Announcements – Page 16 – ÜberSciFiGeek

Remembering Darrel K. Sweet

The Sci-fi and fantasy literature family suffered another great loss this week, my favorite cover artist: Darrel K. Sweet. I can’t tell you how many times I bought a book just because he painted the cover. As a budding child artist, I would draw his covers on my bedroom wall with colored pencils, some of which my mother actually painted “Frames” around to keep when she painted the rest of the wall. He was a huge influence on me artistically and imaginatively.

He had a very unique style that identified his artwork at a glance. With over 3,000 paintings completed, his art adorned the covers of many a well-loved book including such series as The Wheel of Time, Xanth and The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant the Unbeliever. I can’t imagine that the next Xanth and final Wheel of Time and Thomas Covenant books will not be graced by his artwork wrapped around it.

They always say, “You can’t judge a book by it’s cover” but you could if it featured art by Darrel K. Sweet.

From Locus Online:

Artist Darrell K. Sweet, 77, died December 5, 2011. Sweet’s first illustrations were for Ballantine Books in 1975, and when the Del Rey imprint was formed in 1977, he produced many of their covers. Since then he has created illustrations for most of the major SF publishers, including Berkeley, Ace, and Tor. He is perhaps now best known for his illustrations of Robert Jordan’s Wheel of Time series, but he also produced memorable covers for Stephen R. Donaldson’s Chronicles of Thomas Covenant, the Xanth series by Piers Anthony, and novels by Jack L. Chalker, Terry Brooks, L.E. Modesitt, Jr., and many others.

Sweet was born in 1934 in New Brunswick NJ, and graduated from Syracuse University in 1956 with a degree in fine arts. He already had a reputation as a painter of animals, still lifes, and pastoral scenes when he started illustrating SF. He was nominated for a professional artist Hugo in 1983, and was a Chesley Award finalist many times.

RECORD 3D VIDEOS AND MORE WITH THE LATEST SYSTEM UPDATE FOR NINTENDO 3DS

from Nintendo:

A new system update now available for the portable Nintendo 3DS(tm)<http://www.nintendo.com/3ds> system adds a wide range of enhancements, including the ability for users to record 3D videos in continuous or stop-motion style, updated Nintendo eShop features, new StreetPass Mii Plaza(tm) features and enhanced online gaming. All of the upgrades are available at no additional charge to Nintendo 3DS owners.

“The addition of these new features demonstrates how Nintendo 3DS continues to grow and evolve,” said Ron Bertram, Nintendo of Canada’s vice-president and general
manager. “Nintendo 3DS is our most connected system to date, and the added functionality strengthens the system’s position as a must-have holiday gift.”

Some of the features available with the system update include the ability to record up to 10 minutes of glasses-free 3D video in continuous or stop-motion style. Now
users can capture moments from sporting events or family gatherings, or make their own imaginative 3D movies to share with friends. In the Nintendo eShop, it’s now
easier to buy and download your purchases. Use your credit card to purchase content by adding only the needed funds. You can choose to Download Now or Download Later.
Cue up the games and videos you want and let the system do the rest in Sleep Mode. Fans of StreetPass Mii Plaza(tm) will enjoy updates to Find Mii and Puzzle Swap.
Nintendo 3DS owners can transfer photos, audio recordings and games, including save data, to other Nintendo 3DS systems. For more information about the features
included in this update, go to http://www.nintendo.com/3ds/system-update.

With the new system update, Nintendo Zone(tm) is now available for the first time at more than 29,000 Nintendo 3DS Hotspot locations. Nintendo Zone offers users free and
automatic access to game previews, 3D videos, trivia challenges, retailer promotions, coupons and much more.

