Saturday, October 13, 2012

Liberty Democratic Association 5th Annual Awards Dinner


     The Liberty Democratic Association 5th Annual Awards Dinner had some very stiff competition Thursday night. Not only were there various community meetings, a Vice Presidential Debate, but a Yankee playoff game the same night. LDA President Richard Torres said that the LDA had scheduled the award dinner way in advance of the vice presidential debate, and added he hoped that the Yankees win the final game against the Baltimore Orioles. 

    On hand were Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., Bronx Democratic County Leader Assemblyman Carl E. Heastie (who brought his 3 year old daughter Taylor with him), BDCC Chairman Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz who brought with him the new BDCC Vice-Chair Mr. Andrew Cohen (who is rumored to be a candidate for the soon to be term limited11th City Council seat), current 80th A.D. Assemblywoman Naomi Rivera, Soon to be the new 87th A.D. Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda, State Senator Jeff Klein, New York City Comptroller John Liu, Councilman Jimmy Vacca, Bronx DA Robert Johnson, and Brooklyn Councilwoman (and candidate for Public Advocate in 2013) Leticca James. 

     The Honorees of the award dinner included Bronx BP Ruben Diaz Jr., Ms. Angela Doyle-Ramfti of SEIU Local 1199, Mr. Joseph Kelleher President of the Hutchinson Metro Center, Ms. Elizabeth White Community School District 11 Superintendent, Mr. Michael Bernard of Villa Maria Academy, and Mr. David Edelstein the Executive Director of the Jewish Community Council of Pelham Parkway. Below are a few photos of the event. The lighting was low, but you can click on any photo to enlarge it.

Left - Bronx Democratic County Leader Assemblyman Carl Heastie with his 3 year old daughter Taylor.
Right - BP Diaz with Kenny Agosto, Richard Torres and Joe McManus of LDA.

Left - BDCC Chairman Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz is flanked by SEIU Local 1199 board member Eddie Diaz, and New BDCC Vice-Char Andrew Cohen.
Right Councilman Jimmy Vacca of the 13th CD with rumored 11th CD candidate Andrew Cohen.



Friday, October 12, 2012

Comic Con 2012 Friday Oct. 12th


     Today I visited Comic Con 2012. The Javits Center was wall to wall with people as Comic Con 2012 was a sold out event. There were countless booths set up for the enjoyment of those who attended. New companies that are making traditional comics, story books, and even new interactive reading material for the new Apple products. One new item I saw that could be a boon to education was such a reading book that can tell when the reader becomes disassociated with what is being read. This would be a great tool for teachers to know what reading levels students are on, and their areas of reading interest. 

   Of course there was the autograph signings, people dressed up like their favorite characters, and of course the beautiful babes that came for one reason or another. Below are a few of the photos I took. Click on any photo to enlarge it.

  Here are two artists that were signing material for Comic Con 2012 goers. Scott Neitlich and Tim Saley at the Matell Booth #1306.
Five young Bronxites from the Concourse area were among those attending Comic Con 2012One coming in costume.

Of course the babes were in attendance as you can see.


Left - The beautiful Bella Twins of the WWE were signing photos.
Right - They even were taking pictures with some of the attendees, such as WWE rival Kelly Kelly (also signing at the next table), and others. Nikki Bella said that she was still the WWE Diva's Champ, because her sister Brie was the one pinned in a championship match that Brie lost.


Marvel Attempts Guinness World Record at NY Comic Con


MARVEL CELEBRATES SPIDER-MAN’S BIRTHDAY
WITH GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS® ATTEMPT –
MOST CONTRIBUTIONS TO A GREETING CARD

THOUSANDS OF FANS TO COMMEMORATE
SUPERHERO’S 50TH ANNIVERSARY
AT NEW YORK COMIC CON

New York Comic Con at Jacob K. Javits Center
655 West 34th Street (at 11th Ave)
New York, NY 10001
 

WHAT:
      
In honor of the world’s most popular videogame superhero, Spider-Man, Marvel is celebrating the iconic figure’s birthday in a big way.  A long-time record holder, Spider-Man is currently featured in the latest Guinness World Records® 2013 Edition and with the help of fans, will attempt to add a new record to the list. Marvel will host a larger-than-life size card for enthusiasts to sign and break the record for the “Most Contributions to a Greeting Card”.  Fans can stop by the Marvel booth (#1838) during New York Comic Con to add their own message to Spidey.
 
