CNNfn has a story on the cost of planned absenteeism on May 19th due to the Episode 1 premiere. (Thanks Kevin Kitchens)

The international outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas Inc. said the opening day could result in the most widespread planned absenteeism in the country's history as fans descend upon theaters like throngs of maddened Ewoks.

The firm said the potential price tag for making Wookie on opening day could reach a Jabba the Hutt-sized $293 million in a single day of lost wages.

The company also said an estimated 2.2 million full-time employees -- or roughly the population of Utah -- could skip work to see "The Phantom Menace" premier.