Chapter 64.3: Trading Deadline Woes

All right, I’m starting to get annoyed with Omar. I realize he wasn’t going to be able to block the Braves from obtaining Mark Teixeira from the Rangers when they were willing to trade away budding star Jarrod Saltalamacchia and a highly touted minor leaguer or two, but to let the Braves get Octavio Dotel for Kyle Davies is reprehensible!

Surely the Mets had somebody more valuable than Davies that the Royals would have liked in order to bring Dotel back to where he began his major league career. At least Davies won’t be around to kick the Mets around anymore –- just about the only team that Davies could beat consistently. If the Mets don't improve their pitching -- especially their tired bullpen -- they could get caught by the Braves or possibly the streaky Phillies.

I'm pleased with the Mets' acquisition of Luis Castillo, though I believe he's too expensive for what he contributes -- it's still better than what they would have gotten from Ruben Gotay over the next two-plus months. But will Castillo be enough?

Bratz Movie Releases August 6

Four teen girls from different cliques in the same high school become friends after realizing they have much more in common than the current social order led them to believe. Based on the popular toy line, the live-action movie is slated for release on August 6, 2007. Bratz costumes are available at Anniescostumes.com. See the Bratz movie trailer here.

Last Day!! Blog Reader Special Coupon

Hidden here in the Extreme Halloween Blog is a special coupon offer just for reading our blog: Enter JULYBLOG in the coupon field during online checkout to receive 10% off of any order over $30.00 in July 2007.

It is kind of like a Christmas in July Sale, but it is also a Halloween in July Sale because the discount will be applied to any of the products on our 13 different websites in the Extreme Halloween Network.

Kowabunga Box Office, Dude!

The Simpsons Movie really cleaned up at the box office this weekend. Not only was it the #1 movie, it exceeded - almost doubled expectations by raking in $71.9 million. This is an estimated total reported by http://www.boxofficemojo.com/. In an article penned by Brandon Gray, the website reports The Simpsons Movie snared the biggest debut ever for a television adaptation, eclipsing Mission: Impossible II, and it more than doubled the previous top opening for a television cartoon adaptation, The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie, and will soon surpass The Rugrats Movie as that category's highest grosser. The Simpsons's start also ranks third among animation overall and fifth for the month of July.

With all the media hype surrounding this movie release, I am surprised that the producers are surprised with this total! With everything from viral media (http://www.simpsonizeme.com/) to real life Quickie Marts to even a Simpson's cake challenge on the Food Network, they really covered all bases of media. If you did not see some form of Simpsons advertisement, you had to have had your head in the sand last week! The advertisements really covered the globe, much like the Simpson Family's trip from Springfield to Hollywood.

No doubt, you will see some of your favorite residents of Springfield running around, trick or treating and otherwise carrying out mischief this Halloween, so for Simpsons Halloween Masks, visit www.anniescostumes.com/simpson.htm

Who Wants to Be a Superhero? (Again)

This great series is back on the Sci-Fi Channel for a second season; airing Thursdays at 9pm. Each contestant begins with an original idea for a superhero, a self-made costume and their best superhero mojo. From thousands of hopefuls, Stan Lee chooses 11 lucky finalists, who move together into a secret lair. There they begin their transformations — and their competition for the opportunity to become real-life superheroes. Over the course of the series, they test their mettle, try to overcome their limitations and do what it takes to prove that they truly are super.

The finalists will leave their mundane former lives behind and exist as their brainchild superheroes 24/7, all under Stan Lee's watchful supervision. Each week, our aspiring superheroes will be challenged with competitions designed to reveal their true natures. No one will be leaping over tall buildings in a single bound; our superheroes will be tested for courage, integrity, self-sacrifice, compassion and resourcefulness — all traits that every true superhero must possess.

In the end, only one aspiring superhero will have the inner strength and nobility to open the gates to comic-book immortality. The winner of this competition will walk away with their character immortalized in a new comic book created by Stan Lee himself.

The show's web site also has a great interactive feature where you can create your own super hero persona. Check it out: http://www.scifi.com/superhero/herocreator/# so you can get in on the fun and have a heroic day!

And, of course, for the latest and greatest, most popular, licensed superhero costumes and outfits in all sizes, visit www.anniescostumes.com/adchhero.htm

Get a Virtual Costume at SimpsonizeMe.com

If you have not seen this great new Internet toy yet, you HAVE to visit http://www.simpsonizeme.com/. The marketing geniuses at Burger King and The Simpsons have come up with yet another ingenious idea in viral websites and viral marketing. So, if you check out http://www.simpsonizeme.com/ you can upload your own picture and become an animated character from The Simpsons. Have fun becoming a virtual resident of Springfield!

And, of course, if you want to be a Simpson in real life, (well, sort of), AnniesCostumes.com carries official latex masks for Bart Simpson, Homer Simpson, Homer as Radioactive Man, Mr. Burns, and Krusty the Clown. Get your Simpsons masks now and have them for The Simpsons Movie Premier and for Halloween too!

