Dealing with Stable, Nuclear Fusion (aka, THE SUN)

This past weekend, I donned the armor for an event that was outside, right in the sun. It's a nice change from all the cold weather that Vermont gets, and with a nice breeze, it was the perfect day for walking around in armor, talking to kids and parents.
About halfway through the event, however, the wind died down a bit, and the temperature went up - I'm guessing we hit the 70s or 80s. Very nice if you're in shorts and t-shirts, but not so much wearing a black flight suit, diver's head cover and 30 some-odd pieces of plastic that do wonders to trap in body heat. Fortunately, a vendor donated some ice drinks, which we took on a break, and I brought along a water bottle.

As summer's coming, it seems like a good time to look at this. Summer's coming, and from my events list, we're getting a ton of events in the next couple of months, if April and May are any indication. Summer's a great time for events, but it's also something to keep in mind - higher temperatures lead to higher body temperatures, especially with a lot of physical activity, which can lead to serious health consequences, sometimes even fatal. That, to say the least, isn't good.

When I was in the Boy Scouts, and later as a summer camp instructor and lifeguard, I learned a lot about this sort of thing, and how to treat it. Mainly, the biggest things to be concerned with are Dehydration, Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke. These are things that are easily preventable, with the proper preparations.

dehydration
1. the act or process of dehydrating.
2. an abnormal loss of water from the body, esp. from illness or physical exertion.

Basically, you're losing more water than you take in. Symptoms include headaches, lower BP, dizziness or fainting. Standing up suddenly can bring on some of these things.

heat exhaustion (Hyperthermia)
1. a condition characterized by faintness, rapid pulse, nausea, profuse sweating, cool skin, and collapse, caused by prolonged exposure to heat accompanied by loss of adequate fluid and salt from the body.

This is the serious stage, as you do not have enough water, and your body works overtime to try and bring your core temperature down from dangerous levels, by sweating (which is how you regulate your internal temp).

heat stroke (Hyperthermia)
1. a severe condition caused by impairment of the body's temperature-regulating abilities, resulting from prolonged exposure to excessive heat and characterized by cessation of sweating, severe headache, high fever, hot dry skin, and in serious cases collapse and coma.

This is the worst stage, generally after the first two - the body cannot lower your temperature and your temperature will rise quickly. This is the stage in which hospitalization will be required. Body temperatures above 104 f (40 c) are dangerous, and 106 f (41 c) cause brain damage and death.


This is easily prevented. The #1 thing is to drink water. Lots of water. I know that can get uncomfortable with armor after a little while, but the bad side is much worse than a little discomfort for a little while. If you think that you're getting dehydrated, drink. Alcohol and Soda, especially stuff with caffeine, should be avoided (alcohol anyway if you're trooping) because it can increase dehydration. Water is your best bet. Don't just drink when you're thirsty - drink constantly. The best indicator is urine color - the darker it is, the more water you need to drink.

In the instance that you suspect that someone is suffering from Hyperthermia (they might exhibit some or all of the symptoms above or be really confused, disoriented) they need to be brought to a shaded, cool location right away. In worse cases, cool towels should be applied and they need to get out of their armor ASAP - the less that traps heat in the better.

In everything but extreme cases, as I understand it, giving the victim water is generally a good thing. In really bad cases, the only people who should be giving people anything are EMTs or medical personnel (generally an IV or something like that). If someone gets heat exhaustion or heat stroke, proper medical people need to be called right away.

Generally, what I wear on troops (even cool weather ones) is a camel back. These were pretty popular a couple years ago, and are still widely used. It's a small backpack with a water pouch and a tube for drinking. The smaller models fit under the armor with little difficulty (I wear mine on my chest - I wear TK FX armor) and loop the tube around the back of my neck, where I can stow the tube under the side of my armor, or in the rim of my helmet. It's not totally noticeable, but it is extremely handy to have on your person. I also tend to bring a couple of Nalgine bottles full of water for when I'm able to take my helmet off.

Another thing to do is to take breaks as often as you are able, where you can TAKE YOUR HELMET OFF. Hats and head coverings trap something like 80-90 percent of the heat in your body, so if you have a break area away from people, it's probably a good idea to use it.

Does anyone do anything else when they're out in the sun?

Bad guys doing good deeds

This in from the Florida Times-Union Jacksonville.com:

Bad guys doing good deeds
By WILLIAM MARDEN, Special to the Times-Union

Aaron Kahler is a tough-looking, bullet-headed man, a former Marine who works as a Jacksonville bail bondsman.

But in his spare time, he dresses up like a stormtrooper.
Which explains why you could find him near Friendship Fountain recently, sealed into that futuristic-looking white armor and wielding the energy weapons Darth Vader's infamous brigades made famous in the Star Wars movies.
He was shooting menacing looks alongside fellow members of Squad 7, the Jacksonville contingent of stormtroopers who make up Darth Vader's 501st Legion, otherwise known as Vader's Fist.
As he and six other members of Squad 7 took a break from the summerlike heat (and those hard plastic costumes do get hot), they drew a constant procession of young and old who couldn't get over the shock of seeing some of the most famous bad guys in cinema.
Despite their reputation, these bad guys had just finished walking 3 miles in the heat to raise money to fight juvenile diabetes. That's not unusual, Kahler said, because most of the 4,000 or so active members of the 501st Legion spend much of their time raising money or working for good causes.
Why would grown-ups around the world spend thousands of dollars, and untold hours, playing Star Wars make-believe?
To Kahler, it's as simple as the lure of the movies themselves and the chance to play the villain.

"I got into it two years ago," Kahler said. "I was a Star Wars fan from the time I went to see the first movie when I was 4 years old. I've been a fan ever since. I wanted to wear a costume like the Star Wars troopers even before I learned what they do for charity."
Kahler leads Squad 7, with 31 members on the First Coast and another three who live in the Tallahassee area. There are chapters in Tampa/St. Petersburg and a few other Florida cities.
He said the squad has helped the Ronald McDonald House and Wolfson Children's Hospital, including raising $1,000 to participate in the Red Wagon Parade.
Members take great pains to make their costumes as accurate as possible. Some make their own from molds, Kahler said, but most buy a kit that has black plastic under armor and the infamous shell of white outer armor. The kit costs about $1,000.
That's only the first step.
"We spend a lot of time screening still [pictures] from the movies to make the costumes as accurate as possible," Kahler said.
Troopers add bandoliers and pouches, and either modify Hasbro's toy stormtrooper blasters, or buy something such as a Hyper-firm long rifle, found online for $475.
And how do their loved ones feel about this?
"When I first got involved with it, my wife thought I was the biggest dork on the planet," said Kahler, who is married with two daughters. "It took two meetings for her to get into it and now she has armor herself. She hadn't seen a Star Wars film until we got married."
J.P. Fouchey has been a member for a couple of years and has two children, ages 8 and 21/2. He said his kids "love it" when he's in costume.
Attending events means the troopers must prepare to spend up to three hours just having fans take pictures of them, Kahler said.

Besides charity work, the squad also attends events such as MegaCon, the comic book convention in Orlando, as well as mall appearances.
Another Squad 7 member, Fabian Perez, said, "I've had more pictures taken of me in the last two years than the first 36 years of my life."
He said the payoff is putting smiles on people's faces.
But members of the 501st Legion don't deny that the chance to play the bad guys is a big part of the lure.
Arthur Pugh, 39, who has been in the squad for several years and a member of the 501st since 2003, said he joined because, "everybody likes playing the nameless, faceless bad guy. And those uniforms were just so cool."

Source

Plot Summary for Order 66

Order 66, written by Honorary (or honourary in this case) Member Karen Traviss, was recently covered with a new and very cool book cover. Starwars.com has just followed up with a plot summary of the book:

A Closer Look at Order 66

April 28, 2008

The Clone Wars rage to their bloody climax. Treachery reigns. Treason takes courage. Commandos, Jedi, and the entire Galactic Republic must face the end of life as they know it . . . and the dreaded dawn of a new empire.

After the fierce combat of Hard Contact, Triple Zero,True Colors comes the spectacular culmination of New York Times bestselling author Karen Traviss's gripping Republic Commando series. As a battle-scarred era nears its end, a shattering power play is about to stun the entire galaxy . . . and set in motion events that will alter destinies and resound throughout history. and

Even as the Clone Wars are about to reach an explosive climax, no one knows if victory will favor the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) or the Separatists. But no matter who wins, the stakes are highest for elite Special Ops clones like the Republic Commandos in Omega and Delta squads -- and the notorious renegade Advance Recon Commando troopers known as Null ARCs.

With Republic forces stretched to the max and casualties mounting, the last thing these beleaguered warriors need to hear is that Chancellor Palpatine is keeping vast armies of secret clone troops in reserve. Sergeant Skirata, a mentor to the clone commandos, has no intention of standing idly by while Palpatine sends them into battle like lambs to the slaughter. Skirata begins to plan the clones' escape from the GAR, but his heroic effort will be in vain unless he can reverse the clones' accelerated aging process. To pull that feat off, he will need the services of Separatist scientist Ovolot Qail Uthan, currently under lock and key in a GAR fortress prison. Caught in the treacherous dealings of their leaders, and locked in the battles of their lives, the disillusioned Null ARCs and Commandos nonetheless fight with everything they've got, determined to wrest victory from the Seps and save the galaxy.

But even the deadliest weapons may not be powerful enough to defeat the real menace. And nothing will stop the apocalyptic horror unleashed when Palpatine utters the chilling words: The time has come. Execute Order 66. Translation: The Jedi have tried to stage a coup, and all must be shot on sight.

With their faith in the Republic and their loyalty to their Jedi allies put to the ultimate test, how will the men of Omega and Delta squads react to the most infamous command in galactic history? All the breathtaking action, suspense, and intrigue of Karen Traviss's Republic Commando series comes alive in Star Wars: Order 66. Available in hardcover from Del Rey Books in September, 2008.

Here is the cover art by Greg Knight, jacket design by David Stevenson, recently revealed at randomhouse.com

I'm really excited for this book - I've loved Karen's first three books in the series, and this one sounds like it's going to be off the hook.

Deal or No Deal: Pictures

Anyone watch DOND last night? What'd you think?

Here's some images from the show:






More here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/darthhaggis/sets/72157604785742694/

From NBC:


Edit: Another photo set here: http://public.fotki.com/MaraJade/deal-or-no-deal/

Wellington Armageddon In the News

Outpost 42 recently trooped at the Wellington Armageddon recently, a SciFi convention out in New Zealand, and the following report made it into the news:

10,000 sci-fi fans can't be wrong

Darth Vader maintained a baleful glare over more than 10,000 sci-fi fans at the Armageddon Expo in Christchurch during the weekend.

