Dallas Children's Theater Paves The Way For Online Access To 'Andi Boi', A Groundbreaking Play Focused On A Transgender Teen

Dallas Children's Theater Paves The Way For Online Access To 'Andi Boi', A Groundbreaking Play Focused On A Transgender Teen (Photo credit: Karen Almond)

Dallas Children's Theater (DCT) is pleased to be announcing the online release of 'Andi Boi'. This groundbreaking play about a transgender teen is part of DCT's series of internationally-recognized teen issue plays. 

• Originally presented on stage in February 2020, the video-on-demand production also includes a talkback with members in the LGBTQ community. Co-produced with Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts in partnership with First Unitarian Church Dallas, the production will be able for viewing for $20 beginning Monday, July 20, 2020 at dct.org/andiboi.

'Andi Boi' is a great tool for schools, churches, corporations, and LGBTQ organizations that are interested in creating meaningful dialogue within the community. As part of DCT's mission to integrate the arts into classroom academics, for schools, a downloadable Behind the Curtain Resource Guide is also available. 

The guide is intended to provide helpful information for a teacher to use before and after seeing the production. The activities presented in the guide are designed to stimulate lively responses and multisensory explorations of concepts in order to use the theatrical event as a vehicle for cross-cultural and language arts learning. It is an opportunity to use theater as a springboard for dynamic learning, extending the dramatic experience of the play.

'Andi Boi' is about Andi, a transgender teen entering his first day of high school identifying as a male. Former classmates recall his last name when they hear it, but there is something different about Andi that keeps the dots from connecting clearly in their minds. Soon his new teachers, classmates, and his classmates' parents will figure it out. How will they react? With aggression? With compassion? With confusion? 

Inspired by one teen's journey, 'Andi Boi' is told with a sensitivity towards Andi and uses wit, heart, and warmth to help audiences find their way to greater compassion and awareness.

"DCT has made it a priority to present stories about teens caught in difficult situations and the tough barriers they face, in part, because so little energy is focused on teens. This means a wall of confusion and rejection often meets them," said Robyn Flatt, Founder and Executive Artistic Director of DCT. "By offering 'Andi Boi' online, we will broaden awareness and understanding of these young people as human beings, as vulnerable young people among us. Hopefully through this knowledge and experience, we can provide a supportive space during their search to find true identity, and as a result, we make the journey less painful."

A recent report from the CDC (Center for Disease Control – the USA's health protection agency) reveals that two percent of high school students in the United States identify as transgender. Yet, it is clear that the experiences of each child are distinct and run the gamut from very difficult and life threatening to that akin to any teen going through a challenge. As such, the producing team wants to be clear that this play is far from an attempt to suggest every child's journey is the same. 'Andi Boi' is one story about one life that is largely devised by a playwright. It is not intended to represent an entire community, but rather be a starting point for conversation.

DCT commissioned local playwright, Bruce Coleman, to write 'Andi Boi'. His first decision was to speak with some of the two percent of high school students who identify as transgender. For Coleman, this included talking to a young boy who recently transitioned and his parents. Using these conversations and research as inspiration, Coleman said he deliberately decided to use honesty and humor as tools for telling this story in hopes that it would have the broadest possible appeal. Coleman hoped to create an atmosphere of good will and understanding that will help audiences begin an important conversation around this topic. "I hope as people get to know Andi, they'll also get to know something about themselves," Coleman said.

"As a gay man, I too kept a secret from my family until it became impossible to deny who I was anymore." Coleman continued, "I feared rejection from family and friends as they discovered who I am, but I ultimately took that rejection and turned it into strength. I have been pushed at by a society that wants to squeeze me into a box and force me to be a thing that goes against everything that makes me this person I am. But when all has been said and done and because of a strong belief in myself, I can finally achieve my heart's desire: To be seen, to be respected, and to be treasured. It's all Andi and I are asking for."

DCT co-produced 'Andi Boi' with Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts and in partnership with First Unitarian Church of Dallas. Texas Instruments, Capital One and PwC are part of the collaboration which has national funding support from the Theater Communications Group (TCG) and the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation. Theatre Communications Group (TCG) awarded DCT and its partners a grant to support the production and the events surrounding 'Andi Boi' to help theater organizations implement and refine ways to increase audience engagement and community development with a focus on young audiences.

Over the past 15 years, DCT has offered several teen issue plays that examine topics including bullying, learning differences, teen brain development, eating disorders, and dating violence. Subject matter resources lead a discussion after each of these types of performances. At the performances, teens and parents are provided information and perspective on the topic, as well as guidance on how to navigate the inherent trauma imbedded in these situations. Online, DCT has amassed a host of links and resources for audiences.

"I believe theater provides a powerful tool during our children's transition to adulthood by spotlighting some of the serious challenges they and their peers encounter along the way," Flatt said. "It is up to us to help all our children, irrespective of color, creed, or gender orientation, to have a safe space for physical growth, an environment for creative discovery, and an open door for tolerance and acceptance."

'Andi Boi', courtesy of Dallas Children's Theater. (Photo credit: Karen Almond)

• 'Andi Boi' partnering sponsors are: Texas Instruments, PricewaterhouseCoopers, and Capital One.

