What new Holiday Music and Movies are on the way for 2018? I'm looking at all the new releases and reissues on the books for this season and will be choosing a hand-picked a collection to showcase here on THE ROCK FATHER™ Magazine. Are there other titles hitting shelves this year? Yes, but as always, they won't all make my list, and I will be checking it more than twice - adding some late additions before December 25th arrives. It's all tied-into my annual Holiday Wish Guide™.
2018 is shaping up to be a decent year for Christmas music with new albums from the likes of Eric Clapton, Lil Jon featuring Kool-Aid Man, Goldfinger, William Shatner, Martina McBride, Mike Love (The Beach Boys), The Tossers, Ingrid Michaelson and others. In addition to many all-new offerings, we're also seeing the regular patter of having quite a few reissues, with some fairly recent releases being updated with new artwork and bonus tracks for this year's holiday season. Also a recent trend: vinyl reissues of recent and classic albums.
On the home video front, the trend is lighter than it's been of late, but there's still some new offerings and updated collections hitting Digital HD, Blu-ray and DVD. What's great is that there's an above-average assortment of seasonal fare coming to theaters, including Disney's The Nutcracker and The Four Realms, Universal's The Grinch, and some TCM Big Screen Classics screenings of DIE HARD for its 30th Anniversary (yes, it IS a Christmas movie) and 1954's White Christmas.
Stay tuned... more titles to be added throughout the 2018 Holiday Season!
Clicking on the cover art will take you to one of our retail partners where a portion of sales will help to support the operating cost of THE ROCK FATHER™ Magazine.
Twitter Parties - How to Throw a Twitter Party & Why Your Company Should Have One!
Written by James ZahnOver the past several years, Twitter Parties, sometimes known as Twitter Chats, have been a fantastic way for brands and publishers to connect in real-time with consumers. As THE ROCK FATHER™, I have been serving as a host, co-host and panelist for Twitter Parties since 2012, and in that time I've had the honor of working with dozens of clients in building real relationships with thousands of current and potential customers - mostly parents. While Twitter Parties might not be as buzzworthy as they once were, in 2018 they're still a way to score millions of impressions and to get your message (potentially trending!) in front of a huge audience.
When done right, Twitter Parties are beneficial to both the sponsor and the participants by creating a fun and lively discussion that not only educates and informs, but most importantly, entertains.
Using a pre-determined #hashtag, a Twitter Party can be used to launch a new product, support a film or television series, get people excited about a specific location or event - the possibilities are limitless! Twitter Parties are generally coordinated by a host on behalf of a sponsor with a panel of 5-10 paid co-hosts. Together, we rally our collective audiences by promoting the coming party with pre-party articles, blogs and social posts.
Participants will be asked to answer specific questions to win sponsor-provided prizes, all while helping to expose the brand messaging to their friends and followers as well. Winners will be chosen at random throughout the party, and the questions and brand messaging will be agreed-upon in advance with a script approved by the presenting sponsor.
The scale and scope of every party is unique based upon client needs. There is no "one-size-fits-all" approach, and I can help you put it all together as a formal host - or join an existing party as a co-host or panelist. Please contact me via email - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - to discuss how we can work together!
THE ROCK FATHER™ has taken part in Twitter Parties covering a variety of categories including, but not limited to: toys, games, movies, television series, consumer products, tech, health & wellness, food & drink, retailers, automakers, and more. Select clients have included:
The Walt Disney Company, DreamWorks, 20th Century Fox, Life of Dad, The Toy Insider, Lionsgate, Marvel Studios, Hasbro, Mattel, JAKKS Pacific, Just Play Toys, GameStop, Sunny Days Entertainment, Jazwares, eOne, Best Buy, Walmart, Crayola, General Mills, Pampers, Huggies, Pop Secret, Stanley Tools, Beautyrest, Circle with Disney, DynaTrap, Metamucil, KD Interactive, Maisto, Vtech Toys, Applebees, Starbucks, Folgers, The J.M. Smucker Company, Canon USA, Ellio's Pizza, Pepto-Bismol, Frito-Lay, Snyders of Hanover, American Greetings, Buy Costumes, Music & Arts, Sears, Dove Men + Care and Kia Motors America.
