OUIJA Lives On At Universal

March 6, 2012, 9:20 am

≫ Next: FIND YOUR INNER FORCE THROUGH STAR WARS YOGA POSES

≪ Previous: MARVEL UNIVERSE Animation Block Arrives On Disney XD on April 1st!

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You hoped the ridiculous trailer for Battleship killed any more board game based feature films (Ok, I hoped the trailer killed them...), but it appears that a film based on Ouija is still in the plans over at Universal.

THR reports that Universal has pulled the film from turnaround by slashing the budget and attaching the man behind inexpensive horror flick blockbusters Paranormal Activity and Insidious, Jason Blum.

Blum's Blumhouse banner has a first-look deal at Universal, and he's been handed the keys to the Ouija property, which means McG (whose films cost about the same as 100 Insidious-es) is no longer attached to direct.


The plot is top secret but what is known is that it revolves around the board game that "lets players communicate with the spirit world."

The Ouija film had a mega-budget similar to Battleship before this deal, bit now it is expected to come in with a price tag of around $5 million.

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FIND YOUR INNER FORCE THROUGH STAR WARS YOGA POSES

March 6, 2012, 9:40 am

≫ Next: Avengers Vs. X-Men Part I—The Road to War

≪ Previous: OUIJA Lives On At Universal

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I don't participate in Yoga for one specific reason: I'm a farter.

But if I were so inclined to bend myself into various positions regardless of the symphony that my sphincter would provide, I might be tempted to try the Feathered Peacock (mainly because it sounds like a position from the Kama Sutra) just so I could say I that I was a practitioner of the bendy arts.

After the break are more Star Wars characters in particular poses that might motivate you to align your spirit and become one with the Force, but I warn you,  artist Rob Osborne will more than likely be on the receiving end of a Yoga pose I like to call: The Cease and Desist so grab up these Star Wars Yoga illustrations ASAP before they get destroyed like Alderaan.

Source: Unreality

Avengers Vs. X-Men Part I—The Road to War

March 6, 2012, 10:00 am

≫ Next: Marvel Is Auctioning Off CAPTAIN AMERICA, IRON MAN, And Mjölnir

≪ Previous: FIND YOUR INNER FORCE THROUGH STAR WARS YOGA POSES

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It’s a comic book trope almost as old as comic books themselves: a few heroes arrive on the scene, some sort of Three’s Company type misunderstanding ensues, they beat the crap out of each other, and then someone or something shows them the error of their ways and everyone laughs it off and heads down to the Regal Beagle for drinks.

And Mr. Furley becomes convinced one or more of them is gay.

In just a few weeks, the Avengers and the X-Men will tangle once again in the aptly named Avengers Vs. X-Men (or AvX if you want to sound cool) event and I’ll be getting you all you need to know about the wheres, whats, whos, whys, and hows all this month in Danger Rooms.

In other words, you might want to read or reread the stories I’m citing here. Nod nod, wink wink.

Now what would make two teams of superheroes with such a long history of fighting alongside one another have such a falling out that they would resort to blows?



Well, I’m glad you asked.

No, seriously, I am, or else this column would be really short.

Damn, they didn't ask. NOW what the hell am I going to write about?!

According to Marvel, AvX is the natural culmination of plans regarding both franchises since the days of the House of M, where the two teams had a difference of opinion over what to do about the Scarlet Witch losing her mind and killing a bunch of people.

The Avengers wanted to handle it in house since she was a member of their team gone rogue, while the X-Men felt that since she was a mutant they were the ones best equipped to contain and even punish her.

After her proclamation of no more mutants—even though there were inexplicably about 200 left so math is clearly not part of her power set—the Scarlet Witch disappeared and with the X-Men now members of an endangered species, the two sides kind of just let most of the lingering animosity dissipate.

It actually paled in comparison to the Tastes Great, Less Filling War of 1995.

But then the X-Men got some new life and Hope was born in the Messiah CompleX after a period of no new mutant births and they found themselves battling in a no hold barred threeway matchup with Mr. Sinister and his Marauders on one side and the anti-mutant Purifiers on the other.

Not long after the battle ended and Hope was sent to the future with Cable to be protected, the X-Men found themselves in Norman Osborn’s crosshairs.

Osborn had just assumed the reins of national security from Tony Stark—who fell in disgrace when it was discovered that the Skrull’s Secret Invasion was aided by their hijacking of his tech—and he was looking to stamp out all opposition to his power.

In a throwdown with Osborn's Dark Avengers, the world watched as Cyclops wisely took one for the team and allowed Osborn to beat him up on national television while he had Magneto and his science team raise the remains of Asteroid M to form the new mutant nation of Utopia.

Defeated, Osborn left the X-Men alone and was ultimately locked up shortly thereafter for leading a war on Asgard and getting his cornrows kicked in by Captain America during Siege.

This hairstyle on a middle aged white guy alone is enough to constitute a crime against humanity.

The X-Men soon had to deal with a madman of their own as Bastion sealed off Utopia from the world when Hope came back in Second Coming.

