Category: News

“Indiana Jones and the Adventure of Archaeology” Exhibition: Join the Adventure Today!

from X3 Productions:

Don’t Wait in Line
Buy Your Tickets Online!

Indiana Jones landed in Montréal! Indeed, the Montréal Science Centre presents the world premiere of the Indiana Jones and the Adventure of Archaeology exhibition, from April 28 to September 18, 2011. The exhibition will then embark on a tour of museums in Europe and the Asia-Pacific region. The exhibition uses the Indiana Jones film series as both a starting point and a backdrop for an exciting and educational introduction to the real science of field archaeology.

Showcasing items from four different collections, Indiana Jones and the Adventure of Archaeology is far more than a static display of movie props. The entire experience is enhanced with the handheld interactive video companion that informs visitors about what they see with audio, text and video, and it gives all a chance to create their own “quest” through the exhibition. An interactive treasure hunt lets children, young and old, experience the science of archaeology while having fun.

Made possible by Lucasfilm Ltd., presented by the National Geographic Society and produced by Montreal’s X3 Productions, the exhibition is aimed at kids of all ages, Indy fans, history buffs and budding adventurers and explorers.

CONTEST!
Join the adventure on a special Indiana Jones evening June 15 at the Science Center!
Win a pair of tickets to the exhibition and attend a lecture on archaeology in the company of Fredrik Hiebert, Archaeologist and Associate Professor at the National Geographic Society and scientific advisor to the exhibition.

To participate click here.
Winners will be drawn on June 6th!
Contest rules are available at the main office of X3 Productions:
400, Maisonneuve Blvd West, 9th floor, Montréal (Québec), H3A 1L4

Exhibitions Inc. is not a sponsor of this Sweepstakes.
All Sweepstakes winners must release Exhibitions Inc. and its subsidiary, affiliated or related entities and divisions and their respective officers, employees, directors, shareholders, successors, licensees, agents or assigns.

montrealsciencecentre.com
indianajonestheexhibition.com
Montreal Science Centre Box Office
2, De la Commune Street West

Elisabeth Sladen, 1948-2011

Elisabeth Sladen

from BBC:

It is with much sadness that we can announce Elisabeth Sladen, the much-loved actress best known for her role as Sarah Jane Smith in Doctor Who and CBBC’s The Sarah Jane Adventures, passed away this morning. She was 63.

Lis first appeared as Sarah Jane in Doctor Who in 1973 alongside the Third Doctor Jon Pertwee and stayed for three and half seasons working alongside Jon and the Fourth Doctor Tom Baker. She returned to the role on numerous occasions over the years and, in 2007, was given her own spin-off series on CBBC — The Sarah Jane Adventures — where she would appear alongside new Doctors David Tennant and Matt Smith.

The Sarah Jane Adventures brought Lis a whole new generation of fans who grew up to love her alien-busting adventures. The series was hugely popular with fans young and old and won this year’s RTS Award for best children’s drama.

Controller of CBBC Damian Kavanagh said tonight: “I’m deeply saddened and shocked by the news of Lis’ untimely death. Lis brought joy, excitement and a sense of wonder to her many fans in her role as Sarah Jane Smith. She was adored by our young audience and I know all of them will miss her as much as I will.”

The creator of The Sarah Jane Adventures Russell T Davies said: “I absolutely loved Lis. She was funny and cheeky and clever and just simply wonderful. The universe was lucky to have Sarah Jane Smith; the world was lucky to have Lis.”

Steven Moffat, Doctor Who’s Lead Writer and Executive Producer said: “‘Never meet your heroes’ wise people say. They weren’t thinking of Lis Sladen.

“Sarah Jane Smith was everybody’s hero when I was younger, and as brave and funny and brilliant as people only ever are in stories. But many years later, when I met the real Sarah Jane — Lis Sladen herself — she was exactly as any child ever have wanted her to be. Kind and gentle and clever; and a ferociously talented actress, of course, but in that perfectly English unassuming way.