Organiser Adele Geradts said many families were among the 10,000 to 12,000 attendees.
National Star Wars fan group 501st Legion provided the dark lord himself, along with Stormtroopers and other Star Wars characters.
Geradts and her husband, Bill, have been running the gaming, science fiction and wrestling show in Auckland since 1995, and decided to stage a show in Christchurch for the first time last year.
The response in the Garden City had been excellent and they were looking forward to returning in 2009, she said.
Visitors were treated to a laser tag arena, wrestling and autograph sessions with actors from Stargate and Heroes.

Source

Series 7 Trading Cards Released

This in from 501st.com:

501st Trading Cards Series 7 Released
After 9 long months of production, the next 50 cards in the official 501st trading card set are now in circulation. Series 7 (cards 351-400) includes three new Honorary Member cards, five new unit cards, two new event cards, and a new recruitment card. Click here to view all the cards including Series 7. Please remember that these cards are provided to our fans at no cost---feel free to trade, but please don't sell them! Ask for cards the next time you see the 501st in action.

Here's a couple of images:

Deal or No Deal: Star Wars Style

I generally dislike reality TV/ Game shows. However, I'll tune into tonight's episode of Deal or No Deal, because tonight's episode will be Star Wars themed. The storm troopers? Members of the 501st, from the San Diago Squad and surrounding areas. Way to go guys!

Here's a blurb from the official Star Wars blog:

The Banker is about to meet his match. NBC’s hit game show “Deal or No Deal” transforms itself for a special Star Wars themed “winner take all” episode on Monday, April 28 (8-10 pm ET) surprising two diehard fans of the popular movie franchise with the experience of a lifetime. Guest supporters cheering on the contestants include actress Carrie Fisher (Princess Leia), Chewbacca and R2-D2, and in a surprise twist, Darth Vader fills in as the villainous Banker.

In this two-hour “winner take all” episode, two contestants, Elyse McCrillis and Brad Flinchum, will duel against each other with the chance to win close to two million dollars. They will each play their own game and whoever has the highest amount at the end of his or her game will take home both winnings, leaving the other with nothing. This will make them re-think their strategy — play it safe or take the risk and go all the way — in order to be the winner.

NEG on After Hours with TC

The New England Garrison made an appearance at a late show, I think about a year ago (they're getting the up clips now)

Intro Clip

Star Wars Chicks

Mission Report: Vermont Maple Fest

Vermont had its third event this past weekend, a quick trooping at the Vermont Maple Fest in Northern Vermont, in St. Albans. I learned that Jerry was trooping at the event, and I drove up to help him out. The event is a three day event, culminating in a parade. The two of us, along with Jerry's wife, walked among the crowd, shaking hands and posing for pictures. (Those will be coming soon, I hope). We based ourselves out of the town's gaming store, Heroes Kingdom, which was handy when we needed to take a break.
People really liked us. We didn't march in the parade, but when we were out and about, it was a fun time, although next time, I think I'd like an additional wrangler, because there were some kids who were a little annoying at times. I had one come up and crash into me for a hug, and our wrangler headed off a couple others who were plotting to knock us over, which thankfully didn't happen.
We were out for about 4 hours, which was plenty of time - it got hot out! We were also interviewed by a local news team, so we might end up on the evening news, I'll try and watch tonight and get it tapped it that's the case.
Overall, a fun time, lot of little kids who were really ecstatic to see us (some scared). This is probably something to try and do again next year, hopefully we'll get some people up, or maybe some of the Canadians down to help out.

Events Report - April 25 - May 30th

Here's the upcoming events for the 501st Legion:

As always, please remember that all events are subject to change and to contact the hosting garrison.

Friday Apr 25
Alpine Garrison - SOUTHWEST SYMPHONY / Science Centre fund raiser - TENATIVE
Great Lakes Garrison - Albion College Spring Concert - Albion, MI
Florida Garrison - Family Fun Day II - Miami, FL
Florida Garrison - Florida Garrison - 2008 Relay for Life Gainesville - 3000 NW 83rd Street, Gainesville, FL
UK Garrison - Forbidden Planet - Forbidden Planet, London

Saturday Apr 26
Florida Garrison - Florida Garrison - 2008 Relay for Life Gainesville - 3000 NW 83rd Street, Gainesville, FL
UK Garrison - Forbidden Planet - Forbidden Planet, London
70th Explorers - Great Strides Walk for Cystic Fibrosis
Midwest Garrison - Cape ComicCon - Cape Girardeau MO
Dune Sea Garrison - 5K for JA / KidsRockStars - Tempe Town Lake Arts Park
Star Garrison, Crimson Nova Squad - Sparks in the Park - Benton, Arkansas
Southern California Garrison - "Meet and Greet" BBQ - Long Beach, CA
Garrison Carida - Character Breakfast - Huntinton, WV
Garrison Carida - Bowling for Make A Wish - Mt. Joy, PA
Florida Garrison - Best Buy - Tentative - Ocoee Florida
Florida Garrison - Our Kids World Family Fun Fest - Florida
German Garrison - Tattoo Convention 2008 - Frankfurt
Mexican Garrison - Colecta para el Centro de Atención a la Violencia Intrafamiliar de Mexicali - Mexicali, BC
Dune Sea Garrison - Tucson! March of Dimes: 3k March for Babies! - Tuscon AZ
Alpine Garrison - MS Walk - Vernal, UT
Florida Garrison - March of Dimes March for Babies 2008 - Tampa Bay, FL
Badlands Garrison - The Calgary Comic & Entertainment Expo
70th Explorers - Cape Con - SEMO University Student Rec Center, Cape Girardeau, MO
French Garrison - Generations Star Wars - Cusset, France
Belgian Garrison - Hypercon - Aalst, Belgium
Dune Sea Garrison - Relay for Life of Surprise, AZ - Surprise, AZ
Nordic Garrison - Model-Expo - Helsinki, Finland
UK Garrison - WGW Return of the Goths (Episode V) - Shambles shopping arcade, Whitby

