Ascot Media Group Blog
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Cali Sky And The Muses Nine: A Memorable And Inspiring Coming-Of-Age Tale

Joanna Morgan
Ascot Media Group, Inc.
Post Office Box 133032
The Woodlands, TX 77393
Office: (281) 333-3507    
[email protected]  
www.ascotmedia.com      

Cali Sky And The Muses Nine: A Memorable And Inspiring Coming-Of-Age Tale

North Palm Beach, FL – Imaginative and mythic, Cali Sky and the Muses Nine is a coming-of-age tale from Joe Ladbroke.

When nine-year-old Cali Sky Braithewaite discovers an acoustic guitar mysteriously left in her bedroom closet, the muses descend, possessing her for the next fifteen years, tantalizing her with visions of a musical ideal.

By 1980 disco was dead, punk had reared its pissed-off head, New Wave had washed ashore, and Cali Sky remained oblivious to it all, thanks to her protective parents. Until she meets Brodie, who knocks on her door one day with a self-assured smile and a Pee Chee folder adorned with the handwritten names of the latest countercultural bands. She teaches him how to play guitar, he introduces her to KROQ-FM and the musical underground spreading all around her parents’ southern California home.

Together they explore the possibilities of their instruments and the limits of friendship as they seek inspiration, rooted in Cali Sky’s beauty-pained visions as well as her discoveries of the unexpected intersections between rock and roll and her parents’ hidden past.

Within a framework of Greek and Roman mythology, Ladbroke spins a classic rock-and-roll fable. His elaborate writing style complements the tone, sometimes adopting the cynical voice of youth against older generations, other times assuming the voice of adulation, paying homage to music history. The result is an unforgettable story of talent, inspiration and heartbreak.

Joe Ladbroke is a literature professor and amateur musician who has lived in Las Vegas, London and Southern California. He currently resides on the east coast of Florida.

Cali Sky and the Muses Nine
Joe Ladbroke

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Addicted: Tanay Jackson’s New Pop Single Has Fans Raving

Mandy Marshall
Ascot Media Group, Inc.
Post Office Box 133032
The Woodlands, TX 77393
Office 281.333.3507
[email protected]
www.ascotmedia.com

Addicted: Tanay Jackson’s New Pop Single Has Fans Raving

Los Angeles, CA – Music lovers, take note: Tanay Jackson is singing and dancing her way into the hearts of millions around the world with her new track, “Addicted.” The single is electrified with energy, and the club beats make it nearly impossible to stay off the dance floor. Tanay’s dance moves are fierce, and once she starts singing, it’s clear she is a “Jackson.”

Tanay knows no boundaries when it comes to success and she spends countless hours in pursuit of her music career. She literally does it all and attacks every opportunity with an entrepreneurial spirit. Whether she is singing, dancing, directing, designing her own clothes for a performance, or managing her two entertainment companies – Tanay’s personal drive for excellence makes this artist one to watch. She doesn’t subscribe to the word “can’t” and in fact, made history by being the only Jackson (besides her Uncle Michael) asked to perform in Romania, which she did so last year.

“I love what I’m doing,” says Tanay. “Music has always kept me grounded. It’s the creative process, the collaboration, the possibilities … and the fans that keep me motivated to do more.”

Tanay Jackson is the niece of the King of Pop, Michael Jackson. She knew at an early age that her heart would follow the music industry. First recognized for her natural singing ability in grade school, she went on to write her first song (produced in Japan) by the age of 12. Tanay graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Management and is CEO and president of Roth Entertainment and Lunar Music. Tanay recently finished a European tour and will be launching her new “Mama Chola” clothing line soon.

For more information, please visit: www.tanayjackson.net

Addicted
Artist: Tanay Jackson
Album: Addicted (Rollin’ Poppin’) featuring Jonathan Timber
Label: Roth Entertainment / Othaz Records
Genre: Pop
Producer: Ryan Lawford
Single available at ITunes, Amazon and Spotify.

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The Naked Truth: Hollywood’s Secrets Unveiled

Monica Foster
Ascot Media Group
Post Office Box 133032
The Woodlands, TX 77393
281.324.2180 – Office
713.446.8815 – Cell
281.333.3507 – Main
[email protected]
www.ascotmedia.com

The Naked Truth: Hollywood’s Secrets Unveiled

Los Angeles, CA – Award winning costume designer Jean-Pierre Dorléac pulls back the fitting room curtains as well as the doors to the executive suites of Hollywood from 1973 to 1985, in an uproarious account, The Naked Truth, covering the end of classic glamour.

