Star Wars: Where Science Meets Imagination

This past weekend I had yet another incredible adventure. I walked among aliens, royalty, and robots and lived in a world that, until recently, had only been of pure imagination. That world was Star Wars, and my gateways were the 501st Legion Alabama Garrison and the Star Wars: Where Science Meets Imagination exhibit, at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center. To be among these cultural icons was truly awe inspiring.

My interstellar journey began a few weeks ago with Free Comic Day with the 501st and Dixie Derby Girls where I saw the 501st Legion for the first time. Recently, I joined as a handler, because I loved the charity work they do through their appearances and the sheer joy they bring to a crowd. I'm also one hell of a big Nerd and Star Wars fan. Big shock right?

Well, this past weekend the 501st Legion was on hand to open Star Wars:WSMI, a project they've been involved with for well over a year. Troopers from all over the US (and beyond) transported to Huntsville, Alabama to appear with their brother and sister Jedi's, Wookies, Storm Troopers, Sith Lords, and bounty hunters. They, like the throngs of visitors they entertained, also got a chance to see the various props and displays from the wildly popular Star Wars films.

So what did I really do during all of this? As a handler, it was my job to help folks like the Storm Troopers, etc. navigate places, get them food and water, and make sure they had what they needed to keep doing the great job they did. I also helped encourage guests and visitors to take pictures with characters and just smiled and joked with them. Gotta tell you, it's a trick to help, yet stay out of camera shots and not draw focus from those you're supporting. Yes friends, background support work is tough, but a lot of fun. And, I had some really fun comical people to support during this time. Many of us got along famously and will remain in touch for a very long time.

Now for the exhibit. I enjoyed the Millenium Falcon Theatre, which is about a 15 minute simulator ride for 4 in a reconstructed cockpit of the famous ship. Narrated by Anthony Daniels, the movie discusses some space exploration history with fun visuals. Was great to see this at 7 on Friday when the crowds were gone. Had the whole ship to myself, so I settled into the Solo seat and let the navi-computer take over. :)

Next up was the main exhibit. All guests have to sit through about a 10 minute pre-show of do's and don'ts from a Star Wars holographic style, Space Camp flight-suiter. Upon conclusion, guests are let into the main exhibit area to oooh, ahh, and drool over scale models, costumes, and more. Being a droid fan, seeing Destroyer Droids, FX-7, and an Episode 1 Battle Droid made my day. Curiously, the Episode 4 Land Speeder was much smaller than I thought it would be. Oh, and they had an AT-AT model too. JOY!

Scattered among the above were various interactive exhibits showcasing modern medical bionics, and current robotic sensing, as well as artificial intelligence. Folks, we really are only a few short steps away from 3Po and R2, and that's an exciting prospect. You could also build your own robot, kind of like the Lego Mindstorm Kits, or create a city kind of like the Sim City series of PC games.

In talking with one of the Space Center cast members, I learned that while setting up the exhibit, each artifact was handled with one set of gloves. Those gloves could not touch any other artifact. If this happened, the gloves were jettisoned, and new gloves were used. Fascinating and understandable, considering many of these pieces are priceless parts of cinematic history.

Once you've throughly geeked out over all the Star Wars goodness, you are, just like in most theme parks, directed out through the gift shop. Remember Yogurt's Cave in Spaceballs? It's about like that. EVERYTHING Star Wars. T-shirts, lunch boxes, but sadly, no flame throwers. Pity. Even so, you could buy USB Storm Trooper flash drives, or a USB LED lightsaber lamp for your computer. The collectable pens with the rubber fuzzy tops were very popular, particularly R2-D2 and Slave Lea. What made the swag time even better was shopping with Count Dooku. The weekend was filled with surreal moments like this and I absolutely loved it!

