Gil Scott-Heron said that “the revolution will not be televised.” Now we know why. Follow the logic: If television rots your brain, as some people have said, who does that harm the most? You, obviously, but beyond that, I’d have to say zombies. Zombies, like koala bears, sustain themselves on a single food source. Human brains, eucalyptus leaves, what’s the difference? A big one, actually. Televise the revolution, even if it’s a zombie revolution, and it’s just bad eating.

It’s hard out there for a zombie, but it’s not all bad. European retailer C&A will launch an Extreme Zombies apparel line in its 1,400 stores in Europe. Extreme Zombies, aimed at boys 8 and up, boasts a new style guide, and worked with IndieGo Distributions to complete the deal, which was brokered by MGL Licensing.

I, for one, welcome our zombie overlords.

—Bryan Joiner (has a small brain)

Last week, we tweeted a link to a Syracuse Post-Standard article, by Bob Niedt, about Old Navy’s new line of grammatically incorrect collegiate clothing. In the line released at 1,000 Old Navy stores, shirts read “Lets Go ‘Cuse” or “Lets Go Texas,” forgoing the apostrophe that should be included in let’s, as in let us go.

In a follow-up article, The Post-Standard printed a response from The Collegiate Licensing Co., the licensing division of IMG College, which partnered with Old Navy on the Superfan Nation collegiate merchandise. CLC’s spokeswoman, Tricia Hornsby, wrote to the newspaper that the participating schools had seen and approved the apparel designs. She added, “There are many designs on product, not just collegiate, that are not always grammatically correct. For example, go get ‘em, go git ‘em, sic ‘em, dawgs, etc.”

As an editor and Syracuse alumna, I’d refrain from purchasing a “Lets Go ‘Cuse” shirt. But I don’t follow sports or collect sports merchandise. Would incorrect grammar deter sports fans from buying the shirts?

To be on the safe side, Old Navy has pulled the shirts from its online store, which says the tees have been taken into temporary custody by the grammar police and that it will release corrected versions soon.

—Melissa Tinklepaugh

Natures Mistake, under a license agreement with Warner Bros. Consumer Products, is developing Looney Tunes and Tom and Jerry apparel collections. Natures Mistake and lead designer Leftyjoe, an LA-based artist, collaborated to design the collections’ graphics. The new collections include T-shirts, sweaters, hoodies, and hats featuring Looney Tunes characters and Tom and Jerry, which will appeal to a diverse youth culture. The collections will be available on the Natures Mistake website (www.naturesmistake.net) and at high-end boutiques across the nation starting in October.

Warner Bros. Consumer Products, on behalf of DC Entertainment, has partnered with fashion designer Blayne Siegel to develop a collection of men’s and women’s premium casual apparel by Kinetix, inspired by Batman. This collection will include a line inspired by Warner Bros. Pictures’ highly anticipated theatrical release The Dark Knight Rises. Items will include tanks, basic tees, hoodies, and textile differentia. The Batman-themed collection will be available at high-end department stores and specialty boutiques throughout the U.S.

Discovery Communications Launches Technology Program for Kids

This back-to-school season, Discovery Communications, Inc. is helping empower tech-savvy kids with the launch of Discovery Kids Puterbugs, a technology-based program that teaches kids age 8 and under to use technology to solve problems and build important skills. Discovery Kids Puterbugs is presented by Discovery Kids and Imagine Tomorrow, the leading provider of computer classes for young children. The deal was brokered on behalf of Discovery Communications by Big Tent Entertainment, the North American licensing agent for the Discovery Kids brand.

A first-of-its-kind program, Discovery Kids Puterbugs is the only interactive experience available that teaches kids, in a fun and age-appropriate way, the full scope of technology skills in today’s digital world. In a safe environment that promotes a healthy foundation and proper tech etiquette, the program helps kids master skills that range from basic file navigation, Internet, and keyboarding skills to an understanding of the latest technology, such as mobile apps and cloud computing. The classes are currently being offered across the country in more than 700 locations, including a rollout of schools through a national partnership with early childhood education provider, Learning Care Group.

