Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Star Wars the Old Republic took over my Christmas




For months now all my son and husband have talked about was Star Wars the Old Republic. They both had their pre-orders in as soon as they could. They were on the Star Wars the Old Republic website and forums every single day. I knew more about the Star Wars MMORPG then I ever expected.

I think the last 6 months were all about Star Wars. The countdown to the release was even more important than Christmas. Fortunately they both got to be part of the Beta testing, which they enjoyed immensely. As a result they became even more enthralled by Star Wars the Old Republic.

We have two copies of the game, and two brand new laptops to play the game on. It was a Star Wars the Old Republic Christmas in our house. I even made them wait until Christmas to open their laptops, though they had been playing the game for several weeks at that point – thanks to beta testing and early access.

They are now part of the V Squad. At first the idea of being part of a guild was not something my husband was interested in. When we played Lord of the Rings we had some bad experiences with guilds more interested in getting their numbers up then the actual members. Update - my husband has changed servers. He will be creating his own guild - We are not a guild, guild. If you are interested in joining please contact Fenwolf on the East Coast server - the Jedi Covenent.

There have been days when it has been difficult to pry them away from the game. It is addictive. Huttball is a lot of fun. Though right now Fenwolf (my hubby) is playing Huttball and is getting his butt handed to him. Usually he does ok, but today, even though teams are created by random, it seems to be high level players against lower levels. Just the way things go.

So far the only main issue is the lag time. It has been frustrating players. As Fenwolf said, what is the point of upgrading to better computers if you have to reduce your graphic quality to low just to keep the graphics from lagging? Hopefully that will be fixed sooner than later. (Update was done Dec. 29 that seems to fix the lag)

Fenwolf has some of the Datacron locations. I will be listing them once they are confirmed to help out people playing Star Wars the Old Republic.

I hope everyone is enjoying the game as much as my family is.

Friday, December 23, 2011

It is almost New Years and I have something to say

.

I would love to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

I hope that things are better next year.

I am tired of seeing people go hungry in a world of plenty. And I am not just talking about people being affected by droughts and other natural causes. I am talking about poverty right here, and all over the world. People go hungry every day, most of them children. I hope that this next year people don’t let other people go hungry.

I also want the adults to have jobs and be able to take care of themselves and their children, and for those with jobs, and are still living in poverty, that they get a raise or better paying jobs. I know, more people are looking for work then there are jobs, but maybe that will change this year.

I want children to stop killing themselves or others. Bullying is bad, and kills. I want children to find help, or a place where they are safe and feel safe. I don’t want them to kill themselves to get away from it. I don’t want them to kill others to make it stop. I don’t want bullies taking it to the next level and killing their victims.

I would love to see people being less angry and more caring. I don’t know when people started being angry most of the time, but it would be nice to see people being more accepting, and less angry. If we accept others for who they are, we have no reason to be angry because they are different. At the same time I don’t want people letting themselves be taken advantage of because they are trying to be more caring. I guess it’s a fine line of protecting yourself and being able to care for others. I want there to be a healthy balance in every ones lives.

Most importantly I want people to enjoy their lives and the people in it instead of having to worry about having a roof over their heads, food to eat or a safe place to stay.

May your Christmas be Merry, and next year full of love, security and safety.

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

We Care to Share Christmas Gift and Craft Show

In that last few years we have held events to collect non-perishable food items for Hamilton food share. This year we are also collecting unwrapped toys for the CHML toy drive. This year we are holding two events, a Christmas gift and craft show during the day and a Concert and Dance during the night. Please come out and join us Dec. 17, 2011 in Hamilton and help us raise lots of food and toys for girls and boys in need. Christmas is a time to give, and enjoy time with friends and family. The Craft show has wonderful gifts and crafts, and is a wonderful opportunity to find just the right thing for the people on your Christmas list, though you will be tempted to pick up a few things for yourself. The concert and dance is a great time waiting to happen, have a fun night out and support Hamilton Food Share and CHML toy drive.

We Care to Share Christmas Gift and Craft Show:

Door fee, we are collecting non-perishable food for Hamilton Food Share and unwrapped toys for CHML at the door.

Location: ACCA Center

754 Barton St. East, Hamilton

Doors are open from 10 am to 5 pm

The Christmas gift and craft show will officially end at 5 pm however there will be a music concert/show that evening. Tickets for We Care to Share Christmas concert available at the Christmas Gift and Craft Show.



Vendors with crafts and unique gift items

1st Mount Albion Pathfinders and Ranger - Hand knitted items, fleece scarves, chocolate Mint Cookies, Christmas Crafts, Kernels Popcorn, Gifts in Jars, soup and baking, handmade Christmas cards and more.

Mar-Lee Enterprises Inc - Tarot readings, hand crafted dowsing rods, pendulums, angels, jewellery, books and calendars in support of the Erland Lee (museum) home.

Annabobanners – Unique hand puppets – www.annabobanners.com


Shelly Marinic - Scentsy and Avon



Jodie Davis/Sharon Laidlaw - jewellery, Pandora inspired key chains and jewellery.