WHO:                   
All fans and visitors to the Marvel booth will be invited to wish Spider-Man a “Happy Birthday” and help him earn a place in Guinness World Records history. Michael Janela, an official adjudicator from Guinness World Records, will be on hand to count and verify and is available for interviews.
                                                                        
WHERE:                   
New York Comic Con
Javits Center
655 West 34th Street  
New York, NY 10001
Marvel Booth #1838
 
WHEN:                  
Sunday, October 14th
3:00 pm 

Benjamin Franklin PRE ELECTION DAY VICTORY BRUNCH

Benjamin Franklin Reform Democratic Club


Please join                        

Club President ELLEN FELD
 
                              Congressman ELIOT ENGEL
Assemblyman JEFFREY DINOWITZ   

Council Member OLIVER KOPPELL        
State Senators JEFF KLEIN & GUSTAVO RIVERA

                     District Leaders BRUCE FELD & RANDI MARTOS

State Committee Members WILLIAM WEITZ & HELEN MORIK


PRE ELECTION DAY
VICTORY BRUNCH

 Where:      The home of Andrew Cohen & Dr. Heather Erhard
            2721 Arlington Avenue (between W.  227th and 230th Streets)
            
  When:       Sunday, October 28th, 2012 - 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.                
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Name _____________________________________________

Address __________________________________________ 

Phone _________________

Email ____________________________________________

_____Yes, I/we will attend the Annual Brunch.    Enclosed is a check for $_____.
 _____ $40 for regular tickets        _____$55 for Friend tickets
 _____$100 for Sponsor tickets    _____$250 for Patron tickets
                _____$500 for Benefactor tickets
Sorry, I cannot attend, but enclosed is a contribution of $_____.

Please make checks payable to:  Benjamin Franklin Reform Democratic Club, Inc.

Please mail to:            Heidi Schwartz
3050 Fairfield Avenue, 6C
Bronx, New York 10463

Wave Hill Events October 26–November 2


    If you watch the foliage maps closely each fall, be reassured that Wave Hill offers one of the easiest and most affordable day trips for taking in the brilliant color of the season. Close at hand, the gardens themselves are taking on their autumn finery, while the Hudson River and Palisades offer breathtaking vistas. Pair a wander along the garden paths with a guided tour of Glyndor Gallery, or a plein-air session of yoga or tai chi, the very last before they go into hibernation for the winter.  And if you have little ones to treat to a day in the gardens, be sure to come for Paul Keim’s insect walk, a perfect follow-up to the Saturday morning Family Art Project. As George Eliot once so aptly put it, “Delicious autumn!”


SAT, OCTOBER 27   FAMILY ART PROJECT—THE MASKED PARADE OF THE HAIRY INSECTS
The Masked Parade of the Hairy Insects/Parada de insectos peludos
Use materials of all shapes and sizes to create funny, fuzzy insect masks. Add a handmade musical insect instrument as demonstrated by visiting artist and musician Lisa Karrar. Then with Lisa’s lead, take your ladybug, worker ant or daddy long-legs for a stroll, as we assemble for a fall parade. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.
ECOLOGY BUILDING, 10AM‒1PM

SAT, OCTOBER 27    TAI CHI CHUAN
Quiet like a mountain, moving like a river, Tai Chi is a sequence of gentle movements based on images found in nature. Short and long form classes are led by Irving Yee, an active member of the William CC Chen Tai Chi School. Sessions are held outdoors only and are weather dependent. Call 718.549.3200 x245 by 8AM on the day of the class for weather updates. Session fee: $15 Member/$23 Non-member. Registration opens onsite at 9:30AM.
ON THE GROUNDS, 10AM Beginners, 11AM Intermediates