Costumes from “Hairspray” Film on View in Manhattan

Costumes from “Hairspray” Film on View in Manhattan
July 14th, 2007

If you’re passing by the windows of the Ann Taylor LOFT Flagship store, located at the corners of 42nd Street and Broadway in Manhattan’s Times Square, check out the latest window display!

Eleven (11) costumes featured in the upcoming movie musical “Hairspray” are now on display, along with various movie props and images… not to mention tons of hairspray cans! The display will be available for viewing until July 22.

Apparently the display itself is one one-of-a-kind installation, according to Playbill. Costumes include Motormouth Maybelle’s gold lamé dress with red feather trim, worn by Queen Latifah, and Edna Turnblad and Tracy Turnblad’s matching sleeveless pink sequined dresses, worn by John Travolta and Nikki Blonsky.

The cast includes Queen Latifah as Motormouth Maybelle, John Travolta as Edna Turnblad, Christopher Walken as Wilbur Turnblad, Amanda Bynes as Penny Pingleton, Zac Efron as Link Larkin, Brittany Snow as Amber von Tussel, Michelle Pfeiffer as Velma von Tussel, James Marsden as Corny Collins, Elijah Kelly as Seaweed, Allison Janney as Prudy Pingleton, and Nikki Blonsky as Tracy Turnblad.

The Broadway musical and forthcoming musical version of the film are both based on the 1988 John Waters movie. The musical film hits theatres nationwide on July 20.

Visit the official movie website at hairspraymovie.com.

Join the Harry Potter Bandwagon!

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For many Harry Potter fans, today could not arrive soon enough. They were anxiously awaiting the book: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, so that they can finally read about the boy wizard's fate. Well, I haven't read it yet, so no spoilers allowed!

I am just so completely amazed at all the articles in the news about Harry Potter release parties and I am very happy to see how many of the parties and gatherings include Harry Potter costumes. Both kids and adults can participate in Harry Potter look alike contests, Harry Potter costume contests and parades. Many of the festivities around the country start late on Friday night, leading up to the midnight release deadline.

Here's whats been happening with the Harry Potter Craze Around the Country:

Barnes and Noble Booksellers nationwide will be participating in the world's largest Harry Potter Costume Party in honor of the final book in this remarkable series.

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KANSAS CITY, MO:

The KansasCity.com website article headline reads: "Celebrate Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows with a parade, movie screening and parties everywhere"

With so many crucial questions to be answered in the seventh and final installment, booksellers don’t dare let a copy slip out before the 12:01 a.m. release early Saturday.

As in previous years, to keep folks distracted until they can get their hands on [the new book], local bookstores and libraries will host Potter parties through midnight Friday. Among them:

•Kansas City Public Library’s Harry Potter Extravaganza: No seats remained as early as July 15th for the Plaza branch library’s transformation into Hogwarts Academy of Witchcraft and Wizardry. But you could still watch the marchers from Reading Reptile bookstore and the library lead a candlelight vigil and death march around 11 p.m. in honor of Harry, including a jazz dirge band, funereal litter and Death Eaters. Do they know something we don’t?

•Rainy Day Books’ Harry Potter Party: The party kicks off at 8:30 p.m. with a presentation by the Kansas City Wizards (how appropriate) at Legends 14 Theatres in Kansas City, Kan. The latest Potter flick, “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix,” plays at 9 p.m., followed by a prize giveaway, ice cream and the book’s release.

•Barnes & Noble’s Midnight Magic Costume Party: Show up in your finest magical threads for a costume party including prizes, Potter merchandise, craft stations and, eventually, the book.

•Borders’ Grand Hallows Ball: Among the events, beginning at 7 p.m., are a Great Snape Debate, costume contest, Harry Potter Spelling Bee, Potter Prize Patrol and awards for king and queen of the ball.

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MARQUETTE, MI:

The Mining Journal Online reports: There was a Harry Potter costume contest on Friday as part of the “Celebrate Harry!” Downtown Marquette Harry Potter Festival. The contest is open to all ages. The seven costume categories will be Harry, Hermione, Ron, Magical Creatures, Villains, Students, and Hogwarts Inhabitants to include professors, ghosts, et cetera. At 7:15 p.m. participants will join the Grand Wizard March from the Commons to the Masonic Center on Washington Street, for judging and awarding of prizes.

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SEATTLE, WA:

The SeattleTimes.com talks about their local "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" book-release events. Bring wands, lightning bolts and maybe a few tears to celebrate the release of the seventh and final book in the "Harry Potter" series. Local libraries will kick off with events through next week, culminating with bashes Friday night. The book will be sold starting at 12:01 a.m. Saturday. Then they go on to list their local events starting last Wednesday all the way up to midnight on Friday night!

