Hope you don’t mind if I take the opportunity to pat myself on the back, as today marks two years since I quit smoking cigarettes. As well as all the obvious benefits of course, it’s so nice to have a few extra gold coins for the odd retro gaming treat, be it hardware or software that otherwise would have been spent on cigarettes.
The very best of luck to everyone who is thinking about or currently in the process of quitting.
Back in the 80′s, at some point over the Christmas period, two of the four UK TV channels (yep, we only had four back then) would be showing Star Wars – A New Hope. It’s airing was staple TV over the Christmas holiday and essential viewing to me and my mates as one of the greatest films ever was playing at the greatest time of the year. So frequent was it played each year, that it almost became a joke to others usually met with grumbles of ‘oh no, not Star Wars AGAIN, if it’s not that it’s repeats of Moonraker’. Of course, as a long serving Star Wars fan since ’77, I absolutely lapped it up and Christmas doesn’t seem the same without it.
Of course, with modern formats such as VHS and Betamax video cassettes….o.k, more more modern formats such as DVD, Blueray and digital distribution , one can simply watch Star Wars at any time of the day. Yet there something special about it being live on TV, complete with commercial breaks allowing the perfect excuse to mount an expedition to the fridge in hope of seeking out that elusive cocktail sausage, that last chicken drumstick or to finish of the trifle that you started earlier for breakfast 
Whenever I see this one particular movie release poster, I always think back to Christmas as it’s was this one that was used the most between commercial breaks. It’s also engraved in my mind as it was cue to hit stop/record on our first mammoth VCR machine.
Hehe, I remember it seemed to take ages to actually start recording. You had to get pretty good with at guessing that the commercial currently being played was the last one of the sequence and you the movie was about to restart.
I also remember the the original Hildebrant poster being used too – there’s no forgetting Leia on this one 
I was thinking about Star Wars at Christmas time on the commute in to work this morning (yep…back to work today, but thankfully today only) and I got thinking that I should hunt out my old VHS Star Wars tape. I’ve owned it some many times over the years but the super ‘ Executo’r box set is probably my favourite because it also contains the three ‘making of’ documentaries for each film.
Any one remember this, I think it might have been a UK release only though?
Each film are the original releases prior to all that special edition milarky..remember, Han Shot First! and so I thought it would be cool to take a rip of a tape, split it and edit in some vintage 80′s tv commercials from Youtube.
In fact, something like these recorded that were recorded at Christmas 1983. There’s plenty of vintage themes here…you can tell it’s Christmas though, every other advert is for alcohol!
Here’s some from Boxing day – 1982 – Well whaddyaknow, Moonraker
It’s high time that Star Wars was brought back to the TV screen at Christmas. Look through any TV listings guide at Christmas and you’ll get a whole heap of retro classics from the 70′s and 80′s but not a single whiff of an X-Wing trench run.
Come on TV controller type people, bring back Star Wars!
Was you lucky enough to have it aired this year where you are?
Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas!
Best wishes
StiGGy
With Peter Jackson’s interpretation of The Hobbit about to hit the cinemas next week I thought I’d revisit The Shire again and read J.R.R’s book again as it’s been so long since I’ve picked it up and have not read it since my youth. With all that dungeons and dragons fun stuff ,fueled on by the recent release of Baldur Gate on the the iPad, I’m in need a fantasy wallpaper change on my PC.
…and here’s where I stumbled upon the DeviantART gallery of artist Andreas Rocha and his awesome-’ness’ fantasy painting.
Currently ‘Aim-Altlas Refuge’ is currently my PC wallpaper and I’m lovely the mute colour mixed with the warming vibrant greens that don’t overpower my desktop and the minimalistic detailing that doesn’t overshadow my desktop icons. You gotta love that airship too! I’ve also cropped portions of the the Bladerunner inspired Blue Abyss and just looks fantastic as an iPad wallpaper.
Outstanding stuff indeed and hope you enjoy too.
http://andreasrocha.deviantart.com/
A day off work today so up early into the darkness with coffee and something for the birds.
This past week in the evenings, we’ve been enjoying a look back at some of the many classic Sci Fi movies of the 70′s and 80′s. A favourite of mine ‘The Andromeda Strain’ was played last night (gotta love that 70′s tech) and tonight it’s the turn of Blade Runner
I’ve got the PC game here too and whilst I was hunting around for tips to get this to run on Win7, I stumbled across this -
Blade Runner behind the scenes featurette
I could watch ‘making of’ features all day, especially Blade Runner
Just one thing, is that a Vectrex console in the Spinner?
