(5/6) — Thank you for the birthday wishes, everybody!
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(Photos courtesy of Lucasfilm)
A long time ago, in a theater far, far away, an impressionable ten-year-old stared up at a movie screen filled with images of flying space machines and swords of light.
She was introduced to places she’d never seen before and not likely to see in real life, but she knew even at that age how awesome special effects of movie-making could lift her from the mundane world she inhabited to a faraway galaxy where Luke Skywalker and Han Solo would protect her from the evil Darth Vader and his minions.
When Star Wars came out in 1977, I saw it so many times, I’ve lost count. I don’t remember which friends were with me, but I know my two sisters were there. My “baby” brother was still in diapers, I think. It doesn’t matter. All I remember is the movie and how much I wished I lived in that exciting universe. I had crushes on Mark Hamill (who is still married to the wife of his youth) and Harrison Ford, and when The Empire Strikes Back came out, my crush on Billy Dee Williams was renewed.
While I don’t think anyone should cite Wikipedia as a primary source (especially newspapers), I have to give them credit where it’s due. They have extensive entries on the whole franchise. Be careful, though. You can lose hours reading this stuff. From there you can link to all six movies, but the first movie, The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi are the only ones of interest to this “old head.”
I was in high school when “Jedi” came out in 1983. I thought I was too “grown” for that stuff, but I went to see it anyway. I had to find out how my boy Luke was doing and whether Han and Princess Leia ever got together.
I didn’t realize George Lucas had three additional “Star Wars” movies planned. When The Phantom Menace came out in 1999, I knew I wasn’t going to see it. The movies were part of my childhood, and new “episodes” with new actors weren’t appealing (especially actors younger than I am).
By that time I was immersed in a new universe, one in which Starfleet was running things (Did you know Wil “Wesley Crusher” Wheaton was a blogger?). “Star Wars” had long since played out.
Episode III is scheduled for release later this month, and I’m sure it will make Lucas a lot of money. Check out the full coverage.
This will be my only post today. I’m leaving for BlogNashville tomorrow, and I’m making final preparations.
And today is my birthday. 
Addendum: The “Star Trek” reference reminded me of a post I wrote last year on the old blog, Is Man’s Search For Extraterrestrial Life Futile?
Another Addendum: You guys are making me say it out loud. OK. I’m 38, not 37. I was 37 yesterday. Today I’m a day older and a day wiser. 
Update: Several Bloglines users told me that images on my blog don’t show up in the feeds. I disabled hotlinking a few months ago, but I’ve made an exception for Bloglines. Images should be visible now. To copy images on this blog, you have to save them to your hard drive and upload to your site. Linking to an image directly from this site is bandwidth “stealing.”
HAPPY BIRTHDAY LaShawn !!!!
Comment by Renee — 05.05.05 @ 7:18 am
Happy Birthday LaShawn!!
Comment by Ray Phelps — 05.05.05 @ 7:19 am
Happy Birthday!!! 37 is a great age and I have enjoyed every day of it!! I hope you do as well.
Ah yes, I remember that little 10 year old boy (me) looking up at the screen and the fabulous world that Star Wars opened up in my mind.
Starfleet took over the management of the universe for me as well, but I will admit I saw the first two new films and will see this one as well.
Make that “3-8″ for me. Thanks! - Admin
Comment by El Cid — 05.05.05 @ 7:42 am
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, GIRL!!
Hey, did you know that Lucas actually had nine stories in mind? Besides the originals, the three prequels and three sequels!
Comment by Hube — 05.05.05 @ 7:42 am
(*(*(Happy Birthday LaShawn)*)*)
May your blessings be many and your trials be few.
God bless you
Sepia
Comment by Sepialove — 05.05.05 @ 7:44 am
Go LaShawn….
It’s your birfday
It’s your birfday
It’s your birfday
It’s your birfday
Comment by DarkStar — 05.05.05 @ 7:49 am
DS, what would a birthday be without that “song!”
Thanks, everyone.
Comment by La Shawn — 05.05.05 @ 7:54 am
Happy Birthday!
Comment by Spunky — 05.05.05 @ 7:55 am
Happy Birthday, cutie-pie!
Comment by Sissy Willis — 05.05.05 @ 8:27 am
Ooh. Happy b-day.
The one thing that i have noticed about star wars is that trying to watch the original with a critical eye is impossible. I can either dive back into childhood magic or sit there going “you know, this is a really crappy movie”
Comment by actus — 05.05.05 @ 8:28 am
La Shawn:
Happy birthday. 38 is a great age. 61 for me, still great.