Sunday Apr 27
Badlands Garrison - The Calgary Comic & Entertainment Expo
70th Explorers - Cape Con - SEMO University Student Rec Center, Cape Girardeau, MO
French Garrison - Generations Star Wars - Cusset, France
Belgian Garrison - Hypercon - Aalst, Belgium
Dune Sea Garrison - Relay for Life of Surprise, AZ - Surprise, AZ
Nordic Garrison - Model-Expo - Helsinki, Finland
UK Garrison - WGW Return of the Goths (Episode V) - Shambles shopping arcade, Whitby
Garrison Tyranus - March for Babies - VA Beach
Mountain Garrison - Breast Cancer Walk
70th Explorers - Kid's Trolley Run 2008 - Mill Creek Park, JC Nichols Parkway, Kansas City, MO
Dewback Ridge Squad - Breast Cancer Walk - Albuquerque, NM
Mexican Garrison - Día del Niño en Casa Alianza - Mexico City
Garrison Carida - Autism Awareness Day - Philly, PA
Costa Rica Outpost - Earth Day Celebration
Capitol City Squad - MS Walk

Wednesday Apr 30
Mexican Garrison - Tabasco - Galerias Tabasco 2000 día del niño
German Garrison - Auftritt bei "Fettes-Brot"-Konzert - Georg-Elser-Halle München
Crimson Nova Squad/70th Explorers - Official LFL Event - Bentonville, Arkansas

Thursday May 1
UK Garrison - Sci~Fi London Convention - Apollo Theatre, London
Mexican Garrison - Semana de la Legión 2008

Friday May 2
UK Garrison - Sci-Fi London Convention - Apollo Theatre, London
Mexican Garrison - Semana de la Legión 2008
Terror Australis Garrison - Starlight Day - Perth, Australia

Saturday May 3
Mexican Garrison - Semana de la Legión 2008
UK Garrison - Sci-Fi London Convention
UK Garrison - Star Wars IGT Promotion
70th Explorers - Comic Relief Again & Comic Relief
Alabama Garrison - Free Comic Book Day, "The Deep"
Alabama Garrison - Free Comic Book Day, Kingdom Comics
Alpine Garrison - 'Walk Now for Autism'
Alpine Garrison - ALA Blow the Whistle on Asthma Walk
Alpine Garrison - Free Comic Book Day, Outland Comics
Alpine Garrison - MS Walk Montana
Arkansas Squad - Free Comic Book Day, Autobot City Comics
Arkansas Squad - Free Comic Book Day, Kapow Comics
Bloodfin Garrison - Free Comic Book Day, Books Comics & Things
Bloodfin Garrison - Free Comic Book Day, Comic Cave
Bloodfin Garrison - Orlean Dogwood Festival Parade
Canadian Garrison - Free Comic Book Day, Comic Book Shoppe, Bank St.
Canadian Garrison - Free Comic Book Day, Comic book Shoppe, Merivale Rd
Canadian Garrison - Free Comic Book Day, Silver Snail, Toronto
Canadian Garrison - Free Comic Book Day, Worlds Collide
Canadian Garrison - Hobby Centre/The Cave/Local Library
Capitol City Squad - Free Comic Book Day, The Comic Book shoppe
Carolina Garrison - Acme Comics
Carolina Garrison - Children's Autism Fundraiser Event
Carolina Garrison - Free Comic Book Day - Richard’s Comics and Collectables
Carolina Garrison - Free Comic Book Day, Comic Nirvana
Carolina Garrison - Free Comic Book Day, Parkwood Mall
Carolina Garrison - Free Comic Book Day, Rebel Base Comics & Toys
Carolina Garrison - Free Comic Book Day, Richard’s Comics and Collectables
Central California Garrison - Free Comic Book Day, Bonanza Books
Connecticut Garrison - Free Comic Book Day, Sarge's
Dune Sea Garrison - Free Comic Book Day, Heroes and Villians
Dune Sea Garrison - Free Comic Book Day, Samurai Comics
Dune Sea Garrison - Phoenix Prowlers (WFL) - Kid's Night
Florida Garrison - Bartram Trail Relay for Life / American Cancer Society
Florida Garrison - Free Comic Book Day, Coliseum of Comics
Florida Garrison - Free Comic Book Day, Dark Side COmics
Florida Garrison - Free Comic Book Day, Famous Faces & Funnies
Florida Garrison - Free Comic Book Day, Fantasy Factory
Florida Garrison - Free Comic Book Day, Tate Comics
Florida Garrison - Free Comic Book Day, Yancy St. Comics
Florida Garrison, Free Comic Book Day, Cosmic Cat Comics, Games & Anime
Garrison Carida - Free Comic Book Day, Brave New World Comics
Garrison Carida - Free Comic Book Day, Comic Store West
Garrison Carida - Free Comic Book Day, Golden Eagle Comics
Garrison Carida - Non Sports Card Show
Garrison Excelsior - Free Comic Book Day, All Heroes Comics - TENATIVE
Garrison Excelsior - Free Comic Book Day, Chautauqua Comics
Garrison Titan - Merlyns Science Fiction and Fantasy Store TROOPS FOR TROOPS
Garrison Tyranus - Free Comic Book Day
Golden Gate Garrison - Free Comic Book Day, ComicInk
Great Lakes Garrison - Wonder World Comics
Midwest Garrison - Free Comic Book Day, G-Mart
Midwest Garrison - Free Comic Book Day, Graham Cracker Comics
Midwest Garrison - Free Comic Book Day, Heroic Comics
Midwest Garrison - Free Comic Book Day, House of Heros
Midwest Garrison - Free Comic Book Day, Neptune Comics
Midwest Garrison - Free Comic Book Day, Reader's World
Midwest Garrison - Free Comic Book Day, The Vault
Midwest Garrison - Free Comic Book Day, Tommorow is Yesterday
Mississippi Outpost - Free Comic Book Day
Mountain Garrison Dewback Ridge Squad - Free Comic Book Day, Lobo Comics
Mountain Garrison Dewback Ridge Squad - Free Comic Book Day, Noble Comics
New England Garrison - Free Comic Book Day, Earth Prime Comics, Vermont
New England Garrison - Free Comic Book Day, Jetpack Comics
New England Garrison - Free Comic Book Day, Rubber Chicken Comics
Ohio Garrison - Free Comic Book Day, Recess Games
Ohio Garrison - Free Comic Book Day, Superfly Comics
Southern California Garrison - Free Comic Book Day
Southern California Garrison - Walk for Animals
UK Garrison - Farewell Fiesta for Kings Copse Special School
UK Garrison - Space Age Exhibition

