Category: Arts & Culture

Latest Episodes Aired in Japan of Popular “Bleach” Anime Series to Start Streaming on VIZAnime.com

from VIZ Media:

VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, continues to generate tremendous momentum for its popular Bleach series with the announcement that English-subtitled episodes from the most current story arc will begin streaming for free in the U.S. via the company’s premier website for anime, VIZAnime.com. Starting today with Episode 275, VIZAnime.com will stream a new Bleach episode one week after it has aired in Japan.

Bleach is one of the most popular Japanese anime and manga properties in the world and this near simulcast schedule is part of VIZ Anime’s ongoing strategy to bring hit animated properties to a national audience via the web.

Bleach is a popular manga and animated series (both rated “T” for Teens), distributed domestically by VIZ Media, that follows the adventures of Ichigo, a 15-year old student with the ability to see ghosts. When his family is attacked by a Hollow — a malevolent lost soul — Ichigo encounters Rukia, a Soul Reaper, and inadvertently absorbs her powers. Now, he’s dedicating his life to protecting the innocent and helping tortured souls find peace. Episode 275, from the newest story arc in Japan, marks the start of a thrilling storyline and guarantees a series of face-offs that are sure to excite old and new Bleach fans!

VIZAnime.com is the official online home to some of VIZ Media’s best-loved animated series, and a burgeoning social network for fans to connect and form an interactive community. Over 1,000 episodes are currently available, and new content is added on a weekly basis.

“Bleach remains one of the most successful and popular anime series in North America, and VIZ Media continues to break down time and distance barriers by making new episodes available within days of their original airing in Japan,” says Ken Sasaki, Sr. Vice President & General Manager, VIZ Media. “VIZAnime.com is the ultimate destination for the many popular VIZ Media animated titles, and currently contains an extensive catalog of hundreds of episodes from popular shows like Bleach, InuYasha, Naruto, The Prince of Tennis and more, all offered with accurate, high-quality streaming video that is completely free for viewers!”

Bleach is a tremendously successful multimedia property internationally. The manga has been licensed in numerous countries around the world and has sold over 2 million copies in the US. In North America, the manga has been a sales hit and the popular animated series is viewed weekly by millions. This success also includes an array of related video games, apparel, action figures and other merchandise.

Bleach animation can be viewed on Adult Swim and through a variety of other web-based video download and streaming outlets that have partnered with VIZ Media, including iTunes, Xbox Live, PlayStation Network, Amazon, and Hulu. For more information on Bleach, please visit bleach.viz.com. To view subtitled Bleach animated episodes, please visit VIZAnime.com.

Ex-Boyfriend: Save 15% on Tees & Accessories for Summer

from Ex-Boyfriend:

Save 15% This Weekend Only!
Summer officially starts Monday! Are you ready for longer, hotter, sweatier days? The kind that make you change your shirt every few hours? If your current tee collection is starting to look ragged it’s time to re-stock. Now through Sunday, you can take 15% off any purchase at Ex-Boyfriend. Simply enter coupon code SUMMER15 at check out.

New Designs!
The shop is bursing at the seams with new t-shirt designs. We’ve got pirate monkeys, zombies, stoner meat products, bunnies, naughty geometry, and puns galore.

We Now Have Totes!
Hit the Farmers Market in style all summer with our brand new tote bags! Huge variety of colors and designs that are suitable for both dudes and ladies.

Be a Star on Our Blog
We’ve been sharing photos and interviews from our awesome fans on the blog and we’d love to feature you next. If you’d like to play along just send in your picture wearing some Ex-Boyfriend tees or accessories. We’ll email you back with some fun interview questions. Be sure to give us your mailing address and we’ll send you a little thank you.

Follow us online
Overstock Ex-Boyfriend Tees from $15.00 | YouTube | Facebook | Twitter | Myspace

Check Out What’s New for Celebration V This Week

from StarWars.com:

>>INTERCEPTED MESSAGE FROM THE JEDI TEMPLE
>>Begin Encrypted Communication

Discounted Travel Deadline Quickly Approaching — July 21
With rooms starting as low as just $65/night, attending Celebration has never been more affordable! Book now using our official travel desk before July 21 and save!

