Autism Walk, Nashua NH

This coming weekend, I’ll be walking with the 501st New England Garrison as a storm trooper at a Walk for Autism in Nashua, NH, to raise money for awareness and research for the condition.

I can’t say that I have any major attachment to the disorder, nor have I come into any real contact with anyone who’s had it, but I figure that this is a way in which I can help a cause that affects many around the nation and world. If anyone would like to support a storm trooper (!) my team page is here: http://www.walknowforautism.org/c.nsKSL1POLvF/b.3622293/siteapps/personalpage/ShowPage.aspx?c=nsKSL1POLvF&b=3622235&sid=bqLMIXNDKiISKYPCItH

I promise that I’ll send out pictures after the event. It should be a fun time, for a worthy cause.

Armor Updates

In a bizzare twist, I’m actually doing some modifications on my TK armor. After the Springfield troop, I found that there were some problems that I’ve been having with it – snaps were coming off, and in the brighter sunlight, I’ve really noticed that the Gorilla Glue that I’ve used to glue everything is pretty ugly. Finally, I’ve gotten around to fixing my biceps – I pulled them both apart last night, sanded down and shaved off the glue and then trimmed them a bit – hopefully now, they’ll hold better in place and not flop around as much as they have done in the past.

Next up, I’ll sand down where I’ve attached snaps and re glue them all with GOOP, which will hopefully ensure a better seal and mean that I won’t have to re-attach a bunch of them every troop.

Mission Report: The Big E Parade

This past weekend, I trooped with the Connecticut Garrison in Springfield MA for the Big E (Eastern State Exposition) Parade. I found out about it earlier in the week and figured it would be a fun troop, as it’s a fairly easy drive down the highway. In total, there was around 15 troopers total, mostly white armor (which was a really fun aspect). We gathered at 4:30 or so at the parade start and marched through the fairgrounds.

This isn’t going to rate as one of my better troops, because of the rain – this was my first wet-weather troop, and I was soaked right afterwards. I had a number of equipment problems – snaps coming off, no duct tape and my lenses were fogged most of the walk, which made seeing things almost impossible. Still, it was fun to see kids so excited to see us, even a small kid dressed up as a trooper, who got his picture taken with us at the end.

This troop illustrated that I really need to overhaul my armor again. After using GOOP with my Clone Armor, I’m thinking that I’m going to re-do all the seams with the stuff on my TK, because it’s more flexible, doesn’t expand and leave a yellowish color where it’s stuck. Snaps need to be completely re-glued with it as well, because I’m tired of replacing them every troop. After that, I need to find some way to get my speaker affixed to my backplate in a way that doesn’t require tape.

Pictures here.

Clonetroopers on Google Maps

This is pretty cool. Go to http://google.com/maps, and plug in the following address:

6860 Hollywood Blvd Los Angeles

Go to the street view, and turn the camera 360 degrees. Go up the street to the left and you’ll see a couple more.

Events Report – September 26-October 31

The following events have been reported for the 501st Legion between September 26 and October 31st. Please note that all events are subject to change without notice, and you should contact the hosting garrison prior to attending any event.

Friday    26-Sep
Central California Garrison – From the Land Beyond: Sacramento’s Horror & Sci-Fi Show – Sacramento, CA
Empire City Garrison – NY Anime Festival, – NYC
Kevin J Anderson Signing – Burbank, CA
UK Garrison – Bon Bon Buddies Opening ~ Blackwood – Bon Bon Buddies Ltd., Blackwood