Lucasfilm's Solo: A Star Wars Story will hit theaters on May 25, 2018 - 41 years to the date that the original Star Wars first arrived in 1977. As usual, a new collection of STAR WARS toys based on the film will hit retail, and while countless licensees will be in on the action, here at THE ROCK FATHER™ Magazine we're presenting a series of STAR WARS Checklists, this one focusing primarily on Hasbro's classic 3¾" action figures, vehicles and playsets (carrying on the tradition that Kenner started 40 years ago)- along with the ever-popular "Black Series" of collector-focused 6" figures and accessories. If you'd like to keep track of what's available or coming soon from these lines, this is the place to be!
THE ROCK FATHER™ is back with another edition of his annual Holiday Wish Guide™ - one of the premiere sources for gift inspiration during the festive season. Kid-focused, but including ideas for the entire family (grownups, too), THE ROCK FATHER and his little elves have hand-picked a selection of items, each grouped by category. There's some of 2017's Hot Holiday Toys, but also some off-the-radar picks, too, along with a pop culture-heavy assortment of gifts for the older kids (adults) as well. What's even more unique is that the Wish Guide is both branching, and evolving. Check back, as there will be new items and expanded features added up until Xmas!
To learn more about an item, simply click "Learn More" and you'll be taken either to a full feature or review right here on THE ROCK FATHER™ Magazine, or to one of our trusted retail partners. Scroll down to start your journey! Happy Gifting and Ho, Ho, Ho!
Looking for 2017 Holiday Music and Movies? Check out the Ultimate Guide!
All featured items were editorially chosen, though in some cases fees have been provided for consideration. As THE ROCK FATHER™ Magazine is an advertiser-supported website, affiliate links to external retailers support operations through a small percentage of sales.
What new Holiday Music and Movies are on the way for 2016? I'm looking at all the new releases and reissues on the books for this season and will be choosing a hand-picked a collection to showcase here on THE ROCK FATHER Magazine. Are there other titles hitting shelves this year? Yes, but they won't all make my list, and I will be checking it more than twice - adding some late additions before December 25th arrives.
Clicking on the cover art will take you direct to my partner, Amazon.com, where a portion of sales will help to support the operating cost of THE ROCK FATHER Magazine.
THE ROCK FATHER's TOP PICKS for 2016 Holiday Music New Releases & Reissues:
There's also a TON of classic Christmas albums getting vinyl reissues this year, many of which get almost yearly variants with special covers and artwork.
THE ROCK FATHER's TOP PICKS for 2016 Holiday Blu-ray & DVD New Releases & Reissues:
Lucasfilm's STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI is one of the most anticipated films of 2017, and a welcome return to where we last saw Rey, Finn, Poe Dameron and Luke Skywalker at the end of 2015's STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS. Launching on Force Friday II - September 1, 2017 - and rolling out well into the winter months, a new collection of STAR WARS toys based on THE LAST JEDI will hit retail, and while countless licensees will be in on the action, here at THE ROCK FATHER Magazine we're presenting a series of STAR WARS Checklists, this one focusing primarily on Hasbro's classic 3¾" action figures, vehicles and playsets (carrying on the tradition that Kenner started 40 years ago)- along with the ever-popular "Black Series" of collector-focused 6" figures and accessories. If you'd like to keep track of what's available or coming soon from these lines, this is the place to be!
Officially announced at the 2017 Star Wars Celebration Orlando, Star Wars Forces of Destiny is a new, multi-faceted movement featuring an original series of animated shorts (each 2-3 minutes in length) that will explore exciting, all-new adventures of key characters in the Star Wars Saga, including Rey, Jyn Erso, Sabine Wren, Princess Leia, Ahsoka Tano and others. The stories will also be supported by a line of toys from Hasbro, including new ‘Adventure Figures’ – a fusion between traditional dolls and action figures, creating a whole new way to play Star Wars. Additionally, there will be other extensions of the line including bedding, apparel, books and more. Having two daughters, our family is very excited for the Forces of Destiny, and early reaction shows that many of you are too! With that in mind, The Rock Father is pleased to present the Star Wars Forces of Destiny Checklist. Here you'll find a list of current, upcoming and rumored toys from Hasbro, plus information on series episodes and other products as I have it. Products from Star Wars Forces of Destiny are available now, with more to be revealed in the months ahead.
'Tis the Season once more!
