#FashionAlert FASHION by Informa Appoints Emilie Lewis as Vice President of Events for Las Vegas and Nashville Marketplaces Our Coverage Sponsored by Hallak Cleaners the Couture Cleaner @hallakcleaners @hallakcouturecleaner

For sixty years, Hallak Cleaners the Couture Cleaner has been entrusted with Manhattan’s finest wardrobes. The official cleaner of Whom You Know since 2012, Hallak is the only cleaner Peachy Deegan would ever use and we are honored to work with them. New York’s fashion boutiques have been recommending Hallak to their loyal customers for years. They understand the importance of quality fabric care and protecting their client’s investment. While Hallak is known for their expert handling of couture and other precious items, they also make it a point to give your more casual garments the same level of attention. Their representatives are always on the look out for the hard-to-notice stains, loose seams, missing buttons, etc. You can trust Hallak Cleaners with your entire wardrobe and then some. A sample of some of their specialized services:

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***

Industry veteran joins team to lead FASHION by Informa’s key marketplaces, including MAGIC, PROJECT, and OFFPRICE.

FASHION by Informa announced the appointment of Emilie Lewis as Vice President of Events for Las Vegas and Nashville Marketplaces. In this role, she will lead the direction and expansion of the company’s flagship wholesale fashion events, including MAGIC, PROJECT, and OFFPRICE across both markets.

A seasoned business and brand leader with over 20 years of experience in fashion, lifestyle, retail, and experiential media, Lewis brings a proven track record of transforming brands, driving commercial growth and expanding audiences to her new role. As Vice President of Events, she will focus on evolving the Las Vegas and Nashville marketplaces, better connecting brands, retailers and buyers while shaping the future of wholesale fashion.

"Emilie brings an exceptional combination of strategic leadership and market expertise to this role," said Simon Ferguson, Executive Vice President for FASHION by Informa. "Her success in building brands, scaling event portfolios and creating meaningful industry connections makes her uniquely positioned to lead our Las Vegas and Nashville events into their next chapter of growth.”

Throughout her career, Lewis has held leadership roles at organizations including Emerald Holdings, Inc., SEACRET Beauty, Reed Exhibitions, Brookfield Properties, and Informa Group. She has led and transformed some of the industry's most recognized event brands, including MJBizCon, ASD Market Week, International Gift Exposition, and Sports Licensing & Tailgate Show, along with entrepreneurial ventures and the acclaimed revitalization of the California Market Center in Los Angeles.

Earlier in her career, she played a pivotal role in the growth of FASHION by Informa’s very own COTERIE (formally Advanstar/UBM), helping increase portfolio revenue, expand global buyer attendance, and strengthen partnerships with leading brands and industry organizations.

"I've always been passionate about building communities and creating experiences that bring industries together," said Lewis. "Having previously worked on COTERIE, I am thrilled to rejoin the FASHION by Informa team to now lead PROJECT, MAGIC, and OFFPRICE. These events are the cornerstones of the fashion industry, and I'm excited to work with our team, customers, and partners to continue evolving each marketplace to create new opportunities for growth, discovery, and connection."

Lewis is recognized for her ability to bridge creative vision with business performance, building brands that resonate culturally while delivering long-term business impact. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Emilie is most proud of being a mother to her two boys, a role she considers her greatest and most meaningful experience.

To learn more about FASHION by Informa’s team and events, or to register to attend an upcoming marketplace, please visit https://www.fashionbyinforma.com/brands/our-brands/.

About Informa Markets

Informa Markets, a subsidiary of Informa plc (LON:INF), creates platforms for industries and specialist markets to trade, innovate and grow. With a global reach and diverse portfolio of verticals, including Pharmaceuticals, Food, Medical Technology and Infrastructure, Informa Markets connects buyers and sellers worldwide through face-to-face exhibitions, targeted digital services and actionable data solutions. For more information, visit www.informamarkets.com.

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#ChristmasPeachy #SmallScreenScenes @hallmarkchannel #Hallmark Launches National Search for America’s Merriest Christmas Towns

Hallmark’s Merriest Christmas Towns Contest Kicks off July 1st

Grand Prize-Winning Town to Be Featured in an Original Hallmark Movie

Hallmark is inviting communities across the country to show why they deserve to be named among America’s merriest Christmas towns with the launch of Hallmark’s Merriest Christmas Towns Contest. One grand prize-winning town will earn the opportunity to be featured in a Hallmark original movie. Contest details are available at hallmarkchannel.com/merriest.

The search is on for towns that best bring the Hallmark Christmas magic to life. Hallmark is inviting communities across the country to show why they deserve to be named among America’s merriest Christmas towns with the launch of Hallmark’s Merriest Christmas Towns Contest. Beginning today, towns nationwide can enter for the chance to be recognized as one of 25 official Hallmark Christmas Towns, with one grand prize-winning town to be featured in a Hallmark original movie. The contest kicks off Hallmark Channel’s 25th birthday celebration, a months-long tribute to the fans and communities whose warmth, connection, and holiday spirit have helped make the network a beloved destination for comfort and joy all year long.

From October through December and beyond, social media fills with images of cozy snow-covered towns, festive holiday décor, heartfelt acts of kindness and care that feel straight out of a Hallmark Christmas movie. Wreath-lined main streets and charming storefronts have long inspired people to call these places “Hallmark towns.” Now, Hallmark is making that title official.

