tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83395898393954404942024-03-08T06:42:11.863-08:00TK-8495:Official BlogBlog of 501st Stormtrooper TK-8495"Koko" TK-8495http://www.blogger.com/profile/04842490405259005650noreply@blogger.comBlogger15125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339589839395440494.post-81095351418393647892009-10-20T07:29:00.001-07:002009-10-20T07:29:51.558-07:00Toy TroopersThis was a fun thing my co-worker showed me. If you take real photos (usually taken from above and wide angle) and play with the saturation and focus you get something that looks like it's a photo of miniatures. It's called Tilt Shift photography. Kinda fun, eh?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3527/4029602102_978efeaa6f.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 378px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3527/4029602102_978efeaa6f.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>"Koko" TK-8495http://www.blogger.com/profile/04842490405259005650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339589839395440494.post-15480709197737832232009-10-04T17:03:00.000-07:002009-10-04T19:26:25.906-07:00Busy WeekendThis was my first double troop weekend. They were both relatively short events, so it wasn't that bad. <br /><br />Yesterday we attended the Ferderbar Elementary School Fun Day in Feasterville. It was a good time, but the it started raining about half way through and the humidity kept going up. I brought Sharyn and the kids with me for this one. The kids aren't big on playing outside in the rain, so we had to leave a bit early. Still got some funny videos of Jason, Scooter and myself getting dancing lessons from some of the local girls.<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/nr5e1uvCEKs&rel=0&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&feature=player_profilepage&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/nr5e1uvCEKs&rel=0&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&feature=player_profilepage&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />EDIT: I had to add this pic. It's just too great!!<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/garrisoncarida/3980529486/sizes/m/in/set-72157622389187715/"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2543/3980529486_4b050e6855.jpg"></a><br /><br />Today we attended the Villanova Buddy Walk. This was the first time that Garrison Carida was invited to this event, but it was well worth it. All the kids loved us, and the weather turned out to be perfect! It was great to troop with Jason two days in a row, and hang out with Ficker, Sarge, PJ and Amanda again. My dad even came out for this event and took the pictures for us! This one is my favorite, and pretty much sums up why I do this.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gfrenkel78/3980316257/" title="210_0415 by gfrenkel78, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2469/3980316257_7476bbd6ca.jpg" width="281" height="500" alt="210_0415" /></a><br /><br />Check out the full set of pix <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gfrenkel78/sets/72157622514838848/">here</a>.<br /><br />That's all for now.<br /><br />TK-8495 out."Koko" TK-8495http://www.blogger.com/profile/04842490405259005650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339589839395440494.post-55607894204498819792009-09-21T19:11:00.001-07:002009-09-21T19:11:50.807-07:00The Empire Baseball Game<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gfrenkel78/3939700796/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2478/3939700796_fdeda8206c_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gfrenkel78/3939700796/">MaulBaseball01</a><br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/gfrenkel78/">gfrenkel78</a></span></div>Here's a photo I edited for Maul. It began as a plain image of him holding an MR Force FX Saber. Adding the blade glow is pretty standard, but since the photo itself was taken in the shade more was needed. After using the usual process to add the saber glow I needed to make that as a light source. It's amazing what you can do with low flow settings on the paintbrush tool combined with screen overlay. Cautiously I added some "glow" to the TK and TB, as their armor would naturally catch and reflect the red glow of the blade. Applying it more generously the closer to the blade, and more sparingly the farther away. I carefully went over Fett as well, applying some of the light to his armor.<br /><br />Before this picture could be considered finished it still seemed there was something missing. I played around with adding the red light to the ground for a while before I actually had something I felt was believable. Again, this only works for this photo because they are standing in the shade. Had this same photo be in direct sunlight, i think the blade glow alone with perhaps just a touch of red on the TK and TB would have been sufficient.<br /><br />Honestly, I think Maul and Vader could have used some glow, but I haven't perfected using this method over black backgrounds -- it looks too glowy and very fake.