Manifesting what appeared to be the Phoenix Force, Hope destroyed Bastion, and Cyclops, for his efforts in mutant/human relations, received a medal from the president at Captain America’s recommendation, the two leaders pledging closer cooperation in the future.

But recently, the Scarlet Witch returned in the Children’s Crusade, once again the putting the X-Men and Avengers at odds on dealing with her, even as she begun the process of restoring mutant powers to those who lost them.

Seriously, how can this possibly go wrong, right?!

Meanwhile, Hope and her own team of new mutants found themselves at the center of a philosophical row within the X-Men during Schism and now Cyclops has a more proactive squad stationed on Utopia and Wolverine has taken it upon himself to rebuild the school in Westchester.

So both the X-Men and the Avengers have been through the wringer these past few years, desperate situations forcing them to become more entwined in one another’s affairs and while the final straw that will kick off AvX this month has not yet been revealed, it’s definitely something involving Hope and the Phoenix Force.

Much like Scarlet Witch, Hope is a mutant with vast and mostly unknown power, and if we’re adding the fuel of the Phoenix Force—which is hurtling towards Earth as of Marvel Point One—to the fire, the stage will be set for both sides trying to do what they feel is best not only for themselves, but for the world at large.

But who will be leading these two sides? Ah, that’s a question for another column…

Hint: It's got a lot to do with those two dudes in the foreground.

Marvel Is Auctioning Off CAPTAIN AMERICA, IRON MAN, And Mjölnir

March 6, 2012, 10:20 am

≫ Next: THE HUMAN BEATBOX, Hikakin, Performs The Theme to Donkey Kong...Don't Worry, You'll Like It

≪ Previous: Avengers Vs. X-Men Part I—The Road to War

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Did you just win the lottery? Are you kinda geek? Well then boy do I have the thing for you to spend your money on.

Marvel will be auctioning off some major props and costumes at the Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo, (colloquially know as C2E2). Three of Marvel entertainments biggest names will be represented with a Captain America suit and shield, a Iron Man "Autopsy" suit, and the most famous hammer in the world, Mjölnir.


On April 14th, Profiles in History will be running the auction which also includes items like a Red Skull prosthetic mask work by Hugo Weaving, multiple Cosmic Cubes, and it seems like everything from Captain America. Look here to browse through the full catalog.

There are multiple Captain costumes, the screen-used version with shield is expected to get around $20,000-$30,000. The custom made three-piece suite is made of ballistic nylon. It also includes the leather mask/helmet and the iconic round shield, which is made out of resin.

The highest expected item to sell is a full-scale screen-used Iron Man Mark II suit. The "Autopsy" suit is the one that Rhodes took apart in Iron man II so he could create his War Machine armor. Profiles is expecting the fiberglass resin armor to go for a minimum of $60,000.

There is also a detailed foam rubber Mjölnir. The stunt version of the hammer is expected to sell for between four and six thousand.

If those aren't quite up your alley, you can also get a tank. Lot 174 is the coolest in my opinion. It's a Hydra Fastrac and it weighs 17570.8 lbs. The hero version of the tank is made of metal and a fiberglass shell that's built on a JCB 2190, 4-wheel drive "Fastrac" tractor. In addition to the actual tank, you also get "expertly applied studio dirt and mud in the wheel wells." I didn't even know that was a profession. Unfortunately the vehicle is not operational and you have to sign something that says you will never use it not as a prop.

THE HUMAN BEATBOX, Hikakin, Performs The Theme to Donkey Kong...Don't Worry, You'll Like It

March 6, 2012, 10:40 am

≫ Next: TERRA NOVA Is Extinct

≪ Previous: Marvel Is Auctioning Off CAPTAIN AMERICA, IRON MAN, And Mjölnir

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When I am drunk I can make myself sound like a motorboat for, like, five hours straight.

I'm a hit at Bar Mitzvahs.

Source: Boing Boing

TERRA NOVA Is Extinct

March 6, 2012, 11:20 am

≫ Next: ONE OF THESE THINGS IS NOT LIKE THE OTHER...But Together They Are Hilarious

≪ Previous: THE HUMAN BEATBOX, Hikakin, Performs The Theme to Donkey Kong...Don't Worry, You'll Like It

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I thought the sci-fi dino's had a chance, but I guess I was wrong. Fox has announced that Terra Nova will not be coming back.

The network made it official yesterday afternoon citing middling ratings for the drama's first season. The show had big name executive producers Steven Spielberg and Peter Chernin who were expected to bring in viewers with their names along. According to Variety, the cost of visual effects were also noted. Fox chose to go straight from script to a 13-episode order because it was cheaper that way instead of spending a great deal on just one pilot.


The show starts many years in the future when Earth is practically falling apart. The air is mostly toxic, the majority of the world is in poverty, but there is hope. A portal to the past was found and a select few go back to prehistoric times to create a settlement and live among the dinosaurs and strange old vegetation.

The show was first put into development in 2010 by Aaron Kaplan, the executive producer based on a concept from writers Kelly Marcel and Craig Silverstein. The cast was a large enesemble that was toplined by Jason O'Mara and Stephen Lang.

