tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16221034095498329792024-03-08T13:09:51.141-08:00Todd & Jessica's droid blogBuilding a life size R2D2 can be challenging, fun and most important of all ADDICTIVE.
Having built many model airplanes over the years as well as being a auto body mechanic building an R2 unit is just right up my alley.
3cc39f7bd257a22196b68a968a1a31c9b6ad438b2e036a06a7Todd Bixbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03775572055092910429noreply@blogger.comBlogger18125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1622103409549832979.post-19631414852664243632013-09-01T20:54:00.000-07:002013-09-01T21:36:56.745-07:00Don't break my art my ache breaky maker's faire art.....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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"More than 2500 people attended the <a href="http://www.makerfaireorlando.com/" target="_blank">Orlando Mini Maker Faire</a> at the Central Florida Fairgrounds on Saturday, May 26, 2012." - <a href="http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2012-06-11/news/os-maker-faire-hackerspace-enthusiasts-share-ideas-20120611_1_science-center-exhibit-first-robotics-hackers" target="_blank">Orlando Sentinel</a><br />
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I wish I had my photos from Last years Orlando's Mini Maker's faire. I stole a couple from friends to post <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42607504@N00/sets/72157635338827764/" target="_blank">here</a>. Last year was the first one in Orlando and it was a huge hit. I've always been a fan of the things people make and those that know my husband know he's always making something. So naturally this place was like coming home. <a href="http://pbled.org/2013-orlando-mini-maker-faire/" target="_blank">Palm Beach LED</a> describes the Maker's faire the best, "Celebrating Central Florida’s Innovation, Invention, and DIY spirit! This Mini Maker Faire is a community-organized celebration featuring local DIY science and technology, rockets, robots, arts, crafts, and music."<br />
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This year the faire is being held at the <a href="http://www.osc.org/" target="_blank">Orlando Science Center</a> on October 5th. You can get your tickets <a href="http://www.osc.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=145&Itemid=225" target="_blank">here </a>or at the door. This year they've been holding mini maker's faires for the past couple of months building up to the main event. One of these events was <a href="http://toddjessicasdroidblog.blogspot.com/2013/08/here-comes-automatons.html" target="_blank">Robot Days</a>. This was really a lot of fun. Although everything that was most impressive I was really quite surprised by the kids who built robots and made them run. These brilliant kids were enthusiastic to show & explain what their robots could do.<br />
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So what to expect from the main event? Well last year I wasn't sure what to expect. I'd seen tons of photos about the maker faires on the west coast, but being a new event here in Orlando my largest fear was it would be a flop. Never have I been happier that my biggest fear didn't occur. With over 100 exhibits and 2500 attendees, it was a major success.<br />
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One of the things I really enjoyed was <a href="http://familab.org/" target="_blank">FamiLab's</a> table. No one ever taught me how to solder but I had done it before. (Mostly cause I'm cheap & decided to fix electronics instead of tossing it.) They had this table set up where you bought a simple light up kit and they walked you through the steps on how to solder it. Although no one has really stated what they are planning to do for this year's main event I can only imagine. I know I'll it'll be difficult going between my own duties at the event and checking out all the following cool things listed on the Maker's site. (To see the full list of maker exhibits click <a href="http://www.makerfaireorlando.com/makers/" target="_blank">here</a>.)<br />
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While looking over the site's list I can't wait to see the rockets, learn what a <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w5qf9O6c20o" target="_blank">theremin</a> is, learn about the Dark Sky Festival, what hacker spaces are used for, Special effects make-up workshop, Lock pick Village, Steampunk creations and assorted 3D printers, just to name a few.<br />
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By the way fellow makers I plan to bring a box of misc stuff for other makers to have that I don't want or need. Can't wait to see what people make.<br />
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Here are a few articles from last year's faire<br />
<a href="http://orlandoweekly.com/arts/culture/orlando-mini-maker-faire-1.1319504" target="_blank">Orlando Mini Maker Faire</a> - Orlando Weekly<br />
<a href="http://www.gabotronics.com/news/orlando-mini-maker-faire.htm" target="_blank">Orlando Mini Maker Faire</a> - Gabotronics<br />
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<br />Todd Bixbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03775572055092910429noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1622103409549832979.post-77385070553129152152013-08-07T16:09:00.000-07:002013-08-07T16:47:00.604-07:00Here comes the automatons! <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.15; white-space: pre-wrap;">Last year we attended the first </span><a href="http://vimeo.com/43234241" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.15; white-space: pre-wrap;" target="_blank">Orlando Maker’s faire</a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.15; white-space: pre-wrap;">. It was a real blast. You had all kinds of electronics, art, music, projects.... I could go on & on over the things I saw. </span></div>
<b id="docs-internal-guid-0f793f72-5ab9-dcf8-b5b9-0e4a4a10dc7e" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></b>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This year Maker’s Faire will be at the <a href="http://www.osc.org/index.php" target="_blank">Orlando Science Center</a> on <a href="http://www.osc.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1102:orlando-mini-maker-faire&catid=16:events&Itemid=139" target="_blank">October 5th</a>. The faire is included with the regular Science Center’s admission ticket. As a lead up to the main event the Science Center has been hosting Mini Maker Days. This weekend August 10th is Robot Days. So of course there will be several R2D2’s and other <a href="http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Astromech_droid" target="_blank">Astromechs </a>there. </span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></b>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">So in anticipation of the event I felt like focusing on robots. They are so fascinating on so many levels. I love how people express this interest in robots such as art work. In art it’s limitless like artists <a href="http://robotenvy.wordpress.com/gallery/" target="_blank">Robot Envy</a>, <a href="http://rustyrobots.