New Podcast: Episode 335: Cereal Killer
When The Phantom Menace was released in 1999 the food tie-ins were omnipresent. From Kentucky Fried Chicken to Taco Bell to Pepsi to Doritos you could almost have an entire (albeit unhealthy) diet of Star Wars branded foods. While the 3-D rerelease is a bit more subdued, there are still a number of Star Wars food tie-in collectibles in your local grocery store. On this week’s Star Wars Action News podcast, Marjorie and Arnie run down several Star Wars food items, including cereal pack-in pens and posters, gummy candies, Easter candy lightsabers, and many more! Also on this week’s show, Marjorie and Arnie play some of your reviews of the Star Wars 3-D rerelease. From across the US and even internationally, listen to hear if othe rstar Wars fans’ 3-D experiences mirrored your own, and then Arnie and Marjorie update you on the future of 3-D Star Wars both in theaters and in home video. With an update on store sales and new Vintage and exclusive Star Wars toys, and a Star Wars minis update from the hosts of the Star Wars Miniverse, it’s all this week on Star Wars Action News podcast!
Listen Now: http://www.swactionnews.com/Podcasts/SWAN335.MP3
Category: Movies & Television
Oscar Predictions 2012
Who will win Best Picture? Maybe the bigger question is how many people will tune in to find out? This Sunday Billy Crystal, a 64 year old comedian who hasn’t made a decent flick in over a decade, is expected to hand out a bunch of statues to a black and white silent movie. Do they want anyone under the age of 30 to watch?!
Sure the Academy Awards annoy me sometimes by rewarding sentimentality over cutting edge film artistry, and waiting until movie icons are decades past their creative peak to give them their due. But I can’t help loving the stupid old show anyway!
Without the Oscars, there would be little reason for Hollywood to finance movies that don’t fit into the most obvious formulas. The award serves as a vital promotional tool that gives specialty films a chance to compete for a wider audience. Maybe THE ARTIST won’t be your favorite movie of the year, but isn’t it nice to know that 2011 had a comedic alternative to JACK & JILL and BIG MOMMAS: LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON playing at your local mall?
So with that in mind, here’s my thoughts on what’s going to take home the gold Sunday.
THE SURE THINGS (Don’t expect anyone to upstage these folks):
Best Picture: The Artist
Best Director: Michel Hazanavicius, The Artist
Best Supporting Actor: Christopher Plummer, BEGINNERS
Best Supporting Actress: Octavia Spencer, THE HELP
Best Original Script: Woody Allen, MIDNIGHT IN PARIS
Best Adapted Script: Alexander Payne, DESCENDANTS
Best Song: Man or Muppet, THE MUPPETS
Best Foreign Film: A SEPARATION
TWO WAY RACES (Hard to say which one will pull ahead)
Best Actor: Clooney vs. Dujardin. I think THE ARTIST has the edge this year.
Best Actress: Streep vs. Davis. Meryl’s fantastic but her movie was crap! Davis was good in a popular film.
Technical Awards: HUGO vs. THE ARTIST. I say Scorsese gets Art Direction, Costumes, Sound Mixing and Sound Editing. The French flick will take home Editing & Score.
Best Make-Up: HARRY POTTER vs. IRON LADY. Potter’s got to win something, right?
TOSS UPS:
Best Animated Feature: RANGO (but PUSS IN BOOTS, KUNG FU PANDA, and CAT IN PARIS have support)
Best Cinematography: All the nominees deserve applause but TREE OF LIFE has my vote because Lubezki was robbed for CHILDREN OF MEN
Best Special Effects: Andy Serkis should share the prize with the RISE OF THE PLANET OF THE APES technicians. But you can’t count out Potter, Transformers, and Hugo.
THE LITTLE CATAGORIES
Best Animated Short: LA LUNA because Pixar made it! (though FLYING BOOKS has more impressive visuals)
Best Documentary Feature: PARADISE LOST 3 (PINA and UNDEFEATED are in the mix too)
Best Documentary Short: I’d guess voters relate slightly more to SAVING FACE, about women surviving acid disfigurement, than last year’s Japanese disaster chronicle TSUNAMI AND CHERRY BLOSSOM.
Best Live Action Short: THE SHORE was made by Hollywood vets. (Though I’ve heard RAJU and TUBA ATLANTIC play well).
New Podcast: Issue 34: Toy Fair 2012–From the Floor: The Shocking Second Issue!
In our last issue you heard the Hasbro brand presentation. Now in
the second part of the Marvelicious Toys podcast Toy Fair coverage,
Marjorie, Arnie, and Justin run down all things in Marvel collecting
coming in 2012! From new Marvel Legends figures to Marvel Universe
waves, Avengers figures, Diamond Select, Mighty Muggs, and so much more!
Plus we bring you eight interviews from the
companies presenting at Toy Fair! Kotobukiya with their new Bishoujo,
Fine Art, and Art FX statues, Ty introducing their new line of Marvel
Beanie Balls, Top Trumps discussing their Marvel card game, and more
including an in-depth discussion with Jads International about their
upcoming line of Avengers cologne How do they decide what scent Hulk
should have? We reveal all in this podcast!
With more Avengers merchandise than you can possibly
assemble in one lifetime, and so much more, it’s all in this issue of
the Marvelicious Toys podcast!
Listen Now: http://www.marvelicioustoys.com/Podcasts/MT034.MP3
Category: Arts
New Podcast: Episode 334: A Certain Cincinnati Point of View
When Arnie and Marjorie decide to spend a little extra time in New York after tirelessly covering Toy Fair 2012, the B-Team from Cincinnati take the reins! Jerry and Dan are back to discuss their thoughts on Phantom Menace 3D, Hasbro’s Toy Fair announcements, and some other news that surfaced this past week. Hear what they think of the new Ewok and X-Wing figure packs as well as the look of the Star Wars line 2013. Was Yoda a good choice or should Hasbro have started a tradition of using characters that are introduced and killed off in the same movie? But, that’s not all, Brock from the Star Wars Action New Book Club is back to review the Darth Maul short stories and we have Steve the Ginergerprince’s 2012 debut with his UK report.
Listen Now: http://www.swactionnews.com/Podcasts/SWAN334.MP3
Category: Movies & Television
New Podcast: Episode 333B: Toy Fair 2012 Day 2: From the Javits Center
Sunday Toy Fair International 2012 kicked off officially and Marjorie and Arnie were there before the show even opened, taking pictures of new Star Wars collectibles and toys that will be on shelves in 2012. On this episode of the Star Wars Action News podcast, listen to their reports as they walk the floor, telling of new collectibles from Funko, Rubies, Fantasy Flight Games, and Look 3-D, makers of the Pod Racer 3-D glasses who tipped us off on what 3-D glasses they may be making for the rerelease of Attack of the Clones!
Plus on this issue there are tons of interviews with Star Wars toy companies. Listen as we talk to represenatives from Lego, Uncle Milton, Kotobukiya, Top Trumps, Jazwares, and Screenlife, the makers of the new and very fun looking Star Wars Scene It DVD game!
All this, and some clarification of Saturday’s Hasbro news on this second part of Star Wars Action News’ Toy Fair coverage!
Listen Now: http://www.swactionnews.com/Podcasts/SWAN333B.MP3
Category: Movies & Television
New Podcast: Issue 33: Hasbro Marvel Brand Presentation
Toy Fair 2012 is in full swing, and with The Avengers and The Amazing
Spider-Man hitting theaters, it’s a Marvelicious year for movie-based toys. Last Saturday Hasbro made several announcements regarding their
movie-based Marvel lines, as well as new figures for Marvel Universe,
Marvel Legends, Superhero Squad, and many other lines of toys!
On this issue of Marvelicious Toys, Marjorie, Justin, and Arnie bring you
the Hasbro Marvel Brand Presentation and talk about some of the Amazing
product hitting store shelves this spring! So take a listen, and then join
us next week as we talk Avengers figures, the rest of the Hasbro
announcements, and all the other items from Diamond Select, Funko, and more
at Toy Fair!
Listen Now: http://www.marvelicioustoys.com/Podcasts/MT033.MP3
Category: Arts
Avengers Superbowl Trailer – A Frame By Frame Analysis
When The Avengers trailer aired during the Super Bowl, and then an extended version was posted online I had to scour it for clues as to what this movie will bring. Frame-by-frame analysis of the trailer gave me these insights to the blockbuster film due out May 4.
Click any of the images for a larger view.
With all these juicy tidbits about The Avengers I know where I’ll be May 4th. The only question will be how many times I see it?
What was your favorite part of the trailer? Let us know in the comments below!
New Podcast: Issue 32: A Toy Run That is Legend – wait for it – ary!
