroque, and Early American eras. Experience historic music celebrating the autumn harvest with performances scheduled throughout the day.

Attendees can visit Morven’s gardens to help harvest vegetables and take part in hands-on activities including “spooky season” crafts, and an instrument “Petting Zoo” with the Guild for Early Music. Dress in your Halloween costume to enter to win special prizes!

*Free Admission

October 29, 9 a.m. & 10 a.m.  
Halloween Run/Walk for HomeFront 2023 Preschooler Pumpkin Dash

HomeFront Inc., 1880 Princeton Ave, Lawrence

ShaziaB@HomeFrontNJ.org |homefrontnj.org 

In Person Races include: 5K, 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk, Preschooler 100 Yard Pumpkin Dash and 5K Marathon Finisher. 

Virtual Race Options include: Virtual Marathon Finisher, Halloween-Themed Race Course, and a Marathon Finisher Event – Flat, Fast, USATF-Certified Course

Live Music and Costume Contest!

*Pumpkin Dash starts 9 a.m. Other races start at 10 a.m. All proceeds support HomeFront’s year-round programs for children who are experiencing homelessness and poverty.  

Historical Happenings

Oct. 7, 14, 21, & 28, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.

Tai Chi by the Delaware

Washington Crossing Park Association | Washington Crossing State Park, 355 Washington Crossing-Pennington Road, Titusville

(609) 738-0765 | wcpa-nj.com

Come to Tai Chi with our steadfast volunteers and beloved teachers Lisa and Robert, who lead classes for all levels. Wear comfy clothes, no mat required. Find us on River Drive in the lower park, in front of the main parking lot near the Nelson House. Classes are free, however your $5 donation is deeply appreciated! Note: classes will not be held in wet weather. 

Oct. 7, 14, 21, & 28

Musket Firing at Washington Crossing State Park Visitors Center

Washington Crossing Park Association | Washington Crossing State Park, 355 Washington Crossing-Pennington Road, Titusville

(609) 738-0765 | wcpa-nj.com  

Join State Park Historians for their weekly musket firings at the Visitors Center Museum! $1 per person fee. Every Saturday through October, weather and staffing permitting. 

Oct. 19, 5:30 – 8 p.m. 

The Happy Years: The Story Behind the Lawrenceville Stories on Film

Mercer County Library System: Lawrence Headquarters Branch | 2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawrenceville

(609) 883-8292 | lawprogs@mcl.org | mcl.org

In celebration of Lawrence Township History Month, the Lawrence Headquarters Branch of the Mercer County Library System will host a screening of the film “The Happy Years” (1950) on Thursday, Oct. 19, from 5:30 – 8 p.m. “The Happy Years” is a comedy based on Owen Johnson’s iconic series of Lawrenceville stories set at the end of the 19th century, and filmed on location at The Lawrenceville School campus in 1949. School Archivist Jacqi Haun will briefly introduce the film and will be available for a short Q&A session after the screening.

*Advanced registration is appreciated

Historical Tours

Oct. 8, 2 p.m.  

“Walking Tour of the Delaware-Raritan Canal” North 

The Ewing Township Historic Preservation Society | the Benjamin Temple House, Drake Farm Park, 27 Federal City Road, Ewing NJ 08638  

(609) 883-2455 | ethps.org/calendar 

Guided Tour by Pamela V’Combe from Lower Ferry Road to Washington Crossing Park. 

Oct. 15 & 22, 1 p.m.  

Battlefield Tour  

Princeton Battlefield Society | 500 Mercer Street, Princeton, NJ 08540 

(609) 232-8540 | info@pbs1777.org | Pbs1777.org 

Spend a Sunday afternoon at the Princeton Battlefield State Park and learn more about the Battle of Princeton, a battle that ended the “10 crucial days” of 1776-1777. Walk in the footprints of Washington’s troops and listen to exciting narratives of soldier and civilian experiences. Your tour is led by an approved Historical Interpreter. 

Following the approximate one-hour tour, visit the historic Thomas Clarke House, the home of a Quaker farming family and the only remaining structure from the January 3, 1777 Battle of Princeton. 

