501st Caught On Camera

Here’s a selection of pictures from Flickr of the 501st Legion:

Unknown Group Shot:

Weird Al Concert (Seattle)

Packed

Clone Bear

Metrocon (Florida)

FanExpo

Mini Trooper at GenCon

More GenCon

Clone Wars Releases

Clone at San Diego ComicCon

UKG TD in Scotland

Random Storm Trooper

Blackout Concert

501

501st on Film

This week’s videos from the 501st. Lots of ones from Europe and overseas.
Redbacks Party

Clone Wars Premiere (Dune Sea)

501st GG Tischfußball Teil 3 von 3

2002 AOTC STAR WARS on IMAX Hunstville Alabama

Belgian Costume Division & 501st @ Kasteelfeesten Moerkerke

Official Clone Wars release Belgium in Kinepolis Liège

CLONE WARS Premiere Opening

Dragon*Con Starts this Friday

One of the biggest annual gatherings of the 501st is Atlanta’s Dragon*Con, which is held annually every year around labour day from Friday to Monday. If you’re going, this is a chance to see a ton of our members from all over the world.

For those going, enjoy – it should be a blast. I’m sure that there’ll be a ton of pictures, videos and stories this time around, and I’m a little disappointed that I’ll miss out this year. Maybe next year.

Wall.E trumps Anakin

This article hails in from Singapore:

Wall.E trumps Anakin
Pixar’s new animated film has outdone George Lucas’ in the US. So how will it do here?
By lee sze yong

This may go down in the history books as the cutest fight in the galaxy.

In one corner, a diminutive, boxy robot trash collector with binoculars-like eyes rubs his twiggy arms as his love interest, a sleek white female machine, beeps with support. In the other, a Jedi with blue peepers and pharaohnic headgear readies her lightsaber, while her mentors Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi back her up.

Tomorrow, the battle begins, as two feature-length animations – Pixar’s Wall.E and Lucasfilm Animation’s Star Wars: The Clone Wars – go toe-to-toe against each other for box-office supremacy here in the one-week-long school holiday.

Director Dave Filoni admitted that the political themes of the original live action films are toned down for the targeted younger audiences. ‘The fans will still love it, but at the same time, we are trying to introduce Star Wars to a new group of fans.’

Star Wars fan Timothy Lucas Tan, 37, is not convinced. A member of the Singaporean faction of 501st Legion, a worldwide community of fans, he said: ‘It’s targeted at kids so that they would buy the toys later.’

For any animated film, merchandising is a huge market. Pixar’s Cars (2006) alone generated US$2 billion in global retail sales with items such as toys even though the film made just about a quarter of that in the box office. Paraphernalia sales will be what both Wall.E and The Clone Wars’ investors root for after the films go off the theatres.

But will Mr Tan still catch The Clone Wars? Absolutely, he said. ‘I need to see what happens. I’ll just watch and enjoy it.’

Full Article

Not just another geek convention

Regina Layug has written up another article, this time about Celebration Japan:

Not just another geek convention

Regina Layug

Star Wars is forever, and an avid fan swoons over the sights and sounds she has experienced at the Star Wars Celebration in Japan

CHIBA CITY, Japan – At every Star Wars Celebration, there is live entertainment. That means anything from live performances by fans, to talks and interviews with the actors and special effects crew; from panel discussions with writers and artists, to elaborate and endearing costume contests. And as live performances go, each show is unique.

At Celebration III in Indianapolis, there was One Man Star Wars, where Canadian actor Charles Ross told the story of the entire original trilogy by himself, playing both heroes and villains, flying ships, and even chanting the unforgettable music!

Also, George Lucas himself made his first appearance at a Celebration, where he spoke to fans about “Episode III: Revenge of the Sith,’’ answered fan questions, and declared, “Star Wars is forever!”

At Celebration IV in Los Angeles , Star Wars in 30 Minutes told the story of the entire original trilogy in literally 30 minutes! With a small cast playing multiple roles — and sometimes even acting as props — hilarity was the order of the day.

Of course, the celebrities came out to meet and talk to the fans. One talk featured The Fetts: Temuera Morrison talked about playing Jango Fett, while Jeremy Bulloch and Daniel Logan shared their experiences playing Boba Fett. Seth McFarlane and Seth Green talked about their TV shows and their Star Wars episodes, on Family Guy and Robot Chicken. Scott Chernoff interviewed Billy Dee Williams about his role as the suave and debonair Lando Calrissian. “Did you have any difficulty playing the role of Lando?” Chernoff asked Williams. The actor replied coolly, “No,” and the crowd roared with laughter.