Saturday    27-Sep
70th Explorers – City of Chanute’s 39th Annual Artist Alley Festival Parade – Chanute, KS
70th Explorers – Liberty Fall Festival Parade – Liberty, MO
Bloodfin Garrison – Autism Speaks, Walk Now for Autism – Fort Wayne, IN 46835
Bloodfin Garrison – Avon Community Heritage Festival – Avon Indiana
Bloodfin Garrison – Buddy Walk – Columbus
Bloodfin Garrison – Public library Terre Haute – Terre Haute
Central California Garrison – From the Land Beyond: Sacramento’s Horror & Sci-Fi Show – Sacramento, CA
Empire City Garrison – Light the Night – Leukemia & Lymphoma walk – Bear Mtn., NY
Empire City Garrison – NY Anime Festival, – NYC
Empire City Garrison – Pottery Barn, Westbury, NY
Florida Garrison – Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream
Florida Garrison – Clone Wars contest winner requesting appearance – edgewater, fl
Florida Garrison – Light the Night event — Leukemia and Lymphoma Walk – Orlando, FL
Florida Garrison – RMH Family Fun Day – Jacksonville Florida
Garrison Tyranus – Neptune Festival Grand Parade in Virginia Beach Start: – Virginia Beach
Kevin J Anderson Signing – Burbank, CA
Midwest Garrison – Film Festival Day – Naperville, IL
Mile High Squad, Mountain Garrison – Coal Ridge Middle School drive to Washington DC – Firestone, CO
Mile High Squad, Mountain Garrison – Lego Star Wars Club Meeting – Lakewood, CO
Nordic Garrison – Toys R Us Event – Alna Bransjecenter, Oslo, Norway
Nordic Garrison – Toys R Us Event – Tiller, Norway
Northeast Remnant – Heroes for Heroes (TENTATIVE/POSTPONED) – Moorestown, NJ
Philippine Outpost – Clone Wars Event, Clone Wars Event, SM Marikina
UK Garrison – MAW Sacrewell Farm Fun Day – Sacrewell Farm & Country Centr, Peterborough

Sunday    28-Sep
Bloodfin Garrison – JJ Golub’s Fund Raiser & Support Bash – Griffith, IN
Central California Garrison – Walk Now for Autism Sacramento 2008 – Sacramento CA
Connecticut Garrison – Big E Mardi Gras Parade – Springfield MA
Empire City Garrison – Bellmore Street Festival – Bellmore, NY
Empire City Garrison – NY Anime Festival, – NYC
Garrison Carida – St Christopher Childrens Hospital Visit! – Philadelphia, PA
German Garrison – Promotion in Kaufhof Bonn – Kaufhof Bonn
Kevin J Anderson Signing – West Hollywood Park, CA
Northeast Remnant – Walk for Autism – Pt pleasant NJ
Philippine Outpost – Clone Wars Event – SM Marikina
Southern California Garrison – Armor Party
UK Garrison – Bath Childrens Literary Festival – Bath

Monday    29-Sep
Kevin J Anderson Signing – San Diego, CA

Tuesday    30-Sep
Mountain Garrison – Kevin J Anderson Signing – Littleton, CO

Thursday    2-Oct
70th Explorers – Archon 32 – Gateway Center, 1 Gateway Dr, Collinsville, IL
Italica Garrison – Roma Comics and Games Con – Rome
Kevin J Anderson Signing – Nashville, TN

Friday    3-Oct
70th Explorers – Archon 32 – Gateway Center, 1 Gateway Dr, Collinsville, IL
Central Garrison – NukeCon – Omaha, NE
Italica Garrison – Roma Comics and Games Con – Rome
Kevin J Anderson Signing – Dayton, OH

Saturday    4-Oct
70th Explorers – Archon 32 – Gateway Center, 1 Gateway Dr, Collinsville, IL
70th Explorers – Biblesta & Cole’s Comic Book & Action Figure Store – Humboldt, KS
Bloodfin Garrison – Armor Party
Bloodfin Garrison – Vasculitis Walk – Garrett, In
Carolina Garrison – MonsterCon 2008 – Concord, NC
Central California Garrison – Eternal Flame Flag Retirement and Advancement Weekend, Boy Scout Troop 107
Central Garrison – NukeCon – Omaha, NE
Cloud City Garrison – Eugene International Film Fest – Eugene OR
Dune Sea Garrison – Hope Kids at the McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park – the McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park
Florida Garrison – Armor Party
Florida Garrison – Party
Florida Garrison – Sibling Rivalry 4 : After Hours – TENATIVE – Jacksonville, FL
Garrison Carida – Clip for the Cure – Pottstown, PA
Garrison Carida – JediCon – New Martinsville, WV
Garrison Excelsior – Diabetes Walk – Rochester, NY
Garrison Tyranus – Step Out To Fight Diabetes Walk in Virginia Beach – Virginia Beach
Great Lakes Garrison – Cedar Springs Red Flannel Day – Cedar Springs
Great Lakes Garrison -St. Sabina Festival – Dearborn Heights, MI
Italica Garrison – Roma Comics and Games Con – Rome
Mountain Garrison – Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta – Albuquerque, New Mexico
Southern California Garrison – Nuvein Gala Fundraiser Redux
Southern California Garrison – Party
UK Garrison – Entertainer Bristol – Entertainer Store, Bristol
UK Garrison – Gamefest 3 – VICTORIA HALL, HERTFORDSHIRE