*Registration is required 

Lectures

Oct. 12, 6 – 7:30 p.m.

Fall Lecture Series: Robert W. Sands Jr. and Patricia E. Millen “Washington Crossing”

Old Barracks Museum, 101 Barrack Street, Trenton

(609) 396-1776 | info@barracks.org | www.barracks.org 

The Old Barracks invites you to spend an evening with highly respected local historians and authors at our Fall Lecture Series to learn about the exciting history that helped shape our state and nation. On Thursday, October 12, Robert Sands and Patricia Millen return to discuss their book which focuses on the historical site where General George Washington crossed the Delaware River with his Continental Army in 1776 to the Battle of Trenton.

*Free Admission. Lectures will begin at 6 p.m., followed by a Q&A and book signing. Light refreshments will be available.

Oct. 12, 6:30 p.m.

The Price of Silence: Screening & Discussion

Morven Museum & Garden, 55 Stockton St, Princeton

(609) 924.8144 | info@morven.org | morven.org 

Join Morven for a screening & discussion of The Price of Silence, part one of an Emmy-nominated documentary from Truehart Productions sharing the history of New Jersey’s enslaved people. Hear from descendants and historians telling their own stories and exploring why New Jersey was the last northern state to end the institution of slavery; a past Morven and its inhabitants were inextricably tied to. The screening of the 25-minute documentary will be followed by a panel discussion with the filmmaker and historians featured in the film.

This event is hybrid – held both in-person at Morven’s Stockton Education Center and online.

*In-person tickets are $5 General Admission, Free for Students and Morven Members. Virtual tickets are Free for all registrants. A Zoom webinar link will be shared with virtual ticket holders upon registration, and a recording will be provided after the program.

Music Happenings

Oct. 5, 7 – 8 p.m.

“Jersey Transit” Concert

Mercer County Library System: Lawrence Headquarters Branch | 2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawrenceville

(609) 883-8292 | lawprogs@mcl.org | mcl.org

Performing without instruments, acapella ensemble “Jersey Transit” will sing a repertoire of songs taken from jazz standards to reggae to R&B to today’s pop at the Lawrence Headquarters Branch of the Mercer County Library System, on Thursday, October 5. The Jersey Transit ensemble has been around for more than 25 years, with some of the original members still in the group.

*Advanced registration is appreciated

Oct. 15, 4 p.m.

Altamura Legacy Concert: Ana “Rokafella” Garcia discusses Hip-Hop

Legacy Arts International | The Sanford Davis Room of Princeton United Methodist Church, 7 Vandeventer Ave, Princeton

(201) 362-9814 | www.legacyartsinternational.org    

Legacy Arts International presents Altamura Legacy Concerts, a new concert series developed by pianist Cristina Altamura, featuring herself and a roster of guest artists performing on a newly restored 1924 Steinway B grand at Princeton United Methodist Church home of the majestic Tiffany stained-glass window depicting St. George that graces its façade.

Concerts are on selected Sundays at 4 pm in the Sanford Davis Room of Princeton United Methodist Church (PrincetonUMC), adjacent to the church’s sanctuary. Guest artists range from some of Italy’s most illustrious piano masters, to New York’s current avant-garde, to Princeton’s own community of distinguished pianists. Altamura will be joined by her husband, Sō Percussion’s Adam Sliwinski, for an informal talk at the beginning of each program.

On Oct. 15, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of hip hop, Cristina invites her childhood friend, b-girl pioneer and choreographer Ana “Rokafella” Garcia, for a discussion about her career in New York and the proliferation of breakdancing all over the world. Then, the avant-garde pianist Adam Tendler performs works from the cutting edge of the contemporary piano repertoire

*Prices range between $25 – $40 for different concerts. Additionally, partial view seating in the church’s sanctuary next to the Sanford Davis Room will be available with suggested offerings of $10 at the door. 

Theater

Oct. 6 & 13, 8 p.m. | Oct. 7 & 14, 8 p.m. | Oct. 8 & 15, 2 p.m.

