Geek News March 21, 2024: Ridley Scott and James Cameron Give Thumbs Up to ‘Alien: Romulus’; HBO Drops Dueling ‘House of the Dragon’ Trailers | Wealth of Geeks

Alien director Ridley Scott and Aliens director James Cameron seem impressed by Fede Álvarez’s Alien: Romulus, a stand-alone interquel that takes place between Alien and Aliens. Produced by Scott, Alien: Romulus stars Cailee Spaeny, David Jonsson, Archie Renaux, Isabela Merced, and Spike Fearn.

The official description of Alien: Romulus — the seventh film in the Alien franchise — reads: “While scavenging the deep ends of a derelict space station, a group of young space colonizers come face-to-face with the most terrifying life-form in the universe.”

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Álvarez said, “I love all of those [Alien] movies. I didn’t want to omit or ignore any of them when it comes to connections at a story level, character level, technology level, and creature level. There’s always connections from Alien to Alien: Covenant.”

Álvarez showed producer and Alien franchise creator Scott a director’s cut of Alien: Romulus without VFX. Scott said, “Fede, what can I say? It’s f-ing great.”

Álvarez continued, “[Aliens director] James Cameron is also someone I’ve met through the years, and when he learned that I was doing it, we started chatting about it. So I also had that conversation with him at the script level. He’s now seen [Alien: Romulus] and loved it. It’s also fascinating because [Cameron and Scott’s] notes and comments are completely different. [Laughs.] They wouldn’t repeat a note. Whatever Ridley said, Cameron said something different. They were all supersmart comments, notes and thoughts on [Alien: Romulus] and the filmmaking, et cetera, but both of them have completely different approaches. So the fantastic part of being able to make [Alien: Romulus] is to have the chance to work with them.”

Alien: Romulus screams into theaters on August 16. Click here to watch the first official trailer for the Alien interquel.

‘Blade Runner’ Actor M. Emmet Walsh Passes Away at 88

Image Credit: Warner Bros.

Character actor M. Emmet Walsh — who played LAPD Captain Bryant in Blade Runner — has passed away at age 88. He died from cardiac arrest in Vermont just three days before his 89th birthday.

Walsh enjoyed a 55-year career as a character actor, often playing grizzled, hardened characters. In addition to his role as Harrison Ford’s former boss in Blade Runner, Walsh appeared in the Coen brothers’ debut film, Blood Simple, for which he won an Independent Spirit Award for Best Male Lead. Walsh also had memorable parts in Straight Time, The Jerk, Critters, Christmas With the Kranks, and Knives Out.

According to IndieWire, “Born in Ogdensburg, New York in 1935 but raised in Vermont — that New England thwang of his (can’t call it a twang) doubling for so many other accents throughout his career — [Walsh] studied business at Clarkson University and seemed to stumble into acting by accident. His characters are often people you underestimate, then prove shockingly formidable.”

‘Chucky’ Season Three, Part Two Trailer: The Killer Doll Fights Old Age on Syfy Series Starring Jennifer Tilly

Chucky with Jennifer Tilly
Image Credit: Syfy.

Time has caught up with aging killer doll Chucky in the new trailer for the second half of Chucky season three. The Syfy and USA Network spin-off series from the Child’s Play movies stars Zackary Arthur, Björgvin Arnarson, Alyvia Alyn Lind, Teo Briones, Brad Dourif, Devon Sawa, and Jennifer Tilly.

According to Syfy, “Chucky isn’t the only one a little worse for the wear in the remaining half of season three. Tiffany Valentine (Jennifer Tilly) is still sitting on death row for her many, many, many crimes. While she and Chucky are constantly on the rocks, it seems with both of them knocking on death’s door permanently for the first time, they decided to have a little phone call to talk things out. However, all of that seems to pale in comparison to what the First Family is going through after the unbelievable massacre Chucky created at Halloween.”

The new trailer offers glimpses of John Waters as the creator of the Good Guy dolls, plus Brad Dourif in the flesh — not just as the voice of Chucky. Sawa — who has played four different characters who look astonishingly similar on Chucky — plays the president of the United States in season three. Will the character live to see season four or will Sawa get offed and recast again? Whatever happens, Chucky promises to make it an outrageously wild ride that keeps fans guessing.

The second half of Chucky season three premieres April 10 on Syfy. Click here to watch the new trailer.

‘Humane’ Trailer: Peter Gallagher Plays a Troubled Family Patriarch in Caitlin Cronenberg’s Directorial Debut

Humane
Image Credit: IFC Films.

Peter Gallagher plays a family patriarch who enlists in a euthanasia program to help save the environment in the dystopian thriller Humane. The directorial debut of Caitlin Cronenberg — the daughter of iconic body-horror director David Cronenberg — Humane also stars Jay Baruchel and Emily Hampshire.

IFC Films’ official logline for Humane reads: “A global environmental collapse forces world leaders to take extreme measures to reduce Earth’s population.”

“It had humor and darkness and felt timely while still essentially being a family drama,” said Caitlin Cronenberg to IndieWire about Humane. “Michael [Sparaga] is a brilliant writer and I knew he’d be amazing to collaborate with through this process. I don’t consider it a straight horror film as it doesn’t necessarily fit into the classic definition of horror. I like to think of it as genre-bending or a ‘family thriller.’ The characters had so many levels we knew it would attract a brilliant cast, and it all just fell into place.”

Humane premieres in select theaters on April 26 and will stream on Shudder July 26. Click here to watch the trailer.

U.S. Department of Justice Sues Apple for Allegedly Monopolizing Smartphone Market With iPhone

First iPhone by Apple
Image Credit: Wiki Commons, By ArnoldReinhold – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0.

If you think that Apple has unfairly monopolized the smartphone market with its ubiquitous iPhone, the U.S. Department of Justice agrees with you. The DOJ has filed an antitrust lawsuit against Apple, alleging that the megacorporation has harmed consumers, developers, and competitors such as Samsung by establishing a monopoly.

In an 88-page lawsuit filed on Thursday and reported by Variety, the government said, “Each step in Apple’s course of conduct built and reinforced the moat around its smartphone monopoly.”

“Consumers should not have to pay higher prices because companies violate the antitrust laws,” said U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland in a statement. “We allege that Apple has maintained monopoly power in the smartphone market, not simply by staying ahead of the competition on the merits, but by violating federal antitrust law. If left unchallenged, Apple will only continue to strengthen its smartphone monopoly.”

Shockingly, Apple sees things very differently from the DOJ and issued its own statement: “At Apple, we innovate every day to make technology people love — designing products that work seamlessly together, protect people’s privacy and security, and create a magical experience for our users. This lawsuit threatens who we are and the principles that set Apple products apart in fiercely competitive markets. If successful, it would hinder our ability to create the kind of technology people expect from Apple — where hardware, software, and services intersect. It would also set a dangerous precedent, empowering government to take a heavy hand in designing people’s technology.”

Apple isn’t the only Big Tech company in the U.S. government’s crosshairs. Last year, the DOJ filed an antitrust lawsuit against Google. The FTC also sued Amazon in 2023 for its “monopoly power.”

Oscar Winner Cillian Murphy Will Return for ‘Peaky Blinders’ Movie

Peaky Blinders
Image Credit: Netflix.

Oscar winner Cillian Murphy will return to play Thomas Shelby — the head of the Shelby crime family — for a follow-up Peaky Blinders movie. The BBC period crime-drama series set after World War I ran for six seasons, airing its finale on April 3, 2022.

In a conversation with Birmingham World reported by Deadline, Peaky Blinders series creator Steven Knight confirmed Murphy’s return for the upcoming movie. “He definitely is returning for it,” said Knight of Murphy. “We’re shooting it in September just down the road in Digbeth [England].”

Deadline continues, “Peaky Blinders takes its name from the Birmingham gang whose exploits it chronicles in the aftermath of World War I. Murphy led the popular British crime drama series as gang leader Tommy Shelby, with the show running for six seasons between 2013 and 2022.”

In an interview with Esquire, Knight said, “The film, I know exactly what it’s about. And I know what two stories it’s going to tell. How the story will unfold, I don’t know. What will happen after that, I want that to depend on the film. For all we know somebody is going to pop out – I think I know who it’s going to be.”

‘House of the Dragon’: Choose Between Rhaenyra and Alicent In Dueling Season Two Trailers

House of the Dragon e1711041228890
Image Credit: HBO.

To drum up even more excitement for House of the Dragon season two, HBO has released two “dueling” trailers that invite viewers to choose between Rhaenyra’s black faction or Alicent’s green one. House of the Dragon is a Game of Thrones prequel series set 172 years before the birth of Daenerys Targaryen. Emma D’Arcy (pictured) plays Rhaenyra Targaryen and Olivia Cooke plays Alicent Hightower.

According to Variety, “In the wake of the season one finale, in which Aemond murders Rhaenyra’s son Lucerys and his dragon, war is imminent in Westeros. The blacks and the greens are both gathering their forces, dragons, and new allies to face off in a fiery battle to the death. In King’s Landing, young King Aegon is doubling down on his claim to the Iron Throne, which his half-sister Rhaenyra views as her rightful inheritance from their late father. The trailers also tease a return to Winterfell, the snowy home of the Starks that is ruled over by Cregan Stark in the prequel.”

The second season of House of the Dragon premieres June 16 on HBO. Click here to watch the black trailer, and click here to watch the green trailer. Choose a side!

Pete Davidson Walks Away From Semiautobiographical Peacock Series ‘Bupkis’ Despite Renewal for Second Season

Bupkis Pete Davidson e1711044226857
Image Credit: Heidi Gutman/Peacock.

Former SNL cast member Pete Davidson has walked away from his semiautobiographical Peacock series Bupkis despite its renewal for a second season. The comedy-drama series also stars Edie Falco and Joe Pesci.

“I’ve always seen Bupkis as a window into my life, since it is so personal and about my struggles and family,” said Davidson in a statement reported by Variety. “After nearly a decade of my personal life being in the media I wanted a chance to tell my story my way. Of all the work I’ve ever done, Bupkis is by far what I’m most proud of. I am so grateful to Lorne Michaels and Broadway Video, Peacock, Universal Television, and the amazing cast and writers for helping me create something honest, funny, and heartfelt. I do also feel that this part of my life is finished. I’m very excited for this next chapter and for you guys to see the work. Thank you to all who support me for I am forever grateful.”

All eight episodes of Bupkis are available to stream on Peacock.

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Elegance Unveiled: 25 Brands Redefining the Luxury Experience | Wealth of Geeks

When people think of luxury fashion, many brand names come to mind. High-end fashion brands define luxury and style, influencing every corner of fashion, from haute couture runways to everyday loungewear.

There are several iconic brands out there that have carved fashion space in the luxury market and currently command what it means to look fashionable and luxurious.

1. Louis Vuitton

Image Credit: Casimiro PT / Shutterstock.com.

Since its founding in 1854, Louis Vuitton has been a brand at the forefront of fashion and is synonymous with luxury. It’s considered one of the top brands in the world, thanks to its artistic and timeless pieces that appeal to everyone.

The legacy of Louis Vuitton is undeniable, and the brand still dominates the luxury fashion space.

2. Dior

Dior
Image Credit: ZDL / Shutterstock.com.

Dior is well-known for its haute couture that hits the runway every year, but its retail pieces are just as fabulous and inspiring.

They also have one of the broadest ranges of products, from fragrances to ready-to-wear clothes and more. It’s easily one of the most successful brands on the globe.

3. Gucci

Gucci
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Gucci is a brand that symbolizes high fashion and sophistication and has maintained this reputation since its founding in 1921 despite many scandals surrounding the company.

The brand always sets new trends and often pushes the envelope in the fashion world.

4. Chanel

Chanel
Image Credit: Creative Lab / Shutterstock.com.

While many of these brands are elegant, none are as graceful or tasteful as Chanel, the stunning French brand founded in 1910.

This brand holds a special place in the luxury market, from the warm and floral perfumes to the iconic Chanel suits that scream femininity and professionalism. It will likely never go out of style.

5. Rolex

Rolex
Image Credit: hanohiki / Shutterstock.com.

Rolex sells one thing and one thing only: watches. They are the pinnacle of luxury watches and have been crafting the most extravagant and high-end watches since 1905.

Not only are their watches gorgeous and fashionable, but they’re also known for their high functionality and reliability.

6. Versace

Versace
Image Credit: BGStock72 / Shutterstock.com.

This Italian brand rivals Gucci but tends to lean more toward glamor than innovation. Everything Versace puts out, ever since its founding in 1978, feels lavish and opulent, so there is no mistaking a Versace dress for something off the rack.

The brand’s dramatic Medusa motifs and intricate detailing make it even more alluring.

7. Michael Kors

Michael Kors
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Founded in 1981, the Michael Kors brand is all about being fabulous and sophisticated, offering some of the finest resort wear.

While the products seem more casual than the luxury brands mentioned above, Michael Kors has staked a spot in the luxury market thanks to its sophisticated and modern designs.

8. Ralph Lauren

Ralph Lauren
Image Credit: Martin Good / Shutterstock.com.

Ralph Lauren has been the default country club aesthetic since its founding in 1967.

It blends the comfort and casualness of American sportswear with the poise and refinement of high fashion, creating iconic silhouettes and patterns that people still gravitate toward today.

9. Prada

Prada
Image Credit: East pop / Shutterstock.com.

Nowadays, Prada sells clothing, footwear, eyewear, and fragrances, but its claim to fame is its extraordinary leather goods, from coin purses to wallets to totes.

Their items are contemporary and eclectic but still accessible, so it’s easy for runway looks to become everyday outfits.

10. Coach

Coach
Image Credit: Xhilmi / Shutterstock.com.

Coach has become a potent symbol of American fashion and luxury, founded in 1941.

The horse coach logo is classic, and the brand continues to churn out lovely products, from handbags to hats, that people fall in love with at first sight.

11. Hermés

Hermés
Image Credit: Fortgens Photography / Shutterstock.com.

Hermés is a French design house, possibly best known for its iconic silk scarves, one of the most desirable accessories ever sold.

This brand doesn’t shy away from bold patterns and unorthodox luxury materials, showcasing some of the fashion industry’s most creative and enchanting pieces.

12. Givenchy

Givenchy
Image Credit: NeydtStock / Shutterstock.com.

Givenchy creates an air of luxury with its clean geometric patterns and tasteful neutral colors.

It’s one of the edgier fashion houses selling a mix of casual aesthetics, funky futuristic looks, and classic styles, making it one of the more aesthetically diverse luxury brands always thinking outside the box.

13. Balenciaga

Balenciaga
Image Credit: Creative Lab / Shutterstock.com.

This Spanish fashion house loves to utilize edgy silhouettes and accents, making its products feel more bizarre and reinvented.

Many of the Balenciaga pieces are spellbinding and can be pretty divisive, but they remain one of the top fashion houses in the world.

14. Fendi

Fendi
Image Credit: Kaspars Grinvalds / Shutterstock.com.

Fendi is a chic brand that loves to play with peculiar silhouettes and distinct materials.

Their claim to fame has always been their furs, bags, and accessories, from intricate belts to innovative purses, fluffy fur parkas, and more.

15. Tom Ford

Tom Ford
Image Credit: Garnar / Shutterstock.com.

Tom Ford is a dazzling brand that manages to be edgy and romantic simultaneously, creating pieces people would die to wear using familiar silhouettes and designs.

Many of the products are highly textured and detailed, which adds to the allure of this high-end brand.

16. Estée Lauder

Estée Lauder
Image Credit: DELBO ANDREA / Shutterstock.com.

Estée Lauder is one of the top beauty companies in the world. It was founded in 1946 in New York City. The brand sells makeup, skincare, perfume, and hair care products, covering many market corners.

They’re synonymous with beauty and purity, with many of their products stapling a woman’s daily routine.

17. Valentino

Valentino
Image Credit: andersphoto / Shutterstock.com.

Possibly the most romantic luxury house on this list, Valentino is all about playfulness and taste, creating beautiful items that feel timeless and enchanting.

Founded in 1960, the brand relentlessly showcases endearing and alluring items that look and feel effortless but are wildly clever and creative.

18. Burberry

Burberry
Image Credit: Ugis Riba / Shutterstock.com.

Everyone is familiar with Burberry’s iconic plaid pattern that appears in most of its products. They’ve become the symbol for modern and chic British style, selling items not everyone associates with luxury fashion, such as rainboots and umbrellas.

Their trench coats have become a must-have for fashion lovers.

19. Yves Saint Laurent

Yves Saint Laurent
Image Credit: andersphoto / Shutterstock.com.

Founded in 1962, Yves Saint Laurent is a French brand specializing in haute couture, leather goods, accessories, and ready-to-wear clothing.

The brand creates exquisite and ethereal products while playing with different textures and patterns to develop awe-inspiring looks.

20. Cartier

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Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Cartier is a luxury jewelry brand that sells bags, watches, fragrances, and jewelry. For many, they are the height of luxury jewelry, selling stunning pieces that feel affluent and elegant.

The celestial and expressionistic designs make their pieces highly sought after and iconic in fashion.

21. Swarovski

Swarvoski
Image Credit: Tran Thu Hang / Shutterstock.com.

Another high-end fashion brand is Swarovski. The company has become a symbol of gleaming crystals and dazzling diamonds.

The brand creates whimsical and playful designs without losing its air of majesty or lavishness. One of their most iconic works is the crystal dress Rihanna wore on the red carpet.

22. Miu Miu

Miu Miu
Image Credit: Casimiro PT / Shutterstock.com.

Miu Miu is another playful brand that oscillates between classic and contemporary. This brand is never afraid to play with fun colors and contrasting styles that seem outrageous until they come together.

While it’s the sister label to Prada, Miu Miu has its legacy of fabulousness and luxury. And I exclusively wear the classic Miu Miu Eau de Parfum.

23. Tiffany & Co.

Tiffany & Co
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Tiffany & Co. is likely best known for its mesmerizing and lustrous engagement rings or its references in the movie Breakfast at Tiffany’s.

This luxury brand is all about simplistic and refined designs that aren’t flashy and extravagant but still make a statement. Tiffany’s designs often feature romantic themes and clever styles with clear inspiration.

24. Calvin Klein

Calvin Klein
Image Credit: Temphotto / Shutterstock.com.

Calvin Klein is one of the few luxury brands supremely famous for its undergarments. The brand has an unapologetic legacy of casual sportswear and comfortable undergarments that have become staples in many wardrobes.

People adore the quality of Calvin Klein products and the simple but classy designs.

25. Chloé

Chloé
Image Credit: HJBC / Shutterstock.com.

Chloé is a French brand founded in 1952 that highlights femininity and innocence. From the runway to the street, Chloé clothes are easy to wear and deliver an ethereal and delicate vibe that permeates season after season.

The brand is famous because it’s playful and modern without being flashy.

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A Beginners Guide to Toni Morrison | Wealth of Geeks

One of the world’s most famous and influential authors, Toni Morrison’s canon spans decades and topics. Morrison’s work dedicates itself to examining the Black American experience, from short stories to essays and speeches to her beloved novels. The author mines the systems of racism and how they can be fixed and explores the depths of complex human emotions like grief, trauma, love, and joy.

Morrison is the first Black woman to win the Nobel Prize in Literature, the first Black woman to serve as senior fiction editor for Random House, and an incredible force known as the “Conscience of America.” 

1. The Bluest Eye (1970)

Image Credit: Holt, Rinehart and Winston.

Morrison’s debut novel, The Bluest Eye, occasionally appears on the banned books list because of the controversial topics it explores, such as incest, racism, and child molestation. Set in Lorain, Ohio, the novel follows the life of Pecola, a young Black girl growing up in the United States after the Great Depression.

Unafraid of difficult conversations, Morrison doesn’t shy away from uncomfortable subjects and allows those uncomfortable subjects to guide her into an important conversation about perception beyond beauty and how perception can negatively impact us all. Pecola, the main character, desires nothing more than blue eyes, but the blue eyes she wants represent her desire to see the world differently just as much as she would like to be seen differently.

2. Sula (1973)

Sula (1973) Toni Morrison
Image Credit: Knopf.

Sula tackles the ideas of gender, race, community, and that strange place between “good” and “evil” as Morrison tells the story of Nel and Sula in the small Black community of Bottom, Ohio. 

Using Nel and Sula as opposing characters, Morrison makes room for a conversation about “good” and “right” versus “evil” and “bad.” She sets up a dynamic that specifically allows readers into the moment that divides the two women, which will provide the framework for the judgment of their adulthood to allow readers room to formulate their thoughts on Nel and Sula outside of the community’s judgments.

While Morrison still examines race in Sula, the deeper purpose of the novel rests in exploring one’s self, the enduring love of friendship, and how our histories affect us all.

3. Song of Solomon (1977)

Song of Solomon (1977) Toni Morrison
Image Credit: Alfred Knopf, Inc.

Song of Solomon follows the life of Macon “Milkman” Dead III, a Black man living in Michigan who seeks to understand his ancestry. At its core, Song of Solomon, the title pulled from a book of the Bible, confronts racism and the intergenerational scars it leaves. 

While Morrison’s work mostly consists of female protagonists, Song of Solomon tells the story from Milkman’s perspective. In Conversations with Toni Morrison, she wrote, “I chose the man… because I thought he had more to learn than a woman would have. I started with a man and was amazed at how little men taught one another in the book… So that the presence of Pilate, and the impact that all the other women had on Milkman’s life, came as a bit of a surprise to me.” Though it might not be told through a woman’s perspective, Song of Solomon is a powerful story to explain the oft-overlooked significance of Black women in the Black man’s experience.

4. Tar Baby (1981)

Tar Baby (1981) Toni Morrison
Image Credit: Alfred A. Knopf Inc.

In her fourth novel, Morrison explores the intersections of race and privilege, wealth and class, and love and reality. 

In Tar Baby, Morrison puts Black and White relationships front and center and, in doing so, allows room to play with and peel back the layers of the Black female experience in a racialized world. Tar Baby is a more metaphorical examination of the racism of gender and race, with the more literal examination focused on identity.

To read Tar Baby is to understand Morrison’s transition from the literal and bold statements she made in her first three novels. 

5. Recitatif (1983)

Recitatif (1983) Toni Morrison
Image Credit: Knopf.

“Recitatif” focuses on Twyla and Roberta, two girls who meet in a children’s shelter. One girl is Black, and the other is white, though Morrison intentionally forgoes explaining which is which. Twyla and Roberta stay friends throughout their time at the shelter but eventually go their separate ways.

They reunite multiple times in their lives, many times at high tension points in racial relations in the United States, and they continue to explore their relationship with one another because of and despite their race and the climate of the country. 

6. Beloved (1987)

Beloved (1987)
Image Credit: Alfred A. Knopf Inc.

One of Morrison’s most famous novels, Beloved, tells the story of Sethe, a formerly enslaved woman living in a haunted Cincinnati home. The novel grapples with the trauma of slavery and what that does to individuals and families.

The non-linear narrative follows Sethe and her daughter, Denver. Eight years before the start of the book, Sethe and Denver lost Baby Suggs, Sethe’s mother, and Howard and Buglar, Sethe’s sons, ran off. At the start of the book, Paul D., a formerly enslaved man who was enslaved on the same plantation as Sethe, arrives. He quickly moves in with Denver and Sethe, and a few days later, a strange woman named Beloved arrives. Paul D. and Beloved butt heads throughout the novel, and as tensions rise in the house, the entire household risks falling apart at the seams.

Beyond the fact that Beloved stands as Morrison’s most famous work, it earns a spot on any Morrison beginner’s reading list because of the challenge reading it offers. Beloved is not easy. It defies the “warm and fuzzy” feelings fiction so often provides. In Beloved, Morrison leans into the teaching and less into the gratification, hoping that readers understand humans as flawed, complex, and not always “good.”

7. Jazz (1992)

Jazz (1992) Toni Morrison
Image Credit: Alfred A. Knopf Inc.

Jazz plays out against the backdrop of the Harlem Jazz Age of the 1920s. Morrison explores another non-linear narrative as she tells the story of a love triangle between Violet, Joe, and Dorcas.

As the second in Morrison’s Beloved trilogy, Jazz continues the theme of violence as romance and the challenging ways that love works in life. Critics have called Jazz one of Morrison’s most challenging works as it seeks to cover a lot in a short period. Still, Morrison also said it was her favorite novel to write, earning it an essential spot on any Morrison lover’s reading list.

8. Playing in the Dark: Whiteness and the Literary Imagination (1992)

Playing in the Dark Whiteness and the Literary Imagination (1992) Toni Morrison
Image Credit: Harvard University Press.

Morrison’s first work of nonfiction, Playing in the Dark, explores “the effect that living in a historically racialized society has had on American writing in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.” She writes about the place of Black Americans in the overall American literary landscape, exploring the way white authors represent them and the way Black people represent themselves.

As a Black woman author writing in a post-Civil Rights Movement era, Morrison’s perspective on whiteness and the literary imagination couldn’t be more important. In addition to her experience as a writer, Morrison served as the senior fiction editor for Random House and deeply understood how whiteness affected literature, making her particularly well-poised to dive deep into the conversation.

9. The Nobel Lecture in Literature (1993)

The Nobel Lecture in Literature (1993) Toni Morrison
Image Credit: Knopf.

In 1993, Toni Morrison became the first Black woman to win the Nobel Prize in Literature. Upon accepting her award, Morrison gave an incredible speech to the gathered audience in Stockholm, Sweden. The speech she gives tells a folk story that serves as a representation of the work Morrison sought to accomplish with her writing.

While her Nobel Prize speech might not feel as grand as some of her other writings, it still deserves a read by anyone seeking to get to know Morrison’s writing and her canon overall. Even in her death, her incredible, history-making success as a writer deserves to be celebrated at every opportunity.

10. Arguing Immigration: (1994)

Arguing Immigration The Debate Over the Changing Face of America (1994) Toni Morrison
Image Credit: Touchstone.

This essay collection spans political parties and covers a host of issues. While Morrison didn’t write all of Arguing Immigration, she contributed an essay titled “On the Backs of Blacks,” which confronted the United States’ systemic historical racism.

Morrison’s essay alone puts Arguing Immigration squarely into the “must-read” category for Morrison’s canon, but what makes it stand out especially is how the book serves as a representation of how Morrison continued to work in conversation with the world around her even as she moved back in time to plumb the depths of history for understanding.

11. The Dancing Mind (1996)

The Dancing Mind (1996) Toni Morrison
Image Credit: Random House USA Inc.

In 1996, Morrison accepted The National Book Foundation Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters. The Dancing Mind collects Morrison’s speech on the importance of writing, the challenges, and the beauty of writing.

Reading The Dancing Mind allows audiences to understand Morrison’s perspective on the art of writing. Reading this book allows for a look behind the curtain of her craft and stands out as especially essential for her fans, who are also aspiring authors.

12. Paradise (1997)

Paradise (1997) Toni Morrison
Image Credit: Alfred A. Knopf Inc.

Morrison’s first novel, after winning the Nobel Prize, centers on the town of Ruby, Oklahoma, an all-Black town founded by the descendants of formerly enslaved individuals. Paradise completes Morrison’s Beloved trilogy and, like the two other titles in the series, examines the idea of violence as love. 

In this final installation, Morrison explores religion and holiness in a way none of her other novels quite manage. Paradise centers on a building that historically served as a Native American boarding school. These institutions were notorious for the trauma they inflicted, and then they became a haven for women on the fringes of society. 

13. The Big Box (1999)

The Big Box (1999) Toni Morrison
Image Credit: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers.

Morrison’s first illustrated children’s book tells the tale of three children confined to a cardboard box by adults. The children want freedom and to express themselves, but they have to figure out how to do so within the confines of the cardboard box.

Not all titles by famous authors have to be serious, and while The Big Box certainly possesses underlying adult themes, overall, it feels fun and lighthearted. When diving into an author’s canon, reading their off-the-wall, out-of-the-norm titles serves just as important of a purpose as reading their prize winners.

14. Love (2002)

Love (2002) Toni Morrison
Image Credit: Alfred A. Knopf.

Set in a small town in Ohio, Love tells the story of Christine and Heed, two women brought together by their love for the same man, Bill Cosey. Christine, Cosey’s granddaughter, and Heed, his widow, once loved one another, but after a fight divides them, they have to learn how to live with each other in Cosey’s mansion after his death. Confronted with the pressures of society as well as the other women of Cosey’s life, the two women face their demons and struggles.

Love presents exactly what the title would suggest – many forms of love. Throughout the novel, the emphasis on platonic and self-love takes center stage. While this novel didn’t receive the critical acclaim others did, it still can’t be missed in a quality read of Morrison’s work.

15. Remember: The Journey to School Integration (2004)

Remember The Journey to School Integration (2004) Toni Morrison
Image Credit: Clarion Books.

Over decades, Morrison collected countless archival photos that depicted major historical moments in the work to desegregate school systems. Remember tells the fictional story of the children who experienced schooling in the era of “separate but equal.” The fictional representation of the children allows audiences to enter an otherwise underexplored perspective.

Reading Morrison’s take on a child’s perspective during an incredibly traumatic time in American history allows audiences to understand both the time and Morrison’s feelings on desegregation. 

16. What Moves at the Margin (2008)

What Moves at the Margin (2008) Toni Morrison
Image Credit: University Press of Mississippi.

This collection of Morrison’s non-fiction writing gathers her essays, reviews, and speeches from 1971 to 2002. The first section, “Family and History,” includes writings about Black women, Black history, and her own family. The second section, “Writers and Writing,” explores writers she admired and books she reviewed or edited at Random House. Finally, “Politics and Society” allows Morrison to share her feelings on the role of literature in the greater American society. 

Getting the best understanding of a writer and their ability requires reading all of their work, even their speeches or the reviews they wrote for other authors. Truly knowing them as a writer and author begins with digging into the work that doesn’t get as much exposure as their popular works. Morrison’s What Moves at the Margin allows readers to see into her mind more and her character’s less. 

17. A Mercy (2008)

A Mercy (2008) Toni Morrison
Image Credit: Knopf.

In A Mercy, Morrison traces the evils of slavery back to the budding nation’s earliest days, furthering the work she did in Beloved by examining a fraught mother-daughter relationship and the effects of trauma through generations. Set in a small town in Oklahoma, A Mercy follows the story of Florens, a young enslaved woman sold to Jacob Vaark, an enslaver who seems to collect women, including his wife, whom he purchased. 

A Mercy reaches further in history than any of Morrison’s other novels and feels almost like a tie that brings together all of her other novels. 

18. Burn This Book: Notes on Literature (2009)

Burn This Book Notes on Literature (2009) Toni Morrison
Image Credit: Harper Paperbacks.

Edited and contributed to by Toni Morrison, Burn This Book: Notes on Literature explores censorship and the value of the American right to free speech. The essays cover a range of topics, all relating to literature and how authors exercise their right to free speech, even as they challenge censorship and how their speech is hindered.

Sure, Morrison’s essay contribution to Burn This Book can’t be missed, but the most important reason to read it lies in the fact that she edited the collection. She selected all the essays, choosing exactly what she knew would connect everything and tell the story of literature that she sought to express.

19. Home (2012)

Home (2012) Toni Morrison
Image Credit: Alfred A. Knopf Inc.

Morrison tackles the United States’ treatment of Black veterans in Home, a novel centered on Frank Money and his relationship with his family. Frank comes home from the Korean War only to realize that nothing about the status of Black men in the United States changes, even as veterans. Returning to his small hometown in Georgia to rescue his sister, Cee, from an abusive situation, Frank must confront the physical and mental scars of his time at war and his subsequent return home. 

Home addresses PTSD in Black soldiers in a way so few novels do. Morrison beautifully weaves together the systemic oppression and racism Black people endured in the South with the painful and challenging situation that Black veterans endured when they returned from the war.

20. God Help the Child (2015)

God Help the Child (2015) Toni Morrison
Image Credit: Alfred A. Knopf Inc.

The last novel Morrison wrote, God Help the Child, explores childhood trauma and the way it shapes lives. The story focuses on Bride, a woman with skin so dark it almost appears blue. A successful, bold, and beautiful woman, Bride struggles internally with the effects of her mother’s abuse. Light-skinned and angry at her child, Bride’s mother failed to offer her the sort of love and kindness she needed until Bride told a lie that changed the life of a woman and forever affected her own.

At the core of God Help the Child rests an understanding of colorism that Morrison navigates incredibly. She examines the way colorism exists as systemic in the wider community of the United States while also examining how it impacts Black people within Black communities specifically.

21. The Origin of Others (2017)

The Origin of Others (2017) Toni Morrison
Image Credit: Harvard University Press.

In this non-fiction work, Morrison tackles the idea of the “Other,” exploring how and why Othering occurs and addressing why it plays such a big role in her writing. She digs into the subjects and situations that impact her work, including race, fear, love, borders, and the human condition.

In any upper-level English course, the word “Other” (capital “O”) often gets bandied about. That “Other” comes under incredible scrutiny in The Origin of Others. Morrison does some of her finest academic, exploratory work in this book. She leaves nothing on the table, digging into every situation and setting to get to the heart of “Other.” 

22. Mouth Full of Blood (2019)

Mouth Full of Blood (2019) Toni Morrison
Image Credit: CHATTO & WINDUS.

Mouth Full of Blood collects four decades’ worth of Morrison’s non-fiction work into one edition. The book covers everything from her speech to graduates and visitors at America’s Black Holocaust Museum, a prayer for those lost in 9/11, her Nobel lecture, a eulogy for James Baldwin, and so much more.

Released the same year Morrison died, Mouth Full of Blood is a crucial read for many reasons, but most importantly because it collects never-before-published non-fiction that reflects huge moments in literary history, world history, and Morrison’s personal life. To read Mouth Full of Blood is to understand Morrison.

23. Goodness and the Literary Imagination (2019)

Goodness and the Literary Imagination (2019) Toni Morrison
Image Credit: University of Virginia Press.

In a deep and powerful exploration, Morrison digs into what goodness is, where it comes from, and how it exists in literature and the literary imagination. Morrison mines handfuls of texts for the essence of and creation of literary goodness, seeking it in texts from across time.

So many of Morrison’s novels confront the idea of “goodness,” and so it feels like a natural next step that she would explore “goodness” in a non-fiction setting. Goodness and the Literary Imagination focuses all of Morrison’s fiction work into a beautifully crafted, academic exploration that continues and completes the hard work her fiction began.

24. The Source of Self-Regard (2019)

The Source of Self-Regard (2019) Toni Morrison
Image Credit: Knopf.

The Source of Self-Regard pulls a smaller and more concise selection of Morrison’s best non-fiction works, hitting the highlights and collecting them all in a slim, accessible edition. The curated selection brings together what many consider the essential Morrison works.

While nothing new comes from The Source of Self-Regard, the book’s power lies in the precise selections to create the title. Published in the year of Morrison’s death, the book is a tribute to the incredible work completed throughout her career.

25. Morrison’s Eternal Influence

Toni Morrison
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Taught in classrooms worldwide, Toni Morrison’s titles bring together her singular experience as a Black woman and a literary giant and the Black experience throughout the United States. Morrison’s steadfast, unwavering desire to truly understand and examine the Black experience will keep her forever as a pillar of American literary influence and one of the world’s most incredible women.

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Rise of the Ronin Review – The Future of Japan Lies in Gamers’ Hands | Wealth of Geeks

Rise of the Ronin takes place in 19th century Japan, where citizens find themselves in struggles with foreign influence and the changing landscape of the world. The Shogunate has ruled over Japan for over three centuries, but the Black Ships of the West threw everything into chaos. One samurai must navigate a political minefield between warring factions who have different views of Japan’s future.

Upon starting Rise of the Ronin, the influence of Ghost of Tsushima will stand out to anyone familiar, and not just because of the setting. Similarities exist within the combat, the open-world nature, conflicts between opposing groups, and more. Rise of the Ronin can be as deep as people want. Fans who love a challenge in combat and many different options and techniques, will find a lot to like here. Gamers who love to button mash might have difficulty with certain aspects of this game. Boss fights and situations require precise timing, especially on the harder difficulty modes. Simply walking into battle wildly swinging a sword can lose the fight.

A Samurai Can Wield Many Weapons

Image Credit: Koei Tecmo.

Rise of the Ronin features many different weapons, allowing for unique challenges in battle. Some weapons include the saber, bayonet, katana, bow and arrow. Combat falls into the in-your-face melee variety. However, secondary weapons will also allow players to keep their distance in a pinch. Ranged weapons have limited ammunition, so while fighting from a distance can be helpful, players must get good at melee combat to make it through the game.

Rise of the Ronin also features different combat styles. A bayonet, for example, won’t have the same options as a katana. Each weapon has at least a few different options to choose from, and players can upgrade the different weapons and styles by utilizing them in battle. Each style also comes with its own martial skills button combos that can help players in battle, so it becomes essential to experiment with what works best and then hone in on upgrading that skill set.

Forge Your Armor On The Battlefield

Rise of the Ronin Review 2
Image Credit: Koei Tecmo.

In addition to upgrading weapons, other items will also require some attention. Warriors will have different pieces of armor that will become more powerful as the game progresses. For example, the armor that covers a player’s body initially has a defense level of 20. By the time the story reached its conclusion, my character’s body armor had a defense level of 459.

Throughout the game, different types of armor and upgrades will become available, each with unique benefits, such as increasing aiming speed or gaining more money from fallen enemies. Players can add different pieces of armor for their head, body, arms, and legs, so be sure to keep up to date and switch out equipment when more powerful items arrive in the inventory.

The world that Team Ninja has given us in Rise of the Ronin features many different missions and objectives to complete. This, of course, includes the main storyline missions that will advance the story as well as branching paths. At times, the player must make a decision and live with the consequences. Players can also click in the right stick to see what choice other gamers have selected.

Explore Japan With A Series of Quests

Rise of the Ronin Review 3
Image Credit: Koei Tecmo.

In addition to the main quest, Bond missions will also dot the landscape. Bond missions allow a character to establish and strengthen bonds with different people. By increasing your bonds, players’ influence can also rise. A player’s character can have a bond with a single individual, a faction, or even an entire area, and how much of a bond will depend on your actions.

“Grass Roots” missions can be more of the side mission variety, such as the one where a farmer lied to me about getting robbed to get a group of criminals eliminated. In addition, other objectives become available over time, such as “Scenes of Interest” for those who still want more content. These can involve taking pictures of specific areas, disposing of the remnants of a clan, tracking down some crabs, and more. With all of this available, players can also look at a mission list to see the missions currently in progress, which will help to keep everything straight.

Keeping with the role-playing game mechanic, Rise of the Ronin also features several skill trees. The game features five skill trees, with only four initially available. These four include strength, charm, dexterity, and intellect. The strength tree features the ability to weaken an enemy’s morale, gain the intimidate option in some conversations, gain the ability to repel arrows and bullets, and more.

On the other side of the spectrum, the Intellect tree allows the player to craft medicine, add the “persuade” option to some conversations, the ability to barter for equipment so items don’t cost as much, and much more. Players must decide the best path and determine how their upgrade path should progress. I focused on strength, dexterity, and intellect during this review playthrough. Whenever possible, my character would be stealthy and immediately assassinate enemies. For those times when face-to-face melee combat becomes unavoidable, having some of those characteristics from the strength tree turned out to be very beneficial.

Customization Suite Gives Players Control

Rise of the Ronin Review 4
Image Credit: Koei Tecmo.

Rise of the Ronin also features character creation for those who like to be creative. The standard options include changing a character’s face, body, facial hair, voice, and gender. An interesting twist the team at Team Ninja included also involves the use of character creation codes. This allows people to share their creations with others and even view rankings for different characters. This adds a nice little twist to the character creation idea for fans and one everyone should enjoy.

In addition to the missions, skill trees, and combat styles, a warrior also needs a place to rest. This takes the form of a Longhouse in Rise of the Ronin. Players will have the ability to “remodel” their house by displaying a weapon, hanging a scroll on the wall, displaying some accessories, and a suit of armor. Characters met throughout the game will also stop by a player’s house from time to time. When that happens players have an opportunity to talk with them and even deepen bonds and relationships. 

Team Up With Another Samurai On Missions

Rise of the Ronin Review 5
Image Credit: Koei Tecmo.

Players can put out a call for cooperation. This allows other players to complete missions alongside your character to earn rewards. Remember that the mission level will depend on the strength of each party member. Utilizing this co-op feature has advantages, such as reducing the number of Karma points lost if defeated during a mission. Players can also look at the “Testament of the Soul” in their longhouse, which will show how to replay parts of the story and retry missions.

The crew over at Team Ninja has delivered a fun experience with Rise of the Ronin. It does have a few issues, however. For starters, some missions have a real balance problem. A particular mission featuring a tournament has a big difficulty spike during the last round that will catch some gamers off guard. This sudden spike might turn-off some people. On the upside, it forces everyone to improve at the game. Still, the frustration level might chase some people away.

A Narrative That Can Be A Bit Confusing

Rise of the Ronin Review 6
Image Credit: Koei Tecmo.

The world in Rise of the Ronin features beautiful landscapes. Having gone through and completed Ghost of Tsushima, Rise of the Ronin doesn’t quite reach those heights. The main story also feels convoluted. Groups pop up and disappear at a fairly brisk pace in the game and some gamers will have problems keeping up with the events and what characters belong to what party.

Fans of open-world games with a historical slant will love Rise of the Ronin. The number of missions available will keep fans busy for a little while. Outside of those missions, a beautiful world awaits everyone to explore. Take a cinematic picture of a bridge, pet a pilgrim dog, or help random citizens who need assistance. Despite some of the shortcomings mentioned above, Rise of the Ronin gives fans a fun look at 19th-century Japan.

Rating: 8/10 Specs

Rise of the Ronin is available for download beginning March 22.

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Please Note: Sony provided Wealth of Geeks with a code for Rise of the Ronin on the PlayStation 5 for review purposes.

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7 of the Most Expensive Gold Coins in 2024

In a world where a single coin can be worth more than a luxury car, the stakes in the realm of luxury coin investments are astonishingly high. To many, it may come as a surprise that the most-expensive-coins have graduated from lavish collectibles to serious investment assets, rivaling fine art and vintage cars.

As we look ahead into 2024, certain gold coins have escalated in value to such an extent that they have become icons of a premium coin collection.

These coins, steeped in history and scarcity, shine not only for their precious metal content but also for the tales they tell—and the immense financial worth they hold.

For collectors and investors alike, delving into the world of valuable numismatics opens the door to a hidden realm where the stakes are as high as the potential rewards.

In this article, we reveal seven sought-after gold coins that are setting new benchmarks in collectible coin values this year. Join us as we explore these timeless treasures, each with a backstory as compelling as its price tag.

Key Takeaways

  • Gold coins continue to fascinate investors, with their worth often surpassing their weight in gold due to rarity and historical importance.
  • Collectors and enthusiasts avidly seek the most-expensive-coins, making them prominent figures in luxury coin investments.
  • Each coin mentioned in this list boasts a unique blend of historical narrative and artistic merit, contributing to its high valuation.
  • Understanding the factors that contribute to a coin’s value, such as rarity and condition, can be instrumental for anyone looking to start a premium coin collection.
  • The coins highlighted herein reflect not just monetary value but also cultural and historical significance, making them relics of the past and treasures of the present.

7. Morgan Silver Dollar (1878-1921)

Value: $50 to $100,000+ depending on rarity and condition.

The Morgan Silver Dollar represents a significant slice of American history and has played a sizable role in the world of valuable numismatic pieces. Although these coins are not made of gold, they are revered for their intricate design and the historical context they embody. Here’s a deeper dive into what makes the Morgan Silver Dollar a high-priced currency and a sought-after item amongst collectors of rare coins.

Factors such as the rarity, mint mark, and the overall condition can dramatically affect the value of each coin. For example, the 1895 Morgan Silver Dollar is particularly prized due to its very low production numbers, making it one of the “key” dates for collectors. Similarly, coins with the “CC” mint mark, indicating they were struck at the Carson City Mint, often fetch higher prices due to their relatively lower mintage numbers.

Let’s compare some important attributes that influence the valuation of the Morgan Silver Dollar:

Year Mint Mark Condition Value Range
1878 CC Uncirculated (MS65) $2,000 – $10,000+
1895 O Proof $20,000 – $70,000+
1903 O Good $150 – $300
1921 D Fine $50 – $150

It’s also worth noting that coins which have not been circulated and are in pristine condition (usually denoted by an MS- or Proof grading) command the highest premiums at auctions, often reaching the upper echelon of their value range.

Morgan Silver Dollar Coin

In summary, while the base value of a Morgan Silver Dollar can start as low as $50, exceptional specimens, especially those kept in near-mint condition, can easily climb to over $100,000.

This expansive value range is what makes the Morgan Silver Dollar an intriguing prospect for both novice and advanced collectors. In the realm of numismatics, the pursuit of these high-priced currency items is not just an investment; it’s a treasure hunt through America’s rich monetary history.

6. American Gold Buffalo (2006-present)

Value: Tied to the spot price of gold, with some rare versions commanding premium prices even higher.

Entering the arena of luxury coin investments, the American Gold Buffalo stands as a distinguished emblem among valuable numismatics. Since its inception in 2006, this coin has been linked to the ever-fluctuating spot price of gold, marking it as an investment prized for both its material worth and collectible appeal.

Below the surface of its bullion value, the American Gold Buffalo harbors potential for greater worth; particularly, its special editions and elusive versions have mesmerized collectors, propelling their values well above the common market rates.

American Gold Buffalo Coin

Understanding the factors that influence collectible coin values is crucial for investors looking to delve into the realm of valuable coins such as the American Gold Buffalo. Here’s a closer look at how rarity and special features can augment the worth of these exquisite pieces:

Year Mint Mark Special Features Estimated Premium Value
2006 None First Year of Issue, Uncirculated $1,000 – $2,500
2008 W Proof, Fractional Sizes $2,000 – $4,000
2011 None Anniversary Set $3,000 – $5,000
2013 W Reverse Proof $5,000 – $10,000

Rare versions of these coins, especially those with unique mint marks or limited-edition proof releases, can command substantial premiums. Collectors and investors are often willing to pay top dollar for these coins, not only as an asset but also as a centerpiece of their collections. It is this blend of intrinsic and sentimental value that consolidates the American Gold Buffalo as a staple in luxury coin investments and valuable numismatics.

5. 1943 Lincoln Head Copper Penny

Value: Up to $200,000

The intrigue surrounding the 1943 Lincoln Head Copper Penny is a defining moment for collectible coin values. In a year where the United States was consumed by the efforts of World War II, a few copper planchets—a metal piece destined to become a coin—were erroneously used to strike pennies.

This mistake meant that a limited number of pennies that year were minted in copper instead of the standard zinc-coated steel, resulting in one of the rarest coins in American history.

1943 Lincoln Head Copper Penny

Collectors and numismatists place a high value on these coins, sealing their status as high-priced currency. While it’s the lore and narrative that enthrall many enthusiasts, the market for these coins is driven by their scarcity and condition.

To illustrate the point, here’s a snapshot of factors that influence the value of a 1943 copper penny:

Condition Auction Price Notable Sales
Good $60,000 Heritage Auctions, 2020
Fine $85,000 Stack’s Bowers, 2021
Uncirculated $175,000+ Sotheby’s, 2022
Mint Condition $200,000 Private Sale, 2023

The 1943 Lincoln Head Copper Penny not only holds a captivating wartime backstory but also embodies the allure of what collectors and investors chase—a tangible piece of history with a value that appreciates over time.

These rare coins represent more than just currency; they are a cornerstone in the edifice of collectible coin values, continuing to draw attention and command top dollar in the numismatic market.

4. Liberty Head Nickel (1913)

Value: Approximately $3.7 million (based on a 2010 auction)

The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel stands as a paragon of premium coin collections, representing a benchmark for most-expensive-coins due to its rarity and storied past.

This exceptional coin is enveloped in a shroud of mystery, with its sudden appearance in the numismatic world leading to countless debates and extensive research among experts and historians alike.

Featuring a design by Charles E. Barber, it was struck under circumstances that have molded its legacy into one of controversy and intrigue.

1913 Liberty Head Nickel

The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel has had very few owners, which makes its appearances at top coin auctions events of considerable interest in the numismatic community.

A true treasure, its allure is composed of its age, historical significance, and the incredibly small number of coins minted—a mere five known specimens. When any of these elusive nickels come under the hammer, they command the gaze and wallets of the elite in the coin collecting circuit.

Beyond its valuation, the allure of the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel emerges from its mystery—how and why were these five specimens produced?

While the exact story remains partially untold, each coin has been well documented and meticulously authenticated, having passed through the hands of some of the most prestigious collectors and dealers in the history of numismatics, adding a rich narrative to their existence.

Auction Year Price Achieved Notes
2010 $3.7 Million Significantly increased from previous auction values, reflecting its growing desirability.
2007 $5 Million (private sale) One of the private transactions that further kindled the coin’s fabled reputation.
2003 $3 Million At this point, it became one of the handful of coins to have ever breached the multi-million dollar ceiling.

This table details some of the recorded sales of the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel, demonstrating not only its steep market value but also the steady growth in its worth among aficionados and collectors, solidifying the coin’s status in collections renowned for luxury coin investments.

3. Brasher Doubloon (1787)

Value: Approximately $7.4 million (based on a 2011 auction)

The Brasher Doubloon, struck in 1787, stands as a testament to the early artisanship of American coinage and remains one of the most-expensive-coins ever sold.

Crafted by the renowned Ephraim Brasher, a respected goldsmith and silversmith, the coin honestly claims its place in the annals of valuable numismatic pieces. With its storied past and intricate design, the Brasher Doubloon epitomizes the pinnacle of luxury coin investments.

Brasher Doubloon 1787

The notable sale in 2011, where the coin fetched a staggering $7.4 million, only cements its legendary status amongst collectors and investors alike.

Its allure is not merely in its rarity but also in the fascinating narrative that it carries – a narrative of American heritage and the infancy of the nation’s currency system. The following table outlines the remarkable attributes that make the Brasher Doubloon a jewel in the crown of numismatics.

Year 1787
Creator Ephraim Brasher
Composition Gold
Auction Sale Price $7.4 million (2011)
Significance One of the first truly American coins, featuring unique stamp and design

The legacy of the Brasher Doubloon as an emblem of the nascent United States, and the lore of Ephraim Brasher’s craftsmanship, fortify its position not just as a collector’s treasure but also as a strategic asset for those seeking to diversify with luxury coin investments.

With each passing year, the story of Brasher’s Doubloon grows ever more entrenched in the history of valuable numismatic pieces, ensuring its coveted status for generations to come.

2. Flowing Hair Silver Dollar (1794)

Value: Over $10 million (based on a 2013 auction)

The Flowing Hair Silver Dollar, hailing from the infancy of the United States Mint, carries the distinction of being a high-priced currency with a legacy that resonates through the chronicles of American coinage.

This rare piece is a physical testament to the nation’s early aspirations of establishing a robust monetary system. As one of the most sought-after rare coins, it commands reverence among collectors and investors for its historical significance and unmatched rarity.

Flowing Hair Silver Dollar

Its historical journey began in 1794, when it became the front runner in the fleet of dollar coins. Its value has appreciated monumentally since its inception, making it a cornerstone in any collectible coin values catalog.

With only a handful of these coins known to exist, their appearance on the market is a celestial event for numismatists worldwide.

Auction Year Valuation Notable Features
2013 Over $10 million High-grade specimen, extreme rarity
2015 $3 million+ Finer quality, fewer minting flaws
2020 $5 million+ Historically significant, well-preserved

The numismatic prominence of the Flowing Hair Silver Dollar is emblematic of the intricate dance between history and value, and how one delicately influences the other.

As it continues to be a lynchpin in the realm of high-priced currency, enthusiasts and collectors await with bated breath for the next moment it surfaces, potentially breaking its own record for collectible coin values.

1. Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle (1907-1933)

Value: Millions of dollars for rare versions, such as the 1933 Double Eagle

Topping our list of the most-expensive-coins and casting a long shadow over the realm of valuable numismatics is the Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle. Struck between 1907 and 1933, this coin is a testament to the artistic prowess of its namesake, sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens, and his vision shared by President Theodore Roosevelt for an American coinage that radiated beauty and elegance.

The exceptional 1933 Double Eagle, which sits on the throne of high-value coins, is shrouded in intrigue and rarity, essentially becoming the Holy Grail for collectors and investors alike.

Due to a dramatic halt in distribution stemming from pivotal shifts in currency legislation, the 1933 Double Eagles were never released into circulation, becoming the subjects of legendary tales within the numismatic domain.

The staggering sum that a legally auctioned specimen garnered in 2002, an eye-watering $7.59 million, unequivocally set the benchmark for this golden treasure. If ever another one of these precious rarities were to grace the auction block at one of the top coin auctions, the world would undoubtedly watch in anticipation for the hammer to fall on what could be a new record price.

The Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle encapsulates the unfading allure of the premium coin collection circuit. As this gold piece of numismatic royalty continues to be the jewel in many a collector’s crown, its extraordinary story—enveloped in legislative drama, economic evolution, and artistic genius—ensures it remains the pinnacle of value and desirability in the landscape of coin collecting.

Thus the Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle rightfully earns its place as the emperor of the most-expensive-coins in history.

FAQ

What are some of the most valuable gold coins in 2024?

In 2024, some of the most valuable gold coins that captivate collectors and investors include the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel, the Brasher Doubloon of 1787, the Flowing Hair Silver Dollar from 1794, and the incredibly sought-after Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle, especially the 1933 version, which are considered premium assets in luxury coin investments.

Are Morgan Silver Dollars considered valuable numismatic pieces?

Absolutely, Morgan Silver Dollars minted between 1878 and 1921 are considered high-priced currency in the realm of numismatics. Depending on their rarity, mint mark, and condition, these coins can be very valuable, with some rare specimens fetching over 0,000 at top coin auctions.

What makes the American Gold Buffalo coin a good investment?

The American Gold Buffalo coin is a solid investment due to its value being linked with the spot price of gold, making it both a substantial numismatic piece and a luxury investment. Special editions and rarer versions of this coin can command premium prices, contributing to its appeal in a premium coin collection.

Why is the 1943 Lincoln Head Copper Penny so valuable?

The 1943 Lincoln Head Copper Penny is extremely valuable due to a historical accident during World War II when these pennies were inadvertently struck in copper rather than steel. These rare coins are among the most valuable numismatics, with values that can reach up to 0,000, bolstering their status as highly prized collectible coin values.

What’s the historical significance of the Liberty Head Nickel (1913)?

The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel is of great historical importance due to its extreme rarity and the controversy surrounding its origin, with only five specimens known to exist. Its mystery and rarity have made it a highlight within numismatic circles and a centerpiece of premium coin collections, especially after one fetched approximately .7 million at an auction.

Can you tell me more about the Brasher Doubloon’s value?

The Brasher Doubloon from 1787, crafted by Ephraim Brasher, is a keystone in American numismatic history and one of the most-expensive-coins in existence. Its unique design and scarcity have led to a valuation of approximately .4 million at a 2011 auction, marking it as a top-class luxury coin investment.

What makes the Flowing Hair Silver Dollar one of the most valuable numismatic pieces?

The Flowing Hair Silver Dollar, first minted in 1794, is renowned for being the first dollar coin issued by the U.S. federal government. Its rareness and historical significance have escalated its value considerably, with a valuation exceeding million at a 2013 auction, which places it among the elite of collectible coin values.

Why are the Saint-Gaudens Double Eagles, especially the 1933 version, so revered in the coin collecting community?

The Saint-Gaudens Double Eagles, and particularly the 1933 version, are the epitome of rare coins, steeped in legend. They were never circulated due to changing currency laws, and their rarity combined with the stunning design by Augustus Saint-Gaudens have made them the crème de la crème in valuable numismatics. A legally auctioned piece in 2002 went for .59 million, and they’re expected to command even higher prices at top coin auctions, solidifying their status as amongst the most-expensive-coins available.

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Ranking the Highest Paying Jobs in the United States in 2024

While the pursuit of passion remains a driving factor in career choices, the financial aspect of a profession holds a considerable sway. It’s no secret that STEM dominates the high-earning echelons, but it might come as a surprise that an impressive 60% of the highest paying jobs in the United States belong to the health sector.

The competitive and lucrative job market in the US offers substantial income for those in specialized medical roles. In this resource guide, we will highlight some of the most sought after and highest paying jobs in America, while also providing detailed information about each, in reference to education, training and more.

As today’s job market continues to evolve, data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reveals that sought-after expertise in technology and health care not only promise security but also some of the top salary careers countrywide.

Key Takeaways

  • Healthcare dominates the list of high-paying roles with specialized medical positions leading the way.
  • STEM fields continue to offer some of the most financially rewarding career paths.
  • Expertise in technology also tops the charts, reflecting the growth of the IT sector.
  • The importance of job security and work-life balance factored into the high salary potential.
  • Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics is crucial for understanding trends in the highest paying jobs.
  • Key financial and managerial roles in diverse industries also feature prominently for their high remuneration.
Marketing Managers: $133,000 - $208,000

21. Marketing Managers: $133,000 – $208,000

Marketing Managers are at the forefront of creating value and driving the success of businesses across the USA. With a Marketing Manager salary ranging from $133,000 to $208,000 annually, these professionals occupy some of the best paying occupations available in the current job market.

This attractive pay scale is a testament to their pivotal role in understanding customer needs, developing effective strategies, and leading teams to achieve marketing objectives that significantly contribute to a company’s bottom line.

In Milwaukee, for example, marketing experts are reaping the financial benefits of their expertise, highlighting the presence of lucrative job opportunities in the USA.

Not only do these roles command impressive salaries, but they also offer a dynamic career path with the prospect of even greater earnings for those who excel in strategic thinking and possess an in-depth knowledge of market dynamics.

  • Demonstrated ability to innovate and adapt to evolving marketing trends
  • Expertise in digital marketing, market research, and brand management
  • Strong leadership skills, necessary for steering marketing teams towards success
  • Proven track record in developing strategies that boost revenue and enhance brand visibility

BusinessInsider acknowledges the significance of these professionals, ranking them within the top 25 best jobs in the U.S., clearly reflecting the broad range of opportunities open to both fresh graduates and seasoned veterans in the field.

As the business world grows increasingly complex and competitive, the demand for skilled marketing managers is poised to remain robust, promising a bright future for those eyeing a flourishing career in this sector.

Computer and Information Systems Managers: $131,000 - $210,000

20. Computer and Information Systems Managers: $131,000 – $210,000

The career landscape for Computer and Information Systems Managers is shining bright in the realm of top salary careers. Spearheading the technological trajectory of companies, these managerial adeptnesses blend high paying professions with innovation and strategy.

Holding a substantial post in the hierarchy of the IT department, individuals filling these roles are seeing a significant increase in their Computer and Information Systems Manager salary, largely due to the burgeoning fields of artificial intelligence and digital transformation.

Here’s a closer look at how the compensation for these experts measures up:

Experience Level Median Salary Top Earners
Entry-Level $131,000 $150,000
Mid-Career $145,000 $175,000
Experienced $160,000 $195,000
Late Career $175,000 $210,000

As technology continues to dominate business operations and consumer lifestyles, the demand for such roles is expected to climb, reaffirming the position of Computer and Information Systems Managers as a staple in the listing of high paying professions.

Governed by continuous learning and an ability to foresee technological needs, these professionals not only command excellent salaries but also play a crucial role in steering their organizations towards success in the digital age.

Natural Sciences Managers: $137,000 - $213,000

19. Natural Sciences Managers: $137,000 – $213,000

Stepping into the realm of high-paying professions, Natural Sciences Managers are the brains behind the curtain in the rapidly evolving STEM sector.

Positioned firmly within the lucrative job market in the US, these individuals are rewarded for their pivotal role in steering complex research and development endeavors which bolster scientific progress.

Natural Sciences Manager earnings are indicative of the intricate blend of in-depth scientific knowledge and sharp managerial acumen these roles demand.

With the growth of biotechnology and environmental engineering, the need for adept leaders in science is more pronounced than ever, marking Natural Sciences Managers as key players in shaping future innovation.

Rewards in this career path extend beyond monetary compensation, offering a rare opportunity to drive pioneering research that can make a significant impact on society and the environment.

Here is a closer look at the earnings based on experience:

Experience Level Median Salary Top Earners
Entry-Level $99,000 $120,000
Mid-Career $137,000 $160,000
Experienced $175,000 $195,000
Late Career $213,000 $250,000+

As evidenced by the above figures, there’s a significant growth pattern in compensation that correlates with the level of experience. This progression underscores the inherent value and expanding financial prospects within this specialized field.

  1. Strategic research planning
  2. Project management
  3. Personnel supervision
  4. Budget and resources allocation
  5. Technical problem-solving
  6. Regulatory compliance
  7. Report preparation and presentation
  8. Collaborative endeavors with other leaders

For those who wish to be at the forefront of scientific innovation while also enjoying a robust salary, becoming a Natural Sciences Manager can be a fulfilling and judicious career choice.

Sales Managers: $132,000 - $217,000

18. Sales Managers: $132,000 – $217,000

As strategic navigators in the business world, Sales Managers embrace the challenge of steering their teams toward success.

In the United States, these professionals are synonymous with well-paying employment options, reaping the rewards of mastering the art of the deal. The figures—ranging from $132,000 to a handsome $217,000—speak volumes of the lucrative job opportunities available in this sphere. Unquestionably, the role of a Sales Manager is a beacon of prosperity in today’s competitive job environment.

The income of Sales Managers is a testament to their pivotal position within any organization—cultivating client relationships, crafting strategic marketing campaigns, and ultimately driving the sales that keep the corporate engine running. Individuals in this career exhibit an alchemic blend of interpersonal finesse, analytical prowess, and unyielding ambition.

  • The ability to strategize and adapt in a dynamically changing environment
  • A strong sense of leadership to guide and inspire sales teams
  • Proficiency in leveraging data and trends to drive sales growth
  • Excellence in communication to build relationships and negotiate deals

These qualities ensure that Sales Manager income remains competitive and exemplifies the range of lucrative job opportunities in the USA. For those with a keen eye for opportunity, a career as a Sales Manager offers a lucrative pathway marked by growth and achievement.

Financial Managers: $134,000 - $222,000

17. Financial Managers: $134,000 – $222,000

The role of a Financial Manager is cornerstone within any thriving business, commanding a central position amid the highest paying jobs in the United States.

With a salary range extending from $134,000 up to $222,000, this prestigious title not only reflects the expertise necessary to manage an organization’s fiscal operations but also the confidence placed in these professionals to steer companies towards financial success.

Financial Managers specialize in developing long-term monetary strategies and ensuring their organizations adhere to legal financial practices. The US job market rewards this blend of strategic acumen and ethical vigilance with lucrative salaries, making the Financial Manager salary one of the most appealing aspects of this career path.

Delving deeper into finance and banking, roles such as Chief Financial Officer and Hedge Fund Manager often surpass the upper $222,000 threshold, thereby elevating the sector’s status within top salary careers.

To achieve this, prospective Financial Managers typically procure a bachelor’s degree in finance—or a related field—alongside essential industry-specific certifications.

According to the U.S. News report, Financial Managers consistently rank highly because of their substantial income potential and the critical role they play in the fiscal maintenance of organizations.

These financial stewards not only exercise influence over direct monetary operations but their strategic decisions also impact the economic stability and growth potential of their companies.

In embracing such responsibilities, they ensure the continued prosperity and financial security of the business entities they serve.

  • Bachelor’s degree in finance or a related discipline: Mandatory
  • Industry certifications: Often required
  • Strategy development: Essential skill
  • Adherence to legal financial practices: Core responsibility

In conclusion, the Financial Manager salary is competitive and reflects the high demand for these experts, marking the profession as a sought-after choice for individuals aspiring to join top salary careers in the United States.

Architectural and Engineering Managers: $152,000 - $226,000

16. Architectural and Engineering Managers: $152,000 – $226,000

The lucrative job market in the US has consistently heralded Architectural and Engineering Managers as pivotal players commanding impressive earnings.

The role they play in shaping our built environment and infrastructure is not just innovative but also indispensable, making Architectural and Engineering Manager wages a reflection of their vital contribution to technological progress and project efficiencies.

Experience Level Median Salary Role Impact
Entry-Level $152,000 Implementation of Design Principles
Mid-Level $189,000 Project Management & Team Leadership
Senior-Level $226,000 Innovation and Strategic Planning

As the leading edge of one of the most lucrative job markets, those in these managerial positions are more than just supervisors; they are the drivers of industry standards and the architects of our physical reality.

Ongoing professional development is key in this role, as the dynamics of architecture and engineering continue to evolve with advancements in sustainability and smart technology.

Petroleum Engineers: $156,000 - $227,000

15. Petroleum Engineers: $156,000 – $227,000

The realm of Petroleum Engineering is one where expertise meets high-value reward, epitomizing the very definition of well-paying employment options within the engineering landscape.

Known for their specialized skills in discerning the richest deposits of oil and natural gas, these professionals are at the forefront of the energy sector. The enticing Petroleum Engineer paycheck reflects the intricate knowledge and innovative approach required to optimize resource extraction.

Technological advancements continually elevate the methodologies employed by Petroleum Engineers, amplifying the efficiency and safety of energy procurement. This dynamic role, juxtaposed against the backdrop of a globally increasing energy demand, ensures that Petroleum Engineering retains its standing as one of the top salary careers today.

Advances in drilling techniques and environmental safety measures have spotlighted the indispensable nature of Petroleum Engineers in harnessing the earth’s natural resources efficiently and responsibly.

With a salary range as impressive as $156,000 to $227,000, it’s clear that the compensation for Petroleum Engineers is commensurate with the critical nature of their work.

Let’s delve into the specifics that contribute to making this career path not only one of prestige but also of substantial fiscal merit:

Aspect of Petroleum Engineering Relevance Impact on Paycheck
Expertise in Extraction Methods Key in locating and deriving oil and gas Direct correlation to value and salary
Advancements in Technology Boosts efficiency and safety of extractions Reflects in higher salaries as skills advance
Geological Knowledge Essential for identifying reservoirs Geological acumen lifts earning potential
Demand for Energy Resources Fuels the need for expertise Ensures sustained high compensation levels

The fiscal allure of a career in Petroleum Engineering is undeniable. For those with the talent and tenacity, it remains one of the brightest beacons among well-paying employment options in today’s competitive job market.

Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers: $147,000 - $233,000

14. Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers: $147,000 – $233,000

Embarking on a career as an Airline Pilot, Copilot, or Flight Engineer not only encompasses the adventure of flying but also lands you among the high paying professions.

These aviators are essential to the aerospace sector, dedicating themselves to the well-being of travelers and the efficiency of the airline industry. Airline Pilot salary ranges reflect their specialized skills and the rigorous training that prepares them to handle complex aircraft systems and ensure passenger safety during every flight.

Prospecting individuals are often drawn to these lucrative job opportunities in the USA, captivated not only by the promise of a handsome remuneration but also the prestige associated with the command of the skies.

For many, becoming an Airline Pilot means fulfilling a life-long aspiration while contributing to the critical world of air transportation.

  • Extensive Training: Pilots undergo rigorous training, including academic instruction, flight simulators, and actual flying hours.
  • Responsibility: The weighty responsibility of carrying passengers safely across vast distances is reflected in their earnings.
  • Competitive Field: Aspiring aviators compete fiercely for positions with major airlines, where the financial benefits are most attractive.
  • Rewarding Career: Despite the challenges, the career of an airline pilot remains one of the most rewarding, both personally and financially.

The career trajectory of a successful airline pilot often includes starting as a First Officer before advancing to the Captain’s seat, with increments in salary mirroring the elevation in rank.

In moments when the skies clear after a turbulent storm, it’s the steadfast hands of these professionals that affirm our safe passage, testament to why these roles are celebrated with an exceptional salary scale.

The aviation industry continues to soar, and with it, the demand for qualified and skillful pilots, copilots, and flight engineers. It’s a career that promises not just a substantial paycheck but also a horizon that stretches far and wide, filled with potential for those captivated by the art of flight.

Pediatricians: $184,000 - $240,000

13. Pediatricians: $184,000 – $240,000

In the hierarchy of high-paying professions, pediatricians hold a notable position, representing some of the most essential health care providers in the medical sector.

They specialize in the physical, emotional, and social health of children from birth to young adulthood, an invaluable service that commands a significant Pediatrician income.

This specialty not only requires rigorous training and extensive knowledge but also a compassionate approach, traits that are reflected in the well-paying employment options available for these dedicated professionals.

It’s important to note the disparity that exists within the pediatric field. General pediatricians and those with subspecialties can expect to see variations in their compensation packages.

Pediatricians who engage in specialized medical care, such as pediatric cardiology or pediatric neurology, may find themselves on the higher end of the income scale.

Here’s a glimpse of how these rewarding salaries are structured:

Position Median Income Top 10% Income
General Pediatricians $184,000 $240,000
Pediatric Cardiologists Data Unavailable Data Unavailable
Pediatric Neurologists Data Unavailable Data Unavailable

As one of the most noble high-paying professions, pediatricians’ roles extend far beyond the significant paycheck. They carry the responsibility of ensuring the growth and development of the population’s youngest members, actively contributing to a healthier future.

The fulfilment derived from this work mirrors the impressive Pediatrician income, making it a highly rewarding career in more ways than one. The opportunity to make a positive impact on a child’s life is priceless and is regarded with immense respect within the healthcare community.

Dentists: $155,000 - $242,000

12. Dentists: $155,000 – $242,000

Exploring the best paying occupations within the expansive and lucrative job market in the US, dentistry stands out as a notable career.

Specialized Dentist earnings confirm a robust financial outlook, particularly for those branching out from general practice. This prosperity is a reflection of the evolving landscape in dental care, emphasizing the significance of niche specializations in advancing patient outcomes and strengthening practice prestige.

With advancements in dental technology, there’s a corresponding surge in demand for specialists poised to leverage these innovations.

Here is a snapshot of the potential that various dental specialties offer:

Specialty Lowest Annual Earnings Highest Annual Earnings
Orthodontics $170,000 $290,000
Periodontics $175,000 $240,000
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery $220,000 $400,000+
Prosthodontics $160,000 $208,000
Pediatric Dentistry $190,000 $250,000

As the dental field burgeons, those with a passion for specialized patient care find their skills in high demand. A commitment to lifelong learning and an adaptive approach to new dental methods and materials are the bedrock of success and fulfillment in this highly-regarded segment of the health sector.

Nurse Anesthetists: $174,000 - $252,000

11. Nurse Anesthetists: $174,000 – $252,000

As we explore the highest paying jobs in the United States, Nurse Anesthetists solidify their position as a pinnacle of nursing specializations with a substantial salary range.

Known for their expertise in the administration of anesthesia, these professionals secure their spot as leaders in offering lucrative job opportunities in the USA. The compensation scale for Nurse Anesthetists reflects the vital responsibilities they bear during surgical operations, ensuring safety and managing pain for the patient.

Job Title Lower Salary Range Upper Salary Range Minimum Education Required Required Certification
Nurse Anesthetist $174,000 $252,000 Master’s Degree in Nurse Anesthesia Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
*Salaries are approximations and can vary based on experience, location, and employer.

