hmmmm... I wonder if Shatner has the same people writing his weblog that he has writing his books...? I suppose I'll check it out at some point, but even having been a die hard ST fan when I was little, it just doesn't appeal to me... I mean, if I want to read old people's letter, I'll get my folks to write... ;)

Congrats to Amanda!!
Congrats to all the HS grads of 2002!

Including my little sister who is going to sign her letter of intent at Wheeling Jesuit!!!

and to top it all off-

I'm getting my bass amp tommorow.

happy day!

can't wait to see the new headshots

I can understand about not liking getting your pic
taken. You must've gotten photographed a million times? Languishing in a Russian Gulag huh?
Hilarious. jbay to cool.

Way to go Amanda. Yeahhhhh.

Wil, you're gonna have to change it to WBS (William blogging Shatner).

--NT

kids are sponges, wil. they absorb everything around them and the amazing thing is, there's no limit to their impressionable minds. what a great thing for them to have you in their lives. it's obvious you care about them and their mother, wil. even better, though, is that your love is unconditional. they will shine, wil, they *do* shine.

just another morning of overcast gray here in the pacific northwest, a damned gorgeous wonder of the world, if you ask me.

I'm glad things between and Nolan are progressing. It can't be easy being a step parent. Me Mam divorced when I was very young and I don't remember him at all, and I can't imagine getting a step father, I mean I can't even see the point in having a father, I can't see their role within a family unit and Yet I get envious of my friends with their fathers and I don't want to bring up my kids (when I finally get there) with out a father, and yet I have no idea what their role is. Is that completly dumb or what?!

Spike
6.01pm
6th March 2002

I got the 4 CD Marley box set. It's awesome. Has some unreleased versions of him with his guitar playing. It has the extended exodus on it also. You should look into Black Uhuru and Steel Pulse Raggae.. good stuff!

Just watch out for when he decides to add flaming torches to his juggling act... (;

Kudos all around, to the aforementioned individuals, as well as anyone else who deserves 'em!

Shatner's site is lame. Also, why would you put a picture up with you so red faced you look like a lush???

Congrats to Amanda!

I remember my mom trying to teach me how to juggle when I was a kid. She handed me three oranges and we stood in front of the couch so that when I inevitably dropped them, they'd land on the cushions in front of me and I didn't have to run around the living room chasing rolling fruit. (although that's kind of fun when you're nine years old) I never got the hang of it. But, oh, how I love oranges now!

Yeah, been to WFS site - way too flamboyant. Trying too hard.

Read his post about being in Seattle for a convention too. Definitely had the edited feel to me.

Congrats Amanda! Way to go!

And congrats to you with Ryan. Kids are hard to figure out. Could be that he really does want a relationship with you and a close one at that, but he's afraid he will be betraying his father by doing so. Kids are people pleasers and want everyone to be happy. They just don't know how to do that. I think it's great he's starting to come to you more. Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

My husband walked into my life with me already having a son. My son just called him Don for the first two years; but, one day, he started calling him Dad. Right out of the blue. Niether I or, my husband, corrected him. It was his choice to call him Dad, and he still does 7 years later. My husband thinks it's just so cool. If the boys were to ever call you Dad, would you let them?

oh please, WFS'sblog is a total ripoff. I'll bet he got the idea after word of "Willian Fucking Shatner" got back to him and he read your blog.

But then... HE'S the original *cough* so he must have just gotten the idea for a BLOG out of thin air, probably some time ago.

OK, I had to go at least peek at Shatner's site... and I gotta admit, if he's using people to edit his writing, he needs new editors. Maybe he is really writing it himself... It felt bland to me. Then again, maybe he's writing it and has someone edit out the good stuff. The man has a wicked sense of humor, he needs to let it pop through on his web page.

I read some of Shatner's stuff as well, and I got the feeling that it's basically a detailed PR page.

I mean, he's trying so hard to please everybody at the same time that tapioca pudding would seem like exotic spicy food next to his site.

BTW, any midget porn forthcoming?

I will say this for Shatner: he's not afraid to make fun of himself. Has anyone seen that commercial for the "Showtime" movie? Shatner awkwardly slides over the hood of a car, falls off, and Robert DeNiro asks, "You okay there, T.J.?"

Now that's funny. :-)

Hey Wil, WFS can kiss my ass. There is no way that Blog is going to do much. And as far as ripping you off, I don't think that's much of a concern since you aren't a drippy, mock-self-deprecating, name dropping ass like WFS is. So no worries mate.

As far as whether he writes it himself, it's hard for me to picture that Neanderthal splicing more that a couple coherent words together to create something that even remotely resembles a sentence. Why do you think he's been spewing the same garbage on Larry King, etc. for the last 10 years? Can you tell that us Aussies hate WFS?

Congrats to Amanda, and way cool teaching Ryan how to Juggle. It’s bonding experiences like that, that kids will remember for a lot of years to come.

What is this? Pick on Bill Shatner Day? His site is fine and I'm sure his fans will appreciate knowing what's going on in his life. All this talk about whether he wrote the blogs -- what makes people here think he's illiterate? He is of another generation and isn't going to write like a 29 year old... so saying he didn't write his own entries because it doesn't have a gen x feel to it doesn't make sense to me.

I just think Wil has a terrific site here on its own merits, so there's no need to trash anyone else's site to raise up this one.

Dan

Dammit, Wil. yo uneed to stop making me cry at work, people are starting to think I'm insane. Reading what you writ about your kids with such pure honest emotion and love just gets me every time. I can't wait until my husband and I start a family and I can experience thos emotions first hand.
~Lorraine

See, I'm so choked up that I can't even type :P

This website rocks! I can find anything I want to look at and it's not hidden away on page 9,999 of 10,000 pages. I can even tell who the author of the site is! It's not someone named "webmaster@______". I only wish my websites were this good! :-p

People can deffinately relate better to your weblog because it is more human and that is always refreshing to see in an actor. And as far as i'm concernd, Old Willy is just plain evil for even agreeing to do "T.J Hooker". I was actually forced to watch that god-awful show today as i was off sick (*ahem* - not that I am a skiver/waster u must understand) and couldn't reach the remote to change it! The acting is sooooo wooden it's just one big ol' fire hazzard.

But slagging aside - there is a tottally different take on your site (ie. the addition of humour!) and it is slightly unfair to compare your site to WS's just cos u guys were in the same show.

Hey, even if Shatner *WAS* copying Wil's Style on his Blog, think of it this way ... imitation is the most sincerest form of flattery.

;-D

Way to go WIL!

Where's the Wil F*(#ing Wheaton T-shirts?

Not even a Shats Gots a Posse T? A mousepad with a picture of him and _his dog_?