Additionally, Nintendo is adding more than 2,800 Nintendo 3DS Hotspot locations in the United States and Canada, including hotels, airports and malls. In Canada, these
new Nintendo 3DS Hotspot locations include more than 2,000 Bell Canada Hotspots. This brings the total number of free Nintendo 3DS Hotspots in North America to more
than 29,000, including 25,000 AT&T Wi-Fi Hotspots, approximately 1,000 Best Buy stores and nearly 200 Simon Malls located in the United States. Nintendo 3DS owners
can find a Nintendo 3DS Hotspot by visiting http://www.nintendo.com/3ds/hotspots.

Nintendo 3DS owners who have downloaded previous system updates do not need to do anything, as the new update will happen automatically. Users who have never
performed an update before can update by going to the main menu, tapping System Settings, then Other Settings, then System Update.

Remember that Nintendo 3DS features parental controls that let adults manage the content their children can access. For more information about this and other
features, visit http://www.nintendo.com/3ds. For more information about Nintendo, visit http://www.nintendo.ca.

About Nintendo: The worldwide pioneer in the creation of interactive entertainment, Nintendo Co., Ltd., of Kyoto, Japan, manufactures and markets hardware and software
for its Wii(tm) home console, Nintendo 3DS(tm) and Nintendo DS(tm) family of portable systems. Since 1983, when it launched the Nintendo Entertainment
System(tm), Nintendo has sold more than 3.8 billion video games and more than 610 million hardware units globally, including the current-generation Wii, Nintendo 3DS,
Nintendo DS, Nintendo DSi(tm) and Nintendo DSi XL(tm), as well as the Game Boy(tm), Game Boy Advance, Super NES(tm), Nintendo 64(tm) and Nintendo GameCube(tm) systems.
It has also created industry icons that have become well-known, household names such as Mario(tm), Donkey Kong(tm), Metroid(tm), Zelda(tm) and Pokémon(tm). A wholly
owned subsidiary, Nintendo of America Inc., based in Redmond, Wash., serves as headquarters for Nintendo’s operations in the Western Hemisphere. For more information about Nintendo, please visit the company’s website at http://www.nintendo.ca.

Horror Feature Death Do Us Part Completes Principal Photography

[fgallery id=1 w=500 h=287 t=0 title=”Death Do Us Part”]

From Nine Worlds Entertainment:

Nine Worlds Entertainment is pleased to announce the completion of principal photography on the horror feature Death Do Us Part and have released official character stills. The film is directed by Nicholas Humphries of the acclaimed Syfy webseries Riese: Kingdom Falling and Screamfest LA 2011 Winner for Best Short (The Little Mermaid).

Kennedy Jamieson, a wealthy socialite, has waited her whole life to have the perfect wedding. Engaged to the charming Ryan Harris, the young couple is just a week away from the big day but hasn’t had a chance to celebrate their respective bachelor/bachelorette parties. Ryan’s best man Chet books a remote cabin in the woods to throw them a ‘Jack and Jill’ stag that they’ll never forget.

Out in the middle of nowhere, things take a horrifying turn as members of the group are brutally picked off one by one. What started out as a celebration quickly descends into a bloody nightmare. Friendships are ripped apart and accusations fly in this blood filled psychological horror with a whodunit twist.

Starring Ben Ayres (Vampire Diaries), Julia Benson (Stargate Universe), Peter Benson (The Killing), Emile Ullerup (Sanctuary), Kyle Cassie (Lost Boys: The Tribe), Christine Chatelaine (Riese: Kingdom Falling), Dave Collette (Fringe) with Aaron Douglas (Battlestar Galactica), Death Do Us Part is Directed by Nicholas Humphries (Riese: Kingdom Falling), Produced by Julia Benson (Kits), Peter Benson (Kits) and Ryan Copple (Riese: Kingdom Falling).

“Some of the greatest horror films, movies like Halloween and Black Christmas, are screened annually because they are thematically linked to the holidays. We want to make the movie that horror fans watch when they’re about to get married.” – Nicholas Humphries, Director Death Do Us Part

For further details, visit the Death Do Us Part website at http://www.deathdouspartmovie.com/, on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/DeathDoUsPartTheMovie or on Twitter: @DDUPMovie.