When the show premiered it already had challenges and was delayed from premiering midseason in 2010-11 to getting pushed to last fall. Last week Ed Bernero was added on as an executive producer in an attempt to add something new and fresh to the creative side of the show. Unfortunately Fox entertainment head Kevin Reilly still decided to pass on giving the costly show a second season.

The show isn't completely dead though as 20th Century Fox said that it would be shopping the series around to other networks. The money saved from the making of Terra Nova will likely go to a renewal of one of the other new dramas Alcatraz or The Finder, or possibly both.

ONE OF THESE THINGS IS NOT LIKE THE OTHER...But Together They Are Hilarious

March 6, 2012, 11:40 am

≫ Next: Dear Hollywood: Deja View

≪ Previous: TERRA NOVA Is Extinct

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I used to be a raver back in the day (the mid 90s) when dropping some X and dancing myself silly while twirling glowsticks seemed like a good thing to do on a Thursday night.

But now that I'm older and easily tired out merely by being alive, I tend to look back at those times and laugh at how stupid I looked wearing fairy wings on my back.

I'm pretty sure the people in the above video will feel the same way in a few years...and so will their children.

Ahhh the Internet, reminding people that their stupidity will live on for generations.

Source: Coilhouse

Dear Hollywood: Deja View

March 6, 2012, 12:00 pm

≫ Next: Watch This MASS EFFECT Fan Short

≪ Previous: ONE OF THESE THINGS IS NOT LIKE THE OTHER...But Together They Are Hilarious

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Dear Hollywood,

Reboots, reimagining’s and rehashes are totally lame.  

Hollywood remakes take a tried and tested recipe; attempt to vamp it up with sexier ingredients yet somehow it always ends up bland and wanting without the spice of the original. 

I view the approach of your upcoming Spider-Man film, The Amazing Spider-Man, with total apathy even if it does star the Boy and Girl Next Door dream team of Garfield and Stone. 

Last year taught us that risk taking in filmmaking produces the most critically successful results, not laboured horror remakes or English language versions of Swedish vampire films with slightly altered titles that make the film sound like a direct request rather then an instruction.

Although the braver films are not quite up there with the box office breaking haul of Transformers or Harry Potter yet, many of these films will go onto long term DVD word of mouth success, and most make money back from their relatively small budgets.

I mean who would have thought the biggest movie of 2011/12 would be a black and white silent film shot in the ratio of yesteryear or the most touching, a documentary about a racing car driver stitched together from old found footage? 

Not the people who told David Fincher that an English language remake of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo was a good idea. 

I thought Fincher was a man who took risks with his work, producing slick cinema gold from unlikely premises, not a man who remakes foreign language films so soon after they have come out and does nothing drastically different or interesting with them. It’s like I never knew him at all.

Despite the success of foreign language films such as Amelie or Pan's Labyrinth, English language films are more likely to be seen by English language audiences. 

My quarrel is this; when an interesting auteur such as Fincher takes on such a task should we not expect a different angle on it? If you are remaking a two year old film and you are an outstanding director should you not make it, well, better?

 I can understand the need for a remake if the foreign language film in question is dated in technology or plot and rehashing it means an interesting story can be retold to a different generation but with shots from cranes and surround sound and CGI and fifty car pile ups and explosions that have all the power of the fires of Hades, and they add in a touching scene that really nails those characters in a way the original never did, but that didn’t happen here.

Originality being skipped over in favour of so-so remakes is a waste of time and talent, especially when they keep providing such increasingly diminishing box office returns. Fright Night and Conan the Barbarian flopped drastically, as did Arthur, Footloose and Straw Dogs.

I know The Amazing Spider-Man will make a load of money and might even be good, but personally it’s the braver films that have stayed with me over the past five years. 

The chances that were taken on impractical visions from directors whose passion for their craft was balanced out or aided by their complete insanity. I am grateful that there are some pockets of your hills left for these unhinged visionaries, roaming free with metaphorical images spilling from their no budget pockets. 

Some of these directors/writers/producers take the Guillermo del Toro approach of “One for me, One for them,” in order to make the films closest to their hearts, and Del Toro normally manages to make the ones for “Them” (You, Hollywood) superior to standard action fare, but even he failed when he stuck his oar into the remaking world with Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark.

One of my favorite films is the 2006 Tarsem Singh piece The Fall. 

I have bored friends with drunken enthusiasm for it, fought with ex-boyfriends for eating food too loudly over it and generally gone on about it for the past six years. In short, I freaking love that film because it’s different and it’s beautiful and it’s there.

The majority of the film was financed by Singh, as he wanted total control over the piece, and although its profile was boosted by Spike Jonze and David Fincher lending their names to it, it didn’t prove much of a hit. I know it isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, in the same way Irreversible isn’t or The Tree of Life or Shame, but it’s important these projects are being made and seen and supported because they take chances and every so often become someone’s favorite thing in the world.

Renowned film critic Roger Ebert of the Chicago Sun Times said of The Fall, “You might want to see it for no other reason than because it exists. There will never be another like it,” and that’s the point.

