The one-day course at Queen’s University Belfast is not a Jedi primer. Instead, the goal is to teach the “real-life psychological techniques behind Jedi mind tricks” and explore “wider issues behind the Star Wars universe, like balance, destiny, dualism, fatherhood and fascism.” And no lightsaber technique, sorry!
Wednesday brain-bender: Inspired by Einstein
Yoda tops Neatorama’s list of six things inspired by Albert Einstein. Also be sure to check out Geek in Heels’ top five Star Wars designs and what inspired them.
In the news: Live-action something, maybe; George; Amira Sa’id; Happy Meals; Mark Hamill
Rumorville: Perth Now is reporting that the music for a Star Wars TV series filmed in Sydney that “could have 400 half-hour episodes” (umm…) will be recorded in Perth by Malcolm Luker. Okay then! Of course, George Lucas (or a good impersonator) was spotted down under last week. I guess we’ll get the full story (or not) in November.
- But seriously… George is part of Vanity Fair’s New Establishment.
- Good luck with that: British comedian/TV personality Justin Lee Collins is attempting to reunite the Star Wars cast on a show airing this Sunday. (Warning: The Sun.)
- Fans of note: Underwire has a short profile of Slave Leia belly dancer Amira Sa’id. And video of her routines, natch.
- Licensees: The Clone Wars Happy Meals (and the Olympics) helped boost McDonald’s sales. We’re so proud.
- People: Word on the street is that Mark Hamill will reprise the Joker for the Batman: Arkham Asylum game.
Adorn your estate with everyone’s favorite Sith
StarWarsShop has a limited edition Darth Vader bronze sculpted by Lawrence Noble on sale. For a mere $18,000, one of thirty 4-foot tall Vaders could be yours to love, cherish, and seize command of the neighbor’s lawn gnomes.
Star Wars corrupting the youth of America?
Graeme McMillan at io9 ponders how subversive the Star Wars saga was to American children with its heroes lying and villains telling the truth, the coolest place to hang being a bar, and the revelation that really, violence, will solve all your problems. Meanwhile, Charlie Jane Anders wants Hollywood to stop hitting Control-Alt-Delete on genre franchise films (Lookin’ at you, Star Trek and the DC Universe!)
Video: Cockatiels for Palpatine
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Counting down: Ten top Star Wars moments
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.