Star Wars

Han Solo's Blaster Launches to GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ Title After Selling for More Than $1 Million

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, November 30, 2023

ROCK ISLAND, Ill., Nov. 30, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Rock Island Auction Company (RIAC) earned the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title and feature in the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS 2024 book for the "Most Expensive Prop Gun Sold at Auction" with the sale of the BlasTech DL-44 Heavy Blaster,  made for the character of Han Solo in the original Star Wars trilogy. The gun is the only survivor of the three originals made for A New Hope in 1976, and it sold for $1,057,500 during RIAC's August Premier Auction in 2022.

Key Points: 
  • Han Solo's blaster was previously considered missing and presumed lost forever, requiring new prop blasters to be built for "The Empire Strikes Back" and "Return of the Jedi."
  • Star Wars fans refer to Han Solo's blaster, one of the most recognizable weapons in movie history, as the "Hero" prop from "Star Wars: A New Hope."
  • "Knowing how coveted Star Wars collectibles are, we anticipated great interest in the Han Solo blaster, but we couldn't have imagined we would set a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title with its sale.
  • As the industry leader in collectible fine arms, RIAC has reached several other record sales figures, including selling Napoleon's Garniture for $2.8 million and Ulysses S. Grant's Revolvers for $5.17 million.

Ice Spice Has Her Own Chia Pet

Retrieved on: 
Friday, November 24, 2023

This unique collaboration between Chia Pet and Ice Spice aims to bridge together nostalgia and mainstream uniting two brands that resonate strongly across diverse age groups.

Key Points: 
  • This unique collaboration between Chia Pet and Ice Spice aims to bridge together nostalgia and mainstream uniting two brands that resonate strongly across diverse age groups.
  • "We're super excited for the discourse the Ice Spice Chia Pet will create," says Jake "JB" Brode, founder of Living Product.
  • This new ICE SPICE Chia Pet will join the wide collection of Chia Pets including Star Wars, Willie Nelson, Bob Ross, Chucky, Elvira and many other iconic brands.
  • Get ready for a Holiday season filled with excitement, uniqueness, and creativity, courtesy of Ice Spice and Chia Pet®!

Alien Worlds Partners with Celebrated Sci-Fi Author to Launch Groundbreaking AI-Driven, Community-Governed Sci-Fi Franchise

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, November 15, 2023

ZUG, Switzerland, Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Dacoco, the driving force behind Alien Worlds, the #1 played metaverse on DappRadar, announces at Web Summit in Lisbon a collaboration with revered Science Fiction author Kevin J. Anderson (Star Wars, Dune, Saga of the Seven Suns). Together, they introduce AI-Driven Tokenized Story-Telling, also known as the "Large Lore Model," a pioneering concept that merges the power of AI with the vibrant creativity of the global community, all governed through decentralized on-chain mechanisms. With over 9 billion plays in Alien Worlds, this feature will be the largest AI system governed by DAOs at scale.

Key Points: 
  • With over 9 billion plays in Alien Worlds, this feature will be the largest AI system governed by DAOs at scale.
  • Through advanced AI tools, the decentralized community can leverage this strong lore foundation to build collaborative Alien Worlds games, media, and more.
  • Saro McKenna, co-founder of Alien Worlds, remarks, "Given the recent Hollywood writers' strike, we're navigating a crucial juncture when it comes to AI and media.
  • Stay updated with Alien Worlds by following @AlienWorlds on Twitter and exploring the universe at alienworlds.io.

Alien Worlds Partners with Celebrated Sci-Fi Author to Launch Groundbreaking AI-Driven, Community-Governed Sci-Fi Franchise

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, November 15, 2023

ZUG, Switzerland, Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Dacoco, the driving force behind Alien Worlds, the #1 played metaverse on DappRadar, announces at Web Summit in Lisbon a collaboration with revered Science Fiction author Kevin J. Anderson (Star Wars, Dune, Saga of the Seven Suns). Together, they introduce AI-Driven Tokenized Story-Telling, also known as the "Large Lore Model," a pioneering concept that merges the power of AI with the vibrant creativity of the global community, all governed through decentralized on-chain mechanisms. With over 9 billion plays in Alien Worlds, this feature will be the largest AI system governed by DAOs at scale.

Key Points: 
  • With over 9 billion plays in Alien Worlds, this feature will be the largest AI system governed by DAOs at scale.
  • Through advanced AI tools, the decentralized community can leverage this strong lore foundation to build collaborative Alien Worlds games, media, and more.
  • Saro McKenna, co-founder of Alien Worlds, remarks, "Given the recent Hollywood writers' strike, we're navigating a crucial juncture when it comes to AI and media.
  • Stay updated with Alien Worlds by following @AlienWorlds on Twitter and exploring the universe at alienworlds.io.

New Study: Disney Generates $40 Billion in Annual Economic Impact in Florida and Over Quarter of a Million Jobs

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, November 14, 2023

For every direct job on-site at Disney, an additional 1.7 jobs are supported across Florida.