About Dallas Children's Theater

Dallas Children's Theater features professional actors performing for an annual audience of 250,000 young people and their families through mainstage productions (9 in the 2019-2020 season), a national -touring company, and an arts-in-education program. As the only major organization in Dallas focusing solely on youth and family theater, DCT builds bridges of understanding between generations and cultures, instilling an early appreciation of literature, art, and the performing arts in tomorrow's artists and patrons.

SOURCE: Dallas Children's Theater

How To Take Part In Comic-Con@Home July 22-26, 2020

Comic-Con@Home Badge Sponsored by Amazon and Prime Video

San Diego Comic Convention (Comic-Con), the world's premier event of its kind, today announced details of its first-ever virtual event, Comic-Con@Home.

For the first time in its 50-year history, Comic-Con organizers were forced to make the heartbreaking decision to cancel the annual celebration of comics and pop culture. Soon after the cancelation, they announced an online version to launch July 22, the official start date of the originally scheduled convention. 

"We're very excited about bringing Comic-Con online," said David Glanzer, spokesperson for the nonprofit organization. "And it couldn't have been achieved without the help and support of so many of our usual friends, and some new ones too."

The virtual event will exist on the www.comic-con.org website which, at 9:00 AM Pacific Daylight Time on Wednesday, July 22, 2020, will transform to Comic-Con@Home. The redesigned Home Page will be the means by which participants can access programming, the Online Exhibit Hall, and various events and interactive elements, as each will be supported by a variety of different platforms. While programming for each day will be available on the website, Comic-Con is working again with Sched.com for those who would like to create their own daily schedule.

Joining in the fun is the Comic-Con Museum which has long planned an interactive component to their efforts. They began offering activities through Comic-Con Museum@Home earlier this summer which will continue through the Comic-Con@Home weekend and beyond.

• YouTube will host over 350 panels and programs as well as the 2020 Eisner Awards. 
• The Online Exhibit Hall, with approximately 700 exhibitors, will exist on the GoExpo by Community Brands page. 
• And for fans of Gaming, those activities will live on the Discord platform.

ComicCon@Home 2020 Currently Attending Window Sign (image via www.comic-con.org)

Fans will be excited to learn that DC Comics, longtime supporters of Comic-Con, will again provide exceptional artwork for the official event T-shirt. The event T-shirt will be accompanied by an assortment of official Comic-Con-related and Comic-Con Museum-related merchandise available on the Merch store page on the Comic-Con website.

Amazon and Prime Video are official sponsors of Comic-Con@Home and will be treating fans to additional activities from a variety of Amazon-owned platforms through their Amazon Virtual-Con portal. Prime Video is also the official sponsor of the Comic-Con 2020 print-at-home badge, which will allow participants to print and wear the free badge and take part in many fun, yet to be announced, interactive challenges.

Collaborator and sponsor IGN will stream roughly 34 Comic-Con@Home panels as well as produce extensive hosted shoulder content, hosted interviews and more, all in support of the online initiative.

Tumblr will serve as the platform for both the Comic-Con Art Show and the always popular Masquerade. The 46th annual Masquerade will open for viewing Friday, July 24, and winners announced on Saturday, July 25.

Films and anime have long been popular elements at Comic-Con. This tradition continues as both will employ the Scener Watch Party Platform, Funimation will exclusively host all of the anime watch parties including Black Clover and Fruits Basket. Scener is a Chrome browser plug-in that will allow fans the ability to simultaneously watch and discuss movies and anime.

Anyone who has visited Comic-Con is familiar with and may have participated in the outside activations (immersive experiences). Even they will be represented as FX will unveil the digital experience: FX UNLOCKED- where fans will engage with virtual activations for American Horror Story, What We Do in The Shadows, Cake and DAVE.

FutureTechLive! returns for a fifth year to present the virtual "World Builders" activation, featuring content by a global community of creators. In this unique experience, participants can explore new worlds in mixed reality, and unleash their imagination to create some of their own!

If that weren't enough, there will be a number of activities including portfolio review, gaming, a SideWalk Art Challenge, a Cosplay Challenge, the SuperVolunteer Challenge, and even some shared recipes should you need a break and a little sustenance during the Comic-Con@Home weekend.

Comic-Con will also be offering an online version of its Souvenir Book, which will be available as a free, downloadable PDF, starting on Wednesday, July 22. The 260-page book contains new art and articles celebrating various anniversaries, including the 100th birthdays of Ray Bradbury and Ray Harryhausen, plus celebrations of EC Comics, Moomin, Jack Kirby's Fourth World comics, and more. This year's cover is by William Stout.

"This type of online event is a first for us," Glanzer continued, "and we are grateful for the support of all involved. Our hope is that Comic-Con can provide a small respite from the confines of various stay-at-home orders. While we can't be together in person, we can be together online."

SOURCE: Comic-Con International

Mr Foster & Davis Chris Team Up For New Single in Response to the Black Lives Matter Movement

"Things Change" single cover

DFD Music recently announced the release of "Things Change," Mr Foster & Davis Chris realized black recording artists have long been highlighting the perils of racism and police brutality through music, but recent events are brightening the spotlight on racial injustice and oppression. Davis Chris lets his emotions flow on the BLM-inspired piano- guitar ballad "Things Change."

