Entertainment
Experiencing the UFO Experience
There’s a new venue that just debuted at the Arizona Boardwalk, “The UFO Experience: The Truth is Out There.”
Last Updated on May 27, 2024 by Daily News Staff
Rebecca and I recently paid a visit to a new exhibit in the valley… 
Scottsdale, Arizona – Tuesday, December 13, 2022/ There’s a new venue that just debuted at the Arizona Boardwalk, “The UFO Experience: The Truth is Out There.” The museum is family-friendly with an immersive and interactive multi-room exhibit that focuses on the phenomenon historically and a peak inside how it has impacted pop-culture.
The UFO Experience replaces “The Science of Ripley’s Believe It or Not!” after its closing back in September of this year.
Rebecca and I found that the museum was fun, entertaining, educational, and yes, it was immersive, it also has a “Walk on the Moon,” bouncy house for the kids. “And Rebecca was informed that the bouncy house was for the kids…”
The self guided tour from the start was full of interactive displays, including a headphone station where you can listen to actual 911 calls from citizens and radio conversations between pilots and air traffic control regarding UFO sightings.
The exhibit covers the UFO topic from Ancient aliens, to modern sightings, abductions and has a historical timeline of the topic of aliens in cinema. There’s also a ton of UFO history in the gallery items and a few familiar aliens you’ll encounter during the tour.
The UFO Experience is for the believer, interested but not yet committed, and the skeptic alike. They give you a score sheet and tokens before entering to gauge if the exhibit had change your opinions either way, which you’ll express by the end of the tour.
The museum is the eighth attraction at the boardwalk joining Odysea Aquarium, Land of the Dinosaurs, and Butterfly Wonderland.
It’s hours of operations: 10am – 6pm everyday.
Located at Arizona Boardwalk
9500 E. Via de Ventura, Suite E250
Scottsdale, AZ 85256
Parking is free…
Links:
What Are UFOs?
An unidentified flying object (UFO), or unidentified anomalous phenomenon[^1] (UAP), is any perceived airborne, submerged, or transmedium phenomenon that cannot be immediately identified or explained.[^2] Upon investigation, most UAPs are identified as known objects or atmospheric phenomena, while a small number remain unexplained.
While unusual sightings have been reported in the sky throughout history, UFOs became culturally prominent after World War II, escalating during the Space Age. Studies and investigations into UFO reports conducted by governments (such as Project Blue Book in the United States and Project Condign in the United Kingdom), as well as by organisations and individuals, have occurred over the years without confirmation of the fantastical claims of believers. The U.S. government currently has two entities dedicated to UAP (or UFO) data collection and analysis: NASA’s UAP independent study team and the All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office.
Scientists and skeptic organizations such as the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry have provided prosaic explanations for UFOs. They assert that these phenomena are mostly caused by natural occurrences such as atmospheric anomalies, human technological activities, delusions, and even hoaxes. Despite these rational explanations, a small but vocal community of ufologists supports unconventional or pseudoscientific theories. These groups often claim that UFOs are evidence of extraterrestrial intelligence, technologically advanced cryptids, interdimensional contact, or future time travelers. However, even after decades of promoting such ideas by believers and through popular media, the kind of evidence required to solidly support such claims has not been forthcoming.
Beliefs surrounding UFOs have seeped into various aspects of culture and inspired parts of new religions. Social scientists have identified the ongoing interest and storytelling surrounding UFOs as a modern example of folklore and mythology, which can be understood through psychosocial explanations. There is a persistent recognition that the fascination with UFO phenomena serves as a lens through which societies express underlying anxieties and aspirations. This modern mythology continues to evolve, creating a complex tapestry of belief, skepticism, and cultural narrative that reflects broader human experiences and societal dynamics. (Wikipedia)
[^1]: Unidentified Flying Object
[^2]: Unidentified Anomalous Phenomenon
For more information and articles about UFOs and the unknown, then visit our Unknown Science section.
To access additional details and articles pertaining to unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and unexplored phenomena, please explore the Unknown Science category on our website.
https://stmdailynews.com/category/science/unknown
- The Building That Proved Los Angeles Could Go Vertical
Los Angeles once banned skyscrapers, yet City Hall broke the height limit and proved high-rise buildings could be engineered safely in an earthquake zone. - When TV Talks About Gentrification and Shopping Local — and Where It Gets It Right (and Wrong)
A closer look at how the TV show The Neighborhood tackles gentrification and shopping local—and where the reality of online sales and small business survival is more complex. - Metro Board Advances Sepulveda Transit Corridor as C Line South Bay Extension Remains Under Review
The Los Angeles Metro Board meeting addressed progress on two key rail projects: the approved underground Sepulveda Transit Corridor, enhancing regional connectivity, and the debated extension of the Metro C Line into the South Bay, which remains undecided. - The Empty Promise: Lynwood’s Lost Downtown Dream
In the 1970s, Lynwood, CA, dreamed of a downtown mall anchored by Montgomery Ward. Decades later, the empty lots told a story of ambition, delay, and renewal. - Population Density: How Los Angeles Compares to New York and Chicago
How dense are America’s biggest cities? A clear breakdown of population density in Los Angeles, New York City, and Chicago—city limits vs metro areas—and why it matters.
