Friday, January 30, 2009

VIZ PICTURES ANNOUNCES DVD RELEASE OF LIVE-ACTION DEATH NOTE


Highly Anticipated Sequel To Supernatural Action Mystery Based On Popular Manga And Animated Series
San Francisco, CA, January 30, 2009 – VIZ Pictures, an affiliate of VIZ Media, LLC that focuses on Japanese live-action film distribution, has announced the highly anticipated DVD release of DEATH NOTE II: THE LAST NAME, based on the hit supernatural action mystery manga (graphic novel) and animated series. The DVD will feature both the original Japanese dialogue with English subtitles and the English dubbed version by the outstanding voice cast of the animated series. The Red Hot Chili Peppers again contribute the theme song. Bonus features include a special segment, “Making of DEATH NOTE II” and the original Japanese theatrical trailer. The DVD will carry a suggested retail price of $24.92 and will be distributed in North America by VIZ Media. The estimated street date for DEATH NOTE II: THE LAST NAME is February 10, 2009.
DEATH NOTE II: THE LAST NAME is the sequel to the phenomenal hit live-action movie DEATH NOTE, based on the hit manga series written by Tsugumi Ohba and illustrated by Takeshi Obata. The DEATH NOTE live-action DVD, released in September 2008, was ranked as #1 in Japanese Films in North America and #34 in the Live-Action category. As the sequel of DEATH NOTE and once again directed by the renowned monster filmmaker Shusuke Kaneko, DEATH NOTE II: THE LAST NAME concludes the titanic battle between the two geniuses Light and L.
The story picks up with Light Yagami (Tatsuya Fujiwara) joining the investigation team in pursuit of the serial killer known as ‘Kira’. While L (Kenichi Matsuyama) still strongly suspects that Light is ‘Kira’, Light continues to seek out the real name of L so that he can kill him with his Death Note. Making things even more unpredictable is the 'Eyes of Death' that the second Kira possesses, enabling the owner to know the true identity and lifespan of any person. Light Yagami soon learns the identity of the other Kira and wants to join forces to get rid of L. Will L be able to catch "Kira" before he gets killed? Who will be the last name written in the Death Note? “We’re very excited to announce the highly anticipated DVD release of DEATH NOTE II: THE LAST NAME,” says Seiji Horibuchi, President and CEO of VIZ Pictures. “Is Light Yagami a crazed serial killer or merely society’s self-appointed solution to crime? DEATH NOTE is the latest manga and anime series to gain widespread international popularity, and the success of the first live-action film has primed audiences for this edgy sequel. As interest in DEATH NOTE continues to grow, we invite fans to delve into the psychological drama of this newest release from VIZ Pictures.”
VIZ Pictures has also announced 2 special giveaway promotions to coincide with the DVD release. Fans are encouraged to go to http://www.viz-pictures.com/ and answer the quick survey before February 28. 10 random winners will be selected to receive a special DEATH NOTE II poster.
Readers of SHONEN JUMP magazine are encouraged to enter the exclusive DEATH NOTE II contest where 10 lucky fans will each win a copy of the DEATH NOTE II DVD, and 3 very lucky fans will each win a copy of the DVD and an autograph from one of the lead actors (Kenichi Matsuyama, Tatsuya Fujiwara and Erika Toda). Contest details will be in the March 2009 issue of Shonen Jump magazine, which will hit newsstands on February 3.
The DEATH NOTE manga and animated series have become extremely popular domestically. The 37-episode animated series is seen by millions each week on cable broadcast and the series is also distributed on DVD by VIZ Media (rated T+ for Older Teens). On the print side, DEATH NOTE 13: HOW TO READ, a companion volume to the successful manga series, also published domestically by VIZ Media, was recently ranked in USA Today's Top 150 list of America's best-selling books.
For more information on the DEATH NOTE live action films and other VIZ Pictures films please visit http://www.viz-pictures.com/ or http://www.deathnotefilms.com/. For more information on the DEATH NOTE manga and animation, please visit deathnote.viz.com.
About VIZ Pictures, Inc.Based in San Francisco, CA, VIZ Pictures, Inc. distributes Japanese live-action films and DVDs, with particular focus on Japanese "kawaii (cute) and cool" pop culture. VIZ Pictures approaches each release from a J-pop fan's point of view to serve manga and anime generation in North America. VIZ Pictures titles include DEATH NOTE, KAMIKAZE GIRLS, LINDA LINDA LINDA, PING PONG, THE TASTE OF TEA, TRAIN MAN: DENSHA OTOKO and others. The company will continue to offer the hottest visual entertainment straight from the "Kingdom of Pop" for audiences of all ages in North America. VIZ Pictures, Inc. is an affiliate of VIZ Media, LLC, the San Francisco-based leading U.S. publisher of Japanese manga (comics) and merchandise licensor of Japanese animation such as the popular "NARUTO" animated TV series. For more information please visit http://www.viz-pictures.com/. © 2006 VIZ Pictures, Inc
About VIZ Media, LLC Headquartered in San Francisco, CA, VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), is one of the most comprehensive and innovative companies in the field of manga (graphic novel) publishing, animation and entertainment licensing of Japanese content. Owned by three of Japan’s largest creators and licensors of manga and animation, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media is a leader in the publishing and distribution of Japanese manga for English speaking audiences in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and South Africa and is a global ex-Asia licensor of Japanese manga and animation. The company offers an integrated product line including magazines such as SHONEN JUMP and SHOJO BEAT, graphic novels, and DVDs, and develops, markets, licenses, and distributes animated entertainment for audiences and consumers of all ages. Contact VIZ Media at 295 Bay Street, San Francisco, CA 94133; Phone (415) 546-7073; Fax (415) 546-7086; and web site at http://www.viz.com/.

