star wars

Star Wars

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May 25, 1977: Star Wars – Episode IV Released

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Star Wars
Star Wars

1977 – in a theater not too far away…

Star Wars (Episode IV: A New Hope) was first released to theaters. Opening weekend sees $6 million of the $11 million budget in return, however, the longevity of the movie has grossed over $797 million (for Ep. IV only). This surpassed Jaws as the nominal highest-grossing film and remained that way until being surpassed by E.T. the Extra Terrestrial in 1983. Add to that, George Lucas was the first movie maker to keep the rights of the toy creation – netting billi0ns in revenue. The film starred Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Peter Cushing, and Alec Guinness, among others.

Star Wars: A New Hope was followed by Empire Strikes Back, then in 1983, the Third (technically 6th) movie in the series – Return of the Jedi – was released. That had a budget of $32 million and netted $23 million opening weekend and $656 million worldwide.

Of course, George Lucas also released Episode I: the Phantom Menace (1999), Episode II: Attack of the Clones (2002) and Episode 3: Revenge of the Sith (2005)

Happy 35th anniversary to a historic franchise!

Full Day in Tech History podcast show notes for May 25

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  • Phillips electronics released the Laservision
  • CERN holds the first World Wide Web conference
  • Google Street view is launched in the US
  • A signed Steve Wozniak Apple I sells for $671,000
Apple III

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May 19, 1980: Apple III (aka “Apple Failure III”)

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Apple III
May 19, 1980: Apple “Failure” III was released

1980 – The machine was code named “Sara”. It was the Apple III and was planned to be the successor to the Apple II. However, the machine had enough failures that Apple had to re-launch this computer in August. Therefore, it was refered to as “Apple Failure III”. Then IBM came out with the PC and Apple switched gears with their Macintosh line. Apple III saw modest numbers before it was retired on April 24th, 1984.

Full Day in Tech History podcast show notes for May 19

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Be a Part of the Sconnie Geek Nation!

Click Here to Support the Sconnie Geek Nation!

In Wisconsin, friends are called "Sconnies". Even if you're not from Wisconsin, you can be part of the Sconnie Geek Nation through my coverage! By pledging, you join the Geek Sconnie Nation! Plus, you help me cover costs so I can continue the coverage of Gadget tech, music tech, and geek culture through the shows.

  • Star Wars Episode I
  • Apple opens the first Apple Stores
  • Intel debuts the pineview Atom chip
George Lucas

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May 14, 1944: Happy 70th Birthday George Lucas

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George Lucas
George Lucas

George Lucas was born on May 14th, 1944. Of course, George went on to create one of the biggest franchises in geek history. Lots of geek news this last year as George Lucas sold Lucasfilm and Star Wars to Disney.  Happy birthday to George.

Although May 4th is Star Wars day, I still have to say: May the fourteenth be with you!

Full Day in Tech History podcast show notes for May 14

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Be a Part of the Sconnie Geek Nation!

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In Wisconsin, friends are called "Sconnies". Even if you're not from Wisconsin, you can be part of the Sconnie Geek Nation through my coverage! By pledging, you join the Geek Sconnie Nation! Plus, you help me cover costs so I can continue the coverage of Gadget tech, music tech, and geek culture through the shows.

  • Texas Instruments starts to compete with IBM
  • ZDTV (TechTV, G4) Channel begins operation
  • Google suffers a 1 hour outage
  • Sony Playstation relaunched after being offline for weeks
George-Lucas

Infographic: Happy Birthday George Lucas – A Geek through History

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I don’t remember much of my past as a little child. What I do remember are bits and pieces. George Lucas and Star Wars was many of those pieces I remember. From watching Star Wars at the drive-in theater back in 77 to getting my first Star Wars figures that Christmas.

Then there was collecting the box tops for Boba Fett, the Emperor and more. I kept Fett in the packaging until my mother opened it up after a fight us kids had about it.

Lucas was my childhood. From Indiana Jones to American Graffiti. And yes – even Howard the Duck.

So here’s to you, George.  Happy 70th birthday.

George-Lucas

 

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