Sharon Tousignant - handcrafted wood gift items and works of art, crochet.

Kynk Naturals - fair trade organic Shea Butter & other handcrafted personal care products.



Allie Kat Originals - Michelle of Allie Kat Originals designs and crates beautiful hand-crafted bridal jewellery that can be customized to enhance any bridal gown or coordinate with any style and colour of the wedding party and theme of the wedding. Michelle also designs fun, fancy and fashionable everyday fashion jewellery, perfect for every occasion. Allie Kat Originals are high quality at a very affordable price.

PeachieBeads - PeaschieBeads is a green company with jewellery designed and created to giving new life to unwanted jewellery. Very unique jewellery.






Karen Cooke - giftware, toys, games and handcrafted items.

Meghan Candler - Crocheted hats ranging from size newborn to adult as well as crocheted photo props.

Trendy Treatz - cupcakes, chocolate suckers



Kathy Mascola – photography

1 of a kind design – Vinyl Wall Talks, Stick Families Figures, Children Animal Magnets – Portraits on canvas by Tim’s photography.

Delroyoshen – Jewellery

K. Bass - unique scarves and jewellery



The Art of Tea and Tasseomancy - Amy Taylor Tea Leaf Reader, Tea Workshop Facilitator

Laura Elliot - Beaded Jewellery


So Dainty Creations - Jewellery, hair bands



Karina  - Fair Trade Chocolate
Jennofer Bramogam - Lighted Glass blocks, hot chocolate cones, chocolate arrangements


Elaine McIvor- Perfumes, I pad, hand knitted items and gift baskets

And many more vendors with wonderful gift and crafts.








Kim Gustafson – One of a Kind Jewellery, candle holders, unique stone & rhinestone mirrors

Natural alpaca – Handcrafted soaps & Alpaca fiber products - socks, sweaters, teddy bears and more

Karen Smith – native crafts, baby swaddling, blankets, it works wraps

Lori-Lee - Steriling Silver jewellery and handcrafted beaded jewellery

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

We Care to Share 2nd Annual Christmas Concert and Dance


Country, Rock, R and B, Reggae and Calypso Christmas Concert and Dance

We Care to Share 2nd Annual Reggae Christmas Concert on December 17th, 2011 at 754 Barton St. E. Hamilton, Ontario. Doors open at 6 pm.

Christmas is a time to give and receive. A unique night out to enjoy live music and support Hamilton Food Share and the CHML toy drive - Bring a non-perishable food item or new unwrapped toy and you receive $5.00 off the door admittance.

Live music will be performed by Cordcalling, Karl Slick and son, Junior Miller, Donna Buchanan (Mother Goddess), Ras-An-I, Devon Irie, Captain Cincere,  Kush I Krown.

Dance music by Roots Radic Sound, King Commando Sound, Blackstone Sound, Eunique Sound.

Cost is $20 at the door or $15 with a donation of non-perishable food or unwrapped toy.

Parking – on the street and the church parking lot.
 
This is a wonderful event, fun for all and helps those in need. Cordcalling will be opening, followed by Karl Slick and son with special quests.


Cordcalling

Karl Slick

Junior Miller

Friday, December 2, 2011

Top Star Wars Christmas Gift or Birthday Gift Ideas


This list is of the top Star Wars Christmas or Birthday gift ideas put together by a Star Wars fan, my husband. My husband’s Birthday is only two weeks after Christmas, so we get him to make only one list for both. Now he does have a list with things on it that are not Star Wars, I think there is three things on it. I know he only looked at one website, but that is fine. If you find the perfect gift for your Star Wars fan on this gift list still shop around, you may be able to find it in a local store or other websites. I did not do any price comparisons, this is just a Star Wars gift idea list. I was just going to put the links, titles and pictures but decided the descriptions and video's are needed. Enjoy! I had a blast (no pun intended) putting this together once my husband gave me the list.




The Star Wars Cookbook

The Star Wars Cookbook is loaded with different types of inter-galactic recipes: drinks, breakfasts, main courses, desserts, and more. Age is no issue when it comes to Star Wars cuisine - kids as well as adults will have a great time with this book.

◦60 wipe clean pages with over 25 recipes


◦Recipes include: Greedo's Burritos, Twin Sun Toast, Tusken Raider Taters, and more!

◦Concealed wire-O binding - so each page lays flat while you cook

◦Includes 13 foil stickers to label your completed creations




Star Wars Vader's Dark Side Roast Coffee

•Gourmet whole bean coffee hand roasted by Stormtroopers


•Perfect for Dark Lords of the Sith... or your friends and loved ones

•Spicy undertones with smoky, dark-roasted complexity

•Coffee blend is comprised of coffees from Africa and Indonesia. Even though these are not certified fair trade, they are specialty-grade coffees which means that droid farmers receive a higher price/pound, compared to exchange-grade coffees.