In the ‘70s the corporations started buying out the dying studios that couldn’t combat television’s sudden appeal. Soon the glitter faded from big-budget productions when the economy forced the new moguls to buy independents films for next to nothing.

This very funny and quite fortuitous success story spans 12 years of copious Hollywood productions. The splashy tales are filled with entertaining confrontations involving glamour, politics, graft, sex, scandal, and heretofore, untold tales of the glitter and tinsel capital’s assets being sold off by the new capitalist.

About the Author
Hollywood costume designer, Jean-Pierre Dorléac, is no stranger to the film industry. Acclaimed for his award-winning costume designs, his creative talents can be seen in Somewhere in Time, The Blue Lagoon, Battlestar Gallactica, The Valley of the Dolls, Knightrider, Quantum Leap and Sci-Fi.

For more, please visit: https://www.jean-pierredorleac.com

The Naked Truth
by Jean-Pierre Dorléac
Publisher: Monad Books
ISBN: 0974551111
Release date: May 3, 2015
Available nationwide at independent and major book stores, Amazon.com and www.jean-pierredorleac.om.

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Bestseller Ellis the Elephant Delights Kids and Adults in Callista Gingrich’s From Sea To Shining Sea

Callista Gingrich announces the release of From Sea to Shining Sea (Regnery Kids), the fourth volume in her New York Times bestselling Ellis the Elephant series.

A patriotic American history introduction for young children, From Sea to Shining Sea follows an adorable elephant named Ellis in exploring the early years of the United States and the epic journey west into uncharted territory with Lewis and Clark. Charming rhymes and beautiful illustrations make the 50th reading as fun as the first, for children as well as adults!

In earlier books, Sweet Land of Liberty, Land of the Pilgrims’ Pride, and Yankee Doodle Dandy, Ellis, the time-traveling pachyderm, learns about pivotal moments that shaped America. Authored by Callista Gingrich and illustrated by Susan Arciero, From Sea to Shining Sea will delight those who want to know how brave Americans forged a growing nation and spread freedom from coast to coast.

Callista Gingrich is the president of Gingrich Productions. She and her husband, Newt─ a former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives─host and produce historical and public policy documentaries. Recent films include A City Upon A Hill, America at Risk, and Nine Days that Changed the World.

Mrs. Gingrich is also the co-author of Ronald Reagan: Rendezvous with Destiny. Her photography is featured in the New York Times bestseller Rediscovering God in America. An avid musician, she sings in the Choir of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. and plays French horn with the City of Fairfax Band in Fairfax, Virginia. She resides in McLean, Virginia with her husband, Newt Gingrich.

For more, please visit the website: www.EllisTheElephant.com

From Sea to Shining Sea
Regnery Kids
Available October 13, 2014 at independent and major book stores across the country including Barnes & Noble, Books-a-Million and Amazon.com
$14.99
ISBN-13: 978-1621572534

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Michael Taube, Washington Times: “Callista Gingrich has created one of the most impressive children’s book series in recent years. Her love for her country can be seen in every footstep Ellis takes in these three memorable volumes. As this small elephant discovers U.S. history, young children will never forget his great adventures.”

Kevin K: “Callista has found a great avenue to teach children about America. These books tell the unique history of our country and bring to life personalities and events in a way that is extremely appealing. This series is a gift to our children.”

John Longshore: “Delightful.…clear and easy to read and teaches history in a way a young child can understand and enjoy…educational at both the child and adult level. It is always good to be reminded of the facts of our nation’s history…”

Katie K.: “I love that Callista Gingrich has taken the time to write American history for children. I read these books to my nieces and nephews when we are together and they love to hear the story….it gives us a way to open up the conversation about the greatness of our America, and why we are here….a great gift to the younger generation…and you will ENJOY the time reading this book to them.”