Sunday    5-Oct
70th Explorers – Archon 32 – Gateway Center, 1 Gateway Dr, Collinsville, IL
Bloodfin Garrison – Step out walk for Diabetes – Indianapolis, IN
Carolina Garrison – MonsterCon 2008 – Concord, NC
Central Garrison – NukeCon – Omaha, NE
Garrison Carida – Lehigh Valley Kidney Walk – Allentown, PA
German Garrison – Kid’s Day – City Plaza, Nieuwegein / NL
Great Lakes Garrison – Westview Orchards Star Wars Day – Washington Twp., MI
Italica Garrison – Roma Comics and Games Con – Rome
Kevin J Anderson Signing – Durham, NC
Mountain Garrison – Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta – Albuquerque, New Mexico
New England Garrison – Walk Now for Autism – Nashua, NH
Northeast Remnant – MIRACLE WALK YR 7
Southern California Garrison – Armor Party

Monday    6-Oct
Kevin J Anderson Signing – Chapel Hill, NC
Mountain Garrison – Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta – Albuquerque, New Mexico

Tuesday    7-Oct
Kevin J Anderson Signing – St. Louis, MO
Mountain Garrison – Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta – Albuquerque, New Mexico

Wednesday    8-Oct
Mountain Garrison – Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta – Albuquerque, New Mexico

Thursday    9-Oct
Bast Alpha Garrison – Party
Florida Garrison – Tattoofest II and Comic Books Too
Mountain Garrison – Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta – Albuquerque, New Mexico

Friday    10-Oct
Canadian Garrison – Manitoba Comic Con – Winnipeg Convention Center
Cloud City Garrison – Albany Public Library Star Wars Event – Albany OR
Dutch Outpost / German Garrison – FACTS Convention – I.C.C. Gent
Florida Garrison – Tattoofest II and Comic Books Too
Mountain Garrison – Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta – Albuquerque, New Mexico
New England Garrison – Wishful Drinking Starring Carrie Fisher – Boston, MA
UK Garrison – Friday Night Classics – Symphony Hall, Birmingham

Saturday    11-Oct
70th Explorers – The 3rd Annual Howl & Yowl Fall Festival – Ballwin, MO
Belgian Garrison – Facts Convention – Belgium
Bloodfin Garrison – Columbus Ethnic Expo Parade
Bloodfin Garrison – Columbus Ethnic Expo Parade
Canadian Garrison – Manitoba Comic Con – Winnipeg Convention Center
Carolina Garrison – Roper Mountain Science Center – Greenville SC
Dutch Outpost – FACTS – Gent, Belgium
Florida Garrison – Christian Stafford’s “Feel the Force” 5K – Clermont, FL
Florida Garrison – Party
Florida Garrison – Tattoofest II and Comic Books Too
Garrison Carida – Wedding
Golden Gate Garrison – “Star Wars” Celebration at the Library – San Leandro, CA
Great Lakes Garrison – Down Syndrome Buddy Walk – Clinton Twp., MI
Great Lakes Garrison – Younkers Grand Opening – Okemos, MI
Midwest Garrison – Special event request – Wheaton, IL
Mountain Garrison – Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta – Albuquerque, New Mexico
New England Garrison – Massabesic District Fall Camporee
Northeast Remnant – October Garrison Day
Southern California Garrison – Placentia Festival & Parade
UK Garrison – Entertainer Maidstone – Entertainer Store, Kent

