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'Tis the season for the best gaming, tech, and media gifts. (Photo Credit: Amazon)

As much as we’d love for it to still be Spooky Season (October came and went far too fast), Thanksgiving and Black Friday are right around the corner. You know what that means: it’s Gift Guide Season, y’all. The holidays bring about plenty of opportunities to find the perfect gift for someone, be it at an office White Elephant party or exchanging gifts with one of your closest friends or loved ones. But with those opportunities to find the perfect gift often comes stress.

That’s what we’re here to take care of. Below you’ll find some of the coolest geek gear released in 2019, from tabletop gaming supplies, to dope sneakers, to the ever-reliable Star Wars collectible. It might not have every answer you need heading into the holiday season but hopefully, it will at least give you a point in the right direction.

Happy holidays to all of our readers, and good luck finding gifts that will make your friends and loved ones light up in the coming weeks!

Dungeons & Dragons/Gaming

Photo Credit: Amazon

Dungeons & Dragons Stranger Things Starter Kit

Dungeons & Dragons Essentials Kit

Unmatched: Battle of Legends Board Game

Dungeons and Dragons Rick and Morty Kit

Kraken Dice – Most tabletop gamers will tell you that they already have too many pairs of dice, but trust us: what they really mean is they just haven’t found the next pair they want yet. A new set of dice is such a reliable gift, be it a relatively cheap set as a stocking stuffer or a limited-edition precious stone set to really make someone’s holiday bright. The folks over at Kraken Dice have you covered on all fronts. They make a variety of unique dice sets that range from super affordable to high-end collectibles.

Headphones

Photo Credit: Under Armour

Panasonic Premium Wireless Headphones

Project Rock – A set of headphones that gives you high-end sound and is also built for activewear is a rare thing. That’s why The Rock’s signature headphones (yes, apparently he has those) are such a revelation. They’re built to function during high-motion activities like running, weightlifting, and shooting hoops but sound as good as any quality studio headphones. If there’s an active person in your life, their days of having to stop workouts to put their headphones back on after they’ve fallen off for the umpteenth time are over.

Collectibles

Photo Credit: Amazon

Star Wars Black Series Luke Skywalker Helmet

Marvel Legends Power Gauntlet

Photo Credit: Amazon

Star Wars Ultimate D-O Interactive Droid – Back when Star Wars: The Force Awakens hit theaters, those awesome BB-8 Bluetooth droids that you could control via a downloadable phone app were nigh-impossible to find for months. Get ahead of the coming rush and pick up your own interactive D-O before Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker hits theaters and you miss out.

Lego Millennium Falcon

Lego Kylo Ren

Photo Credit: Amazon

Cowboy Bebop Spike Spiegel Figuarts – There hasn’t been a great Spike Spiegel action figure available for years, save for a few that have been out of production that fetched high prices on eBay. Tamashii Nations fixed that this year by bringing the legendary space cowboy into the fold. It’s sure to delight the Bebop fan in your life.

Black Series Lightsabers – These are an always-reliable standby. Force FX lightsabers have been the perfect Star Wars collectible of the modern era and any fan of the franchise is sure to be delighted to receive one. There’s a wide array of options available but the new Supreme Leader Kylo Ren one is easily the top of the line these days.

MONDO He-Man ⅙ Scale Figure

Books

Photo Credit: Amazon

The Lady from the Black Lagoon

Sneakers x Culture: Collab

Stranger Things: The Official Companion

Movies (And Other Things) – Shea Serrano may be the most popular nonfiction writer in the world today thanks to his unique wit and perspective on subjects like rap music, basketball, and television. His latest offering, Movies (And Other Things) is among his best and makes for a great gift for anyone you know who spends time in front of a screen, regardless of what they’re watching.