DFD Music is a production company dually located in both Atlanta and Los Angeles. Helmed by producers Mr Foster and Davis Chris; that offer quality work with affordable prices. 

DFD Music has successfully been in business for four years with great achievements such as over 3 million streams, over 5,000 previous albums sold, charting over 10 singles in the US Top 50 and two albums in the US Top 20 on iTunes sales chart.

"It was the first time we worked on a song that my mind, heart & soul felt the lyrics very passionately," Mr Foster said.

Have you ever heard a song that moved you to the point where you wanted to tell all of your friends about it? Well, that's the type of feeling you may experience when listening to "Things Change". By its very definition, the term "Things change" means good news.

"Our purpose is to create music that heals the souls of everyday people and mainly the people affected by the BLM movement," said Davis Chris.

Working in partnership with singer/ songwriter Cecily Wagner was fun and was the right step in the direction DFD Music is moving despite everything else going on in the world. Black Lives Matter returned to national headlines and gained further international attention during the global George Floyd protests in 2020 following Floyd's murder. 

So far, an estimated 15 million to 26 million people have participated. Over 500 Artist have recorded songs in support of the movement and now you can add DFD Music to the count with "Things Change" in support of Black Lives Matter.

• "Things Change" has been distributed worldwide by Empire Records / DFD Music. 

Davis Chris & Mr Foster

Buy Tracks and stream "50/50" on HERE.

SOURCE: DFD Music

Kitty O'Meara's Hopeful Poem "And The People Stayed Home" About The Pandemic to Be Published as an Illustrated Book by Tra Publishing

And the People Stayed Home by Kitty O'Meara

Tra Publishing has announced that in Fall 2020 it will publish And the People Stayed Home, a picture book for children ages 4–8 (and readers of all ages) by Kitty O'Meara, featuring her popular prose poem about the global coronavirus pandemic. 

The poem suggests there is meaning to be found in our shared experience of the pandemic, and it conveys a hopeful message about the possibility of profound healing for people and the planet. The piece has been so widely circulated through social media, news media, and by influencers such as Deepak Chopra, Bella Hadid, and Lindsay Lohan that O'Meara, a former teacher and chaplain and currently a spiritual director, has been called "the poet laureate of the pandemic."

"The response has been overwhelmingly positive and humbling," O'Meara says. "There have been so many astonishing, touching, and global connections made because of the vision this poem presents and affirms."

O'Meara wrote the poem on Friday, March 13. She then posted it on Facebook and it quickly went viral. There has been a great deal of misinformation about the poem's authorship, much of it confusing O'Meara with a 19th-century Irish-French writer with a similar name. In fact, Kitty O'Meara is alive and well and lives outside Madison, Wisconsin, with her husband, Phillip, and their five rescue dogs and three cats. 

Spread from And the People Stayed Home by Kitty O'Meara

• And the People Stayed Home will be O'Meara's first print book.

"We are thrilled to be working with Kitty on this book. The message she conveys is timeless. While her words have already reached hundreds of thousands of people and offered much-needed comfort, hope, and perspective, publishing the prose poem in book form will help it live on long after this pandemic is a memory," says Ilona Oppenheim, publisher and creative director of Tra Publishing.

The 32-page book is illustrated by Stefano Di Cristofaro in collaboration with Paul Pereda and is art directed by Jefferson Quintana of Ilona Creative Studio. 

An ebook is also being published, and Tra is partnering with Vooks to create a read-along, animated version. A dedicated website will include activities for kids and a teacher's guide (www.andthepeoplestayedhomebook.com).

About Tra Publishing

Tra Publishing, based in Miami and founded in 2016, creates beautifully crafted books about the arts, architecture, and design that inspire social, cultural, and environmental awareness. Tra's books are distributed worldwide through Simon & Schuster. 

• Visit www.trapublishing.com for more information.

SOURCE: Tra Publishing

Black-Owned Superhero Brand Offers Hope & Escapism in Times of Pain

Aza Comics Supports Black Lives Matter

Aza Comics, owned by black woman creator Jazmin Truesdale and known for its roster of multicultural female superheroes, is aiming to continue providing hope and escapism for the world as people support the Black Lives Matter movement. 

"Aza Comics has always addressed the issues of black people in its storylines," says Truesdale, "I'm just happy that now people are finally understanding what is happening and joining this fight that is truly everyone's fight."

The Aza Universe is centered almost entirely around women of color and has always tried to provide hope and inspiration for women around the world as they face various issues like racial inequity, sexism, misogyny and homophobia. 

This hits especially close to home for Truesdale as countless black women like Sandra Bland and Breonna Taylor have yet to see justice in a time when black women face the highest rates of homicide in the US. 

During this time, Aza Comics received an incredible growth in sales and exposure as more people discovered what the Aza superhero universe is all about. 

"I just want people to at least feel safe in their imagination," says Truesdale. "For black people and many other people of color, everywhere we look pain is reflecting back at us. I want Aza Comics to be that escape where you can feel heard and empowered to fight another day."

Aza Comics

Aza Comics has a lot in store this year for its growing number of fans. "We will do what we've always done," says Truesdale," Continue to grow and enrich the lives of people of color around the world and partner with people and brands who truly care about the lives of others." 