Since last July when the figures were first shown at San Diego Comic Con Marvel fans have been anxiously awaiting the return of Marvel Legends figures. Well the wait is over–Hasbro’s new Marvel Legends figures are showing up at Targets and Toys R Us! Justin assembled a full set, as well as the Terrax build-a-figure. Listen to this issue of the Marvelicious Toys podcast to hear his thoughts on the new Thor, Iron Man, Steve Rogers, Ghost Rider, Hope Summers, Constrictor, and Klaw figures!
Also on this week’s show, Arnie broke down and bought the Hot Toys War Machine Special Version. After the initial online pics were lackluster, is the final version better than expected? Listen to his hands-on review to find out!
With a Hot Toys public service announcement, a look at upcoming Avengers collectibles, and new product announcements from Bowen, Gentle Giant, Diamond Select, eFX, Jerry looking back at the evolution of X-Men figures, and a creepy Captain America pillow, it’s all on this issue of Marvelicious Toys!
Listen Now: http://www.marvelicioustoys.com/Podcasts/MT032.MP3
Category: Arts
The Site Takedown Heard ‘Round the World
January 20, 2012
Last night filesharing site Megaupload was taken offline by the US Justice Department. Despite being based in Hong Kong with owners who reside in New Zealand it was a US agency that took the site down. Immediately, all files stored on Megaupload were offline, property of the US Justice Department, and unavailable to all the site’s users. All files, both legal and not.
I believe that when future generations look back at internet laws, this will be “the shot heard ’round the world”. Much like when Austrian Archduke Franz Ferdinand was killed this will be the key moment in the US Government’s attempts to police the entire internet.
With the recent hullabaloo around the US Congress SOPA and PIPA laws it has often been said that such legislation will have a chilling effect on innovation. This will have a negative impact on job growth in the technology sector in a time when the US needs new jobs the most. It turns out the government didn’t need SOPA or PIPA to have that impact, as the takedown of Megaupload will strike at the heart of innovation.
I have been a user of Megaupload as well as other similar services such as Rapidshare. I have used these for the sites’ intended legal purposes–the sharing of files too large for e-mail. On the podcasts I produce a single show can be upwards of 4GB, enough to crash even the heartiest of mail servers. When doing video production the files are larger still. These services provided a cheap and legal way for me to collaborate with my partners across the globe.
But when the Justice Department shut down Megaupload all files were immediately taken offline. For the Justice Department this was the intended effect as all illegal files hosted on the site were removed. However, many users who used the sites legally lost their files as well. These users may have used the sites for collaboration on large files as I did, or as their personal “cloud” backup source. No matter the use, the files are likely gone forever.
This will undoubtedly have an immediate chilling effect on technological progression. Thanks to the advent of HD video, lossless audio, eBooks, high resolution digital cameras, and every other digital device used on a daily basis, the need to store and back-up large files grows. As portability of data becomes paramount with the use of tablet computers, the internet seemed the perfect solution. Referred to as “the cloud” internet storage seemed the perfect solution for the growing need for files to be available and portable. Users choosing the online solution Google Docs instead of the disk-based Microsoft Office is one example of cloud migration. Another is offered by Amazon.com who, on their cloud drive landing page, state that if you put your files on their drive you need “Never worry about losing your files again“.
Now we know that is not true.
Megaupload, like Amazon’s cloud drive, allowed users to upload their files for backup. These can be any files, be it the novel they worked on in their spare time, the pictures of their trip to the beach, or a pirated movie downloaded illegally. Because the US Department of Justice felt too many illegal movies were stored on Megaupload the site was taken down. This takedown had extra hurdles due to the international nature of the site. What would be the effect if the Justice Department felt Amazon, a US based company, had users uploading files illegally and sharing passwords to get them?
I had personally been looking at cloud storage solutions. As my shows take several gigabytes of data each, I have terrabytes of data that I need backed up in case of a lightning strike, disk failure, or home fire. The cloud backup seemed the perfect solution, but now I don’t feel as safe. Files stored on the cloud anywhere in the world can go away at any time through the over-reaching actions of the US Government.
If I feel this way as an individual user, surely businesses looking at cloud storage would take this as a lesson as well This single action will have a chilling effect on cloud storage solutions across the board and, as such, growth in that sector of the tech market will slow. The more the US Government embarks on these global raids at the behest of the Hollywood corporations’ lobbyists the worse the impact will be.