Sunday    12-Oct
70th Explorers – Scion Calendar Search Car show – Springfield, MO
Belgian Garrison – Facts Convention – Belgium
Canadian Garrison – Con*Cept – TENATIVE – Days Hotel, (formerly Days Inn) 1005 Guy Street, Montreal, Quebec
Canadian Garrison – Manitoba Comic Con – Winnipeg Convention Center
Carolina Garrison – Roper Mountain Science Center – Greenville, SC
Dutch Outpost – FACTS – Gent, Belgium
Florida Garrison – Tattoofest II and Comic Books Too
Golden Gate Garrison – Rio Vista Bass Festival
Great Lakes Garrison – Pankiewicz Farm – Casco, MI
Great Lakes Garrison – Walk Now for Autism – Auburn Hills, MI
Mountain Garrison – Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta – Albuquerque, New Mexico
New England Garrison – Tribute to the Music of John Williams – East Boston MA
Southern California Garrison – Armor Party

Monday    13-Oct
Bast Alpha Garrison – March of the Superheroes
Canadian Garrison – Con*Cept – TENATIVE – Days Hotel, (formerly Days Inn) 1005 Guy Street, Montreal, Quebec
UK Garrison – Ofsted Foster event – National Space Centre, Leicester

Tuesday    14-Oct
Canadian Garrison – Con*Cept – TENATIVE – Days Hotel, (formerly Days Inn) 1005 Guy Street, Montreal, Quebec

Thursday    16-Oct
Dutch Outpost – LegoWorld – IJsselhallen Zwolle

Friday    17-Oct
Dutch Outpost – LegoWorld – IJsselhallen Zwolle
Kevin J Anderson Signing – Colorado Springs, CO
UK Garrison – Invasion at The Spinnaker Tower – Spinnaker Tower, Portsmouth

Saturday    18-Oct
Bloodfin Garrison – BCT CON-Comics
Bloodfin Garrison – Lafayette Symphony Concert
Bloodfin Garrison – Step Out to Fight Diabetes – Lafayette, IN
Coud City Garrison – 2008/6th Annual Pig Bowl Flag
Dutch Outpost – LegoWorld – IJsselhallen Zwolle
Florida Garrison – Parrish Health Center – Titusville, FL
Florida Garrison -Bat Mitzvah – Greenacres, Florida
Garrison Carida – Spooky Science Spectacular – Pittsburgh, PA
Midsouth Garrison – Horrorfest / Blood Drive – TN
Northeast Remnant – Beacon Animal Rescue – Palermo, NJ
UK Garrison – Entertainer Sheffield – Entertainer Store, Sheffield
UK Garrison – Invasion at The Spinnaker Tower – Spinnaker Tower, Portsmouth
UK Garrison – Surprise 40th Birthday Party

Sunday    19-Oct
Dutch Outpost – LegoWorld – IJsselhallen Zwolle
Florida Garrison – 14th Annual Buddy Walk – John Prince Park, Lake Worth, FL
Garrison Carida – Bon-Ton Grand Re-Opening – Lancaster, PA
Great Lakes Garrison – A Halloween Episode: Darth Vader’s Visit – Fenton, MI
New England Garrison – Walk Now for Autism – Tentative
New England Garrison Friends of Foster Care Touch-A-Truck
Northeast Remnant – Walk for Autism – West Windsor NJ
Southern California Garrison – Armor Party
UK Garrison – Invasion at The Spinnaker Tower – Spinnaker Tower, Portsmouth

Monday    20-Oct
Dutch Outpost – LegoWorld – IJsselhallen Zwolle

Tuesday    21-Oct
Dutch Outpost – LegoWorld – IJsselhallen Zwolle

Friday    24-Oct
Florida Garrison – Louis Sheffield Elementary Fall Festival – Jacksonville, FL
Florida Garrison – Star Wars Extravaganza V – Spring Hill FL
Garrison Carida – Steel City Con – Cheswick, PA
Mountin Garrison, Mile High Squad – Mile Hi Con – Denver, CO