Fan Movie Challenge Awards
The Ninth Annual 2010 Star Wars Fan Movie Challenge is in full swing but the deadline to enter your movie is fast approaching. Lucasfilm Ltd. and Fan Movie Challenge partner Atom.com are making a call for immediate submissions at starwars.Atom.com, Atom’s Star Wars movie website, before June 24. Moviemakers who make the finalist category this year can look forward to seeing their movie in the spotlight at Celebration V!

One Man Star Wars Trilogy at Celebration V
Charlie Ross, the creator and performer of “The One Man Star Wars Trilogy” will bring his show to Celebration V this August in Orlando. Using no props, and no instruments except his versatile and talented voice, Ross performs everything from dialogue and music to sound effects and battle scenes. Those who attend Star Wars Celebration V should not miss these performances. Read more about One Man Star Wars Trilogy here.

Star Wars Costume Contests
Veteran and amateur Star Wars costumers are invited to join in for two exciting costume contests at Star Wars Celebration V! With two Costume Pageants to showcase the finest costumes in the galaxy, you’ll have more opportunities to model your finery. Simply complete the online entry form here.

Collectors Panels
The Star Wars Collecting Panels will return to Celebration V, with new and interesting talks, giveaways, and events that will run all four days of the show. Gus Lopez, who organized the Collecting Panels for the past four Celebrations, is assembling a new lineup of subjects to entertain and inform all collectors, from beginners to the most experienced. See all of Star Wars Celebration V Collectors Panels here.

Orlando 101
Have you given any thought to what you’ll do after the show each evening, and in your days in town before and after the convention? Need some help planning what to do? Orlando 101 is your comprehensive, friendly guide to the best restaurants, attractions and activities that will ensure your trip to a far-off galaxy (otherwise known as Central Florida) is nothing short of out of this world! We’re also thrilled to offer you and your family a variety of special offers and savings at select locations, all of which simply require a flash of your CV show badge. View Your Orlando 101 Guide.

Exclusive T-Shirts on Sale Now Thru July 25!
Choose from Celebration V Logo T-Shirt (ONLY available for purchase online through July 25 — Don’t wait!) & Boba Fett Jet Ski T-Shirt (available for pre-order and onsite; onsite quantities will be limited). BUY TODAY!

Special Event for Celebration V Attendees
Last Tour to Endor hosted at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Buy Tickets Here!

Free Celebration V e-Cards!
Select a design for your e-Card and tell your friends why they should join you at Star Wars Celebration V. We’ll email your FREE customized e-Cards to friends, family, co-workers, etc with your own personalized greeting. Send a FREE Star Wars Celebration V e-Card today!

We look forward to seeing you in Orlando!

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>>900-220.21 Alpha Channel Comm Array Reset

News that Squishes: Squishable Android Charity Auction

from Squishable:

Hello Folks!

If you were making some journalism-style s’mores, you wouldn’t want to sandwich just any old rubbery news in between those graham crackers! No! You’d want that sweet, gooey filling to be made of Squishy News! And here it is!

Squishable Android — It’s a cellphone operating system! It’s a small adorable robot thing! It’s both! Even iPhone owners have to admit that Android has an awesome mascot. This version is giant and fuzzy and green, and we’re auctioning one — just one — off for charity! Help support Child’s Play to get gaming software and toys to sick kids. Auction ends June 22, 2010. Karma plus cute equals awesomeness!

Squishable Restocks — A bunch of out-of-stock Squishies are back! It’s true! We would not kid about such a thing! We’ve got some more Squishable Penguins, Raccoons, Sharks, Whales and Frogs all set and ready to roll into your hands! Or elbows!

Two New Really Big Understudies!
Really Big Elephant Understudy — He is justifiably proud of his enormous, cuddly heft! Snurfling is much better when the snurfle-ee has their own area code.
Really Big Harbor Seal — Where does a really big, adorable harbor seal live? Anywhere he wants! Which is probably your couch.