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SALT LAKE CITY, UT:

The Salt Lake Tribune headlines: "Penchant for Potter parties? Take your pick". The release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows will be celebrated by libraries and bookstores with parties and contests all around Salt Lake City. Events included:

•Muggles Chess Tournament for children 5-16

•Fun events at their Main Library include: earth-bound Quidditch; classes on herbology, potions, defense against the dark arts, charms and the history of magic; face-painting; fortune tellers; wand-decorating; fantasy writing workshops; and an astronomy class taught by the University of Utah's Astronomical Society.

•At their local Hastings Bookstore Magician Christopher Fair will perform and there will be a Golden Snitch hunt, costume contests for adults and children, wand-making, refreshments and prizes.

•At the University of Utah Bookstore People will be sorted into different houses as they arrive. Other activities will include wand-making, a Diagon Alley replica, Harry Potter video games, trivia contests, indoor Quidditch, face-painting and a coloring contest.

•Activities at another Salk Lake City Bookshop, The King's English Bookshop, include the Sorting Hat, wand-making, face-painting, fortune-telling, magic shows and snacks at the Leaky Cauldron.

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HAGERSTOWN, MD:

The Herald-Mail.com website reads: "Washington County Free Library is hosting a late-night party Friday to celebrate the release of "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows," the final book in the best-selling series. Come dressed as your favorite Harry Potter character and enter the costume contest. The evening kicks off at 8:30 p.m. with a showing of the film "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire." Pizza and other treats will be served during the movie. A party after the movie will include a Harry Potter trivia contest, costume contest, Bertie Botts Every Flavor Bean-tasting contest and more. At the stroke of midnight, the library will give away 10 copies of the new book as contest prizes, delivering copies that were prepaid, and begin a dramatic first chapter read-aloud from the newest book.

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SAN FRANSISCO, CA:

The San Fransisco Cronicle's online website: SFGate.com lists so many Harry Potter festivities, parties, costume contests, trivia contests, games, dinners, breakfasts and miscellaneous events, I can't even list them all here, so visit their website for a look at all the creative Californian Harry Potter celebrations that went on there!

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MIDLAND, TX:

Well, they say everything is bigger in Texas, and evidently, the Harry Potter parties and celebrations in and around Midland are no exception to Texas' larger than life rule of thumb. Over 800 are expected at the local Barnes and Noble's costume party and at the Midland Libray, they are planning to party all night long with a lock-in where children can spend the whole night partaking in different Harry Potter events.

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CHICAGO, IL:

The Windy City's DailyHerald.com reports about its city's "All Harry's Eve" celebrations, costume parties, games, events, parades and festivities in another long list. See their website for their list as well as their "All Things Harry" page!

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Well, if this has not been a nationwide of Harry Potter Hysteria, then I don't know what would. Personally, I just think that it is amazing that the imagination of one J.K. Rowling can inspire all of this. Not to mention how awesome it is that she has single handedly brought back reading in a world where kids have so TV, DVDs, video games, and computers as possible book deterrents. It is too bad that she has opted to end the Harry Potter series of books, I hope she decides to write more in the future!

Chapter 64.25: Life and Chaos and the Fun They Both Create

The other day, in the random way that makes the Web so interesting, I discovered a speech by an advertising executive. In his somewhat crude way, he spoke about the appeal of chaos and how it leads to creativity. "Chaos is the only thing that honestly wants you to grow," wrote Dan Wieden (who I don't know anything about, other than this particular speech). Personally, I don't think "chaos" has any thought in the matter at all, but I've been in the publishing field long enough to know not to expect literal truth or honesty from an ad man, for whom the "perception of reality" is what matters. Yet, the statement is intriguing, nonetheless. Growth can come from chaos. Leaders emerge from chaos, just as victims are left for dead from chaos.

I don't agree with everything the man said. For instance, he states that the priorities of his agencies: the work, the client/agency relationship, yourself. My work is important to me; I believe that the stories I am writing and will write will last and help other people in ways I'll never know. But even if my work could touch and bring joy to millions of people, if I were to fail my wife or my family, I'd have a tough time looking at myself in the mirror. Still, I know where this guy's coming from; my work is part of myself. I can see it no other way.

While reading the speech, I was reminded of one of John Lennon's last songs, in which he sang "Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans." My wife and I are busy making plans for the future -- things I won't go into on a Web site that gets visitors from all over the world (thanks, Google Analytics, for showing the reach of my random thoughts!). And Life is happening. To achieve what we hope to achieve, we'll have to work even harder than we already are working.

So as the second half of 2007 unfolds, I raise my coffee cup to chaos. Right back at-cha, dude.

Blog Tag - I'm It - One Thing I Learned at Affiliate Summit Miami

So, I've been tagged in this game of BLOG TAG, which is a very fun concept, indeed! (Especially for a BLOGAHOLIC like me!) How's that for a new made up word?

I pretty much got myself into the game by requesting to be tagged, with my "pick me" pick me" tactic. But then when I was tagged today, I realized part of the game is to tag other bloggers, but since I wasn't there, I don't know anyone else to tag other than those who have already been tagged. Even though I wasn't at the Affiliate Summit in Miami, my company was being represented by my colleagues at TenGoldenRules.com.