Beginning July 1 through August 10, 2026, fans can nominate towns that embody Hallmark’s signature blend of warmth, connection, community spirit, holiday tradition, neighborhood charm, and goodwill. Twenty-five towns will be recognized as “Official Hallmark Christmas Towns” and receive an official seal, along with promotional assets to help celebrate and share the designation. One grand prize-winning town will earn the opportunity to be featured in a Hallmark original movie. Contest details are available at www.hallmarkchannel.com/merriest.

“Hallmark’s Merriest Christmas Towns Contest is our way of saying thank you to the most passionate fanbase in television while celebrating the towns and communities that embody our core values of comfort, joy, and connection, especially during the Christmas season,” said Darren Abbott, Hallmark Media president.

The contest is part of a months-long tribute to the fans whose loyalty, traditions, and enthusiasm have made Hallmark a lasting part of homes, holidays, and pop culture. Alongside special programming, fan experiences, and events, the contest brings that celebration directly to the communities that have long helped define the Hallmark spirit.

ABOUT HALLMARK CHANNEL

Hallmark Channel is Hallmark Media’s flagship 24-hour cable television network. As the country’s leading destination for quality, feel-good entertainment, Hallmark Channel delivers on the 100-year legacy of the Hallmark brand. The network’s lineup of signature original content includes movies, primetime scripted series, and specials. Dedicated to helping viewers celebrate holidays, seasons, and life’s special moments, Hallmark Channel is home to a host of annual programming events, including the highly successful Countdown to Christmas, which has become a pop culture phenomenon and a beloved holiday tradition for millions of viewers. Rounding out the network’s slate are some of television’s most classic comedies and series, including The Golden Girls, Reba, and Gilmore Girls.

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#CruisingPeachy #WestCoastPeachy #Mazda @MazdaUSA Brings Legendary 787B to Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion

Mazda Motorsports will headline the 2026 Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion with a landmark gathering of iconic race cars — including, straight from Japan, the legendary 1991 24 Hours of Le Mans-winning Mazda 787B. It is the first time many American fans will have the chance to see and hear the car that rewrote motorsport history in person.

Mazda Brings Legendary 787B to Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion

The 787B — draped in its unmistakable Renown livery and armed with a 2.6-liter four-rotor Wankel engine — will be the hero racecar within the JDM Mazda Exhibit located in the paddock courtyard at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. With demonstration laps and live engine fire-ups scheduled across all four days of the Reunion, that spine-rattling, high-pitched rotary scream will be impossible to miss.

"What a thrill to have the 787B joining us in Monterey," said Mazda Motorsports Senior Manager Jonathan Applegate. "That sound and that livery are synonymous with Mazda's victory at Le Mans. It is such a treat for fans to be able to see and hear it in person in the U.S. Added alongside our Mazda Heritage Collection and others, we'll truly have a panoramic view of Mazda's racing history."

The 787B anchors an extraordinary lineup of Mazda racing machinery spanning six decades. Flanking the Le Mans winner will be the 1967 Cosmo Sport — the car that launched Mazda's rotary legacy — the 1989 767B-002, the 1990 787-002, the 1991 RX-7 GTO, 1992 RX-792p, and the most recent Mazda prototype racecar, the 2019 RT24-P. Together, they tell the full arc of one of motorsport's most singular engineering stories.

The cars won't be the only stars. Mazda will bring a roster of legendary drivers to match, including Tristan Nunez & Tom Long who will pilot the 767B & the 787 in Group C competition. The Japanese endurance racing icon Yojiro Terada driving the 787B in Friday & Saturday's Japanese Cars Exhibition Sessions. Also, IMSA racing legend, Tommy Kendall — who arrives alongside his own 1986/1987 IMSA GTU Championship-winning Mazda RX-7.

The Mazda presence extends beyond the racetrack. Ikuo Maeda, Mazda Executive Fellow of Design and Brand Style, and Brad Audet, Mazda North America Chief Marketing Officer, will serve as guest judges at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance — widely regarded as the most prestigious automotive event in the world. Fewer than 200 cars from across the globe earn an invitation to compete each year. This year, both the 787 and 787B have been invited for display on the main lawn as a part of the Japanese Motorsports class, a fitting honor for machines that transcend racing and belong to automotive history.

The Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion runs August 12–15 at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, followed by the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance on August 16. Tickets are available at weathertechraceway.com. Fans unable to attend can catch the livestream on the track's Facebook and YouTube pages.

About Mazda North American Operations

Proudly founded in Hiroshima, Japan, Mazda has a history of sophisticated craftsmanship and innovation, and a purpose to enrich life-in-motion for those it serves. By putting humans at the center of everything it does, Mazda aspires to create uplifting experiences with our vehicles and for people. Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, California, and oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States, Canada, Mexico and Colombia through approximately 795 dealers. Operations in Canada are managed by Mazda Canada Inc. in Richmond Hill, Ontario; operations in Mexico are managed by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City; and operations in Colombia are managed by Mazda de Colombia in Bogota, Colombia.