Moderator Needed

I have decided to start a forum to go hand and hand with this blog. What I would like to do is set it up with a couple of mods and then spam the hell out of every other forum I can think of to see how fast we can get traffic to it. If everything starts to grow and spread out then I will purchase a domain name to promote out cause ;)

Thursday, January 29, 2009

The Latest NARUTO Shippuden Episodes - Streaming for FREE!


As much as I rave about Hulu (even got the office guys hooked on it) I am willing to wipe cable/satellite off my budget and try my new setup as full time entertainment. Of course I plan on hooking up a set of rabbit ears to my HDTV. But I am willing to bet we'll do ok. In fact I am willing to bet we will do even better since we will be saving an extra 45 to 50 dollars a month. And we are all about saving money. Did you know in England you have to PAY for a TV licenses? that’s absurd.
Anyway to get back to Hulu. Naruto.com is hosting every new release of Naruto Shippuden on Thursdays in SUB. Brought to you by the people at hulu.

Tear down your cable payment.

As much as I rave about Hulu (even got the office guys hooked on it) I am willing to wipe cable/satellite off my budget and try my new setup as full time entertainment. Of course I plan on hooking up a set of rabbit ears to my HDTV. But I am willing to bet we'll do OK. In fact I am willing to bet we will do even better since we will be saving an extra 45 to 50 dollars a month. And we are all about saving money. Did you know in England you have to PAY for a TV licenses? that's absurd.

Anyway to get back to Hulu. Naruto.com is hosting every new release of Naruto Shippuden on Thursdays in SUB. Brought to you by the people at hulu.

VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES ANIMATED DVD RELEASES FOR APRIL 2009

San Francisco, CA, January 28, 2009 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, has announced their DVD lineup for April 2009, which include animated favorites such as HUNTER X HUNTER, DEATH NOTE, NARUTO, INUYASHA and POKÉMON. VIZ Media’s April releases include many hefty box set editions as well as some featuring special premium collectibles. VIZ Media DVD titles are distributed (in English) in U.S and Mexico by Warner Home Video and in Canada by Allegro.

HUNTER X HUNTER DVD Box Set Volume 2 · Rated “T+” for Older Teens · MSRP: $49.95 US / $64.99 CAN · Available April 7
Gon and his friends have passed the first two stages of the Hunter Exam, but they still have three more grueling phases to complete. The applicants must escape the maze-like Trick Tower and survive a free-for-all on an isolated island before they can battle it out in the final tournament. Will Gon and his friends prove their worth and earn the right to call themselves Hunters? Find out in this exciting new Box Set inspired by the popular HUNTER X HUNTER manga series created by Yoshihiro Togashi.

NARUTO UNCUT DVD Box Set Volume 13 Special Edition · Rated “T+” for Older Teens · MSRP: $69.97 US / $89.99 CAN · Available April 7
Naruto summons a couple of old amphibious pals – Gamakichi and Gamatatsu – to help him solve a mystery surrounding a mysterious Cursed Warrior. But back at home, there's nothing more motivating for Choji and Naruto than a bowl of steaming hot Ichiraku ramen, and they're really going to have to sing for their supper when the owner's daughter is kidnapped! Can they get her back and save the restaurant's secret recipes in time for dinner? Then, Anko must face the darkness in her past when she's called to lead a mission to a place she once visited with her former sensei, Orochimaru! Will facing the truth save the mission – or break her forever? Special Edition Box Set includes Naruto playing cards plus a collectible Kakashi ninja figure.

NARUTO UNCUT DVD Box Set Volume 13 Standard Edition· Rated “T+” for Older Teens · MSRP: $49.95 US / $64.99 CAN · Available April 7
DVD-only collection featuring episodes from the hit series; no cards or collectible are figure is included.

DEATH NOTE DVD Box Set Volume 2 · Rated “T+” for Older Teens · MSRP: $69.97 US / $89.99 CAN · Available April 14
Through the power of the Death Note, Light Yagami is close to creating a world in which he holds ultimate authority over right and wrong. But many obstacles remain, including a second Death Note user who has his own nefarious goals, and the two brilliant protégés of L., the genius detective who once vowed to expose the identity of the Death Note’s owner. Light is confident that he can prevail, but as the surviving players in the game converge for a final showdown, whose name will be the last one written in the Death Note? This new Box Set features the exciting conclusion to the supernatural mystery crime thriller based on the popular DEATH NOTE manga series.

POKÉMON: ALL STARS Volume 19: Torchic ·
MSRP: $9.98 US / $12.99 CAN Each · Available April 21
POKÉMON: ALL STARS Volume 20: ONIX ·
MSRP: $9.98 US / $12.99 CAN Each · Available April 21
Following up with POKÉMON’s 10th Anniversary celebration set, the POKÉMON ALL STARS will have a total of twenty DVD releases each commemorating some of the most popular Pokémon characters. Each disc showcases a single character with three classic TV episodes featuring their adventures. Gotta Catch ‘em All!

INUYASHA SEASON 7 DVD Box Set Deluxe Edition · Rated “T” for Teens · MSRP: 119.89 US / $149.99 CAN · Available April 28
The story of the priestess Kikyo and half-demon Inuyasha ended in tragedy. Will Inuyasha and Kagome's story have a happier ending? Each battle draws the group closer to their ultimate goal – the border of the afterlife and the final shard of the Shikon Jewel. But the last stage of their journey is the most difficult of all. In their final battle with Naraku, will the bond between Kagome and Inuyasha prove strong enough to vanquish him at last? Special Deluxe Box Set Edition comes with a Limited Edition collectible Inuyasha figure.

