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Star Wars Clone Wars: Republic Heroes First Impressions

GeekSugar — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 01:35:12 -0700

I got to meet up with my pals from Lucas during E3 yesterday, and they walked me through their Star Wars themed title. A classic battle between good and evil (is there any other kind?), you battle your way through levels wielding your Light Saber and powers of the Force. But this game isn't based on the classic Star Wars franchise - it takes off after season one of the hugely popular animated series on the Cartoon Network, Clone Wars.

Not only does the game look like a ton of fun for experienced gamers and newcomers alike (since the main action involves button mashing and aiming your joystick), but it keeps things fresh by adding in a few new features. To find out what they are, just read more.

If you're familiar with the other Star Wars games (or even if you aren't), then you'll love the added features that come with Star Wars Clone Wars: Republic Heroes. You'll be able to jump on various enemies and take them over, using them against their own kind in a move called "Droid Jacking." Not only is this really fun, but you'll earn achievements as well. Another cool feature you'll find familiar is the "Drop in, Drop Out" co-op play we saw in Lego Star Wars and Lego Indiana Jones. Your friends can pick up a controller and jump in, then leave at any point they want. Cool for those fly-by-the-seat-of-their-pants types.

And finally, to keep things interesting, Lucas Arts has added some fun mini games (like shoot-em up, which has you mowing down enemies for points) within the levels. The good news is you won't have to exit your current game, so it's not a hassle to participate. Due out in September, Star Wars Clone Wars: Republic Heroes will be released on the Wii, DS, PSP, PS2, PS3, Xbox 360, and PC platforms.

War on Drugs Makes Women the Enemy

TresSugar — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 13:00:45 -0800

If you've been following the story of Cleveland's alleged serial killer Anthony Sowell, you know it's horrific. Eleven female bodies have been found in and around the man's home, leaving the public wondering how could these crimes go on undetected for years. Writing in the Daily Beast, Cleveland journalist Mansfield Frazier says he knows why: Sowell was able to kill drug-addicted women without anyone noticing because the war on drugs targets women. Let's examine the evidence he uses to support this allegation after the jump.

Clone Wars Love: My Interview with Ashley Eckstein

GeekSugar — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 04:00:00 -0700

If you haven't seen Star Wars: Clone Wars yet, then you probably haven't been properly introduced to Ahsoka Tano, the newest butt-kicking female to be ushered into the Star Wars family and who just so happens to be Anikin Skywalker's new headstrong apprentice!

I saw the movie recently, and had the pleasure of talking with Ashley Eckstein who voices Ahsoka in the animated flick, about her role in the franchise, what it was like to play such an enthusiastic character, and whether or not she's a bonified geek. You may know Ashley from the hit TV series That's So Raven as Muffy, but now? She's all about the action, baby! Check out my phone interview with the adorable Ashley, and since she's known for her voice, I thought I should let you hear it! Click on the audio files to hear her answers.

1. Did you ever think you would be making a Star Wars movie?

2. Were you intimidated following the other two major female characters coming into the role?

To hear the rest of the interview, just read more

3. Did you draw any inspiration from past characters to mold Ahsoka into what she became?

4. There has been some feedback from Star Wars fans that your character was annoying or didn't need to be there. Do you have any response to those people, or anything you'd like to say to them?

5. Will you continue to voice Ahsoka in the TV series?

6. Do you find it difficult to voice a character in a sound booth, rather than having other actors, sets and costumes to play off of?

7. Are you alone in the sound booth, or do you frequently have other characters coming in to play off of each other?

8. Do you see the action on screen, or do you do your voice work before the scene is animated?

9. Do you consider yourself a geek?

10. Of course, I had to ask Ashley my geeky rapid fire questions! Hear about what phone she rocks, and if she's an Apple or PC type of girl!

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Geek Out With My Star Wars Roundup!

GeekSugar — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 02:00:27 -0700

The release of the latest Star Wars movie, The Clone Wars, is coming up next week and although it's an animated feature, I'm sure it will be big - It's Lucas, so it must be. I'm not quite a Jedi Master, but I do appreciate my Star Wars entertainment like anyone else, having seen the entire series a few times, so I'm sure I'll be checking out the movie. I'm hoping to see a few Sith Lords and Storm Troopers waiting in line on opening night (fingers crossed), so I'll be sure to have my camera ready! In honor of SW, check out a few of my favorite posts relating to light sabers, videos, and parodies in this geek-ified roundup. Will you be checking out The Clone Wars?

View Slideshow ›

Top Chef Vegas: Episode 9

partysugar — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 07:50:37 -0700

On the latest Top Chef, the remaining eight cheftestants have to prove they can work as a team. The quickfire involves blindfolds and the elimination challenge is everyone's favorite, what Padma dubs the "most anticipated episode of the season," restaurant wars. To discuss all the delicious details, read more.