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#ProductAlert #InauguralReview #IvyBeauty #Etlee #TwilightBloom & #SparklingRose #EaudeParfum Recommended by @ManhattanPeachy

What Grok the XAI by Elon Musk tells us:

Etlee (stylized as etleé or ETLEÉ) perfume is owned by Ivy Enterprises, Inc. (also operating as Ivy Beauty), a U.S.-based beauty products company.

Key Details

Trademark and Ownership: Ivy Enterprises, Inc. filed the ETLEÉ trademark application on August 30, 2024 (Serial Number 98725952) for fragrances, perfumes, perfumery, and related products. It remains the current trademark owner and manufacturer.

Company Leadership: Hee J Chang serves as President of Ivy Enterprises, Inc. The company is based in Port Washington, New York, and has a portfolio of beauty brands and products (e.g., under KISS USA and IVY BEAUTY lines). Its website for etleé products is ivyusa.com.

Brand Background: etleé is a newer fragrance line (launched around 2025) featuring eau de parfums with up to 20% fragrance concentration, formulated in Korea. It offers three collections—Inspired (reinterpretations of iconic scents), Blend (layerable pairings), and Single (focused single-note scents)—emphasizing everyday luxury, layering, and “scents to illuminate your everyday.” 

The name draws from French words étoile (star) and atelier (workshop/studio).

Whom You Know found no evidence of authentic French origins.

The official brand site (etlee.com) focuses on the poetic story and product experience without naming individual founders. It gained popularity in Korea (including a collaboration/endorsement with the K-pop group NMIXX) and is sold through beauty retailers and online platforms.

https://ivyusa.com/pages/etlee?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23606082708&gbraid=0AAAAABVGSVnUUEm0mI1kSSr5gZNAZPcbt&gclid=Cj0KCQjwjb3SBhDgARIsAMKiWziiBudXsme32Tf1Ovg1cFJw7GoQnvXhUYKFMs5JIMaMaepNBty9rd4aAsdREALw_wcB

https://www.youtube.com/@Ivy_Beauty

https://www.facebook.com/ivyusa.official

Twilight Bloom is a popular Eau de Parfum from the etleé (Etlee) fragrance line by Ivy Enterprises, Inc. (Ivy Beauty). It belongs to the brand’s Inspired Collection, which offers reinterpretations of iconic luxury scents.

It is directly inspired by Carolina Herrera Good Girl (often abbreviated CH Good Girl), a well-known warm, sensual floral-gourmand fragrance. etleé’s version captures a similar essence but is positioned as an accessible, everyday luxury option with premium Korean formulation. The brand describes it with the evocative tagline “When night falls, the heart opens.” It blends sweetness and sensuality in a refined, delicate floral profile that feels elegant and memorable without being overpowering—ideal for daily wear or special occasions.

Scent Profile

Fragrance Family: Floral (with gourmand elements). Notes (consistent across official product pages and listings):Top Notes: Almond, Citrus Notes (often described as opening with a warm, sweet nutty-creaminess).

Heart Notes: Jasmine, Tuberose, Rose, Iris (sometimes with orange blossom for a blooming floral heart).

Base Notes: Vanilla, Amber, Sandalwood, Tonka Bean, Patchouli (with cocoa often noted for depth and richness).

Formulation: Expertly crafted in Korea with premium ingredients.

***

Sparkling Rose is a vibrant Eau de Parfum in the etleé (Etlee) fragrance collection by Ivy Enterprises, Inc. (Ivy Beauty). It belongs to the Inspired Collection, which features reinterpretations of iconic luxury scents.

It draws direct inspiration from Parfums de Marly Delina (often simply called Delina), a popular rose-centric fragrance known for its elegant, fruity-floral profile. etleé’s version emphasizes a “sparkling,” fresh, and awakening quality with a tart fruity opening that transitions into a graceful, refined rose heart and warm base. The brand describes it as: “lychee and rhubarb open with a fresh, tart sparkle that awakens the senses. Rose and peony bloom at the heart, settling into warm cashmere woods, musk, and vanilla for a graceful, refined finish.” It’s positioned as an Oriental Floral scent—elegant, vibrant, and versatile for everyday wear or special moments, with a bright, effervescent character that feels celebratory and feminine yet approachable.

Scent Profile and NotesFragrance Family: Floral – Oriental Floral.

Pyramid (from the official product page):Top Notes: Lychee, Rhubarb, Bergamot (fresh, tart, sparkling fruity-citrus burst).

Heart Notes: Rose, Peony, Musk (blooming floral heart with a soft, elegant rose focus).

Base Notes: Musk, Vanilla, Cedarwood (warm, graceful woody-vanilla dry-down with cashmere-like softness)

Formulation: Expertly crafted in Korea with premium ingredients.

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#MovietimeInManhattan @WBD LEE CRONIN’S THE MUMMY from Writer/Director/Executive Producer Lee Cronin Becomes Available Digitally for the First Time on May 19 Debuts in North America on Digital on May 19 4K UHD™, Blu-ray™, and DVD arrive on July 14

Lee Cronin’s The Mummy, an original take on the mummy genre from New Line Cinema and writer/director/executive producer Lee Cronin (“Evil Dead Rise”), debuts digitally at home on May 19.

Lee Cronin’s The Mummy stars Jack Reynor, Laia Costa, May Calamawy, Natalie Grace, with Veronica Falcón.

