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Shatner Aims for Real 'Star Trek'

Posted by ryuzaki0 on from the beyond-lance-bass dept.

swight1701 writes "William Shatner wants to boldly go where he's only pretended to go so far. The 'Star Trek' star is among more than 7,000 people who have told Richard Branson they would gladly pay him $210,000 (£115,000) for a trip aboard his planned spacecraft. In all, more than $1.45 billion (£800 million) has been pledged -- years before the Virgin Galactic spaceship is even built, Branson said. I wonder did Shatner sign up because the first ship will be the VSS Enterprise?"

238 comments

  1. Shatner would have to pay double... by beamdriver · · Score: 5, Funny

    ...based on weight considerations.

    1. Re:Shatner would have to pay double... by Richard+Dick+Head · · Score: 1

      Oh come on, everyone knows there's no weight in space :P

      And, what are they gonna say if that was a problem? "Um sorry sir, our vapor statisitcs for our vaporship say you're too fat and you need to buy a second seat" Hell no!

      --
      The real path to male liberation
    2. Re:Shatner would have to pay double... by AndroidCat · · Score: 3, Funny

      Ach Captain, the engines canna take it!

      --
      One line blog. I hear that they're called Twitters now.
    3. Re:Shatner would have to pay double... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Triple if he wants to sing.

    4. Re:Shatner would have to pay double... by Chocolate+Teapot · · Score: 1

      You think that's a scary thought? Remember this? OK, so it's offtopic, but you started it :)

      --
      Modest doubt is called the beacon of the wise. - William Shakespeare
    5. Re:Shatner would have to pay double... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Fatner.

    6. Re:Shatner would have to pay double... by Performaman · · Score: 0

      http://www.khaaan.com/
      "In space, no one can hear you scream."

      --

      I have gas, but my car uses petrol.
    7. Re:Shatner would have to pay double... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Who would have thought that http://www.jaibindi.com/mars_attacks.mp3 isn't a prank call after all?

    8. Re:Shatner would have to pay double... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      do u ever 1der if

      Scientology

      IS WATCHING YOU?

    9. Re:Shatner would have to pay double... by AndroidCat · · Score: 1
      So what, I'm watching them. ;)

      Besides, Shatnerology would have been on-topic, troll.

      --
      One line blog. I hear that they're called Twitters now.
    10. Re:Shatner would have to pay double... by Tablizer · · Score: 2, Insightful

      Don't laugh. Southwest Airlines is charging double for people who can't fit into a single seat. Why don't they offer a variety of seat sizes? One-size-fits-all is stupid. Bowling alleys usually don't charge extra for bigger bowling shoes.

      --
      Table-ized A.I.
    11. Re:Shatner would have to pay double... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Fatner isn't shat.

    12. Re:Shatner would have to pay double... by nofx_3 · · Score: 4, Informative

      I got a better idea. Why don't people not get so fat that they can't fit in a single seat? I was 6'1" 240 at one point in my life and I could still fit in airplane seats fine, and trust me that is as fat as you ever want to be, my health was already going down the tubes. Not only do these people require extra seats on planes, slow down the lines for roller coasters, and other idiotic things, they also cost this country millions in health care costs that could have been avioded if the ate a bit less and actually got up from in front of the tv once in a while.

      -kaplanfx

      P.S. I'm down to 205 and I'm still fat so you can only imagine...

      --
      Visualize Whirled Peas
    13. Re:Shatner would have to pay double... by general_re · · Score: 2, Insightful
      Bowling alleys usually don't charge extra for bigger bowling shoes.

      Stocking a pair of size 13's doesn't usually mean you're forced to throw out two pairs of size 7's, unlike airplane seats.

      --
      ABSURDITY, n.: A statement or belief manifestly inconsistent with one's own opinion.
    14. Re:Shatner would have to pay double... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Yeah yeah, losing weight is so damned simple according to a select few. Personally, I want to get that operation that puts a ring around the intestines to make a person feel full. Fuck the Bondage and Discipline shit. Science created the problem, let science fix it.

    15. Re:Shatner would have to pay double... by drinkypoo · · Score: 1

      I can only imagine how little muscle you have if you're still fat at 6'1" 205. Admittedly I'm 6'7" but at 250, and having spent three hours a week working out, I was merely chubby, definitely out of the fat category. Unfortunately I stopped exercising for some time and I'm back into full-fledged fatness. I don't have room inside the house for my weight set and the rainy season is coming on so I suspect it's going to get worse before it gets better...

      --
      "You're right," Fisheye says. "I should have set it on 'whip' or 'chop.'"
    16. Re:Shatner would have to pay double... by Tablizer · · Score: 3, Informative

      Well aside from nagging people about using more weight-loss discipline, there are other problems not related to weight, such as leg room. Tall people don't fit very well, period. If they made different sized seats or seat-spacing, then the same number of people would still fit in the plane.

      For example, suppose seat spacing 30 inches in current planes. Make 1/3 of the seats be 20 inches, 1/3 be 30 inches, and 1/3 be 40 inches. The total space remains the same, yet people fit better.

      The real problem is one-size-fits-all mentality, not overweight people. If you solve the problem for tallies, then it will be solved for fatties also using the same technique.

      --
      Table-ized A.I.
    17. Re:Shatner would have to pay double... by Tablizer · · Score: 1

      (corrections)

      For example, suppose seat spacing 30 inches in current planes. Make 1/3 of the seats be 20 inches, 1/3 be 30 inches, and 1/3 be 40 inches. The total space remains the same, yet people fit better.

      Should be:

      For example, suppose seat spacing is 30 inches in current planes. Make 1/3 of the seats be 20 inches, 1/3 be 30 inches, and 1/3 be 40 inches. The total number of seats remains the same, yet people fit better.

      --
      Table-ized A.I.
    18. Re:Shatner would have to pay double... by Tablizer · · Score: 1

      Stocking a pair of size 13's doesn't usually mean you're forced to throw out two pairs of size 7's, unlike airplane seats.

      That is because they erroniously make them all the same size. A size 3 shoes does NOT need the same bin size as a size 12. Is there a technical reason the airlines are stuck on one-size-fits-all seats?

      --
      Table-ized A.I.
    19. Re:Shatner would have to pay double... by pipingguy · · Score: 1


      Admittedly I'm 6'7" but at 250...

      I'll bet you scare little children with your freakish verticalness.

      Seriously though, I'm a foot shorter and have ballooned to 170 over the past few years due to relative inactivity and "old age" (42). The metabolism really does slow down at around 35, but the brain keeps on going ...uh, ...stuff, oh, nevermind.

      Goddam kids, get off my lawn!

    20. Re:Shatner would have to pay double... by alib001 · · Score: 1

      I think you're reinventing first class / optionally more expensive travel.

      Think about it - who's going to want less leg room for the same price? So then you have a price difference between the space afforded to travellers which loops back to the more expensive seats - which already exist.

      Probably the biggest market for less leg room seats would be children. And who wants to sit next to children on a plane?

    21. Re:Shatner would have to pay double... by 2old2rockNroll · · Score: 1

      Not only do these people require extra seats on planes, slow down the lines for roller coasters, and other idiotic things, they also cost this country millions in health care costs that could have been avioded if the ate a bit less and actually got up from in front of the tv once in a while.

      Sorry, but my logic detector went off. Since fat people die younger, don't they actually save us money by not being a burden on Social Security and pension plans? Since health care costs are constantly rising, doesn't it save us money to have them die now rather than later when health care costs more? Do thin people always die suddenly while visiting the funeral home to make *arrangements* and therefore have no health care costs? It seems to me that the real consequence fat people have is the increasing cost of food. Have you seen the prices at Mickey-D's lately ?!!

    22. Re:Shatner would have to pay double... by tekunokurato · · Score: 1

      That's fine--be prepared to pay twice as much for your ticket to handle the cost of 1. coordinating who sits where 2. underbooking flights because they can't get enough tall/short people 3. lawsuits: when the airlines try to charge more for more space, because even short people want more space, and so there will be huge demand for the 40 inchers and little for 20 inchers so they'll be justified in charging more, but fat people will complain that they're discriminated against based on their weight and be good litigious little americans and sue the airlines you ticket buyers everywhere will have to share the cost of your idiotic idea.