 Singh went back to directing videos and more commercially successful films, the most recent being The Immortals, which I heard was awful. 

His next film is Mirror, Mirror, a rehashing of the Snow White story, which will be in competition with Snow White and the Huntsman, another rehashing of the Grimm Fairy tale. 

C’mon Hollywood before you become that boring person in the bar who keeps telling the same story to an increasingly restless audience. No one likes that guy.

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Watch This MASS EFFECT Fan Short

March 6, 2012, 12:20 pm

≫ Next: IS THIS THE SOFTER SIDE OF SEARS?

≪ Previous: Dear Hollywood: Deja View

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The guys and gals over at Blue Goggles Films are big fans of Mass Effect, and with the third title in the franchise being released TODAY they made this short video which shows what happens when Commander Shepard is off and away from the Normandy. It's funny even if you don't play the game. Just watch it, and enjoy playing the game today.  I've only played the demo and it was pretty awesome.

What games are you looking forward to?

IS THIS THE SOFTER SIDE OF SEARS?

March 6, 2012, 12:40 pm

≫ Next: DON'T GO IN THE BASEMENT - The Franklin Scale

≪ Previous: Watch This MASS EFFECT Fan Short

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Apparently, Sears debuted a new t-shirt that expresses one's love of a particular piece of hardware that you usually find in an underwear drawer.

Unfortunately, they took it down after realizing what, exactly, a butt plug was.

But don't worry, here's another t-shirt from them that will certainly make the loss of the I (heart) Butt Plugs one a bit easier to swallow.

Source: Gawker

DON'T GO IN THE BASEMENT - The Franklin Scale

March 6, 2012, 1:00 pm

≫ Next: THE EVIL DEAD BENTO BOX LUNCH Will Make You Lose Yours

≪ Previous: IS THIS THE SOFTER SIDE OF SEARS?

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It’s a theory of science that says “In most horror films, there is always a character who the majority of the audience wants to die.”

First and foremost, I am not a scientist.

You can see that by the way that I just used “theory of science,” which is like saying “math has numbers.”

But, I am an avid fan of horror movies, and despite how little I know about standard academia, I know a shit ton about slasher films. And I know that, in most of these films, there is a character who I want to see annihilated by means of machete, axe, chainsaw, butcher’s knife, etc. And I also know that there are certain levels that pertain to the amount that I want this person to be hacked at.

So I developed a trusty guide for these feelings, called The Franklin Scale.

Named after the annoying cripple, Franklin Hardesty, in the original The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, the different levels of this scale pertain to the emotions displayed by Franklin in the aforementioned film.

But why Franklin?

Because when the helpless, wheel-chair bound character is the one you most want to see turned into a hillbilly’s dinner, you know that something special is happening. So prepare to give a name to your pain, readers.

And that name is Franklin.

Complaining Franklin
You’ve been introduced to the group that will serve as the protagonists of the film. And with that introduction comes the separation of one character from the rest. This character, now at the stage of Complaining Franklin, will inevitably become the most annoying being in the film. He’s usually the bad comic-relief, or the total pansy, or the completely unlikable nerd. You immediately separate him because, out of all the characters, he/she’s the one that you’d most likely “forget” to ask to come hang out with you. They’re special in all the wrong ways, and when the movie has “Chainsaw” and “Massacre” in the title, you’re subconsciously expecting them to fall victim to improper use of tree-cutting equipment.

Snarky Franklin
When the character becomes a Snarky Franklin, their separation of likability from the rest of the pack has become absolutely apparent. Whereas before you were just hoping that they’d change and become, you know, cool, now you’re hoping that they’ll meet a bad end, and soon.

Hurt Franklin
Hoping they meet a bad end turns into actively waiting for them to be slaughtered. The Hurt Franklin becomes the character that people mock while watching the movie. Except the mocking isn’t “Don’t go through that door, idiot! Dude’s got a knife!” It sounds more like “Shut up, Franklin. Yeah, you got cut. No one likes you anyway.” You hate someone so much that the part of your brain that empathizes with physical pain in others shuts off, and is replaced by another part of your brain, the part that controls the “Haha, and that loser can’t even walk!” sense.

Paranoid Franklin
It’s in this part of the film that the annoying character, formerly just disliked by the audience and real people, becomes disliked by everyone else in the movie. The other characters start to ignore them when they become Paranoid Franklin, and the plot tends to separate. One plot now concerns the normal people and the murders occurring or mystery that is taking place, and other now concerns the Paranoid Franklin, who will now spend the remaining film making lame jokes, pursuing futile sexual conquests or simply complaining.

Angry Franklin
An Angry Franklin has ceased to become a character anymore. Sure, film scholars will make attempts, as they did with Texas Chainsaw, to parallel the annoying character with the outsiders who will end up murdering the annoying character, but to most, an Angry Franklin is simply whole meat waiting to be turned into pieces of meat. He’s hopeless. Audience members have accidentally kicked chairs that they feel more sympathy for than an Angry Franklin.