STAR WARS INVADES JAPAN

Even though Star Wars Celebration Japan took place miles away from the usual geek conventions, many celebrities still flew over and shared their time and their memories with the fans. For many of them, it was a great opportunity to visit a new country, while others, like actor Anthony Daniels (who played C3PO) and Dave Filoni, director of the upcoming “Star Wars: The Clone Wars,” were making return trips to a familiar place.

The Fetts reprised their talk about the notorious bounty hunters. Jeremy Bulloch talked about the differences in movie-making in the 1970s and in the present. During the Q&A, one fan asked Temuera Morrison about his New Zealand heritage. The actor talked about his home country, and then the fan asked him about the haka, a traditional Maori dance. And right there, Morrison performed a Ka Mate haka!

Mark Hamill made a rare convention appearance. The actor who played Luke Skywalker almost never attends US conventions, but he gladly went to Celebration Europe in July 2007, and flew over to Celebration Japan to meet his Asian fans!

Not only did he talk about Star Wars, but also about his current project: the film adaptation of his own comic book, The Black Pearl. And during the Q&A, members of the Philippine Outpost took the opportunity to present Hamill with a golden badge, to signify his status as an honorary member of the 501st Legion.

THE CLONE WARS

Of course, Lucasfilm took this opportunity to promote their next big project: “The Clone Wars!’’

Every day at the main stage, there was a “Clone Wars’’ preview, where director Dave Filoni presented scenes from the upcoming fully-animated movie, and talked about his contribution to the Star Wars universe.

Filoni enumerated the many anime films and shows that influenced his work, which includes the animated show, Avatar: The Last Airbender. His favorites included Mononoke-hime (Princess Mononoke) and Macross.

In addition to the Clone Wars previews, the main stage featured Japanese director Atsushi Takeuchi, known in anime circles for Ghost in the Shell. Takeuchi directed an upcoming episode in the first season of The Clone Wars TV series, premiering this fall in the US .

The episode, entitled The Lair of General Grievous, features Jedi Kit Fisto and his apprentice, as well as the villainous title character. Takeuchi presented never-before-seen footage from the episode, and talked about how amazing it was to actually work with George Lucas. Joining Takeuchi were Filoni and the voice of General Grievous himself, Matthew Wood. Wood obliged a request from the host to demonstrate his voice acting, and talked about his Oscar awards for sound editing and sound mixing.

The fans were also the center of attention at the main stage. Steve Sansweet, director of Fan Relations and Licensing for Lucasfilm, presented the exclusive world premiere of the Star Warriors documentary. Commissioned by Lucasfilm in 2007, Star Warriors features members of the 501st Legion, in particular those who marched down Colorado Blvd. in the 2007 Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena , California. Before the screening, Sansweet asked the parade participants present to stand as the crowd applauded. Afterwards, the participants gathered in front for a mini-reunion and photo shoot.

So if you’re attending the next Star Wars Celebration, you may see a documentary, witness a traditional Maori dance, or hear the voice of General Grievous himself. Whatever it may be, the shows at Star Wars Celebrations are not to be missed!

Article Source

She’s also written two other articles recently:

From Star Wars to Clone Wars

Asia Marks 30 Years of Star Wars

Events Report – August 26-September 28

The following events have been reported between August 26 and September 28, 2008. Please keep in mind that all events are tentative, and that dates/locations can change. If you are planning on attending an event, please contact the hosting garrison.

Tuesday    Aug 26
Garrison Excelsior – Fairport Library Kid’s Club – Fairport, NY
Weird Al Concert – Monroe, WA
Bloodfin Garrison – Karen Traviss’s “Star Wars Clone Wars” Authorless Book Event – Highland, IN

Wednesday    Aug 27
Northeast Remnant – Somerset Patriots Baseball Game Event – Bridgewater, NJ
Weird Al Concert – Arcata, CA
French Garrison – Clone Wars Release, Kinépolis Lomme – Lomme

Thursday    Aug 28
Weird Al Concert – Lancaster, CA
UK Garrison – Marsh Farm Fun Day for Disabled Kiddies – Marsh Farm Country Park, Essex
70th Explorers – Slackers Star Wars night at GCS Ballpark – Sauget, IL