Roald Dahl’s MATILDA – the Musical

Kelsey Theatre at Mercer County Community College, 1200 Old Trenton Rd, West Windsor Township | Kelsey Theatre  

(609) 570-3333 | kelsey.mccc.edu 

Inspired by the twisted genius of Roald Dahl, The Tony Award-winning musical Matilda is a captivating story about a young girl who uses the power of her imagination, friendship, and storytelling to make a better life for both her and her fellow classmates. This inspiring story boasts a powerful message to the youth of our own community about standing up to bullies and being true to yourself.

*Ticket Cost: $26/$24 

Oct. 20 & 27, 8 p.m. | Oct. 21 & 28, 8 p.m. | Oct. 22 & 29, 2 p.m.

ROEBLING – The Story of The Brooklyn Bridge

Kelsey Theatre at Mercer County Community College, 1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor Township | Kelsey Theatre  

(609) 570-3333 | kelsey.mccc.edu 

Starting off Theater To Go’s New Jersey Playwright Series with a fascinating drama based on the true story. In 1869, John Roebling wins the contract to design and build the Brooklyn Bridge, the longest and tallest bridge in the world at the time. The construction spanned 14 years, involving 600 workers and at least two dozen people died in the process, including John Roebling. Roebling’s daughter-in-law, Emily, takes a stand ensuring that the Roebling name will forever be attached to this beloved historic landmark.

*Ticket Cost: $22/$20  

Workshops

Oct. 8, 15, 22 & 29, 2 – 3 p.m.

NJ STEM Astronomy Workshop

Mercer County Library System: West Windsor Branch,  333 N. Post Road, Princeton Junction

(609) 799-0462 | westprogs@mcl.org | mcl.org 

Over the course of four Sunday afternoon sessions, children enrolled in this program will learn about how all aspects of STEM contribute to the field of astronomy. With each lesson children will be presented with a final project idea that they can complete, as well as guidance on the process. At the final session on October 29, students will have a chance to present their final project to their parents and their peers, and will receive a course completion certificate. This NJ STEM program is provided by four outstanding local teen volunteers with a passion for STEM. They want to give all kids the opportunity to complete STEM related projects that they would be unable to do in public schools.

*This program is for children in grades 5-8 and is free. 

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Sumner County, Tenn., goes live with Tyler Technologies’ Community Readiness solution to reduce recidivism

Community Readiness will soon be live in more than 70% of all Tennessee correctional facilities

 

PLANO, Texas — (BUSINESS WIRE) — $TYL #TylerTech—Tyler Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: TYL) announced that the Sumner County Sheriff’s Office in Tennessee has successfully gone live with Tyler’s Community Readiness solution.

 

“We are proud to work with Tyler to bring these positive and impactful resources to incarcerated individuals who have not had access to them in the past,” said Jerry Scott, division administrator, Sumner County Sheriff’s Office. “Tyler’s Community Readiness solution will truly help to put these individuals on a path to a better life, ultimately improving and strengthening our local community.”

 

Community Readiness, powered by Amazon Web Services (AWS), is a comprehensive software application that bridges the gap between the jail and the community by connecting residents in jails with local support organizations. These connections will benefit incarcerated individuals in Sumner County by connecting them with resources to gain an education, find a job, locate housing, and otherwise prepare them to be active, healthy contributors to their community after being released from jail.

 

Sumner County’s Sheriff’s Office has deployed Community Readiness in its jail facility. The software offers information and assistance from numerous local community organizations, including the Tennessee Prison Outreach Ministry, American Job Centers, Project Return, Adult and Teen Challenge, and more. The solution not only serves as a crucial resource for those incarcerated, but it also benefits Sumner County’s staff by reducing physical paperwork, allowing them to focus on what is most important to the safety and effectiveness of the facility.

 

“Tyler’s Community Readiness solution is the most advanced re-entry software in the industry,” said Silas Deane III, Community Readiness manager at Tyler. “The software helps to build a future where second chances are not just possible but expected. We are pleased to work closely with Sumner County to break the cycle of recidivism and offer new beginnings to those incarcerated.”