Game of Thrones: A Guide to Westeros and Beyond

Fashion/Accessories

Photo Credit: Adidas

Adidas Star Wars Collection

Mondo Pins – Pins are the ultimate stocking stuffer and it’s hard to go wrong with any of Mondo’s offerings in that department. Featuring everything from Marvel characters to the cast of Duck Tales, it shouldn’t be hard to find the right one for whoever it is you’re shopping for.

Project Rock Jacket

Movies/TV

Photo Credit: Amazon

Cobra Kai – YouTube Red may be the single biggest dud of the Streaming Era but man, it’s been worth it if only for Cobra Kai. What could be an easy nostalgia cash-grab has instead turned out to be a poignant meditation on masculinity and how it shapes young men. Don’t get us wrong, though – there’s still some great Karate Kid fan service and dope action sequences.

Robocop (Arrow Video Special Edition)

Do The Right Thing (Criterion Collection) – Perhaps the single most impressive home media release of the year. One of the great movies of all time now comes in a well-designed box set crammed with special features and a book that contains essays on the film, photography, as well as director/star Spike Lee’s shooting diary.

Batman Beyond: The Animated Series

More on Geek.com:

• Top Tech Deals From Amazon’s Pre-Black Friday Ad
• GameStop Reveals Full Black Friday 2019 Gaming Deals
• The Best Black Friday Gifts for Comic Book Fans

News has broken that Godfrey Gao, actor and model, best known in the States of the Mortal Instruments movie, passed away at the age of 35 from a heart attack while filming Chase Me, a competitive sports reality show, in China.

While the cause of death is a heart attack, reports are coming that Gao was dealing with some inhumane conditions while on the set of Chase Me, including a 17-hour workday. Taiwan News, according to the Vancouver Sun, reported that an audience member heard Gao shout, “I can’t carry on,” before he fell to the ground.

Taiwan News then reported, “Cameramen swarmed around him and kept filming, apparently believing that his actions were part of the show.”

Zhejiang TV, the station behind Chase Me, released a statement taking some responsibility, which has been circulating on social media.

[trending] Zhejiang TV releases official statement on #GodfreyGao’s passing while recording #ChaseMe. Full trans in P3

“We’re deeply regretful and sorry for the ireparable and serious consequences that this incident has caused, and are willing to take up responsibility”#高以翔 pic.twitter.com/qyRaHFSqPP

— c-drama tweets (@dramapotatoe) November 27, 2019

[trending] Following #GodfreyGao’s passing, variety show #ChaseMe is coming under fire (and scrutiny) for overall difficulty of the obstacles and safety procedures of the programme. Past fan accounts have reported other celebrities to have also faced discomfort during filming pic.twitter.com/ckHLIlwpZ1

— c-drama tweets (@dramapotatoe) November 27, 2019

In addition to the outpouring of grief, this has meant a lot of anger towards Chase Me and more cases of other celebrities complaining about how the series has handled health issues and dangerous sets. Those who have known Gao and fans of the actor have been expressing sadness and confusion about this sudden death on social media:

 

View this post on Instagram

 

Deep sadness that such a shining star has left us… 🙏

A post shared by Michelle Yeoh 楊紫瓊 (@michelleyeoh_official) on Nov 27, 2019 at 8:58am PST

 

View this post on Instagram

 

Very sad to hear of the passing of @godfreygao, a huge loss to the community. He inspired so many to follow in his footsteps in film and entertainment, myself included. Condolences to his family and loved ones x

A post shared by Henry Golding (@henrygolding) on Nov 27, 2019 at 1:27am PST

The first Asian model to appear in a campaign for Louis Vuitton. That was in 2011. He was such an inspiration. #RIPGodfreyGao #GodfreyGao #GodfreyGaoYixiang pic.twitter.com/vEtLAqlKrS

— Emily (@youngsunaa) November 27, 2019

So stunned and saddened. I always thought #GodfreyGao could play #JamesBond. Frightening how he just collapsed and died at age 35. 😭

