Category: Announcements

Eugene Roddenberry, Jr. Dares San Diego to the “$100,000 Challenge for the Oceans”

from San Diego Oceans Foundation:

The “$100,000 Challenge for the Oceans” is the San Diego Oceans Foundation’s (SDOF) holiday fundraiser, initiated by major donor Eugene “Rod” Roddenberry, Jr. Roddenberry is motivating his neighbors to support this local charity during this difficult economic climate with a donation matching system. By the end of the year, he is seeking 500 people to contribute $20 each, which he will match dollar for dollar, resulting in a $10,000 contribution. He is also challenging environmentally conscious companies to show their support by matching this $10,000 donation. With the commitment of nine corporations and 500 residents, the San Diego Oceans Foundation can succeed in reaching their $100,000 Challenge.

Son of Gene Roddenberry, who created the Star Trek television and film series, Eugene “Rod” Roddenberry, Jr. is a passionate advocate for the oceans. Roddenberry has even started his own Roddenberry Dive Team (roddenberrydiveteam.com) in an effort to share his appreciation of our oceans with others. “The Roddenberry Dive Team takes the optimism inspired by my father’s philosophy and brings it to a very real and actionable place,” says Roddenberry. Roddenberry Dive Team members explore the underwater universe and attend innovative educational events aimed at understanding ocean life. Roddenberry’s love of the oceans began in college, and his philanthropy extends beyond financial contributions. He also volunteers his time with the San Diego Oceans Foundation as an Ocean in Motion Marine Science Education and Snorkeling Program volunteer.

San Diego Oceans Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, was founded in 1984 and has built a legacy of grassroots volunteer programs that increase the understanding of marine animals, protect ecosystems, and provide solutions to environmental challenges. Through their programs, they encourage community members of all ages and backgrounds to engage in meaningful, hands-on volunteer work and help spread their message of ocean stewardship. For more information on San Diego Oceans Foundation visit sdoceans.org.

Dr. Grordbort’s: Now you too can Blast a Buffoon!

from Weta:

Blast a Buffoon!

There is always someone in the Universe that you would really like to endanger with something sharp, correct?

Well how about doing so with the business end of one of Dr. Grordbort’s Infallible Aether Oscillators?

And in an environment with little or no risk of legal action by blubbering relatives?

Sounds like Nirvana?

What are you waiting for, man — fire up that Particle Smasher and get busy playing our online game!

Get Seduced: StarWarsShop’s Dark Side Days Are Here!

from StarWars.com:

StarWarsShop’s Dark Side Days event is seducing shoppers with 25% off ALL in-stock merchandise for two days only — that’s just two days to get that $25 Force Action Lightsaber for under $20, that $60 Koto Commander Rex maquette for $45, or that $130 LEGO AT-AT for under $100! And that’s just for starters — remember, ALL in-stock merchandise is 25% off — there are NO exclusions — but you have to act FAST!

Discover the power of Dark Side Days at StarWarsShop Friday and Saturday for some of the best holiday deals you’ll find anywhere on Star Wars merchandise — you WILL be turned.

Second “Browncoats: Redemption” Trailer


Browncoats: Redemption Trailer from browncoatsmovie on Vimeo.

The fan-funded film is set shortly after the events of Serenity, when the Alliance’s power and standing in the ‘verse has been shaken by the announcement of what took place on Miranda. Browncoats: Redemption expands the lore of the ‘verse by following the crew of the ship Redemption, self-professed Browncoats who’ve “kept their noses clean” — until now.

Planned for a 2010 release, with its unveiling at next year’s DragonCon in Atlanta, the Browncoats: Redemption team hopes to not only fuel interest in the Firefly ‘verse but raise funds for charities. 100% of the film’s proceeds (after production costs) will be split between the charities Equality Now, Kids Need to Read, The Dyslexia Foundation, The Al Wooten Jr. Heritage Center and Marine Corps Law Enforcement Foundation. Early projections based on previous Firefly/Serenity related DVD sales have the filmmakers hoping to donate upwards of $80,000 to each charity (based on a $15 DVD price tag).

The team has been posting behind-the-scenes videos on their YouTube Channel, and now you can get a first look at the Redemption crew in the newly released Browncoats: Redemption teaser trailer.

Shout! Factory’s Black Friday/Cyber Monday Sale

from Shout! Factory:

Buy any two DVD or CD Box Sets (over 120 to choose from) and get one FREE!

Whether you’re shopping for yourself or planning your holiday gift guide, Shout! Factory has the perfect purchases for you.

This sale only lasts until Monday, so start shopping today!

Effinfunny and “The Legend of Neil” win a Streamingmedia.com Readers’ Choice Award

from Effinfunny:

We’re pleased to announce that Effinfunny and The Legend of Neil won the Streamingmedia.com’s Readers’ Choice Award for “Best Online Video Startup Company — Content.” To prove that we’re not lying check out the link here. Unfortunately we weren’t able to attend the event, but we’d like to thank streamingmedia.com and its readers, our web-Mom and Dad, our web-God and-(cue music) HEY DON’T PLAY US OFF OUR OWN BLOG! Well, thanks to all for making Effinfunny and The Legend of Neil a success!

