POSTS FROM STARWARS.COM

I had wondered what it would feel like to be a part of a real Star Wars community. It is so easy to feel disconnected from other fans, and I was happy to find a place of refuge at StarWars.com. People from all ages take part, posting their own blogs and comments. I got useful feedback on some of my postings, which can be found here. One thing is for certain: everyone has an opinion which they passionately hold. I have to say, I disagreed with some of the comments. My high from seeing Episode III has dissipated a little, and I'm more able to see that George Lucas is capable of error.

My stay at StarWars.com was short-lived; it was only a 7-day free trial. However, it was a great experience blogging on the official site, as was meeting a lot of new cyber-people.

DARTH VADER CONVERTS FROM THE "DARK SIDE" TO CHRISTIANITY

Apparently, Darth Vader, having rethought his "Dark Side" worldview, has enrolled at Talbot Theological Seminary, part of Biola University. This conversion experience has major implications for Darth, who is considering a name change to symbolize his new decision. These are pictures he provided, capturing his first week of dorm life.

THE TRUTH SURFACES

Admittedly, I feel a bit uneasy about my push to refer to myself as Master Ranbl Migam. The main reason is that hitherto you have only known me as Mr. Star Wars. Obviously, this is an honorary title bestowed upon me by my acquaintances. Before I make the switch from one alias to another, though, I must be respectful of the fact that the fellow fanatics who frequent this site are genuine enough to use their real, civilian names. Andrew, Pam, Paul, Becky, Frank Milton and the others, thank you for your continued support and interest. We share a very special bond.

Sincerely,

Randall Bliss

THE JEDI MASTER

YOUR JEDI NAME

Recently, I was conversing with some friends. Our subject was what Star Wars name we would choose for ourselves. It caused me to remember receiving an e-mail from someone that contained a formula for finding your true Star Wars alias. I did a search online for "Star Wars name" and found one of the simpler variations of the formula. Here it is:

For your new Jedi first name:
1) Take the first 3 letters of your first name and add:
2) the first 2 letters of your last name.

For your new Jedi last name:
1) Take the first 2 letters of your mother's maiden name and add:
2) the first 3 letters of the city in which you were born.

Other versions allow you to also find your Star Wars honorific name and title.

I hope this information is an enlightenment to those of you who are unsure of your actual identity.

Yours truly,
Master Ranbl Migam
(I added "master" for effect.)

BREAKFAST WITH ARTOO-DETOO

My friend Andrew also shared some pictures of something that recently arrived in the mail. Through one of the many Star Wars tie-ins with breakfast cereal, he was able to send away for an R2-D2 bowl. When you place the dome down on the tray, it beeps just like R2. Andrew planned to eat a big R2-D2 bowl of Star Wars cereal soon after, for a breakfast experience that is truly out of this world. The first photo shows the bowl in its proper position on the sound tray. The second photo shows Andrew with the bowl on his head, which creates an uncanny resemblance to the famous R2 unit.

$6.99 by Mail with 2 UPCs and Official Order Form from specially-marked packages of Kellogg's® Crispix® cereal
R2-D2™ beeps and whistles when pressure is applied to bowl as it sits in contact with base/lid
Perfect for serving a tasty party mix that's out of this world - made with Kellogg's® Crispix® cereal and Cheez-It® crackers
Offer expires 6/30/06, or while supplies last

NEW FACES

I have had a blast getting to know three fellow fanatics this past week. Their names are Andrew, Pamela and Paul. They were kind enough to share with me a picture they had made of the "Return of the Jedi" poster, with their three faces replacing the originals. Paul posed as Luke, Andrew as Han, and Pamela as Leia. Interestingly, Paul and Pamela are siblings, which preserves the Luke-Leia relationship; Andrew and Pamela are married, which preserves the Han-Leia romantic aspect. Quite a good job!

IT'S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE "LIFE DAY"

Imagine, only halfway through the year (in fact, just barely into the Summer Movie season) and I have already begun to get that warm kind of feeling that usually appears around the middle of November. I am referring to, of course, the anticipation of Christmas. Most lay-persons off the street would never make the connection between Christmas and "Star Wars," except of course that it's the time of year to give hints to others about wanting the complete 6-film boxed set. The true "Star Wars" fan, however, will immediately know the answer: The "Star Wars Holiday Special." I was 4 years old when it aired in November of 1978. An incredible bit of television history, the program has never been available commercially. Several years back, I was able to obtain a VHS copy of the program from a fellow fanatic. I traded with him for an autographed glossy of Billy Dee Williams. Anywho, nowadays the internet makes finding it a lot easier. I suggest looking for it, as there are many memorable moments.

For example, we get to meet Chewbacca's family:

We get to hear Carrie Fisher sing:

We also get to see Mark Hamill, looking prettier than he ever has, before or since:

It never truly feels like Christmas until I pop the VHS tape into the player and snuggle up with a mug of egg nog. It's worth checking out, any time of year. Happy Life Day to everyone!

EVEN JEDIS NEED A BREAK

As it turns out, I was a little over-eager by starting out at ten push-ups a day. The exertion put too much pressure on my elbows and I've been off work for almost two and a half weeks. Today is the first day I've felt comfortable enough to sit and type at my computer. My employers at Sristle Industries were nice enough to grant me the time off. Obviously, I can't very well be maneuvering chemical drums around the plant while both of my arms are in slings. Anywho, the incident was actually a blessing in disguise, because over the past two weeks I've been able to take inventory of my Star Wars collectibles. While in the middle of it last week, I got the idea to take some photos of my collection and post them on this site. I hope you enjoy. This is only a sampling of my collection; it took a lot of energy to set up this display out on the grass.