Further, I believe the timing of this strike against Megaupload was not coincidental. Two days ago thousands of sites (including all Venganza Media sites) went dark to protest the SOPA/PIPA legislation, leading to suspension of both bills in Congress. But while the headlines may tout a victory for a free internet, the takedown of Megaupload sends a message that the US government does not need SOPA/PIPA to police the entire internet.
With the takedown of Megaupload the next step to an internet policed by the US Government at the behest of Hollywood corporations has been taken. If the action is allowed to stand, more sites will be targeted and taken down.
I urge you all to again be aware of the unilateral actions of the US Government. As we approach this November’s elections, ask your candidates where they stand on the US role in internet policy. Also, look to see how many Hollywood companies have donated to the election of those candidates. Follow the money to see which candidates will bow to the wills of Hollywood corporations at the expense of free communication everywhere.
Has the takedown of Megaupload shaken your confidence in cloud storage? Let us know in the comments below:
When not podcasting or writing for the Venganza Media Gazette, Arnie Carvalho is a programmer, web designer, and network enginner.
Cougar Town Returns Feb 14
This Valentine’s Day, snuggle up on the couch, grab a glass of wine, and turn on ABC at 8:30 EST because Cougar Town is back!
I realize you may have other plans for that night which may involve a dinner out, but dinners can be rescheduled. Cougar Town‘s return is an event worth staying in for.
Cougar Town is a sitcom created by Bill Lawrence and Kevin Biegel originally envisioned as a show starring Courtney Cox as a 40-something divorcee reentering the dating world by dating younger men–hence the title. But as Cougar Town beings its third season it bares little resemblance to its original pitch line. Realizing the strengths of the supporting cast the show has evolved to a concept much harder to sum up. But despite the lack of a pitch line, Cougar Town 2.0 is one of the funniest shows on television.
Echoing Lawrence’s previous series Scrubs, Cougar Town has a strong supporting cast of characters. All played by actors recognizable from previous works, the characters all have charm and wit but the chemistry between the characters allows for both laughs and genuine, touching moments.
The ABC sitcom Cougar Town has struggled in the ratings its first two seasons, and when the network announced their Cougar-less 2011 Fall schedule fans were worried. While ABC assured viewers that Cougar Town would be back as a midseason replacement, the future seemed dark when ABC cut Cougar Town‘s season order from 22 to 15 episodes. However the show never strayed far in fans’ minds as the creators Tweeted regularly giving updates on the show and even throwing parties that allowed fans to see Season 3 episodes early (and drink for free).
But now that the show is back the fan enthusiasm must stay strong, and Lawrence and Biegel’s fan push is continuing as well. Lawrence wrote on his Twitter page that he is trying to find a sponsor to send bottles of wine to all fans who stay in Valentine’s Day and watch Cougar Town. And Biegel said that any group of 25 or more who has their own Cougar Town viewing party will receive free penny cans, signed scripts, and maybe even some series stars to Skype with their fans.
Tips for throwing your own Cougar Town party
But a show this good shouldn’t need such gimmicks to stay on the air, and from the two episodes previewed at the Chicago viewing party, this season appears to be the best yet. With plenty of cameos from Scrubs alumni as well as a season premiere surprise that is perfect for a Valentine’s Day airing.
I highly recommend you check out Cougar Town.
And if you absolutely must go out on February 14th, at least do yourself and your loved ones a favor and set your DVR!
When not reviewing TV for the Venganza Media Gazette, Arnie is a reviewer on the Now Playing Podcast, as well as co-host of Star Wars Action News and Marvelicious Toys
New Podcast: Issue 31: We Had A Merry MODOK Christmas
It’s the first new issue of Marvelicious Toys for 2012, and Marjorie, Justin, and Arnie are back with new figures, toys, and high end collectibles!
The first wave of the 2012 Marvel Universe figures have been found in stores, and Justin was able to nab four of them at Toys R Us! All new versions of characters we’ve had before, how do they stack up? Listen to hear his reviews of those, as well as the new comic packs of Thanos/Adam Warlock and Gambit/Mr. Sinister.
Also this issue, Marjorie, Arnie, and Justin run down their Marvelicious Christmas Gifts! From an explosion of MODOK items to 90s Toy Biz figures, original artwork, Minimates, and more, listen as they share their tales of holiday joys.
Finally, new items are on the horizon. Hot Toys has started preorders on their Black Suited Spider-Man, Red Skull, and Iron Man Mark I (2.0), Bowen announced new statues, Kotobukiya sets its sights on Black Widow, and more Marvel vs. Capcom Minimates from Diamond! Which are worth your preorders? Listen to this issue of Marvelicious Toys to find out!