I watched Phantom Menace and Attack of the Clones, got bad reviews. But I loved them anyway. I am just hooked on this stuff.
Like Lord of the Rings, this stuff will appeal to children for generations.
Comment by Frank Zavisca — 05.05.05 @ 8:35 am
Happy Birthday Lashawn!
I was 16 when Star Wars changed movies. Like you I lost count of how many times we all went to see it. The theme music has actually become sort of an anthem! If I really get into a project, sometimes from within I’ll hear, “Daa dump.. . Da Da dump…. Da Da ……dump da da dump da! (My best attempt at converting music to text).
I felt compelled to see episodes one and two. My guess is that Mr. Lucas put most of his focus on THIS episode and that the last two were merely vehicles to bring us to this point. That’s how I would have done it. I HOPE that’s the case. I’m going to see Episode 3 because there’s a chance it may ADD to the magic Star Wars brought us in the ’70s. OK, not much of one. But I’ll gamble eight bucks!
Comment by pajamazon — 05.05.05 @ 8:56 am
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!
Comment by laurie — 05.05.05 @ 8:57 am
Hoppy Birds day, LB!
Comment by pat wilson — 05.05.05 @ 9:25 am
Happy Birthday!!!
Part of the fun with Star Wars is introducing my kids to the “franchise” via DVD. I plan to take them to the theaters for this one — they can hardly wait.
Comment by Andy — 05.05.05 @ 9:25 am
I am 34 and remember the starwars movies of the 70’s. I have seen episode 1 and loved it. I am awaiting episode two and three to come out on dvd since it is to $$$ for the theater. When lucas releases all six in a collector’s edition i will be picking it up.
Comment by William — 05.05.05 @ 9:27 am
Happy Birthday!
Since I am so kind, you can have my piece of cake.
Looking forward to seeing you at BlogNashville!
Tom
Comment by Tom — 05.05.05 @ 9:34 am
Happy Birthday To LaShawn!
Today is blogger LaShawn’s birthday! She slipped it in after a bit talking about Star Wars, the new Star Wars movies, and some Star Trek.
So, I wanted to say a public “Happy Birthday!” to one of my favorite writers in the blogosphere. Hope it’…
Trackback by Iowa Voice — 05.05.05 @ 9:41 am
Happy birthday, La Shawn.
Comment by Pat'sRick© — 05.05.05 @ 9:52 am
I remember reading in our local news paper that when the theater in that city(yreka,calfornia)showed STAR WARS they had some as DARTH VADER go through the theater and people threw popcorn and ice at him woooo MAY THE FORCE BE WITH YOU
Comment by firebird — 05.05.05 @ 9:54 am
Happy birthday! Today is my hubby’s birthday too, and he turned 38 as well.
Now, back in your post about the Berkely Laptop Thief, you made the statement “I’m not a techie (euphemism for nerd),” and after reading today’s post, let me just say that you don’t have to be a techie to be a nerd. And it takes one to know one.
(I have every Star Trek movie and the entire Next Generation Series on DVD.) I didn’t see the original Star Wars movies until long after I had been watching Star Trek, and I was very unimpressed. Hey, it was the early 90’s. I’ll probably take my son to see the latest one.
Comment by DragonLady — 05.05.05 @ 9:57 am
Happy Birthday, La Shawn!!!
(another reason I discover we’re “nearly” on the same page - mine was Tues. May 3)
Comment by Dave in AZ — 05.05.05 @ 10:02 am
happy b-day…
Comment by princec — 05.05.05 @ 10:15 am
Happy Birthday, La Shawn! Keep on blogging for many more!
Comment by Chris W — 05.05.05 @ 10:17 am
Happy birthday, La Shawn!
And many mooooore….
(and what a neat date this year too, with the triple fives)
Comment by FL Mom — 05.05.05 @ 10:27 am
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LASHAWN!! WOO HOOO!
Have fun in Nashville, it’s a great place!
Dan
Comment by Dan — 05.05.05 @ 10:28 am
Happy Birthday, La Shawn. I remember the old theater I went to see the originals in. Now, they are torn down. aww. But hey, who’s taking bets that Lucas will totally re-do episodes 4-6 when he’s done with these three? I don’t think he SHOULD do it, but I can see him doing it.