SAT, OCTOBER 27    FAMILY INSECT WALK  NEW
Where do insects live? Naturalist Paul Keim leads this family-friendly nature walk to explore the hidden world of insects in the gardens of Wave Hill. Ages 6 and older welcome with an adult. Free with admission to the grounds.
MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 12:30PM

SAT, OCTOBER 27    GALLERY TOUR
Join an exhibition interpreter for one of our regularly scheduled tours of Wave Hill’s fall exhibition Foregrounding the Palisades, sculptural installations by artists Isidro Blasco, Blane de St. Croix and Paula Winokur that focus on the cliffs across the Hudson River, a quintessential feature of Wave Hill’s vista—and history.  In the Sunroom, Gail Biederman suspends a net-like map of commercial and handmade felt reflecting local topography. Tours take place Tuesdays and Saturdays at 2PM. Free with admission to the grounds.
GLYNDOR GALLERY, 2PM

SUN, OCTOBER 28   FAMILY ART PROJECT— THE MASKED PARADE OF THE HAIRY INSECTS
The Masked Parade of the Hairy Insects/Parada de insectos peludos
Use materials of all shapes and sizes to create funny, fuzzy insect masks. Add a handmade musical insect instrument as demonstrated by visiting artist and musician Lisa Karrar. Then with Lisa’s lead, take your ladybug, worker ant or daddy long-legs for a stroll, as we assemble for a fall parade. Free with admission to the grounds.
ECOLOGY BUILDING, 10AM‒1PM

SUN, OCTOBER 28    HATHA YOGA
Release stress and find refuge from city life by practicing seasonal yoga, surrounded by the beauty of Wave Hill. Hatha Yoga involves the use of physical postures, breath control and meditation to create a supple, strong and relaxed body-mind. Classes are led by Neem Dewji, certified in Hatha and Therapeutic Yoga from The Yoga for Health Foundation in Bedfordshire, England, and The Integral Yoga Institute in NYC. Participants should bring a mat, dress in loosely fitting clothing and come to class with breakfast well digested. All levels welcomed. Sessions are held outdoors only and are weather dependent. Call 718.549.3200 x245 by 8AM on the day of the class for weather updates. Session fee: $15 Member/$23 Non-member. Registration opens onsite at 9:30AM.
ON THE GROUNDS, 10–11:15AM

SUN, OCTOBER 28    GARDEN HIGHLIGHTS WALK
Join us for an hour-long tour of seasonal garden highlights. Free with admission to the grounds.
MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 2PM

MON, OCTOBER 29    HISTORY HIKE: MILLIONAIRES’ ROW ON THE PALISADES  SOLD OUT
Explore the cliffs along the Palisades once known as “Millionaires’ Row” where the tumbled remains of a dozen or so estates line a lonely precipice more than four hundred feet above the Hudson River. Historic Interpreter Eric Nelsen and Trail Crew Supervisor and Educator Christina Fehre of the Palisades Interstate Park–NJ Section recount the fascinating cultural history of the Palisades and the wealthy families that left behind their stately manor homes and ornate gardens, now almost reclaimed by the forest. $15 Member/$23 Non-member. Registration required, online at www.wavehill.org, by calling 718.549.3200 x305 or at the Perkins Visitor Center. Transportation provided from Wave Hill. Space is limited.
MEET AT VISITORS PARKING LOT, 12:30−3:30PM

TUE, OCTOBER 30   GARDEN HIGHLIGHTS WALK
Join us for an hour-long tour of seasonal garden highlights. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.
MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 11AM

TUE, OCTOBER 30   GALLERY TOUR
Join an exhibition interpreter for one of our regularly scheduled tours of Wave Hill’s fall exhibition Foregrounding the Palisades, sculptural installations by artists Isidro Blasco, Blane de St. Croix and Paula Winokur that focus on the cliffs across the Hudson River, a quintessential feature of Wave Hill’s vista—and history.  In the Sunroom, Gail Biederman suspends a net-like map of commercial and handmade felt reflecting local topography. Tours take place Tuesdays and Saturdays at 2PM. Free with admission to the grounds.
GLYNDOR GALLERY, 2PM

WED, OCTOBER 31    FALL FOLIAGE WALK
Enjoy colorful foliage at its seasonal peak. Horticultural Interpreter Charles Day shares some of his favorite trees and shrubs in their vibrant fall finery. Free with admission to the grounds.
MEET AT THE PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 2PM


A 28-acre public garden and cultural center overlooking the Hudson River  and Palisades, Wave Hill’s mission is to celebrate the artistry and legacy of its gardens and landscape, to preserve its magnificent views, and to explore human connections to the natural world through programs in horticulture, education and the arts.

