Category: Arts & Culture

ThinkGeek Sends Santa a Special Message

from ThinkGeek:

Did you see it?

“We are star stuff contemplating star stuff.” So said today’s birthday boy, Carl Sagan, who was born today in 1934.

We were definitely contemplating star stuff when 1,300-foot wide Asteroid 2005 YU55 passed overhead last night and this morning just 0.85 lunar distances from Earth. And we thanked our lucky stars that it won’t collide with the Earth for at least another 100 years, which oddly enough, will be about the next time we have a binary day. Coincidence?

Gingerdead Men Cookie Cutters
Send a message to Santa: You’re next.

Take $10 Off – 01110011011000010111011001100101
Did you know 11/11/11 will be the last binary day of the century? We’ll have to wait until January 1, 2100 for the next one and we’ll probably all be time travelers, zombies, or slain by Skynet by that point. So let’s live for the moment! Use the code BINARYDAY to save $5 off $25+ orders or $10 off $50+ orders, good through 11:59pm ET on 11/11/11.

Find more What’s New items at ThinkGeek!

Alivan’s Does It Again – Quidditch World Cup Coming Back to NYC

from Alivan’s:

In this edition of The Clairvoyant: We are helping make the Quidditch World Cup possible… again… come see us in NYC for the 2011 event! Oh and save big with $2.99 shipping to help get ready.

REAL, LIVE Quidditch is coming back to New York City… the 2011 World Cup takes place the weekend of November 12th and Alivan’s is proud to be a huge part of making it happen! The Quidditch World Cup will be held on Randall’s Island in NYC this year and there will be more than 200 International teams competing and playing real Quidditch… everyone of them on Alivans’ broomsticks (Alivan’s makes the Official Broomstick of International Quidditch)! Please, please come out and join us – there will be plenty of Alivan’s giveaways all day as well. To find out more visit internationalquidditch.org.

$2.99 – 2.99 – 2.99… $2.99 Shipping is ongoing and there are no restrictions at all – every order, every size ships for just $2.99 – visit alivans.com now and start shopping.

Magically,
Finneas Alivan

P.S. We will be on hand at the IQA booth selling Alivan’s merchandise during the World Cup weekend… please stop by and say Hi!

J!NX: Something for the Kids & Up to 75% Off

from J!NX:

Mysterious Bag of Cut & Sew Mystery
Bored? Naked and cold? Eager to impress the ladies? Look no further than the Mysterious Bag of Mystery! For one amazingly low price, get a randomly chosen Cut & Sew shirt and an even randomer piece of Cut & Sew outerwear of your selected size. This ends up being 60% to 75% off our regular prices. What can I get in the Mysterious Bag of Cut & Sew Mystery? You’ll get an awesome top among the following:

Arcade Souls Polo
Blocks Polo
Dungeonrunner Buttondown
Legionnaire Buttondown
Tech Woven Buttondown

… and a piece of outerwear:

Juggernaut Elite Zip-Up Hoodie
The Schwartz Hoodie
War Machine Jacket
Aviator Jacket
Binary Track Jacket

Would you like some pants with that?
Since you’re getting some fancy new gear to cover up your torso area, why not nab something to armor up your legs? For a limited time, you can get a pair of Cargo Shorts for only $10, and/or Stonecutter Trousers for $15.

New Clothing for Mini-Gamers and Geeks
Just in time for the holiday season, we’ve come up with some new items for the young gamers and geeks in your life. After all, they love the games as much as you do, so why should you get all the swaggy love? If you don’t raise up the little guys in the ways of gaming and geekdom early, they may end up into sports, or something else you can’t relate to.

Live Epic, Look Epic
Have you checked out our latest commercial? We’d appreciate it if you could, and let us know what you think of it. We spent a ton of the budget on flying in a wizard and some zombies. Despite the portrayal in the vid, no actual zombies were harmed in the filming of this commercial. I mean, it’s not considered harm if their nerve endings are no longer functioning, right?