<br clear="all" />"Koko" TK-8495http://www.blogger.com/profile/04842490405259005650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339589839395440494.post-62809688661317804052009-09-21T19:04:00.001-07:002009-09-22T06:06:03.098-07:00Clone Commanders<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gfrenkel78/3943346774/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3491/3943346774_ed08a01a78_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gfrenkel78/3943346774/">02a</a><br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/gfrenkel78/">gfrenkel78</a></span></div>Garrison Carida just did a run of trading cards and Wally asked me to edit this photo of him and Tom. I found this picture of tall prairie grass in Oklahoma and dropped them in. Using photoshop and the ever useful clone-tool I was able to make it look like they were actually standing in the grass.<br /><br />Then I bumped the reds and yellows and dropped the blues to give the guys a warmer tone to match the environment. However, the light source still didn't match between the two photos. In the photo of the troops the light was from the front, while in the hills it was coming from behind. It looked all right, but not good enough.<br /><br />I decided to add the blaster flash to create a believable frontal light source. On a separate layer I added the white, then used layer effects to add the blue glow around the flash. I duplicated this layer and added another outer glow of white, but with less of a range.<br /><br />Next I used the paintbrush screen effect on a low flow setting and added some blue glow to the armor to fake the reflection of the flash. I'd say it came out pretty damn good, and I think Wally was pleased with the result.<br clear="all" />"Koko" TK-8495http://www.blogger.com/profile/04842490405259005650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339589839395440494.post-17824320949493833202009-09-20T18:38:00.000-07:002009-09-20T19:25:57.118-07:00September!!!!So things have been kind of crazy lately, with the start of school for the kids, and a billion other things to do. But I've had time for Star Wars. <br /><br />Let's see, first there was the Ewing Library day with the NER. HOLY HELL, that was in JULY! It was a great event, though because there were about 9 troops, all in different costumes. We all took pix with the kids and the hung out for a Q&A. Got to hang with my boys Leo, Bro, Ficker, Pat and PJ.<br /><img style="width: 298px; height: 223px;" src="http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-sf2p/v5202/20/5/592144090/n592144090_2334076_332954.jpg" /><br /><br />THEN! August 13th was the the Robot Chicken Skate Party in NE Philly at the Jamz Rink. What a great event this was!! I mean we had to get changed in the parking lot, how can you beat that?! I'm kidding, that was the only slightly bad experience of the night, and it really wasn't that big of a deal. Once we were all suited up, we marched in as the crowd cheered us on, like rockstars!!<br /><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/922nYmWiJ4U&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/922nYmWiJ4U&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="344" width="425"></embed></object><br /><br /><br />Once inside, we got to mingle with the guests, and some of the more crazy troops decided to dawn the skates and hit to the rink. I think Ficker fell several times, but he got right back up and kept it going. It was such a blast. Got to chill with Seth Green a bit, and grab some photos. I got to hang with my Caria brothers, Maul, Jason, Tray, Scooter, Puck, G-man, Beetlehead, Check out the insanity:<br /><br /><img style="width: 299px; height: 224px;" src="http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs153.snc1/5693_119877629090_592144090_2520009_6799777_n.jpg" /><br /><br /><img style="width: 297px; height: 197px;" src="http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs153.snc1/5693_119877764090_592144090_2520014_1791896_n.jpg" /><br /><br /><img style="width: 296px; height: 221px;" src="http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs153.snc1/5693_120339709090_592144090_2525837_7607846_n.jpg" /><br /><br /><img style="width: 295px; height: 194px;" src="http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs133.snc1/5693_120109964090_592144090_2523301_4297934_n.jpg" /><br /><br /><br />All right. Next was the Somerset baseball game with NER. This was a great troop, simply because we got to go on the field and perform a skit where we get chased off by a Jedi and a Rebel Fleet Trooper. Well, sorta. Vader and I got to hang on the field to throw out a pitch. I'm not a baseball fan by any means, but it was still fun to say the least.<br /><br /><img style="width: 272px; height: 234px;" src="http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs204.snc1/7117_140515244090_592144090_2785231_1612503_n.jpg" /><br /><br />My friend Daniel came to hang out on this troop too. He said he had a great time. I think he had a great time. I hope he's not a lying bastard! :)<br /><br /><img style="width: 192px; height: 255px;" src="http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs159.snc1/5932_149667223905_731263905_3436665_5445987_n.jpg" /><br /><br />So the bulk of this troop was standing next to Lance as Vader and posing for fifty billion photos. I think we got a pic with at everyone in attendance, at least once. That's right people came back for more. Then finally when the pix were done, PJ and I went around the stands and danced a bit to the Go! music for the team. It was really a blast. Chilled with PJ & Amanda, Bro, Lance, Daniel, and a few others.