Comment by RepJ — 05.05.05 @ 10:32 am
Birthday Wishes
Today is the birthday of one of my favorite bloggers, La Shawn Barber. She is one of the most prolific bloggers, but also manages to keep the quality of her writing to a very high standard. La Shawn has been…
Trackback by ChristWeb — 05.05.05 @ 10:33 am
Happy Birthday LaShawn!!!!!!!
God Bless you and Keep you. May He protect you in your travel and open up mighty doors for you to walk faithfully through. May He continue to provide for you as you have taken a step of faith and put it ALL into His hands.
He will honor your faith in Him.
Take care and God Bless
Comment by Aaron Hankins — 05.05.05 @ 11:04 am
Happy Birthday La Shawn! (It’s also my wife Pamela’s birthday today!)
I’ve been known to like both Star Wars and Star Trek (maybe the latter a bit more), but Babylon 5 was better-written than either of them; if you don’t know it, then you don’t know how lucky you are to still have that ahead of you.
Check it out.
Enjoy your day!
Comment by Erbo — 05.05.05 @ 11:20 am
Happy Birthday, La Shawn!
Comment by Mwalimu Daudi — 05.05.05 @ 11:21 am
Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday La Shawn,
Happy Birthday to you!
(Take a raincheck on the gift?)
Comment by Mark La Roi — 05.05.05 @ 11:25 am
Happy 37th Anniversary of your birth day! Best wishes for many more!!!
Live long and prosper!!
Comment by Vilmar — 05.05.05 @ 11:38 am
I wish I was 37….
Happy Birthday!
Comment by rich — 05.05.05 @ 11:38 am
Happy b-day, La Shawn!
Comment by Army NCO Guy — 05.05.05 @ 12:02 pm
Happy Birthday!
I remember standing in line for 3 blocks in downtown Seattle with my Dad and my Brother. I’m 35, my brother is 33. The wait was worth it! When it came out on video, we watched it over and over and over, my brother even more than me. He can still quote almost every word of the first Star Wars.
My husband and I went to see the next series, but it just wasn’t the same. I did enjoy my popcorn, though. I love movie theater popcorn!
My Mom was sure I was 34 this year, soon to turn 35. For some reason it made her feel really old to know I was 35, soon to be 36.
Comment by Elizabeth B — 05.05.05 @ 12:07 pm
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ONE OF MY FAVORITE BLOGGERS!!! HAVE A PERFECT DAY AND GOD BLESS YOU!
I went to Star Wars with my best friend and my brother (who at that time looked a lot like Hamill and now looks more like Ben Kenobi but don’t tell him!)
Comment by Kathy — 05.05.05 @ 12:42 pm
Happy Birthday LB
SW is the first movie I have a memory of seeing. I remember standing in line to see Return of the Jedi, in the middle of a heat wave. The first time I had ever seen a line that long (around the block, hours long) for a movie.
Comment by SCSIwuzzy — 05.05.05 @ 1:18 pm
Happy birthday! I turned 36 two days ago.
Comment by Larry — 05.05.05 @ 1:54 pm
Happy Birthday. I’d never guessed you were a Star Wars type. I’m truly amazed. You always seem so bright.
Yikes! Clarification? - Admin
Comment by Ol' BC — 05.05.05 @ 2:10 pm
Happy Birthday to You…Thanks for your thoughts!
Comment by Tiffany In Mpls — 05.05.05 @ 2:19 pm
Happy Birthday!
And have a great time at BlogNashville!
Comment by Lornkanaga — 05.05.05 @ 2:41 pm
You are going to be the “search engine hit queen,” LaShawn.
And Happy Happy Birthday! Enjoy Nashville - it’s wonderful! I know for a fact the Pink Kitty is looking forward to your lecture.
Comment by Miss O'Hara — 05.05.05 @ 3:33 pm
Whenever anyone in our family had a birthday, before lighting the candles, Mother would pray this prayer.
Another happy birthday
To one of us is given.
So, let us thank the Father
For all His gifts from heaven.
Oh may His love and mercy
To this His child be near
And keep her safe and happy
Throughout the coming year.
Happy birthday, La Shawn! This prayer’s for you!
Comment by Evon Bachaus — 05.05.05 @ 4:01 pm
Happy birthday!
Comment by Fausta — 05.05.05 @ 4:39 pm
hope I’m not too late to say–
happy birthday y’all, from down here in Texas!
vous n’avez pas encore quarante ans, alors vous n’avez rien de raison pour etre malheureuse…
:-)))
Daily reader Dave in Houston
Comment by dave — 05.05.05 @ 4:47 pm
Happy Birthday, young’un! BTW, I have never been able to stay awake on a Star Wars movie.