Author
Discover more from Daily News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Entertainment
Vision Films Sets Jan. 13 TVOD Release for Joan Collins Whodunnit A Murder Between Friends
Vision Films will release Joan Collins-led whodunnit A Murder Between Friends on transactional VOD Jan. 13, 2026, across major U.S./Canada platforms.
The company announced a North American transactional VOD release for A Murder Between Friends on Jan. 13, 2026, via a deal with Scott J. Jones and Artist View Entertainment. The “murder-com” feature stars — and is produced by — Dame Joan Collins (Dynasty), with Mark Rozzano writing and producing and Jacob Young and Trent Garrett co-directing.
The film was shot on location at Úsobí Castle in the Czech Republic and leans into classic country-estate mystery energy: six friends on vacation, one of them murdered, and everyone suddenly a suspect.
Synopsis (official): When six friends vacation at the country estate of a legendary true-crime TV star (Collins), the last thing they expect is to find one of their own murdered. Everyone is a suspect as they try to determine who among them would have the means, motive, and opportunity. As tensions grow, they enlist the aid of their celebrity sleuth hostess to uncover the truth before the killer can strike again.
The cast includes Nadia Bjorlin, Jacob Young, Trent Garrett, Toby-Alexander Smith, Simon Cotton, India Thain, Hana Vagnerová, Jim Borstelmann, and internet personality Espen Hatleskog (IG’s @pilotviking).
Vision Films CEO Lise Romanoff called it a twist-heavy mystery that keeps flipping expectations, with Collins bringing “authenticity and humor for a suspense-filled ride.”
Trailer: https://youtu.be/eUdW9Jt_rxw
Where to watch: A Murder Between Friends will be available on most major streaming and cable platforms across the U.S. and Canada on Jan. 13, 2026. Pre-orders are live on iTunes/Apple TV (US, CA) and Vudu/Fandango at Home (US).
Looking for an entertainment experience that transcends the ordinary? Look no further than STM Daily News Blog’s vibrant Entertainment section. Immerse yourself in the captivating world of indie films, streaming and podcasts, movie reviews, music, expos, venues, and theme and amusement parks. Discover hidden cinematic gems, binge-worthy series and addictive podcasts, gain insights into the latest releases with our movie reviews, explore the latest trends in music, dive into the vibrant atmosphere of expos, and embark on thrilling adventures in breathtaking venues and theme parks. Join us at STM Entertainment and let your entertainment journey begin! https://stmdailynews.com/category/entertainment/
and let your entertainment journey begin!
Discover more from Daily News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
streaming series and movies
Hulu picks up ‘The Toxic Avenger’ for January streaming debut
Hulu has acquired streaming rights to the cult classic The Toxic Avenger, set to premiere on January 8, 2026. Directed by Macon Blair, it stars Peter Dinklage and features a notable cast. The film addresses themes of justice while contributing to philanthropic efforts in medical debt.
Hulu is adding a new cult-leaning superhero to its lineup. Cineverse (Nasdaq: CNVS) announced that Hulu has acquired streaming rights to The Toxic Avenger, with the film set to make its SVOD premiere on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026.
The action-comedy/horror title has already built strong buzz with critics and genre fans, including an 86% score on Rotten Tomatoes, according to Cineverse.
A reboot with a stacked cast
Written and directed by Macon Blair (I Don’t Feel at Home in This World Anymore), The Toxic Avenger features an ensemble cast led by Peter Dinklage as Winston Gooze, a downtrodden janitor whose life changes after a catastrophic toxic accident.
Cineverse highlighted additional cast members including Kevin Bacon, Elijah Wood, Jacob Tremblay, and Taylour Paige.
What the story is about
The film follows Winston Gooze after he’s transformed into a new kind of radioactive hero: the Toxic Avenger. Now “Toxie” must go from outcast to savior, taking on corporate overlords and corrupt forces while trying to protect his son, his friends, and his community.
In Cineverse’s words: in a world where greed runs rampant, “justice is best served radioactive.”
A campaign with real-world impact
Beyond the film’s critical reception, Cineverse credited the movie’s campaign with helping eliminate more than $15 million in medical debt for over 10,000 people, in partnership with Undue Medical Debt.