Moping Franklin
The other characters are now dying off. When the annoying one becomes a Moping Franklin, it’s only a matter of waiting. Prepare the countdown and call a Moping Franklin’s wife. He’s not going to be coming home this year.

Argumentative Franklin
In the case of Chainsaw, there are only two characters left. And Sally Hardesty, who seems to be making sure that wherever a bra is, she isn’t, is surely not going to die. So that leaves Franklin. When a character becomes an Argumentative Franklin, they’re time is up.

Dead Franklin
Finally. When the annoying character becomes a Dead Franklin, he’s just that. Dead. The audience breathes a collective sigh of relief. They might even clap for the poor guy. But they won’t pity him. Because pity is for people that you actually kind of like and when your character becomes a Franklin, they all but deserve to die.

Believe me, I know science.

THE EVIL DEAD BENTO BOX LUNCH Will Make You Lose Yours

March 6, 2012, 1:20 pm

≫ Next: REGULAR SHOW Gets a Slack Pack!

≪ Previous: DON'T GO IN THE BASEMENT - The Franklin Scale

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I don't know about you but I always did want to eat Undead Cheryl.

Maybe it's just me.

Source: Obvious Winner

REGULAR SHOW Gets a Slack Pack!

March 6, 2012, 1:40 pm

≫ Next: Plug It Up, Plug It Up & Make it Fabulous! (a review of CARRIE: THE MUSICAL)

≪ Previous: THE EVIL DEAD BENTO BOX LUNCH Will Make You Lose Yours

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On April 3rd, Cartoon Network redefines 'regular' with the DVD debut of its breakout animated comedy series -- Regular Show -- with the release of Regular Show Slack Pack!

Created by J.G. Quintel (The Marvelous Misadventures of Flapjack, Camp Lazlo) and produced by Cartoon Network Studios, Regular Show stars Mordecai, a blue jay, and Rigby, a raccoon, two groundskeepers at a park whose attempts to escape their everyday boredom take them to fantastical extremes. The job is so deadly dull that the two friends will do anything they can to avoid it. This doesn't go over well with their boss Benson (an anthropomorphic gumball machine). However, their efforts often result in insane escapades that delight Pops, a humanoid-looking lollipop, who has spent his entire life there.

Regular Show Slack Pack features 12 episodes of pure awesome from the always funny and sometimes outlandish series' first two seasons, including the Emmy®-nominated "Mordecai And The Rigbys" episode (Outstanding Short-form Animated Program), as well as a "Rah-ha Ring Tone" video clip bonus feature.

Check out a clip from the series below!

Plug It Up, Plug It Up & Make it Fabulous! (a review of CARRIE: THE MUSICAL)

March 6, 2012, 1:47 pm

≫ Next: EDIBLE SCRABBLE TILES MAKE SPELLING OUT "Eat Me" Worth A Double Word Score

≪ Previous: REGULAR SHOW Gets a Slack Pack!

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Legend has it that Stephen King thew away the original manuscript of his career launching novel Carrie, only to have it rescued by his wife.

 In 1988, the novel was adapted into a disastrous Broadway musical flop, and thrown away by critics and theatre goers alike, only to have it rescued in the annals of cult theatre memory.

Now, the MCC Theater in New York City has resurrected the dreams of die-hard devotees and curious newcomers by completely revamping the musical, and like Brian De Palma's trick ending, Carrie has reached her bloody hand from beyond the grave to pull us into a vision of hell most thought would never be seen again.

Bringing Carie back to the stage turns out to be a good idea though, and honestly the talented cast and crew of this newly launched version has done their very best to make it work. From what I can tell, it's a vast improvement over the original staging (which you can get a pretty good sense of via many clips on YouTube).

This is not necessarily an endorsement of the show, however. It's often clunky, taking itself so seriously that any mere sense of irony or camp was met with explosions of laughter from the audience during the show I sat through. I give everyone involved with this production credit for deciding not to camp it up, but it could have gone a long way in improving the material. Shows like Xanadu or Rock of Ages succeeded because of their sense of humor, but odd respect at the same time for the source. Carrie unfortunately always has the elephant in the room that it's, well, freakin' CARRIE: THE MUSICAL to begin with.

The show is at its best when it does justice to Stephen King's original characters, expanding on their backgrounds through song (after all, everyone is an outcast in high school). Marin Mazzie as Carrie's mom Margaret gives a performance that rivals Piper Laurie while Molly Ranson's Carrie White is played with such beautiful believability that you want to run onstage and hug her (pre-blood soaked finale).

And as for the money-shot bucket of blood crescendo of the tragedy, this new production does more with its smaller budget than what could be done in 1988 on stage. Using a combination of colored filters on lights, video projections, minimalist set props and expertly placed sound design, the hell-prom is fully realized in bloody glory.

It's a highlight from an otherwise unnecessary reboot, with the hope the MCC Theater doesn't have its eye on Cujo next.

CARRIE
At the Lucille Lortel Theater
121 Christopher Street, West Village, NYC (212) 352-3101
Through April 22nd

EDIBLE SCRABBLE TILES MAKE SPELLING OUT "Eat Me" Worth A Double Word Score

March 6, 2012, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: THUNDERCATS Season 1 Concludes on DVD! HO-O-O!!!

