By Rebecca Smith The Pastrami Insider | Pastrami Nation School has started, the air is growing cooler, and pumpkin-spice everything fills the shelves of grocery stores. But what truly gets you in the Halloween spirit? For my husband and me, it was selecting an audiobook for our family road trip. Over 6 hours of driving each way. Yes, an audiobook […]
By Rebecca SmithReporter Advocacy and accessibility are concepts I’ve become increasingly familiar with, and they were among the biggest draws for me to attend Rose City Comic Con. As the wife of a pop culture enthusiast, someone well-known in his community, I’ve been challenged to step into the world of conventions. While I’ve attended a handful of smaller events, I […]
By Rebecca Smith Reporter Father’s Day is this weekend, but its not too late to get an amazing gift for the dad in your life! Of course, being Pastrami Nation, we have compiled a list of pop culture sure fire gifts! We hope this list helps you snag the perfect Father’s Day gift!
By Rebecca Smith Reporter We encourage all of our readers to help (support or share) Sean Chavarria as he continues to raise funds to help children in need as part of Moustaches for Kids 2024!!! What’s it all about? I’m glad you asked: Moustaches for Kids (M4K) is a community of volunteer moustache “growers”, who raise money once a year […]
By Rebecca Smith Coinciding with the release of Disney’s latest ride-based movie adaptation, Bones Coffee Company unveiled their Haunted Mansion box set, featuring the delightful Brownie from Beyond-Caramel Brownie flavor. As a devoted Haunted Mansion enthusiast, I was brimming with excitement to sample this brand-new coffee offering. The packaging, adorned with captivating artwork from the movie, was so artfully done […]
By Rebecca SmithStaff Reporter Loungefly has been creating quality Disney merchandise for years, and their line of Haunted Mansion mini backpacks is no exception. From its first release in 2018 to its latest line in 2022, Loungefly has consistently delivered unique and exciting designs that capture the spirit of the Haunted Mansion attraction. The original Haunted Mansion mini backpack released […]
By Rebecca Smith We all know an important Halloween aspect is things coming back to life, so with that in mind, I am back after a hiatus to write this review. What is so worthy, you ask? Netflix’s The Curse of Bridge Hollow. The family can enjoy this Netflix comedy (as long as your kiddos are 12+, with some parental […]
By Rebecca Smith The question, “What?” is asked by almost everyone. “What am I? What I am supposed to be doing? What is my role in this world?” In his film, Alec Lev calls on John Maucere to reignite the vaudeville type of black-and-white silent movies. Spoilers will be discussed, so tread carefully! Maucere’s character, Don, is an aspiring actor […]
By Rebecca Benson Families stooped over, carefully eyeing the pumpkins for picking–right off the vine. The cool, crisp air Fall brings stings your cheeks; the cold settling over your skin as you gaze at the surrounding hillsides. And what better way to end the Fall festivities and keep on with the Halloween spirit than to watch Disney’s The Muppets Haunted […]
By Rebecca Benson and Nolan P Smith Disney is synonymous with fun for all ages. And The Jungle Cruise is just that. We went to the theaters, knowing full well that this would be a “popcorn” movie. Nothing that takes itself too seriously. And it’s Disney. Enough said. From the beginning, we were entranced, transported back into the Disneyland of […]
By Rebecca Benson We all know the saying, Things aren’t always what they seem. And “Remember Andy Xenon?” is no exception. Brought to readers by its creators, “Remember Andy Xenon?” is an action-packed and beautifully pieced-together story. Take the first pages; for example, we find our superhero chasing–make that leaping and bounding–after his foe; that is until time catches up […]
By Rebecca Benson TKO Studios has offered comic book readers a beautifully crafted continuation of Luvander’s journey. A journey that brings forth danger, heartache, hope, self-discovery, and friendship. Oh, and let’s not leave out dragons! Scales & Scoundrels flows from Book One to Two incredibly well. With much goings-on but I will try my best to recap without giving away […]
By Rebecca Benson I was so excited to learn that there would be a part 2 to the already phenomenal first installment of John Krasinski’s film “A Quiet Place.” I have to admit; I was a little slow to watch the first movie. Choosing instead to catch it in my solitude at home. And let me tell you, I wish […]
By Rebecca Benson Heartache, grief, and the macabre arise from the depths in this Southern “tale of woe.” From the creative team of Writer Adam Smith and Artist Matthew Fox and Letterer Mike Fiorentino, Archaia introduces us to “Down River People.” Still reeling from an unfortunate turn of events, Myers takes up the burden to keep his family legacy by […]
By Rebecca Benson Join me on an out-of-this-world adventure. From Mad Cave Studios, we embark on a journey in “They Fell From The Sky.” Mad Cave is set to release this series in a Trade Paperback soon! I hope readers are just as much as science fiction enthusiasts as we find our main character, Tommy, to be! Join Tommy and […]
