Entertainment 

Books, Games, Technology, Movies, Music & TV

Scroll for the latest available Shared Content entertainment modules, updated weekday mornings.
Right click over any image to open a larger version in a new tab. 

053024_TECHNOLOGY-REVIEWS-TABLETS

The best tablet is one that’s versatile enough for all kinds of use cases from home, school or work. While the iPad is the king of the segment, Android tablets have made a comeback. For those interested in purchasing a tablet, this half-page module shares reviews of three models worth considering. (TNS)

053024_KIDNEWS

This week’s KidNews is a full page of puzzles and activities. 

052824_BOOKS-NEW CHILDREN'S PICTURE BOOKS

This module – available in two sizes – features a roundup of gorgeous picture books for children. (TNS) 

052824_RADIO HISTORY-BAY AREA RADIO MUSEUM AND HALL OF FAME 

The Bay Area Radio Museum and Hall of Fame in Alameda, California, is devoted to everything under the sun related to wireless communication, stretching back some 120 years to the invention of radio. Currently open to the public on Wednesday and Sundays for tours, the building that’s functioned largely as a social club and hangout space for die-hard radio collectors has plans to open this summer as a full-fledged museum. This full-page module takes a closer look at the museum’s collection and the volunteers who work to preserve radio history. (TNS)

052324_TECHNOLOGY-NOISE-CANCELING HEADPHONES UNDER $100

This half-page module offers a roundup of reviews of three noise-canceling headphones that cost less than $100 and feature decent sounds and performance. (TNS)

052324_KIDNEWS

Big birding goals: Dallas tee logs more than 250 feathered species in a year. Plus: Puzzles and activities. (TNS)

052324_TELEVISION-QUEENIE 

Candice Carty-Williams’ bestselling book “Queenie” has been adapted to a TV series set to premiere June 7 on Hulu. Drawing inspiration from “Bridget Jones’s Diary,” Carty-Williams’ protagonist is a 25-year-old Jamaican British woman living in South London. In this half-page module, Sioux City Journal’s Bruce Miller spoke with Carty-Williams about her role in bringing her characters from page to small screen. (LEE)

052124_BOOKS-AMY TAN-'THE BACKYARD BIRD CHRONICLES'

Amy Tan’s bestselling novels like “The Joy Luck Club” and “The Kitchen God’s Wife” grew out of the Chinese American author’s family life, turned to rich fiction by her elegant writing. Tan’s charming new nonfiction book, “The Backyard Bird Chronicles,” is a memoir about taking up two new pursuits while she was in her 60s: drawing and birding. This half-page module features a review of “The Backyard Bird Chronicles,” which also includes a collection of illustrations by Tan. (TNS)

052124_ENTERTAINMENT-SUMMER TV PREVIEW 

The summer TV schedule might be a little underwhelming, thanks to reverberations from the Hollywood strikes, but there are still some bright spots ahead, including the return of “The Bear.” This full-page module features a roundup of TV shows heading to screens in the coming weeks. (TNS)

051624_TECHNOLOGY-REVIEWS-SMARTWATCHES

This half-page module shares reviews of three of the best smartwatches based on function, price and compatibility. (TNS)

051624_KIDNEWS

An eye-opening experience: With high-tech help, visually impaired kids see world anew. Plus: Puzzles and activities. 

051624_TV-REVIEW-YOUNG SHELDON-SERIES FINALE 

Even if you were a casual viewer of “Young Sheldon,” you’ll find plenty in the two-part finale to make you cry. In this half-page module, Sioux City Journal Bruce Miller offers a review of the “Young Sheldon” finale, which airs this Thursday. (LEE) 

051424_BOOKS-2 NEW HISTORY TITLES

This half-page module features reviews and information about two recently released history books: “Native Nations: A Millennium in North America,” by Kathleen DuVal, and “A History of the World in Twelve Shipwrecks,” by David Gibbins. (TNS)

