New Winnie-the-Pooh Due Soon

Press release from PRNewswire:

Fans Get Sneak Peek at New Winnie-the-Pooh

Penguin Young Readers Group reveals cover and first chapter of highly-anticipated sequel to the original Winnie-the-Pooh books Return to the Hundred Acre Wood on sale October 5, 2009

NEW YORK, Sept. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Dutton Children's Books, an imprint of Penguin Young Readers Group, today revealed the much-anticipated cover and first chapter including art of Return to the Hundred Acre Wood, the first authorized sequel to A.A. Milne's Winnie-the-Pooh and The House At Pooh Corner in more than 80 years. This is the first glimpse readers will have of the new book, which was announced in January 2009. No review copies have been released, and the manuscript has been under lock and key at Penguin since it was delivered earlier this year. The remainder of the book is embargoed until October 5th when it lands in stores nationwide.

Written by David Benedictus and illustrated by Mark Burgess, Return to the Hundred Acre Wood continues the adventures of Christopher Robin, Winnie-the-Pooh, Tigger, Piglet, Eeyore and friends. Egmont Publishing will publish the book simultaneously in the UK. Penguin Audio will publish an audio version of the book read by Grammy Award-winner Jim Dale. The book has an announced first printing of 300,000.

The first chapter of Return to the Hundred Acre Wood, including new art by Mark Burgess, can be viewed at www.penguin.com/pooh.

Across the country, fans young and old are rediscovering the charm of Winnie-the-Pooh. Bookstores nationwide have created "Pooh-tiques", dedicated spaces for Winnie-the-Pooh and friends. Many of these stores are hosting Pooh tea parties leading up to October 5. Tea parties include honey flavored food, count-the-honey-candies-in-the-jar contests, story times with favorite Pooh books, bring-your-favorite-bear-from-home story times, and activities such as "pin the tale on Eeyore."

Dutton's Publishing History With Winnie-the-Pooh:
Dutton officially introduced Christopher Robin and his "silly old bear" to the US in 1926 with the publication of Winnie-the-Pooh by A.A. Milne and illustrated by E.H. Shepard. However Pooh had a significant walk-on role in 1924 with the publication of When We Were Very Young by A.A Milne with illustrations by E.H. Shepard. Milne and Shepard went on to collaborate on two more titles: Now We Are Six in 1927 and The House At Pooh Corner, which introduced Tigger, in 1928. Together, these four books form the basis of the original Pooh books. Newly-designed editions of all four books were published September 3rd.
Author David Benedictus' manuscript was inspired by his familiarity with Winnie-the-Pooh's adventures after having worked on Audio CD adaptations of previous Winnie-the-Pooh stories. David has collaborated with illustrator Mark Burgess to create what is sure to become another treasured Winnie-the-Pooh book. Grammy Award winner Jim Dale will read the audio version of the book, which will be released simultaneously by Penguin Audio.

Writer David Benedictus adapted and produced the audio adaptations of Winnie-the-Pooh starring Dame Judi Dench, Stephen Fry and Jane Horrocks. His second novel was filmed by Francis Ford Coppola. He has worked as assistant to Trevor Nunn at the RSC, was Commissioning Editor for Drama series at Channel 4, and ran The Book At Bedtime for BBC Radio.

Illustrator Mark Burgess has illustrated countless classic children's characters including Paddington Bear and Winnie-the-Pooh. He also designs greetings cards, web sites, animations and special warm places for his cat to sleep.
Dutton Children's Books is one of the oldest continually operating children's book publishers in the United States. Established more than 150 years ago, the imprint publishes approximately 75 hardcover titles each year, for children from preschool through high school. Dutton is home to such perennial classics as Winnie-the-Pooh, Judy Blume's Fudge novels, Newbery Award-winners such as The Westing Game and My Side of the Mountain, and Caldecott winners and honor books including Rapunzel by Paul O. Zelinsky.

Penguin Group (USA) is the U.S. affiliate of the internationally renowned Penguin Group. Penguin Group (USA) is one of the leading U.S. adult and children's trade book publishers, owning a wide range of imprints and trademarks including Berkley Books, Dutton, Frederick Warne, G. P. Putnam's Sons, Grosset & Dunlap, New American Library, Penguin, Philomel, Plume, Puffin Books, Riverhead Books and Viking, among others. The Penguin Group is part of Pearson (FTSE: PSON; NYSE: PSO). Pearson is an international media company with market leading businesses in education, business information and consumer publishing. For more information, visit www.pearson.com.

Nick Simmons at Long Beach Con

Press release from Radical Publishing:

NICK SIMMONS, STAR OF A&E TV’S GENE SIMMONS FAMILY JEWELS, TO SIGN AT THE FIRST ANNUAL LONG BEACH COMIC CON!

Nick Simmons, star of A&E’s GENE SIMMONS FAMILY JEWELS and creator of INCARNATE, will be at the Long Beach Comic Con on Saturday, October 3rd from 1:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M. in the "Center Court" signing area next to the Golden Apple/Atomic Comics booth #555.