The Collective Debuts Licensing Program for The Annoying Orange

Viral sensation The Annoying Orange will break out of the virtual kitchen with the launch of the property’s first licensed program, led by The Collective. Foundation apparel and accessory partners for the juicy brand include Hybrid Apparel and Accessory Innovations, who have signed on to develop collections targeted to young men and juniors. The Hybrid Apparel and Accessory Innovations deals were brokered on behalf of The Collective by The Joester Loria Group (TJLG), the licensing agent for The Annoying Orange brand.

Created by Dane Boedingheimer, The Annoying Orange features an endearingly annoying and highly entertaining Orange that playfully heckles other fruits, vegetables, or nearby objects with puns and jokes. Product designs for the new line will feature the zany fruit stars and “puntastic” content straight from the series. Hybrid Apparel will develop a variety of Annoying Orange apparel including young men’s and junior’s tees and fleece that will be available at key specialty retailers such as Hot Topic and Rue 21 in the fall, and JC Penney, where it will launch as a mid-tier exclusive in October. In addition, Accessory Innovations will introduce a line of headwear and cold weather accessories in time for the holiday season.  Bags and accessories will debut next spring.

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Skechers Signs Licensing Agreement for Skechers-Branded Youth Electronics

Skechers USA, Inc. has signed a licensing agreement with Sakar International to produce youth electronics and accessories featuring Skechers branding and Skechers Kids’ animated characters. The line is scheduled to launch in the Q1 2012 at retailers across the United States.

Under the agreement, Sakar will design, produce and distribute a wide range of Skechers-branded electronics and accessories, including MP3 players, molded earbuds, speakers, digital cameras, cases, skins, and USB flash drives inspired by Skechers Kids’ footwear styles. Products will be designed for boys and girls from elementary through high school with artwork from Skechers’ Zevo-3 animated television series, the Twinkle Toes by Skechers collection, as well as additional Skechers Kids’ characters and Skechers branding.

SwaddleDesigns Introduces New Angry Birds Baby Products

SwaddleDesigns and Rovio have signed a definitive agreement granting SwaddleDesigns licensing and merchandising rights for Angry Birds. SwaddleDesigns’ Angry Birds Baby products are now available for pre-order at SwaddleDesigns.com and shipping worldwide.

SwaddleDesigns is introducing products featuring Angry Birds including the Ultimate Receiving Blanket, Marquisette Swaddling Blanket, zzZipMe Sack wearable blanket, Baby Lovie security blankie, and Baby Burpies. Products will begin shipping by October 10.

—The TLB Team

U.S. Open Welcomes Uglydoll Characters

The United States Tennis Association (USTA) and Uglydoll announced today their partnership to create three limited-edition tennis-themed Uglydoll characters that will be available during this year’s U.S. Open, held in New York August 29-September 11.

The characters Ox, Big Toe, and Trunko will come with their own tennis-inspired narrative that will provide consumers with a unique and fun way to share their passion for tennis. The plush toy collection will be featured in three sizes. The toys will be available at U.S. Open event retail shops beginning August 23 and are now available at the FAO Schwarz Fifth Avenue store. Consumers also will be able to purchase the merchandise online at www.uglydolls.com and www.usopenshop.org.

Jakks Pacific to Acquire Moose Mountain Toymakers

Jakks Pacific, Inc. has entered into an agreement to acquire Hong Kong-based Moose Mountain Toymakers Limited, which sells and manufactures sports arcade products, foot-to-floor ride-ons, tents, safe soft-play environments, arcade pinball games, and wagons.

Jakks Pacific will acquire all of the shares of stock of Moose Mountain, a 15-year-old, privately held company, and its Parsippany, NJ-based affiliate, Moose Mountain Marketing, Inc. The business includes licenses for well-known characters and brands, and its children’s product lines are complementary to Jakks Pacific’s product portfolio.

The transaction is scheduled to close in the third quarter of 2011, subject to third-party approvals and other customary closing conditions.