INUYASHA SEASON 7 DVD Box Set Standard Edition · Rated “T” for Teens · MSRP: $99.94 US / $129.99 CAN · Available April 28
DVD-only collection featuring episodes from the hit series; no collectible figure is included.

About VIZ Media, LLC
Headquartered in San Francisco, CA, VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), is one of the most comprehensive and innovative companies in the field of manga (graphic novel) publishing, animation and entertainment licensing of Japanese content. Owned by three of Japan’s largest creators and licensors of manga and animation, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media is a leader in the publishing and distribution of Japanese manga for English speaking audiences in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and South Africa and is a global ex-Asia licensor of Japanese manga and animation. The company offers an integrated product line including magazines such as SHONEN JUMP and SHOJO BEAT, graphic novels, and DVDs, and develops, markets, licenses, and distributes animated entertainment for audiences and consumers of all ages. Contact VIZ Media at 295 Bay Street, San Francisco, CA 94133; Phone (415) 546-7073; Fax (415) 546-7086; and web site at http://www.viz.com/.

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Hackers Crack Into Texas Road Sign, Warn of Zombies Ahead




Transportation officials in Texas are scrambling to prevent hackers from changing messages on digital road signs after one sign in Austin was altered to read, "Zombies Ahead."
Chris Lippincott, director of media relations for the Texas Department of Transportation, confirmed that a portable traffic sign at Lamar Boulevard and West 15th Street, near the University of Texas at Austin, was hacked into during the early hours of Jan. 19.
"It was clever, kind of cute, but not what it was intended for," said Lippincott, who saw the sign during his morning commute. "Those signs are deployed for a reason — to improve traffic conditions, let folks know there's a road closure."
"It's sort of amusing, but not at all helpful," he told FOXNews.com.
Tampering with portable road signs is illegal and potentially dangerous to drivers. It is a misdemeanor in Texas, with penalties ranging from fines to potential jail time.
Lippincott said the hacked sign — manufactured by IMAGO — is owned and operated by the city of Austin. Texas Department of Transportation signs have not been affected, he said.
"It is always possible that it could occur, but we attempt to prevent hacking incidents," Lippincott wrote in an e-mail. He declined to comment on security measures to protect the state's signs from hackers.
Austin Public Works spokeswoman Sara Hartley said the incident was not initially reported to police, but will be shortly. The sign was reverted back to its original message within hours, according to Hartley, who insisted the signs are tamper-resistant and equipped with external locks.
"This sign was broken into, it was not just a 'walk up and change the sign' kind of thing," Hartley told FOXNews.com. "This is a new one for us, we've never had it happen before."
RELATED STORIES
She said she did not know whether any other signs in the area had been altered.
According to the blog i-hacked.com, some commercial road signs, including those manufactured by IMAGO's ADDCO division, can be easily altered because their instrument panels are frequently left unlocked and their default passwords are not changed.
"Programming is as simple as scrolling down the menu selection," i-hacked.com reports. "Type whatever you want to display … In all likelihood, the crew will not have changed [the password]."
I-hacked.com warns readers not to try to alter the signs, which cost roughly $15,000.
ADDCO Chief Operating Officer Brian Nicholson told FOXNews.com that the company is sending out notices to customers on the potentially dangerous security flaw.
"It's incumbent upon users to change the default password and secure the sign with a padlock," Nicholson said. "We're having our engineers review this information."
In the meantime, if you're driving in Austin, you can rest assured: There are no zombies ahead.

VIZ MEDIA LAUNCHES LANDMARK IMPRINT ‘HAIKASORU’ TO PUBLISH ACCLAIMEDJAPANESE SCIENCE FICTION NOVELS


First-Of-Its-Kind Imprint Launches This Summer To Publish The Best In Contemporary Japanese Science Fiction Novels

San Francisco, CA, January 27, 2009 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, has announced the launch of a brand-new imprint called Haikasoru, which will publish an array of contemporary Japanese science fiction (SF) and fantasy stories for English-speaking audiences. This is the first time an imprint with a dedicated focus on Japanese SF has launched in North America.

Haikasoru is scheduled to publish twelve books a year and launches in the summer of 2009 with four titles: The Lord of the Sands of Time by Issui Ogawa, All You Need Is Kill by Hiroshi Sakurazaka, ZOO by Otsuichi, and Usurper of the Sun by Housuke Nojiri.

Haikasoru will be helmed by Nick Mamatas, a respected author of science fiction as well as an editor at VIZ Media. Mamatas is the author of two novels, which have been nominated for the Bram Stoker Award and Germany's Kurd Lasswitz Prize.

"I'm thrilled to be a part of this new imprint,” says Mamatas. “Haikasoru is making history with the future. Finally, SF is going global."

The Lord of the Sands of Time by Issui Ogawa – Price: $13.99 U.S./CAN $16.00
Sixty-two years after human life on earth was annihilated by rampaging aliens, the enigmatic cyborg Messenger O is sent back in time with the mission to unite the humanity of past eras—during World War II and in ancient Japan, even back at the dawn of humanity—in order to defeat the alien invasion before it begins. But amidst a future shredded by war, love also waits for O. Will O save humanity only to doom himself? The Lord of the Sands of Time was nominated for the prestigious Seiun Award, the leading award for Japanese science fiction, the winners of which are selected each year by members of the Japanese National Science Fiction Convention. Available in July 2009.


