Two weeks ago, I went shopping for a new phone. My old carrier had abysmal service (take a wild guess which one) and I was ready to trade my first-generation iPhone, which I had used for nine months. There are many things I loved about it, including the seamless ability to play a daily quiz and beat my brother senseless in Words with Friends. The iPhone 4 would allow me to do these things faster and in more places, and, with my new wireless carrier, I’d be able to talk on the phone as well.

I chose the Droid Incredible 2.

I’m a compulsive Mac user. Since I entered college, the amount of time I’ve spent not using a Mac, personally or professionally, is about nine months. I bought an iMac in June. I find PCs unwieldy and confusing. I’m one of those people.

The iPhone’s creature comforts are profound—and, to be perfectly honest, I feel comfortable ditching them because I still have access to them on my old phone, which is now effectively an iPod Touch. But that’s only part of it. A company long exhorted us to “Think Different,” and many of us, myself included, literally repaid them for that piece of advice, while not particularly following it. If the hundreds of thousands of people draped over their computers for the iPhone 4S rollout taught us anything, it’s that many people see Apple as the One True Company, having given up on the competition.

That’s fair, but it’s not necessarily thinking different. I wanted to see what else was out there. That’s why I got the Droid. I love Apple, but I think for myself. I learned it from Steve. Rest in peace.

—Bryan Joiner

Born on the comic pages on June 19, 1978, Garfield, is the world’s most famous coffee drinking, lasagna eating fat cat. With new licensing and promotional partners, and a new representative, Garfield is spreading his paws into new territory and sporting a new look.

Under the direction of new licensing agent, Hong Kong based Medialink Limited and their partner, Garfield licensor Paws, Inc., a “Garfield Licensing Summit” was held at Xi Yuan Hotel in Beijing. Over 100 guests and 30 media outlets attended the daylong event that focused on developing new partnerships and business strategies for the coming years.

Specifically created for the Asian market, Garfield’s new look is based on popular trends and colors distinctive to the market. The softer and simpler line work renders Garfield, Odie and other characters in his comic strip more playful and youthful, a departure from the classic look.

Medialink Far East was awarded “Agent of the Year,” for creating a magical partnership that is helping to grow and maintain market position in Asia.

“We’ve turned over a new page for Garfield in China. There is great interest in this classic character who is known to entertain people of all ages. I believe Garfield will be a shining star in character licensing,” said Nolette Chiu, vice president, Medialink.

In addition to licensing efforts, CCTV Channel 14 picked up “The Garfield Show” in February this year and Wuhan Jiang Toon Toys Co., Ltd. launched a new website www.happygarfield.com based on the CGI animated show, now in its third season.

“Our program in China is stronger than ever under the leadership of Noletta Chiu and the Medialink Far East team. In just one year our Garfield business has grown 20%,” said Karen Blank, VP International for Paws, Inc.

The Garfield brand enjoys a healthy product-licensing program where nearly 400 manufactures crank out thousands of products depicting Garfield and the gang. The licensing and creative business for Garfield is handled by Paws, Inc., founded in 1981 by Jim Davis, creator of Garfield. The Company, located in rural Indiana in the U.S. is a privately held company and also the sole owner of copyrights and trademarks for Garfield and the Garfield characters.

-Ericka Johnson

Big Tent Entertainment is seeking to “domo-nate” retail with its new licensing deals for Domo, the mascot of the Japanese public broadcaster NHK who became a viral Internet sensation.

Big Tent added four new licensees for Domo, which it describes as “the reigning poster child for personalized, user-generated content.” Buckle Down, Lava Lite, SalesOne, and Underboss Production have inked multiyear agreements to create quirky accessories and novelty items that will hit retail this fall.

Domo’s popularity has led him from viral breeding grounds, including YouTube, Facebook, and Flickr, to occupy products like Buckle Down’s belts and accessories. The company will release a line of Domo web belts, leather belts, and silicone belts, as well as pet accessories including collars and leashes.