<br /><br />Last week was the Deborah Heart and Lung Family Festival. I wasn't feeling too well that day, so even though I brought my armor, I just spotted and took pix and hung out with Leo at the tent. I had a great time and got lots of really awesome photos. Got to hang with the PA & NJ Ghostbusters too! Here's some pix of Erik, Bro, Leo, Nicole, Pat, PJ, Mike, Tim and Sarge:<br /><br /><img style="width: 236px; height: 157px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2427/3916855783_866643cdee.jpg" /><img style="width: 235px; height: 154px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2659/3917644302_d739e5c71b.jpg" /><img style="width: 151px; height: 224px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2509/3916856559_1f31b0b0f2.jpg" /><img style="width: 214px; height: 142px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2429/3916854359_1fcddac74b.jpg" /><br /><img style="width: 222px; height: 148px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2587/3917652526_4191cc1850.jpg" /><img style="width: 213px; height: 142px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2605/3917655804_112516dcf9.jpg" /><br /><img style="width: 214px; height: 142px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2651/3917656454_cababe2293.jpg" /><img style="width: 211px; height: 140px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2481/3917668528_90e15fd3ee.jpg" /><img style="width: 215px; height: 143px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2430/3916880295_13463d2845.jpg" /><br /><img style="width: 216px; height: 144px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3459/3917691030_03972d5e63.jpg" /><img style="width: 222px; height: 148px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2592/3917676624_61b2f2d7e4.jpg" /><br /><br />Go <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gfrenkel78/sets/72157622236209275/">here</a> for more pix of the event.<br /><br />I also got some pix for the <a href="http://www.google.com/reader/view/?tab=my#stream/feed%2Fhttp%3A%2F%2Ftubbytusken.blogspot.com%2Ffeeds%2Fposts%2Fdefault">Tubby Tusken: Official Blog</a>. Check em out soon!<br /><br />Ok, that was a long enough post. I'll try to keep my shit together, stop YELLING!!!"Koko" TK-8495http://www.blogger.com/profile/04842490405259005650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339589839395440494.post-9868772774110086852009-08-20T19:56:00.001-07:002009-08-20T19:58:15.919-07:00Hate Mail to SEPTA<span style="font-style:italic;"><span style="font-weight:bold;">This has nothing to do with Star Wars, but I felt like I had to post this in as many places as I can.</span></span><br /><br />Since the online feedback form is conveniently NOT WORKING, I am sending this notice here. Please ensure it makes it to the right hands, and for the love of god, fix your links!!!<br /><br />I think I'm a pretty patient person. But seriously, your level of service, if you can even call it that, is downright shameful. For the past seven weeks there has been at least one day of the week where you pitiful excuse for a trolley system craps out right at the beginning of rush hour. It's not bad enough that the trolley stations are a mile below the surface, then having to walk back up the stairs in 96 degree heat, but then having to walk an extra 4 blocks from 37th street to 30th street. The El is too far out if the way at this point or else that would be a suitable alternative. Today marks the 9th time I've had to do that since July 1.<br /><br />This turn of events ultimately makes me late to catch the 4:27 R2 to Warminster every single time. But I do have to compliment you on never having the R2 arrive on time so that I don't actually miss the train when I get to the platform at 4:30. Way to go.<br /><br />To further my aggravation with your impeccable QoS the air conditioning on the r2 is quite horrid. Maybe you should look into routine Inspections of such things, especially during the summer. Furthermore, these trains smell more and more like a jock strap or a public toilet every day. Oh and if I'm really lucky I'll end up on the train left over from the 70s that also,apparently, doubled as a waste receptacle for excrement, soda cans, and used tissues. You know, the trains with the retro modern yellow and orange vinyl seat covers that have absolutely no cushioning left? Yea, those trains.<br /><br />That aside, I would like to point out that I rely a great deal on your services, and if I had any other option, I would take it. The sad truth is that there is no other choice, and since I suffer from a medical condition (pleural effusions & lupus) the shortcomings I previously mentioned possibly affect me greater than the average victim of your service. If I feel this bad and taken advantage of, I'd hate to know what your 80 year old blind wheelchair bound passengers think.<br /><br />I would also like to mention that I purchase a monthly trailpass and have for the better part of 12 years now. Your service is clearly on the decline.<br /><br />As of right now I will be documenting these incidents and will be requesting a refund for the service I am not able to make use of as well as an aggravation/quality of life tax. I think this is an absolutely fair request seeing as you offer absolutely no alternative for these shoddy services.