ALL YOU NEED IS KILL by Hiroshi Sakurazaka – Price: $13.99 U.S./CAN $16.00
When the alien Gitai invade, Keiji Kiriya is just one of many recruits shoved into a suit of battle armor called a Jacket and sent out to kill. Keiji dies on the battlefield, only to be reborn each morning to fight and die again and again. On his 158th iteration, he finally sees something different, something out of place—a female soldier known as the Full Metal Bitch. Is she the key to Keiji’s escape or his final death? Available in July 2009.

ZOO by Otsuichi – Price: $13.99 U.S./CAN $16.00
ZOO presents eleven stories of dark fantasy and science fiction by one of Japan’s hottest authors. "The White Hut In The Forest" is the story of a man with a hole in his head and a charming home made from some strange materials. "Song of the Sunny Spot" is a rendition of the classic story of the Earth's last man...and his charming companion. And in the book’s eponymous tale, a man sees his dead girlfriend’s corpse decompose, one gristly Polaroid snapshot at a time. ZOO sold over 740,000 copies in Japan and was also turned into a successful Japanese film. Available in September 2009.

USURPER OF THE SUN by Housuke Nojiri - Price: $15.99 U.S./CAN $18.99
When a ring appears around the sun, humanity seems doomed. One woman, a brave scientist named Aki Shiraishi, travels to the core of the solar system in a last-ditch attempt to save the world. A compelling new hard SF novel, Usurper of the Sun won a coveted Seiun Award in 2002 for Best Science Fiction Novel of the Year. Available in September 2009.

"Japan has long had a love affair with science fiction. In the wake of the massive international popularity of manga and anime, this is an ideal time to offer some of the best in contemporary Japanese science fiction to a sizeable domestic audience," says Masumi Washington, Editor-In-Chief, Haikasoru Imprint, VIZ Media. “VIZ Media has been publishing fiction for a while, and now with the formation of Haikasoru it’s like finding a missing piece in a jigsaw puzzle. We are pleased to introduce this unique imprint and look forward to VIZ Media fans and science fiction readers in general enjoying these books.”

About VIZ Media, LLC
Headquartered in San Francisco, CA, VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), is one of the most comprehensive and innovative companies in the field of manga (graphic novel) publishing, animation, and entertainment licensing of Japanese content. Owned by three of Japan’s largest creators and licensors of manga and animation, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media is a leader in the publishing and distribution of Japanese manga for English-speaking audiences in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and South Africa and is a global ex-Asia licensor of Japanese manga and animation. The company offers an integrated product line including magazines such as SHONEN JUMP and SHOJO BEAT, graphic novels, and DVDs, and develops, markets, licenses, and distributes animated entertainment for audiences and consumers of all ages. Contact VIZ Media at 295 Bay Street, San Francisco, CA 94133; Phone (415) 546-7073; Fax (415) 546-7086; and web site at www.VIZ.com.

Monday, January 26, 2009

VIZ MEDIA SATISFIES HUNGRY MANGA FANS WITH THE RELEASE OF OISHINBO


The Fascinating World Of Japanese Cuisine Is Explored In Best-Selling Manga That Has Sold More Than 100 Million Copies And Helped Define The Popular Food Genre

San Francisco, CA, January 23, 2009 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, will delight fans of Japanese cuisine and culture with the debut of the critically acclaimed OISHINBO available now, under the VIZ Signature imprint, the company’s dynamic outlet for classic and literary manga titles aimed at more mature and sophisticated readers.

Written by Tetsu Kariya and illustrated by Akira Hanasaki, OISHINBO is considered to be the epitome of food manga and defined the genre while selling more than 100 million copies in Japan since its debut in 1983. OISHINBO is rated “T” for teens and carries an SRP of $12.99 U.S./$15.00 CDN.

OISHINBO (or “The Gourmet") depicts the adventures of journalist Shiro Yamaoka, who writes for the fictional newspaper Tozai News. When the paper’s top executives decide to create “The Ultimate Menu” to celebrate the paper’s 100th anniversary, Yamaoka, known for his reputation as a foodie with culinary skills to match, is given the daunting assignment. With the help of his coworker Kurita, Yamaoka begins an epic saga to find unique and tasty dishes that will compose this ultimate bill of fare. The subject of the debut volume is classical Japanese cuisine, and features delicious stories on subjects like how to prepare a proper dashi (the broth that is one of the building blocks of Japanese cooking), green tea, and red snapper sashimi. Each subsequent volume of OISHINBO focuses on specific foods and culinary trends such as sake, sushi, vegetables, rice dishes, ramen, and izakaya (pub) food.

“OISHINBO is a series where cuisine is put front and center and food is the star,” says Gonzalo Ferreyra, Vice President Sales & Product Marketing, VIZ Media. “Each volume introduces readers to the proper preparation and presentation of a variety of Japanese dishes, while also detailing their history and cultural significance. We’re serving up selected highlights from this epic 100+ volume series and compiled them into seven a la carte editions that can be enjoyed individually or as a series. Each volume also features full-color instructions on how to prepare the unique dishes presented. It might even inspire some to begin culinary adventures of their own!”

About VIZ Media, LLC
Headquartered in San Francisco, CA, VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), is one of the most comprehensive and innovative companies in the field of manga (graphic novel) publishing, animation and entertainment licensing of Japanese content. Owned by three of Japan’s largest creators and licensors of manga and animation, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media is a leader in the publishing and distribution of Japanese manga for English speaking audiences in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and South Africa and is a global ex-Asia licensor of Japanese manga and animation. The company offers an integrated product line including magazines such as SHONEN JUMP and SHOJO BEAT, graphic novels, and DVDs, and develops, markets, licenses, and distributes animated entertainment for audiences and consumers of all ages. Contact VIZ Media at 295 Bay Street, San Francisco, CA 94133; Phone (415) 546-7073; Fax (415) 546-7086; and web site at http://www.viz.com/.