Saturday    25-Oct
70th Explorers – Howl-O-Ween 2008 – Springfield, MO
70th Explorers – University of Missouri Homecoming Parade – Columbia, MO
Central California Garrison – A-1 Comics Halloween costume contest & food drive
Central Garrison – Treat Street – Omaha, NE
Cloud City Garrison – St Helens Masquerade Fundraiser
Florida Garrison – Cartoon network::: LFL Intergalactic mall tour – Miami, FL
Florida Garrison – Family Day Out /Make A Difference Day – Milton, FL
Florida Garrison – Guerrilla Film Competition Bradenton – Sarasota, FL
Florida Garrison – Sci-Fi Weekend @ the MOSH – Jacksonville, Fl
Florida Garrison – Trooping For The Troops – Tampa, FL
Garrison Carida – Steel City Con – Cheswick, PA
Great Lakes Garrison – Reading is Fundamental Library Fundraiser – Grand Rapids, MI
Midsouth Garrison – Pumpkin Feast – Franklin, TN
Mountin Garrison, Mile High Squad – Mile Hi Con – Denver, CO
Pacific Outpost – MechaHawaii’s Third Annual Customer Appreciation Night – Honolulu, Hawaii
Southern California Garrison – Norwalk Halloween Parade
UK Garrison – Hasbro Promotion ~ Debenhams ~ Manchest – Trafford Park, Manchester
UK Garrison – Invasion at The Spinnaker Tower – Spinnaker Tower, Portsmouth
UK Garrison – John Lewis Nottingham – John Lewis Toy Department, Nottingham
UK Garrison – Legoland Star Wars Weekend – Legoland, Berkshire
UK Garrison – London Expo – London, UK
UK Garrison – Woolworths Crawley – 17 ~ 19 Queens Square, West Sussex

Sunday    26-Oct
Bast Alpha Garrison – 6th Annual DSAGNO BUDDY WALK
Florida Garrison – Party
Garrison Carida – Steel City Con – Cheswick, PA
Midwest Garrison – Fall Parade – Sycamore, IL
Mountin Garrison, Mile High Squad – Mile Hi Con – Denver, CO
New England Garrison – Woburn Halloween Parade
Northeast Remnant – Walk for Autism – Cranford NJ
Southern California Garrison – Armor Party
UK Garrison – Fright Night – Tudor Square, Sheffield
UK Garrison – Invasion at The Spinnaker Tower – Spinnaker Tower, Portsmouth
UK Garrison – Legoland Star Wars Weekend – Legoland, Berkshire
UK Garrison – London Expo – London, UK

Monday    27-Oct
UK Garrison – Invasion at The Spinnaker Tower – Spinnaker Tower, Portsmouth

Tuesday    28-Oct
UK Garrison – Invasion at The Spinnaker Tower – Spinnaker Tower, Portsmouth
UK Garrison – Woolworths Bedford – Woolworths Bedford, Milton Keynes

Wednesday    29-Oct
UK Garrison – Invasion at The Spinnaker Tower – Spinnaker Tower, Portsmouth
UK Garrison – Hamleys London – Hamleys, London

Thursday    30-Oct
Florida Garrison – Family fun night with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society – Lady Lake, FL
German Garrison – LUCCACOMICS and Games in Lucca Italien Lucca – Lucca Italien Lucca
Italica Garrison – Lucca Comics and Games Con
Midwest Garrison – Bartlett 4th Annual Sight Night Parade
Southern California Garrison – The City of Orange Parade/Autumn Festival
UK Garrison – Invasion at The Spinnaker Tower – Spinnaker Tower, Portsmouth
UK Garrison – Joshua Foundation Halloween Party ~ Caerphilly – Carphilly Castle Great Hall, Caerphilly