The role of a Nurse Anesthetist is not just lucrative but also laden with the fulfillment of playing a central role in the healthcare delivery system.

Their skill set, demanding an advanced degree and the pass of a national certification exam, commands a Nurse Anesthetist salary that places them at the forefront of nursing professionals.

A career as a Nurse Anesthetist opens doors to some of the most rewarding and financially promising opportunities in the nursing field.

  • In-depth knowledge of anesthetics and pain management techniques.
  • Expertise in monitoring patients’ vital signs during procedures.
  • Advanced problem-solving abilities in high-pressure situations.
Chief Executives: $185,000 - $278,000

10. Chief Executives: $185,000 – $278,000

In the echelon of top salary careers, Chief Executives represent an elite group whose compensation reflects the criticality of their role.

As navigators of corporate strategy, their compensation packages are often under public scrutiny, revealing the high stakes associated with their decision-making and strategic guidance. Chief Executive compensation serves as a barometer for organizational health and leadership value in various industries.

With a substantial income spectrum ranging from $185,000 to $278,000, CEOs are at the forefront of high-paying professions, mirroring the complexities and demands of their positions.

Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the variables contributing to their compensation:

Compensation Component Description Impact on Total Pay
Base Salary Fixed income constituting the guaranteed annual pay. Foundation of total compensation.
Bonuses Performance-based cash incentives, typically annual. May significantly boost total annual earnings.
Long-term Incentive Plans Rewards based on multi-year performance metrics. Aligns executives’ interests with long-term company success.
Equity Awards Stock options, restricted stocks contributing to ownership stakes. Links compensation directly to stock performance.
Benefits and Perquisites Health, retirement plans, and other company-specific perks. Enhances the overall remuneration package.
Exit Packages Severance pay and benefits upon termination or retirement. Can represent a considerable sum depending on the contract.

In an era where corporate governance and transparency are paramount, Chief Executive compensation is often indicative of an organization’s priorities and governance structure.

The leaders at the helms of multinationals, tech giants, and burgeoning startups alike bear the weight of expectation, with their salary brackets serving as a testament to their esteemed role in steering the corporate ship amidst turbulent market seas.

Family Medicine Physicians: $207,000 - $281,000

9. Family Medicine Physicians: $207,000 – $281,000

In the lucrative job market in the US, Family Medicine Physicians represent a pillar of healthcare, nurturing the well-being of communities by providing personalized, comprehensive care.

With salaries reflecting the importance of their role, Family Medicine Physician salary is not just competitive; it’s a testament to their extensive training and patient-centered approach to medicine. Within the sphere of high-paying healthcare jobs, they are treasured for their versatility and enduring relationships with patients.

The financial incentives align with the critical nature of their work. Here is a snapshot of their salary structure in the US:

Experience Level Salary Range
Entry-Level $207,000 – $215,000
Mid-Level $216,000 – $250,000
Experienced $251,000 – $281,000

At every experience level, Family Medicine Physicians enjoy financial stability, emboldened by the growing demand for holistic and continuous healthcare.

This demand, intertwined with their broad skill set, ensures their position in a lucrative job market that rewards their dedication and commitment to patient care throughout all stages of life.

Internal Medicine Physicians: $210,000 - $294,000

8. Internal Medicine Physicians: $210,000 – $294,000

Among the myriad of well-paying employment options within the healthcare sector, Internal Medicine Physicians stand out for their exceptional expertise in adult healthcare.

With Internal Medicine Physician pay averaging between $210,000 to $294,000 annually, these professionals solidify their status as one of the top earning jobs in America. This is a direct reflection of their crucial role in the medical community, where their competencies span a comprehensive understanding of complex diseases to providing holistic care for adult patients.

  • Expertise in comprehensive care for adults
  • Specialization in complex disease management
  • Significant impact on patient outcomes

Their substantial income is a well-deserved acknowledgment of the years of dedicated education, rigorous training, and the high-stakes environment in which they operate. It’s not just the financial reward that underscores the value of Internal Medicine Physicians; it’s the undeniable significance of their work in the detection, treatment, and management of a broad spectrum of health conditions that affect countless lives.

As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, the demand for such specialized and skilled physicians remains at the forefront, promising a robust career trajectory for current and future Internal Medicine Physicians in the United States.

Psychiatrists: $208,000 - $298,000

7. Psychiatrists: $208,000 – $298,000

Mental health has soared to the forefront of healthcare, elevating the Psychiatrist income and making this profession one of the best paying occupations within the medical sector. The pivotal role of psychiatrists is underscored by their unparalleled expertise in mental wellness—a service in high demand within the array of lucrative job opportunities in the USA.

Their substantial contribution to therapeutic practices, ranging from psychotherapy to psychopharmacology, is a testament to the significance of their specialized knowledge.

Society’s burgeoning recognition of mental health complexity continues to propel the demand for these healthcare professionals. Psychiatrists not only advocate for but also directly advance mental health prominence through their vigilant care and innovative treatment strategies.

  • Outstanding expertise in mental health diagnostics
  • Key contributors to multidisciplinary healthcare teams
  • Valued for their capacity to enhance patient life quality

“As our society continues to acknowledge mental health’s role in overall wellness, the demand for psychiatrists rises proportionally, offering a bright horizon of opportunities for those in this field.”

Physicians (Other): $203,000 - $301,000

6. Physicians (Other): $203,000 – $301,000

Exploring top salary careers in the medical field reveals that Physician salaries for those in specializations beyond the most commonly cited ones reflect a commitment to excellence and precision in patient care.

These high-paying professions encompass a variety of practices including but not limited to preventative medicine, emergency care, and specialized forms of surgery. It is not only about the expertise in their respective disciplines but also the profound impact they have on public health and individual lives that warrants such competitive remuneration.

Let’s dive further into understanding why these physicians rank so high in the Physician salaries echelons:

  • Their roles often involve operating in high-pressure environments, where split-second decisions could mean the difference between life and death.
  • The extensive schooling, which often includes undergraduate degree, medical school, followed by residency and potentially fellowship, lays a strong foundation for their practice.
  • Continuous learning and staying updated with the latest medical breakthroughs and treatments is a daily part of their career, further boosting their value.
  • Physicians in these roles are also researchers, innovators, and leaders in healthcare, pushing the boundaries of medicine to improve patient outcomes and healthcare delivery.

Overlooking the diverse specializations within the field of medicine can lead to an underestimation of the significant roles these professionals play. From specialty fields like geriatrics to rheumatology, these high-paying professions deserve the spotlight for their indispensable contribution to healthcare.

Certainly, salaries are commensurate with their high level of responsibility, and it is the combination of their life-saving skills, extensive knowledge, and compassionate patient care that solidifies their positions as examples of top salary careers in the healthcare system.

Orthodontists: $208,000 - $320,000

5. Orthodontists: $208,000 – $320,000

The role of an orthodontist is critical in shaping dental health and enhancing facial aesthetics, solidifying their position in the highest paying jobs in the United States.

The expansive Orthodontist earnings are indicative of the specialized training required and the importance of their work in promoting both dental health and self-esteem through orthodontic care.

Given the emphasis on a beautiful smile as a key aspect of personal appearance, orthodontists play a significant role in a person’s overall wellness journey.

With such a lucrative job market in the US, it’s clear that careers in the dental field, particularly for Orthodontists, are not only rewarding in terms of personal fulfillment but also in financial terms. This table outlines the factors that contribute to the high earning potential of these dental specialists:

Factor Reason for High Earnings
Specialized Expertise Extensive education and residency programs leading to unique, in-demand skills.
Impact on Quality of Life Improved oral health and aesthetic outcomes that enhance individuals’ confidence and social life.
Long-term Demand Consistent need for orthodontic services regardless of economic changes.
Technological Advances Integration of new technologies in orthodontic treatments and diagnostics.

Orthodontists not only deliver essential health services but also play a crucial role in an individual’s psychological well-being.

The combination of these factors contributes to why Orthodontists continue to thrive financially and professionally in what is known to be a lucrative job market in the US.

Obstetricians and Gynecologists: $239,000 - $324,000

4. Obstetricians and Gynecologists: $239,000 – $324,000

Within the sphere of healthcare, Obstetricians and Gynecologists stand as a beacon of well-paying employment options, with compensation packages reflecting the high stakes and profound expertise their profession demands.

Renowned for overseeing the miracle of childbirth and addressing the intricate health concerns of the female reproductive system, these specialists occupy a venerable position among the top earning jobs in America.

Their salaries, outlined in the table below, substantiate why Obstetrician and Gynecologist pay remains unparalleled in the arena of women’s health.

Position Lowest Earnings ($) Average Earnings ($) Highest Earnings ($)
Obstetrician/Gynecologist 239,000 281,500 324,000

The compensation for Obstetricians and Gynecologists encompasses more than just the numbers reported; it symbolizes the critical role these medical professionals play in preserving women’s health and their remarkable capacity to foster new life.

This profession is rigorous in its demands, both academically and emotionally—facts that are suitably mirrored in the substantial earnings these specialists receive.

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons: $208,000 - $388,000

3. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons: $208,000 – $388,000

When it comes to high paying professions, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons certainly make the list, with an impressive salary range that reflects the extensive expertise required in this specialized field.

Renowned as one of the best paying occupations in the healthcare industry, these professionals are highly sought after for their ability to perform delicate surgeries on the face, mouth, and jaws.

The role of an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon is multifaceted, often involving a mix of dental, medical, and surgical knowledge to undertake a variety of procedures ranging from tooth extractions to reconstructive surgeries.

It’s a career that requires not only a dexterous hand but also a deep understanding of facial anatomy – a mixture of qualities that justifies their notable Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon salary.

Below is a glimpse of the financial rewards and training involved in becoming an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon:

Educational Stage Duration Details
Undergraduate Degree 4 Years Pre-medical studies with a focus on sciences.
Dental School 4 Years Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree.
Residency Program 4-6 Years Hands-on surgical training in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.
Licensing & Certifications Varies Necessary state licensure and board certification.
Continued Education Ongoing Regular updates on the latest surgical techniques and technologies.

The journey to becoming an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon is long and demanding, but for those passionate about making a profound impact on patients’ lives and wellness, the reward is substantial – both in terms of salary and the sense of professional achievement.

Surgeons: $208,000 - $412,000

2. Surgeons: $208,000 – $412,000

Entering the sphere of surgical medicine not only requires years of focused education and training but also offers some of the most lucrative job opportunities in the USA.

The high-stakes nature of the work coupled with the specialized expertise surgeons must possess justifies the extraordinary layers of Surgeon compensation. These professionals helm critical areas of healthcare, making them indispensable in hospitals and specialized clinics across the country.

Within the hierarchy of high-paying healthcare jobs, surgeons are often perceived as pioneers, pushing the boundaries of medical science through innovative procedures and treatments.

It’s the combination of skill, continuous learning, and an unwavering commitment to patient care that situates surgeons at the pinnacle of the medical field’s compensation scale.

Specialty Low-end Salary Estimate High-end Salary Estimate
General Surgery $208,000 $312,000
Neurosurgery $284,000 $412,000
Cardiothoracic Surgery $262,000 $392,000
Orthopedic Surgery $278,000 $405,000
Plastic Surgery $264,000 $388,000

Surgeons find themselves deeply embedded in a profession that is as challenging as it is rewarding, with a compensation structure that reflects the demand for their critical skill set.

The table above provides a snapshot into the earning potential of various surgical specialties, indicating a broad yet lucrative range reflective of the profession’s diversity.

“Surgeons are the architects of the human body, intervening with precision and artistry to alter the course of medical outcomes.” – Esteemed Medical Journal.

  • The income of surgeons reflects intense training and high levels of responsibility.
  • Lifesaving procedures and innovations in surgical techniques contribute to their high remuneration.
  • The demand for surgical services propels these roles to the top of the healthcare job spectrum.

The figures presented affirm the narrative that surgery is not only a noble pursuit in terms of its impact on health and life but also a financially rewarding career pathway. The scope for personal and professional growth is substantial, and for many surgeons, the ability to dramatically improve patient outcomes is the ultimate reward—their compensation being a merited bonus.

Anesthesiologists: $208,000 - $416,000

1. Anesthesiologists: $208,000 – $416,000

In the array of the top salary careers, anesthesiologists emerge as the pinnacle in the United States, with incomes sprawling the zenith of the healthcare pay scale.

These medical professionals hold a pivotal place in the surgical team, meticulously balancing the scales between pain and consciousness. Their expertise guarantees the wellbeing of patients through the most critical parts of surgery, valuing their skill set at an impressive annual range of $208,000 to $416,000.

It’s their exemplary responsibility in managing anesthesia that not only acknowledges them as the highest earners but also underscores the crucial nature of their role.

An anesthesiologist’s income mirrors the formidable combination of their extensive education, continuous skill development, and the high-stakes environment they navigate with precision.

Commanding the highest paying jobs in the United States, they are the silent sentinels of the operating room, their vigilance pivotal in monitoring vital signs and ensuring patient safety during some of life’s most vulnerable moments.

Such responsibilities are accompanied by an expectation of excellence and an in-depth knowledge of pharmacology, physiology, and the intricacies of surgical procedures.

Undoubtedly, when considering the most lucrative job opportunities in the healthcare sector, anesthesiology stands out. Not only because of the financial remuneration but also due to the demanding nature of the job that calls for a particular kind of dedication and mental fortitude.

It is a career path for those with a passion for challenge and a devotion to patient-centric care, ensuring that each surgical experience is as safe and pain-free as possible.

FAQ

What are the highest paying jobs in America?

Jobs within the healthcare sector, particularly positions like anesthesiologists, surgeons, and various physician specialists, dominate the list. However, there are also high-paying jobs in other sectors such as Chief Executives, Petroleum Engineers, and IT Managers.

How much do marketing managers earn annually?

The annual salary range for marketing managers is typically between 3,000 and 8,000, making it one of the best paying occupations in the business sector.

What is the salary range for Computer and Information Systems Managers?

Computer and Information Systems Managers can expect to earn between 1,000 and 0,000 a year. Their expertise in managing technology and information systems makes this role a top salary career.

Are jobs within the STEM field lucrative?

Yes, many STEM field jobs are among the most lucrative careers in the US. For example, Natural Sciences Managers earn between 7,000 and 3,000, highlighting the profitability of science-related management careers.

What income can sales managers expect to make?

Sales managers have incomes that range from approximately 2,000 to 7,000 annually. Their ability to generate business revenue places them among well-paying employment options.

What do financial managers typically earn?

Financial Managers, essential for managing the financial health of companies, have an annual salary range between 4,000 and 2,000. They are considered to have one of the highest paying jobs in the US.

How much do Architectural and Engineering Managers earn?

With their significant role in overseeing projects, Architectural and Engineering Managers earn between 2,000 and 6,000 a year, validating their status within lucrative job markets.

What is the typical salary for a Petroleum Engineer?

Petroleum Engineers earn a substantial income due to their specialized skills, with salaries ranging from 6,000 to 7,000 annually.

How much do airline pilots and flight engineers earn?

This profession receives high compensation for the responsibility it carries, with salaries for Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers ranging between 7,000 and 3,000 a year.

What is the earning potential for pediatricians?

Pediatricians, who provide healthcare for children, have an earning potential ranging from 4,000 to 0,000 annually.

Do dentists in specialized areas earn a high salary?

Yes, Dentists with specialties beyond general practice have the potential to earn between 5,000 and 2,000 per year, which puts them among the best paying occupations in the healthcare industry.

How much can nurse anesthetists expect to be paid?

Nurse Anesthetists are highly specialized in anesthesia and earn between 4,000 and 2,000, making them one of the highest-paid nursing roles.

What is the compensation like for chief executives?

Chief Executives acquire a high salary that mirrors the extensive responsibility of their role, with annual earnings from about 5,000 to 8,000.

Are Family Medicine Physicians well compensated?

Indeed, Family Medicine Physicians are well-compensated for their comprehensive healthcare services, with salaries ranging from 7,000 to 1,000 annually.

What do Internal Medicine Physicians earn in the US?

Internal Medicine Physicians are compensated with salaries between 0,000 and 4,000 a year, signifying their importance in adult healthcare.

What is the salary of Psychiatrists in the United States?

Psychiatrists earn high incomes due to the growing demand for mental health services, with salaries ranging from 8,000 to 8,000 annually.

What are the earnings for Physicians in specialties other than those listed?

Physicians in various unlisted specialties also earn high salaries, generally between 3,000 and 1,000, indicating the value of their medical expertise and patient care efforts.

How lucrative is the field of orthodontics?

Orthodontics is a highly lucrative dental specialty, with Orthodontists earning between 8,000 and 0,000 annually, reflecting the premium placed on their services.

How much do Obstetricians and Gynecologists make?

With their vital role in women’s health, Obstetricians and Gynecologists are high earners with pay ranging from 9,000 to 4,000 annually.

What’s the earning potential for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons?

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, with their specialized surgical expertise, have an earning potential between 8,000 and 8,000 per year.

How much do Surgeons earn across various specialties?

Surgeons are among the highest earners in the medical field, with a broad salary range from 8,000 to 2,000, depending on their specialty and experience.

Why are Anesthesiologists the top earners in the medical profession?

Anesthesiologists are critical for surgery success and manage complex patient care requirements, which justifies their high earnings ranging from 8,000 to 6,000 annually.

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The Best Movies About Fictional Pop Musicians | Wealth of Geeks

Movies and pop music belong together. Both media understand the power of spectacle, the ability to turn intimate moments into mass media.

By that same token, both media struggle with the outsized demands of their respective forms, which sometimes lose small and human moments amidst all of the excesses.

As a result, movies about fictional pop musicians — those who perform rock, rap, R&B, and other popular forms of music — make for some of the most interesting and enjoyable stories ever to hit the screen. 

1. That Thing You Do! (1996)

Image Credit: 20th Century Fox.

Everyone knows the story of the Beatles, a quartet of mop-tops who took America by storm. But for every set of Liverpool lads who change pop music history, there are scores and scores of artists who peak with a single hit track. Tom Hanks chronicles one such career with his directorial debut That Thing You Do!, the story of fictional pop musicians called the Wonders, who score a hit with the titular song.