About Nine Worlds Entertainment

Founded in January 2011 by Peter Benson, Ryan Copple and Julia Benson, Nine Worlds Entertainment is a Vancouver based Production Company with many projects in various stages of development. They have been working with BBC Worldwide Productions on two half hour comedy series, and are slated to shoot a pilot episode for one of them at the end of this year. The team at Nine Worlds has also been working with Aircraft Pictures and Dolphin Entertainment on a children’s comedy series as well as a sci-fi action series. The company is focusing on creating and producing content that is relevant and commercially viable both domestically and internationally. Nine Worlds Entertainment is going into production on their first feature film “Death Do Us Part”.

Announcing the new RiffPlayer from RiffTrax!

From RiffTrax:

There’s a new RiffTrax Player in town! We’ve been working hard on a new player, and we’re happy to announce that the RiffPlayer is finally here! It’s based on open source technology, and allows both Microsoft Windows users and, for the first time, Apple OSX users to watch their favorite Riffs in sync with the DVD!

And to help get you started, for a limited time, we’re giving away a free RiffTrax when you download the player! What are you waiting for? Improve your RiffTrax viewing experience today!

Get it here: RiffPlayer

Easy to use!

Getting started with the RiffPlayer is easy! _Simply run the player, pop in your DVD, then open the mp3 of the Riff from within the player. Your DVD (and the Riff) will start playing automatically.

Separate volume controls!

Use the volume sliders to adjust the Movie and Riff volumes to your liking!_ And, if your Riff should ever lose sync with the movie, simply hit the “Resync” button and _voila_! You’re back in action.

Better Off Red: High-Octane Havoc & Supernatural Soviets

first-squad — Celebrate two decades of Manga Entertainment with killer teens and life-or-death racing

From GeekChicDaily:

Turning twenty has never felt so good…for anime fans. To celebrate its coming-of-age, Manga Entertainment is releasing a double whammy of anime goodness: Takeshi Koike’s Redline is having a limited theatrical run in Los Angeles, which started this past weekend, and in New York City starting on January 6th. If that isn’t enough to keep you excited through the New Year, both Redline and Studio 4ºC/Russian co-production First Squad: The Moment Of Truth are coming out on Blu-Ray and DVD on January 17.

Buckle up, everyone. Redline is a frenetic, pulpy tale about the biggest, deadliest racing tournament in the galaxy, brought to us by the evil geniuses over at Madhouse (Summer Wars, Paprika, The Girl Who Leapt Through Time). Like a weird mash-up of Death Race and The Hunger Games, the tournament is a high-stakes event in which elite drivers seek to make a name for themselves. With a slew of corrupt government officials, organized crime and a mysteriously beautiful female driver in his way, high-octane hero JP is in for the ride of his life. Between Redline‘s gorgeous visuals, accelerating action and its over-the-top characters, the film promises to keep things both fast and furious (minus the Vin Diesel).

On the other hand, if you prefer wartime epics over white-knuckle racing, Yoshiharu Ashino’s First Squad: The Moment of Truth is probably right up your alley. Set during the first days of World War II on the Eastern front, First Squad follows a group of Soviet teenagers with extraordinary abilities who are drafted to form an elite special operations unit to combat the invading Axis forces and an undead army of Teutonic Knights. The series looks like an incredible blend ofGunslinger Girl, Valkyria Chronicles and supernatural World War II action. Don’t lie; you’re going to want to take a Moment of Truth or two come January.

J!NX: “World of Warcraft” Holiday 2011

from J!NX:

World of Warcraft Holiday 2011 Collection
Happy Holidays, young and old! Gather ’round! Come feast your eyes and treat your torsos to the new J!NX/WoW 2011 Holiday line! All 10 Legendary Class Hoodies are now available for your warming pleasure! Also, check out the new tee shirt offerings, perfect gifts for any of the Warcraft fans in your life.

