From October 11th to 14th New York’s Javits Center was overrun with comic fans from all over the world. Here is a selection of some of our favorite sights and costumes from the show floor.

Hero Bot Con is the biggest and best comic and pop culture convention in Upstate NY! This year’s guest of honor is Mark Silvestri who will be on hand all day signing copies of his new comic “Cyber Force” #1 which are being given away for FREE! The event will also feature dozen of top artists and vendors as well as several exclusive panels and Q & A sessions that you won’t find anywhere else.

Saturday, October 27, 2012
11:00am – 6:00pm
Chemung County FFC
425 Pennsylvania Ave
Elmira, NY 14904

Kids 14 and under get in FREE with a paid adult!

For more information on tickets and a full list of convention guests visit
http://www.herobotcon.com

Dethklok’s The Dethalbum III (Deluxe Edition) is Available Now! – $11.99 at Best Buy.  Click here to purchase at Bestbuy.com! Do not miss this album.  Read our review here:

“If you are a fan of Adult Swim’s animated series “Metalocalypse”, then like myself, you should be eagerly anticipating this album. “Dethalbum II” was released all the way back in September 2009.  Dethklok is the virtual death metal band from the series “Metalocalypse” and contains music from the second, third and fourth seasons of the show. The music, like the past albums, is basically all performed by the show’s creator Brendon Small with some help from drummer Gene Hoglan and bassist Bryan Beller. The deluxe edition CD/DVD includes a 32 minute behind-the-scenes documentary of the making of Dethalbum III, as well as music videos and more. If you are a fan of vinyl, like myself, the album will also be released on vinyl on November 6, 2012 (just like the first one).”

 Track listing:

1. “I Ejaculate Fire” (from “Dethhealth”)
2. “Crush the Industry” (from “Renovationklok”)
3. “Andromeda” (from “Writersklok”)
4. “The Galaxy” (from “Doublebookedklok”)
5. “Starved” (from “Tributeklok”)
6. “Killstardo Abominate” (from “Dethsiduals” & “Rehabklok”)
7. “Ghostqueen” (from “Motherklok”)
8. “Impeach God” (from “Dethgov”)
9. “Biological Warfare” (from “Fertilityklok”)
10. “Skyhunter” (from “Rehabklok”)
11. “The Hammer” (from “Dethcamp”)
12. “Rejoin” (from “Fanklok”)

Media Mikes was lucky enough to catch up with emmy-winning voice actor Rob Paulsen on the floor of NYCC this past Friday. Paulsen can currently be heard in Nickelodeon’s new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles as Donatello alongside Sean Astin’s Raphael. However he was equally ready to talk about one of his most iconic roles, Yakko Warner, of “Animaniacs”.

Children of the 90s will remember the impressive and catchy “Yakko’s World” in which Paulsen sang the names of the nations of the world. As political lines have shifted since 1993 when the song first aired, Paulsen revealed that he and the writer are hoping to be back to get an updated version recorded:

“I don’t know if I’m recording it for sure, Randy Rogel who wrote Yakko’s World–and all the other cool stuff on Animaniacs, by and large–told me a couple weeks ago that he updated Yakko’s World to reflect the Soviet Union no longer being around and all the ‘-stans’. Uzebekistan, Kazahkstan, Tajikastan…so yea, apparently there is a new, updated version of Yakko’s World and I hope that we can record it one day and release it!”

Great news! Now, all together, “Uuuunited States, Canada, Mexico, Panama…“

ALL TICKETS HAVE BEEN DISTRIBUTED.  WINNERS WERE NOTIFIED VIA EMAIL.  THANKS AGAIN FOR ENTERING AND CHECK BACK WEEKLY FOR NEW GIVEAWAYS!

If you would like to enter for a chance to win tickets to the following advance screening below, please leave a comment below with your favorite video game character. Tickets are limited and will be chosen on a RANDOM BASIS on Friday October 19th. ONLY ONE ENTRY PER PERSON/PER HOUSEHOLD PLEASE! OTHERWISE ALL ENTRIES WILL BE DISREGARDED. The winners will be will notified then via email and will be instructed how to pick up the tickets. Good luck and hope to see if you at the screening!