I learned what a difference a cool give away item can make in helping to attract affiliates to your booth! You know, the "Free Bees" or "Gimmies" or "Chotchkes". Jay Berkowitz and Kathryn Katz helped coached me and helped me pick out the coveted laughing pens that we ordered and had customized and, as I'm told, they were a big hit. Hopefully, all the Trick or Treaters who come by getting them just to get stuff will also consider signing up for the Extreme Halloween Network Affiliate Program. There are plenty of times I have gone to a booth at a trade show either because of a free giveaway that I wanted or a contest and then realized that the company really had something great to offer. I never would have known if it weren't for the fun free bee they offered.

So, the lesson learned today, is get free stuff!!?? No, not really, the lesson learned should be check out booths at the shows, it only takes a couple seconds but the company info could be invaluable.

GET! is 9th Most Popular, Rachel Hairstyles

Rachel has no extra costumes in Ninja Gaiden Sigma, but she does sport at least five visually confirmed hairstyles. They are standard blonde, short cut (blonde), long flowing (blonde), assassin cut (blonde), standard brunette. Message board posts claim up to 11 total styles, but the above are ones I’ve seen pics or videos of so that’s what I’m going with. Check out this users YouTube collection for the above styles in motion.

There’s a trailer on the Virtua Fighter official site for items in the new Version C in arcades. These interesting costumes and accessories should all make it to the upcoming Xbox 360 version. You can download the video here or watch it here.

Readers GET!
Costume GET! is the ninth most popular game blog today. And that's before I uploaded this post. Sweet!

Chapter 64.2: I'll Show You Mine...

Tonight a friend and I went to a coffee house and shared our novels in progress. This is the first time I've shared my book with anyone outside my immediate family, and it helped reaffirm that my greatly revised beginning is far better than how my novel had originally begun. In fact, in discussing our books further after we shared about 15 pages, I decided to expose my original opening, which I had on my computer. He plodded through the breakfast scene -- understanding a couple references that are otherwise simply images in what I have now (though images with a purpose, of course) -- and soon discovered that I had been long on detail and short on story or pace.

He and I will meet again to do this exercise, and we both expect to present improved versions of our stories (my friend has a tawdry, intimate relationship with adverbs), and it may even expand by two or three other writers. But I came away from this meeting with renewed faith in my story and myself. For other writers out there, I recommend sharing your work when you're ready. And be prepared for honest, sometimes sharp critiques. What doesn't kill you makes you a better writer.

Hot Makeup Items This Summer!

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DermaColor by Kryolan - Designed to correct skin imperfections or discolorations whether they are accidental, dermatological, surgical or congenital origin.

‘Harry’ Conjures Up Big Audiences

Costumed and not, Potter fans pack local theaters for midnight premiere.

For the past six years, Brandi Gilliland, Daniella Choynowski and Briana Choynowski have dressed up for midnight showings of "Harry Potter" films and for book-release parties as each new title hits the screens and shelves.

So for the first screenings of "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix," the fifth film in the seven-part series, the three dressed in the style of the girls in Harry's Gryffindor dormitory. They wore schoolgirl skirts and gray wool sweaters, homemade wands at the ready.

The three were among many local Harry Potter fans who descended Tuesday night upon the Regal Manor movie theater on Millersville Pike. The mostly teen and young adult crowd came both in and out of costume to catch the area's first showings of the latest Harry Potter film.

The film follows Harry (Daniel Radcliffe) and best friends Ron (Rupert Grint) and Hermione (Emma Watson) during their fifth of seven years at the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, as they deal with the fallout from the rise of Harry's nemesis, Lord Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes), and the arrival at the school of a meddlesome government official, Dolores Umbridge (Imelda Staunton).

Fans arrived hours before the scheduled premiere, which the Hollywood Reporter said was slated to show in 4,285 theaters nationwide.

Brandi Gilliland, and Daniella and Briana Choynowski came shortly after 10 p.m. dressed as Gryffindor students.

"In school, I was known as the person who was obsessed with (Harry Potter)," Gilliland said. Mike and Jennifer Fuller, of York, arrived at 10:30 p.m. with their 10-year-old nephew, Craig Jahnkey, of East Hempfield. Jahnkey said he bought his ticket two weeks before the showing Tuesday."

It's a healthy break from reality," Mike Fuller said of the film. "(Going opening night) kind of makes it special."

The final book in the series, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows," is set to be released July 21.

Get your own Harry Potter costumes and accessories at Annies Costumes.

Chapter 64.1: The PATH Most Taken

Riding on the PATH train this morning, while ensconced in the last forty pages of the slow but enjoyable anthology of Graham Greene works I've been reading for the past few weeks, I was jolted back to reality by the grinding and grating of the train. It slowed and stopped. Nothing to worry about -- happens from time to time. Then it began again, only this time with a nasty grinding sound like I've heard when my car is about ready to die. And on toward Christopher Street. Reading during the several minutes of windy, wavy travel is like resting with my thoughts on a hammock in a soft breeze: quickly forgotten until the next time you experience it. After people disembarked at Christopher Street, the train urged from the station once again. It barked and squealed in frustration before finally it moved. At Ninth Street, the movement was the same at first. Then, quite suddenly, the train jumped with a terrible crunching sound. Passengers looked at each other as if to say "What the fuck was that?" A man beside me was reading his book. Without looking up, he said, "That's not a good sound."

