A new study out of the University of Cambridge has found that singsong speech is vital for a baby's ability to learn language skills. The study found that infants first understand language through rhythm and tone, rather than individual sounds or words. Our brains' ability to understand speech relies on a complex systems. There is a wealth of previous evidence which shows … [Read more...] about First came rhythm, then came baby: new study on language development
Santa Claus: the Patron Saint of Propaganda
For many of us, Santa Claus is an epic figure who, along with Mrs. Claus, helper elves and magical reindeers live at the North Pole and once a year fly around the world dropping down chimneys to leave gifts for kids. For children around the world, this is not a story, but a hard fact. Real or not, I think we can all agree that Santa Claus is about hope, magic, generosity and … [Read more...] about Santa Claus: the Patron Saint of Propaganda
FREE audio of “A Christmas Carol” read by acclaimed author Neil Gaiman available
Looking to get into the festive spirit at no cost? How about getting cozy, curling up, and immersing into a dynamic reading of Charles Dickens' beloved classic, A Christmas Carol, performed by acclaimed author Neil Gaiman? This particular recording, (below) is from 9 years ago, however, in a very recent sold out event in NYC, Gaiman took to the stage once again to reprise … [Read more...] about FREE audio of “A Christmas Carol” read by acclaimed author Neil Gaiman available
AAP recognizes all publishers under threat in a historic first
On December 19th, the Association of American Publishers (AAP) awarded its 2023 International Freedom to Publish Award not to any one winner, but all publishers who were continuing to publish works despite an onslaught in censorship, government pressure, harassment, and threats. Terry Adams, chair of AAP's Freedom to Publish Committee shared, "From government censorship and … [Read more...] about AAP recognizes all publishers under threat in a historic first
Mickey Mouse hits the Public Domain in 2024
"Yes, Steamboat Willie is finally entering the public domain. Welcome, Mickey and Minnie Mouse!" shared Jennifer Jenkins, Law Professor and Director of the Center for the Study of the Public Domain at Duke University. With several firm provisions in place, the earliest form of Mickey and Minnie Mouse will be become part become public domain in 2024. In a moment many thought … [Read more...] about Mickey Mouse hits the Public Domain in 2024
Works Entering the Public Domain on Jan 1st
The public domain is a spring for inspiration and inventiveness. Copyright is not only about protecting a developer's creations and legal rights, it also promotes an exchange of ideas which can give rise to new creations. Authors’ rights are paramount, and copyright laws provide a manner for an orderly and fair trade of ideas. However, these laws also ensure that those … [Read more...] about Works Entering the Public Domain on Jan 1st
Neil Gaiman to offer a live reading of ‘A Christmas Carol’, December 18th and 19th
A decade after Neil Gaiman's live reading of A Christmas Carol at The New York Public Library, the hugely popular author will reprise his role as Charles Dickens for two nights only this holiday season. Gaiman will be presenting Dickens' original version of A Christmas Carol at New York's Town Hall December 18th and 19th. As shared by The New York Public Library, "To … [Read more...] about Neil Gaiman to offer a live reading of ‘A Christmas Carol’, December 18th and 19th
Miyazaki’s ‘The Boy and the Heron’ No. 1 at box office
Internationally acclaimed storyteller, Hayao Miyazaki, has had many successes during his long career, claiming accolades and awards along the way. However, the 82-year-old Japanese anime creator is experiencing a new first. His long anticipated anime film, The Boy and the Heron, is No.1 at the North American box office. This is only the third time ever that an anime … [Read more...] about Miyazaki’s ‘The Boy and the Heron’ No. 1 at box office
Librarians put out urgent call for lawmakers to regulate Ebook licensing agreements
Every year, millions of taxpayer's dollars are spent by libraries to pay publishers for access to eBooks and audiobooks. On December 5th, a panel representing the state's 1000+ libraries, was held in Hartford Connecticut. The session called on state lawmakers to focus on two pressing issues; eBook licensing, and the sharp increase in book bans. As opposed to when libraries … [Read more...] about Librarians put out urgent call for lawmakers to regulate Ebook licensing agreements
Joy Behar Announces New Tell All Book: ‘Everyone and Everything’
Comedian and longtime co-host of The View Joy Behar just announced she will be writing a brand new book to allow her to open up about her past in a fresh new way. The new memoir project is currently untitled and not due for release until 2024 or 2025. According to an interview with People, her publisher, Regalo Press, said, "(This memoir) promises to please both longtime … [Read more...] about Joy Behar Announces New Tell All Book: ‘Everyone and Everything’