Latest news with #RichardCao
Business Recorder
25-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Business Recorder
Fans dive into San Diego Comic-Con despite drop in celebrity panels
SAN DIEGO: This year's Comic-Con may not be featuring as much star power as usual, but attendees dressed up for opening day on Thursday were just as pumped as ever to be there. Richard Cao, 38, from San Diego, said he has been preparing for a long time, getting into shape so he can go as bare-chested Inosuke Hashibira, a character from the anime series 'Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba'. 'I lost about 30 pounds over six months, that's just the physical, I guess, investment I made,' Cao said. This year's festivities at the San Diego Convention Center will not have the usual Hall H major A-list celebrity panels, which typically discuss popular movie franchises from the likes of Marvel and DC Studios. But highlights will include 'Star Wars' creator George Lucas making his San Diego Comic-Con debut and Disney's 'Tron: Ares' and 'Predator: Badlands' panels. There will also be a panel for the upcoming film 'Project Hail Mary' starring Ryan Gosling, and the world premiere of the 'King of the Hill' revival and a panel with show co-creators Mike Judge and Greg Daniels. It is also the first year to include a two-day music festival called Crunchyroll Anime FanFest, hosted by Crunchyroll, an American subscription-based anime streaming service owned by Sony Group Corporation. US clears way for $8 billion Paramount-Skydance merger The festival will feature anime music from popular titles, including 'The One Piece 25th Anniversary Symphony Voyage,' based on the popular anime series. Crunchyroll has over 13 million subscribers globally. Although hotel and overall travel prices continue to rise for those out of town, fans say they weren't deterred. 'It's totally worth it,' said Sophia Blanco, 39, from New York City who paid 'a couple of thousands' for her entire trip. 'You go on vacation, you do anything, you're spending money. So, just spend money on what you enjoy, no matter what you do,' she added.
Reuters
25-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Reuters
Fans dive into San Diego Comic-Con despite drop in celebrity panels
SAN DIEGO, July 24 (Reuters) - This year's Comic-Con may not be featuring as much star power as usual, but attendees dressed up for opening day on Thursday were just as pumped as ever to be there. Richard Cao, 38, from San Diego, said he has been preparing for a long time, getting into shape so he can go as bare-chested Inosuke Hashibira, a character from the anime series 'Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba'. "I lost about 30 pounds over six months, that's just the physical, I guess, investment I made," Cao said. This year's festivities at the San Diego Convention Center will not have the usual Hall H major A-list celebrity panels, which typically discuss popular movie franchises from the likes of Marvel and DC Studios. But highlights will include "Star Wars" creator George Lucas making his San Diego Comic-Con debut and Disney's "Tron: Ares" and "Predator: Badlands" panels. There will also be a panel for the upcoming film "Project Hail Mary" starring Ryan Gosling, and the world premiere of the 'King of the Hill' revival and a panel with show co-creators Mike Judge and Greg Daniels. It is also the first year to include a two-day music festival called Crunchyroll Anime FanFest, hosted by Crunchyroll, an American subscription-based anime streaming service owned by Sony Group Corporation. The festival will feature anime music from popular titles, including "The One Piece 25th Anniversary Symphony Voyage," based on the popular anime series. Crunchyroll has over 13 million subscribers globally. Although hotel and overall travel prices continue to rise for those out of town, fans say they weren't deterred. "It's totally worth it," said Sophia Blanco, 39, from New York City who paid "a couple of thousands" for her entire trip. "You go on vacation, you do anything, you're spending money. So, just spend money on what you enjoy, no matter what you do," she added.
Associated Press
28-02-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Powerhouse E-Bikes Maui Founder Joe Eckstrom Partners with Bandit Electric Bikes to Expand E-Bike Offerings in Hawai'i
Lahaina, HI February 27, 2025 --( PowerHouse E-Bikes Maui is thrilled to announce a strategic partnership between its founder, Joe Eckstrom, and Bandit Electric Bikes. This collaboration aims to enhance the electric biking experience across Hawai'i, providing residents with innovative and eco-friendly transportation options. For over two decades, Joe Eckstrom has been dedicated to showcasing the beauty of Maui through unique biking adventures. His passion led to the creation of Black Rock Bikes Maui, a e-bike rental company committed to offering exceptional e-bike experiences. With the growing demand of E-Bike rentals on Maui from both tourists and residents, it led to the formation of Black Rock Bikes USA, the first Hawai'i-based E-Bike manufacturing company focused on supplying E-bikes directly to the residents of Hawai'i. With the electric bike industry booming, it lacked a leading brick and mortar retailer focused on the E-Bike market. This problem quickly became an opportunity for Joe Eckstrom, and he diligently established PowerHouse E-Bikes Hawai'i. Its focus was to offer the top E-Bike brands at the lowest prices in addition to offering bike service and repairs that are so desperately needed in many ebike communities. PowerHouse E-Bikes Hawai'i opened its first store in Maui as the exclusive retailer for Bandit Electric Bikes. This new partnership represents a significant milestone in expanding e-bike accessibility throughout the Hawaiian Islands. 'Partnering with Bandit Electric Bikes allows us to bring cutting-edge e-bike technology to our community,' said Joe Eckstrom. 'We're excited to offer riders an unparalleled experience as they explore the stunning landscapes of Hawai'i.' Bandit Electric Bikes, known for their high-performance and stylish designs, share a commitment to sustainable transportation solutions. This collaboration will introduce a range of Bandit e-bikes to the Hawaiian market, catering to diverse riding preferences and promoting eco-conscious travel. 'We are delighted to join forces with Joe Eckstrom and PowerHouse Bikes,' stated Richard Cao, CEO of Bandit Electric Bikes. 'Their deep-rooted connection to the Hawaiian community and dedication to exceptional service align perfectly with our mission. Together, we aim to revolutionize the way you can experience Hawai'i on two wheels.' As part of this partnership, PowerHouse E-Bikes Hawai'i has been appointed as the exclusive retailer for Bandit Bikes in the region. Serving Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island, PowerHouse E-Bikes Hawai'i is committed to delivering top-quality products and services to e-bike enthusiasts across the islands. 'The best way to explore Hawai'i is with a Bandit Bike!' exclaimed a representative from PowerHouse E-Bikes Hawai'i. 'We're proud to offer these exceptional e-bikes to our customers and look forward to enhancing their riding adventures.' This partnership marks a significant step forward in promoting sustainable and enjoyable transportation options in Hawai'i. With a shared vision of innovation and community engagement, Black Rock Bikes, Bandit Electric Bikes, and PowerHouse E-Bikes Hawai'i are poised to transform the e-biking landscape across the islands. Contact: Address: 30 Halawai Dr., Ste. W2, Lahaina, HI 96761 PowerHouse E-Bikes Hawaii Joe Eckstrom
