With Fondy at the store, pricing stock and prepping for the Petits Fours opening (she‘ll be serving ube cake next Saturday!), I’ve spent the good part of the weekend lazing around with the dogs and catching up on some reading. Finished Iain M. Banks’s Use of Weapons, a novel I found a little tougher going than Player of Games and Consider Phlebas, but one that ultimately rewards with a rockingly great ending. I didn’t get around to the second book in the Ice and Fire series, until Friday as I was waylaid by a selection from my Fantasy Book Club. Utter garbage. It was the kind of book – slow-paced, cardboard characters, trite dialogue – that makes me not want to continue reading fantasy. Fortunately, the brilliance of George R. R. Martin washed away the stench of that particularly crappy read, and I’m about half-way through A Clash of Kings. Damn, is it great.
I gave a little more thought to the proposed Joseph Mallozzi’s Book Club idea and have decided to offer up two selections – one scifi, the other fantasy. Interested parties can choose to read one or both books between now and then end of September, at which point I invite all to weigh in with their thoughts and opinions.
Since I’m planning to eventually make my way through all of Iain M. Banks’s science fiction offerings, I’d like to make “Excession” the scifi pick. According to the wikipedia entry: “ It is the fourth of his novels to feature the Culture. It is a large-scale space opera, with a complex plot following many characters across large volumes of space.” It’s a stand-alone so you won’t have to have read any of his previously published works.
And, since I’m also planning to eventually make my way through all of Terry Pratchett’s Discworld series, I’d like to make “Hogfather” the fantasy pick. According to the wikipedia entry: “ The Hogfather is also a character in the book, representing something akin to Father Christmas. He grants children’s wishes on Hogswatchnight (32nd of December) and brings them presents.”
Well, that’s it. I’m heading back to my reading. Oh, and those set pics I mentioned I was sitting on a while back. Check ‘em out –
Today’s Q&A –
Jen Kirk writes: “Second, what type of files does your cam create?”
Answer: Problem solved. Rather than film in HD, I’ll switch to the lower quality Standard Def which has proven much easier to transfer and upload. I’ll give it my first official test tomorrow.
Sanura writes: “ If Stargate ever finishes for good (PTB and ratings and heaven forbid), would you be allowed/inclined to read any fanfiction?”
Answer: If and when Stargate ends, I believe I’ll be so Stargated out that the last thing I’ll want to check out is anything Stargate related.
Jill_Ion writes: “I’ve read Howl’s Moving Castle – pretty good book.”
Answer: There’s a book? Cool.
Alipeeps writes: “I’m sure half of those items are actually available in City of Villains…”
Answer: There’s a City of Villains game? Even cooler.
Alipeeps also writes: “Season 3 of Dr Who is due out on DVD in November – you planning to pick it up?”
Answer: I picked up and watched the first two seasons, so I’ll definitely be picking up the third.
Alipeeps who is just full of questions today writes: “What is your absolute favourite cut of meat (or is that a silly question, given your recent rhapsodizing over the Côte de Boeuf)?”
Answer: I prefer a nicely marbled rib-eye.
Pauline writes: “Roasted monkfish tail with a red wine butter sauce and herb risotto…”
Answer: I want.
Alipeeps at it again writes: “As a confirmed foodie and chocolate lover, could I get your opinion on a menu?”
Answer: Hmmm. Hard to judge. Offhand, I wouldn’t think to pair swordfish with chocolate but, hey, I’d be willing to give it a go. The duck with bitter chocolate sauce on the other hand – now that sounds a little more intriguing.
Rac76 writes: “I must have missed something, but who is Evil?”
Answer: Evil, aka Kenny Gibbs, is our props master.
Anonymous #1 writes: “I do recognize Lulu but which ones are Maximus, Jelly and Bubba? As for the 2 tan coloured ones do you need the bandana to distinguish which one is which?”
Answer: Maximus is the black one, Jelly is the chubbier female with the horizontal wrinkles, Bubba is the lanky male with the vertical wrinkles. If you spend enough time around them, pugs are fairly easy to tell apart. Unlike, say, babies.
Anonymous #2 writes: “I’m sorry if you mentioned this before, but I’m wondering, what is the garnish that accompanies your bowl of delicious corn soup?”
Answer: Okanagan peaches and chili.
