Coming Soon: New Holocron 'Cast

As most of you probably know, The Hobbit, Part 1: An Unexpected Journey releases tonight at midnight! And if that isn't enough to make me geek out, I'm also going to the midnight showing with some friends from church. Woot!

So expect a new Holocron episode sometime in the near future all about my reactions to the movie. I think I can safely say that is shall be absolutely wonderful! =D

Are any of you guys going to the midnight showing, or even going to see it sometime soon? What part of the movie are you most excited for? =)




 - Edessa, signing off

SWTOR Update

Something utterly amazing is going to occur tomorrow on November 15th, 2012.

Star Wars: The Old Republic. Goes. Free. To. Play.

YESSSSSSS!!

And to celebrate this awesome event, I've recorded a new Holocron podcast episode as a tribute to that awesome game. Head on over to http://holocroncast.blogspot.com to hear it! =D

Who else is excited for this? =D




 - Edessa, signing off

Holocron Update

So due to my extended haitus from blogging, I've also fallen a bit behind in my podcasting. But with the "Onderon" arc's recent conclusion, I've decided to review all four episodes in my next Holocron 'cast. So look for that, and I'll definitely try my hardest to keep the 'cast under an hour.

But, knowing me, when I have an opinion about something I like to talk long, hard, and in-depth about it. I'm still not sure if that's a curse or not.... =)

Anyway, long story short, the next Holocron post will be an overview of my thoughts on the "Onderon" arc. I hope you guys will enjoy it!




 - Edessa, signing off

The Holocron Blog Has Launched!

I am extremely pleased and excited to announce that the blog for my new podcast - The Holocron - has launched!

WOOOOT!!

The first episode ("Welcome to The Holocron!") is now up, so you can listen to it at anytime! I also figured out a way to stick an audio player in the actual blog posts, so now you don't have to click on a link to take you to the Internet Archive page and then click on the way you want to hear it (like how you used to have to do for The Radar). Just click the "Play" button, and there you go!

I'm also not using the same audio recording software that I did for The Radar. For that podcast I just used the really dumbed-down sound recorder that came pre-loaded onto my laptop. Now, though, I'm using an awesome program called Audacity, which means I'm able to edit my work in a gazillion and one different ways. Audacity, in my opinion, also makes me sound more like how I really do, and that's because it's such a better program. =)

Oh, and one last thing: you'll probably notice that in the first 'Cron episode I say "anywho" and "whatever" a lot. I don't say those two words as often in my other episodes, so if it bothers you that I seem to be saying "whatever" every minute or so you can be rest assured that it's not going to be as often in the subsequent episodes.

Well, I guess I really have nothing else to say on the matter, besides to check out the link below and comment away!

http://holocroncast.blogspot.com

Thanks, guys, and I hope you really enjoy it! =D




 - Edessa, signing off

HNED... Facebook Style

Putting HNED on Facebook has been on my to-do list for quite a while, and today I finally did it.

Say hello to HNED's official Facebook page! If you would be so kind as to "Like" us, that would be really awesome!

http://www.facebook.com/?sk=welcome#!/pages/HoloNet-Entertainment-Daily/284360714997964

I will link back to my new blog posts and podcast episodes on the page, but most of the information on the HNED Facebook page is a bunch of film and game updates, "Star Wars" news, links to contests and sweepstakes from IGN and other such places, a Question of the Day, a Picture of the Day, random film/game/Star Wars videos, and all sorts of little extras like that. It's a place where all of the loose information I discover gets posted and where you can find out about a lot of different topics. There's stuff for people who want to know more about "The Hobbit," for people who are eagerly awaiting the new "Halo 4" game, for people who want to find out what projects their favorite actors are doing now, all sorts of fun stuff like that.

So if you want to keep up to date with media news as it happens, then the HNED Facebook page is definitely for you! =D

Also, please give me your feedback on the look and/or feel of the page. Any and all suggestions are totally welcome!