Newest noisemaker from ThinkGeek Labs

from ThinkGeek:

We who are about to die of food coma salute you,

We’re happy the Hadron Collider is back on track, pending no more incidents with airborne carbohydrates. The possibility of Black Hole Friday will be a subject of Thanksgiving dinner debate! In the meantime, we’re launching you into the holidays with awesome news. There’s the synthtastic Bliptronic, the epic JetBib, two totally sweet contests (Bricktastic! and Bring the Rock!), and a preview of our holiday catalog, complete with 42% more zombies. We didn’t think we could fit that many zombies in, but rotting flesh compacts pretty well. Enjoy!

Find more What’s New items at ThinkGeek!

Win a VIP trip for two to see RiffTrax Live in San Diego

from RiffTrax:

Win a FREE Trip for Two to San Diego, watch RiffTrax LIVE: Christmas Shorts-Stravaganza on December 16 and MEET the RiffTrax stars and special guest “Weird Al” Yankovic! Two free round-trip tickets, transportation and lodging included!

Buy a ticket to RiffTrax Live by December 4, select “Like and “Share” on our Facebook post, and you are automatically entered to win*. Sweepstakes runs for two weeks only (from November 23 – December 7).

Official Rules | Enter to Win | Buy Tickets Now

*No purchase necessary.

“Star Wars: Trench Run” Now Available on iTunes

from StarWars.com:

Relive the pivotal moments of Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope on your iPhone or iPod Touch in Star Wars: Trench Run, a brand new game now available at the iTunes store for $4.99. Click here to check it out. Developed by Infrared5 and distributed by THQ Wireless Inc., Trench Run lets you skim the surface of the Death Star trenches as you seek to target a small thermal exhaust port less than two meters wide. Can you reenact the shot heard ’round the galaxy? Is the Force with you?

Trench Run uses simple motion controls and realistic game play to put you in the action. Tilt your iPhone or iPod touch to maneuver your X-wing. Tap one side of the screen to fire weapons, and tap the other to call on the power of the Force, which slows the action down allowing you more control. The game features two main play scenarios — flying in the trench, and dogfighting with TIE fighters high above the Death Star surface.

Features of the iPhone / iPod Touch version:

  • Force Power: Slow down time and increase agility using the Force to bring TIE fighters into shooting range, and to dodge obstacles while flying down the trench.
  • Breathtaking 3D Experience: Incredible 3-D graphics based on the original Star Wars movie.
  • Amazing Special Effects: Vivid lighting, advanced shaders, explosions and incredible lifelike models.
  • Authentic Star Wars Music and Sound Effects: Combined with real movie footage for complete immersion into the Star Wars universe.
  • True-Life Flight: Accelerometer controls with life-like physics.
  • Addictive Game Play: Ever increasing challenges, and tons of replay value.
  • Multiple Points of View: Featuring both chase cam and cockpit modes.
  • Mission Mode: With storyboards, music and dialogue from the original Star Wars movie.
  • Arcade Modes: For increased re-playability, includes both Trench Run and Dog Fighting modes.
  • Multiple Difficulty Levels: From Easy to Jedi.
  • Optimized Gaming Experience: To work on the 3G, with special graphical features for the 3GS, iPod Touch 2nd Gen and future devices.
  • Leader Boards: Players compete against others across the world for the top spot. Find out who are the true Jedi.

Watch Star Wars: The Clone Wars right now at StarWars.com!

RiffTrax boldly riffs 2009’s “Star Trek”

from RiffTrax:

Like the odometer on your 1984 Plymouth Reliant rolling back over to zero, the Star Trek series gets a reset! The previous thirty-eight films had barely begun to scratch the surface of these fascinating characters, and so Star Trek is back to answer all your burning questions: What’s Scotty’s favorite brand of bacon? Why does no one seize the moment and slap the hell out of Chekov? Why does Uhura jam that huge piece of machined steel into her ear? Was Spock’s mom younger than him, and which uncle taught him that nerve pinchy thing?

A tour de force of shameless retconning, Star Trek nevertheless introduces a bold new sci-fi innovation: time travel! And black holes! And characters meeting themselves! And ice planets! And evil nemeses who vow revenge! And ship flybys! These are by themselves very compelling reasons to watch, but Star Trek gives you an even more compelling one — to learn Uhura’s first name. Sure, you never knew she didn’t have a first name, it was never an issue for you, and you haven’t even given it one millisecond’s thought, but at last you get to find out! (It’s Nyota, by the way.)

Mike, Kevin and Bill self-consciously tug down their red Federation uniform tops and go boldly into Star Trek!

Get it here.

And don’t forget about RiffTrax Live on December 16th! Tickets are now on sale!