When I noticed this title in Joseph's group for North Carolina players, I was intrigued. I see that NC's motto is "esse quam videri." (To be rather than to seem.) That is also the motto of the Scot Sir Robert Moray (1609-1673). I have a great interest in Moray, and I've thought that esse quam videri is as good a motto to try to live up to as any.

Do you have any idea how NC decided to pick this for the Great Seal?

I'm also interested in what people think of this idea. That appearances are worthless compared to substance. It is certainly not the governing attitude of early 21st century western culture.

One of my karate teachers once said "if you take a piece of dung and spray paint it silver, you have not changed the value." I always liked that idea.

 Let me see what all the Hollywood celebrities have to say about that, then I'll know what I should say to fit in.

 You got me.  I'm a transplant from NY (they love us here).  Lahlie, the guy who started the NC group would know.  I'll ask him.

 Brilliant!

 I hear you, brother. I'm a transplant from Michigan. The folks from down-state Virginia refer to Northern Virginia where I live as "the occupied territories." A lot of unrepentant rebels around here.

They love it when I mention that I'm interested in the Civil War becasue my great-great-great grandfather was a colonel in the Union army!