Theatre: AMC Altamonte Mall
Date: Thursday, October 25th, 2012
Time: 7:00 PM
Format: 3D

Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/WreckItRalph
Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/disneyanimation

Voice Cast: John C. Reilly, Sarah Silverman, Jack McBrayer, Jane Lynch
Director: Rich Moore
Producer: Clark Spencer

From Walt Disney Animation Studios and Emmy®-winning director Rich Moore comes “Wreck-It Ralph,” a hilarious, arcade-game-hopping adventure. For decades, Ralph (voice of John C. Reilly) has been overshadowed by Fix-It Felix, Jr. (voice of Jack McBrayer), the good-guy star of their game who always gets to save the day. Tired of playing the role of a bad guy, Ralph takes matters into his own massive hands and sets off on a journey across the arcade through multiple generations of video games to prove he’s got what it takes to be a hero.

On his quest, Ralph meets tough-as-nails Sergeant Calhoun (voice of Jane Lynch) from the first-person action game Hero’s Duty, and feisty misfit Vanellope von Schweetz (voice of Sarah Silverman) from the candy-coated cart racing game, Sugar Rush, who may just be his first real friend. But everything changes when a deadly enemy is unleashed, threatening the entire arcade and Vanellope herself. Ralph finally gets his chance to save the day—but can he do it in time? “Wreck-It Ralph” crashes onto the big screen on November 2, 2012, in Disney Digital 3D™ in select theaters.

KELLY MARCEL TO WRITE THE SCREENPLAY TO UNIVERSAL PICTURES AND FOCUS FEATURES’ FILM ADAPTATION OF “FIFTY SHADES OF GREY” 

UNIVERSAL CITY, CA, October 8, 2012—Universal Pictures and Focus Features today announced that Kelly Marcel will write the screenplay to the highly anticipated film adaptation of “Fifty Shades of Grey.”  Michael De Luca and Dana Brunetti will produce the film based on E L James’ #1 Bestselling book, alongside James.  The announcement was made by Universal Pictures Co-Chairman, Donna Langley and Focus Features’ Chief Executive Officer, James Schamus.

Marcel wrote the 2011 Black List script, Saving Mr. Banks, the story of Walt Disney’s twenty-year pursuit of the film rights to author P.L. Travers’ novel, “Mary Poppins,” and the rocky relationship that formed between the two.  The film is currently in production at Walt Disney Studios starring Tom Hanks, Emma Thompson and Colin Farrell with John Lee Hancock directing.  Marcel served as the co-creator and executive producer of the Amblin/FOX-TV series Terra Nova, for which she wrote the series’ pilot episode.  She will also produce The Madonnas of Echo Park for HBO.

“Kelly’s work demonstrates her flawless structural technique and passionate commitment to emotion, humor and depth of character which is particularly visible in the celebrated screenplay for the upcoming Saving Mr. Banks,” said De Luca.  “We were all taken with the depth and passion of Kelley’s engagement with the characters and world E L James has created and we knew she was the right person to augment our Fifty Shades family,” added Brunetti.

Universal Pictures and Focus Features acquired the rights to the three books in the “Fifty Shades of Grey” Trilogy in March of this year.  Focus Features will market and distribute the first film in partnership with Universal.  “Fifty Shades of Grey” has become a global phenomenon and the trilogy has been translated in 45 languages worldwide since its release.  In the U.S. alone, the “Fifty Shades” trilogy has sold over 32 million copies in e-book and print making it one of the fastest selling book series ever.

“Fifty Shades of Grey” follows the relationship of 27-year-old billionaire Christian Grey and college student Anastasia Steele.  Subsequent novels in the series, “Fifty Shades Darker” (September 2011) and “Fifty Shades Freed” (January 2012) explore the couple’s deepening relationship.  For more information please see the official Fifty Shades of Grey Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/fiftyshadesofgreymovie.

Marcel was represented in the deal by WME and Casarotto Ramsay & Associates Limited.

About Universal Pictures

Universal Pictures is a division of Universal Studios (www.universalstudios.com).  Universal Studios is part of NBCUniversal.  NBCUniversal is one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production and marketing of entertainment, news and information to a global audience.  NBCUniversal owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group and world-renowned theme parks.  Comcast Corporation owns a controlling 51% interest in NBCUniversal, with GE holding a 49% stake.

About Focus Features

Focus Features and Focus Features International (www.focusfeatures.com) comprise a singular global company. This worldwide studio makes original and daring films that challenge the mainstream to embrace and enjoy voices and visions from around the world that deliver global commercial success. The company operates as Focus Features in North America, and as Focus Features International (FFI) in the rest of the world; and is celebrating its 10th Anniversary in 2012.

Focus Features and FFI are part of NBCUniversal, one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production, and marketing of entertainment, news, and information to a global audience. NBCUniversal owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment television networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group, and world-renowned theme parks. Comcast Corporation owns a controlling 51% interest in NBCUniversal, with GE holding a 49% stake.

