In the other room, Celebrity Big Brother is kicking off yet another run on
Channel 4 here in the UK. Like most reality TV shows, I try to remain shielded
from any exposure. But my wife asked me if I like Dirk Benedict, who she
informed me was now entering the house
as a contestant. Dirk Benedict? I love him! C’mon, we’re talking the
original Battlestar Galactica’s Starbuck here. Forget that A-Team stuff. I might
have to watch. And this all takes me back to the time I stole Dirk Benedict’s
cigar.
This was way back. Way way back, like 1977 or so, just after Battlestar
Galactica had come out and was a big hit. Well, a big hit to sci-fi fans. I was
a big sci-fi fan, the convention-going type. Yep, me dressed as Luke Skywalker,
heading around to sessions and the joy of the Dealers Room.
Dirk was one of the big stars that made it out to one of the conventions. I
did the autograph line with the crowds, where he cheerfully signed for people
all the while chomping on his trademark cigar.
At the end of the signing session, he headed off. And the cigar remained. I
had a good friend with a huge crush on him, who hadn’t made it to this con.
Cigar. Friend. Hmm. I zipped over and nabbed it from the ashtray. A few days
later, it arrived at her house in Texas by mail, smelling all the way. And she
loved it.
Hmm. Dirk in Celebrity Big Brother. I might have to watch!
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I bet Dirk Benedict came back for it, saw it missing, and said “Frac!”