NEWS & UPDATES

PAUL’S CHRISTMAS WISH LIST

Sat, 12 Dec 2009 15:08:26 -0500

Oh my! Video news!

Wait a few seconds,
then press “play”.

CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN:

Cheers,
Paul Starybrat
www.rockwars.net

I WANT THIS! CLICK HERE!

WHOA! BIG CHANGES ARE COMING, STARTING WITH THIS MESSAGE

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 18:18:22 -0500

Oh my! Video news!

Wait a few seconds,
then press “play”.

Cheers,
Paul Starybrat
www.rockwars.net

STAR WARS CHARACTERS TO HELP SALVATION ARMY ON 12/19/09

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 18:05:37 -0500

On December 19th, 2009, members of The 501st Legion CTG will take over Walmart in Southington, CT while ringing bells to raise money for the Salvation Army.

This is a great chance to help a great cause out and see some of the Galaxy’s Finest in action.

To see a video of this event shot in the past, please go to www.connsquad.com .

Date: 12/19/09
Time: 3:00-7:00
Place: Walmart of Southington
235 Queen Street
Southington, CT

Note to non- CTG 501st members:
This is NOT an open call to troopers; the event is full.

Cheers,
Paul Starybrat
www.rockwars.net

HAPPY THANKSGIVING !

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 12:38:19 -0500

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

Some big updates are coming soon!

Cheers,
Paul Starybrat
www.rockwars.net

STAR WARS CHARACTERS TO ATTEND KID SAFE HALLOWEEN PARTY

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 22:08:36 -0400

On October 31th, 2009, The 501st Legion will take over The KID SAFE HALLOWEEN PARTY in FORCE!

The fire house will be open to elementary aged children and provide them the opportunity to have fun with children of their own age, from their own classes. It provides them an opportunity to stock up on treats and goodies without having to dodge traffic and features a haunted house, haunted hay ride.

There is a costume contest with a 100 dollar grand prize in the way of a Toys R Us gift certificate.

While the children are having fun, we often get to meet with the parents and discuss home safety and holiday safety with them and provide them with literature to hopefully arm them for a safe holiday season.

PLEASE BE ADVISED: We love fans of Star Wars and The 501st, but we respectfully ask that folks not follow us after this event. We do have places to go after our events, and non-501st are NOT allowed to go to these places with us as this can cause problems. We hope you understand and enjoy the event!

Note to non- CTG 501st members:
This is NOT an open call to troopers; the event is full.

Cheers,
Paul Starybrat
www.rockwars.net

STAR WARS LANDING AT BURLINGTON PUBLIC LIBRARY 10/24/09

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 21:59:39 -0400

STAR WARS CHARACTERS TO INVADE BIG ‘E’ ON 10/4/09

Sun, 4 Oct 2009 08:02:20 -0400

On October 19th, 2009, The 501st Legion and Rebel Legion will take over The Big ‘E’ Final Day Parade in FORCE! This will be the biggest showing of Star Wars characters this event has ever seen!

The Big E, New England's Autumn Tradition and the largest fair in the northeast. It's a New England extravaganza with top name entertainment, major exhibits, The Big E Super Circus, the Avenue of States, New England history and agriculture, animals, rides, shopping, crafts, a daily parade and a Mardi Gras parade and foods from around the world for 17 glorious days during New England's most colorful season.

If you have children, you will not want to miss this event.

For more information on The Big ‘E’, click HERE.

PLEASE BE ADVISED: We love fans of Star Wars and The 501st, but we respectfully ask that folks not follow us after this event. We do have places to go after our events, and non-501st are NOT allowed to go to these places with us as this can cause problems. We hope you understand and enjoy the event!

LOCATION: The Big ‘E’
TIME: The Big ‘E’ is an all day event, though the Star Wars characters won’t make their presence known until 5:00.

Cheers,
Paul Starybrat
www.rockwars.net

STAR WARS/DEEP RIVER FAMILY DAY 9/19/09

Sat, 19 Sep 2009 08:32:14 -0400

On September 19th, 2009, the Deep River Public Library will be hosting a wonderful event, called ‘Star Wars Day’. This event will feature many of the Star Wars books, activities, and member of The 501st Legion CTG. Not only will this event promote literacy and a donation to those whom have disabilities, but it’s a great way to get a picture with our favorite members of the Galactic Empire!

This event also coincides with Deep River Family Day, so come see your favorite characters from Star Wars and enjoy the festivities the town has to offer!

If you have children, you will not want to miss this event.