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/red-tribe-identification-guide.html" target="_blank">Rusty Robots</a> and <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/robotsareawesome" target="_blank">Robots are Awesome</a>. Each Artist is unique. Robot Envy’s artwork has such a variety as the real robots of today. Some look retro while others look new age or even charismatic. Rusty Robots by <a href="http://spacecowsmith.blogspot.co.uk/2013/07/commission-robot-wedding-cake-topper.html" target="_blank">Space Cow Smith</a> are nightly. Robots are Awesome, is fun loving, quirky and brings a smile to your face. It’s funny how something mechanical almost feels human. </span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></b>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">But the obsession with robots doesn't stop there. It’s hard to believe that the fascination with robots goes back to the 1700’s. These first early robots were called <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Automaton" target="_blank">automatons</a>. Some of these early creations are intricate that the engineering involved with some of them have been lost over the years. It’s hard to believe that their creation is due to watchmakers trying to show off their skills. Some are so intricate they could not only right & draw they could perform and juggle. It’s amazing to believe that such creations existed so long ago. At the time of their creation these early robots were a status symbol of high society. I’ll include a couple of links to these early robots. Some are so life like. </span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></b>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Today’s robots are nothing like what we pictured but they are coming along. Sure we have robots that can do a <a href="http://news.discovery.com/tech/robotics/robot-artist-paints-portraits-120220.htm" target="_blank">sketch</a> of someone but it’s amazing what we are able to do with the robots of today. Just recently in the news this past week has been about robots to assist <a href="http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Asia-Pacific/2013/0805/Japan-s-one-small-step-for-robots-one-giant-leap-for-robot-kind-video" target="_blank">astronauts</a>, <a href="http://www.medicaldaily.com/articles/17860/20130728/molecular-robots-offer-better-targeted-therapies-cancer.htm" target="_blank">Surgeons </a>and even <a href="http://newswatch.nationalgeographic.com/2013/08/05/swimming-robot-tested-for-billion-mile-trip-to-saturn-moon/" target="_blank">explore for us in areas we can’t go</a>. </span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></b>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">All in all I think what most people find fascinating is that they work and how. Many of us don’t think we are capable of building a robot till we actually meet someone who has built one. Sure it can be as simple as a Rolling MP3 player with arms or a <a href="http://www.wowwee.com/en/products/toys/robots/robotics/robosapiens/robosapien" target="_blank">childs toy that can talk think and move on it’s own</a>. The possibilities are endless. I think of all the things robots have inspired I hope to see what people create & bring to Robot Days and what inspirations will occur from this event. </span></div>
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<a href="http://www.insidethemagic.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/transformers-the-ride-3d-optimus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="126" src="http://www.insidethemagic.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/transformers-the-ride-3d-optimus.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<center><a href="https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?button_hashtag=robots&text=Here%20comes%20the%20%23automatons!%20%40robot_envy%20%40spacecowsmith%20%40RobotsAwesome%20%40OrlMakerFaire%20%23astromech%20%40orlandoscience%20%40jgreenhood" class="twitter-hashtag-button">Tweet #robots</a>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As promised here are some links on automatons and some other robot news you might find interesting.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=7396770n" target="_blank">Lost art of Automatons alive again</a></span></div>
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<a href="http://io9.com/the-mechanical-beauty-of-early-automatons-509247280" target="_blank">The Mechanical Beauty of Early Automatons</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.fi.edu/learn/sci-tech/automaton/automaton.php?cts=instrumentation" target="_blank">Maillardet's Automaton</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.darkroastedblend.com/2010/12/amazing-automatons-victorian-robots.html" target="_blank">Amazing Automatons: Ancient Robots & Victorian Androids</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/robots-are-getting-closer-to-having-humanlike-abilities-and-senses/2013/08/05/61cb3cdc-8d9d-11e2-9838-d62f083ba93f_story.html" target="_blank">Robots are getting closer to having humanlike abilities and senses</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.dnaindia.com/bangalore/1870007/report-bangalore-making-robots-is-child-s-play-indeed" target="_blank">Bangalore: Making robots is child's play indeed</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.explodingbacon.com/1902-blog/" target="_blank">Exploding Bacon Robotics Club</a></div>Todd Bixbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03775572055092910429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1622103409549832979.post-37488460749798420842011-04-07T19:07:00.000-07:002011-04-07T19:07:54.743-07:00Tay Sach’s Disease: Quest for a Cure.<div style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">For such a small droid R2 has such a large heart. Kind of like Bruce Wayne in Batman people think he’s just loves to party and go to conventions. Like so many other droids he brings hope to those in need. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">So last Friday, April 1st, Todd got a flier about a Spaghetti Dinner fundraiser for Kaleb’s Cure and offered to bring R2. I’d like to thank Fountain Automall for sharing the flyer to it’s employees as Tom Kaleb ‘s grandfather works for them. So if your in the Orlando/Winter Garden Florida area please come by. For more info you can visit them on </span><a href="http://apps.facebook.com/causes/posts/698889"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000099; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Facebook </span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">or the site about </span><a href="http://ogdenfamily.weebly.com/"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000099; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Ogden Family</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Let me forewarn you that you really need a box of tissues next to you when you start reading about this disease. My heart goes out to Kaleb and The Ogden family. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Some refer to Tay-Sachs as a Jewish disease and as such I’ve heard of the disease but never really knew anything about it. I grew up always thinking that only descendants of Ashkenazi Jews are at risk but I was wrong. Granted it’s a rare disease and only about 16 case are diagnosed a year in the US but you’d be surprised. Granted the highest risk group is Ashkenazi Jews, French Canadians and Louisiana Cajuns. But 1 in 250 from the general population carry the gene. That is kind of frightening. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Well, now that I have your attention, what is the disease? It’s a rare genetic Lipid storage disorder. So what does that mean? Well, Fatty waste products build up in the brain cells causing them to swell and die. Sadly symptoms do not start to show till about 6-7months old. There is no cure for it. It is always fatal and sadly children diagnosed with the disease rarely live to see their 4th birthday. Sadly because it is a genetic disease associated with a particular ethnic background it gets misdiagnosed. There are tests that can be done to find out if you are a carrier as well as prenatal tests for the fetus. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Just remember even if you are diagnosed as a carrier doesn’t mean you can’t have children. Even if both parents are carriers there is only a 25% chance of the child getting Tay-Sachs. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Much isn’t known about the disease and there appears to be other variations of the disease. So I do hope that we see you </span><a href="http://ogdenfamily.weebly.com/events.html"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000099; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Saturday at 271 West Plant St in Winter Garden</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> but, even if you are unable to go there are many other ways you can help even if it is not much. If you use Facebook you can watch videos where watching the video earns money for the cause. You can also donate via paypal to help with Kaleb’s medical epenses or donating at one of the charities listed </span><a href="http://ogdenfamily.weebly.com/donations-resources---contact-us.html"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000099; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">there</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. </span></div><div style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">(Referense sites: </span><a href="http://kidshealth.org/parent/medical/genetic/tay_sachs.html"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000099; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">KidsHealth from Nemours</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, </span><a href="http://019221f.netsolhost.com/carrierstats.shtml"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000099; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Cure Tay-Sachs Foundation</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tay%E2%80%93Sachs_disease"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000099; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">WikipediA</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000099; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="http://www.tay-sachs.org/taysachs_disease.php">National Tay-Sachs & Allied Disease</a>)</span></div>Todd Bixbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03775572055092910429noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1622103409549832979.post-69582123562136271632011-03-17T06:17:00.000-07:002011-03-17T06:17:45.091-07:00I once was blind but now I see!<center><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/412twTQfxeE?fs=1" allowfullscreen="" width="480" frameborder="0" height="295"></iframe></center>Todd Bixbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03775572055092910429noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1622103409549832979.post-2852873815427007892011-03-10T18:02:00.000-08:002011-03-14T17:36:43.709-07:00How to be a relationship JEDI!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/168909_10150132893931251_140993821250_8366632_5622593_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/168909_10150132893931251_140993821250_8366632_5622593_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I know it's weird of me to say but most churches creep me out. Not sure why I've only had 1 bad experience at a church. So believe me when I say that the event we did last night at <a href="http://www.journeychristian.com/">Journey Christian Church</a> was a blast! And I wasn't creeped out at all!<br />
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Before I go into about the event, I must say how impressed I was with this church. I think my Aunt Pam and Uncle Harold would love this church. When you first pull up to this place it's absolutely huge and gorgeous. Most people think of churches as triangular with stained glass windows and polished hard wooden pews. Not this one. The architecture of the building is just quite amusing. I can't even describe it and now I'm so sorry I didn't take a picture of it. I for see a road trip out there just to get a picture of it. When you first walk in there is a huge lobby with some chairs and tables for people to gather at. I didn't see the entire place but I was very impressed with the auditorium where they had the event and the chapel. Both had a very nice layout no such thing as a bad seat in either room. Lots of nice audio and visual equipment as well. I was most impressed with the baptism area off on the side of the chapel. (By this point I was impressed with the building but who knew I'd be so impressed with the children from it's congregation. I will honestly admit I was prepared for the worst and so glad I was wrong.)<br />
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Now normally I guess one should find out more about a place before they do an event but I have to admit I had no clue about Journey and must admit that they are not what I would have expected. The name of the event was, "How to be a relationship JEDI". It's part of their youth program called <a href="http://www.reverbyouth.com/">Reverb</a>. Although we didn't go into the auditorium during the meeting it was fun to hear the kids inside be all excited. I believe it was either Amie or Matt that told me that it was about building relationships and that tonights meeting was about serving others. I can't help but say that is a tough stance for a church to take. Although Aime said it best when she said, "that doing the right thing is not always easy". In today's society you see so many of our youth throw their lives away with wreckless decisions. Not to mention so many parents are to busy to be parents and talk to their children about building relationships. Although I don't have children of my own I've met so many wonderful kids over the years and have to admit that it breaks my heart when I see them going for a relationship that B9, from lost in space would scream, "Danger!". So if you live in the Orlando area and are looking for a church that has family values on their agenda I highly recommend checking them out. I also have to say I really enjoyed my conversation with Aime and learned from her and the many inquisitive children what a great place this was. I also have to admit I really enjoyed watching the videos they've done on relationships.<br />
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I have to admit that tying in Star Wars as a theme for the night was a great idea. The kids were all so well behaved and the middle schoolers had a million questions. Sadly some I couldn't even answer. At sometimes the kids couldn't tell which were they more excited about the Storm Troopers, Commander Rex or the Astromech Units. I couldn't believe how much fun I had talking with everyone that I forgot to take pictures. (Which is so unlike me! Well, I did take a few pictures.)<br />
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I have to say one of my favorite parts of the night was when I took R7's head off. I remember as a child how being smart and being intrigued about science and electronics was frowned on by my peers. So I really got a kick out of the swarm of kids and adult who came over to look.<br />
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For more information on Journey Christian Church you can check out their <a href="http://journeychristian.com/Journey_Christian_Church.html">main site</a> or find them on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/journeyapopka?sk=info">Facebook</a>. For more info on their youth program Reverb you can visit their <a href="http://reverbyouth.wordpress.com/2011/03/11/star-wars-theme-night/">main site</a> or find them on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/REVERByouth?sk=wall">Facebook </a>as well.<br />