Peripherals and Drinkware Now Available
In the ever-expanding world of geek merch, it only makes sense that we continue to offer you more one-of-a-kind products. It’s in this vein that we’re pleased to bring you some cool periphs from our friends over at SteelSeries and drinkware from the masters, Taverncraft.

Save 5% off your order of $30 or more
Save 10% off your order of $50 or more
Save 15% off your order of $75 or more
Save 20% off your order of $100 or more
Use Promotion Code: SAVINGTHROW
This offer expires Saturday, December 24, 2011 at 11:59PM PDT, so don’t wait!
*can’t be combined with any other offers, sale prices, or discounts

J!NX Holiday Gift Guide – Save Up to 20%

“RiffTrax TV” Presents: “Santa and the Ice Cream Bunny: Extended Edition”!

from RiffTrax:

Riffed in-studio! Streaming Friday, 12/16, and again Saturday 12/17, at 7pm PST on both days.

Dear RiffTrax fan,
Last Christmas, whether you wanted it or not, RiffTrax warmed your heart and addled your mind with the instant holiday classic Santa and the Ice Cream Bunny.

What you may not know is – there’s more. That’s right, over 13 more minutes of Bunny that have, until now, gone totally unriffed!

Mike, Bill, and Kevin will host and perform an in-studio riff of the complete film, including those 13 never-before-riffed minutes. They’ll also present a free preview of our next slice of holiday weirdness, the upcoming VOD release The Magic Christmas Tree!

Only $6.99! Buy your ticket for either showtime here.

“War of the Insects” Now Available!

from Cinematic Titanic:

Hi Everyone,
We are excited to announce:

Cinematic Titanic Live: “War of the Insects” is now available!

Available at our STORE on DVD for $14.99 or Download from EZtakes.com for $9.99.

Holiday DVD Sale!

Now thru New Years Eve, while you’re at the CT store, pick up any of our 10 previous CT titles for only $9.99.

Please visit our STORE FAQ for US and International Holiday Shipping deadlines.

Santa Claus Conquers the Martians is back in stock!

Just in time for the holidays, CT’s version of the Classic Christmas riff is once again available. If you’ve seen the MST3K version for years, treat yourself to the Cinematic Titanic version – a whole new set of jokes and extra movie footage cut from the MST3K version.

Please help support Cinematic Titanic (an artist owned and operated venture) by giving the gift of riffing this year!

Thanks!
The CT gang

Nintendo Kicks Holiday Fun Into Overdrive with “Mario Kart 7” for Nintendo 3DS

from Nintendo of Canada:

No matter how they travel from place to place, consumers will soon be buckling up for an unforgettable ride with Mario and his Mushroom Kingdom friends. The Mario Kart 7 game launches exclusively for the Nintendo 3DS hand-held system on December 4, adding a wild new installment in Nintendo’s fan-favourite racing franchise. Players of any experience level will get to drive, glide through the air and dive underwater for the first time in Mario Kart 7. They will also discover new customizable karts, new courses and abilities, Community features and multiplayer options that allow up to eight friends to race together wirelessly. Best of all, the game makes use of the remarkable capabilities of Nintendo 3DS with access to StreetPass and SpotPass content and the ability to play in full 3D without the need for special glasses. Mario Kart 7 will be offered at a suggested retail price of $39.99 in Canada.

Mario Kart 7 offers a fun, personalized Mario Kart experience by allowing players to race as their favourite Mushroom Kingdom character or their own Mii character. They can even trick out their karts with a new set of customization options, including tires, chassis and gliders tailored to each player’s preferred racing style. For the first time in the series, Mario Kart 7 allows racers not only to zoom around outrageous road tracks but also to soar through the air using a glider and dive beneath the sea using a propeller. In addition to classic courses such as Koopa Beach and Luigi’s Mansion, new courses in the game include diving into Cheep Cheep Lagoon and gliding through Shy Guy Bazaar, plus courses set in the jungles of Donkey Kong Country Returns and on Wuhu Island from Wii Sports Resort.

