First Look: Ventev's Quick charge 3.0 charger RQ600, car mounts with cable holders and more!

First Look: Ventev's Quick charge 3.0 charger RQ600, car mounts with cable holders and more!

Ventev makes some of the highest quality cables, chargers and accessories for gadget gear - this video covers some of their newest products including cables, cellphone car mounts, Quick Charge 3.0 and USB C chargers.

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Lenni Reviews: “Ten Count” volume 2 by Rihito Takarai

*This volume was sent to me in exchange for an honest review and is intended for 18+.

Even after agreeing to keep his distance, Kurose still has feelings for Shirotani. Shirotani however, has virtually shut down after Kurose insisted on not seeing him anymore. With the help of his co-worker, Mikami, Shirotani finally agrees to meet up with Kurose; who confesses he wanted to stay away because it was not appropriate for a counselor to be in love with his patient. Not only that but Kurose wants to touch Shirotani; whose condition makes him sick at the thought of being contaminated. Shirotani finds that while his germaphobia still affects him, Kurose's touch also makes him excited.

And WHOA does it ever make him excited! Remember in the last review when I said there was no smut but a good build with the characters? This volume earns its M rating. Kurose and Shirotani go from tentative interaction to touching naughty bits. But as sensual as they get, there is still something traumatic in Shirotani's past that's only being hinted at in quick flashbacks. Shirotani "endures" very intimate touches but something simple like Kurose ruffling his hair sets him off. We'll have to wait to find out what happened but I give this volume a 4 out of 5.

This volume will be released November 8th, 2016.

For more of Lenni's writing and reviews, head over to Haunting Hypatia.

First Look: ViewSonic VP2468 - A Photographer and Graphic Artist's Dream Monitor?

First Look: ViewSonic VP2468 - A Photographer and Graphic Artist's Dream Monitor?

How does a company offer color accuracy and twisty, built-in portrait view while keeping the cost affordable? ViewSonic is known for pulling these kinds of miracles, balancing quality and cost - and that's only the start of this professional display's alluring charms.

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The Heroic Legend of Arslan: Season One, Part One (Review)

The Heroic Legend of Arslan: Season One, Part One (Review)

Pars Era, the year 320—war is on the horizon. As the soldiers of Pars prepare for battle, a traitor within their ranks turns the tides in favor of the enemy kingdom, Lusitania. Arslan, the young Prince of Pars, survives the massacre to discover that his father has gone missing and his life is in grave danger. 

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Laughing Under the Clouds: The Complete Series Review

Under the cloudy skies of turn-of-the-century Japan, three brothers shine brightly. Orphaned at a young age, the responsibility of providing for the Kumo family fell to the eldest brother, Tenka. A skilled swordfighter and proud guardian of his rambunctious younger siblings, Soramaru and Chutaro, Tenka Kumo walks through life with unfailing optimism and devotion to his family. But heavy clouds are beginning to settle over their secluded shrine—a growing gloom that signals the return of a deadly serpent known as the Orochi. As the Japanese military’s Yamainu Squad searches for the serpent’s human vessel, the unrest caused by the strict laws of the Meiji era spreads rebellion across the countryside. As the Kumo family’s ancient connection to the Orochi comes to light, old rivalries will be reignited, and the brothers’ carefree life will give way to the darkness of an ancient prophecy. As long as they stick together, what’s the worst that could happen?

Laughing Under The Clouds is a series that I admit I didn't get right into the first couple of episodes. At times I felt the pacing to be a little slow during the first two episodes. However once the establishment of characters and rules of the world were in place I really did enjoy myself. One thing that really grabbed me later on in the episodes were the relationships between the brothers Tenka, Soramaru and Chutaro. Each three of the brothers have different personalities that all play a role. Tenka is the oldest brother and definitely the more mature and responsible of the three. Soramru is full of energy and Chutaro is down right immature but also the youngest of the three so that is to be expected. However the series main focus is on Soramru who is going through what some might call middle child syndrome. Soramru is entrusted with the family swords which he practices with everyday. This pressure to live up to Tenka or to be good as him with the blade was interesting to watch. Tenka is the most mysterious of the characters. We don't really know too much about his motives and duties until later in the story. Each brother has their own sub plot and issues that they must face and it's great to see the show after a few episodes find their footing and really balance out the characters out. 