“There are a blessed few who can carry a whole television show on their talent and charisma — but I can’t think of one other who’s done it quite so politely. I once showed my son Joshua an old episode of Doctor Who, in which Lis appeared. “But that’s Sarah Jane,” he said, confused “In old Doctor Who. From years ago. How come she always look exactly the same?” It’s not a comfort today, of course, but children will still be saying that fifty years from now.”

Keith Jones, Director, BBC Cymru Wales, said: “The Sarah Jane Adventures has been one of the most successful children’s programmes on television in recent years — and without Elisabeth Sladen it would not have happened. A brilliant presence on screen and on set, she brought the excitement and energy of the Doctor Who family of programmes, of which we are very proud at BBC Wales, to a whole new generation. She will be missed by all at BBC Wales who worked with her.”

Roger Carey, who represented Lis for many years, said. “She was not just a client, but a dear friend. She was so positive about life and her natural energy was intoxicating. She couldn’t believe her luck when her career was resurrected in her own series.”

Lis had been suffering from cancer. She leaves behind a husband, actor Brian Miller, and her daughter, Sadie.

ThinkGeek Welcomes Our New Computer Overlords

from ThinkGeek:

Ready to party like a cosmonaut?

Yuri’s Night, the anniversary of human space flight, is coming up on April 12th and it’s a doozy — this year it’s the big 5-0. Ready the vacuum-packed hors d’oeuvres and orbiting disco ball!

It’s only appropriate that this email includes 4 delicious new edibles, a breakthrough in snacking vessel technology, and 3 science-related items. If you like science or eating (and we know you do) you’ll love the new stuff!

FREE SHIRT with $15 purchase!
Welcome your new computer overlords! It’s elementary, Watson! Spend $15 or more and we’ll throw in an awesome t-shirt for free. It’s a quote from trivia champion Ken Jennings, when he admitted defeat by a certain computer. Supplies are limited, so buzz in quick if you want one!

The ThinkGeek 3-D Giveaway — Win a Virtual Boy… & $1,000 Spree
Not satisfied with 3-D movies, 3-D televisions, and 3-D mobile phones? We have just the gaming console for you. Enter today to win a Nintendo Virtual Boy, circa 1995, complete with box and 4 mind-altering games. Oh, and you’ll win a $1,000 Shopping Spree, too, but that experience will be entirely 2-dimensional. The runner up will win the just-released (and surely destined for greatness) Nintendo 3DS. The future is now!

Find more What’s New items at ThinkGeek!

ThinkGeek’s Tablet Joystick Puts “Blinky” on Notice

from ThinkGeek:

Bon voyage, space cadets!

While NASA scientists prep space shuttle Discovery for her final launch at 4:50pm ET on February 24, we’re packing our bags for our annual getaway this week. We’ve been told it’s a cruise but Timmy just had his space suit pressed, and there’s definitely something fishy about the timing. Either way, we’re bringing freeze-dried shelf-stable margarita mix for the trip.

But don’t worry — even if we’re ISS-bound, we’ll still have monkeys at home to take questions and calls. And we’ve got plenty of new stuff so you can distract yourself with shiny things until we return.

Joystick-It!
Be a mobile gaming god with our solid milled aluminum Joystick-it! Arcade-style games on capacitive touchscreen devices — yes, even Android — are more fun with a real, physical joystick for increased precision and faster response times. Removable and repositionable, it works with thousands of different games, will not harm your screen, and no wires or batteries are necessary.

Take $10 off $40+ orders — If you <3 NASA, we <3 you
We’re really hoping that by some stroke of luck we can see the shuttle launch from our cruise ship on February 24th. It won’t be the same as being at the Kennedy Space Center, but we’ll take whatever glimpse we can get! And even if you can’t be there either, you can use code STS133 for $10 off $40+ orders good through 11:59pm ET 2/25/2011.

Find more What’s New items at ThinkGeek!

