If you who don’t know who Joe Peacock is, that tells me two things: 1) You don’t listen to our podcast and 2) You’re missing out. Why? Let’s just say Joe’s lived a pretty interesting life and the stories he tells are almost unbelievable and widely entertaining to read. So much so that he got a publishing deal with Penguin Books. His book, the first to be published by a major publisher, entitled Mentally Incontinent: That Time I Burned Down a Hooters, That Time My Stalker Crashed on My Couch, and Nine Other Stories from My Weird Life was recently released and he was nice enough to invite me out to the Stonestown Galleria in San Francisco for a book-signing event he was having. I had never met Joe in person up until that point, my interactions with him based solely around our the times he guest starred on our podcast, so I was excited to actually meet him in person. What can I say, I love meeting people and Joe seemed like a cool enough guy.
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Peter Cooper - Credits Ben Smith

After a bit of small talk, and an introduction as to what Operation Chastity is all about, we got down to learning more about the film. Past the break is a transcript of the interview or you can listen to it below. We learn from Peter how and when he started this film project to the latest news about it.  Oh and btw.  Yes, I sound like I just woke up in the beginning because, yes.  I did just wake up at 9am Sunday for this interview.

i7: How and when did you start this project?

PC: It was actually around June or July 2008. That was when I took out a medium sized loan to get some camera equipment. It was actually going to be a project based on the Doom comic. I’m not sure if you have ever seen that, but it’s absolutely hilarious. But then we ended up scrapping that project because it wasn’t going anywhere.

But for the past 3 years, I’ve been visiting Dragon Con to hang out with my buddies and over a quiet a few beers, I was sat there with lots and lots of napkins and started drawing out Halo Warthogs. I thought, how can I build one?

So, really this whole thing started as an excuse for a really, really cool car.

I came back from America still wanting this Warthog and contacted a few engineers to figure out how to get this made. Everyone at the special effects studio I was working at was wondering “why are you doing this?” and “what purpose is this going to serve?”

i7: Well it’s because you wanted you’re own warthog.

Transcript continues past the break with 2 exclusive photos straight from Peter. (more…)

After Microsoft released the New Xbox Experience last November, Xbox LIVE Gold Members who subscribe to Netflix have been able to enjoy Netflix’s “Watch Instantly” service through their console. While PS3 owners have been wondering for a year when the instant streaming service would come to their console, there hasn’t really been much word about expanding to the PS3. However, yesterday Sony and Netflix broke the news that instant streaming would be available for the PS3 later this year.

Similar to the service available for the Xbox 360, users are required to have an unlimited membership plan from Netflix (which start at $8.99 a month) in order to stream content instantly. Unlike the service offered on the 360, which, just like online multiplayer, requires members to subscribe to a Gold account, the PS3 version of the service is available at no additional cost to Netflix subscribers. In addition, rather than be downloaded onto the console itself, the service is available through a free of charge Blu-ray disc that subscribers can already reserve and should expect to have by year’s end.

[Source]

Operation Chastity, the Halo fan-film, made a big and important step to realisation today with the unveiling of their custom made full size M12 ‘Warthog’ LRV  today at the London Expo. The beast is built on the chassis of an old Land Rover by the talented guys from Custom Creations and certainly looks the part complete with internals and a mounting point for your gun of choice.

Hit the break for more details on Operation Chastity and some choice shot of the Warthog in full glory. (more…)

A few months ago, I spoke out about the negative reaction to the Endless Eight story arc of The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya, offering my contrasting opinion on the matter. After this re-airing of Season 1, which attempted to fill in the blanks left out of its original run with new episodes, I predicted we would see more content sooner, rather than later. And, while it doesn’t seem that the fans are going to get their “true” season 2 (because let’s face it, this rebroadcast was Haruhi Season 1.5 at best), at least not now, following the last episode of the rebroadcast of The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya, Someday in the Rain, there was a brief teaser for the next part of the Haruhi Suzumiya franchise: a feature film based on the fourth light novel in the series, The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya.