Sunday May 4
UK Garrison - Sci-Fi London Convention - Apollo Theatre, London
Mexican Garrison - Semana de la Legión 2008
UK Garrison - Star Wars IGT Promotion - Regency Casino, Thessaloniki, Greece
Connecticut Garrison - Easter Seals Walk With Me Walk-a-thon - Old Mystic, CT
Carolina Garrison - Benefit for Katie a 4th grader dobble event - Greenville S.C.
70th Explorers - ToyMan Show
Carolina Garrison - March of Dimes-Walk for Babies - Wilkesboro, NC
Carolina Garrison - Little Red Wagon Benefit - Greenville SC
70th Explorers - 38th Annual March of Dimes March for Babies - Kansas City, MO
Garrison Carida - Where Science Meets Imagination Finale - Philadelphia, PA
Midwest Garrison - The Oconocon Comic Book Convention - Oconomowoc, WI
UK Garrison - BUPA Great Edinburgh Run - The Meadow, Edinburgh
Canadian Garrison - Montreal Toy Con - St-Laurent, QC

Monday May 5
Mexican Garrison - Semana de la Legión 2008
UK Garrison - Star Wars IGT Promotion - Regency Casino, Thessaloniki, Greece
UK Garrison - Retford Charter Day - The Hair Cabin, Retford
Dune Sea Garrison - Phoenix Prowlers (WFL) - Kids Night - Mesa, AZ

Tuesday May 6
Mexican Garrison - Semana de la Legión 2008
UK Garrison - Star Wars IGT Promotion - Regency Casino, Thessaloniki, Greece
Garrison Carida - Sunshine Dreamlift Sendoff - Ewing, NJ

Wednesday May 7
Mexican Garrison - Semana de la Legión 2008
UK Garrison - Star Wars IGT Promotion - Regency Casino, Thessaloniki, Greece

Thursday May 8
UK Garrison - Star Wars IGT Promotion - Regency Casino, Thessaloniki, Greece
Southern California Garrison - Shriners Hospital LA Car-Ni-Fair Event - Shriners Hospital for Children, LA

Friday May 9
UK Garrison - Star Wars IGT Promotion - Regency Casino, Thessaloniki, Greece
UK Garrison - Hands on with the Force Unleashed!! - THE CUMBERLAND HOTEL, LONDON
UK Garrison - Bristol International Comic Expo Film Night - Ramada Jarvis, Bristol
Midwest Garrison - Praire Wind Ensemble - Peoria, IL

Saturday May 10
UK Garrison - Star Wars IGT Promotion - Regency Casino, Thessaloniki, Greece
Garrison Carida - Lower Merion Township Police Week Event - Lower Merion Township
Garrison Carida - Great Strides Cystic Fibrosis Walk - Philadelphia, PA
Alabama Garrison - Mobile Baybear Park - Mobile, AL
Garrison Excelsior -Lilac Festival Parade 2008
Alabama Garrison - HSO John Williams Concert - Huntsville, AL
Bloodfin Garrison - Boarders Bookstore Grand Opening - Fishers, IN
Carolina Garrison - John Williams Night with the Greensboro Symphony Orchestra - Greensboro, NC
Alpine Garrison - CMN event with B94.3 radio station - St. George, Utah
Carolina Garrison - Little Red Wagon Event - Greenville SC
Central Garrison - Cystic Fibrosis 'Great Strides' Walk - Chalco Hills Recreation Area - Omaha, NE
Garrison Tyranus - Little League Baseball Worldwide Challenger Jamboree - Norfolk
Mountain Garrison - St Baldrick's - Albuquerque, NM
Mississippi Outpost - March of Dimes Event - Jackson MS
Garrison Carida - Benefit for Gavin - Ellport, PA
UK Garrison - Bristol International Comic Convention - British Empire and Commonwealth, Bristol

Sunday May 11
UK Garrison - Star Wars IGT Promotion - Regency Casino, Thessaloniki, Greece
UK Garrison - Bristol International Comic Convention - British Empire and Commonwealth, Bristol
Florida Garrison - Geek singles night Tates Comics - Lauderhill, Fl