Thursday, January 22, 2009

Bang Zoom Entertainment brings us Manga Minutes




BANG ZOOM! ENTERTAINMENT TEAMS WITH STARZ MEDIA’S MANGA ENTERTAINMENT TO DEVELOP “MANGA MINUTES”

24-Episode Original Web Series Showcases and Reviews the Latest Anime, Manga and Video Games for Popular Manga.com Web Site

Burbank, Calif. and New York, NY, January 21, 2009 – Bang Zoom! Entertainment, a leading full-service audio post production company and producer of original entertainment content, was tapped recently to develop and produce a fun, new web-based show, “Manga Minutes” for Manga.com.

Manga.Com is the official site of Manga Entertainment, a leading publisher of anime titles such as Astro Boy, Ghost in the Shell, Ninja Scroll, Blood: The Last Vampire, and many more. Bang Zoom! will produce 24 episodes of the show in total, which recently was ranked as high as #5 on the iTunes “Arts & Entertainment” chart.

Fifteen episodes are now available on Manga.com at www.manga.com/channels/manga-minutes

“Manga Minutes” features a duo of lively, animated hosts named Yoko and Rogue and showcases reviews of anime, manga, and video games from a variety of publishers. “Manga Minutes” complements Manga Entertainment’s destination site, Manga.com, which features a unique blend of video, product-related information and other editorial content and offers fans a customized way to experience a wide range of manga and anime.

Bang Zoom! was given creative and critical license to select which titles to review and to develop a look for the show. “We did a lot of research as far as deciding what titles to feature,” says Bang Zoom! associate producer, Kevin Chu. “Considering the style of the Manga.com website and its users, we focused on finding unique properties that appealed to a core demographic of ardent fans. To-date we’ve focused on several cool action titles like Gurren Lagaan, Kite Liberator, Claymore, Gantz, Ghost Slayers, Afro Samurai, xxxHolic and Dead Space. We make a point to stay in-tune with what titles people are talking about and fan feedback plays a big role in giving us ideas for future episodes.”
“We were very excited to have the opportunity to work with Starz Media and Manga Entertainment on ‘Manga Minutes,’” says Eric P. Sherman, president of Bang Zoom! Entertainment. “Each episode is a snapshot of what’s cool in the latest anime, manga and game titles and we look forward to continuing to develop the show.”

“We developed Manga.com as a place where fans could watch free anime clips, discuss anime culture, and find out about new video games and manga,” says David Katz, executive director, digital media of Starz Media’s Manga Entertainment, which produces the site. “‘Manga Minutes’ gives our fans their dose of what's cool in anime, games and manga – all in two minutes. This unique and novel short-form programming fills a need in the marketplace and is one that we can easily distribute and syndicate to our distribution partners and reach an even wider audience.”

About Manga Entertainment
Manga Entertainment Ltd. is an entertainment company specializing in the production, marketing and distribution of Japanese animation for theatrical, television, Internet, DVD and home video release worldwide. The Manga film library is marketed and distributed in the U.S. through Anchor Bay Entertainment. The company is headquartered in Los Angeles with offices in London and Tokyo. Manga Entertainment is a division of Starz Media LLC (http://www.starzmedia.com/), a controlled subsidiary of Liberty Media Corporation, attributed to Liberty Capital Group.

About Bang Zoom! Entertainment, Inc.
Headquartered in Burbank, California, Bang Zoom! Entertainment, Inc. is a leading and award winning full service audio post production studio working in the fields of feature films, television, electronic entertainment, anime and direct to home entertainment projects. Founded in 1993, Bang Zoom! Entertainment maintains operations in the U.S. with three buildings, six recording/mixing stages and a staff of just under 200 actors, writers, directors and technicians. Bang Zoom! Entertainment is committed to carrying out innovative projects that contribute to the promotion of global cultural awareness. More information about Bang Zoom! Entertainment and its products can be found on the company’s web site, which is located at http://www.bangzoomentertainment.com/.

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Contact Info: info@bangzoomentertainment.comorEric BeckerStarz Digital Media(720) 852-4065eric.becker@starz.com

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

bleachexile.com


I have been a big fan of bleachexile.com for a couple of years. Thats where I went to find new episodes of Naruto and Bleach. I also watched many of their archive animes they have in their list.
I had sent many of people there to find this or that.
But now I am dissapointed. I will be removing them from all my links. They have blocked access to their servers unless you donate them $5.00us to keep the servers going.
I would donate to them but I still argue the fact thats why we have fan subs. Fans who volunteer to record and sub translations for animes. I spent years doing it for mangas. Got the most heart felt thank yous for it too. I encourage fans to put their talents to good use for the rest of us to enjoy them too.
Anyway My point is if you know of a good site to add animes to your collection or to keep up on new releases please let me know here. The only other place I know for Bleach is http://4bleach.com/ I prefer the direct downloads. I haven't done the torrent thing in a long time.