And just a reminder, this month for every picture we receive of you and your Squishy we’re donating a dollar to GirlStart to empower girls in math, science and technology! Send ’em to HugMe@Squishable.com! Woo!

Are you spending way too much of your free time on Facebook? What a coincidence — so are we! Come say hi (and incidentally get coupons and stuff).

And hey, Twitter! If you’ve ever wondered what Zoe and Aaron and the rest of Squishy does all day long, this is your chance to voyeurize their squishy, squishy lives! I mean, seriously!

Thanks everyone!

Zoe and Aaron
squishable.com

J!NX’s “Buffy Staked Edward” Hoodie

Tired of sparkly vampires? Are you on Team Buffy, as opposed to Team Edward or Team Jacob? J!NX now makes it possible to express both sentiments on one article of clothing. When you’re out hunting vampires, you’ll definitely want this fashion statement in your arsenal. That way, your immortal enemies will know exactly where you stand on the issue of Buffy vs. Twilight.

"Buffy Staked Edward" Hoodie

The Buffy Staked Edward Hoodie began life as a hugely popular T-Shirt and Women’s Tee, both of which are still available in the J!NX Shop. Since Vampire Slayers are traditionally female, there’s also a smaller Women’s Hoodie, cut to be more form-fitting than its male counterpart.

Thick enough to deflect the marble chill of a shirtless vampire, with a lined hood for extra warmth, the Buffy Staked Edward hoodie will keep you protected as you search the forest for Cullens to stake. Its sturdy, double-stitched seams will survive multiple maulings by Twihards seeking vengeance on behalf of their beloved Edward — if you wear this item in public, especially near movie theatres showing Eclipse, then durability is an important selling point — and the roomy kangaroo pocket provides a perfect place to conceal Mr. Pointy. Just be sure to concentrate on hiding your thoughts so Edward doesn’t read your mind and spoil your special “surprise” for him.

Sparkly vampires are unnatural. You know it; Buffy knows it. The world would be a better place if archetypes were respected and the Twilight saga came to a quicker demise, concluding “…And Then Buffy Staked Edward. The End”. Sorry, Bella. It looks like your choice between Edward and Jacob just got a lot easier.

For ladies who’d like to add a hidden touch of sexiness to their vampire butt-kicking ensemble, J!NX offers pairs of novelty underwear in matching black…

"Speak Friend and Enter" Boy Brief Panties

Remember when Cameron Diaz drove the fanboys wild in Charlie’s Angels by dancing in front of her bedroom mirror in a pair of Spider-Man Underoos? J!NX’s Speak Friend and Enter Boy Brief Panties raise the nerdiness level a few more notches by featuring a quote from The Lord of the Rings. The Underoo-style briefs are trimmed in white, a delicate thread of feminine pink running through the waistband elastic, with “speak friend and enter” written in an Elvish font across the front, a context that gives Gandalf’s famous words of advice a much naughtier meaning. Password indeed!

"Follow the Rabbit" Hot-short Panties

Even less subtle than the Tolkien undies are the Follow the Rabbit Hot-short Panties, inspired by The Matrix. If you’re not a Matrix fan, but still love Alice in Wonderland, then feel free to interpret “Follow the White Rabbit…” as a direct reference to Alice instead. Either way, these black short shorts are soft and flattering to female curves. (J!NX’s underwear tends to fit small, so you may need to order up a size.) Plus, the bunny illustration printed on the hip in white ink is cute, unless you’re Buffy‘s Anya — then it’s more terrifying than vampires.

Order directly through the J!NX website.

The Buffy Staked Edward T-Shirt and Hoodie, Speak Friend and Enter Boy Brief Panties, and Follow the Rabbit Hot-short Panties are distributed by J!NX.

Naruto Meets the True Face of Pain

from VIZ Media:

VIZ Media invites fans to continue the adventure with their favorite ninja in Naruto Volume 48, now available in stores! Naruto is rated “T” for Teens and carries an estimated retail price of $9.99 US and $12.99 CAN.