Bluetree Electronics
Supports microSD card up to 32 GB (a 4GB microSD card is included)
Includes a card reader for file transferring
Built-in rechargeable Li-Polymer battery
Play-time up to 6 hours

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

When I heard that Bluetree Electronics was releasing the World’s Smallest Touch MP3 Player, I couldn’t help it but be interested. Let me introduce the theKube2. It isn’t called theKube for no reason since it literally measures at just one cubed inch. The touch screen is used for audio navigation and control and is rather user-friendly. The sound on this little device is very impressive. When it comes to battery life, that is key when it comes to handheld devices. TheKube2 packs six hours of playback in one single hour USB charge. This device is also expandable with storage. It comes with 4GB microSD and supports microSD card up to 32GB. Since theKube2 is bland it also is customizable with its design and has full body, changeable skins.

Now that we delivered all the neat features, I still have a problem with theKube2. I thought it would have been a neat gadget to just pop in and go but I still stick with my iPhone (or any other Smartphone for that matter) over this device. I was thinking this would work great with the gym or running but there are already great armbands made for all smart devices. With all the devices out there now, I feel that this would most likely work best for kids that don’t cellphones yet and need a MP3 player. Obviously they would want a iPad or iTouch but given the cost this is an good alternative…if you are just looking for an MP3 player.

Media Mikes had the chance to review WWE latest film “Barricade” on DVD last week.  Click here to read our review. “WWE Monday Night Raw” is viewed by over 4 million people each week and we were lucky enough that our review was quoted on a National coverage TV spot during “Raw” on 9/24/12.  Check out the photo below!! Hopefully this is the first of many times you will get to see Media Mikes on television.

Also I highly recommend picking up a copy of WWE’s Barricade, available exclusively at Walmart on September 25th.  Did I mention this movie kicks some major ass and also stars Eric McCormack from “Will and Grace”.  Horror fans need to grab this ASAP!

To celebrate the premiere of NBC’s new fall show “Chicago Fire,” MEDIAMIKES.COM is giving you the exclusive opportunity to win a pass for two to attend an advance screening of the PILOT EPISODE at a local theatre. See it with a friend before anyone else!

The show stars Jesse Spencer, “House” and Taylor Kinney, “The Vampire Diaries” and it is from renowned, Emmy Award-winning executive producer Dick Wolf (“Law & Order” brand) and creators Derek Haas and Michael Brandt, the writing team behind “3:10 to Yuma”.

 For your chance to receive event passes, log on to www.GOFOBO.com/RSVP

Enter RSVP code: MEDIAMXPQT Thursday, October 4, 7:30pm AMC Altamonte Mall Passes are limited and are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

http://www.nbc.com/chicago-fire/

From renowned, Emmy Award-winning executive producer Dick Wolf (“Law & Order” brand) and creators Derek Haas and Michael Brandt, the writing team behind “3:10 to Yuma,” comes the high-octane drama “Chicago Fire,” – an edge-of-your-seat view into the lives of everyday heroes committed to one of America’s noblest professions. For the firefighters, rescue squad and paramedics of Chicago Firehouse 51, no occupation is more stressful or dangerous, yet so rewarding and exhilarating. These courageous men and women are among the elite who forge headfirst into danger when everyone else is running the other way and whose actions make the difference between life and death. The pressure to perform on such a high level has a way of taking a personal toll, sometimes putting team members from the Truck and the specially trained Rescue Squad at odds with each other. Despite any differences, this is an extended family, and when it’s “go time,” everyone inside Firehouse 51 knows no other way than to lay it all on the line for each other. When a tragedy claims one of their own, there’s plenty of guilt and blame to go around. Lt. Matthew Casey (Jesse Spencer, “House”), in charge of the Truck, tries to carry on, but butts heads with the brash Lt. Kelly Severide (Taylor Kinney, “The Vampire Diaries”) of the Rescue Squad – and each blames the other for their fallen team member. Adding to the turmoil, Casey, unbeknownst to his colleagues, is in the midst of a separation from Hallie (Teri Reeves, “Three Rivers”). The firehouse also includes Battalion Chief Wallace Boden (Eamonn Walker, “Oz”), a fireman’s fireman who is confronted by important personal decisions, paramedics Gabriela Dawson (Monica Raymund, “The Good Wife”) and Leslie Shay (Lauren German, “Hawaii Five-O”), who share a close bond and team together to face some of the most harrowing situations imaginable, Peter Mills (Charlie Barnett, “Law & Order: SVU”), an academy graduate who is the latest generation in a family of firefighters, and Christopher Herrmann (David Eigenberg, “Sex and the City”), a seasoned veteran who loses his home to foreclosure and now must uproot his family to move in with his in-laws.