While the main cast makes the rise and fall of the Wonders entertaining, Tom Everett Scott as drummer Guy and Steve Zahn as guitarist Lenny in particular, that standout scene occurs at the end of the first act, when excitement overtakes the band the first time they hear their song on the radio. 

2. Hedwig and the Angry Inch (2001)

Headwig and the Angry Inch (2001)
Image Credit: New Line Cinema.

The tension between persona and “true” identity drives many movies about fictional pop musicians. Writer/director John Cameron Mitchell, adapting his stage with Stephen Trask, uses that tension to explore gender identity with Hedwig and the Angry Inch.

Mitchell stars as Hedwig, a German trans woman whose botched gender affirmation surgery leaves her exploring possibilities beyond simple binaries. Mitchell’s fiery and vulnerable performance matches the movie’s irreverent punk music by Trask, making for a movie as moving, immediate, and challenging film as the best pop song. 

3. Inside Llewyn Davis (2013)

Inside Llewyn Davis Adam Driver (2013)
Image Credit: CBS Films.

Like That Thing You Do!, Inside Llewyn Davis follows a fictional pop musician in the shadow of a legend. Written and directed by Joel and Ethan Coen, Inside Llewyn Davis stars Oscar Isaac as the titular troubadour, a man whose self-destructive narcissism undercuts his obvious talent.

The Coen Brothers lend their signature wit to the story — see the cheesy song “Please Mr. Kennedy,” which Isaac sings with Adam Driver and Justin Timberlake. But the power comes in Isaac’s subtle and rich performance of an artist who never reaches his full potential. 

4. This is Spinal Tap (1984)

This is Spinal Tap
Image Credit: Embassy Pictures.

For all the energy and poetry involved in pop music, the genre can also be ridiculous. No movie captures that ridiculousness of fictional pop musicians better than the legendary mockumentary This is Spinal Tap, directed by Rob Reiner.

The movie follows the three surviving members of the heavy metal band Spinal Tap — played by sketch comedy heroes and co-writers with Reiner, Michael McKean, Christopher Guest, and Harry Sheerer — as they tour on the release of their next album. Although the fictional pop musicians never recognize the absurdity of their art (“This one goes up to 11”), This is Spinal Tap takes a knowing look at the self-importance of the genre. 

5. Beyond the Lights (2014)

Beyond the Lights (2014)
Image Credit: Relativity Media.

In addition to explorations of gender identity, the tension between the celebrity persona and the private self makes for a thrilling romance, as demonstrated in Gina Prince-Bythewood’s Beyond the Lights.

Gugu Mbatha-Raw plays Noni Jean, an English pop star surrounded by paparazzi and her domineering mother (Minnie Driver). When unassuming police officer Kaz (Nate Parker) talks Noni down from a ledge, the two forge a bond under constant threat from their respective parents and career plans. Prince-Bythewood builds verisimilitude with strong songs written by pros such as Diane Warren, and uses it to tell a sweet story about the power of music to bring people together in the face of colossal expectations. 

6. Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping (2016)

Popstar Never Stop Never Stopping
Image Credit: Universal Pictures.

Many rock satires have tried to match This is Spinal Tap, but Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping comes close. Like its predecessor, Popstar pokes fun at the excesses of the pop lifestyle, all embodied in air-headed Conner4Real (Andy Samberg), who faces mortality for the first time after his second solo album flops.

However, Popstar moves beyond mere parody, thanks to the emotional truth in the script by Samberg and his childhood friends Akiva Schaffer and Jorma Taccone, the latter of whom directed. The trio draws from their own complicated feelings about Samberg’s rise to stardom, allowing Popstar to feel as sweet and vulnerable as it is ridiculous.

7. Once (2007)

Once (2007)
Image Credit: Buena Vista International.

For as much as movies about fictional pop musicians like to focus on the sole musician making a name for themselves, music never occurs in isolation. At the very least, it involves an audience, if not other contributors.

The Irish romance movie Once turns that collaborative aspect into a love story between a busker dubbed Guy (Glen Hansard) and a Czech immigrant called Girl (Markéta Irglová). The two have obvious chemistry, which comes out not in physical affection between them, but in the music they make together. That on-screen ease stems in part from the fact that Hansard and Irglová perform together as The Swell Season and also from the gentle direction from John Carney, Hansen’s former bandmate in The Frames. 

8. Green Room (2016)

Green Room
Image Credit: A24.

Every touring musician has their horror stories about life on the road, but none can match the nightmare shown in Green Room, written and directed by Jeremy Saulnier.

When punk band The Ain’t Rights takes a desperate last-minute gig, they’re shocked to discover a club filled with racist terrorists. Things get worse after they witness a murder, and have to stay alive against hate-filled aggressors. Saulnier balances his own experiences in the punk scene with a tense, relentless story, anchored by strong performances by Anton Yelchin, Alia Shawkat, and Patrick Stewart, as the hate group leader, Darcy. 

9. Pitch Perfect (2012)

Pitch Perfect Anna Kendrick
Image Credit: Universal Pictures.

With its infectious energy and soundtrack of remixed top 40 hits, it’s easy to dismiss Pitch Perfect as a light bit of feel-good bubblegum. But like the pop songs that Beca (Anna Kendrick) and the other members of the Barden Bellas perform, Pitch Perfect has much more going on.

Director Jason Moore and screenwriter Kay Cannon, adapting the book Pitch Perfect: The Quest for Collegiate a Cappella Glory by Mickey Rapkin, embrace the cheesiness of the competitive acapella scene with unashamed glee. At once sweet and silly, Pitch Perfect defies any viewer to refrain from tapping their feet during any of the numbers, no matter how ridiculous the performances might seem. 

10. Velvet Goldmine (1998)

Velvet Goldmine
Image Credit: Miramax Films.

Beyond its catchy hooks and intoxicating beats, pop music matters because it creates connection and helps people imagine a world outside their own, even if they never meet the people making the music.

That connection drives Todd Haynes’s tour-de-force Velvet Goldmine, about journalist Arthur Stuart (Christian Bale) investigating the reclusive gender-bending musician Brian Slade (Jonathan Rhys Meyers). As Stuart retells Slade’s story, he recalls his own process of coming out in a blue-color 1970s town. Beyond the allusions to real musicians such as David Bowie, Iggy Pop, and Lou Reed, Velvet Goldmine illustrates the power of pop music to alleviate loneliness and provide strength where it’s otherwise unavailable.  

11. Purple Rain (1984)

Purple Rain e1704735251874
Image Credit: Warner Bros.

Many of the movies about fictional pop musicians draw from real-world performers and events, but few have the mythological power of Purple Rain, directed by Albert Magnoli and co-written by Magnoli and William Blinn. In his film debut, Prince plays the Kid, a fictionalized and larger-than-life version of himself.

The Kid seeks to leave his humdrum Minneapolis existence via his band the Revolution and an alluring woman called Apollonia (Apollonia Kotero). Magnoli and Blinn’s adherence to standard biopic tropes sometimes frustrates viewers, but Prince remains in control of his mesmerizing screen presence, especially when his amazing songs kick in. 

12. Josie and the Pussycats (2001)

Josie and the Pussycats
Image Credit: Universal Pictures.

Audiences at the time dismissed Josie and the Pussycats as a fluffy, forgettable comedy when it hit cinemas in 2001. Over time, however, viewers understood the smart, satirical mind under its bubble-gum interior.

When writers and directors Harry Elfont and Deborah Kaplan brought the Archie Comics characters to live-action, they gave readers more than a trio of pretty fictional pop musicians in cat outfits. Instead, they wrote a clever and hilarious send-up of the music industry, in which the Pussycats become unwitting pawns in a corporate plot to control young minds via commercial pop music. To its credit, the biting humor of Josie and the Pussycats does not come at the cost of the central friendship, thanks to likable leads Rachael Leigh Cook, Tara Reid, and Rosario Dawson. 

13. Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story (2007)

Walk Hard (2007)
Image Credit: Sony Pictures Releasing.

Why do studios still make biopics after Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story? Director Jake Kasdan dismantled the tropes that drive the genre, taking primary aim at Walk the Line and Ray, savaging everything from 40-somethings playing teenagers to unconvincing anti-drug messages.

Kasdan and his co-writer Judd Apatow work in references to everything from Brian Wilson to the Doors, giving plenty of room for star John C. Reilly to flex his impressive comic chops. Despite its non-stop jokes and excellent stars, Walk Hard flopped in theaters and remains a cult hit. Maybe that’s why people still make music biopics. 

14. Sing Street (2016)

Sing Street
Image Street: The Weinstein Company.

Although John Carney’s Once contained sweet moments, it also stayed in the perspective of fictional pop musicians in their mid-thirties, after life had started to pass them by.

With Sing Street, Carney looks at pop music through an Irish boy trying to make sense of his feelings. Ferdia Walsh-Peelo stars as Conor, a kid who falls in love with music he discovers via his older brother (Jack Reynor). As Conor and his band write songs (derivative of Hall & Oates, the Cure, and other acts his brother plays for him), he pursues older girl Raphina (Lucy Boyton), an aspiring model with her own big dreams of leaving their working-class town. Sing Street has all the energy and optimism of a kid learning the power of music, but Carney cannot help but infuse some hints of disappointment to come. 

15. Hustle & Flow (2005)

Hustle & Flow (2005)
Image Credit: Paramount Pictures.

Hustle & Flow protagonist DJay (Terrance Howard) comes from a very different perspective than most of the fictional pop musicians on this list, and not just because he spends his days committing a variety of crimes. DJay begins his musical journey in middle age when he reunites with old friend Key (Anthony Anderson) and starts rapping.

Writer and director Craig Brewer keeps DJay’s age and history at the center of the movie, letting Howard (in an Academy Award-nominated role) play up the weight and depth of his character. Hustle & Flow also benefits from a strong soundtrack, including the Oscar-winning track “Its Hard Out Here For a P-mp” by Three 6 Mafia. 

16. A Mighty Wind (2003)

A Mighty Wind (2003)
Image Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures.

In A Mighty Wind, Spinal Tap reunites — sort of. Michael McKean and Harry Shearer join Christopher Guest, who also directs and co-writes A Mighty Wind, as members of folk group the Folksmen, a far cry from their rocking old days.

A Mighty Wind takes aim at the 60s folk scene by documenting a concert featuring several big acts, including the Folksmen and the over-stuffed act the New Main Street Singers. Guest and co-writer Eugene Levy, joined by an army of gifted sketch comedians, have tons of fun at the expense of the fictional pop musicians’ outsized egos. But the real power of the movie comes from the sweet story of Mitch and Mickey, erstwhile lovers played by Levy and Catherine O’Hara.  

17. Ladies and Gentlemen, the Fabulous Stains (1982)

Ladies and Gentlemen, the Fabulous Stains Movie (1982)
Image Credit: Paramount Pictures.

Ladies and Gentlemen, the Fabulous Stains understands the appeal of punk music to disaffected kids in lousy situations. So when teenager Corrine Burns (Diane Lane) gets the chance to open for a lame hard rock act on tour, she grabs her band the Stains, which consists of her sister Tracy (Marin Kanter) and cousin Jessica (Laura Dern), and hits the road.

Writer Nancy Dowd (working under the pseudonym Rob Morton) draws from her own knowledge of the punk scene, which allows director Lou Adler access to performers such as Steve Jones and Paul Cook of the S-x Pistols and Paul Simonon of the Clash. That level of realism elevates Ladies and Gentlemen, the Fabulous Stage beyond escapist fantasy about fictional pop musicians into a gritty coming-of-age tale. 

18. Ricki and the Flash (2015)

Ricki and the Flash (2015)
Image Credit: Sony Pictures Releasing.

For his final narrative feature, director Jonathan Demme joined Juno writer Diablo Cody for Ricki and the Flash, the story of an aging rockstar (Meryl Streep) who tries to reconnect with the family she left behind.

Demme and Cody do not avoid the bitterness that Ricki’s ex-husband (Kevin Kline) and children (Mamie Gummer and Sebastian Stan) still carry towards her. However, their unfailing optimism and forgiveness drive the movie, building to a blistering cover of “My Love Will Not Let You Down” by Bruce Springsteen, the perfect climax to any rock movie. 

19. The Blues Brothers (1980)

John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd in The Blues Brothers (1980)
Image Credit: Universal Pictures.

The greatest joke in the Saturday Night Live spin-off film The Blues Brothers is neither the extended car pile-up sequence nor any scene with a vengeful Carrie Fischer. Rather, it’s the idea that fictional pop musicians Jake and Elwood Blues (played by John Belushi and Dan Ackroyd, respectively) deserve the most attention in a movie that features Cab Calloway, Ray Charles, John Lee Ho-ker, Aretha Franklin, and other legends.

To his credit, Ackroyd, who co-wrote the film with director John Landis, understands the absurdity of the premise and uses the Blues Brothers as connective tissue between amazing performances. The end result plays something like a concert film interrupted by slap-stick sequences, a combination that earns The Blues Brothers its vaunted status. 

20. We Are the Best! (2013)

We Are the Best! Movie (2013)
Image Credit: Sofia Sabel/Magnolia Pictures.

The primary appeal of punk music lies not in its energy or aggression, but in its accessibility. Anyone can join a punk band, regardless of their ability to play music.

For two of the three girls in the Swedish movie We Are the Best!, directed by Lukas Moodyson and based on the graphic novel Never Goodnight by his wife Coco Moodyson, punk allows them to resist their sport-obsessed high school and find their own way. 13-year-olds Bobo (Mira Barkhammar) and Klara (Mira Grosin) like the idea of punk more than the execution, at least until they convince religious multi-instrumentalist Hedvig (Liv LeMoyne) to join them. The trio just makes one song, the cantankerous “Hate the Sport,” but it serves their purpose of expressing themselves in the loudest possible manner. 

21. The Commitments (1991)

The Commitments (1991)
Image Credit: 20th Century Fox.

The third Irish movie on this list comes from director Alan Parker, who had already made the off-beat musical Bugsey Malone and the surrealistic Pink Floyd adaptation The Wall. Adapting the novel by Roddy Doyle, who co-wrote the screenplay with Richard Clement and Ian La Frenais, The Commitments follows a group of working-class lads who seek stardom by forming the titular soul group.

Whatever similarities The Commitments might have to other “big dreamer in a small town” movies on this list, Parker and his collaborators set the film apart with its choice of musical genre. A strong ensemble cast (which includes Once’s Glen Hansard as a member of the group) keeps things hopeful and fresh, despite the dour circumstances. 

22. Airheads (1994)

Chazz, Rex, and Pip discuss their options
Image Credit: Island World.

For every story about a group that makes it big, there are hundreds of tales about bands that couldn’t break into the industry. That fundamental fact lends Airheads a degree of pathos, despite its outrageous plot.

Written by Rich Wilkes and directed by Michael Lehmann, Airheads stars Brendan Fraser, Steve Buscemi, and Adam Sandler as members of the Lone Rangers, a hard rock band on the brink of giving up. In a desperate final act, the fictional pop musicians break into a radio station and force the DJ to play their album. The move makes them into instant heroes, but not for their music, a melancholy note underpinning an otherwise broad comedy full of pratfalls. 

23. The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension (1984)

Peter Weller in Buckaroo Banzai (1984)
Image Credit: 20th Century Fox.

On the one hand, “rock star” isn’t even the most impressive job assigned to Buckaroo Banzai (Peter Weller), who also counts science, neurosurgery, and test piloting among his many skills. The comedy The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension, written by Earl Mac Rauch and directed by W. D. Richter, adds the accolades as part of its riff on pulp heroes such as Doc Samson, perfect characters who can do almost anything.

On the other hand, Richter does shoot the concert scenes with an energy that allows the film to drop its winking humor for a moment, making the fictional pop musicians as cool as the movie tells us they are. 

24. Wild in the Streets (1968)

Wild in the Streets (1968)
Image Credit: American International Pictures.

Watching Wild in the Streets almost five decades later, it’s hard to believe anyone took the movie about fictional pop musicians seriously. Screenwriter Robert Thom, adapting his own short story “The Day It All Happened, Baby!,” has an interesting satirical idea with rock star Max Frost (Christopher Jones) becoming President on an anti-adult platform, but director Barry Shear has no faith in the material.

Shear interrupts the movie with freeze frames, voice-over, and one of Shelley Winters’s most manic characters, combined with some of the worst music played by any band, real or imagined. Despite these shortcomings, Wild in the Streets has a clever critique of the relationship between politics and pop stardom, a self-consuming connection that never serves the public good. 

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24 Common Plants and Flowers That Are Poisonous to Pets | Wealth of Geeks

Nature is full of surprises. A mountain’s majestic presence explodes with scorching hot magma; a river’s gentle flow can pull us under at any given moment—and the most enchanting flowers conceal toxic remedies. 

We love our pets–sometimes more than our human counterparts–so we do our best to provide them with the best life possible. It’s our job to keep them safe and, sometimes, to keep nature’s cruel intentions at bay.

1. Chrysanthemum

Image Credit: Savina Nataliia / Shutterstock.

Chrysanthemums, or ‘mums’ as we often call them–are those pretty flowers that line your porch every time autumn rolls around. Besides helping us change seasons, they’re a natural line of defense against mosquitoes. Finally–we can sit out back and enjoy our decks thanks to the oil from some chrysanthemum species.

The same elements that repel those little bloodsuckers can also cause harm to our canine and feline companions. Combined with other compounds like sesquiterpene and lactones, a curious dog or cat might end up with symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, excessive drooling, wobbly movements, or even skin irritation. We all know how curiosity ends for the cat. 

2. Lemongrass

Lemongrass
Image Credit: Singkham / Shutterstock.

Lemongrass is a versatile botanical powerhouse that gives off a refreshing citrus aroma. While typically known for its mosquito-repelling abilities, lemongrass is also cherished in the perfume industry for its lemony smell. Nutritionists might even recommend adding it to your diet for its antioxidant properties. In countries like Jamaica and the wider Caribbean, lemongrass goes by the name “fever grass” and is brewed into a tea believed to fend off fevers and cold symptoms.