      --
      Read jack phelps dot net
    23. Re:Shatner would have to pay double... by Galvatron · · Score: 1
      Except that any airline that did that would ONLY get tall people flying, because short people have no desire to get less legroom for the same price. Or you could charge based on the amount of legroom (so a 40" seat would be twice as much as a 20" seat), but then why wouldn't tall people just fly business class instead? The problem isn't a one-size-fits-all mentality, it's that short people aren't willing to pay more for less.

      One could argue using the same logic that tall people ought to be forced to sit at the back of a theater because they can see over the short people, but the short people can't see over them. But what tall person would be willing to go to a theater where they weren't allowed to sit near the screen?

      --
      "The question of whether a computer can think is no more interesting than that of whether a submarine can swim" -EWD
    24. Re:Shatner would have to pay double... by Gherald · · Score: 1

      > Oh come on, everyone knows there's no weight in space :P

      Me thinks the OP meant mass. F = m * a, remember? So 2x the weight -> 2x the mass -> 2x the fuel -> 2x the cost.

      --
      The unofficial /. digest
    25. Re:Shatner would have to pay double... by dabigpaybackski · · Score: 1
      Having access to an extensive barbell set can be fun, but you don't require them in order to be maintain a healthy weight.

      I suggest qigong (chi-gong, chi-gung, etc.) No, it doesn't build a lot of lean muscle mass, but it does often have dramatic metabolic effects. I've seen several overweight, largely sedentary people start dropping weight after beginning a regular routine. Read this book if you're interested (probably not the best price displayed, btw.) But that's just the foundation. There's also various kinds of strenuous yoga that have more obvious effects on muscle, and finally, there's the true strongman exercise, kettlebells.

      None of this stuff requires a lot of room, and trust me, it works.

      --
      "OH SHIT, THERE'S A HORSE IN THE HOSPITAL!"
    26. Re:Shatner would have to pay double... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      they also cost this country millions in health care costs that could have been avioded



      That's a problem of socialism, not of obesity.

    27. Re:Shatner would have to pay double... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I got a better idea. Why don't people not get so fat that they can't fit in a single seat? I was 6'1" 240 at one point in my life and I could still fit in airplane seats fine, and trust me that is as fat as you ever want to be, my health was already going down the tubes. Not only do these people require extra seats on planes, slow down the lines for roller coasters, and other idiotic things, they also cost this country millions in health care costs that could have been avioded if the ate a bit less and actually got up from in front of the tv once in a while.

      I got a better idea. Why don't you go fuck yourself? If you're struggling with weight issues then you know it's not as simple as "why don't you go lose some weight you fat fuck". Life gets in the way with job and family commitments. Health issues can make excercise difficult or impossible. Some people have medical conditions that mean they are constantly hungry.

      By the way good luck keeping the weight off you insensitive fuckwit. Statistically the odds are well and truely against you.

      In any case be thankful for your health and your ability to cope with your problems instead of making fucked up retarded blanket statements like that one.

    28. Re:Shatner would have to pay double... by NanoGator · · Score: 1

      "Oh come on, everyone knows there's no weight in space :P"

      Mass, ass.

      --
      "Derp de derp."
    29. Re:Shatner would have to pay double... by NanoGator · · Score: 1

      "I got a better idea. Why don't people not get so fat that they can't fit in a single seat?"

      There are people with disorders etc that make this more less simple than you're making it sound. I know somebody who gained a bunch of weight because she was taking steroids for a medical problem. From what I understand, steroid weight is harder to lose than normal Bic Mac weight. (Clarification or corrections invited.)

      --
      "Derp de derp."
    30. Re:Shatner would have to pay double... by nofx_3 · · Score: 1

      Yeah, I guess I meant chubby, I'm actually in decent shape except I still got the tire around the middle. I'm trying to work harder though, upping my cardio each workout and adding another workout.

      --
      Visualize Whirled Peas
    31. Re:Shatner would have to pay double... by Wessel+Starbuck · · Score: 1

      That's downright asinine. Obesitity is a disease, and should be treated as such. There's no excuse for no exercise and bad diet. There are exceptions of course, but not to the extent of the current obese percentage of the american public. The surgeon general agrees with this, btw.
      Back to airplane seats - what an upside down world where normal thin people get penalized for his overweight fellow traveller!
      Instead, we need a much stricter policy that forces overweight people to buy two seats.
      Everyone has their own horror stories about flying, but the fat guy taking up your space must be the most common one and most preventable.
      In short, do what the surgeon general says, stay away from McDonalds and hit the gym.

    32. Re:Shatner would have to pay double... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I was 6'1" 240 at one point in my life and I could still fit in airplane seats fine

      You know, I'm shorter and skinnier than average, and while I can fit in airplane seats, it's pretty damn uncomfortable after half an hour or so. The airplane companies have economic pressure forcing them to make plane seats as small as possible and they have buckled under that pressure. I honestly can't see how it is possible for them to make seats any smaller and still have somebody as small as me fit into them, let alone an average-sized person.

    33. Re:Shatner would have to pay double... by Tablizer · · Score: 1

      That's downright asinine. Obesitity is a disease, and should be treated as such. There's no excuse for no exercise and bad diet. There are exceptions of course, but not to the extent of the current obese percentage of the american public.

      I personally suspect the problem is related to harmones or pesticides in our meat and food. Other countries eat all kinds of stuff that would be considered "bad" by our (ever changing) standards, yet on the average are skinnier than US citizens. There is more to it than just fat and starch.

      Instead, we need a much stricter policy that forces overweight people to buy two seats.

      Well I disagree, but how about a compromise. Have larger seats but require a large person to pay say 30% more. If nobody purchases the large seat(s), then simply let somebody "regular" use it. A plane would only have to reserve about 2 such seats for such use. The airline would only lose one net seat (3 turned into 2), and extra fee would more or less cover that cost.

      --
      Table-ized A.I.
    34. Re:Shatner would have to pay double... by nofx_3 · · Score: 1

      I personally suspect the problem is related to harmones or pesticides in our meat and food. Other countries eat all kinds of stuff that would be considered "bad" by our (ever changing) standards, yet on the average are skinnier than US citizens. There is more to it than just fat and starch.

      Then why are some people still at normal weights? Most of the people I know that are in good physical shape don't eat McDonalds and fried chicken 5 times a week, most of the overweight people I know do. The reason we as a nation are so heavy is because we eat high calorie high fat diets and get no exercise.

      -kaplanfx

      --
      Visualize Whirled Peas
    35. Re:Shatner would have to pay double... by nofx_3 · · Score: 1

      I shouldn't have lumped everyone in, but you are talking about a small exception to a large rule. We don't need to create a rule allowing larger seats for overweight people that may benefit the tiny percentage of people who have legitimate medical reasons for the weight, while people who simply disreguard their health and gain 100+ extra pounds get a free seat in an airplane, I mean come on I want a free seat too.

      -kaplanfx

      P.S. My brother was taking steriods for Chrons Disease and took steriods, he seemed only to gain weight in his face :)

      --
      Visualize Whirled Peas
  2. hmm. by say__10 · · Score: 3, Funny

    Maybe there will be an energy disturbance and he can enter 'the nexus' thus preserving Shatner for future generations.

    --
    Home of the midwest loser - www.say-10.net
    1. Re:hmm. by infinite9 · · Score: 1

      Maybe he's really just after some green alien pussy.

      --
      Disconnect your television. Do your own research. Draw your own conclusions. They're probably lying. Don't be a sheep.
    2. Re:hmm. by Bull999999 · · Score: 1

      But he'll probably exit 'the nexus' to save a fellow actor named Patrick Stewart and get killed in the process.

      --
      1f u c4n r34d th1s u r34lly n33d t0 g37 l41d
    3. Re:hmm. by corbettw · · Score: 2, Funny

      Nah, avoid the green alien pussy. It isn't ripe.

      --
      God invented whiskey so the Irish would not rule the world.
    4. Re:hmm. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Oh God no.

  3. VSS, eh? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    VSS Enterprise? Isn't that from the Evil Mirror universe or something? Will Shatner have to grow a goatee to fly? :)

    1. Re:VSS, eh? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Funny

      VSS Enterprise? Isn't that from the Evil Mirror universe or something? Will Shatner have to grow a goatee to fly? :)

      As long as he doesn't grow a goatse.

    2. Re:VSS, eh? by wideBlueSkies · · Score: 1

      No, but Nimoy will need a beard for the Priceline commercial.

      wbs.