Comment by Juliette — 05.05.05 @ 5:04 pm
La Shawn, The search for extraterrestrial life isn’t futile,
Resistance is futile.
(Sorry, a little star trek humor)
Comment by Kathy — 05.05.05 @ 5:29 pm
Happy Birthday, LaShawn!!!! Have a great day!!!
Comment by Steve — 05.05.05 @ 6:15 pm
Happy Birthday, LaShawn! I remember 38…
I feel like the “old lady” of the group, but I was one of those who signed a petition to keep the Original Star Trek on the air at NBC. Star Wars was a double date with my sister, her husband, and my now-husband. And I was pregnant with #1 child when we saw Return of the Jedi. (Never drink a large soda before going to see a 2-hr. movie while pregnant…)
Comment by Denise — 05.05.05 @ 6:26 pm
La Shawn,
I’ve been on your site a couple times today but am just now getting around to a proper birthday wish. I was trying to think of something witty and appropriate. Alas, I’m not that clever.
So, a simple HAPPY BIRTHDAY will have to do. And I hope you see many more!
Comment by Mike M. — 05.05.05 @ 7:54 pm
Happy Birthday, La Shawn. Live long and prosper.
Comment by Dodo David — 05.05.05 @ 8:55 pm
Happy Birthday La Shawn!!!
Comment by LHM — 05.05.05 @ 9:31 pm
If you are this good at 38, imagine how much better you will be at 76, at least twice as good. Just find someone to share it.
Comment by Walter E. Wallis — 05.05.05 @ 9:34 pm
Is anyone else getting a really messed up front page with ‘blogs about hosting’ pictures in it and no formatting??
Congrats on your B-Day LaShawn!
Comment by Alex — 05.05.05 @ 11:20 pm
La Shawn:
What happened to your front page? It looks awful.
Somone else mentioned that. I don’t know what’s going on. - Admin
Comment by Bonnie — 05.06.05 @ 12:12 am
Happy Birthday from a lurker
May God bless you this day and always.
Comment by fuzz — 05.06.05 @ 12:31 am
Linkology
GoDaddy’s Boobs Pay Off It seems the Superbowl publicity stunt paid off. GoDaddy is now the top registrar of domains. Yawn. Al Gore Awarded Lifetime Award for Internet This must be a joke. Oh but it isn’t. International Respect for…
Trackback by Nykola.com — 05.06.05 @ 3:03 am
Happy Birthday! What a wonderful day it was the day you were born!
Comment by Crystal Clear — 05.06.05 @ 3:10 am
On your comment regarding hotlinking being bandwidth theft, are you the copyright holder for the pictures in this post?
Good question and good point! - Admin
Comment by Grumpy — 05.06.05 @ 3:48 am
Crystal Clear Round the Reader
Trackback by Crystal Clear — 05.06.05 @ 3:56 am
Happy belated birthday, La Shawn!
I didn’t care for Phantom Menace much, and Attack Of The Clones, though better, still wasn’t quite Star Wars in my mind. Still, Revenge Of The Sith looks awfully promising… I’ll have to catch it in the theater, once the crowds die down a bit.
Comment by AWG — 05.06.05 @ 8:36 am
Star Wars Memories
This blogger was crushed by Star Wars when it came out….
Trackback by Movie Star Blog — 05.06.05 @ 3:04 pm
George Lucas, using mid-’70s graphic technology, struggling and/or unknown actors, and John Williams’ classical music score created one for the ages!
“That little droid is going to get me into a lot of trouble.”
“Ohh, he excels at that.”
Comment by Mark Slater — 05.06.05 @ 9:50 pm
Happy Birthday!
It’s nice to see I’m not the only geek out there in the political blogosphere.
Comment by Nathan Azinger — 05.06.05 @ 9:50 pm
From the Better Late Than Never Department: Feliz aniversario, La Shawn!
Comment by Rafael Daniel — 05.08.05 @ 10:30 am
That’s what I get for failing to read your blog for a few days: missing the chance to wish you a happy birthday on time. Well, may year 38 be even better than 37. Remember, it just gets better.
Live long and prosper … and may the Force be with you!
Comment by asher abrams — 05.11.05 @ 12:00 pm
I always got a little chill when i heard DARTH VADERS HEAVY BREATHING OOOO ITS SCARY AS THE SOUND YOU HEAR ON HALLOWEEN SOUNDS TAPE
Comment by firebird — 05.11.05 @ 2:42 pm