Animation and voice acting is good and very enjoyable to watch. This is a supernatural fantasy anime so there are a lot of things that you can work with and see that for the most part is original. The action was good but nothing that will knock your socks out. The voice cast was very enjoyable to watch. Dave Trosko, Terri Doty and Robert McCollum all did solid jobs as the three brothers. Each performance sounded great made me connect with the characters and had a lot of energy. Overall Laughing Under The Clouds is a good anime to check out. It has some good characters, likable chemistry and some fairly decent action. It might take a while to get started but once you do you will see it till the end.

Final Rating 3.5/5 Stars

Doamygar: The Complete Series Review

Take food fights to the next level in this bite-sized homage to mecha anime of the past. In modern day Kyoto, young Daijiro Kyogoku has finally taken over his family's traditional Japanese sweets shop. One day at the shop, Daijiro comes across a mysterious giant candy-making robot named Doamygar-D hidden in the shop's basement. This robot is a master of treats, and along with Daijiro, they make the perfect dessert crafting pair. When evil monster-like robots take over begin attacking the city, Daijiro must man his newfound candy-making mecha to feed the insatiable hunger of these foes and turn them back into harmless humans. There has to be someone behind all these transforming treat-loving terrors, and that someone might be closer to Daijiro than he ever thought possible.

Doamygar is best describe as a pure nostalgic trip for fans of the old school anime of the mecha genre. Everythiing from the over the top acting, facial expression of the characters and the animation itself screams old school. The entire series can be watched in one complete sitting of 33 minutes. Each episode is divided into three minute shorts that has our young hero Daijiro battling evil monsters. The characters as likable and very enjoyable to watch. Not much characterization to really make you connect with the characters. However the way the story is presented each episode feels more like a one off without a bit of connective tissue between them. This doesn't hurt the story narrative of the anime instead it makes you wish to have more. Doamygar knows what type of anime it is and doesn't try to be anything but that. The solid voice performances hits out of the park for those who miss that over the top, face pace style of voice acting in anime. The details to design and background  will send old school fans smiling with joy. The anime is fun and has a lot of lighthearted moments that the whole family can enjoy. My only gripe is the length of each show only being 3 minutes long. I wish this was a full series of 20 minutes. 

Final Grade 4 out of 5 Stars. 

First Look: Best budget gaming headset? HyperX releases Cloud Stinger

First Look: Best budget gaming headset? HyperX releases Cloud Stinger

The Cloud Stinger could be one of the best budget gaming headsets for the casual gamer to be introduced by HyperX. At a cost of under $50, it's got 90 degree rotating earcups and a mic that mutes when in the raised position. It's great for when you're eating something and don't want the other person hearing your nom nom'ing.

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Lenni Reviews: "The Thirteenth Man" by J.L. Doty

*I received this book in exchange for an honest review.

When Charlie Cass - the unacknowledged son of a duke - is freed from a POW camp, he returns to find a kingdom on the cusp of war. The dukes are plotting against one another and the king and now with the presumed dead Charlie back in the picture, they fear he will interfere with their plans. But Charlie refuses to go down without a fight.

I'm not usually a fan of military sci-fi but I honestly have to say this was the characters that kept me interested in this book. Charlie is a compelling, sensible character who is smart enough to surround himself with competent, loyal, and colorful people. Especially the prostitutes. They made me laugh. The techno jargon and political dancing were a little much but I just let it wash over me until the cool stuff started happening again. All that posturing and double meaning give me a headache. It's why I could never be a politician...

As this book was filled with all these thrilling space battles and has a satisfying conclusion to the main conflict, I felt the epilogue deflated everything; especially after such a climactic ending. I honestly can't think of another way to mend all those plot threads together without adding a few hundred pages to the book so I'll let the exposition dump slide. For unexpectedly entertaining me despite being out of my usual tastes, I give this a 3.7 out of 5.