 

Tyler continues to rapidly expand the use of Community Readiness in correctional facilities across the country. Soon, it will be live in more than 70% of jail facilities in Tennessee, including in Williamson County, Chattanooga, Johnson City, and Nashville, with other implementations in process in New Jersey and Florida.

 

About Tyler Technologies, Inc.

Tyler Technologies (NYSE: TYL) provides integrated software and technology services to the public sector. Tyler’s end-to-end solutions empower local, state, and federal government entities to operate efficiently and transparently with residents and each other. By connecting data and processes across disparate systems, Tyler’s solutions transform how clients turn actionable insights into opportunities and solutions for their communities. Tyler has more than 40,000 successful installations across nearly 13,000 locations, with clients in all 50 states, Canada, the Caribbean, Australia, and other international locations. Tyler has been recognized numerous times for growth and innovation, including Government Technology’s GovTech 100 list. More information about Tyler Technologies, an S&P 500 company headquartered in Plano, Texas, can be found at tylertech.com.

#TYL_General

Contacts

Jennifer Kepler

Tyler Technologies

972.713.3770

Media.team@tylertech.com

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David’s Bridal to capture kisses in partnership with the New York Jets

David’s Bridal expands “The Things We Do for Love” campaign with New York Jets partnership

 

CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — David’s Bridal, LLC “(David’s),” the nation’s leading bridal and special occasion authority, today announced a new partnership with the New York Jets, expanding on the Company’s national “The Things We Do for Love” campaign.

 

As part of this partnership, David’s is celebrating the love of Jets fans, capturing magical moments as the official Kiss Cam Sponsor for the 2023-2024 season. The partnership with the Jets is just one way that David’s is embedding itself into communities across the country as the Company makes dreams happen for brides, bridesmaids, and party-goers.

 

“New York sports fans are in a league of their own and as we focus on reaching our brides and bridesmaids, we want to connect with them everywhere they love – including at live sporting events,” said Kelly Cook, President, Brand, Technology, and Finance, David’s Bridal. “David’s has served over 70 million customers in its history and as America’s iconic go-to dress brand, we’re thrilled to partner with other iconic brands. Partnering with the New York Jets was a no-brainer as we highlight love on the Kiss Cam – maybe we’ll even see a proposal! We can’t wait to watch our brides and bridesmaids show-off all the things they love while cheering on the Jets this season.”

 

Through the partnership, David’s will also offer an unforgettable experience for one wedding party to celebrate their love at a New York Jets game and that will include tickets, parking, and food and beverage. David’s will also be highlighted throughout the season with stadium signage and marketing, radio ads, and additional activations that Jets fans are sure to love.

 

“The Things We Do for Love” campaign celebrates all that David’s has to offer in serving the modern bride, bridesmaid, and party go-er. This includes exclusive bridal gowns starting at $199, extraordinary bridesmaid dresses starting at $99, the Diamond program which helps brides win a FREE honeymoon, and Pearl by David’s, the game-changing planning platform that connects vendors and celebrants for the event of a lifetime.

 

About David’s Bridal

With 70 years of experience dressing guests for all of life’s special occasions, David’s Bridal is built on the ethos of making dreams happen. We believe everyone deserves to have the dress of their dreams regardless of style, preference, shape, size, or budget. As Dream Makers, we are kind, enthusiastic, and bold. We live to serve her, and it is our mission to help anyone, and everyone find the look that will allow them to be the best, most genuine version of themselves on their wedding day or any special occasion. David’s Bridal is dedicated to innovating solutions which serve her including Pearl by David’s, which includes a wedding website, a universal wedding registry, a robust wedding checklist, and a new vendor marketplace which beautifully pairs brides to their perfect vendor partners. David’s also launched the industry’s only loyalty program Bridal Diamond Loyalty Program. This program, with over 2 million members, provides perks and deals from partners like The Black Tux, Shutterfly, Little Tuxedos, Diamond Nexus, and much more, plus provides brides an opportunity to win a free honeymoon. With more than 190 stores located across the US, Canada, and franchise locations in Mexico, we offer the convenience of one-stop shopping for every magical event in her life including weddings, Quinceañera, graduations, prom, communions, or simply making the world her runway and beyond. David’s recently launched #frontlinefierce Philanthropy Program dedicated to amplifying the heroism, fearlessness, and bravery of those who serve others in their community. To learn more about David’s Bridal, visit www.DavidsBridal.com, download the Planning App, and connect on social media through Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, and LinkedIn.

