Friday, March 23, 2012

Celebrity Death Pool Sees the Famous in Zombie Costumes

The celebrity death pool is an annual tradition, and since it's just the end of March, we still have plenty of year left in which to die. Whitney Houston has already passed, but it got us thinking: Who else will bite the dust in 2012?

Here's a countdown of our top ten expected to die in 2012 and a peek into what these celebrities would look like as zombies. It's not hard to imagine since many of these famous celebs dress like they're wearing zombie costumes every day.

Lady Gaga Zombie
Lady Gaga Zombie

Zombie Lady Gaga

She's edgy and always the first in fashion. It's not even that hard to imagine her dead, what with all the weird costumes and makeup she wears on a daily basis. She's already been an alien and a skeleton--why not a zombie?

Kate Middleton Zombie
Kate Middleton Zombie

Zombie Kate Middleton

If you think her wedding was big news, just wait for her funeral. Kate Middleton makes our celebrity death pool by running herself into the ground with her new duties; soon she'll be digging herself back out.

Charlie Sheen Zombie
Charlie Sheen Zombie

Zombie Charlie Sheen

Tiger blood won't save Charlie Sheen from death. We're pretty sure he'll have complications with a white, powdery substance, but we won't say which.

Lindsay Lohan Zombie
Lindsay Lohan Zombie

Zombie Lindsay Lohan

Lindsay Lohan is so busy trying to get noticed, she's going to end up dead. At least we'll pay attention to her then, right?

Snooki Zombie
Snooki Zombie

Zombie Snooki

I'm not sure if Snooki's death with make Jersey Shore a better or worse place. It's practically already infested with the living dead; one more won't hurt it.

Zombie Chris Brown
Chris Brown Zombie

Zombie Chris Brown

It would be hard to tell if Chris Brown actually was a zombie or if Rihanna got hold of him for a little pay back. Either way, he's on the list of the celebrity death pool.

Stan Lee Zombie
Stan Lee Zombie

Zombie Stan Lee

At least this zombie will be good natured about his death. He'll probably write a comic book about it and make millions.

Robert Pattinson Zombie
Robert Pattinson Zombie

Zombie Robert Pattinson

After Twilight: Breaking Dawn Part 2 releases, Robert Pattinson will realize that he's a terrible actor and give up living. No one will mourn except 13 year old girls--until they realize that he's becoming more like dear Edward. Only this time, Pattinson won't sparkle in the sunlight.

Katy Perry Zombie
Katy Perry Zombie

Zombie Katy Perry

If Gaga does it, Katy Perry will, too. As soon as Gaga kicks the bucket, Katy Perry won't be far behind, making sure that she's keeping up with the other force in pop.

Zombie Infested Earth
Zombie Infested Earth

The World

If you believe what the Mayans say, we're all going out with a bang in 2012. Maybe the ending will be something like a zombie apocalypse, or maybe the world will explode. Who knows?

So do you have any predictions for the celebrity death pool? Leave them in the comments below. I, for one, am prepared to start paying more attention to Hollywood if we end up with a famous zombie.

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

St Patricks Day Costumes: The Good Luck Charm to Fun Parties

St Patricks Day Party CostumesSt Patricks Day Costumes at Block Party

This year St Patricks day is happening on a Saturday. Whether you are going to a parade, a festival or having a local house party, part of the fun is dressing up in St Patricks Day costumes and seeing what everyone else wears. Beer, food and music are guaranteed to be at any St Patricks event, but I am dressing up and heading to Buckhead, GA for the 16th Annual Outdoor St Patrick’s Day Festival, sponsored by Fado Irish Pub. Day event, Irish dancers and bagpipers will fill the parade starting at noon, and the best U2 cover band in the world, Desire will be there! So, this year, instead of waiting until the last minute and grabbing an old, green shirt from the closet, plan ahead and decide which event you will be attending, and which sexy green costume you will wear. With so many different designs of St Patricks Day costumes available, you are sure to be unique and bring fun to the celebration.

Beer Girl CostumeSt Patricks Day Costume, Gretchen at Local Pub

There is no limit to gaudiness or fashion on St Patricks Day. Women can wear a St Patricks day costume with frilly bows sown on the dress, puffy sleeves and lucky shamrocks as part of the design. Great practical Irish accessories would be a beer mug, a pot of gold purse or a green magic wand. White thigh highs with green bows complement the dresses well and give the St Patricks Day outfit added sexiness. The lucky charm costume with green ribbon laced up the corset, a cute apron, and a short, brimmed hat is sure to charm all the other leprechauns at the party. Still sexy in style, the Gretchen Beer girl costume is fitting for the holiday with its accents in green, but also has hints of pink to give a feminine look. A girl wearing this costume should wear her hair in low pigtails with pink and green ribbons tied on each side. With so many different designs of St Patricks Day costumes for women, girlfriends can go to parties together, with each girl wearing her own favorite outfit.