Naruto, a young shinobi with an incorrigible knack for mischief and a wild sense of humor, is completely serious about his mission to be the world’s greatest ninja! In this volume, Naruto is finally face-to-face with his ultimate nemesis, and finds out there’s way more to the true Pain than he could have ever imagined. As the consequences of the tumultuous politics of the past come to light, an unexpected turn of events puts a new ninja in power in Konoha — the first act by the new leader will change Naruto’s world forever.

Also included in this exciting volume as a special bonus is an exclusive collectible Naruto: Shippuden Collectible Card from Bandai America, featuring Sakura Haruno. Part of an exclusive three-card promotion, fans can collect the first card featuring Naruto Uzumaki, included in Bandai’s Series 17 Hobby Booster Boxes, and the third card featuring Kakashi Hatake, included in the August issue of Shonen Jump magazine (the best selling monthly manga anthology in North America), hitting retailers on July 6th.

Naruto depicts the adventures of a young boy named Naruto Uzumaki who trains to become a ninja, and through his exciting adventures, the young ninja learns the importance of friendship, teamwork, loyalty, hard work, creativity, ingenuity, and right versus wrong. Created by Masashi Kishimoto, Naruto was first introduced in Japan in 1999 and quickly became that country’s most popular ninja manga, and more than 100 million copies to date have been printed. The manga series has captivated millions of fans across North America, Europe and South America.

For more information on Naruto please visit NARUTO.com.

Weta: Knights, hobbit ears and collectible News!

from Weta:

Sir Richard!
Her Majesty the Queen on the celebration of her Birthday, is pleased to appoint Richard Taylor as a Knight Companion of The New Zealand Order of Merit. To be knighted, in other words, and earn the right to be addressed Sir Richard. Richard received this honour for services to film. From all here at Weta — huge congratulations, Richard. We’re very proud that your contribution to New Zealand film has been recognised in this manner and there’s not a single person here who doesn’t think it’s well deserved.

Are you a Hobbit at heart? Now ‘ear this!
For Hobbits-at-heart everywhere, here’s a wonderful piece of The Lord of the Rings to wear with pride — like a Hobbit. Drawn from the original molds that Frodo’s and Sam’s ears were drawn from for the The Lord of the Rings trilogy, these prosthetics are as authentic as can be. Hand made here at Weta Workshop by Makeup Supervisor Frances Hawker and her team. Made from latex, they can be blended to look like part of your anatomy for your next costume event or convention. Get yours ‘ere!

Raygun shootout May winner
Last month’s winner, for best alien raygun, was Radulan for the Head Mounted Interpolator. This month’s challenge is Rocket Ships!

Weta presence at Anime Expo in LA
Weta’s US envoy, Phil Davis will be at Anime Expo in Los Angeles from the 1-4 July in the LA Convention Center. It is the largest Anime and Media Con in the western US and as usual, Phil will have a selection of Weta merchandise for sale at his booth. See you there!

New collectibles on the way
Tim Launder (when he’s not busy managing us rogues here at Weta Limited) is the guy who gets stuff off tall shelves in the Workshop. He says he found something at the very back — it appears to be an environment from The Lord of the Rings… possibly sculpted back-in-the-day. Looks a bit like a drinking establishment of some sort. As some of the Lord of the Rings fans in the building got very excited, we’ve decided to make a few of them and to put them up for pre-order this week, so keep an eye out for more announcements.

San Diego Comic-Con update!
There is too much news to just cram into newsletters, so we’ve created a whole page dedicated to Comic-Con updates! Save it in your Favourites and come back often — we can’t promise news every day, but there’s already a fair few posts. Check out our Comic-Con updates page!

Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter and Facebook and to discuss on the forum on The Shadow and Flame!