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As a side note I'd like to say it's always a pleasure to work with the 501st! I'd also like to thank Jim Quinlan for let Matt know about the group here in FL. Thanks so much Matt for having us it was a blast. If you guys ever have a need for us just ask. Also want to say thanks to all the kids for being so well behaved. You make your parents proud.Todd Bixbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03775572055092910429noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1622103409549832979.post-53212236247067800232011-03-10T12:31:00.000-08:002011-03-10T12:31:48.943-08:00The many faces of R2<center><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Rb1Mc0cQ7ck?fs=1" width="425"></iframe></center><br />
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Many people know R2 when they see him but few know that he's more than just some famous droid from Star Wars. Many don't know about all the great things he does when he's not busy hang out with fans at the many conventions held around the world.<br />
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Recently another individual who owns an R2-D2 made an egotistical comment about how they built their droid for charity purposes and invited an R2 Builder to join them or do charity events too. Well, it's been a few days since I read those comments and it infuriated me beyond belief. Especially since not only does that individual do a lot of charity events with their droid but so do so many other R2 builders. I know you guys don't go boasting about your accomplishments and how awesome you are for doing events for this charity or that but I felt that you guys deserve recognition. The video above of <a href="http://vfranco.blogspot.com/">Victor Franco's build of his R2</a> shows tons of charity events that he's attended with R2.<br />
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We all know how wordy I get when I go on a tangent but I decided to see what I could find as to what the droids have been up to. There are so many stories of how droids will ruin our lives and take over the worlds but with so many kind and caring droids like <a href="http://www.r2kt.com/birth/birthofadroid.html">R2-KT</a> it's hard to think that machines will bring our doom. In the long run I think it's their compassion to inspire and bring joy to the lives of children and adults that will help us live a better life. It's saying something when even a toy company is compelled to make an <a href="http://www.giftsanddec.com/article/526808-Hasbro_creates_charity_action_figure.php">action figure</a> of this much beloved droid.<br />
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Oh and who can forget about when Paul accompanied <a href="http://www.wabi.tv/news/13138/r2d2-visits-young-patients-at-emmc">R2 at the Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor</a>. They say that laughter makes you live longer as well as there is no better medicine for sick children than the laughter and smiles that come from seeing a "real live R2 unit". Paul has accompanied R2 on many other similar benefits and just viewing the laughter and smiles on <a href="http://paulsr2d2.blogspot.com/">Paul's blog</a> from these events is so heart warming one heart might burst!<br />
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Now granted all these stories were mostly in the US but I have 1 more I'd like to mention that is from the United Kingdom. <a href="http://www.podpadk9.blogspot.com/">Mark Enwright's</a> statement in an <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/local/wiltshire/hi/people_and_places/newsid_8963000/8963704.stm">interview with the BBC</a> about sums up the best part of building the droids. He said, "Building these kinds of robots is very self-indulgent, so getting the opportunity to raise money for charities using these builds is very satisfying". Mark you are so right!<br />
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Well, I feel better now and just one last thing to say to you guys.... Your droids are awesome and inspiring. Thank you for being so generous to donate your time for so many great and wonderful causes. I look forward to seeing what you guys do next. :DTodd Bixbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03775572055092910429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1622103409549832979.post-83392550648068803722011-03-02T12:22:00.000-08:002011-03-03T14:34:49.091-08:00Wizard World's Miami Comic ConThe convention was a blast I had so much fun! To bad gas prices sky rocketed that week.<br />
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The convention took place at <a href="http://www.macc.com/">(MACC) Miami Airport Convention Center</a>. I don't know if <a href="http://megaconvention.com/">Megacon</a> does a red carpet event but I thought it was a cute idea. Especially since everyone waiting to get in gets to see the stars, cosplay and fan groups as well. I think it gives them a taste of what they can find inside. I really loved <a href="http://urbanronin.org/">Urban Ronin's</a> Stunt Team's red carpet entrance. Granted they almost ran me over but I think that's what made it so much more fun. There's nothing like a good front seat to fight.<br />
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<div style="text-align: left;"></div>One of the other things I liked about the red carpet entrance was the boys got to go out there with their droids. I think we were a big hit not just on the carpet but on the floor as well. I probably say this all the time but there is nothing like seeing kids & kids with 18 yrs or more experience face's light up at the site of the droids. Each one of our droids was different and had their own thing.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://vvoice.vo.llnwd.net/e9/wizard-world-comic-con-at-miami-airport-convention-center.6029925.87.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://vvoice.vo.llnwd.net/e9/wizard-world-comic-con-at-miami-airport-convention-center.6029925.87.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>I know one thing none of us will forget is this cute girl from the picture on the left. That girl was so cute and loved the droids so much. She couldn't believe their were 2 R2-D2's. When she did the Leia scene everyone had to take pictures of her. I don't think Todd will ever forget her reaction the first time he played the Leia message for her. Her eyes got as big as saucers, clenched her hands to each side of her face with a look of amazement. I also don't think either of us will forget <a href="http://www.theborderhounds.com/">Brimstone and the Borderhounds</a> comic book. They signed it and gave it to R2. There is a picture of it on <a href="http://paulinasplechta.blogspot.com/2011/02/miami-comic-con-2011.html?showComment=1298899794746#c8922739646442737325">Paulina Splechta's Photography blog</a>.<br />
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I don't think Mark will forget all the kids dancing to his and Fletch's R2-D2's Cantina song. People ooh'd and aah'd over Blake's R2-X2. They really enjoy being able to see the inner workings of the droid. Mark and I were both amazed at how many kids knew the different droids. I thought it was a great idea of Mark to have brought photo from Celebration V. It was a major hit. Can you believe people are still talking about <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6Rer7WQ1MQ">Miyamoto's R2</a>.<br />
