Author: ÜberSciFiGeek

Social Networking with “Weird Al” Yankovic

from “Weird Al” Yankovic:

All right… even though I need to join another social networking site like I need another orifice in my cranium, I’ve decided to wake up and smell 2009… and join Facebook.

My page is at facebook.com/weirdal. If you’re my MySpace friend, why not be my Facebook friend too? Come on now — don’t make me go out and get a whole new set of friends.

Besides the argument that “that’s just what sentient organisms do now,” I got on Facebook partly for the same reason that I originally got on MySpace — there are people out there pretending to be (or at least represent) me. I assume that these people are just enthusiastic, well-meaning fans, so no harm done… but just for the record, anybody on Facebook who ISN’T facebook.com/weirdal … definitely isn’t me.

And you know what else? I just signed up for Twitter too. Yeah, I know. I figured I’d better hurry up, because somebody already snagged twitter.com/weirdal… so I’m at twitter.com/alyankovic. Feel free to “follow” me if you like, but for what it’s worth, I really don’t intend on documenting every single one of my bowel movements — and truthfully, there’s probably only 40 or 50 people that would be interested in that kind of thing anyway.

So what have I been up to other than Facebook-ing and Twitter-ing? Outside of the usual “enjoying my life” and “spending quality time with my family” stuff, I’ve been writing new songs and working on Al’s Brain.

I’ve mentioned Al’s Brain here before — it will be a pavilion and interactive exhibit at the Orange County Fair this year, the centerpiece of which will be a 10-minute 3-D movie written by, directed by and starring me. It will premiere on July 10 (the first day of the fair) and run though August 9. And then hopefully it will travel to various other places around the world after that. It looks like it’s going to be pretty cool, so if you’re going to be in Southern California this summer, try to check it out.

And I’ve been writing a few original songs — we’re looking at being in the studio in late April / early May to cut some tracks. And then my plan is to release 3 or 4 of those tracks digitally (hopefully with accompanying videos of some sort) over the course of the summer. I have no idea when the next album is coming out… but at least you’ll get to hear parts of it in the not-too-distant future.

And I’m involved with developing a few other things too, but I’m being told that I can’t spill the beans about them quite yet. I’ll keep you posted.

Tweet ya later,
Al

The Art of Kung Fu Panda

The Art of Kung Fu Panda

The Art of Kung Fu Panda by Tracey Miller-Zarnecke, with a foreword by Jack Black, draws readers into the world of the DreamWorks Animation movie that was nominated for an Academy Award in the category of Animated Feature Film and kicked cartoon butt at the Annie Awards, defeating presumed front-runner WALL-E to become the surprise Chosen One of the evening.

Kung Fu Panda pulled out all its martial arts moves Friday night at the 36th annual Annie Awards, where it was named best animated feature.

Winning the top prize over such other nominees as the critical favorites WALL-E and Waltz with Bashir, Panda swept the feature film categories as it picked up 10 trophies, bettering Pixar’s Ratatouille run last year when it earned nine Annies, including best feature.

If there was an honour awarded for film tie-ins, then Kung Fu Panda would surely get the nod for The Art of Kung Fu Panda, as well.

Unlike many movie art books, which rarely warrant more than a single once-over, The Art of Kung Fu Panda is a treasure that begs to be admired over and over again. The dustjacket, a thick paper sleeve whose red, yellow, and black cover art reflects the traditional Chinese colour palette, glimmers with red foil dragons that undulate along the top and bottom margins. Hidden underneath, the red hardcover is covered in a delicate wave pattern and embossed with a large, glossy black dragon. Stunning gatefold pages are tucked at random intervals throughout the book, and even the endpapers are works of art, richly patterned with red and golden-yellow dragons and flowers in a style that emulates Chinese silk. A sealed envelope attached to the back endpaper, mysteriously marked “Prepare for Awesomeness”, contains the bonus gift of a small, folded replica of Kung Fu Panda’s film poster.

As an official companion book, The Art of Kung Fu Panda takes adventurous readers behind the scenes of the legendary movie with a team of master filmmakers as their guide. It traces the journey of the production from its first stages of development through to completed animation, accompanied by the candid, insider commentary that’s come to be expected from an “art of” book. Since Kung Fu Panda’s stylized look is so important to the film, the book spends considerable time covering its visual development, especially the use of colour and groundbreaking CG effects. The digitally rendered artwork is so polished and highly detailed that each piece of art, even the roughest of character sketches and conceptual designs, looks like a completed illustration from a children’s picture book. Character designs are thoroughly documented, with every nuance — name origins, clothing styles, related symbols, animal-associated mannerisms, choice of voice actors — explained, lending the animal heroes richer personalities and back-stories. The most interesting revelations in The Art of Kung Fu Panda, though, involve the changes that occurred during the film’s story development. Multiple screenplay and storyboard revisions are explored, showing what might have happened on the paths untaken, and thoughtful reasons are given for the choices which ultimately resulted in the version of Kung Fu Panda that made it to theatre screens.