Where it goes after Hulu
Cineverse said Hulu’s debut will be part of an exclusive window. After that, the film is expected to become available on other SVOD and FAST platforms, including Cineverse’s horror-focused streaming brand Screambox.
For viewers who don’t want to wait, Cineverse noted the film is currently available to rent (TVOD) or purchase digitally and on physical media.
About Cineverse
Cineverse describes itself as a “next-generation entertainment studio” that distributes more than 71,000 films, series, and podcasts, and includes properties such as Bloody Disgusting and a network of streaming fandom channels.
What to watch for
For Hulu subscribers, The Toxic Avenger could be a notable early-2026 add—especially for fans of horror-comedy, offbeat superhero stories, and cult franchises getting modern reboots.
Premiere date: Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026
Platform: Hulu
Source: PRNewswire (Cineverse), Jan. 6, 2026 — Read the release
Looking for an entertainment experience that transcends the ordinary? Look no further than STM Daily News Blog’s vibrant Entertainment section. Immerse yourself in the captivating world of indie films, streaming and podcasts, movie reviews, music, expos, venues, and theme and amusement parks. Discover hidden cinematic gems, binge-worthy series and addictive podcasts, gain insights into the latest releases with our movie reviews, explore the latest trends in music, dive into the vibrant atmosphere of expos, and embark on thrilling adventures in breathtaking venues and theme parks. Join us at STM Entertainment and let your entertainment journey begin! https://stmdailynews.com/category/entertainment/
and let your entertainment journey begin!
Discover more from Daily News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
toys and kids electronics
Harry Potter x Care Bears Plush Collection Casts a Spell on Fans for 25th Anniversary Year
Basic Fun! unveils a Harry Potter x Care Bears plush collection for the 25th anniversary, featuring all four Hogwarts houses in 8-inch and 12-inch sizes.
Two pop-culture comfort zones are colliding in the best way this spring: Basic Fun! has teamed up with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products to launch a Harry Potter x Care Bears plush collection celebrating Harry Potter’s 25th Anniversary in 2026.
The crossover brings Hogwarts house pride to Care-A-Lot, with limited-edition Care Bears styled for Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin—built for collectors, longtime fans, and anyone who wants a little extra loyalty, compassion, and friendship on their shelf (or in their arms).
What’s in the Harry Potter x Care Bears collection?
The collection arrives in two sizes, each packed with house-specific details and anniversary touches.
12-inch Plush Hoodie Assortment
These larger bears come dressed for maximum cozy: super-soft mascot hoodies, Hogwarts house robes, and iconic house scarves in matching colors.
- Gryffindor House Tenderheart Bear
- Hufflepuff House Love-a-Lot Bear
- Ravenclaw House Wish Bear
- Slytherin House Grumpy Bear
Each 12-inch bear also features the Harry Potter 25th anniversary logo on their paw.
MSRP: $17.99 each (or $34.99 for a 2-pack)
8-inch House Bears Plush Assortment
Smaller, collectible, and ready for adventures, the 8-inch “besties” include house robes, scarves, and a house crest, plus a paw design that blends classic Care Bears charm with the Harry Potter anniversary mark.
- Gryffindor House Tenderheart Bear
- Hufflepuff House Funshine Bear
- Ravenclaw House Grumpy Bear
- Slytherin House Good Luck Bear
MSRP: $9.99 each
Why this crossover works
Basic Fun! says the goal was to connect two worlds that already share a common thread: comfort, imagination, and characters that fans stick with for decades.
“As the iconic Harry Potter franchise celebrates 25 Years of Magic, in honor of the first film in the series, we are beyond excited to connect the worlds of Care-A-Lot and Hogwarts for an enchanting crossover that’s rich in character details and filled with heart,” said Lisa Doiron, Vice President of Global Brand Marketing at Basic Fun!
Cloudco Entertainment echoed that multi-generational appeal.
“Care Bears and Harry Potter have a unique ability to connect with fans of all ages,” said Robert Prinzo, Head of Global Licensing at Cloudco Entertainment. “Bringing them together was a fun and meaningful way to celebrate imagination, magic, and the comfort these brands have offered for decades.”
When and where to buy
According to the announcement, the Harry Potter x Care Bears plush are launching worldwide this spring, rolling out at retailers across North America, the UK, and the EU. Fans can also find them at major toy retailers starting this month.
For updates, follow @CareBears.
The bigger picture: 25 years of Harry Potter magic
The plush drop lands during a milestone year for the franchise, which continues to expand across films, stage productions, games, location-based experiences, and consumer products—with an HBO Original TV series based on the Harry Potter books also on the way.
If you’re the type who still knows your house without thinking about it—or you grew up with belly badges and Care-A-Lot life lessons—this collection feels like a collectible love letter to both.
Discover more from Daily News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
