This Friday sees the first of several Star Wars Weekends at Disney World in Florida. The 501st will be there, as will several Star Wars celebs, and (of course) plenty of merchandise, like the crossover figures featured on the official blog today.
In the news: Family Guy, Amanda Lucas, 501st
Dear media: Over the last few weeks I have seen about a million references to the Sex and the City movie as ‘Star Wars for women.’ I’ve rolled my eyes pretty much every time. Please stop, or I’ll be forced to commit further crimes of photoshoppery.
- SWTV: Family Guy trying for two Emmy noms this year with the help of Blue Harvest.
- People: Amanda Lucas made her martial arts debut Saturday. She lost her match but did get a medal for being the night’s gutsiest fighter.
- Events: Modesto celebrated the 35th anniversary of American Graffiti this weekend.
- Fandom: The Arizona Republic profiles their local 501st, the Dune Sea Garrison.
- Film: Martin Hynes has a film opening Friday (The Go-Getter) but you probably know him as the guy who played George in George Lucas in Love.
The fandom minute
- Media: Civilian Alice Bradley’s account of life with two hard-core Star Wars fans.
- Fanzines: FF Portugal has released the first full issue of their zine, Undercity #1.
- 501st: Vader’s finest inducted comic writer John Ostrander as an honorary member at ICON earlier this month.
- Video: Cartoonist Adam Koford draws Yoda on Sketchcast. (via)
- Charity: The Washington DC Metro Area Star Wars Collecting Club is selling a Boba Fett pin to raise funds for young burn survivors.
The fandom minute: Yodaspeak, 501st, art, advice
- Humor: Topless Robot tried to brand May 22 as ‘Talk like Yoda’ day – It didn’t really catch on, but be sure not to miss their twenty famous movie quotes as delivered by Yoda.
- Authors: Troy Denning inducted into the 501st Legion as an Honorary Member by the Empire City Garrison at a New York book signing.
- Sand art: Neatorama finds Star Wars sand sculpture by Mykyta and Egor Zigura disturbing. I can’t imagine why!
- Kids: Mommy, where does Darth Vader live?
In the news: Bathrooms, gossip, 501st, CEOs
Imperial flushes? We’ve seen lots of Star Wars themed theatres, but a bathroom? While maybe not technically based on a Star Destroyer – even George Lucas can’t trademark triangles – it sure brings the spaceship to mind.
- People: Carrie Fisher gets her Star Wars gossip cap on the U.K., and The Sun (shocking!) gleefully reports.
- Fandom Local 501st profiled by The Florida Times-Union. (via)
- Science: Robot nurses inspired by Star Wars. (via)
- Fun: HR World wonders which Star Wars character would be the best CEO? (via)
Star Wars on Deal or no Deal tonight!
If you’re a fan of cheesy prime-time game shows and/or Howie Mandel, be sure to tune into NBC tonight for the two-hour Star Wars-themed episode of Deal or No Deal tonight. Carrie Fisher, the 501st, and various costumed folks are set to appear.
You can watch a sneak preview here.
The fandom minute
- Design: Popdeck, a Threadlessesque site for skateboards, has a Wookiee board up for vote.
- Cake: Bonnie interviews foodblogger Julie Foxworthy about her Yoda cake.
- 501st Legion: “The world’s definitive Imperial costuming organization” has reached 4,000 members.
- The Blogside: Ben at The New Horizons Project looks at Things That Star Wars Has Taught Me.
- Quiz: Test your knowledge of Star Wars music.
Did the Fanboys protests fizzle?
Lackluster turnout and loads of security kept Fanboys protesters from making much of a scene, says The Hollywood Reporter. However, it’s worth noting that they’re pinning organization of the protests on the 501st, which has had a statement on their site since Wednesday that the group is neutral on the Fanboys backlash.
In any case, Stop Darth Weinstein is celebrating boycott target Superhero Movie‘s $9.5 million box office this weekend.
Tim Zahn on the 501stCast
Episode 11 of the 501stCast features an exclusive interview with Timothy Zahn.
McQuarrie now honorary member of 501st
The 501st inducted concept artist Ralph McQuarrie into their ranks today. The deed was done in front of the Yoda fountain at the Presidio.