 The company plans to use its revenue to invest in entrepreneurs of color, support women athletes, expand its universe with more inclusive superheroes and do what it can to continue being a voice.

Aza Comics is a superhero brand based in Durham, North Carolina founded by serial entrepreneur and author Jazmin Truesdale. The company is known for its multicultural female superheroes and philanthropic initiatives that have been featured in Vogue, TIME, USA Today, and various other national and international publications.

For more information visit www.AzaComics.com.

SOURCE: Aza Comics

Trent Haaga Joins 'Mad Heidi', the World's First Swissploitation Film

Heidi is just a girl from the Alps in an alternative Switzerland that has fallen under fascist rule. Little does she know that her yearning for personal freedom will be the spark that ignites a revolution. (PRNewsfoto/Mad Heidi)

The team behind the world's first Swissploitation movie today announced that cult US screenwriter, actor, director and producer Trent Haaga has joined Mad Heidi's scriptwriting team. The award-winning Haaga has been involved in over 100 films in a long and sometimes controversial career.

Mad Heidi is being produced by Iron Sky producer Tero Kaukomaa and Amateur Teen's and Paradise War's Valentin Greutert, and it will be directed by the highly talented, up-and-coming Swiss director Johannes Hartmann.

'Mad Heidi' - behind the scenes (©Caspar Brog • casparbrog.com)

The little girl from the Alps is back…with a vengeance

Mad Heidi is an action-adventure-comedy-horror parody of the much-loved children's storybook character Heidi. Now all grown up, Heidi is just a girl from the Alps in an alternative Switzerland that has fallen under fascist rule. Little does she know that her yearning for personal freedom will be the spark that ignites a revolution. From fondue torture to death by chocolate, Mad Heidi is a true Swissploitation film. Think Kill Bill meets The Sound of Music.

'Mad Heidi' - poster teaser 2018 (© Decoy Films – madheidi.com)

Trent Haaga said, "I've always been a huge fan of old-school exploitation films - from spaghetti westerns, kung-fu movies, the counterculture movies of the late 60s, and the timeless alternate reality of the Iron Sky films. I see Mad Heidi as a love letter to all of the above, and I was thrilled to be offered the chance to play in the world that Tero, Valentin, and Johannes have created. Mad Heidi holds a dark funhouse mirror up to the world through the lens of a Switzerland that never was. It's a futuristic fairy tale heavily inspired by a classic and much-loved novel. Who wouldn't want to be involved in something like that? I'm also a huge fan of the way these guys put their films together - eschewing traditional financing models, embracing new forms of distribution, and valuing input from the fans during production. As far as I'm concerned, it's the future of independent filmmaking, and I'm delighted to be making this journey with this team." 

'Mad Heidi' - behind the scenes (©Caspar Brog • casparbrog.com)

Haaga has a long and successful track record with credits including writing many feature films, from Lloyd Kaufman's legendary Troma's The Toxic Avenger Part 4, Courteney Cox's directorial debut, Talhotblond, to the controversial 2008 Toronto International Film Festival hit, DEADGIRL.

Tero Kaukomaa said, "It's great to have someone of Trent's undoubted talents on board. He always delivers and is a perfect fit for the amazing new film we are producing for our fans. I can assure you people will not be disappointed. In fact, we are sure they're gonna love it. We know our fans have been waiting, and the good news for them is that things are starting to move quickly. So, watch this space as there's plenty more news to come."

'Mad Heidi' - behind the scenes (©Caspar Brog • casparbrog.com)

About Trent Haaga

Trent Haaga is an award-winning screenwriter, director, producer, and actor who has been involved in over 100 films in his 20-year career. Trent has written many feature films, from Troma's The Toxic Avenger Part 4 to Courteney Cox's directorial debut, Talhotblond, to the controversial 2008 Toronto International Film Festival hit, DEADGIRL. He is also the screenwriter of the AAA video game The Evil Within 2 from Resident Evil creator Shinji Mikami. Trent is a two-time SXSW Audience Award-winner with his films Cheap Thrills and 68 Kill. He lives in Los Angeles. 

'Mad Heidi' - behind the scenes (©Pacal Greuter - pascalgreuter.com)

About Tero Kaukomaa (Producer of Mad Heidi)

In 1997, film producer and entrepreneur Tero Kaukomaa established Blind Spot Pictures. Since then he has produced, or co-produced, over 20 feature films including "Dancer in the Dark'' by Lars von Trier, Golden Globe nominee "Everlasting Moments'' by Jan Troel,l and "Iron Sky''. In 2012, he released Timo Vuorensola's "Iron Sky'', an € 8 million Finnish – German – Australian co-production. The film was heavily crowd-sourced and crowd-funded by a world-wide community of fans. In 2014, Tero founded Iron Sky Universe together with Timo Vuorensola to continue the Iron Sky Saga. In 2019, the €19 million sequel to Iron Sky, "Iron Sky The Coming Race" was launched. A USD 30 million Chinese film, "The Ark – an Iron Sky'', is currently in post-production. Also in 2019, Tero founded SwissploitationFilms GmbH with Valentin Greutert and Johannes Hartmann to produce and distribute Mad Heidi, the world's first Swissploitation film. In 2020, he founded Son of a Pitch Oy (Ltd) together with Timo Vuorensolato to offer their expertise in crowd engagement and pitching to other filmmakers. Tero believes in quality and the power of marketing, and he wants to use creative new ways to bring fresh content to the market. He is a member of ACE and the European Film Academy. He divides his time between Helsinki, Finland and Zürich, Switzerland. 