Order now at Amazon.com:
The Art of Kung Fu Panda

The Art of Kung Fu Panda is distributed by Insight Editions, an imprint of Palace Press International.

Steampunk Name Generator

Steampunk Name Generator

I present a generator of names and titles for those who may have temporarily misplaced their own.

Please enter your name, and select your gender, and the means by which you aquired your title. Then you will receive your own, personal Steampunk alias to do with as you see fit. Whether it comes to be famous or infamous is up to you!

Roleplayers and authors in need of authentic-sounding character names will appreciate this service provided by Brass Goggles, a blog and forum devoted to the lighter side of all things Steampunk.

Dr. Grordbort’s Miniature Goliathon 83

from Weta:

By Jove! The Miniature Goliathon 83 has returned!

Galactic Gentlefolk!
We would like to thoroughly congratulate the glorious artisans and scientific titans at the Goliathon plant on having delivered the final 400 Goliathon 83 — Miniature Edition! Which means you have your chance to complete your set! These mouthwateringly miniscule weapons of mouse destruction really are the dog’s private parts. It also fills us with anticipation that a distinct humming sound has recently been emanating from the miniaturisation department. Could it really be that the initial trio soon may be joined by others? Who dares to hope?

Cocky
The Lord of insatiable trophy aggregation — Cockswain — is up to his usual under-handed trickery. You may already have spied the celluloid we’ve acquired? No? Well you should — it’s a veritable bonanza of bad taste. Please help us figure out what it all means. We’re baffled.

Tally-Ho from some of our Blunderbuss Patrons
Since the first few batches of hermetically sealed crates of Unnatural Selectors have reached their blood-thirsty new households, we’ve heard back from some of the survivors. It is obvious that this fine clientele take their sports-shooting very seriously. To arm yourself with an Unnatural Selector is not merely a disdainful nod in the direction of Darwin, the naturalist rapscallion, but of course the ultimate expression of good breeding and taste!

So after you cast your eyes longingly at the playthings of the well-heeled and well-armed — why not go check out the Miniature F.M.O.M. and the Miniature Goliathon. They still pack a better punch than a slap in the face with a wet Thrusk!

Cheerio,
William

Dr. William Young
Archivist and Historian for Dr. Grordbort’s Estate

Milky Way and the Galaxy Girls

Milky Way and the Galaxy Girls

Milky Way and the Galaxy Girls, by Lauren Faust: What Planet Are You From?

About the Galaxy Girls:

What do girls like? The first things that come to your mind may be: clothes, hair, make up and fashion. And you would be right. Most girls DO enjoy these things, and it would be foolish to ignore that fact. But who only likes one thing, right? The world often forgets that girls love art, sports, music, culture, animals, learning… the list is infinite! And, sadly, sometimes girls forget that, too. So why can’t girls be cute, stylish, cool, AND smart, empowered and a little different?

They can. Milky Way and the Galaxy Girls offers the best of both worlds for girls. Fun with trendy, funky clothes and hair styles AND a wide variety of personalities, nationalities and outside interests. Each character has a specific activity she loves and accessories and wardrobe that correspond. They are each individually adorned with a personal symbol and color scheme that define her and her life style.

So, there’s a girl for everyone! All you have to do is figure out… What Planet Are You From?

About the Creator:

Lauren Faust has been a success in the animation industry for 12 years both as an artist and a writer. Her most recent endeavors have been as Head Writer and Supervising Producer for husband Craig McCracken’s award-winning hit series Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends on Cartoon Network. For her work on Foster’s, Lauren has received nominations for four Emmy and three Annie Awards. Previously, she had lent her talents to the popular cartoon series, feature film and marketing sensation The Powerpuff Girls and as an animator on such feature films as The Iron Giant and Cats Don’t Dance. All the while she has been an avid toy collector with a particular interest in the beloved toys of her childhood, including My Little Pony and Strawberry Shortcake. Her greatest goal as an artist is to offer up to little girls the kind of joy and inspiration she experienced as a child, with images of girls and women as positive, self-affirming, active, individualistic, fun, and even a little edgy.

The cosmic Milky Way and the Galaxy Girls website is aimed at, but not limited to, preteen girls. It offers up profiles of the Galaxy Girls, a shop full of t-shirts and other fun merchandise, Mother Earth (aka Lauren Faust)’s blog, the Solar Sisterhood newsletter, and a link to the Milky Way and the Galaxy Girls Etsy shop.

The Solar Sisterhood on Etsy!

Girlactic Greetings Earthlings!