What's this about buy a "Live Long and Prosper" rock being funny?

Okay, now I want a Shats Gots a Posse T. Or, even better, Wheats Gots a Posse.

O

Wil,
I clicked the link from "awesome music" and almost choked on my tasty beverage. A friend of mine gave me a copy of "Spaced Out" It's great for removing troublesome earwax. And it makes a great coaster for whatever tasty beverage you may find yourself indulging in.
A quick question: If Star Trek has Trekkies, does this mean we're all "Wheaties?"

When I was into the 3rd sentence about Amanda, I was hoping it was going to finish with, "so if any of you guys are looking for a girlfriend, send me your list of credentials along with 5 personal references". But of course it didn't.

Darn, missed out again.

Wil,

Congrats on your progression with Ryan. I commend your efforts, and your willingness to be a part of his life, but not to be overbearing. Few people can balance that out, and it seems like you are doing a wonderful job.

Congratulations Amanda! USC is a wonderful school and I am sure you will have a wonderful time making new friends and learning and broadening your horizons.

Will Shatner's site is interesting enough. I had the feel that it was trying to connect with people while still being kinda PRish. Its cool that he has a blog though, and I wish him luck on whatever endeavors he does next.

Wil, Good luck with everything, and I am sure I will come back to the site later today when I have more time to read all the new comments.

~Frank

Wil is so much better than shatner at blogging. Seriously, the Shat's blog are so businessy where as Wil's are more personal.

My wife (who in her previous marriage had two stepsons) said much the same thing--you don't want to try TOO hard to be in their lives.

You're at an awkward point--they're old enough to grasp who you are (that you're not their father) but young to the extent that they still need some parenting.

I think its best to let them come to you--and be as open as possible when they do.

Now for some fun, go to the "Death To Smoochy" website (http://deathtosmoochymovie.warnerbros.com/splash.html) and find the song "My Stepdad's Not Mean (He's Just Adjusting)" for some cheap laughs.

You are hysterical! lol. seriously.. I had no idea you actually "blog".. right on.. a friend here at work just told me to check you out so here I am.. oops time to get back to work!

Thanks! xoxo

Stepparenting is a tough job. We're not married yet, but my fiancé and I have been together for 5 years... since his children have been 2 and 6 years old.

Man, it's just getting harder as they're getting older. We're entering adolescence here...

*cue suspense music*

I guess Nolan and Ryan are at that pre-teen age too. Heh.

I commend anyone that's trying hard to be a good stepparent. It's a challenge, but can be rewarding.

Im sure your wife could take your headshot for you

I love that you juggle. There was juggling on last night's Buffy and it filled me with giggly joy.

Wil, I still like your blog better. :) And guys, don't be so hard on shat... i mean do you know how rare it is that a celebrity or actor or other person in the public view does something like this? The fact that Shatner writes a blog at all (even if it might be edited) is a rarity. We're just spoiled cuz Wil's site is so damn cool. Think of your favorite performer (actor, musician, whatever) and try to find their website. Nine times out of ten, they don't even visit it. they have "people" for that. My point? Let's not turn this into another "wil's site is better than yours!" flame war like the one with Roxanne Dawson in November/December. Didn't we learn our lesson back then?

But I still think it would be cool if you stopped by and said hi on his bulletin board, Wil. See what kind of responses you'd get :)

And congrats Amanda!!!

Off Topic but have you seen this website:
www.angelfire.com/goth/fuffyt/
Go to the interview.

The webmaster of it is claiming you wrote to him and everything!
Either way, it's a cool website!

Wil,
Great web site! Never really read any blog until I was exposed to it from Fark. Admired your work on STNG, I used to teach Navy leadership courses and would use examples from STNG of rights and wrongs in leadership. Always kept the students interested.
Cheers from Maryland,
Dawg

Chicago: Good question. I'd say that the normal are Wheaters. The Wheaties are the wierd ones.

Har.

Har.

Har.

Hahaha... that website is hilarious. Can I interview you Wil? :) jk

Kara-

That interview is 100% Uncle Willy.

Oh yeah.

I'm not going to bash WFS's site - I think it's great that he's trying to join the 21st century, but I have to say that part of the appeal of coming here is the knowledge that Wil maintains this site himself. Shatner's page looks like it's up there strictly for it's PR value, and you KNOW he's not doing any of the maintenance.

The posse shouldn't feel threatened by the WFS site. I agree there's no reason to bash it. But I guess we're all feeling pretty protective of WWDN and that makes some of us lash out at the competition (such as it is). And great point Jess Lat... let's not repeat the Roxanne Dawson debacle.

Wow, 3 Star Trek alumni mentioned in one post. I suddenly feel like I need to shower or something. Get this Trekkie fandom goo off me!!! Aggghhh! ;-)

Dude I got teary eyed with all that family stuff.

Wheaties? Wheaters? I say Wilmas. We already have a large supply of appropriate sound files available.
http://www.cartoonsounds.com/fswav1.cfm

Play nice kids. There's plenty of room on the internet for everyone!

I've watched Shatner's site for awhile now, an it's definately more "professional". Not that professional is better than this Blog, just different. IMHO, Shatner's site is a marketing tool put together for business purposes. It's about making money and moving the Shatner "franchise" into the online world. I don't see anything wrong with that, and accept and enjoy the site for what it is.

Wil's site is more about a guy wanting to connect with his posse. Because of that, I enjoy Wil's site more. I like the idea of just hearing how another human being gets through the day and not about his "franchise"

I accept each site for what it is. I just enjoy Wil's more.

Man...I refuse to even waste perfectly good words on William FUCKING Shatner, his crappy forged Blog, his bad acting or his horrible hair.

Oh wait...I just did.

Damn!

Wil's is still the best Blog...I have yet to find anything better.

The marketplace was alive with color and activity, and we took full advantage of it. We had a wonderfully delicious halibut sandwich at one of the outdoor stands that specialize in the local fresh fish.

--from WFS's blog

..does ANYONE really talk like this, let alone Shatner?

WFucking Shatner's blog sucks. It felt like an owners manual.

I figured you already knew about the Shatner "blog"; I saw it this morning. What-ev!

That's cool about the juggling. My dad taught me to juggle when I was about 12. I also rode (ride!) a unicycle. Both cool & unusual hobbies. :)

If Wheater's are normal and Wheaties are weird then I am a Wheaties w/ Rasins(ie Really nuts)

-Way to go Amanda!!! the word for the week is WEEEEEEEEEE!!!! now lets all jump up and to the Angery Angery Beavers Dance!! Whoo Hooo * As Andie stands alone*
Happy Happy Joy Joy-Happy Happy Joy!

