It’s tough to imaging that it’s been 30 years since Star Wars was released and redefined the entertainment world. There is no shortage of coverage on this milestone, though one of my favorites is Kevin Chu’s story of working as an extra he posted last week.

One of the things that is really cool about Star Wars is that if you’ve seen the movie, even 30 years later, you’ll likely recognize the quote above from Obi Wan Kenobi as he, Luke, C3PO and R2D2 arrive in the space port of Mos Eisly to seek transport to Alderan. The series of films is simply chock full of these sorts of moments. My personal favorite of these is Yoda’s “Do or do not. There is no try.” when instructing young Skywalker in the ways of the force.

I was on the cusp of turning 9 years old when the first movie was released in 1977 and so it’s not surprising I was caught up in the carnival that surrounded the movie. But the thing that has been shocking is how it’s stayed with me and how I’ve seen it infect new people over the years (it is sort of a benign virus I think.) For instance, my daughter loves to watch the original Star Wars (A New Hope) – she thinks the story is all about Princess Leia and seems to grasp the good vs. evil struggle that is ongoing in the films.

Last night Ellen and I watched a History Channel program called “Star Wars, the Legacy Revealed.” Record it, it will be on again (and btw, it compresses 120 minutes with commericals down to 88 minutes of content…) This was a facinating examination of the series demonstrating how George Lucas used the enduring myths and archetypes in the creation of the story and the characters. It inspired me to read the Joseph Campbell book The Hero with a Thousand Faces referenced in the show.

It’s clear George Lucas was influenced by myth, history, and westerns, but it’s somewhat unclear to me how much he intended consciously vs. what is being read into the movies by people who are experts in the field. That was the one missing piece of the show last night was an interview with Lucas to understand just how much symbolism was intended. In any case, 30 years later, it’s clear that Star Wars has legs – it is now making an impression on yet another generation of young people and it seems to strike a major chord with those who view it.

I know I’ve enjoyed the series of movies and think of them all fondly.

Just when you thought you’ve seen it all, something new appears. Take a look at the video above and you’ll start traveling with copper tubes and grapefruit just to make sure you can start your car if the battery runs down. An interesting life hack, though I have to wonder how much current really bleeds into the battery. Since you can make citrus batteries pretty easily, it’s greater than zero.

According to the results of this budding scientist’s school project, they would have been better off using lemons! It’s creative nonetheless and made me smile. Hope you enjoy this video too.

…no time for details.



At least I hope that was the reason for this. The other acceptable reason would be for humor…

Leave your suggestions for a caption in the comments section…We’ll pick a winner on Monday.

That is the number of US combat deaths in Iraq as of May 25th according to the Department of Defense aggregated by Iraq Coalition Casualty Count.

3,434

Since we “won” the war in 2003, the fatality count has averaged over 800 people per year.

Memorial Day is about more than a road race and burgers on the grill, please take time to remember the sacrifice that these men and women, and their families have made for all of us. Whatever the reasons for being there and independent of one’s view on what should be done to bring this sorry chapter to an end, the people who are there serving are committed, they risk their lives every day, and they serve for us.

This Memorial Day, find a veteran in your community and thank them for their service. They deserve our gratitude.

As for the current Administration and the co-dependent Congress, well…..they should take a break from decision making for the weekend. It certainly can’t hurt.