News:

November 16, 2000

This will be the only update for the month of November. I have recently moved, and I am taking my first vacation in over two years. Therefore, I'm trying to get everything in here at once.

First of all, the articles about Dean Overaker's ALIENS M40 Grenades and Alberta Industrial Models' VP70 are now posted in the Projects section. I have purchased both of them, and I highly recommend these products.

The Art of The Matrix: For fans of The Matrix out there, there is finally a production book to be released on December 11. I know I've been terribly disappointed up until now that there was no "Making of" book for the movie, but it looks like the wait was worth it. The title is "The Art of The Matrix", and the ISBN is 1557044058. Retail will be $60.00, and it looks to be deserving of every penny. Some of the features of the new publication include: Complete shooting script by writers/directors Larry & Andy Wachowski Complete B&W storyboards by Steve Skroce Complete color storyboards by Tani Kunitake Complete and intensely intricate conceptual illustrations by Geof Darrow, presented in four double-sided gatefolds Introduction by Zach Staenberg Afterword by William Gibson 32-page color photo album of memorable stills and posters Commentary by all the artists about their work on the film, interviewed especially for this book Also: Thumbnail sketches by the Wachowski Brothers, deleted script excerpts, scene notes by Phil Osterhouse, three cut storyboard sequences, film credits 488 pages. 8 38" x 10 78". Over 1000 illustrations. Four-color printing throughout

LEGO has released yet another cool new product. Kit 1349 is a special stop-motion animation package. It includes a digital camera and software for making your own stop-motion LEGO movies (or anything else stop-motion for that matter). This kit is licensed by Steven Spielberg, and his proceeds go to the Shoah and Star Bright foundations. There is even a portion of the LEGO website where you can submit your movie to be shown over the web. Yes, there is even a Steven Spielberg minifig included in the set. Add-on sets, with additional "stages", will be available in 2001.

They have also announced two new Star Wars kits for 2001. Kit 7146 is a TIE Fighter which will include a TIE Pilot and a Stormtrooper. Kit 7166 is an Imperial shuttle which will include the Emperor and two Royal Guards.

Dragon Models has released two new weapon sets, this time based on the MP5. The first (71045) features a MP5K-PDW and an MP5K with the specialized briefcase to insert it in. The second (71044) features 2 MP5A4s and a MP5A5. Both sets have spare clips, dual-clip adapters, and a pistol with holster.

Concord Publications' series Special Ops Journal is up to number 11. If you're at all interested in the subject, pick these up. The pictures alone are worth well more than the price (about $12 usd). Also be sure to check out their new tome The Illustrated Guide to the World's Top Naval Special Warfare Units (5002) (about $30 usd). This is a worthy follow-up to the incredible Illustrated Guide to the World's Top Counter-Terrorist Forces (5001)(about $50 usd).

Rumor has it that the first 12" Matrix figure, from N2 Toys, may be available as soon as November 25. Current gossip claims that Babbages and Electronics Boutique may receive Neo for sale the day after Thanksgiving, and Trinity may be out in time for Christmas.

N2 Toys will also be making Red Planet figures. Among others, look for 6 and 12 inch versions of Carrie Anne Moss's and Val Kilmer's characters. Figures are suppose to start showing up in stores any day.

I finally got a few minutes, so I have cleaned out a lot of dead links. I have also added a few new ones.

For any of you out there who might be in the Houston area, I have a new AirSoft dealer in Houston. Paintball Bonanza is located in the Traders Village off of 290.