MAY 31, 2007

 Irvin Kirshner In Person At Adventurecon

  ESB fans, be sure to get to Adventurecon in TN this Saturday if you have the
  means to do so.  The director who made Episode IV one of the best (if not
  THE best) chapters of the SW saga will be there in person to sign autographs
  and answer questions.

  For those of you in proximity of the event who don't go, simply hang your head
  in shame...

12:00PM - EST   

  BTDT Weekend Events Calendar

  Thanks to the crew at Toy Shop for this week's update:

Jun 2 2007 ID, Cambridge. 17th Annual Hells Canyon Days Farm Toy Show. High School Gym. SH: 9am-4pm. Larry Anderson, 700 Haas Rd., Weiser, ID 83672. PH: 208-549-1150.

Jun 3 2007 IL, Peoria. Central IL Hot Wheels Club Monthly Swap Meet. YWCA-Lakeview Ctr., 1013 W. Lake Ave. SH: 1pm-3:30pm, A: free. Shane, PH: 309-444-5463.

Jun 3 2007 IL, Moline. Comic Book, Toys, Sports Card Conv. Holiday Inn, 6902 27th St. (by Airport), I-280 & I-74. SH: 9am-4pm, A: $1., under 15 free. John, PH: 309-631-1098 or 762-2474.

Jun 3 2007 MI, Livonia. X-Trava-Con. Knights of Columbus Hall, 19801 Farmington Rd. SH: 10am-4pm, A: $3. Michael Goldman or Gary Bishop, PH: 248-426-8059 or www.motorcityconventions.com

Jun 3 2007 NJ, Wayne. Toy & Collectible Show. Co. #1 Firemen’s Hall, off Rt. 23 N, Lincoln Park Exit, to Parish Dr. SH: 8am-3pm, T: 80, A: $2., under 12 free. Phil De Mario, PH: 973-726-9897.

Jun 2 2007 NC, Raleigh. Southeastern Doll & Bear Extravaganza Christmas In June Show. NC State Fairgrounds, Gov. Holshouser Bldg., 1025 Blue Ridge Dr. SH: 9:30am-3:30pm, A: $4., under 12 free. Gloria or Howard Knight, PH: 803-783-8049 or www.knightshows.com

Jun 1-3 2007 TN, Knoxville. Adventure Con, Collectors Event. Convention Ctr., 701 Henley St. SH: Fri. 1pm-7pm, Sat. 10am-7pm & Sun. 10am-5pm. Las Vegas Autographs, 6055 Emerald Ave., Las Vegas, NV 89122. PH: 702-878-7446 or 800-605-1095 or www.adventurecon.com

Jun 1-2 2007 WV, Wheeling. 2007 Mego Meet. Kruger Street Toy & Train Museum, 144 Kruger St. Allan Miller, 144 Kruger St., Wheeling, WV 26003. PH: 304-242-8133 or www.toyandtrain.com

12:00PM - EST   

  For Things "Not Worth Spit"

  This expression may take on a new meaning this century- at least for UK residents..

12:00PM - EST   

  Robot Chicken Star Wars Update

  In this article, Seth Green describes what it's like to "direct" George Lucas..
  Check it out.

8:00PM - EST   

  Scratching The Surface

  Microsoft's newest invention has been revealed- a table-top computer with a
  touch panel by the name of Surface..  Remember the panels the cops worked
  with in Minority Report?  We're on our way...  The full article here.

12:00PM - EST   

  UGO Talks C4

  Great pics and a great writeup- thanks for sharing, UGO!

7:00AM - EST   

  Another Fanboys Update

  Director Kyle Newman provided more details regarding the delayed debut of this
  film- check it.

7:00AM - EST   

  Call The Police........

  The long-awaited Police reunion tour has begun, and appears to be a
  dream-come-true for hopeful fans.  Check out more here.

7:00AM - EST   

  Gamer Home Improvement Tips: Home Arcade

  You always see homeowner how-to's like upgrading your bathroom, adding
  skylights, even putting up wallpaper- But how about some cool stuff, like adding
  your own personal arcade?

