It has taken me 26 years and about a week, but I’m finally learning the story behind the “Star Wars” movies. Until last week, I hadn’t seen one of the six films. But thanks to Matthew, I’m changing all that.

I’ve already watched “A New Hope” and am halfway through “The Empire Strikes Back.” After watching the third “old” movie, whose name I can’t recall, I may skip to the final “new” movie, “The Revenge of the Sith.” It’s funny, because I’m slowly learning the secrets behind the movies, such as Luke and Leia being brother and sister. During the first two movies I’ve watched, I’ll mention a fact such as this. And Matthew will respond, “Yeah, but you’re not supposed to know that yet.”

People have told me the two “new” movies aren’t necessary to grasping the saga’s entire story.

Would you agree?

I’ve posted this query in the Mac OS X community, but I’ll toss it out from , as well.

What other widgets do you recommend I download?

Hello from the world of Tiger! I installed the new OS last night and have been falling in love the more I use it. That would explain why I’m awake and at my Macintosh this early in the morning.

[Side note: Isn’t her dress absolutely gorgeous? She’s already dressing like a superstar.]

Get the rest of the story.

AM talk radio and “The Apprentice” are my newest drugs. I love ’em.

Isn’t is possible that the show’s “poor ratings” are a direct result of “last fall’s ill-fated story about President Bush’s military service?”

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20050518/ap_en_tv/tv_cbs_60_minutes_1

I was awoke to yet another thunderstorm early this morning. I don’t mind the rain, you see; it’s just the thunder and lighting that I sometimes have a problem with.

I’m reading “The Mermaid Chair” by Sue Monk Kidd, who also wrote “The Secret Life of Bees.” Three or four chapters into the book, I’m quite surprised how different Kidd’s voice is in the book. It’s certainly a transition from “Bees.”

Also on media: As you know, I’m just now watching “Sex and the City” on TBS. Last night, I saw the first two episodes and am shocked at how different the characters were when the series ended. The language, the beliefs, even their clothing drastically took a 180 when the show was on air. I don’t care for Carrie directly addressing the audience; it feels awkward.

English muffins with Jif’s new honey peanut butter is a magnificent treat.

Rilo Kiley: After seeing them perform Thursday night, I am convinced they are one of the best bands to see live, that I can recall. Their talents really are indescribable.

Ever day, I receive at least three or four spam emails from Dairy Queen or Baskin Robbins, telling me I’ve won a free dessert. They certainly know how to toy with my emotions. I’m a sucker for dessert. In fact, I bought a package of bakery-style chocolate chip cookies from Wal-Mart last night. I live five minutes from Wal-Mart, but still managed to suck one down in the parking lot before driving home. I’m pathetic.

I should be receiving Tiger within the next week! Woo hoo!

[borrowed from ]

1. Total number of books owned? Around 175

2. The last book I bought? “The Mermaid Chair” by Sue Monk Kidd

3. The last book I read? “The Rule of Four” by Ian Caldwell and Dustin Thomason

4. 5 books that mean a lot to me? “The Lovely Bones” by Alice Sebold; “The Giving Tree” by Shel Silverstein; “Life of Pi” by Yann Martel; “Songs in Ordinary Time” by Mary McGary Morris

My good friend Tony will have his byline graces the pages of the Sunday Los Angeles Times this weekend. Way to go, Tony!

Omaha, mark your calendars for June 3: http://www.gypsypics.net

For the second time in a week, my right side developed a painful cramp while running at the Y this morning. Any ideas of the culprit?