Follow Weta Online! Twitter | Facebook

J!NX: Don’t Miss our Father’s Day Promotion!

from J!NX:

New J!NX Classic Tee: Dastardly
In the Boy Scouts, good deeds are encouraged. Enough do-gooding will earn you a swell badge for your collection. In the Old West, things are a bit different. Being nice will get you nowhere. You’ve gotta be hard, you’ve gotta be mean… you’ve gotta be dastardly.

iPad Contest… Are You Entered?
We’re approaching the last few days of our iPad Contest, so if you’ve been dilly-dallying, lollygagging or otherwise procrastinating, now would be the time to get motivated. Entry is easy! Just “like” us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and comment on the entry page once a day. That’s it! The contest ends Tuesday (6/15/10), so don’t wait!

Father’s Day Promotion!
Dads are Geeks, too! You’ll receive a $10 discount on an order of $35 or more when you enter the code DADSROCK. With Father’s Day just around the corner, make sure Dear Old Dad gets what he really wants. Or, you can just use the code for yourself (it’s ok, we won’t tell anyone). This offer is not valid in combination with any other sale or discount.

$10 off your purchase of $35 or more

Use Promotion Code: DADSROCK
This offer expires Friday, June 18, 2010 at 11:59 PM EDT, so don’t wait!

Star Wars Fan Movie Challenge Awards at Celebration V!

from StarWars.com:

The Star Wars Fan Movie Challenge for 2010 is in full swing, but there is still time to enter your movie before the coming deadline, June 24. Lucasfilm Ltd. and Fan Movie Challenge partner Atom.com are making a call for immediate submissions at Atom’s Star Wars movie website.

Moviemakers who make the finalist category this year can look forward to seeing their movie in the spotlight at Celebration V, this August 12-15 in Orlando. All finalist movies will be played in a dedicated track throughout the run of the show.

The Star Wars Fan Movie Challenge is produced by a long-running partnership between Lucasfilm and Atom, to celebrate the best in fan made videos and animations. The winning entry each year is selected by Star Wars writer/director George Lucas, and the finalists are also posted online, where a worldwide body of viewers selects the Audience Choice Award. This year the famous golden droid trophies will be presented to the winners at Star Wars Celebration V, in the Fan Movie Award Ceremony, planned for Thursday evening, August 12.

But before moviemakers can receive all that honor and glory, they need to enter their movies in the competition. The deadline for the Ninth Annual 2010 Star Wars Fan Movie Challenge is June 24, 2010. Talented moviemakers need to submit their movie before that date at starwars.atomfilms.com, in order to be considered. All Challenge rules and guidelines are on the site, plus Star Wars movie assets that moviemakers can use in their creations.

Times and location might change. Please check starwarscelebration.com for updates closer to the show. A valid Celebration V admission badge is needed to attend the Fan Movie Award Ceremony.

J!NX Father’s Day Promo: $10 off

from J!NX:

Father’s Day is June 20!
If you haven’t found that perfect gift, you still have a chance. Come on over and check out our entire selection of expressive tees inspired by video games and geek culture. We’re making it even easier for you, giving you $10 off your order of $35 or more. Just use code DADSROCK during checkout.

While you’re here…
Check out the J!NX Design Arcade. You can win up to $1000!

Guild Wars 2: Announcing the Warrior

from NCsoft:

Announcing the Warrior
Announcing our next Guild Wars 2 profession: the warrior! A master of weapons, the warrior marches into battle with swords, rifles, and just about everything in between. The warrior can absorb incredible damage as he builds up adrenaline to power his devastating attacks. Witness the raw power and blinding speed of the warrior in these incredible skill videos!

ArenaNet Summer Events
Tradeshow season is kicking off, and it’s going to be a busy summer for us! We can’t wait to get out there to spread the word about Guild Wars 2 and connect with our fellow gamers.

