Hitting the Bottle

My new bottle stoppers arrived today, and I think they are fantastic!

I've been working with Rory, from Floating Water. He has a shop on Etsy. I found something really cool, if not a little morbid, for Star Wars fans. Rory makes bottle stoppers out of Star Wars figures!

After some back-and-forth messaging, I asked if he could also make a custom stopper for me, and he said he could. So besides ordering Luke, I asked Rory to make another bottle stopper for me.

Some of you may recognize the irony of why I asked him to make me a Darth Maul stopper. Rory has to cut the figures in half in order to make the stopper. Which other Star Wars character deserves to be cut in half, especially since he was cut in half? Sadly, when I asked if he could take Maul's legs and make a matching topper, Rory said he couldn't because the legs are too narrow.

Luke is pretty cool, too.

So head over to Floating Water on Etsy and order yours today!

Spoiler: Only If You've Been Living Under a Rock

The headline is as follows:

Someone Edited the End of Rogue One Into the Start of A New Hope Because Star Wars is Awesome

We all thought about it when we were watching Rogue One, but thanks to one industrious fan, they helped us visualize what we only imagined. So, a great big thank you to Barre Fong!

Click here to see the clip.

It's All About the Status

If you do any amount of travel, you know how important it is to achieve and maintain your status. Not in society, however that can be argued, but with your frequent flyer program. Mine is with Delta and its SkyMiles Medallion program.

This has happened to me before, so I am used to it. Around mid-December, I was on my last scheduled trip. When I checked my SkyMiles status with Delta, I discovered I was $32 and 2 segments (a round trip) short of reaching my 2017 member status. Crud! So while I was in Colorado Springs, I booked a quick, turn-around trip from MSP to ORD and back.

Now a few years ago when I did this, what started out as a short trip turned into a nightmare due to weather delays. However, I was confident that this time would be different since I knocked on my head for good luck.

So I flew out to Chicago with no problems. I didn't book the immediate return flight just in case of any delays. I tried to catch an earlier flight, but I was too cheap to pay the $50 to fly standby. Instead, I just hung out in the SkyClub Lounge and had coffee and something to eat. They had grits there!

As I was looking out the window, reading my Star Wars Catalyst - A Rogue One book (I highly recommend it!), I glanced out the window and saw a Star Wars BB-8 ANA jet! It was unexpected. And while I wanted to fly and see a C-3PO jet, I was happy to have seen this one. I then hopped on my flight back to MSP and scored my 2017 frequent flyer status. All in all, it was a very successful and fulfilling day. It was a nice way to end 2016.

Star Wars and the Power of Costume

One of my good friends decided to surprise me and treated me to a day that will live on in Galactic history. We went to see the Star Wars and the Power of Costume exhibit at the Denver Art Museum (DAM). It was brilliant! I've gone to other Star Wars exhibits in the past, but there were so many costumes I hadn't seen as well as behind the scenes stories and artwork. It truly was an amazing day.

The collection spanned costumes from Episode I all the way through Episode VI.

We learned about symbols representing Auerbesh and Naboo languages, and saw the different types of fabrics that were used to make the elaborate costumes. They even had some beloved and recognizable characters on display. (Not me).

 

It's one of those exhibits where you can go many times and see something new every time. I sure I can see it again! If you have the chance, add this to you bucket list you must. Yes, mmmm!

To learn more details about the exhibit, click here.

Star Wars Socks

I was at Nordstrom in Chicago when I found these must-have socks! I bought these for me, and a pair of Chewbacca socks for a friend. Now I want the 'location' socks you see in the background!

Click here to go find more socks!

Lost Stars

I just finished reading, 'Lost Stars', by Claudia Gray. Don't let the category of 'Young Adult Novel' scare you away from reading this. It was a great read!

The only downside I had without giving anything away, is I was expecting a cliff-hanger. I wasn't prepared for how much of a cliff-hanger with which I was left. Good thing I'm ready to read the next book! You can find the book here.

Anyway, only the die-hard geeks will understand what I found amusing. Don't worry. There's nothing here that will spoil anything.

 

Star Wars: The Dark Side of the Mind

Like many Star Wars fans, I can't get enough to read about the Star Wars "Universe". "Star Wars Psychology: Dark Side of the Mind" struck two interests of mine, so buying this was a given. Let me say from the start, this book will not appeal to every Star Wars fan.

I usually tear through books, but this one was not an easy read as I had thought. Even though I had interests in both topics, this book reminded me of many of the books I had to read when I was a Psych major. (I did change my major a couple of times.)

Perhaps my two favorite chapters were 'A Symphony of Psychology', by Jim Davies and Joe Kraemer, and 'Shooting, Striking, Returning: The Universe in Our Heads' by Donald F. Glut and Travis Langley were probably my two favorite chapters. The former inspired me to reread that chapter while listening to the music cited. The latter dealt not only with the novelization of 'The Empire Strikes Back', but something deeper that every Star Wars fan (and fans of other franchises) dealt with the unique perspective every fan experiences.