On May 19, Lee Cronin’s The Mummy will be available at home on participating digital platforms, including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Fandango at Home, and more.On July 14, Lee Cronin’s The Mummy will be available to own on 4K UHD™, Blu-ray™, and DVD from online and physical retailers. Lee Cronin’s The Mummy will also continue to be available in high definition and standard definition from participating digital retailers, and as always, Whom You Know is absolutely thrilled to tell you the latest and greatest from our FAVORITE, Warner Brothers Discovery, whom we have published on continuously for over a decade and a half.  They were one of the first brands to recognize excellence in online journalism and we await their releases with enthusiasm!

Lee Cronin’s The Mummy Digital, 4K UHD™, and Blu-ray™ contain the following special features: The Making of Lee Cronin’s The Mummy

Director Lee Cronin reveals his striking vision for a terrifying new mummy tale of heart and horror. Explore the film’s claustrophobic atmosphere and meticulous filmmaking as it delivers emotion and relentless terror!

A Bloody and Grotesque Spectacle

Blood, bugs and toenails fuel this inside look at the film’s wild SFX and practical filmmaking magic! Cast and crew also reveal how Natalie Grace transforms into a demon-possessed vessel through intense prosthetics and chilling physicality.

Possession and Ancient Demons

Explore the story’s Egyptian roots and demonic rituals. Detective Zaki and the family investigate Katie's disappearance as the cast reveals the visceral reality of filming possession and terror while building the film's many unforgettable scenes.

Deleted Scenes

Commentary by Writer/Director/Executive Producer Lee Cronin

BASICS

Premium Digital: May 19

4K UHD™, Blu-ray™ and DVD Street Date: July 14

4K Languages: English, Canadian French, Parisian French, Latin Spanish, Castilian Spanish, German, Italian, Japanese, Czech 4K Subtitles: English, Parisian French, Latin Spanish, Castilian Spanish, Finnish, German, Italian, Japanese, Norwegian, Swedish, Dutch, Danish, Czech, Complex Chinese

BD Languages: English, Canadian French, Latin Spanish

BD Subtitles: English, Parisian French, Latin Spanish

DVD Languages: English, Canadian French, Latin Spanish, Japanese

DVD Subtitles: English, Parisian French, Latin Spanish, Japanese

Running Time: 134 minutes

Rated R for strong disturbing violent content, gore, language and brief drug use.

4K UHD and Blu-ray: ATMOS TrueHD, DLBY/DGTL

https://wbd.com/

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https://www.facebook.com/WBD

https://www.linkedin.com/company/warner-bros-discovery/

https://www.instagram.com/wbd

About the Film

Hot off the record-setting resurrection of EVIL DEAD RISE, writer/director Lee Cronin turns to one of the most iconic horror stories of all time with an audacious and twisted retelling: LEE CRONIN’S THE MUMMY.

The young daughter of a journalist disappears into the desert without a trace—eight

years later, the broken family is shocked when she is returned to them, as what should be a

joyful reunion turns into a living nightmare.

The film stars Jack Reynor, Laia Costa, May Calamawy, Natalie Grace, with Veronica

Falcón. The film is written and directed by Cronin, and produced by James Wan, Jason Blum

and John Keville. The executive producers are Michael Clear, Judson Scott, Macdara

Kelleher and Lee Cronin.

Cronin is supported behind the camera by a team of sterling film artisans, including

director of photography Dave Garbett, production designer Nick Bassett, editor Bryan Shaw,

costume designer Joanna Eatwell, music by Stephen McKeon and casting by Terri Taylor and

Sarah Domeier Lindo. New Line Cinema, Atomic Monster and Blumhouse Present, A Wicked/Good Production, A Lee Cronin Film: LEE CRONIN’S THE MUMMY.

About New Line Cinema

Building on more than 55 years of innovation and creativity, New Line Cinema continues its long and successful history of producing critically acclaimed hit films that resonate with both mainstream and niche audiences around the world. A pioneer in the horror genre, New Line is known for compelling storytelling and producing groundbreaking entertainment. New Line is a unit of Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group.

About Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group

Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group is comprised of Warner Bros. Pictures, New Line Cinema and Warner Bros. Pictures Animation. Warner Bros. partners with the world’s most inspiring storytellers to create extraordinary entertainment on every screen for the global audience. Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group has been at the forefront of the motion picture industry since its inception and continues to be a leading creative force, producing the broadest slate of films for worldwide theatrical release.

About Warner Bros. Home Entertainment

Warner Bros. Home Entertainment (WBHE) distributes the award-winning movies, television, animation, and digital content produced by Warner Bros. Discovery to the homes and screens of millions through digital transactions on major streaming, video-on-demand cable, satellite, digital, and mobile channels, and through physical Blu-ray Disc™ and DVD retail sales. WBHE is part of Warner Bros. Discovery Content Sales, one of the world’s largest distributors of entertainment programming.

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#LiteraryPeachy New report examines evolving role of public libraries in media literacy and news access Survey of 913 library workers highlights patron needs, access barriers and capacity challenges facing public libraries

The Public Library Association (PLA) and PressReader have released the “News Access and Media Literacy in Public Libraries” report examining how public libraries are supporting patrons as they navigate an increasingly complex information environment.

Based on survey responses from over 900 public library professionals across North America, the report explores changing media consumption, access barriers and library efforts to support media literacy and engagement.