Maybe that’s explains why Gaff is so miffed at Deckard when they fly to Police HQ – because he was more interested in a game of Berzerk than discussing origami
Also, check out these cool fan made movie posters.
Badass Batty.
I can almost hear Vangelis when I look at this one.
‘Like tears in the rain’
The Internet is full of them but I’ll never tire of looking at fan art retro styled movie posters, especially classic Sci-Fi. Check out some of these cool SW posters.
You can see more at http://www.addours.com/lifestyle/retro-star-wars-posters/
I’ve been enjoying the split screen goodness of Visual Pinball and PinMame just lately so I’ve decided to make myself a small pinball case and some proper flipper buttons. Before I go ahead and start cutting wood I thought’d I take a few measurements and get a few ideas by making a cardboard mockup…sorta!
Having a dig around at work at the pile of used cardboard and I found this old shelf box…does this not scream pinball table or what!
It’s just the right size for my TV and the slant means that I won’t have to attack it too much with the scissors. Now for another box that will house my Netbook and act as the backbox score display.
My Netbook will also run the pinball emulators and use the secondary VGA port to expand my desktop to the TV screen
This one should do nicely…held together with the strongest tape I could find.
Test fitting with my Netbook. The finished case might have to be slightly bigger back box to allow room for the VGA cable sticking out the right hand side. I’ll aim to create a front bezel to hide this and the other cables etc.
My favourite bit next, the arcade buttons. Only a few required for n a pinball table – namely left/right flipper buttons but I’ll be adding a coin and launch button.
I’m using standard Happs arcade buttons and some of those really noisy micro switches left over from when I swapped them out of my iCade <see previous blog post http://stiggyblog.wordpress.com/2012/04/22/icade-with-leaf-switch-arcade-buttons/
Going forward I’m aiming to have a spring loaded piece of dowel that will, when pulled back and released, touch an internally fitted arcade button l configured as the ‘ball’ button in Visual Pinball. With any luck, this should sorta emulate the ball launcher on a real Pinball table.
IPAC boards are very cheap these days so I’ve now got a few extra for a number of planned projects.
Micro switches connected to the IPAC wiring loom. The coloured wires are for the positive terminals and the black wires are daisy chained as ground. It looks a little messy in there but a few well placed tie-wraps should sort that out later.
Mapping the controls using a utility called WinIPAC. All I need to do now is map the same keys in Visual Pinball e.g so that the button on the left (mapped to key ‘Z’) is mapped at key ‘Z’ in Visual Pinball for the left flipper button.
I’ve added a couple of cardboard support boxes inside the table box to elevate the TV screen. One slightly taller than the other so that it’s titled like a Pinball table.
It seems to fit pretty o.k. Both screens need a bezel though!
I like to build these cardboard mocks ups as it can often highlight some of the problems I’ll need to address when building the wood version. For example, I need to think a little more about the route and connection points for the VGA, IPAC and mains cables. Also I’ve found that my Netbook speakers are not particularly loud enough when in the back box so i’ll be fitting a cheap set of USB external speakers…somewhere!
Using my previous Visual Pinball set up, I’ve downloaded a couple more FS tables from VPforum including Breakup and Monster Mash.
The viewing angle on my cheap TV screen is pretty poor. It’s o.k when you’re actually playing it but from any other angle, the table details become unclear.
Here’s a video of it in action.
Random Star Wars stuff that made me smile whilst making dinner and killing time.
Although Hoth like Winters are still a few months away, there’s nothing worst than being caught out with a surprise frost in the morning meaning you need to get the scrapers out if you left the car on the driveway instead of parked in the garage.
Well, for the Star Wars fan, how about a Wampa arm ice scraper?
Prototype Land Speeder?
This thing is flippin awesome!
The 501st have some great SW creations but this huge fan made Rancor is superb. What a great prop for a photo op!
More pictures can be found below -
http://news.cnet.com/2300-17938_105-10013302.html
…and finally, one that made me laugh.
Law Office of Lando Calrissian.
May the Fo…woohoo, dinners ready!
Am back from an extended weekend of camping and walking around mount Snowdon in Wales. Apologies if you’ve posted a comment and not received a response, wifi signal ,in the area was non existent, so I’m playing catchup today.
It’s been a while since I’ve visited Wales and indeed mount Snowdon, so armed with a a few new camping toys added to the collection, I headed out last Friday to the campsite at Llyn Gwynant.
Being so close to a bank holiday the site was already filling up with families and their pretty awesome tents. Some it seems where as big as a small bungalow complete with sun lounge and hot tub (probably). Thankfully, I found a nice quite area in one of the adjourning fields and away from the main crowd.