I couldn't give this book a five-star rating. As I said it wasn't an easy read, but it didn't help that this book was rife with typos and facts that would make Star Wars fans cringe.

At first I noticed some facts that were inaccurate, like Obi-Wan's duel with Anakin took place on Coruscant instead of Mustafar, or calling Obi-Wan 'Ben' in the prequels (That fact can be debated). But as I kept reading, I noticed more and more typos and font irregularities. These should have been caught in the proofreading stage, because some are very evident.

I want a Yoda Swatch!

This reminds of compound words like 'insofar' or 'notwithstanding. It's like what the Germans do with their words: they Lego words. For example, lebensabschnittgefährter (partner), Löschwassereinspeisung (fire hydrant) or Geschwindigkeitsbegrenzung (speed limit).

What this tells me is they rushed to get this book out quickly before 'The Force Awakens' hits the theatres so they can capitalize on the desire for more products.

Everything considered, I would recommend this book more to readers who are interested in psychology who happen to be Star Wars fans instead of the other way around.

Someone Who Loves You

That's the answer Princess Leia gives Han Solo after he is released from his Carbonite prison. If you don't know what any of that means, you aren't a Star Wars fan. If you kept on reciting 'Return of the Jedi', we know you are a true science fiction fan who will appreciate this.

When Princess Leia first debuted in 'Star Wars - Episode IV: A New Hope', she was immediately embraced by fans for her strong spirit and being a role model to lead the Rebel Alliance. Now, Hot Toys has added to their collection of figures by introducing our favorite blaster-toting princess. I can't get over the detail in these figures!

If you aren't familiar with these figures, they are articulated and some with different pieces. Some people find it disturbing, because sometimes the figures include different 'heads' for facial expressions.

 Just look at the determination on her face!

To read more about the figure, click here to go to BigBadToyStore.

The Force Was With Me

You know how it is once you are home, you don't feel like going out again? Typically that happens to me during the work week and for sure during the long Midwest winters. Last week, I saw this flyer when I was at my local Barnes & Noble. It sounded good at the time, but by Friday, I was psyching myself up not to go. I mean, 7:00 PM? I used to stay out that late in my younger days. Beside, I don't like coming home after the sun sets.

After a late start Saturday and running around, I was out until 6:30 PM. Then it hit me: it's summer, and the sun won't set for some time! Since I was out, I figured, eh, why not go? I am so glad I went. Dan Wallace is one of the authors of a new book entitled, 'Ultimate Star Wars'. If you have the three-volume Star Wars Encyclopedia set (I do!),  it's very similar. However, and I asked this question of Dan, the book which he co-authored now follows the new Star Wars canon. Without getting too geeky and confusing non-fans, there were many versions of the Star Wars...well, universe. When Lucasfilm was acquired by Disney, they decided to start with a clean slate as they moved forward. So this book includes the six current motion pictures, Star Wars: The Clone Wars and Star Wars Rebels.

Before Dan was introduced, a Barnes & Noble employee told us there was a table with lots of freebies on it. I took a look, and there were some pretty good treasures to be had! I made sure to only take a couple of items, including this very stylish bag.

Oh, and this cool poster, too...
(I love the line at the bottom. I'm so using that!)

Oh, and I needed this for my cool, stylish bag. But I digress. They also started the night out with Star Wars trivia. It was difficult! I missed a bunch and didn't win the prize. That's okay. Then it was time for the guest speaker to be introduced.

As you can see (kind of), the audience was mostly younger kids under the age of 10. I really admire Dan, because he included them to participate, and gave a brilliant message to them, as well as to the adults: find a job that you like and can have fun. He explained how he liked writing and loves Star Wars and action heroes. Now he has a job that incorporates that. He made sure not to talk over their heads, but also made the talk interesting and fun for the rest of us. 

He answered my geeky question about writing this book and having difficulty with the new canon. Dan said starting with a clean slate is exciting and of all the partnerships that could have occurred with Lucasfilm, partnering with Disney was probably the best. I agreed with him and said both a great storytellers, and we agreed that too much is at stake to do something completely stupid that would alienate fans.

So if all that wasn't awesome enough, Dan even autographed my copy for me!

So am I glad I decided to stay out past my bedtime? Um, YEAH!!!

Are You Excited?

I'm excited about the new Star Wars Battlefront game coming out in November. The video clips being released are awesome, and I've watched them several times. But I found this picture of an AT-AT today that quickly became my wallpaper for my work cell phone.

If you are one of the few people who haven't seen any of the video trailers, click here.

Silky Hair

I found this image on Google+, and I still can't stop laughing. It's too funny!

Got the Time?

Not everyone will get, let alone appreciate, this clock. See if you recognize each reference. Some are obscure until you think about it.

Star Wars Celebration 2015

As usual, I can't make it to this awesome event. I will have to geek out vicariously through my two friends who are going again. The line up this year is fantastic. I would have loved to be there to listen to Dave Filoni and Kilian Plunkett, to name a few. (I'm a big fan of 'The Clone Wars' and 'Rebels'.)