In my mind, I joked. "We finally shook off that brake we didn't need. Now we can really get moving!"

At 14th Street, we arrived -- brakes intact -- and I noticed far more people than usual disembarking with me. Seems they'd had enough too.

Harry Potter Box Office Magic

The movie 'Harry Potter and The Order of the Phoenix" is breaking box office records around the world! J.K. Rowling's boy wizard has surely cast a spell on movie goers everywhere. According to the BoxOfficeMojo.com website, 55% of movie goers this weekend saw Harry Potter and The Order of the Phoenix"

Here are some more magical stats and records for you:

MSNBC.com reports: "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" took in $44.8 million in its first day, the best single-day gross ever for a movie on a Wednesday.
That included $12 million from screenings that started at midnight Tuesday!

USAToday.com reports: Box office for Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix since Wednesday's opening: $140 million.

Reuters in the UK reports: "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix," the fifth film about the boy wizard, set a new British box office opening record over the weekend, taking 16.4 million pounds, Screen International said on Tuesday. Including Thursday previews, it was the highest-ever four-day weekend take in UK history. Taken over just Friday to Sunday it took 13.0 million, a figure which has only ever been beaten by one other film -- its predecessor "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire," in November 2005.

BoxOfficeMojo.com reports current box office totals as of July 15, 2007:
Domestic: $139,715,157 42.0%
+ Foreign: $193,000,000 58.0%
= Worldwide: $332,715,157

DOMESTIC SUMMARY For The Order of the Phoenix:
Opening Weekend: $77,108,414
4,285 theaters, $17,994 average

More Harry Potter News by the Numbers-

The First 4 Movies:

$1.175 billion total U.S. box office for the first four films since 2001.

Books:
121.5 million in print in the USA for first six books. First printing for seventh and final book, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: 12 million.

And according to the Motley Fool website, As of July16, 2007, Amazon.com alone has received over 1.3 million pre-orders for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. The company guarantees release-date delivery to anyone who orders by noon on July 17th, so expect that number -- updated hourly on its Muggle Counter -- to keep inching higher. Globally, Amazon has received more than 2.1 million pre-orders.

Merchandise:
$18.8 million spent in USA on cookies, candy, gum since June 2002. Dozens of products available, including bookmarks ($3.49), Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans ($3.99), Harry Potter action figures ($12.99), Harry Potter's wand ($5.95), the Sorting Hat ($39.99), and Harry Potter Costumes (starting at $19.95).

Harry Potter theme park:
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will be built on 20 acres within Universal Orlando Resort's Islands of Adventure theme park. Opens in late 2009.

It is so easy to get lost in the world of Harry Potter, it is fascinating, mystical, magical, captivating and one of the best written stories I have ever read.

Top 100 Halloween Costumes for 2007!

See Our Costume Picks for Halloween 2007!

Visit ExtremeHalloween.com to see our picks for what costumes will be the most popular this Halloween. We have chosen the top 100 costumes in different categories and sizes. Not sure what you want to be this Halloween? Hopefully this will help narrow it down for you! It may only be July, but many of the most popular Halloween costumes are already in stock; make sure to get yours before its gone!

We make this list every year, so you can see links to the past years' lists. You can also take our Scary Halloween Survey and tell us what your favorite costumes are this year.

Chapter 64: The Revolution Will Be Sponsored

The revolution will not be televised, it'll be sponsored. By TastyKake. That's right, Happy Bastille Day everyone! Vive le Revolution and pass the Krimpets. Krimpets, you say?

Don't let the seeming English provenance of the American confection disturb you on the day commemorating the French Revolution. No, no, no, you silly English knigggghhhttsss.

In Philadelphia today, according to the Star-Ledger, there will be a re-enactment of the storming of the Bastille at Eastern State Prison. And from over the wall will come pounds of butterscotch Krimpets from TastyKake. As the Ledger reports in the Today section, "Let's just say they've taken liberties with history. Armed troops will toss 2,000 Butterscotch Krimpets over the prison walls as Queen Marie (Antoinette) cries, 'Let them eat TastyKake!'"

Mon dieu.

Home Made Transformers Costumes!

As usual, I am scrubbing the internet looking for costume related news to post about here on the Extreme Halloween Blog. I was intrigued at an article with the title: Transformers Fan Costumes: Creative Dorks in Disguise. It lead me to the Crunchgear website with the following video:



Some people are so creative! I am truly amazed! These guys are far from "dorks" in my book, more like creative geniuses! WTG!!