051424_ENTERTAINMENT-25TH ANNIVERSARY-STAR WARS EPISODE I

“Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace” celebrates its 25th anniversary this month. The movie that kicked off the much-maligned prequel trilogy has, in many ways, been redeemed. Its stars – including Ewan McGregor, Hayden Christensen and Ahmed Best – have been reembraced by fans in their returns to the franchise in television projects such as “Obi-Wan Kenobi” and “Ahsoka.” This full-page module takes a look back at “The Phantom Menace” as it turns 25. (TNS)

050924_TECHNOLOGY-3 GADGETS FOR GRADUATES

It’s graduation time, and that usually means some gift-giving. This half-page module features a roundup of gift ideas that will be welcomed by graduates whether they’re headed off to college or still trying to figure out what’s next. (TNS)

050924_ENTERTAINMENT-PBS-PURLIE VICTORIOUS 

“Hamilton” did more than make Leslie Odom Jr. a star. It enabled him to pitch a project for PBS’ “Great Performances.” The beneficiary is “Purlie Victorious,” a 1961 comedic play by Ossie Davis. In this half-page module, Sioux City Journal’s Bruce Miller talks with Odom and others involved in the project, which airs later this month. (LEE)

050924_KIDNEWS

Shark encounter: Expedition in Florida gives girls a chance to be scientists. Plus: Puzzles and activities. 

050724_BOOKS-NOVEL-'CALL IT WHAT YOU WANT'

Author Alissa DeRogatis processed the pain of a breakup writing a novel based on her situationship. The book, “Call It What You Want,” was self-published last year, but an updated and traditionally published edition is set for release next month. In this half-page module, DeRogatis discusses “Call It What You Want” and what’s in the new edition. (TNS) 

050724_ENTERTAINMENT-SUMMER MOVIE GUIDE 

Summer’s here – at least according to Hollywood. This full-page module offers a guide to what movies are hitting theaters and streaming services between now and the end of August, laid out from A to Z. (TNS)

050724_MOTHER’S DAY-GIFT GUIDE 

 Not all moms are the same. Some don’t love the idea of flowers and chocolates for Mother’s Day. This module – available in two sies – offers a roundup of Mother’s Day gift ideas, many based on testimonials from actual moms. (AP)

050724_BASEBALL STADIUMS-FOOD OFFERINGS 

Over the past 20 years, the culinary landscape has exploded at MLB ballparks, which makes eating healthy a bit of a battle. Though lighter fare exists, many people attending baseball games aren’t necessarily looking to eat healthy, and the food offerings reflect those cravings. This full-page module digs into some of the stadium food offerings and includes some suggestions from a nutritionist for enjoying your day at the ballpark. (AP)

050224_TECHNOLOGY-REVIEW-HEYBIKE MARS 2.0

Electric bikes are gaining speed around neighborhoods. This half-page module features a review of the Heybike Mars 2.0, a foldable, fat-tired e-bike. (TNS)

050224_KIDNEWS

This week’s edition of KidNews features a full page of puzzles and activities. 

050224_TELEVISION-YOUNG SHELDON SPINOFF 

“Young Sheldon” ends its run later this month, but a spinoff series is on its way that will center on Sheldon’s brother Georgie. In this half-page module, Sioux City Journal’s Bruce Miller talks to members of the “Young Sheldon” cast and the shoe’s executive producer about what audiences can expect as one show says goodbye and the other says hello. (LEE)

050124_2024 TONY AWARDS-NOMINATIONS 

Two Broadway shows celebrating the origins of sonic creativity — “Hell’s Kitchen” and “Stereophonic”— each earned a leading 13 Tony Award nominations Tuesday. The list also saw a record number of women nominated for best director. A total of 28 shows earned a Tony nod or more, and this half-page module shares more details about Tuesday’s announcement, plus a partial nominees list. The Tonys are set for June 16. (AP)

043024_BOOKS-3 NEW POETRY COLLECTIONS

This half-page module offers a roundup of reviews of three recently released poetry collections. (TNS)

043024_2024 MET GALA-GUIDE 

Stars of film, fashion, music, sports, politics and social media will ascend the steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 6 to sip cocktails, have dinner and sample the new exhibit, “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion.” As fashion’s biggest night approaches, this module – available in two sizes – shares everything to know about this year’s Met Gala. (AP)

042524_TECHNOLOGY-REVIEWS-5G PHONES

Right now, there isn’t one specific phone that stands head and shoulders above the others, but there are some standouts. This half-page module shares reviews of three of the best 5G phones available now. (TNS)

042524_KIDNEWS

Refuge on the field: Boy from Venezuela finds home in baseball. Also featured: Puzzles and activities. 