Hey Wil it's way funner over here then over at WFS site,i checked it out, it's too hospital Corners *shutters* Besides you have a Posse! Ye Haw!

By the way- way to go with Ryan, kids are difficult at any age biologically or not, hey do you still do magic tricks? (Mr Houdini?)

Wil, I really like hearing about you and your stepkids. When I agreed to marry Steve, I knew he had a baby son with his ex girlfriend. I know all about the trials and tribulations associated with split parents... emotional drama/trauma, custody battles...child support, trying to stabilize families... but I said yes with my eyes open, and planned on taking it all on with as much grace and patience as I could muster.

Last July, on a nice sunny afternoon when Steve's son was 2, a car ran a red light and hit his stroller on the sidewalk, killing him instantly. People seem to assume (since I wasn't his mom and we didn't have a close relationship yet) that I can just get over it instantly and forget about him. Obviously not true.

Anyway, I just wanted to say that it makes me really happy that you love the kids and are patient with them in getting that love returned. That's just about the nicest thing you can do for a child.

Clever Wil, split up "William Fucking Shatner's Blog" into two links, one of which heads to your store. Moichandizing, Moichandizing! Oh, and as per Azrael's "..does ANYONE really talk like this, let alone Shatner?" many people simply don't WRITE the way that they speak. It uses a different thought process, I believe. For example, I have the annoying tendency to be a blithering idiot in person, while my writing tends to be WAAAAAY too syntactically formal. Just because Shats wouldn't say that to his best bud, wouldn't mean that he wouldn't naturally express himself that way in prose. Just my two cents.

First of all-congrats to Amanda. College life was one of the most amazing experiences I've had, so I'm kinda envious when I here about someone who is just starting that path. There's very few other experiences you can have where so many doors are just waiting to be opened.

I don't think it's a big deal that WFS has a some semblance of a blog. It's the latest wave of entertainment. Besides, you have to admit he was always one to invest in different and new technologies to support himself and his career. There's room for everyone! We don't need to flame anyone for trying to get into new endevours.

But flaming WFS about his overacting chops and his general attitude towards some people...now we're onto something! :)

That's great about things with Ryan! May I suggest one thing though-that even though you're mindful of not trying to overwhelm him, be careful that you don't go too far in the opposite direction and that he mistakes you for being too aloof. Yeah, I know-easy to say...

Owner's manual ... scary thought. ;)

This was my first ever vist to a blog. Very cool indeed. I intend to come back to this one often.

Will, I was moved by your reference to Ryan and how he has been moving closer to you. Good for you. Cherish every moment with him. Last Sunday, I saw my three-year old daughter for the first time in three weeks. (She and her mom have moved to Vancouver Island and I will follow in a few months when I finish my music therapy internship.) When we saw each other at the ferry terminal we ran into each other's arms. I won't ever forget the beautiful, emotional sound of her giggles and laughter which dominated our time together that day.

Yes Shatner's site looks over done, but as for the blog it's bearly started...I say give it alittle time and see if it has an honest voice, after a month or two the truth will show...

New headshots. About time. ;-)

First up, send them to the IMDB!!

- Miles -

Dear Wil,
Will you please teach me how to juggle? I can do devil sticks and chinese yo-yo (diablo) but I can't juggle three items. It frustrates me to no end.

Thanks Dad ... er, Wil! :)

On the music note, if you are into reggae....Ben Harper is really good. And on the down home southern bluesy stuff, R.L. Burnside is really awesome.
If anyone gets the chance, and you like that kind of thing, check it out! I just bought both and have a hard time turning them off...

Have a great day everyone! =)

Wow, not only do your friends go far in life, but even get a pat on the back on the best homemade website around.

Bob Marley is good stuff, no doubt about it. Exodus is my favorite of all time.

Shatner's site: um, yeah. I would be VERY surprised if he did more than tell someone what he wants it to say (no notes needed). The site (I spent a whole 5 seconds on it, so I'm now an expert ;-) ) is so contrived. It needs personality. Maybe a hairpeice would help?

OK, now I'm just throwing stones.

Wil, I've said it before and I'll say it again: You have a really good site. I went from a Wesley hater, to a weekly Wil reader, to a daily reader. I think it's because of your honesty and open heart (see Ryan).

Peace.

So Wil are you going to tell us who are Wheaties and who ae wheaters?

Spike
10.48pm GMT
6th March

"I remember my mom trying to teach me how to juggle when I was a kid. She handed me three oranges and we stood in front of the couch so that when I inevitably dropped them, they'd land on the cushions in front of me and I didn't have to run around the living room chasing rolling fruit. (although that's kind of fun when you're nine years old) I never got the hang of it. But, oh, how I love oranges now!"

Hey Kennedy have you ever seen Steve Martin juggle he loves it when they go Faaaaaar Awaaaay!

Wheaties? / Wheaters?
I'd like to think that I'm on the threshold.

John Mcgregor

Hi Wil,

"Tsumo at metafilter said, I really can't imagine Shatner overtaking Wil in popularity any time soon." I must whole heartly agree with this. I have nothing against Shatner or his site, but it just doesn't have the same flavor as WWDN. Coming here daily is a refreshing break from the news paper and TV, and daily life. It always brings a smile to my face. I love the humor, the intelligence, and the home feeling that I get from here. I can't speak for the other posse members, but I bet most would agree. I am 28, so your issues, and comments a lot of the times reflect on issues in my own life. I am sure I can't find that at Shatner's site. (not that I have really given it a chance)

As far as Nolan and you growing closer, that is an awesome feeling that I have for you Wil, it honestly warms my heart. It took me time to except my step-mom, but now that I saw what she had to offer, the blood-lines no longer matter.

I hope that Nolan, Ryan, and you can achieve this. Damn, I feel so happy for you, major mojo Wil.

Let's see.. a Wheatie is one of those geeks who wears the young ensign's uniform to trek cons and knows the name of every episode Wil was in, whereas a Wheater is mildly interested in Wil's acting history but far more interested in the present and future activities of Mr. Wheaton?
If that's it, I'm probably a Wheat-thin. I'm only here for the snacks. :)

I agree with Mandy up there. In his elder years Shatner is definately very willing to make fun of himself and really that is what keeps him around. I'm not gonna hate on the guy though.

As for the site, it's not personal and the family album is just and attempt to make it so. Who cares anyway?

K

Rasta dont work for no CIA

bob marley...good stuff.
i like the recording complete with the pops and hisses, though.

any of the digitally remastered Marley that ive heard so far sounds too beepy and clean...

not that im against digital remastering... cause the cleaned up version of Pink Floyd's "The Wall"(the movie) is just amazing!

Good luck with yer kids... i know i gave my step-dad a hard time. step-parents have a rough job.

peace out,
toni

Lets summarize shall we...