 

About the New York Jets

The New York Jets were founded in 1959 as the New York Titans, an original member of the American Football League (AFL). The Jets won Super Bowl III, defeating the NFL’s Baltimore Colts in 1969. In 1970, the franchise joined the National Football League in the historic AFL–NFL merger that set the foundation for today’s league. As part of a commitment to its fan base through innovation and experiences, the team has created initiatives such as, its trailblazing Jets Rewards program, a state-of-the-art mobile app, and 1 JD Entertainment, a comprehensive content platform that gives fans greater access to the team across all digital and social platforms. The organization takes great pride in a long-standing, year-round commitment to their community. These programs are funded by the New York Jets Foundation and look to positively influence the lives of young men and women in the tri-state area, particularly in disadvantaged communities. The organization supports the efforts of the Lupus Research Alliance, youth football and numerous established charitable organizations and causes sponsored by the NFL. The New York Jets play in MetLife Stadium, which opened in 2010, and are headquartered at the Atlantic Health Jets Training Center in Florham Park, New Jersey. For more information about the New York Jets visit newyorkjets.com.

 

Contacts

C Street Advisory Group

davidsbridal@thecstreet.com

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Vonage positioned as a leader in the 2023 GartnerⓇ Magic Quadrant™ for Communications Platform as a Service

HOLMDEL, N.J. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — Vonage, a global leader in cloud communications helping businesses accelerate their digital transformation and a part of Ericsson (NASDAQ:ERIC), has been recognized as a Leader in the Gartner Magic Quadrant for Communications Platform as a Service (CPaaS). This recognition positions Vonage in the Leaders Quadrant for Ability to Execute and Completeness of Vision.

 

“This is a transformative time for cloud communications and how businesses use this technology,” said Rory Read, Vonage CEO and SVP, Head of Business Area Global Communications Platform for Ericsson.

 

“Consumers now expect flexible, intelligent communication between them and the brands they engage with. The ability to communicate from anywhere, on any channel, is a key differentiator and represents the next level of communication between businesses and their customers, and that is what CPaaS – or Communications APIs – provides.”

 

 

Read continued, “Vonage’s CPaaS capabilities and strong developer resources enable businesses to embed communications into applications, systems and workflows so customers can engage with businesses on their terms, for deeper engagement and a better overall customer experience. And as we look to the future of business communications, we are focused on building a global network platform and exposing network capabilities as APIs, unlocking the power of the 5G network, and putting it at the fingertips of developers to create new, innovative use cases for enterprises and the customers they serve. We are thrilled to be recognized as a Leader in the Gartner CPaaS Magic Quadrant for our platform today, and our vision for tomorrow.”

 

In this CPaaS Magic Quadrant, Gartner recognizes vendors based on Completeness of Vision Evaluation Criteria which includes innovation, market understanding and a vertical/industry strategy.

 

Programmable components for the Vonage Communications Platform such as Vonage AI Acceleration Suite, help improve business productivity, customer experiences and enhance customer engagement with a simplified approach to build new applications. With Vonage AI Studio, VCP empowers developers and non-developers to communicate with customers across channels with AI powered conversational workflows.

 

Vonage is one of only two vendors recognized in all three Magic Quadrant reports – CPaaS, Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS) and Contact Center as a Service (CCaaS) in the cloud communications space. Vonage CPaaS is part of the Vonage Communications Platform (VCP), which also includes UCaaS, CCaaS and Conversational Commerce applications.