VIZ Media Debuts Two Latest “Naruto” Volumes Ahead of Print Counterparts on VIZManga.com and the VIZ Manga App

from VIZ Media:

VIZ Media continues to lead the digital manga (graphic novel) revolution with a variety of new titles just announced for November that are available to read online on VIZManga.com and also for digital download on the VIZ Manga App for the Apple iPad, iPhone and iPod touch.

Among the notable new releases will be the two latest editions of Naruto – Volumes 54 and 55 – which will be made available on VIZ Media’s digital platforms several months in advance of their print counterparts. This is part of the Shonen Jump Digital Warp, a speed-up of selection titles to bring North American readers up-to-date with Japanese releases to prepare fans for the debut of the digital Weekly Shonen Jump Alpha in January 2012.

Naruto Vol. 54 . Rated ‘T’ for Teens . Available Today!

Viaduct to Peace: Naruto and his team engage in an intense battle with the Akatsuki organization as both sides seek the power to determine the future of their land. Internecine fighting weakens the Akatsuki, but will their dark forces sideline Naruto?! Print edition debuts on January 3rd, 2012.

Naruto Vol. 55 . Rated ‘T’ for Teens . Available November 21st

The Great War Begins: Evil masterminds Kabuto and Madara instigate a skirmish with Naruto and friends on Turtle Island. The Allied Shinobi Forces prepare to attack, but are they ready for Kabuto’s horde of reanimated dead ninja?! Print edition debuts on March 6th, 2012.

November also sees the debut of two titles from the critically acclaimed Natsume Ono. Ristorante Paradiso weaves a story around the lives of the staff of a restaurant in Rome, and in the follow-up manga, Gente, continues to follow the character’s romances, heartaches, hopes and dreams.

Ristorante Paradiso . Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens . Available Now!

At the age of 21, Nicoletta travels to Rome to find her mother, Olga, who abandoned her long ago. Nicoletta finds her at Casetta dell’Orso, a charming little restaurant owned by Olga’s husband. The staff of bespectacled gentlemen welcomes Nicoletta warmly, but Olga’s reception is not so pleasant. Olga has never told her husband that she ever had children — and he must never know.

Gente Vol. 1 . Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens . Available November 14th

Buona sera! Welcome to Casetta dell’Orso, a quaint little restaurant in the heart of Rome. The food’s delicious, but the handsome staff of bespectacled gentlemen is the real draw. Follow these dashing men home and witness their romances, heartaches, hopes and dreams in this delightfully whimsical continuation of Natsume Ono’s beloved Ristorante Paradiso.

Additions to 17 popular VIZ Media series are scheduled for November, with over 30 new manga volumes scheduled to make their digital debut. Updates include the rock-and-roll romantic drama of Ai Ore and the courtly royal intrigue of The Story of Saiunkoku, as well as the supernatural adventure of Bleach, the ongoing high seas pirate fun of One Piece, and the kinetic sci-fi action depicted in new weekly chapters of Neon Genesis Evangelion.

New VIZ Media manga volumes launching include:

November 7th:

Bleach Vol. 32
Dengeki Daisy Vol. 6
Naruto Vol. 54
Neon Genesis Evangelion Chapter 14
Oishinbo Vol. 4
One Piece Vols. 54 & Vol. 55
Ouran High School Host Club Vol. 12
Ristorante Paradiso Vol. 1

November 14th:

Ai Ore Vol. 3
Black Bird Vol. 11
Bleach Vol. 33
Claymore Vol. 19
D.Gray-man Vol. 21
Fushigi Yûgi Genbu Kaiden Vol. 8
Gente Vol. 1
Kekkaishi Vol. 17
Neon Genesis Evangelion Chapter 15
One Piece Vol. 56
Rurouni Kenshin Vol. 26

November 21st:

Bleach Vol. 34
Gente Vol. 2
Naruto Vol. 55
One Piece Vol. 57
Natsume’s Book of Friends Vol. 9
Neon Genesis Evangelion Chapter 16
Saturn Apartments Vol. 4
The Story of Saiunkoku Vol. 5

November 28th:

Bleach Vol. 35
Gente Vol. 3 – Final Volume!
InuYasha VIZ Big Vol. 6 – Exclusive to the VIZ Manga App for iPad!
Kekkaishi Vol. 18
Neon Genesis Evangelion Chapter 17
One Piece Vol. 58
Rurouni Kenshin Vol. 27

VIZ Media’s digital manga platform allows for universal access for fans for reading manga from their iPhone, iPod touch, iPad, and now, VIZManga.com for desktop/laptop computers and Android-powered devices with built-in web browsers. With one account, registered users are able to view their purchases across even more devices than ever.

