VillainTech » Breaking News

Android Branching Out to Other Carriers

Ben Robinson — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 07:57:18 +0000

Was at Codeworks NYC yesterday nerdin’ it up with my fellow php’ers, (will write about that straight away), and was talking about Android coming to new providers outside of TMobile. I, being at Verizon, wanted to find out if there would be any offerings.

Sure enough, this lovely gem should be annouced officially by Verizon today for release to their customers. I am always a fan of the fixed keyboard, and that’s what really kept me away from the iPhone (although I officially recognize its awesomeness). This offering from Motorolla shapes up to be a real beauty; too bad I don’t have upgrade ready – maybe I’ll be lucky enough to have the retail price under $300.

Here are a few more links for ya! Nice site Phandroid.com!

http://phandroid.com/2009/05/28/verizon-android-phones-are-officially-coming/

http://phandroid.com/2009/10/06/verizon-to-make-an-android-announcement/

Comic Con ’09 – Shout! Factory Itinerary

Anna Daugherty — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 14:54:17 +0000

We’ve just received a Press Release for the exciting events being produced by Shout! Factory at Comic Con 2009 this year.

At this year’s Comic-Con 2009, Shout! Factory will rollout in full force with a slate of popular and memorable television properties on DVD, special panel presentation and signings. Below, please find the outline of activities for your coverage planning.

The Middleman – Special Panel presentation follow by signing on Thursday, July 23, 2009

The Transformers: 25th Anniversary “Matrix of Leadership” Edition Collector’s Set Featuring Limited-Edition Gift-with-Purchase Comic Con Exclusive Lithograph (More in-depth info to come…)

G.I. Joe A Real American Hero: The Complete Series Collector’s Set
Featuring Limited-Edition Gift-with-Purchase Comic Con Exclusive Lithograph for the collector’s set (More in-depth info to come…)

Following talent available for interviews:

The Middleman cast (Natalie Morales, Matt Keeslar) and show creator Javier Grillo-Marxuach – Thursday, July 23

The Transformers and G.I. Joe (original animated) – Gregg Berger (Grimlock in TF) – Friday, July 24 and Saturday, July 25

THURSDAY, JULY 23, 2009

THE MIDDLEMAN Panel

When: 11:15 AM – 12:15 PM

Where: Room 6A

Talent: Show creator Javier Grillo-Marxuach and cast (Natalie Morales, Matt Keeslar, Mary Gleason, Brit Morgan and Jake Smollett)

The panel will feature exclusive table read of the lost 13th episode The Doomsday Armageddon Apocalypse, which was never produced for television but will be available as a graphic novel from Viper Comics.

This July 28, Shout! Factory will release The Middleman: The Complete Series box set. Available for the first time, THE MIDDLEMAN: THE COMPLETE SERIES DVD box set contains all 12 one-hour episodes that aired on ABC Family in 2008 and a payload of DVD bonus content featuring commentaries with the cast and crew, alternate scenes, web featurettes, gag reel, audition footage, The Complete “The Palindrome Reversal Palindrome” table read, a gallery of The Middleman photography by Ralph King and much more!

Based on the series of graphic novels by acclaimed writer Javier Grillo-Marxuach (“Lost,” “Medium”), the popular ABC Family live-action television series “The Middleman” star Matt Keeslar (“Snowglobe”), Natalie Morales (“CSI: Miami”), Mary Pat Gleason (“I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry”), Brit Morgan (“Buried Alive”) and Jake Smollett (“Eve’s Bayou”).

When: 12: 30 PM

Where: Shout! Factory Booth #3749

The Cast & Show creator signing for “The Middleman”

Show creator and graphic novelist Javier Grillo-Marxuach and actors Natalie Morales, Matt Keeslar, Mary Gleason, Brit Morgan, Jake Smollett

SATURDAY, JULY 25, 2009

When: 1:00 PM

Where: Shout! Factory Booth #3749

THE TRANSFORMERS (original animated) and G.I. Joe (Original animated)

Special rare appearance signing by Gregg Berger (“Grimlock” in The Transformers and “Spirit” in G.I. Joe) as well as artist Andrew Griffith.