Of course, with so many fans, creatives, etc, comedy can, will, and did ensue. Chewbacca choked out a few Biker Scouts. Imperial Officers snuck up on Rebel Pilots. Tuskan Raiders danced behind picture-taking dads. And many fans got the photo bunny ears thanks to wry Clone Troopers carrying HUGE guns. I jumped a couple times because I'd turn around and there would be a couple Storm Troopers right behind me. Believe it or not, it can be unnerving and it's a good bet they planned it. There were also the lucky souls who got to take pictures with the various Princess Leas. Fans blushed and grinned with a certain glee. Yep, you know the one. It was hilarious to hear wives and girlfriends cutting off their other half's request to take a picture with Slave Lea. A couple times I broke off in mid sentence out of laughter, hearing the exchange as they passed by. It got even more amusing when your morning routine included saying hello to R2-D2 about as naturally as having a cup of coffee. Same for a meaningful conversation with R2-KT while younglings looked on, slack-jawed.

Suffice to say, there were smiles all around. Friendships were forged, visitors were entertained, and all involved were not only a part of history, but they were treated to a truly exceptional time and space. Yes, there really was that much good during the weekend.

You too can step into history and imagination with these stellar folks:

The U.S. Space and Rocket Center - http://www.spacecamp.com/museum/
The 501st Alabama Garrison - http://empirestrikesbama.com/main/
The 501st Legion - http://www.501st.com/

This truly was a remarkable event in my life and it was an honor to be part of it and The 501st Alabama Garrison. Thanks to so many for a just plain "holy crap! hold on to your blast doors!" good time. :)

Happy 2nd Anni!

TheRapidsBlog turns two today and what a crazy couple years it's been! What started out as a blog strictly about theme park rapids rides, has blossomed into travel, restaurant reviews, and nerdly beyond. This time also marks two years of web master, journalism, and photography experience in what seems to be a curious secondary career. And it keeps getting better!

To celebrate, I picked out a special video for the next in the summer RCT3 Sim series. The Arrow Pipeline Coaster Prototype was modeled after Arrow Dynamics' (now S&S Arrow) test stand at it's facilities in Clearfield, Utah. If memory serves, only one or two pipeline coasters ever existed, one of those being an indoor ride. I saw pictures or video some years back and want to say the pipeline coaster (of similar design but not Arrow) was at a hotel, possibly in Saudi Arabia, and was tire driven. I'm sketchy on housing and the coaster's location, so if anyone can confirm details or offer insight, by all means.

This model is special because it gives people a chance to ride not just a unique coaster, but the original test stand. The Pipeline Coaster is a rare part of roller coaster history AND the history of a company who was a driving force in the amusement park world during the 1980's and 90's. Enjoy!

Sneak Peak at New Star Wars: Where Science Meets Imagination Exhibit

Cool video of the much anticipated Star Wars summer exhibit and the U.S Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama, by way of AL.com. The exhibit opens this week and is expected to draw thousands of tourists and fans to the area during it's run. (Thanks to Jamey Ethridge of the 501st Alabama Garrison for the heads up.)

http://blog.al.com/nightlife/2010/06/star_wars_at_space_and_rocket.html

They had me at the Battle Droid, Darth Maul's Light Saber, FX-7 Medical Droid, and the Droideka. ;)

TheRapidsBlog Mentioned Around The Net

Seems my writings are making the rounds, with several links popping up in different places.

During a random Google search on this blog, I found a reference in a furry fandom site in Samoa. Apparently, news stories are submitted by international users and then voted upon. Those with the most votes then make the front page. Thought this was pretty cool and wanted to share here. Thanks to those who submitted and voted. I really appreciate it. You can see the article link page here: http://furryne.ws/index.php?category=Conventions.

Further searching also found this mention on flayrah.com:
http://www.flayrah.com/aggregator/sources/11

And Yiffi.mobi:
http://yiffy.mobi/news_3.php

There was also this reference to my brief CoCo Key waterpark resort mention: http://www.toorlandoflorida.com/therapidsblog-theme-parks-and-entertainment-coco-key-indoor.html

Hey, this really great to see and it makes me smile! :)

New Comic: Lady Robotika Coming Soon

Hey gang! I know there are more than a few comic fans and music fans out there who'd be interested in Jane Wiedlin's new comic, Lady Robotika. That's right the very same Jane Wiedlin of the 80's band The Go Go's and a sister sci-fi fan.