SHATNER ever a dick and a cad
MOORE you're kick ass bad
AMANDA that's totally rad
RYAN quite the talented lad

Let me just squelch iminent demands that I will undoubtedly get wondering if I professionally write poetry. No folks, sorry to disappoint. Although I'd obviously be a smashing sucess based just on my sheer rhyming talents alone.

dude
wfs' site is way too rehearsed. tv's wil wheaton has a much better site...
don't you think?
i thought you did.
i really need to buy some wfs gear.
but then again, i should be studying right now.

sorry for the rambling

~pyro

This posse is among the coolest things I read (and sometimes contribute to) all day! I'm always amused or my thoughts are often provoked by something that I read here.

THAT, my friends, is the difference this blog site makes -- compared to so many others, including Mr. Shatner's!

Wil, the fact of your fame is not as important to me as the fact is that you've brought yourself and some aspects of your life here (including the Hollywood experiences) to share, and obviously inspired many others to bring their daily experiences with jobs, kids, money, politics, etc. here too.

Oh sure, some of us came here because we might have wanted to see "what that kid who played Wesley Crusher" is doing these days, but once we got here (speaking for myself now), found it amusing, refreshing, thoughtful, and a chance to share with others.

How bad can that be, eh? :)

Keep it up.

I just don't know what's wrong with me, I neglected the whole first part of that post. Here we go folks.

HEADSHOTS yeah I'm glad
MIDGET PORN you say? egad
REGGAE not just a fad

GO MUSKIES EHH!

hey this has nothing to do with the kid's comments. I just wanted to see if anyone else had seen that Corey Feldman's going to be on Entertainment Tonight tomorrow. :D Looked real interesting.

I have seen Shatner's new and improved site before this. As with his acting and live "performances", it is over done and cluttered. But then that is probably just as well because if we were able to see through to the real him then...

Every picture I have of my mother, it looks like they were pointing an Uzi at her instead of a camera. I inherited that gene. And unfortunately, I need headshots too. I hate 'em.

Well no, that's not completely true. I hate thinking about the photo shoot; I hate prepping for the photo shoot; I hate going to the photo shoot. But it's kinda neat once you're there to have a bunch of people watching you and saying, "Ooh yeah, that's beautiful" all afternoon.

Oh...well maybe they don't do that for guy actors. Is that the problem?

hmm...
WIL Kickass step-dad
TOM GREEN guy with one 'nad
BUSH best friend is "chad"
CONDIT that dude is just sad
JANET the girlfriend of Brad

NOT quite mad
NOT quite sad
DISALUSIONED just a tad
TALENT I thought I had
ME as a poet just plain bad

AMStrange the stuff about the nad and the chad...genius :)

Wil, Wil, Wil... that's not very generous of you. I saw William Shatner's stuff, and I think that it was engaging, and without specific evidence that he is being ghostwritten, or heavily edited... I would give him the benny of the doubt. He's a newcomer, anyway, so we shall see what comes of this.

I dig your site. You're doing something really cool and interesting here, we need more of your type on the 'net. Right on, Wil!

The awful truth about Michael Moore.

For most people on the left, Moore is welcome news. Some of us, however, have had enough.

Eight years ago we forgave Moore when he distorted facts in "Roger & Me," his documentary about General Motors and Flint, Mich. After all, it was in the service of a larger Truth, and as progressives (or liberals, as we called ourselves then) we wanted to support a distinctive populist voice. Most importantly, "Roger & Me" was a clever and very funny film.

Three years later came "Pets or Meat," a shoddy rehash of "Roger & Me." We let it slide because it was good just to have Moore back. When he followed up with "Canadian Bacon," we politely pretended that embarrassing flop was an irrelevant aberration. By 1994 we were kvelling over "TV Nation," which a typical critic hailed as "the best TV show in the past 30 years." Demonstrably not a fact, but in the service of a larger truth: that a wildly uneven left-wing TV show was better than no left-wing TV show at all. "TV Nation" was canceled (twice), but Moore returned last year with a book, "Downsize This!" and, well, you know the pattern. It was mediocre at best, but progressives championed it and propelled it onto the bestseller lists.

Stop the bandwagon, I want to get off.

FIVE REASONS THE LEFT CAN DO WITHOUT MICHAEL MOORE

1. ROGER AND ME, ME, ME, ME, ME!

The first warning was when "Pets or Meat" turned out to be about what a great film "Roger & Me" was. Then came "TV Nation," with its frequent segments about what a great show "TV Nation" was.

Late last year, Moore wrote four "Media Matters" columns for the Nation, in which he showed clearly which media matter to him. The first installment mentioned "Downsize This!" in the opening paragraph, then discussed both "Roger & Me" and "Canadian Bacon." The second installment was all about "TV Nation." The third again mentioned "Downsize This!" in the first paragraph and discussed at length the promotional tour for that book. The final column oddly had nothing to do with the media -- except for the mention of "Downsize This!" in the first paragraph.

Currently, Moore is editing a new documentary about ... the promotional tour for "Downsize This!" "The first concert film of a book tour," he calls it, as if the world's been waiting for such a thing. The tentative title for Moore's new Regan Book? You guessed it: "TV Nation: Uncensored."

2. KARL WAS NOT THE FUNNIEST MARX BROTHER

Michael Moore is phenomenally good at one thing: getting people to make idiots of themselves on camera. That can be uproarious, but it's not inherently so. It can also be self-defeating if overused, as viewers catch on that maybe the suit on the other end of the microphone each week isn't really so dense, he just comes off that way because that's what Michael Moore does to people.

When Moore actually cracks jokes, as he does in "Downsize This!" it becomes clear that his knack for comedy is shockingly third-rate. In this book (published five years after 1991) Michael Moore slaps his thigh over such laff riots as Barney the dinosaur, John Tesh and "the guy responsible for the little silver tape you can't get off the CD box."

Hey Mike, for your next book: airline peanuts, and how hard they are to open. It'll kill.

3. BLACK HELICOPTERS OVER FLINT

Did you see "Canadian Bacon"? Me neither. But anyone who has will tell you this anti-war "comedy" deserved to fail as badly as it did. Moore does not buy that. He thinks the studio, PolyGram, intentionally buried the film. As he wrote in the Nation: "They tested the film in front of an all-white audience near, of all places, Simi Valley, California (site of the infamous Rodney King verdict and the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library). Guess what? THE AUDIENCE HATED IT!"

That's right -- Reagan did it.

Why would PolyGram sink its own movie? Because it's "owned by Philips of the Netherlands, makers of weapons."