By Rebecca Benson Transcript of video: Hello! My name is Rebecca from Pastrami Nation. I want to let you know about Mad Cave Studios’ new collection: Pantomime–Issues #1-6. It is all included in their new trade paperback. I’m so excited! It’s a good read; fascinating! We follow the characters Haley and Max during school, troubles, and rough living situations. Will […]
By Rebecca Benson A straightforward detective–private investigator–story! “Denied” by Mary Keliikoa, engages readers into the mysterious drama surrounding a missing person’s case. A case that leads our main character, Kelly Pruett, into the world of gambling and cover-up. But just who is behind it all? Kelly must discover who is the enemy or an ally. “Denied” is the second installment […]
By Rebecca Benson Pursuing the new releases displayed, “The Sanatorium”‘ cover art caught my eye. Sarah Pearse’s spellbinder vacations readers in the Swiss mountains. Le Sommet is a newly refurbished hotel, eagerly awaiting its guests. Elin Warner is one of them. She is a detective on leave whose brother is celebrating his engagement. And Le Sommet is the grand and […]
By Rebecca Benson My current novel I was excited to read was “Present Danger” by Elizabeth Goddard. This has a lot to do with the mixture of different government agencies, nature, and faith. The perfect trifecta. And it is an exciting read! Sheriff Jack Tanner and US Forest Service Special Agent Terra Connors once found themselves in love; however, life […]
By Rebecca Benson Coming up in late spring is Karen Kingbury’s–a beloved author’s–newest novel: “A Distant Shore.” I’ve read many a Kingsbury book and am exceptionally excited to enjoy this one. And share to share it with all of you! Teenaged Jack Ryder’s family vacation in Belize was the norm: surf, sand, and sun. But when Jack sees a young […]
By Rebecca Benson What once started as a casual read has turned into the need for more. BOOM! Studios will soon release their newest issue in the “Origins” series! Which I am super excited for, by the way. With only two left in the series, I strongly encourage you to catch up on your “Origins” reading. If you’ve been reading […]
By Rebecca Benson It is a quest. A quest for the archangels to find the much-needed pieces of armor– before it’s too late. Knights of the Golden #11, from Mad Cave Studios, continues their heroic journey. But to move forward, one of their own, Shammah, must revisit his past. Shammah has to remember his days of being in the House […]
By Rebecca Benson “Unknown Threat, by Lynne H. Blackburn, starts us off on an adventure as US Secret Service Luke Powell starts his day just like any other day. However, he finds his life and the life of his fellow friend and agent are at risk. Bombs, explosions, and a rogue attempts to end his life short. The Secret Service […]
By Rebecca Benson Robert Bailey’s latest novel in the “Bocephus Haynes” series, “The Wrong Side,” follows the story of Pulaski’s rising high school football star: Odell Champagne. Odell is accused of murdering Brittany Crutcher, his girlfriend. However, she is a local legend–an upcoming and singer on a fast track to success. Set in the Deep South, “The Wrong Side” also […]
By Rebecca Benson I was excited when I stumbled upon Fitbit’s latest gadget, an upgraded Versa model if you will. Years prior, I had bought myself the Versa Lite, so of course, I immediately put it on my wishlist. And thanks to my fiance’s generosity, my wish was granted. Fitness world, meet the FibBit Sense. This newer fitness watch boasts […]
By Rebecca Benson Pantomime #4 from Mad Cave Studios is out now! And what great timing as I was wondering how our team’s saga was going to play out–and yes, pun intended. What seems like an ordinary move-out day for our now college-age group of criminal friends and family has morphed into an unforeseen circumstance. No, things aren’t always what […]
By Rebecca Benson Very recent events are chronicled in Mary Alice Monroe’s latest installment of the Beach House Saga, “The Summer of Lost and Found.” This particular novel continues the legacy of the Rutledge family, in which the family tree is deeply rooted in Charleston, South Carolina. Our story, however, takes place on the Isle of Palms. With the onset […]
By Rebecca Benson BOOM! Studios continues the post-apocalyptic search for truth and humankind’s legacy in “Origins” #4. Chloe and Cliff have undertaken the responsibility to care for David. The human life they found so long ago. However, “Origins” dives into the complexities of the creator and the created. This saga also dissects the mysteries of robots and humanity. The difference? […]
By Rebecca Benson “False Light,” written by Eric Dezenhall, follows Sandy “Fuse” Petty on a nerve-wracking quest. A pursuit of revenge that is. With a friend of the family being wronged, Fuse believes it to be his only objective to right this wrong. However, Fuse’s scheme comes at a tumultuous time in his life. Sandy is in the midst of […]
By Rebecca Benson I am excited to share my first novel review for Pastrami Nation! First-ever, actually! Without any further ado, let’s get started! The novel featured today is entitled “The Shadow Eaters,” written by Christine Taylor. It is the third installment of her “Grace from Darkness” series. The journey begins in the 1920s, in the Tennessean countryside. Our female […]