Welcome the The Solar Sisterhood on Etsy! The only place in the universe to find hand made items featuring Milky Way and the Galaxy Girls, a completely independent project by animator, Lauren Faust. Lauren is so far unwilling to compromise the quality of design of her characters to have them mass produced, so she lovingly makes all her toys by hand, and all her other products independently. She sincerely hopes you enjoy them!

There’s also a hardcover book, Milky Way and the Galaxy Girls: What Planet Are You From?, written and illustrated by Lauren Faust.

Order now at Amazon.com:
Milky Way and the Galaxy Girls: What Planet Are You From?

Or order directly through the Milky Way and the Galaxy Girls website. To show support and mingle with fellow fans, sign up at the official Facebook Group and MySpace Page.

Volunteer Crew and Extras Needed for The Legend of Neil: Season 2

from The Legend of Neil:

Hey all, we’re a little less than 21 hours away from rolling cameras on season 2 of The Legend of Neil. We’ve got a long, and ambitious shoot ahead of us over the next two weeks. We’re working with a mostly volunteer but highly seasoned crew on our meager web budgets. But it’s not enough, we need just a few more EXPERIENCED crew hands in the Grip & Electric, Art and Production Assistant Department. If you’ve got even a day or two to come out during this slow season (starting THIS SUNDAY), we’d love to have you. This is a prime opportunity for those looking to network and get a Comedy Central IMDb credit on one of the most successful web shows… well… ever! If this sounds like you, please email me your resume (even limited on set experience will do) to effinfunny@gmail.com with “VOLUNTEER CREW” in the subject.

Also we’re on the hunt for a handful of extras for a couple of scenes. If you’re looking to get in front of the camera please submit some pictures of yourself to effinfunny@gmail.com with “EXTRA CALL” in the subject. We’re looking for rough and tumble folks, so keep that in mind when sending in your pics (grimace). You’d need to be in LA available for a full 12 hour day on one of the following: March 7th, March 9th or March 11th. You will be fed and credited!

Whether you’re in town or not, I’d still like to thank you all for your support. The web is truly a collaborative medium where we get to actually work and interact with our fans. It’s pretty frickin rad and kind of gives me a boner. TMI?

Last Complete Print Set of Kubo Concept Art from The Last Unicorn for Auction on eBay

from Peter S. Beagle:

A single, long lost set of The Last Unicorn concept art has been discovered in storage and is being auctioned this week on eBay
A single, long lost set of The Last Unicorn concept art has been discovered in storage and is being auctioned this week on eBay

In 2007 Conlan Press published a limited 500-copy edition of Hidemi Kubo’s 1979 concept paintings from the animated Last Unicorn. There were five pictures in the complete set: The Last Unicorn, The Red Bull, The Lady Amalthea, Mommy Fortuna, and The Full Cast.

They sold out of all the complete sets very quickly, as well as all the individual prints of The Lady Amalthea, the Last Unicorn, and The Full Cast.

However — last week a single complete set (#295) turned up in some old convention boxes. This is the very last one there is, and the only way you can get any of the three sold-out pictures.

The set is up for auction on eBay until 8:20 AM on Sunday, March 1st, with the same starting price that the complete sets originally sold for: $75.

Want to place a bid? Here’s the link:

The Last Unicorn — Final Complete Kubo Concept Art Set

For additional information The Raven is a free email newsletter dedicated to Peter S. Beagle and his work. Sign up at http://peterbeagle.com/raven/

Knights of the Guild Micro-Podcast Posted

from The Guild:

The first Tuesday in 12 weeks there isn’t a new Guild episode, gah!

A few things to tide you over, Jenni and Kenny, creators of the official fan podcast Knights of the Guild have just posted their first micro-podcast discussing the season finale of The Guild! Check it out at iTunes or at http://knightsoftheguild.podbean.com.

Also, Doug Luberts, the special effects guru who created the finale shots of the season, posted a very interesting blog entry on how exactly he did it. Interesting behind the scenes perspective!

THIRD, Felicia Day (Codex) will be at WonderCon this weekend, Saturday February 28th, signing at the California Browncoats’ booth at 12pm and 4pm. Stop by to say hi if you’re attending!

Mystery Science Theater 3000: Volume XIV

Mystery Science Theater 3000: Volume XIV

Huzzah! Less than three months after putting out the Mystery Science Theater 3000: 20th Anniversary Edition box set, Shout! Factory has followed up with Mystery Science Theater 3000: Volume XIV.

From 1988 to 1999, the cast of Mystery Science Theater 3000 skewered B-movies from their extraterrestrial orbit. Now the revolving crew of the Satellite of Love returns in the awe-inspiring 14th collection of their most hilarious episodes. Join Joel, Mike, Tom Servo and Crow T. Robot as they supply their own playful brand of commentaries on some of cinema’s most misunderstood “masterpieces.”