ORLANDO, Fla. – September 19, 2012 – Feld Motor Sports has released a special offer for its 2013 Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam^® events at the Florida Citrus Bowl Stadium on Saturday, January 26^th, 2013.

For one week only, Monday, September 24 through Sunday, September 30, 2012, fans who purchase any Orlando 2013 show ticket will receive a free Pit Pass with every ticket purchased.

Pit Passes are normally $10 each and are good for admission to the “Party in the Pits,” which takes place 2 to 5 p.m. before the show. The pass takes fans behind the scenes to meet the drivers, obtain autographs, get a close-up view of the monster trucks, see special entertainment, take part in games, and more. A show ticket is required along with a Pit Pass for entry into the pit parties. The January 26^th Orlando show starts at 7 p.m.

Tickets start at $15. The free Pit Pass offer will be available for purchase at the Amway Center Box Office, through www.Ticketmaster.com or charge by phone at 800-745-3000 (offer not available at Ticketmaster retail outlets) starting Monday, with the offer expiring at midnight Sunday, September 30^th. Compete event information is available at www.MonsterJam.com.

The official title of the event is Metro PCS, 1-800-ASK-GARY, Budweiser and Your Southern Ford Dealers present the Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam^®.

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Get organized with valuable tips from Mark Brunetz of Style Network’s Clean House

ORLANDO, Fla. (September 18, 2012) – Inspiration will start the minute guests step into the 2012 Orlando Home Show, the only place to find smart ideas and fresh advice for gardening, home improvement, decorating and more from hundreds of experts, all under one roof. Orlando’s original and largest consumer home show returns October 5-7 to Hall North B in the Orange County Convention Center’s North/South complex off Universal Boulevard, and features local, regional and national experts, instructional how-to seminars, contests, giveaways and much more. The home improvement extravaganza will spotlight Featured Products and Services and exhibitors who are participating in the fall show for the very first time.

Special features include appearances by Mark Brunetz of Style Network’s Clean House; a Design Showcase and free design consultations by AP Interiors; a tech gadget-filled Smart House constructed by Universal Contracting; and daily seminars by home improvement experts on the Fresh Ideas Home Stage.

According to Marketplace Events, the nation’s largest producer of home shows, including the Orlando Home Show,consumers continue to seek out home improvement projects to protect their investment as the economy slowly improves. “Hundreds of experts are standing by to help consumers, whether they have a specific project in mind or are seeking fresh ideas,” said Cristian Moore, Orlando show manager for Marketplace Events. “We offer a fun day out and there’s something for everyone at our show.”

Want to live clutter free in spectacularly designed, yet affordable rooms that convey your true sense of personal style?Mark Brunetz’s presentations on the Fresh Ideas Main Stage will empower guests to reclaim their living spaces. Tackling the emotional reasons why people unnecessarily hang on to possessions, Brunetz will offer valuable tips to help clear the clutter, get organized, and make way for a more efficient, nicer place in which to live during his presentations on Friday at 6:00 p.m., Saturday at 12 noon and 5:00 p.m., and Sunday at 3:00 p.m.

Creative juices will start flowing when guests stroll through the Designer Showcase, presented by Ana Palacios Interiors of Orlando. Fully decorated, accessorized and uniquely-themed living, dining, bedroom and office spaces – even a child’s bedroom – will showcase the very latest trends, styles and colors, from transitional to eclectic to contemporary. Colorful tangerine-colored walls, chrome pieces and holiday accents are among the hundreds of design elements that will be on display. Designers will be available throughout the weekend during show hours offering free consultations. Guests are encouraged to bring photos, floor plans, fabric swatches and paint samples for help solving their toughest home improvement challenges.

Consumers can also find answers to their DIY and home improvement, landscaping and home décor questions from more than 300 experts around the show floor and on the main stage throughout the weekend. Popular green thumb andOrlando Sentinel columnist Tom MacCubbin and nationally-syndicated home design columnist Marni Jameson are among the presenters (visit www.OrlandoHomeShow.com for a complete listing of presentation times).

From energy-saving devices to automation and security, guests can see the latest technology, products and gadgets available today in The Smart Home, constructed right on the show floor by Universal Contracting.