VIZ Pictures & NEW PEOPLE Rebrand and Launch New Corporate Divisions

from NEW PEOPLE:

VIZ Pictures, Inc., the film distributor and producer behind the Japanese pop culture venue in San Francisco known as NEW PEOPLE, has announced that it will now operate as a newly established company, NEW PEOPLE, Inc., to re-brand and create synergy between all corporate divisions. The company’s film distribution and licensing division will now operate as NEW PEOPLE Entertainment.

NEW PEOPLE Entertainment is complemented by the launch of another dedicated film and event production division — NEW PEOPLE Productions — that will organize and manage the annual J-Pop Summit Festival as well as future film premieres, live events, and the development of original programming. The J-Pop Summit Festival takes place in San Francisco every summer and has become one of the largest events in the U.S. devoted to Japanese pop culture, film, fashion, food, art, and music. The 2010 festival attracted over 40,000 people. The 2011 J-Pop Summit Festival is currently being planned for August. More information on NEW PEOPLE Entertainment is available at: NewPeopleEnt.com.

“The re-branding and launch of these new divisions within the NEW PEOPLE organization will allow us to better execute our core mission to bring Japanese and Asian pop culture in a variety of forms to U.S. audiences,” says Seiji Horibuchi, President and CEO of NEW PEOPLE Inc., and the founder of the NEW PEOPLE venue. “We’ve also expanded our corporate operations to include a recently opened office in Tokyo that will act as a channel to help facilitate future creative endeavors and partnerships with Japanese-based artists and film and media companies, as well as work to bring select U.S. brands to Japan.”

Horibuchi has spent his career working to popularize Japanese pop culture throughout North America. He founded VIZ Media in the 80s to distribute anime and manga comics for English audiences, and the company has become one of the largest and most successful publishers of Japanese entertainment media based in the U.S. In 2005, he founded VIZ Pictures, Inc., a company dedicated to bringing Japanese live-action films to the American audience. In 2009, he founded NEW PEOPLE as a first-of-its-kind destination devoted to film, fashion, art and unique retail brands and a company to foster creative collaboration among artists, filmmakers, fashion labels, and retail brands influenced by Japanese popular culture.

Apple iPad Becomes an Icon in the Operating Room

With its attractive screen and networking capabilities, the iPad offers surgeons real-time access to images and patient data during an operation. Integrating it into routine clinical practice can save lives and help bring down the cost of health care. Pioneering surgeons at Georgetown have already made it a key part of their practice with significant improvement in patient care.

from Journal of Surgical Radiology:

As featured in the January 2011 issue of the Journal of Surgical Radiology, surgeons at Georgetown have transformed the iPad from an entertainment device into a multimedia platform from which they can access up to date patient data and radiographic images. By making the iPad as essential as a scalpel, they can have this information available at their fingertips during major surgical procedures.

With its attractive screen and networking capabilities, the iPad permits access to x-rays, CT scans, and laboratory data. Real-time access to this critical information makes the iPad “a powerful and flexible computing device [that] will almost certainly play some role in our future everyday practices,” says Dr. Felasfa Wodajo, an orthopedic surgeon at Georgetown University.

Integrating the iPad into a clinical setting virtually eliminates guesswork by busy doctors taking care of dozens of patients. Laboratory data and other key patient information are immediately accessible both on wards and in the operating room. Data can even be captured during surgery and appropriate photographs shared with the patient afterward.

Published in the January 2011 issue of the Journal of Surgical Radiology, Dr. Wodajo details how he has integrated the iPad into his clinical practice. A sample work flow and helpful pointers on high quality software are included. By decreasing the barriers to integrating technology with clinical care, the outcome can be improved patient safety, higher patient satisfaction, and decreased health care costs.

“The iPad clearly has the potential to be very useful in the hospital and in the operating theater,” says Dr. Wodajo. “The same features which make the iPad great for surfing the web, such as looking at images and viewing video, nicely translate into the operating room.”

