Are you a working professional that’s also secretly a fan of teen drama shows such as One Tree Hill, Gossip Girl, or Vampire Diaries? Good news! Netflix just inked a deal with CBS Corporation and Warner Bros. Television Group that brings CW shows to Netflix streaming service subscribers for four years.
The deal brings current and future episodes of its hit shows. Here are some dates to mark on your calendar:
October 15, 2011: Previous seasons of The Vampire Diaries, Gossip Girl, One Tree Hill and Nikita are made available January 2012: Previous seasons of Supernatural and 90210 are made available Fall 2012: current season shows made available
Replay Games has picked up the rights for the original Leisure Suit Larry franchise, and plans to re-release the original series. Additionally, they will begin working on an all new adventure beginning in 2012, to coincide with the series’ 25th anniversary.
The remakes will feature upgraded visuals, sound and control. However, the original sense of humor and puzzles will be kept. Thankfully, Replay Games CEO has been working closely with the Leisure Suit Larry’s creator Al Lowe.
Personally, I am really excited on this announcement. I loved the original series. After I played Leisure Suit Larry: Love for Sail!, I was eagerly hoping and anticipating any other sequel. I even bought the Leisure Suit Larry’s Casino, hoping it would have some sort of short adventure with Larry Laffer. It didn’t have one, it was strictly casino games using characters from the game.
When the new crop of Leisure Suit Larry games started to come out (Leisure Suit Larry: Magna Cum Laude in 2004, and Leisure Suit Larry: Box Office Bust in 2009), I was initially super stoked; sadly, after playing them, it left me quite disappointed.
Leisure Suit Larry: Magna Cum Laude, and Leisure Suit Larry: Box Office Bust did not feature a couple of key elements that made the original series entertaining and fun.
Instead of Larry Laffer as the main character, they used his oddly more pathetic nephew Larry Lovage.
The new games did not involve Al Lowe in any way.
Instead of tongue-in-cheek humor, its focus was more on the T and A factor. Basically, trying to be an interactive Skin-a-max flick.
There is no release date mentioned yet for the HD re-mastered version of the original Leisure Suit Larry in the Land of Lounge Lizards. Replay will hopefully be releasing it on multiple platforms including, Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, XBLA, PSN, On-Live, and Steam.
With a bit of luck, look for more updates in the near future.
For those who haven’t pre-order Battlefield 3, and didn’t capitalize on the Origin’s birthday deal, Amazon is now offering a digital download of the Battlefield 3 – Limited Edition for $41.99. Amazon’s pre-order of Battlefield 3 – Limited Edition includes the Amazon exclusive, Dog Tag Pack for multiplayer use as well as the Battlefield 3: Back to Karkand expansion pack for free. No telling how long this deal will last, but for those who are interested now is your chance!
Battlefield 3 (commonly abbreviated to BF3) is a first-person shooter action video game, being developed by EA Digital Illusions CE and to be published by Electronic Arts. The game is set to be released on October 25, 2011 on Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and EA Mobile confirmed a port for the iOS platform. It will not support versions of Windows prior to Windows Vista. It is a direct sequel to 2005’s Battlefield 2, and the eleventh installment in the Battlefield franchise. The PC release will be exclusive to EA’s Origin platform.
In celebration of her new Dragon Age: Redemption web episode, starting now, you can start a hangout on Google+! When you do, post on Felicia Day’s G+ page with the link, and she’ll potentially stop by and answer questions about the show and can even pose for a photo that you can screencap and post later! She will give preference for larger hangouts so gather up some buddies or make the jump into other people’s hangout!
“Hanging out” is basically Google+ method of socializing through a web chat. To see her new web episode, look no further than to YouTube for the Dragon Age: Redemption episode found below.
Felicia Day is a professional actress who has appeared in many TV shows and movies. Check her IMDB page or Wikipedia page for a full list of credits.
Felicia is most well-known for her acting in web video; in Joss Whedon’s epic internet musical “Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog” and in her own show that she writes, stars in and co-produces, “The Guild”.
She is also an avid social networking fan, most prominently on Twitter.
For more press, contact information and her blog check out her website http://feliciaday.com.
Netflix and AMC Networks Inc have come to a new licensing agreement that gives Netflix exclusive rights in the United States and Canada to the hit show, “The Walking Dead.” Other nonexclusive rights from AMC also include other programs from its other channels, including Independent Film Channel (IFC) and the Sundance Channel.
Although we already have access to “Mad Men” and “Breaking Bad,” having a nice boost with “The Walking Dead” should help Netflix with some of its woes. Perhaps other AMC shows like “The Whitest Kids U’ Know” and “Anatomy of a Scene” will also make an appearance to help round out the AMC selections.