Smack Sportswear Signs Licensing Deal with National Volleyball League

Smack Sportswear (Smack), a brand of custom-designed volleyball apparel for both indoor and beach volleyball players alike, has signed a licensing deal with the National Volleyball League (NVL), the U.S.’s new professional beach volleyball tour.

Smack will design and manufacture the NVL’s licensed beach and fan wear. The NVL licensed apparel will be sold at events, VBSuperstore.com, and many volleyball specialty stores nationwide.

—Melissa Tinklepaugh

Marvel Heads to the Kitchen with Williams-Sonoma

Marvel Entertainment, LLC, has partnered with Williams-Sonoma to launch a collection of superhero kitchen and bakeware merchandise sold exclusively at Williams-Sonoma.

Designed exclusively for the retailer, the products include renowned superheroes from the Marvel Universe, including Spider-Man, Hulk, Captain America, and Iron Man. Featuring retro character art and graphics, the Williams-Sonoma collection captures the charm and artistry of the original Marvel Comics.

The program launches with an array of bakeware and kitchen essentials including cookie cutters, pancake molds, adult and child aprons, spatulas, and iced cookies. Product will be available at all Williams-Sonoma stores in the U.S. and Canada, and also via catalog and online.

Berkshire Signs Fila Licensing Deal

Italy’s Fila Luxembourg, S.a.r.l. has entered into a multiyear licensing deal with Berkshire Fashions, Inc. to design, manufacturer, and sell Fila accessories for the U.S. market, commencing this fall.

The line for Fila, which marks its 100 anniversary this year, will feature men’s women’s, boys’, and girls’ headwear, cold weather accessories, sweatbands, bags, and water bottles.

Disney Consumer Products To Showcase Merchandise at D23 Expo 2011

Disney Consumer Products (DCP) will showcase an extensive collection of Disney merchandise and interactive experiences inside its Disney Living Pavilion at the ultimate Disney fan event, D23 Expo, held at the Anaheim Convention Center from August 19-21.

D23 Expo attendees can explore the ultimate Disney lifestyle through the neighborhoods of “Style,” “Play,” and “Celebrations.” From the latest toys and newest fashions to the ultimate Disney birthday party and some of the most beloved Disney classics such as Disney It’s a Small World, guests can experience all things Disney through an immersive environment featuring exclusive and never-before-seen products; meet and greets with artists, designers, authors, and innovators; hands-on demos and activities; and live performances at the Disney Living Pavilion stage.

Guests can commemorate the event with specially released D23 merchandise, including a new Hallmark keepsake ornament, a Toy Story Woody action figure, a Finn McMissile Cars vehicle from Mattel, a Minnie Mouse plush from Just Play, and limited-edition 25th anniversary items from Disney Store.

Tickets to D23 Expo 2011 are available at http://www.D23Expo.com. Admission includes access to all experiences and entertainment at the D23 Expo and can be purchased for single days or for the full three days of festivities. More details about D23 Expo entertainment, events, and special guests will be announced in the coming weeks. Fans can keep up with all the news by visiting www.D23Expo.com, as well as by following “Disney D23″ on Twitter and Facebook.

—Melissa Tinklepaugh

Pepsi is bringing back the memorable Diet Pepsi and Ray Charles’ ads for “You Got the Right One Baby, Uh-Huh!” with a line of retro T-shirts.

The recent collaboration was brokered through The Joester Loria Group, Pepsi’s exclusive licensing agency for North America, and Act III Licensing in conjunction with the Ray Charles marketing group, the licensing agency for The Ray Charles Foundation. The collection, designed by licensee Ripple Junction, features imagery of the late music legend Ray Charles and is representative of the award-winning advertising campaign. Launched in the early 1990s, the “You Got the Right One Baby” campaign, featuring 11 commercials within three years, put Pepsi on the leading edge of pop culture.

Current designs are authentic to the merchandise that originally launched in conjunction with the campaign in the early ’90s and incorporates the Diet Pepsi logo, Ray Charles images, the “Uh-huh” girls, and the iconic tagline. The nostalgic appeal also aligns with the current Pepsi Throwback beverage line, which offers vintage Pepsi packaging from the ’70s and ’80s and a real sugar blast from the past taste.