Key Points: 
  • For every direct job on-site at Disney, an additional 1.7 jobs are supported across Florida.
  • Disney revenues and off-site visitor spending contributed to $12.1 billion in total labor income in fiscal year 2022.
  • The study, which was commissioned by Disney, also reflects the economic impact of Disney Signature Experiences in Florida, including Disney Vacation Club and Disney Cruise Line.
  • If history is any indication, when Disney invests in Florida, its residents and businesses benefit.

Black Friday LEGO Set Deals 2023: Early Star Wars, Marvel, Harry Potter, Technic & More LEGO Set Deals Reviewed by The Consumer Post

Retrieved on: 
Sunday, November 5, 2023

In recent years, LEGO has expanded its product lines, collaborating with major franchises to capture a diverse audience.

Key Points: 
  • In recent years, LEGO has expanded its product lines, collaborating with major franchises to capture a diverse audience.
  • The union of LEGO with names like Star Wars, Marvel, and Harry Potter has resulted in sets that transcend generations, offering intricate designs and immersive storytelling.
  • Stores are ensuring they have adequate stock of sought-after sets, from Harry Potter to Technic, ready to meet consumer demand.
  • Retailers recognize the significance of this event and are prepped to offer a diverse range of LEGO sets to satiate the varied interests of consumers.

Deck the Halls with Millions of Deals During Amazon’s Black Friday Event Starting November 17

Retrieved on: 
Monday, November 6, 2023

To find the most up-to-date deals during the events, visit amazon.com/blackfriday and amazon.com/cybermonday .

Key Points: 
  • To find the most up-to-date deals during the events, visit amazon.com/blackfriday and amazon.com/cybermonday .
  • The New York Jets will take on the Miami Dolphins during the first ever Black Friday NFL game on November 24 with coverage beginning at 1:30 p.m. EST.
  • To sign up for an Amazon account, visit amazon.com/newuser , and watch the game for free on any device from anywhere.
  • Amazon also makes it easy for customers to find deals they’re interested in with personalized recommendations.

MEDIA ALERT: PEOPLE OF PLAY’S CHICAGO TOY AND GAME FAIR

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, November 1, 2023

-- Interactive booths with the hottest holiday toys and games from Box Blox, ChattySnaps, Cut.com, Duncan Toys, E-Blox, Flybar, Good Soul Brands, Gray Matters Games, Happy Camper Live, M&M Funky Stuff, MAGNA-TILES, Marmals, PlusPlus, Popular Playthings, Squaregles, The Pencil Grip, TOMY, Top Secret Toys, Yogibo and many more. Consumers can do their holiday shopping for the kiddos right on site!

Key Points: 
  • Kick off the holiday shopping season at the 21st annual Chicago Toy and Game Fair!
  • Presented by People of Play (POP), the Chicago Toy and Game Fair (CHITAG) is the largest toy and game fair open to the public in North America!
  • Many of the winning inventions have been licensed by these global companies and can be found on store shelves today!
  • - and try your hand at the Big Dice Shooter Game!

Headspace Unveils Refreshed Brand as Company Expands Offerings for Lifelong Mental Health Support

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, October 31, 2023

Headspace (formerly known as Headspace Health ), the provider of the world’s most accessible, comprehensive mental health platform, today unveiled the unification of its products and services under a single brand.

Key Points: 
  • Headspace (formerly known as Headspace Health ), the provider of the world’s most accessible, comprehensive mental health platform, today unveiled the unification of its products and services under a single brand.
  • Effective today, the company’s solutions will be unified under the Headspace brand portfolio, including the Ginger app, now rebranded as Headspace Care .
  • "In mental health care, strong brand engagement is the first step to generating better outcomes and reducing costs," said Christine Evans, president, Headspace.
  • This brand refresh comes at a pivotal moment as Headspace evolves and strengthens its product offerings to support the growing mental health and wellbeing needs of people around the world.

Alaska Airlines debuts new 'Mickey's Toontown'-themed airplane featuring Mickey Mouse and his pals at Disneyland Resort

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, November 1, 2023

SEATTLE, Nov. 1, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Alaska Airlines' newest, uniquely themed aircraft will be soaring through the skies today with a touch of magic from everyone's favorite pal, Mickey Mouse. After the big reveal of this specially themed plane at a gate ceremony in Seattle, passengers will board the inaugural flight to Orange County, Calif., to visit "The Happiest Place on Earth" at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim. Named "Mickey's Toontown Express," the celebrated plane is now flying on routes across Alaska's network.

Key Points: 
  • Adorned with playful images of Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, along with their pals Goofy, Pluto, Donald Duck and Daisy Duck in Mickey's Toontown at Disneyland Park, the Boeing 737-800, tail number 565AS, is Alaska Airlines' eighth livery in collaboration with Disneyland Resort.
  • "Alaska's long-standing relationship with the Disneyland Resort has helped to create unforgettable experiences for our guests and employees.
  • "The plane's artwork marks Alaska Airlines' eighth transformation of an aircraft featuring Disney artistry and exhibits the excitement and playfulness of the re-imagined Mickey's Toontown.
  • And once there, it's always a perfect time to visit Disneyland Resort and all the destination has to offer.