In the new comic, Jane is abducted by aliens, goes all heavy metal, and leads a slave rebellion among other things. And that's just the first issue! Sounds pretty promising, right? Well, the publisher is threatening to pull the plug on Jane's cyber implants before it even goes to press. Unless they get a bunch of orders before hand, the world may never see the true bionic heroic story-telling potential. Exactly. Boooooo!

Since this has been a three year labor of love for Ms. Wiedlin and company, and it seems like it would be a really fun read, check it out at http://www.ladyrobotika.com/blog/2010/06/19/now-its-even-easier-to-order-lady-robotika/.

There's 5 days left on the deadline as of this post date, so if you intend to order, do it soon. Hey, us con fans have to stick together and Jane is definitely on our own here. Keep good thoughts and hope this potentially cool series gets off the ground.

Keeping Good Thoughts

Wanted to send out Good Luck and early Get Well wishes to Jane Wiedlin of the Go Go's who has knee surgery tomorrow, June 16th. This is also the start of a long recovery road for her. Speedy recovery to you, Jane, and thanks for all your kindness of late. Much appreciated! Hang in there.

Also wanted to pass along my heartfelt sympathies and support to Holiday World theme park after the death of Will Koch this past weekend. Since Paul Werne was one of my first friends on Facebook and the folks at Holiday World are just all around good souls, this was a must. My heart goes out to you all during this very difficult time. Hang in there.

State of the Blog

Hey all! I know things have been a bit dull, not to mention few and far between. Since funds are limited (still hunting work after almost a year unemployed), so are the tourist trips. You can imagine how much the recent cons (RCFM and HAMA) were such a breath of fresh air. Even so, I'm gonna try to work in a restaurant review or two and hopefully a park trip of some kind. Expect to hear a bit more about my World of Warcraft adventures as well as some new stuff being lined up for the summer and possibly beyond.

What's really happening in my life is a gradual focusing of priorities and refinements. Hopefully this results in better and more efficient ways of doing things vs. the hap-hazard ways of the past. Let's face it, even with the economy on a supposed rebound, we still have to make every choice count and use what resources we do have to the utmost efficiency. Tough lessons to learn when you're used to more leeway.

I can say this, despite the lack of work, this really is a lucky year of the Tiger in Chinese Zodiac. Amazingly, I keep getting financial boosts or extra help at just the right time to fulfill my needs. Grateful? You bet!

It's been an up and down time lately. It's also been a curious time of transition with even more curious spiritual signals to brighter futures. If what I've read is correct, some VERY good and happy things are in store for my life.

Keep good thoughts and hang in there with me. Thanks!

2010 HAMACON

Had a chance to check out another Con this past weekend, namely, the brand new HAMACON. Much like CrisisCon in 2008, this one's a start-up, but geared to all things Anime and Japan.

Ok, my first brushes with Anime included the 80's Transformers show, some weird thing about Steaming Hot Rice, and Hamtaro. (If you listen carefully, you'll hear thousands of faceplams going off 'round the net over that last statement.) In the last few years I was introduced to Full Metal Alchemist, Inuyasha, and Ghost in the Shell. (Now you'll hear a "ok, we'll forgive him" murmur.) Translation: I had a respectable reference frame going in, but an expert, I'm clearly not. Thankfully, both the pleasant staff and kind con-goers were my teachers.

Anime runs the topic gamut. If you can imagine it, there's a series about it and plenty of merch to go along with it. No surprise, con costumes ran the gamut. I saw more pigtails in practically every rainbow color than I have ever seen anywhere. The reason? Said hair-dos were often just a small part of the VERY detailed costumes meant to mimic particular characters. Things like cell phones, platform shoes, etc, were very carefully selected props. Many costumes were hand sewn. Yes, there were several maid and school girl outfits pertaining to particular shows. Those that didn't have a set costume, often went with Neko ears and tails or similar to join in the fun. Saw some very cool kimonos and geta as well as video game characters like the Kingdom Hearts person pictured above. (Do I get Anime points for knowing that? Maybe?)

