We went to the UNM Children’s hospital tonight for my first “official” troop! We dressed in conference room, then spent the next hour or so walking around and seeing the kids.

Our “docent” would knock on the door of the child’s room, tell them there were some Star Wars characters here to see them, then, if the they wanted, we would go in and say “hi.” Sometimes the kids had “contact restrictions” in which case we’d wave from the door. Of course some of the kids, or the kids’ parents, didn’t want us to come in for whatever reason, but for the most part everyone wanted to see us.

In fact, the first wing we went through was pretty quick… 10 or 15 minutes to do the whole thing. We would wave, say “hi”, and move along, move along. But the 2nd wing we went through was a Star Wars fan club! Children had Star Wars books, parents had Star Wars tattoos, one young man (probably 15) had a poster of himself someone had made for “Episode VII”. So, needless to say, we spent much more time in that wing taking pictures and just interacting with everyone.

It was as great of an experience as I’d have hoped it would be. The kids (and parents) were all so excited to see us. “You’re the real deal,” one parent said. “You’ve met the Stormtroopers,” another told his son. It was sad in many ways to be there, but the smiles and laughter of the kids made it much easier. What a great first troop!

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I put on my Stormtrooper armor and Celeste, Jason and I went up to the neighbor’s house to let their kids see it, and to give them the presents we brought from the UAE.  It was a lot of fun, and they loved being visited by a TK.  Their dad is a huge Star Wars fan, so they know well “who” I was.

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So our local 501st squad (the Dewback Ridge Squad) all got together today for a photo shoot. Celeste took some pictures too… here they are.

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Yesterday we had invited all the local 501st members over to help me put together my TK armor. Our new friend, Alex, who is also a 501st hopeful, was here too putting the finishing touches on his armor. It’s pretty amazing to finish it all in a day, AND to have it done so well! Some people take months to put their armor together… and I understand why. It was a lot of work, and I could NOT have done it without everyone’s help. Everyone just grabbed something and started working. Thanks again guys!

So, around 2:30 a.m. I had my armor on and was getting my pictures taken for submission to the Legion. Here are pictures of the process.

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We got to go see some of the local 501st again today as well.  They were running a blood drive in front of Target on Eubank & Lomas.  It was a lot of fun and I got some more pictures.  I can’t wait to get my armor!

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If you visited Silver Dollar City between 1978 and 1984, then you may remember a ride called “Rube Dugan’s Diving Bell”. Located where the “Lost River of the Ozarks” is now, the Diving Bell was a simulation ride, that took passengers on an journey to the bottom of Lake Silver and back.

Far ahead of its time, the Diving Bell was first proposed to Disney World for construction. They told SDC it would be impossible to do… but IF it WAS done… couldn’t be done for under 6 million dollars. Silver Dollar City decided to go against the advice of the large amusement park and succeeded… finishing the Diving Bell for a mere 1.2 million!

The ride was comprised of a 20 minute “show” aboard a hydraulically controlled “submarine”. Guests watched as Junior Dugan (an actor), interact with Rube (a voice from above) as they were led on a race to find Grand-Pappy Dugan’s silver. The view screen allowed patrons to see what was believed to be the murky water in front of them… when in fact the boat never left the dock. This technology is now used on a much larger scale by Disney World, as well as other amusement parks around the country.

The Diving Bell was removed in 1984 to make room for The Lost River of the Ozarks… a ride that can move more guests through per hour. However, the Diving Bell was never forgotten by those who rode and loved it, but when I played Rube Dugan I learned many people would like to see the ride brought back!

If you would like to encourage Silver Dollar City to bring back the Diving Bell, then please contact to Silver Dollar City by clicking this link, or at the address below and would like to see the Diving Bell return.

On a related note, while Slim Pikens did the voice for Rube Dugan on the ride, I was the only person to ever play Rube Dugan in the flesh on park. The cool thing is, I didn’t add that information on Wikipedia.

Here’s a picture of me as Rube Dugan. I made the costume, and while SDC management wouldn’t let me carry a gun, they loved the idea of me carrying “dynamite”… dowel rods covered with red construction paper and dipped in wax… all with real fuses. I had some good times with that!

If you have any questions about this article, things I’ve said here, or the ride, email me or leave a comment and I’ll do my best to answer. NOTE: I am not affiliated with SDC nor do I claim to be an expert on the ride.

Silver Dollar City
399 Indian Point Road
Branson, MO 65616

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We got to meet some of the local Mountain Garrison of the 501st today near Target. Don’t they look great?!

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I think I’ve decided to do a “Winged Monkey” for Halloween next year. The parties theme is going to be “A Villains Conference” and I’m touted to be one of the “key note speakers”. I thought doing a monkey who’s trying to take over the world after the demise of his master would be so perfect! So, I’m going to adapt the Planet of the Apes I started 2 years ago to be a Winged Monkey.

My monkey will be a bit different than either the movie or the books, but, will be closer to the movie I’d say. Probably a bluish skinned creature that is very smart and opinionated.

Who knows though? Halloween 2008 is still a ways away and I don’t really need to start working on a costume until April.

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