As digital overload, emerging technologies, and a rapidly shifting information landscape reshape how people find and evaluate information, public libraries are playing an increasingly vital role in helping communities navigate today’s media environment. Survey findings show that media literacy support is now deeply embedded in library service, from formal programs to everyday patron interactions at the reference desk.

Among the report’s key findings:

• Public libraries are on the front lines of media literacy, helping patrons evaluate sources, navigate digital content and access trustworthy information every day.

• More than 65% of respondents said patrons struggle to use digital resources, while staff training emerged as the top investment needed to help libraries meet growing demand for digital literacy support.

The report also examines changing media consumption patterns and explores how public libraries are adapting services to meet community needs while balancing staffing, training, and resource constraints.

At the same time, respondents identified significant challenges. Many library workers reported that patrons face barriers to accessing digital information, including lack of awareness of available resources, limited digital skills, technology challenges and unreliable internet access. Library workers also cite staff training, technology and digital resources as important investments needed to strengthen media literacy efforts.

“Public library professionals have always been trusted guides in helping people access and evaluate information,” said PLA President, Dr. Brandy McNeil. “As the information landscape grows more complex, this work has become even more critical to supporting informed, connected communities.”

The report also includes engagement data from PressReader, the report’s sponsor and a digital platform providing access to newspapers, magazines and books through public libraries in the United States and globally. This additional data offers context that complements the survey findings and helps illustrate broader trends in digital news engagement.

“We’re really excited to partner with PLA on this project,” said Ruairí Doyle, CEO of PressReader. “Our organizations share a belief that access to credible, diverse information matters and that public libraries play a vital role. By bringing together what libraries are seeing every day with how millions of patrons engage on PressReader, this report offers a clearer picture of what media consumption and literacy really look like today and the gaps that still exist.”

About PressReader

PressReader helps public libraries connect their communities to trusted journalism and diverse perspectives through an easy-to-use digital platform. With access to more than 8,000 quality newspapers and magazines from 120 countries, alongside a growing collection of books and daily puzzles, libraries can offer an all-you-can-read experience that supports literacy, curiosity and lifelong learning.

Since 1999, PressReader has pioneered digital content curation and distribution. Today, the company has partnerships with more than 1,500 publishers and thousands of library systems worldwide to make the world’s best content more accessible, inclusive and sustainable. 

About the Public Library Association

The Public Library Association (PLA) is the largest association dedicated to supporting the unique and evolving needs of public library professionals. Founded in 1944, PLA serves nearly 9,000 members in public libraries large and small in communities across the United States and Canada, with a growing presence around the world. PLA strives to help its members shape the essential institution of public libraries by serving as an indispensable ally for public library leaders. For more information about PLA, contact the PLA office at 1 (800) 545-2433, ext. 5PLA, or pla@ala.org.

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#BigAppleBusiness The “American Dream at 250” Is Reshaping the US Economy – Prioritizes Personal Values and Fulfillment

Timed for America’s 250th anniversary, new research by global growth and pricing consultancy Simon-Kucher finds the American Dream has shifted to a deeply personal, individualized vision that prioritizes quality of life and meaningful fulfillment over traditional wealth and shared milestones. The traditional K-shaped economy with the backdrop of rising costs, has reached an inflection point, as “wealth” is being redefined. Material success and a uniform vision, as established by writer James Truslow Adam centuries ago, are being updated. Today, Americans are redefining the American Dream and trading long-term financial hallmarks like homeownership and retirement for personal values that favor flexibility, stability and enjoying life today.

“The American Dream is still alive, but traditional signs of success, like pensions and wealth are less relevant today because of macroeconomic pressures,” said Shikha Jain, Partner, Head of Consumer in North America at Simon-Kucher. “Today, Americans are defining success on their own terms, focusing on making life work and finding a sense of normalcy. That means spending on daily needs, seeking out personal and meaningful experiences, and taking on debt to get by.”

To create a rigorous snapshot, Simon-Kucher surveyed 5,000 Americans and quantified generational and demographic differences. The study directly reflects Simon-Kucher’s leadership in commercial strategy, placing it at the center of boardroom conversations on pricing, tariffs, margin pressures, inflation, and changing consumer behaviors.

A New American Dream Based on Reality

The shifts in the New American Dream are changing. Young Americans are defining success beyond home ownership and status. Gen Z values flexibility and personal fulfillment over traditional milestones. At the same time, credit card debt, high healthcare costs, student loan debt, and economic uncertainty stack up, making the classic path harder. Money remains a key contributor to the American Dream, but American values are now more complex. Americans want financial control and measurable balance today to live a fulfilling life.

Some Key Findings:Postponing Tomorrow’s Goals for Short Term Needs: 90 percent said inflation has changed purchasing behavior.

35 percent Report No Clear Path to Achieving the American Dream: A skilled trade (14 percent) ranked higher than a four-year college degree (11 percent), a technology career (11 percent), or an entrepreneur (11 percent).

Traditional Milestones Are More Difficult to Achieve: 62 percent said owning a home, and 57 percent said retiring early is more challenging.

Generational Financial Differences: 51 percent of Gen Z say they have sacrificed long-term financial goals to improve quality of life today, compared with only 22 percent of Baby Boomers.

