Interview with Anno Dracula Author Kim Newman

Critically acclaimed novelist Kim Newman is well known, not only for writing great storylines, but also blending together a wonderfully imaginative cast of characters for his books. For Dracula Cha Cha Cha, the third book in his Anno Dracula series, you’ll see all of this in full view in a world intertwined with fictional characters and real people in history, such as Ernest Hemingway, Michael Corleone, Audrey Hepburn, and Tintin. Mix them into 1959 Rome where Count Dracula is set to marry the Princess of Moldavia and what you get is a fun read for fans of horror, fiction, and parallel worlds.

Today, we’re honored to have author Kim Newman to take the time out and answer questions on the reissue of the Anno Dracula books, who his primary influences, and what we can expect in Johnny Alucard, the fourth book of the series.

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Talking Chuck Norris Figure!

Funko Wacky Wobbler Talking Chuck Norris

Funko maker of pop culture bobble-head figures out does itself with this Chuck Norris bobble-head.  It’s not just a regular bobble-head, but it talks too!  If you like the films Delta Force and Expendables 2, tv series Walker: Texas Ranger, or just a huge fan of Chuck Norris, this figure is for you!

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Vietnamese Noodle Gear dedicated to all things Phở

Townfolk celebrates Phở culture with unique posters, stickers, buttons, and chopsticks dedicated to this Vietnamese noodle dish.  I’m just hungry talking about this.  You can hit up their Kickstarter page for more info – Townfolk – Phở Life.  The pledge prices range from $10 – $50 bucks depending on what Phở Life items you may want.

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Audeze LCD2

Christmas is coming and here I go again this year with my wish list. Though every year, that lame St. Nick never delivers what I want.  But that won’t stop me, I plan to post more of my wish lists in the coming weeks here at Retrenders. First on the list are these gorgeous Audeze LCD2 headphones with Lambskin leather cushions, Rosewood earcups, and a planar magnetic driver.  What else more can I ask for in a headphone?

MSRP:  $995.00USD

For more details, go to Audeze LCD2 – Bamboo.

 

Production I.G x Mercedes Benz x Ramen Noodles

How does Mercedes Benz launch a new car?  Well, Mercedes Benz Japan teams up with famed anime house – Production I.G (Batman Gotham Knights, Halo Legends & Ghost in the Shell) for the launch of the new Mercedes Benz A-Class.  This short anime film follows 3 protagonists chasing a ramen food truck in the city.

Okay, I’m hungry for noodles now.

Fatlace x Transformers = The 2nd Drop

This past weekend, Fatlace released Drop 2 of this Transformers graphic tee collection.  I really like how they use the classic Transformers G1 line in shirt designs.  You can drop by Illest SF or LA retail stores, but my brother said it’s better to just buy it online at Fatlace since the stores sometimes carry a limited selection.  You maybe dropping a dime on these but it’s well worth it.

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Drink: Star Wars Bottle Opener

In a planet far, far away, they probably have beer, and they will probably need something to open it with. That’s where they would need this millennium falcon bottle opener. It’s unfortunate this thing doesn’t shoot out lasers or have sound effects, but to be able to hold a small replica in your hand with the cold beer in the other, well, I think thats good enough for any Star Wars-loving guy.

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Umbrella Art by Luke Jerram

The staff here at Retrenders has brought you other umbrella art pieces in the past – maybe its a trend.  Seriously though, artist Luke Jerram said it best in describing his recent outdoor art installation Just Sometimes, “It’s ok to create something that is simply beautiful that makes the public smile.” Honestly, I really wouldn’t mind walking by this to work everyday. Sure would bring a smile to my face and some spring to my feet as I tackle a long day of work. Go to his website to check out some of his other amazing art installation, sculptures, and live art.

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Bringing Soul to Your eBooks

I love everything about a good book – the weight in my hand, the beautiful cover, and of course, the great enjoyment the story has brought me. With e-readers, we lose the weight, but we also lose the “soul” of the book. With this imaginative idea by Outofprintclothing.com, one gets to still enjoy their favorite book and cling on to at least some of that “soul” by fitting their eBook with a jacket adorned with original book cover art. Made by the oldest bookbinder in the U.S., the cases also look and feel like an actual book. Check out some of my current favorites – The Great Gatsby and A Clockwork Orange jackets.

For more info, go to:  KickStarter – Out of Print eBook Jackets.

Mirvish x Gehry = Toronto Project

Frank Gehry has some hits and misses (don’t we all however), but whenever I hear his name, I have to tune in and see for myself what he’s currently up to, because you never know, the next one might just amaze the socks off of you. So far, the models and images for a new entertainment district in his hometown of Toronto is simply amazing. Here’s the video that introduces this impressive project.

Viral Video Friday: Montage of Arnold Schwarzenegger Dialogue

160 clips of Arnold saying his most famous one liners and bad words!

Tarzan Celebrates 100 Years!!!