The free VIZ Manga App continues to be the top app for reading manga on iOS devices and features a rapidly growing library of the most popular manga series in the world, currently offering over 45 series and nearly 500 volumes, with new additions and free Chapter 1 previews added weekly.

For more information, please visit VIZManga.com or VIZ.com/apps.

“Dragon Age: Redemption” and Epic Weapons

from The Guild:

Hey Guildies, hope you have been enjoying the Dragon Age: Redemption web series, which this week released the fourth of six episodes, “Nyree.”

Next Tuesday, with the release of episode five, Epic Weapons has teamed up with us to reward some of our loyal fans with some incredible prizes from their line of Dragon Age officially licensed replicas. On Tuesday we’ll announce the details on how you can participate in the giveaway, so check back here on The Guild website or on Felicia’s homepage, or Felicia’s or The Guild’s Twitter feeds. We have over 50 items to giveaway!

Epic Weapons has provided Dragon Age pendants, cool sword replica letter openers and coasters in Dragon Age designs.

The grand prize will be this amazing Dragon Age II Lifesize Staffsword, which is 6 feet long!

Thank you to Epic Weapons for sponsoring this giveaway and providing some incredible loot. Be sure to visit their website and their Facebook page for more great licensed weapons from Dragon Age and more!

Nintendo Holiday Gift Guide 2011

from Nintendo of Canada:

Now, Kirby! Now, Mario! Now, Pikachu, and Link! On, Layton! On, Luigi! On, Fox McCloud and Peach!

Santa Clause is coming to town and he’s bringing Nintendo gear with him. Celebrate this holiday season with your favourite video game characters including Mario, Kirby and Link. They’re all back in some of this year’s most anticipated releases, including The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, Super Mario 3D Land, Mario Kart 7, Kirby’s Return to Dream Land, Star Fox 64 3D and Professor Layton and the Last Specter. Whether you’re looking for an action-packed good time or a brain teasing twister, Nintendo has something for everyone on your holiday gift list.

The new Nintendo 3DS portable entertainment system, now available for just $169.99, is also a must-have. Enabling the ability to play games, watch videos, take photos and more in 3D without the need for special glasses, the Nintendo 3DS is an immersive experience that has to be seen to be believed.

ThinkGeek Bites Into Zombie Bon Bons

from ThinkGeek:

Greetings, walking dead!

How’s your sugar coma coming along? We hope you’ve recovered from Halloween candy and cosplay because it’s time to churn through 50,000 words.

Yes, it’s time to salute the NaNoWriMo writing geeks burning both ends of the candle in November! You can always tell who’s a Wrimoer at ThinkGeek HQ by how they trail off mid-sentence like they’re about to pass out from exhaustion — but they run off to their computers to bang out another inspired, caffeine-induced chapter. Happy wordsmithing!

Chocolate Zombie Head Bon Bons
An undead delight for survivors only! Chocolate Zombie Head Bon Bons arrive in a stylish candy box, suitable for gifting to your favorite guy or ghoul. Each box contains six bon bons in rich dark chocolate. Bite into one and taste the sweet cherry cordial-style brains, but be careful! Eating brains is addicting and you may find yourself at the business end of a shotgun. Munch responsibly.

$1,000 ThinkGeek Shopping Spree – Have a backup plan
That most magical time of year is upon us again! You’ve made a list, doubled its value twice, and you’re pretty sure you’ve been more naughty than nice. Can you really trust friends and family to come through on that lightsaber or laser keyboard you’ve got on your wishlist? Or you could be a dear and share the spoils. Either way, increase your odds of holiday awesomefication by entering our $1,000 Shopping Spree!