Friday    31-Oct
70th Explorers – TemporalCon – St. Clair, MO
Florida Garrison – 5th Annual Halloween Hospital Troop – Ft Myers
Italica Garrison – Lucca Comics and Games Con
Pacific Outpost – Hallowbaloo Music & Arts Festival – Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii
Pacific Outpost – Halloween in Waikiki – Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii/Waikiki Beach
UK Garrison – Bobath Halloween Ceilidh – Glasgow City Chambers, Glasgow
UK Garrison – Invasion at The Spinnaker Tower – Spinnaker Tower, Portsmouth
UK Garrison – Legoland Star Wars Weekend – Legoland, Berkshire
UK Garrison – Legoland Star Wars Weekend – Legoland, Berkshire
UK Garrison – Maddison Bignall Trust Halloween Ball – The Nottingham Gateway Hotel, Nottingham

Total Events for 2008: 1560

501st On Film

Just a couple of Videos from this past week:

WSQ goes Superleague Formula Nürburgring

Imperial March on Bagpipes

Meg, Darth og en stormtrooper

Pottery Barn Star Wars R2

501stCast: MiniCast: September 25, 2008: Meet the 501st Dragon*Con ‘08

New Podcast:

501stCast: MiniCast: September 25, 2008: Meet the 501st Dragon*Con ‘08

As with many larger conventions, the 501st Legion hosted a “Meet the 501st” panel at Dragon*Con on Saturday, August 30th, 2008, to review the 10-year history of the organization and share anecdotes with fans.
Show Notes: Meet the 501st Dragon*Con ‘08 (September 25, 2008)
Post-Production: Dean Plantamura (TK-899)
Contributors: Cheralyn Lambeth (TB-976), Corey “Atin” Miller (TX-6203), Dean Plantamura (TK-899),  Tom Schaefer (TK-118), “Jumpin’ Joe” Stevenson (TK-6064), Scott Will (TK-408)
Special Guests: Kevin J. Anderson, Jeremy Bulloch, Rebecca Moesta, Michael Stackpole
Standard Podcast: Download

Armor Progress

So, with the latest paycheck, I finally got a couple of things that I’ve been needing to get for my Clone Trooper: Velcro and elastic. While there have been a lot of parts that I can glue together – the upper arms, thighs and upper chest.

With the Velcro, I put it on the shins, codpiece and shoulder bells, and put together elastsic straps to keep the thighs up and suspenders to keep the codpiece in place.

When I took the picture, I only had one of the forearms finished – that’s currently setting in the background. (Ignore the mess in the other room – putting a set of armor together is a messy business.)

Now, I need to get the handplates, knees, belt, elbows, shoes and helmet finished up. Then I need to get a grenade built, then pick up a gun from somewhere. I’d love to get a hyperfirm, but I don’t think I want to spend the $300 on the gun.

I’m trying to think if I’ll need to paint up the armor at all – it’s pretty much the way I want it, but I’m going to weather this up a bit. I’ll also need to get some more caulk and get the seams smoothed out on the upper arms and forearms, maybe even the thighs.

I’m really excited to see everything in place, and it’s looking quite good at the moment, in my opinion. Wee!

Cartoon Network Celebrates the Premiere of STAR WARS™: THE CLONE WARS™ with 2,000 House Parties Across the Country

This came across this via Business Weekly:

Cartoon Network Celebrates the Premiere of STAR WARS™: THE CLONE WARS™ with 2,000 House Parties Across the Country

Luckiest Kid in the Galaxy Gets a Surprise World Television Premiere Event

ATLANTA–(BUSINESS WIRE)–On Saturday, Sept. 27, in homes across the country, thousands of kids, along with their families and friends, will get a sneak peek at one of the most anticipated television series of the fall, STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS. On that same day, one lucky youngster is getting his own world television premiere event in his hometown of Chicago, Ill.

Cartoon Network is partnering with House Party, a leading word-of-mouth company in the area of viewer engagement, to premiere the debut of the groundbreaking television series via 2,000 in-home viewing parties across the country. Each child who is hosting a premiere will receive a party kit that includes a lightsaber, character masks, glow sticks, tattoos, stickers, posters and balloons for all of their guests. Cartoon Network will also make the first two episodes of the eagerly awaited series available to hosts for their parties. STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS, the first weekly television series from Lucasfilm Animation, premieres on Cartoon Network Friday, Oct. 3, at 9 p.m. (ET, PT).