Monday May 12
Terror Australis Garrison - LucasArts Roadshow TENATIVE - Melbourne

Tuesday May 13
Troy Denning Signing - Roseville, MN

Wednesday May 14
Midwest Garrison -Troy Denning Book Signing - Oak Brook, IL
Outpost 42 - LucasArts Roadshow - TENATIVE - Auckland, New Zealand
Alpine Garrison - Salvation Army Luncheon
UK Garrison - Clone Troopers Toy Masters Hasbro Event - The Majestic Hotel, North Yorkshire
Nordic Garrison - Nordic Game Conference - Malmö, Sweden

Thursday May 15
Bloodfin Garrison - Troy Denning Book Signing - North Carmel, IN

Friday May 16
Mexico Garrison -ACME Expo Manga Comic Anime - Durango, Dgo
Southern California Garrison - March of Dimes March for Babies - Simi Valley, CA
Terror Australis Garrison - LucasArts Roadshow - Sydney, AUS
Florida Garrison - Relay For Life - Tentative - Jacksonville, FL
Great Lakes Garrison - Motor City ComicCon - Novi, MI

Saturday May 17
Florida Garrison - Relay For Life - Tentative - Jacksonville, FL
Great Lakes Garrison - Motor City ComicCon - Rock Financial Showplace its on 46100 Grand River Ave., Novi, MI 48374
UK Garrison - Toys R Us Brent Cross Store - Toys R Us, London
Florida Garrison - Music of Star Wars and More John Williams Hits - 300 Water St, Jacksonville, Florida
Southern California Garrison - OCSWS Saber Academy Appearance - 2200 Commonwealth Fullerton Ca.
Central Garrison - Cystic Fibrosis 'Great Strides' Walk - Antelope Park, Shelter #1 - Lincoln, NE
MidSouth Garrison - St.Jude Children's Research Hospital Kick-A-Thon - Burlington, KY
Central Garrison - I-Con - Iowa State Fairgrounds - Des Moines, IA
Troy Denning Signing - Philadelphia, PA - Philadelphia, PA
Garrison Carida - Ranson, WV Festival - Ranson, WV
Garrison Carida - Great Strides Cystic Fibrosis Walk - Media, PA
Old Line Garrison - Relay for Life
Garrison Carida - WV Strawberry Festival and Parade
70th Explorers - Art Tougeau Parade - Lawrence, KS
Midwest Garrison - Out Of This World" Sci-Fi costume exhibit @ Oshkosh Public Museum Exhibit Wrap up - Oshkosh, WI
Bloodfin Garrison - Spina Bifida Strikes Back - Woodland bowl, IN
Mountain Garrison - Blood Drive - Albuquerque, NM
Garrison Excelsior - Star Wars Day at Ross Park Zoo - Ross Park Zoo, Binghamton, NY
Alpine Garrison - 2008 CBH MS WALK - Blackfoot and Idaho Falls
Garrison Carida - Free Library Book Festival - Philadelphia, PA

Sunday May 18
Great Lakes Garrison - Motor City ComicCon - Rock Financial Showplace its on 46100 Grand River Ave., Novi, MI 48374
Garrison Carida - Free Library Book Festival - Philadelphia, PA
Mexican Garrison - Tijuana Cospla 08 - Tijuana
Empire City Garrison - Troy Denning Signing - Huntington, NY
Garrison Carida - Great Strides Cystic Fibrosis Walks - Wilmington, DE
Old Line Garrison - Great Strides Walk for CFF - Frederick, MD
New England Garrison - Granite State ComicCon - Manchester NH
Golden Gate Garrison - Bay to Breakers race - San Francisco, CA
Costa Rica Outpost - KAMEN: IV International Masquerade and Cosplay Festival - Costa Rica
Bloodfin Garrison - 2008 Great Strides Walk - Millrace Park Columbus, IN

Monday May 19
Garrison Excelsior - Webster Library visit - Webster, NY
Outpost 42 - Wellington Armageddon - Wellington, NZ

Tuesday May 20
Outpost 42 - Wellington Armageddon - Wellington, NZ
Florida Garrison - St. Mark's School Spring Concert - Palm Beach Gardens, FL
Southern California Garrison - NCAA Track and Field Championships “Red Carpet Hollywood Welcome Event” kickoff dinner - Pomona, CA

Wednesday May 21
Midwest Garrison -"All Things Star Wars" Public Library Chidren's program - Mokena, IL

Friday May 23
German Garrison - Science-Fiction Tage - Herxheim am Berg
German Garrison - Promotion für Kaufhof/Gropius Passage - Berlin
Alpine Garrison - MS Walk Montana - Billings, Montana
Mexican Garrison - TOUR CONCOMICS - Guadalajara, Jal
Ohio Garrison - MarCon - Hyatt Regency, Columbus OH
Carolina Garrison - Animazement
70th Explorers - ConQuesT 39 - Fanimal House - Kansas City, MO
Canadian Garrison - Anime North - Toronto Congress Center, 650 Dixon Road