AnniesCostumes.com at Affiliate Summit Miami

The Extreme Halloween pirate was back again making appearances at our booth at the Affiliate Summit in Miami. The TenGoldenRules.com crew were all on hand to help promote our Affiliate Program. For more info on how to promote costumes this Halloween and make some great money, visit our website: www.extremehalloweennetwork.net/affiliateprogram.htm. If you are interested in making some extra money this Halloween, you can promote costumes or any of the 15,000 products in our network of websites! Check out our website and see how you can earn up to 15% on sales. Our program is run through Commission Junction.

VF5 360 costume boost + RRXX extras

I’m just going to quote this article found here. “The 360 version (of VF5) will sport 75% more costumes to dress up your players with. To make it easier to collect all of these items, more money is given to you right off the bat in quest mode and it has been made slightly easier to obtain gold in the game.”

75% more AND online versus play? Too cool beyond words. Also sounds like more could be coming via DLC.

Second set of Rumble Roses XX DLC
The descriptions on the most recent set of downloadable outfits were very vague, but thankfully GEL posted this screen below. At first glance they appear to only be additional colors, but they also have different logos and textures. It’s ok I guess. Up to this point, I bought 6 costumes from the first wave and 2 from this one. That’s $8 extra you got from me Konami, now get to working on a new RR game!

Dress like a Cow and get free Chickin!

Well, unfortuantely, I might be a little late with the notice this year, but now that I know every july 13th is their customer appreciation day, I will be on the ball next year. Cause we have some real cute cow costumes for toddlers and cow costumes for adults too!

Chick-fil-A Awards Free Meals to Cow-Dressed Customers on
Cow Appreciation Day

ATLANTA – For the superstitious, Friday, July 13 could be an anxious day, but for the bovine-minded, it could be a lucky day. As part of its third annual Cow Appreciation Day event, Chick-fil-A® is offering a free combo meal (breakfast, lunch or dinner) to any customer who isn’t “too chicken” to visit any of the chain’s 1,300-plus restaurants fully dressed as a cow on July 13.

Last year’s Cow Appreciation Day celebration – and the resulting turnout – confirmed that Chick‑fil-A has a strong following of customers willing to go to great lengths to show their appreciation for cows (not to mention, to receive a free combo meal). More than 4,000 customers visited Chick-fil-A restaurants throughout the country dressed in cow-themed costumes, complete with black-and-white spots, furry ears, cow bells, and homemade sandwich boards with their personalized renditions of Chick-fil-A’s “Eat Mor Chikin®” Cow messages.

Highlights from the NCA National Convention

July 6 - 10, 2007 was the 80th National NCA Convention. We had an absolute blast in San Jose and Santa Clara, California. The convention was hosted by Debbie Lyn Owens, of Debbie Lyn's Costumes in Sunnyvale, CA.

The opening night party theme on Saturday was "Under the Sea": Be a sensation as a creative crustacean! Our friends at Spotlight Costumes in Pittsburgh, PA loaned us the King and Queen Neptune Costumes that my husband Myke and I wore. (Pics coming soon!).

Sunday night was "Bal Masque", this year's Showcase Competition. And what a competition it was. There were 19 different entries from costume shops around the country showing their best work and awesome creativeness. Floyd Nash (from Dillard School of the Performing Arts) and I modeled costumes entered by Kim Brown at Spotlight Costumes. The costumes we modeled won three awards: #1 masquerade costume (as voted by the audience), a memorial award for sewing and construction of the costumes, and Floyd won the memorial award for our makeup, which he applied.

Monday night was the annual auction, where we raise money for the NCA. By the way, the NCA (National costumers Association) is a non profit organization made up of costumers from around the world. Members are either costume professionals or independent costume shops who rent and/ or sell costumes. Annies Costumes and Extreme Halloween have been members of the NCA since 1989. The NCA has brought us so much, both in our professional and personal lives. We have learned so much from our piers over the years and the camaraderie and friendship is unbelievable. The only way to understand is to join, if you are a costumer or an independent costume shop, you don't know it, but your family is waiting!

So convention wrapped up Tuesday night with our closing night party, The President's Banquet. This year's theme was A Banquet by the Bay. The Grand International Award was given out to the costume pair called the Fairy of the Forest and Wizard of the Woods. These costumes were truly spectacular!

I know I have told you about the night time events, but the days are filled with activities too! There are many classes, including one I taught about internet marketing tips and tricks. We also have business meetings, when we carry on the business of the organization and vote on important issues. There are also gatherings for membership forum and shop talk and my favorite event at conventions: The Creative Style Show. For this event, 10 shops are sent the same box of material, trims and notions and the audience gets to see the 10 completely different but equally awesome costumes that started out as the same box of STUFF. Of course, we no longer have a sewing facility or costume designer on hand, so we don't make costumes for this event, but it is so thrilling to see what different designers from different parts of the country come up with using the same materials.

Chapter 63.93: But What About My Coffee Cup?