SUNDAY, JULY 26, 2009

When: 1:00 PM

Where: Shout! Factory Booth #3749

THE TRANSFORMERS (original animated) and G.I. Joe (Original animated)

Special rare appearance signing by Gregg Berger (“Grimlock” in The Transformers and “Spirit” in G.I. Joe)

GenCon – DrachenFest Update with Venue!

Anna Daugherty — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 13:17:42 +0000

Following the jump, you’ll find all the information you need to head out and enjoy DrachenFest, GenCon’s only music festival!

Nik Roberts sent me these finalized details, as well as a schedule of the bands. It looks like a rocking good time. And, of course, Villaintech gets first dibs!

Final Venue, Maximum People and Time:
Union Station, Edison South at 6PM with 180 max people, closed to Gen Con Badge Holders only, tickets are free and can be purchased on the Gen Con RUBI website.

Schedule of Bands:

5:30PM – Open Doors
6:00PM – Specific Ocean Starts
6:30PM – Break-down/Set-up
6:45PM – Reloaded Starts
7:15PM – Break-down/Set-up
7:30PM – Chasing Canadia Starts
8:00PM – Break-down/Set-up
8:15PM – Highway Magic Starts
9:00PM – Break-down/Set-up
9:15PM – The Are You Ready’s Start
10:00PM – Break-down/Set-up
10:15PM – start67 Starts
11:00PM – Breakdown

Final Sponsors:
The Ram
GameWorks
Northstar Games
Downtown Comics

Final Giveaways:
$25 Downtown Comics Gift Certificate
10x 2hour GameWorks Cards ($200 in value)
Northstar Games Bundle which includes – Cluzzle, Say Anything, Wits and Wagers, and the ALL NEW Wits & Wagers Expansion Pack 1 which will be released to the public in Gen Con Indy
*more giveaways may become available

Official Website

Final Event ID:
ENT0906260

Comic Con – David Tennant and Russel T. Davies!

Anna Daugherty — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 17:10:43 +0000

BBC America just announced this very exciting news via press release. Read about the Dr. Who event at Comic Con after the jump!

DAVID TENNANT AND RUSSELL T DAVIES ATTENDING COMIC-CON 2009

- BBC hosts Doctor Who talent for their first ever appearance at Comic-Con -

New York, NY – June 17, 2009 – In support of BBC AMERICA’s U.S. premiere of four Doctor Who Specials, the Doctor himself, David Tennant, will appear alongside writer/executive producer Russell T Davies at this year’s Comic-Con in San Diego. They will take part in a Doctor Who panel along with executive producer Julie Gardner and director Euros Lyn, Sunday July 26, 10:00-11:00am PT.

David will travel to Comic-Con, fresh from the Doctor Who set, having shot his final scenes as the tenth Time Lord. He and fellow panelists will discuss the latest incarnation of television’s longest running science fiction series and take questions from the floor. There will also be exclusive sneak peeks from the upcoming specials.

Fans can visit the BBC AMERICA booth (#3629) to capture their own photograph alongside part of the Doctor Who set – as well as purchase exclusive merchandise including David Tennant figures.

Fans of BBC AMERICA’s highest rated show ever, Torchwood, which will have just completed the five-part special, Children of Earth, will get to chat with the stars and makers of the show first-hand. Just 48 hours after the last episode, the show makes a return visit to Comic-Con with a panel featuring star John Barrowman, writer/executive producer Russell T Davies, executive producer Julie Gardner and director Euros Lyn, Sunday July 26, 2:15-3:45pm PT.