HOURS  Open all year, Tuesday through Sunday and many major holidays: 9AM—4:30PM. Closes 5:30PM, March 15—October 31.  
ADMISSION  $8 adults, $4 students and seniors 65+, $2 children 6—18. Free Saturday mornings until noon. Free until noon October Tuesdays, and all day Tuesdays in November. Free to Wave Hill Members and children under 6.

PROGRAM FEES  Program s are free with admission to the grounds unless otherwise noted.

Visitors to Wave Hill can take advantage of Metro-North’s one-day getaway offer. Purchase a discount round-trip rail far and discount admission to the gardens. More at http://mta.info/mnr/html/getaways/outbound_wavehill.htm

DIRECTIONS – Getting here is easy! Located only 3o minutes from midtown Manhattan, Wave Hill’s free shuttle van transports you to and from our front gate and Metro-North’s Riverdale station, as well as the 242nd Street stop on the #1 subway line. Limited onsite parking is available for $8 per vehicle. Free offsite parking is available nearby with continuous, complimentary shuttle service to and from the offsite lot and our front gate. Complete directions and shuttle bus schedule at www.wavehill.org/visit/.

Information at 718.549.3200. On the web at www.wavehill.org.
 

Job openings at Unique People Services-Bronx


This has come from soon to be 87th Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda.

I'd like to inform you about some job openings that have come to my attention. The organization is Unique People Services based in the Bronx, on Viero avenue. 
For more information on this organization, feel free to check out the link below: 
 
The positions available are for: 
-Program Director
-Patient Navigator
-Skill Builder
 
The salaries range from $22,000 to 50,000. 
Please call their office at: 718-231-7720 to find out more information about these opportunities.


Assemblyman Dinowitz Announces New Legislation Addressing Red Light Camera Scam



News from Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz
                3107 Kingsbridge Avenue
                Bronx, New York 10463
                (718) 796-5345
                dinowitzj@assembly.state.ny.us

   
       Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz (D-Bronx) announced today that he is introducing new legislation that would prohibit traffic lights that have so called “red light cameras” at any location from being calibrated to change from green to red faster than a regular traffic signal.

A recent study of the issue by the American Automobile Association of New York has raised concerns that the traffic signals in question have a shorter yellow light than traffic signals that do not have a red light camera. According to AAA of New York, traffic lights equipped with red light cameras change from green to red 15% faster than signals that are not equipped with a camera. If the yellow lights are indeed shorter when there are red light cameras present, it would suggest that the use of red light cameras is motivated more by a desire to generate revenue than promote safety.

Assemblyman Dinowitz said, “I have long been a supporter of the addition of red light cameras in an effort to keep our streets, drivers, and pedestrians safer; however if the yellow lights at such intersections are even a millisecond shorter than at intersections without cameras in order to raise revenue, that would be a disgrace. Either city officials can correct this problem themselves, or this legislation will correct it for them.” 