<br /><br />Thank you for your time.<br />Best,<br />Gary<br /><br />PS - an express on the R2 line would be nice too, being that this is the only route without one."Koko" TK-8495http://www.blogger.com/profile/04842490405259005650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339589839395440494.post-9612144465114926342009-07-24T05:53:00.001-07:002009-07-31T06:56:46.251-07:00Some other stuff for the GarrisonWe're having a contest to make a new logo or whatnot. Here's what I've come up with so far:<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s41/gfrenkel/Carida/logo03patch.png"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 220px; height: 214px;" src="http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s41/gfrenkel/Carida/logo03patch.png" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s41/gfrenkel/Carida/CarrisonCarida.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 275px; height: 175px;" src="http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s41/gfrenkel/Carida/CarrisonCarida.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s41/gfrenkel/Carida/CarrisonCaridav2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 279px; height: 178px;" src="http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s41/gfrenkel/Carida/CarrisonCaridav2.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s149.photobucket.com/albums/s41/gfrenkel/Carida/?action=view&current=logo04.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="width: 287px; height: 287px;" src="http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s41/gfrenkel/Carida/logo04.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s149.photobucket.com/albums/s41/gfrenkel/Carida/?action=view&current=logo04patch.png" target="_blank"><img style="width: 325px; height: 325px;" src="http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s41/gfrenkel/Carida/logo04patch.png" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s41/gfrenkel/Carida/logo05a.png"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 275px; height: 234px;" src="http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s41/gfrenkel/Carida/logo05a.png" alt="" border="0" /></a>"Koko" TK-8495http://www.blogger.com/profile/04842490405259005650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339589839395440494.post-90608261200425910822009-07-23T20:44:00.000-07:002009-07-24T06:39:44.640-07:00I was bored.So I made this:<br /><br /><embed width="448" height="361" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" src="http://i149.photobucket.com/player.swf?file=http://vid149.photobucket.com/albums/s41/gfrenkel/Carida/CaridaPromov1High-ResCantBeSaved.flv"></embed>"Koko" TK-8495http://www.blogger.com/profile/04842490405259005650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339589839395440494.post-55801050665584859692009-07-14T13:49:00.000-07:002009-07-14T13:59:52.594-07:00Got my Boba Fett Helmet<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2645/3720955057_649e76be11.jpg?v=0"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 294px; height: 196px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2645/3720955057_649e76be11.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a> So here it is in all it's glory. It's a fiberglass cast, with all the appropriate weathering. The Range Finder, stalk and mount are not attached, but since I plan to mod this, I guess it's a good thing. I've never worked with fiberglass before so I think this will take a bit of getting used to. It needs to be totally sanded, primered and repainted. I have to find the right shade of blue, preferably glossy and metallic, silver and red. I'm thinking about removing the ear stalks from the toy Optimus Prime helmet and mounting them on the Fett helmet, but I'm not sure how that will look, or how the two materials will mesh together. I guess I have to work on sketches and photos..."Koko" TK-8495http://www.blogger.com/profile/04842490405259005650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339589839395440494.post-30472274365360702062009-07-01T17:40:00.000-07:002009-07-01T17:52:10.667-07:00Wizard World 2009There's not much to write about for this one. It was your pretty standard Convention, complete with bored ex-celebrities. There was a small event, if you even want to call it that, where Darth Vader got to read a comic to the little kids, then pose for pictures afterward. It was actually easier for him to read through his mouth grille than the lenses!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s41/gfrenkel/Wizard%20World%202009/3651538998_e528b7bf3f_b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 313px; height: 234px;" src="http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s41/gfrenkel/Wizard%20World%202009/3651538998_e528b7bf3f_b.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s41/gfrenkel/Wizard%20World%202009/5087_97021014030_841264030_1916060_.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 225px; height: 300px;" src="http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s41/gfrenkel/Wizard%20World%202009/5087_97021014030_841264030_1916060_.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s41/gfrenkel/Wizard%20World%202009/IMG_5558.