Here's an interesting story. An entrepreneur in Edmonton has decided that he doesn't want to contribute to paper waste caused by so many coffee to-go cups. If you're planning to stop by his shop and get a cuppa joe before work, you better bring your own coffee mug. He won't serve it any other way. While I suspect I'd be a little annoyed if I were asked to plop down $10 for a walk-around mug (though he says it's only 37 cents more than he paid for them), I must say it's an interesting concept that could catch on (though probably not at Starbucks, where the coffee wouldn't taste good regardless of the container).

Chapter 63.9: A Healthy Thirst

Ok, I don't normally post things like this and I couldn't tell you when I last had a strawberry daiquiri, but this sounds tasty.

Strawberry Daiquiri Pops


1. Start with a box of strawberry ice pops — the all-fruit kind works great.

2. Dunk each in a glass filled with light rum and a squeeze of lime juice.

3. Dip one side of the ice pop in a mixture of superfine granulated sugar and a little freshly grated lime zest.

If anyone out there tries it, let me know what you think.

Doh! 7-Eleven now Kwik-E-Mart

From Newsday.com: Take Oscar Wilde's 19th-century observation that "life imitates art far more than art imitates life." Caffeinate it with Squishee frozen carbonated beverage. Add a dose of 21st-century movie marketing. Pour the mix atop a dozen or so 7-Eleven convenience stores across America. That's the recipe to publicize "The Simpsons" movie, to be released July 27, and a 7-Eleven in Times Square is one of the locations that, as of Monday, became less a convenience store and more a giant "Simpsons" ad.

On the first day of the transformation, people stopped to gawk at the real-life Kwik-E-Mart, which days earlier was only a satirical cartoon send-up of 7-Eleven."Thank you for loitering," says a sign near the door featuring a portrait of Abu Nahasapeemapetilon, the show's thickly accented Indian-American proprietor of the real, um, fake, Kwik-E-Mart. "Please come again."Passersby in droves whipped out their cameras to take pictures.The store, on 42nd Street between Eighth and Ninth avenues, isn't being paid anything by "The Simpsons" producers.

For avid fans of the longest-running TV cartoon, the store became a clubhouse for discussing Simpsons minutiae amid Bart cookies, Homer bobble-head dolls and Moe and Barney talking bottle openers.

You can buy Simpsons masks in anticipation of the Simpsons movie release at Annies Costumes.

Transformers Movie Conquers the Box Office

The action packed Transformers movie opened on July 4th to rave reviews and gigantic audiences. According to MTV.com, the action flick earned $152.5 million in its first week, the largest seven-day opening for a non-sequel. The cartoon from the 80's is now a blockbuster film starring Shia LaBeouf and Josh Duhamel. Or one could say the stars are Optimus Prime and Bumble Bee. Optimus Prime is the leader of the heroic autobots, who fight the evil decipticons and protect Earth. Characters from blockbuster movies like Transformers often turn into the most popular Halloween costumes, and this year will be no exception. The Optimus Prime child size costume will be very popular this Halloween.

Chapter 63.8: What's Happening?

My train this morning was delayed -- a New York train ahead of it was about 15 minutes late -- so we were late into Hoboken. When we arrived, a large crowd congregated at the head of the stairs to the PATH trains below. I took another route down, but still met with a line of people. When I finally got onto the platform, I saw one 33rd Street train packed to the gills with people and crowds of humanity standing around, looking confused. I asked a man if any announcement had been made about the delay. "Two Amtrak trains are blocking the way into New York," he said. I nodded and my mind was awhirl. Was it worse than that? What would I find when I entered New York. July 7 was the anniversary of the underground attacks in London. Am I safe?

So far, I am. I don't know yet what happened. Perhaps it was just two trains blocking the way into New York. Or maybe it's simply Monday after people have taken vacation.

Folklore and Guild Wars again

Developed by the same folks behind Genji, Folksoul aka Folklore here in the states has some nifty outfits. Based on the demo available on the Japanese PSN store, Folklore plays way better than Genji and has a much better story.

The various costumes for Elen have been revealed and I really like them, especially the insect/fairy/witch motifs. I’m still not sure if I would buy the full game at launch, but it certainly has my attention.

I keep walking by the special Guild Wars box and just love how it looks. The image below is basically the same as the box and it rocks. The armor is all kinds of awesome and makes me want to play the game.

Chapter 63.7: Time! Gentlemen, Please

While walking from the train to the PATH this morning, I saw a guy with a t-shirt that said "Time is an invention." Brilliant.

Because it's true. Define time. What is it? It's a measurement, but of what? It's a construction we use to measure our past and our future. And time can be changed. Calendars are not static. We pick up a day every four years, a leap second every couple of years, because time as we define it is imperfect. Time is a human construct; God is timeless.

I mention God quite purposely, because there are wackos among us who believe that the earth has only existed for a few thousand years, not the hundreds of millions of years that science has proven. Many of these same wackos decry evolution calling it "just a theory." Time is a theory, too, but they don't seem to see it. Theory ... think about that word. What do you see in it? I see God, therein.

Chapter 63.6: The Arts President?