Regardless of the fact that it ended several weeks ago, there is still lingering resentment over Endless Eight among the fan-base. It’s not surprising, both considering the 3 year gap between the original broadcast and the rebroadcast. When new episodes were announced, I’m sure that everyone, myself included, expected the Disappearance storyline to be part of the new series of episodes. And when Kyoto Animation failed to deliver what the fans felt they were entitled to, it is no surprise that they were upset, despite the fact that KyoAni never promised The Disappearance to begin with.

But now, it seems that the fans are finally going to get what they want, at least in Japan, with the film slated for release in Spring 2010. Unfortunately, fans here in the US who rely on fansubs to get their Haruhi fix may have to wait a while for a high quality release of the film, given that a DVD may not hit Japan until late next year. But hey, waiting a year for The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya is a lot better than waiting 3 years for new episodes.

Stargate, Clerks and JackAss cast appear on red carpet at Northeast game expo

Philadelphia, PA—Friday, October 16, 2009— GameX (Games & Media Expo) today announced their final line-up of Hollywood and pop culture celebrities set to appear on the red carpet in Oaks, PA next week October 23-25, 2009. Celebrity guests will be participating in media interviews, panels, screenings, autographing and photo sessions, and walking the red carpet at GameX.

GameX fans will meet film actors Marilyn Ghigliotti, known as “Veronica Loughran,” and Bill O’Halloran, recognized as “Dante Hicks,” who both notably launched their careers in the cult classic film Clerks, directed by auteur Kevin Smith. Ghigliotti has enjoyed her various character roles over the years, while O’Halloran has appeared in Chasing Amy, Dogma and Clerks II. Ghigliotti and O’Halloran will share the stage at GameX in a special Clerks panel session, scheduled for Saturday, October 24.

Read the rest of the press release which names more celebrities that will be at GameX after the break.

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Sequel to Adaptation of Visual Novel Game Coming to Crunchyroll

San Francisco, CA and Tokyo, Japan (October 7, 2009) — Crunchyroll and
Marvelous Entertainment announces today the addition of SHIN KOIHIME MUSO to Crunchyroll’s Fall 2009 Anime Lineup. Adapted from BaseSon’s Japanese visual novel game with a nearly all-female interpretation of the Chinese literary classic ROMANCE OF THE THREE KINGDOMS, SHIN KOIHIME MUSO is animated by Dogakobo and features returning cast members Emi Motoi, Erika Narumi, Hiroka Nishizawa, Maki Kobayashi, and Nami Kurokawa in lead voice-acting roles. More information can be found at http://www.crunchyroll.com/shinkoihimemuso.

“SHIN KOIHIME MUSO exemplifies everything which hardcore anime fans are looking for in anime today,” said Vince Shortino, President of Crunchyroll’s Japan office. “Its ornate visuals, character relationships and fan service all create the ideal core show for the Fall.”

SHIN KOIHIME MUSO will be available worldwide outside of Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and French-speaking Europe in standard definition free of charge to all visitors of Crunchyroll’s website and across the Crunchyroll network one week after airing in Japan. Crunchyroll’s Anime Members will receive early access to the program.

All fans can enjoy all content on the site for free, but Crunchyroll Anime Members benefits include higher quality streams of all shows (in some cases at 720p High Definition Video) with no advertisement and early access to all simulcast shows as early as one (1) hour after its Japan Broadcast. Crunchyroll Anime Membership costs as little as $5 a month and goes directly towards supporting Japan Animation companies. More information, including a two week free trial membership can be found at http://www.crunchyroll.com/freetrial.

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Can you believe it?

Have you ever wondered whats underneath that green strapless dress? Well if you have (which is creepy btw) then you will be able to find out this coming November.

It sounds random, but its not. It’s all in good spirit. Playboy is actually doing it in honor of The Simpsons’ 20th Anniversary.