Flexibility is Part of the New Value Equation: 46 percent of Millennials and 41 percent of Gen Z prefer flexibility over income, while 10 percent and 13 percent, prioritize income; the rest say both are important.

Making It: Gen Z (25 percent) use multiple income streams to foster resilience and regulate finances.

A Shift That Businesses Can’t Ignore

COVID-19 was the catalyst that forced Americans and businesses to rethink what was important. Now, with high inflation and economic challenges, consumer behavior, priorities, and values have shifted once more.

“These consumer shifts are not temporary. They reflect a reset in how Americans view success and consumption,” said Jain. “High prices and managing uncertainty directly impact demand, brand trust, and long-term business growth. Companies that review the New American Dream as a strategic business tool will be better positioned to navigate what comes next, economically and culturally.”

To meet consumers in the New American Dream, businesses can earn trust by emphasizing transparent pricing, practical values, and affordable solutions and products rather than aspirational options. By providing products and services with trade-offs, businesses encourage consumers to take control of their finances and achieve the outcomes they value most:Business pricing models offer flexibility, value, and avoid one-size-fits-all offerings.

Be aware that financial pressures are influencing decision-making especially as many are waiting for sales, looking for cheaper alternatives, and buying less.

Offer choices that consumers want and value and that are easy to act on.

Understanding generational differences and shifts will go far in building opportunities.

Simon-Kucher is a global consultancy with more than 2,000 employees in 31 countries. Our sole focus is on unlocking better growth that drives measurable revenue and profit for our clients. We achieve this by optimizing every lever of their commercial strategy: product, price, innovation, marketing, and sales, based on deep insights into what customers want and value. With over 40 years of experience in monetization across all topics, we are regarded as the world’s leading pricing and growth specialists.

simon-kucher.com

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#MovietimeInManhattan VersusMedia Launches Festival API to Help Developers and Filmmakers Discover Active Film Festivals Worldwide

Festival API tracks 2,000+ active film festivals across 75+ countries, helping apps and filmmakers find festivals accepting submissions right now.

VersusMedia, a long-running independent film and music platform founded in 2001, today announced the launch of Festival API, a developer-first REST API built to make film festival discovery faster, cleaner, and easier to integrate into modern filmmaker tools.

Festival API helps filmmakers and developer platforms discover active film festival submission opportunities across 2,000+ festivals, 30+ categories, and 75+ countries.

Festival API answers one direct question: which film festivals are accepting submissions right now?

The API currently tracks 2,000+ active, verified film festivals across 30+ categories and 75+ countries. Developers can search and filter festivals by category, genre, country, submission deadline, and maximum fee, then retrieve structured festival data including fees, accepted categories, genres, eligibility requirements, contact information, venue details, and festival rosters.

Instead of manually searching submission platforms, individual festival websites, old listings, or spreadsheets, developers get clean JSON with the festival submission data they need. Festival API also includes a proprietary Festival Score from 0 to 100 that ranks festivals by relevance to a film.

Festival API supports major film categories including short film, feature, documentary, animation, horror, sci-fi, comedy, experimental, music video, student film, LGBTQ+, environmental, faith-based, cultural and diaspora festivals, as well as newer formats such as AI film, VR/360, vertical shorts, web series, branded content, and creator content.

One of the API’s standout features is the proprietary Festival Score, a relevance score that helps rank festivals based on category match, genre alignment, fee reasonableness, deadline proximity, and other submission-fit signals. This gives developers a simple way to build recommendation tools, filmmaker dashboards, festival discovery apps, entertainment research products, and AI-powered submission planners.

Festival API is available directly at https://festivalapi.com, with prepaid credit pricing and no subscriptions. New accounts receive 50 free credits with no credit card required. The API is also being made available through additional developer marketplace channels for teams that prefer marketplace-based access.

The launch also includes official lightweight client libraries for popular developer environments, making it easier to add festival search, scoring, category lookup, country filters, and festival roster data into filmmaker-facing products.

As part of the launch, VersusMedia has also added a new Festival Search feature to the VersusMedia artist dashboard. Artists who have uploaded at least one video to VersusMedia can now access festival search tools powered by Festival API, giving independent filmmakers another way to discover relevant opportunities for their work.

“VersusMedia has always been about supporting independent voices,” said Ryan Vinson, founder of VersusMedia. “Festival API extends that mission into the developer ecosystem. We want filmmakers, platforms, and creative technology companies to have access to the same kind of structured data that larger companies take for granted.”

Festival API is designed for filmmaker platforms, submission planning tools, festival aggregators, AI agents, entertainment marketplaces, distributor workflows, studio tools, research products, and indie creators who need reliable festival data without building and maintaining their own crawling pipeline.

To learn more, visit https://festivalapi.com.

About Festival API

Festival API is a developer-first REST API for film festival discovery and submission data. The API tracks 2,000+ active, verified film festivals across 30+ categories and 75+ countries, providing structured data on deadlines, fees, eligibility requirements, accepted categories, genres, contacts, venues, rosters, and relevance-ranked Festival Scores.

About VersusMedia

Founded in 2001, VersusMedia is an independent film and music platform built to support independent creators. Over more than two decades, VersusMedia has helped filmmakers, musicians, and artists distribute and promote their work through digital platforms, streaming channels, creator tools, and developer APIs. Festival API continues VersusMedia’s mission of making entertainment industry opportunities more accessible to independent voices.