      --
      Huh?
  4. 1st Passengers of the VSS Enterprise by reporter · · Score: 5, Interesting
    The first passengers of the VSS Enterprise should be all the surviving key actors of "Star Trek: The Original Series". Such an event would be a fitting tribute to the television show that inspired a generation of engineers and astrophysicists.

    Further, such an event would be a great publicity stunt for Virgin, so Virgin should foot the bill for the inaugural voyage of the VSS Enterprise.

    1. Re:1st Passengers of the VSS Enterprise by torpor · · Score: 5, Funny

      Yeah damn. Way to get rid of them all in one shot... I mean, you know, if something were to go wrong.

      --
      ; -- the corruption of government starts with its secrets. a truly free people keep no secrets. --
    2. Re:1st Passengers of the VSS Enterprise by Docrates · · Score: 5, Funny

      The real question is, will they be wearing Virigin's RED SHIRTS during the flight?

      --

      There are two kinds of people in the world: Those with good memory.
    3. Re:1st Passengers of the VSS Enterprise by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Insightful

      Such an event would be a fitting tribute to the television show that inspired a generation of engineers and astrophysicists.

      As if. What about the *great* astrophysicists and engineers of the generation that existed right when Trek was going on the air, do you think maybe they deserve some credit?

      Attraction to science fiction and science are extensions of the same basic curiosity, so a strong correlation with kids who were science fiction fans becoming scientists might not be cause and effect, but two effects with the same cause.

      In any case, the key actors of "Star Trek" were not responsible for coming up with the concept or writing the scripts. They were hired through casting to playact, that's all. They may as well invite the animation cels from the animated series. Harlan Ellison and Majel Barrett deserve to be on that ship a lot more than the actors do, as far as surviving creators go.

    4. Re:1st Passengers of the VSS Enterprise by AKAImBatman · · Score: 1

      The first passengers of the VSS Enterprise should be all the surviving key actors of "Star Trek: The Original Series".

      Don't forget Welshee!!! :-D

      Seriously, though. I think it would be an excellent tribute to manned space travel. The Star Trek crew was there for the STS-Enterprise christening (which was originally going to be Constitution), so why shouldn't they be there for this? At the very least, it would be great publicity for Virgin.

      Speaking of the STS naming, does anyone else think that naming the first shuttle Constitution, then the second one "Enterprise" would have been an even more fitting tribute? (If you don't understand why, you're not a true fan.) :-)

      --
      Javascript + Nintendo DSi = DSiCade
    5. Re:1st Passengers of the VSS Enterprise by Richard_at_work · · Score: 1

      Constitution was the name given to the class of the craft Kirks Enterprise (NCC-1701 and A) belonged to, due to the USS Constitution (NCC-1700) being the first craft of that type. Only the NX-01 from the new Enterprise series placed the Enterprise as first in its class. So, yes, I see why it would make a more fitting tribute :) Tho technically none of the shuttles are referred to as "Enterprise Class", tho they have good uptimes.

    6. Re:1st Passengers of the VSS Enterprise by Laebshade · · Score: 1

      For those not in the know, in (afaik) every episode the person who wore the red shirt died. See a wiki on "red shirt".

    7. Re:1st Passengers of the VSS Enterprise by Rie+Beam · · Score: 1

      Shouldn't we have the pre-original series cast on there, then? I mean, they didn't really exist outside of the storyline, but you know, we do have to keep up with continuity. And while we're at it, someone needs to invent the Tribble.

    8. Re:1st Passengers of the VSS Enterprise by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Wow, thanks. I wouldn't have ever known that if you hadn't mentioned it.

    9. Re:1st Passengers of the VSS Enterprise by Laebshade · · Score: 1

      Was that sarcastic or sincere?

    10. Re:1st Passengers of the VSS Enterprise by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Full power to the sarcasm detectors!

      Cap'n, I'm giving her all she's got!

      Dammit, Scotty! At this rate we'll never figure it out!

      Give me a few minutes and I'll see what I can do.

    11. Re:1st Passengers of the VSS Enterprise by bogasity · · Score: 1

      Better yet, send the surviving Mercury astronauts up. They were the inspiration for Star Trek, as well as most folks who work in the space program today.

    12. Re:1st Passengers of the VSS Enterprise by khallow · · Score: 1

      Well, I remember an episode where one red shirt didn't die. That's because there were *two* red shirts!

    13. Re:1st Passengers of the VSS Enterprise by Rob_Warwick · · Score: 1

      Though it would be a great tribute, we're talking about space travel here. Things can go wrong. Do you want to loose all of those people at once?

      Granted, there's a much better chance (if things are done right) that it won't go wrong, but when you strap that much fuel onto your vechicle, there's always risk.

      I think it'd be a much more fitting tribute if they got all the actors together before the launch, set them on a stage, and let them know just how much they inspired us all to do the things that we never thought we could do.

      I think I'm a geek. There was a tear in my eye writing that last paragraph.

    14. Re:1st Passengers of the VSS Enterprise by belroth · · Score: 1
      For those not in the know, in (afaik) every episode the person who wore the red shirt died.
      Except Scotty.
      --
      I hereby inform you that I have NOT been required to provide any decryption keys.
    15. Re:1st Passengers of the VSS Enterprise by ArghBlarg · · Score: 1

      I suspect he wore a green shirt underneath to cancel the red shirt out.

      --
      ERROR 144 - REBOOT ?
    16. Re:1st Passengers of the VSS Enterprise by hunterx11 · · Score: 1
      ...we do have to keep up with continuity.

      I think that Enterprise kind of contradicts this.

      --
      English is easier said than done.
    17. Re:1st Passengers of the VSS Enterprise by Fishstick · · Score: 1

      Uh, didn't the chief engineer wear a red shirt through the entire series? I remember on episode where he got falling-down drunk, but that was about it.

      But yeah, if you got sent down to the planet as a security detail before the first commercial break, your odds of making it back up to the ship in one piece was not good, ;-)

      --

      There is much cruelty in the universe, John.
      Yeah, we seem to have the tour map.

    18. Re:1st Passengers of the VSS Enterprise by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I think the best publicity stunt for Virgin would be to get some Slashdotters on board. You know, for the brand recognition - everyone will remember: virgins in space!

  5. Branson by spungo · · Score: 5, Funny

    Yeah, well, if Richard Branson's spaceships are anything like his trains, it'll be stuffy, under-manned, and nine hours late... that's if it doesn't break down two miles outside Birmingham. Oh, and the sandwiches suck.

    1. Re:Branson by Nuskrad · · Score: 1

      Actually, I've found Virgin trains to be efficient and comfortable, compared to the old British Rail trains. The delays are usually due to the state of the lines, which arn't owned or controlled by Virgin.

      You're right about the sandwhiches though

    2. Re:Branson by SpinyNorman · · Score: 1

      No problem, since I don't think he's going to be serving sandwiches in zero-G - too many crumbs.

    3. Re:Branson by kid-noodle · · Score: 1

      Oh I don't know.

      I've spent a lot of time on trains and coaches over the last few years - Virgin food comes in above First Great Western if you ask me. The bacon paninis and smoked salmon bagels aren't at all bad.

      Fucking pain that they only sell virgin cola though.

      --
      fortune -o
    4. Re: Branson by monoi · · Score: 2, Insightful

      You're complaining, on Slashdot, about the only UK train operator that provides laptop power points at every seat?

      (And try the cookies -- yum!)

    5. Re:Branson by nomadic · · Score: 5, Funny

      Yeah, well, if Richard Branson's spaceships are anything like his trains, it'll be stuffy, under-manned, and nine hours late..

      And if they're anything like his planes they'll be full of amazingly sexy flight attendants, so I'll take my chances.

    6. Re:Branson by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      The bacon penis?

      WTF is up with you brits and your nasty food

      bacon penises, spotted dick, etc

    7. Re:Branson by JimmehAH · · Score: 1

      Paninis are sandwiches filled with cheese (and bacon in this case) and then toasted.

      They're Italian too. And lovely.

    8. Re:Branson by nofx_3 · · Score: 1

      I can imagine how good they could possibly be, here in the states (west coast) the only place I have ever seen a panini is at a fast food joint called Jack In The Box (think McDonalds but more greasy with much funnier commercials) so I can't imagine how good they could really be.

      -kaplanfx

      --
      Visualize Whirled Peas
    9. Re:Branson by Mints · · Score: 1

      I've found pannini to be fairly common-place in California. Seems like every sandwich shop, bistro, et cetera, where I spend any time (sf bay, sacramento, central coast, pasadena) carry some form of pannini.