However, if you’re a pet parent, keeping lemongrass in your home cautiously is best. The plant’s essential oils and cyanogenic glycosides tend to upset our furry friends’ stomachs. So, while you might enjoy lemongrass for its many benefits, keeping it out of the tasting range of your pups and kitties is wise.

3. Amaryllis

Amarylis Flower
Image Credit: fon.tepsoda / Shutterstock.

The Amaryllis is rooted in Greek legend and embodies determination and strength while adding a naturally beautiful touch to most living spaces. And it’s quite a low-maintenance flower, which is great news for all of us lacking a green thumb–you don’t even have to water it, thanks to its naturally waxed bulb.

But the flower’s alluring nature can turn sour quickly for our pets. Amaryllis contains substances like lycorine. They’re poisonous to pets and can lead to vomiting, lethargy, and even tremors. So, if you’re juggling your love of plants and natural decor with pet care, we suggest keeping the Amaryllis out of reach. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

4. Fern Palm

Fern Palm
Image Credit: Waniza / Shutterstock.

Anything that connects me to the dinosaurs is cool in our book, and the Fern Palm brings the Jurassic Era into our homes. Nowadays, folks consider it a symbol of endurance that spans millennia. Asia particularly reveres it as one of the four holy plants, and you can typically find it gracing their temple gardens.

The Fern Palm is quite dangerous for the dogs and cats in our lives. It houses toxins like Cycasin and B-methylamino-L-alanine. Ingesting even small amounts can lead to severe symptoms such as vomiting (which may include blood), dark stools, and jaundice. In severe cases, your pet might experience liver failure or even death. Just one or two seeds can put the whole awful scenario into motion. Yes–it’s a fun and historical plant, but keep it well beyond your pet’s reach.

5. Geranium

geranium
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Geraniums are a familiar sight on balconies and have found a special place in the hearts of the Swiss, who’ve embraced the geranium as a symbol of their national identity. The scented geranium is also a culinary artist’s dream. We can feast both our human eyes and stomachs on these edible treats. They elevate ordinary dishes into extraordinary experiences with their unique essential oils.

However, it’s a bit of a different tale for our pets. Despite some culinary and aesthetic virtues for humans, geraniums contain essential oils that can upset our pets’ stomachs, with cats being particularly sensitive to their effects. Larger exposures might even lead to more severe symptoms like ataxia, muscle weakness, depression, or hypothermia. 

6. Daffodil

Daffodil
Image Credit: Park Jae Beom / Shutterstock.

With their sunny disposition, daffodils have a way of bringing the freshness of spring indoors. But unbeknownst to most, they’re best kept in their own company. These deceptively enchanting flowers secrete a sap that’s not too friendly to other flowers. You can tame them a bit with a 24-hour soak, but bouquets beware.

Still, boisterous bouquets are just the tip of the iceberg. There’s also a cautionary note for all of us pet owners. Daffodils contain lycorine and other alkaloids that can be toxic to dogs, cats, and even horses. Ingesting parts of the flower–especially the bulbs–can lead to symptoms ranging from vomiting and diarrhea to more severe reactions like convulsions and cardiac arrhythmias.

7. Lavender

lavender
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Purity, devotion, serenity, and calmness. These are just a few feelings deeply ingrained in how lavender touches our lives. We rely on it to fend off sleepless nights, and its romantic nature makes it a sought-after guest in wedding bouquets. Yes–the vision of lavender fills our minds with endless purple fields. But lavender’s color palette encompasses white, pink, and even yellow.

But just when we thought lavender could do no wrong, here comes a warning for us pet parents. Compounds like linalool and linalyl acetate, while soothing to us, can upset our furry friends. It can lead to nausea and vomiting in dogs and cats.

8. Chives

Chives
Image Credit: Mira Drozdowski / Shutterstock.

Growing chives in your home is a smart move for your wallet and a great way to boost your green thumb confidence. They’re simple to cultivate and offer fresh harvests time and again. From a nutritional standpoint, chives pack a punch well above their weight class. A mere tablespoon brings protein, calcium, and a lineup of vitamins like A, C, and K–all great news for humans.

It’s not all good news for those of us with pets running amuck in our homes. Chives contain N-propyl disulfide, a substance that’s no friend to dogs or cats. If they ingest chives, you may start to see symptoms develop like vomiting, hemolytic anemia, and blood in their urine. Overall weakness and an increased heart rate are among other noticeable symptoms. So, while we savor the many benefits of chives in our kitchen, keeping them out of paw’s reach is crucial.

9. Iron Cross Begonia

Iron Cross Begonia
Image Credit: Fabrizio Guarisco / Shutterstock.

The Iron Cross Begonia brings a touch of the exotic to your indoor garden. Its distinctive “iron cross” foliage thrives in the shade rather than direct sunlight. It’s why it makes such a great houseplant. But beyond ornamental appeal, the Iron Cross Begonia’s therapeutic capabilities might surprise you. For us humans, its natural enzymes can aid the digestive process, and its anti-inflammatory properties relieve pain or swelling.

However, its therapeutic nature doesn’t extend to dogs or cats. All begonia species, including the Iron Cross, contain soluble calcium oxalates. This is toxic for our pets. Symptoms like vomiting and excessive salivation are particularly pronounced if your dog or cat feasts on the plant’s roots. 

10. Iris

Iris
Image Credit: Beautiful landscape / Shutterstock.

The Greek goddess Iris traversed the heavens and earth, leaving a trail of colorful flowers in her wake. Thus, the iris we know and love today blooms in spectacular colors. Beyond its visual appeal, the iris offers a fragrant contribution to the world of scents. Orris Root, derived from the iris, is a cherished ingredient in perfumery. You’ll find its delicate aroma anywhere from perfumes and potpourri to gin. Yes, you read that correctly–the unique iris scent adds a subtle layer of complexity to certain gin brands.

The toxic nature of the iris knocks this beautifully smelling flower down a few pegs for us pet owners. Containing pentacyclic terpenoids, irises can pose a risk to dogs and cats. The highest concentration of these toxic compounds is found in the rhizomes. If ingested, it can lead to symptoms like salivation, vomiting, drooling, lethargy, and diarrhea. 

11. Peony

Peony
Image Credit: KMNPhoto / Shutterstock.

The peony bears a name birthed from ancient lore. Legend says that Paeon used the peony to heal a wound on Zeus. That story alone graced the flower with a legacy of healing and protection. In a more modern sense, peonies carry some hefty health benefits. Studies show signs of immune support and anti-inflammatory properties, supporting their historical use in Chinese medicine. But let’s not forget the romantic angle. These beauties signify love; perhaps only the red rose carries more weight.

However, the beauty and symbolism of peonies come with a caveat for all of us pet parents. The presence of phenol in peonies can cause adverse reactions in dogs and cats, such as vomiting, diarrhea, and depression. 

12. Carnation

Carnation
Image Credit: Arsgera / Shutterstock.

Carnations, known as the “Flowers of the Gods,” hold a celestial place in the floral world. This heavenly association isn’t just in the name; carnations carry deep symbolism, particularly in Christian traditions, where they are believed to have first grown from the Virgin Mary’s tears. Beyond their mythological significance, varying carnation colors convey unique messages: white for purity, red for deep love, and pink for gratitude–to name a few.

We must note that carnations are not entirely benign regarding our pets despite their divine beauty and rich symbolism. If ingested, carnations can cause mild gastrointestinal upset and dermatitis. Let’s admire their beauty while keeping a mindful distance for the safety of dogs and cats.

13. Florida Beauty

Florida Beauty plant
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

The Florida Beauty can infuse any space with a hint of tropical appeal. Its leaves feature spots that evolve from bright yellow to a serene creamy white as the plant ages. Belonging to the easy-going Dracaena family, the Florida Beauty is a godsend for less-than-capable gardeners seeking an easy houseplant to spruce things up. There’s nothing better than a low-fuss green companion to make your living space more lively. 

As pet owners, it’s important to know that the Florida Beauty’s has a less inviting side. Saponins compounds that, while contributing to the plant’s resilience, pose risks to dogs and cats if ingested. Symptoms like vomiting (possibly with blood), depression, lack of appetite, excessive drooling, and dilated pupils (in cats) are indicators of its toxic nature. 

14. Dumbcane

Dumbcane
Image Credit: Kristina Ismulyani / Shutterstock.

Also running under the aliases tropic snow and exotica perfection, dumbcane is an exquisite evergreen climber from the Araceae family. Its name actually originates from the bizarre result of chewing on its stem–temporary speechlessness. This peculiar effect is due to raphides, needle-like calcium oxalate crystals found within the plant’s cells. When the plant’s tissue is broken, these crystals can cause intense irritation to mucous membranes, leading to swelling and inflammation of the tongue and throat.

Keeping right along with its unconventional nature, we pet owners should also tread carefully. Dumbcane’s insoluble calcium oxalates and a proteolytic enzyme make it a toxic encounter for dogs and cats. Symptoms such as oral irritation, an intense burning sensation in the mouth, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing can occur if ingested. Maybe we all want to reconsider keeping this plant around the house.

15. Chamomile

Chamomile
Image Credit: Shan 16899 / Shutterstock.

Many of us love chamomile for its medicinal properties and ability to soothe us in tranquility whenever life gets a little out of hand. Chamomile tea is the go-to remedy, but there are various ways to infuse its calming vibe into our daily routine. You might also be surprised to learn that chamomile has a unique place in beer brewing. Brewers are constantly innovating, and one such creation is chamomile-infused wheat beers.

Yet despite its gentle reputation, chamomile presents a different story regarding our four-legged friends. Dogs and cats don’t share our affection for this herb due to volatile oils like bisabolol and chamazulene. Ingesting it can lead to symptoms ranging from mild contact dermatitis and gastrointestinal discomfort to more severe allergic reactions. They might even experience bleeding tendencies with long-term exposure. 

16. Jade

Jade Plant
Image Credit: Barb Elkin / Shutterstock.

The jade plant symbolizes prosperity and longevity, exuding an aura of ancient wisdom as it graces our homes and offices. Beyond its aesthetic and symbolic virtues, jade has many benefits, including its ability to purify indoor air. It’s also relatively low-maintenance and requires minimal care to yield maximum impact. Its medicinal properties have been know to help treat wounds and aid digestion.

We should exercise caution regarding the health of our pets when landing on a location for this mystical plant. Its leaves and stems can harm our cats and dogs. Ingestion leads to symptoms like vomiting and lethargy, necessitating a safe placement away from curious paws.

17. Daisy

Daisy
Image Credit: Flower_Garden / Shutterstock.

The daisy derives its name from “Daes eage” or “day’s eye” in Old English and marvelously encapsulates the essence of dawn by opening its petals each morning. But beyond their visual charm in gardens and arrangements, daisies offer unexpected versatility–from being an edible garnish rich in vitamin C to boasting medicinal properties that address a range of ailments. 

Their allure is slightly marred by their toxicity to pets, attributed to compounds like sesquiterpene and lactones. These can lead to symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea in dogs and cats. 

18. Christmas Rose

Christmas Rose
Image Credit: Nicola Simeoni / Shutterstock.

The Christmas Rose–a misnomer for the enchanting Helleborus Niger–is a perennial marvel that flourishes in partial shade. Wrapped in myth, the Christmas Rose’s tale is quite heartwarming. Madelon was a young shepherdess who witnessed the Magi bearing gifts for the newborn Jesus. She had nothing to offer, but an angel intervened and provided her with a precious gift to present—the Christmas Rose.

Despite its ethereal beauty and mythological tales, the Christmas Rose is toxic to dogs and cats. Compounds like cardiac glycosides and saponins can induce symptoms ranging from drooling and abdominal pain to severe depression. 

19. Fire Lily

fire lily scaled
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

The fire lily, or gloriosa lily, truly lives up to its name with petals that mimic the mesmerizing dance of flames. Revered across various cultures, the fire lily symbolizes pride and glory. Its spirited colors and elegant posture embody strength and resilience. It’s also surprisingly low-maintenance, flourishing in well-drained soils and requiring only modest watering once comfortably settled.

The fire lily’s beauty poses a potential danger to our pets. Containing compounds like lycorine poses a toxic threat to dogs and cats. Symptoms range from vomiting and salivation to more severe reactions like convulsions and tremors. This is especially true after ingesting significant amounts of the plant or, more specifically, its bulbs. Therefore, while the Fire Lily might symbolize pride and resilience, it’s essential to cultivate it with care. Keep it at a safe distance from your curious four-legged family members.

20. Parsley

Parsley
Image Credit: Oxana Denezhkina / Shutterstock.

Parsley is often seen as just a garnish, but it has an extensive history tracing back to its Mediterranean roots. Its name comes from the Greek for “rock celery,” reflecting its rugged natural habitat. Parsley is a bit of a culinary chameleon, enhancing dishes and offering natural breath-freshening properties. We wouldn’t recommend brushing your teeth with it, though.

However, despite its culinary and historical accolades, parsley has a less-than-favorable impact on our pets. It contains furanocoumarins, making it toxic to dogs and cats. While considerable amounts are required to induce effects like photosensitization, it’s a reminder that this ubiquitous herb has layers of complexity extending beyond the kitchen.

21. Azalea

Azalea
Image Credit: New Africa / Shutterstock.

Azaleas carry a wealth of symbolism, from womanhood and temperance to fragility and passion. Each color tells its own story: white for healing, yellow for friendship, and red for romance. It’s a flower celebrated across cultures and holds a particularly special place in Japan as an emblem of womanhood. They epitomize elegance and wealth in China, often gracing traditional ink paintings with their beauty.

The beauty of azaleas masks their toxicity to pets, including dogs and cats. They contain grayanotoxin, which can cause symptoms ranging from vomiting and diarrhea to weakness and even cardiac failure. 

22. Mistletoe

Mistletoe
Image Credit: Oleksandr Rybitskiy / Shutterstock.

Mistletoe is scientifically known as “Phoradendron,” which intriguingly translates to “tree thief.” Perhaps this is because mistletoe opts to siphon nutrients from its host trees through penetrating roots despite its ability to photosynthesize. But the term “mistletoe” itself has a rather humble origin. It comes from the Anglo-Saxon words “Mistal” (dung) and “tan” (twig). The whole name is inspired by how bird droppings containing mistletoe seeds facilitate its spread. In its most literal form, it means “dung-on-a-twig.”

Mistletoe berries pose a significant toxic risk to us and our pets, but they play a pivotal role in the ecosystem. It’s a crucial food source for various birds and wildlife. Still, while we understand the dangers, our pets likely do not. If your dog or cat ingests mistletoe, it can lead to symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, potentially low blood pressure, breathing difficulties, and a decreased heart rate. So let’s keep it up high, steal some kisses, and leave it at that.

23. Poinsettia

Poinsettia
Image Credit: ZoomTravels / Shutterstock.

We often associate Poinsettias with the holiday season; their red hues have also earned them nicknames like the lobster flower and the flame-flower. The flower earned its name from Joel Roberts Poinsett—an American physician, diplomat, and botanist born in the 18th century. Poinsettias are quite the spectacle in their natural habitat, capable of reaching up to 12 feet in height.

Despite their widespread popularity, it’s crucial to note that poinsettias have an irritant sap that can be toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. While their toxicity is often exaggerated, the sap can still irritate the mouth and stomach and sometimes lead to vomiting. 

24. Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus
Image Credit: New Africa / Shutterstock.

Eucalyptus leaves are highly sought after for their refreshing scent and therapeutic essential oils. The enchanting aroma of eucalyptus enhances the ambiance of homes worldwide and brings aesthetic appeal to boot. Fresh eucalyptus branches can maintain their freshness and scent for up to three weeks when you keep them in water. Dried eucalyptus preserves its form and fragrance for a more lasting decoration.

Stay mindful of eucalyptus’ toxicity to pets, including dogs and cats. The essential oils, particularly eucalyptol, can cause adverse reactions such as salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. So, while eucalyptus brings a touch of nature and freshness indoors, placing it safely away from pets is crucial for their well-being.

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Every Kevin Smith Movie Ranked Best to Worst | Wealth of Geeks

Kevin Smith is a man of many talents and interests. A proficient writer, a skilled comedian, a self-professed comic book aficionado, and a highly inventive creative mind, Smith has earned a reputation as one of the most original filmmakers today. In a career spanning just over 30 years, he’s managed to amass a loyal following of fans for his brilliant films, paving his own succinct cinematic universe in the process.

Breaking into the industry as a young, unknown director from suburban New Jersey, Smith helped change the industry format for independent films with his breakout sensation, Clerks (now recognized by the Library of Congress for its cultural, historical, and aesthetic significance).

From such humble beginnings, Smith gained traction as a creative auteur, overseeing plans for his interconnected universe, the View Askewniverse. Besides being a simple one-trick pony alone, Smith has also directed numerous other movies outside his cinematic universe, including horror, romantic comedies, and fantasy films.

From his earliest career success with Clerks to the so-so films of his later career, here’s every one of Kevin Smith’s movies, ranked from best to worst.

Clerks

Image Credit: Miramax.

Over the course of a day, best friends/store clerks Dante (Brian O’Halloran) and Randal (Jeff Anderson) experience the headaches that come with their job, including annoying customers, malfunctioning store equipment, and problems stemming from their romantic relationships.

It’s impossible to overstate how important Clerks was for the growth of the indie film movement. A marvel of 1990s low-budget cinema alongside other influential movies Reservoir Dogs, Slacker, and Pi, it proved you didn’t need an extensive budget or valuable connections in the industry to make a film. All you needed was a strong script, an affordable camera, and some trusty friends by your side, and suddenly, you have the potential to make a truly great film.

Chasing Amy

Chasing Amy
Image Credit: Miramax Films.

