Sunday, November 29, 2009

The BD-3000


The BD-3000 luxury droid, better known in the the Star Wars Universe at The Bettybot, was originally created to look like the late Betty Page.
How awesome is that? As a girl who loves both Star Wars and the Pin-up culture, I was thrilled to see that these two concepts were being intertwined.
This is what StarWars.com had to say about the matter:

During principal photography in Sydney, writer-director George Lucas decided that Bail Organa would be served by a sexy female-shaped attendant droid during scenes set in his office. From this direction, Animation Supervisor Rob Coleman contacted the Art Department at Skywalker Ranch to request concept designs for this new animated character. On set when shooting the Bail Organa office scene, a female stand-in wearing bluescreen material played the droid.
Lucas' directives described the droid as the automated equivalent of Bettie Page, and the droid design quickly earned the nickname "Bettybot." Though the scenes of Bail's offices were ultimately cut from the film, the droid was nonetheless designed and modeled as a CG character. Renamed the BD-3000 droid, it can be seen briefly during the Senate landing platform scenes and the Galaxies Opera House scene.



Too bad for Bail Organa. He probably enjoyed having the sexy bot around. But then again, the SWU has a tendency to take things too far. This may be one of those times.

In addition to its business administration programming, the standard BD-3000 comes equipped to handle over 25 secondary functions, including repulsorlift pilot, cook, tailor and nanny. Expansion slots in both hardware and software allow the BD-3000 to be fitted with combat applications, and some have been known to be reprogrammed as covert bodyguard droids, though LeisureMech does not support such modifications.
Much to the chagrin of LeisureMech publicists, BD-3000 droids have also proven popular in the criminal underworld, where unlicensed aftermarket add-ons -- such as a set of fully articulated lekku -- have seen the droids flourish in far seedier roles than originally intended. 

Creepy.... but still cool none the less.
I may just have to go back and re-watch Episode III and see if I can spot her.

Saturday, November 28, 2009

Death Star Construction Manual




Well That certainly explains a lot.

Friday, November 27, 2009

Star Wars - In Concert


So last night my boyfriend Ron and I went to see Star Wars - In Concert.  For those of you who've never heard of it, here's an overview:

Narrated live by Anthony Daniels (the actor who portrayed C-3PO in all six films), the production features a full symphony orchestra and choir, accompanied by specially edited footage from the films displayed on a three-story-tall, high-definition LED super-screen – one of the largest ever put on tour. The live music and film elements are synchronized in order to create a full multi-media, one-of-kind Star Wars experience.



It was amazing! I mean really amazing! It started at 7:30 and we didn't get out until after 10, but I was enjoying myself so much that the time just flew by.



They played many amazing songs, such as Princess Leia, Darth Vader, Luke Skywalker's themes, as well as such breathtaking pieces as Across the Stars (Anakin and Padme theme) which happens to be my very favorite.
Anthony Daniels was a great host and filled the audience with cheer and laughter at his cheap but amusing C-3PO quips.



The Philharmonic Orchastra was simply breathtaking. I love watching them play. The synchronicity they display is amazing. I love watching the bob of the violin bows. It always brings a smile to my face.

So, with that out of the way... want to see my crappy pictures? I guarantee that they don't do it even the slightest amount of justice:

My favorite Jedi, Kit Fisto



Crazy looking Plo Koon



Chewbaca



Guys from the Rebel Legion



Imperial Guards



The Back of a Kick-ass Boba Fett





Han Solo in Carbonite






Senitor Amidala's disguise



Queen Amidala and her hand maidens



Naboo



Our seats. You can't go back any further than we were



No, literally, there was a wall behind us



Oh and a random tidbit about the ACC:

Quick Fact #16

Air Canada Centre goes through 200 pounds of cheese sauce for nachos during every game.

Bet you didn't know that before :P

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

The Queen of Muppets - Bohemian Rhapsody


 
Freddie Mercury and Jim Henson I think would be proud.



Now, I don't know about you, but I love the Muppets and I love Queen, so when I came across this earlier today I squealed with joy! And then continued to squeal cameo after cameo of my favorite characters came on. I mean, who doesn't love Beaker, The Swedish Chef, Statler and Waldorf, Electric Mayham, the Mahna Mahna guy (does he have a name?) and of course my all time favorite Kermit the Frog.



