R2d2

Not every member of the Star Wars generation has seen all three movies in the trilogy. In explaining what to expect, some young parents sound less like they are talking about a movie and more like they are inculcating a beloved and exalted fairy tale. "You'll see Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia and Han Solo. This is the first one that has them all in it," one mother was overheard telling her young son before the curtain went up. "Will it have the big sluggy one?" he asked.

In a Houston health club, an exercise machine called Laura Arendale a wimp. "I'm doing the best I possibly can," the housewife shot back, her feelings bruised. At a New York spa with burgundy carpets and antique chandeliers, advertising executive Susie Cabanas responded even more angrily when a fitness machine told her to keep going. "Aw, shut up!" she yelled.

Go ahead, Pete. What do you have to show our viewers next?" "OK. Item No. R2D2V05--This is a pair of sanitary socks I wore when I got the hit that tied Ty Cobb. They're red. They've been washed, I think with Tide, but maybe with Wisk, I don't recall. Anyhow, they stretch real nice--see? And, I've autographed them, right on the stirrup that went around my foot. These socks mean a lot to me, and we're starting the bidding at $250." "Very nice. Very nice." "You bet! OK, item No.

Electric rice cookers have gotten a lot more substantial in the last few years. Many now have retractable cords, heavier cooking chambers and menus full of functions. This 4-cup model has a titanium-lined inner pot and can keep rice warm, reheat it or even start cooking at a designated time. On top of that, it's darned cute, sort of like R2D2 from "Star Wars" with lime green trim. Sanyo Micro-Computerized Rice Cooker, $99.99, at Asian cookware stores such as Kim's Home Center, 2940 W.

"Star Wars," the 1977 blockbuster film that was the first of George Lucas' science-fiction trilogy, will screen at Pacific's Crest Theatre in Westwood from Dec. 21-26. Tickets are free by calling (900) 933-R2D2; there is a limit of two tickets per call. Profits from the calls ($4 maximum) will go to benefit the Variety Children's Charities of Southern California.Tickets cannot be acquired at the door. The film will screen each morning only at 9.

Ruling he suffered illegal discrimination because he is white, the Supreme Court orders UC Davis to admit Allan Bakke to its medical school, but says race can be considered in determining future college admissions. * Supervisors double most fees for Orange County's parks, beaches and campgrounds in response to a post-Proposition 13 need for new revenue. * "Heaven Can Wait," starring, produced, co-directed and co-written by Warren Beatty, opens at theaters citywide.

That's no moon -- it's a space station! Disney's more than $4-billion acquisition of Lucasfilm topped the Consumer Confidential segment on KTLA-TV today. Is this a good thing for "Star Wars" fans? Could be. Or it could be a new set of mouse ears on R2-D2. We also looked at the cost of Sandy, and how the storm prompted a surge in Netflix viewing.    

While moviegoers are flocking by the millions to see him brandishing a light saber as Obi-Wan Kenobi in "Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith," Ewan McGregor is singing and dancing in a London revival of the classic Broadway musical "Guys and Dolls." In his first stage musical, McGregor heads the cast as Sky Masterson, the gambling playboy who wins the heart of a missionary.

More than 30,000 "Star Wars" fans from around the world have gathered in Indianapolis for the largest official "Star Wars" convention ever held. Interest in the four-day Celebration III has been piqued by the May 19 release of "Star Wars: Episode III -- Revenge of the Sith," the final film in George Lucas' prequel trilogy. Media outlets around the world have sent representatives, and downtown hotels are booked solid.