Digital Trading Cards Part 1

 I love trading cards!  I have collected trading cards on an off since the 1970's.  Over the last 5-6 years, though, my trading card fascination has taken a new turn as the Topps Company, who happens to be my favorite trading card company, has moved into digital card trading.  

Star Wars Card Trader was the first digital card trading app to which I was introduced.  I was at the Indiana Comic Con with my friends from Coffee with Kenobi, Dan Zehr and Cory Clubb, when I downloaded it and entered into a new world of card trading.  I will never forget standing in lines at the Indianapolis Convention Center collecting Star Wars cards with Dan and Cory while figuring out all the different aspects of digital card trading.  Since then, I have added Huddle, Bunt, Marvel Collect, Disney Collect and most recently SLAM.  

I plan to write more about digital card trading here on Seeking Positivity in the Galaxy because there are so many positive aspects to card trading.  If you are interested in trading with me in any of the apps mentioned above, I would enjoy swapping some cards for fun and for collecting sake.  Here are my user names:  

Bunt:  BATTLEJUMP

Disney Collect:  BATTLEJUMP

Marvel Collect:  CYCLELIBRARIAN

SLAM: CYCLELIBRARIAN

Star Wars Card Trader:  JEDIGROSS

I am almost always up for a trade of dupes, and you can look at my base card collection to see what cards I tend to "hoard."  Actually, "hoarding" will be the topic of my next post on digital card trading.  What card apps do you actively collect?  What are some of your favorite features of the card apps by Topps?  Leave a comment below.    

 

The Star Wars Book Expand Your Knowledge of a Galaxy Far, Far Away: An Initial Reaction

I received the notification that my Amazon package had arrived!  I ran to the front door and there it sat, a box about the size of a book.  I looked up and down the street as if I thought some little Jawa may come and snatch it right out of my hands.  I stepped inside and tore the box apart and inside was the hardback, blue-covered, DK published book with a black shadowy Death Star and in yellow letters across the front, The Star Wars Book!  This school librarian and Star Wars fan has been waiting months for this to arrive!  

My first question was, how do I read this?  Is it a cover to cover read?  Is it a look in the index and find the good stuff?  Is it a flip through the pages looking at the great art and photographs?  Hold that thought, but the first thing one must do is pop open that turntable, dust off the CD player or connect your Bluetooth speaker and fire up some John Williams Star Wars music.  My choice happens to be the Rise of Skywalker soundtrack, but choose what you want.  

First, I was surprised at the size of the book.  It is smaller than most Star Wars DK books, and I like it!  It fits on my bookshelf really well with all the other Star Wars books, and it is easy to carry around and hide under the table at Star Wars trivia nights.  Wait, what?  Seriously though.  It is a great size for small curious hands but made for big hands to read.  

The next thing I noticed was the unique organization of content.  The book is broken down into six chapters based on topics from the saga, and each topic is given an essay treatment.  The content is deep which is quite unique for a DK book.  Thumbing through the Table of Contents reveals some eye-catching chapter titles like "Science and Technology" and "Galactic Governments and the Dissidents." Most chapters begin with an introduction to the subject at hand, which is a nice touch.  These introductions are quite informative and interesting to read for new fans and experienced fans alike.  Then the chapters are broken down into smaller subject areas that, like the chapters, offer a unique look at the saga.  There are lots of smaller info boxes that break down information even deeper, as well as famous quotes from the saga, some really cool timelines, and of course the pictures and images.  

So how did I read this book?  I first flipped through the pages looking at the pictures.  What other way is there to start a book like this?  As I was flipping through, I made mental notes of pages of interest.  Then I went to the chapter on "Galactic Denizens" to learn more about the underbelly of the galaxy.  Why not, right?  There is a section on the Mandalorians and another on The Mandalorian, Din Djarin.  I am ready for season two of the Mandalorian now!  I went back to the Introduction of the book, and then browsed the Index.  Yes, I looked at the Index.  What else would one expect of a librarian?  

As a librarian who sees books circulate through many hands, the only thing I wish about this book has nothing to do with content. It is the one thing I wish about all DK books, and that is in the build of the book.  DK is famous for the colorful shiny pages and stunning design, which this book has.  As a librarian, I wish DK invested in a stronger binding to keep those beautiful pages in the book.  It is not the end of the world though, and it most definitely should not discourage anyone from purchasing the book and adding it to their Star Wars collection.