Apparently this was for the launch of a new youtube station for Muppets Studio.
(I wonder if they served a nice cake like this too)
All I can say is, nice work guys :)

Star Wars Facebook


It was bound to happen at some point. Everyone gives in eventually. I'm speaking of Star Wars characters becoming addicted to Facebook, just like the rest of us.
Have you ever wondered if Leia and Han changed their relationship status, or if Vader could Force choke you through the computer?
Well now you'll know







Love it!

Monday, November 23, 2009

Bat-kickin' Goodness



Ah Yeah!!!
Only Batman could be that awesome!

A Merry Little Christmas, Have Yourself - Star Wars Style



Ah, the Christmas season is upon us once again. Carols are being played in stores and all the children are getting excited about a visit from the small green creature in the red suit. Or Maybe it's just me...
I love Christmas!
This year I wanted to celebrate with something I love, Star Wars. But since my parents don't really seem to get the whole "your daughter is a giant geek/Star Wars fan". I've decided that maybe I'll ask Santa Yoda for Star Wars goodies instead.
Actually, I can guarantee there will be Star Wars presents under the tree (even if I had to put them there myself!)

So what will I find Christmas morning?


Awesome clothes from my local H&M in the kids section
(good luck trying to find these on the website though. I had to find them in the Dutch catalogue)



Lucky for me I have small feet!

Also in my box of Star Wars treats, will be this lovely 2010 day-to-day calendar!



Now everyday can be a Star Wars day! And it can be for you too! Get your own here!

I wonder what other Star Wars goodies will show up in the box before I decide to wrap it... Only time will tell.

Sunday, November 22, 2009

These Are The Geek Corsets You're Looking For



I love Corsets. I'm not really sure why exactly, but something about squeezing myself into a tiny piece of material that's been re-enforced with what should be whale bone and have it pulled so tight I think I might be sick is actually my idea of a good thing.
So when I first discovered that there were geeky corsets out there, I was ecstatic!
I mean, what self respecting geek girl wouldn't want to be constricted AND pretend to be a sexy Darth Vader or a Stormtrooper at the same time?



I know I would! And apparently this girl did too!



Evening Awen gives us that opportunity. I must say that I really love all her corsets and costumes, including the Star Trek ones.



Yes, I'm allowed to like Star Wars AND Star Trek...
just don't tell anyone :P

 Or how about Girl On A Mission and her amazing X-Men Corset!



Apparently she had it custom made. It makes me want to order my own, or at least work on my sewing skills. If I could sew, I would be making all sorts of corsets and dresses for myself. Like these awesome Star Wars dresses from The Vintage Doctor.



 
Honorable mentions also go to Batman, Joker, Sailor Moon, and Rainbow Bright

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

The Gathering Storm - Book 12 of The Wheel of Time



I've always been a Robert Jordan fan. Well, that is to say as long as I've know about him, I've been a fan. That's going on about 10 years or so now.
I remember after I had read The Lord of the Rings, thinking that no other author could ever be better than Tolkien. A friend of mine dissagreed with me, saying that Jordan was much better. I didn't believe him. That is, until he brought me his copy of The Eye of the World, book 1 of Wheel of Time. By the first chapter I was hooked and reluctanlty admitted that I had been wrong! (gasp!) With in a few months there were about 5 or 6 of us all reading the series and talking about it daily.
Just as I finished all of them, book 9, Winter's Heart, came out in hard cover. Since then I have been waiting 2-4 years for the next installment to come out. I always buy it in hard cover the day it's released. Book 12 was no exception.
2 years ago, as he was working on book 12, The Gathering Storm, Robert Jordan passed away. It was an extreamly sad day in the world and a great loss to the writing community. Before he died, he passed on all of his notes and plans for the series to his wife and editor Harriet. It was her job to find a replacement writer and make sure that the rest of this epic tale got told. Cue Brandon Sanderson, a long time fan of Jordan's and a well known writer himself. I can't imagine taking on the heavy mantle of Wheel of Time, but Sanderson did it with grace and dignity.
I wasn't sure what to think when I opened the first page. Was it apprehension? Perhaps a little. One never knows what to expect when reading a new author, especially one taking over a already well established series. The apprehension lasted only a few pages before I was swept away with the story.

Tarmon Gai’don, the Last Battle, looms. And mankind is not ready.