BOOK TOUR:

Wednesday, October 22, 2014
12:00 – 1:30 p.m.
BARNES AND NOBLE TUCSON/EASTSIDE
5130 E. BROADWAY
TUCSON, AZ 85711
520-512-1166

Wednesday, October 22, 2014
7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
BARNES AND NOBLE PIMA & SHEA
SCOTTSDALE FIESTA SHOPPING CENTER
10500 N. 90th STREET
SCOTTSDALE, AZ 85258
480-391-0048

Friday, October 24, 2014
6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
DOYLESTOWN BOOKSHOP
16 S. MAIN STREET
DOYLESTOWN, PA 18901
215-230-7610

Saturday, October 25, 2014
12:00 – 2:00 p.m.
LIBERTY UNIVERSITY BOOKSTORE
1971 UNIVERSITY BLVD.
LYNCHBURG, VA 24502
434-582-2316

Monday, October 27, 2014
7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
BARNES AND NOBLE CREEKWALK VILLAGE
801 WEST 15th STREET
SUITE E
PLANO, TX 75075
972-422-3372

Tuesday, October 28, 2014
7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
BLUE WILLOW BOOKSHOP
14532 MEMORIAL DRIVE
HOUSTON, TX 77079

Wednesday, October 29, 2014
1:00 – 2:30 p.m.
BARNES AND NOBLE OAK PARK MALL
11323 W. 95TH STREET
OVERLAND PARK, KS 66214
913-492-8187

Wednesday, October 29, 2014
7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
BARNES AND NOBLE
3055 SOUTH GLENSTONE
SPRINGFIELD, MO 65804
417-885-0026

Monday, November 3, 2014
12:00 – 2:00 p.m.
THE VENETIAN
WATERFALL ATRIUM & GARDENS OF THE PALAZZO
3355 LAS VEGAS BLVD SOUTH
LAS VEGAS, NV 89109
702-414-1000

Wednesday, November 5, 2014
7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
BARNES AND NOBLE BETHESDA
4801 BETHESDA AVENUE
BETHESDA, MD 20814
301-986-1761

Friday, November 7, 2014
6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
BARNES AND NOBLE PALM BEACH GARDENS
11380 LEGACY AVENUE
PALM BEACH GARDENS, FL 33410
561-625-3932

Saturday, November 8, 2014
4:00 – 5:30 p.m.
BARNES AND NOBLE FT. LAUDERDALE
2051 N. FEDERAL HWY.
FT. LAUDERDALE, FL 33305
954-561-3732

Monday, November 10, 2014
6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
GREETINGS & READINGS
118-AA SHAWAN ROAD
HUNT VALLEY, MD 21030
410-771-3022

Tuesday, November 11, 2014
12:00 – 1:30 p.m.
BARNES AND NOBLE FAIR LAKES PROMENADE
12193 FAIR LAKES PROMENADE DRIVE
FAIRFAX, VA 22033
703-278-0300

Friday, November 14, 2014
7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
ANDERSON’S BOOKSHOP
123 W. JEFFERSON AVENUE
NAPERVILLE, IL 60540
630-355-2665

Saturday, November 15, 2014
3:00 – 4:30 p.m.
BARNES AND NOBLE VALLEY VIEW MALL
3800 STATE ROAD
LACROSSE, WI 54601
608-785-1330

Saturday, November 22, 2014
1:00 – 2:30 p.m.
BOOKENDS
211 EAST RIDGEWOOD AVENUE
RIDGEWOOD, NJ 07450
201-445-0726

Saturday, November 29, 2014
12:00 – 1:30 p.m.
BARNES AND NOBLE WATERSIDE SHOPS
5377 TAMIAMI TRAIL N.
NAPLES, FL 34108
239-598-5200

Saturday, December 6, 2014
2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
COLLEGE OF WILLIAM AND MARY BOOKSTORE
345 DUKE OF GLOUSTER STREET
WILLIAMSBURG, VA 23185
757-221-1651

Saturday, December 13, 2014
1:00 – 2:30 p.m.
SUGAR HOUSE DAY SPA AND SALON
111 N. ALFRED STREET
ALEXANDRIA, VA 22314
703-549-9940

Saturday, December 13, 2014
3:00 – 5:00 p.m.
THE SHOPS AT MT. VERNON
3200 MOUNT VERNON MEMORIAL HWY.
MT. VERNON, VA 22309

CONTACT:

Publicist – Monica Foster
Ascot Media Group
Post Office Box 133032
The Woodlands, TX 77393
Direct: (281) 324.2180
Office: (281) 333.3507
[email protected]
www.ascotmedia.com

 

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Counting Down Bob Dylan: His 100 Finest Songs

Latest Testimonial For Ascot Media Group

“I wrote a book called Counting Down Bob Dylan: His 100 Finest Songs. I was very proud of it and thought, with a successful blog, a platform as the writer for a national magazine, and some persistence, I’d be able to market it well on my own. Yet even though the people who got their hands on the book really enjoyed it, I just couldn’t seem to get any traction on a national or local level in terms of directing people toward the book.
 