Personally, I don’t know. I grew up with Marge Simpson. She is somewhat of a mother figure to me, and seeing her naked or half naked is…just…wrong? *shudder* Then again, I want to see how Playboy, or The Simpsons animators pull this one off.

Keep in mind, there is no word if she will be actually naked on the mag. We’ll have to wait and see if Playboy goes Hentai or not. KEKE

Will you guys be rushing to your nearest newspaper stand and getting your copy of this November’s Playboy?

[via Perez Hilton]

Update: The Playboy cover has surfaced on the internets. Go past the break to view it. (more…)

Adaptation of Visual Novel Game Coming to Crunchyroll

San Francisco, CA and Tokyo, Japan (October 6, 2009) — Crunchyroll and Marvelous Entertainment announces today the addition of 11 EYES to Crunchyroll’s Fall 2009 Anime Lineup. Adapted from Lass’s Japanese visual novel game of the same name, 11 EYES is animated by Dogakobo and features Daisuke Ono, of video game and anime voice-acting fame, in the lead role of Kakeru Satsuki. More information can be found at http://www.crunchyroll.com/11eyes.

“11 EYES will be a fast-paced adventure into alternative world of romance, action, and fantasy,” said Vince Shortino, President of Crunchyroll’s Japan office. “This will be a real treat for fans of ‘late-night’ anime.”

11 EYES will be available worldwide outside of Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and French-speaking Europe in standard definition free of charge to all visitors of Crunchyroll’s website and across the Crunchyroll network one week after airing in Japan. Crunchyroll’s Anime Members will receive early access to the program.

All fans can enjoy all content on the site for free, but Crunchyroll Anime Members benefits include higher quality streams of all shows (in some cases at 720p High Definition Video) with no advertisement and early access to all simulcast shows as early as one (1) hour after its Japan Broadcast. Crunchyroll Anime Membership costs as little as $5 a month and goes directly towards supporting Japan Animation companies. More information, including a two week free trial membership can be found at http://www.crunchyroll.com/freetrial.

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Anime Adaptation of Smash Hit Kodansha Manga Coming to Crunchyroll Same Day as Japan Starting October 12th as Premium Simulcast

San Francisco, CA and Tokyo, Japan (October 5, 2009) — Crunchyroll and TV TOKYO announced today the addition of FAIRY TAIL to Crunchyroll’s Fall 2009 Anime Lineup. Adapted from the hit manga published in Weekly Shonen Magazine by RAVE MASTER creator Hiro Mashima and animated by A-1 Pictures and Satelight, FAIRY TAIL features pop idol turned actress Aya Hirano in the lead role of Lucy Heartfilia. More information can be found at http://www.crunchyroll.com/fairytail.

“FAIRY TAIL has everything ­ action, adventure, comedy, and even wizardry,” said Rob Pereyda, Crunchyroll’s Vice President of Licensing. “This is exactly the kind of title that excites both casual and hardcore anime fans alike, and there is no doubt that it will be a huge success.”

Otherwise not available due to licensing restrictions, FAIRY TAIL is specially presented on Crunchyroll for Anime Members, with each episode available one hour after Japanese broadcast and accessible 30 days thereafter. Title will be available in 720P high definition worldwide outside of Japan.

All fans can enjoy all content on the site for free, but Crunchyroll Anime Members benefits include higher quality streams of all shows (in some cases at 720p High Definition Video) with no advertisement and early access to all simulcast shows as early as one (1) hour after its Japan Broadcast. Crunchyroll Anime Membership costs as little as $5 a month and goes directly towards supporting Japan Animation companies. More information, including a two week free trial membership can be found at http://www.crunchyroll.com/freetrial.

FAIRY TAIL joins over 20 other titles to form Crunchyroll’s Fall 2009 Anime Lineup. Find out what else will be simulcasting at http://www.crunchyroll.com/lineup today.

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