Listen Now: http://www.marvelicioustoys.com/Podcasts/MT031.MP3
Category: Arts
How to throw a Cougar Town Party (and why you should)
January 11, 2012
Last Saturday night Chi-town became Cougar Town for an evening at the Racine Plumbing Bar and Grill in Lincoln Park. No, older women were not out prowling for young men, but rather a bunch of fans of the low-rated critically-acclaimed TV series Cougar Town showed up for free drinks and the chance to meet some of the talent behind the show.
Cougar Town is a show from Bill Lawrence, who also created Spin City and Scrubs. Plagued by a title that Lawrence regularly mocks on the show itself, Cougar Town has struggled in the ratings. When ABC did not include Cougar Town in its fall 2011 schedule, fans became concerned despite ABC’s assurances that it would return to the air as a mid-season replacement. A low-rated show going on hiatus is often the death knell of that series.
As we now enter the second half of the 2011-2012 television season, Cougar Town still has not had a return announced. But that is not stopping Lawrence and the rest of the cul-de-sac crew from using social media and local gatherings to mobilize Cougar Town fans and fight for the show to continue.
The creators of Cougar Town have had a greater level of interaction with viewers than most shows. In Season 2 they put a telephone number in the show. If you called the number in real life, you’d sometimes be greeted by a voice mail, but some lucky callers could find themselves talking to some of the show’s creators or stars.
Now Lawrence is taking this interactivity on tour to major cities like Atlanta, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Chicago. Through Lawrence’s Twitter and Facebook pages fans were invited to come out, watch some as-yet-unaired episodes of Cougar Town, and mix and mingle with the show’s stars and creators. And drink for free on Lawrence’s dime.
The Chicago party was hosted by Busy Phillips (Dawson’s Creek, White Chicks) who plays party-girl Laurie Keller, and series writer Melody Derloshon. Derloshon worked the room well, introducing herself to attendees and sharing anecdotes about the behind-the-scenes goings on of a sitcom. Phillips was also gracious to fans, stopping several times to pose for photos, and sharing stories about her co-stars (In Season 3 when Dan Byrd, who plays Travis on the show, wears a helmet it’s due to the actor’s real-life aversion to washing his hair). Phillips even showed grace when a somewhat creepy fan (also named Travis) seemed unable to separate fact from fiction, repeatedly pulling his shirt down to expose his chest and openly hit on the married actress.
Phillips also provided a running commentary during two episodes of Cougar Town shown to the partiers. The first episode shown was the Season 3 premiere which promises a surprise change in the show’s status quo. The second episode of the evening will be the fifth episode of Season 3, one no Scrubs fan should miss. That episode guest starred Sarah Chalke (Scrubs, Roseanne) as well as Sam Lloyd reprising his Scrubs role of Ted. While hard to hear all the dialogue of the episodes, it seems like Cougar Town’s strongest episodes may be those yet to air.
Ted and his band from Scrubs
Phillips and Derloshon encouraged Cougar Town fans to be vocal with their support, and to use social media to spread the word about the show. And, perhaps, have their own Cougar Town viewing parties when the show does return to the air. And the Chicago party provided the perfect template for your own Cougar Town viewing party:
- Start with plenty of alcohol. The characters on the show are borderline alcoholics with the amount of wine they consume. (Sadly the Racine Plumbing Bar and Grill did not have Big Carls for us to drink from, and our wine was sipped from mason jars)
- Put out a Penny Can or two for people to test their aim on. Don’t have a Penny Can? You can buy the limited edition Blue Penny Can at Cafepress. (The Green Penny Can is now sold out)
- When people start to tire of Penny Can, have some Cougar Town trivia, such as the name of the town in which Cougar Town takes place.
- Watch an episode of Cougar Town.
- Continue to drink
The Cougar Town tour is set to continue with dates announced in Austin, TX as well as New York. If in the area, it’s a unique opportunity to interact with television stars and creators, as well as get free drinks, and support the best show that’s not currently on television.
For future dates on the Cougar Town tour, follow the cul-de-sac crew on Twitter:
Bill Lawrence (series creator)
Kevin Biegel (series producer)
Nicki Maron (Lawrence’s assistant)
Melody Derloshon (series writer)
Busy Phillips (series actress)
Laruie Keller (the Twitter account of Phillips’ character on Cougar Town)
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