In preparation for release of the second book in the series, Counting Down Bruce Springsteen: His 100 Finest Songs, I contacted Ascot Media Group. First of all, having checked out a few other book publicists, they were by far the most affordable. But they also delivered incredible results. Within weeks I did seven interviews, fielded inquiries for about 40 review copies from all over the country, and am scheduled, once the book comes out, to do more interviews, including several opportunities with Sirius/XM and possible coverage in The New York Times.
 
That’s all thanks to Ascot Media Group, who put together an outstanding press release, got that press release in just the right hands, and guided me every step of the way through the process. I even used the press release they sent me, targeted some local media myself, and got several more bites that way.
 
I cannot recommend Trish Stevens and her outstanding staff enough. I even received a free e-mail blast for referring another author to Ascot. And, without hesitation, I will definitely be employing them for future releases. If you need top-notch publicity for your project and don’t want to clobber your bank account to do it, there is really only once choice: Ascot.”
 
Jim Beviglia
Blog: countdownkid.wordpress.com
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How One Man’s Lifelong Dream And Perseverance Got Him On Letterman

New York, NY, – “Knowing what you’re dying to do tells you what you are living for.” – Steve Mazan

Background for dying to do Letterman: turning someday into today (HCI Books– $14.95). A very special book which grew out of his award-winning documentary film by the same name, here is everything you need to know about Steve, the book, and the film:

Steve Mazan was a funny kid with a big dream. From the time he was 12 years old, he wanted to become a comedian for one reason, and one reason only: to perform stand-up comedy on David Letterman’s show. Like all eager comics, he hustled for work in small clubs across the country, taking any gig he could earn. The pay was crummy, the progress miniscule, and some of the jobs ridiculous (like performing comedy at a minor league baseball game without a working microphone!) But Steve continued hoping that “someday” his dream might come true.

Then he received news that would change his life forever. Steve was diagnosed with incurable liver cancer, and learned he might only have five years to live. That was in 2005. Fighting through the fear and refusing to let depression swallow him whole, Steve chose to make the most out of his remaining time…he would dedicate what was left of his life to living his dream: performing on The Late Show for his idol, David Letterman.

This life-affirming, funny documentary chronicles Steve’s moving five year journey. Verite footage mixed with intimate diary cam and home movies shot by Steve gives dying to do Letterman a raw, incredibly real edge as it looks at cancer and comedy in a brand new light.

Beginning with Steve’s decision to “live his dream or die trying,” friends and family members pull together to launch a grass-roots campaign called “Dying to do Letterman.” They hope to grab Dave’s attention. Steve entertains audiences everywhere and enlists their help in reaching out to Letterman. Thousands of Steve’s comedy fans email The Late Show with the request, “book Mazan!” It looks like everything is going great…until Steve gets an email himself.

Letterman’s executive producer informs Steve that the show ‘gets these requests’ all the time, and while they’re sorry he’s sick, it would be ‘impossible’ to make this dream happen. He’s at a devastating crossroads. But, ever the fighter, he decides he’ll just have to ‘live longer’ and get on the show the old fashioned way: being funny in as many clubs as possible. Keeping audiences laughing in clubs everywhere, Steve works hard to become the best comedian he can, all the while using humor to help him deal with his disease. He even creates his own top ten list: The Top Ten Benefits of Catching Cancer.

Over the next four years, Steve battles his health, self-doubt, and bankruptcy as he chases his “impossible” dream.

Through it all, Steve’s new age wife, Denise, struggles to support the quest as best she can, all the while subjecting him to a slew of alternative healing treatments in the hopes he’ll live just a little longer. More than simply ensuring he survives to appear on Letterman, she aims to keep Steve healthy enough to father children—a life experience he’s just not ready to undertake.

Along the way, Steve obtains hysterically honest advice from comics who have appeared on Letterman like Kevin Nealon, Ray Romano, Brian Regan, and many others. In a surprising, action-packed sequence, Steve takes his new comedy material to Iraq where, while performing for the troops, the base is bombed and he has a close call with death. Steve exclaims, “Being so close to that explosion showed me…it’s not just cancer that can kill you!” Steve even manages to forge a shaky relationship with the comedy booker at Letterman’s show, but as the years roll by he begins to wonder if he’s wasted his precious time on a silly childhood fantasy.

Just when all seems lost, Steve gets a big call: The Late Show may be interested in booking him. But when a horrible misunderstanding strikes, has Steve blown his one and only shot at his dream? As the film comes to a close, Steve finds himself alone in a hotel room in New York City, waiting for a phone call from the show: will his dream finally come true?