      I must say that I am a fan, so I probably keep my eye out for them more than most.

    10. Re:Branson by 16K+Ram+Pack · · Score: 1
      Of all the rail companies I've been on, they are one of the best (I know, not saying much).

      One big feature they have is plugs for laptops/phone chargers. Means I can work for 3 or 4 hours while I'm on the train.

    11. Re:Branson by fiannaFailMan · · Score: 1

      Somehow I don't think that his spaceships will have to navigate through a clapped-out, congested, and bottleneck-ridden network before getting into space. I wish the Virgin-bashers would pin the blame where it belongs for the state of the network. If trains are late it's hardly the fault of Virgin, Network Rail is responsible for making it possible for the damn things to run on time.

      --
      Drill baby drill - on Mars
  6. Shatner in outer space? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Informative

    Shatner's been considered by EVERYONE to be in "outer space" after he released that wacky album back in the 60's of him alledgely "singing". Here's a modern example of his work:
    http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore. woa/wa/ viewAlbum?playlistId=24088166&selectedItemId=24141 082
    You tell me if he "NEEDS" to go into outer space. :)

    1. Re:Shatner in outer space? by SpiffyMarc · · Score: 1

      His new one, "Has Been", was produced in part by Ben Folds and features numerous guest vocalists and inspired, touching and some outright funny lyrics. I'm personally fond of "I Can't Get Behind That" and "That's Me Trying."

      If you can get past the "omg it's Shatner" factor, he's put out one heck of an album. One of the best music purchases I've made this year.

    2. Re:Shatner in outer space? by Rallion · · Score: 1

      He was on Leno last night. I was laughing. It was pretty bad. I couldn't tell what he was singing.

    3. Re:Shatner in outer space? by (SM)+Spacemonkey · · Score: 2, Interesting

      Actually, his new spoken word album is not that bad. In particular the song linked (which you can listen to for free) is very good. It is a cover of a classic britpop song "Common People" by Pulp. Give it a listen. http://www.nme.com/features/110018.htm/

    4. Re:Shatner in outer space? by Sv1ad · · Score: 1

      I listened. Then I listened again because my brain couldn't believe what my ears had heard the first time. Then I decided that I agreed with the person who wrote earlier that if something were to happen to this first flight it would be a "true tragedy" because it sure wouldn't be "an accidental mistake" or a "great loss".

  7. Space Sick by NightEyes+Decorum · · Score: 2, Funny

    I bet he gets space sick first time up.

    --
    -EndBabble
    1. Re:Space Sick by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      That would only happen if he eats the space special before going up, if he has the space soup he'll be fine.

    2. Re:Space Sick by Tablizer · · Score: 1

      I bet he gets space sick first time up.

      Just do what the first pilot did: eat a bunch of M&M's and claim you meant to do "that".

      --
      Table-ized A.I.
  8. Check in by BasilBrush · · Score: 4, Funny

    It'd be a damn shame if when you check in you were given an aisle seat.

    1. Re:Check in by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      ... or if Shatner gets bumped by Leonard Nimoy and it was just another Priceline ad after all.

  9. VSS Enterprise. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    A fitting name for a new business that's got more than a billion dollars in promised customer money ready to go allready.

    1. Re:VSS Enterprise. by CrazyTalk · · Score: 1

      I wonder what they consider "promised money" though. I signed up for their email list - are they considering me a "promised customer" and counting on my cash already?

    2. Re:VSS Enterprise. by nofx_3 · · Score: 1

      Didn't you read? that is a contract, you are now obligated to pony up the $190,000 or you could face legal repercussions.

      -kaplanfx

      --
      Visualize Whirled Peas
    3. Re:VSS Enterprise. by CrazyTalk · · Score: 1

      D'ohh! Good thing I don't have the money!

  10. hey by wfmcwalter · · Score: 5, Funny

    Hey, steward, what's that thing on the wing?

    --
    ## W.Finlay McWalter ## http://www.mcwalter.org ##
    1. Re:hey by Tablizer · · Score: 1

      Hey, steward, what's that thing on the wing?

      It's the pilot sir. Would you like a parachute also, Sir?

      --
      Table-ized A.I.
    2. Re:hey by angulion · · Score: 1

      Sorry, the wing will be installed next thursday..

  11. ME TO! by Chembryl · · Score: 1

    But I haven't got the money just yet...

    --
    - This and all my posts are public domain. I am a Physicist. I am not your Physicist. This is not Physically advice
  12. Payload by tepples · · Score: 2, Insightful

    Oh come on, everyone knows there's no weight in space

    Sure, there's no apparent weight once in a freefalling orbit. But it still takes energy to lift payload out of Earth's gravity well into freefall, and it takes fuel to provide this energy, and it takes energy to lift the fuel...

    1. Re:Payload by Impy+the+Impiuos+Imp · · Score: 2, Funny

      No weight, technically, but his own microgravity, if it even needs the micro-, might cause problems for the onboard equipment.

      --
      (-1: Post disagrees with my already-settled worldview) is not a valid mod option.
    2. Re:Payload by Richard+Dick+Head · · Score: 1

      Sure, there's no apparent weight once in a freefalling orbit. But it still takes energy to lift payload out of Earth's gravity well into freefall, and it takes fuel to provide this energy, and it takes energy to lift the fuel...

      I beg to differ sir! It takes *vapor* to lift a ship out of orbit. Before a ship exists it is vapor. When it is fully realized and ready to launch, it must burn part of itself back into vapor to propel itself.

      Long live the Graduating Class of 1646!

      --
      The real path to male liberation
    3. Re:Payload by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Insightful

      You misspelled "vapour".

    4. Re:Payload by Sexy+Commando · · Score: 4, Funny

      it takes energy to lift the fuel
      It takes fuel to lift the fuel, which takes fuel to lift, which takes fuel to lift, which takes fuel to lift, which takes fuel to--STACK OVERFLOW

    5. Re:Payload by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Please, don't fret. Calculus is your friend!

  13. +1, Cranky by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0, Funny
  14. Re:Pounds and not Euros? by spungo · · Score: 2, Informative

    Virgin be a limey org... we don't need no stinkin' Euro!

  15. whoa by DeathByDuke · · Score: 1

    does the ship have a weight limit?

  16. Too bad this isn't Fark, by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    I'd certainly post that Twilight Zone pic of Shatner and the airplane wing goblin

  17. Paul G. Allen ? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0, Insightful

    From MS ? Damn I sure do hope the ship's central computer will not run Windows 2020 SP45 !

  18. VSS by malarkey · · Score: 1

    New slogan-

    VSS...Spaceships designed for slashdotters.

    1. Re:VSS by DeathByDuke · · Score: 1

      slashdotting a spaceship... hmm get working on that guys!

  19. At least he can say one thing thats true. by DeathByDuke · · Score: 2, Funny

    'To boldy go where no Shatner has been before'

  20. Sounds like a great marketing concept to me by squatex · · Score: 5, Insightful

    They should probably let Shatner on for free (or at least for an endorsment contract). The marketing here basically writes itself.

    1. Re:Sounds like a great marketing concept to me by The-Bus · · Score: 1

      Honestly, I don't think you need William Shatner's help to get the word out that civilians are in space. It's Huge News(TM) by itself.

      --

      Small potatoes make the steak look bigger.

    2. Re:Sounds like a great marketing concept to me by PhotoBoy · · Score: 1

      I'm sure the world's first commercial space flight would be a big enough news story on its own without needing to give The Shat a free ride.

    3. Re:Sounds like a great marketing concept to me by meta-monkey · · Score: 2, Insightful

      If every time a celebrity wanted to ride the ship you gave him a free seat, you'd never make any money. It's only going to be celebrities and other rich people riding this...who else can afford $200k for a 3hr flight? I want them all to pay through the nose for this so the profits can be reinvested to make it affordable for the rest of us. No breaks.

      --
      We don't have a state-run media we have a media-run state.
    4. Re:Sounds like a great marketing concept to me by corbettw · · Score: 1

      They should probably let Shatner on for free

      Except if they did that, his ticket would end up having Leonard Nimoy's name stamped on it.

      --
      God invented whiskey so the Irish would not rule the world.
    5. Re:Sounds like a great marketing concept to me by Scrameustache · · Score: 1

      If every time a celebrity wanted to ride the ship you gave him a free seat, you'd never make any money.