There’s no better place than at the Orlando Home Show to shop, compare and save on a wide variety of home improvement products and services in one location. Show producers have done all of the legwork to identify a variety ofFeatured Products and Services, from an aromatherapy system that uses air conditioning to distribute fragrances throughout the home, to easily-installed and interchangeable kitchen backsplashes, to versatile cookers that do it all: slow roasting, steaming, smoking and grilling. Guests can explore 300 exhibit booths, plus enter into contest and prize drawings.

Show hours are Friday and Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m, and Sunday, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.  Tickets are available at the door, and are $10 for adults, $5 for seniors (60+; this discount is ONLY valid at the door and no other discounts apply), $5 for students 13-18 (ID required, only valid at the door), and free for children 12 years and younger.  Advance tickets can be purchased online for a $3 discount off full-price $10 admission at www.OrlandoHomeShow.com.  Convenient on-site parking is available adjacent to the Orange County Convention Center off Universal Boulevard, and is $8 per car with valid Florida ID.

For more information, visit www.OrlandoHomeShow.com, or call 877-871-SHOW (7469).  The Central Florida Home & Garden Show  and its springtime sister show, the Central Florida Home & Garden Show (March 22-24, 2013) are both produced by Marketplace Events.

Get celebrity tips, home trends, exhibitor discounts, opportunities to win tickets and more by connecting with the show onFacebook and Twitter (@FloridaHomeShow).

About Marketplace Events:

Marketplace Events produces 31 consumer home shows in 20 markets across North America that collectively attract 14,000 exhibitors, 1 million attendees and another 1 million unique web visitors annually. For more information, visit www.marketplaceevents.com.

Star Wars Detours™ is an animated comedy that explores what daily life is like in a galaxy far, far away. There are no Empires striking back or attacking clones here. Instead, Star Wars Detours focuses on the universe’s regular folks and their everyday problems… which, to be fair, do frequently involve famous bounty hunters, crazed Ewoks, and even a Dark Lord of the Sith.

Welcome to Star Wars: Detours: the other side of the stars, between the wars.

Star Wars Detours™ was revealed during Star Wars Celebration VI last month in Orlando, FL. The new animated series is from the team behind “Robot Chicken”. There is amazing line-up for voices on this show including Seth Green, Catherine Taber, Dee Bradley Baker, Joel McHale, Donald Faison, Breckin Meyer, Seth McFarlane, and Jennifer Hale. The show should be hitting Cartoon Network in 2013.

http://www.starwars.com/detours
http://www.facebook.com/starwarsdetours

Check out the trailer and various clips from this show:

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Keny Cohen is the owner and designer of KATRIEL. Her designs have been worn by many celebrities including Marina Sirtis from “Star Trek: The Next Generation” and Kendall Jenner from “Keeping Up with the Kardashians”. Keny took out some time to chat with Media Mikes about fashion and design.

Mike Gencarelli: Tell us about how you started “Katriel Designs”?
Keny Cohen: I started Katriel over summer as more of a hobby and something that I had always enjoyed doing. Little by little the line began to develop and more and more people started showing interest making my dreams of being a fashion designer a reality.

MG: How did it feel to have someone like Kendall Jenner wear your designs during Fashion’s Night Out in LA and support your collection?
KC: It felt amazing! knowing that someone that is so hot right now in fashion want to wear your creations feels like a huge validation in the industy.

MG: In an every changing design world, how do you stay on stop of fashion?
KC: As Yves Saint Laurent said, “fashions fade, style is eternal.” I completely agree with him and I don’t feel like I am someone who follows trends. Although i like to add things that keep my designs fresh and modern, overall I stick with shapes and styles that have lasted through trends and will always be in demand. These are the designs that a woman can keep in her closet forever and never feel like it has become outdated.

MG: What do you have planned next for your line?
KC: Spring 2013! http://www.KatrielDesigns.com

On a movie scale, if the original 2005 “JawsFEST” was the fan equivalent of “Jaws” then the recent “JawsFEST: The Tribute” was more like “Jaws: The Revenge!”

I took some time off between the end of the Fest and writing this because I wanted to make sure that other fans shared some of my feelings about the event.  Some did.  Some didn’t.  Some were pleased.  Some were pissed.  Some were downright angry.    The quotes that I include in this piece are real.  And before I list the Top 5 Reasons “JawsFEST: The Tribute” was not well received I want to point out that this is not an indictment of the people behind the event.  They did what they could with what they had.  In my opinion (and a majority of those I spoke with) there just weren’t enough hands to go around.  There was some fan input (mine included) but a lot of things were either dismissed at the beginning or fell off during the planning stages.  The people in charge were nothing but great to deal with, both as a fan and as a member of the media.  I was proud to have some of my memorabilia on display and even prouder to host one of the “Location Bus Tours.”  That being said, here we go:

