Caine Gardner is the former sports editor and remains the BG film critic. He is also a Master of Panic.

New favorite memory (Yup, it's Star Wars related)

Posted Monday, April 28, 2008, at 12:22 AM

Her transformation to the Dark side is almost complete!

I've been a Star Wars fanatic from a very early age. I was able to see the original trilogy in the theater and have lived through the Saga's downturn in the 80's and its resurrection beginning in the 90's. So when an event happens that takes the top spot for my favorite Star Wars memory of all-time -- it must be huge. Right?

First let's put things in perspective.

I've had the opportunity to meet various artists that have brought my beloved Star Wars comics to life. I've talked to many authors who have written the stories of the Expanded Universe and I've also had the good fortune to meet Steve Sansweet at Celebration 3. All of them good memories.

I witnessed the original Star Wars at the drive-in for my first viewing and remember being awestruck at how those words could just disappear into the sky like that. WOW!

So having a vast collection of Star Wars memories to choose from, I find it funny how my favorite involved no individual from the Star Wars universe. I didn't meet a famous actress or someone whose mind has transformed the sage.

My new favorite Star Wars memory involved a Cinderella sleeping bag and a sippy-cut of milk.

This past Saturday I thought it would be cool to throw some blankets on the floor and my oldest daughter and I sit and chill out watching a flick. I got everything ready, propped a pillow against the chair and asked what she wanted to watch.

At first it was The Little Mermaid and since we've come close to melting the DVD with the multiple viewing over the past week, I suggested a classic from back in the day -- The Goonies.

That lasted for about 15 minutes due to censorship on Daddy's part and then the blessed moment happened. As she grew restless, I asked her what she wanted to watch. Anticipating another Disney DVD extravaganza, I made my way to the DVD player and then was stopped in my tracks as she uttered a most beautiful phrase.

And there they were, my two favorite phrases finally brought together.

"Sta Woors, Daddy." (Give her a break she's only two-and-a-half.)

After picking my jaw off the floor, I moved like Jedi to get the DVD into the player before she could change her mind. After a half hour of question after question about Star Wars, she drifted off dreaming of Star Wars.