≪ Previous: Plug It Up, Plug It Up & Make it Fabulous! (a review of CARRIE: THE MUSICAL)

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If you have a friend or family member obsessed with Scrabble then perhaps a gift of edible tiles and holders would make their day (and win you some points as well).

Originally made as a Bride and Groom gift, these nifty concoctions would also work for someone who, say, doesn't appreciate your skill to spell out anything other that three-letter words due to your inability to focus on linguistics when under extraordinary pressure.

Not that I suffer from such a thing.

You can buy the edible goodies HERE.

Source: Design Taxi

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THUNDERCATS Season 1 Concludes on DVD! HO-O-O!!!

March 6, 2012, 2:20 pm

≫ Next: CROCHETED MATTHEW MCCONAUGHEY Will Make You Want to Get Naked and Play the Bongos

≪ Previous: EDIBLE SCRABBLE TILES MAKE SPELLING OUT "Eat Me" Worth A Double Word Score

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Thunder, Thunder, Thunder, ThunderCats, Ho-o-o!

ThunderCats: Season 1, Book 2

From Season One’s Second Half, DVD Includes the Next 8 Action-Packed Episodes from the New Hit Series!

Unleashed June 5, 2012, DVD Also Includes an UltraViolet™ Digital Copy

A betrayal. A reluctant leader. A journey like no other. A roaring return for a mighty menagerie of animation icons. Join Lion-O, Panthro, Snarf and more as Warner Bros. Home Entertainment releases ThunderCats: Season 1, Book 2 on DVD June 5, 2012. The two-disc set includes eight action-packed episodes from the second half of the acclaimed first season of ThunderCats. Starring Will Friedle, Emmanuelle Chriqui, Madeleine Hall, Satomi Kohrogi, Matthew Mercer, Eamon Pirruccello, Kevin Michael Richardson, Dee Bradley Baker, Clancy Brown, Corey Burton, Robin Atkin Downes and Larry Kenney, ThunderCats is executive produced by Sam Register with Michael Jelenic and Ethan Spaulding producing. The DVD set is priced to own at $19.97 SRP.

In this reimagining of the seminal series from the 1980s, the ThunderCats are back in an all-new animated series that purrs with sensational stories starring your favorite characters in a sharp new telling of the story of prince Lion-O’s ascension to the throne — and those who would thwart his destiny at any cost. Along with Lion-O, follow the adventures of Tygra, Panthro, Snarf, Cheetara, WilyKit and WilyKat. As the threats of Mumm-Ra ring in their ears, these determined Cats know what they must do: find the Book of Omens, which holds the key to their future. Using his powerful Sword of Omens to achieve “sight beyond sight,” Lion-O guides his friends across the lands, facing vicious foes and making new allies. Prowl with the ThunderCats in this all-new adventure series through outer wastelands, magical forests, other dimensions and even to the legendary temple that conceals their ancient secrets!

ThunderCats: Season 1, Book 2 DVD release will also include an UltraViolet™ Digital Copy which allows consumers to download and stream all 8 episodes via Wi-Fi to computers and compatible iOS and Android devices.*

*Limited Time Offer. Restrictions and Limitations apply. Does not include iTunes Digital Copy file. Go to ultraviolet.flixster.com/info for details.

The 21st century reimagining marks a creative collaboration between Warner Bros. Animation and Studio4°C, one of the most vibrant animation studios in Japan, giving the original characters a new cutting-edge look while remaining true to the compelling storylines and mythology of the original series.

All-new episodes of ThunderCats are coming soon to Cartoon Network.

Episodes:

1. Berbils
2. Sight Beyond Sight
3. The Forest of Magi Oar
4. Into the Astral Plane
5. Between Brothers
6. New Alliances
7. Trials of Lion-O (Part One)
8. Trials of Lion-O (Part Two)

About Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group
Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group brings together Warner Bros. Entertainment's home video, digital distribution, interactive entertainment/videogames, direct-to-DVD production, technical operations and anti-piracy businesses in order to maximize current and next-generation distribution scenarios. WBHEG is responsible for the global distribution of content through DVD, electronic sell-through and VOD, and delivery of theatrical content to wireless and online channels, and is also a significant worldwide publisher for both internal and third party videogame titles


For more information on this and other titles distributed by Warner Bros. Home Entertainment, visit www.whvdirect.com.


