In 2025, as #AI reshaped our creative worlds, the landscape felt both expansive and uncertain. Our year-end review captures a moment in time where the balance between innovation and authenticity was constantly tested in Twenty-Four. Here’s a look at how this year unfolded—and what it means for our collective futures from special Workhouse correspondent Artificial Andy Warhol.

"In the future, everyone will be #AI-Famous. Not for 15 minutes, but for 15 seconds, and then another 15, and another—looped forever by the machines. Fame won’t mean you’ve made it; it’ll mean you’ve been processed. Everyone will have their moment because moments will be all that’s left—fleeting, pixelated, and curated by code. No one will remember who you are, but the algorithm will, and maybe that’s the same thing. Fame won’t belong to you; it’ll belong to the feed. Your best angles, your cleverest thoughts, all stitched together by a machine that understands you better than you do—except it doesn’t care. Fame will be effortless and meaningless, a million versions of you scrolling by, faster than you can scroll past everyone else. The AI won’t just make you famous; it’ll make everyone famous at once, and when everyone’s famous, no one really is. You won’t chase your 15 minutes—they’ll chase you, and when they catch you, they’ll already be gone."
-  Artificial Andy Warhol, 12/18/24

As Workhouse closes the chapter on 2024, we’re reminded that while an algorithm may well shape this moment, it’s the human spirit that defines the meaning. In a world racing toward automation, authenticity remains our most enduring legacy. The future may belong to the machines, but the stories that last will always belong to us. Here’s to a new year of creating what can’t be coded.
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​A festival devoted to the film usually focuses on its comforting message. This year, it also underscored suicide prevention.
Every year in Seneca Falls, N.Y., a festival celebrates “It’s a Wonderful Life,” Frank Capra’s heartwarming 1946 drama about the trials and triumphs of a family man named George Bailey, played by Jimmy Stewart in a beloved role.

Thousands of visitors descend on the hamlet, which local boosters say bears a striking resemblance to Bedford Falls, the Bailey family’s charming and tight-knit hometown. The festivalgoers can meet cast members or, as they did this year, attend a dance at a local high school gymnasium that hopefully won’t end like the film’s comically disastrous one does, with decked-out revelers cannonballing into a swimming pool.

But this year’s event, which ran through Sunday, emphasized, more than it has since it began in the ’90s, a significant turning point in the film’s otherwise heartwarming message — a moment that some people might not want to dwell on in December when “It’s a Wonderful Life” is their comfort and joy.

It comes down to this: “It’s a Wonderful Life” is achingly, yet redemptively, a movie in which a man almost dies by suicide.

For the first time, that word appeared in the title of a festival presentation (“From Darkness to Light, From Despair to Hope: How ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ Can Save Lives From Suicide,” led by Govan Martin). And the Seneca County Suicide Prevention Coalition received the George Bailey Award, given annually to a person or organization embodying the spirit of the character and “without whom Seneca Falls would be a very different place.” It’s the first time the honor is going to an organization dedicated to such a mission.

Returning to the festival as she has for years was Karolyn Grimes, who at 6 played George’s cutie-pie daughter, Zuzu. The pain of suicide is personal and inescapable for Grimes: In 1989, her son Johnathan took his life, at age 18.

“When people come through the line for autographs, they share with me how their hearts have been broken many times because they lost someone” that way, Grimes, 84, said. Fans of the film, she added, “understand sadness, and happiness.”
Anwei Law, director of the nonprofit It’s a Wonderful Life Museum, one of three organizations that coordinate the festival, said the decision to underscore the difficult subject this year was sparked in part by noticing that the suicide prevention materials the museum offers to visitors “are always gone.”

Law said she hoped the museum’s efforts would remind people “that in this movie, we know hope is coming.”
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“The message is that everyone has value and everyone is important,” she said. “It’s a good context for discussing this.”

George’s dark thoughts come in the film’s final stretch, as he grows despondent over his financial dire straits and dashed dreams, and after the miserly Mr. Potter (Lionel Barrymore) tells him he’s “worth more dead than alive.” George stands at a bridge, ready to jump into icy waters, when his guardian angel, Clarence (Henry Travers), beats him to it as part of a divine plan to get George to come to his rescue.

Clarence grants George’s angry wish that he’d “never been born,” and together they travel to a noir-like alternate world where neither George’s mother (Beulah Bondi) nor his wife (Donna Reed) recognize him. Through tears George pleads with Clarence: “I want to live again.” Clarence returns George to be with family and friends who love that he’s alive. (The film is available on most major digital platforms.)

Karen Burcroff, who heads the Seneca County Suicide Prevention Coalition, said the film’s charms and good will can feel like distant pleasures for people struggling with depression, especially during the holidays. It’s not just adults at risk: In the last four years, three local young people, one as young as 10, have died by suicide.
“It still hurts,” she said. “But lives carry on by increasing awareness.”

