Walking Dead Board Game: The Perfect Summer Excuse to Stay Inside

All of our favorite nerd pursuits combined into one product.

Just when I thought I was going to die of nerve explosion while waiting for the next season of AMC's The Walking Deadcomic-to-tv adaptation, Z-Man Games and author Robert Kirkman's Skybound Entertainment announced a joint venture to bring the very first Walking Dead board game to retail this summer.

We don't have very many details about gameplay beyond the general idea: beating up zombies, trying to live, collecting supplies, and so forth--pretty standard fare that with this license is going to be pretty awesome.

Robert Kirkman heartily endorses it, and he ain't no shmuck: "I've always loved board games, but never knew they could be this cool! We've done test plays of The Walking Dead board game at the office, and the game play scenarios ring true to what Rick and the other survivors face in the comic book. I couldn't be more impressed with Z-Man Games."

The game will be for 1-6 players, which means you can even play the board game based on the zombie comic book all by your lonesome, officially becoming the saddest image in the entire world. Though if this game plays out anything like Z-Man's amazing storytelling game Tales of the Arabian Nights, everything will be just fine.

Venture Bros. 'Ladle' Out First Details of Animated Special

Adult Swim serves up the first details and synopsis from The Venture Bros. upcoming animated special "From the Ladle to the Grave: The Story of Shallow Gravy."

Frith Almighty, it's been a good six months since we've seen any new Venture Bros. but the good folks at Adult Swim are finally ready to ladle out a fresh helping!

A ways back we learned from Doc Hammer and Jackson Publick themselves that not only had The Venture Bros. Been renewed for a fifth and sixth season, but that their new contracts included both a 60-90 minute special, as well as a Summer short to tide over fans.  Thanks to the Adult Swim upfronts, we now have our first details of what to expect when the fifteen-minute short drops on July 24th.

The second Venture Bros. inter-season special in their history, this Summer special "From the Ladle to the Grave: The Story of Shallow Gravy" will outline the truly fictional story behind Hank, Dermott and H.E.L.P.E.R.'s legendary two-man-one-robot band Shallow Gravy, last seen rocking the titular madness of "Operation P.R.O.M!"

From the official press release:

THE VENTURE BROS. SPECIAL—FROM THE LADLE TO THE GRAVE: THE STORY OF SHALLOW GRAVY

See the Venture Family as you’ve never seen them before: in a 15-minute documentary-style animated special. Follow the meteoric rise, the equally meteoric fall, and the decidedly un-meteor-like second coming of the most important band Hank Venture, Dermott Fitctel and H.E.L.P.eR. robot have ever been in: Shallow Gravy. If you’re hungry for rock, then open wide, because here comes a ladle of heavy metal fire and metaphoric meat drippings. 

Launched on Adult Swim in August 2004, The Venture Bros. is an inspired spoof of 1960s action cartoon shows such as Johnny Quest. Created by Jackson Publick III (King of the Hill, The Tick), the 30-minute animated series follows the bizarre misadventures of the Venture family. The Venture Bros. Special—From the Ladle to the Grave: The Story of Shallow Gravy premieres July 24 on Adult Swim.

But that's not all!  You can also check out our five-part interview with creators Doc Hammer and Jackson Publick covering everything from today's movies and TV, to who and what we might expect when the Venture Bros. returns for their ten-episode fifth season! 

Uncover L.A. Noire's Hidden Secrets with the Official App

Want some sick achievements/trophies? We've got you covered.

Depending on the game, I can be satisfied with online FAQs--that is, I would be, if I weren't perfect at every single video game ever made. But I've got to hand it to BradyGames for coming up with a strategy guide I actually want to plunk down money for.

The official L.A. Noire app (available for iPhone/iPad as well as Android) will help you find all of the latest RockStar instant classic's hidden content much faster and more efficiently than any poorly-edited .txt file you can print off the ol' interwebs.

The app, which will run you $2.99, consists of a completely zoomable game map. All over the map are little icons denoting the locations of the game's collectibles and secrets, like the film reels, cars, landmarks, and badges (should you have the Badge Pursuit DLC). That'll put you in the correct location. Once you're in the vicinity, tap on the icon of the item you want to find. The app will show you pictures of the item's general and specific area (both full-screenable) as well as give you detailed instructions on how to find it.

The best part, though, is that once you've found a hidden item, you can check it off as collected. You can then hide the collected items from appearing on the app's map, which will then show you only the items you still need to collect. This is way easier than trying to scratch 'em off as you go in your strategy guide. Not that I've done that.

Throw in some mood music and sound effects, and you've got yourself a decent little purchase here that puts you well on your way to regaling the RockStar Games Social Club with tales of your 100% completion rate.

Voice-Changing Iron Man Motorcycle Helmet is Awesome, Unsafe

Can I ride in your sidecar with my War Machine helmet?