Overall, this is a classic, must-read with an updated, comprehensive, fresh look at the galaxy.  Pablo Hidalgo, Cole Horton, and Dan Zehr have put together a compelling read that we, as fans, will come back to time and time again.  This book will likely end many friendly disagreements over certain details of the saga, but at the same time, it may spark a few conversations as well.  As a librarian, any time we can find a resource that can be used to support an idea or give evidence to build a case, it is a solid resource.  This is a great book that you will come back to many times.  Always visit your local retailer to pick up a book like this, but if it does get delivered to your home, watch out for those little Jawas scavenging around.  

My Top Three Moments of Star Wars Celebration Chicago

A little more time than I would like to think has passed now since Star Wars Celebration 2019 in Chicago, and while the excitement of the moment has moved on, I am still filled with the buzz that comes with such a convention.  Here are my the top three moments of Star Wars Celebration 2019.

1. The Episode IX panel and trailer Friday morning.  I feel this was the most anticipated moment for many Star Wars fans, and for my experience, it happened right away on Friday morning. I did not get the lottery to get into any of the stage presentations of the panel, so my friend Cory and I decided to try to get to the Star Wars show stage to experience this much anticipated panel.  We ran a little late getting there because we made our way through the show store before the panel was to begin.  As we headed to the stage, it became clear that we would not get anywhere close to be able to see or hear.  So we went to a clear area and hunkered down with our phones and earbuds.  We had about a 20-second delay from the show stage presentation to our phone stream, so we could hear the crowd react and we knew when something good was coming.  I will never forget the interplay of the cast.  The relationships they display are strong which have shown in the chemistry between characters in the Force Awakens and The Last Jedi.  I look forward to seeing how that has grown in the Rise of Skywalker.  I will never forget the cheers and gasps of the crowd, 20-seconds ahead of my own cheers and gasps.  Ian McDiarmid appearing on stage following his Emperor cackle to say, "Roll it again."  The hairs on my arm raised as each moment passed.  After the panel concluded, Cory and I wandered the show floor directionless for a bit as we let the moments of the trailer sink in.

2.  The Podcast Meetup in the Arc Bar on Saturday night.  This was an amazing get together of dozens
of podcasts and fans.  It was inspiring to meet the variety of podcasters to learn their angle on Star Wars fandom.  I enjoyed the respect that we all share for each others' work.  Then to meet the listeners of our show was such an honor.  So many of the fans I know through Twitter handles and the positive comments on social media, but to meet these fans face to face was an honor.  It took me until about midnight to wade my way through the crowd from one end of the room to the other.

3.  The Coffee with Kenobi podcast live recording on the podcast stage on Sunday afternoon.  It all started with greeting fans who were lined up in the hallway prior to the show.  Then before the show as we were setting up, our guest, James Arnold Taylor (voice of Obi-Wan Kenobi in the Clone Wars) showed up with a friend, Catherine Taber (voice of Padme Amidala in the Clone Wars).  This was a huge surprise!  As the show started, I made sure to ask JAT how Obi-Wan Kenobi likes his coffee.  I was so excited that I don't even remember what he said.  I just remember the voice and reactions. The show was great as we shared our four biggest moments of the Star Wars Saga from the films, books, animated series, or comics.  First, it is such an honor to be a part of Coffee with Kenobi, but to see the fans of the podcast and Star Wars in the crowd is the real honor.  I am so happy that we bring a fan supported show that people enjoy as much as I always have.

What were your favorite parts of the Star Wars Celebration Chicago?  Share your thoughts below.  If you missed Star Wars Celebration 2019 in Chicago, I am sorry.  It was a great time, and I suggest catching as many of the panels through the Star Wars Youtube channel.  It is well worth the viewing.  Also, you can catch our daily reactions, panels and live broadcast at coffeewithkenobi.com