Well, I hope you're all having an awesome week. I know I am, though I still can't wait for the weekend. =)




 - Edessa, signing off

"The Hobbit, Part 1" Official Trailer #2

Guess what just came out today?

The newest The Hobbit, Part 1 official theatrical trailer!

This one has new footage from the original and, honestly, I am so pumped for the release! I plan on seeing it in theaters with my sister Ahsoka and one of my best friends, and afterwards I will most definitely do a podcast about it!

But, for now, watch this new trailer and let the geeking out begin! =D

 - Edessa, signing off

Bane vs. Fett Debate: Hear It Now!

And it's finally up!

Stilwater and I recorded our Cad Bane vs. Boba Fett debate via Skype and now you can hear it on YouTube!

It's about half an hour long, and I think we discussed most of the questions that the HNED readers submitted (a huge thank you to you guys for doing that!).

Stilwater, I know I've said this a gazillion times already buuuuuuut.... it was so much fun to do this! We really must do it again sometime! I have no idea what we would discuss, but we should still do it! =D

So click on the link below to head right on over to the debate video, and we hope you will enjoy it!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bUmOnjIBSyk&feature=youtu.be




 - Edessa, signing off

More Storage, More Free

Quick questionnaire:

1. Do you have a PlayStation 3?

2. If you do, are you a PlayStation Plus member?

3. If you are, do you like that it only has 150 MB of online save storage?


If you answered "yes" to the first two questions and "no" to the third, then I have one word for you.....

.....V4.25.

Ok, that's technically a letter and a bunch of numbers, not a word, but I wasn't sure what else to call it.

Anyway, Sony just announced that they have a new firmware update for the PS3 (V4.25) that "increases PlayStation Plus members' online save storage from 150 MB to 1 GB" (Game Informer).

Here's what the Official PlayStation Blog had to say concerning the specifics of the update:

"After you've intalled the update, simply go to the Saved Data Utility under the Game column of the XMB. From there you can access the Online Storage folder and find any existing game saves already uploaded, as well as the increase in space to a 1 GB.

"So set your automatic download to upload every game save for every compatible game you play and enjoy the additional breathing room. You can also continue to use this feature to selectively upload game saves you specify."

So if you're a PS Plus member who has been wanting more online save storage, be sure to download firmware update V4.25. A whole gig of memory will give you quite a bit more save space.

And a quick Borderlands 2 update (if you haven't yet, you can read this article I wrote concerning the game).

The Mechromancer class character now has a name - Gaige - and she is free if you pre-order a copy of Borderlands 2. The game comes out next Tuesday, so if you've been seriously considering buying this game you only have a few more days to pre-order to get Gaige free.


And that's been just some of the news in the ever-changing world of video games!




 - Edessa, signing off

Updates and Getting Back On Track

Week Two of college is officially over, and currently I'm back at home for the weekend. Now that I know (and have lived) my college schedule for a while, I'm ready to get back into the swing of my regular posting schedule. Woot!

As far as updates go, my friend Jacob has been designing the blog for my new Holocron podcast. It's close to being done, and I think it looks really good so far! I'll let you know for sure when it will go live, so stay tuned for that!

I also found time to squeeze in writing and recording the first episode, which is the introductory type. I'm going to start working on the second episode soon. What I really like is that I downloaded the Audacity Audio Recorder program, so now I'm not using the pre-installed Windows audio recorder anymore. The Audacity program allows for much better editing, and I think it actually makes me sound more like how I really do. So, yeah, I'm really excited about that!

I've also finally gotten around to listening to the Dark Knight Rises soundtrack.

Five words: Hans. Zimmer. Is. A. Genius.

True, many of his soundtracks sound similar (Inception and the Batman trilogy ones sound basically interchangeable, and in many of his songs you can hear sections that sound a lot like Pirates of the Carribbean), but he is such an amazing composer that I don't really mind anymore.