You're already riding a motorcycle, so feeble concerns like safety aren't yours to have. Leave it for the moped owners. In lieu of a properly constructed helmet, why not try and cop one of Youtube user Tigerpause444's (I see what you did there, mreowr) custom creations?



The coolest one is the helmet based on the Iron Man Mark VI suit, which has a retractable visor, blue LED lights in the eye-hole spots, and voice changing capability (spoiler: it's one of those kiddie voice-chaing helmets mounted on a regular bike helmet).

Other helmets this dude's made include War Machine from Iron Man, a humongous furry Cookie Monster helmet, Hello Kitty, Optimus Prime and Bumblebee from Transformers, Master Chief from the Halo video game series, and Star Wars' Darth Vader. Tigerpause warns that they might not be entirely safe for road wear, but I'd rather be made into street pizza looking like Tony Stark than a big ol' dork.

Though he says on his profile page that the helmets aren't for sale, everybody's got a price. My offer is $20, due to the fact that I don't actually own a motorcycle and would just wear this around the house. Get at me, dog.

The Awesome Gross Chick From Bridesmaids Announces Two Projects

The Bridesmaids scene-stealer is doubling-down with two new comedies.

When I first reviewed Bridesmaids I was so swept up with Kristen Wiig's performance (the best film comedienne since Madeline Kahn) that there were few column inches left to talk about the other performances.

As I exited the SXSW premiere, however, I recall saying to friends that "if it were a just world, Melissa McCarthy would be starring in films of her own."

Well, there's nothing like a movie overshooting its estimates (it made $25 million at the box office this weekend) and receiving near-universal praise to make miracles happen.

Deadline reports that McCarthy is teaming with Bridesmaids co-writer Annie Mumolo on a quest movie to steal the Stanley Cup for her dying husband. The husband will be played by McCarthy's actual husband, Ben Falcone, who plays the object of McCarthy's affection in the soon-to-be-if-not-already airplane scene in Bridesmaids.

What disgusting things are in store for this noble vessel?

Entertainment Weekly is also reporting that Bridesmaids director Paul Feig is setting up a project for McCarthy to star in.  Nothing is yet known, except for the quote pulled in The Film Stage's article, "“If an actress like Melissa becomes a huge star? THAT is a world I want to live in.”

McCarthy uglied herself a bit for the role in Bridesmaids, but no matter how you slice it she has "unconventional Hollywood looks."  To that end, we must all do what we can to support Ms. McCarthy and her career.  Because she's really effing funny and we need more of that.

Detangling Tips

I don't like to detangle. There have been days (in the past) that I cut out a section of hair just because it was "too tangled." Detangling is the part of my washing process that I dread the most.

So for year I have been on the mission to make this process as smooth as possible. I have found that prevention is the key! (like with most things in life).

So my process goes like this:

When applying my prepoo mix I lightly finger comb if my hair is loose enough

While shampooing (in sections) I start detangling with my fingers and if my hair allows I may even bring in the shower comb at this step. This is done under running water.

Then while applying my conditioner I am constantly detangling and using the shower comb to evenly distribute the conditioner. By the time I get to this step I hardly have any detangling to do. Basically I am taking steps to prevent tangles from reforming.

When I am rinsing out the conditioner (under running water) I am constantly combing through my hair with the shower comb. At this point the comb glides through with no problem. :)

Once each section is rinsed I neatly plait the section to prevent detangling.

When styling my hair I make sure that each section I style stays detangled while I am twisting, braiding, plaiting, etc.

The most successful detangling (for me) happens when I incorporate detangling at each step of my regimen. I experience little to no breakage as a result of not having to "fight" my hair.

Detangling Tips

I don't like to detangle. There have been days (in the past) that I cut out a section of hair just because it was "too tangled." Detangling is the part of my washing process that I dread the most.

So for year I have been on the mission to make this process as smooth as possible. I have found that prevention is the key! (like with most things in life).

So my process goes like this:

When applying my prepoo mix I lightly finger comb if my hair is loose enough

While shampooing (in sections) I start detangling with my fingers and if my hair allows I may even bring in the shower comb at this step. This is done under running water.

Then while applying my conditioner I am constantly detangling and using the shower comb to evenly distribute the conditioner. By the time I get to this step I hardly have any detangling to do. Basically I am taking steps to prevent tangles from reforming.

When I am rinsing out the conditioner (under running water) I am constantly combing through my hair with the shower comb. At this point the comb glides through with no problem. :)

Once each section is rinsed I neatly plait the section to prevent detangling.

When styling my hair I make sure that each section I style stays detangled while I am twisting, braiding, plaiting, etc.

The most successful detangling (for me) happens when I incorporate detangling at each step of my regimen. I experience little to no breakage as a result of not having to "fight" my hair.

Get it sleek...

To answer a frequently asked question...

First, do whatever it is that you do to pull your hair back in a pony tail. I typically create my ponytails in the shower under running water.

Second, mist hair lightly with the mist of your choice. Usually I just use plain ol' water.