 

Download the complimentary Gartner Magic Quadrant for CPaaS.

 

Disclaimer

Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in its research publications, and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation. Gartner research publications consist of the opinions of Gartner’s research organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

 

GARTNER is a registered trademark and service mark of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and internationally, Magic Quadrant is a registered trademark of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates and is used herein with permission. All rights reserved.

 

Gartner, Magic Quadrant for Communications Platform as a Service, By Lisa Unden-Farboud, etc., 18 September 2023

 

Gartner, Magic Quadrant for Unified Communications as a Service, Worldwide, By Rafael Benitez etc., 28 November 2022

 

Gartner, Magic Quadrant for Contact Center as a Service, By Drew Kraus, etc., 7 August 2023

 

About Vonage

Vonage, a global cloud communications leader, helps businesses accelerate their digital transformation. Vonage’s Communications Platform is fully programmable and allows for the integration of Video, Voice, Chat, Messaging, AI and Verification into existing products, workflows and systems. The Vonage conversational commerce application enables businesses to create AI-powered omnichannel experiences that boost sales and increase customer satisfaction. Vonage’s fully programmable unified communications, contact center and conversational commerce applications are built from the Vonage platform and enable companies to transform how they communicate and operate from the office or remotely – providing the flexibility required to create meaningful engagements.

 

Vonage is headquartered in New Jersey, with offices throughout the United States, Europe, Israel and Asia and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ericsson (NASDAQ: ERIC), and a business area within the Ericsson Group called Business Area Global Communications Platform. To follow Vonage on Twitter, please visit www.twitter.com/vonage. To become a fan on Facebook, go to facebook.com/vonage. To subscribe on YouTube, visit youtube.com/vonage.

Contacts

Vonage Media Contact: Jill Baldassano, +1 848.301.7024, jill.baldassano@vonage.com

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‘Monk’ reunion movie starring Tony Shalhoub sets December premiere date at Peacock

Tony Shalhoub returns as the Defective Detective in Peacock’s “Mr. Monk’s Last Case: A Monk Movie,” premiering on Dec. 8.

— Steve Wilkie/PEACOCK

 

“It’s been twelve years since the world has seen a fresh installment of ‘Monk.’ The world has changed mightily in those intervening years and ‘Monk’ 2023 reflects the changing world,” executive producers Andy Breckman, David Hoberman and Randy Zisk said in a joint statement.

 

The “Monk” reunion movie will see Shalhoub reprise his role as Adrian Monk, a consulting detective with obsessive-compulsive disorder and a wide range of phobias. Per the official logline, the film sees Monk return to solve one last and “very personal case involving his beloved step-daughter Molly, a journalist preparing for her wedding.”

— Traylor Howard, Tony Shalhoub, Jason Gray-Stanford and Ted Levine. By Steve Wilkie/PEACOCK
— Tony Shalhoub as Adrian Monk. By Steve Wilkie/PEACOCK

 

Original series stars Ted Levine, Traylor Howard, Jason Gray-Stanford, Melora Hardin and Hector Elizondo reprise their roles in “Mr. Monk’s Last Case: A Monk Movie,” with Caitlin McGee and James Purefoy joining as new cast members.

 

Series creator Breckman wrote “Mr. Monk’s Last Case: A Monk Movie.” The film is directed by Zisk, who executive produced and directed episodes of the TV series. Shalhoub is executive producing alongside Breckman, Zisk and Hoberman, executive producer of the original series. UCP is the studio.

— Tony Shalhoub as Adrian Monk and Melora Hardin as Trudy in “Mr. Monk’s Last Case: A Monk Movie.” By Steve Wilkie/PEACOCK

 

“In coming back, we wanted to do a film that was worthy of our legacy. ‘Mr. Monk’s Last Case’ is a story that is powerful, emotional, funny, heartwarming, and has something to say about the human condition,” Breckman, Hoberman and Zisk continued in their statement.

 

The original series ran for eight seasons and accumulated eight Emmys over the course of its run, with Shalhoub winning best actor in a comedy series three times.

 

 

— Variety