In another Nation column, Moore accused Borders of canceling his signings after he supported a Borders employee named Miriam Fried who had tried to unionize her store. Well, maybe. But wasn't his "NOTE TO BORDERS EXECUTIVES" a little excessive? "If, after this column is published, you retaliate by removing my book from your shelves, or hiding it in the 'humor' section or underreporting its sales to the New York Times list, I will come at you with everything I've got."

Relax. I'm sure no one would ever classify "Downsize This!" as humor.

4. FRIEND OF THE WORKING MAN

It was Miriam Fried who said, "The ultimate measure of a company's social responsibility is the way it treats its employees." It was a "TV Nation" producer who said, "If you had ... a reunion of people for whom working for Michael was the least pleasant professional experience of their lives, it might be necessary to rent a large stadium."

From articles in New York magazine and the New York Observer, and from my own conversations with Moore's former employees, I have learned that Moore's office is not, as he insists in his book, "a nonstop rock-'n'-roll party for the proletariat."

"TV Nation" writers say he tried to dissuade them from joining the Writer's Guild (though he spends a chapter of his book on his efforts to unionize his researchers). Once they did join, writers relied on the Guild repeatedly to secure them payments, credits and residuals Moore was trying to screw them out of.

On another Moore project, one senior staffer regularly responded to Moore's abuse by presenting the boss with a big box of doughnuts. He assured co-workers he was not trying to placate Moore. Rather, he figured Mike's intemperate scarfing would hasten the fat man's death.

Moore's response is that his critics resent the success of an uneducated man from Flint because "they went to Yale, they went to Harvard." In fact, no one on "TV Nation" attended an Ivy League school, but Moore is probably going for a larger truth.

5. POP GOES THE POPULIST

Read an interview with Moore and sooner or later you get to the part where he says, "I'm the same person I was before 'Roger & Me.' I still only own three pairs of blue jeans and one Detroit Tigers cap." It is vital to Moore's sense of self (not to mention his career) that he remain a Guy from Flint.

He hasn't been that guy for quite some time. Even when he says "I never made more than $15,000 a year" before "Roger & Me," he's not counting the $58,000 settlement he got from Mother Jones after they fired him. (The magazine says Moore was incompetent. Moore says the publishers conspired against him. You make the call.)

The thing is, no one would even think to begrudge him his success if he wasn't such a snob about being "working class."

Like when he says, "Average working stiffs were willing to ... pay seven bucks to see my movie. So if they're going to give me their money what am I going to with it? Get a big boat? I don't think so." Instead he got a $1.27 million apartment on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. You didn't think he still lived in Flint, did you?

Again, no one would care, except that Moore insists on telling interviewers that it's OK because his neighborhood is "a lot like Flint. It's poor, noisy." Granted, it's noisy (though I suspect it's quieter up in Moore's 17th-floor pad, even out on the 755-square-foot terrace), but poor? Within four blocks of his front door, Moore can buy a $3.40 cappuccino, $375 shoes or $400 sunglasses. Fortunately, the local all-you-can-eat "barbecue pig out" is only $15.95.

Moore's address does put him in a good school district, but that doesn't matter. He sends his daughter to private school.

What's really sad is that Moore is dependent on being Joe Baseball Cap largely because he is bereft of any ideas beyond that. As Might magazine pointed out, the crux of Moore's political agenda is, in his own words: "We need to let the working class know that we don't think we're better than them." If Newt Gingrich said anything so patronizing, the Left would never stop ridiculing him. And how do "we" let "them" know we're on their side? "To effect change we have to get off our high horse and start living in the real world," Moore says. "I want you watching 'Friends' every single week. I want you listening to country music." If only my mother had known watching TV was an act of revolution. She'd never have made me turn-off-the-damn-set-and-do-your-homework-already. Besides, if the popularity of "Friends" really means that show represents where ordinary Americans are at, what does that say about shows that don't get high ratings, like, oh, "TV Nation"?

Occasionally, Moore tries to elaborate on this theme and slips up. "Rap music and country music, these are the voices ... of people who are disenfranchised," he told one college audience. "I know the music sucks, but don't you want to put yourself through some pain to see what people are feeling?" Not that we're better than them or anything.

Wheaties and Wheators and SPACE WEENIES..Is it
just me or does the posse and Unka Willy have a
giant "cheesy" food fetish? Yum, Wil Wheathins
with cheese..Now I have the munchies!

Wil,

Damn. I couldn't resist. I just gave WFS's blog a hit. ....boring....really boring. Hard on the eyes, too.

My husband just commented that he'd rather read about the rats in Wil's walls than the apples that Shat bought at the marketplace. True. True.

Funny thing about the personal honesty that I get from this site. It's contagious. I like it. It is, as they say, refreshing. I feel a sort of weird bond with you and Anne and the boys. My oldest son is soon to be 33, and my youngest is 26, so I can kind of relate to the stories of your life. I'm rooting for you, and look forward to hearing about your successes. I felt bad when you felt bad, and wanted to cheer you up. This place that you've created doesn't have a canned, sanitized feel to it. Alot like real life.

If you read every single post here, and spend even a teeny amount of time in the soapbox, it's got to be just about a full time job. But, it's cheaper than therapy - for you, and for the rest of us!

Corky

Taken from Shatners Site:

"rlith Member

Total Posts: 1
Last Post: 3/6/2002
Member Since: 3/6/2002

A while back Wil Wheaton of STTNG fame had occasion to be at a con with William Shatner. As Wil as always a big fan of Bill's he thought he would wander up and introduce himself, and basically was completely blown off by Bill. Seriously, if Bill is such a homespun guy, how come he was so nasty to Wil Wheaton on just a plain hello? Fark fans and Wheaton fans want to know!"

(no response as of posted time below.)

my thoughts?

the popularity of the "blog" is based pretty much on the fact that it's written like a diary and by the person the "blog" is about. the 'viewer' is getting a peak into someone's life on a low-down scale. not to mention that the "blog" owner tries to do their own site's html. mr. shatner's site is obviously catered to net him profits and make him look good. wheaton on the other hand is smart enough and internet-keen-enough to know that works, and in my opinion will always get more response and hits than shatner's site ever will. i think shatner is too scared to let people into his head lol.. frankly i think that would be spooky.

correction- "wheaton on the other hand is smart enough and internet-keen-enought to know.." WHAT works.

*sigh* :P

Why did you get new headshots? Did you get a new head?

Wil,

I keep coming back here because this site is one of the most genuine - if not *thee* most genuine celebrity-related site on the net. When people run a blog, they get to share life's little ironic twists and turns -- it's a great thing. Thanks for "keepin' it real." :)

luv Jackie V.
Stardust-dream.com

Medieval day -- VERY cool. I wish they had medieval day when I was in elementary school. Maybe I would have gotten all my dress up out of me and wouldn't be in the SCA now........