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#PeachyAhoy #MarylandPeachy @PrideofBalt #TallShipsAmerica #PrideofBaltimoreII Tall Ships: Exclusive Interview with #Engineer #MaryWalker

CLICK HERE TO SEE OUR EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH MARY WALKER, ENGINEER OF PRIDE OF BALTIMORE II

What Grok the XAI by Elon Musk tells us:

Pride of Baltimore II is a beautiful square-topsail schooner and a modern reproduction of an early 19th-century Baltimore Clipper. It serves as Maryland’s official sailing goodwill ambassador, promoting the state’s rich maritime heritage, Chesapeake Bay history, tourism, and economic development.

tallshipsamerica.org

History

The original Pride of Baltimore (a smaller topsail schooner built in 1977) was the first Baltimore Clipper constructed in over 150 years. It sailed successfully as a city ambassador until a tragic microburst squall sank it on May 14, 1986, off Puerto Rico, claiming the captain and three crew members.

Public outpouring of support led to the construction of Pride of Baltimore II as a sailing memorial. Designed by naval architect Thomas C. Gillmer (who also designed the first Pride) and built by master shipwright G. Peter Boudreau (a veteran of the original ship), construction began in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor in 1987. The keel was laid on May 3, 1987; the ship launched on April 30, 1988; and it was commissioned on October 23, 1988, near the historic Fells Point site where the famous War of 1812 privateer Chasseur (“Pride of Baltimore”) was built in 1812.

pride2.org

https://x.com/prideofbalt

https://www.linkedin.com/company/pride-of-baltimore-inc-/

https://www.youtube.com/user/PRIDEOFBALTIMOREII

https://www.facebook.com/prideII/

https://www.instagram.com/prideofbaltimore/?hl=en

Pride II is larger and more seaworthy than its predecessor, with modern safety features (including watertight bulkheads), while retaining the classic sharp-built Baltimore Clipper profile. It has sailed over 275,000 nautical miles and visited more than 200 ports in 40 countries across North, South, and Central America, Europe, and Asia.

tallshipsbrockville.com

Specifications

Rig: Square-topsail schooner (10 sails total, including square topsail and flying topgallant on the foremast)

Sparred Length: 157 ft (48 m)

Length on Deck (LOD): 100 ft

Length Overall (LOA): 105 ft

Length at Waterline (LWL): 91 ft

Beam: 26 ft 4 in (8.03 m)

Draft: 12 ft 6 in (3.81 m)

Rig Height: 107 ft (33 m)

Sail Area: 9,018 sq ft (≈ 838 m²)

Hull: Wood (framed and planked with hardwoods from Belize)

Propulsion: Two diesel engines (≈ 160 hp each) for auxiliary power and extended range

Tonnage: ≈ 97–185 long tons (displacement varies by source)

Crew: 12 professional crew (rotating captains); accommodates up to 6 working guest crew

Certification: USCG Subchapter T passenger vessel (ocean-rated)

Baltimore Clippers were renowned for their speed, maneuverability, and weatherliness. Pride II can reach speeds up to about 13 knots under sail and maintains the elegant, raked-mast profile that made these vessels famous as privateers during the War of 1812.

Mission and Public Access

Operated by the nonprofit Pride of Baltimore, Inc., the ship educates the public about Maryland’s maritime history while serving as a floating ambassador. It participates in tall ship festivals, races (such as the Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race), and major events.

Visitors can enjoy:

Free or low-cost deck tours when in port

Public day sails and sunset cruises

Overnight “working guest crew” passages (hands-on sailing experience)

Private charters and receptions

The ship typically offers these opportunities at ports along the East Coast, Great Lakes, and occasionally farther afield.

Current Status (as of 2026)

Pride of Baltimore II remains fully active in its 39th sailing season. In 2025 alone, it sailed over 9,300 nautical miles, made nearly two dozen port visits, and welcomed more than 53,000 visitors.

In 2026, it is prominently featured in Sail250 events celebrating America’s 250th anniversary, including stops in Richmond, Norfolk, Baltimore (with air show), New York, and Boston, plus additional ports afterward. It returns to Baltimore for winter maintenance (downrigging) each year before resuming spring voyages.

Official website: pride2.org

Phone: 410-539-1151 

Pride of Baltimore II is a living link to America’s maritime past and a stunning sight under full sail. Whether you catch it in port for a tour or join a sail, it offers a memorable connection to Chesapeake Bay history and the spirit of the original Baltimore Clippers.

Baltimore Clipper ship design

War of 1812 privateers

Photography by Peachy Deegan 

All material is property of Whom You Know. Copyright 2026 Whom You Know. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.

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#NewYorkNotes Guitar Center Inducts Billy Idol and Steve Stevens into the Hollywood Rockwalk

Iconic rock duo honored for songs that defined an era, a partnership four decades strong, and a legacy still heard in Guitar Center stores worldwide

Billy Idol and Steve Stevens will join an elite group of music legends as the latest artists inducted into Guitar Center’s Hollywood Rockwalk. Since 1985, Guitar Center has honored groundbreaking artists whose influence has shaped popular culture. Located outside Guitar Center’s flagship Hollywood store, the upcoming induction ceremony will celebrate Idol and Stevens’ contributions to rock music and their lasting impact on generations of fans and musicians.

