New Products for Thursday, Jan. 3, 2013

Red alert

Theft of toy helmet lands man in trouble

PORTAGE | A 41-year-old LaPorte man could wind up in prison for as long as three years on allegations he stole a toy.

'Star Wars' figures, dominoes in Toy Hall of Fame

Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia outmuscled little green army men for a spot in the National Toy Hall of Fame. "Star Wars" action figures join centuries-old dominoes in the class of 2012, which was announced by the Rochester hall Thursday.

YOUNG VOICES: After Lucasfilms purchase, may force be with Disney

The Internet felt a great disturbance in the force when the Walt Disney Co. announced it had bought Lucasfilm Ltd. for $4.05 billion. People were stunned when Disney also announced another three Star Wars films, with the first being slotted for release in 2015.

The Daily Fix

Offering perspective on today's issues

Disney unlikely to change 'Star Wars' brand

LOS ANGELES | Naysayers would have you believe Disney's purchase of Lucasfilm can only mean one thing: Bambi and Mickey Mouse are sure to appear in future "Star Wars" movies taking up lightsabers against the dark side of the Force.

Young Jedi get inter-Galactic experience

Books featuring characters such as R2-D2, Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia were available for participants in the Star Wars Reads Day at the Crete Public Library. "Star Wars Episode 1V: A New Hope" was shown on the big screen to end a perfect Star Wars day.

Young Jedi get inter-Galactic experience

CRETE | The Crete Public Library’s Children’s Department recently held Star Wars Reads Day where children enjoyed Star Wars-themed activities, crafts and a table full of books.

Young Jedi get inter-Galactic experience

Children make Yoda puppets during the Star Wars Read Day.

OFFBEAT: Chicago Shakespeare Theater's brilliant 'Timon of Athens' ends Sunday

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

Return of the Star Wars fans

Aaron Wojton, left, and Blas Polak re-enact a laser scene during a recent Star Wars teen program at the Crete Public Library. This special event included a trivia contest, scene script and light saber re-enactments.

Jane Ball 2nd Grader shares Star Wars collection

CEDAR LAKE | Danny Kelly, a Jane Ball Elementary 2nd grader from Mrs. Gross' class, shares his Star Wars collection with Jane Ball Elementary School. Danny started collecting Star Wars memorabilia because his parents were Star Wars fans.

OFFBEAT: Reader's discovery of Hammond Parthenon Theatre 1921 program a treasure

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

Oscar-winning 'Star Wars' artist from Gary dies

Gary native Ralph McQuarrie, whose art formed the basis for several characters in the original "Star Wars" trilogy, died Saturday at his home in Berkley, Calif., according to a statement posted on his Facebook page. He was 82.

Play it again?

It seems that technology is on the top of many Christmas lists these days, especially for children. Check out this year's requests from kids that sound more like an echo of Christmas past.