When's the last time you heard a presidential candidate calling for support of the arts? Well, former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee did essentially that, and I think he should be applauded for it. While campaigning in Iowa, Huckabee told audiences and anyone who would listen that teaching the arts, especially music, is important because it helps students "learn how to learn." I completely agree. I wish there were more teachers who could help kids learn the relationship between music and math, too. The mind that can grasp both well is well equipped for success in life. Bravo, Governor Huckabee.

Take Our Halloween Costume Survey!

This is your chance to tell us what costumes you think will be popular this year. Please let us know your favorites. Our Scary Halloween Survey is quick and easy with just 7 questions. Maybe 7 will be your lucky number! Taking our survey will enter you in our weekly prize drawings. Each week, one lucky entrant will win a $100 gift certificate good for use at any of the Extreme Halloween Network websites. Each week will we also give away a $25.00 gift certificate and 3 coupons for 10% off.

Chapter 63.55: Truthiness vs. Science

I also noticed an even more fascinating opinion piece in the L.A. Times today. This one deals with science versus gut instinct, and includes an examination of what noted wordsmith Stephen Colbert calls "truthiness." As someone who prefers scientific proof to gut instinct, I hesitate to say I think you'll like what it says, but I did.

Chapter 63.5: Ripple Effects

The Los Angeles Times published an interesting opinion piece in today's paper about the campaign ads of Democrat Mike Gravel. I can't say I've been following his presidential campaign, but I might take a look at his ads. The opinion item itself is not your average read either. More art school than political science, but I read it.

Chapter 63.47: Is Daddy Running?

Damn, this is inconvenient. Young Al Gore III was arrested for zipping along in his Prius at around 100 miles an hour while reportedly on pot and various pills -- or at least pills were reportedly in his car when he was stopped. Funny thing happened on the way to the prison cell. No one came to pick him up. Kinda makes me wonder whether letting him out early would get in the way of dad's silent running at the presidency. Sure, he's out of town to be a responsible talking head for the Earth Summit, but certainly someone could have bailed the boy out.

Chapter 63.45: Funny Meeting You Here

I find this interesting. Apparently, one of the lawyers for Marc Rich, whom President Clinton pardoned (controversially) on his final day in office, used to be represented (from 1985 to 2000) by a lawyer named Libby. Yes, Scooter Libby -- the same man whose sentence was just commuted by President Bush. Funny how things move around Washington, D.C.

Happy Fourth Of July!

From Our Family to You & Yours,




We wish you have a safe and happy July 4th Holiday! Remember, any holiday is More fun in Costume!








Happy Birthday to the USA!

New Harry Potter Movie's World Premiere Wows Japanese Fans

According to an Associated Press article on Harry Potter's world premiere, Japan rolled out the red carpet for the world's most celebrated wizard Thursday for the premiere of "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix,'' the fifth movie from J.K. Rowling's mega-hit fantasy series.

Hundreds of young Japanese fans, wearing Harry Potter costumes and holding magic wands, screamed as Daniel Radcliffe, who played the teenage Harry, appeared as white smoke spewed on the stage.

"Order of the Phoenix,'' which opens in the United States on July 11 and in Britain the next day, is directed by David Yates, a Briton best known for the multilayered TV thrillers "State of Play'' and "Sex Traffic.''

After this movie, the next Harry-related frenzy will be the publication of the seventh and final book, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows,'' on July 21.

Chapter 63.4: Albatross!

So, President Bush has commuted the sentence of Scooter Libby. I think that tells us that the president knows he has limited power and is in his lame duck period. And this will be one more nail in President Bush's legacy coffin.

The president's decision was praised by conservatives for his decision, and vilified by Democrats. But I'd like to know what other Republicans say about this. What's Arlen Specter's opinion in this matter? He's the former chair of the senate judicial committee, what does he think? I've not read enough stories to determine whether he's been interviewed, but he certainly wasn't the first of the Republicans to advance an opinion.

The president has another albatross around his neck. It's not as big as Iraq or Katrina, but in some ways it's a worse thing to be remembered for; it could be argued that he flouted judicial authority, thumbed his nose at the system. Does he even care anymore?

PLEASE SCROLL DOWN!

Dear Blog Readers,

I have a habit lately of starting drafts of certain topics and not posting them until they are finished, sometimes a few days later, so please scroll down to check out previous posts, I don't want you to miss out on any great deals!

Happy Blog Surfing!
Shari : )

Chapter 63.2: My Cat Made Me Do It

I saw this report last week, but the New York Times has included an opinion piece on it today. Apparently, cats chose to be domesticated; it was their decision more than ours. Since I'm owned by a cat, I can completely understand the relationship.

Blog Reader Special Coupon

Hidden here in the Extreme Halloween Blog is a special coupon offer just for reading our blog:

Enter JULYBLOG in the coupon field during online checkout to receive 10% off of any order over $30.00 in July 2007. It is kind of like a Christmas in July Sale, but it is also a Halloween in July Sale because the discount will be applied to any of the products on our 13 different websites in the Extreme Halloween Network.

Cannot be combined with any other offer and expires July 31, 2007.