THE ROCK FATHER Magazine is back with another edition of our annual Holiday Wish Guide - one of the premiere sources for gift inspiration during the festive season. Kid-focused, but including ideas for the entire family (grownups, too), THE ROCK FATHER and his little elves have hand-picked a selection of items, each grouped by category. There's some of 2015's Hot Holiday Toys, but also some off-the-radar picks, too, along with a pop culture-heavy assortment of gifts for the older kids (adults) as well. What's even more unique is that the Wish Guide is both branching, and evolving. Check back, as there will be new items added up until Xmas!
To learn more about an item, simply click the image and you'll be taken either to a full feature or review right here on THE ROCK FATHER Magazine, or to one of our trusted retail partners. Happy Gifting and Ho, Ho, Ho!
Holiday Cheer:
Classic Characters & Retro Fun:
Building, Making & Creating:
Action, Adventure & Imagination:
Video Games:
Unique Gifts:
Rides & Wheels:

Little Foodies:
Tech Toys:
Sports Fun:
Star Wars: The Force Awakens & More
For Those Who Rock... or Just Love Music:
For Grownups:
BACK TO THE FUTURE 30th Anniversary:
What new Holiday Music and Movies are on the way for 2015? I've looked at all the new releases and reissues on the books for this season and have hand-picked a collection to showcase here on THE ROCK FATHER. Are there other titles for this year? Yes, but they won't all make my list, and I will be adding some late additions before December 25th arrives.
THE ROCK FATHER's TOP PICKS for 2015 New Release & Reissue Holiday Music:
PBS KIDS 2015 Christmas DVDs:
THE ROCK FATHER's TOP PICKS for 2015 Holiday Blu-ray & DVD New Releases & Reissues:
For a new generation of STAR WARS fans, Disney XD's animated series, STAR WARS REBELS has been "a first step into a larger world." While The Rock Daughters were already familiar with the original STAR WARS Trilogy thanks to their parents (quite strong in The Force, we are), it's was REBELS that really threw the doors wide open and created a pair of hardcore STAR WARS fans. Set in the years between REVENGE OF THE SITH and A NEW HOPE, STAR WARS REBELS has provided new adventures with a new cast of characters - often interacting with some fan favorites from the live-action films that have been delighting audiences for the past forty years. While there has been quite a bit of different merchandise released featuring characters from STAR WARS REBELS, this checklist focuses on Hasbro's classic 3¾" action figures, vehicles and playsets (carrying on the tradition that Kenner started 40 years ago)- along with the ever-popular "Black Series" of collector-focused 6" figures and accessories (and a few extras). Look for this list to be updated frequently with new items (and soon pictures) as the collection continues to grow.
Lucasfilm's ROGUE ONE: A STAR WARS STORY is one of the most anticipated films of 2016, and one of the most interesting trips that fans have ever take to a galaxy far, far away. The first live-action theatrical film to take place outside of the numeric "Saga," Gareth Edwards' ROGUE ONE is a straight-up "war" movie set in the time period immediately preceding 1977's STAR WARS: A NEW HOPE, presenting for the first time, the tale of the Rebels who stole the plans for the Imperial Death Star. Launched September 30, 2016 and rolling out well into the winter months, a new collection of STAR WARS toys based on ROGUE ONE will hit retail, and while countless licensees will be in on the action, here at THE ROCK FATHER Magazine we're presenting a series of STAR WARS Checklists, this one focusing on Hasbro's classic 3¾" action figures, vehicles and playsets (carrying on the tradition that Kenner started 40 years ago)- along with the ever-popular "Black Series" of collector-focused 6" figures and accessories. If you'd like to keep track of what's available or coming soon from these lines, this is the place to be!
'Tis the Season once more!
THE ROCK FATHER™ Magazine is back with another edition of our annual Holiday Wish Guide™ - one of the premiere sources for gift inspiration during the festive season. Kid-focused, but including ideas for the entire family (grownups, too), THE ROCK FATHER and his little elves have hand-picked a selection of items, each grouped by category. There's some of 2016's Hot Holiday Toys, but also some off-the-radar picks, too, along with a pop culture-heavy assortment of gifts for the older kids (adults) as well. What's even more unique is that the Wish Guide is both branching, and evolving. Check back, as there will be new items added up until Xmas!
To learn more about an item, simply click the image and you'll be taken either to a full feature or review right here on THE ROCK FATHER™ Magazine, or to one of our trusted retail partners. Scroll down to start your journey! Happy Gifting and Ho, Ho, Ho!