Friday    Aug 29
Florida Garrison – Reading Kick Off for Elementary School – Jacksonville, Florida
German Garrison – Clone Wars Movie Premiere – Mannheim Army Base Bensheimer Strasse, Mannheim
70th Explorers – Star Wars night at the T-Bones – Kansas City, KS
Dragon*Con – Atlanta, Georgia
Canadian Garrison – Festival des montgolfières – Vader Balloon – Canada – Gatineau

Saturday    Aug 30
Dragon*Con – Atlanta, Georgia
Canadian Garrison – Festival des montgolfières – Vader Balloon – Canada – Gatineau
Taiwan Outpost – WB Taiwan Troop – Taipei
Great Lakes Garrison – Great Lakes Loons Star Wars Night – Midland, MI
Great Lakes Garrison – Out of This World Weekend – Washington Township
German Garrison – Kid’s Day – Uden / NL
Florida Garrison – Jacksonville Main Library Event – Jacksonville, FL
Florida Garrison – McDonalds Clone Wars – Titusville, FL
Dutch Outpost – Kid’s Day – Uden
Florida Garrison – Roger Dean Stadium, Jupiter Hammerheads Game – Jupiter, FL

Sunday    Aug 31
Dragon*Con – Atlanta, Georgia
Canadian Garrison – Festival des montgolfières – Vader Balloon – Canada – Gatineau
UK Garrison – CLAPA Summer Party 2008 – Frank Lee Centre, Cambridge
German Garrison – Sommerfest – Mühlheim Mülheim ad Ruhr
Carolina Garrison – Star Wars Symphony – Anderson, SC
Garrison Carida – Faith City Family Church Backpack Giveaway

Monday    Sep 1
Dragon*Con – Atlanta, Georgia
Canadian Garrison – Festival des montgolfières – Vader Balloon – Canada – Gatineau
Central Garrison – Salute to Labor Parade – Downtown – Omaha, NE

Tuesday    Sep 2
Canadian Garrison – Festival des montgolfières – Vader Balloon – Canada – Gatineau

Thursday    Sep 4
UK Garrison – Childrens Ward Visit ~ Southampton – Southampton General Hospital, Southampton

Thursday    Sep 4
UK Garrison – Childrens Ward Visit ~ Southampton – Southampton General Hospital, Southampton

Friday    Sep 5
Midwest Garrison – Sputnik Fest – Manitowok, IL

Saturday    Sep 6
Midwest Garrison – Sputnik Fest – Manitowok, IL
UK Garrison – Charlton Farm Hospice – Charlton Farm, Bristol
New England Garrison – Pottery Barn – Providence RI
New England Garrison – Pottery Barn – Natwick NH
Florida Garrison – Children’s Miracle Network Fun Festival – Lakeland, Fl
Florida Garrison – Space Camp Spectacular – Umatilla FL
UK Garrison – Forbidden Planet 30th b’day – Forbidden Planet Megastore, London
UK Garrison – Time & Space – Time & Space, Kent
Central California Garrison – Pottery Barn, Galleria at Rosevile – Rosevile
Carolina Garrison – Librari-Con 2008 – Fayetteville, NC
Garrison Carida – Carnival for Alex’s Lemonade Stand – Bethlehem, PA
Central California Garrison – Pottery Barns, Arden Fair – Arden Fair
UK Garrison – Pasque Charity Midnight Walk – Raynham Way Community Centre, Bedfordshire
Southern California Garrison – Pottery Barn SD
German Garrison – Modellausstellung Space Days – Darmstadt Eberstadt Ernst-Ludwig-Saal, Schwanenstr. 42, 64297 Darmstadt Eberstadt
German Garrison – Media Markt Promotion zu “Ravensburg spielt” – Gänsbühl 2, 88212 Ravensburg
New England Garrison – MS Challenge Walk
UK Garrison – Fairwater Community Fun Day – Fairwater Leisure Centre, Cardiff
Southern California Garrison – Pottery Barn LA
Garrison Carida – Comic Geek Speak Super Show – Reading, PA
Golden Gate Garrison – Kidsfaire – Pleasanton, CA

Sunday    Sep 7
Garrison Carida – Comic Geek Speak Super Show – Reading, PA
Golden Gate Garrison – Kidsfaire – Pleasanton, CA
Southern California Garrison – Armor Party
UK Garrison – The astronomy festival – The Observatory Science Centre, East Sussex
Southern California Garrison – LA County Fair Star Wars Weekend
UK Garrison – Scottys walk for diabetes resarch. Part 2 – Bristol University Campus, Bristol
70th Explorers – ToyMan Toy Show – District 9 Machinist Hall, 12365 St. Charles Rock Road, Bridgeton, MO