Now, with all this running around, and Anime being a mainly younger crowd, safety and security is a must. I was glad to see several visible adults keeping eyes and ears open. During a conversation with staff, I was informed that there was at least one low profile security person keeping tabs on potential creepy people. You know what I mean here. In short, this was a thought-out and safe place to enjoy.

While my time was limited, the Okinawa Festival Drums and N. Alabama Seibukan Karate School demos were enjoyable. There was a Maid & Butler Cafe themed meal with gourmet snacks and drinks. (Wish I could've gotten to that one.) Naturally there were a ton costuming panels, discussing everything from cell phone bling to body types, to Cosplay makeup, to Steampunk, to plushie sewing. Anime screening rooms were also set up for folks who wanted a break . Same for gaming rooms.

The Dealer's Room and Artist Alley were each respectable. If you wanted custom made buttons, sketches, Pocky (and who doesn't love that HIGHLY addicting stuff?) or collectibles, there was a decent amount of all.

For first year con, this was a good showing, considering the enthusiastic crowd and wide variety of offerings. The admission discount if you showed your Rocket City FurMeet badge from the previous week's Con was a nice extra.

Like Japan? Anime? Both? Then head on over to http://hama-con.com/ for more info.

Thanks to HAMACON and staff for the warm hospitality and my second press credit. All greatly appreciated. :)

Welcome Amusement Authority

Here's a new theme park blog that's worth a look, particularly if you enjoy fun facts, CAD, and a different take on topics we all enjoy.

http://amusementauthority.blogspot.com/

Welcome to the party! :)

World of Warcraft Review: Celestial Steed Mount

Since my tax money finally came in this week, I decided to get a little virtual treat for my World of Warcraft account, namely, the new Celestial Steed mount. Yes the same one that costs twenty five very real dollars and made headlines throughout the blogsphere.

Before we go further, the non-WoW fans might be a bit lost, so bear with me as I try to make this a relateable and enjoyable read for all. :)

World of Warcraft, as most have heard by now, is a massively multiplayer online role playing game (MMO for short) that will delightfully suck your spare time away. In said black hole of fantasy awesome, players have rideable creatures called mounts to get them from place to place much faster than hoofing it. Depending on your experience level, some mounts are faster than others or they're special rewards for real world promos or quests in WoW.

Blizzard, the company behind WoW, offers several paid digital services along with extras that can be bought in the game, much like the micro payment systems of Second Life or Xbox Live. You spend real cash for a digital somethingeruther for your character/avatar (Celestial Steed in this case).

The Celestial Steed is a glowing Pegasus constellation (horse model variant) your WoW character can ride, but with a few twists. This mount speeds up and flies at higher levels. Up to now, you'd have to switch mounts as you progressed or went to flying areas. Now, you have a simpler option. Also, when you buy the steed, you pay once per Warcraft account. So, if you have, say four characters on one account (like me) everybody gets the mount verses paying $25 per character. In short it works like the special edition pets that WoW puts out now and then. Every character on the same account gets one.

One of my characters is a particular race called Draenei (Dran Eye), or as I like to call them, Romanian Space Demons. They basically look like rockin' purple Satrs with awesome accents. There's only one problem. I just don't care for Draenei native mounts, aka Elekks. Elekks are really just modified Real Life elephants, and they're bulky. Considering Night Elves ride the equivalent to sabre tooth tigers, old Romanian Space Jumbo just isn't for me. Sorry pal, but no peanut love for you. Back to the space circus.

Since I've been counting down the points until I get exalted status with ANY other race, and dying for ANY other kind of mount, this was a good opportunity to check out the Celestial Steed. Was it worth it? As a dedicated (or is that committed?) WoW player and fan, yes, the capabilities you get out of the model in the game were worth the price tag. It was a welcome change for my Alliance Priest, and it added a nice equestrian alternative for my Horde Warlock. The latter, incidentally, already stables a skeletal horse and a flaming horse ala Carter Slade in Ghost Rider.

All things considered, Blizzard did a good job with the model and gave a good value for the money. Bottom line, I will enjoy my Celestial Steed for a long time.