How cute was it when Michael picked his bro?
What did you think of the quickfire? Did the blue team win because Jen set them up with a specific dish?
Were you excited for restaurant wars? I was bummed they didn't have to do decor!
Michael V. says that winning restaurant wars is about the execution. Do you agree?
For some reason, I really enjoyed Jen in this episode. I identified with her when she told Tom she was stressed because she thinks she's superwoman and takes on too much. Did you see a different side of her as well?
During restaurant wars, in past seasons, did they have more time to cook?
What exactly is a billi-bi?
Are the producers keeping Robin around because she is the only person who causes drama?
Who worked the front of the house better? Eli or Laurine?
Were you surprised that Tom said Revolt was the best restaurant restaurant wars had ever seen?

Photo courtesy of Bravo

Hello Wars: Star Wars and Hello Kitty Mashed Up, Adorable

GeekSugar — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 13:25:21 -0700

My geeksugar readers, I know some of you love Hello Kitty. And I know some of you love Star Wars. Do you love both?! If so, then meet Hello Wars, a series of stickers that puts Star Wars characters' faces on Hello Kitty faces and then renders them in sticker form!

Each awesome sticker is just $1 each, which means I'll be spending my whole allowance on these and covering my binder with them. I am not too old for stickers.

Give War Powers Back by Asking For Congress's Opinion?

LibertySugar — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 14:30:00 -0700

Adopting some wisdom from America's founding fathers, a bipartisan panel of former US officials concluded that the president should consult Congress before going to war. Congress last officially declared war, as called for in Article I of the Constitution, during World War II.

The National War Powers Commission, led by former secretaries of states James Baker III and Warren Christopher, proposed a law to require a congressional vote of approval or disapproval before the US engages in significant armed conflict for more than a week, except in cases of emergencies. The proposal pushes for cooperation and dialogue between the White House and Congress and imagines a Senate-House group that would assess the president's justification for war along with sensitive intelligence.

The Commission says it doesn't want to solve constitutional complexities; the Constitution holds that Congress declares war and controls funding, while the president is commander-in-chief. But the new law could reaffirm the notion that Congress is the president's war consultant, and not the other way around. Do you think this proposed revamping of war powers goes too far in tying the hands of the president? Or should Congress's unique ability to declare war be completely reasserted?

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Star Wars Quilt: Love It or Leave It?

GeekSugar — Wed, 20 May 2009 15:44:15 -0700

It may be Star Trek mania right now, but I'm still a Star Wars girl as well.

I was smitten with the Star Wars Throw Pillow when I saw it, and now I am equally taken with the coordinating Star Wars Quilt, featuring an embroidered-on Millennium Falcon (on sale for $197 until Monday).

Think about it: it's not like your duvet, so you don't have to commit to it as a decor option. You can stash it in your closet until your next movie night with your geeky significant other, and remain a grown-up, dignity (and fangirldom) intact.

What do you think?

Top Chef Quiz: Restaurant Wars

partysugar — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 10:15:32 -0700

Last night's Top Chef was a good one; the majority of the of the show focused on restaurant wars. It was the first time we saw some of the major players serve bad dishes and one of the few times that the judges were impressed with desserts. Were you paying attention? Find out now and take the quiz!

Photo courtesy of Bravo

Take the quiz

Au Revoir, Sanctuary: Canada Deports US Iraq War Deserter

CitizenSugar — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 09:00:41 -0700

US Army deserter, Robin Long, fled to Canada in 2005 to avoid serving in Iraq. Yesterday, Long was deported back to the US, the first time a resister to the US war effort in Iraq has been sent home by Canadian authorities. Long claims that he fled to avoid participation in an "illegal war of aggression in Iraq."

The judge who heard his case this week, ruled that Long couldn't provide clear evidence he would suffer irreparable harm if he was sent back to the United States. Though Long was sent home, in another deportation case last week the Federal Court blocked the deportation of National Guard Sgt. Corey Glass, 25, who also refused redeployment to Iraq, while it decides whether to hear his case.

Both Long and Glass are part of a group of about 200 American deserters thought to have crossed the northern border to avoid service in Iraq. To this point, Canadian immigration officials and courts have refused to grant them refugee status, with Prime Minister Harper's consent; he's ignored a nonbinding House of Commons motion that would allow the deserters to stay.

To see how this case compares to Vietnam, and the opposition to granting refugee status, read more.

Opponents of granting refugee status to deserters use the Vietnam War as an example, saying that unlike that war, the US currently doesn't have a military draft and deserters are instead volunteers who know the potential risks.

During the Vietnam War, about 90,000 Americans successfully won sanctuary in Canada, most of them there to avoid the military draft. Though some still remain in places like Nelson, British Columbia, the place Long fled to, a majority of the deserters went home after the United States granted amnesty in 1977.

Is the difference between volunteer service and draft, the tipping point in the debate? Is Canada right to send the deserters home?

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