“Doctor Who” Sonic Screwdriver Could Become Real Device

from The Telegraph:

Engineers have developed a device that is capable of moving and manipulating objects using only ultrasonic sound waves. They say the technology could eventually lead to devices that can undo screws, assemble electronics and put together delicate components. The news will no doubt delight young fans of Doctor Who who have dreamed of owning a sonic screwdriver of their own after watching their hero use the tool to get himself out of many sticky situations.

But while the Doctor’s device can perform a multitude of tasks from cutting, burning, welding, sending signals, controlling the TARDIS, altering mobile phones and healing wounds, the researchers warn their real life sonic screwdriver will have more limited capabilities.

Professor Bruce Drinkwater, an ultrasonics engineer at the University of Bristol, said: “We have developed a device that allows us to use ultrasonic forces to move small objects like biological cells around to sort them or to assemble them.”

Read the complete article here.

Irvin Kershner Remembered

from StarWars.com:

Irvin Kershner, known to most fans as the director of the first Star Wars sequel, The Empire Strikes Back, passed away in Los Angeles on Saturday, November 28. He was 87 years old.

“The world has lost a great director and one of the most genuine people I’ve had the pleasure of knowing,” says George Lucas. “Irvin Kershner was a true gentleman in every sense of the word. When I think of Kersh, I think of his warmth, his thoughtfulness and his talent. I knew him from USC — I attended his lectures and he was actually on the festival panel that gave the prize to my THX short. I considered him a mentor.

“Following Star Wars, I knew one thing for sure: I didn’t want to direct the second movie myself. I needed someone I could trust, someone I really admired and whose work had maturity and humor. That was Kersh all over. I didn’t want Empire to turn into just another sequel, another episode in a series of space adventures. I was trying to build something, and I knew Kersh was the guy to help me do it. He brought so much to the table. I am truly grateful to him.

“He was a friend as well as a colleague. He will be missed.”

Irvin Kershner was very proud of his work on The Empire Strikes Back, as these interviews conducted with the director in 1990, 2000, and 2010 can attest. Fans and celebrities have also chimed in to offer their regards, and many tribute articles have been appearing throughout the press and blogosphere — check StarWars.com’s Facebook and Twitter feeds for updates as the world mourns the loss of one of the Star Wars saga’s brightest stars.

The Real Life Super Hero Project

Real Life Superheroes

For those of us watching Smallville this season, one of the ongoing story lines is public and government reaction to masked vigilantes. As young people growing up and into their abilities, we’ve witnessed every day people like Clark Kent, Oliver Queen and Arthur Curry take on the mantle of justice fighters, defending people in the name of Truth and Justice. In previous seasons, we saw the Justice Society of America and the scandal that put them out of the superhero business and now, as a new Justice League is forming, we see similar rumblings both pro- and anti-vigilante.

In a case of life imitating art here in my home state, a group of citizens has banded together to create their own team of superheroes patrolling the streets of Seattle. The Rain City Superhero Movement is a collection of masked vigilantes with military, martial arts and other special abilities. Seattle isn’t the only place you’ll find these Real Life Super Heroes, and it’s not a new movement. Heroes from all over the world are taking an active part in trying to improve the life of citizens in their communities, not only by fighting crime but hunger, disease, poverty and every other blight on humanity. Sometimes these heroes are praised for their efforts, and other times they are criticized or even mocked.

In a time when governments are failing to protect us, the interests of corporations have more weight then the needs of people, and apathy rules supreme, maybe now, more than ever, Real Life Super Heroes are needed. Maybe you can’t immobilize a thug with two fingers or take down a purse snatcher with a bola, but you can get involved and do something, however small, to improve the lives of the people in your community. From donating your time to feed the hungry at the local food shelter or helping build a home for a low income family, to raking an elderly neighbor’s lawn or participating in an AIDS or Cancer Walk, there are many things you can do to help improve someone’s life, not by spending money, which most of us don’t have much of, but time, which we spend too much of on frivolous things.

Have you thought about embracing your inner hero?

