Anakin: What? How can you do this? This is outrageous, it's unfair. I'm more powerful than any of you. How can you be on the council and not be a master?

~Anakin addressing the Jedi Council of his newly appointed position in Revenge of the Sith~

Would you like some cheese with that whine, Anakin? Listening to Anakin whine makes me cringe. Not even his son can make me do that. Yet, when I reflect back upon Anakin, I can't help but to feel the pain he was feeling, the anguish he was suffering and, most importantly, his frustration with the situation at hand. He was a tormented soul stuck in the middle of a fight between good and evil. He didn't have a chance to win the battle bestowed upon him. Can we blame him for whining about it? I tend to think that most of us probably would have whined the same way Anakin did if faced with the same situation.

At the moment, I'm kind of feeling tormented and frustrated myself. The only exception to my predicament is that I'm not battling any Sith or Jedi. At least, I don't think I'm battling any Sith or Jedi. But, I'm not ruling it out either. You see, here's how it is; I received a phone call Friday afternoon from my dear friend, Hansgirl . She had the dreaded task of telling me some heartbreaking news: Mark Hamill will be making an appearance at Celebration Europe. The following phrase echoed in my head, "...this is outrageous, it's unfair."

At first, I was too stunned to say anything. As a matter of fact, I didn't even recognize her voice, because I was in such a state of shock after hearing the news. I even think I remember saying to her, "How can this be?" "This is not fair. How can Mark Hamill appear at Celebration Europe and not Celebration IV?" Have I gone mad and let go of my self dignity just to become a whiner like Anakin? You bet I have and I'm not ashamed of it either. I have a right to be upset and whiny over this news. No disrespect to Carrie Fisher or Anthony Daniels who did appear at CIV. I truly appreciate that they took the time from their busy schedules to be with us at CIV. But London gets Luke Skywalker , the greatest hero and Jedi savior of Star Wars? That is so not right.

I should let go and be thankful I got to attend CIV, but I can't. I'm mad as hell and want revenge. Okay, maybe revenge is a bit drastic. But an explanation from somebody would probably suffice as to why Mark couldn't attend CIV, but is attending CE. Especially since Mark has been adamant about not wanting to participate at Cons. Hey, at least George made an effort to apologize for not making it to his own party in Los Angeles and I thank him for that. He had a good excuse. He's forgiven. Don't disappoint, George!!

Some of you are probably thinking that I should just grab my passport and hop a plane to London. There's just one problem with that plan; I don't have a passport. Insert plan B; Hansgirl immediately sent out an 'All Points Bulletin' to Nobby who will be attending CE. We have decided that it should be Nobby's top priority to get Mark's autograph for us, no matter how difficult the task or cost may be. If all else fails, I'll just have to send my trustworthy droid to London via FEDEX so he can deliver our message to Nobby. It's our most desperate hour. Help us Nobby, you're our only hope.

I wait with anticipated breath to hear the news that Nobby has completed the mission we have bestowed upon him. In the interim, I think I'll go sulk, pout, and whine and throw a tantrum. Would I like some cheese with my whine? Mild, smoky cheddar with some sourdough French bread is quite lovely.

Footnote: After writing this blog, I had a nightmare last night about this topic. In my nightmare, Hansgirl has difficulty reaching Nobby, but when she does reach him, he is aloof and non responsive to her. I track Nobby down and confront him about it. How I got to London is a complete blank. Anyway, as I approach him, he is still aloof, but responds to my demand to get the autograph from Mark. I tell him that the price does not matter and ask him to quote me the amount. He turns to tell me that the amount for the autograph is $66. I'm not obsessed over this. Really, I'm not. Shall I give the command to execute Order 66?