      How 'bout you let freaking captain Kirk on your maiden voyage for free, so instead of getting a few thousand bucks from the guy, you get priceless publicity. You think that would be a good way of making money? Maybe?

      --

      You can't take the sky from me...

  21. A 'record label' is behind this? by nurb432 · · Score: 1

    There is something drastically wrong if a "record company" can amass the amount of capital to start a space program.

    --
    ---- Booth was a patriot ----
    1. Re:A 'record label' is behind this? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Virgin is a mega-conglomerate. It may have started with records, but now they have an airline, a train company in the UK, a coke brand, etc. Richard Branson is an old school entrepreneur.

    2. Re:A 'record label' is behind this? by superrcat · · Score: 4, Informative

      The Virgin Group is not a record company, they are a venture capitalist organization that uses their name for many different markets, Virgin Records, Virgin Airlines, Virgin Mobile, etc.

    3. Re:A 'record label' is behind this? by AC-x · · Score: 2, Insightful

      They're hardly starting a space program, just buying into Scaled Composites'

    4. Re:A 'record label' is behind this? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0
      The record label Virgin is by now just a tiny insignificant fraction of the Virgin group, which consists of more than 200 companies.

      A large part of the growth of the Virgin group has been financed by selling off many successfull ventures, such as the French Virgin Megastores, Virgin radio etc., and a large part of the strength of the brand is that most of the ventures that have been sold off have been given licenses to keep using the brand.

      So why? Virgin the record company only financed the initial batch of spin off brands. Now the cash is coming from everything from cola to bridal salons (yes, there is a Virgin Bride bridal salon chain)

    5. Re:A 'record label' is behind this? by Richard_at_work · · Score: 5, Informative
      Uhm, virgin is a LOT more than a record label. Its a corporate group, more than a company. You have:
      • Virgin Mobile (cell phones)
      • Virgin Atlantic (Airline)
      • Virgin Megastores (highstreet sales)
      • Virgin Trains (take a wild guess)
      • Virgin Active (gyms and fitness centers)
      • Virgin Money
      • Virgin Holidays (probably in conjunction with Virgin Atlantic)
      • Virgin Limobike (taxi service)
      • Virgin Brides (bridal services, not mail order women)
      THats just a small selection, go here for the full list of companies within the Virgin group.

      Best of all, Richard Branson knows how to have fun with the money hes amassed. He bought an Island specifically for staff holidays (source).
    6. Re:A 'record label' is behind this? by a16 · · Score: 1

      You forgot 'Virgin Ware' stores, which sell lingerie. Or so I'm, er, told.

      'Virgin Ware' is the best name ever for a lingerie shop if you ask me :D

      http://www.virginware.com/

    7. Re:A 'record label' is behind this? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      The island was formerly known as Pig Island, I think. Makepeace is probably much more in keeping with the Virgin aesthetic.

    8. Re:A 'record label' is behind this? by justforaday · · Score: 1

      IIRC, Virgin Records isn't even owned by the Virgin Group anymore. They sold it off a while ago. And then when they wanted another record company, V2 was born...

      --
      I'll turn into a supernova and burn up everything. Well I'll turn into a black little hole and you'll turn into string.
    9. Re:A 'record label' is behind this? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Wow, Virgin really has the market cornered. As I thought in this day and age it was impossible to have a bride that was still a virgin.

      With Virgin sitting on such an invaluable resource, I am surprised the terrorists have not attempted to steal 50 Virgin Brides each. Virgin must have a hell of a security force. Most likely hunderedes of over-protective fathers.

    10. Re:A 'record label' is behind this? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Who would want a virgin bride? Bitch don't know what she's doing. I think it'll be hilarious when all those terrorists get to paradise and find there isn't a damn woman in sight who knows how to work a cock. Guess it's back to man fondling and goat fucking for them!

    11. Re:A 'record label' is behind this? by Nik+Picker · · Score: 1

      Im still waiting for

      Virgin Linux....

      Theres a first time for doing everything, right !

      --
      And thats why Firecrackers and kittens don't mix.
    12. Re:A 'record label' is behind this? by polecat_redux · · Score: 1

      Im still waiting for Virgin Linux....

      I'd like to see Virgin Slashdot... you know, rather than Slasdot Virgins.

    13. Re:A 'record label' is behind this? by networkz · · Score: 1

      Slashdot Virgins? Thats the entire userlist surely? /coat

    14. Re:A 'record label' is behind this? by commodoresloat · · Score: 1
      Virgin Brides (bridal services, not mail order women)

      So they do provide you with virgin brides, but you have to run down to the megastore to pick them up?

    15. Re:A 'record label' is behind this? by Archibald+Buttle · · Score: 1

      Virgin Records hasn't been part of the Virgin Group of companies for a very long time now.

      It was sold many years ago to EMI and financed the expansion of Virgin Atlantic.

      Virgin is back in the record industry as the V2 label these days.

  22. I want to join.. by Treeleaf · · Score: 1

    Beam me up, Richie!

  23. Good for him... by superrcat · · Score: 0, Offtopic

    After a crappy series of Priceline commericals, a terrible new law/drama show coming out and a horrible album being released, I am finally glad to see something for Shatner starting to take off.

  24. VSS enterprise by lobsterGun · · Score: 4, Funny



    Hrmmm

    Visual Source Safe Enterprise.

    AKA: Words that should not be used together.

    1. Re:VSS Enterprise by AndroidCat · · Score: 1

      Yeah, you wouldn't want to upset him by telling him his flight to the Cannes Film Festival has been redirected.

      --
      One line blog. I hear that they're called Twitters now.
  25. Kirk's Hair by wheelbarrow · · Score: 3, Funny

    Have you ever noticed that Kirk's hairline was receding during the TV show and that, amazingly, he had more hair in the later Star Trek movies. I say charge him $200K for the ride and $50K more if he wants to bring his hair.

    1. Re:Kirk's Hair by marktaw.com · · Score: 1

      Actually, his hair couldn't have been receding during the show because he *always* wore a wig. There are even some famous stories of him stealing the spare (because it was better than anything he could afford).

      Now mod me +5 Geeky.

  26. Speaking of Shatner... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    His new CD, unlike his earlier ones, is legitimately good stuff. Check it out. Although the way he talks about himself I don't expect him to still be alive by the time this thing blasts off.

  27. Something drastically right by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    There is nothing wrong at all with earning money by providing products that people want. It sure beats governments stealing money (taxation) to do these things.

    1. Re:Something drastically right by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I bet you tell your needy cousins that they're stealing from you when you split the bill at the local McDonalds.

    2. Re:Something drastically right by Hatta · · Score: 1

      That money belongs to labor, not corporate. If you're so worried about stealing.

      --
      Give me Classic Slashdot or give me death!
    3. Re:Something drastically right by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0
      "That money belongs to labor, not corporate"


      The money belongs to those that earn it. Branson, through his labor, has earned a lot of it, indeed.

    4. Re:Something drastically right by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0
      "I bet you tell your needy cousins that they're stealing from you when you split the bill at the local McDonalds."


      Your scenario is incomplete. Are the cousins threatening me with a gun? If so, they are stealing.

    5. Re:Something drastically right by nounderscores · · Score: 1

      ouch

    6. Re:Something drastically right by bbc · · Score: 1

      Government has taken something that belonged to the people and given it to record companies using a law that was originally intended to protect the people from those same record companies. Go figure.

      If the way copyright law is being rewritten nowadays would be applied to other areas, the maffia would soon be behind every racketeering and drug trafficking law.

  28. This is awesome by Epistax · · Score: 3, Funny

    I think everyone, including Shatner, who sings like Shatner, should go in to space.

    Oh they're bringing him back? Darn.

  29. Did you hear? by spungo · · Score: 2, Funny

    Branson's ship was impeccably clean... until William Shatner. *groan*

  30. VSS Enterprise by daeley · · Score: 2, Funny

    This is a really bad idea. You know at the first sign of trouble he's going to be "taking command."

    --
    I watched C-beams glitter in the dark near the Tannhauser gate.
  31. Registration.. by bigattichouse · · Score: 2, Insightful

    I wonder when nations will begin requiring national registration for spacecraft (ie - HMS Bounty)... I know the shuttles are "Registered" as US planes, but VSS implies that Virgin is vying for "autonomy" as a space venture. So is "The Corporation" (ala Aliens Trilogy) Virgin,Inc.?