You can learn more about Real Life Super Heroes here:

The Real Life Super Hero Project
Real Life Superheroes.org
The Real Life Super Hero Project on Twitter
The Real Life Super Hero Project on Facebook
Real Life Superheroes Registry
Real Life Super Hero Manual

If you are looking for ways you can be a superhero without taking on an alter ego, check out these sites:

Rebuilding Together
Habitat for Humanity
AIDS Walk
Feeding America
Teachers Without Borders
MAP International
American Wildlife Foundation
Adopt a Highway

These are just a few of thousands of organizations, both local and international, that are doing good things that you can be a part of. Maybe you aren’t ready to save the world yet, but doing something in your own neck of the woods is a good place to start.

Nintendo Files Official Trademark for Catchphrase “It’s On Like Donkey Kong”

from Nintendo of Canada:

In honour of the upcoming November 21 launch of Donkey Kong Country Returns for the Wii console, Nintendo has filed a request with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to trademark the pop-culture phrase “It’s on like Donkey Kong.” For those unfamiliar with the term, “It’s on like Donkey Kong” is an old, popular Nintendo phrase that has a number of possible interpretations depending on how it’s used. In addition to Nintendo’s use, it has been used in popular music, television and film over the years, pointing to Donkey Kong’s status as an enduring pop-culture icon and video game superstar.

Donkey Kong is one of the oldest and most recognizable video game characters. He has been a pop-culture icon since the launch of his 1981 self-titled arcade game. Donkey Kong again rose to prominence in the 1994 Super NES game Donkey Kong Country. His new game, Donkey Kong Country Returns, marks his triumphant return in a new side-scrolling adventure with new challenges amid a beautiful setting. The game features the first simultaneous cooperative game-play mode for the series, with one player controlling Donkey Kong and the other controlling his agile pal, Diddy Kong.

On November 21, It’s on like Donkey Kong!

For more information about Donkey Kong Country Returns, visit donkeykong.nintendo.com.

National Geographic presents “Indiana Jones and the Adventure of Archaeology: The Exhibition”

from Lucasfilm:

For the past thirty years, audiences around the world have followed Indiana Jones on his quests for treasure, adventure, fortune and glory. And now, Indiana Jones and the Adventure of Archaeology, a redefined modern exhibition experience, is coming to a museum near you. This innovative exhibition, made possible by Lucasfilm Ltd., presented by the National Geographic Society and produced by Montreal’s X3 Productions, will feature fascinating artefacts from the National Geographic Society and the Penn Museum, along with an extensive collection of Indiana Jones film materials from the Lucasfilm Archives. This first-of-its kind touring exhibition will be presented in twelve world-class institutions in Canada, Europe and the Asia-Pacific region. The world premiere run will be held at the Montreal Science Centre, starting April 28, 2011.

Kyra Bowling, Exhibits Manager at Lucasfilm Ltd., is pleased to see that “Dr. Jones has found his way to the museum and accompanies visitors on their very own adventure into the science of field archaeology.” Bowling adds, “The Indiana Jones films have entertained generations of audiences and this exhibition provides a wonderful way to merge that on-screen excitement with the science of archaeology to help inspire learning in a fun, dynamic way.”

Indiana Jones and the Adventure of Archaeology not only features a vast and exclusive collection of Indy props, models, concept art and set designs, it also presents a wealth of historical and cultural facts. The internationally renowned University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, otherwise known as the Penn Museum, is providing genuine archaeological artefacts and educational material. The National Geographic Society, the exhibition’s global presenting partner, also shares artefacts, photos, videos and content from its impressive and historic archive.

“This exhibition is an exciting journey into the real world of archaeology,” says Fredrik Hiebert, National Geographic’s Archaeology Fellow. “This is the perfect opportunity to introduce audiences of all ages to this fascinating scientific field through the inspiration of these highly popular films. It is a natural for National Geographic.”