Home for a few days and nights – and yes, the Polka Dot umbrella is a bit girlie but it’s perfect for keeping the wind off my stoves.
Dinner before checking out the surrounding area. Eggs, Bacon & Beans….note to oneself, that toaster rack is useless. 10 minutes just toast one side In the end, i borrowed one of the campsites firepits, lit a fire and toasted the old fashion way.
As I was packing light on this trip I didn’t bother taking my camera gear this time and therefore just had my iPhone & iPad. It’s a shame really because on that first night, the sky was clear and the sheer number of visible stars and Milkyway, free from light pollution was breathtaking. The puny optics in my phone couldn’t capture the splendour.
Thanks to Curstie’s recommendation for video playback apps for iPad (Oplayer), i had with me, a selection of movies to keep me entertained during the late evening. Tonight’s feature…’Carry of Camping’ of course!
Up early and heading out for the first day of walking. My aim was to walk from the campsite to Pen-Y-Pass, onwards across one of the many routes up to the top of mount Snowdon and down one of the other trails along the opposite side.
A warm morning but not so hot as to be comfortable for hiking. Before setting off from home, I’d copied a few audio books to my iPhone. Todays hike would be accompanied by Michael Palin’s Pole to Pole for which i’m a great fan of his travel books and have reread many many times. This is the first time I’ve listened to the audio book and a have made a mental note to check out Audible when I get home.
Looking back towards the campsite and lake.
After a few miles, I was at Pen-Y-Pass and have a few route choices to the summit of Snowdon. I choose the Miners track and would save the Pyg Track for tomorrow descent.
‘Following the opening of the Llanberis pass in 1832, the Miners Path was built to carry copper from the Britannia Copper Works near Llyn Glaslyn to Pen y Pass, where it was then transported to Caernarfon. The mining came to an end in 1916, remains from the work can still be seen on the path to this day’
Stopping for a bite to eat at Llyn Llydaw. The Miners track stops here and the rough boulder strew path begins to zigzag up and to the right.
The Miners track now joins the Pyg track and heads sharply…up! Almost at the summit now, taking a breather and watching groups of people enjoying the ride on the Llamberis mountain train. It’s only now do i have a perfect phone signal so i took the opportunity to ring home and confirm I’d not burnt my tent down or was clinging to a rock face
Another quick hike to the busy summit top, some 3500ft above sea level and another cuppa whilst I seek out the route down.
I decided to take the Watkin Path down at the recommendation of a work colleague of mine. He was right, great views coming down although a little tricky in the early stages and requires a slow scramble down the slippery rock and slate chards.
Lliwedd summit in the background and although I wouldn’t be visiting today, I plan to head up that way on another trip soon.
Very hot out now as i headed down and to the right along the trail before heading left through the remains of building used many years ago in the Slate Quarry here. The waterfalls here where spectacular and so I took the opportunity to dip my melting feet into the icy water. Freezing it was and hats off to these fella’s for there balls…or lack off after those temperatures ;)
Late afternoon and at the end of the Watkin Path at Nant Gwynant, I finished off the trip with a 2 mile walk through the scenic woodland path back to the campsite as opposed taking the route to the road that would eventually lead me back. Along the way I had to refer to my OS map (OS17) as the route was a little unclear here. Before long i was walking along the lake side part of the campsite, across the stone bridge and back to my tent. Weary now and grabbed my gear for a the short walk to the shower block and a long soak!
The next day I woke up to the sound of drumming rain on tent roof. Outside it was lashing down and sky was almost black. At the time I thought it would dash all plans for dry walking today and so cooking breakfast (with thanks again to my trusty Polka-dot umbrella) and dug out my waterproofs.
By the time I’d washed up, the rain had stopped and although still murky, it looked like it might break. Fingers crossed but taking my wet weather gear anyway I headed out for a Sunday morning stroll along lakeside road and headed south to the village called Beddgelert some five miles down the road. After finishing Pole to Pole yesterday, today’s audio book is Stephen King’s Shawshank Redemption – and may i say, was just as good, if not better than the film.
Beddgelert is a pretty village with stone cottages, old English pubs, bridges, streams and quaint gardens to visit. The perfect spot for a Sunday morning stroll despite influx of tourists that arrived shortly after. Grabbing a few supplies from the local grocery store i made my exit.
I headed out of the village, continuing along the road before reaching the car park at Rhyd Ddu and the start of another trail up the mount Snowdon.
This route is less scenic at the beginning but it’s a more gentle approach than yesterday and after the walk into Beddgerlert was most welcome.