Monday    Sep 8
UK Garrison – The Army Benevolent Fund – Risedale College, North Yorks

Tuesday    Sep 9
Florida Garrison – Scouting Night – Sunrise, FL

Friday    Sep 12
Florida Garrison – MOSH X Cuisine Benefit – Jacksonville, FL
Bloodfin Garrison – Ss Francis & Clare (ssfc) 2008 Fall Festival
Florida Garrison – Geek Fest Florida 2008 – MOSI – Tampa, Fl.

Saturday    Sep 13
Bloodfin Garrison – Ss Francis & Clare (ssfc) 2008 Fall Festival
Florida Garrison – Geek Fest Florida 2008 – MOSI – Tampa, Fl.
Southern California Garrison – Pottery Barn – Manhattan Beach, CA
New England Garrison – Pottery Barn – Burlington, MA
New England Garrison – Pottery Barn – Chestnut Hill, MA
Southern California Garrison – Pottery Barn – Pasadena, CA
Empire City Garrison – Pottery Barn, NYC
Garrison Carida – Pottery Barn
Garrison Carida – Pottery Barn
Great Lakes Garrison – Star Wars Merchandise Release – Troy, MI
Cloud City Garrison – Eugene Celebration Parade – Eugene, OR
Bloodfin Garrison – 2008 Northeast Indiana Start! Heart & Stroke walk – Fort Wayne, IN
Bloodfin Garrison – Pottery Barn – INDIANAPOLIS, IN
Carolina Garrison – 2008 Arthritis Walk – Wilmington, NC
Dune Sea Garrison – Pottery Barn, Scottsdale & Chandler
Empire City Garrison – Pottery Barn, White Plains
Bloodfin Garrison – Step out to Fight Diabetes – Highland Park, Kokomo
Southern California Garrison – Pottery Barn – Costa Mesa, CA
Southern California Garrison – Pottery Barn – Mission Viejo, CA
Florida Garrison – Randstad Red Wagon Parade
New England Garrison – Walk Now for Autism – Westfield MA
Garrison Carida – Pottery Barn
Golden Gate Garrison – The Webster Street Jam – Alameda, CA
Southern California Garrison – Legoland Star Wars Weekends 2008

Sunday    Sep 14
Bloodfin Garrison – Ss Francis & Clare (ssfc) 2008 Fall Festival
Florida Garrison – Geek Fest Florida 2008 – MOSI – Tampa, Fl.
Golden Gate Garrison – The Webster Street Jam – Alameda, CA
Southern California Garrison – Legoland Star Wars Weekends 2008
Carolina Garrison – Toys R Us Make A Wish Fundraiser – Fayetteville, NC
Southern California Garrison – Armor Party
Garrison Carida – Visit with Casey – Newtown, PA

Monday    Sep 15
Florida Garrison – Force Unleased Event, EBGames – Jacksonville, FL
Florida Garrison – Force Unleased Event, GameStop – Lakeland, FL
Florida Garrison – Force Unleashed Event, EB Games – Lantana, FL
Carolina Garrison – GameStop Force Unleashed Event – Fayetteville, NC
Florida Garrison – Force Unleased Event, GameStop / EBGames
Florida Garrison – Force Unleased Event, GameStop / EBGames – jacksonville, fl
Florida Garrison – Force Unleashed Event, EB Games TENTATIVE
Bloodfin Garrison – Force Unleashed Midnight Troop

Tuesday    Sep 16
Florida Garrison – Force Unleashed Event, EB Games TENTATIVE
Bloodfin Garrison – Force Unleashed Midnight Troop
Cloud City Garrison – Force Unleashed Release Troop, Vancouver Mall – Vancouver Mall
Empire City Garrison – The Force Unleashed Video Game Release
Cloud City Garrison – Force Unleashed Release Troop – Eugene, OR

Thursday    Sep 18
Northeast Remnant – Ocean County Library – Brick, NJ
Bloodfin Garrison – Lafayette Symphony Concert
UK Garrison – Stars Behind Bars – ‘Sway’ bar, London

Friday    Sep 19
Garrison Excelsior – The Force Unleashed Release Event – Greece, NY
The Force Unleashed Released
Fanboys Released!