As part of the same panel, Sunday July 26, 2:15-3:45pm PT, catch the talent from BBC AMERICA’s most buzzed about new sci fi drama, Being Human. Creator and writer, Toby Whithouse, plus lead actors Russell Tovey, Lenora Crichlow and Aidan Turner, talk about the inspiration for the show and what it’s like to play three twenty-somethings with secret double-lives – as a werewolf, a vampire and a ghost. All four panelists will be signing exclusively at the BBC AMERICA booth, Saturday July 25, 3:00-4:00pm PT.

Cult comedy favorite and BAFTA-nominated, The Mighty Boosh, comes to Comic-Con for the first time to celebrate the airing of all three seasons on Adult Swim, and the BBC’s DVD release, just two days before the convention begins. Inspired by the Perrier Comedy Award-winning live comedy show, creators-stars Julian Barratt and Noel Fielding, along with actors Michael Fielding, Rich Fulcher and Dave Brown, will be on stage to discuss the magical, bizarre and exciting world of The Boosh, Friday, July 24, 4:45-5:45pm. The hit UK comedy series follows crazy zookeepers Howard Moon and Vince Noir and was described by The San Jose Mercury News as “an acid-trip fantasy-comedy [that] is seriously deranged and seriously funny.”

Fans can also catch exclusive BBC AMERICA screenings during the convention with back to back episodes of Doctor Who and Torchwood. Key talent from both shows introduce the last episode of the five part series Torchwood: Children of Earth and a U.S. premiere viewing of Doctor Who: Planet of the Dead, the first of four specials starring David Tennant.

Underground Toys (#3949) will be selling their entire Doctor Who and Torchwood lines of toys and novelty items. In addition, this year they will once again introduce new limited edition Comic-Con action figures that have never been seen before.

BBC AMERICA Comic-Con Panel and Signing Schedule

Friday, July 24

4:45-5:45pm The Mighty Boosh: creators-stars Julian Barratt and Noel Fielding along with actors Michael Fielding, Rich Fulcher and Dave Brown will be on stage to discuss the magical, bizarre and exciting world of The Boosh, currently airing on Adult Swim and released on DVD by the BBC two days before the convention begins. The San Jose Mercury News describes the show as “an acid-trip fantasy-comedy [that] is seriously deranged and seriously funny.” Room 6A

3:30-4:30pm The Mighty Boosh signing in the Autograph Area.

Saturday, July 25

3:00-4:00pm Being Human: creator Toby Whithouse and actors Russell Tovey, Lenora Crichlow and Aidan Turner signing at the BBC AMERICA booth (#3629).

7:30-10:00pm Torchwood/Doctor Who: Key talent from both shows introduce the last episode of the five part series Torchwood: Children of Earth and an advance viewing of Doctor Who: Planet of the Dead, the first of four specials starring David Tennant. Room 6A

Sunday, July 26

10:00-11:00am Doctor Who: actor David Tennant, writer/executive producer Russell T Davies, director Euros Lyn and executive producer Julie Gardner discuss their creative process and experiences working on BBC AMERICA’s Doctor Who with exclusive clips and a Q&A session. Ballroom 20

2:15-3:45pm Being Human/Torchwood: Being Human creator Toby Whithouse and cast members Russell Tovey, Lenora Crichlow and Aidan Turner, are on stage to give an inside look at BBC AMERICA’s U.S. premiere sci-fi drama about the lives of three twenty-somethings and their secret double-lives – as a werewolf, a vampire and a ghost. Following that actor John Barrowman, creator/writer/executive producer Russell T Davies, executive producer Julie Gardner and director Euros Lyn talk about the making of the epic five-night television event Torchwood: Children of Earth as well as take questions from the fans. Room 6BCF

About BBC Worldwide, America:

BBC Worldwide is the main commercial arm and wholly-owned subsidiary of the UK public broadcaster, BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation) and maintains offices in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Washington DC, Miami, Rhode Island. The business brings together the seven core BBC Worldwide divisions: Channels, Content & Production, Sales & Distribution, Global Brands, Digital Media, Home Entertainment & Magazines. The highly acclaimed cable channel BBC America, now available in 64 million homes, and the smash hit Dancing with the Stars, produced by BBC Worldwide Productions are among the key brands in the region.