1.  EXPENSIVE! (Part One)

If you’ve ever been to Martha’s Vineyard you know things are just a little bit more expensive than elsewhere.   Never is that statement truer than during the month of August, the busiest (and most expensive) time of the season.  Like the fictional town of Amity, the island needs summer dollars.  The same hotel where I’ve stayed in early June for $145.00 a night was renting for $450.00 a night during the Fest.  My wife and I were lucky to have found a nice 1BR studio to rent for the time we were there, averaging $225 a night.  A little more than what we were used to but it had a kitchen where we could make breakfast before we headed out for our day.  Even still, we spent almost as much on food as our airfare from Kansas City and back cost.  Lunch and dinner routinely came to $30-35.00, including tip.  And this was for what I would call “simple” food:  sandwiches and such.  We did have one “nice” meal which came to about $100 with tip but if you can’t splurge on a romantic dinner while overlooking the water on Martha’s Vineyard when can you?

2.  EXPENSIVE (Part Two)

From the $295.00 VIP bracelets to the $20.00 programs, it seemed that every time you turned around you were opening your wallet.  Let me be up front here and inform the reader that because of my assistance with the Fest, the fact that I was also there as a member of the media and that I had actually won a free general admission for winning a contest describing my best original 2005 “JawsFest” memory, neither myself or my wife had to pay for our bracelets.  Those that did were disappointed to find that not everyone was checking them.  “I feel so bad for people who paid for the gold bracelets,” said one fan.  “People with red bracelets got into things meant for gold bracelets, people with no bracelets got into things meant for people with bracelets period. Things were sold at outrageous prices and then just handed out for free on the same day.  I’m pretty sure my $50 red bracelet wasn’t worth the free keychain (that wasn’t even like…given to us… we had to go find them) and the foam fin hat that Discovery channel pushed at us.”    Said another, “gold bracelets basically got nothing for their money.  I had an absolutely amazing time but it had nothing to do with “JawsFest.”  If anything, it was in spite of it. The screening was a disaster.   I can’t imagine people that paid $75 for the kayak to the movie + gold bracelet and they had to leave because the movie was bounced. Just seems like everything was very disorganized and very poorly laid out. You want to say ‘Well it was a labor of love, they did what they could.’  Then you realize people were dropping hundreds of dollars on bracelets and then the sympathy goes out the window.  It’s not hard.   Clearly define what you get for the bracelets and then make sure people get it.  One worker said gold (bracelets) got free bags.  Other worker said they didn’t but got a special bag.  A third worker said the special bags were for special bracelets above gold.  No one had a clue what you got and the answer was really nothing.  Red bracelets got a free key chain bottle opener that can’t open bottles.  That’s it.  $50 for a $1 key chain? You could say they got to see the movie in the park but IT WAS IN THE PARK and I was sitting next to people without bracelets.”

In my opinion, the Fest was a cash grab.  Autographs were $20.00 each.  They were free at the 2005 JawsFEST.  Having done many celebrity events in my lifetime I’ve always tried to include the guests signing fee in their appearance fee.  Maybe limit autographs to (2) per person per guest so as not to take advantage.  I have no problem with the celebrity guests charging for their autographs.  For some of them that is how they make their living and I certainly don’t fault them.  For a brief time they were charging $10.00 for admission to the memorabilia display, even though it was advertised as free.  . One woman told me, “the red bracelet got me nothing but $50.00 lighter…it almost seemed like it cost money to breathe the air!”  One of the main problems I saw was that “JawsFEST: The Tribute” was NOT sponsored by the Martha’s Vineyard Chamber of Commerce as 2005’s event was.  It was put on by a private promotional company and the goal in putting on an event is to make money.

One of the questions I’ve been asked constantly is “where did the money go?”  I really don’t know.  I know that money put in the donation cans is earmarked for the SHARK SAVERS organization and that money will continue to be raised into September.  I’ve sent out a couple of emails but haven’t heard if any of the proceeds from the sale of bracelets, T-shirts, etc was going to anything but to offset the cost of the event.  Perhaps if there is a profit some of that money will go to SHARK SAVERS.

3.  WHERE WAS AMITY?

Another complaint registered by many of the fans who had attended the 2005 event was that Edgartown looked exactly like…Edgartown!  Unlike the original Fest, the sign on the city hall still read “Edgartown,” there were no welcoming banners (Amity Island Welcomes You) and several of the businesses that still had their “Amity” business signs neglected to hang them.