— Kristen Sze ABC7 (@abc7kristensze) November 27, 2019

I can’t believe you’re gone. The most down to earth and genuine man. I’ve followed you for years and loved your work. You’ve always held a special place in my heart…Rest in paradise #GodfreyGao https://t.co/ohXyA8qTa3

— Jayteez🤍✨ (@LaLisaVieEnRose) November 27, 2019

(via Vancouver Sun, image: Screen Gems)

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GKIDS proudly presents the highly-anticipated new film from director Makoto Shinkai and producer Genki Kawamura, the creative team behind the critically-acclaimed, global smash hit Your Name that took the world by storm. This newest offering presents ordinary Hodaka, who in the summer of his high school freshman year, runs away from home and leaves for Tokyo. As what happens to most folks who come, star-eyed attracted by the big city lights he comes without a much of a plan and quickly finds himself pushed to his financial and personal limits. Our boy is on the struggle bus. Worse of all: The weather is unusually gloomy and rainy every day. He’s starting to think it is a sign as if to suggest how his future is going to turn out looking like.

Hodaka meets Hina on a busy street corner, as luck would have it. He soon finds that this bright and ultra strong-willed girl possesses a strange and wonderful ability…she holds the power: to stop the rain and clear the skies.

Boasting gorgeous visuals and a story that already seems to ensnare us for a heartbreakingly good time, Weathering With You looks to share a few things in common with Your Name: some endearing teenaged characters, a plot that is serving both strange and unusual with interesting and lastly, some serious heart.

To that point, the dueling nature of opposites in the main protagonists which was present in Your Name–(Mitsuha was a country girl and Taki a city boy) also seems to be the case here in with Hodaka being from a remote island home and coming to the big city of Tokyo and meeting Hina. Director Makoto Shinkai’s films include Voices of a Distant Star and The Garden of Words feature narratives that pull at the heartstrings. Producer (but also screenwriter, director, author, creative director, and showrunner) Genki Kawamura seems to have a Midas touch which includes such projects including Mirai and Wolf Children –having him on board only heightens my anticipation for magic once again.

I’m also super interested in this film regarding something ingrained in Asian folklore, more specifically Japanese folklore: the sunshine girl. Not quite an urban legend but more of a person has the power to stop the rain and clear the skies with just a prayer. See more detailed history on the history of the Teru Teru Bozu fine weather doll here! which ties into the history of the sunshine girl here.

Weathering With You looks to be part love story, part coming of age tale with commentary on everything on cherishing your youth to climate control and more. Prepare yourself for the smiles and the tears come January in this genre-blurring film that between flies between romance, sci-fi, and fantasy. I am already in my feelings and it ain’t even December yet.

Fan Preview Screenings on Jan. 15 & 16, Opens in select theaters: January 17

See more about the upcoming release of Weathering With You here on the Gkids website. See this super cute, interactive piece of the social media campaign–make a request for a Sunshine girl.

See more about the film on your favorite social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

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Here comes the sun. ?️

Tickets now on sale for WEATHERING WITH YOU✨
☔️ Fan Preview Screenings (ft. excl. video w/ Makoto Shinkai) Jan 15 & 16!
☔️ In theaters nationwide Jan. 17
?: https://t.co/1OpDrlmT7H
??on Jan 15 & 16: https://t.co/nzfr1Whet3#天気の子 #WeatheringWithYou pic.twitter.com/s4K7m2z0C3

— GKIDS Films (@GKIDSfilms) November 25, 2019

The post ‘Weathering With You’ Trailer Already Has Me In My Feels appeared first on Black Nerd Problems.

‘Tis the season for big spending and major reflecting. As 2019 wraps up, ask yourself, “Can my money habits be better?” Chances are yes, they can. No matter what stage of life you’re in, your financial state is as ever-changing and complex as your life. The habits that helped you survive your 20s probably won’t help much in your 30s, 40s and beyond.

So what better time to address the state of your wealth and get a little inspired for 2020?