In the mean time, though not an AMC Network show, I’ll be rediscovering the newly announced streaming of all six season of “The Wonder Years” on Netflix and reflect on how Danica McKellar really hasn’t change throughout the years.
Have you been missing your favorite, baby boomer shorts-wearing, law enforcing cop? Rumors are stirring that the producers of Reno 911, Michael Shamberg and Stacey Sher, are in talks with Netflix to revive the series. Plans are hazy and none of the co-creators have agreed to any terms.
One of the biggest hurdles in sealing this deal is Comedy Central owns copyright. It is possible the deal could provide new episodes available exclusively to Netflix at first rather than the usual 24 hour/season delay. Additionally, it remains unclear if all talents have the desire to reprise their roles. Luckily, if they do, the show’s low budget production costs are the least prohibitive barrier to the revival.
Apple has lost a visionary and creative genius, and the world has lost an amazing human being. Those of us who have been fortunate enough to know and work with Steve have lost a dear friend and an inspiring mentor. Steve leaves behind a company that only he could have built, and his spirit will forever be the foundation of Apple.
If you would like to share your thoughts, memories, and condolences, please email rememberingsteve@apple.com
The beloved and quirky Bluth family will make a return to Fox’s TV lineup for a forth season. Speculation was put to rest through tweets by both Jason Bateman and Will Arnett. The upcoming season will reunite fans for 10 episodes and build up to to the crtically acclaimed show’s big screen adaptation. We’ve seen modern TV series hit the big screen before (Simpsons), but is this move too risky for a show that was given the axe? Have fans already moved on or has the flame been reignited since episodes were made accessible on streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, iTunes, and of course DVD?
Pepsi and Activision are teaming up together to promote Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3. Cross promotions aren’t a new thing, Coca-Cola has a point redemption system for purchasing their products and Pepsi with World of Warcraft had a promotion for in-game pet. This however, could be a game changer. Now, if you purchase Mountain Dew and/or Doritos, you get a code that can be redeemed for double experience for a set amount of time. Now for fans, this sounds like a win-win situation.
However, I have a sneaking suspicion that parents and consumer groups are going to have a field day with this. I can already hear shouts of kids being obese and that they’re being sedentary for longer hours now. Parents will begin to wonder why their kids are consuming so many Mountain Dews and Doritos all of a sudden. This also brings up the question of buying your way up to “Prestige,” the game equivalent of status and bonuses for playing the game. This can potentially give you a leg up your competition, at the cost of your wallet.
If you are already purchase these products and play the game, it wouldn’t quite matter because it this promotion comes as a bonus. For those who don’t, questions arise whether this is the beginning of a new wave of promotions for games, similar to pre-ordering bonuses? Guess time will tell.
Blizzard’s BlizzCon 2011 is coming around the corner, it’s on October 21-22, 2011, and we decided to help post a guide and photos for new visitors or veterans of the convention. For those who want to skip to the gallery, make the jump.
Buying your ticket(s)
Easier said than done, since the event has been sold out since tickets were available this year. Generally, in order to go to this event, it does require you to queue in a electronic line and purchase your tickets online. However, for those who couldn’t purchase their tickets in time, there is always the Virtual Ticket (online streaming of the event). If streaming doesn’t sound appealing, there are also other means such as Craigslist and Ebay, but always exercise caution with those two options. If the price is at an unbelievable price, chances are it’s too good to be true.
Taking care of your body
This usually goes without saying, but sometimes we get a little excited for an event like this! Get plenty of rest, it’s going to be a long two days and you’ll want to be on your best form when pwning faces in StarCraft II or striking up an interesting conversation about why the Alliance is better than the Horde with another person. You may be on your feet for an extended amount of time either waiting in line to purchase merchandise, to try a game, and/or a booth offering free prizes. Get some breakfast before heading on down to the Anaheim Convention Center, stay hydrated, and get some coffee if needed. There are seats at panels for you to rest, if your legs get tired. Remember about hygiene too, you don’t want to scare somebody with your bad BO!
Understand the audience
Usually people who attend this are already true fans of the series, but sometimes significant others or new people do visit. Knowing what certain things, mean can help bridge the gap of confusion if this is new to you.
People who dress up may not always be professional models, but may be huge fans of series they represent. Always ask to take their photos, most will be glad to pose for the shots unless they are in a hurry. Don’t take it as a sleight against you if they refuse, as sometimes people have places to go or events to get ready for like the Costume Contest. They are on their feet for the entire day practically, so make sure to them thank for their time and hard work!
From the WarCraft series, red colors would signify the Horde and blue colors represent the Alliance. Allegiances run thick within this culture and many times you may hear shouts for each respected side (“For the Horde” and “For the Alliance”). However, don’t be too quick to judge other people just on the basis of preference. Respect each other for what they bring to the table and remember that without the other, the game would be completely boring (goes for all series and life). Everybody is here for the love of the game and variety is the spice of life!