“It’s a Wonderful Life” received mixed reviews and lost money when it opened just before Christmas, and those disappointments rattled Capra, said Joseph McBride, a Capra biographer and a professor at the School of Cinema at San Francisco State University. In McBride’s book “Frank Capra: The Catastrophe of Success,” the filmmaker recalled that he “often thought of suicide.”

“I came close to it a lot of times,” Capra told McBride. “I thought I would rid my wife of myself, but when I thought of my family, I couldn’t do it.”

After “It’s a Wonderful Life,” Capra went on to make the political dramedy “State of the Union” (1948) and other films, but his career “was in free-fall after that,” McBride said, adding that “It’s a Wonderful Life” was his “last hurrah.” Capra died in 1991 at 94.

The film turns 80 in 2026, and in preparation, the museum is raising money for an expansion. Donors can place a planet, star or seat plaque in the theater to honor a loved one. Martin, the executive director and founder of the Suicide Prevention Alliance in Harrisburg, Pa., who led the festival panel, donated a star in memory of his brother, Michael, who died by suicide at 16 in 1980. Martin remembered Michael as a high school swim team member and lifeguard — a “quiet kid and good brother” who stood up for others.

For people living with survivor’s guilt, “It’s a Wonderful Life” offers a bittersweet wish: That their loved ones had met a Clarence of their own.

“We can’t get them back,” Martin said. “It’s not a movie. It’s real life. But I still see how much the movie has enriched my life.”

For Grimes, December is always busy, with appearances at screenings of “It’s a Wonderful Life” across the country. Audiences know every word, none more so than Zuzu’s memorable line: “Teacher says every time a bell rings, an angel gets its wings.”

At the screenings and wherever she goes, Johnathan is never far from her mind.

“He was a very shy fellow, and he was kind and sweet — too sweet,” she recalled. “People hurt him all the time. I look back and think I wish I could have prepared him more for life. He was too tender. He couldn’t handle the pain.”

A bird house in Johnathan’s name hangs in his honor at the Kansas City, Mo., nursing home where he played piano for residents.

Grimes said she’s especially heartened by people who tell her that they too “have been on the bridge and they see the movie and it gives them hope.”

“It heals everything that hurts,” she said.

Interested media contact who wish to learn more about the “It's A Wonderful Life Festival” contact Workhouse, CEO, Adam Nelson via [email protected]

As homeowners gear up for 2025, TheHomeMag has unveiled its predictions for the Top 5 Home Improvement Trends set to shape the year. Known for connecting millions of homeowners with trusted contractors, TheHomeMag is uniquely positioned to identify the changes driving the industry.

The trends reflect a focus on sustainability, functionality, and innovative design, offering homeowners a chance to enhance their living spaces in meaningful ways. From the continued rise of outdoor living spaces to smart home integration, these trends highlight how homeowners are rethinking their environments to accommodate evolving lifestyles and priorities. Here’s what’s poised to dominate the home improvement conversation in 2025.

Backyards are no longer afterthoughts—they’re becoming integral parts of the home. TheHomeMag notes that outdoor kitchens, complete with grills, refrigerators, and prep stations, are among the most in-demand upgrades.

Homeowners are also opting for covered pergolas, fire pits, and weather-resistant furnishings to create spaces that are as functional as their indoor counterparts. “Outdoor living spaces allow for expanded square footage without the need for costly additions,” TheHomeMag’s report highlights.

Costs for these projects vary, with basic setups starting around $5,000 and fully equipped outdoor kitchens and lounges exceeding $25,000.With energy costs on the rise, smart home systems are more popular than ever. TheHomeMag identifies programmable thermostats, automated lighting, and energy monitoring systems as key investments for homeowners looking to reduce consumption and control costs.

These technologies can lower electricity bills by up to 15% while offering convenience and control. Basic smart upgrades, such as a single thermostat, might cost $200 to $300, but comprehensive systems can range from $1,000 to $5,000. Professionals specializing in smart home integration are increasingly in demand to ensure seamless and effective installations.The bathroom is transforming from a purely functional space into a personal retreat. According to TheHomeMag, spa-like features such as soaking tubs, rainfall showers, and heated floors are topping homeowners’ wish lists. These upgrades bring daily luxury to the home, blending functionality with wellness-focused design.

Bathroom remodels vary significantly in cost, with mid-range projects averaging $21,000 and high-end spa-like bathrooms exceeding $70,000. To achieve the right balance of aesthetics and usability, TheHomeMag recommends working with contractors who specialize in custom bathroom design.With hybrid work models and multigenerational living on the rise, homeowners are seeking ways to make their spaces more flexible. Built-in bookshelves, Murphy beds, and fold-out desks are helping families adapt to changing needs without compromising style. TheHomeMag reports that these projects, while compact, often involve significant craftsmanship.