GenCon – DrachenFest Update!

Anna Daugherty — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 12:01:44 +0000

A quick update on the new music festival at GenCon. Two new bands have been added to the line-up. You can check them out at their MySpace pages: Reloaded and Specific Oceans. As more updates arrived we’ll be sure to keep you posted!

GenCon ’09 – DrachenFest: Breaking Event News!

Anna Daugherty — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 22:55:02 +0000

Villaintech.com got a heads up on an awesome new entertainment event taking place at GenCon this year called DrachenFest, and we’re here to bring you all of the juicy details!

DrachenFest will launch on Friday, August 14th, after the Exhibit Room closes for the day. It will be a power pop and rock music festival that will be open to everyone with a GenCon pass, as well as members of the public, though GenCon attendees get first dibs!

I spoke with Nik Roberts, the ambitious young man who has collaborated with bands and area sponsors to put on this exciting event. They’re currently seeking volunteers if anyone is interested in helping.

Here is what he had to say:

1.) What is DrachenFest? Where will it be held?

DrachenFest is a ENT (entertainment) event at Gen-Con that will hold 4 bands. Right now we do not have a “official” house for it but when we do we will post it on the Gen-Con forums and we will notify VillainTech. It will be Friday, August 14 and will start at 7PM EST. (Nik also informed me that they have a venue in mind, so we will be sure to bring you that information once it is finalized.)

2.) Which bands will be performing, and what genre/style are they? Do you have MySpace or website links to any of the bands?

The bands we currently have booked are Highway Magic , Chasing Canadia, and our headliner star67. We are currently setting a deal with a forth and possibly fifth band. The bands we are booking are in the pop-punk/rock genre of music.

3.) How can Gen Con attendees participate? Do they need tickets? How many can attend?

While this event is a official Gen-Con ENT event, we will have it open to the public and allow non badge holders to come and participate. Our cut off limit will be 555 people and sadly only Gen-Con badge holders will be able to participate in the giveaways.

At the moment our sponsors are The Ram, Downtown Comics, Northstar Games, NikRoberts Media, and GameWorks. We hopefully will have giveaways from each one of our sponsors. At the moment we do know we will be giving away GameWorks cards, And a Northstar Games board-game pack, This includes all publications by Northstar Games including Wits and Wagers and the new Wits and Wagers expansion pack.

4.) What gave you the idea to host this event?

I have always been interested in the local independent bands of Indiana and showed great support to them. As a local and a teenager, music has made a huge impact in my life and (I hope) many others. Music is a wonderful thing and I feel the local bands need to get known to the world. They’re great people and have great music and a great future ahead of them. I spoke with Robbie, the guitarist with star67 and he said “I don’t do this for the money, music is something I enjoy and always wanted to do. It seems we are getting a tad bit popular everyday and hopefully someday we all can do this for a living.”

5.) Any additional information you’d like to share, or a place where other media or gamers can contact you?

We are currently looking for volunteers for this event, if anyone is interested PLEASE contact me and we will set you up. We will take care of our volunteers.

We will be also be doing a “Promotion Day” Downtown Indianapolis Wednesday, August 12. Promo Day is when the bands play acoustic sets all around downtown to promote themselves, get the word about the concert out, and sell there merchandise. At the moment we will have a band at the circle, The Ram, Memorial Park, and the Indianapolis Convention Center.

If anyone would like to contact me don’t hesitate to call or email me. My email is nroberts@nikrobertsmedia.com and my direct line is 317-294-7618

Comic Con ’09 – “Lost” Panel

Anna Daugherty — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 14:44:11 +0000

In anticipation of San Diego’s Comic Con this year, at which our intrepid Dave Bergschnieder will be no doubt causing trouble, we will be highlighting some of the notable guests and events, beginning with the all-important “Lost” panel!

Despite some rumors early on, there will definitely be a panel this year. Though the room and time have yet to be determined, it will be held on Saturday, July 25th.