Diablo, in short, is an action role-playing game about stopping the Lord of Terror. StarCraft is a real time strategy game involving three different factions with a rich storyline affecting each other set in space. Check Wikipedia or other wiki sources for more information on Warcraft, Diablo, and the StarCraft series.
When in doubt and you don’t know what to say, yell “For the Horde!”
Planning your day
Plan ahead! This can potentially save you time instead of wandering around aimlessly (though that isn’t a bad thing either). Check the BlizzCon forums for costume meeting times (they usually meet by the fountains) or realm meet up times (Gorgonnash FTW). Blizzard usually posts the schedules online (they are currently tentative at the moment) so plan around them accordingly. Some events may fill up faster than others (especially the popular events or panels). If you have any questions you want to ask a dev team or celebrity, write them advance. There is usually a Q&A session following each panel.
Charge your electronics
Don’t forget to charge your batteries for your camera, phone and any other electronic devices. Bring spare batteries if needed especially for your camera (and extra memory cards). A handheld game like Nintendo DS or 3DS can be handy when you’re waiting in a long line or waiting for the next panel to begin.
Costumes
Not everybody needs to dress up in a costume. But for those who do, I salute you! For the veterans, there shouldn’t be any need to mention preparation. For those who are thinking of dressing up, sometimes the simple things are the best things. I remember two years ago, somebody came as a Level 1 Human Warrior and it was a major hit! Find something you enjoy and run with it. Like Mark mentioned in the Anime Expo article, “mashups = fun” and “mobility is inversely related to costume appeal.” Keep in mind that you may be stopped a lot for photo opportunities. A trend we notice last year was a lot of glowing light and stilt related costumes. Whatever you choose to dress up as, be safe with your costume choices (those stilts are crazy)!
If you are dressing up in costume, try to get some rest, as those last minute fixes and/or touchups can be quite stressful. Try to knock out your costume beforehand so you won’t be as stressed (easier said than done). You have until October 10th to register for the Dance and Costume Contest, if that is something you’re interested in.
Purchase merchandise early
If you already have your ticket (including virtual ticket holders), you can purchase from the Blizzard Store online on the BlizzCon page. The reason why is those lines for the Blizzard merchandise stores can be quite long! If you do purchase the day of, try to go when there is a big event where a lot of people may go. Lines usually thin out around the end of day and on the last day as well, but so does item stocks. Signs should be posted when items sell out.
Save up and know what item you want to get beforehand. Some vendors have exclusives for BlizzCon only so be on the lookout for that.
Food/Drinks
Despite that there are plenty of food and drink options that Anaheim Convention Center can provide, don’t forget to take a look at Google maps to see what’s outside the convention. The convention itself, does provide an cash bar (over 21 and older of course). If you drink, please be careful and have a designated driver! For more food options, there is a shuttle nearby that takes you to Downtown Disney as well.
Have fun!
Regardless of what you may be doing, there are tons of things for you to do at the event. In the past there was booth games to win prizes, treasure hunting, caricature drawings (be warned those lines can go long too), and more! For those visiting Anaheim or the Los Angeles area there’s always other tourist-y things, like Disneyland, California Adventure and Universal Studio Hollywood.
Take a look down below for photos from last year BlizzCon 2010! This may lean a bit heavier towards Lady Blaumeux in the beginning (a good friend of mine I bumped into last year).
BlizzCon is a celebration of the global player communities surrounding the Warcraft, StarCraft, and Diablo universes. The sixth BlizzCon will take place at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California on Friday, October 21 and Saturday, October 22, 2011. For more information visit www.blizzcon.com
As a Netflix subscriber, I enjoy hearing news about new deals being signed. This latest deal really raises the bar on testing subscriber patience for new content. Rather than releasing content in the near future or even following year, a deal announced earlier today provisions Dreamworks library access. It’s nice to know we can celebrate (hopefully) having access to hits like “Saving Private Ryan” and “Old School”, but a deal starting in 2013 means we’ll even have access to titles that haven’t even been released!
Didn’t think it was possible but somehow Sesame Street has captured the essence of Fox’s hit TV show, Glee.
“G,” a spoof of the television show Glee and Journey’s song, “Don’t Stop Believin’.” To prepare for G-gionals, the G Club members sing a song about the letter “G” and the two sounds it makes. That’s right, G-gionals for the G Club. Despite the silliness, it does convey the proper aspects of the letter “G.”
Of course there are a couple other choice words that can come from the letter “G,” but this is meant for the kids!
Sesame Street’s 42nd season begins September 26th, 2011.