042524_TELEVISION-PREVIEW-HACKS 

The third season of the Emmy-winning comedy “Hacks” kicks off in May. In this half-page module, stars Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder share more about what viewers can expect to see in Season Three with Sioux City Journal’s Bruce Miller. (LEE)

042324_BOOKS-SALMAN RUSHDIE-'KNIFE'

In Salman Rushdie’s first book since the 2022 stabbing that hospitalized him and left him blind in one eye, the author wastes no time reliving the day he thought might be his last. This half-page module features a review of Rushdie’s “Knife.” (AP)

042324_ENTERTAINMENT-THE COPYRIGHT CONUNDRUM 

Winnie the Pooh and Mickey Mouse have recently entered the public domain, making it possible for artists to use them freely. In the years to come, they’ll be followed by a parade of pop culture figures, from King Kong to Superman. Some think that after years where Hollywood was only interested in films and TV shows that showed off their intellectual property, a fatigue from the same recycled characters will descend. This full-page module examines this copyright conundrum. (AP)

041824_TECHNOLOGY-PRIVATE BROWSING

Nearly every major internet browser has a private browsing mode, but they might not protect your privacy as much as you might think it does. This half-page module offers a look at what private browsers do and don’t do for surfers. (AP)

041824_ENTERTAINMENT-BON JOVI DOCUMENTARY

In the new documentary series “Thank You, Goodnight: The Bon Jovi Story,” the band’s frontman talks about what some 40 years in the music business have meant. It is, Jon Bon Jovi says, a warts-and-all look at him and his band. This half-page module – featuring a story by Sioux City Journal’s Bruce Miller – offers a deeper look at what viewers of the documentary can expect to see. (LEE) 

041824_KIDNEWS

Middle school celebrates name change with 100-foot mural. Also featured: Puzzles and activities. 

041624_BOOKS-REVIEW-'TABLE FOR TWO'

Amor Towles dazzled millions with his mega-selling “A Gentleman in Moscow” as well as its successor, “The Lincoln Highway,” and its predecessor, “Rules of Civility.” This half-page module offers a review of Towles’ latest release, “Table for Two.” (TNS)

041624_ENTERTAINMENT-JAMES BOND EXHIBIT 

A new exhibit at Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry features gadgets and vehicles from James Bond films, as well as lessons in physics, technology and the staging of insanely large explosions. This full-page module takes a closer look at what visitors can experience during “007 Science: Inventing the World of James Bond.” (TNS)

041124_TECHNOLOGY-REVIEW-ONEPLUS 12 SMARTPHONE

OnePlus has been making Android phones for 10 years now, and its latest flagship phone – the OnePlus 12 – is a serious competitor to phones like the Google Pixel 8 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. This half-page module shares a review of the OnePlus 12, breaking down its specs and features. (TNS)

041124_MUSIC-CATALOG SALES-LIST 

Kiss is selling their catalog, brand name in a deal estimated to be over $300 million. They’re the latest to participate in an ongoing trend of blockbuster acts and their rights holders inking deals to sell their back-catalogs, often for impressive sums. This half-page module shares a list of other musicians who have made similar deals. (AP)

041124_ENTERTAINMENT-TV-RIPLEY

In “Ripley,” a TV adaptation of Patricia Highsmith’s “The Talented Mr. Ripley,” actor Andrew Scott gets to savor the story over eight episodes. In this half-page module, Scott shares more about the project with Sioux City Journal’s Bruce Miller. (LEE)

041124_KIDNEWS

This week’s edition of KidNews features a full page of puzzles and activities. 