The “Lost” panel has been a big draw for the convention since 2006, and continually features answers to some of the show’s most boggling questions. This year may prove to be most useful to any fan of the show, considering next season will be the series finale.

In the past, there have been hints that the show was planned from the beginning, with a complete 5 season story arc that included what happened to all of the characters we’ve grown to love. But, if you take the time to go back and read through some of the transcripts of these panels, it becomes painfully clear that earlier answers to difficult questions about the show were either a.) Red Herrings, or b.) completely made up because the writers and producers had no clue what was going to happen in the future of the show.

Nevertheless, for fans of the show “Lost,” this is a must-see.

Onlive, Possibly the End of Consoles As We Know It

Ben Robinson — Thu, 14 May 2009 09:49:30 +0000

I was reading the new GameInformer and saw this newsclip about a new console. *Sigh* right? Not exactly. Go watch this movie and then come back. I really dont need to say much about this ‘console’ and basicly new way of playing games, other than YESSSS!!!!! Here’s why I think it’s gonna redefine gaming for everyone, not just console users:

Portability
Anywhere there is broadband there is the service. Forget about toting around your console and games, they’re all online.
Upgradeability
I haven’t researched the hardware in any great depth yet, but it looks like the games are delivered as a service, so you dont have to worry about your hardware going out of date as quickly as the consoles appear to (at least with XBOX).
Integrated Community
PC and Console users together (at last?)
Easier to preview and purchase and/or rent games

More demos, A service which (I belive) allows you to play On-Demand style.

So if i said or hinted at anything incorrectly here’s a few links for you to check out.
NerdWorld, GameInformer

Either way this thing is Doooope! Hope it’s not a jillion dollers because I’m gonna want one!

“Game of Thrones” Casting News!

Anna Daugherty — Wed, 06 May 2009 11:55:27 +0000

Villaintech continues to keep you abreast of the news surrounding George R. R. Martin’s “Song of Ice and Fire Series.” This installment will reveal casting news from the upcoming HBO pilot based on the first book, A Game of Thrones.

Peter Dinklage, the world’s best short actor, will play the crucial role of Tyrion Lannister. This part is a phenomenal opportunity because Tyrion is a fan favorite, and requires just the right look and attitude. Playing the Imp would require humor, cunning, pathos, and just the right amount of sadness. Having seen Dinklage’s work in films such as The Station Agent (which shares its director with the upcoming pilot), I can safely say that he is an excellent choice.

Peter Dinklage cast in ‘Game Of Thrones’
Wednesday, May 6 2009, 6:47am EDT

By Dan French

Peter Dinklage has been tapped for a key role on HBO’s Game Of Thrones, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

The show, which is set in a violent fantasy kingdom, sees an epic struggle for power between the main characters.

The Station Agent star will play Tyrion, the Queen’s brother who is treated as an outsider because of his size.

Tom McCarthy, who previously directed The Station Agent, has come aboard to direct Game Of Thrones.

Source.

May 2nd is Free Comic Book Day!

Anna Daugherty — Fri, 01 May 2009 02:11:27 +0000

On Saturday, May 2nd, I encourage everyone to visit a friendly neighborhood comic book shop. Chances are, you’ll be walking out of there with a free issue!

In these economic hardships, it’s a really special thing that small comic book stores are still able to participate in this nationwide event. John Cashman, of Cashman’s Comics right here in Bay City, Michigan, gave an interview with a local Fox affiliate about how important it is that comics aren’t considered just junk publications anymore. You can view the video here.

VIZ Media also sent us a press release regarding their participation in this event:

VIZ Media will be participating this year with a special 32-page SHONEN JUMP sampler featuring a chapter of ULTIMO, one of the newest serialized manga adventures in SHONEN JUMP Magazine.

ULTIMO is the historic collaboration between comic book legend Stan Lee, creator of many iconic superheroes, including Spider-Man, the Fantastic Four, and the X-Men, and Hiroyuki Takei, the creator of the popular Shaman King manga series.