UPDATE:

Saturday's New York Post had this on the issue:

A Bronx Democrat who suspects the city is just trying to make money off traffic fines is out to stop traffic lights from switching from green to red faster than usual.
Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz introduced legislation this week to prohibit traffic lights with red-light cameras from being calibrated to change earlier than regular traffic signals.
He cited a AAA of New York study — first reported by The Post — that found a 15 percent shorter change time at lights with cameras.
“If the yellow lights at such intersections are even a millisecond shorter than at intersections without cameras — in order to raise revenue — that would be a disgrace,” Dinowitz said.
“Either city officials can correct this problem themselves or this legislation will correct it for them.”
But City Hall is opposing “this unnecessary legislation,” said spokesman Mark Botnick.
“All yellow lights at intersections with red-light cameras are timed exactly the same way as other signals at other intersections and consistent with federal guidelines,” he insisted.
And Mayor Bloomberg recently dismissed the AAA study, saying, “Maybe if you think there’s less time, you won’t try to [run red lights]. I’m not sure why we give you any time at all. Running red lights kills people.”
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We want to add that it is the red light cameras in the city of Yonkers that drivers have to watch out for. 

 

#NYCC: Corey Taylor To Pen HOUSE OF GOLD & BONES Comic with Dark Horse!



COREY TAYLOR TO PEN
HOUSE OF GOLD & BONES COMIC!
A multimedia presence includes two upcoming Stone Sour albums and more!
October 10, NEW YORK, NY—Grammy-nominated musician and best-selling author Corey Taylor, the lyricist and lead singer of Slipknot and Stone Sour, is setting down the microphone and putting ink and images to paper in his new project with Dark Horse Comics—House of Gold & Bones
With stunning covers from Jason Shawn Alexander (Empty Zone, Abe Sapien), this limited four-issue series marks Corey Taylor’s debut in the comics genre. “I’ve been a die-hard fan of comics, on every level, my entire life,” says Taylor. “This has been a dream of mine for years now, and this project was tailor made for a comic, no pun intended. I couldn’t have picked a better company than Dark Horse to make this a reality. I have loved several of their titles for many years, going back to ’92. If we can get this crazy world out of my head and onto the canvas, it’ll be the best thing I’ve ever attempted. And with Dark Horse, I have every confidence that’s exactly what we’ll do.” 
House of Gold & Bones is a unique multimedia experience which includes two Stone Sour albums via Roadrunner Records (release date for Part 1 is October 22, with Part 2 following in 2013), videos, online presence, creative album packaging, live shows, and now the Dark Horse Comics series. Each element will follow and expand on the story. Taylor, already an internationally best-selling author, courtesy of last year’s Seven Deadly Sins, wrote the story—as well as the lyrics for the twenty-three tracks that make up the two albums—as a linear story line. The Stone Sour songs set the tone and follow the action, with Taylor’s House of Gold & Bones comic expanding on the story. 
Corey Taylor will be signing in the Dark Horse Booth at New York Comic Con Saturday, October 12 at 3 p.m.
Stone Sour’s House of Gold & Bones Part 1 album is on sale October 22, 2012!
House of Gold & Bones issue #1 is on sale April 17, 2013!
Check out the exclusive interview with Corey Taylor on USAToday


NYCC Talent Alert: The Cast of Syfy's HAVEN Will Participate in Panel on 10/13


Entertainment One is proud to announce that the talent and creators of the hit Syfy series Haven (currently in its third season) will participate in a New York Comic Con panel on Saturday, October 13.  Among the panelists will be Haven cast members EMILY ROSE (Jericho, Brothers and Sisters), LUCAS BRYANT (Queer as Folk, MVP), ERIC BALFOUR (24, Six Feet Under) and WWE Superstar EDGE (Adam Copeland). Fans at the panel will also see an exclusive 20-minute cut of a new documentary revealing the “haunting” events behind the making of Haven’s upcoming Halloween episode, directed by Jason Priestley, which will air Friday, October 26 at 10pm on Syfy.

The Haven panel will be among select events that will be streamed live online by New York Comic Con in partnership with TwitchTV at: http://www.newyorkcomiccon.com/Whats-Happening/NYCC-Streaming/

NEW YORK COMIC CON TALENT ALERT!

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Steve Wilkos - signing limited edition comic cover created exclusively for NY Comic Con

     Steve Wilkos, host of “The Steve Wilkos Show,” will attend New York Comic Con to meet fans and sign autographs. He will be signing a LIMITED EDITION comic cover created exclusively for 2012 NYCC.