  Check out this article on some folks in Ohio who did just that..  And for those of
  you who haven't seen them already, check out BTDT's writeups on Asteroids and
  Ms. Pac Man.

12:00PM - EST   

  Memorial Day 2007: Thank A Vet

  Sometime today, while you're enjoying your time off from work, school, whatever,
  you have one simple task: thank someone you know who is in or has served in
  the Armed Forces.  That is what today is all about..

  

  Fanboys Footage Shown At C4

  The details on this movie just keep getting better and better.  Here is the
  latest update.

7:00AM - EST   

  Watch Star Wars With The Family

  Wha?  You thought I meant your family?  Check it.

 Unleasht | 6:00PM - EST   

  REMINDER: Star Wars - Legacy Revealed On History Channel

  If you haven't.... seen the posts... seen the TV ads.... heard it on the radio.....
  or had your local Star Wars geek tell you... this event happens tomorrow night,
  5/28, at 9PM.  Set your TiVO's for STUN...

7:00AM - EST   

  BTDT Weekend Events Calendar

  As always, courtesy of Toy Shop magazine:

May 27 2007 CT, Plainville. Comic Book, Toy & Collectible Show. VFW, 7 Northwest Dr. (off Rte. 10). SH: 10am-3pm, T: 40-8’, A: .99. Cliff Gorneault, 1427 Stafford Ave., Bristol, CT 06010. PH: 860-302-0493.

May 27 2007 PA, York. 25th Annual National Toy Show. Old Main Building, York Expo Center, 334 Carlisle Ave. SH: 9am-1pm, T: 200, A: $4. Ron Slyder, PH: 717-880-1772 or Wayne, PH: 717-318-4073.

May 27 2007 IL, Orland Park. Toys, Sports Cards, Cars & More Show. Civic Ctr., 147th St., 1 blk. W. La Grange Rd. SH: 9am-2pm, T: 60-6’, A: $1. John Leary, 9522 W. Shore Dr., Oak Lawn, IL 60453. PH: 708-423-1758.

7:00AM - EST   

  Why You Should Turn Off Your Cell Phone In Meetings

  Vader hates rude people too.  Check it.

7:00AM - EST   

  Anthony Daniels Interviews With BBC

  Check out what "Goldenrod" had to tell BBC here.

7:00AM - EST   

  New He-Man Film Coming

  Producer Joel Silver is taking a crack at breathing new life into a He-Man film-
  But does he............ have................ the POWER................. to keep it from
  being a flop?  The full scoop here.

  I wonder if anyone's called Dolph Lundgren yet..

7:00AM - EST   

  80s Moment: Activision's Guitar Hero Encore: Rocks the 80s

  The latest PS2 offering takes a little trip back in time to the bright colors and
  big hair of the 80s-  check it out.

7:00AM - EST   

  New Rush CD Now In Stores

  The new disc, Snakes and Arrows, is being described as "old-school" Rush and
  includes 3 instrumentals.

  Pick up a copy and judge for yourself.

7:00AM - EST   

  Transformers TV Spot

  Wicked..  Wicked..  Wicked.

7:00AM - EST   

  Some Star Wars Trivia

  30 pieces of trivia on the SW saga have been posted over at BBC- some you
  may know, some you may not..

7:00AM - EST   

  Star Wars: The Force Unleashed Preview

  Forgot to post this over the weekend- some great info on the latest SW game
  in development..

7:00AM - EST   

  Dark Floors - Finland Has Undead Too

  No, it's not the sequel to Thriller- Finnish band Lordi are planning to be involved
  in a feature film production called Dark Floors, due out in Finland by year-end
  2007.  More on the update here.

9:00PM - EST   

  IJ4 Update: Karen Allen Returns?

  The rumor mill over at CHUD is really stepping it up.. details came out regarding
  the possibility of Indiana Jones being involved with Area 51, and now this...

  ***Karen Allen (Marion from ROTLA) might be back to portray Indy's
  partner/wife, and mother of the character being played by Shia LaBoeuf??  Now
  that's alot to swallow in one shot.***

  We'll keep callin' em as we see 'em here at BTDT- it's up to YOU to decide the
  truth..

