Not all of my teachers were heroes but many of my heroes were teachers. My favorite was a guidance counselor who saw my interest in science fiction as a stepping stone to science. He was also the first adult to take me seriously. He told me to keep reading what my mother called "that space shit" and to reach for the stars because I could grasp them. Sadly, my interest in science was almost extinguished by a chemistry/physics teacher who was more interested in showing who was in charge rather than what he could teach us and a math teacher who pulled me aside and told me to go to art school because I had "no grasp of mathematics." I went to art school and hated it. I was 29 before I even considered going back to school. Now, I have a degree in physics and I'm the director of a planetarium where I educate young people about the wonders of the universe. It's been an amazing 15 years. At my 20th class reunion, I saw the guidance counselor again, told him what I was doing and thanked him for his encouragement. I gave him a hug because a handshake wouldn't do. He said, "I always knew you'd do great things." He passed away about 3 years after that. If there was someone in your life who encouraged you, whether you followed their advice or not, thank them if they're still around. You won't regret it if you do but you'll regret it if you don't.

Just an idea if you've got time. Make a short video for your fans to be shown at Denver Comicon expressing your regret at not being there. I've been on your YouTube channel and your videos are better than some folks' appearances! :)

I went over to Flickr and saw the great pic of you and Seamus on the couch as you read X-Men. You are BOTH lucky dogs... him because he has his forever home and you because you have your forever companion. We have a rescue cat who had been abandoned in our neighborhood. She's been with us four years and she's a full member of the Craig household. A big thanks to you and Ann for your work on the Wiggle Waggle Walk. Every pet deserves a loving forever home.

If you decide the Barcade needs to serve food, let me know. I worked in restaurants for years and have a pretty awesome repertoire that includes vegetarian dishes.

That, sir, is the very best of fandom and I tip my hat to you (which wasn't purchased at the rectal haberdashery).

Wil, I am very much looking forward to meeting you for those 30 seconds at Dragon*Con and I promise, above all else, I will do my level best NOT to be a dick. As an artist and science guest at cons, I've been on the opposite end of fandom: that bespectacled geek who squints at your "Guest" badge and snorts, "Hmph! Never heard of you!"

Love it, Wil! And even this grizzled old astronomer learned some cool stuff about Iapetus. Funny how I get more current news watching Wil Wheaton than I do when I go to NASA.gov.

Wil, this totally kicks ass and it's got this very Zen vibe working. You're a part of the Hollywood scene yet not a part of the Hollywood scene. You and Phil Plait are the most "non-celebrity" celebrities I've ever encountered. Everyone knows who you are but it doesn't seem to turn you into a total self-centered dick. I also like the way that both of you can turn fan boy as quickly as any of us. I've always liked your work as an actor and now I find out that I like the person behind the work. It takes mad skills to be a part of it but not let any of it get on you. Good work!