Pixar’s Cars 2 Characters: Meet Acer and Grem

Acer has always felt like an outcast in the car world. The beat-up green AMC Pacer joined forces with fellow “lemon” cars as henchmen for the devious Professor Z, whose clandestine mission is to wreak havoc at the highly visible World Grand Prix. Acer must hunt down the American and British secret agents who’ve stolen crucial information about Professor Z’s underhanded plot—his primary target just happens to be Mater, who’s been mistaken for a spy. Acer tries very hard to be a tough guy, but he’s over-eager compared to his no-nonsense accomplice Grem.

Grem is a dented, rusty orange AMC Gremlin. After years of being dismissed for his design, even being called a “lemon,” Grem has a big chip on his fender that has led him to the underworld of international espionage. As a henchman for a villainous boss Professor Z, Grem and his partner-in-crime Acer are trying to sabotage the World Grand Prix and the famous race cars competing in it. When Grem and Acer mistake Mater for an American agent with important top-secret information, the ruthless lemons set out on a round-the-globe chase to stop Mater from foiling their evil scheme. (Thanks for the tip Don)

First Look: Captain America: The First Avenger Movie Poster

Marvel Studios has revealed the poster for Captain America: The First Avenger, hitting 3D and 2D theaters on July 22. Directed by Joe Johnston, the action adventure stars Chris Evans, Hayley Atwell, Hugo Weaving, Sebastian Stan, Toby Jones, Samuel L. Jackson, Dominic Cooper, Tommy Lee Jones, Stanley Tucci and Neal McDonough.

Captain America: The First Avenger will focus on the early days of the Marvel Universe when Steve Rogers volunteers to participate in an experimental program that turns him into the Super Soldier known as Captain America.

A Conversation With Ray Bradbury

Ray Bradbury, 91 years young is one of those rare individuals whose writing has changed the way people think. His more than five hundred published works — short stories, novels, plays, screenplays, television scripts, and verse — exemplify the American imagination at its most creative.

Once read, his words are never forgotten. His best-known and most beloved books, The Martian Chronicles, The Illustrated Man, Fahrenheit 451 and my personal favorite, Something Wicked This Way Comes are masterworks that readers carry with them over a lifetime. His timeless, constant appeal to audiences young and old has proven him to be one of the truly classic authors of the 20th Century and the 21st.

Stephen King’s Pet Sematary Movie To Be Resuscitated

Between the forthcoming feature film adaptations of “The Dark Tower” and “The Stand,” you might think that movies based on Stephen King’s novels were at an end. But it appears that the trend is only just beginning.Just like the premise of the story itself, “Pet Sematary” is rising from the grave for a cinematic revival. The Los Angeles Times reports that Matthew Greenberg, who previously adapted King’s short story “1408,” is set to turn in his script based on King’s zombie-strewn tale to Paramount, though the studio itself would not officially comment on the report.

It’s not surprising to hear that “Pet Sematary” is coming back to life. As we pointed out earlier this week, it’s one of the oddball films in King’s library, not quite a perfect adaptation but an endlessly watchable one all the same. And with zombies all the rage right now thanks to a certain little show called “The Walking Dead,” now seems like the right time to bring “Pet Sematary” back from the brink.

Of course, in the story itself, attempting resurrection is not such a good idea. In “Pet Sematary,” King weaved a story about a hidden pet cemetery where buried corpses come back from the dead. What begins with the burial of the family cat quickly spirals out of control, touching on every dark corner of human depravity and desperation that you can think of.

TRON Legacy Blu-ray Art Revealed

Amazon has updated their database with a number of interesting looks at the upcoming release of both the original TRON and TRON: Legacy.

As shown below, the films appear set to arrive in five, four and two-disc editions as well as in an elaborate set designed to look like an identity disc, complete with glowing blue lights.

In what looks to be both good and bad news for fans of the original film, TRON (referred to on the packaging as TRON: The Original Classic) will be coming to Blu-ray as well, but looks to be available only in the larger sets and is not currently listed for an individual release. Disney also appears to making a strong push for the home video 3D version, including a 3D Blu-ray in all but the 2-disc edition.

A release date has not been set yet.

New Episodes of MTV’s Beavis And Butt-Head To Return To MTV

America’s two favorite animated idiots will be returning to your television screen this summer. In the channel’s upfront presentation Wednesday (February 2), the cast of MTV’s “Skins” announced that “Beavis and Butt-head” would be coming back later this year.