LOCATION: Deep River Library
TIME: 11:00 until 2:30

PLEASE BE ADVISED: We love fans of Star Wars and The 501st, but we respectfully ask that folks not follow us after this event. We do have places to go after our events, and non-501st are NOT allowed to go to these places with us as this can cause problems. We hope you understand and enjoy the event!

LOCATION: Deep River Public Library
TIME: 11:00 until 2:30

Cheers,
Paul Starybrat
www.rockwars.net

‘WORLD OF STAR WARS’ EVENT AT WATERFORD PUBLIC LIBRARY, Sept 12th

Wed, 9 Sep 2009 17:17:25 -0400

On September 12th, 2009, the Waterford Public Library will be hosting a wonderful event, called ‘The World Of Star Wars’. This event will feature many of the Star Wars books, activities, and member of The 501st Legion CTG. Not only will this event promote literacy and a donation to those whom have disabilities, but it’s a great way to get a picture with our favorite members of the Galactic Empire!
If you have children, you will not want to miss this event.
LOCATION: Waterford Public LIbrary
TIME: 11:00 until 3:00

Cheers,
Paul Starybrat
www.rockwars.net

MONA LISA RISTORANTE; CT’s BEST KEPT SECRET DINING EXPERIENCE! WIN A GIFT CERTIFICATE!

Sun, 16 Aug 2009 08:44:50 -0400

Hi Folks,

Are you looking for great Italian food, New York style pizza, or the best sandwich in CT...for free? Okay, it’s not free, but you can win a gift certificate! Keep reading!
Mona Lisa...This small, but inviting establishment, gives the diner a truly great experience, no matter what you order. The atmosphere is cozy, warm, and friendly. Erin, one of the waitstaff, will take care of you like no other; she makes you feel as if you are the only person in the restaurant, paying attention to your every need. This is rare in this day and age, when most restaurants try to push the diner out the door as soon as their meal has been consumed.
I have been visiting Chef Abbas at Mona Lisa for about three years and this writer can say, that without a doubt, he is one of the best Italian chefs in Connecticut. Using only the freshest ingredients, he takes special care as he prepares each delectable dish, paying attention to nuance, presentation, and flavor. He boldly creates dishes that you simply cannot find anywhere else, while also creating standard Italian entrees.
Listed here are some of my favorite entrees:
• Greek Salad- Everything you’d expect in a great greek salad, but with a bolder than average taste.
• Classic Mediterranean Shrimp- Lightly sauteed shrimp in a luscious lemon/butter sauce, tossed over pasta.
• Pasta Alfredo- You would swear that Chef Abbas WAS Alfredo. It should be called “Pasta Abbas”. It’s outrageous!
• The Mona Lisa Grinder- This is, without a doubt, the BEST sandwich in CT. Words cannot describe it’s flavor, texture, and finish. It’s hard to believe that this is a grinder.
• Calzones- You HAVE to try the “meat lovers with mushroom” variety. It’s both completely satisfying and filling.
• Pizza- All of them are great, but the ‘Mona Lisa’ and ‘pesto’ are to die for. Also, ask for “sausage & mushroom”; their sausage is amazing...never dry or overly greasy and chunky.
CONTEST TIME:
Would you like to win a $25 gift certificate to Mona Lisa Ristorante? SImply email me, stating your name, email address, and mailing address in the email. The winner will be notified by email. You will not be added to a listserv. Employees of Mona Lisa are not eligible for this contest. This contest is available only through ROCKWARS.
For more information on Mona Lisa, please visit www.monalisaristorante.net.

Cheers,
Paul Starybrat

GOODBYE, LES PAUL

Sat, 15 Aug 2009 07:22:27 -0400

( 1st picture- Les Paul and Steve Vai. 2nd picture- Brian May and the Les Paul Trio)

Les Paul did it all. We owe him more than most people know. He was far more than just a name on a guitar; he was an innovator, inventor, hero, and so grounded that it’s hard to believe he could have ever been famous.

He was a pioneer in the development of the solid-body electric guitar, which made the sound of rock and roll possible. He is credited with many recording innovations, including overdubbing, delay effects such as tape delay, phasing effects, and multitrack recording.
In short, music would not sound as it does today because of Les Paul. If it weren’t for him, people might still be playing acoustic instruments and would recorded everything ‘live’, in one take.
Les , you completely changed the music world and for that, you will be missed.