NAH.

So what'd they do for medieval day, Wil?

--Matt

- Did someone say Midieval Day? I get to be a Saucy Wench! *jump jump jump* as Andie flips her skirt-

On Medieval day, they got some hardcore brothers to show up with a crowbar and a blowtorch...

Hmm... sounds like the same two guys that my private Christian school used to hire for the "Your Parents are Going to Hell Unless They're Saved" days....

hey, i was just thinking wil, you could ahve just not had any head shots taken at all! you could ahve used that new pic of your handyman butt crack! thats alluring, dont you say?
woulda saved a bunch of money on crazy professional pics! professional proshmessional!
go with the butt crack!
sall i gotta say!
(and i love you! in a platonic kinda way...you do know what platonic means right?)
colleen~

Colleen, I will tell you what my older brother told me long ago, and I have found the advice to be sound: Just say "no" to crack. Even Wil Wheaton's crack.
True Story.

I have to say that I think one of the reaosn Wil's blog is doing so well is that his content is so refreshing and so real, we want to respond to it, and then we respond to each other's responses, and life is stimulated in a way artificial sites (like W.F.S.) can't generate.

Way to go Amanda, BTW, and I bet Ryan's an impressive juggler (that's just a cool skill to have)

Yeah, William F Shatner's site sucked stinky donkey dick. Good god.

But ooo! Michael Moore posted here! Sorta... not really... never mind...

Or did he? Duh duh duuuhhhhh

Apropos nothing to do with today's topic, as I have no opinion of Mr. Shatner's Web site (I did go look), I want to say a great big THANK YOU to Wil for introducing me to blogs and Moveable Type. Sure, sure, it could have been anyone, but it was Wil. I am sure there is some deep cosmic meaning to it all, though it escapes me at present. Go Wil!

i personally enjoy the "click here to interact with this post" link at the bottom of WFS' post. =)
wil, where are you getting these quotes?? they are nice...

Re: The Schatner site. I'm so proud. Congratulations, as certainly, you are sopon to be designated as an internet archetype. Isn't it nice; there's enough blog to go around.
Love, Mom

Damn this has got to be the fifth time I've come here to read the same thing over again.

Sad I know.

I visited WFS's site. Um... NO. LONG LIVE WILWHEATON.NET, lol

You know, it just occured to me there are some really cool (and wierd) games out there that my juggling friend is always bringing to campouts and stuff. I think I will give myself a quest and track down the info on them and post them here -- they always seemed pretty cool to me, and easy enough that I (for whom coordination is a foreign word) was able to play.

--Matt

Mr. Wheaton (SIR!),

Which USC? SoCal, or South Carolina?

USC (South Carolina) has been around for just over 200 years now, so we've got first rights on the USC monicre!

Etc.

I used to think highly of Michael Moore. Standing up against corporate entities, fighting "the man."

But after scanning his most recent piece of tripe, "Stupid White Men," I can only conclude that this person is no better than the gender feminist hatemongers who constantly try to pursue a policy of male extermination, both politically and literally.

He has a chapter in that book titled, "The End of Men," where he so casually takes pot shots against the male gender, using reasoning and facts that are completely unfounded and corrupt.

This man deserves the gulliotine. From now on, I plan on informing the public of what kind of a man-hating Nazi Michael Moore really is.

Bob Marley kicks! Bought his "Tuff Gong" album about 6 months ago, because my friend recommended it, and I was VERY impressed with every song on the album! Anyone who's into Reggae should also check out 'Long Beach Dub Allstars' - It's 'Sublime' without Brad doing vocals.(R.I.P., Brad)

Well, I hope, maybe, to see your new Photos, at first! ^_^ I like to see pictures, of people. ~_^

Next, I not understand so much of the William Shatber thing...I think it goes over my Englisch. :-\ My Englisch is not so well, as it should be...

Congratulations to Amanda! Viele Herzliche Guten Wunsche! I hope it goes so well for you! ^_^ *Hugs*

Wil, good for you to try to get closer to Ryan. I am so far away from my Step father, and he not ever to make a try to get closer to me. I have no father figure for my life, and I wish that for no one, else. Don't give up on him, like my "father" and step father have given up on me. But, it is very good that you not will try to force him to like you. I am sure that he see that you will be there for him, no matter what, and try to be closer to you, also. ^_^ Good Luck so, with that!

Liebe Alles!

~Gipsie

Medieval Day?
Question: Why does the USA get to hold a medieval day whereas the UK never does? I mean I we actually had the whole knights and castles thing going but I never got oppertunity to dress as a court jester and stroll round saying "Forsooth!" and "Prithee!" when I was growing up.
How come the country founded several hundred years after the end of the medieval period gets all the fun?!
*SULKS*
Great...now I have lance envy!

Mr. Shatner's site is a weblog. He sells stuff on it.

Mr. Wheaton's site is a weblog. He sells stuff on it.

Mr. Shatner ignored Mr. Wheaton. Now he's William F**king Shatner.

Mr. Wheaton ignored a friend of mine who attempted to get an autograph. What does that make Mr. Wheaton?

You anti-Shatner put-down crewmembers should be wearing red uniforms; like bad marksmen, you keep missing your target — and each of you shoots yourself in the foot.

Because Mr. Shatner's site is free of plurals with apostrophes, he doesn't write his own material. Because his stuff flows, it's too slick. Because he wasn't educated in what passes for public schools in the U.S. and can write his own name, he's a phony. The guy went to McGill, for God's sake.

You sound like you'd perform your own brain surgery because it's more honest. You'd build your own car because it's more honest. You would never be photographed by a professional because underexposed or pixilated family members are more honest. You probably give yourselves haircuts because bowls on your heads are more honest.

You prefer Mr. Wheaton's site because it's more contempory to yourselves. Of course you do! Mr. Shatner's site is owned by a 70-year-old. Most of you are half his age and more, and haven't a clue. If you disagree, it's because you haven't a clue, nor can you because you are half his age. What child of five agrees with you that he hasn't a clue?

If you believe Mr. Wheaton's site has more to offer a contemporary of Mr. Shatner, test the hypothisis by hanging at a Tellytubby site where people only 20 years younger than most of you prefer to visit, then complain about Mr. Wheaton, and ridicule his blog while pretending you don't sound ridiculous. How does it raise you up to demean someone you have never met?

I'm disappointed. Mr. Wheaton's site is interesting and offers a series of snapshots into a celebrity's life that is unique. To many, it is enriching, and without it the web would be the poorer. But his list of rules comes up short. Cheap shots by fawning fans should be banned, too.

Everywhere I go, such bitching.