040924_BOOKS-SILENT BOOK CLUB

Silent book clubs – where people gather in local bars and coffee shops to read – are a growing trend. It’s part social, part personal; friendly but low stakes. This module – available in two sizes – takes a closer look at the trend. (TNS) 

040924_LAS VEGAS-TROPICANA MOMENTS 

From its lavish opening in 1957, Tropicana Las Vegas has been a familiar landmark home to colorful events. Now it’s a jewel of Sin City’s past, having shut its doors for good on April 2. This full-page module takes a look back on key moments in the Tropicana’s vibrant history. (AP)

040924_ENTERTAINMENT-VIDEO GAME-REVIEWS 

The first quarter of 2024 has been bountiful for gamers, with plenty of worthwhile options to spend their time and money on. This module – available in two sizes – shares highlights of major video game titles released so far this year. (TNS)

040424_TECHNOLOGY-HOW TO SPOT A DEEPFAKE

AI fakery is quickly becoming one of the biggest problems confronting us online. Deceptive pictures, videos and audio are proliferating as a result of the increased use of generative AI tools. These fakes might seem harmless, but they can be use to carry out scams or propaganda. This half-page module shares information about how to avoid being duped by deepfakes. (AP)

040424 _KIDNEWS

Pageant queen who had six heart attacks as a teen shares her story to raise awareness. Plus: A review of the book, “Our Lives in Between.” Also featured: Puzzles and activities. 

040424_ART-ITALY-RENAISSANCE 

An unprecedented new exhibition at the Poldi Pezzoli Museum in Milan reunites for the first time in over 450 years eight surviving panels of an altarpiece by Italian Renaissance master Piero della Francesca. This half-page module shares more about the altarpiece and the exhibition. (AP)

040424_TELEVISION-A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE FUTURE 

In this half-page module, Sioux City Journal’s Bruce Miller talks with the creators of the new PBS docuseries “A Brief History of the Future.” (LEE)

040224_BOOKS-5 NEW COOKBOOKS

This module – available in two sizes – offers a roundup of new or upcoming cookbooks worth sinking your teeth into. (TNS) 

040224_MUSIC-ANNIVERSARY-ALBUMS FROM 1994 

In the music world, there was something special going on in 1994. It was a year of numerous noteworthy debut album releases and mainstream breakthrough records for several acts. This full-page module lists 30 albums that reach the 30-year milestone in 2024. (TNS)

032824_TECHNOLOGY-REVIEWS-SMART TELEVISIONS

Most new TVs come equipped with smart capabilities, which can make it hard to distinguish what separates a decent smart TV from an outstanding one. This half-page module offers a roundup of reviews of 3 excellent smart TV options. (TNS)

032824_KIDNEWS

This week’s KidNews features a full page of puzzles and activities. 

032824_TELEVISION-WE WERE THE LUCKY 

Stars of the new Hulu series “We Were the Lucky Ones” dish about the show with Bruce Miller, of the Sioux City Journal. (LEE)

032624_BOOKS-6 SHORT READS

Good books can come in small packages. This half-page roundup features six quick reads that you can devour in one sitting. (TNS)

032624_MOVIES-HOLLYWOOD HEISTS 

This module – available in two sizes – offers a roundup of heist movies that are equal parts tense talk and exhilarating action. (TNS)

032124_TECHNOLOGY-REVIEWS-LAPTOPS

This half-page module features reviews of three top-rated laptops worth checking out. (TNS)

032124_KIDNEWS

Young Philadelphia dancer soars above tragedy. Plus, Illinois students take polar plunge for Special Olympics. Also: Puzzles and activities. 

032124_TV-CAROL BURNETT-PALM ROYALE 

Carol Burnett is back on the small screen in the new series “Palm Royale.” Set in 1969, the series follows a woman (played by Kristen Wiig) as she tries to break into Palm Beach, Florida, society. In this half-page module, Burnett and other stars of “Palm Royale” talk about the show with Bruce Miller of the Sioux City Journal. (LEE)