Support local comic book shops and celebrate Free Comic Book Day on May 2nd. I know I will be!

Gearing up for MCCC

Anna Daugherty — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 13:38:59 +0000

After the weekend of fun at last year’s GenCon, I decided that I’m going to take Villaintech on the road to Novi, Michigan for Motor City Comic Con.

Apparently this is a fairly big event, bringing in hundreds of pop-culture hungry fans, vendors ranging from comic books to custom made costumes, and media guests.

For the next couple of weeks, I will be highlighting one guest each post that will be appearing at MCCC. Hopefully I can score at least a handshake from a few of the celebrities.

The accomodations for the convention are fantastic. It is held at Rock Financial Showplace. They’ve even arranged a special convention price for the area hotels.

It should be a fun time had by all!

After Playing Rorschach, Freddy is the Next Logical Step!

Anna Daugherty — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 19:15:04 +0000

After resurrecting his career from the depths of child-actor hell, Jackie Earle Haley has been cast as the new Freddy Kreuger in the upcoming Nightmare on Elm Street remake.

J.E. Haley has had one of the best comeback stories of the last twenty years, especially for a guy whose face is made for character acting. He was excellent as the child predator in Little Children, and a revelation in Watchmen. Can he bring that same twisted, utterly human appeal to Freddy?

Samuel Bayer is directing the relaunch, which was written by Wesley Strick. The movie starts filming on May 5 in Chicago.

The Haunting in Connecticut star Kyle Gallner has been cast as Quentin in the film as well.

Platinum Dunes’ Andrew Form and Brad Fuller are producing. John Rickard is co-producing.

“Looking at his performance in ‘Watchmen,’ here’s a guy playing a character under a mask yet you feel tremendous empathy for him,” Bayer told The Hollywood Reporter. “And in ‘Nightmare,’ he is going to be under prosthetic make-up. You have to feel something for the character. The greatest villains are multi-dimensional and I think he will bring that to the character.”

Bayer called this take of Krueger “Nosferatu meets Ed Gaines.”

Harold Ramis Discusses “Ghostbusters 3″

Anna Daugherty — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 14:02:58 +0000

A bearded and bespectacled Egon Spengler chatted with MTV News regarding some very interesting aspects of the new Ghostbusters film, including casting and directing. Ghostbusters 3 is currently in the script-writing stage.

Movie Trailers – Movies Blog

Ramis promised that all the old core players will take part in the updated version, including Bill Murray (Dr. Peter Venkman) and Dan Aykroyd (Dr. Raymond Stantz), who co-wrote the original films. “We’re all going to be in it in different kinds of roles,” Ramis said. “We’re going to be the sage mentors. There are going to be young Ghostbusters.”

As of now, no decisions have been made about just who those new Ghostbusters will be. But with Judd Apatow signed on as a producer, the Internet has been buzzing with gossip that comedians from his cinematic universe, such as Paul Rudd and Seth Rogen, will join in.

At the moment, Ramis is waiting on a first draft of the script, which is being penned by Lee Eisenberg and Gene Stupnitsky, two writer/producers on “The Office,” who also wrote “Year One.” “Gene and Lee, both of whom I mentored, are now writing the new ‘Ghostbusters,’ ” Ramis said. “I’m consulting with them, as is Dan Aykroyd and [original director] Ivan Reitman.

“Bill Murray is just waiting for the truckload of money to arrive to get him out of his office,” Ramis joked.

After taking a jab at his old friend, Ramis assured us that Murray is definitely “in,” even though the two haven’t communicated directly about the project. “I haven’t talked to him about it,” Ramis said. “I want to talk to him about it eventually. I think we just need a script, because he’s the thorniest of the group.”

At this point, it’s unknown who will direct the movie, as Ivan Reitman and Harold Ramis, who is 63, have not expressed interest.

I have been excited for this project for a long while. Because of the talent circling the script, there’s a good chance that it won’t completely suck.

Saying Goodbye to t.A.T.u.