Select T-shirt styles are currently available at Urban Outfitters retail locations and online, Kitson retail locations and online, and on Pepsi’s e-commerce shop (shop.pepsiusa.com) beginning in mid-July. Retail prices range from $24-$38. Kitson’s Robertson and Melrose locations in Los Angeles will feature an exclusive Pepsi Throwback window promotion for two weeks starting July 16 and for an additional two weeks at the Santa Monica location starting Aug. 1.

Some early news this morning from Total Licensing, Inc. (TLI) in the U.S. (not to be confused with our publishing friends in the U.K.), which has signed a deal with Glamm, Inc. for Skechers-branded time instruments to be available at retail in the fall.

Glamm is currently the exclusive U.S. licensee of watches and timepieces for Skechers. As part of the agreement, Glamm maintains the multi-year exclusive domestic licensing and manufacturing rights, as well as certain non-exclusive global manufacturing and distribution rights.

The parties are in the process of completing terms relating to the compensation and participation of TLI, a subsidiary of Total Apparel Group Inc., and further announcements regarding the agreement will be made in the coming months.

With a new Alvin and the Chipmunks film release on the way this holiday season—Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked!—Twentieth Century Fox Consumer Products, in conjunction with Bagdasarian Productions, kicks off a long-term merchandising program intended to support the franchise. The program includes seasonal rollouts of fresh product and unique styles with prime retail positioning and the exciting introduction of a new branding initiative based on The Chipettes, the adorable, fashionista, female rock stars of the group.

To meet consumer demand and keep the product fresh, Fox Consumer Products will continuously offer new character art and graphics with themes tied to key retail selling windows such as back-to-school, holiday, and spring. The spring look will include a “Chipwrecked” island theme inspired by both the new film and the season. An everyday look is also available for year-round business. Some of the kid-favorite themes include: rock ‘n’ roll, sports, cheerleading, and nautical.

To fuel this campaign at retail, Fox Consumer Products has aligned with a wide range of partners to produce new product consistently throughout the year. New partners on board include Just Play LLC, who will create basic, feature, and novelty plush lines, with Vivid Imaginations as the as the UK distributor for the product. Santa’s Best will introduce holiday seasonal goods for the new film, while Gipsy has partnered for a specialty plush line in France.

In the interactive space, Majesco will take the lead once again with a follow-up Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked video game, based on the upcoming film. Ty will continue to produce their own special lines in the toy category, while Build-A-Bear Workshop will return with its top-selling line of stuffable plush featuring Alvin and Brittany and pre-stuffed plush of the other main characters.

HarperCollins also rejoins for a wide publishing program that will include beginning readers, novelizations, sticker books, and storybooks. They will be accompanied by Bendon Publishing, which will publish a line of activity, board, and coloring books along with flashcards and workbooks.  Editora Alsto Astral will introduce a book program in Brazil.

Apparel and accessories form the cornerstone of the merchandising program and include a robust offering of items: Tees, sets, outerwear, swimwear, sleepwear, headwear, bags, rainwear, hosiery, and footwear for both boys and girls from leading companies in both the U.S. and Canada, such as Isaac Morris Limited, H.E.R. Accessories, Berkshire Fashions, Accessory Innovations, JCorp, SGI, and SG Footwear.

Other key partners include Hallmark, which will create a comprehensive  line of greeting cards, ornaments and giftwrap, and Kellogg’s continues with its top-selling line of branded fruit snacks. When released in support of Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel, the fruit snacks marked the brand’s first foray in the food category.

To fully capitalize on world’s love affair with the adorable Chipettes, Fox Consumer Products is focusing on the wholesome and cute, yet sweet and sassy attitude of Brittany, Jeanette, and Eleanor for a line of accessories, toys, and more. Always a favorite among girls, Fox Consumer Products is dedicating a strong program that will introduce The Chipettes as never before at retail to reach this most enthusiastic fanbase.