'Mad Heidi' - behind the scenes (©Pacal Greuter - pascalgreuter.com)

Valentin Greutert (Producer of Mad Heidi)

Valentin Greutert started working in the film business in 2000 after graduating with a Masters in Economics and Business Administration. In 2004, he founded his first production company, HesseGreutert Film, in Zurich, Switzerland. Since 2015, he has headed his new outlet, A Film Company. Greutert has produced many feature films and documentaries, among them pearls like "Rocksteady: The Roots of Reggae" and "Amateur Teens". In 2019, his biggest production to date was released. "Paradise War", based on a true story and represented by TrustNordisk, was shot on three continents with 76 days spent shooting, most of them deep in the jungles of Borneo. The film was a major success in Switzerland. Since 2008, Greutert has been a member of the international producer club ACE. He is also part of the European and Swiss Film Academies, as well as member of the documentary and fiction commission of the Federal Office of Culture in Berne. Building on his background in economics, Greutert also designed and now distributes KOSMA, a professional software to control film production finances (www.kosma.io).

'Mad Heidi' - behind the scenes (©Pacal Greuter - pascalgreuter.com)

About Johannes Hartmann (Director of Mad Heidi)

Active as director and producer since 2007, Johannes Hartmann founded Decoy Films GmbH in 2009 together with two partners. Since then, he has been responsible for the realisation of many commercials, music videos and service productions. His debut short film "Halbschlaf" was selected by Switzerland's leading genre film festival, the Neuchâtel International Fantastic Film Festival, and numerous other international film festivals, and has won several awards. This was followed by other short films and documentaries, which were selected at film festivals worldwide. With his concept for Mad Heidi, the world's first Swissploitation film, Johannes Hartmann approached the producers Tero Kaukomaa and Valentin Greutert, with whom he founded Swissploitation Films in autumn 2019. Mad Heidi is Hartmann's directorial debut as a director of a feature-length fiction film.

• Click here to view the Mad Heidi film trailer

SOURCE: Mad Heidi

Property Ownership Types You Might Not Know About

Low angle view of two high rise buildings under blue sky (image via pexels.com)

Property ownership isn’t something we often think about. Probably we are familiar with how our parents organised their finances, and that is good enough for us as well.

There are, however, a broad range of options when it comes to property ownership and asset management. The social and economic landscape is always changing, and a new generation of people are finding ways to invest in properties collectively successfully.

Also, opportunities exist for fractional ownership of luxury assets such as vacation villas, yachts, and even private jets. In this post we duck under the surface and take a look around.

Communal Ownership

Did you ever hear about the one about the twenty-something woman who bought a dilapidated property with some friends and together they turned it around in a matter of weeks? She was soon renting the rooms out to her friends which more than covered the mortgage payment and provided a steady stream of passive income. Pretty smart right?

Brown wooden center table (image via pexels.com)

This type of story is becoming more common for a number of reasons. The economy is one of them, but so are the attitudes and expectations of younger generations coming through, like the Gen Zeds. Years of austerity and massive student loans have encouraged young people to think outside the box, and communal property ownership is one thing they’ve come up with.

In this model trusted friends invest in a property. It could be somewhere rundown that requires some heavy lifting, or a brand new flat in the city, somewhere just out the wrapper. It all depends on the investors and their preferences. Initially, the rooms can be let to those same investors, but there is flexibility too. If someone needs to move away for instance, the room can be let out.

Built To Order Flat

Built to order flats (BTO) are unique to Singapore but that doesn’t mean you can’t take advantage of the fantastic opportunities on offer as an American. Have you ever been to Singapore? It’s one of the most modern and diverse city-states in the world and a perfect hub for exploring the riches of Asia. A BTO flat in Singapore could provide you with a second income or a unique vacation home.

The way BTO homes and flats operate is very efficient - a bit like Singapore in general! An allocation system offers flexibility in timing and location. Eligible buyers can apply for apartments in their preferred areas and when demand is higher than 70% construction will begin. Otherwise, the project is abandoned. At the moment there are some upcoming HDB BTO 2020 locations on offer.

Imagine subletting a flat in one of the most lucrative cities in the world where business people are coming and going all the time. When it is not in use you could always jet off to Singapore yourself and take advantage of the excellent weather and culture.

Fractional Ownership

Have you ever dreamt of owning your own luxury house on the beach, flashy car, or even private jet? What was once the preserve of the super-rich is becoming more accessible to ordinary people with systems like fractional ownership.

So what’s it all about?

Fractional ownership is different from a timeshare in a number of key ways. With a timeshare you pay an annual fee in order to rent a property for a particular time of the year, but with FO you invest, along with other buyers, in the property or asset, and share it with them based on an agreed schedule.

Woman laying down on bed inside room (image via pexels.com)

There are many advantages to this. Firstly, as a part share owner, you will benefit from tax incentives and an increase in the value of the asset. Furthermore, you will not feel compelled to use the property at every opportunity, the way you might if you entirely owned a vacation home. You will have a set schedule for the asset, and you can choose to use it or not.

Joint Tenancy

Joint tenancy is when two or more people share an equal undivided interest in a property. You might think this is limited to spouses but you’d be wrong. It’s common for friends and business partners also to use joint tenancy as an ownership option. That said, there are particular advantages if owners are married.

If owners are married and one of them dies the value of the deceased property transfers to the living spouse. Conversely, if individuals are not married the value of the property is incorporated into the deceased estate. This can make it a potentially risky ownership strategy for unmarried individuals.

But, if it is a short term investment opportunity, if buyers are young, healthy, and trustworthy; and if they are looking to buy a property in order to renovate it and sell it on for profit, then a joint tenancy agreement can be a useful option. Speak to a financial consultant about this and ensure you have a solid business plan if you intend to go ahead with it.

Vacation Home

If joint ownership is not your thing you might be more interested in the sole ownership option. Have full control over your asset, use it any time you like and benefit from its entire value when sold. This can be an excellent choice if you are single and wish to buy a primary residence, or if you like the idea of having a second home, either as a vacation spot or as a passive income stream.

There are many advantages to owning a vacation home that go beyond the obvious. There are tax breaks available, convenience, rental incomes, along with chosen familiar surroundings for leisurely breaks. Firstly, if a second home is primarily used for vacations and is not rented out for more than two weeks of the year, it qualifies for tax-deductible mortgage interest and property taxes. But if you feel you would be better off renting it throughout the year this can also be a lucrative option.

A vacation home is a comfortable and familiar place that is perfect for a family vacation once or twice a year, as well as gathering for special occasions such as weddings and anniversaries.

Spin Master, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, and WayForward Announce 'Bakugan: Champions of Vestroia' [Trailer Included]

"Become a Bakugan Brawling Champion in a Brand-New, Role-Playing Adventure Game Coming to Nintendo Switch" (CNW Group/Spin Master)

Spin Master, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and WayForward today announced Bakugan: Champions of Vestroia, an all-new, action role-playing video game that will be coming exclusively to Nintendo Switch on Nov. 3, 2020, expanding on the wildly popular, global Bakugan franchise alongside the exciting anime adventure TV series, innovative toy line, card game and more. 

The game will center around an all-new original story and the franchise's signature Bakugan brawls as players befriend powerful creatures known as Bakugan and customize teams for fiercely strategic head-to-head battles.

"We're pleased to partner with Spin Master and WayForward to bring the brawling action of Bakugan: Champions of Vestroia to Nintendo Switch," said Kevin Kebodeaux, Senior Vice President, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. "The global popularity of Bakugan is undeniable, and this game is sure to excite players everywhere."

"Bakugan: Champions of Vestroia expands the popular brawling franchise with a new exhilarating, interactive game format with customization, competitive action, deep strategy, and anime-style characters and worlds that all gamers and Bakugan fans will love," said Simonetta Lulli, Vice President, Spin Master Studios. "Whether playing solo or against Bakugan brawlers online, the game offers endless hours of play at home or on the go."

"The brand new, action-packed video game and our partnership with Nintendo Switch and WayForward is so important to the Bakugan franchise as it continues expand globally," said James Martin, SVP Brand Marketing and GBU Lead of Bakugan. "Now, a whole new generation of fans can experience the excitement and skill of Bakugan in more ways than ever before."

"Bakugan: Champions of Vestroia brings together the most popular aspects of the TV series and toys in an authentic and inspiring new game," said Voldi Way, President & CEO, WayForward. "We designed it specifically for Nintendo Switch with unique battle gameplay and strategic options to build and battle a Bakugan team."

Published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, produced by Spin Master and developed by WayForward, the Bakugan: Champions of Vestroia video game will take players on a journey through an original story expanding on the hit TV series and toy franchise. They can create and fully customize their Brawler to fight side-by-side with the mysterious alien Bakugan as their human partner in battle. The game features a fully navigable 3D world divided into different districts each with dedicated battle arenas. Players can interact with other characters, go on quests, and explore with their Bakugan friends. They can also test their brawling skills online in head-to-head multiplayer against friends or players from the around the world to become a true Champion of Vestroia.

A physical Deluxe Edition pack, featuring the video game, an exclusive Ultima Dragonoid toy which transforms into a fierce Bakugan, Ultima Dragonoid trading card, Ultima Dragonoid metal gate card, plus two powerful BakuCores will also be available at launch.

• For more information please visit bakugan.com/videogame

The Annoucement Trailer:

• To download Bakugan: Champions of Vestroia assets, visit: go.wbgames.com/BakuganGameAssets

SOURCE: Spin Master

New Artwork by Gary Larson Debuts on TheFarSide.com

New Stuff – It's Here on TheFarSide.com!

Fans welcomed the December 2019 debut of TheFarSide.com with tremendous enthusiasm: more than one million visitors were thrilled by the launch of the official online destination during its very first week. A mere five months later, it was awarded the 2020 Webby People's Voice Award for Best Humor Website. 