    --
    meh
    1. Re:Registration.. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      The prefix isn't in any way a requirement based on the registration country of the ship. Some ship registries may have rules for the ship names they'll accept, but as long as you stay clear of the military prefixes I don't think anyone generally really cares

    2. Re:Registration.. by Teancum · · Score: 2, Interesting

      Not only are spacecraft like the shuttle registered, but space station modules are also "registered" as spacecraft. Indeed, if an incident were to happen on the ISS, the nation who owns and built the module would have primary juristiction in terms of law enforcement. Indeed, it was because of liability concerns that Dennis Tito was originaly denied entry into the ISS.

      What would be interesting is to see what body of law comes out of dealing with criminal and civil legal issues in space. If you kill somebody while "out there", who gets the privilege of hauling you into court? This is no different than if you kill somebody while on a trans-atlantic flight, and clearly you would be in handcuffs as soon as the plane lands, if not before.

  32. I can see it now by Omega1045 · · Score: 2, Funny

    I can just see it now, the people producing the TV series "Star Trek: Enterprise" are going to change the opening sequence of historical ships name "Enterprise" to include the VSS model.

    --

    Great ideas often receive violent opposition from mediocre minds. - Albert Einstein

    1. Re:I can see it now by Chocolate+Teapot · · Score: 1

      Hmm. Don't know. maybe if anyone actually watches it they could let us know. I guess we'll never know :)

      --
      Modest doubt is called the beacon of the wise. - William Shakespeare
    2. Re:I can see it now by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Interesting
      I really enjoy that idea. My twisted sense of humor already responds well the the Enterprise Openning titles: You see, the Enterprise shuttle was actually named in honor of the original Star Trek series. The shuttle was called something else originally but a bunch of Trekies wrote NASA and demanded the name change.


      The implication is that the Archer's Enterprise is named after the Shuttle Enterprise, which was named after Kirk's Enterprise which (presumably) was named after Archer's Enterprise. Niftly little causality loop there.

    3. Re:I can see it now by mrchaotica · · Score: 1

      It's Enterprise, for crying out loud! If they started fixing continuity errors now, they'd have to rewrite the whole show!

      --

      "[Regarding the 'cloud,'] ownership was what made America different than Russia." -- Woz

  33. Third Rock by AndroidCat · · Score: 3, Funny

    Big Giant Head: It was a horrible flight! There was a man on the wing of the plane!
    Dick Solomon: The same thing happened to me!

    --
    One line blog. I hear that they're called Twitters now.
    1. Re:Third Rock by TRS80NT · · Score: 1

      Thanks for the reminder of the most perfect recursive in-joke in sitcom history.

      --
      Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet.
    2. Re:Third Rock by AndroidCat · · Score: 1

      I almost explained it and broke a thing of beauty. (Besides, they can google for it.)

      --
      One line blog. I hear that they're called Twitters now.
    3. Re:Third Rock by multipartmixed · · Score: 1

      *cue Twilight Zone music*

      --

      Do daemons dream of electric sleep()?
  34. flying with kirk by droper · · Score: 2, Funny

    It would be cool to go up into space with Captain Kirk. Maybe I could convince him to put on the star trek unform and have him wrestle a green aliens.

  35. Will his cult go too? by AndroidCat · · Score: 2, Funny

    You know, those wacky Shatnerologists.

    --
    One line blog. I hear that they're called Twitters now.
    1. Re:Will his cult go too? by glarbl_blarbl · · Score: 1
      maybe here:

      http://www.ussvictoria.co.uk/fullofshat/

      --
      I use friend/foe to signal strong [dis]agreement instead of mod points. What else are f/f good for?
  36. Shatner is too old for space by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Sure, sure. Buzz Adrin was a codger when he went back up. But see, he used to be a military pilot. They're no Seals, but they're still in decent shape. And Buzz kept himself in shape over the years. He was a salty codger, as opposed to a washed-up codger. They had a bricklayer chisel some salt off Buzz before they cleared him for flight, again.

    Shatner better start swimming laps and doing some weight training, and taking calcium for his osteoporosis if he's wanting to take a whirl. All I'm saying here is if he comes back *dead*, I'm not going to be remotely surprised. Make sure he signs an indemnity waver, and make his entire fucking surviving family sign one, too.

    You might find your company sued unto Christ.

  37. He just wants command again by I+am+the+Bullgod · · Score: 4, Funny

    After almost getting ejected from the flight for insisting that the crew calls him "Admiral", he'll assume command, citing a crisis on the Genesis planet.

  38. Virgin & Shatner? by Prince+Vegeta+SSJ4 · · Score: 2, Funny

    I smell trouble, we all know how captain Kirk loved Virgins, especially Green ones!

    1. Re:Virgin & Shatner? by AndroidCat · · Score: 1

      That was Captain Pike, and if she was a virgin then it was fantasy, not science-fiction.

      --
      One line blog. I hear that they're called Twitters now.
  39. CVS-65 by nounderscores · · Score: 1

    you would prefer to fly on the TCS Tiger's Claw (CVS-07) or the Concordia (CVS-65)?

    http://www.wcrevival.de/encyclopedia/index.php?e nt ry=t#tigersclaw

  40. Boy was I confused... by Anita+Coney · · Score: 1

    I couldn't understand why Shatner wanted to bring back STNG.

    --
    If someone says he and his monkey have nothing to hide, they almost certainly do.
    1. Re:Boy was I confused... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      What the hell are you talking about?

    2. Re:Boy was I confused... by Dogtanian · · Score: 1

      I couldn't understand why Shatner wanted to bring back STNG.

      Yeah; he did some okay stuff in The Police, but most of his solo work is really boring.

      --
      "Slashdot - News and Chat Sites Deviant". (Click "homepage" link above for details).
  41. Past predicting the future by Lord_Dweomer · · Score: 2, Funny
    Its kind of funny that the series named the spacecraft the Enterprise and has a whole backstory about the creation of it, and here we are, naming our first commercial spacecraft that. I know its just the influence of media culture, but it still is kind of ironic.

    I wonder if they'll let him sit in a captains seat.

    "Scotty, beam them aboard!"

    "Um...sir, I'm not Scotty...and you're not even a captain....."

    --
    Buy Steampunk Clothing Online!
    1. Re:Past predicting the future by freeweed · · Score: 2, Informative

      You DO know we also had a NASA-built shuttle named Enterprise, right? :)

      --
      Endless arguments over trivial contradictions in books written by ignorant savages to explain thunder in the dark.
    2. Re:Past predicting the future by Mechaniork · · Score: 1

      It's a case of history writing itself through fiction. Somebody creates a work of fiction about the future, and somebody else decides to do what they can to make it reality. I had an old poster somewhere of all the Enterprise-named vessels, and one was a space pleasure liner, the equivalent of a spaceborne cruise ship. History these days tends to write itself.

      --
      ~~"How can you have a war on Terror? It's not even a noun!" -Jon Stewart~~
  42. Remember Shatner's twilight zone episode? by Dammital · · Score: 2

    When I close my eyes and imagine him on the VSS Enterprise, I think of thisrather than the captain's chair.

  43. Virgin Money??!?! by brunes69 · · Score: 1

    WTF is that?

    1. Re:Virgin Money??!?! by pjt33 · · Score: 1

      You could try looking at their website.

    2. Re:Virgin Money??!?! by Feztaa · · Score: 2, Funny

      They print their own money. Duh.

  44. Virgin: Jack of all trades... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    ...master of none.

  45. Mod parent up by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Nice one guvnor!!

    1. Re:Mod parent up by spungo · · Score: 1

      Cheers, mate! ... I was just about to get me coat. ;-)

  46. Rejected yesterday by sonik1 · · Score: 1

    I submitted this story yesterday, but it was rejected. Oh well. "Beam me up Richie"

    1. Re:Rejected yesterday by Wizzy+Wig · · Score: 1

      I submitted this story yesterday, but it was rejected. Happens to me all the time... I have yet to get one in. Obviously they know who we are.

  47. Virgin is not just a record company, but... by Dogtanian · · Score: 1

    Virgin records were sold off to EMI many years ago (early '90s, IIRC).

    The Virgin Megastores (or the ones in the UK at least) are a joint operation with other investors.

    It obviously makes sense to some people to use the Virgin name; thing is, I'm not sure what it stands for (or rather, what it's *meant* to stand for, since most brand names are about image rather than substance, and are often farmed out anyway).

    Does 'Virgin' have an image beyond Richard Branson? The only one they have in my book is a pseudo-company that wants to plaster their name on as many things as possible, and make a big deal about it.