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 262px; height: 174px;" src="http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s41/gfrenkel/Wizard%20World%202009/IMG_5558.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s41/gfrenkel/Wizard%20World%202009/3651532586_1d51bf3e0f.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 265px; height: 198px;" src="http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s41/gfrenkel/Wizard%20World%202009/3651532586_1d51bf3e0f.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s41/gfrenkel/Wizard%20World%202009/3650741203_3e0b54b692_b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 285px; height: 213px;" src="http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s41/gfrenkel/Wizard%20World%202009/3650741203_3e0b54b692_b.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>"Koko" TK-8495http://www.blogger.com/profile/04842490405259005650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339589839395440494.post-56456353294313299322009-06-18T07:19:00.000-07:002009-06-18T07:34:55.818-07:00Walk Now For AutismAs I arrived in Mt. Lauren NJ it looked like it was about to rain. There were already a bunch of people present setting up their tents for the event, and several Legion members as well. It was nice to meet the members of the Northeast Remnant Garrison, and they welcomed me with open arms.<br /><br />There was a small tent set up for us on the slightly damp grass for changing into our costumes. Using the cover for my tote as a dry place to stand, I promptly suited up along with Justin [Boba Fett], PJ [Imperial Officer] and Mike [Sand Trooper]. Soon we were joined by Ryan [Stormtrooper] and CJ [Biker Scout] and headed out to the main grounds for the event and began our trooping. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs102.snc1/4882_94922539090_592144090_2120397_7926346_n.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 296px; height: 196px;" src="http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs102.snc1/4882_94922539090_592144090_2120397_7926346_n.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />At first the kids didn't know what to make of the presence of the Empire, but they soon got used to it, some even tried to attack us.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs082.snc1/4882_94922514090_592144090_2120394_123878_n.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 217px; height: 215px;" src="http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs082.snc1/4882_94922514090_592144090_2120394_123878_n.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs102.snc1/4882_94922569090_592144090_2120401_5515025_n.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 332px; height: 217px;" src="http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs102.snc1/4882_94922569090_592144090_2120401_5515025_n.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />But we represented the Empire pretty well that day, and ended up raising well over our goal of $250. It was a great day and everyone really appreciated us being there. I had an awesome time, and I made a lot of new friends. I can't wait to do this again next year!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs082.snc1/4882_94958289090_592144090_2121000_6445553_n.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 296px; height: 197px;" src="http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs082.snc1/4882_94958289090_592144090_2121000_6445553_n.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs082.snc1/4882_94922509090_592144090_2120393_596868_n.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 292px; height: 194px;" src="http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs082.snc1/4882_94922509090_592144090_2120393_596868_n.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>"Koko" TK-8495http://www.blogger.com/profile/04842490405259005650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339589839395440494.post-76033911489839776992009-06-14T08:31:00.000-07:002009-06-14T08:59:31.823-07:00Added Skullworx kit to my helmet<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s41/gfrenkel/Stormtrooper%20Armor/04.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s41/gfrenkel/Stormtrooper%20Armor/04.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>So this month it was a toss-up between a mod kit for my E-11 or a sound system for my helmet. I decided to go with the <a href="http://skullworx.com/">Skullworx</a> kit, as well as a spy-ear attachment, so I can better hear outside the bucket. <br /><br />The spy-ear is a really badly made toy you could probably find at the dollar store, but I got it on ebay for $4. I didn't have to do much to open it up because it was already falling apart when I recieved it. It came with two extra batteries, as well, which is always a bonus. Once I opened up the unit I was able to remove the mic so I could mount it inside the right ear of my helmet. The wires from the circuit to the mic were way too short, so I was able to remove them and replace them with about 8 inches of copper wire. I decided to use copper wire so I would be able to better guide the mic to exactly where i wanted it placed. Here you can see how I mounted the whole skullworx kit along with the spy-ear box. <br /><br />I