Today we celebrate 100 years of Tarzan, the man-child raised by apes in the jungles of Africa, born from the imaginary mind of author Edgar Rice Burroughs who created the popular fictional character that first leaped onto printed pages in 1912.

When I received a review copy of Tarzan: The Centennial Celebration in the mail, I was really stunned at how beautiful this hardbound book was.  Author and Tarzan fanatic Scott Tracy Griffin went all out – this book is a comprehensive collection of all things Tarzan and Edgar Rice Burroughs.  First of all, this book has an awesome collection of illustrations, book art, comic book art, cover art, and archive photos from the various movies and television shows.  It also covers various aspects of the Tarzan universe, such as, merchandising, toys, fan clubs, fan conventions, and it even includes a dictionary on what is known as “ape” language.  I can speak ape now!

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Geek Coolness: Etch-A-Sketch Art by Jane Labowitch

This young artist Jane Labowitch is a super duper Etch-A-Sketch pro.  You really have to check her Facebook and Flickr page for more amazing Etch-A-Sketch art and her latest updates.

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ABC’s of Spaceships by Scott Markley

Do you have geeky sons and daughters?  Well they can learn their alphabets with the ABC’s of spaceships.

Scott Markley over at Time For Hugs complied the list and it’s pretty geekstatic list of sci-fi spaceships.

Source:  Time For Hugs – ABC’s of Spaceships by Scott Markley.

Smoko Toaster USB Hub

At first this reminded me of a children’s toy for a five year old but after looking at it a little closer, it brought a huge smile to my face. Not for its silliness, but for it’s cleverness.   Each piece of toast is a 4GB Flash Drive and the toaster itself is the USB hub. The artist took a mundane, everyday appliance and applied a nice amount of wit and charm – I just love the Crisp Toast Flash Drive with the crossed out eyes. The USB Flash Drives come in four designs (Tato, Butta, Ry Ry, and Crisp), while the toaster is equipped with four USB ports and a SD card slot.

Buy these neat USB flash devices @ My Plastic Heart – Smoko Toaster USB Hub.

Pepsi Soda with no FAT!

This week, Pepsi launches their new soda in Japan – Pepsi Special.  This soda is very special, since Pepsi claims it uses Dextrin – a diet fiber coming potatoes and is a fat blocker.

Alright – bring this to the US and let’s test this out!

Samsung Galaxy S3 Case by Kimono

Apple iPhones may get lots of art/design cases, but not to be left out in the cold, the Samsung Galaxy S3 receives some Kimono love.  Kimono brings out a collection of Japanese-inspired cases for the Galaxy S3.  There are 5 case designs to choose from.

MSRP:  $25.00USD.

Buy these Kimono cases @ Strapya World.

Recyclable Headphones: Hoomia Bon 5

Are you still on the green tech kick for 2012?  How about environmentally friendly headphones using bamboo and recyclable?  Taiwanese company Hoomia launches these nifty Bon 5 series headphones.

MSRP:  $38.00USD

Source:  Dzone – Hoomia Bon 5.

 

Doggy Radio x Rimowa

Japanese pop artist Yoshitomo Nara latest collab for Rimowa is a collectible figurine.  This piece comes with a cute Doggy Radio sculpture and cool looking retro case.  Production is limited to only 200 pieces and 25 of these will be made available at Lane Crawford retail outlet in Hong Kong.

MSRP:  $5,136.00USD (Yes, this collectible item is pricey.)

Source:  Lane Crawford.

Minature Hobbit Playset!

This Hobbit playhouse diorama was all built by hand and all because of a college class Maddie Chambers took.  A fan of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings since age 10, this geeky mom of twin boys went all out building this amazing detailed Hobbit house.  Okay, let’s bring out the action figures and start playing!

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Bargain Hunting: Hoodie Galore

It’s that time of the year again.  If you are sick of stressing over buying this or that for somebody and figuring your gift budget – it can get overwhelming.   As for me I like some TLC for myself and if I’m on a budget instead of going to the outlets, I do like hitting up Ross and Marshalls.  Name brand clothes that’s fashionable and stylish for a cheap price.  You do have to spend some time searching around the racks and another very important tip, check zippers and buttons.  Here’s my Ross haul this past week.

DC Zipper Hoodie – Greyish with Red Trim

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Warhol Campbell’s Soup

Warhol used Campbell’s Soup, so why not Campbell’s Soup use Warhol?

50 years after Warhol was inspired by the Campbell’s Soup can, Campbell’s is finally using the his art for a limited edition soup can design.

Disney Princess Leia

The latest musical video by AVbyte!  The Disney Princesses – Ariel, Aurora, Belle, Cinderella and Snow White teach Star Wars’ Princess Leia on how to be a Disney Princess.

 

Dance Music and Electricity

I just like looking at the electricity.

Baby Martial Artists

Creative dad Patrick Boivin uses his kids in these cool movie parodies.  Here’s his latest starring his infant son in a Kill Bill/Bruce Lee-inspired fighting video:

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