Donny Winter — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 13:57:14 +0000

Much to my dismay, it has been announced that the famous Russian rock/dance/pop band t.A.T.u. is finally parting ways. Apparently the two performers, Lena Katina and Yulia Volkova, are pursuing solo careers beyond the confines of t.A.T.u.

After the young and exciting band started back in 1999, the two Russian performers were instructed to appear as lesbian lovers in order to promote the band. There have been three albums released featuring famous memorable songs such as: Not Gonna Get us, All the Things She Said, All About us, and How Soon is Now? After their temporary hiatus back in 2004, t.A.T.u has been continuing their lucrative and entertaining tours around the world.

After the completion of their upcoming album “Happy Smiles,” the group is going to finally part their ways. I definitely recommend sampling some of their music because they are a truly unique foreign group that has achieved its performing mark in the world. Hopefully this is but another small hiatus for these two wonderful women, I would really like to see more music from them in the future.

Update on “A Dance with Dragons”

Anna Daugherty — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 20:43:50 +0000

George R. R. Martin, known to some as the modern Tolkein, has been prolonging the release of the fifth book in his series, “A Song of Ice and Fire.” A recent update reveals to fans that they might not have to wait until 2013…

UPDATE:

“ Believe me, no one wants to finish this book more than me. ”
— author George R. R. Martin

Despite original predictions of possible completion in late 2006, A Dance with Dragons was not finished by the end of 2007. Martin’s blog has featured updates on his progress, and in January 2008, he posted an update on his website affirming his vigilant commitment to finishing the book. In early 2008, publisher Spectra (a division of Random House) announced that A Dance with Dragons would be released on September 30, 2008, but Martin stated this would only be possible if he finished writing by the end of June, before a trip to Spain and Portugal, and he did not meet this goal.

On the 19th February 2009 in a post on his “not-a-blog” Martin stated that “I am trying to finish the book by June. I think I can do that. If I do, A DANCE WITH DRAGONS will likely be published in September or October.”

While this news is exciting, it should also be taken with a grain of salt. He’s put off his publication plans before. I hope he had fun in Spain.

Movie Bloggers Debate “Watchmen”

Anna Daugherty — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 17:51:18 +0000

Keeping with the Watchmen theme, G4′s “Attack of the Show” will be having two special guests tonight to debate differing opinions on the long-awaited film.

SPECIAL GUESTS DEBATE “WATCHMEN” ON “ATTACK OF THE SHOW”

MONDAY, MARCH 9, AT 7PM, ONLY ON G4

For the first time on television, two of the best known movie bloggers will square-off about one of the most anticipated movies of the year – “Watchmen,” offering two very different perspectives on the film.

Drew McWeeny of HitFix, formerly Moriarty from Aint it Cool News, and David Poland from Movie City News will join “Attack of the Show” live, in the studio for a very special roundtable debate.

Don’t miss this special event and please encourage your readers to tune in – MONDAY AT 7PM, ONLY ON G4!!!

I’m interested to see how these two dudes view the film. I’ve gotten a lot of negative feedback from the public in general, and a lot of hardcore fans that absolutely loved it. Is this simply a case of a movie made for the fans alone?

The Guys from “Spinal Tap” Reunite for Tour

Anna Daugherty — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 02:39:13 +0000

Michael McKean, Christopher Guest, and Harry Shearer, who have been playing music together since 1978 and are the comedic masterminds behind This is Spinal Tap, Best in Show, and A Mighty Wind, are touring 30 American cities next month.

I have always been a fan of Christopher Guest’s comedy. He focuses on instantly recognizable characters, and employs some of the funniest people in Hollywood.

What’s interesting about this tour is that they’re touting it as, “Unwigged and Unplugged,” which is reminiscent of Kiss without the makeup. They’re playing mostly acoustic renditions, with some selections from A Mighty Wind and a few other collaborations thrown in. I’ll try and score some tickets to the Fox Theater in D-town, and give a full report if I can.