installed the skullworx kit slightly differently than recommended way because of the configuration of the padding inside the helmet. I also added some industrial strength velcro to the tubing to hold it in place inside the bucket. The red button to the front switches the mic on, the one towards the back controls the fans. These are both easily accessible while wearing the helmet, so I can turn the mic off if I know I won't be talking for a while, to conserve battery life. On the upper left of the pic here, the little blue box is the spy ear that connects to the earphones from the skullworx kit. And the mic has an adjustable stem that can be moved rather easily with my lips once the helmet is on. The only thing that is difficult to control while in full gear is the spy-ear since it's switched off and on via the volume control. I used it for the first time yesterday at the Walk Now For Autism event. [I'm waiting for pictures to be posted to blog about the event].<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s41/gfrenkel/Stormtrooper%20Armor/04.jpg"><br /></a>"Koko" TK-8495http://www.blogger.com/profile/04842490405259005650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339589839395440494.post-84377890476899743992009-05-07T06:54:00.000-07:002009-05-07T07:04:34.875-07:00Walk Now for Autism 6/13/2009<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://www.kintera.org/AccountTempFiles/account353/images/285420_148082053111693.gif"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 343px; height: 134px;" src="https://www.kintera.org/AccountTempFiles/account353/images/285420_148082053111693.gif" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />I just signed up to participate in the <a href="http://www.walknowforautism.org/faf/home/ccp.asp?ievent=288863&lis=0&kntae288863=629DDD97D92046FF82483E4F16BF1862&ccp=84047">Walk Now For Autism</a> event in Mount Laurel NJ on the 13th of June. It looks like its going to be a huge event and lots of fun for everyone. I have also set up a donation page to help me raise a bit of money. My personal goal is $250, but every little bit helps.<br />So, if you can, please <a href="https://www.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=288863&lis=0&kntae288863=629DDD97D92046FF82483E4F16BF1862&supId=255763332">Donate Here</a>.<br /><br />This is being supported by the 501st Legion's <a href="http://www.501stner.com/">Northeast Remnant Garrison</a> and they have invited members of Garrison Carida to join in. See you all there!"Koko" TK-8495http://www.blogger.com/profile/04842490405259005650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339589839395440494.post-36165846134125209092009-05-06T11:25:00.000-07:002009-05-06T11:29:57.291-07:002nd Annual Friendship Walk 5/2/09Well being my first event, I wasn't sure what exactly to expect. I got to meet other Garrison members, who were all very welcoming, friendly, and cool to hang out with. And I finally to meet Wally, who helped my through the process of building my armor.<br /><br />The day was pretty miserable, rainy, slightly cold, and of course you have that "zoo" smell. After we all suited up and headed down to the tent where the festivities were being held, and seeing how we all lit up the faces of the kids there, I remembered why I signed up for the 501st in the first place. Big deal, I was damp. Gotta look towards the greater purpose here, and by simply being present and waving, and occasionally slapping high fives to the children, it gave me a feeling of satisfaction that I've never experienced before.<br /><br />I had a great time and I look forward to the upcoming events and hanging out with my new friends.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3398/3498647811_c959305d8d.jpg?v=0"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3398/3498647811_c959305d8d.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a>"Koko" TK-8495http://www.blogger.com/profile/04842490405259005650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339589839395440494.post-38786493871357387262009-04-24T09:30:00.000-07:002009-04-24T09:55:33.275-07:00Official 501st Stormtrooper<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s41/gfrenkel/Stormtrooper%20Armor/501st.png"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 325px; height: 350px;" src="http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s41/gfrenkel/Stormtrooper%20Armor/501st.png" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />As of Monday, April 20, 2009 I am officially a member of the 501st Legion, Garrison Carida. My designation is TK-8495.<br /><br />If anyone is interested in checking out some photos of the build process go <a href="http://s149.photobucket.com/albums/s41/gfrenkel/Stormtrooper%20Armor/">here</a>.<br /><br />I have my first charity event on May 3 at the Philadelphia Zoo. <span class="postbody">This is a walk-a-thon throughout the zoo and supports The Friendship Circle, a non-profit organization that benefits children and teenagers with special needs and their families.</span><span class="postbody"><br /><br />Admission is $18 for adults and $15 for children ages 2-11. The walk is from 3-4:30 so come on out and bring the kids, it's going to be a great time!<br /></span>"Koko" TK-8495http://www.blogger.com/profile/04842490405259005650noreply@blogger.com0