I especially love The Dark Knight Rises' third track, "Gotham's Reckoning." I love the way it "moves" (for lack of a better term), the timing, and especially the hard artifical sounds in it. But my absolute favorite part of "The Gotham's Reckoning" are the haunting background vocals of the people shouting "Rise! Rise!" over and over again. I loved hearing that chant in the film's trailer, and I still love hearing it now. If that doesn't send chills down your spine, then I don't know what will.

You can listen to the song below:

So, that's what I've been up to lately. How's school going for everyone so far? Have you done anything interesting lately? =)

 - Edessa, signing off

Coming Soon: SWTOR Free-to-Play

It is official. After losing a little over one million subscribers, Star Wars: The Old Republic (or SWTOR) will soon be available as f2p, or free-to-play.

According to Matthew Bromberg, the GM of BioWare Austin, "Players want flexibility and choice. The subscription-only model presented a major barrier for a lot of people who wanted to become part of The Old Republic universe."

Since its launch, SWTOR has had a monthly price tag of $14.99, making it one of the more expensive games to play. Every game purchase does come with thirty days of gameplay free, and it appears as though many gamers leveled their characters all the way up to the 50 level cap and then quit when their thirty free days expired. After reading various articles on SWTOR, most gamers I read about admitted that they would either return to the game or start playing it if there was an f2p option.

If you are one of those individuals, then BioWare has heard your cries and has responded very positively.

An f2p option will bring in a lot of excited new players, but it may also cause a rift between gamers who pay for subscriptions and those who are "freebies." Most - if not all - online games that offer subscription and free options have faced a division between payers and players. Those who pay for a subscription sometimes believe that they are being gyped because freebies are getting the whole game experience free, whereas the freebies wonder why the payers don't like them. It's an unfortunate occurance, but it does happen.

Thankfully, though, BioWare is giving good incentives for their subscribers to continue paying by giving them special perks that freebies can't get without a monthly fee. So what do you get out of monthly subscription and f2p accounts?


If You Pay (Subscriber):

• Access to a new currency called Cartel Coins
• Full access to levels 1-50 (the level cap will be raised soon)
• Full access to the Character Creator
• Full access to all Warzones
• Full access to all Flashpoints
• Full access to all Space Missions
• Full access to all Operations
• Full access to all travel features
• Priority access during login (subscribers will get into the game faster than freebies)
• 50 available listings on the Galactice Trade Network

If You Play (Freebie):

• Full access to levels 1-50 (the level cap will be raised soon)
• Limited access to the Character Creator (some species are only available to subscribers)
• Limited access to Warzones (access is limited to a certain weekly cap)
• Limited access to Flashpoints (access is limited to a certain weekly cap)
• Limited access to Space Missions (access is limited to a certain weekly cap)
• No access to all Operations
• Limited access to all Travel Features (no details available)
• Normal access during login (subscribers who login at the same time will get into the game faster than a freebie)
• Limited access to posting on the Galactic Trade Network (no details available)

If you're a Subscriber or are considering subscribing, you might be wondering what these "Cartel Coins" are. Basically they're a special type of currency that only subscribers have access to, a reward for those who are willing to buy a monthly subscription. These Coins will be used to purchase special in-game items that can only be bought with Cartel Coins, like a Kowakian Monkey Lizard Pet, a Sith Meditation Throne, and the Lost Helm of Darth Nihilus.

If you're a current subscriber, you might also want to consider looking at what special rewards you can start receiving today. Visit the link below for more information on all the stuff you can start getting today. If you're interested in more specifics concerning the f2p option for SWTOR, you can also click on the link for more information: http://www.swtor.com/free

Physical copies of SWTOR will also go on sale in the U.S. for $14.99 just prior to the launch of the f2p option. SWTOR goes f2p sometime this Fall, though the exact date has not been released yet.

As for the reason why SWTOR has decided to go f2p so soon after its launch, BioWare wants to bring its subscriber base back up. Losing one million players is disastrous, even for a game as popular as SWTOR. According to Jeff Hickman, the game's Executive Producer, on the official SWTOR blog: "We [at BioWare] feel that flexibility and choice in playing our game is important for all current and future players. For that reason, we began the exploration of expanding the game to include a Free-to-Play option." If you would like to read more of his post, please visit http://www.swtor.com/info/news/blog/20120731.