Saturday    Sep 20
Garrison Carida – Walk Now for Autism – Philadelphia, PA
Central Garrison – Benson Unity Day Parade – Omaha, NE
Cloud CIty Garrison – Eugene International Film Fest – Eugene, OR
Southern California Garrison – US Too Gymnastics–Event for Disabled Children
Garrison Carida – Diabetes Walk – Greensburg, PA
New England Garrison – West Boylston Bicentennial Arts Festival – West Boylston
Midwest Garrison – Day at the Airport – IL, Bloomington
German Garrison – Inspiration Modellbau Mainz – Mainz / Messegelände
Florida Garrison – Star Wars Day for United Way – Bartow FL
Bloodfin Garrison – Outdoor Event @ Millrace Park – Columbus,IN
UK Garrison – The Force Unleashed Game Release ~ Merry Hill – Game, Dudley
Empire City Garrison – PKD Walk – Bedford, NY
70th Explorers – 2008 Anpac Carshow for Kids – Springfield, MO
Garrison Carida – Lehigh Valley Buddy Walk – Bethlehem, PA
Nordic Garrison – SSGFC Oslo – Varemesse, Oslo, Norway
Alabama Garrison – Game Stop Star Wars Unleashed Release – Oxford AL
Nordic Garrison – SSGFC Oslo – Varemesse, Oslo, Norway

Sunday    Sep 21
Nordic Garrison – SSGFC Oslo – Varemesse, Oslo, Norway
Garrison Carida – Roar in the Mountains – the Mountains in Hollidaysburg, PA
Southern California Garrison – Armor Party
New England Garrison – Walk Now for Autism – Tentative

Saturday    Sep 27
Garrison Excelsior – Diabetes Walk – Tentative – Buffalo, NY
Midwest Garrison – Film Festival Day – Naperville, IL
Empire City Garrison – Pottery Barn, Westbury, NY
Bloodfin Garrison – Public library Terre Haute – Terre Haute
Garrison Tyranus – Neptune Festival Grand Parade in Virginia Beach Start: – Virginia Beach
Bloodfin Garrison – Autism Speaks, Walk Now for Autism – Fort Wayne, IN 46835
Florida Garrison – Light the Night event — Leukemia and Lymphoma Walk – Orlando, FL
70th Explorers – City of Chanute’s 39th Annual Artist Alley Festival Parade – Chanute, KS
Florida Garrison – RMH Family Fun Day – Jacksonville Florida
Florida Garrison – Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream
UK Garrison – MAW Sacrewell Farm Fun Day – Sacrewell Farm & Country Centr, Peterborough
Florida Garrison – Palm Beach Heart Walk – West Palm Beach, FL
Canadian Garrison – Grape and Wine Parade – St. Catherines ON
UK Garrison – Bath Childrens Literary Festival – Bath

Sunday    Sep 28
UK Garrison – Bath Childrens Literary Festival – Bath
Garrison Carida – St Christopher Childrens Hospital Visit! – Philadelphia, PA
Northeast Remnant – Walk for Autism – Pt pleasant NJ
Garrison Excelsior – Star Wars Day at Ross Park Zoo – Ross Park Zoo
Southern California Garrison – Armor Party

Dundee Day celebrates UNO,

Article in from Nebraska:

Dundee Day celebrates UNO,
Mike Bell and Judy Rydberg
Issue date: 8/25/08 Section: Arts & Leisure

This Saturday, local residents set aside time to celebrate their neighborhood. Located at 50th and Underwood streets, the Dundee Day festival was alive with hundreds of people.

Local shops came out to the street to set up stalls filled with goods ranging from T-shirts to comic books and jewelry. Snow cone machines buzzed and balloons were twisted into funny looking, if not architecturally sound, hats.

The parade swung the day into full gear and was led this year by local radio talk show host Tom Becka.

“They asked me to lead the band this year, how could I say no?” Becka said.

Roaming the crowd was Darth Vader with a pair of Storm Troopers in tow.

“We’re part of the 501st Legion,” said John Jaeckel, one of the Storm Troopers, his voice muffled behind the helmet. “It’s a club dedicated to Star Wars fans, young and old, who like to get into costume. We go to anything – from science fiction conventions to neighborhood parties like this.”

all photos by Mike Bell

Full Article

Star Wars Night at the Ball Game

This article just came in:

Kinston Indians
The K-Tribe Hands Out the Team’s End of Year Awards
08/22/08 – Carolina League (CarL) Kinston Indians

KINSTON – The K-Tribe handed out their end of year award before Friday’s game at Historic Grainger Stadium. The team awards are voted on by K-Tribe personnel.