Hilarious and heart-breaking, Steve risks everything to prove dreams matter.

dying to do Letterman is a roller-coaster ride of laugher, tears, and reversals of fortune that boldly says, “If you stop chasing your dreams, you’re already dead.” And, now, it’s a book!

Steve Mazan. Man? Myth? Legend? Some people say he’s none of these. Steve is, however, one of the hottest comedians and speakers in the country and a veteran of the US Navy. Critics have described his act as ‘brilliant,’ ‘goofy,’ and ‘exceptionally clever.’ That reputation has landed him on the most coveted stages and numerous television shows, including The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson. Steve’s journey to try and get on the Letterman show has been made into an award-winning documentary that’s been called ‘inspiring’ and ‘side-splittingly funny.’ A former writer for Ellen Degeneres, Steve has also appeared on Last Comic Standing, Byron Allen, and The Bob & Tom Show. He lives in Los Angeles with his wife, Denise, and his dogs, Wrigley and Kuma, and currently travels the country to film festivals where his documentary is racking up critic awards and audience acclaim. For more information on the movie Dying to Do Letterman, and about Steve and his latest book, visit www.stevemazan.com and www.dyingtodoletterman.com.

Available online or at bookstores or to order directly from the publisher, contact:
www.hcibooks.com or (800) 441-5569.
dying to do Letterman: turning someday into today
Steve Mazan
ISBN: 978-0-7573-1627-2
$14.95 – October/November 2011

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VETERAN’S STORY INVITES READERS TO CHAMPION OUR COUNTRY, GOD’S GRACE, AND OUR GOALS

New Haven, MI,  – Army, Navy, Marines: it’s tough enough to make it in one branch of the military — but Ron Zuccaro succeeded in all three, wrestled professionally, overcame a devastating injury to come back and win a wrestling championship, and is one of the most engaging patriots you’ll ever meet. This veteran has enough strange and interesting tales to fill more than one lifetime, and an amazing awareness of God’s grace, all packed in his new book Heaven, Iron and I: The Ron Martinelli Story (Tribute House Publishing).

Ron Martinelli was his name as a professional wrestler in the 1970s; his story recounts the early days of professional wrestling with surprising humor and insight. At the peak of his career, his legs were crushed in a freak accident and he was told he’d never walk again. His faith, his family and his love for his country spurred Zuccaro to literally stand up and fight: he did walk again, and won the 1980 heavyweight world title in wrestling. These accomplishments in civilian life were bracketed by extraordinary service in not one, but three, branches of the U.S. Military. He saw action in Vietnam that would prove to have a lasting, and surprisingly positive, influence on the rest of his life. Honorable service during a difficult time for our country brought Zuccaro a unique and moving sense of what it is to be a veteran of the United States Armed Forces.

Learning to walk again after his accident, Zuccaro was troubled by vivid flashbacks to the chaos and danger of his time in Vietnam. It was these recollections, plus his remarkable determination to recover, that helped him uncover God’s grace at work in his own life; his dramatic re-telling of this time in his life makes Heaven, Iron and I: The Ron Martinelli Story a must-read for Christians, veterans and patriots. Zuccaro says his book is “a tribute to my buddies who made the ultimate sacrifice, and shows what war is really like. If you yourself have problems, you can overcome them, you can achieve your goals through the grace of God.” In honor of his fallen friends, Zuccaro now works tirelessly to promote and encourage veterans and veterans’ organizations, in particular  the VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars), American Legion, Marine Corps League and Disabled American Veterans.

Zuccaro’s story is more than inspiring. It’s filled with powerful anecdotes about his time in Vietnam and seasoned with humorous tales of his antics in the early days of professional wrestling, making it a book that critics find impossible to put down. All together, Heaven, Iron and I: The Ron Martinelli Story is a truly great story about a patriot of the first order, a patriot who shows the way for others to achieve, as he did, against all odds.

Please visit Zuccaro’s website at: http://www.tributehousepublishing.com/

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TIP SHEET:

Nicole Maren: “This book is a “must read” for all Americans who want to learn what true patriotism is.”

Ron Sugar: “I am so inspired by his drive and zest for life…thank you for your military service, and for sharing your life by writing this book.”

Michael J. Miller: “For the first time, I read a book and laughed, cried, smiled, wept, and was motivated all at the same time.”

Wally Allport: “We were in the same unit in Vietnam and I was totally captivated by the story of his life….It’s a powerful example of the human spirit!”

 

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