If the inclusion of an f2p option is as successful for SWTOR as it was for LOTRO, I wonder what kind of effect it will have on other popular MMOs, such as World of Warcraft. WoW introduced a "play free to level 20" option in response to SWTORs original launch, but will Blizzard Entertainment cave in and go f2p if SWTOR is successful with its inclusion of freebies? I'll keep tabs on that and let you know if anything like that develops over at WoW.

What do you think of this new step for BioWare and SWTOR? Do you think more gamers will join and stay on? Is this a good financial decision for BioWare? And is the coming f2p option affecting whether or not you will start playing, or whether you will continue to play?

Personally, I believe that f2p is how all online games will function eventually, and I like that BioWare is going to allow more players to join with the inclusion of an f2p option. True, freebies will have restrictions on parts of their game, but I don't think that will ruin their overall gaming experience. And by giving subscribers special rewards for paying, BioWare is giving payers more new reasons to keep buying monthly subscriptions and to stay on even when the rush of freebies start charging in. In my opinion, I think this is a good step forward for BioWare and SWTOR, but I would love to know what you all think of this!

For more information of the f2p option, please visit the links I posted above. And if you would like to know more about SWTOR itself, please visit the official website at http://www.swtor.com/. SWTOR can be purchased physically from stores like Target, Walmart, and GameStop, or ordered online through places like eBay and Amazon, or downloaded digitally from Origin at http://buy.swtor.com/us/.




 - Edessa, signing off

Rancho Obi-Wan Coming to Celebration VI

A replica of the Episode IV Bith band is part of Rancho Obi-Wan

It's less than a month before Star Wars Celebration VI begins in August but new exhibits keep getting added, including Rancho Obi-Wan.

For those of you who don't know, Rancho Obi-Wan is a non-profit museum that houses the world's largest private collection of Star Wars memorabilia. Everything from costumes, to props, to original concept art, to prototypes, to even stuff made by fellow fans. The museum is owned and operated by Steve Sansweet, a Star Wars novel author and Lucasfilm's official fan Ambassador for fifteen years, and is located in Petaluma, California.

The Rancho isn't open to the public - though private tours can be scheduled (see http://www.ranchoobiwan.org/tours.php for more information) - but Star Wars fans at Celebration VI will be able to visit the exhibit, see the world-renowned collection, and even speak to Mr. Sansweet during the conference.

If you're going to Celebration VI, don't forget to make time to see this one-of-a-kind exhibit! This is a very rare opportunity that I don't think many fans will want to miss out on. And if you're passing though Petaluma, CA, you might want to consider a private tour of the Rancho. For more information on the Rancho, please visit http://www.ranchoobiwan.org/.




 - Edessa, signing off

The New Look Is Up!

Welcome to the new and improved HNED! =D

For the past month or so, I've been working alongside Robyn at Simply Creative to completely overhaul HNED because I felt it was incredibly cluttered, dark, and uninviting originally. And, honestly, I couldn't ask for a better design than the one that's on your screen right now!

Robyn, I know I've said this multiple times, but thank you so much for doing this! I know it took a lot of time and effort, but you did a wonderful job and I'm so glad that I got to work with you! You are an amazing graphic designer, and all the credit for this project goes totally to you. In the words of  Jean Baptiste Massieu, "Gratitude is the memory of the heart," and I am so grateful for this beautiful new look! I would most definitely reccomend you to anyone looking for a graphic designer! =D

So here comes the big question: what do you guys think of the redesign? =)




 - Edessa, signing off

Redesign Launch!

I am so excited to let you guys know that HNED's redesign launch will be on Sunday night (the 22nd)!

For those who don't know, I've been working with Robyn from Simply Creative to completely redesign HNED. Everything has been overhauled and, I must say, Robyn's designs are absolutely beautiful!