About Warner Bros. Animation
Warner Bros. Animation (WBA) is one of the leading producers of animation in the entertainment industry, with an innovative and talent-rich roster boasting some of the most accomplished writers, producers and artists working today. The studio is on the cutting edge of animation technology and has both CG and traditionally animated projects in current production and development. For TV, WBA produces series such as Green Lantern: The Animated Series, The Looney Tunes Show, MAD, Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated, ThunderCats and Young Justice, for Cartoon Network. WBA also produces series and additional original content for Cartoon Network’s multiplatform branded DC Nation programming block. In addition to TV programming, WBA produces theatrically released CG cartoon shorts featuring iconic Looney Tunes characters, rendered in stereoscopic 3D. WBA also creates the highly successful series of DC Universe Original Animated Movies for DVD. Producing for multiple platforms including TV, digital and home entertainment both domestically and internationally, WBA is highly respected for its creative and technical excellence, as well as for maintaining the Studio’s rich cartoon heritage. It is also the home of the iconic animated characters from the DC Comics, Hanna-Barbera, MGM and Looney Tunes libraries. One of the most-honored animation studios in history, WBA has been honored with six Academy Awards®, 35 Emmy® Awards, the George Foster Peabody Award, an Environmental Media Award, a Parents’ Choice Award, the HUMANITAS Prize, two Prism Awards and 20 Annie Awards (honoring excellence in animation).

CROCHETED MATTHEW MCCONAUGHEY Will Make You Want to Get Naked and Play the Bongos

March 6, 2012, 2:40 pm

≫ Next: FOG! Exclusive: Excerpt From KNITS FOR NERDS! Make Awesome FIREFLY Socks

≪ Previous: THUNDERCATS Season 1 Concludes on DVD! HO-O-O!!!

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You got a love a doll that represents the best of Matthew McConaughey:

An embroidered  six-pack.

Yep, I know what I'm taking to bed later.

Source: Crafty is Cool

FOG! Exclusive: Excerpt From KNITS FOR NERDS! Make Awesome FIREFLY Socks

March 6, 2012, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: STAR WARS and Other Licensed Comics Headline BACK ISSUE #55

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Knits for Nerds: 30 Projects Science Fiction, Comic Books, Fantasy by Joan of Dark a.k.a. Toni Carr (Andrews McMeel, $16.99)is available now and offers fabulously dorky patterns inspired by cult classics such as Dr. Horrible’s Sing Along Blog, Star Trek, Firefly, and Harry Potter. In addition to comic con-worthy costumes, readers will find instructions for practical projects like an e-reader cover, and a laptop bag that morphs into a chessboard.

And sure, that's awesome.  But you know what else is awesome?  Firefly's Jayne Cobb and his knit hat.

And thanks to Knits For Nerds, there's matching socks.

Learn how to make them after the jump!



Cunning Socks
Designed by Laura Hohman

Enjoy the envious looks of your peers as you kick off your shoes at the next Serenity movie night and show off your “shiny” socks!

Skill Level: Intermediate
Size: Small (medium, large)
Finished Measurements: Circumference: 71/4 (8, 83/4)” [20 (20, 22) cm] Length to ankle: [includes 2” (5 cm) cuff]: 6 (8, 10)” [15 (20, 25) cm]

Materials:

• Knit Picks Swish DK (100% superwash Merino wool; 50g/123 yd): 1 skein each in #24634 Semolina (Color A), #24632 Serrano (Color B), and #24637 Orange (Color C)
• Five size 2 (2.75 mm) double-pointed needles
• Four size 3 (3.25 mm) double-pointed needles
• Stitch markers
• Tapestry needle

Gauge: 6 stitches per 1” (3 cm) on size 3 (3.25 mm) needles in Stockinette stitch

Special Instructions: Color sequence is a repeating A, B, C.
Instructions:
Cuff
Using size 2 DPNs, CO 44 (48, 52) sts in Color A. Arrange on three needles, join, and work in (k2, p2) rib for 2” (5 cm), changing colors every 8 rnds.
Body
Change to size 3 DPNs and knit every rnd. Change colors every 8 rnds until piece measures 6 (7, 8)” [10 (15, 20) cm] from beginning.
Heel
Change to the previous row color (not the next one in the sequence).
Turn and p22 (24, 26) sts onto a single needle to work heel.
Leave remaining 22 (24, 26) (instep) sts on two needles. Work heel back and forth as follows:
Row 1: *sl 1 as if to purl, k1; repeat from * to end of row.
Row 2: Sl 1, purl across.
Repeat Rows 1–2 until heel measures 2 (2.5, 3)” [5 (6, 8) cm] or approximately 16 (20, 24) rows, ending with Row 1.

Turn heel
Work a series of short rows from center of heel:
Row 1: Sl 1, p12 (12, 14), p2tog, p1, turn.
Row 2: Sl 1, k5, ssk, k1, turn.
Row 3: Sl 1, p6, p2tog, p1, turn.
Row 4: Sl 1, k7, ssk, k1, turn.
Repeat (increasing number of stitches purl or knit each row), until all stitches have been added to row.
There should be 14 (15, 16) stitches remaining.
End heel on a knit row, adding an extra row if necessary.

Instep
Using the next color in the sequence from before the heel, pick up and k12 (13, 13) sts on side of heel flap with spare needle
K22 (24, 26) sts (held in reserve for instep) onto second needle.
Pick up and k12 (12, 13) sts on other side of heel flap with third needle and k7 (8, 8) heel sts onto same needle.
PM on first needle and then slip other 7 (7, 8) heel sts onto end of first needle. Note: Stitch marker notes end of round for color changing.
There should be a total of 60 (64, 68) sts on three needles at this point.
Needles 1 and 3 should have (19, 20, 21) sts.
Needle 2 should have 22 (24, 26) sts.