Cheers,
Paul Starybrat
www.rockwars.net

COME TO CONNECTICON 2009 ON AUGUST 1st, 2009

Thu, 30 Jul 2009 19:19:23 -0400

Over 6,000 people attended ConnectiCon in 2008, making it New England’s largest pop culture event of the summer! Why pop culture you ask? Well, because ConnectiCon doesn’t focus on just one element of fandom, the convention’s organizers are fans of a lot of different things, so we focus on all of the awesome stuff that we like including: web comics, anime, console games, board games, table top miniatures, science fiction, fantasy, comics books, roleplaying games, live action roleplaying, collectible card games, and horror. You name it we’ve probably got something related going on, even Madden Football, and spontaneous games of Twister while folks wait in line! ConnectiCon has “Everything but the kitchen sink!”

Of course, The 501st Legion CTG will be there, trooping it up, Star Wars style!

For more information on the con and ticketing, please visit http://connecticon.org

PLEASE BE ADVISED: We love fans of Star Wars and The 501st, but we respectfully ask that folks not follow us after this event. We do have places to go after our events, and non-501st are NOT allowed to go to these places with us as this can cause problems. We hope you understand and enjoy the event!

ONE MAN STAR WARS AND THE 501st CTG ROCKED NEW HAVEN

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 08:04:29 -0400

Oh, what a great time!

Thanks Charlie, thank you Long Wharf! We hope to see you soon!

COME SEE ONE MAN STAR WARS AND THE 501st CTG ON 7/25 @ 8:00!

Sat, 25 Jul 2009 09:01:54 -0400

Charlie Ross , a HUGE fan of Star War, will play every character, re-enact battles and sing the songs featured in the trilogy in a one-hour, one-act show. His vocal impressions are often spot on, his blocking is flawless, and he often interjects some hilarious observations while reciting lines verbatim.

In addition to this performance, The 501st CTG will add an Imperial presence! This is an event not to be missed!

For more information, go to:
http://www.longwharf.org

Date:
Saturday, July 18 & 25, 2009
Time:
8:00pm - 9:30pm
Location:
Long Wharf Theater
Street:
222 Sargent Drive
New Haven, CT

PLEASE BE ADVISED: We love fans of Star Wars and The 501st, but we respectfully ask that folks not follow us after this event. We do have places to go after our events, and non-501st member are NOT allowed to go to these places with us as this can cause problems. We hope you understand and enjoy the event!

NOTE TO 501st MEMBERS:
This is not an open call for troopers. We have met our cap for this event, though you are certainly welcome to enjoy the show.

GROWING POSSIBILITIES- HELPING PEOPLE WITH AUTISM

Tue, 21 Jul 2009 17:46:41 -0400

GUILFORD — A few years ago, Jim Lyman knew he had to wake up and smell the roses. And now he’s helping area flower aficionados do the same.

Lyman spurred the recent reopening of Pinchbeck’s Rose Farm, and its new vocational program, while searching for job training for his son, who has autism. The farm was back in business July 9 after closing last year when owner Tom Pinchbeck felt he couldn’t compete with overseas operations.

The 80-year-old establishment will soon employ autistic people in a program called Growing Possibilities, thanks to a new partnership with the nonprofit Ability Beyond Disability. It all started when Lyman, of Madison, began wondering what employment opportunities his son, Eli, now 18, might have when he graduated from high school, and realized it would be a long search. “Back then, I thought, ‘In five years, where’s he going to be, what’s he going to do?’” Lyman said. Then he ran into an old friend, who offered to put him in touch with Ability Beyond Disability. The group, which provides services for people with disabilities, offered to help create a new vocational program for people with autism.

Autism is a developmental disorder affecting a person’s ability to communicate and interact with others. Because afflicted individuals are affected to varying degrees, they’re considered to be on the autism spectrum.

Lyman, a friend of Pinchbeck’s, suggested using the rose farm as an agricultural training site when he heard it was closing last year. “It started with just an idea, and I wasn’t sure whether it would really come to fruition,” Pinchbeck said. “They (Ability Beyond Disability employees) have shown a lot of interest and enthusiasm for the project.” Since then, Ability Beyond Disability has provided funding for Pinchbeck to reopen, bring back four employees and hire a summer intern with autism. While Pinchbeck donated 50,000 square feet of greenhouse space valued at $160,000, Ability Beyond Disability must secure $1.6 million to operate the project for two years until it becomes profitable. All profits will help pay for daily farm operations, as well as salaries for 15 more employees — people on the autism spectrum being helped by Ability Beyond Disability.