Take $10 Off – Step away from the candy
Early November is all about eating Halloween candy. Your kid’s candy, leftover candy, 50% off candy. Om nom nom! Either way, your “nutrition” for the next week is all set, right? Perhaps you should busy your fingers with a new toy or gadget from ThinkGeek instead. Use the code C6H12O6 for $5 off $25+ orders or $10 off $50+ orders, good through 11:59pm ET 11/4/11. And no, the subscript isn’t necessary to get the savings.

Find more What’s New items at ThinkGeek!

VIZ Media to Release “Professor Layton and the Eternal Diva” Animated Feature Film

from VIZ Media:

VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest distributor and licensor of anime and manga in North America, will release a new anime feature-length film, Professor Layton and the Eternal Diva, on DVD November 8th. The movie is based on the highly popular Professor Layton series of video games for the Nintendo DS and will be suitable for All Ages. The DVD features both subtitled and dubbed English dialogue options, and will carry an MSRP of $19.97 U.S. / $19.98 CAN.

Professor Layton, a true English gentleman, renowned archaeologist, and the world’s greatest amateur super sleuth, embarks on his most daring adventure yet when he receives a letter from his old student, the famous opera diva Janice Quatlane. She is set to perform at the legendary Crown Petone Opera House and invites him to attend as her special guest. Meanwhile, a spate of disappearances hits London. Two young school girls are the latest victims and the Professor suspects it’s related to the mysterious occurrences at the theatre. The Professor and his loyal assistant Luke travel to the Opera House to solve their toughest puzzle yet, the mystery of Eternal Life!

“Professor Layton and the Eternal Diva combines plenty of action and mystery with intriguing puzzles and a healthy dose of fun English wit to make for an inviting whodunit sure to captivate a wide audience,” says Brian Ige, Vice President, Animation. “The many puzzles that made the original Nintendo DS video game a hit are also present throughout the new feature film, and viewers are allowed time to formulate their own solutions to the riddles and brainteasers before Professor Layton provides the final answer. We invite new and established fans alike to join the fun as the Professor searches to solve the mysteries of Eternal Life hidden at the Crown Petone Opera House!”

The Professor Layton video game series is one of the most successful Nintendo DS exclusive titles. In addition to the popular movie, which was released in Japan in 2009, the property features five games developed by Level-5 for the Nintendo DS as well as two more game titles for the Nintendo 3DS. The games each feature various puzzles and mysteries that must be solved in order to advance to the next level.

For more information on Professor Layton and the Eternal Diva, please visit: VIZ.com.

HalloweenCostumes.com: Up to 90% Off + Additional 20% Off for End of Season Sale!

from HalloweenCostumes.com:

The next best thing after a spooktacular Halloween night is the after-holiday sales! Visit our site today to get up to 90% off select merchandise. That’s not all – if you act now, you’ll also receive an additional 20% off all sale items through November 3rd! Be sure to shop now. With prices this low, these costumes won’t be around forever.

Authentic Jedi Robe and Accessories

With the recent release of Star Wars: The Complete Saga on Blu-ray, and Hallowe’en on our doorstep, a sci-fi geek’s thoughts naturally turn to dressing up as a Jedi (or Sith, if one’s inclination is to the dark side of the Force).

Authentic Adult Jedi Robe

BuyStarWarsCostumes.com offers you the Authentic Adult Jedi Robe (a Child Robe is also available), officially licensed from Lucasfilm. This is the Jedi robe you’re looking for! Made in the USA, the Authentic Adult Jedi Robe is a high-end piece that’s durable, well-stitched, and constructed of a thick polyester fabric, made thicker by the entire outfit being fitted with a backing of the same material. As a result of the extra fabric weight, the robe drapes in a very attractive fashion, unlike cheaper, less solid robes that have the consistency of heavy netting, and are practically see-through. The Authentic Adult Jedi Robe is so warm and snuggly, it’s tempting to throw it on around the house in place of a bathrobe or Slanket. You certainly won’t feel the chill while out trick-or-treating, even in Hoth-like conditions, though indoors, in close, stuffy environments like convention halls and house parties, the robe’s thermal efficiency might necessitate stripping down to your Jedi tunic. Since it’s one-size-fits-all — the packaging says that it’s a men’s standard cut that fits up to a 44 jacket size — the hood and sleeves are very roomy, and the robe’s length (67″) is cut to accomodate Jedi of all sizes. Shorter Jedi will definitely need to take the hem up, unless they want a train of fabric trailing behind them. Fortunately, shortening a cloak is fairly simple with basic sewing skills, and, in a pinch, double-sided tape can be used instead of a sewing needle to make alterations. The care label on the Authentic Adult Jedi Robe suggests hand washing and hang-drying the garment, but it can be put through the washing machine on the gentle cycle and tumble dried on a low setting. In fact, it’s actually advisable to run the robe through the wash a couple of times before wearing it in order to remove the layer of fuzz still clinging from the manufacturing process.