Of course, there are so many other Star Wars iconic people from Anthony Daniels to Carrie Fisher and more that I would love to see. Work always gets in the way of play.

Anyway, I saw a couple of prints that really caught my eye. One of my dear friends offered to try and get what I wanted. Because I'm a big 'Rebels' fan, this was one of my choices.

'Trust in the Force' by Steve Anderson

This was my other choice.

'Vader's Landing' by Scott Harben

But my friend just informed me yesterday that she was able to get my first choice, and she was also able to get one for herself. I'm indebted to her!

'A New Hope Montage' by Brian Rood

To see other works, visit DarkInk.com. To learn more about the Celebration, click here.

Obi-Off. Obi-On.

I have to share my birthday treat to myself. This is so cool!  It's a bust of Obi-Wan Kenobi made by Gentle Giant LTD. As you can see below, I received #908 out of 2000.

 

Here's the cool part: the bust lights up! I found this to be so unique, I had to have it, and so I bought it for myself as a birthday present.  Look!

Obi-Off.

 

Obi-On!

 

 

Touch, Do Not.

I've been searching for all the fun stuff coming out soon for Star Wars Rebels. I hope it be as entertaining as The Clone Wars. There are a lot of images and videos from the Toy Fair 2014 that happened back in February. What can I say? I'm late to the party.

So yesterday as I was surfing around, I was watching this video about the action figures that will be released. On each of the displays were signs that read, "Please Do Not Touch". There's always one geek who thinks he's exempt from that rule. And no, it was not me. I think it's hilarious it was caught on video.

To see the entire video, click here. The scene where I pulled this image is about 2:13 into the 2:31 video. Yes, that means it's toward the end.

Not only am I excited about the Rebels merch, but I love the two new pieces coming out in Star Wars: The Black Series. Both are excellent ways to relive Episode VI: The Return of the Jedi. I really have to consider getting both the Biker Scout and Jabba the Hutt.

Should I pre-order these two pieces through Entertainment Earth? They are due to be released in August.

To read more about the
Toy Fair 2014: Star Wars Hasbro Toy Gallery, click here.

The Obsession Continues: Tron Disney Infinity Power Disc

If you've been reading my recent posts, you'll know about my latest obsession: Disney Infinity.

There are a couple of things I wanted to share with you. First, thanks to my Google Alerts, I stumbled across a new blog for me that I am now following: Jim Valeri Design (and I've added that to my blog roll on the right).

Take a look at his August 23, 2013 post. Someone elsewhere posted that Jim's designs really could be used for Disney Infinity. Can you imaging that Play Set? That would be awesome! Think of all the characters and locations that could be added!

Below is a mash-up of two of my favorite Muppets and designs Jim posted on his website. I hope we get to see these in a future release!

 

Looking at other posts on Jim's blog, I see other familiar works of his, including Disney Store catalog covers and even some merchandise (hoodie) I've purchased. Be sure to check out the July 26, 2013 entry as well if you want a laugh.

Moving on to some solid Disney Infinity news. Any true science fiction fan will tell you Tron is one of the best and underrated sci-fi movies around. It took almost 30 years to spin off a sequel, as well as an animated series. Based on the animated series, Disney Infinity is introducing two exclusive Power Discs based on Tron.

The first will be released this weekend on Saturday, September 7, 2013 at an exclusive Toys R Us event from 12:00 - 2:00 PM. 

The new Tron themed User Control Power Disc will only be available from Toys R Us and works in conjunction with other power discs to grant the character a 10% boost. This means you have to do less to gain the same reward and you will upgrade more quickly.

For the record, I will not be standing in line the night before. I'm not that obsessed! (Some will beg to differ).

Boating on the St Croix

A friend and his wife offered to take me out on their boat today since they were trying out retirement for a week (AKA: staycation) Who am I to turn them down?

Let me start out by saying that the trip almost didn't happen. Leave it to the continued wacky weather we're having this short Minnesota summer for it to pick the same weekend we picked to go boating for it to be cold.

Fortunately, the weather quickly warmed up, not a heat wave as it should be this time of the year, but warm enough to enjoy the St Croix River.

Part of the fun I had was looking at all the names of boats. Of course this one struck my sci-fi geekness chord. This vessel boldly goes. (Apparently owned by a three-time divorcee)

The St Croix is a tributary of the Mighty Mississippi Rive, and it serves as a border between Minnesota and Wisconsin.

Little islands dot the river, so it reminds me of a time where Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn rafted down the Mississippi. People still camp out on these islands. In fact, here's a modern-day Tom, Huck and Becky. Well, kind of.

Of course you can't go boating without some liquid refreshments. Since it was an early day, it was perfect for Mimosas! (As well a few other drinks) But we had a laugh about the warning on top of the champagne bottle.

We also had a good laugh at the five-step warning/instructions on how to open the bottle.

All, in all, it was a fun day. Although I'm sure Thurston Howell III wouldn't approve of my wardrobe.