For more reviews, check out Lenni's blog: Haunting Hypatia.

Mastering Manga 3 Power Up Review

Expert manga artist Mark Crilley guides you to another level with this powered-up drawing book. Complete your Crilley collection with this third installation, which elevates the instruction to focus on drawing methods to help you create distinctive and detailed professional-level manga art. Through 40 in-depth step-by-step demonstrations not covered in other Mastering Manga books, Mark reveals his secrets for adding color, how to draw manga-style.

Mastering Manga 3 is an impressive step to step guide on the basic fundamentals on different drawing styles of Manga. Unlike many how to draw Manga books, Mark Crilley shows step to step examples on how to draw particular eyes, poses and much more. Crilley does a great job of explaining the different styles of Manga drawings that readers are accustomed too. Mark Crilley explains different drawing styles such as Shojo Cuteness, Shojo Elegance, Dark Fantasy, Shonen Realism and many more. Each style is shown thoroughly explaining a little bit of the history or perception of each style then gives you a basic overview of how to start the style. Mark starts off with explaining the shape, the eyes and even given detail angles to which the style should be done. Is the book beginner friendly it depends on the level you’re at to be honest. I can’t draw if my life depended on it and found the explanation and steps to be a nice guideline to even do some of the basic shapes. One thing that I like about this book is that Mark touches on the topic of clothing and accessories. He explains how to draw armor, how certain style of clothing helps and panel. This is a very informative book for a 65 page book. Examples are shown in detail and easy to follow. If you’re interested in drawing Manga this might be one you might want to check out.

 

Valiant's Faith named as Official Comics Ambassador for Breast Cancer Prenvention Non-Profit

Image Credit: Valiant Comics

Press Release

Valiant Entertainment – the award-winning publisher of the largest independent superhero library in comics – and The Keep A Breast Foundation – the leading global youth-based breast cancer prevention organization – are proud to announce a new ongoing partnership dedicated to furthering the California-based non-profit’s ongoing mission with new initiatives in educational publishing, fundraising merchandise, convention and exhibitions outreach around the world, and much more.

As detailed today at Fast Company, the new face of this first-of-its-kind collaborative partnership will be Valiant’s own leading super-heroine, Faith, who will make her debut as Keep A Breast’s official “comics ambassador” at New York Comic Con 2016. Faith will then subsequently be utilized throughout a number of Keep A Breast promotional endeavors globally in 2016 and beyond.

“The foundation of everything Keep A Breast does is art, and it absolutely thrills us to team up with people, like Valiant Comics, that are breaking the norm in their own industries,” said Keep A Breast Founder & CCO Shaney jo Darden. “When we read Faith, we were so excited to see a hero that was so funny, real, and full of self-love. Art has the power to heal and impact people in the best way, and this partnership will further prove how art can put a spotlight on real issues and start important conversations that can save lives.”

“Creativity can be the catalyst for great change, and it is often said there is no medium more creative than comic books,” said Valiant Chief Operating Officer & CFO Gavin Cuneo. “With Faith at the forefront of a wide variety of upcoming Keep A Breast programs, we look forward to aiding them in their vitally important and all-too-needed cause of combating breast cancer through art, education, and the creative spirit. As one of the most optimistic heroes in comics today, Faith is already an inspiration to many. Now, in her new role as an ambassador on Keep A Breast’s behalf, it is our sincere hope that her unbeatable spirit will inspire a new contingent of fans and enthusiasts to join their campaign against this tragically common condition.”

Additionally, Valiant and Keep A Breast’s joint mission to promote breast health and cancer prevention across all facets of comics fandom and culture will continue with special fundraising endeavors throughout New York Comic Con 2016. From Thursday, October 6th through Sunday, October 9th, Valiant’s Faith will appear on two limited-edition collectibles, specially produced to benefit Keep A Breast and available exclusively at the publisher’s NYCC booth #1635.