Saturday May 24
Mexican Garrison - TOUR CONCOMICS - Guadalajara, Jal
Ohio Garrison - MarCon - Hyatt Regency, Columbus OH
Carolina Garrison - Animazement
70th Explorers - ConQuesT 39 - Fanimal House - Kansas City, MO
Canadian Garrison - Anime North - Toronto Congress Center, 650 Dixon Road
Canadian Garrison - 2nd Annual Star Wars Event and Toy Show - Welland City Hall
Florida Garrison - ScoutCon 2008 - Tampa, FL
UK Garrison - Toys R Us Southampton - Toys R Us, Hants
California Garrison - Star Wars Day at Paul Biane Library - Paul Biane Library
Florida Garrison - 2008 Autism Walk - Orlando Florida
Mexican Garrison - Star Wars Wedding
German Garrison - Science-Fiction Tage - Herxheim am Berg
Empire City Garrison - Movie and TV World Con - New York City, NY

Sunday May 25
Mexican Garrison - TOUR CONCOMICS - Guadalajara, Jal
Ohio Garrison - MarCon - Hyatt Regency, Columbus OH
Carolina Garrison - Animazement
70th Explorers - ConQuesT 39 - Fanimal House - Kansas City, MO
Canadian Garrison - Anime North - Toronto
Empire City Garrison - Movie and TV World Con - New York City, NY
German Garrison - Science-Fiction Days - Herxheim am Berg

Monday May 26
Connecticut Garrison - Hamden Memorial Day Parade - Hamden, CT
Outpost 42 - Christchurch Armageddon - Christchurch , New Zealand

Tuesday May 27
Outpost 42 - Christchurch Armageddon - Christchurch , New Zealand

Thursday May 29
Mountain Garrison - Troy Denning Signing - Highlands Ranch, CO

Friday May 30
Florida Garrison - Wrath of Con - Panama City Beach, Florida
Carolina Garrison - Relay for Life - Wilkesboro, NC -
Garrison Titan - Troy Denning Signing - Seattle, WA
Garrison Cardia - Wizard World East - Pennsylvania Convention Center, Philadephia PA

Saturday May 31
Garrison Cardia - Wizard World East - Pennsylvania Convention Center, Philadephia PA
Garrison Carida - Wheeling Walk for Autism - Warwood, WV
Nordic Garrison - Star Wars Saturday - Medborgerhuset, Taastrup, Denmark
Garrison Excelsior -Stroll for Strong Kids - Genesee Valley Park, Rochester, NY
Mountain Garrison - Spectacle - Albuquerque, NM
Great Lakes Garrison - Relay for Life - Kalamazoo, MI
Carolina Garrison - Relay for Life - Wilkesboro, NC
Cloud City Garrison - The Starlight Parade - Portland, Oregon
Malaysia-Brunei Outpost - Droid Hunt

501st Caught on Camera

Here's some pictures from this week that've been found on Flickr.


First up, three from New Zealand:




Random Sandtrooper - Not sure where he is.


Southern California Garrison playing Lasertag:


Mountain Garrison at Starfest:



Two runners in the London Marathon:



The Mexican Garrison out in force:




A couple more images from NYCC:



Feedback!


The Pacific Outpost at Kawaii Kon:


Me, at Northeast Wars:


Southern California Garrison at an MS walk:




The Alabama Garrison out in force:





And a lone trooper from the UK garrison at Brighton:

New Book Covers!

A couple of our honorary members are publishing new Star Wars books!

This summer, Karen Traviss's latest, Order 66, will be released as a hardcover, due out this September, 9-16-2008. No plot has been released yet, but expect Clones, clones and more clones. And oh yeah, some Mandalorians and quite possibly some dead Jedi. This is one sick cover.





Next up is Luke Skywalker and the Shadows of Mindor. Looks like it's a bit in the older style of Star Wars books, and it's by Matthew Stover, who's an absolutely fantastic author. This book's out in Hardcover on October 21st.


Finally, after something like 10 years, we're getting a second Star Wars Encyclopedia. This time, it's two volumes, and is written by Stephen Stansweet and Pablo Hidalgo. This one's due to be released on November 4th at $75. I can't wait.





Which one are you looking forwards to the most?

501st Shoutout

Not really newsworthy, but a blog that I follow, Geeks of Doom, had a nice mention of us:

Star Wars: The Clone Wars
Sansweet played a mini-documentary by Dave Filoni, the director of the animated Star Wars: The Clone Wars, which will be in theaters August 15, 2008. The film takes place between SW: Episodes 2 and 3 with Anakin and Obi-Wan leading the Clone Army against the Separatists. The mini-doc takes a look at Anakin and his relationship with his apprentice Ahsoka. We’re also told that George Lucas was greatly involved in the making of the film, as well as the television series that’s to follow in the Fall. After the footage was shown and the lights came back on, 501st Imperial Legion Clone Troopers were standing on the stage! That’s was pretty cool.

Yes, we are the cool guys. ;)

501st Caught on Film

Only a couple videos this week that I haven't placed up here already:

Stormtroopers support Autism Walk

Clearnet Take On Armageddon!

Columbus Toy Show 2008

Bodie "Tihoi" Taylor made Honorary Member

This past weekend, the New Zealand Garrison, Outpost 42, made Bodie Taylor, the actor who played the younger clones in Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith, an honorary member in the 501st Legion.


Congratulations to Bodie! He's joining good company!

Jeremy Bolloch's Sister passed away...