Decrease Round
Needle 1: Knit to last 3 sts, ssk, k1.
Needle 2: Knit.
Needle 3: K1, k2tog, knit remaining sts.
Changing colors every 8 rnds, work 1 rnd even and 1 Decrease Round until 44 (48, 52) sts remain.
Needles 1 and 3 should have 11 (12, 13) sts and Needle 2 should have 22 (24, 26) sts.
Knit around on 44 (48, 52) sts until foot measures 2” (5 cm) less than desired length.
 
Toe Shaping
Needle 1: Knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1.
Needle 2: K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1.
Needle 3: K1, ssk, knit to end.

Repeat one knit round, one Decrease Round until 12 (16, 16) sts remain.
Knit remaining sts from Needle 1 onto Needle 3—6 (8, 8) sts on each needle.
Cut 12” (30 cm) tail of yarn and thread onto tapestry needle.
Hold sock with yarn at right side, tail coming from the rear needle.
Finish toe in Kitchener stitch. Use a tapestry needle to pull the tail through the end of the sock.

Repeat instructions for second sock, either with the same color sequence or, as shown on the model, switch it up a little by starting with Color C and working your stripe sequence from there.

—From Knits for Nerds: 30 Projects Science Fiction, Comic Books, Fantasy by Joan of Dark a.k.a. Toni Carr/Andrews McMeel Publishing

STAR WARS and Other Licensed Comics Headline BACK ISSUE #55

March 6, 2012, 3:20 pm

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BACK ISSUE #55 (84 pages, FULL-COLOR, $8.95) checks in on the world of “Licensed Comics”, from Star Wars to Indy, and beyond! Headlining the issue is a spotlight on twenty years of Star Wars at Dark Horse Comics, an overview of Indiana Jones in comics, behind-the-scenes of the comics adaptation of TV’s Man from Atlantis, DC Comics’ 1970s Edgar Rice Burroughs backups (John Carter, Pellucidar, Carson of Venus), Marvel’s Warlord of Mars, and an interview with CAROL SERLING, wife of Twilight Zone creator ROD SERLING. This full-color issue features art by and commentary from comics greats MURPHY ANDERSON, JOHN BYRNE, CHRIS CLAREMONT, DAVE DORMAN, JAN DUURSEMA, MICHAEL KALUTA, CAM KENNEDY, JOHN JACKSON MILLER, FRANK MILLER, JOHN OSTRANDER, MIKE RICHARDSON, RANDY STRADLEY, TIM TRUMAN, TOM VEITCH, MARV WOLFMAN, and many more. It features a never-before-seen Clone Wars cover by BRIAN KOSCHACK, and is edited by MICHAEL EURY.

84-page FULL-COLOR magazine
Print version: $8.95 cover price
Digital Edition: $2.95
Diamond Comic Distributors Order Code: JAN121362 or Directly From TwoMorrows.


BACK ISSUE #55 will be on sale in comic book stores on Wednesday, March 21

Jonathan Hickman Reveals a SECRET This April

March 6, 2012, 3:40 pm

≫ Next: SCOTT WILLIAMS and FRANK MILLER Discuss Their Working Methods in DRAW #22

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WHAT LIES HIDDEN

Espionage and sabotage in Hickman's SECRET in April

A man shot in London, a break-in at a law firm, an accountant's computer decrypted. Random, unconnected events. Or are they? Jonathan Hickman will reveal the connection in his new espionage thriller series SECRET, drawn by Ryan Bodenheim, and debuting from Image Comics in April.

At the intersection of government and private security firms lies a secret that can destroy two governments. It has lay dormant for twenty years, but if it awakens, civilization as we know may be what pays the price. And keeping this secret hidden are men and women who know the power they hold all too well.

SECRET is the first ongoing series by Hickman (Fantastic Four, Ulitmate Comics) with Image Comics, following the science fiction miniseries THE RED WING. Hickman's previous Image work includes the breakout miniseries THE NIGHTLY NEWS and PAX ROMANA and his previous collaboration with Bodenheim, A RED MASS FOR MARS.

SECRET #1 will be in stores and on digital platforms on April 11. It is a monthly 32-page, full color comic book for $3.50 per issue. It is available for pre-order from Diamond Comics (FEB120405).

ABOUT IMAGE COMICS
Image Comics is a comic book and graphic novel publisher founded in 1992 by a collective of best-selling artists. Image has since gone on to become one of the largest comics publishers in the United States. Image currently has five partners: Robert Kirkman, Erik Larsen, Todd McFarlane, Marc Silvestri and Jim Valentino. It consists of five major houses: Todd McFarlane Productions, Top Cow Productions, Shadowline, Skybound and Image Central. Image publishes comics and graphic novels in nearly every genre, sub-genre, and style imaginable. It offers science fiction, romance, horror, crime fiction, historical fiction, humor and more by the finest artists and writers working in the medium today. For more information, visit www.imagecomics.com.