At the top again and not so busy than yesterday so had time to have a good look at the cairn top.
..and a final bite to eat before heading down the Pyg Track with my new friend!
iPhone battery quite low now and with the audio book finished i switched it off to conserve power as I’d be needing it later on. Coming down, the route was easier although when I arrived back at Pen-Y-Pass, my legs were groaning at the thought of another two or three mile walk back the campsite. In the end, I opted to catch one of the regular Sherpa buses that has routes all along the Snowdon range.
After a bite to eat and still no sign of rain, there’s one more thing i wanted to do…and thankfully, one that wouldn’t need my now aching legs!
Llyn Gwynant campsite offers Kayaks and Canoes for hire (or facilities to launch your own). Prices start at £6 and with the breeze rolling across the calm water, was just the cool down i needed. Wrapped up in three layers of water proofing, i carefully unwrapped my iPhone (heart stopped once as i rocked my canoe way too much and thought i was going in) and whipped off this photo before the battery went completely dead.
Back at the tent, the heavens opened and it rained….hard…and fast. Dinner of steak, potato, peas and carrots helped along by Mr Polka dot and washed down with a beer I’d tied to a line and sunk into the nearby stream earlier that morning.
More rain and what might have been a clap of thunder, who knows, i was soundly asleep.
My last day, and awoke to more rain. Outside, most folk had packed up and headed home the previous day and so i practically had the place to myself. It’s a shame i wasn’t stopping longer After breakfast and with the rain temporary halted, i took the opportunity to get packed up myself and with one final walk around the campsite lake i said my goodbyes to the friendly staff and headed on home. I’ll be back here again soon.
On the way, and with now charging iPhone in the car doubling as my satnav, i thought i’d visit the Victorian coastal town of Llandudno. I’d heard it was very nice and thought it would be a good idea to briefly scope it out.
They weren’t wrong, it’s a lovely place with enough town, attractions, beach and walking opportunities to warrant a short break here again sometime soon.
I headed out to the pier that’s overlooked by the hill side of Great Orme.
At the very end, there’s an amusement arcade. In it, there’s the usual smatter of modern day game and dance mats, grabber cranes and slots. Sadly no retro gaming to be had here…..although, tucked in the corner was this sun bleached Indiana Jones Pinball table.
To the change booth!
A great table and i wished i’d had more time but play – I’ve heard that ‘The Lass’ in Manchester have just brought an Indy table so will be checking with the fella’s and may head up that way again soon.
One last strole before heading home and to walk off those fat seaside chips I’d been picking over.
Views from Great Orme.
I’m not really a football fan to be honest (give me Ice Hockey any day) but just for a laugh and ahead of tonight’s game with Sweden, I thought I’d get Sensible Soccer on my Sega Megadrive to play out the match CPU vs CPU and we’ll see if the prediction comes true*
*except the photo shopped goal scorer of course!
Lets go Bruin’s, lets go….oops wrong sport
Despite a fairly clear night, the early hours of this morning was white from end to end with a thick blanket of cloud and therefore, no Venus spotting for me 
Nevermind, maybe next time eh?
I’m enjoying the amazing photos that are appearing across the net and thanks to the boffins at NASA, watching some spectacular video composites like this.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QX6BbP1wAIs&sns=em
Were you lucky enough to see the transit in your part of the world?
Yes, yes and hell yes!
Awesome stuff.
Happy Star Wars day everyone, May the Forth be with you!
I’m here celebrating with a stack of classic Marvel Star Wars comics, a selection of video games loaded, including Empire Strikes Back for the Atari 2600, Super Star Wars on the SNES, Tie-Fighter, Dark Forces and…er hmm, Rebel Assault on my DOS PC, a deck of vintage blue Topps trading cards to enjoy and of course, the complete classic trilogy ready to play on my HTPC.
Let the Star Wars evening commence!
..and to get you in the mood.
…and my favourite
I can spend hours browsing through various digital art galleries, especially those containing new interpretations of classic movie posters. Just lately, i’ve been enjoying the minimalist work by French artist Alain Bossuyt and his take on some cult favourites from Spielberg to Bond.
http://society6.com/AlainBossuyt/
Yul Bryner was a scary looking dude anyway but as a emotionless, malfunctioned killer robot in a cool hat, you’ll never forget those eyes!
The perfect night it, The Thing followed by Escape from NY.
I just love this image – The faded looming shadow of the psycho truck bearing down on our panic stricken Mr. Weaver and his puny car. Fear, dust and heat on the hot and lonely desert roads perfectly captured.
Hmm, I’ve got Duel on my HTPC….that’s tonight’s entertainment sorted!