This has just hit the headlines:

Star Wars actor's moving tribute to sister actress Sally Bulloch
Star Wars actor yesterday paid tribute to his late sister who grew up in Bognor Regis.
Jeremy Bulloch, who played Boba Fett in the classic films, described Sally as 'The Special One'. He said: "Nothing was too much trouble for her.
"We loved growing up in Bognor. The sun always seemed to be shining. Growing up by the seaside was just perfect.
"When we were at acting school, and living in digs in London, we always used to look forward to the weekends and going back to Bognor."
He invited all those who knew Sally – who died in South Africa at the age of 59 – to a memorial service to celebrate her life.
This is likely to take place in London on May 16. Final details are still being arranged.
Sally was found dead in the bathroom of her luxury home in Franschhoek, near Cape Town, on April 10. She was cremated in the town. She is believed to have suffered a heart attack and injured herself after falling.
Mr Bulloch said initial reports that her death could have been suspicious were misleading. Verbal comments from the coroner indicated nothing was amiss. But he said the South African system meant it could be months before the verdict was officially known.
Sally, along with her three brothers and sisters, spent much of her childhood and most of her teenage years between the mid-1950s and mid-1960s in Bognor.
Their family had moved from Littlehampton to take over the Fennells social club in Park Road. Sally attended the former Summerley School and Gateway School in Felpham.
She achieved fame as a child actor as Maude Birdhanger in the 1960 film Pure Hell of St Trinian's.
One of her childhood friends in Bognor, Maureen Mabbott, who lived in Stocker Road spoke fondly of the time they spent together from 1956.
"Sally was larger than life. She loved life to the full. Everyone who knew Sally would remember her. She broke all the rules but in a nice way," said Winchester resident Mrs Mabbott, nee McDougall. "There was nothing malicious about her but she was quite fearless.
"You always had fun with her. The only difference between her and her character in the St Trinian's film was that Maude was unpopular and Sally was popular.
"She had such a way with people. That's why she was well-liked."
She kept in contact with Sally, who was due to visit England next month, with regular phone calls.
Paul Watts (59), whose family owned a cafe on Bognor seafront, fondly remembered Sally.
She used to work for him washing up in the former Macari's coffee shop his family took over.
Sally was born at Chatham, Kent, on July 11, 1948. She was the youngest of six children by her mother's second marriage.
Her role in St Trinian's led to parts in television commercials.
But, after she attended the Corona stage school, she became a nanny. A magazine advert led her to work for the late comedian Peter Cook for three years.
A move to Malta saw her host a weekly radio programme before she returned to London in 1976 and applied to work at the Athenaeum Hotel.
She established a reputation there as a superb hostess.
She worked there on and off for 25 years of the almost 30 years she spent in the business in London.
Source

Kenny Baker Update

This in regarding Kenny Baker:

Star Wars legend: My brush with death
17 April 2008
By Melanie Wallwork
Star Wars favourite Kenny Baker has told the Lancashire Evening Post in an exclusive video interview of his terrifying brush with death.
Asthma sufferer Kenny, who played R2-D2 in all six Star Wars films, is recovering in a Manchester hospital after falling ill on a flight from America last week.
The 3ft 8in-tall actor who lives in Ashton, Preston, said: "I was pretty ill. I'm getting worse and worse with my breathing. I'm 73 but I feel 53 and I want to keep going. But you get older and you don't realise."
The grandfather-of-six had traveled to Pittsburgh via Chicago for a two week working holiday, including a Star Wars convention, and was on his way back to Manchester when he was taken ill.
He said: "I felt fine on the plane, but then I passed out somewhere near Ireland – not that far away, otherwise I wouldn't have lasted.
"My girlfriend, Valerie, thought I was dying so she told everybody and they were trying to bring me round but couldn't.
"The paramedics picked me up at the plane but they couldn't bring me round either. They brought me in here and they've got a magic oxygen machine which brought me round.
"It's the thing that saved me. The oxygen levels (in my lungs) are too high and the levels in my blood are too low, so they're trying to balance it."
Kenny thinks it was an increase in oxygen levels on the plane that caused him to pass out.
He said: "I was in here for quite a while when I came round. I didn't know what day it was and I didn't know where I was."
His son Kevin, 35, said the family was told to expect the worst as he was expected to die in his sleep.
Kenny, who has enjoyed going to Star Wars conventions all over the world, says it is unlikely he will travel beyond Europe after his scare.
But he reassured and thanked his fans for their support and added: "I feel fine now.
"I've got a new Westie called Trixie. I'm going to get home, take the dog for a walk on Ashton Park and take it easy."

Source

Order 66 at the New York ComiCon

Latest video from the NYCC:

NY JEDI at NY ComiCon 2008

Picture from the Edmonton Show

The following picture and caption made it into the Edmonton Sun today. The troopers are from the Alpine Garrison, who trooped there over this past weekend. Thanks to Amanda for the heads up.

April 20: Astarte Magara, five, ganders at a line of people dressed up as Star Wars characters during the Edmonton Collectible Toy and Comic Show at the Shaw Conference Centre.

Practical Armor Applications

The 501st doesn't really appear to have any practical applications if you pass one of us walking down the street. We are a costuming group, and while we donate a lot of money to charity, we pretty much have the appearance of geeks dressing up.

Today, I came across one of the most interesting applications that I've seen for Storm Trooper armor - Anti-Squid armor. Yep, someone's actually using the armor for something besides blaster protection. Squid, which are predators, capture their prey by grabbing them with their tentacles and using a beaked mouth to rip their food apart. I guess if you're studying them, you also run into that risk, and having a hard shell is probably helpful.

According to his website, Scott Cassell has put the armor to good use - he's been attacked by a group of squid, and the armor's protected him. He's wearing a modified suit of FX armor, minus the helmet, obviously. There's a documentary out on DVD, where he talks about the suit of the armor.

There's some video of him in the armor here.