4.  THE GUEST LIST

Though a final confirmed guest list was posted on line in early June, several earlier promoted appearances never occurred, including Brenda Scheider (widow of Roy) and Virginia Shaw (widow of Robert) and their children.  As I was working on a charity event in Roy Scheider’s memory and had wanted Brenda’s input I was informed that she would not be attending.  But even though these family members were originally listed as attending nothing was posted to say they wouldn’t be.  In fact, if I hadn’t overheard “The Shark is Still Working” director Erik Hollander speaking with her I never would have known that Mr. Shaw’s sister, Joanna, was in attendance.  She was included on the V.I.P. list but it was virtually unknown to “Jaws” fans that she was indeed there.  One fan had hoped to share a tragic coincidence with Brenda Scheider.  Sadly, her father had not only passed away from the same cancer that took Roy Scheider from us all too early, he had been under the care of the same physician and passed away in the same hospital as Roy had.   Tragic, yes, but a tragedy that had touched both of them similarly and one she’d hoped to share.

5.  THE TRIBUTE?

What happened to “the Tribute” part of “JawsFEST:  The Tribute?”  Fans were promised a “multi-media tribute to Peter Benchley, Roy Scheider and Robert Shaw.”  Due to my past relationship and association with Roy Scheider I had asked to be a part of whatever tribute was being prepared for him.  My understanding was that “the Tribute” was to be presented prior to the outdoor screening of “Jaws.”  The original screening planned for Saturday evening was moved inside the Old Whaling Church due to the threat of rain that evening.  It was re-scheduled for Sunday evening at the park in Oaks Bluff.    Again, from a fan, “there were two guys playing some weird instruments and a poet laureate from the island read a poem about sharks and Wendy Benchley spoke for two minutes. No “tribute” whatsoever.”  Another asked, “(you mean) they couldn’t find some college kid to ‘intern’ and edit together some sort of tribute montage of people who had passed away?”  And a final comment on the screening pretty much summed up the event in total:  “A large group of obnoxious full grown adult men and women were sitting WITH NO RED BRACELETS AT ALL next to us at the film screening. When they were asked to leave the VIP area by the soccer mom security JawsFest 2012 representative, they basically started yelling at her that (and I quote verbatim) “We ain’t goin’ no place!” So what did the JawsFest 2012 rep do? She GAVE them (for FREE) a handful of red bracelets (that I had to pay $50 each for) and told them to “just flash these if anyone else asks to see your bracelets”.  We literally sat there and witnessed this first hand. If that wasn’t a kick in the balls to those of us who played by the rules and trusted that the event planners had this all under control, I don’t know what was.  If it matters to anyone, the woman who gave away the red bracelets (that we had to pay $100 for) was walking around the film screening wearing the JAWSFEST 2012 banner over her shoulders like it was James Brown’s cape. She was also the person I heard yell to the angry fans who DID pay to sit in that area that “Hey, I told them (the non-payers) to leave. What more do you want? Call the police if you want to.” This was the level of professionalism our hard-earned dollars got us. It was essentially an “Amateur Night at the Apollo” free-for-all and we (the fans who actually paid) were footing the bill.”

Ouch!

On the positive side, many of us who have been “Jaws” friends for years got to spend time with each other.  Old friendships were rekindled and new ones fostered.  Which makes sense because Amity, as you know, means friendship.  I was able to put a face to so many people I had only known via the computer and I began new friendships that I hope will last forever.

So where do we go from here?

2015 will mark the 40^th anniversary of the release of “Jaws.”  This gives the powers that be, if they are so inclined, to start planning.  One of my friends on the island stated that the original “JawsFest” had “caught lightning in a bottle.”  And he was right.  Everything fell together perfectly.  Maybe it was because the people in charge weren’t planning on a huge turnout.  My understanding is that they had hoped 500 fans would show up, not the 3,000 plus who came from literally all over the world.  And I mean ALL OVER THE WORLD.  I shared a house with fans who had traveled from New Hampshire, California, Kansas, Great Britain and Australia!  Many of us have held our own “Fests” since the first “JawsFest.”  50 of us spent a week at Camp Amity for the exciting “NOFest” of 2006.”  A Tom (“Smallville”) Welling sighting was one of the highlights of RestFest in 2007.”  Even as I write this many fans are already talking about getting together unofficially next year in Amity.  Should the island undertake another “Official ‘Jaws’” event, I’m hoping the Chamber of Commerce will not only be involved but will invite some fans to help plan some of the events.  And hopefully it will be in June, the month the film originally opened and when the rates are a little more reasonable.  It will give us a chance to not only celebrate our favorite film but to celebrate our friendships.  Which is really what “JawsFEST” should be about.