Monday, January 19, 2009

EXCITING NEW SHOJO MANGA FROM VIZ MEDIA



EXCITING NEW SHOJO MANGA FROM VIZ MEDIA
TO KICK OFF 2009
San Francisco, CA, January 16, 2009 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, has announced several eagerly awaited new shojo manga series (graphic novel) series, scheduled for release during the First Quarter of 2009.
Published under the company’s popular Shojo Beat imprint, the new series will include HEAVEN’S WILL, THE MAGIC TOUCH and OTOMEN as well as VIZBIG editions of FUSHIGI YUGI and HOT GIMMICK. The VIZBIG titles will offer omnibus volumes in a 5-3/4 x 8-5/8 size (larger than the standard 5 x 7½ manga size) with special premium presentations including new cover art and added content such as author interviews, updated text and character art.
"We’re very excited to kick off 2009 with several new manga series from some of the most talented creators in the shojo genre," says Gonzalo Ferreyra, Vice President Sales & Product Marketing for VIZ Media. "These stories are filled with zany antics of love-struck high school kids in THE MAGIC TOUCH and OTOMEN to the supernatural fun of HEAVEN’s WILL. Readers also won’t want to miss the first VIZBIG treatments of two popular shojo manga series – FUSHIGI YUGI and HOT GIMMICK. The hefty editions are a great new way to have these two classic titles presented to new fans as well as seasoned readers. "
FUSHIGI YUGI VIZBIG · Rated "T+" for Older Teens · MSRP: $17.99 US / $21.99 CAN · Available Now!
FUSHIGI YÛGI is a beloved fantasy from Yu Watase, one of Japan's top manga creators. The new omnibus VIZBIG edition is wonderfully exciting, funny, and heartfelt tale of a normal junior-high-school girl who is transported into a fictional version of ancient China after reading a strange book called The Universe of the Four Gods. While there she becomes a High Priestess and encounters an array of villains and dashing heroes but yet she still manages to worry about her grades and her next school banquet. Each VIZBIG edition of FUSHIGI YÛGI contains three volumes, bonus color content, and updated text.

An acclaimed manga artist for nearly 20 years, Yu Watase first gained acclaim in 1989 when her short story, An Intrusion in Pajamas, appeared in the monthly manga anthology Shôjo Comic. She has since gone one to create many long-running and renowned series including ALICE 19th, FUSHIGI YÛGI and its sequel, FUSHIGI YUGI: GENBU KAIDAN, as well as Ceres Celestial Legend, and Absolute Boyfriend (all published by VIZ Media). FUSHIGI YÛGI has sold more than 13 million copies in Japan and over 1.1 million copies in North America and spawned two animated television series, an OVA series, anime soundtrack CDs, and a string of related novels.
HOT GIMMICK VIZBIG · Rated "T+" for Older Teens · MSRP: $17.99 US / $21.00 CAN · Available March 17, 2009
In tiny, company-owned rabbit-hutch apartments live tenants who can't afford to live anywhere else. This apartment complex, in which high-school girl Hatsumi Narita lives, is ruled over by the rumor-mongering, self-righteous Mrs. Tachibana. Get on her bad side and life becomes hell. One day Hatsumi buys a pregnancy test for her popular but flirty sister Akane. Mrs. Tachibana's son, Ryoki, who used to bully Hatsumi as a kid, promises not to tell the world about Hatsumi's secret, only if she will become his slave. Soon after a boy named Azusa, who was Hatsumi's protector in their youth, reappears to save her again! He's moving back into the neighborhood, and despite a budding romance between Hatsumi and Azusa, Ryoki continues to have control over her through the secret pact that could ruin the lives of everyone in Hatsumi's family. Usually a sensible and mild-mannered young girl, Hatsumi suddenly finds herself in a swirl of drama that threatens to drive her totally crazy.
HOT GIMMICK creator Miki Aihara turned the manga world upside down with this salacious, outrageous, and funny hit series. If you think being a teenager in America is hard, wait until you read HOT GIMMICK! Aihara made her debut in 1991 with Lip Conscious!, which was published in the Bessatsu Shojo Comic anthology and she remains a major contributor to the magazine. In addition to HOT GIMMICK, Aihara also created TOKYO BOYS AND GIRLS (available from VIZ Media), TEACHER’S PET, THE CLEAR WIDE BLUE SKY, SO BAD! and AS LONG AS THERE IS A SUN IN THE SKY, among others.
HEAVEN’S WILL · Rated "T" for Teens · MSRP: 8.99 US / $10.99 CAN
· Available Now!
Sudou Mikuzu has a very special talent/power – she can see ghosts. And because of this, she's become a magnet for all sorts of unwelcome spirits and monsters. Lucky for her she's just met Seto, a friendly, cross-dressing young exorcist. Sudou needs protection from all the creepy phantoms bugging her and Seto needs to practice his exorcism skills. Consequently, the pair decides to team up and help each other. In return for Seto’s help, Sudou promises to bake him a cake every time a ghost gets zapped!
Created by Satoru Takamiya, HEAVEN’S WILL first appeared as a short story in Chu Chu magazine, a popular Japanese shojo manga anthology for teen girls published by Shogakukan. HEAVEN’S WILL offers a premise similar to popular supernatural sagas like BLEACH but introduces a romantically-tinged plot element combined with stylized gothic appeal. Fans of popular supernatural television series such as Medium, Journeyman, Ghost Whisperer, and Pushing Daisies won’t want to miss HEAVEN’S WILL.
THE MAGIC TOUCH · Rated "T+" for Older Teens · MSRP: 8.99 US / $10.50 CAN · Available February 3, 2009
Aside from being the star of her high school's Massage Research Society club, Chiaki Togu is a normal, quiet girl—until she falls head over heels in love with a gorgeous back, which happens to belong to Yosuke, the hottest guy at her school! Unfortunately, Chiaki's attraction to Yosuke is thwarted by her own insecurity and the scheming of other girls, especially those of her twin sister Sayaka! Although Yosuke seems out of Chiaki's league, she will do almost anything to give him a massage. The two eventually strike a deal where she will be allowed to touch his back if she can make him fall in love with her. What Chiaki doesn't know is the real reason Yosuke wants to hang around her: to avenge his younger brother, who was allegedly deceived and dumped by somebody named Chiaki Togu! Is this a simple case of mistaken identity or the beginning of a tragedy?
THE MAGIC TOUCH was created by Izumi Tsubaki, who began drawing manga during her first year of high school. She was soon selected to be among the Top 10 artists selected by popular manga anthology Hana to Yume (Flowers And Dreams) and went on to win the publication’s Big Challenge manga contest. THE MAGIC TOUCH was a best seller in Japan (where it was originally known as Oyayubi kara Romance, or Romance from the Thumbs), and fan buzz across North America has created great anticipation for the series debut. In addition to THE MAGIC TOUCH, Tsubaki is currently working on the manga series, I’M THE TEACHER.
OTOMEN· Rated "T" for Teens · MSRP: 8.99 US / $10.50 CAN
· Available February 3, 2009
Asuka Masamune is a guy who loves girly things–sewing, knitting, making cute stuffed animals and reading shojo manga. But in a world where boys are expected to act manly, Asuka must hide his beloved hobbies and instead play the part of a masculine jock. Ryo Miyakozuka, on the other hand, is a girl who can't sew or bake a cake to save her life. Asuka finds himself attracted to Ryo, but she likes only the manliest of men! Can Asuka ever show his true self to anyone, much less to the girl that he's falling for?
OTOMEN, created by Aya Kanno, is currently being serialized in Japan's BetsuHana magazine. OTOMEN is a best seller in Japan, with each new volume appearing in the Top 15 of Japan’s Tohan rankings that chart manga popularity and sales. Aya Kanno’s other series, BLANK SLATE, is also published by VIZ Media recently debuted across North America.