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One of my favorite parts of the convention was that people thought it was cool that my R7 played other songs besides Astromech sounds. Although the absolute best part was getting a hug from <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001368/">Ernie Hudson</a>. It's nice to meet people who are really nice. My worst moment at the con was being told my droid was the gay droid because of an upside down purple triangle. Grrr it just irritated me. No offense but what happen to the earing thing or rainbows? Although that is silly cause I like rainbows too! I did feel a little bad about being agitated by the comment but oh well. Best complement we received was from one of the vendors. They said that the droids really made the convention a lot of fun. A lot of the vendors will also be at Megacon so they are now looking forward to that even more.<br />
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Some lessons I've learned not just from this convention but other conventions I've done is make sure your foot motors are on a separate switch. We did have an incident where the throttle on their droid's foot motors was not in the neutral position and took off and hit my droid. No damage done and I was glad it was my droid who isn't finished instead of one of the guys. Another important lesson is to have relays for your foot motors so you don't blow the speed control.<br />
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My only regret is that the main <a href="http://astromech.net/">Astromech.net</a> site is down. Luckily we have a local forum cause apparently there is a demand for builders in Miami. Some even stated the only reason they didn't start was cause they didn't know of any others in that area. Sadly it does seem we are lacking builders in southern Florida and well, Orlando, Tampa and Brandon are all long trips from Miami.<br />
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Any way if you missed out on going or want to see more pictures here's some links and videos that were not previously mentioned.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">In the news</span></b></div><a href="http://www.soulofmiami.org/2011/02/27/photographs-of-wizard-world-comic-con-on-22611/">Soul of Miami: Photographs of Wizard World Comic Con on 2/26/2011</a><br />
<a href="http://www.miaminewtimes.com/slideshow/wizard-world-comic-con-at-miami-airport-convention-center-32670182">Miami NewsTimes: Wizard World Comic Con at Miami Airport Convention Center</a><br />
<a href="http://blogs.miaminewtimes.com/cultist/2011/03/were_better_than_vegas_comic_c.php">Comic Con Celebrities Who Love and Hate Us</a><br />
<a href="http://www.insidethemagic.net/2011/02/recap-wizard-world-presents-first-ever-miami-comic-con-bringing-celebrities-collectibles-and-costumed-attendees-to-south-florida/">Recap: Wizard World presents first-ever Miami Comic Con bringing celebrities, collectibles, and costumed attendees to South Florida</a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>YouTube & other Videos</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jiqLQbnU9Gs">Southern R2 Builders Group Interview</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XQxaFm6VPc8">R2 Droids at Miami Comic Con</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q6LUyvftk0U">2011 Comic Con Walk around Miami</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1GfOvuUQ8xw">Urbnpop goes to Wizard Miami Comic Con</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZGUYMFzxIp0">Miami Comic Con Wizard World</a><br />
<a href="http://msnlatino.telemundo.com/entretenimiento/Crossover/video_player?uuid=e8f2b875-21e8-4741-812b-aea36a1ae14b">Entrevista exclusiva con R2D2</a> (Exclusive interview with R2D2)</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Blogs</span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.epbot.com/2011/03/2011-miami-comic-con.html">Epbot: 2011 Miami Comic Con</a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.epbot.com/2011/02/cinderella-r2d2-and-tasha-yar.html">Epbot: Cinderella, R2D2, and Tasha Yar</a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Pictures</span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tags/wizardworld/">Flicker</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><embed flashvars="host=picasaweb.google.com&hl=en_US&feat=flashalbum&RGB=0x000000&feed=https%3A%2F%2Fpicasaweb.google.com%2Fdata%2Ffeed%2Fapi%2Fuser%2F106148719267525286568%2Falbumid%2F5579512888286105793%3Falt%3Drss%26kind%3Dphoto%26hl%3Den_US" height="192" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" src="https://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/bin/slideshow.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="288"></embed></div>Todd Bixbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03775572055092910429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1622103409549832979.post-6874344686733036122011-02-25T18:06:00.000-08:002011-02-25T18:06:24.033-08:00ocala coin show.wmv<iframe width="480" height="295" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/586vj3aTeXQ?fs=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><div><br /></div><div>Had a blast taking R7 to the coin show. Next stop Wizard Con!</div>Todd Bixbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03775572055092910429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1622103409549832979.post-24691979262532347072011-02-10T21:32:00.000-08:002011-02-10T21:32:38.578-08:00Wizard World Comic ConOk so I've got a ton of footage to edit on R7 and been uber busy with the shop. Just did a Coin show and of course had to show R7 off. I should learn not to talk about R2 they want both to be there next year. LOL<br />
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Any way main purpose for posting. Although it's short notice we will be at Wizard Con in Miami. It's a touring con. I'm excited to go especially hearing how much fun the one in New Orleans was. Ok so Miami is not New Orleans but I'm still excited. The look of joy and excitement on the kids faces (& kids with 18 plus years experience) is what makes building the droid fun. Sure my R7 is my alter ego and many of the droid builders do use their droids for charity events but I have to say the wow and ooooh factor is very addictive. So I think it's just a taste of what it's like to be Todd. (Everyone ooohs and ahhhs over everything he does. Kind of a midas touch thing except instead of gold you have something amazing! Which is so much better than gold.)<br />
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Ok so here's some info on the event and look forward to seeing you guys there. I promise to attempt to try to find time to post more. Besides who needs sleep? I'll get plenty when I'm old and can't do anything.<br />
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Link: <a href="http://www.wizardworld.com/miami.html">http://www.wizardworld.com/miami.html</a><br />
Facebook: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/miamicomiccon?sk=wall&filter=12">http://www.facebook.com/miamicomiccon?sk=wall&filter=12</a><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: arial; font-size: 12px;"><b><a href="http://macc.com/" style="color: #1963ae; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Miami Airport Convention Center (MACC)</a></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: arial; font-size: 12px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: arial; font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: arial; font-size: 12px;">711 N.W. 72nd Avenue</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: arial; font-size: 12px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: arial; font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: arial; font-size: 12px;">Miami, FL 33126</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: arial; font-size: 12px;"><br />