The alleged masterpieces are Season 1’s The Mad Monster, Season 4’s Manhunt in Space, Season 10’s Soultaker, and Season 10’s Final Justice (“starring” legendary antagonist of the show Joe Don Baker, who also got roasted in Season 5’s Mitchell). Current IMDb ratings for the four movies are 2.8, 2.1, 1.8, and 1.5 out of 10, dismal scores which promise a banquet of MST3K riffing material. The packaging, slipcased DVD slim cases with illustrated movie poster art covers, is exactly the same as in the first Shout! Factory set, which gives the option of storing the DVD sets in their cardboard slipcases or taking the individual titles out to shelve them by season or other preference. Mini-posters of the DVD covers are included again, and each disc continues to have a different animated menu that ties in with the film it precedes. Bonus content features a brand-new interview with Soultaker star and MSTie favorite Joe Estevez, in which Estevez proves himself to be an extremely good sport about the ribbing he got for Werewolf and Soultaker; a brand-new interview with Final Justice writer, producer, and director Greydon Clark, who masterfully rationalizes getting the MST3K treatment; Mike, Tom and Crow’s appearance on ESPN Classic’s Cheap Seats without Ron Parker; and the original Mad Monster trailer.

Most excitingly, as was revealed in a press release late last year, the Volume XIV box set is comprised entirely of episodes that have never been released before. Previously, fans had access to these films solely through TV syndication and an online network of tape trading that was encouraged by Comedy Central in its “Keep Circulating the Tapes” campaign. For viewers who have only seen grainy bootleg copies of Volume XIV‘s four episodes, many generations removed from the original recordings, it’s a real treat to finally see them in first-run quality. Hopefully this trend continues, allowing MST3K home libraries to further upgrade their old, degraded tapes to a more modern and watchable format.

It will certainly be interesting to see what the themes of upcoming box sets will be. More “previously unreleased” collections? Polled favourites? Holiday sets? A special edition of Season 3’s Santa Claus Conquers the Martians and Season 5’s Santa Claus, complete with an appropriately tacky ornament, would be an obvious possibility, as would a complete set of the MST3K Shorts. Shout! Factory is open to any suggestions, so e-mail them your lists of box-set-worthy episodes and help keep the Movie Sign plugged in.

Order now at Amazon.com:
Mystery Science Theater 3000: 20th Anniversary Edition (Limited Edition)
Mystery Science Theater 3000: 20th Anniversary Edition (Standard Edition)
Mystery Science Theater 3000: Volume XIV

Or order directly through the Shout! Factory website.

Mystery Science Theater 3000: 20th Anniversary Edition and Mystery Science Theater 3000: Volume XIV are distributed by Shout! Factory. For more Mystery Science Theater 3000 information, please visit The Official Mystery Science Theater 3000 Website and Satellite News: The Official Mystery Science Theater 3000 Fan Site.

GetBack: Wakin’ Up the Memories

Sign up at GetBack.com, sister company and collaborator of Shout! Factory, for nostalgic doses of pop culture every weekday.

Top 10 Reasons to Join GetBack Today

  • Wake up your favorite memories.
  • Create Pop Quizzes of you favorite trivia.
  • Meet other pop culture geeks like you.
  • Receive the daily GetBack Greeting.
  • Create collections of your favorite artists, music videos, movie trailers and arcade games.
  • Leave comments throughout the site.
  • Add friends.
  • Impress your friends with your mastery of useless knowledge and good taste in collections.
  • Argue about which Van Halen lead singer is best.
  • Prove to your kids that you were cool once upon a time.

GetBack.com is the only online community and pop-culture destination built around the music, movies, games, and events you love. We’re a bunch of pop culture freaks dedicated to wakin’ up memories of the past while connecting to the best of the present.

We started our company in 2007, after we (most of us are veterans of iFilm, Spike, Rhino, and Shout! Factory) realized there weren’t any Web sites that acted our age or featured our favorite stuff from the past while keeping current on the best in music, movies, and entertainment. Basically, we wanted to meet more people like us.

So GetBack was born. In our short journey, we’ve covered a lot of ground. You can find our editorial and video content on Yahoo!, MSN, Hulu, and on offline screens near you. We’ve also been featured on Spike TV and Extra and in The Hollywood Reporter, New York Post, and blogs aplenty. Some of our cooler content includes:

  • Our flagship show, Retro Minute, hosted by our own Shawn Amos. It’s a daily blast to the past.
  • Feature stories by GetBack editors spotlighting the best — and worst — of pop culture past and present.
  • Thousands of classic movie trailers and music videos.
  • 23 channels of streaming radio.
  • An arcade full of your favorite classic video games.
  • GetBack Pop Quizes to test your knowledge and impress your friends.