About VIZ Media, LLC
Headquartered in San Francisco, CA, VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), is one of the most comprehensive and innovative companies in the field of manga (graphic novel) publishing, animation and entertainment licensing of Japanese content. Owned by three of Japan’s largest creators and licensors of manga and animation, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media is a leader in the publishing and distribution of Japanese manga for English speaking audiences in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and South Africa and is a global ex-Asia licensor of Japanese manga and animation. The company offers an integrated product line including magazines such as SHONEN JUMP and SHOJO BEAT, graphic novels, and DVDs, and develops, markets, licenses, and distributes animated entertainment for audiences and consumers of all ages. Contact VIZ Media at 295 Bay Street, San Francisco, CA 94133; Phone (415) 546-7073; Fax (415) 546-7086; and web site at http://www.viz.com/.

Review: Bakugan Battle Brawlers



Bakugan Battle Brawlers: The Battle Begins is an OEL manga/graphic novel. The graphics are made by still shots of the animated show. The colors are rich and the format flows.

Manga Description: One day cards fell from the sky to be collected by children all around the world. Each card contains a creature called a Battling Beast that comes to life and battles the opponent cards Battle Beast.. The children created a game out of them called Bakugan. The main character in the story is Dan Kuso, he soon realizes that the Bakugan game is more than it appears. The Cards have a deeper magic of their own.


Manga Review:
Content: (This section may contain spoilers.) ; I thought that the story line flowed well for a fight scene. The stills were rich and clear. The downside was that it’s target audience is meant to be such a young genre.

Thursday, January 15, 2009

Bleach 202 "Fierce Fighting Conclusion! Who's the Strongest"


I liked this episode. Of course Kubo Tite can put Kenpachi in all the episodes and I would still like them.
Most all the episode was Kenpachi Zaraki and Nnoitra Jiruga fight it out to the death. Checking on the Bleach Wiki it says next to Nnoitra Jiruga deceased by Kenpachi Zaraki. As if there was any question about that would have turned out.
Anyway I was impressed that Kenpachi was pushed to the point he actually had to hold his sword the Kendo style. Two Hands. Wicked 
7 out of 10

Monday, January 12, 2009

Black Blood Brothers - anime review.


Mochizuki Jirou, the Silver Blade, is an Old Blood. Ten years ago he fought the Kowloon Children, beings who were a threat to mankind and to vampires, in the Holy War. In the present, Jirou is trying to get to the Special Zone, a place where vampires and humans live alongside each other, with his brother; their guide is Mimiko Katsuragi, mediator for humans and vampires. But the brothers soon discover that the surviving Kowloon Children can also gain access to the Special Zone – if they receive an invite from a Royal within it. Who invited the Kowloon Children, and will Jirou be able to defeat them once more?
The first episode was a little hard to follow. I couldn’t tell if the first episode ended as a flash back or not. But after that the story went smoothly. It’s easy to follow the plot. A Short series of only 12 eps you are sure to enjoy the story.
You can find them on Hulu.com

HDTV build for my Livingroom.

So I spent the weekend building a computer that would look better on my 720p HDTV. I use to have it connected via S-video cable and an audio cable. It was quite messy behind the TV with cables for this and cables for that.
I wanted to stream down my cables and use a HDMI cable for both my HD video and my digital audio. I bought a reasonable motherboard with a HDMI port built in.
It was nothing to put in. Took me some troubleshooting before I realized to move a set of jumpers over in order to activate the port.
I was very pleased about the video. The movies I watched with the DVD player were smooth and crisp. The movies I streamed from http://HULU.com were a lot better quality than some of the others. That makes me happy because when I miss an episode of what ever I am watching at the moment (Legend of the Seeker and Heroes) I can find it on there and in great HD quality.