Kinston first baseman Beau Mills is the recipient of the Kinston Indians Pat Crawford MVP award. This may be the first of many awards this season for Mills who currently leads the Carolina League with 21 home runs and 89 RBI. Mills is also 2nd in the CL in extra base hits (58), 3rd in hits (139) and in the top five in doubles (34), slugging (.507), and runs scored (78).

Mills was the Cleveland Indian’s first round pick in the 2007 draft. Mills is the son of Boston Red Sox Bench Coach Brad Mills.

Venezuelan native Hector Rondon is the winner of the Steve Olin Pitcher of the Year Award. The 20-year-old Rondon is tied for the Carolina League lead in wins with 11. Rondon is second in the CL in strikeouts with 128. Hector has a 3.72 ERA, the 7th lowest in the Carolina League. Earlier this season, Rondon was chosen to play the World Team in the MLB Futures game.

Kinston pitcher Josh Tomlin is the winner of the Gaydek Sportsmanship Award. The Whitehouse, Texas native has done a little bit of everything for the K-Tribe this year. Josh Tomlin has made 35 appearances for the K-Tribe, including 9 starts. Tomlin is 9-5 with a 3.18 ERA, striking out 102 and walking just 14 batters in 96 innings.

K-Tribe infielder Niuman Romero is the winner of the K-Tribe’s Overcoming Adversity Award. Romero is having a career year, hitting .310 on the season – the third best batting average in the Carolina League. Romero has hit a career high six home runs and has the CL’s longest hitting streak of the season at 21 games.

Kinston Indians Bus Driver Keith Lund is the recipient of the McAvery Award, presented to the person who has demonstrated outstanding contributions to the Kinston Indians. Since 1985, Lund has carried this franchises precious cargo around the Carolina League. From Grady Sizemore to Eric Wedge to Manny Ramirez, Lund has been their from the beginning for every one of the Cleveland Indian’s future stars and coaches. More than a driver, Lund is a great contributor and friend of the K-Tribe, going above and beyond to take care of the Indians on the road.

The K-Tribe’s regular season home finale is Saturday, August 23rd with Star Wars Night II – The Empire Strikes Back. The fan favorite is back, as characters from the Star Wars Universe invade Grainger Stadium. Darth Vadar, Stormtroopers, Han Solo and more out of this world guests are scheduled to appear. Game time 7pm!

Source

Gen-Con Report

Here’s an article from Forbes magazine about Gen-Con. It doesn’t mention the 501st by name, but we’re mentioned:

Gen Con: The Party’s Over

The biggest gaming convention of the year is over.

The annual Gen Con conference is one of the few places where basement Dungeons & Dragons players hobnob with Star Wars Stormtroopers, live action role-players chat with collectable trading card maniacs, and wargamers hang out with costume fetishists.

You might expect this sort of event to be populated entirely by stereotypical geeks; undere or over-fed teens with pasty complexions, thick glasses and questionable hygiene. And you wouldn’t be all wrong. But the crowd that shows up at this gamer’s paradise is a lot older and more successful than you’d think.

Most Gen Con attendees are males in their 20s or 30s, and make more than $50,000 a year. Two-thirds of the guests spend at least $100 in the exhibit hall –and that’s after dropping $75 on an entry ticket, the cost of travel to get to Indianapolis, and a 3 or 4 night stay in the city. Some attendees spend a big chunk of cash on costumes, too.

The conference brings together dealers that serve a broad swath collection of niche hobbyists. Edhellen Armoury makes foam weaponry for full-contact medieval-style combat devotees. Owner Gregg knows he caters to a small portion of an already small audience. “We break even. It’s hard though –our weapons stand up to years of abuse and look fine,” he jokes. He started the company because he wanted the weapons just as much as his customers. When not at Gen Con, Larson works for a defense contractor.

His company is like many others at Gen Con –boutique shops run by those enthusiastic enough about a hobby to make it into a business. Take Privateer Press –is a small company that produces and sells collectible miniatures used to stage competitive wargames. Creating a full set of miniatures in order to play one of Privateer’s games can easily cost customers a few hundred bucks, and long hours of detailing. Matt Wilson owns the company. He says a lot of the drive to build the company came from a love of the industry itself. He does the artwork for the books, boxes, and anything else that needs it.

