St. Joseph's Day Lincs: Star Wars March Madness, JAT Says Farewell to the Clone Wars, Goodbye to the Office, and Doctor Who 50th

Happy St. Joseph's Day everyone! While not as popular as some other saint's day this past weekend, today is a very big deal for Italians and for my family (we have a lot of Joe's). So Viva la Tavola di San Giuseppe! And now let's get down to business:

1. Star Wars March Madness Brackets

Because who needs basketball when you have a good blaster at your side? StarWars.com is hosting its own March Madness and is asking fans to pick their favorites as they go head to head for the top spot. Head on over and cast your vote!

2. James Arnold Taylor Bids Farewell to the Clone Wars, Proves Once Again Why He's The Man

Please....don't.....leave us.

The voice of Obi-Wan Kenobi (and Plo Koon), James Arnold Taylor spoke with IGN about the show's cancellation and what the future holds. He has already published a very touching and heartfelt letter on his website, and apparently is now on a mission to make every fan cry. Here is part of what he said on the fan reaction to the show's untimely demise:

"[I]t really is a touching, heartfelt, wonderful thing to read people's posts and comments on social media outlets and blogs. To get that outpouring of people saying how much they believed in the show and how they loved it and shared it with their kids and families."

I've had the pleasure of meeting James a bunch of times over the past few years. He is an absolutely incredible person who loves his job, his family, and his fans. In the Star Wars community, when you think of Obi-Wan you now think: Alec Guiness, Ewan McGregor, and James Arnold Taylor. He's been overseas to entertain the troops, hosted Celebration VI and Star Wars Weekends at Disney World, and has been performing his one man show "Talking To Myself" to the delight of many. No doubt we'll hear more from the man behind the galaxy's most famous beard. Thanks, James, and May the Force Be With You.

3. Speaking of Goodbyes....The Office Has Filmed Its Final Episode

The hit NBC show is saying goodbye this season, and I'm really taking the loss hard. I went to the University of Scranton, in the city where The Office is set. The show premiered when I was a sophomore, and by the time I was a senior not only did most everyone in the country know about Scranton, but the cast actually came to visit! Thousands of students lined up on the Commons at 3 AM to be part of Al Roker and the Today Show's coverage of the weekend-long event.

Bob Vance and Stanley being eyed by the giant Dwight head

Daryl leading a chant of "Scranton WHAT?"

Angela and (a much younger) me, just chillin

Creed, Meredith, and Oscar taking it all in

So when the HuffPo posted the tweets of all the actor's thoughts on their last day, I couldn't help but feel sad. I've been out of college for five years, but my pride in the University and my passion for the city remains strong. With the end of The Office, I feel like I'm losing a connection to that place I love so much. Just hearing the references to the Steamtown Mall or Cooper's (all real places!) and seeing the University blanket behind Pam (and now Erin) made me smile. When I drive back up to Scranton for alumni events or to visit friends, I always put on The Office theme as I pass by the "Scranton Welcomes You" sign. So while the country might be losing a show, I feel that we are all losing a connection that that charming town in Pennsylvania. That jewel of NEPA known as:

Scranton! WHAT? The Electric City!


4. Doctor Who: Rumors and Teases from The Cast and Crew

One thing is for sure, we may be losing some great shows, but Doctor Who is going to be around for a long time to come! (Or...has been around...will have been around? Wibbly wobbly and all that...)

"Oh, you ride a motorcycle to pick up chicks? That's cute."

Current Doctor Matt Smith shares his thoughts on the freshly completed script for the 50th Anniversary spectacular:

"I read it and I clapped at the end...I think it's hilarious and I think it's epic - but you will not be disappointed"

I don't know about you, but I trust the Time Lord. And the Grand Moff himself, showrunner Steven Moffat, has said that we will learn more about what's waiting for the Doctor on the fields of Trenzalore. It all goes down November 23.

That's it for now, so go enjoy some sfingi di San Giuseppe!

Take that, Irish soda bread.

-Joe