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</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: arial; font-size: 12px;">Join tens of thousands of fellow fans as they converge on the Miami Airport Convention Center (MACC) at Miami Comic Con to celebrate the best in pop culture. Miami Comic Con brings it all - Movies, Comics, Toys, Video Gaming, Games, TV, Horror, Wrestling, MMA, Original Art, Collectibles, Anime, Manga & More! This is Florida's best new Comic Con! Miami Comic Con is brought to you by the group who produces the most widely attended Comic Con tour!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: arial; font-size: 12px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: arial; font-size: 12px;"><b>**All show tickets will be e-mailed AND available as a pdf file after purchase.**</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: arial; font-size: 12px;"><br />
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</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: arial; font-size: 12px;">Show Hours:</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: arial; font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: arial; font-size: 12px;">Saturday, February 26, 2011 - 10am - 7pm</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: arial; font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: arial; font-size: 12px;">Sunday, February 27, 2011 - 10am - 5pm</span>Todd Bixbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03775572055092910429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1622103409549832979.post-69990048330088054122011-01-04T16:59:00.000-08:002011-01-04T16:59:36.965-08:00Arm update<iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/KJ5v7KccnVU?fs=1" frameborder="0" height="295" width="480"></iframe>Todd Bixbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03775572055092910429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1622103409549832979.post-76707926080225393272011-01-01T09:55:00.000-08:002011-01-01T09:55:29.614-08:00R2D2 Computer prob working!<iframe width="480" height="295" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/I5V15Cthths?fs=1" frameborder="0"></iframe>Todd Bixbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03775572055092910429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1622103409549832979.post-23544812842720620812010-09-26T19:16:00.000-07:002010-09-26T19:16:44.344-07:00Build A Bear - Star Wars Event<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ZE2Virubkks/TJzuzQmUU7I/AAAAAAAAClM/qWbmDTERQCA/s1600/swbear.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ZE2Virubkks/TJzuzQmUU7I/AAAAAAAAClM/qWbmDTERQCA/s1600/swbear.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://build%20a%20bear%20-%20star%20wars%20event/">Build A Bear - Star Wars Event</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Oh my goodness this was our first non convention event with R2 and it was so much fun. My jaw and sides hurt from laughing so hard. The kids and the Storm Troopers from the 501st Legion were so funny.<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><embed flashvars="host=picasaweb.google.com&hl=en_US&feat=flashalbum&RGB=0x000000&feed=http%3A%2F%2Fpicasaweb.google.com%2Fdata%2Ffeed%2Fapi%2Fuser%2F106148719267525286568%2Falbumid%2F5521396809764169489%3Falt%3Drss%26kind%3Dphoto%26hl%3Den_US" height="267" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" src="http://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/bin/slideshow.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="400"></embed></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Oddest moment of the day was being stopped by Mall Security as soon as we entered the Mall. Apparently they were not informed of the event. Did you know you have to have a 3 million insurance policy? I don't know if this is with all malls but I'm sure it is with all Simon Malls. So we were instructed that we were not allowed to drive the droid out side of the store. Luckily it wasn't a big ordeal. Although we did feel bad telling the Apple Store Employees that we couldn't bring him over there before we left. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Cutest moment of the day.... Well, that's so hard to choose. Kids showing there new bears to the Storm Troopers as well as R2. Kids standing on their tippy toes to see who is inside R2. The little girls asking Todd a million questions about R2. Or the little girl who wanted a hug from the Storm Trooper. I've learned from some fellow builders, Syrena & Brad that sometimes the troopers get pinched and so that's why they do the high 5. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Funniest moment is when people dance to any of the various songs R2 plays. So far we had a mother and daughter dancing together for part of the Cantina song. But nothing tops a Storm Trooper holding a C3P0 Bear and dancing. Although I do have to share one conversation I over heard between a father and his son. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">The kid asked, "What is R2 saying?".</div><div style="text-align: center;">The father replied, "I don't know. We need C3P0 to tell us and he's not here."</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">The saddest moment of the day well there really is 2 saddest moments. As it gets later in the day kids get rowdier & rough and start smacking R2. Not to hard but I wasn't to pleased with it. The other sad moment was when we were leaving R2 scared this girl who had to be 8 or 9. She was so scared that she was hiding behind her father crying. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">All in all I have to say it was a blast and I got a bear for my niece who is due in December. If you ever want to do something fun with your kids or for a birthday party I highly recommend this place. I'd also like to take a moment to send a special Thanks to the Orlando 501st for letting us join them and look forward to accompanying them at the Verizon R2 Droid phone release on Wednesday. </div>Todd Bixbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03775572055092910429noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1622103409549832979.post-21319506360807059662010-09-13T14:55:00.000-07:002010-10-02T17:40:06.511-07:00In the news....<div><br />
</div><div>I know haven't updated the blog in a long time. Now that Celebration V is over it's time to take a break and catch up. I did have a lot of fun as it was our first time going to one. I really enjoyed the costumes and how well the different groups designed their sets. It's amazing how diverse the backgrounds of the other fan groups mirror the R2 builders group. You have costume makers, programmers, technician, mechanics & more. I think the best part of a convention is getting to know some of the people you bumped into at the convention. Many I have to admit found me.</div><div><br />
</div><div>One thing I like to do is look at the pictures posted on the facebook groups. It's a blast. So I hope more folks add their pictures to <a href="http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=511491691#!/starwarscelebration?v=wall&ref=ts">Star Wars Celebration</a>.</div><div><br />
Don't use facebook? Don't want to go Pro on Flickr? It's ok. There are sites setup by several papers wanting Star Wars Celebration pictures. Here are a few of them. (I've also added my best clear pictures to them)<br />
<ul><li><a href="http://www.orlandosentinel.com/entertainment/orl-star-wars-convention-orlando-pictures-ugc,0,4748964.ugcphotogallery">Orlando Sentinel </a></li>
</ul>The 2nd thing I like doing is searching the news articles for pictures of the event. I get to see stuff I missed. So this time I thought I'd post articles in which our droids picture is in. I know with R2 it's hard to tell them apart.</div><div><br />
</div><a href="http://news.cnet.com/8301-13772_3-20013663-52.html"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With kids, the future of 'Star Wars' is rosy | Geek Gestalt - CNET News</span></b></a><br />