       Sunday, October 14 from 12:00 – 1:00 pm/ET

        NY Comicon @ The Javitz Center located at: 
655 West 34th Street, New York City
                                    BOOTH #1068
BIOGRAPHY:
Steve Wilkos is the host of NBC Universal Domestic Television Distribution's nationally syndicated series "The Steve Wilkos Show," now in its sixth season. 

A native of Chicago, Wilkos served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps for almost seven years before joining the Chicago Police Department. For almost 12 years, he kept the streets of Chicago's volatile 14th District (Shakespeare) safe while moonlighting during his off hours on television. Wilkos retired from the police force in 2001 and now devotes himself full time to his family and his show.

Prior to starting a show of his own, Wilkos filled in for Jerry Springer as host of the long-running "The Jerry Springer Show" on more than 50 episodes, using his law enforcement background and no-nonsense style to create his own identity as a talk show host.

Touted as a man of and for the people, Wilkos’ popularity has skyrocketed and his sincerity and moral fiber have made for a very diverse fan base that includes people from all walks of life. When not watching cartoons with his two young children, Wilkos makes time to catch his favorite show of all time, "The Simpsons," for which he lent his voice for a cameo on a past episode (a milestone he proudly calls "the highlight of my career so far.")  Wilkos has also appeared in several TV shows and films, including the hit motion picture "Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me."

A huge sports fan, Wilkos can be spotted at various professional sporting events in his free time, such as baseball and football games.

Wilkos and his wife, Rachelle, who is executive producer on "The Steve Wilkos Show" and "The Jerry Springer Show," have two young children and live in Connecticut.

 

State Senator Gustavo Rivera Teaches Community Civic Classes


GOVERNMENT HEADER
SENATOR GUSTAVO RIVERA TO TEACH COMMUNITY CIVIC CLASSES

Bronx, NY- State Senator Gustavo Rivera - Will teach community civic classes this fall, starting Thursday October 11, 2012 at the Belmont Library. Senator Gustavo Rivera is an educator and public servant who believes in the power of civic participation and encourages all Bronxites who wish to learn about the political process to come and participate in these community civic classes. In this first class he will talk about the U.S. Constitution; who drafted it, for what purpose and its relevance in today's political scene.

The Senator's office has partnered with NALEO(National Association of Latino Elected Officials) Education Fund to provide this series free and open to the public. Representatives from NALEO will be present to register voters. This first class is a day before the Oct 12 deadline to register to vote and so the Senator encourages all local residents to come participate in this exciting series, and also to register to vote if they haven't.

  
WHO:  Senator Gustavo Rivera, NALEO Education Fund
  
WHAT: Community Civic Classes on The Constitution
  
WHERE:  Belmont Library, 680 East 184th St Bronx NY 10458
  
WHEN: Thursdays, October 11, 2012 at 6:30 PM


Upcoming classes

October 18, 2012- Civil Rights and Civil Liberties

October 25 2012- State and Local Government

November 1, 2012- Voting and Elections


Ashley Eckstein's Her Universe Provides Everyday Cosplay ay NYCC



Ashley Eckstein's Her Universe Provides "Everyday Cosplay"
for Geek Girls this Halloween with New Fashion Apparel

NEW YORK, NY - October 9th, 2012 - This Halloween, Geek Girls do not have to sacrifice fashion for a cheap costume they'll wear only once. Actress Ashley Eckstein, the voice of Ahsoka Tano on Star Wars: The Clone Wars and founder of the female sci-fi apparel line, Her Universe™, revealed today her line of fashionable costume hoodies, tops and a Hot Topic exclusive TARDIS dress dubbed "everyday cosplay" just in time for the Halloween season. Whether you're a fan of Star Wars, Star Trek or Doctor Who, Her Universe has you covered to be the stylish one this fall and all year long. And now, until October 22nd (for guaranteed 10/31 delivery), Her Universe (www.heruniverse.com) is offering FREE GROUND SHIPPING on any order of $50.00 or more.

"I have a tub full of Halloween costumes that I have spent a lot of money on which I've only worn once," said Eckstein. "My goal for our ‘everyday cosplay' line is for girls to be able to wear these fashionable costumed looks on Halloween and all year round! I've always been a savvy shopper and I try to get the most for my money."