Here is a complete listing of cities they’ll be visiting. And here are a few songs that just might be featured on the tour:

Fusion Gamer – Razors for Geeks

Anna Daugherty — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 14:52:18 +0000

Gilette has recently released the Fusion Gamer, a razor geared toward the miniscule population of gamers who actually shave.

The original Fusion is a five-blade disposable razor that features a lubricating strip and extra blade on the back for a more precise trim.

The Fusion Gamer and Fusion Power Gamer are not exactly much different from the original fusion. It’s all about marketing:

The Gamer is what P&G (Proctor and Gamble) refer to as a “color change”—the branding on the package has been updated, and P&G has even invested some money in marketing the product specifically at the 18-to-34 year old male demographic that the company thinks this will appeal to.

So…it’s basically just the same razor with a different color scheme? I suppose I’m used to this kind of prejudiced marketing. After all, razors are apparently of no use to women unless they’re curvy and/or pink. As long as it doesn’t cost more, I guess I’m okay with that.

Source.

Communications Workers of America Authorizes Strike of 20,000 AT&T Workers

Dave Bergschneider — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 04:07:03 +0000

It’s been a little under the radar, however AT&T Mobility’s been in contract talks with the Communications Workers of America on behalf of some 20,000 unionized workers, and things haven’t been going so well, the CWA just voted to authorize a strike if upcoming negotiations don’t improve.

The union’s current contract actually expired at midnight Febuarary 6th, but the strike won’t take place until the union’s executive board approves and the CWA president sets a date. For its part, AT&T says it maintains a good relationship with its unions and it has more unionized workers than any other carrier and the vote is just another part of the process, but that it’s prepared for all contingencies, including a strike. We’ll see what happens, stay tuned.

More Creepy Thin Man in CA:3?

Anna Daugherty — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 16:16:43 +0000

It was recently announced that producer and star Drew Barrymore is going to reunite the gang for a third Charlie’s Angels movie. I am a little stoked. But what would the movie be without Creepy Thin Man?

You see, I have a soft spot for the Charlie’s Angels franchise. A.) I love women who kick butt and B.) it helped resurrect the career of my favorite actor, playing one of the coolest supporting characters ever.

He’s a mute assassin with a bitchin’ haircut and a swordcane. It doesn’t get much more pulp than that. And fans of the character just might get their wish to see him back in action in the third film.

After a press conference for her latest romantic comedy, He’s Just Not That Into You, Saturday in Beverly Hills, Calif., producer Nancy Juvonen stayed to hang out with SciFi Wire, brainstorming Charlie’s 3 ideas. The following Q&A features edited excerpts of that interview:

And would you bring back Crispin Glover as the Thin Man again?

Juvonen: Isn’t he the best, Crispin? (umm yes he is) I’m with you, so I feel like I’m going to think about it.

He should hook up with Drew’s Angel, because that’s where it was going at the end of the last one.

Juvonen: Remember that? I know. That was so fun. But then he fell off and he had killed Seamus O’Grady, Justin Theroux.

Well, McG has gone on record saying he’s not dead, so that’s cool.

Juvonen: The Thin Man almost could never die. Is he alive in the first place? I’m not even sure. It’s going to be hard to say how the sword went through him and then pierced Seamus O’Grady.

Oh, it missed all the vitals.

Juvonen: Look at you. We should take off right from there. I think we could get away with anything, but I feel like you know what you love, but I think you also have to make some turns there. I think there’s a great challenge in “Do you want to take over the universe or ruin the world?” It’s sort of not practical so much. Bond goes into remote countries. 24′s in a remote country. It’s sort of: What’s the next great foil? I think that with Drew’s character, she fell in love with the villain. If you think about, “Oh, you could do that,” we’ve kind of like done, done, done [everything]. We did a lot in the first one and gazillions in the second one.

I like her energy and nerdy enthusiasm for the movie. Even though the film isn’t really necessary, and Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle was pretty horrible, I know quite a few people would be interested in seeing another.

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