The company is used to serving a small customer base — but at Gen Con they were everywhere, and nearly sold out of their stock early in the conference. In some cases, Privateer was actually more visible than gaming giant Wizards of the Coast, makers of Dungeons and Dragons (and backed by Hasbro). Wizards did just fine, however — they had to reorder stock three times.

The buying was most frenzied on Sunday, the last day of the conference. At last count, Geek Chic at last count had sold 3 of their $9,650 gaming tables –all on Sunday.

It’s clear that the geeky high-school Dungeons & Dragons players have grown to well-paid men and women willing to invest just as much in this hobby as someone might invest in billiards ($2000 for a pool table), model ships ($1000 for a ship), or participating in civil war reenactments ($700 for a rifle).

–Klaus Kneale

Full Article

Pottery Barn Announcement

This is a big event that the 501st across the US will be participating in, and the official announcement was made on the Pottery Barn’s website today:

Bring your kids to meet their favorite Star Wars™ characters in action at a special event at participating Pottery Barn Kids stores. Bring your camera and get ready to experience the Force in person.

Priority tickets are available for this event. Visit a participating store anytime prior to the event day to pick up your complimentary tickets.*

Special notes about this event: Pottery Barn Kids stores cannot confirm which characters will appear. Circumstances beyond the control of the organizers may necessitate substitution, postponement or cancellation without prior notice.

* Limit 10 tickets per person. One ticket per person required for entry to priority line. Lineup order within the priority line is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Here’s where we’ll be:

ALABAMA

Birmingham, The Summit
September 13th, Noon – 2 p.m.

ARIZONA

Chandler, Chandler Fashion Center
September 13th, Noon – 2 p.m.

Scottsdale, Fashion Square
September 13th, Noon – 2 p.m.

CALIFORNIA

Corte Madera, The Village at Corte Madera
September 6th, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Costa Mesa, South Coast Plaza
September 13th, 10 a.m. – Noon

Los Angeles, The Grove
September 6th, 10 a.m. – Noon

Manhattan Beach, Manhattan Village
September 13th, 10 a.m. – Noon

Mission Viejo, The Shops at Mission Viejo
September 13th, 10 a.m. – Noon

Palo Alto, Stanford Shopping Center
September 13th, 10 a.m. – Noon

Pasadena, South Lake Shops
September 13th, 10 a.m. – Noon

Pleasanton, Stoneridge Shopping Center
September 13th, 10 a.m. – Noon

Roseville, Galleria at Roseville
September 6th, 10 a.m. – Noon

Sacramento, Arden Fair
September 6th, 10 a.m. – Noon

San Diego, Westfield UTC
September 6th, 10 a.m. – Noon

Santa Clara, Valley Fair
September 6th, 10 a.m. – Noon

Walnut Creek, The Corners, Walnut Creek
September 6th, 10 a.m. – Noon

COLORADO

Broomfield, Flat Iron Crossing
September 13th, Noon – 2 p.m.

Colorado Springs, The Promenade Shops at Briargate
September 13th, Noon – 2 p.m.

Lone Tree, Park Meadows
September 13th, Noon – 2 p.m.

CONNECTICUT

Farmington, Westfarms Mall
September 27th, Noon – 2 p.m.

DELAWARE

Newark, Christiana Mall
September 13th, Noon – 2 p.m.

FLORIDA

Coral Gables, Village of Merick Park
September 13th, Noon – 2 p.m.

Orlando, The Mall at Millenia
September 13th, Noon – 2 p.m.

Palm Beach Gardens, The Gardens Mall
September 13th, Noon – 2 p.m.

Tampa, Hyde Park Village
September 13th, Noon – 2 p.m.

GEORGIA

Atlanta, Lenox Square
September 13th, Noon – 2 p.m.

ILLINOIS

Chicago, Pottery Barn Kids – Market Sq.
September 13th, Noon – 2 p.m.

Deer Park, Deer Park Town Center
September 6th, 10 a.m. – Noon

Oakbrook, Oakbrook Center
September 6th, 10 a.m. – Noon

INDIANA

Indianapolis, Fashion Mall at Keystone
September 13th, Noon – 2 p.m.

IOWA

West Des Moines, Jordan Creek Town Center
September 13th, Noon – 2 p.m.