Headband By Luciding Will Change The Way you Dream!

If there is one common thing all humans do besides drink water is sleep. However what if there was a device that can enhance your dreaming experience. The company Luiciding is aiming to do just that with it's headband LucidCatcher. LucidCatcher is a revolutionary IoT wearable device allowing people to consciously control immersive dreams during their deep sleep. Dreams could be planned, posted, shared and discussed through a Dream Diary app. It's a very ambitious project but for those who are curious behind the specs and behind the scenes here are some spot notes for from their website https://www.luciding.com

What is Luciding? Luciding is a service to enhance the quality of people's sleep by providing them with lucid dreams every night with the help of our wearable device and a connected app. You can reach this unique state of consciousness in a dream with LucidCatcher.

How does it work? We typically see the dreams during REM (Rapid Eye Movement) phase. The device detects your REM and pushes mild electric impulses to the prefrontal cortex at a frequency of 40 Hz. It brings the logical brain back into service and makes you realize that you must be in a dream. You'll recognize the dream by millions of different signs that contradicts the reality because your consciousness evokes.

How efficient is LucidCatcher? We are the only company who have conducted our own Sleep Research with help of volunteers. These research is based on LuCID Scale (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23220345). We have actual efficiency statistics and proof with videofeedbacks. In avarage, our device increase lucidity by 30%. Find out more in our blog report (http://blog.luciding.com/testing-summary-for-lucidcatcher/).

The basic version costs $300. Pay-per-dream subscription allows customers to buy stimulations via the mobile app. Many types of stimulation are possible for day and night: coffee-effect, meditation, concentration, jogging etc. You can check out more on the project at https://blog.luciding.com/

As someone who likes reading about things such as sleep patterns, dreams and the possibiliy of controlling them. I'm very excited to see what  Luiciding will bring with their tech and app. Pre Order is now available at the website  https://www.luciding.com

DC ALL ACCESS - Lucifer, Gotham, The Flash

In this week's DC All Access episodes, DCAA speaks with Lucifer actors Tom Ellis, D.B. Woodside, Lesley-Ann Brandt, Tricia Helfer and Aimee Garcia about what we can expect now that Lucifer's mother is in town. Tiffany talks to Gotham Executive Producer Danny Cannon about the show's wild new season, and DCAA talks to Flash writer Joshua Williamson on The Flash #6.

Lucifer: New Characters Coming in Season 2
Awkward family reunions are never fun, but when we're talking about Lucifer, they're total hell! In this new #DCTV clip, we speak with actors Tom Ellis, D.B. Woodside, Lesley-Ann Brandt and new cast members Tricia Helfer and Aimee Garcia about what we can expect now that Lucifer's mother is in town.

Gotham Season 3’s New Villains + Batman Day 2016
We all can use a little escape every now and then...even the residents of Arkham Asylum. In today's all new episode of DC All Access, Tiffany talks to Gotham Executive Producer Danny Cannon about the show's wild new season, which includes the first appearance of classic Bat-villains Mad Hatter, Calendar Man and Solomon Grundy. Plus, we look at some of this week's must-have new comics, including Doom Patrol #1, and give you a chance to snag a Suicide Squad mini-poster signed by the entire cast.

Flash Debuts New Speedster Power
Even if you don't have the Speed Force, it's time to run... to your nearest comic book shop! In this DC All Access comics clip, we talk to Flash writer Joshua Williamson about what we can expect when Barry Allen comes face to face with villainous new speedster Godspeed in today's The Flash #6. In short, expect the fallout from this fast-paced showdown to hit Central City like a lightning bolt.

Lenni Reviews: "The Deadbringer" by E. M. Markoff

Kira Vidal is a Deadbringer, possessing the ability to summon souls and raise the dead. Likely the last of his kind, this fifteen year old boy hides his abilities while living with his uncle. In order to live in peace, he has to keep out of reach of the Ascendancy and their elite soldiers called the Sanctifiers; who are charged with the mission of killing all Deadbringers. When a stranger shows up at their door asking for help, Kira's secret is exposed and he must protect his uncle while learning the truth behind his powers.