Third, smooth back your hair with your hand or brush (if you use them). I use a 100% soft boar bristle brush.

Fourth, apply shea butter like you would if it were a gel. Smooth it on and in a backwards motion.

Fifth, smooth it again just you did in the third step. At this point you can determine if you need more shea butter or more misting.

Last, secure with a scarf until you are ready to walk out the door. I like to secure for a minimum of 15 mins - which is usually the drive time to my destination.

Note: the shea butter works great alone on my hair but some may find they they need something heavier like a gel or something lighter like coconut oil. Listen to your hair.

Get it sleek...

To answer a frequently asked question...

First, do whatever it is that you do to pull your hair back in a pony tail. I typically create my ponytails in the shower under running water.

Second, mist hair lightly with the mist of your choice. Usually I just use plain ol' water.

Third, smooth back your hair with your hand or brush (if you use them). I use a 100% soft boar bristle brush.

Fourth, apply shea butter like you would if it were a gel. Smooth it on and in a backwards motion.

Fifth, smooth it again just you did in the third step. At this point you can determine if you need more shea butter or more misting.

Last, secure with a scarf until you are ready to walk out the door. I like to secure for a minimum of 15 mins - which is usually the drive time to my destination.

Note: the shea butter works great alone on my hair but some may find they they need something heavier like a gel or something lighter like coconut oil. Listen to your hair.

What does it mean to pre-poo?

Pre-pooing or Pre-wash is simply a pre-shampoo treatment, which is applied to the hair and/or scalp, left on for a period of time and then shampooed out. Some people like to apply oil, conditioners, or a combination of the two.
 

Benefits
Pre-poos can help protect hair from the harsh shampooing process and ingredients. The majority of the buildup we are trying to remove is really on our scalp therefore, your hair really only needs the conditioning aspect of your wash routine. Pre-pooing with oil or conditioner can help establish a barrier between the hair and the harsh detergents in the shampoo.Pre-poos also help condition the hair.

Ways to Pre-Poo
You can apply oils (warmed or not) to your hair length and/or scalp and leave on for the amount of time you find appropriate for your hair. That can range from a few minutes to overnight.

You also have the option to apply oils and conditioners to dry hair and cover with a wet towel. Similar to deep treating your hair or steaming.

And finally you can apply the product, cover with a plastic cap and sit under the dryer for a few minutes. The heat really helps the hair absorb the product. This is how I like to pre-poo my hair. As a result of my recent reading about coconut oil, I am going to try that next time under the dryer.

Resources

http://www.ehow.com/how_4584486_pre-poo.html

http://www.bvhairtalk.com/2008/02/15/black-hair-care-the-benefits-of-pre-pooing/

Flat Two Strand Twists

I get a lot of "How do you do that" questions about the flat twists. I thought about making a tutorial...but then I found one. This vid is exactly how I do my twists, so I hope this helps anyone trying to learn.

Roller Setting

I decided that since I had a little extra time with the holiday weekend to attempt my first roller set. I read on one of those hair blogs/websites that when roller setting 4abc hair, it was impossible to get smooth curls. That is my problem with the internet..you have people that have never touched your hair telling you what it can and can not do. I have had my hair long enough to know what is possible and what's not. I am here to declare that smoothness can be achieve through roller setting on 4abc hair!

Supplies:

Fruit of the Earth Aloe Vera Gel

Sweet Almond oil

Spray Bottle with water/conditioner mix (for detangling)

Elastic Hair Bands

Annie Magnetic Hair Roller

Duck Bill Clips

Rat Tail Comb

Hair Brush (yep you read right)

Home Clips

Shea Butter/Coconut Oil Mix

Hair Dryer

I did my roller set on clean conditioned hair. First, I separated my hair into three sections with a column going down the middle. The column is where I started rolling. Using my rat tail comb I made smaller sections and used the hair clip to hold the rest of my hair back. For each section I detangled very well, applied Aloe Vera, and then sweet almond oil. (Note: Sweet almond oil was used because I like the shine that it gives my hair).

I used the hair brush to evenly distribute the gel and oil and also to smooth before rolling. If you detangle properly the brush will move through your length easily. I did not roll my hair straight down. I came in at an angle to encourage smoother roots. I used elastic bands for the curls within the interior of my hair but only rollers for the edges. I didn't want a lot of tension on my edges and I didn't want the indention from the band to show.

After I was all rolled up, which took about 45min-1hr(keep in mind this was my first time), I sat under the dryer until dry. If the hair is not completely dry, you will experience some reversion and frizziness, so be sure to do this on a day that you can sit for as long as needed. After removing roller wrap your hair until you are ready to take it down. I used the shea butter/coconut oil mix to apply to my curls prior to wrapping. This was an attempt to decrease frizzes.

I strongly believe that the trick to the roller set is to use a water based product that you know will give your hair some slickness and almost weigh it down. Since it's water based the weigh down will not matter because the product evaporates.