Supposedly Interesting thoughts on The Force Awakens

Mind blown.  Is that enough?  What more do I need to say when it comes to the newest episode of Star Wars?  If I had to wait 33 or 53 or 103 (I realize that would be impossible) years more, it would be worth the wait.
Like all of our experiences with this movie, it started with rumor a couple years ago to be verified by an actual trailer Thanksgiving weekend of 2014.  I soaked in every trailer and picture up to the world premier on the Tuesday before opening weekend.  Because of the certainty of leaks, I blacked out all media and social media starting Tuesday, the day of the world premier.  It seems that was a good idea because some pretty major spoilers were out there, but I had no idea what they were.  I only knew they existed.
I purchased my tickets online to see the very first showing at 7:30, Thursday, December 17.  I was going to experience this full force (pun not really intended).  I was going to watch the film with some of my best friends and hang out with the crew from Coffee with Kenobi during their pre-show podcast and sit, in reserved seating!, for the 3D, IMAX showing.  Boom!!  It couldn't be better.
Then the bomb hit about three weeks prior.  My 4-year-old's preschool Christmas Worship service would be the same night as the opening night of The Force Awakens!  I wrestled with this dilemma, but I knew from the start there was only one right decision.  Even though my wife assured me that I should go to the movie, I decided to sell my ticket and attend my daughter's program.  I was crushed.
But from the depths of the Dark Side, there is always hope.  I have another daughter, 8 years old, who I have been raising to be a Star Wars fan.  Read my post on that here.  So I bought tickets for both of us to see the movie for the first time together.  I said earlier that "It couldn't be better" to go with my friends, but this was better.  While it was tough to say farewell to my friends from work as they were all heading off to see the film on Thursday, the wait and excitement with my daughter couldn't have been more fun.  Plus, I didn't miss my younger daughter's program and that was a great family event for us!
Anyway, my daughter and I were scheduled to see the movie Sunday morning and my friend Jason joined us.  We sat in the back row of the 3D IMAX showing, and I think it was the first time in my life that a Sunday morning, 9:30am show was full.  Star Wars: The Force Awakens had a fantastic weekend and continues to shatter records.
After avoiding my friends at work on Friday and continuing my media blackout over the weekend, Sunday morning came.  The lights dimmed and the IMAX screen lit with the Disney logo.  The scrolling preview.  I loved every word I quietly read into my daughter's ear.  She could read it, but she was afraid she might get behind and miss something.  She arranged that I would read it to her before the movie.  What a blast it was to do this.  I tried to make myself aware of everything going on in the film, so walking out after our first viewing these are our basic feelings:

We were both amazed.  We were left speechless and kind of dumbfounded as we left the theater.  We wish we would have brought a tissue or ten.  We fell in love with new characters and cherished old "friends."  We wanted more!!!!

After some debate and disagreement, we narrowed down our top five moments of the story.
Don't read if you haven't seen the film yet! What are you waiting for??

5. Han and Chewie first meet Rey and Finn on the Falcon, (didn't go how we thought)
4. The reveal that Kylo Ren is the son of Han and Leia,  (I knew it!!!  not really, but I wanted to get this one      right!)
3. When BB-8 first uses its "compressed liquid cable launchers," (thanks DK visual dictionary for giving me
     the official language and saved me from typing "BB-8's rope thingy"
2. When Rey says, "The droid is not for sale,"  (she is so cool and so is BB-8)
1. The death of Han Solo.  (can't believe I am typing this)

My daughter anticipated before the movie that Rey would be her favorite character, and she was not disappointed.  I wasn't disappointed either.  From the moment that we meet Rey scavenging on Jakku and learn that she has a mysterious background, we were drawn in to her story.  I also believed that she was strong in the force and picking up so much power along the way.  Sorry, Hayden Christensen, I never felt Anakin was getting the force.  We also fell in love with Poe Dameron's BB-8 droid.  Our favorite moment was when the droid was reunited with its owner at the Resistance base, BB-8 went speeding to Poe.  If it had arms, BB-8 would have thrown them around Poe.  It was so real...we want one.

I was a little disappointed in the Sunday morning crowd who were either still sleepy, dumbstruck by the spectacle, or just polite (doubt that).  No one seemed to react at key moments like when Rey and Finn are running to escape the Tie fighter attack and the Quadjumper ship is blasted to bits.  Rey and Finn turn to the ship that is "garbage" which is the Millennium Falcon!  I pumped my fist, squeezed my daughter's hand, but reserved my vocal cheer because I had no sense that I would be joined by others.  Next is when Han and Chewie enter the Falcon with the line already made famous, "Chewie, we're home."  Again, silence.  There was no way, though, I could contain the silence or shock of the moment when that blistering, angry, lightsaber suddenly burst through the torso of Han Solo.  I was completely blindsided by this turn of events that I am sure that I shouted something, most likely a pained, "NO!!!"  Foolish or not, I was drawn in regardless of an apparently emotionless audience.  I cried at the rage of Chewbacca and the loss of Rey and Finn's father figure.  Heck, over the years I would ask myself, sometimes with poor results, "What would Han do?"  I had/have an empty spot in my heart as well.  Now my daughter and I aren't sure how we will get through the next year and a half when episode 8 is released.  Rouge One will help.  As will the remainder of seasons two and season three of Rebels.