Check back here either Monday morning (or Sunday night, if you like to stay up late) to see the new and improved HNED. I can't wait for Monday! *squeals excitedly* =D




 - Edessa, signing off

New Season 5 "Clone Wars" Preview

Check out this new sneak peek of an episode from Season 5 of The Clone Wars. I must say, I'm really impressed with it, and I can't wait to see the whole episode this fall! What do you all think of the clip?

 - Edessa, signing off

The Podcast is Up!

It took quite a bit longer than I thought it would (mostly because I had to switch my hosting site because Our Media was taking much too long to upload my file), but the podcast is up! I had to create a new blog for the podcast, so here's the link (and, yes, I'm still working on designing the blog):

http://radarpodcast.blogspot.com/

There's only one post on the blog so far, and it should explain everything and have the link for the file. If you have any questions about it, please let me know!

I hope you guys enjoy it, and please don't forget to comment on the podcast post and let me know what you think of it. Any and all suggestions, concerns, comments, and compliments (lol!) will be most appreciated. Thanks in advance, and I hope you enjoy it! =D




 - Edessa, signing off

Podcast Update

Just thought I'd update you guys on the podcast idea I posted about a few days ago. I have just recorded the first cast, and I think it sounds pretty good, even if I do so myself. =D

Currently I'm waiting for the file to upload on my host site, and it looks like I'm actually going to have to create a separate blog for the podcast (blame Feedburner for that). I'm hoping to have the first cast up maybe by tomorrow, though it may be up on Saturday. I'll let you know when it's up and running and where you can access it.

So that's just a quick update on the podcast, just so you guys don't think I forgot about it or anything. =D I hope you're all having an awesome week!




 - Edessa, signing off

Updated Guest List For Star Wars Celebration VI

The closer we get to the Celebration, the more celebrity guests get added to the list.

The newest guest is none other than the amazing Temuera Morrison, who played one of Star Wars' most iconic bounty hunters, Jango Fett, and was the face and voice of the most elite army of all time. Morrison will be "greeting fans and signing autographs in Official Pix Autograph Hall" (Star Wars.com).


Here is the list (so far) of all of the guests who will be attending Celebration VI in Orlando, Florida, this August:

Dave Filoni - Star Wars: The Clone Wars director
Joel Aron - The Clone Wars CG supervisor
Carrie Fisher - Princess Leia
Seth Green - Robot Chicken
Ian McDiarmid - Emperor Palpatine
Matthew Senreich - Robot Chicken
David Acord - The Clone Wars sound designer
Jon Berg - ILM Modelmaker
Ben Burtt - Star Wars saga supervising sound editor/designer
Bill George - Star Tours visual effect supervisor
Lorne Peterson - ILM Modelmaker
Tom Spina - sculptor/special effects artist
Matthew Wood - supervising sound editor

And here is the list of celebrities who will be signing autographs:

Amy Allen - Aayla Secura
Kenny Baker - R2-D2, Paploo
Dickey Beer - Boba Fett stunt double
Jeremy Bulloch - Boba Fett
Trevor Butterfield - Lt. Blount (Return of the Jedi)
Anthony Daniels - C-3PO
Garrick Hagon - Biggs Darklighter
Jake Lloyd - Anakin Skywalker
Daniel Logan - Boba Fett
Chris Malcolm - Zev Senesca (The Empire Strikes Back)
Nick Maley - makeup artist
Peter Mayhew - Chewbacca
Temeura Morrison - Jango Fett
John Morton - Dak Ralter
Bonnie Piesse - young Beru Lars
Tim Rose - Admiral Ackbar
Paul Springer - Ree-Yees

And, finally, these last four men will be hosting Celebration VI:

James Arnold Taylor - Obi-Wan Kenobi
Pablo Hidalgo - Author/Lucasfilm Star Wars expert
David Collins - voice actor/director/musician/designer
Chris Hardwick - Nerdist Founder


You can still buy tickets for Celebration VI. Head on over to this link for more information about the biggest party this side of Coruscant: http://www.starwarscelebration.com/




 - Edessa, signing off

King of the Elves

I've always loved Disney movies. My two personal favorites are Beauty and the Beast and Robin Hood (the animated one with animals in all of the roles), and I never get tired of watching them over and over and over again.