Indiana Jones and the Adventure of Archaeology transforms the museum experience into a multimedia and interactive adventure. Visitors will be immersed in the world of Indiana Jones, an environment created by state-of-the-art technology and spanning over 1,000 square metres. Equipped with a video companion, visitors will embark on a quest to uncover the true origins of archaeological mysteries. Charged with comprehensive educational content, photos and videos, the interactive hand-held devices will guide visitors on the “Indy Trail” and through the various archaeological zones. Visitors will also have the ability to create their own adventure with an interactive quest.

Indiana Jones and the Adventure of Archaeology will elucidate myths associated with relics like the Ark of the Covenant and the Holy Grail and explore mythical places such as Akator or Mayapore. The exhibition also will shed light on how archaeologists really work on projects such as deciphering ancient scripts and discovering the true origins of the mysterious Nasca lines in southern Peru. With Indiana Jones and the Adventure of Archaeology, visitors will discover where fact meets fiction.

A Team of Experts
In order to create a new kind of museum experience, one that will engage, educate and entertain visitors in innovative ways, X3 Productions has not only put its creative expertise to work, it has also gathered a team of world-renowned specialists. With their recognized knowledge in academic and field archaeology Drs. Michel Fortin and Fredrik Hiebert have helped to create and develop the exhibition’s educational content. With a specialty in Near Eastern archaeology, Fortin is a Full Professor of Archaeology who has been teaching in the Department of History at Université Laval in Quebec City for nearly three decades. He has led numerous excavation teams in the Middle East and is a true ambassador to his profession. A world-renowned archaeologist and National Geographic Fellow, Hiebert is a field expert who has searched for human history in some of the world’s most remote and exotic places. His experience in both North and South America and across Asia is ideal for this project. The team is further supported by Shirley Reiff Howarth, director of the Humanities Exchange in Montreal, whose expertise in travelling exhibitions and museum curation has proven to be a great asset in the development of this project.

Archaeology and Local Treasures
Indiana Jones and the Adventure of Archaeology sets the wheels in motion not only to inspire, but most importantly to cultivate a lasting interest in archaeology. The world abounds with treasures, some of which can be found in our own backyard. The exhibition is designed in such a way that the last gallery is dedicated to local archaeology, allowing the host museum to feature some of its prized collections. For its world premiere in Montreal, artefacts from the Archaeology Collection of the City of Montreal will be on display.

Information and Ticket Sales
Indiana Jones and the Adventure of Archaeology: The Exhibition will launch its world premiere at the Montreal Science Centre from April 28 through September 18, 2011. Tickets are on sale now! For complete schedule and ticket information, visit the Montreal Science Centre Box Office or contact them at (514) 496-4724 or (877) 496-4724 or visit indianajonestheexhibition.com. Indiana Jones and the Adventure of Archaeology is the first production of X3 Productions, for more information visit x3productions.ca.

Dangerous Dorks: Say No to Nerd Rage!

from GeekChicDaily:

View the shocking video The Empire doesn’t want you to see…

Once, Nerd Rage could bubble over in a Kirk Vs. Picard debate or a Ditko Vs. Lee message board discussion. In the past, such anger manifested itself as an overturned Mountain Dew glass or a ridiculous internet flame war. These days, though, you’d best watch your back around the nerd herd.

Time was that the nastiest thing you’d see happening at a comic convention was Trekkers making sarcastic remarks towards Twi-Hards. No more. At this year’s Comic-Con, an argument over Hall H seating resulted in a now-infamous eye-gouge.

And physical violence isn’t the only danger. At an Arizona comic convention, a puppet troup tried to stage a skit involving a Stormtrooper and a Na’vi. Suddenly, an over-zealous sci-fi fan came down on them like a fetid rain of curdled blue milk (fun starts at :45).

More norms are coming over to the geekside every day, friends. It’s getting crowded. Has it really gotten to where nerds need to pack heat for protection? No way. Here’s why: firearms can accidentally discharge and shoot fellow Avatar fans. In real life, there are no extra lives. Say No to Nerd Rage!