The collection I read was recommended by the host at Journal of Doubt, Mat. Mat was right George Saunders knows how to write a story. I first read one online that represents Saunder's style if you enjoy it you'll enjoy the stories in "CivilWarLand in bad decline" the collection I read. Satire that is to the point and humorous. Mat compares him with Kurt Vonnegut, which I think fair, but he reminded me more of Richard Brautigan. If you haven't read Brautigan's Confederate General From The Big Sur do it soon. My favorite story from Saunders work is the 400 Pound CEO, a story of animal rescue gone awry pointing out the modern amoral business model, make money the hell with anything else. It was delightful. The Eminem movie was well done. I suppose it must be somewhat autobiographical although I know nothing of Eminem. It was interesting standing in line all the rap groupies in what turned out to be a sell out crowd. Most in line for the movie dressed in their baggy pants, hooded sweat shirts and knit caps pulled down just above their eyes, and looked at me with that Yo what ya fuck you doing here look. I liked this movie a good story, and Eminem plays himself extremely well. I wonder how he would do in other roles. He may well turn out to be just as successful acting as he is with his rap. I liked this movie I think you will too. Of course, I'm still trying to decide which I hate most country music or rap. You've heard the joke. What has 28 teeth and an IQ of 200. The answer, the front row at a Willy Nelson Concert. Roger Moore's "Bowling for Columbine" was a treat. I thought he used just the right amount of humor in this otherwise serious piece. His documentary making skills have improved since "Roger and Me" he produced some years ago. The focus is on violence in our society. Unlike many in the debate on gun control, Michael doesn't think the problem is the guns. The movie makes two points, one that a society that really has no effective safety net creates members of that society that feel disenfranchised, and those that feel they have no stake in the system and no hope for a better life are more likely to turn to violence. The second part of the equation is the creation of fear. The press and the government scare the shit out of us regularly. Television reports on crime and violence that are disportionate to reality and hence people are more afraid than warranted, and government with the constant non-specific warnings of imminent peril that we can do nothing about exacerbates the problem. The result of this is more violence. He points out that yearly deaths from firearms in the United States are over 11,000 a year while countries such as Canada, Germany, England, France, Japan are in most cases less than 100 and in all cases less than 200. He further points out that many Canadians have guns. So why do American's kill each other and Canadians don't. A good question. The best part though was his interview with Charlton Heston. The scene of him walking up to the driveway to the door was priceless. With the Mr. Rogers theme music playing in the background, You remember, "It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood..." So he presents the facts mentioned above, and asks whey Charlton thinks we kill each other more often than others. Mr. Heston replies that America has a history as a violent society. Michael asks more violent than Germany, or England. "Moses" really has no response and just repeats himself and then in obvious frustration just stands up and walks out. Mr Moore pushes lots of emotional buttons in this documentary, but also makes some good points. I recommend you see this one too. It's Sunday evening and holy shit someone better call officer Friendly. Tony just whacked Ralphie.