Be the first to get a signed copy of issue #2 of Incarnate, which debuts at the Long Beach Comic Con and has reviewers such as Ain’t It Cool News calling it “…not your typical horror story, blending action and cool in even helpings.”

They cannot die. They feel no pain. They hunger for human flesh. They are Revenants. Centuries ago, the Revenant known as Mot was worshipped as a God. Now, he walks the Earth in search of a purpose to his immortality – but when a secret society discovers a way to kill Revenants, Mot and his fellow immortals must make a choice: Hunt or be hunted. Nick Simmons’ breakout American Manga title reveals a world that challenges even the imagination, planting its tongue firmly in cheek, then biting it off... and swallowing it.

About Long Beach Comic Con:
A convention celebrating comic books located at the Long Beach Convention Center, Long Beach, California.LBCC is an experience unlike other comic conventions. Developed by some of the industry’s most ardent supporters, it’s a gathering of professionals, fans, artists, celebrities to enjoy all aspects of comic books and pop culture.

About Radical Publishing:
In a world of publishing where the market is always hungry for the next fresh property, one new publisher is looking to shake things up and is delivering exciting creative products with a bold new business approach. Aptly named, Radical Publishing is leveraging on its experienced leadership, dynamic crew and unique business infrastructure to create that vital connection throughout the media space.

Founded by Barry Levine and Jesse Berger, Radical Publishing is a manufacturer of the next generation of premium comic book products, with a focus on high-concept stories and artwork by marquee and newly discovered talent. In addition, the quality of the work ensures a longer shelf life for each property as a collective library of high concepts. [END]

If you're not reading Nick Simmons's Incarnate comic book miniseries from Radical Comics, then, you simply must!

Monkey D. Luffy's Back!

I finished reading One Piece, Volume 22: Hope!! (One Piece (Graphic Novels))

I posted a review at the Comic Book Bin. I admire the art by One Piece creator Eiichiro Oda, but I'm not a big fan of the manga. It's just not my thing... at least for now.

Seth Green to Pimp Butterfinger Candy Bar

Press release from Business Wire:

Seth Green Named as Official ‘Mouthpiece’ for BUTTERFINGER®, First Celebrity to Represent Brand in Nearly a Decade since Bart Simpson

Emmy-nominated writer/producer, director and actor Green collaborates with iconic candy bar brand

GLENDALE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--On the heels of his two Emmy® award nominations, Seth Green will take on one of the sweetest roles of his career yet: BUTTERFINGER® Mouthpiece. An acclaimed writer/producer, director and actor, Green lends his clever and comedic personality to Butterfinger this year, collaborating with the iconic candy bar brand on new creative projects this fall.
The announcement of Green as “Butterfinger Mouthpiece” comes on the heels of the brand reintroducing the tagline “Nobody’s Gonna Lay A Finger On My Butterfinger” as part of its new national TV ad campaign and its recent call for irreverently funny one-minute video entries in the “How Far Would You Go To Protect Your Butterfinger Bar?” video contest. Aiming to discover a directorial talent, the ProtectYourButterfingerBar.com contest will reward the top video creator with $25,000 and a potential opportunity for their video to air as a national 15-second commercial for Butterfinger. (Consumer voting for the top video ends today.)

“I’ve been eating all kinds of Butterfinger candy all my life,” said Green, who has enjoyed a phenomenal pop-culture presence for more than two decades, “so this union seems not only natural, but predestined.”

Green appeared last week on NBC’s “Last Call with Carson Daly,” where he leaked the news of his love for and involvement with Butterfinger. Aside from using his voice and creative talents for Butterfinger, Green currently is voicing ‘Chris Griffin’ on Fox’s animated hit, “Family Guy” and hundreds of characters on “Robot Chicken,” the latter of which earned him his two most recent Emmy® nominations in the categories of Outstanding Voiceover and Outstanding Animated Production. Green is widely known for his scene-stealing roles in film and television.

“Butterfinger has been a fan and supporter of comedic talent, such as Seth Green for years – as evidenced by our promotions highlighting clever, irreverent humor, and The Butterfinger Comedy Network on Yahoo!,” said Tricia Bowles of Nestlé Confections & Snacks. “The casting of Seth Green as our official ‘Butterfinger Mouthpiece’ or spokesperson made perfect sense for a brand that honors humor and praises the punch line.”

About Seth Green:
Named "Best TV Actor" by Entertainment Weekly and E! Entertainment Television polls, Green is one of the busiest actors in Hollywood. He is executive producing, writing, directing and lending multiple voices each week to the Emmy®-winning animated series, "Robot Chicken," a hit show on Cartoon Network's Adult Swim, and he executive produces and voices a character on “Titan Maximum” debuting September 27 on the same network.
Green will be seen next co-starring with Robin Williams and John Travolta in Disney's upcoming film, "Old Dogs,” opening November 25, and starring in Disney’s “Mars Needs Moms” in 2011. Green was the lead in Paramount's sleeper-hit comedy, "Without A Paddle" and the indie film, "Party Monster." He earned rave reviews for these and for his starring turns in "Knockaround Guys," "Can't Hardly Wait,” "The Italian Job," "America's Sweethearts," "Rat Race," and all three "Austin Powers" films. In addition to his numerous television roles, he has made several appearances on "Entourage,” mocking his nice-guy reputation. Aside from Green's other accolades, he has reached the pinnacle of showbiz success in the most tangible medium – multiple action figures made in his likeness by the industry's top toymakers.