“Seven is truly a lucky number for Mario Kart fans,” said Ron Bertram, Nintendo of Canada’s vice-president and general manager. “Whether you’re new to the franchise or a veteran kart competitor, there are loads of new customization features and 3D courses to enjoy with your friends and family. Without a doubt, it’s the most exhilarating Mario Kart game Nintendo has ever created, and it’s only available on Nintendo 3DS.”

Players can race against friends using a local wireless connection, or challenge opponents from around the globe via a broadband Internet connection. As many as eight players can race together in real time. The new Community feature also allows players to join forces with other Mario Kart fans and create groups with their own specific rules and customized racing environments. Communities and Community leaderboards will track the top-scoring members. Players can also choose to share ghost data and challenge one another to beat their fastest times.

Solo players can race through the game’s Grand Prix and Time Trial modes using either the Circle Pad or the motion-sensitive gyro sensor of Nintendo 3DS to steer their karts. The motion controls also allow players to control their karts in a first-person perspective, another first for the Mario Kart franchise.

Remember that Nintendo 3DS features parental controls that let adults manage the content their children can access. For more information about this and other features, visit nintendo.com/3ds.

For more information about Mario Kart 7, visit mariokart7.com.

The Jedi Go Undercover to Infiltrate Zygerrian Slavers in “Star Wars: The Clone Wars”

from StarWars.com:

Anakin, Obi-Wan and Ahsoka Go Undercover to Infiltrate Zygerrian Slavers in the Second Chapter of an Epic Three-Part Clone Wars Arc

In an attempt to locate missing colonists, Anakin, Obi-Wan and Ahsoka go undercover to infiltrate the slavers on Zygerria. Anakin struggles with his emotions as a wily Zygerrian queen forces him to take questionable actions in order to carry out his mission in “Slaves of the Republic,” a new episode of Star Wars: The Clone Wars, airing at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT Friday, December 2nd on Cartoon Network.

ThinkGeek Loves Han. (He Knows.)

from ThinkGeek:

Last holiday ever?

We had to chuckle when a spam email reminded us that the Mayans predicted we’ll be outta here before the holly daze of 2012. If that’s the case, ThinkGeek is prepared! We’re ready to rock your under-tree zone with gifts for fans of Star Wars, Portal, and bonsai kitties.

And zombie fans, don’t fret. The Walking Dead is gone until February, but we have plenty of undead for you here.

Star Wars Han Solo in Carbonite Chocolate Bar
Taste the rich chocolate bounty. Getting these Han Solo in Carbonite Chocolate Bars shipped in from a galaxy far, far, away took a long, long time, but they’re finally here! Enjoy this rich chocolate bounty from Tatooine’s Tasty Treats. It’s the ultimate delight for Star Wars fans — or anyone who has ever wanted to eat Han Solo, for that matter.

Take $10 Off – Happy Blue Beanie Day!
We hope you used the Thanksgiving break to upgrade the browsers on the computers of your not-so-tech-savvy relations. If you didn’t, please do it next month and make the web designers and code monkeys of the world super duper happy! In honor of Blue Beanie day and web standards, we offer $5 off $30 or $10 off $50 by using the code BLUEBEANIE, good through 11:59pm ET on 12/02/11.

Find more What’s New items at ThinkGeek!

Win a MIMOBOT with Alphabot! Daily Chances Until the Holidays!

from Mimoco:

MIMOBOT Twitter Contest — Alphabot. 26 Days of Saving & Playing. Just because our post Thanksgiving sales are over, doesn’t mean the fun is over! Introducing Alphabot. Everyday for the next 25 days, we’re giving away a MIMOBOT for up to 32 GB. Crazy huh? And everyone wins because winnable bots will also be on sale. So… WANNA PLAY?