What are some of your favorite moments of the film?  What characters did you enjoy the best?  Leave a comment below.

The Force Awakens: New and Old Generations

I never thought that in 1983 when I walked out of the theater after watching Return of the Jedi that 32 years later my world would be wrapped up in the Star Wars Universe, again.  Star Wars has been tugging at me over the last several years with the release of the prequel (interesting for the story, but left a little to be desired with acting and CGI animation heavy) films, the Clone Wars animated series (genius), and more recently the Rebels animated series (closing in on the genius of the Clone Wars).  But on Thanksgiving weekend of 2014, my world was turned upside down as The Force Awakens Episode VII teaser was released.  I couldn't believe my eyes that this was a reality.

Off to see The Force Awakens

Fast forward to December 2015.  I re-watched all six episodes, reviewed key Clone Wars episodes and watched episodes IV through VI a second time prior to The Force Awakens weekend.  I have watched every episode of Rebels several times, read all the new Marvel, canon, comics, read Star Wars Tarkin, A New Dawn, and Aftermath.  I attended the Indiana Comic Con to hear Carrie Fisher address the audience and hang on every word for any hint she might give in regards to The Force Awakens.  I attended the midnight opening of the Force Friday toy release.  I even hosted a Star Wars Reads Day event in October at work.  I also have had the pleasure and honor to meet and work with the co-hosts of the internationally known podcast, Coffee with Kenobi, Dan Zehr and Cory Clubb.   I have bathed in Star Wars building up to the December opening weekend of The Force Awakens.  My biggest fear was how could this movie possibly live up to the hype, the mythology, the modern day scrutiny, the hyper-media focused public eye and opinion?  I had massive anxiety as I drove to the theater.
But that is me.  The "old" generation of Star Wars fandom.  The believers of the force.  I grew up with the Millennium Falcon as my visual concept of what an awesome space ship would look like.  I grew up with the nightmare of what it would be to face Darth Vader and the empowering hope that even I, some nobody from a small town, could rise to face the evil in the world.  That there is a force that we can use for good or evil.  I am old-school, but I am not the only Star Wars fan any more.  I have a new generation of Star Wars fan in my own house (thanks to my persistence but I'm not sure if the hype of this film wouldn't have turned her to geekdom even if I hadn't).
My daughter, 8 years old, is the same age as I was when I first watched the rolling text and the Star Wars fanfare open the movie.  The only difference is I had the drum roll and 20th Century Fox logo and she has a Disney logo.  It has been so exciting for me to watch all the movies, Rebels and some of the Clone Wars episodes with her.  The questions she asks me are the same questions my friends and I would ask 30-some years ago: Is Vader really Luke's father?  Will they find Han Solo?  Who is this Jabba the Hutt guy?  Why don't 3-PO and R2 ever get shot when they cross the laser bolts?  Why can't a Stormtrooper ever actually hit someone?  What happened to Obi Wan's body when the lightsaber slashed through the robes?  Didn't Luke kill Vader in the cave?  Wait, what?  She asked them all.
What has been so fantastic is that this, The Force Awakens, is her Star Wars movie.  This time, we will both ask the questions together and we will discover the answers together too.  Rey, Finn, Poe and BB-8 are her heroes while mine are still Han, Leia, Chewie and Luke.  My villain was Vader;  hers is Kylo Ren.  She thinks her villain is so much cooler than mine, but I remind her that her villain worships mine.  Then I watch the eye roll...I am loving this. Like I said in the opening, I never thought 32 years later that I would be experiencing a new Star Wars with the same excitement, but I never thought that I would be sharing it with my own children.  I will share our experience of seeing the film soon in another post, but after seeing the movie, she asked, "How many more movies will there be, because I don't want this to end."  My response was there will be three movies over the next several years,  but how awesome would it be if after those three movies a whole new story started again when she is 45 like me.  After saying that, I saw my daughter look away in to the distance as if she was looking into a twin star sunset with her thoughts on the future, dreaming what that might be like to share this experience with her own children.  A dream for her, but it is my Star Wars reality.