New to the "everyday cosplay" line from Her Universe is the Star Trek Spock zip-up hoodie featuring the famous original series blue uniform top where fangirls, with the hood up, can be their favorite Vulcan, complete with pointy ears. Also new this fall season is the Star Wars: The Clone Wars Ahsoka Tano adult tunic top which complements the already released Ahsoka tunic for young girls and the very popular Princess Leia costume hoodie - perfect for any Halloween party or everyday wear. For female Whovians, Eckstein has collaborated with retailer Hot Topic to create Her Universe's first fashionably-fun, stylized dress based on Doctor Who's beloved time-traveling TARDIS - available online NOW at Hot Topic and at Hot Topic retail stores. And what better way to accessorize all of these pieces than with the new Her Universe Star Wars Halloween Tote Bag featuring all-new original art by renowned artist Katie Cook - perfect for fans of any age for school, work, shopping and, of course, trick or treating! Katie's very popular Her Universe Halloween Tote Bag sold out last year at record speed! The bags are only available for a limited time, so get them while supplies last.

"I was thrilled when Ashley asked me to do another Halloween bag design," said Katie. "I'll take any chance I get to draw Darth Vader in a silly costume! Ashley and I came up with the idea for this year's bag at Celebration a few weeks ago and I couldn't wait to come home and get started on it."

All of these "everyday cosplay" pieces for Halloween and beyond can be found on heruniverse.com with the Doctor Who TARDIS dress available NOW online at Hot Topic and Hot Topic retail stores. Eckstein can be seen wearing many of the "everyday cosplay" pieces as co-host for MTV Geek’s coverage (mtv.com/geek/) of New York Comic Con October 11th-14th.
About Her Universe
Her Universe was launched in 2009 by actress and entrepreneur Ashley Eckstein, and her partner, The Araca Group, known as one of the most innovative theatrical production and merchandise companies in the world. Her Universe was created to directly address the expanding market of female fans by entering into its first agreement with Lucas Licensing to develop and produce a line of female-centered Star Wars apparel and accessories. The success of that line was followed up with a collection for the Syfy network including such shows as Battlestar Galactica and with BBC America for Doctor Who and with CBS Consumer Products for Star Trek. You can learn more about Her Universe and purchase the current line of fangirl apparel and accessories by going to www.heruniverse.com and by following Eckstein on Facebook (facebook.com/HerUniverse) and Twitter (twitter.com/HerUniverse).

About Katie Cook
Katie Cook is an illustrator and writer that lives in Michigan. She has done work for Lucasfilm, The Jim Henson Company, Marvel Comics and more. Her websites are www.katiecandraw.com and www.gronkcomic.com

Her Universe Spock
New in the "everyday cosplay" line from Her Universe is this unique Star Trek Spock hoodie. With the hood up, fangirls can be their favorite Vulcan complete with pointy ears.
Her Universe Tardis
Collaborating with retailer Hot Topic, Ashley Eckstein's Her Universe is now offering, through Hottopic.com and Hot Topic retails stores, this fashionably-fun, stylized dress of Doctor Who's beloved time-traveling TARDIS.
Her Universe Ahsoka Adult
Brand new and by popular demand, Her Universe has created an adult Star Wars: The Clone Wars Ahsoka Tano Tunic top to complement the already existing Ahsoka tunic for young girls.
Her Universe Leia
Perfect for Halloween or for everyday use, this Star Wars Princess Leia hoodie from Her Universe is fashionable year round.
Her Universe Tardis
Due to the overwhelming demand for last year's bag, Ashley Eckstein has teamed up with renowned artist Katie Cook to create a brand new Star Wars Halloween Tote bag for 2012. Featuring fun, original art of Darth Vader and his stormtroopers, this is a must-have accessory for Halloween! The bags are only available for a limited time, so get them while supplies last.
Her Universe Uhura
Turn this Star Trek top into a costume or style it as an everyday outfit and you can inspire others to Boldly Go where no one has gone before.