Guitar Center today named rock legends Billy Idol and Steve Stevens as the next inductees into the Hollywood Rockwalk, the landmark Sunset Boulevard tribute honoring artists and industry pioneers who left a lasting mark on music history. Owned and operated by Guitar Center since 1985, Rockwalk has become one of the music industry’s most recognizable public tributes to legendary artists and cultural innovators.

“Billy Idol and Steve Stevens didn’t just write hits — they built a partnership where a punk frontman and a virtuoso guitarist made each other sharper. The ‘Rebel Yell’ intro alone has inspired generations of guitar players. Walk into any Guitar Center on a Saturday, and you’ll still hear someone chasing that tone. That’s the definition of Rockwalk-worthy,” said Gabe Dalporto, CEO of Guitar Center.

From “Rebel Yell” and “White Wedding” to “Eyes Without a Face” and “Flesh for Fantasy,” Billy Idol and Steve Stevens created some of the most recognizable rock songs of the 1980s. Idol’s unmistakable voice, rebellious image and hook-driven songwriting combined with Stevens’ virtuosic guitar playing and cinematic, genre-blending sound redefined what rock music could look and sound like on a global stage. The duo continues to tour together worldwide, and their catalog remains a reference point for generations of players.

“Steve and I have spent so much of our lives around music shops, trying new things while working hard to perfect our sound, with Guitar Center right at the center of it all,” said Billy Idol. “Being inducted into the Rockwalk together feels like a real full circle moment after all these years of making music side-by-side.”

“It’s absolutely awesome that Billy Idol and I will be inducted into the Guitar Center Rockwalk,” said Steve Stevens. “We join some of the greatest musicians ever in this honor. I hope some young guitarist looks down at our impressions and marches inside to buy his first guitar, just as I did. This building is filled with dreams and possibilities. All you need is desire and passion.”

Rockwalk has celebrated some of the most recognized names in rock, blues, soul and popular music through signature and handprint ceremonies outside Guitar Center Hollywood. More than 150 artists and innovators have been inducted, including Eric Clapton, John Lennon, Stevie Wonder, Aerosmith, Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, Alanis Morissette, Black Sabbath, The Ramones, Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash.

Located at the entrance of Guitar Center’s flagship Hollywood store on Sunset Boulevard, Rockwalk is a permanent public destination where fans and musicians connect with music history year-round. The induction ceremony will be held on-site.

About Billy Idol:

For almost 50 years, Billy Idol has been one of the definitive faces and voices of rock ’n’ roll. Between 1977 and 1981, Idol released three albums with Generation X as their camera-ready frontman. In 1982, with guitarist Steve Stevens at his side, he embarked on a transatlantic/trans-genre solo career that integrated the bold and simple lines of punk and rock ’n’ roll decadence on songs like “Dancing With Myself,” “White Wedding,” “Rebel Yell,” “Eyes Without A Face,” “Cradle of Love” and more. Touring consistently around the world and showing no signs of slowing down, Idol released Dream Into It on Dark Horse Records in 2025, earning praise from fans and critics alike. Most recently Idol released Billy Idol Should Be Dead, the critically acclaimed definitive documentary about his life and career, and is a member of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame's incoming Class of 2026.

About Steve Stevens:

For more than four decades, Steve Stevens has been one of rock music’s most innovative and recognizable guitarists, known for his groundbreaking playing style and longtime creative partnership with Billy Idol. Since first teaming up in the early 1980s, Stevens has co-written and performed on some of rock’s most iconic songs, including “Rebel Yell,” “Eyes Without A Face,” “Flesh for Fantasy” and “White Wedding.” Beyond his work with Idol, Stevens earned a Grammy® Award for his performance on the “Top Gun Anthem” and contributed his signature sound to Michael Jackson’s “Dirty Diana” and records by artists including Robert Palmer, Joni Mitchell and Vince Neil. A sought-after collaborator, songwriter and performer, Stevens has also released acclaimed solo projects and performed on numerous major film soundtracks throughout his career. In 2025, Stevens and Idol collaborated on Dream Into It, their first full-length album of new material in nearly a decade, continuing a legendary creative partnership that remains as influential and relevant today as ever.

About Guitar Center:

Guitar Center is the leading retailer of musical instruments, lessons, repairs and rentals in the U.S. With more than 300 stores nationwide and one of the top direct sales websites in the industry, Guitar Center has helped people make music for more than 60 years. Guitar Center provides a range of musician-based services, including Guitar Center Lessons for players of all ages and skill levels, GC Repairs, an on-site maintenance and repair service, and GC Rentals, offering easy access to instruments and gear. Guitar Center’s family of brands includes Music & Arts, which operates more than 250 stores specializing in band and orchestral instruments for sale and rental, serving teachers, band directors, college professors, parents and students, and Musician’s Friend, a leading direct marketer of musical instruments in the United States. Guitar Center Business Solutions is the company’s commercial division, delivering professional audio, video, lighting and integrated technology solutions for businesses, institutions and creators nationwide through a portfolio of brands including AVDG (Audio Visual Design Group), GC Pro and Custom House at Guitar Center. The Guitar Center Music Foundation is a national nonprofit that expands access to music through instrument donations and support for communities in need.

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