Wingwyrm writes: “I can’t seem to find a single episode with Ra’s eye as a tattoo. Either I’m missing something or Ra had few to none warriors.”
Answer: My take has always been that Ra’s Jaffa were so fiercely loyal that they perished in battle rather than being taken alive and given the opportunity to switch their allegiance.
PG15 writes: “My question is, do you ever travel to just see the scenery? Or is it mainly for relaxation and food?”
Answer: Welcome back. What did you bring me? When I travel, it’s usually for relaxation and food, although I do end up checking out the scenery if I’m with my wife.
Laura writes: “I’m travelling to Vancouver in October, with my family, and I was wondering if you could suggest some good restaurants to visit?”
Answer: Check out past blog entries for restaurant recommendations. Off the top of my head: Fuel, Vij’s, Yuji’s, Aki’s, Bistrot Bistro, Don Francesco’s.
Laz writes: “ Normally I’ll ran a mile to get a sub rather than a dub, but in this case…”
Answer: My problem with dubbed versions has little to do with the voice actors or the accuracy of the script and everything to do with the voice directors who, more often than not, think “cartoon = wacky” and err on the side of embarrassing over-the-top performances.
Crazymom writes: “Did Fondy enjoy the dog expo? Did she bring back gifts for Lulu and the pugs? Did she bring you any New York chocolate?”
Answers: She had a great time. She didn’t bring back anything for me or the dogs. Come to think of it, she was supposed to stop by MarieBelle and pick me up a Margot 60% dark chocolate bar. Thanks for reminding me!
AtlantisFanNew1 a ecrit: “1)Vous avez toujour eu des bouldogues francais comme chiens? 2)Vous préférez, le chocolat blanc? noir? au lait? avec des noisettes?des amandes?aux riz soufflé? 3)Le bébé de teyla sera normal? 4)Avez vous un couple préféré dans stargate atlantis ? Lequel?”
Reponses: 1) Non. Lulu est un bouldogue francais, mais Jelly, Maximus, et Bubba sont des pugs. 2) Non. 3) ? 4) Non.
MrsB108 writes: “1)Will Rodney have continuing moments of selflessness this season, thoughtfully putting others before himself? 2)Can we expect some interesting interactions between Keller and Ronon? 3)Can we expect big storyline changes when Season Five gets picked up?”
Answer: 1) Yup. One particularly memorable moment from the first half of season four comes to mind. 2) Yup. Some particularly memorable scenes from the second half of season four come to mind. 3) We’ve set up something BIG for the end of this season that should make for a very exciting fifth season.
Thanks Joe! I brought you a bunch of rocks and about 500 pictures from the states of Washington, Oregon, and California. Nice, big, pretty pictures. I’ll share them with you once I’ve written the trip report I’ve promised for my friends (it’s on my Livejournal).
Oh, and 2 pieces of driftwood from the California coast! They are ever so beautiful and woody.
Anyways, question: for your videos that you will soon be entertaining us with I’m sure…any idea what they’ll be about? Stuff from the set? Home life? 20 minutes of closeups of the pugs and Lulu (and then later with funny hats?)?
hi, joe,
a fan (pegasus sga) at gateworld forum made this statement concerning the carter-mckay relationship in s4: “I do think she will defer to McKay, particularly while she finds her feet.”
i’ve heard amanda talk about, in recent interviews, that sam was going to defer a lot to mckay and sheppard. my question is: will she being doing this, *until she finds her feet* or always?
sally 🙂
Here’s hoping that something “BIG” for S5 is Beckett’s return….
Use that open door, you know you want to!!!
🙂
Have you ever read any of Calvin Trillin’s eat and travel books? The first was called Alice, Let’s Eat and he wrote two or three more after that one. Your comment about having to look at scenery when traveling with your wife, thereby cutting into eating time, puts me in mind of his writing, all of which is terrific.
Not sure if this was asked before or not – might have missed it. Anyway will there be any scenes with Lorne and Zelanka together like in Season 3’s “No Man’s Land” and “The Game” (where they played the “B-Team” to the Sheppard and McKay act).
Hello
Cool pictures. One question – you had one of Kavanaugh yesterday, but I couldn’t read the name on his patch. What’s his first name?
Thanks!
Hi Joe,
are there any contraindications to Gate travel?
I would imagine that certain medical conditions would preclude both the civilian and military personnel.
Many thanks Pauline
Did you know that on Netflix you can reserve Season 5 of “Stargate Atlantis”? It’s a sign! It put it on my “Save” list.
I stopped at the store today and bought some chocolate truffles to get me through my required reading: the city municipal codes on traffic and liquor. It’s every bit as fascinating as it sounds, hence the need for chocolate. Then later my husband is going to teach me how to spit-shine my shoes. That’s just gross, but I’m being sworn in by the Chief of Police tomorrow, and my training officer will probably faint if I don’t turn up for the ceremony looking absolutely perfect. Maybe I’d better save some truffles for him.
So you appreciate the wonderfulness that is Miyazaki films? I loved Spirited Away, and Kiki’s Delivery Service as a kid, along with My Neighbor Totoro of course. As for other anime, have you read/watched Death Note? It’s fantastic! And the Japanese live-action movies aren’t half bad either.
With all the rich food you eat…how the heck do you stay so trim? I am finding it hard to lose a few pounds! Dang it…there they are again…the little rascals keep finding me! Do you work out…a lot?
I think I need a personal trainer to get my butt in gear and exercising!
I’ve been reading the Discworld series for what seems like ages. Death and Susan are my favourite characters.
‘Answer: There’s a City of Villains game? Even cooler.’
Since games were mentioned, it would be extremely cool to have a Stargate RPG. I have been on Second Life and someone made a Stargate & DHD but alas…it didn’t transport me anywhere. My character fell into the lake on the other side….very disappointing! A bit embarrassing too….I was wondering if it was a trap for newbies.
I guess there was no question in there…unless anyone knows of a SG game in the works?
Impressive pics and certainly good to see Bill Dow (uh I think I spelt his name correctly!) again.
I’m also impressed that you intend to read every Pratchett novel. I liked Hogfather but my fave was the The Thief of time.
enjoy the rest of your weekend!
M
Joe-
Glad to know you figured out the cam files. I can only imagine how excited everyone will be when you post a video. The pressure now mounts for your first video. It better be a good one 😉
Hi Joe!
Love the pics and glad to hear all the little ones are getting along. Do they bark a lot I’ve heard that the Pug breed can be a little loud sometimes.
On my way tommrow to the nearest bookstore to grab both of your recomended books 🙂 This is exciting 🙂
Anyways have a great night and an awesome Monday!
I love Hayao Miyazaki’s films. I loved Spirited Away, but Howls Moving Castle is better in my opinion. What do you think of Yoji Shinkawa artwork?
Still loving and drooling homer style over the blog….
Fraggledragon
Crazymom said…I’m being sworn in by the Chief of Police tomorrow.
Sorry Joe just had to say ‘Well done you’ to Crazymom. Take care.
Pauline
Joe – We recently discovered Zanzibar chocolate ice cream – 3 African cocoas blended into the darkest, most wonderful creaminess. It seams it migrated across the border from Wisconsin to we chocolate lovers in St. Paul…somehow. Ever tried?
Me again! Did you have a chance to think about the Copyright thing?
Fan fiction made into animations and posted on YouTube?
Ta,
Fraggledragon
Joe, regarding the pictures, What are Wraith doing on what appears to be an Earth Ship *shocked*, will we get a very good reason for that?
You mentioned a huge ending for season 4 which will be a good pick up for season five but if there is no season five will you just leave the fans hanging?
GeekBoy and I have reserved Excession at the library. He’s already read Hogfather. We’ve reserved Camp Concentration, too. He’s finally moved up to 6th in the queue for World War Z, from 46th three months ago. Popular book!
1)Will any of the dark events reveal a glimpse past Sheppard’s well guarded defenses?
2)Throughout Teyla’s many slated storylines, will any of her strong traits be permanently altered?
1.)Will there be any more Batman references this season?
2.)How long is Teal’c in Reunion? What about Midway?
3.)Who is the least developed character in the fourth season?
Alipeeps who is just full of questions today writes: “What is your absolute favourite cut of meat (or is that a silly question, given your recent rhapsodizing over the Côte de Boeuf)?”
Answer: I prefer a nicely marbled rib-eye.
Ooooh, if I could thunk food, I would for a nicely marbled ribeye. My fave cut of meat.