KANSAS

Leawood, Town Center Plaza
September 13th, Noon – 2 p.m.

KENTUCKY

Louisville, Oxmoor Center
September 13th, Noon – 2 p.m.

LOUISIANA

Metarie, Lakeside Shopping Center
September 13th, Noon – 2 p.m.

MARYLAND

Annapolis, Annapolis Mall
September 13th from Noon – 2 p.m.

North Bethesda, White Flint Mall
September 13th, Noon – 2 p.m.

MASSACHSETTS

Burlington, Burlington Mall
September 13th, Noon – 2 p.m.

Chestnut Hill, The Mall at Chestnut Hill
September 13th, Noon – 2 p.m.

Natick, Natick Collection
September 6th, 10 a.m. – Noon

MICHIGAN

Troy, Somerset Collection
September 13th, Noon – 2 p.m.

MINNESOTA

Edina, Edina Galleria
September 13th, Noon – 2 p.m.

Maple Grove, The Shoppes at Arbor Lakes
September 13th, Noon – 2 p.m.

MISSOURI

Chesterfield, Chesterfield Mall
September 13th, Noon – 2 p.m.

Kansas City, The Country Club Plaza
September 13th, Noon – 2 p.m.

St Louis, St. Louis Galleria
September 20th, Noon – 2 p.m.

NEBRASKA

Omaha, Regency Court
September 13th, Noon – 2 p.m.

NEVADA

Las Vegas, Rampart Commons
September 13th, Noon – 2 p.m.

NEW JERSEY

Hackensack, The Shops at Riverside
September 13th, 10 a.m. – Noon

Short Hills, The Mall at Short Hills
September 6th, 10 a.m. – Noon

Shrewsbury, The Grove West
September 6th, 10 a.m. – Noon

NEW YORK

Albany, Crossgates Mall
September 13th, Noon – 2 p.m.

Cheektowaga, Walden Galleria
September 13th, Noon – 2 p.m.

Garden City, Roosevelt Field
September 27th, 10 a.m. – Noon

New York, Manhattan – 2nd Ave. & 69th St.
September 13th, Noon – 2 p.m.

Syracuse, Carousel Center
September 20th, Noon – 2 p.m.

Victor, Eastview Mall
September 6th, 10 a.m. – Noon

White Plains, The Westchester
September 13th, Noon – 2 p.m.

NORTH CAROLINA

Charlotte, Southpark Mall
September 6th, 10 a.m. – Noon

Durham, The Streets at Southpoint
September 13th, 10 a.m. – Noon

Raleigh, Triangle Town Center
September 6th, 10 a.m. – Noon

OHIO

Columbus, Easton Town Center
September 13th, Noon – 2 p.m.

OKLAHOMA

Tulsa, The Shops of Utica Square
September 13th, Noon – 2 p.m.

PENNSYLVANIA

King of Prussia, King of Prussia Mall
September 13th, Noon – 2 p.m.

Pittsburgh, Galleria of Mt. Lebanon
September 13th, Noon – 2 p.m.

RHODE ISLAND

Providence, Providence Place
September 6th, 10 a.m. – Noon

TENNESSEE

Nashville, The Mall at Green Hills
September 13th, Noon – 2 p.m.

TEXAS

Dallas, Pottery Barn Kids – Knox St.
September 13th, Noon – 2 p.m.

Frisco, Stonebriar Centre
September 13th, Noon – 2 p.m.

Houston, Highland Village
September 13th, Noon – 2 p.m.

The Woodlands, The Woodlands Mall
September 13th, Noon – 2 p.m.

UTAH

Salt Lake City, Trolley Square
September 6th, 10 am – Noon

VIRGINIA

Fairfax, Fair Oaks Mall
September 13th, Noon – 2 p.m.

Mclean, Tysons Corner Center
September 13th, Noon – 2 p.m.

WASHINGTON

Bellevue, Bellevue Square
September 20th, Noon – 2 p.m.

Seattle, University Village
September 13th, Noon – 2 p.m.

CANADA

Toronto, Yorkdale Shopping Centre
September 6th, 10 a.m. – Noon

Toronto, Sherway Gardens
September 6th, 10 a.m. – Noon

Toronto, Pottery Barn Kids – Bloor St.
September 13th, 10 a.m. – Noon

Typically, Vermont has been left off the list, despite the fact that we have a Pottery Barn in Vermont, and willing members. But I’m not bitter or anything…