“There is a huge wave of kids with autism about to graduate,” said Joan Volpe, vice president of Connecticut services for the organization. “Families are really searching for where these kids will work after school, and there aren’t many training programs.” Growing Possibilities is the first program Ability Beyond Disability has coordinated that provides not only jobs, but job coaching and training. “We would love for this to be a profitable business and to replicate it in other farming businesses and industries,” Volpe added.

At Pinchbeck’s, employees will learn about grading rose quality, packaging flowers, pinching back plants and horticulture basics. Summer intern Matthew Radler, 19, began working at the farm two weeks ago and is the first person Ability Beyond Disability helped get hired there. Radler, of Bethany, said he is grateful for the chance to work at Pinchbeck’s because he likes working outdoors. “I’ve had a cactus garden and I like growing things,” said Radler, who added that he’ll be going to college to study conservation and the environment. Pinchbeck said Radler has helped with rose care in the greenhouse and cleaning around the farm, as well as packaging and grading flowers. “Matthew’s interested in getting his hands dirty and fixing things. He’s the kind of guy we need around here,” Pinchbeck said.

For now, only one greenhouse is open and Pinchbeck expects this year to produce one-third of the amount of roses he used to grow. But as Growing Possibilities expands, he hopes to operate at full capacity and get back to churning out 3 million blooms a year, while also hiring more employees on the autism spectrum and people with other disabilities, as well.

“I’m thrilled. I really didn’t think I’d be going back into roses, but I’m excited to be able to get back and continue doing what I’ve been doing for generations,” Pinchbeck said. “The sky’s the limit.”

Pinchbeck’s is at 929 Boston Post Road and is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays.

Susan Misur can be reached at 789-5742 or smisur@nhregister.com.

HAPPY FORTH OF JULY: Mark TWAIN SPEAKS!

Fri, 3 Jul 2009 10:41:57 -0400

"Ladies and gentlemen: I little thought that when the boys woke me with their noise this morning that I should be called upon to add to their noise. But I promise not to keep you long. You have heard all there is to hear on the subject, the evidence is all in and all I have to do is to sum up the evidence and deliver the verdict. You have heard the declaration of independence with its majestic ending, which is worthy to live forever, which has been hurled at the bones of a fossilized monarch, old King George the III, who has been dead these many years, and which will continue to be hurled at him annually as long as this republic lives. You have heard the history of the nation from the first to the last--from the beginning of the revolutionary was, past the days of its great general, Grant, told in eloquent language by the orator of the day. All I have to do is to add the verdict, which is all that can be added, and that is, 'It is a successful day.' I thank the officers of the day that I am enabled to once more stand face to face with the citizens that I met thirty years ago, when I was a citizen of Iowa, and also those of a later generation. In the address to-day, I have not heard much mention made of the progress of these last few years--of the telegraph, telephone, phonograph, and other great inventions. A poet has said, 'Better fifty years of England than all the cycles of Cathay,' but I say 'Better this decade than the 900 years of Methuselah.' There is more done in one year now than Methuselah ever saw in all his life. He was probably asleep all those 900 years. When I was here thirty years ago there were 3,000 people here and they drank 3,000 barrels of whisky a day, and they drank it in public then. I know that the man who makes the last speech on an occasion like this has the best of the other speakers, as he has the last word to say, which falls like a balm on the audience--though this audience has not been bored to-day--and though I can't say that last word, I will do the next best thing I can, and that is to sit down."

PAUL'S SPEECH: GERARD STARYBRAT

Tue, 9 Jun 2009 18:25:01 -0400

Due to public pressure, I am reprinting my speech about my father, which was said during the memorial luncheon for Gerard Starybrat on May 30th, 2009.
PARADOX

Like anyone, Gerard personified many different things to those that knew him. Many of things are obvious, trivial, and humorous....

-He was a golfer whom discovered the secret to golfing roughly eight times a year.

-He was a fisherman who once caught a musky ‘this big’.

-He was a ball player, whom given the right circumstances, might have been able to play semi-pro baseball.

-He was an almost fierce conversationalist. I just coined that phrase today, so feel free to use it. (laughs)

-He worked in the advertising industry and had a wealth of knowledge that benefited many, yet hated most of the commercials he saw on television or in magazines.

