From Hutt-choking to impromptu family reunions, Heckler Spray has theirs. What are yours? We need a new argument to replace the tired old “your favorite episode” shtick. (via)
Rumor: Disney testing new Star Tours?
The Disney-watchers at Mice Age have gathered up some of the more recent rumors:
Anthony Daniels made unofficial mention in an interview of doing work for this attraction, to open in 2009, so it seems all but certain. Certain members of ILM have also mentioned their participation. Polarized glasses will be used for a 3-D effect, and some rumors call for three Audio-Animatronics figures. Apparently, the closed Body Wars attraction, where the simulators are identical, has been used for some time to create, test, and adjust the synchronized movement of the cabin to the movie.
(via)
Poster artist Drew Struzan retiring?
TheRaider.net reports that the legendary artist is retiring from illustration to spend time with his family and work on his own paintings. Struzan is reponsible for several iconic Star Wars and Indiana Jones movie posters, and even a few book covers (and stamps!) not to mention Blade Runner, Harry Potter, Hellboy, Back to the Future and hundreds of other films. Check out more of his work at DrewStruzan.com.
Mapping the influence of Star Wars
The interactive map ‘How Star Wars Changed the World’ was published by Wired during the Revenge of the Sith madness back in 2005, but it’s new to me! I think.
UPDATE: Kottke has the chart as single GIF, much easier to read.
The fandom minute: Please don’t bring me the head of Jar-Jar Binks (and other freakiness)
- Weird: I’m not sure which of Bonnie’s finds is more disturbing: “A Love That Transcends Time, Space & Manufacturer” or Jar Jar Salad. Less freaky: Darth Tater’s Great Adventures.
- The ‘whine more’ files: Man sells his “faith in George Lucas” (aka a 12″ Darth Maul) on eBay for $23 Australian. (via)
- Lists: Speeder bikes are one of io9’s five scifi cycles to adore.
Raise a glass to Tolkien!
Thirty-five years ago today the world lost a master storyteller.
Saving Superman
There is injustice in this world. Most notably, there is the total state of disrepair of the house where Superman was created. So it is that a charity is born: The Siegel and Shuster Society.
Not only do they hope to raise funds to revive the home, but they also hope to become a group that encourages random acts of kindness.
So if you can’t scrape up enough dough to help restore the home, you can make Superman proud by doing something kind today.
Up, up and away!
More Online Showdom! – Gemini Division
So the entertainment industry’s further ventures into online programming continues with a new show: Gemini Division.
Produced by NBC, expect a slight bit of first-person Blair Witch camera-jiggling, green screen and interesting montage kinda segments. Still, it seems to be an intriguing mix of cop drama and sci-fi. Worth checking out, if only to see Rosario Dawson in a non-film role and to enjoy a sci-fi tale.
Obi-Wan gear for baby Ben
Our own Nori created this stunning Jedi baby ensemble for a forthcoming bundle of joy named Ben. Complete with a teeny knitted lightsaber! Be sure to click through to see the layers and other details.
Mind meld, tie-ins, and a lot of Star Wars people
I had no idea when SF Signal asked me to participate in their latest Mind Meld on tie-ins that they’d get so many actual writers who had written Star Wars (Sean Williams, William C. Dietz, Kevin J. Anderson, Kristine Kathryn Rusch and Walter Jon Williams.) Plus many other names familiar to genre readers and the blogosphere. And me. It’s a little unsettling. Really cool, but unsettling.