Maybe that will also be the case with Disney's new animated film, King of the Elves.

Current poster for King of the Elves

King of the Elves, a book written by Phillip K. Dick, "becomes the basis for this fantastic and imaginative tales about an average man living in the Mississippi Delta, whose reluctant actions to help a desperate band of elves leads them to name him their new king. Joining the innocent and endangered elves as they attempt to escape from an evil and menacing troll, their unlikely new leader finds himself caught on a journey filled with unimaginable dangers and a chance to bring real meaning back to his own life" (Movie Insider). The plotline sounds very intriguing to me, and I think it could be really good if Disney does it well.

Screenwriter Michael Markowitz (Horrible Bosses screenwriter) wrote the script, and the film will be produced by Chuck Williams and John Lasseter (director of Cars, Cars 2, and the two Toy Story sequels, as well as the screenwriter for Tangled). No directors have been hired yet (though both Aaron Blaise and Robert Walker were considered at one time), and I do not have a cast list either.

Currently King of the Elves is in the Development stage, which is when the final draft of the script is written, the budget is confirmed, and preliminary casting begins. The film has been at this stage since September 5, 2010.

The film will be in theaters sometime in November of 2013, though an exact date has not yet been pinned down. I do know, however, that King of the Elves will be available in 3D when it hits theaters.


Do you think that King of the Elves will be Good, Bad, or Ugly? And, while we're on the topic, do you have a favorite Disney film (animated or live-action)?


In Other News.....
......Disney/Pixar's upcoming animated adventure Brave has finally recieved its rating from the MPAA. It has been rated PG for some scary action and rude humor. Brave will be in theaters nationwide on June 22, 2012. See the official trailer at this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AtrDBQ_qmlg




 - Edessa, signing off

Celebration VI Updates: New Guests

Just in from starwars.com, a few more very famous celebrity guests will be coming to Celebration VI this August.

Carrie Fisher: The actress behind the tough, witty Princess Leia in the Original Trilogy will for sure be at the Celebration. She will greet fans, sign autographs in the Autograph Hall, and even have a question-and-answer session onstage with host James Arnold Taylor (voice of Obi-Wan Kenobi in The Clone Wars).

Joel Aron: You may not recognize the name, but this guy is the CG Supervisor for The Clone Wars TV show and has worked in Industrial Light & Magic (arguably the best visual effects company in the world) on films such as Jurassic Park, Men In Black, and Pearl Harbor. At the Celebration he will be on the Clone Wars panels "sharing both behind-the-scenes knowledge and spectacular new sneak peeks into Season Five" (starwars.com). He also will be teaching sessions in the Star Wars University lecture hall.

Lots and Lots of Boba Fetts: Every actor who has played the most famous bounty hunter in the galaxy will be at Celebration VI. While there, they will be onstage, will sign autographs, and meet fans. Jeremy Bulloch (Fett from the Original Trilogy) will be there, as well as Daniel Logan (teenage Fett in Attack of the Clones and The Clone Wars), Dickey Beer (Bulloch's stunt double during the infamous Sail Barge scene), and John Morton. Adding more to the Fett hoopla will be The Dented Helmet and the 501st Legion who "are hosting an art helmet charity project. Artists are creating one-of-a-kind masterpeices to benefit the Make-A-Wish charity, with roughly hald the exhibit and art dedicated to clone trooper helmets, and half to Boba Fett helmets" (starwars.com). These helmets will be on display and auctioned off at Celebration VI.


More guests and hosts may be announced closer to the Celebration, but, for now, you can add all of those guys to the ever-expanding list of Star Wars celebrities that will be attending.

And, of course, the year that all of the Fett actors are at the party is the very year that I can't go. :(

Ah, well. Maybe I'll get Mr. Bulloch's and Mr. Logan's autographs some other time. :D




 - Edessa, signing off