7:00PM - EST   

  Time To Set Off Some C4... BTDT Style

  It's been all over the news and related that Celebration IV is coming, and every
  Star Wars site on the WWW is planning to bring you some highlights from the
  event-

  BTDT is pleased to announce that we too will be providing a spin on the latest
  Star Wars event to hit the planet..  We will be channeling via BTDT
  correspondent Jade Jedi, making it all the way to C4 from "Down Under",
  Australia. 

  We look forward to bringing you coverage through his eyes, so stay tuned!

7:00PM - EST   

  High Gas Prices?  CHOMP 'Em

  Sick of ridiculous gas prices?  Buy a car that will help you forget about them
  for a little while..

7:00AM - EST   

  ANNNDDDD They're OFF!!

  Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman have officially kicked off their
  cross-continental trip through Africa!  You can track their progress at the new
  official Long Way Down site.  This is gonna be good..

9:00PM - EST   

  New Clone Wars Poster Revealed

  This series just continues to amaze me-  Great poster. Great idea.

9:00PM - EST   

  New Halo III Screens

  The forthcoming carnage continues..

9:00PM - EST   

  25% Off At Hasbro

  HasbroToyShop.com is offering a Friends and Family discount of 25% off and free
  shipping with code FNFSPR7 (expires 5/28/07). To receive the discount, enter the
  coupon code in the grey box on the payment/shipping page, then click the "Adjust
  My Price" button.

7:00AM - EST   

  IJ4 Shooting Location: Yale University + More

  SPOILERS!! It looks like the famous Connecticut college will play a part in the next
  Jones film, according to the New Haven Register.  More details below but spoilers
  are found within, so read on at your own risk!

***Local newspaper The New Haven Register reports that pre-production crews have visited New Haven (the town in which Yale situated) in preparation for a shoot on the town’s Chapel Street. The business district will be redressed to reflect the film’s 1950s time period (an era producer George Lucas already confirmed) as it stands in for a chase sequence in which it is said cars and even a bicycle will take part! According to the New Haven Register (by way of the production), the scene — which takes place early on in the story — is set in 1957. Indiana Jones is being “chased down a transformed Chapel Street into Old Campus, onto High Street and escape briefly through a gate into Branford College.

“Other segments have [star Harrison] Ford on York and Elm streets, roaring out of Sterling Memorial Library, flying into Old Campus through Phelps Gate, breaking up a political rally on the way.”

The sequence sounds like it could be a fun adventure on Indy’s home turf (Burnett College), in the breakneck, everything but the kitchen sink vein of “Raiders of the Lost Ark.”***

  Other sites love to... uh, "borrow" our news, so just remember- you read this at
  BTDT first!

7:00AM - EST   

  Birthday Wishes To Bill Paxton

  Well stop yer grinnin' and drop yer linen!!!  Bill's 52 today..

  BTDT Weekend Events Calendar

  Looking for something different to do this weekend?  Try out one of the below toy
  events, details courtesy of Toy Shop:

May 20 2007 CT, Middletown. Toy Show. Eagles Club, 64 Stack St. SH:
8:30am-11:30pm, A: Free. PH: 860-304-4933.

May 19 2007 FL, Melbourne. The Best Collectible Doll, Toy, Bear & Antique
Show. Azan Shrine Temple, 1591 W. Eau Gallie Blvd. SH: 10am-4pm, A: $3.,
under 12 free. Connie Holland, 324 NW Ontario St., Palm Bay, FL 32907. PH:
321-952-0835 or 243-5179.

May 19 2007 FL, Miami. Collectibles Show. Miccosukee Resort & Gaming, 500 SW
177 Ave. SH: 10am-5pm, A: free. PH: 305-710-6889 or
www.myspace.com/btlcollective

May 20 2007 MA, Taunton. Sport Card & Collectibles Super Show. Holiday Inn
off I-495 on Bay St. SH: 9am-3pm, T: 60, A: $1 over 8 yrs. 3 C¹s Shop, 344
Ashley Blvd., New Bedford, MA 02746. PH: 508-994-7467 or Michael Marcondes,
www.3csshop.com

May 18-20 2007 MI, Novi. Motor City Comic Con. Rock Financial Showplace.
46100 Grand River. A: $20. per day, 5 & under free, Fri. 1:30pm-8pm, Sat.
10:30am-6pm, Sun. 10:30am-5pm. Motor City Conventions, Michael Goldman or
Gary Bishop, PH: 248-426-8059 or www.motorcityconventions.com

May 19 2007 MI, Kalamazoo. 44th Circus Maximus Antique Toy & Pedal Car Show.
Cty. Fairgrounds. SH: 9am-3pm, A: $5. Dee Beimers, 1720 Rupert NE, Grand
Rapids, MI 49525. PH: 616-361-9887.