Beavis and Butt-head first appeared in a short called “Frog Baseball” as part of an old MTV animation show called “Liquid Television.” The popularity of the short led to the development of the half-hour show, which juxtaposed the pair’s animated antics with their commentary about various music videos (usually terrible clips from obscure grunge acts or awful metal bands).

The original “Beavis and Butt-head” series ran for 200 episodes between its premiere in 1993 and its finale in 1997. In that time, there was also a feature film (“Beavis and Butt-head Do America”), a comic book series, a handful of video games and appearances on the MTV Video Music Awards and “The Late Show With David Letterman,” among others.

American Idol’ To Release 10th-Anniversary Hits Compilation March 15th

On March 15, 19 Recordings/RCA Records will release American Idol 10th Anniversary – The Hits. The collection celebrates 10 years of Idol by featuring tracks from the show’s nine winners, from Kelly Clarkson to Lee DeWyze. It also will include tracks from three of the show’s other finalists. Here’s the track listing for The Hits:

1. Kelly Clarkson, Since U Been Gone

2. Ruben Studdard, Superstar

3. Clay Aiken, Invisible

4. Fantasia, When I See U

5. Carrie Underwood, Before He Cheats

6. Taylor Hicks, Takin’ It to the Streets

7. Daughtry, Home

8. Jordin Sparks (duet with Chris Brown), No Air

9. David Cook, Light On

10. Kris Allen, Live Like We’re Dying

11. Adam Lambert, Whataya Want From Me

12. Lee DeWyze, Sweet Serendipity

Pixar’s Cars 2 Character Debut: Shu Todoroki

Shu Todoroki is a Le Motor Prototype racer representing Japan and bearing #7 in the World Grand Prix. Shu was raised at the base of the active Mount Asama volcano in Japan, and soon became a champion on the Suzuka Circuit. His sleek design sports a fiery red Ka-Riu dragon, which Shu borrowed from Japanese legend because he relates to the small, yet fierce nature of the dragon. His team legacy is filled with victories – his coach, a Mazda, was the only Japanese car to ever win at Le Mans – and Shu hopes to prove his champion-level racing on the international stage of the World Grand Prix.

First Shot of Bucky in Captain America

New shots from Captain America: The First Avenger have appeared in the French edition of Premiere and scans are now available thanks to French website Les toiles Heroiques.

Below is the first shot of Cap’s sidekick, “Bucky” Barnes as portrayed by Sebastian Stan. Also included in the magazine are new images of HYDRA troops and Hugo Weaving’s Red Skull (still pre-transformation).

Update: The LA Times has unveiled a better quality shot of Bucky, side by side with Steve Rogers.

Star Wars Volkswagen Super Bowl Commercial

For anyone not excited for Packers vs. Steelers, there are always Super Bowl commercials to look forward to. This year a ton of awesome movies will be represented and it seems like the movies are even seeping into the regular commercials.

Check out a mini-Darth Vader using the Force on a Volkswagen in the soon to air commercial below. (Thanks for the tip Don)

Clay Yourself

Hotels.com recently launched its “Clay Yourself” micro site, where the public can create their likeness in clay. With detailed facial features, hairstyles and accessories, anyone can create a clay-style avatar.  These custom images can then be submitted to the “Star in a hotels.com Commercial” contest.

One lucky winner will be flown out to Los Angeles to watch their clay likeness molded and featured in an upcoming commercial. Additionally, eight weekly winners will receive $200 in hotels.com vouchers.

Honest Food Prep Instructions

First Ever DC Comics & Hero Initiative Collaboration: Justice League of America #50 – A Collection Of 100 Covers From Top Artists Around The World

The Hero Initiative, a charity dedicated to helping comic creators in medical or financial need, most proudly announces their new partnership in the Justice League Of America #50 project with DC Comics. This is the first collaboration with DC comics ever and Hero is chomping at the bit to pull the collection together. The call has gone out and dozens of artists are putting pen to paper. DC has generously donated 100 blank-covered cardstock copies of Justice League Of America #50 to Hero, and work is being created by well-known stars such as Jim Lee, Alex Ross, George Perez, Jason Bone, Jim Valentino, and many many more.