-He was never wrong, and you could not make him see otherwise, unless you had the finesse and ability to stroke his ego in exactly the proper way. With a show of hands, how many of you had this touch? Anyone? (laughs)

Although one’s actions do say something about someone, they merely scratch the surface. After talking with many of you, I can say that each of you knew him to be a sort of paradox. My father had a unique view of the world. He could enjoy something so passionately, yet, Gerard could analyze that same thing to the point where one might think he didn’t enjoy the very thing he loved. He also dealt with many people in the same manner. This paradox was something he did unconsciously; he also did it widely. From my own personal experience, he was the man that encouraged me to play the trombone, yet would practice with me on this tiny, ridiculous, toy piano to where I never wanted to play again. That said, he would reward me with praise and well- intentioned criticism, and although I did not always receive this criticism well, he only wanted the best for me. He also knew that the rewards I would receive from a good public performance would trump any negative experience I might have encountered.

To use a Steve Vai song title, Gerard was the passion and he was the warfare, and although he seldom showed his tender side, those who were blessed and witnessed this lighter side would be astonished at the deep river of emotion that flowed through him. Indeed, he held this hand close and guarded it with a mighty sword.

Metaphorically speaking, he walked the fine line between Pagan and Christian and did so in the name of excellence. The negative COULD be defeated and the greater good would come at his hand, whether you wanted that or not.

Let us remember this- everyone has their story, everyone comes from some place. This personal history that each of us possess works for us and against us and unfortunately, we all lose sight of this because of our own ego. In my father’s final moments, he let his ego go. When he did that, he set his pain and his warfare free and I am deeply honored to have witnessed that. For those who didn’t witness what I had witnessed- this freeing of spirit and soul- I only hope that you will do that for yourselves.

Make it count, count your blessings, and know that each of you are blessed for knowing Gerard Hilary Starybrat.

FUNDING FOR ARTS IN CT MAY BE SUSPENDED, TOURISM MARKETING MAY BE ELIMINATED

Tue, 9 Jun 2009 18:17:37 -0400

Statement from the Connecticut Arts Alliance:

In her most recent budget Governor Rell proposed that all funding for the Arts, History, and Film be SEVERELY REDUCED or SUSPENDED and that Regional Tourism Districts and Statewide marketing be ELIMINATED. The issue of the CT Commission on Culture and Tourism being rolled into the Department of Economic Development is also still on the table. It is now up to the legislature to respond and determine if arts, history, and tourism are part of Connecticut's economy and to support it with adequate funding.

If you support Connecticut's Culture and Tourism, right now is the time to call or email your State Representative and State Senator and ask them to support adequate funding for arts and history and for regional tourism and statewide marketing.

Tell them that:

• For every dollar our government leaders think to cut from the Commission's budget, the state will potentially LOSE $9.30 in government revenue.
• The arts generate over $3.8 billion in gross state product annually, including $2.6 billion in personal income.
• Connecticut ranks as the 4th highest among the 50 states in numbers of artists in the workforce, and ranks 7th in number of artists per capita.
• Three of Connecticut's cities - The New Haven, Stamford and Hartford metropolitan areas - ranked in the top ten communities nation-wide in the number of non-profit arts organizations, community celebrations and festivals and arts jobs, according to a national 2006 study.

Tell them that culture and tourism in Connecticut account for:

• $14 Billion in Connecticut economic activity from culture & tourism activities annually.
• 170,000 Jobs/10% of the Connecticut Labor Force come from culture and tourism.
• $88 million was collected by the State from hotel room taxes alone last year. This equals the combined budgets of the Dept. of Veteran Affairs, Consumer Protection and DEP or Housing/Homeless Services and Pharmaceutical assistance to the Elderly.
• Every $1 invested in culture and tourism returns $9.30 in state and local tax revenue.
• $9.4 Billion of Personal Income in Connecticut is derived from culture and tourism.

STUNNING NEW STAR WARS GAME

Tue, 9 Jun 2009 18:03:04 -0400

WoW, (yes, as in World of Warcraft) is the best way to describe the new Star Wars game, THE OLD REPUBLIC. Those who have played Knights of the Old Repulic will understand the time line, but the fun only starts there. Choose your allegiance, become the character you always wanted to be, and kick butt!
If you’d like to see a stunning preview of the game, CLICK HERE.
Cheers,
Paul Starybrat
www.rockwars.net

A NEW iPHONE! EXCELLENT GADGET!

Tue, 9 Jun 2009 17:47:46 -0400

I just took a video tour of the new, iPhone and it’s fantastic. Not only is it the best, fastest, and most versatile iPhone ever, it’s the best smart phone on the market to date. I think Apple just sealed the deal, being the top gadget.
Some new features are:
- faster loading apps
- deeper photo editing
- video camera, with a nice editor
- voice activation
To see a great video tour, CLICK HERE!
Cheers,
Paul Starybrat
www.rockwars.net