May 20 2007 MI, Mt.Clemens, Antiques & Collectibles Toy Show/Sale. Gibraltar
Trade Center (North), I-94 to exit at N. River Rd. A: $4. J&J Classic
Productions, Joseph Pellegrino, PH: 586-775-3289 days or 586-790-6290. @May
20 2007 MI, Westland. Motor City Hotwheelers Diecast Show. Wayne-Ford Civic
League, corner of Ford and Wayne Roads. A: $3. LCA@TIR.com or 810-688-3606.

May 20 2007 NJ, Millville. Sports Card, Comic Book & Collectible Show. Elks
Lodge. SH: 10am-3pm, T: 40, A: $2., 12 & under free. PH: 302-559-7962,
www.a2zshows1.com

May 20 2007 NY, Centereach. Records, Toys & Collectibles Show, VFW. 31
Horseblock Rd. off Rte. 25, LIE 62, SH: 10am-4pm, T: 50-6¹ & 8¹, F:
$40.-$50., A: $1., under 6 free. Daniel Fishman, PH: 516-485-1424 or Jack,
PH: 631-772-7071.

May 18-20 2007 NC, Raleigh. 7th Sportscard, Coin & Sports Mem. 3-Day Show.
NC State Fairgrounds, Scott Bldg., 1025 Blue Ridge Rd. SH: Fri. 2pm-7pm,
Sat. 10am-5pm, Sun. 10am-4pm, T: 200, A: $5., 15 & under free. Inside Pitch
Promos., PH: 919-553-4285 or www.insidepitch.com

May 20 2007 PA, New Hope. Doll Show. Firehouse, Rt. 202 & Sugan Rd. SH:
10am-3pm, A: $3., under 12 free. PH: 215-657-2477.

May 19 2007 SC, North Augusta. Doll Show. Community Ctr., 495 Brookside Dr.
SH: 10am-4pm, A: $3., under 12 free. Gloria or Howard Knight, PH:
803-783-8049 or www.knightshows.com

  Happy Birthday, George

  Lucas turns 63 and is still goin' strong.  Happy Birthday...

  Ewan McGregor Goes To The Dark Side

  McGregor will be returning to the London stage, donning the cap of the villain,
  Iago, in Shakespeare's Othello.  The play will be running from 12/23 until Feb
  2008.  The full scoop here.

8:00AM - EST   

  28 Weeks Later Debuts Today

  The sequel to one of the better horror flics to be released recently kicks off
  today.  If you check it out, tell us what you thought!  Official site here.

7:00AM - EST   

  L.A. Declares 5/25 As "Star Wars Day"

  In honor of the 30th anniversary of the film, 5/25 has been deemed
  Star Wars Day in the City of Angels-

  Personally, I think May 19th would have been better, but I don't work for
  Lucasfilm Marketing...  More on the update here.

7:00AM - EST   

  BTDT Weekend Events Calendar

  Check the list for some happenings near you- thanks goes out to Toy Shop for
  the update.

May 12 2007 IL, Orland Park. Toys, Sports Cards, Cars & More Show. Civic Ctr., 147th St., 1 blk. W. La Grange Rd. SH: 9am-2pm, T: 60-6’, A: $1. John Leary, 9522 W. Shore Dr., Oak Lawn, IL 60453. PH: 708-423-1758.

May 13 2007 MO, Bridgeton. ToyMan Toy Show. Machinist Hall, 12365 St. Charles Rock Rd. SH: 9am-2pm, A: $3., 12 & under free. Chris McQuillen, PH: 636-332-0807.