    --
    "Slashdot - News and Chat Sites Deviant". (Click "homepage" link above for details).
  48. Re:Pounds and not Euros? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Oi! Shut it you slaaaahhhhg!!!

  49. Who cares? by Billobob · · Score: 0, Flamebait

    Is this a slow news day or something? Or does slashdot plan on reporting the other thousands of people who plan on going into space individually as well?

    --
    If you have to ask, you'll never know.
  50. Hmm by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Hmm, looking at the picture on there, it seems that the craft has already overshot the runway and appears to be at quite an alarming attitude

    http://www.virgingalactic.com/contact.html

    Ah well, his boat sank and the balloon burst; mommy, I'm afraid :)

  51. Why is this iin the SF section by 1u3hr · · Score: 3, Informative

    It's about a real person, Willaim Shatner, not James T Kirk, and a real spaceship. Some science, no fiction.

  52. Re:Good for him...Great Album- by gadlaw · · Score: 1, Insightful

    I've got the new album by Shatner. It's freaking wonderful. It's funny, witty, poignant, sad, truthful, and just plain good. I was pleasantly surprised. As was Boing Boing where I got the heads up and a link to the song 'Common People.' I think the song on his CD called 'Has Been' sums it up nicely. It says he is out there still trying and if he's a 'has been' - that means he was something, accomplished something and at least for him- he's still out there trying. Those who have fun criticising and making fun are often 'Never Was' people. Oh- and the character he's playing in that new show of his- he won an Emmy for it. Must be fairly good acting then eh? And by the way, I find the Priceline commercials funny and entertaining.

    --
    Enjoy your Karma, after all you earned it. Feel your Karma Joe, feel it burn.
  53. So it can get the Trek alien logo. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    They placed it in this section just so they could get the logo that features the "Home Alone"- faced alien from the old Star Trek show.

  54. Given Virgins reliability record... by Phil246 · · Score: 3, Funny

    how long before kirk gets on the intercom and proclaims - " Scotty, we need warp speed in 5 minutes or we`re all dead "

  55. Looks like Virgin gets around by theurge14 · · Score: 1

    Sorry.

  56. Or maybe... by infinite9 · · Score: 1

    To boldy shat where no one has shat before?

    --
    Disconnect your television. Do your own research. Draw your own conclusions. They're probably lying. Don't be a sheep.
  57. Sigh, I don't have $210.000 you insensitive clod! by RogerWilco · · Score: 1

    Hmm, lameness filter want more than a title, ... ...

    3) Profit!

    --
    RogerWilco the Adventurous Janitor
  58. Common Person? by db_uk · · Score: 1

    How very ironic considering Shatner's last exploit in the world of celebrity was to be part of a cover of "common people" listen here

  59. I hope Shatner is the 1st in space to yell out... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Khaaan!

  60. "Beam my ass back to the set" by Tablizer · · Score: 3, Funny

    Pilot: Uh, we seem to be having a problem with our external controls.

    Shatner: Oh great. Well, just beam us out then.

    Pilot: Uh, we don't have transporters in here, sir.

    Shatner: Then, go to warp!

    Pilot: We don't have warp either.

    Shatner: What?! What kind of double dumbship is this bucket of bolts? And you ain't no Scotty!

    --
    Table-ized A.I.
  61. Re:Good for him...Great Album- by Zen+Punk · · Score: 1
    Insightful??

    Rubbish.

    I haven't listened to Shatner's album, so I won't comment on it. But "the character he's playing...he won an Emmy for it. Must be fairly good acting then eh?"

    Well gosh I guess it must be so! Wow an emmy are you fscking kidding me? He MUST be a damn good actor. I sure am glad we have this totally independent and unbiased body that doles out objective judgements(how's that for a sly oxy-moron?) on the performance of artists.

    Sorry to get so worked up in this OT rant but if you reread that comment I think you might find it's a bit of a non sequitor.

    --
    Sleep is futile.
  62. Boldly by Tablizer · · Score: 1


    "To die like no man has died before"

    --
    Table-ized A.I.
  63. Maybe... by Wizzy+Wig · · Score: 5, Funny

    he'll beat that $210,000 fare if he uses that PriceLine thingy he works for....

  64. Re:Pounds and not Euros? by spungo · · Score: 1

    Leave it aht - 'e's not wurphitt!

  65. You forgot... by Julian+Morrison · · Score: 1

    - Standing room only, right out into the loo vestibules. Which don't have adequate dehumidifiers, so the walls drip with clammy condensation.

    - By god do the toilets stink. In fact, the whole trains reek of sewage.

    - The air conditioning backfires producing alternating spots of north-atlantic chill, and unbreathable muggy heat.

  66. "The Company" in space... by vudufixit · · Score: 1

    I never liked how "the company" was treated in Alien 3 and Resurrection.
    I thought it was a real innovation that it was a shadowy character itself, moving levers behind the scenes. The closest progenitor I can think of would be the mysterious organization in the Parallax View.
    There was never a need to have its name on the walls in Alien 3, and dispensed with via the ridiculous line in Resurrection, "Walmart bought them out."

  67. Re:I hope Shatner is the 1st in space to yell out. by Tablizer · · Score: 2

    Khaaan!

    More like:

    "This is not really space, just the upper atmosphere. I...have...been Coooonned!"

    --
    Table-ized A.I.
  68. Phone Sanitizers by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    I wonder if we should tell folks like Shatner that spaceships, especially first-ever spaceships, are really dangerous? Or should we just cherish the opportunity to improve the fitness of the herd of "celebrities" roaming this country? I'm imagining 25 of these idiots immolated at one go...

  69. Re:Good for him...Great Album- by Polson · · Score: 1

    I love his new cd too. Funny and clever and poignant with an honesty you don't see very often from an entertainer who knows he's just another guy. And you get to hear Hank Rollins and Bill rant at the world's injustices. Priceless.

  70. shatner rocks by poptones · · Score: 2, Insightful

    I saw him with Joe Jackson on Leno last night as well, and I thought it awesome. I'd drive to memphis to see the two of them if they went on tour.

  71. It's just a big roller coaster by Animats · · Score: 1
    This is suborbital flight, people. Up and down, like Al Shepard in 1961. A few minutes of weightlessness.

    Getting to orbit is much harder. But useful.

  72. Re:Good for him...Great Album- by hairykrishna · · Score: 1

    You're braver than me- after hearing Shatners um, unique, version of "Lucy in the sky with diamonds" you couldn't pay me to listen to his new stuff.

    --
    "Physics is to math as sex is to masturbation." -R. Feynman
  73. Are You Drunk?!?!?!? by Excen · · Score: 1, Funny

    Shatner != good singing! Did you also buy the new album by the singing howler monkey too?

    --
    "No beer until you finish your tequila!" -Leela's Dad
    1. Re:Are You Drunk?!?!?!? by gadlaw · · Score: 1

      Shatner doesn't sing. The guy from Ben Folds Five sings. Just listen to it before going off into uninformed ranting. In fact, it is usually a good practice to make your own decisions based on your own information.

      --
      Enjoy your Karma, after all you earned it. Feel your Karma Joe, feel it burn.
  74. Imagine the publicity... by saskboy · · Score: 1

    ..were the ship to explode on the maiden voyage with Shatner in it. That would be some story, and people would think maybe he faked his own death for more fame.

    And he's afraid of flying! He didn't have to act on Terror at 2000 Feet.

    --
    Saskboy's blog is good. 9 out of 10 dentists agree.
  75. I don't know about all of you... by xx01dk · · Score: 2, Interesting

    but I think this is pretty cool. Sure, we all make jokes about how corny the Shatner has been and can be, but I think nothing could be cooler than to have a pioneer of modern space sci-fi actually participating in the new generation of space-flight. Gives me chills, personally.

    Although, the comedic value is hard to pass up.

    It's too bad Deforest Kelley won't be around.. "Damnit, Jim! Your an Actor, not an astronaut!"