The world-building done in this novel is accomplished by dumping you in and wishing you luck yet at the same time it's immersive enough for you to get lost in it. There are a lot of interesting and distinct characters and while some may fall into typical fantasy tropes (like the mysterious counsel of evil hidden in shadow, climactic battle at a wall with ground troops, horned people, etc...), they all managed to get into my head clearly so I stayed interested throughout the entire book. At times the conversations lagged or got bogged down in WAY more complicated words than necessary; the narrative meandered off on occasion but once the story centered on Kira and his journey, this novel shined. Even with the cliffhanger ending (Arrgh! Where's the next one!!!), I ended this book feeling like I had a good time. As a fan of dark fantasy, I give this story a 3.5 out of 5.

Turner Licenses Rights to Iconic Star Wars Film Collection

Turner has entered into multi-year licensing agreements for the Star Wars movie collection through unprecedented domestic deals withThe Walt Disney Studios and 20th Century Fox that grant TNT & TBS the exclusive linear basic cable and companion ad-supported on-demand rights to Star Wars. The agreement with Disney for 10 films includes the network premiere windows to last year's record-breaking Star Wars: The Force Awakens and this year's highly anticipated Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, which opens in theaters on December 16, 2016. The Disney agreement also includes five of the six original classic Star Wars films, as well as the network television premieres of the next three yet-to-be-released movies.  The installment that launched the franchise, Star W ars: A New Hope, comes to Turner through a separate arrangement with 20th Century Fox, thus making Turner the only company with basic cable rights to all 11 titles in the collection.

 "The Star Wars movies and characters are beloved across generations, captivating audiences and breaking box office records around the globe for nearly four decades," said Deborah K. Bradley,executive vice president of networks optimization, content strategy and commercialization for Turner. "Through this deal, TNT and TBS will be the exclusive basic cable home of one of the most iconic, enduring and valuable movie franchises of all time, giving viewers the chance to watch this amazing collection from the very beginning."

The Star Wars movies will come to Turner beginningTuesday, September 20, when TNT kicks off six consecutive nights of the original classic films(complete schedule below). The movies will also air in December, in conjunction with Disney's theatrical release of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. TNT is set to premiere last year's blockbuster Star Wars: The Force Awakens in early 2018, followed in 2019 by this year'sRogue One: A Star Wars Story.

TNT presents the original six Star Wars films over six consecutive nights, starting Tuesday, Sept. 20

Tuesday, Sept. 20
8 p.m. (ET/PT) – Star Wars: The Phantom Menace
11 p.m. (ET/PT) – Star Wars: The Phantom Menace

Wednesday, Sept. 21
8 p.m. (ET/PT) – Star Wars: Attack of the Clones
11:05 p.m. (ET/PT) – Star Wars: Attack of the Clones

Thursday, Sept. 22
8 p.m. (ET/PT) – Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith
11:05 p.m. (ET/PT) – Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith

Friday, Sept. 23
8 p.m. (ET/PT) – Star Wars: A New Hope
10:45 p.m. (ET/PT) – Star Wars: A New Hope

Saturday, Sept. 24
10:45 a.m. (ET/PT) – Star Wars: The Phantom Menace
1:45 p.m. (ET/PT) – Star Wars: Attack of the Clones
4:55 p.m. (ET/PT) – Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith
8 p.m. (ET/PT) – Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back
10:45 p.m. (ET/PT) – Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back

Sunday, Sept. 25
5:15 a.m. Star Wars: The Phantom Menace
8:15 a.m. Star Wars: Attack of the Clones
11:20 a.m. Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith
2:25 p.m. (ET/PT) – Star Wars: A New Hope
5:10 p.m. (ET/PT) – Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back
8 p.m. (ET/PT) – Star Wars: Return of the Jedi
11 p.m. (ET/PT) – Star Wars: Return of the Jedi

2 a.m. (ET/PT) –Star Wars: The Phantom Menace