May 12 2007 NJ Woodbridge. Toy Show. Hampton Inn, 370 Rt. 9 North. SH: 10am-4pm, T: 45. Last Century, PO Box 33, Allenwood, NJ 08720, PH: 908-670-9387. www.lastcentury.net.

May 13 2007 IL, Fishkill. Toy & Music Comic Book, Pro Wrestling, Collectorfest! Holiday Inn. SH: 10am-4pm. PH: 914-213-0867 or www.myspace.com/collectorfest

May 12 2007 WA, Wenatchee. Doll & Toy Show. First Presbyterian Church, 1400 S. Miller St. SH: 10am-4pm, A: $2. Gay Auckland, PH: 509-662-5279.

7:00PM - EST   

  Test Your Arcade Game Skills

  So, you think you played your share of arcade games in this lifetime, and have
  become quite the expert, eh?  Let's see how many games you REALLY know.

  Take the Arcade Game Quiz here.

7:00PM - EST   

  BTDT's Game Tip Of The Day

  For those of you on the East Coast who are fellow vintage arcade game owners,
  make sure you either bookmark the following link, or write it on the side of your
  arcade game: Wilmington Home Amusements.

  Scott and the gang do a stellar job on evaluating machine issues, provide
  realistic estimates, and do the necessary work in a lightning-fast turnaround time.
  And did I mention they also have a boatload of machines for RENT and for SALE
  too?  Be sure to check out their site or swing by their showroom.  You'll be glad
  you did..

  Just be sure to let them know you got wind of them from
  beforethedarktimes.com.

10:00PM - EST   

  Lucas On Spiderman III: "Silly"

  In this latest update over at Fox News, George Lucas had the following to
  say: "It's silly. It's a silly movie. There just isn't much there. Once you take it all
  apart, there's not much story, is there?"

  Strong words from a guy who not only created Jar Jar, but thought it would
  be a great expansion of character to make Chewie yell like Tarzan in 2 separate
  Star Wars films...

12:00PM - EST   

  We Are Experiencing Technicron Difficulties...  Please Stand By.

  Been to Technicron yet?  NO??  And you call yourself a TF fan...  Pffft.

6:00PM - EST   

  Star Wars On Bagpipes

  AC/DC managed to pull it off, but this is pushing it just a little..

  Unleasht | 6:00PM - EST   

  Star Wars Noted As Top Film Obsession By Sky Movies

  Now there's something we didn't know, right?  More on the update here.

6:00PM - EST   

  "When you learn to quiet your mind, you will hear them speaking to you.."

  It looks like fans of the Fallout game saga will have the opportunity to hear
  Liam Neeson speaking to them- Neeson will be assisting with his voice talents by
  playing the pivotal role of a player's as-of-yet unnamed father, who will make
  prominent appearances throughout the course of the game.

  More on the scoop here, and thanks to GamePro for the update.

6:00PM - EST   

  The Many Flavors Of Gaming

  Gaming has come leagues since its first days of vintage arcades, Atari, and blippy
  handhelds- but even though many flavors of gaming exist today, virtually all are
  still alive and well.  Join in on our latest poll and share which type of gaming YOU
  enjoy most!

6:00PM - EST   

  BTDT Name That Character #62

  Take your best shot- and hint: it's NOT Duran Duran..

3:00PM - EST   

  Bid On The General

  Got $6MM you don't know what to do with?  An original Dukes General Lee can be
  yours...

4:00PM - EST   

  LaBoeuf: The Indiana Jones Workout

  Shia LaBoeuf tells People magazine about his attempts to get in shape for IJ4-
  Workout includes:

*zombie push-aways: 100
*hanging on front of your truck for 30 min.: 1
*Egyptian leg squats (large statue required): 10

  See the article here.

7:00AM - EST   

  Star Wars TV Update: 2009

   According to a recent interview with Rick McCallum at ToscheStation.nl,
  Star Wars TV may not make its debut on the small screen until 2009.  More
  here.

7:00AM - EST   

  Get Outta My Head - For Real

  Ever thought a toy would be able to read your brain activity?  Check this out.

7:00AM - EST