  • Comic-Con — July 22-25: Grab your sunscreen and join us in sunny San Diego! We’ll be signing copies of our upcoming Guild Wars novel, Ghosts of Ascalon, and our stunning artbook, The Art of Guild Wars 2. While you’re there, also make sure to check out our panel discussion about the creation of Guild Wars 2!
  • gamescom — August 18-22: We wouldn’t dream of missing Europe’s largest game show in Cologne, Germany. We’re going to be at gamescom in a big way this year, so make sure to stop by our booth!
  • PAX — September 3-5: PAX is a big three-day gaming festival right here in our backyard in Seattle! This year we’re going to out-do ourselves with cool swag, fun activities, and some special surprises. Don’t miss it!

For more details about our summer activities check out our blog.

A Look at Dynamic Events and Personal Storylines in Guild Wars 2
Learn more about why Guild Wars 2 is a different kind of MMO. Lead Content Designer Colin Johanson explains the dynamic event system in Guild Wars 2 and how it challenges the traditional ways content has been presented in MMOs. Lore & Continuity Designer Ree Soesbee shares our approach to storytelling in Guild Wars 2, where you follow your own personal storyline and your actions have a real impact on the world around you. Visit the ArenaNet Blog for further information about events and personal stories in Guild Wars 2. Our blog is your official source for behind-the-scenes GW2 info, so bookmark it today and stay up to date!

Alienware and Razer Team Up with NCsoft This Summer
NCsoft is partnering with our good friends at Razer and Alienware for trade shows this summer, and we’ll be using their equipment in our booths. For more information about their gear, head over to the Razer and Alienware websites.

“Gamera Vs. Barugon” Special Edition

from Shout! Factory:

Returned from his exile into space, Gamera is the last survivor of a species of colossal chelonians, rumored to have originated 8,000 years ago from the lost continent of Atlantis. This titanic terrapin is feared by adults and loved by children.

Hot off the heel from the excitement of fan favorite Gamera, The Giant Monster — Special Edition DVD, Shout! Factory will unleash the second film in the original series, Gamera Vs. Barugon — Special Edition on July 6, 2010. The DVD contains a collectible reversible cover, a special booklet featuring an essay by actor Kojiro Hongo, audio commentary with August Ragone and Jason Varney, publicity galleries and widescreen presentation of the original movie from an all-new HD master and more! Packed with heart-pounding action and jaw-dropping fun, the collectible Gamera Vs. Barugon — Special Edition DVD is priced to own at $19.93.

Even though Japan’s Self-Defense Forces sent Gamera hurtling into space in a giant rocket at the climax of Gamera, The Giant Monster, a stray meteor soon collides with his flying metal prison, freeing the ginormous turtle and allowing him to spin back to Earth. That sounds like it spells doom for Japan, but when another colossal creature named Barugon is awoken from an ancient slumber, all Hell breaks loose. And only Gamera can stop him.

After three greedy Japanese explorers steal a rare opal in New Guinea, not realizing that it is actually a monster egg, and unwittingly subject it to infrared radiation, it hatches and grows to immense size. Barugon is not simply bad because he’s big: His elongated tongue, itself a deadly weapon, can emit a freezing spray, while he has the ability to shoot a deadly, laser-like rainbow from his back. And when our favorite fire-spitting Gamera becomes trapped in the creature’s frozen grip, mankind looks like it could be doomed. Can one of the explorers, Keisuke Hirata (Kojiro Hongo, Satan’s Sword), and a New Guinea native, Karen (Kyoko Enami, The Woman Gambler), help to defeat Barugon before it plunges Japan into a new Ice Age?

Gamera Vs. Barugon, the second entry in Daiei Studios’ monster series, was directed by veteran Shigeo Tanaka (The Great Wall) and is more lavish than the original in terms of scale and scope — it was shot in spectacular color! Noriaki Yuasa (Gamera, The Giant Monster) was charged with helming the visual effects for this outing, and the results are fantastic!

The original films have woefully been underrepresented on DVD, especially releases featuring the authentic Japanese versions. Shout! Factory, in association with Kadokawa Pictures, will continue to present Gamera Special Edition home entertainment releases in North America. Upcoming highlights include Gamera Vs. Gyas, Gamera Vs. Viras, Gamera Vs. Guillon, Gamera Vs. Jiger, among others.