By Aimee Mahmoud

Anime, Animation, Comic Books, Media Guests, and of course - Cosplay. With all the makings of an exceptional fan convention, Animate! Miami is an annual event encompassing the weekend of January 17th to the 19th. Animate! aims to bring its participants the best in the business, much in the style of the highly-influential Comic-Cons of the West Coast. Media and Industry guests participate in a panel discussion and a "Meet & Greet" session with fans that provide autograph and photo opportunities. Vendors line up the convention room with booths selling limited-edition graphic novels, action figures, fan-produced fiction, and t-shirts commemorating the event. Perhaps the most exciting spectacle of all is the convention's Cosplay dress code and competition. Convention organizers and popular Cosplay models and like Yaya Han serve as judges, with prizes ranging $50 to $500 for best costume. 

By Aimee Mahmoud

The character of Daryl Dixon, portrayed by actor Norman Reedus on AMC's hit-television series "The Walking Dead", based on Robert Kirkman's comic book series, may be getting his own spin-off series. According to popular webzine outlet, ComicBook, Daryl Dixon (and by offshoot, Norman Reedus) has become one of the series most popular characters; Not just throughout the U.S. but has in fact gained an international following, garnering a rabid fangroup by the name of "Dixon's Vixens". The character is famous for his trademark weapon, a hunting crossbow and his survivalist skills that come in handy to the group in their struggle to survive the massive zombie pandemic. Many fans have confessed that they live in fear that Dixon may get killed off at any moment, as has been the fate of several main characters already. Dixon, however, does not appear in the comic book series, as the role was created specifically for Reedus to interpret in the television series.

Running had never been so much fun! Even if you still think running is not your cup of tea, try one of these fun races and you will see how you change your mind. In the same way there are numerous party themes, you will now find different themed 5Ks as well. Some of these 3.1-mile races which lately have become very popular are the Zombie Run and the Color Run. Although all of them were created for people to have fun, they all have their own characteristics making each of these races unique. 
The Zombie Run, on one hand, can actually be quite scary. You will have to put on a belt with 3 flags representing the lives that you have and that you must take care of since the zombies will be trying to steal your 3 chances to end the race alive. Despite the fact that you know those are people dressed up as zombies and using scary makeup, the feeling of having someone trying to hunt you down can be a little frightening. Not everyone participating in this 5K will make it to the end alive; in fact it is quite possible that you end up dead if you are not able to outrun all of the zombies you come across. Moreover, all the participants will have to overcome obstacles like mud pools, an electrical shock house, and barbed wire you must crawl under.
If you make it to the finish line alive you will take home a much deserved medal, and if that is not the case you will take home the good memories and the experience of being part of an intense and extremely fun race!
                                   

By Aimee Mahmoud

Zombies, Vampires, and Ghouls, oh my. We're all familiar with the vital role that blood-drinking fiends play in some of our most cherished Halloween traditions, but now that we've welcomed in 2014, many of us are too exhausted from December festivities to even begin to entertain the thought of Fall traditions. Surprisingly enough, January just so happens to be "National Blood Donor Month". This annual reminder, created in 1970 by the American Red Cross, was intended to encourage donors to give or pledge to give blood during a time when blood banks have a critically low stock, according to local news outlet The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. Approximately every two seconds, someone in the U.S. is in need of a blood transfusion that can mean the difference between life and death. Indeed, just one pint can be enough to save three lives and aid others undergoing cancer care, surgeries, and treatment for other serious diseases and trauma. Click here to read more blood facts or to find your local donation center.

By Aimee Mahmoud

As millions of North Americans are still reeling from December holiday festivities, thousands across the Caribbean Islands begin to prepare for what is known as the Winter Carnival Season. Known in The Bahamas as "Junkanoo" and taking place every December 26th (Boxing Day) and New Year's Day, Junkanoo is a vibrant, fun-filled celebration that hundreds of Bahamians eagerly take part in. Junkanoo, like most Caribbean Carnival traditions, is thought to have its origins in West African Yoruba festivals. African slaves in the West Indies during the 16th and 17th centuries were sometimes given a special holiday around Christmas time where they were allowed to leave the plantations they were tied to in order to be with their families and take part in some of the traditions they were forced to leave behind. There are also elements of the Taino Native beliefs and traditions present, especially in the apparel designs. This carnival holiday continued even after emancipation, eventually becoming a part of Bahamian national identity. Junkanoo is characterized by street parades featuring dancers, both male and female, in colorful, flamboyant costumes, sometimes depicting folkloric characters; decked with beads, jewels, feathers, and topped off with an extravagant headdress. Playful dances and Calypso music accompany the performers, along with decorative floats and sometimes even singers and stilt-walkers. Festival delicacies and commemorative gifts are sold by vendors on wheeled trolleys. On the islands of Montserrat, Saint Kitts, and St. Croix, carnivals commemorating "The Three King's Day" are held much to the same effect. Amongst the inhabitants of the Caribbean Islands, carnival season is a joyful event that many islanders of all ages anticipate. Even for those who have migrated to countries like the U.S. and Canada, Carnival Season remains a tradition they hold dear to their hearts. 

Get a head-start on your Carnival festivities with (you guessed it) a mysterious mask like this 'Butterfly Feather Adult Mask'

For a more traditionally flashy look, an 'Adult Neon Pink and Green 80s Masquerade Mask' will do just the trick.

And for the boys and gentleman, a 'Devil Mask - Venetian Mask" will make you the arch-villain of the parade!

Though a good mask is an important finishing touch for any carnival dress, the main ingredient is elaborate, intricate attire. Dresses, leotards, pants, and bikinis covered in sequins, glitter, and embroidery are of the essence for any Carnival outfit. It is not uncommon to see performers wearing ornate accessories like these 'Adult Theatrical Wings'.

Most importantly, Caribbean Carnival puts a strong emphasis on having a great time with friends, neighbors, and loved ones. But you don't need to necessarily live in The Bahamas to experience it for yourself - dozens of local carnivals and parades are held across the U.S. and Canada every year by citizens of Caribbean descent. Or just go the self-sufficient way and organize your own! (Within the limits of local city laws and policies, of course).

By Admin

Christmas Costumes are interesting; even though there is one central theme, there are many different personalities to match.  For example, it is no surprise that Santa Costumes are the highlight of the season but there are different types of Santa costumes that fit specific personality types or purposes.

By Admin

New York City – You may know it as the Big Apple, the City that Never Sleeps, the Capital of the World, the Concrete Jungle, etc.  Regardless of what you call it, Times Square is the center of the city and prime example of every nickname.  It even has its own nickname, “The Crossroads of the World”.  It is estimated that about half a million visitors from all over the world and local commuters pass through Times Square on a daily basis; tour guides will jokingly tell you that if you stand there long enough, you will run into your doppelganger or at least someone you know.  Well, even if you don’t run into your doppelganger you will be sure to run into your favorite super hero.

By Admin

Finding creative Halloween Costumes has become a standard among fans of the celebration.  Costume manufacturers are challenged every year with the daunting task of finding the newest trends and making them as unique as possible and yet ironically appealing to a massive demographic.  However, French photographer Charles Fréger has found that true originality in Costuming is all about going back to your roots.

By Admin

Halloween Trends vary from year to year but some classic theme costumes never go out of Style.  We have put together a list of the Top 10 Costumes in high demand for 2013 based on popular requests: