I was worried. I hadn’t heard from Ali (see my June 29th-30th entries) all weekend. Had he grown tired of me so soon? Had he found an easier mark elsewhere? Had he caught on? Well, there was a new email sitting in my inbox this morning:
“Dear Hazzencockle,
I,m glad to recieve your mail instantly.This alone gives me joy that you are one, i could trust in this work of humanity.Ofcourse my health is so diverstating but my disk-top computer is handy for me enough to try my hands still in my wheel chair.
As in regard to the names you proposed they are all good and very much appreciated but i would like you to make it a joint name of both you and i since you are going to be my next of kin and beneficiary. It was also very sad to read about your experience with scammer, this was also my experience ten years ago and this why i,am praying that i do not fall into such hands again as well as making sure i know whom i,am dealing with in this matter. For all those loses Allah i guess is now trying to pay you in return.
I wish to correct your impression and draw your attention to my initial mail , i,am a citizen of Argentina.who has worked so hard in an oil and gas company ( SHELL ) in Nigeria where i,am now on a sick bed .My prayers to Allah is to still keep me alive to withness that i transfer the whole lot of my wealth to a next of kin than leaving all this effort in Nigeria before death comes calling on me.
On a daily bases,i only look up to Allah i,am afraid i will die, as i told you before do as fast as possible to forward me your bank information so as to instruct the bank to transfer the fund to you to commence the orphanage foundation .Continue to pray for me,Allah will bless you, call me with this number (…) thank you .
Regards
Engr. Ali.”
Okay. This could probably go on forever. It’s very clear that the lure of money is too great for these guys to pass up. I should just move on. But, in the words of Ebola Monkey Man: “I wanted to get their hopes up and waste their time. After all, time is money when you are scamming.” And so, with apologies to the Monkey Man, a pioneer in the field of scam baiting, I sent Ali the following response:
“Wait, Ali! Don’t die yet! We still have the orphans to help! Think of the children!
It sounds like you are truly at death’s door and that each email I receive from you may well be the last. This saddens me for many reasons, not the least of which being the solid bond of friendship I feel we have cemented over the course of our correspondence that may soon fizzle away like not so much as cotton candy on a Chevy convertible‘s black leather interior on a hot summer day. And so, I am of two minds. On the one hand, I want to send you my banking information and passport and get the ball rolling (they sit here on my coffee table as I write), but on the other hand I’m afraid that if we pursue this business venture, I will grow too attached to you. Recently, I’ve lost too many things that were dear to me (my great aunt Hortensia during a black op run in Mozambique, my prized lizard Mercutio from a stomach ailment, and Gilmore Girls which, as I’m sure you already know, ended after an all-too-brief 7-season run), and the thought of losing you as well may be just too much for me at this point in my life. Is it possible that the doctor’s grim prognosis is wrong? Have you exhausted all avenues in the search of a cure for your condition? Have you looked into the healing power of mangosteen?
As I mentioned in my previous letter, I’m traveling to London where I’m to meet with a representative of the UK Lottery Company in order to pay off the $10 000 required to free up my lottery winnings. The next time you hear from me, I will be a very rich man! Also, forgive my ignorance but I had no idea that Argentina was not within driving distance of London. Back in high school, geography was my worst subject as the mittens they would make us wear (so that we wouldn’t hurt ourselves) made it very difficult for me to draw the maps. Still, I would love to visit some day. In the words of the denizens of your homeland: “Crikey, mate! I think it’d be a beaut to visit your bush!”
Finally, if we do decide to move forward on this, I think it is imperative that we finalize the name of our orphanage. Often, these things are left for last and then, when the time comes, it causes just too many problems. So here are some more suggestions. Let’s nail this sucker down:
ALOYSIUS P. HAZZENCOCKLE’S HOME FOR WAYWARD YOUTH in memory of Ali Abbas
ALI IN THE FAMILY – HOME FOR ORPHANS AND ALOYSIUS P. HAZZENCOCKLE
HAZZENCOCKLE’S HACIENDA OF LOVE AND CARING AND ALI
THE HOUSE THAT GOD (AND 38.5 MILLION DOLLARS) BUILT
Anyhoo, let me know which one appeals and we can discuss further.
Finally, and I don’t mean to sound overly critical or insensitive because I realize you have less than three months to live and are friendless and paralyzed, but would it kill you to be a little more upbeat? Your emails are a little depressing and my life counselor says that’s the last thing I need right now.
Keeping you in my prayers and favorite file,
See-ya cobber,
Aloysius P. Hazzencockle”
Let’s move on to the viewer mail –
Vikitty writes: “Or are you going to stick to just one other puppy you won’t be getting?”
Answer: No idea. At this point, I’m just going along or the ride
PG15 writes: “Is Julian Sands in/going to be in/was in Stargate SG1: The Ark of Truth?”
Answer: Yep.
Lisa Gabi Marie writes: “DO you usually attend a lot of festivals and would you travel to one?”
Answer: Unless they’re food-related, not much chance. And even then.
Lisa S. writes: “When a costume requires chainmail is it made in-house?”
Answer: It is. But I would call it more “chain mail-esqe”
OhioAnne writes: “So, if you have no plans for Ford and, since you have “admitted” that you are doing a “Ford” on Elizabeth…”
Answer: We do have plans for Elizabeth.
Anonymous #1 writes: “Seeing as how you snipped my entire post let’s just clarify for the sake of honesty and full-disclosure that the use of “incredible” is (…) in a good way. I for one will (…) be reading it again – (…) listening to it (…) – as it was funny (…) and some of what he’s got to say just makes one sit and wonder”
Answer: Okay, okay. I get it. You LOVED Rob’s interview. It’s great to hear that his words connected with you on that level. And thanks for writing to clarify.
Shawna writes: “Are we ever going to get a good old-fashioned straight-up “mirror universe” episode where the Atlantis expedition are invaders and everyone’s evil?”
Answer: No plans to but I’ve always enjoyed AU episodes. In season 5 perhaps?
UberAmandaFan writes: “Will the fans get any kind of sneak peek at Season 4 beyond that preview video on the SG-1 site?”
Answer: I have no idea what Sci Fi has planned.
UberAmandaFan also writes: “Also…regarding AoT and Continuum…will you all be releasing any kind of preview clips or promo pictures?”
Answer: I believe the season 10 box sets will include a couple of previews.
Sistine Spy writes: “What is your absolute favorite part about producing a show like stargate atlantis?”
Answer: Working with some very talented people.
Sistine Spy also writes: “Which task do you dread the most?”
Answer: Sitting down to start work on a script.
A.A. writes: “…the ones that makes the calls (you, of course) seemed very surprised of all the fan-wank arouse by the changes.”
Answer: Believe me. I was far from surprised.
Wolfen writes: “Awwww, Kobe kawaii desu!!”
Answer: O genki desu ka?
J.W. writes: “You do realise Argentina is in South America…”
Answer: Of course. We’re in North America. Argentina is in South America. That’s why we call it “down under”.
Gate Geek writes: “So have you ever had a slice of cheddar cheese with apple pie?”
Answer: I haven’t but, hey, I’ve tried tripe so I’d be willing to give it a go.
Ben writes: “1 ) Have you seen any good anime lately? 2A) Are you a fan of Iron Man?
2B) What are your thoughts on the upcoming Iron Man film? 3 ) Any plans to include story from the more alien races? (Gadmeer, Energy-entity, foothold aliens, furlings, Serrakin, etc.) 4 ) What ever became of Danials grandfather, the one who went with the giant alien?”
Answers: 1) The last great anime I watched was Gankutsuo. 2) Sure. 2b) I know nothing about it. No opinion. 3) Possibly. 4) Good question.
Zabadoo writes: “1.)I read somewhere that Rainbow Sun Francks would always show up late for work, even when he was a guest star and that was why he was fired. Is that true?
2.)What was your favorite episode of Season 10 of SG-1? 3.)What about season 3 of Atlantis? 4.)What are the approximate lengths of Continuum and The Ark of Truth, are they closer to 90 or 120 minutes?”
Answers: 1) That’s all news to me – and I was working on the show at the time. 2) Quest II 3) Vengeance.
Arggh, you’re killing me. The mittens, the mittens! Thanks for brightening my day by being cruel.
Also, have you tried haggis?
Ebola Monkey Man would be proud.
1) I was camping the other weekend and came upon a couple that probably were in their 70’s, and they were walking about 8 pugs. Do you plan on being like that in X amount of years? 2) When you eat fast food, where do you prefer? And what are your thoughts on McDonald’s?
3) How often are you on set when an episode is being filmed?
“Crikey, mate! I think it’d be a beaut to visit your bush!”
Hey leave our bush alone, it’s drier than a dead dingo’s do… uh never mind.
“See-ya cobber”
Joe, seriously you have to come to Australia. I know you’re response will be “when I’m invited” so the question is, if we can get one of the convention places here to do an invite would you attend? Scheduling permitted of course.
Wow, I just previews for SGA season 4. You actually put Carter in charge? That’s very discouraging for the future of the show. Will you make the same deal for those of us who want to see Carter offed as you did for the Save Beckett folks? Because I’m sure I can get a Kill Sam Carter sign on tv somehow.
my great aunt Hortensia during a black op run in Mozambique
Random… and disturbingly hilarious. 😀
P.S. Can I ask Fondy to apply her magical powers of persuasion to convincing my husband that we should get another kitten? 😀 I’d be most grateful…
God, you crack me up. I really enjoy your blog – brightens my day. Thanks!
Your email correspondence is a highlight of my day. I wish I was as talented as you. I guess that’s why you’re the writer and I’m the accountant!
Evening joe! Thought I’d share for your perusing benefit the web address of my work: http://www.thenoahcenter.org/
Check it out sometime!
QOTD- What is your favorite place to purchase chocolate?
Two questions:
1. Will the SciFi channel air Season Four in one run or will there be a break in the middle?
2. Will Elizabeth Weir end up ascending?
Hi, Joe,
Your correspondence with Ali is seriously amusing me (is that an oxymoron? seriously amusing?).
I have to say, Joe, you have much more patience and self-control than I do. (regarding the “fan” complaints.) Were I in your position, I’d probably have said something regrettable by now… Thank goodness I’m not in your position!
Also, do you think if I hang around your blog for long enough, some of your evil villain-ness will rub off on me? I suspect it might be a good quality to have for when I am the head of some government research lab or another (obviously working on some sort of top-secret, alien-related project.)
Take care,
Ayla McKay
Nova Scotia
Your letters to Ali have me in stitches. I have to say, my reply to a few of those scammers contained a few more swear words and insults. Maybe I’ll take your approach the next time I get one of those silly emails… I’ve found that when my full email was posted on my work’s website, I tended to get more of them, switching it to a link made them pretty much stop. Apparently, there’s computer programs that troll websites for email adresses… hmm… maybe you should write an episode about that ;P
OhioAnne writes: “So, if you have no plans for Ford and, since you have “admitted” that you are doing a “Ford” on Elizabeth…”
Answer: We do have plans for Elizabeth.
Yes, Joe, I recall reading that on your blog.
My apologies for my earlier post. On this particular day from Hell I should have known better than try a joke about inane rumors and how they get started.
Answer: We do have plans for Elizabeth.
Hmm. Do any of those plans include her appearing on screen past those four episodes?
You didn’t answer my fourth question…
Joe, I hope you are enjoying the break from the grind. Vengeance was a favorite of mine for season 3. I am happy to know I’m in good company. Of the episodes filmed so far, even though not completed, for season 4, which do you feel will be the best?
Many thanks!
It was so great to come home to see someone else has a since of humor. The mittens and the bad geography had me in tears laughing.
Thanks.
Vegemite: yea or nay?
Since Joe was having such a great time with Ali, I thought it might be fun to share an experience that TechnoWraith had. Some people who read Gateworld may know him. So here it is:
I had a telemarketer call me today:
TH: Hi. This is Tuskes Homes calling. Is Peter there?
ME: Yes. this is peter.
TH: Hello. Peter. We are calling because you’ve been selected for a special offer.
ME: Cows?
TH: Excuse me?
ME: Cows.
TH: Sorry, there are no cows. This offer is for a-
ME: Cows?
TH: No. There are no cows, sir.
ME: No cows? Why not?
TH: We don’t sell cows. We sell homes.
ME: For cows.
TH: No! We don’t sell homes for cows.
ME: But you sell homes.
TH: Yes, we sell homes.
ME: For cows.
TH: NO! Sir we don’t sell homes for cows.
ME: But you just said you sold homes.
TH: Yes, we DO sell homes.
ME: For cows.
TH: Sir! What do I need to do to –
ME: Please don’t yell at me.
TH: Sir, i apologize. But you’ve been selected for a special offer by Tuskes Homes.
ME: Yeah, you said that already.
TH: Are you interested in learning more about-
ME: Cows?
TH: NO SIR! There are NO COWS! We sell homes!
ME: For cows!
TH: Look sir, what do I have to do to make you understand that there are no cows?
ME: Hang up.
TH: -click-
You had me in stiches laughing at your reply email – oops, I mean Mr. Hazzencockle’s email! Are these people really emailing you back? If they are replying then that must be one of the most dedicated (or stupid) scammers in the business.
And I’m glad that you’re no longer required to wear your mittens as that could make it difficult for you to type Atlantis scripts 😉
“Will you make the same deal for those of us who want to see Carter offed as you did for the Save Beckett folks? Because I’m sure I can get a Kill Sam Carter sign on tv somehow.”
and THESE are some of the people that claim the Sam Carter fans are bad??? I am stunned. Why not just kill Weir and get this over with – she’s already out of the show so no small step to just off-her. I’ll make the sign and meet you at the gates to Bridge Studios. Crikey what a bunch.
Carter was seriously my least favorite character on SG-1 and now she’s going to bore me on Atlantis so I was wondering how prominent she was going to be on the show?
If you are going to Comic-Con you should try to eat somewhere in Little Italy while you are there! I tried going there last year but was thwarted by my friend and her boyfriend.
Ah, Joe, you’re killing me. The Gilmore Girls was a nice touch. Definately needed a good laugh today because, I’m going on a job interview tomorrow. Do you have any nice interview type answers I could use? I already have: Where do you see yourself in five years? Waiting for the start of season 9 of Stargate Atlantis. Thanks! 🙂
A McKay/Carter/Keller episode? DO WANT.
Anonymous said…
“Will you make the same deal for those of us who want to see Carter offed as you did for the Save Beckett folks? Because I’m sure I can get a Kill Sam Carter sign on tv somehow.”
and THESE are some of the people that claim the Sam Carter fans are bad??? I am stunned. Why not just kill Weir and get this over with – she’s already out of the show so no small step to just off-her. I’ll make the sign and meet you at the gates to Bridge Studios. Crikey what a bunch.
July 2, 2007 8:32:00 PM PDT
WHY do you idiots assume that every person who’s anti Carter is a Weir fan. That is most definitely NOT the case. There are a lot of Weir fans who are fans of both characters, and would like to see both on the show. The only thing we’re pissed off about is that TPTB don’t have the forsight to keep the two of them, instead of designating Torri to the scrap heap.
You are stirring up trouble by tarring all anti fans with the one brush, and wrongly claiming that anyone who’s anti is Pro Weir. Do not generalise. Do NOT attack one group of fans as the only people who are against something.
It’s a fact that Carter is a ‘love her or hate her’ character. There’s a multitude of fans who don’t like Carter.. She’s EXTREMELY unpopular among some groups of fans, as is the case with pretty much every other character.
Personally, I love Shep. But I have friends who HATE the character with a passion. I mean, really, really hate him. They’d like him out and Mitchell in.
Whether you like it or not, Sam is a ‘love her or hate her’ character. You don’t have to be a Weir fan to be one of the people who has issues with the chararcter. Don’t be so ignorant.
What you need to understand is that these characters are played by REAL PEOPLE!
This is directed at all of you. Yes, I’m pro season 3 cast of Atlantis, including Beckett and Weir, but to everyone, Pro Carter, Anti Carter, Pro-Weir and ESPECIALLY the anti-Weir people, do you morons ever stop to think about how the actresses involved feel about this?
I’ve seen some appalling attacks on Weir especially lately, by the usual suspects in a small clique who are busy with their certain ship group and are as a result badmouthing Weir in every thread on GW, just to piss off the Weir fans, stir up trouble and cause the mods grief.
Cut it out. Grow up, the lot of you. You all make me sick.
Are you ever tempted to do a ‘cameo’ on the other side of the camera?
You could play an IOA guy if you wanted to wear one of your suits.
Or some bad guy/alien intent on galaxy domination; an evil individual who is motivated only by food and power. 🙂
Go on – it would be fun!
Joe, back in Univeristy, did you hate writing essays?
My brother has started watching anime. Which ones would you recommend watching?
First let me start off by saying how much of kick I got out of these emails you’ve been sending this weirdo. It amuses me to no end to see scammers get a taste of their own medicine.
Second, I was just curious do you like Gilmore Girls or was that just a funny bit you stuck in for kicks?
artic goddess-Thanks for sharing that, I laughed so hard it brought tears to my eyes!
double double or tripple tripple?
Anonymous wrote
Whether you like it or not, Sam is a ‘love her or hate her’ character.
Really? Oh, dear. I’m totally neutral on Carter, as I was on Weir. Is there something wrong with me?
Well Aloysius, you certainly have impressed me! I applaud your patience at perservering with this Argentinian, Allah-respecting individual.
I just looked down and noticed some rather long anonymous comments! Haha – They’re almost as funny as your post! 😀
Q: Any chance we see more of the guys and gals of Atlantis in skivvies this year? In some “casual” non-life threatening episode perhaps? Of course bonus points if any of the guys strut their manly bodies and reward us with some shirtless scenes!
Hi Joe,
If you’re still planning a trip to L.A., I might suggest coming out to visit The Valley. It’ll be in the 100’s (40’s C) this week and it will be a great way for you to acclimate to hot weather for any possible future trips, especially considering you may be going to London.
Dear Aloysius P. Hazzencockle,
You, sir, are irrepressible, and . . . slightly disturbed.
I believe I share your disturbance as I find myself most amused by your predicament.
Please, if you may, on your way to London, to stop by Brooklyn and in Florida, as there is a bridge and some swampland I believe you may wish to purchase with your soon-to-be inheritance. Surely, both will fulfill great needs within the orphanage.
I would also be most pleased if mittens could be banned from the orphanage, as I have been informed that socks are much cheaper.
Dementially yours,
Lucious L. Irres
Salut, Salut Joseph!!!
=}Waou encors un superbe article!
Jespert qu Ali vivra serein et heureux ces 3 prochain mois..
Sa montre a quel point la vie est courte et qu il faut en profité.
=}Vous avez des enfants?
=}Quoi d autre…A si mon blog a atteind les 1141 visiteur au moin de juin, alors que j atais absente 15 jours.. c est vraiment cool.
Dire que la vous dormez, sa fait vraiment bizzard que vous et plus de la moitier des gens qui marque
des commentaire sur ceux blog sont en ce moment de l autre bout de la planet, sur un autre continant, avec une autre langue , une autre culture…..mais qu une passion nous lie. Waou ba dit donc!
Je vousdrez bien voir qui se cache sous tous ces pseudonyme.
Bon aller, bonne nuit, bonne journée, a demain, je vous adore, gros bisou.
Hi Joe looking forward to Comic Con again this year – http://tsaxlady.blogspot.com/
Transformers. Very cool movie.
Anonymous, yet again!!! said…
…This is directed at all of you. Yes, I’m pro season 3 cast of Atlantis, including Beckett and Weir, but to everyone, Pro Carter, Anti Carter, Pro-Weir and ESPECIALLY the anti-Weir people, do you morons ever stop to think about how the actresses involved feel about this?
Well, I wouldn’t be surprised if Amanda Tapping is wondering what the hell she got herself into if she’s been unlucky enough to read some of the disrespectful and abusive posts that I’ve been unfortunate enough to read aimed at her personally, and not her character.
The things a vitriolic, immature and vindictive MINOROTY of Weir fans have written about Carter and AT are far worse than anything I’ve ever personally seen written about Weir online by anyone.
In fact, a few rabid posters have given the whole Atlantis fandom an incredibly bad name online.
Anonymous continues…
I’ve seen some appalling attacks on Weir especially lately, by the usual suspects in a small clique who are busy with their certain ship group and are as a result badmouthing Weir in every thread on GW, just to piss off the Weir fans, stir up trouble and cause the mods grief.
Cut it out. Grow up, the lot of you. You all make me sick.
Well more fool you all for letting yourselves rise to the bait. What does it matter what others think of your favourite character? People can only cause trouble if you respond in kind. Besides, these are fictional characters we’re talking about, and the mods at GW never have to clear up after comments on characters, it’s only when the vitriol spills over onto the actors or towards other posters.
I suggest you grow up a little yourself. Ignore those trying to upset you, and just concentrate on enjoying what you like.
Not for the first time, I am so jealous of your sense of humour. You have a fantastic way of putting things and I always seem to end up rolling around on the floor laughing my head off. I’ve only been awake for just over an hour and already you’ve made my day. Thanks! 🙂
Oh, man. I’m so glad I’m working from home today. I would’ve broken a rib trying not to burst out laughing.
I hope one of them writes back. Truly. I’d love to see what else you come up with!
HI Joe, my sainted blogger..
Enjoying your teasing of the sickly scammer from Nigeria or is it Argentina? I noted someone’s comment re apple pie and cheddar cheese.. How would one consume that.. a bite of cheese a bite of pie.. seems an odd pairing, but it sounds alot better than tripe.. yuk. Have you seen The Tudors, Henry viii? Jonathan Rys Meyers is so great in that. He is quite an actor.. he is so wonderful to watch.. By the way re Sainthood..In the Tudors Sir Thomas Moore sends scores of poor unfortunates to be burnt at the stake and then he was made a saint in the 30’s. Maybe we’re approaching this sainthood business the wrong way?
Anyway it is raining here today.. Maybe the sun ‘ll come out tomorrow ..bet your bottom dollar..
Take care and keep up the “Good Work”
Dori
Thanks for brightening my day! *chuckles*
Oh and loved your red shirt at the panel!
Wow what a small world we live in. I do believe I received an email from your friend Ali back in March. Although at the time, it appears the fates were smiling more kindly on him. He had acquired an “OVER INVOICED SUM OF US$180,000,000.00” and was willing to share the wealth with me! A perfect stranger! Bless his soul!
Well, now I am kerflumped and sadded to hear that he has stumbled upon bad times. I’m assuming the US$180,000,000.00 has been used up to pay for all his medical bills and setting up that orphanage.
Tell our friend Ali to cheer up I will be conducting a car wash and bake sale next Thursday and will send the cash … along with all the loose change from my loose change jar … to him. (Good thing I kept that email and still have his address!)
So, on to more mundane things … what can you tell me about Canadian cuisine? Is there such a thing as Canadian cuisine? For example, say someone was to come from Toronto to the States for a 6 months assignment and you wanted to serve them some typical Canadian food, what would you serve them?
SueS
O.k. You read all that you post, fair enough. Let me try another way- How many get chucked in the dumpster 🙂 ?
Hey Joe!
I know you’ve been asked this question like a million times but i thought i should try again whats the rough time gap between SG-1 and Atlantis?
thanks!
On the subject of Ali, I just got an email like that from someone in South Africa. I’m not too sure about the details, but thought it was funny. I think the dollar amount was something like $24 million. *sigh*
Anyway, have you ever read the Ender’s Shadow series after the first book (with Bean), and if so, is it worth reading?
Anonymous said…
I’ve seen some appalling attacks on Weir especially lately, by the usual suspects in a small clique who are busy with their certain ship group and are as a result badmouthing Weir in every thread on GW, just to piss off the Weir fans, stir up trouble and cause the mods grief.
Oh Lord, I NEED to pay more attention while I am at gate World. About the ONLY attacks I see on a character on a daily basis are those in the “Anti Carter” thread.
Where is the Anti Weir thread these big meanines must plan their thread raids in. I can never find the ANTI WEIR thread. That could be because the last one was last used in February. But the Good old Carter Bashers have managed to rack up over 400 posts in 3 short months.
You ALMOST had some credibility – but then you allowed your bias to show.
Answer: No plans to but I’ve always enjoyed AU episodes. In season 5 perhaps?
Do you know something you are not sharing Joe??????
Joe, I too mourn the loss of the Gilmore Girls, but we must move on. Poor Ali must be pulling his hair out by now.
You mentioned how you’d like to do an AU story in season 5. Any word/hint/hunch that SciFi is green lighting season 5? Should we start a Jericho-esque campaign?
Atlantisfannew1 a ecrit: “Il y a une chance qu un jour il est un personnage francais dans Stargate Atlantis???”
Reponse: Peut-etre.
Pitié, ne ressortez pas ce premier ministre couard et stupide aperçu dans The Scourge…
Pleaaaaaaaaase…..
Fair answer… As for your ‘Argentinian friend’ let him die painfully! or just send him a fruit basket…
I laughed at Joe’s blog and the Ali correspondence but I have to say Arctic Goddess had me in complete stitches…cows! Genius. I’ll have to remember that the next time I get called. 😀
Quest II was fabulous and definitely my own favourite of S10. The team, the Stargate and an unstoppable enemy…what more could a girl ask for?
I admit I loved Vengeance (loved the Shep/Ronan ‘my plan was to blow it up but your plan is better’ moment) but my favourite was Common Ground – just outstanding.
Please don’t get any ideas of replacing Shep with Mitchell. It’s not just that I love Shep but I can’t stand Mitchell. He almost ruined Pegasus Project for me. I couldn’t stand the way he treated McKay in that episode and I haven’t cared for the character on SG1. There isn’t even a reason for him to do a guest spot as far as I’m concerned. Ben had the lead in Farscape and then was given the lead in SG1 after the original actors had done all the hard work. Please don’t give him Atlantis too.
Hey Joe! Long time reader, first time commenter. Just like to say how much I love reading your blog each day. It always brings a smile to my face and your correspondence with Ali has me in stitches. Keep up the great work!
S4 of SGA sounds incredible. I can’t wait to see it. Just a quick question: Can you tell us anything else about the ‘Midway’ ep?
Can I ask what it was about Vengeance that made it your favorite?
Any plans for follow-up episodes for Vengeance?
“Margarita said…
Anonymous said…
I’ve seen some appalling attacks on Weir especially lately, by the usual suspects in a small clique who are busy with their certain ship group and are as a result badmouthing Weir in every thread on GW, just to piss off the Weir fans, stir up trouble and cause the mods grief.
Oh Lord, I NEED to pay more attention while I am at gate World. About the ONLY attacks I see on a character on a daily basis are those in the “Anti Carter” thread.
Where is the Anti Weir thread these big meanines must plan their thread raids in. I can never find the ANTI WEIR thread. That could be because the last one was last used in February. But the Good old Carter Bashers have managed to rack up over 400 posts in 3 short months.
You ALMOST had some credibility – but then you allowed your bias to show.”
And of course Margarita, you have no bias. I think that’s what the poster is trying to say. Everyone has a bias of some sort. There is someone who hates and loves every character out there. I doubt there’d be any that are universally loved…. trying to think…. Nope. Maybe Thor?? Rodney’s cat? That’s about as close as you’d get.
Do people bash the characters? Yes. If you’re looking for Carter fans bashing Weir, you’ll find some. Most of them, though are a small group of Sheyla fans who’ve been bashing Weir since day one when their leader Pam decided their ship was threatened by her.
You want to see bashing? Go to the season four threads and see the dissertations these idiots are writing. They seem to spend all their lives watching and analysing episodes of SGA, just to make notes of every move Elizabeth Weir makes.
Anonymous who’s worried about Shep— don’t worry. I’m pretty sure he and McKay (and Carter now, sadly) are the only ones truly safe from the axe of tptb.
There’s no way they’d let ‘teh pretty’ go, because they know all the fangirls will go with him.
The only way I can see Joe leaving before this show ends is if he chooses to!
I found a wonderful comment from a mod on GW, regarding all the fandom wars that are going on in SGA right now. It’s something that EVERYONE should think about:
“I’m glad you seem to think that there were no equivalent slurs against CB: it means that in those instances at least we were able to do our jobs as well as we like to, so that rather than seeing unpleasantness that the mods remove, people see no unpleasantness at all.
I’d be happier if I could just let it lie. The myth that s9’s and Vala’s detractors never said a bad word about CB would be a nice one to cultivate, if that was all it were about. But when I see posts like yours, posts from ordinary and decent posters who never slagged off an actor and never would, but were outraged because they saw [actor X] getting attacked, and say how the opposing ‘faction’ never were so equivalently horrid to [actor Y], it starts to cause problems. It casts one group as The Bad Group. Even if it’s made clear that only a tiny number of The Bad Group are the actual culprits, there is a hint of some sort of group culpability, otherwise why mention that it was [anti-Y] fans who were nasty, why not just mention that ‘some fans were nasty to an actor’?
You might not have liked people discussing the death of Carter. A few years back people were discussing the death of Pete. Carter fans all, IIRC.
So please, could the “when [my gang] were in that position, we were never as naughty as [their gang]” stuff be dropped, because (1) it’s seldom true and (2) even if it ise true, it’s not relevant.”
There you have it, from someone who sees ALL the crap that goes on in this fandom, at least on GW.
NOBODY’s fans are innocent in all of this. There is no single group that’s more to blame than others.
This comment from a moderator on GW shows that some of the people who are claiming innocence now weren’t so innocent a few years back.
You might want to remember that people in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones!
Joe, you’re making me laugh.
I see you didn’t answer Zabadoo’s question. I’ll ask again for him/her: What are the approximate lengths of Continuum and The Ark of Truth, are they closer to 90 or 120 minutes?
Or are you not supposed to say?
Salut Joe,
Est-ce que dans la saison 4, nous découvrirons le nom que les Anciens donnaient aux ZPM et aux Jumpers ?
I have to say, that some fans are really militant in their stances on pro and anti this character etc… *sing song voice* can’t we all just get along ???
I myself would really prefer if Weir is brought back full time in season 5, she is one of my favourite characters, however, I certainly dont want Carter “offed” lol. Harsh.
Anyways on to my question: Regarding your ambiguous(ly gay?) answer of “How do you know we haven’t already?”, are you implying that Ronon is bi???
Seriously, will there be at least be a noticable lgbt character in the new season?
I don’t expect nor want like a big deal gay/bi character like in Will and Grace or Queer as Folk, but it would be nice to see some queer representation in Sci Fi.
“WHY do you idiots assume that every person who’s anti Carter is a Weir fan. That is most definitely NOT the case. There are a lot of Weir fans who are fans of both characters, and would like to see both on the show. The only thing we’re pissed off about is that TPTB don’t have the forsight to keep the two of them, instead of designating Torri to the scrap heap.
You are stirring up trouble by tarring all anti fans with the one brush, and wrongly claiming that anyone who’s anti is Pro Weir. Do not generalise. Do NOT attack one group of fans as the only people who are against something.
It’s a fact that Carter is a ‘love her or hate her’ character. There’s a multitude of fans who don’t like Carter.. She’s EXTREMELY unpopular among some groups of fans, as is the case with pretty much every other character.
Personally, I love Shep. But I have friends who HATE the character with a passion. I mean, really, really hate him. They’d like him out and Mitchell in.
Whether you like it or not, Sam is a ‘love her or hate her’ character. You don’t have to be a Weir fan to be one of the people who has issues with the chararcter. Don’t be so ignorant.
What you need to understand is that these characters are played by REAL PEOPLE!
This is directed at all of you. Yes, I’m pro season 3 cast of Atlantis, including Beckett and Weir, but to everyone, Pro Carter, Anti Carter, Pro-Weir and ESPECIALLY the anti-Weir people, do you morons ever stop to think about how the actresses involved feel about this?
I’ve seen some appalling attacks on Weir especially lately, by the usual suspects in a small clique who are busy with their certain ship group and are as a result badmouthing Weir in every thread on GW, just to piss off the Weir fans, stir up trouble and cause the mods grief.
Cut it out. Grow up, the lot of you. You all make me sick.”
Goodness gracious someone has a touch of the “grumpy frustrations” today don’t you? Did you not notice the word “some” in the very first sentence — please save your OTT, ignorant tirades for something that matters.
Oh and can you please, please please point us to the proof that “Carter is a love her or hate her character” as you so aptly mention as a fact, twice, in your little tirade. Seems that the ignorant pot shouldn’t really being calling the kettle black when the kettle didn’t say “all” or “everyone” anywhere in the post and specifcially used the qualifier “some”, especially when the pot uses such a broad stroke to paint Carter as either “love-her or hate-her” talk about generalizing – I still want to see where this “FACT” about Carter being a “love-her or hate-her” character is set forth.
WE WANT FORD! WE WANT FORD! WE WANT FORD!
Lemme show you all wuts up
No Ford?
And we’re bored!
Why bring him back?
Cause he was black!
Why, if I see that fool Ladin,
Then where’s my man Aiden?
To show devotion, I even made a gourd
That looked just like Ford!
Any chocolate we send, you’re free to hoard,
But bring back our brother Ford!
So stop hadin on my man Aiden,
Or I’ll start raidin – cause I’m tired of waiden
I’ll ward off any of them, with a foot to the face –
Like Ford would’ve, to put them in der place!
Now why is it I that’s hadin?
CAUSE I’M NOT SEEING AIDEN!
I thought I should let you know that, possibly due to the subliminal influence of months of reading this blog, I today tried some dark chocolate with chilli (I’m afraid I don’t know the brand). And it was good! Speaking here as a confirmed preferrer (is that even a word?!) of milk chocolate who is really not that keen on dark chocolate, this has come as quite the revelation. It wasn’ttoo sharp or bitter and the tingly bite of the chilli only really kicked in after the rich chocolately taste was done. Rather nice indeed.
My colleague, and owner of said chocolate, tried to take credit for converting me to the “dark side” of chocolate purism but I had to explain that, really, that honour belonged to you. 😀
Any recommendations for good dark chocolates I could try next to further educate my palate?
Anonymous said…
Cut it out. Grow up, the lot of you. You all make me sick.
Whereas you make me laugh. Seriously. Go back and read through your post, take a step back from it – and possibly a few calming breaths – and tell me that’s not funny. 🙂
Prakash said…
I don’t expect nor want like a big deal gay/bi character like in Will and Grace or Queer as Folk, but it would be nice to see some queer representation in Sci Fi.
I actually thought Joe’s answer was a very good one there… because how do we know that there isn’t a bi/gay/whatever character on the show? Given that a person’s sexuality is not remotely anyone else’s business, unless they choose to make it so, why would we even know, or expect to know, someone’s sexual orientation, unless it somehow pertained to the plot of an episode?
Hey Joe,
I love the way you are scamming that Nigerian scammer, I think I’ll try something like that next time one of those scam artists try and contact me 😛
Keep up the good work
Oh and something Stargate related,
With humanity having become The Fifth Race (And the whole gradualy upgrading our ships), Is there any chance for us to seeing more of the other great alliance members popping up on Atlantis, Or will those races stay bound to SG-1’s world… I’m asking cause we saw the Asgard on several occasions on the Atlantis show, It’d be only fitting to see our new allies next time we’re in the neighbourhood. Unless the others aren’t that pleased with the Asgard decision to include us in their little league of super aliens
Thanks for your time,
Tony
oh dear god im having geography flashbacks-OX BOW LAKE!!!! im truely honoured to read the blog of a extremely generous man!!!!!!!
save the world!!!
children are our future!!!!
i turned left!!!
banana hammock!!!!
oh oh bye the way!!! i qualified as a fitness instructor today!!!!woohooo!!!!!
Hey, you telling me you can remove the mittens? it took me years to learn to type with these suckers.
alipeeps said: “I actually thought Joe’s answer was a very good one there…because how do we know there isn’t a bi/gay/whatever character on the show?”
We do know, at least on SG1, that IT’S JACK!!!!!!!!!
Have you found the combination to that vault yet Joe?
Hey Joe! You know what would be cool for you to do? Write a serialized story on your blog, releasing a serial a day, or once a week, or something.
Your blog could go
–pics
–what you did that day
–description of pics
–SERIAL
–mailbag
Whatever you do, it’ll be swell. I can feel it.
Also Joe, you should approve my friendship on Facebook 😀
Joe, you get a <3 for scammer baiting. It has tickled me greatly. Ah, if only Ali would respond again and embrace your friendship whole-heartedly. Perhaps take the friendship to the next level. It's so sad that he's not a real boy.
Joe,
*sarcastic*
It seems there is a language barrier between you and Ali.
Want me to whip up something in Spanish, or translate your next outbound message, and REALLY mess with his head?
If so, you know where to email…*grin*
hi, joe,
i just read this new article on the scifi wire: “Tapping Energizing Atlantis”
http://www.scifi.com/scifiwire/index.php?id=42240
it REALLY excited me and i’m even more anxious for season 4 to start!! 😀
just wanted to share. 🙂
sally 😀
Since you said you have plans for Weir…
Does that mean she’ll be in more than 4 eps??
I hope so.
I realllllyyyy like Weir!!!
Joe, seriously you have to come to Australia. I know you’re response will be “when I’m invited” so the question is, if we can get one of the convention places here to do an invite would you attend?
The major con organisers in Australia do not book producers. Period. They say there’s no demand. And I can’t really see Joe doing an afternoon in a suburban worker’s club like Amanda Tapping did, can you?
Dear Joe, When you were filming McKay and Mrs. Miller, did you and the crew have a lot of fun having both Kate and David working together? Who goofs around more, David or Kate?
Hey, you could always get direct deposit, so they wont even have to deliver your checks. 😉