The site, featuring a "daily dose" of The Far Side cartoons and previously unseen sketches by creator Gary Larson, also tempted fans with a promise of Larson "slipping in some new things every so often."

Today, Larson, who retired the daily syndication of the cartoon in 1995, delivers on this promise, and not a moment too soon. On the New Stuff page of the site, Far Side fans can enjoy the release of some new artwork offering a look at Larson's foray into digital painting. 

Adept at celebrating the inherent humor in the most ludicrous sides of humanity, the secret genius of animals, and the brilliance of the scientific, Larson will continue to surprise by periodically featuring new artwork on the site.

And there's more news from The Far Side, as Larson provides a much-needed reason to look forward to 2021. After two interminable decades, a Larson Off-The-Wall calendar returns! 

The all-time bestselling calendar is being reissued with 365 days of irreverent, brilliant cartoons from The Far Side and a different theme featured each month in The Far Side Theme-a-Month 2021 Off-The-Wall Calendar. 

Adding to the excitement: The new The Far Side After Hours 2021 Wall Calendar will grace the world's vertical surfaces with new Larson art and includes some never-before-seen images by Larson.

Uncommon, unreal, and unfrozen – TheFarSide.com is online

Unparalleled in its brilliance, The Far Side is without peer. The continued enthusiasm for TheFarSide.com and the anticipation of the forthcoming calendars continue to illustrate its preeminence around the world. Andrews McMeel Universal is thrilled to continue to share the remarkable talent of Gary Larson in a whole new way in our brave new world.

More about The Far Side:

• With over 40 million books and 77 million calendars sold, The Far Side is an unprecedented cartoon phenomenon.
• The Far Side Off-The-Wall series was the world's bestselling calendar for 18 consecutive years.
• TheFarSide.com won the 2020 Webby People's Voice Award for Best Humor website, a remarkable accomplishment after just a few months in existence. It was selected from more than 13,000 entries from all 50 states and 70+ countries, with 2.5 million votes cast by 600,000 people.

SOURCE: Andrews McMeel Universal

2020 Part 2: What Can We Expect From The Second Half Of The Year?

2020 Part 2: What Can We Expect From The Second Half Of The Year? (Pixabay - CC0 Licence)

The calendar flipping over into July means - among other things - that this year (which has seemed to be several years long itself already) has finally entered its second half. If you are someone who follows news media, it has undoubtedly been a packed year, but strap yourself in - there’s another six months before it’s at an end.

As we enter Part 2 of 2020, it’s worth looking ahead and considering what the rest of the year might have in store for us. After all, we were all a little blindsided by the way that this year started, so it’s a good idea to be ready for anything in the next six months.

Will the UK have a second wave of Coronavirus?

The nature of pandemics is that there tends to be an initial ramping up to a frightening peak, which then relents to a point where things can be somewhat relaxed. We’re at the third point of that path, which sounds good. However, the overall path of a pandemic usually includes a sting in the tail in the form of a “second wave”. Unless the virus is entirely eradicated globally, it’s almost certain that a second wave will arise in some areas of the world.

Will the UK be among those areas? There’s no way of knowing for sure, but let’s consider these points:

• One city has already had to announce that their planned exit from lockdown will be delayed; more are expected to follow.
• New Zealand, which had eradicated the virus within its borders, then announced two new cases; both visitors from the UK.
• Within days of opening up beaches, the town of Bournemouth was the scene of a “major incident” as thousands of people descended to enjoy a heatwave.

In other words, all the signs are that the UK will be prone to another wave. While the first caught most of us by surprise, we can at least be more prepared for the probable second wave. Smart moves include buying more tinned food with your regular shops, setting up a quarantine system for deliveries, and ensuring that any underlying conditions you have are well managed. For instance, asthma sufferers are more vulnerable to the virus, so this article may be beneficial.

Will there be a swine flu outbreak to deal with, too?

While we are already dealing with Covid 19, many of us will have noted from our social media timelines that there might be more bad news on the way:

Flu virus with 'pandemic potential' found in China https://t.co/O4Pv1f8NjM

— BBC Health News (@bbchealth) June 29, 2020

So, will we go from protecting against Covid 19 to fighting the new strain of swine ‘flu? Will we, perish the thought, find ourselves battling both at the same time? The truth is, we can’t really say right now. The fact that the virus has been highlighted as having “pandemic potential” certainly isn’t good news. What we know is that the virus can infect humans and, because it is new, we’re unlikely to have any inbuilt immunity to it. It’s also not a strain that is currently protected against by the ‘flu vaccine.

Where we need to be particularly vigilant is in not seeing this as simply a threat that is being amped up. It is possible for two unpleasant and highly contagious viruses to be in circulation at once. Whether or not you believe the present pandemic was a particularly serious event, you should err on the side of caution if this latest virus starts to make its way around the world. If people become skeptical and cease to follow social distancing and other anti-transmission measures, this could vastly increase the potency of either virus, or both.

Will things ever be normal again?

In the early days of lockdown, many of us will have repeatedly used a form of words along the lines of “when this is over/when things are back to normal” or similar. It will have crossed very few minds that “this” might not be over any time soon, and that “normal” might mean something very different by the time it is over. In truth, looking into the future, we may all have reason for uncertainty. It’s an uncertainty that won’t go away any time soon, in all likelihood.