St. Patrick s Day LeprechaunsSt. Patrick s Day Leprechauns Following the Rainbow Together

Men can come to the St Patricks Day party looking festive as well. Men looking to be humorous can be St. Patrick s day leprechauns by wearing bulky green hats and beards. The St Patrick s day leprechaun has been a tradition in Ireland passed down many generations, symbolizing good fortune, thriftiness, hard work, and enough cleverness to hold on to the treasure. Men looking to be on the sexier side can wear suits with the sleeves cut off to show the muscles and green bow ties. Of course, expressions such as “Spank me, I’m Irish!” or “Kiss me! I’m Irish!” are not only allowed on this day, but are highly encouraged.

Wearing costumes for St Patricks Day makes the holiday more fun for everyone. Go in full character and costume and see if your picture winds up in the newspaper or a newsletter. Groups dressed up together will definitely get more attention and make more laughs. Costumes flaunting green shamrocks will guarantee you only get flirty pinches, not the painful ones! Flaunt it in green with your St Patricks Day costume and see how much good luck will come your way.

Popular sexy Irish costumes for St Paddys Day:

St Patricks Day CostumeSt Patricks Day Lucky Charm Irish Costume
St Patricks Day CostumeGretchen Sexy Beer Girl Costume

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Fans Wear Official Star Wars Costumes to Star Wars Re-release

Star Wars Darth Maul Costume
Star Wars Darth Maul Costume

February 10th was the official date of the Star Wars Episode I re-release, and like all passionate nerds that weekend, the 501st and I appeared at our local theater in official Star Wars costumes to watch the 3D movie. My local event at the Mall of Georgia, at which adults and children alike dressed in Star Wars costumes, included face painting for the young ones and photo opportunities with some of the great Star Wars characters.

Star Wars Re-Release Comparison

Child and Sand PersonChild and Sand Person Costume

The Star Wars re-release has not changed much except for a few new instances of Yoda and a tagline promising 3D action. I find it unfortunate that the graphics for the movie have not held up to the test of time, making Episode IV: A New Hope, look more visually stunning than Star Wars Episode I. Like many movies that I've seen in theaters, being with the fans while watching the movie was more rewarding than seeing the movie itself.

The 3D in the Star Wars re-release did, however, add some depth to the wider shots. I wasn't expecting the 3D to be anything to write home about, but it actually improved some scenes. Though the movie itself was not shot in a 3D format but edited in post, the podracing became more interactive, the costumes became more detailed, and the shots of Naboo and other planets held a rich quality to them I hadn't expected.

Official Star Wars Red Guard
Official Star Wars Red Guard Costume

There was nothing that literally flew out of the screen into your face like the trick so many 3D movies utilize nowadays, but I did not find the Episode I re-release to be lacking because of it.

Star Wars Re-Release Plan

Initially, I thought the Star Wars Re-Release plan was simply a bid for more money, and while I still think that is a huge part of the reason it's being re-released in 3D, I have also come to realize that Star Wars fans (myself included) would be happy to pay to see their favorite movies on the big screen again. Episode I isn't my favorite of the prequels, so I'm looking forward to the future (it only gets better from here). Bring on Episode II and the Clone Trooper Costumes!

Child in Official Star Wars Costume
During Face Painting

Friday, February 3, 2012

Sexy Costumes Make the Best Valentine's Day Gifts for Men

It's true. Sexy costumes really do make the best Valentine's Day gifts for men. Men really do not care much about a new tie, socks or movie tickets. They just want to be with their women and only hope for a fiery, hot night. With so many fetishes and desires, ideas of sexy costumes for Valentine's Day are unlimited. Imagine the fantasies you can inspire in your man's mind.

1. Sexy School Girl Costume as a Valentine's Day Thank You

School girl outfits please every man's fantasy. There is something irresistible about a young, hot girl who is incredibly smart but keeps getting in trouble because of her naughty behavior. A man is sure to do his part in making reservations, buying chocolates and flowers if he knows the school girl costume is how you will show your appreciation for making Valentine's Day special. On February 14, as soon as your man walks in the door from work, be standing in the room posed in your tantalizing school girl skirt. Tie your hair tightly back, put on your heels and glasses to finish the sexy costume. Give your man the role as principal, pretending you were sent to the principal's office for flirting too much with the boys in the classroom. It is now up to the principal to decide how he will punish you. School girl costumes inspire fantasies worth fulfilling, so just loosen up and go with the flow...just don't miss those dinner reservations!