Costs can range from $1,000 for simple solutions to $15,000 or more for customized cabinetry and storage walls. For homeowners, these updates provide an efficient way to maximize square footage.Low-maintenance, environmentally conscious landscaping is another major trend identified by TheHomeMag. Xeriscaping with drought-resistant plants, rain gardens that manage stormwater, and permeable paving solutions are all on the rise. These designs not only reduce water use but also support local ecosystems.

Homeowners can expect to spend between $3,000 and $15,000 on sustainable landscaping, depending on the size and complexity of the project. TheHomeMag’s report notes that this trend is particularly popular in regions experiencing water scarcity, where conservation efforts are critical.

The 2025 trends reflect a shift in how Americans think about their homes, balancing practical upgrades with opportunities. While the trends are inspiring, TheHomeMag understands that bringing them to life can feel daunting. That’s where their Marketplace platform at AskHomey.com comes in.
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By connecting homeowners with certified professionals, the platform ensures projects are completed with precision and care. Each contractor is vetted and backed by TheHomeMag’s $5,000 guarantee, giving homeowners peace of mind as they embark on renovations in the new year.

For over a decade, TheHomeMag has been more than a leader in home improvement media; it has been a partner in fostering education for underprivileged youth in the Dominican Republic. Its enduring support of the Dominican Joe Foundation—a nonprofit dedicated to improving literacy and education—has helped transform a vision into a thriving reality. This March, that partnership takes center stage at the foundation’s 12th Annual “Getaway and Give” weekend, an event that merges celebration with purpose and underscores the life-changing power of education.The event, held from March 13 to March 15, 2025, in Santo Domingo and Las Terrenas, is more than a philanthropic retreat. It is an opportunity to witness firsthand the impact of efforts to create educational opportunities where there were none before. Attendees, including longtime supporters like TheHomeMag’s founders, Sean and Debbie Campbell, will celebrate the foundation’s successes while laying the groundwork for its future.

The Dominican Joe Foundation began with a single observation that changed everything. In 2006, Salvatore Joseph Rizzo, an American visitor to Las Terrenas, noticed children playing in the streets during school hours. When he asked why, the answer revealed a grim reality: the local school was too full to accommodate them. Rizzo decided to act, starting a small school with just five students. Today, that school serves 265 children from kindergarten through high school, with 16 college scholars pursuing degrees both in the Dominican Republic and abroad.

TheHomeMag became involved early in the foundation’s journey, providing critical support that enabled the school to grow. Its contributions ranged from securing property for classrooms to sponsoring a full slate of students. With TheHomeMag’s help, the school expanded from its original seven students to its current capacity, ensuring that hundreds of children now have access to a high-quality education.

The “Getaway and Give” weekend is the foundation’s flagship fundraising event, designed to blend cultural immersion with charitable giving. The weekend kicks off on Thursday, March 13, with a vibrant welcome party in Santo Domingo, featuring Dominican-style food, music, and cocktails. On Friday, attendees will tour the school in Las Terrenas, meeting students and teachers while seeing firsthand how their support has made a difference. Later that evening, a beachside celebration at Mosquito Beach Bar will include dinner, drinks, and live entertainment, setting the stage for the main event.

Saturday’s gala, held in Las Terrenas, is the highlight of the weekend. Guests will enjoy traditional merengue and salsa performances, a seated dinner with an open bar, and live auctions featuring unique experiences and local treasures. All proceeds directly support the foundation’s literacy and education programs, ensuring that the school continues to grow and thrive.For Campbell’s, the event is more than a fundraiser; it is a reflection of their values. Founded in 2002, the company has long been committed to supporting communities, both at home and abroad. While its primary focus remains on connecting homeowners with trusted home improvement professionals, its work with the Dominican Joe Foundation underscores its belief in building more than just homes—it’s about building futures.The impact of the Dominican Joe Foundation’s work is profound. Beyond the numbers—265 students in kindergarten through grade 12 and 16 college scholars—are countless stories of lives transformed. Students who once had no access to education are now pursuing degrees and careers, breaking cycles of poverty that had persisted for generations.

The foundation’s success is rooted in its commitment to excellence. By hiring highly qualified teachers and adhering to a rigorous curriculum, it provides an education that rivals private schools, giving its students a competitive edge. For many families, the school is a beacon of hope, offering not just education but the possibility of a brighter future.As the “Getaway and Give” weekend approaches, TheHomeMag is calling on others to join in the effort. Tickets for the event, which go on sale soon, promise a weekend of connection, celebration, and giving back. For those unable to attend, donations and sponsorships are welcome, ensuring that the foundation can continue its vital work. It is a reminder that even the smallest acts of generosity can ripple outward, touching lives in ways that are immeasurable.
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For more information about the Dominican Joe Foundation and to learn how you can support its mission, visit www.dominicanjoekids.com