    --
    There is simply too much glass..
  76. Re:Good for him...Great Album- by gadlaw · · Score: 1

    Ah let's see. The Emmy Awards are administered by three sister organizations; the Academy of Televison Arts & Sciences, the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, and the International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. The Emmy Awards recognize excellence within various areas of the television industry. The awards are a symbol of peer recognition from over 12,000 members of the Academy. Each member casts a ballot for the category of competition in their field of expertise. Willaim Shatner received a nomination for outstanding guest actor in a television drama series and won. The award is from his peers, his fellow actors. So no, I'm not "fscking kidding" you. As for the non sequitur (I think that's what you might have meant to write) - perhaps a more careful reading by yourself will show that the person who commented reviled the commercials, the acting and the album. The character William Shatner plays in the new show is the character he won the Emmy for. I have an opinion on the Priceline commercials- I like them just fine. I have an opinion on the new album - surprisingly good, the new show- I haven't seen but here is evidence that it might not be bad - the character he plays is a character he won an emmy for. So I won't say its crappy or horrible without seeing it. Generally though - I think Shatner is a fine actor and I've enjoyed his work. And I hope he gets the first ride on the yet unbuilt Virgin vehicle.

    --
    Enjoy your Karma, after all you earned it. Feel your Karma Joe, feel it burn.
  77. His last one-liner by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    I'm dead, Jim.

  78. New Priceline Commercial by marktaw.com · · Score: 1

    New Toupee: $800

    Trip to outer space: $210,000

    Convincing the Stewardess to dress up as a green alien and join the 10,000 mile high club: Priceless

  79. Up, Ok, but don't let him down again by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    I've heard his latest album. Fine, charge the guy $210,000 to go up, but charge him double to come back down again.

  80. No better publicity by MilenCent · · Score: 1

    So, Shatner is paying a little over 200 grand for a space ride, and that gets him the front page at Slashdot.

    Okay granted, a lot of things that Shatner does would make the front page (such as releasing a another record), but it's a great way to get his name back on other headlines besides.

    It's just publicity, though it's cool that he knows these people exist. Admittedly, however, as time passes the more I'm starting to think that Shatner sort of deserves his celebrity, the same way Bruce Campbell and Adam West deserve theirs, he's no longer a big-name star but neither is he up to corpulent Brittany Spears levels of narcissism.

  81. not really true by Trepidity · · Score: 2, Informative

    It's not possible to make seats much smaller than they already are and still get customers. Very few people will pay money to get a seat with 20 inches of legroom. Most people already think 30 inches is too little. Therefore, that option isn't feasible. The other option is to keep 30 inches as the minimum and add seats with more legroom as an optional purchase. This already exists: there is first class on most airlines, and a number of airlines are starting to offer an "economy plus" with more legroom and sometimes wider seats (but without the first-class service and food).

    Basically, we're already packing people as tightly as they're willing to go. You can't pack the skinny people more tightly to get more room for the overweight people, because the skinny people won't fly your airline if you do.

    --
    10 PRINT CHR$(205.5+RND(1)); : GOTO 10
    1. Re:not really true by Tablizer · · Score: 1

      It's not possible to make seats much smaller than they already are and still get customers. Very few people will pay money to get a seat with 20 inches of legroom.

      The numbers I used were only comparative examples, not meant to be actual stuies. Also, I did not mean that they would pay more for legroom, but rather be assigned based on height. (There would perhaps be "family sections" for those traveling together.)

      Basically, we're already packing people as tightly as they're willing to go. You can't pack the skinny people more tightly to get more room for the overweight people, because the skinny people won't fly your airline if you do.

      How do you know, have you tried it? Besides, if there is only a handful of super heavy people, then there would only need to be a handful of skinney seats. The stewards could reassign people to different seats if there is such an issue that arises. It would only affect 1 or 2 percent of passengers.

      --
      Table-ized A.I.
  82. bowling alleys by Trepidity · · Score: 1

    It also doesn't cost bowling alleys more if you weigh more, because the cost of the physical materials is a negligible part of the cost of a shoe. Airline costs, by contrast, are strongly proportional to weight on the plane. They're even starting to try to cut down on the amount of water they have on board the plane to reduce weight. If your average customer is 200 lbs, that costs a lot more than if they're 150 lbs. Especially with the current fuel prices, weight of passengers is not a negligible component of total price. Not to mention that physical space on the plane is at a premium: why should a skinny person get a smaller seat if they're paying the same price?

    --
    10 PRINT CHR$(205.5+RND(1)); : GOTO 10
    1. Re:bowling alleys by Tablizer · · Score: 1

      because the cost of the physical materials is a negligible part of the cost of a shoe. Airline costs, by contrast, are strongly proportional to weight on the plane.

      Then they should charge more for heavy baggage. If weight is the sole issue, than a skinny person with lots of baggage would potentially cost them more than a large person with minimal baggage.

      --
      Table-ized A.I.
  83. SHATNER YOU'RE AN ACTOR GIVE IT UP by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0
    Shatner

    You're an actor

    Give it up

    Shatner

    You're an actor

    Give it up
  84. I'll buy it. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Yeah, because all you fat, malnourished, no-life nerds out there have enjoyed so much success in your personal lives that you have a lot of room to judge William fucking Shatner.

    Shatner has been Captain Kirk and been an integral part of American sci-fi culture since before most of you asshats have been alive. What have you done lately? Downloaded a new Linux distro? Congratulations.

    Better a has-been than a never-was, or a never-will-be, like most all of you morons.

  85. Appropriate name by geekee · · Score: 1

    "the first ship will be the VSS Enterprise"

    Given it's a for-profit commercial venture, what better name for the ship than Enterprise.

    --
    Vote for Pedro
  86. they do by Trepidity · · Score: 1

    Just as with people, there's a weight limit. Once you're above the limit, you have to pay extra. I think for baggage it's 50 lbs on domestic flights.

    --
    10 PRINT CHR$(205.5+RND(1)); : GOTO 10
  87. Appropriate name by geekee · · Score: 0, Redundant

    "the first ship will be the VSS Enterprise"

    Given that this is a commercial venture, I can't think of a better name.

    --
    Vote for Pedro
  88. Re:Good for him...Great Album- by Zen+Punk · · Score: 1
    Erm...yeah.

    Actually, I think Shatner is a fine actor as well. I like the original Star Trek, cheese and all, and the Priceline stuff (some of it) is funny.

    What kinda touched a nerve in your original post was that you assumed that since Shatner had received xxy award, in this case an Emmy, than his acting must be "good." Not that you might like it, but that it was "good" (a subjective quality).

    I can understand thinking that since it received an Emmy, it's something you might like, and that's what I think you meant, but not what you said at first. It seemed to me that you were basing your opinion(and passing it off as fact!) on the opinion of the bodies who administer the Emmy award.

    Enjoyment of the performance of an actor is a subjective matter and I wouldn't let anyone else make my decisions for me about who/what is good and what is not, be it 12,000 actors, 12,000 dentists, whatever.

    After reading your second comment, you seem to be saying that the new show might not be bad, you haven't seen it. But in your first, you did say "he must be a good actor" when referring to a show you hadn't seen based solely on the fact tha the won an emmy. This, for some reason (it was 5:00 AM and I was really tired) inspired me to rant and rave about it, without even making my point clear (did I have one? :)

    P.S. I knew I would screw up non sequitur.

    --
    Sleep is futile.
  89. Now that he's gone into space for real.... by themaidtricks · · Score: 2, Funny

    ...he can get a chance to perform music for real.

  90. I wonder if he'll don the old Kirk uniform from... by borgheron · · Score: 1

    the movies. :) Now that would be cool.

    GJC

    --
    Gregory Casamento
    ## Chief Maintainer for GNUstep
  91. This is pretty sad. by fm6 · · Score: 1

    Space travel has now been reduced to the status of a theme park ride. A six-figure ride, true, that only makes it even more pathetic.

  92. Thank you! by targo · · Score: 2, Interesting

    I don't care a lot about Shatner as an entertainer but I'm thankful to him and anybody else that is putting dollars into private space industry.
    Getting in space myself one day is my biggest dream; I have been giving a few hundred bucks to X-prize foundation and other similar organizations every year but obviously I could never realize my goal without guys like Shatner chipping in and advancing the cause.
    Thanks again!

    --
    When men used to be men
  93. Possibly redundant..but still worthy by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    http://www.foppery.net/rocketman.rm Mighty amazing performance, you ask me.. -ws

  94. Clarification... by Lispy · · Score: 1

    Sing Sing, v. t.
    1. To utter with musical infections or modulations of voice.

    Shatner is more like this:

    Babble Bab"ble, v. i.
    1. To utter in an indistinct or incoherent way; to repeat, as
    words, in a childish way without understanding.

  95. But the price would be discounted... by BallyHigh · · Score: 1

    ..if he has to sit next to Spock

    The Cosmic Ballet .. Goes on