About Butterfinger:
Butterfinger is a one-of-a-kind candy bar with the crispety-crunchety, peanut-buttery taste people love. No other candy bar comes close to the intense flavor and texture of a Butterfinger. Keep up with the latest news about Butterfinger at Facebook.com/Butterfinger or follow its sweet tweets at Twitter.com/ButterfingerMmm.

About Nestlé USA:
Named one of “America’s Most Admired Food Companies” in Fortune magazine for the twelfth consecutive year, Nestlé USA provides quality brands and products that bring flavor to life every day. From nutritious meals with LEAN CUISINE® to baking traditions with NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE®, Nestlé USA makes delicious, convenient, and nutritious food and beverage products that enrich the very experience of life itself. That’s what “Nestlé. Good Food, Good Life” is all about. Well-known Nestlé brands include: NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE®, NESTLÉ®NESQUIK®, NESTLÉ® COFFEE-MATE®, STOUFFER’S®, LEAN CUISINE®, HOT POCKETS® and LEAN POCKETS® brand sandwiches, NESCAFÉ®, NESCAFÉ®TASTER’S CHOICE®, NESTLÉ® JUICY JUICE®, BUITONI®, DREYER’S/EDY’S®, NESTLÉ® CRUNCH®, NESTLÉ® BUTTERFINGER®, and WONKA®. Nestlé USA, with 2008 sales of $10 billion is part of Nestlé S.A. in Vevey, Switzerland — the largest food company in the world with a focus on Nutrition, Health & Wellness — with 2008 sales of $101 billion. For product news and information, visit NestleNewsroom.com.

Roman Polanski Arrested in Switzerland

Some of you dear readers may be only old enough to know Roman Polanski (if you know of him) for winning a "Best Director" Oscar in 2003 for The Pianist (2002). However, Polanski has had a criminal case for a sexual offense hanging over his head since 1977. He's lived in Paris for decades to avoid an arrest warrant in the U.S.

Well, an article at CNN.com has the details.

Cancer Vixen is Back!

I finished reading Cancer Vixen: A True Story

I posted the review at the Comic Book Bin. This is the paperback edition of the hit 2007 hardcover. A memoir/graphic novel by Marisa Acocella Marchetto, Cancer Vixen details Marchetto's 2004-05 breast cancer ordeal. The book is all the more relevant now because Marchetto had lost her health insurance just prior to her diagnosis. She couldn't get new coverage because of her "pre-existing condition," until she got married and fell under her husband's apparently gold-plated insurance. In the beginning, Marchetto had to pay out of pocket - with the help of friends and family...

For those who care about the business side of the Disney Marvel Union

Press release from Business Wire:

Marvel Sets Record Date for Stockholders Entitled to Vote on Disney Merger

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Marvel Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: MVL), a global character-based entertainment and licensing company celebrating the 70th anniversary of its founding in 1939, today announced that it has set September 29, 2009 as the record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to vote at its upcoming special meeting of stockholders. At the special meeting, Marvel’s stockholders will be asked to adopt the merger agreement entered into by Marvel and The Walt Disney Company (“Disney”), which provides for a merger in which Marvel will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Disney. The meeting date for the special meeting has not yet been determined. Depending on when Marvel is able to schedule the special meeting, Marvel may have to adjust the record date to ensure that the record date is not more than sixty days prior to the date of the special meeting, as required by Marvel's by-laws.

Important Merger Information and Additional Information:

This communication does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities or a solicitation of any vote or approval. In connection with the proposed transaction, Disney filed a Registration Statement on Form S-4 with the SEC on September 22, 2009 that includes a preliminary proxy statement of Marvel that also constitutes a preliminary prospectus of Disney. These materials are not yet final and will be amended. Marvel will mail the proxy statement/prospectus to its stockholders once it is final. Investors are urged to read the definitive proxy statement/prospectus regarding the proposed transaction when it becomes available, because it will contain important information. You may obtain copies of all documents filed with the SEC regarding this transaction, including the definitive proxy statement/prospectus when it becomes available, free of charge at the SEC's website, www.sec.gov, or by directing a request when such a filing is made to The Walt Disney Company, 500 South Buena Vista Street, Burbank, CA 91521-9722, Attention: Shareholder Services or by directing a request when such a filing is made to Marvel’s proxy solicitor, MacKenzie Partners, Inc., 105 Madison Avenue, New York, New York 10016 or by calling Mackenzie Partners, Inc. at (800) 322-2885 (toll free) or (212) 929-5500 (call collect).

Disney, Marvel, their respective directors and certain of their executive officers may be considered participants in the solicitation of proxies in connection with the proposed transaction. Information about the directors and executive officers of Marvel is set forth in the preliminary proxy statement/prospectus contained in the Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed by Disney on September 22, 2009. Information about the directors and executive officers of Disney is set forth in its definitive proxy statement, which was filed with the SEC on January 16, 2009.