2. Serve Him Valentine's Day Dinner in a Hot French Maid Costume

Cooking a dish for your man on Valentine's Day is both thoughtful and loving, and wearing a French Maid costume while doing it adds the spiciness needed for the night. Cook up a meal you know he loves like Italian lasagna, pasta or steak. If you have not mastered your chef skills yet, order takeout from his favorite restaurant and serve the food on plates at home, with lit candles on the table. Get everything for him including his silverware, drink and napkin. Play the role of a sexy French maid for one night to make him feel like royalty being served. Make sure to get the feather duster to tickle and please during dessert. Wear black and white ruffled panties under the dress for an eye pleasing surprise when the dress comes off.

3. Queen of Hearts Rules Valentine in the Bedroom

Wear a sexy, red Queen of Hearts costume for your man this Valentine's Day, complete with stockings, heels and a heart-shaped magic wand. Explain to him that with that wand, you can make anything happen. Keep the lights low and catch his attention with a Queen of Hearts costume that lights up to create even more of a show. Not only are you the Queen, but he is the King, worthy of being honored and served. The Queen of Hearts costume lets you turn the tables, being the one responsible for plans and entertainment for the night. Trust me, this idea will prove you to be a better event planner than he ever expected. Queen of Hearts costumes are always decked out with red heart shapes which make them really appropriate for Valentine's Day. Tease him a little extra by layering the costume with a lacy petticoat underneath the dress. Queen of Hearts costumes are even available in plus size, so that any woman can show their man a good time on this special day of love.

The school girl, French maid and Queen of Hearts all make great dress up ideas for Valentine's Day and there are even more sexy costumes you could go with, depending on your guy. If he loves comics, dress as Cat Woman or Batgirl. You could not please a Star Wars fan more than dressing up at Princess Leia! If he is into sports, dress as a sexy football player or cheerleader. Just choose a costume that promises a present is waiting, and have the sexiest Valentine's night he could ever dream of.

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Teen Titans and Superman Artist Eduardo Barreto Passes

Eduardo Barreto's Inks in Batman
Eduardo Barreto's Inks in Batman

Loss of an Artist

It has been a truly blue December for comic enthusiasts. With the deaths of Joe Simon and Jerry Robinson within a week of each other, fans never expected another great name to be taken from them so soon. On December 15th, Eduardo Barreto (57) passed away, leaving behind a legacy of art, stories, and an industry working family who will miss him dearly.

Barreto and SupermanEduardo Barreto hailed from Uruguay and quickly became one of the big names in America as he drew for comic books and comic strips. He was known for his portfolio diversity, his clean lines, and his gorgeous inks. Like all good artists, his works will outlive him, and no aficionado will be able to read one of his stories without remembering him fondly.

Barreto's Body of Work

From challenging the standards of comics to creating some of the most iconic images in the industry, Eduardo Barreto made great strides in comics. Barreto's art has appeared in different comics for several rival markets, such as the "big two," Marvel and DC. His personal work was even published through Oni Press, and for Claypool comics he produced a story about Mistress of the Night, Elvira.

His most well known works was his DC art, particularly his pencils for The New Teen Titans and his inking in Batman. Starfire as drawn by BarretoHis depiction of the Teen Titan Starfire still holds as the standard from which present artists draw.

Barreto and Superman

Barreto was never afraid to bend the rules. The graphic novels and one-shots he drew for the Superman franchise became some of the most well-regarded novels to this day for their originality. Barreto even updated the Superman costume and gave it a fresh, futuristic look that fit his style.

One of his most notable efforts was a look into Lex Luthor, Superman's villain, with Lex Luthor, The Unauthorized Biography published in 1989. Barreto's last published work before his death was a Superman one-shot entitled Superman's Barreto Design"Retroactive," which reached back to a classic comics style circa the 1970s.

The Legacy Lives On

Barreto contracted meningitis in 2010 which abruptly halted his work on Judge Parker, a comic strip which his son filled in for. His daughter also works as a colorist, and the two plan to continue to work in the industry, keeping the family name alive. Though his passing has taken comics by surprise, one only need to pick up one of his gorgeously drawn comics to feel the pride Barreto had in his work. His art will help him be remembered for years to come.