•Officially licensed Star Wars product designed by ThinkGeek

•Exclusively available at ThinkGeek

•Each bag contains 12 Oz of whole bean coffee






Star Wars Chop Sabers

•Chopsticks in the shape of your favorite Jedi weapons


•Fully licensed Lucasfilm collectible

•Imported from Japan

•Six styles to choose from:

◦Luke Skywalker, green, 23cm long

◦Luke Skywalker, blue, 23cm long

◦Darth Maul, red, 23 cm long -they snap together, too! Not sure how you'd eat like that, though.

◦Darth Vader, red, 23 cm long

◦Yoda, green, 20 cm long

◦Mace Windu, purple, 23 cm long

•Lightsabers do not light up or slice effortlessly through flesh. Sorry.





Star Wars Breakfast Beverages Set

•Three breakfast beverages for fans of Star Wars


•Officially licensed Lucasfilm products, made with love by ThinkGeek

•Included in the set: Vader's Dark Side Roast Coffee, Hoth Cocoa, or Dagobah Green Tea

•Vader's Dark Side Roast Coffee:

◦Gourmet coffee hand roasted and ground by Stormtroopers

◦Spicy undertones with smoky, dark-roasted complexity

◦Coffee blend is comprised of coffees from Africa and Indonesia. Even though these are not certified fair trade, they are specialty-grade coffees which means that droid farmers receive a higher price/pound, compared to exchange-grade coffees.

◦Each can contains 3 oz of ground coffee

•Dagobah Green Tea:

◦Loose leaf blend of Green Pu Erh, White Peony, and Matcha

◦Ideal steeping time is 2 - 3 minutes

◦Each tin contains 1 oz of tea leaves, enough for 14 cups

•Hoth Cocoa:

◦Blended from deep-roasted cocoa beans, sugar, unsweetened chocolate, and real vanilla

◦Each bag contains 8 oz of cocoa mix, enough for 4 - 5 cups





Star Wars Lightsaber Ice Pop
Each Star Wars Lightsaber Ice Pop set comes with four saber hilts: two Luke and two Vader. Just add juice (or any delicious liquid) to the mold, stick on the hilts, and pop the whole shebang in your freezer for 4 hours. Run a little warm water over the mold and the full saber can be removed. Activate your saber's LED for a light up treat that screams awesome and tasty all at once. Included is a recipe book with wonderful flavors to try, like "Chewbapple," "Ponda Berry," "C-3POrange," and Admiral Ackbar's favorite: "It's a Grap(e)!" It's always time for Jedi refreshment when you have some Star Wars Lightsaber Ice Pops. May the force-icle be with you

 





Star Wars R2-D2 Ice Cube Trays

•Silicone R2-D2 shaped ice tray


•This IS the ice tray you're looking for

•Keeps your drink cold and your X-wing operational

•6 x 4 x 1 inches


•Makes one large droid shaped ice cube and four small




Star Wars Death Star Electronic Attack Shirt

With the press of a button on the concealed speaker box, the Death Star begins the firing sequence. You'll hear the deep hum of the superlaser powering up, then the background chatter of Empire technicians preparing to fire, finally a massive blast is let forth with light and sound effects. Crank the volume for even greater effect; this is one of the loudest shirts in the galaxy.






Star Wars Remote Controlled Lightsaber Room Light


This kit has everything you need to construct a lightsaber and mount it on your wall. Choose from 8 awesome color effects, plus auto-spectrum using the remote control!


•For Ages 6 and Up (with help from a friendly grown-up)


•WARNING: SMALL PARTS - Not intented for children under 3 years of age.

•Awesome lightsaber room light with sound effects and remote control

•Construct and display a lightsaber room light with this kit

•Learn about electronics and how lightsabers work

•Mounts to the wall

•Over 25" long!

•Choose from 8 color effects plus auto-spectrum

•Remote control for easy on/off from anywhere in the room

•Kit includes: Fun & informative learning guide, 2 hilt halves, 1 battery pack, 1 electronics pack, 1 exterior cap, 1 wall mounting bracket, 1 blade, 1 remote, and 1 wall mounting hardware

•Requires 5 AAA batteries (not included)

 
Tauntaun Sleeping Bag



•Classic Star Wars sleeping bag simulates the warmth of a Tauntaun carcass


•Built-in embroidered Tauntaun head pillow

•Plush Lightsaber zipper pull

•Printed intestines pattern on inside of bag

•Great for playing pretend "Save Luke from the Wampa" games

•Teach your children about the best Star Wars movie ever

•Fully Licensed Lucasfilm™ Collectible

•100% Polyester construction, Machine washable

•WARNING CHOKING HAZARD - Ages 3 and Up ONLY

•For indoor use only. Not suitable for camping.

•One size fits all. Enough room for adults, plenty of space for kids

•Bag Dimensions - 33" x 67" (not including head pillow or legs)



Star Wars Lightsaber Pen

•Available in red, blue, and green


•Comes in a tin collector's box



For more ideas - Star Wars Gift Ideas on Think Geek