“It’s an honor to participate, not only because this is the first time DC Comics is collaborating with Hero Initiative, but because Hero Initiative is such an important organization to our community” said Jim Lee, artist and Co-Publisher of DC Comics.

“We’re thrilled to be working in new ways with DC Comics, and showcasing some of the greatest artists and greatest characters in the world,” said Hero Initiative President Jim McLauchlin. “And of course, sales of the covers and the collected book will go toward helping many other comic creators in need.”

All 100 original Justice League Of America covers will be published in a book slated for release in 2011, and a public viewing of all covers will be scheduled as well.

Tony Parker

Alex Ross

Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez

News Corp. Launches The Daily iPad Newspaper

News Corp. has launched “The Daily,” a new iPad-based daily newspaper. The Daily will offer over 100 pages of original content each day, including original video content, a selection of articles that users can choose to have read aloud, “360 degree” photos that users can explore by swiping, and interactive charts and information graphics. Features will include the ability to save articles for later reading, web-friendly versions of articles for sharing online, in-app comments, including audio comments, local weather, scores and news regarding the user’s favorite sports teams, and both crossword and sudoku puzzles. The app will also utilize a new “In-App Subscription” billing option from Apple. The Daily will be published 365 days a year, and will initially be available exclusively on the iPad in the United States, with pricing set at $0.99 per week, or $40 per year; the first two weeks will be free, courtesy of Verizon Wireless.

Latest Issue of Rolling Stone Features Elton John Cover Story

In the new issue of Rolling Stone on stands Friday, Elton John reflects on his 40-year career. Just days after the birth of his son Zachary, John speaks about the joys of fatherhood, his enduring relationship with lyricist Bernie Taupin, how he’s mentored Eminem through difficult times – and his true feelings about his longtime friend and tourmate Billy Joel.

Read a snippet of the article HERE.

Host Russell Brand & Musical Guest Chris Brown Make SNL Debuts On February 12

Comedian Russell Brand and musical guest Chris Brown will make their debut appearances on “Saturday Night Live” for the February 12 show.

Russell Brand, taking his first turn as SNL host, will lend his voice to the upcoming animated feature “Hop” due out April 1st, and will also star in the remake of “Arthur” alongside Helen Mirren on April 8th. Brand shot to fame in the Judd Apatow box office hit, “Forgetting Sarah Marshall,” and has also appeared in “Bedtime Stories” with Adam Sandler and Keri Russell, and “Get Him To The Greek” with Jonah Hill.

Grammy nominated and multi-platinum recording artist Chris Brown will also make his first appearance as musical guest. Brown’s single, “No BS” has currently held the top spot on the Urban Mainstream radio airplay chart for two consecutive weeks. His other single, “Yeah 3X” is also enjoying success in the Top 5 on the Mainstream Top 40 and Rhythmic radio airplay charts, while his newest single “Look At Me Now” featuring Lil Wayne and Busta Rhymes is already climbing the charts. Brown’s fourth album “F.A.M.E.” is due out March 22nd.

Angry Birds Rio Coming In March 2011

Angry Birds Rio is a new Angry Birds game with 45 levels coming out in March that is based on the upcoming computer animated film Rio.

In Angry Birds Rio, the original Angry Birds are kidnapped and taken to the magical city of Rio, where they eventually escape their captors and set out to to save their friends, Blu and Jewel – two rare macaws and the stars of the upcoming Fox motion picture, Rio. Like the incredibly-popular original edition, Angry Birds Rio will feature hours of gameplay, physics-based demolition challenges and loads of replay value – all with unique twists based on the highly-anticipated film. Angry Birds Rio will launch with 45 dedicated levels and will regularly add new levels via app updates. The game will be available for download on smart phones and tablets worldwide.

The Timbuk2 Custom Manufacturing Factory in San Francisco

Here is a behind-the-scenes look at the Timbuk2 messenger bag custom manufacturing factory in San Francisco.

Timbuk2 has been making custom bags in San Francisco since 1989. Once a customer places their custom order on timbuk2.com, the manufacturing team in San Francisco starts making the customer’s bag immediately. Timbuk2 guarantees all their custom bags will ship 2-3 business days after the order is placed but they often ship them within 24 hours.

Customization is part of what makes Timbuk2 special. Some members of the Timbuk2 manufacturing team have been with the company for more than 10 years. The employees are all cross-trained so they can work on any machine which makes every day different.