In this epic novel, Robert Jordan’s international bestselling series begins its dramatic conclusion. Rand al’Thor, the Dragon Reborn, struggles to unite a fractured network of kingdoms and alliances in preparation for the Last Battle. As he attempts to halt the Seanchan encroachment northward---wishing he could form at least a temporary truce with the invaders---his allies watch in terror the shadow that seems to be growing within the heart of the Dragon Reborn himself.



Egwene al’Vere, the Amyrlin Seat of the rebel Aes Sedai, is a captive of the White Tower and subject to the whims of their tyrannical leader. As days tick toward the Seanchan attack she knows is imminent, Egwene works to hold together the disparate factions of Aes Sedai while providing leadership in the face of increasing uncertainty and despair. Her fight will prove the mettle of the Aes Sedai, and her conflict will decide the future of the White Tower---and possibly the world itself.
The Wheel of Time turns, and Ages come and pass. What was, what will be, and what is, may yet fall under the Shadow.

Wow...wow... Did I mention wow?
This could be possibly the BEST Wheel of Time book that I have ever read!
This book renewed my love of Rand and strangely enough, in Egwene as well!
I've always loved Rand, but he's kind of taken the back burner compaired to the other Ta'verens, Mat and Perrin in the last few books.



Mat is usually my favorite of the three, but Rand outshone him with his dark broodings and strange outbursts. I enjoy being back in Rand's head and listening to him argue with Lews Therin. Perrin is still trying to get use to being a lord and is not sure where to lead his poeple to next, Mat is leading his troops through the forest and is getting into trouble as usual

As for the girls,



Egwene by far stole the show. This is her book for sure. I've never really liked Egwene since they left the Two Rivers, but now that she's captured and being held in the White Tower, she's became a power to recon with, not just for her strength in the power, but also for her brilliant mind and astute grasp of the situation at hand.
Nynaeve is as wonderfully moody as usual, Aviendha is around and is constantly being punished by the Wise Ones, Elayne thankfully isn't in it at all, and Min... well, usually I love Min, but I really didn't like her in this book. I can see why she made the chioces that she did, but I think they were the wrong ones.
There are also great cameos by the Forsaken



Semirahage's stole the show.
There were so many twists and turns in this book that I could barley put it down (and hard covers get heavy to hold after awhile)
And the end was brilliant!! I felt myself smiling as I closed the book after the last page. Often that is not the case with WOT where they leave you with a cliff hanger. This was not the case. I know that the next book, Towers of Midnight is due out next fall and the end was satisfying enough that I will be able to wait for it.
Overall Rating: 10 out of 5 stars!!



The Wheel of Time turns, and Ages come and pass. What was, what will be, and what is, may yet fall under the Shadow.

Thanks to Dragonmount for all the great updates and galleries

Monday, November 16, 2009

2012: A Review



So today I'm going to be reviewing the new movie 2012, which just hit theatres last week. I got a chance to see this on the weekend.
Now first off, let me get something off of my chest. I have a little bit of a problem with this movie considering the fact that they are trying to spead fear about the year 2012. I don't know if you know anything about this event that will be hitting us near the end of December of that year, but it marks the end of the Mayan Calander and the age of Pieces, also the dawning of the age of Aquarius.
It's 1130 Days, 22 Hours, 17 Minutes, 00 Seconds away if anyone is interested in counting.
Some people believe that this is the end of the world as we know it. Others, like myself, believe that this new age will bring enlightenment. Either way, I think that instilling fear into people about something that they can't control is always a bad thing (Y2K anyone?)



With that rant out of the way, let's get back to the review at hand. So despite my feeling about instilling fear, I really, badly wanted to see this movie. And it didn't dissapoint.
I love a good disaster movie probably more than most girls do. I'm not sure why, but it makes my blood race with excitement.
I would have to say that at least over an hour, maybe and hour and a half of this three hour movie was devoted strictly to full scale disaster and the amazing special effects make it seem incredibly real!
The destruction of California alone is worth the $12 I spent to get into it.



I must say that I was even impressed with the acting in this movie, something that can be rare with films like this. John Cusack, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Danny Glover, Amanda Peet, Thandie Newton, Oliver Platt and a great cameo by Woody Harrelson, gave life to a epic movie about death.
A must see while it's in theatres for sure!
Overall Rating: 6 out of 5 stars!

Here's the link to the trailer if you haven't seen it yet
2012