 Star Wars Celebration VI
August 23-26, 2012
Orange County Convention Center
Orlando, Florida

When I was asked to cover “Star Wars Celebration VI”, I was nervous but also very excited.  I have been a “Star Wars” fan from before I could walk.  Now with a daughter of my own, I am able to introduce her to these same films.  When I arrived at the event early Friday morning, we were instantly surrounded by many fans dressed as Storm Troopers and Slave Leia’s (not all were women…yikes!).  Since we missed the events of Thursday, we immediately ran to the Celebration merchandise booth.  We were very disappointed to find that most of the official Celebration shirts were sold out before Friday even started.  I think that was very poor planning since at $30 a pop and three more days to day they could have made A LOT more money.  We all know that “Star Wars” fans have very deep pockets.  After getting some merchandise it was off to the main hall to check for cool vendors and hit up some panels.

The main hall was jam packed with great vendors, including Hallmark, LEGO and Disney…just to name a few.  These had the longest lines just to even get near due to selling exclusive merchandise.   There were also various  “Star Wars” sets and photo ops available to fans…and for FREE!!  I have attended many horror conventions and nothing is free.  This was a real treat for us “Star Wars” fans. The highlight for me was the life-size Rancor named Roxi, thanks to the 501st Legion.  There was also live tattooing going on, which was very tempting for me to finally get my Imperial logo tattoo (but I couldn’t get the nerve).  Next up, we went over to the autograph hall to catch a glimpse of our favorite talent from the films.  Signing at the event was  Mark Hamill, Carrie Fischer, Anthony Daniels, Ian McDiarmid and Warwick Davis.  Personally, I immediately sought out the line for Tim Rose or better known as Admiral Akbar.  Let me tell you this guy had a constant steady line ALL weekend non-stop.  I guess people didn’t know that it was a trap (HAHA, sorry).

Throughout the weekend, we attended some really interesting and fun panels.  One of my favorites was the “Super Secret Star Wars Panel!” with Todd Grimes, Seth Green and Matt Senreich.  They gave us an exclusive first look at their top secret animated “Star Wars” project, now we know is called “Detours”.  This is a new computer animated television series, which is going to take “Star Wars” into a whole new world of possibilities.  It is mashin up the “Star Wars” universe and bringing back all of our favorite characters and putting them in a social setting when their is no war going on.  It is a super cool idea and going to be airing in 2013, which is definitely not soon enough.  Check out the trailer here:

We also had the really cool opportunity to attend an invitation only press conference for “Star Wars: The Clone Wars”.  The talent attending were Ashley Eckstein, Dave Filoni, Dee Bradley Baker, Joel Aron, Matt Lanter and Sam Witwer.  It was a very informative panel and the cast was just having a blast chatting about what we can expect from season 5.  Besides the press conference, we had the chance to interview Matt Lanter, voice of Anakin Skywalker on “Star Wars: Clone Wars” one-on-one.  He is one of the nicest guys and just so humble.  We were lucky enough to chat with Anthony Daniels, who played C3PO in the series.  Mr. Daniels was nice enough to chat with us one-on-one about his role in the series.  Both these interviews will be posted the first week of September…so check back!

The highlight of the show had to be “The Clone Wars: Season Five Premiere”. The energy in the room was just so extraordinary and the show has never looked better. It is easily going to be the best season yet. Speaking of “Clone Wars”, if you were able to catch the panel on Saturday then you had the chance to see and hear the creator of “Star Wars” George Lucas stop in for a chat.  This had to be the total dream for all fans of the series.  I had the chance to catch a glimpse of Mr. Lucas walking around the main hall before opening on Saturday morning and it was such a thrill.  Another very cool panel was The Future of “Star Wars 3D”, which gave a sneak peak into what we can expect from “Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones”.  This panel also provided us with super cool exclusive collectible 3D glasses.  If you attended the closing ceremony, they announced there that they are bringing both “Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones” and “Star Wars: Episode III -Revenge of the Sith” to theaters back-to-back in the Fall of 2013. What an announcement!

Overall the event was a blast and I hope to attend this event again in the near future.  Though it is doubtful to be next year since Celebration will be returning to Europe comes 2013, but I say share the “Star Wars” love.  I would like to thank everyone at Lucas Film & ReedPop for allowing us a chance to cover this amazing event.  “Star Wars” fans are very devoted people and the people behind “Star Wars Celebration VI” really appreciate that and delivered a very impressive event.

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