Calvin Rodgers, the lucky nine-year-old Chicagoan, meanwhile, will literally have the red carpet rolled out for him, his family and friends, and hundreds of other special guests, at the Park West Theater in Lincoln Park. He was recently surprised with the exciting news when a group of clone troopers came to his school, Edgar Allen Poe Classical, and delivered STAR WARS books donated by Penguin Books to help celebrate the debut of the series. Along with a screening of the first two episodes, guests at his premiere will also enjoy a fun-filled afternoon of STAR WARS-related activities and games. Several other kids hosting parties on that day will also receive surprise visits at their homes from clone troopers.

House Party, which engages a select group of consumer advocates to host House Party events where a brand, product or show is at the center of the party, gives fans an opportunity to host viewing parties for friends and family in their homes before a show airs to the general public. House Party provides the host parents and their kids with all the supplies needed to host. The company also asks its hosts to share stories, photos and videos about their party through the House Party microsite. Hosts can share their STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS party at www.houseparty.com/starwarstheclonewars.

STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS premieres on Cartoon Network and Cartoon Network HD Friday, October 3, at 9 p.m. (ET, PT) with a special one-hour presentation that anchors the Network’s all-new night of fantasy, action and adventure. New series The Secret Saturdays and the current hit Ben 10: Alien Force join STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS for a night of non-stop adventure, exciting storytelling and innovative animation.

In the signature style of Lucasfilm Animation, STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS chronicles the adventures of Anakin Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Yoda, Ahsoka Tano and other favorite STAR WARS characters as they struggle against the dark side during the divisive, action-packed Clone Wars. Each week, a new story in the galaxy-changing Clone Wars comes to center stage, brought to the screen by supervising director Dave Filoni and executive producer George Lucas.

Dwindling numbers of Jedi fight to maintain freedom and restore peace to the galaxy, using their army of genetically engineered clones against the seemingly never-ending droid army. The terrible conflict grows wider as our heroes are swept into the turmoil of war, while the evil Count Dooku, his assassin Asajj Ventress, their master Darth Sidious, the mechanical General Grievous and a rogue’s gallery of never-before-seen villains scheme to defeat them.

About Cartoon Network

Cartoon Network (CartoonNetwork.com), currently seen in more than 91 million U.S. homes and 160 countries around the world, is Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.’s ad-supported cable service offering the best in original, acquired and classic animated and live-action entertainment for kids and families. Overnight from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday (ET, PT), Cartoon Network shares its channel space with Adult Swim, a late-night destination showcasing original and acquired animation for young adults 18-34.

Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner company, creates and programs branded news, entertainment, animation and young adult media environments on television and other platforms for consumers around the world.

About House Party

Founded in 2004, House Party is a leading word-of-mouth and immersive marketing services company that engages a select group of consumer advocates to host in-home events and provides an exclusive, hands-on brand experience. The platform encourages brand credibility through peer-to-peer endorsement and a viral online community where consumer advocates can continue their conversation and excitement for the brand. Headquartered in Irvington, NY, House Party works with such industries as consumer packaged goods, food, entertainment and toy and game manufacturing. Current clients include NBC, Disney and P&G. www.houseparty.com

Pictures:

9 year-old Calvin Rodgers surprised in his classroom by clone troopers (Photo: Business Wire)

9 year-old Calvin Rodgers with clone troopers (Photo: Business Wire)

501st on Camera

A lot of pictures over the past week and a half:

L.A. Galaxy Clone Wars Appearance

Lingering Dragoncon Parade

http://flickr.com/photos/aralani/2870505951/

Mountain Con

Library Appearance, Unknown garrison

Titan @ Puyallup Fair

Philly walk for Autism 2008

Big Robot Force Unleashed Party

Old Line Garrison Glenwood Library

Mountain Garrison, Star Fest

Force Unleashed, Unknown Garrison

Official San Francisco Force Unleashed Release Party

Escorting Anthony Daniels (C-3PO) From Star Wars (Carida)

Force Unleashed, New England Garrison

Lego Land

Sydney Trooper

John Williams Benefit Concert