I am guilty too, but damn.

At least you're literate, AcmeBldgDisntigr8r :)

Which reminds me... feminists don't want to kill all men, "Michael Moore is SCUM". Certainly not the majority of them. Sorry.

On a lighter note, the rain has cleaned my car. I'm sure you all wanted to know.

Them being feminists, although I suppose it could work for =men, too.

http://www.mensactivism.org

http://www.mensnewsdaily.com

Read up, and then see if you don't change your mind.

Acme prognosticated:"test the hypothisis by hanging at a Tellytubby site where people only 20 years younger than most of you prefer to visit"

Hell, if your gonna get all scientific about it, My dog likes watching the Teletubbies

But suggesting interaction with Pre-K age kids as a comparison to younger adults kinda shows you may have a bias.

Besides, Shatner seems like a fairly hip individual

Acme: Damnation, what in the hell are those crazy kids doing now? Im gonna call the police.

Acmes Wife: Honey, settle down, Did you take your medicine?

Acme: & Im sick of those Damn cats coming in my flowerbed

Acme: Im gonna kill those mutherfriken cats

Acmes wife: Ok, but its time for your nap

I agree with AcmeBldgDisntigr8r about the writing style representing Shatner's age, however I also think it demonstares that he has been a major celeb for a lot longer than Wil has been on this planet, so he's bound to be more guarded and less personal, as he has had a lot of years being misrepresented by the press etc. Man, that was a long sentence. Anyway, I think fans of Shatner will read Shatner's site, and fans of life, love and humour will continue to read Wil's.

Hell... it all reads like he had Ron Goulart write it for him anyway... Shatner is unable to compose anything original, he has ghostwriters all over the place. The worse thing about it is that people blindly bought into his Tekwar books and the ST books that he supposedly wrote... and yeah the WS blog does seem very polished and derivative.

You'll know for sure when one of his blog-lovers accuses Wil of swiping WS' "style" -- and knowing the way some folks get.... it may well happen.

Take care... I will continue to read the ORIGINAL blog

***THE BEEJ***

"taj
Member

Total Posts: 7
Last Post: 3/7/2002
Member Since: 3/5/2002

As a regular to the Roxann Dawson site I can tell you that the troubles btwn WW's fans and the RD fans started when the WW fans invaded the RD board and posted nasty things about the Weakest Link show even before it aired. And despite repeated requests for the WW fans to stop from Wheaton himself, his fans persisted for quite a while. It's only *human* to defend your favourite actor when others diss them, that's true. But it's immature to go to the other actor's board and do it there ,incite other fans. The only problem I saw with Wheaton at that time in visiting his website was that he littered his rambled writings with words that any child would have his mouth washed out for. IMHO , using those words isn't *cool* but immature. I did check his website a few weeks ago and was pleased to see that his level of writing has matured, no potty-mouth words anymore. Perhaps he got the message about his language and attitude. It's so refreshing to come to websites and see a level of maturity there.

taj
"Travel by transporter-
Re-assembly required" "

---

farkn *ouch* man.

oh yeah, i also forgot to mention that 'taj' is hypocritical and that was off shatners site.

"Can't we all just get along?"

I like potatoes.

I miss Spudnuts.

haha. I didn't know what this was going to be about. Natural Mystic is a small chain of head shops in my area.

Dude. If *ever* there was a calling for Spudnuts to come out of retirement...

Two things:

1. Please don't feed the trolls.

2. We don't need to start some stupid war between The Shat's site and this site. I'd like to think that we're all *FAR* more grown up than that.

How did this go from a heartwarming post about Wil's growth as a stepfather to a WFS/WWDN range war, anyway?

I like potatoes!

Hey Rob. I like cheese.

We can get together and have CHEESY POTATOES!

Oh yeah, and my boyfriend should be home from war today! YAY!

Quote:

2. We don't need to start some stupid war between The Shat's site and this site. I'd like to think that we're all *FAR* more grown up than that.

I would like to second that thought. So folks let's see more heartwarming and less trolling.

FLAMING BAD!

Some days I should not read the news, somebody post some happy thoughts please I really need them now.

Ok, apparently they aren't wierd juggling games, but they are wierd. And French. But it seems cool despite that.

http://www.petanqueamerica.com/

--Matt

Can't we all just get along? nope.. if we all could get along we wouldn't be fighting Al queada right now.
Down with SHATNER!
up with WIL!
UP WITH WATER POLO!
Speaking of up.. i feel a rising in my pants just thinking of jolene blalock..
BRB

Gaea: Happy thoughts!
1) Cheeeesy Potatoes!
2) Coffee was really yummy today
3) A neighbor's let me pet her yesterday. Weeeeee!
4) The dragons I'm making are looking really good
5) I get to see lot of likeable family members soon.
6) Bachelorette Party= T-2 days. Weeeeeeee!
7) I'm marrying a really good man!

Gaea- Just when I thought that I would go through my entire life alone, misunderstood, or always at arms length, I met my husband. It wasn't at the Eiffel Tower in Paris while reading poetry and sipping latte or in gondola in Venice. It was at the grocery store, I had just started working in the shithole they called a deli being absolutely miserable and he had just starting working there again after flunking out of college.

It wasn't a whirlwind, we didn't jump each other in the milk cooler. We got to be friends and were nothing but for about a year and then gradually he wasn't just my friend anymore, he was my best friend and future father of my children. We spent the next two and a half years going no more than a day without seeing each other, we continued to work together and eventually go to college together.

Sunday is our one year wedding anniversary. I can say without any reservations whatsoever, that it has been the absolute happiest year of my life. And this is coming from someone who has suffered from depression for most of her life. I'm not saying that there haven't been times when I panicked about if he would always love me and treat me as well as he does now, but thankfully I am recovered enough at this point to recognize this a having nothing to do with his feelings or action towards me, but my feelings about myself.

I can't say that there have been many times in my short life when I didn't feel that I was somehow extraneous or in the way of what was supposed to be, but the last four years have been the best. He makes me feel like the world is not only a better place because I am in it, but as far as he is concerned, it might not even go on without me.

I thank God everyday for him, because every day is better because of him and without him I don't know where I would be today.

Keep inside the perimeter fence.

I repeat, stay inside the fence.

Any attempt to breach the outer wall of WWDN and infiltrate WFS's stronghold will result in detonation of the security neck brace.

flaming is bad, unless it's flaming cheese.

or flaming gigi, perhaps

Rob likes potatoes!

Sarcastic Cheese, meet Roughy.

Roughy, meet Sarcastic Cheese.