WEP and home security

WEP and home security You should think of home security as often as you think about company network securities. WEP cracking has literally become a new craze for not just hackers but children who opted for the new laptop last Christmas instead of the new Wii or PS3.Now, I have done it and it's quite fun to play around with. With new distribution's coming out like Whax or Back Track 3 or the utilities used like the aircrack suite. Anyone can learn how to use them in a matter of hours. And that makes for a dangerous opening to your network.I belong to several hacker forums to stay up to date on new vulnerabilities for applications and systems. Most of the time I learn of them first at the forums instead of places like National Vulnerability Database. WEP cracking is going to be a major issue in the next year or so to come.As easily as it is to get on your wireless network (don't be fooled by hiding your ssid). It's easier to poison your ARP whilst I am on there. What that does is fool your computer into thinking my computer is the router and routs all traffic through my pc before it moves out to the internet. I can capture all traffic and even obtain your personal information whilst I am doing it. If identity theft is so important these days, why are so many people allowing others access to their private networks.Out of the 21 different wireless ssid's I can gather from my house, only 3 of them are properly secured from these kind of local attacks. The rest of them I have sniffed. I'll have to say that learning about my neighbors that way is not a pleasant experience at all. I would prefer them lieing to my face and making up some story at the mail box about how they are doing then what I have learned by snooping. I know it's wrong but it's what I do. I am just pointing out the severity of this new craze.I would like to go around strip malls and sniff some business wireless signals. Gather as much data as I can then go to them with it all. Alas, Between work and pen-testing networks I have literally zero extra time left over.
Posted by Dallas Spohn at

Thursday, January 8, 2009

What is wrong with Illinois?

Seems to me like all the politicians that come out of Illinois are pompous, arrogant, big headed, idiots.
Now I am not trying to be nice about this. But I think that a more respected person should also be a humble person.
For example, B-Rock’s assurance he would be president long before the elections took place. OK, so he just so happens to be the best person we had for the job but that makes me sick to my stomach that that was all we had. His arrogance alone should have made you question the choice. <- I support the man, as I should. But still think he was elected just because of the color of his skin.
Rod Blagojevich is a major retard who is enjoying the limelight of being in the eye of the camera. Not the fact that he’s a thief and a liar and should be apologizing to people. He has absolutely zero idea that he is a moron and still thinks people love him. How delusional can you actually become in life? <- wouldn’t know what being humble was if it slapped him in the face with a trout. Another one who’s ego is on the moon.
Bobby Rush, a hater. That is obvious as the day. Why has he not been removed from office for being such a raciest? Hey Bobby, I don’t think the Black Panthers are legitimate anymore. It’s an old organization that is as popular as the KKK yet you still think it gives you some sort of political foothold and that turns my stomach. I am appalled at the people who elected someone like you to represent them in the first place. People who think like you should get off my planet. Your corrupting the youth of America with your constant segregation between black and white. Hey stupid!!! It’s not about Roland Burris being black. It’s about his competence. You, and the way you think, is what America has overcome. You are living in an old world that most of us younger guys just don’t understand.
Roland Burris, Here is a guy who can not even take a hint. It’s a shame that he was involved with Rod Blagojevich. But it’s a funny story. This guy was nominated as a Jr Senator by one of the most corrupt politicians in American history. But instead of stepping back and saying, “whoa, wait fella. I am in fact the man for the job but I will earn the seat. Not buy it. Nor do I want to be associated with someone like you.”
Look, I am picking on Illinois because you all seem to be the other line of commonsense. I think you all need to come down a couple of notches for Americas sake.
I do have issues with the far left liberals. I think they have started a nasty trend of whining about everything that does not go their way. I do not dispute that it is working in their favor but I agree that it is the wrong way. I am feeling like America has become the weird guy who is sitting in the corner booth at IHOP, with a French fry hanging out his beard and licking his quarters.”

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Basic Hack Test

Slackware "practice Disk" blackbox hack
Download the practice disk burn it, set it up in a lab enviroment and get to work on it. Shouldn't take you long at all.192.168.1.100 = http://heorot.net/instruction/tutorials/...00-1.1.iso192.168.1.110 = http://heorot.net/instruction/tutorials/...10-1.0.isoThe MD5 Hash Values of Each Disk:a3341316ca9860b3a0acb06bdc58bbc1 ==>de-ice.net-1.100-1.1.isoa626d884148c63bfc9df36f2743d7242 ==>de-ice.net-1.110-1.0.iso SCENARIO The scenario for this LiveCD is that a CEO of a small company has been pressured by the Board of Directors to have a penetration test done within the company. The CEO, believing his company is secure, feels this is a huge waste of money, especially since he already has a company scan their network for vulnerabilities (using nessus). To make the BoD happy, he decides to hire you for a 5-day job; and because he really doesn't believe the company is insecure, he has contracted you to look at only one server - a old system that only has a web-based list of the company's contact information. The CEO expects you to prove that the admins of the box follow all proper accepted security practices, and that you will not be able to obtain access to the box. Prove to him that a full penetration test of their entire corporation would be the best way to ensure his company is actually following best security practices. CONFIGURATION PenTest Lab Disk 1.100: This LiveCD is configured with an IP address of 192.168.1.100 - no additional configuration is necessary. Pentest Machine: Your second system will use the BackTrack (v.2) LiveCD as provided by remote-exploit.org. A copy of the LiveCD can be downloaded from remote-exploit.org. This disk is configured to obtain an IP address through DHCP - thus no additional configuration is required. All tools necessary to exploit Disk 1.100 can be found on the BackTrack Disk. No additional installations will be necessary. Router Configuration: The PenTest Lab system and the PenTest machine must connect to a router that has been configured with the following values: DHCP Server: active Pool Starting Addr.: 192.168.1.2 LAN TCP/IP: IP Address: 192.168.1.1 IP Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0:)"Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass . . . . . It's about learning to dance in the rain!"

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