Those who are sticklers for 100% complete screen accuracy, and have the funds to support their obsession, may wish to upgrade to the Collectors Jedi Robe, which is made of wool instead of polyester and therefore has the coarser texture that the robes in the films have, or, for the ultimate in movie replicas, there’s the Authentic Luke Skywalker Costume, Authentic Obi Wan Kenobi Costume, and Authentic Anakin Skywalker Costume. Conversely, if both the Authentic Adult Jedi Robe and collector’s robes fall outside your range of affordability, BuyStarWarsCostumes.com does carry a selection of less expensive, standard Hallowe’en costume fare:

In addition, BuyStarWarsCostumes.com sells many Star Wars costume accessories, such as the Princess Leia Bun Headpiece.

Princess Leia Bun Headpiece

The Princess Leia Bun Headpiece, made out of synthetic brown hair, quickly and easily adds a realistic touch to your Princess Leia costume. Just part your hair down the middle, pin it back, and pop the hairband on to complete the hair-do. From a distance, the hair looks quite real, and, if you’re a brunette, blends quite well into your own hair. The hair buns are sewn onto a brown, felt-like fabric, which also covers the plastic headband, and strands of the fake hair are attached bun-to-bun across the top of the hairband, as well. The large buns fit comfortably over the ears, doubling as toasty warm earmuffs on a cold Hallowe’en night. Since the buns are a solid mass of hair, they’re rather heavy compared to plush headpieces, so you might want to consider hairpinning them in place if you plan on energetic activities, like dancing, as sudden, sharp movements tend to dislodge the headpiece. Due to this, and the headband being adult-sized, the Princess Leia Bun Headpiece is not intended for use in play by children under 14 years of age.

Hallowe’en sales have already begun at BuyStarWarsCostumes.com, so save on your next cosplay outfit, pick up a deal on Christmas presents for the Star Wars fans on your list, or just get a head start on next year’s Hallowe’en costume. Of particular note are sales on Authentic Star Wars Costumes: the Supreme Edition Boba Fett is now $300 off, the Luke Skywalker Collectors Ceremonial Jacket with Medal is discounted by more than $100, and the popular Slave Leia bikini (better than lingerie on Valentine’s Day!) is on sale, too. An inside tip from BuyStarWarsCostumes.com says that these prices are only going to last through the first week of November, so be sure to take advantage of these amazing deals while you still can!

Order now at Amazon.com:
Authentic Adult Jedi Robe
Princess Leia Bun Headpiece

Or order directly through the BuyStarWarsCostumes.com website.

The Authentic Adult Jedi Robe, Princess Leia Bun Headpiece, and other costume items are distributed by BuyStarWarsCostumes.com, sister site of HalloweenCostumes.com, in partnership with Rubie’s Costume Co. (Amazon Shop), under license from Lucasfilm. For more information on Star Wars, please visit the official Star Wars website.

HalloweenCostumes.com: 2 Days Left!

from HalloweenCostumes.com:

Hurry! There are only 2 days left to get your costume by Halloween! HalloweenCostumes.com has a great selection of costumes still in stock including men’s, women’s, kid’s and couples costumes. Don’t miss out on your chance to find the perfect costume for your Halloween events. Click here for our shipping receive by dates. Start shopping now!

Sale! Save up to 90% on select merchandise!