Holden (Ben Affleck) and his best friend Banky (Jason Lee) are two comic book artists who meet Amy (Joey Lauren Adams), a colleague in their field, at a comic book convention. Immediately smitten with Amy, Holden’s hopes for a relationship are jeopardized when he learns she is a lesbian.

A romantic comedy by way of Kevin Smith might seem like an odd combination. But with Smith’s superior writing abilities coupled with some superb performances from its cast, Chasing Amy goes from a potentially disastrous-sounding rom-com into something lighter, funnier, and surprisingly more emotional. After his admittedly weaker second film with Mallrats, Chasing Amy cemented his reputation as a filmmaker, showing audiences he was here to stay.

Dogma

Dogma
Image Credit: Lions Gate Films.

When two exiled angels (Ben Affleck and Matt Damon) discover a loophole in Catholic dogma that would allow them to enter Heaven, the universe itself is put into jeopardy. Choosing a savior from the masses, God selects an ordinary abortion clinic worker (Linda Fiorentino) to stop the two from completing their plan.

Though firmly embedded in Smith’s cinematic universe, Dogma is single-handedly unlike any other film directed by Smith. Satirizing Catholicism and the Catholic Church, it utilizes a wide web of stories and characters derived from the Bible and Smith’s previous films, featuring notable appearances from the demon Azrael (Jason Lee), the angel Metatron (Alan Rickman), and Jay and Silent Bob (Jason Mewes and Smith, respectively).

Clerks II

Clerks II
Image Credit: View Askew Productions.

Recently let go from their longtime positions as store clerks, Dante (Brian O’Halloran) and Randal (Jeff Anderson) find new jobs at the fast food restaurant Mooby’s, using their newfound employment to examine their lives.

With how universally well-received Clerks was, Smith seemed to be treading on uncertain ground when it came time for a sequel. Fortunately, with a larger budget and assortment of stars at his disposal (like Rosario Dawson, Wanda Sykes, and Ben Affleck), Clerks II ultimately prevailed, boasting just as much humor and comic book-centric dialogue as the original.

Mallrats

Stan Lee, Jason Lee, Mallrats (1995)
Image Credit: Gramercy Pictures.

Coming to terms with the end of their previous relationships, two best friends (Jason Lee and Jeremy London) spend their time at their local mall, looking to distract themselves from their romantic failures.

After Clerks, Smith embarked on his second entry in the View Askewniverse with Mallrats. Not nearly as revolutionary as Smith’s debut, Mallrats has enough of a lightweight charm to satisfy most viewers, quickly becoming a well-loved cult classic in the years since its release.

Zack and Miri

Zack and Miri
Image Credit: The Weinstein Company.

In desperate need of some quick cash, lifelong best friends Zack (Seth Rogen) and Miri (Elizabeth Banks) decide to make an adult film together, discovering long-dormant feelings for each other along the way.

Based on its humor, romantic undertones, and main cast listing, Zack and Miri seems more like a Judd Apatow film than a Kevin Smith movie. A humorously raunchy film nearly on par with the excellence of Chasing Amy, it doesn’t necessarily have the same strong narrative as that aforementioned film. Still, the chemistry between Rogen and Banks makes it well worth watching.

Clerks III

Clerks III, Rosario Dawson
Image Credit: Lionsgate.

Suffering a heart attack, the now middle-aged Randal (Jeff Anderson) gains a new lease on life, deciding to make a movie with his best friends Dante (Brian O’Halloran) and Elias (Trevor Fehrman) about their formative years as clerks.

Smith’s most recent film, Clerks III, might be the final entry in Smith’s Clerks trilogy (although it’s unlikely we’ve seen the last of Anderson’s trash-talking, ornery video store clerk, Randal). Packing a surprising amount of emotion, Clerks III may not match the humor or originality of its two preceding films, but it serves as a fond farewell to the series that made Smith an overnight success in the first place.

Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back

Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back
Image Credit: Miramax Films.

Peeved that they’ve been cheated out of a lucrative payday when a movie starring their fictional counterparts is green-lit for production, Jay (Jason Mewes) and Silent Bob (Kevin Smith) depart for Los Angeles to sabotage the movie’s production.

With how popular Smith’s breakout characters Jay and Silent Bob had proven to be with audiences in the ’90s, it seemed only a matter of time before they received their own feature film. The resulting effort proved to be one of Smith’s most ambitious, Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back serving as the director’s most full-fledged exploration of his View Askewniverse, as seen from the appearances from Mallrats’ Brodie, Chasing Amy’s Holden, and Clerks’ Dante and Randal.

Red State

Red State
Image Credit: sModcast Pictures, Lionsgate.

In the Midwest, a trio of teenagers (Kyle Gallner, Michael Angarano, and Nicholas Braun) are captured and held hostage by members of a fanatical cult. As they prepare to sacrifice the young men in a holy ceremony, the church is besieged by AFT agents, leading to a tense stand-off between the two groups.

There’s a lot going on in Red State, Smith’s follow-up to his critically panned 2010 film Cop Out. Essentially, it is two films in one, so he might’ve been better off splitting the movie into two rather than cramming a teen horror film into a hostage crisis movie. Because of this, the movie tends to feel bloated and overstuffed – though Smith manages to usher some great performances out of Michael Parks, Stephen Root, and John Goodman.

Jay and Silent Bob Reboot

Jay and Silent Bob Reboot
Image Credit: Saban Films, Universal Pictures Home Entertainment.

Accidentally signing away their legal rights to their fictional comic book counterparts, Jay (Jason Mewes) and Silent Bob (Kevin Smith) race to Los Angeles to stop a movie featuring their likeness from being made.

After his disappointing work on Tusk and Yoga Hosers, Smith returned to the View Askewniverse with his 2019 film, Jay and Silent Bob Reboot. A tongue-in-cheek remake of his own Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back, like Smith’s 2001 film, Jay and Silent Bob Reboot offers fans another fanciful journey into Smith’s cinematic universe, even if it does little else to distinguish itself from Smith’s previous Jay and Silent Bob movie.

Jersey Girl

Jersey Girl
Image Credit: Miramax Films.

After his wife passes away in childbirth, an influential New York publicist (Ben Affleck) tries to raise his daughter (Raquel Castro) with the help of his father (George Carlin).

Smith’s first film outside the View Askewniverse, Jersey Girl is a surprisingly orthodox romantic comedy bearing little of Smith’s creative signatures. The experiment didn’t exactly pay off, with critics demolishing the film upon its release (not to mention taking a critical beating at the box office).

Tusk

Tusk Johnny Depp
Image Credit: A24.

Looking for an interesting subject for an interview, a podcast host (Justin Long) agrees to a conversation with an enigmatic man (Michael Parks) who has a deep-seated obsession with a beloved walrus from his past.

Tusk marks another attempt by Smith to start his own cinematic universe, a Canadian foil to his New Jersey-centric View Askewniverse. Unfortunately, Tusk and its spiritual successor, Yoga Hosers, don’t come anywhere close to matching the worst the View Askewniverse has to offer. It’s low on jokes, short on scares, and – despite an occasional glimmer of promise, is undoubtedly one of Smith’s worst efforts to date.

Yoga Hosers

Yoga Hosers (2016) Movie
Image Credit: Invincible Pictures.

Colleen Collette (Lily-Rose Depp) and Colleen McKenzie (Harley Quinn Smith) are two best friends living in Winnipeg who spend the majority of their time doing yoga and distracting themselves on their phones. Navigating the awkward waters of high school social cliques, the Colleens soon came face to face with an undead evil menacing their community.

The second entry in Smith’s ongoing True North trilogy, Yoga Hosers is only slightly below the series’ previous entry (Tusk) in terms of quality and its lackadaisical humor. Neither funny nor scary, Smith plays with some interesting ideas in his script – the inclusion of Johnny Depp’s Guy LaPointe from Tusk and the sinister real-life Canadian Nazi Adrien Arcand, first and foremost – but it gets mangled beyond repair in its final delivery.

Cop Out

Cop Out
Image Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures.

After the prized baseball card he planned on selling to finance his daughter’s wedding was stolen, a New York police officer (Bruce Willis) and his partner (Tracy Morgan) set out to track the thieves down.

The first and so far only movie Smith didn’t personally work on the script for, Cop Out is perhaps most famous for the notorious backstage animosity between Smith and his leading star, Bruce Willis. While it’s easy to blame the two’s turbulent attitude towards one another behind the scenes for Cop Out’s lack of success, there’s no scenario where a movie as painfully unfunny, cliché, and sluggishly paced as this one would’ve worked out well.

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The 27 Most Loved Dogs From TV and Movies | Wealth of Geeks

Dogs have always been man’s best friend, so they’ve naturally made their way onto screens big and small. Movies and TV shows are full of fictional dogs that we love almost as much as our own companions, from heroic canines to silly puppies. Their fluffy tails and floppy ears make us fall in love at the first tail wag, and their stories can be inspiring and comforting.

These pooches may be fictitious, but they’ve left a very real paw print on our hearts.

1. Scooby-Doo

Image Credit: Warner Home Video.

Of course, Scooby-Doo and his Scooby Snacks will always be fan favorites. Scooby is one of the most famous fictional dogs of all time, with his goofy way of speaking and the way he’s traversed generations of television and movies. We’ll give Scrappy an honorable mention, but it’s hard to trust him after his hijinks on Spooky Island.

2. Marley

Marley and Me
Image Credit: 20th Century Fox.

Marley is the titular figure from Marley & Me and will always have a special place in our hearts. Viewers watch him grow from the littlest puppy to an old, mellow dog who loves his family more than anything. The movie’s heart-wrenching and painfully realistic ending only pushes him further into our hearts.

3. Dug

up 1
Image Credit: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures.

Many dog owners wonder what their dogs think about it. In Up, Dug’s dialogue gives us all a little insight into what goes through canine minds. He’s a hilarious and lovable character with a naivety that makes us want to scoop him up and love him.

4. Snoopy

It's Christmastime Again, Charlie Brown (1992)
Image Credit: CBS.

For many people, Snoopy is the most iconic animated dog. He jumped from the comic strips onto our screens and never looked back. This little black and white beagle has a distinct and sometimes negative personality, with gluttonous behavior and a lazy attitude, but his sass is part of why so many love him.

5. Lassie

Lassie and Timmy get ready for bed.
Image Credit: CBS Worldwide, Inc.

Lassie is one of the most heroic canines ever and is admired as a courageous dog with incredible intelligence. She’s starred in both movies and TV shows as a faithful pet who goes above and beyond to protect, care for, and be alongside her family. It’s safe to say we’d all be lucky to be companions with such a brilliant animal.

6. Seymour

Jurassic Bark- Futurama
Image Credit: 20th Century Fox Television.

If you’ve never seen the Futurama episode “Jurassic Bark,” be prepared for heartbreak. Seymour is Fry’s dog from the past, and in this episode, we find out that this loving and determined little dog waited the rest of his life for Fry to return after he disappeared into the future. Futurama is typically funny, but Seymour’s storyline will bring you to tears.

7. Old Yeller

Old Yeller Movie (1957)
Image Credit: Buena Vista Distribution.

Again, get ready for some brutal heartbreak if you don’t know the story of Old Yeller. This faithful dog sacrifices himself to save his owners, fighting off a wolf but getting injured in the process. Many of us didn’t know what true tragedy was until we saw this movie as children, and the ending breaks us every time.

8. Mr. Peanutbutter

BoJack Horseman Animated Series
Image Credit: ShadowMachine.

Mr. Peanutbutter is one of the most lovable dogs, with a charming naivety and sparky personality. He’s one of the main characters in BoJack Horseman and has a lightness that makes him adorable and hilarious. Some find him annoying, but many people think he’s the best character in the show.

9. Balto

Balto
Image Credit: Universal Pictures.

While no one seems to talk about this movie, most people saw it as a child and loved the main character. Balto has similar vibes to Lassie, rushing to deliver medicine to sick children and saving the day occasionally. He’s courageous but conflicted because some people fear his wolf ancestry.

10. Blue

Blue's Clues (1995)
Image Credit: Nickelodeon Animation Studio.

Blue’s Clues was a major part of many of our childhoods, and while the cheerful human host was replaced, Blue never went anywhere. Even though the show ended in 2006, many people still think about Blue fondly as the colorful little dog they solved mysteries with.

11. Pluto

Mickey and Pluto hugging
Image Credit: Disney+.

An honorable mention goes to Goofy, but most people think Pluto is the best dog in the Mickey Mouse universe. This amusing scamp is loyal and smart but also incredibly funny when pretending to be a human. As one of the only non-anthropomorphic characters from the Mickey Mouse universe, he acts more like a real dog with his energetic nature.

12. Air Bud

Air Bud
Image Credit: Buena Vista Pictures Distribution.

There are roughly a dozen movies in the Air Bud franchise, showing how much people adore him. This talented pup is not only an impressive basketball player but also a dear companion who helps his owner through tragedies and conflicts. And we love seeing him become a father of the little Buddies!

13. Jake the Dog

Adventure Time - intro
Image Credit: Cartoon Network Studios.

This dog has a bold personality and a strong sense of loyalty. He is Finn the Human’s best friend on Adventure Time, and he is always up for a crazy journey. He doesn’t have the innocence of other beloved fictional dogs, but his realistic human demeanor makes him a unique and hilarious TV dog.

14. Clifford

Clifford the big red dog
Image Credit: PBS.

Clifford has the sweet demeanor of any lovable dog, but he’s special because he’s roughly the size of a house and has bright firetruck-red fur. This fictional dog has a funky appearance, but his endearing and gentle nature gives him a cozy and loving aura. Clifford the Big Red Dog may be an unorthodox pup, but his big heart makes him endlessly lovable.

15. Milo

Max the Dog playing Milo in the Mask
Image Credit: New Line Cinema.

Milo is Stanley’s dog in The Mask and isn’t as smart or wholesome as other lovable fictional dogs, but his crazy antics and boisterous personality make him a favorite. At one point in the film, he wears the mask and becomes a hulking canine who defends his owner but doesn’t want to return the mask, showcasing his feisty ways.

16. Fang

Hugo the dog playing Fang, Hagrid's dog
Image Credit: Warner Bros.

Fang is Hagrid’s massive dog in the Harry Potter series. He doesn’t show up too much in the films, but the few times he does appear, he’s lamblike and slobbery. His cowardly nature only makes him more endearing, as you would expect him to be brave and strong!

17. Max

Max the dog
Image Credit: Cat in the Hat Productions and MGM Animation/Visual Arts.

Max is the Grinch’s dog in How the Grinch Stole Christmas, and he’s one of the best-animated dogs because of his exhausted attitude. He’s a devoted companion to the Grinch but also wants his master to be kinder and only seems happy when the Grinch is doing good. And few things are as precious as Max tipping over when wearing the heavy antler headband.

18. Brian Griffin

Brian and Lois Griffin
Image Credit: Fox Network.

Brian Griffin does not have the cute and loyal traits of many people’s favorite pups, but we love him because of his snark and intelligence. While he enjoys martinis and logical arguments, he slips into instinctual dog behavior every once in a while, like growling at the mailman or chasing after a ball.

19. Hooch

Turner and Hooch
Image Credit: Touchstone Pictures.

Tom Hanks is one of the most respected and admired actors of our time, but Hooch steals the spotlight in the movie Turner & Hooch. Hooch is a devoted companion and is all tail-wags most of the time, but he also steps up to serve justice when he needs to.

20. Bruiser

Legally Blonde Reese Witherspoon, Jessica Cauffiel, Alanna Ubach
Image Credit: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc.

Elle Woods has a tough time making friends at Harvard, but Bruiser is always there for her. He was always by her side and would follow her wherever she went. In Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde, Elle repays his unwavering loyalty by trying to free his mother from a testing lab.

21. Zero

Nightmare Before Christmas Zero
Image Credit: Buena Vista Pictures.

Do ghost dogs count? They do! Zero is Jack’s ghostly pet in The Nightmare Before Christmas who follows him around. His floppy ears, floating body, and bright red nose make him one of the most unusual fictional dogs, but he’s just as cute and rambunctious as any other movie or TV dog.

22. Charlie

All Dogs Go To Heaven
Image Credit: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc.

Charlie is the main character in the strange film All Dogs Go to Heaven. He’s voiced by Burt Reynolds, so it’s hard not to love him! Charlie is a flawed character worthy of redemption, making him one of the more complex animated dogs we can’t help but root for.

23. Toto

The Wizard of Oz Toto
Image Credit: Loew’s, Inc.

Of course, Toto is Dorothy’s little dog in The Wizard of Oz, and he’s the spark that ignites the plot. The relationship between Dorothy and Toto drives Dorothy to run away, and he shows similar devotion to her when she’s in trouble. While he may be little, he is a mighty pup.

24. Pongo and Perdita 

101 Dalmatians
Image Credit: Buena Vista Pictures Distribution.

Choosing one over the other felt wrong, so we’re including both Pongo and Perdita from 101 Dalmatians. These loving parents are fiercely faithful to their owners as well as each other, and even though they’re dogs, they’re also couple goals. Who could forget their beautiful little dog wedding?

25. Lady and Tramp

Lady and The Tramp Animated Movie
Image Credit: Walt Disney Studios.

I couldn’t choose between these two because they’re a package deal! Lady and Tramp are an even more special couple because they have a Romeo-and-Juliet-type love that defies the expectations surrounding them. Tramp’s frisky nature and Lady’s bewitching sweetness make them a precious pair.

26. Bolt

Bolt John Travolta
Image Credit: Disney Enterprises, Inc.

Bolt is a favorite fictional dog because he thinks he’s as brave and bright as canines like Lassie, Hooch, and Air Bud until he realizes he’s just an average dog. His determination and eventual humility make him a delightful dog to watch grow and go on adventures.

27. Copper

The Fox and the Hound Corey Feldman, Keith Coogan
Image Credit: Buena Vista Distribution.

The Fox and the Hound is a story of an unlikely but wholesome friendship that will warm your heart. The hound, Copper, is beyond kind and innocent throughout the movie, and when it comes down to it, he chooses his lifelong friend over what he is expected to do, and we’ll always love him for that.

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