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<div><a href="http://news.cnet.com/2300-11386_3-10004514-3.html?tag=mncol"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">'Star Wars' fever invades Orlando (photos)</span></b></a> and <a href="http://content.techrepublic.com.com/2346-12847_11-456410-3.html?tag=content;leftCol"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tech Republic 'Star Wars' Fever invades Orlando</span></b></a><br />
<ul><li>3 is our droid used in previous article listed. </li>
<li>18 is Jessica at the droid races on Friday.</li>
</ul><a href="http://news.cnet.com/8301-13772_3-20013679-52.html?tag=mncol;title"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When droids break their huddle</span></b></a> - Todd and both droids are in the shot. Unfortunatly they cropped me out but that's ok.<br />
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://media.myfoxorlando.com/photogalleries/081610star-wars-celebration/1/lg/IMG_1573.htm"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My Orlando Fox Star Wars Celebration V</span></b></a> (Todd's R2 at the very end there)</div><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.ugo.com/the-goods/star-wars-celebration-v-photos-41">So many Slave Leia Costumes! Pics from Star Wars Celebration V</a> </span></b>Image 216 out of 325<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large; font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.brianorndorf.com/2010/08/star-wars-celebration-v-day-two.html">Star Wars Celebration V - Day Two</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large; font-weight: bold;"> (</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large; font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://brianorndorf.com/">brianorndorf.com</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large; font-weight: bold;">)</span><br />
<div><ul><li>About 2/3rds down the entire page. Click <a href="http://brianorndorf.typepad.com/.a/6a00e54ee7b64288330133f31b7777970b-popup">here </a>to avoid scrolling.</li>
</ul></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large; font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.brianorndorf.com/2010/08/star-wars-celebration-v-day-three.html">Star Wars Celebration V - Day Three</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large; font-weight: bold;"> (</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large; font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://brianorndorf.com/">brianorndorf.com</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large; font-weight: bold;">)</span><br />
<div><ul><li>About 2/3rds down the entire page. Click <a href="http://brianorndorf.typepad.com/.a/6a00e54ee7b642883301348643f3e7970c-popup">here</a> to avoid scrolling.</li>
</ul></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; font-weight: bold; line-height: 36px;"><a href="http://scifiblock.com/features/blog/homemade-r2-units-galore-at-star-wars-celebration-the-basic-and-the-best.htm#comment-2904">Homemade R2 Units at Star Wars Celebration: From Almost-Best to Best</a></span><br />
<div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">R7's picture is half way through the page. </span></li>
</ul></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #416088; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px;"><a href="http://www.wdwnewstoday.com/2010/08/13/star-wars-celebration-v-day-1-coverage-81210/">Star Wars Celebration V – Day 1 Coverage (8/12/10)</a></span><br />
<div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There are 2 pictures of R7 in a row not far down </span></li>
</ul></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #888888; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: bold; white-space: nowrap;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_68812226">Star Wars Celebration 5 CV Coverage by Yodasnews.com and GGC</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #888888; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: bold; white-space: nowrap;"><u><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_68812226"> </a></u></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #888888; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: bold; white-space: nowrap;"><u><a href="http://www.yodasnews.net/Star%20Wars%20Celebration%205%20CV%20Coverage%20by%20Yodasnews.com%20and%20GGC/R2%20Builders/index.html">» R2 Builders</a></u></span><br />
This is more of a posting of all their photos from the Droid room. Their pictures are also on face book as well.<br />
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Ok so I found one more article.....<br />
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<h1 class="documentFirstHeading" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; background-color: transparent; border-bottom-color: rgb(140, 172, 187); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; color: black; font-family: Verdana, Lucida, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0.5em; text-shadow: rgb(153, 153, 153) 0.2em 0.2em 3px;"><a href="http://www.mintinbox.net/reportages/Celebration_V/r2d2builder">Les R2-D2 Builder</a></h1><br />
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One of the great things about Flickr is tagging, if the owner of the pics all it. To see more droid picture click <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tags/r2builders/">here</a>.<br />
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Oh and I have to say best complement ever from George Lucas to all the droid builders. See his comment by clicking <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wUZcuigFWpk">here</a>.</div><br />
Other videos of the droids are added to the following playlist.<br />
<object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/p/98190D6AA4EC3AB1?hl=en_US&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/p/98190D6AA4EC3AB1?hl=en_US&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="344" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>Todd Bixbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03775572055092910429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1622103409549832979.post-11491114995336294222010-05-26T09:19:00.001-07:002010-10-02T17:42:21.949-07:00Update on R7 Status<center> <script src="http://blip.tv/scripts/pokkariPlayer.js?ver=2009070701" type="text/javascript">
</script> <script src="http://blip.tv/syndication/write_player?skin=js&posts_id=3692291&source=3&autoplay=true&file_type=flv&player_width=&player_height=" type="text/javascript">
</script> <br />
<div id="blip_movie_content_3692291"><a href="http://blip.tv/file/get/SicaBixby-UpdateOnR7Status509.wmv" onclick="play_blip_movie_3692291(); return false;" rel="enclosure"><img alt="Video thumbnail. Click to play" border="0" src="http://blip.tv/file/get/SicaBixby-UpdateOnR7Status509.wmv.jpg" title="Click to play" /></a> <br />
<a href="http://blip.tv/file/get/SicaBixby-UpdateOnR7Status509.wmv" onclick="play_blip_movie_3692291(); return false;" rel="enclosure">Click to Play</a> </div></center><br />
<div class="blip_description">Sorry it's taking so long to get these videos out so here's an update! Thanks! (Closed Caption note: English was auto-captioned so this was added for amusement purposes. I'll clean it up and you will see a 2nd English option for an accurate caption. Thanks for your patience.)</div>Todd Bixbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03775572055092910429noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1622103409549832979.post-72031737466653107452010-05-15T18:22:00.000-07:002010-10-02T17:43:20.900-07:00Photos From 2010 Orlando Megacon | Movie Crematorium<div>Yay we made it into a news article. Will add more details....</div><div><br />