These 8 books are tried and true favorites that will help you not only assess your own money but help get you into the mindset of leveling up when the next year rolls in.

The Millionaire Fast Lane by MJ DeMarco 

If you were ever told the >The Millionaire Fast Lane focuses on there actually being two paths to success, labeling them The Millionaire Fast Lane and The Slowlane Road. This book digs deeper into the paths to success, analyzing both journeys and proving that the path many of us have been told to abide by, is not the only way to success; In fact according to author and businessman MJ DeMarco, that path is often much slower, and not a guaranteed approach. 

If you’re contemplating your own path and are interested in taking an unconventional route to society standards, ‘The Millionaire Fast Lane’ can help guide you in the right direction. 

Think and Grow Rich by Napolean Hill

This bestselling book is a must-have for all entrepreneurs looking to expand their businesses and their bank accounts! Written during the Great Depression, author and former advisor to President Franklin Roosevelt, Napolean Hill created a blueprint dedicated to showing business owners how to manifest, think and strategize their way to financial freedom. Having interviewed over 500 successful people, Hill has uncovered the keys to good fortune from a number of professionals proving his methods to be true. 

Hill strongly believes that the real hidden gem in becoming rich all starts from the mind, in the sense that if you can think it you can ultimately achieve it.

How Rich People Think by Steve Siebold 

Becoming rich all begins from your thoughts, at least that is what bestselling author, Stece Siebold believes to be true. Having interviewed over 1,000 millionaires and billionaires all over the globe, Siebold has cracked the code on what separates the wealthy from everyone else. ‘How Rich People Think’ breaks down the differences in thoughts from the rich and the average and lays down the foundation on how the average person can think their way to success too. 

The Power of Broke by Daymond John

According to Shark Tank investor and entrepreneur Daymond John, being broke is only temporary and should be used as fuel to work harder. In the motivational self-help book, ‘The Power of Broke,’ John explains the advantages of being broke, the creativity that sparks from lack of finances and how out-of-the-box ideas lead to billion-dollar businesses. 

If you’re currently in the midst of a financial struggle, looking for a way out, this book just might change your perspective.

Secrets of the Millionaire Mindby T. Harv Eker

According to author and businessman, T. Harv Eker, thinking like a poor person and thinking like a rich person can greatly affect your financial status. In Secrets of The Millionaire Mind Eker explores the mentality of all individuals and shows how what they think when it comes to money, plays a large part in their financial reality. He goes on to state that our thoughts can sabotage our chances of being wealthy and we must actively train our minds to think otherwise. 

The Automatic Millionaire by David Bach

Despite society’s teachings of budgeting, massive income or money mentality, self-made millionaire David Bach believes you don’t need any of these to become rich. In The Automatic Millionaire, Batch reveals the money misconceptions society has conditioned us into believing and tells us the truth about the path to financial freedom. In his realistic and honest approach, Bach shares his secrets to his success and how he managed to secure his future and funds without a budget. 

Women & Money by Suze Orman 

If you’re an empowered woman, who is serious about your finances and your future, this is the book for you. In ‘Women & Money’ financial advisor, Suze Orman highlights the keys to financial and emotional intelligence when it comes to money. It debunks numerous myths and preconceived notions of women in regards to money and shows a new approach in showing all women to improve their finances and ultimately their lives. 

Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert T. Kiyosaki 

Becoming wealthy starts from shaping the minds of the youth. In the bestselling book, Rich Dad, Poor Dad author Robert Kiyosaki recollects his early experiences from the teachings of his poor dad, and his wealthy best friend’s dad. Throughout the book Kiyosaki distinguishes the habits and behaviors taught from both and how growing up with this dual experience shaped him into his own healthy relationship with money today. Kiyosaki digs deep into class systems in today’s society and explains how anyone can elevate themselves into wealth, no matter their beginnings. 

The post 8 Books You Need to Read To Get Your Money Right In 2020 appeared first on Essence.