Together, they fight crime.

ah, roughy and I are buds. hell, i even have a piece of UE schwag. i just changed names (used to post as noworriesmon, but now my website is up and running, so I changed)

but, who's the superhero and who's the sidekick? I guess Roughy can be the superhero cuz he's a few years older and been around here longer than me.......

Thanks guys I knew I could count on you.

Gesikah: That was a sweet story, one I can identify with in fact, being that my geek has helped me to improve my self-esteem 1000% from what was left by my lousy childhood.

Rob: I was wondering how long it would take someone to set-up Roughy and Sarcastic Cheese.

Who needs prozac when you've got WWDN! : )

Sarcastic Cheese: I think you're a Duo-cracy, like on The Tick.

Hot Soup Girl: So, um, if we're able to get back from WFS Central, and like, Shat's troops find us, like, really quick...um...just so you know, my dad DIDN'T make me swallow a bug, okay?

So just BACK OFF, C. Thomas!

Oh, ok, cool.

BUT FOR THE RECORD - he and I are just a crime fighting team and that's it. He's happily married and I'm happily involved (did I mention my boyfriend is supposed to be coming home from the war today and that I haven't seen him in over 3 months?). I'm sure that rumors will start to fly with a man/woman crime fighting team. Some people out to make a quick buck by selling lies to the tabloids. ;)

We'll be like Mulder & Scully - BEFORE they hooked up.

Keeping the world safe and the world's tummies happily full with cheese.

Vickie

Vickie--

Just so long as there's a "Siginficant Other/Solo" episode, where both of your respective partner have non-you adventures of their own, like those incredibly shitty Ms. Dipesto solo episodes of "Moonlighting."

Well, ok. That'll give me and Roughy a chance to relax, alone, with our thoughts.

So, you use your left hand or your right hand to do that????? (bwah! I got to use a SBM reference!)

Vickie

I finally figured out what this place means to me.

If anyone else reads Spider Robinson books, WWDN is my Callahan's.

So here's a toast.

"To the WWDN community for helping keep the human in humanity."

*click* *smash*

hey have u guys heard of instant messaging to do your chat? they are this really nifty little chatting device that come free on the net.. here goto
www.annoyingspammers.com
and check it out!
Thanks!

well, hops, we want to share our ideas with the rest of WWDN. If you don't wanna read it, keep scrolling! :)

You're new here aren't you hops. This is typical WWDN commenting, like it or leave it.

don't be too hard on hops, he plays water polo and his link is dead.

I see that, pickle guy.

Sorry my comment came out harsher than I meant it to. I was just saying our ramblings do tend to wander and that if it isn't to your taste then find a place that is. The Wonderful Wide Web is full of people of all types and interests.

So do I get a multi-post discount today or what? *grin*

hops, I could go for one of those instant massages.

Yeah right there,
a little lower,
yeah thats it

Wow...I stop reading this for a day and an entire war is started and ended and people have made up with cheesy potatoes.

The world is an amazing place. (;

I'll add to the happy thoughts lists:
1. I finally got everything set for my research trip to England, and I leave on FRIDAY!!!
2. The sun is out and it is almost 70 degrees!!!
3. I found a flat for next fall, and I sign the lease this afternoon!!!

I agree with Gaea, to quote SNL: "Fire Bad!"

btw, just who the hell is Roxann Dawson anyways?
and what happened on the Weakest Link?

(I'm still kinda new here, and I know there was some kinda flame war, but I've never heard what the hell it was about.)

In other news, an arctic front has moved southwards, settling itself directly along the internat'l border between Canada and the USA. Suddenly the phrase "Great White North" ceases to be a joke.

And now for sports...

hmm here try this
http://asuwaterpolo.org/
now i am chatting..
I feel the need to come back here and see what people are saying..
I am HOPS
check out the mardi gras pics on our site :)

IT'S ALIIIIIIIIIIVE, IT'S ALIIIIIIIIIVE!!!!!!!!!!

yeah, link works now. I am going to assume that "A" stands for Arizona, so you went to Mardi Gras, huh, didn't happen to pass through Sabine Parish, LA on your way there, didja? If you don't remember that is understandable, just be glad you got out when you did, people come here and then can't leave, and not in a good way.

hmm... wasn't there a sign back there that said "Don't Feed the Trolls"? :-)

Kendoka is going to England, and I bet *we* don't get any souveniers out of it... not even a t-shirt :( Tsk.

what I always found disturbing about the United States is the strong Calvinist undercurrent throughout its dominant cultural modes -- that is to say, our dominant culture is very puritan in nature. That doesn't necessarily mean prudish (although to be honest we act that way when there's nobody around) but rather then concept that we are the chosen of god, and that somehow we can assume through the works of this world to have some kind of understanding of whether or not we are chosen.

case in point -- we don't have a strong tradition of helping out the poor in this country -- in fact the more conserative elements in our government seem to buy into the concept that if you're poor, you are accursed of god -- that material wealth indicates being chosen by god for salvation. Compare that to Catholic countries where they don't have near the material wealth, but where there is a conceptual framework of good works counting for something -- that religious framework pervades the thought processes, even where there's no longer an overt religious connection.

My favorite tactic when people start going off on the moral decay of the nation and how we need a return to what in essence is puritan values is to state I believe in the same religion as the majority of our founding fathers. That usually gets them excited and off my back -- if it doesn't, they're often disappointed, because if they read or listen the founding fathers were mostly Deists, heavily influenced by the same sort of 'godless' secular humanist thought that they're decrying. For all its faults, you have to love the Enlightenment.

--Matt

"Kendoka is going to England, and I bet *we* don't get any souveniers out of it... not even a t-shirt :( Tsk."

I'll do my best to find a T-shirt that says "Kendoka went to England to research Sport-for-All programs and all I got was this lousy T-shirt!"

Or, I could take a spiffy picture and post it on here like an old-fashioned post-card... since REAL post cards wouldn't actually arrive until sometime next December... (;

Happy trails, everyone!

Wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!

I could even try to get a pic of me doing kendo in England... so you could all see me in all of my ferocious 5-foot-tall glory! (;

Cheese, the public menace that must be stopped.
http://www.ifst.org/hottop15.htm

BTW Y'know called WFS "The Shat" is funnyt since that can be seen as the "past tense" form of the word sh*t - he himself has made that point..... tee hee

***THE BEEJ***

Saw Michael Moore Monday in Hayward, and Wednesday in Berkeley...had time off from work for both events thanks to my Union (CWA 9418).

You'll have an incredible time, just be sure to get there early! The events have been packed! Peace, yo.

Wil -
You should come to Corey's show on 9/18/02... Tower Records on Sunset... or even his after-party (Club Joya in Beverly Hills at 9)... A sort of reunion for you and him? Perhaps I'll see you in the VIP room...
~Amy!

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