I went to see Star Wars. That was on Saturday. I couldn’t get anyone to go with me, so I went by myself. I had to leave the projection area twice for bladder relief, but I don’t think I missed anything of significance. I moved around a little, changing seats, seeking the best viewpoint and finally settling on a place near the center of the room. It was an OK movie. Given the expectations and the requirements for success, I thought it came off rather well. There were a couple of times when I thought I might be ripe for being kicked out, what with my laughing out loud at some of the absurd scenes. Nevertheless, they let me watch it all. There were a few scenes that made the $5 seem worthwhile, just for the view. The theater was very acceptable, picture and sound. The only problem I have is with the way George Lucas chose to tell his story. There can be no argument here, he told his tale and that’s it. I like it fine. All the political bullshit people were reading in, I don’t see it. There’s nothing profound in this film. If anything, profundity is debased with inanity. I’m sorry but I can’t help seeing Anakin as anything other than that sniveling New Republic woos, Steven Glass. Hats off to the actor, Hayden Christensen, for his fine portrayal in both of those demanding roles. He did good. I just wish his role as the becoming Darth Vader could have been a little bit more fleshed out. It’s not his fault. It’s George Lucas’ fault! No, wait, he did the best he could…and none of us could have gotten even close to telling that tale, even if some muse had whispered into our ear the storyline. Six movies there bees now. I'm glad to have seen ’em all. Whatever problems I might have with this film are irrelevant. Hey, let’s face it, the film is done. Whether I like it, or anyone else likes it, is irrelevant. It is now sealed in iconamy. May The Force be with us all, each and every one.

This is turning out to be a rather fun evening. I continue listening to Rush's show from earlier today, and I continue to play with this site. OK, so I can't talk about the latest Star Wars movie, I should be able to talk about the insanity of the senate. I spent some time this evening reading about the 17th Ammendment. That's a link I'd like to post...but I haven't figured that out yet!

I'm still far behind the learning curve here as we begin this much needed holiday weekend. I still have nothing to say--not even a comment on Star Wars, since I haven't seen it yet. Of course I'm talking to myself here. It's not like I'm part of a community like "The Corner." The Corner is National Review Online's blog, which I read every day. I'm reminded of my early days with AOL when I stumbled across a "chat room" called "Authors Lounge." I was able to participate there, and did so for some months. Blogspots like The Corner are basically very exclusive chat rooms. Outsiders like me can email comments to the members, but that's like calling in to a radio talk show and leaving an answering machine message. Such delay is not conducive to relevancy.

I have learned a little about how this site works, but not enough. I had to exrticate Rick from the "Contributors" list, just to get a clean slate. Now, all of a sudden, I have a profile that is published. Weird. I don't know where to go with this, exept, maybe http://www.big-boys.com/articles/dudelipsync.html. I still can't make the links! Alas, I have downloaded the original O-Zone and am happy to have finally figured out where that phenominon came from. "Love from the Linden Trees." It's addictive, and I salute Gary Brolsma for bringing that to our collective attention.

This is a test. This is only a test.

Some sense of humor must be brought in to this.

OK, it's been a week since I've been here, but I've been very busy. The learning curve is still very steep and I have yet to make headway in posting opinionated comment. Maybe I can see Star Wars III this weekend. That movie seems to have set off many of my favorite writers to waxing on and on, so I must see it and make my own comments. That might prove a good exercise. In the mean time, by the time I figure out how to post links to relevant articles about the filibuster situation the matter will have been resolved. And, as far as Star Wars goes...can I compose a fair critique? I've read many reviews over the past couple of weeks (I wish I could link to a few), and I take it as a challenge to articulately espouse my opinion. I guess I gotta see the film.

For about a week now I've been studying this and I think I'm about to gain some equilibrium. I'm still having trouble with the "members posting" thing. And I'm still struggling with the link insertion. My biggest problem is that I'm soon going to have to start practicing with the insertion of commentary. That's what this is supposed to be about. Being a very opinionated guy, I expect argument. I will encourage it. If I postulate something that is wrong, I expect to be castigated for it. As Rush says, there is an area of competition that he calls the "Arena of Ideas," and I wish to participate.

May 8, 1964, was a Friday. I was 13 years old and attended Horace Mann Junior High in Baytown, Texas. That’s the day I met La Trell Bush. It was kind of a school holiday that they called “Playday.” There were no classes, but lots of scheduled events and competitions. I don’t remember if participation was mandatory or voluntary but I won ribbons for chin-ups and sit-ups. Hey, I was a healthy 13-year-old kid. Anyway, as I wandered down one of the crowded sidewalks on my way to somewhere I saw a guy leaning against the brick sill of a classroom window. He was leaning back and laughing and there were several other kids laughing to. I stopped to look and listen. He had green hair. The school colors were green and white, so… I stood there a while and got into a conversation that lasted 40 years. I miss him on this anniversary of our meeting.

I'm still trying to get a handle on this. Right now my focus is on how to tie-in links. I'm not terribly intimidated by the use of code, as implied in the Help files I've been reading, but right now I am innundated with a house and yard full of kids. Tomorrow is Mother's Day and Cheryl's Brood is here to celebrate early.

It's been a full day now since I've awakened from my frozen embryo state. As I stretch and yawn, I realize I've got to figure out how to navigate this space. The first problem I have is with the name of the blog. I made it up, knowing nothing about what I was doing. In retrospect, I'm surprised that it got registered. So, I guess I'm legit to practice in this medium.

Legitimacy attached, I have no idea how to proceed.

It's been a long time since I've visited this site. As a matter of fact, I was surprised that it is still here. I'm still learning.