Lave Lite will create lamps featuring Domo, and Underboss Productions will produce one-piece Domo union suits for adults. SalesOne will release a collection of accessories, which include terry cuff wristbands, cuff links, and tattoo sleeves, along with an array of body jewelry, such as ear plugs, fake ear plugs, magnetic ear plugs/earrings, barbells, and navel rings.

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

Let’s imagine for a moment that Arnold Schwarzenegger has a bucket list. He could already check off “become a champion body builder,” “make millions as a movie star” and “have a successful political career.” Assuming it made the list, the Terminator star might soon be able to cross off cartoon and comic book character.

According to a recent report by Entertainment Weekly, Schwarzenegger is working with comic book guru Stan Lee on an animated TV series, as well as a comic book, that will mix the real life of the actor and politician with the superhuman exploits of the characters he’s played.

“The Governator” will battle the evil organization Gangsters Imposters Racketeers Liars and Irredeemable Ex-cons (or G.I.R.L.I.E. Men). The project is still in the development stages and won’t be completed until next year.

Schwarzenegger has stated that the cartoon is his plan B, and that if he could run for president, he would. Too bad that’s one he can’t check off of the list.

—Mackenzie Allison

According to a recent report by Gawker, if you want to add a Mark Zuckerberg figurine to your pop culture action figure collection, you might just be out of luck.

M.I.C. (Made in China) Gadget, the company behind the “Zuckerdoll” action figure, has ceased Zuckerdoll sales following a legal letter from Facebook’s legal counsel in China.

According to the letter, by selling the figurines on a website, the company used Zuckerberg’s portraiture “for commercial purpose and infringed his legitimate right.”

Facebook’s trademark “F” was also used on the action figures, which has also infringed Facebook’s trademark right.

M.I.C. issued an apology and said they will comply.

CBS Consumer Products is set to bring some of the most popular Showtime programs to retail this year, including Dexter, Weeds, Nurse Jackie, The L Word, and The Tudors. The line of licensed merchandise will include posters, kitchenware, clothing and greeting cards. New licensed products from Showtime will soon be available at retail stores around the world.

ThinkGeek will create glassware, coasters and aprons based on Dexter; Jerry Leigh will create men’s apparel based on Californication, Showtime Championship Boxing, Dexter, Nurse Jackie, The L Word, The Real L Word, The Tudors and Weeds; Global Prints will create Weeds posters, art prints and postcards; MusicSkins will offer Californication, Dexter, Nurse Jackie, The L Word, The Tudors and Weeds vinyl skins; Culturenik will produce Dexter giftware; NobleWorks will produce Weeds greeting cards; Rizzoli Calendars will offer Dexter and The Tudors calendars; and Hallmark will create Dexter greeting cards.

Mimoco, creator of the MIMOBOT line of designer USB flash drives, and Warner Bros. Consumer Products, on behalf of DC Entertainment, announced a licensing partnership at CES for a collection of USB flash drives veatures  DC Comics’ super heroes and villains. The designer character-based flash drive collection leads off with a vintage 1939-era Batman now available in a limited edition run of 5,000 units, and later joined by a full Batman wave of flash drive designs in February including Robin, Catwoman and The Joker. More MIMOBOT series based on additional DC Comics’ characters, including Green Lantern, Superman and The Flash, will follow in the near future.

UK creative agency Ideas at Work has signed a pan-Europe and Australia agreement with toy manufacturer Hornby, appointing the company as master toy licensee for the European and Australian markets for the upcoming animated series Olly The Little White Van.

Under the four-year license, Hornby will develop an extensive product line for Olly The Little White Van, including die-cast, push-along, friction powered and R/C vehicles, playsets and character figurines, Hornby and Scalextric sets, and jigsaw puzzles. The toys are set to debut in the UK in spring 2012.

C & F Enterprises, Inc. and Gallerie II have announced the new line “Fish Outta Water,” featuring contemporary tabletop, home décor, and accessories. The exclusive line, with coordinating products from both companies, is designed by artist Lori Siebert of Olika Studios.

The collection features fish imagery on guest and kitchen towels, hooked rugs, photo realistic pillows as well as a throw for C & F Enterprises, Inc. Figurines, wall art and ornaments as well as ceramic serving pieces for entertaining round out the coordinated collection for Gallerie II.