Let’s look at one of the most obvious changes that has taken place since the virus started spreading: working practices. If you have begun working from home since March, how inclined are you to go back to a workplace? Particularly if doing so involves getting on a bus or a train? When every contact is a potential opportunity for the virus to spread, and people don’t need to be symptomatic to pass it on, “normal” is unlikely to describe the overall situation any time before 2021.

There is, essentially, no part of everyday life which is the same right now as it was this time last year. The number of things that have changed, and the extent to which they have changed, may well make it impossible for life ever to go back to the way it was before, or anything like it. That doesn’t need to be a bad thing - if you can make adjustments that allow you to have more time with family and, eventually, friends - but equally, it is important not to rely on things getting back to how they used to be any time in 2020.

The first half of 2020 has been tumultuous, and it’s entirely understandable if you’re still digesting it all. As we turn to the second half, it is important to be ready for anything that it might throw at us. Recent history has taught us that things can happen fast and turn the world upside down.

Acclaimed Artist & Activist Madame Gandhi Debuts New Music Video For "Waiting For Me" [Video Included]

Acclaimed Artist & Activist Madame Gandhi Debuts New Music Video For "Waiting For Me" (Photo Credit: Sajna Sivan)

Multi-talented artist, percussionist, producer and activist Madame Gandhi has recently released her newest video for Visions track "Waiting For Me".

Directed by Misha Ghose, "Waiting For Me" was conceptualized and produced by an all-female team and features queer, trans, female and gender non-conforming cast members and marks Madame Gandhi's first-ever video shot in India.

With its contrasting industrial imagery and color palettes, the visual brings to life the song's empowering message, an eco-feminist call to action that eschews institutionalized power structures in favor of forging new narratives of self-expression.

Of the video, Madame Gandhi explains:"We as artists have the power to use our art to vividly reimagine the world we wished we lived in. 'Waiting For Me' is a song about questioning societal norms as they exist. The video opens with the quote, 'We always assume our own powerlessness, but never our own power.' With the interconnected social justice movements happening around the world, we are seeing a larger belief in the power of the collective for change. This music video is a call to action for each of us to examine how hierarchy, capitalism and systemic oppression serve to keep us obedient, with little space for dialogue or critical thinking. My hope is that this video inspires folks to ask, 'Are my behaviors contributing to the oppression of somebody else? And what contributes to my own oppression? What does my version of freedom look and feel like?'"

The video for "Waiting For Me" launches the next chapter in Madame Gandhi's already critically-acclaimed career, as she announces her signing with Sony Music Masterworks. With an imitable pairing of complex percussive rhythms and empowering messages of liberation, Madame Gandhi is known for her passionately uplifting body of musical work that continues to elevate the female voice and redefine notions of gender, identity and politics. Having released her first two EPs as part of an overarching short-form album trilogy, most recently 2019's Visions, Madame Gandhi begins her new partnership with Sony Music Masterworks ahead of the third and final installment in the series.

Today's news and video arrive on what has been a massive week for Madame Gandhi, who made her NPR Tiny Desk (Home) Concert debut this Wednesday, performing tracks from both her Visions and Voices EPs – watch here. Selected as 2020 TED Fellow for her commitment to creating meaningful and positive change, Madame Gandhi will also participate in TED2020 this summer, joining multidisciplinary individuals across the globe for an online gathering of conversations, sessions and performances. She returns to the TED Stage after her 2018 TED Talk about the importance of making music accessible to those hard of hearing. The talk now has over 200k views – watch here. 

Madame Gandhi also recently provided a song to the new two-part documentary series And She Could Be Next, working in collaboration with Gingger Shankar on a track entitled "Freedom Cries" for the Ava DuVernay-produced show. Out later this year, the song will be included on the official soundtrack to the show, which chronicles the defiant movement of women of color who are transforming American politics from the ground up. 

• And She Could Be Next is currently airing on local PBS stations, streaming online at AndSheCouldBeNext.com and on the PBS app on your smart TV.

The "Waiting For Me" Video:

About Madame Gandhi :

Kiran Gandhi, who performs as Madame Gandhi, is an artist and activist whose mission is to elevate and celebrate gender liberation.

• She has toured as the drummer for M.I.A, Thievery Corporation and most recently Oprah on her 2020 Vision Stadium Tour. 
• Gandhi holds a Bachelor's Degree in Mathematics and Gender Studies from Georgetown and an MBA from Harvard. 
• In 2015, she ran the London Marathon bleeding freely to combat period stigma around the world, sparking a global viral conversation about how we treat menstruation in various cultures. 
• She has been listed as a Forbes 30 Under 30 member and is a 2020 TED Fellow. 
• Her mathy percussion, uplifting music and inspiring talks have been critically acclaimed by The New York Times, Billboard, NPR and more. 
• Her song "The Future is Female" reached #8 on the Spotify Viral US Charts following the 2017 Women's March. 
• She has released two short-form albums, Voices (2016) and Visions (2019), accompanied by a series of music videos produced and concepted by women and gender non-conforming creatives. 

Gandhi is currently working on her third short-form album Vibrations. 

• For updates and more, visit madamegandhi.com.

SOURCE: Sony Music Masterworks