</div><a href="http://moviecrematorium.com/2010/03/25/photos-from-2010-orlando-megacon.html">Photos From 2010 Orlando Megacon | Movie Crematorium</a><br />
<div><br />
</div><div>This is the photo of our <a href="http://moviecrematorium.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/DSC_0381.jpg">droid</a>. He's so handsome.</div>Todd Bixbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03775572055092910429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1622103409549832979.post-75788842898771640642010-03-27T21:10:00.000-07:002010-03-28T13:35:07.180-07:00Getting the show on the road.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div style="font: 0.7em 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif; width: 400px;"><object classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=9,0,0,0" height="300" width="400"><param name="FlashVars" value="galleryid=7461355747_GPQ8z"/><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"/><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"/><param name="wmode" value="transparent"/><param name="movie" value="http://www.picnik.com/slide/slide.swf"/><embed src="http://www.picnik.com/slide/slide.swf" width="400" height="300" wmode="transparent" allowScriptAccess="always" FlashVars="galleryid=7461355747_GPQ8z"></embed></object><br />
<div style="float: left;"><a href="http://www.picnik.com/show/id/7461355747_GPQ8z/t/getting-the-show-on-the-road">"<b>Getting the show on the road.</b>"</a></div><div style="float: right;"><a href="http://www.picnik.com/" target="_blank">Create a free slideshow with Picnik!</a></div></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZE2Virubkks/S6L-4B7ACBI/AAAAAAAAAP4/bTv9TeLdorU/s1600/R2D2Assembled.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZE2Virubkks/S6L-4B7ACBI/AAAAAAAAAP4/bTv9TeLdorU/s200/R2D2Assembled.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>It took me about a year to collect enough parts to really get going. The first R2 parts I got was the dome & frame. The dome is a Formosa generation II. I went with the wooden frame since it is what I'm use to working with the most. The frame was made out of plywood and didn't feel sturdy so to give it some reinforcement I added some fiberglass. Assembling the frame was probably about the easiest part by far.<br />
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No matter what you get you always have to make some adjustments. You would think that all the parts are universal & and are interchangeable.<br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZE2Virubkks/S6L3yhFALCI/AAAAAAAAADY/4HJnIOncZQM/s1600/MiscParts0.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZE2Virubkks/S6L3yhFALCI/AAAAAAAAADY/4HJnIOncZQM/s200/MiscParts0.JPG" width="150" /></a><br />
The skins are not to terribly difficult all you do is punch out the pieces. As there are many reasons why I may need to remove my skins I attached them to the frame with small screws. I don't recommend gluing them on.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZE2Virubkks/S6L9V6ArPhI/AAAAAAAAANA/uh0qSy-ItEE/PocketVent0.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZE2Virubkks/S6L9V6ArPhI/AAAAAAAAANA/uh0qSy-ItEE/PocketVent0.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br />
Not all skins came with the extra parts to build your own ports, vents & etc. With a little time & patience & a whole lot of glue and details done. Granted I didn't like how some of them came out after assembling and went with resin parts.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZE2Virubkks/S6L99k2ZnAI/AAAAAAAAAOU/iSiZuKJCYwU/skirt0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZE2Virubkks/S6L99k2ZnAI/AAAAAAAAAOU/iSiZuKJCYwU/skirt0.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>FYI, not all resin pieces are equal. Sometimes that have lots of bubbles in them. The easiest way to fix this is using body plastic to fill them in. Of course once it's dried & harden you'll have to sand it down.Todd Bixbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03775572055092910429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1622103409549832979.post-45687699663255282372010-03-27T14:50:00.000-07:002010-03-27T14:50:29.820-07:00Knowledge is power - How to get started on an R2D2 build.You know the saying there is more than one way to skin a cat? Well, there is more than one way to build a droid. It's not an easy build and can try your patients at time but definitely a labor of love that's worth it. You have to remember you are the only one who limits yourself. Many think that because we have a life size replica that we are rich & have money to toss around. WRONG! We are average Joes just like you. Not all of us are mechanically inclined either. The plus side is even if you've never picked up a hand tool you can still build an R2. Just go with your strengths and don't be afraid to ask for help in the group. I happen to be lucky, as I said, "I'm no stranger to tools." I've been working with cars since I was a kid as well as been building large scale model airplanes for over 20 yrs.<br />
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Just like anyone else I looked online to see if there was information on how to build an R2D2. Did you know that if you do a search on Yahoo for "How to build an R2D2" you will get almost a million results. The best place to start looking for information is at <a href="http://astromech.net/">The official website of the R2-D2 builder's club</a>. There are other groups and forums out there and most of them tie back to this group as the main hub. From here you can find out if there are local builders groups in your area such as <a href="http://www.nolucksplace.com/meet082606.html">Southern R2 Builders</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZE2Virubkks/S6L3uIaPmzI/AAAAAAAAADU/Hbidy4FQ-dQ/Instructions.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZE2Virubkks/S6L3uIaPmzI/AAAAAAAAADU/Hbidy4FQ-dQ/Instructions.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>Before you jump into anything weather it's starting a new hobby or building your droid you must alway do research & lots of reading. Many may be surprised at the thought that I don't post much in the forums but I've read almost every post. This first step is the most important. You get tips on what works & what doesn't. Also by doing the leg work you can come across some great deals. Life happens and sometimes fellow R2 builders for one reason or another decide to sell off parts of their droids. Getting second hand parts is a great way to keep your cost down. You will also find in the group links to plans on how to build your own frame, skins as well as cut out the pie panels on the dome. There are also fellow builders who do runs on parts as well as manufacture parts.Todd Bixbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03775572055092910429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1622103409549832979.post-6592328661300257442010-03-16T16:49:00.001-07:002010-03-16T16:58:56.516-07:00R2D2 build by Todd & Jessica Bixby<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ZE2Virubkks/S6Aafr1vzpI/AAAAAAAAAAM/e7lH9iqQfJ8/s1600-h/r2complete.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ZE2Virubkks/S6Aafr1vzpI/AAAAAAAAAAM/e7lH9iqQfJ8/s320/r2complete.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449384680764722834" border="0" /></a><br />Here is my little buddy, sporting new paint and just put back together, exterior is done except power couplers and letting him go play in the mud a bit like all young droids are known to do from time to time. i just need to remember to keep him away from Dagobah!Todd Bixbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03775572055092910429noreply@blogger.com2