Echo Outpost Episode I

The primary impetus for engaging in this blogging project is the extra credit points it earns me for Communications 200: Interpersonal Communication. That being said, it also provides me with the opportunity to sharpen my writing skills. Between the compliments I received at Moonen Family Thanksgiving this year and the urging of my friend Jen, who says I should try to write every day, so here it goes. As with any new venture, this one will be a definite work in progress.

Truthfully, I really have had difficulty figuring out what to write about. Do I force others to endure reading about the mundane trivialities that infect each of our lives? Do I write snarky comments about celebrities or politicians? Then I thought just write what comes to mind, even if it is inane, pointless drivel. So without further ado my first official post:

It goes without saying that I am a Star Wars geek. I have been since I was a child. “The Empire Strikes Back” (1980) is one of my earliest childhood memories. I vividly recall pestering my mom to take me to see “Return of the Jedi” (1983) while we were in Litchfield visiting relatives. I have collected the action figures, read the comic books, played the video games, and beaten down challengers at Star Wars trivia. More importantly, Star Wars has taught others and me several important life lessons.

10. Always Let the Wookie Win. Why? Because Wookiees pull people's arms out of their sockets when they lose. Knowing your opponent is key to defeating him and conceding a small battle does not mean you forfeit the war.

9. "It's a trap!" Rest assured, the battle station you are attacking is fully operational. Do not assume your enemies are chadbag idiots, no matter how many Bothans died to bring you the information.

8. If you want a job done right, it is sometimes necessary to call in Bad Ass Bounty Hunters. Even the most powerful Sith Lord cannot do everything. There is little shame in finding the most capable allies. And none at all in admitting that you need help.

7. Wretched hives of scum and villainy often have the best entertainment. Twilek dancing girls, music, and tasty beverages, what more does one need?

6. Even if you are the galaxy's most powerful army, never underestimate guerrillas defending their home turf. One word: Ewoks

5. Never abandon your friends. The best we can hope for in life are good, honest friends. True Friends stick by you and will not judge you. Therefore, the next time you are debating leaving Jedi training to rescue your friends from Cloud City, even though it is most certainly a trap, just remember whom it was that shot down Darth Vader during the Death Star attack. You owe them.


4. Do or do not. There is no try.
A classic bit of Yoda’s wisdom. Anything worth doing is worth doing right.

3. Anger, Fear, and Aggression lead to the Dark Side.
A recurring theme of the saga. These attributes along with Pride, Jealousy and Hate account for more than just Fallen Jedi or Sith Oppressors; they are the emotions that isolate us from one another.

2. All things are true ... from a particular point of view. This is what Obi-Wan says to Luke when asked why he did not reveal the truth about Lord Vader. The truth is a delicate and malleable thing: Are the Rebels freedom fighters or terrorists? When Anakin succumbed to the Dark Side was his true self destroyed?

1. The worst enemy you will ever face is the one you bring with you. In episode V “The Empire Strikes Back” when Luke approaches the Dark side Tainted tree cave on Dagobah, he asks Yoda “what’s inside?” Yoda tells him “only what you bring with you.” Meaning that Luke will have to face what he fears most in his own mind. Evil does not come from some external trickster — it is a reflection of our own unsavory natures.