Excellent SGA pics – THANKS! 🙂 Kavanaugh cut his hair, eh? Looks good. But I still don’t like the character (based upon S1 and S2). Perhaps “don’t like” is too light, but I don’t want to use bad words on your blog. Nice to see Bill Dow – and that’s honest. I’ve always liked Dr. Lee.
Haven’t already read the selections for the JMBC, so if I have time (ha!), I’ll give one of them a try!
Excuse me while I have a fangirl moment…
CHUCK!!!!!
…Squee over.
I apologise, I just spent most of the day with Ianto from Torchwood so I’m a little bit hyper.
Loving the pics, good to see Kavanagh (Kavanaugh?) back. Could you please clarify the spelling? I never get it right.
Platschu said 8. Will Carter speak about Daniel, Vala and Cameron in season 4?
Probably not – and why should she? No one ever mentioned Janet, Jacob or Jack in SG-1; it’s as if they never existed so my guess is that the likes of these characters Platschu mentions will never be mentioned.
*eye widen in surprise* Is that Ben Cotten? He’s been sheared!!!! (or did he get in a fight with a lawnmower? Who won??) Tell him this fan says he looks good!!
Also, I just wanted to let you know that I plan on checking out those two books, time permitting. Classes start up again tomorrow, so I’m not sure how much free-time I’ll have.
Hi Joe,
We’ll there be any Jack mentions in Season 4. Thanks
Ah, wraith pirates! Dr. Lee! Kavanagh! Good to see Ben Cotton again. And is Chuck standing in for McKay again? Thanks for the photos and delicious teasers.
Did he get rid of the pony tail?
David Hewlett from recent TVZone interview ” This is kind of like their Season One,” says Hewlett. “This is when they get to really spread their wings and they’re being very smart about it. Joe and Paul are eager to make their mark, but they also are very respectful of what’s been established.“
Hi Joe: First time posting here because this comment from David really captured my attention and sort of said it all.
I hope what he said of you and Paul is true and you guys do respect what was established on Atlantis because this wasn’t the case with SG-1 and that disrespect for the main characters of Sam, Teal’c and Daniel, as well as the history of the show, eight years of history, blew the show. Please don’t make that same mistake as the last show-runner on SG-1 (better named Stargate Command like he wanted).
I prefer to think that Stargate Command was crap and cancelled after 2 dreadful seasons as opposed to thinking that the once spell-binding, and in many ways believable (even if it was a fictional sci-fi show) SG-1 went out spinning in crap. For me it really just went out on its high at the end of season 8 and they brought in a very bad spin-off that failed after 2 seasons.
Please don’t let this same failure happen to Atlantis, you and Paul have to do better than that after watching the other train-wreck, please tell us you guys learned from that mess made of SG-1. Thank you.
Luke Judson
Well, Joe, if ailpeeps hasn’t sent you the page yet, I will. Yes, there is an online game called City of Villians. My boyfriend and I (as well as several of our friends) play it and it’s sister/parent game City of Heroes all the time.
http://www.cityofvillains.com/
Very fun. If you are interested in it, I suggest getting the “Good vs Evil” game edition (at any store or online) which gives you both games in one set and with both games you can create supervillian/superhero bases.
I should warn you, it can be addictive.
Great choice – Excession is fantastic. If you haven’t already, you should try The Algebraist after that, it’s not a Culture novel but I think it’s his best yet.
There’s a City of Villains game? Even cooler.
Hoooooboy. I’m not sure it’s even a good idea for me to have brought this to your attention… there is indeed a City of Villains game and it’s an MMORPG (Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game) and you get to essentially design your own super-villain (right down to every detail of costume and make-up – and, of course, superpowers) and then run amok and be villainous. 😀 There’s also a City of Heroes version but meh, who wants to be a hero? 😉
I’m sure you would thoroughly enjoy the game and it might even prove a safe outlet for your megalomaniac supervillain yearnings.. the only problem is, the darn game is ridiculously absorbing and it’s easy to waste hours on it without realising… and I’d hate to see your blogging and book-reading and restaurant reviewing – oh and that other stuff you do, Star-something isn’t it? 😉 – get neglected because you got addicted to running around in spandex blowing things up (well, not you personally..).
P.S. Does it make me a complete and utter geek to admit that I created a character in CoV called “I prefer Steve” who has green skin and white hair and life-draining superpowers? 😀 😆
P.P.S. So I own both the suggested books for the book club… *ahem* now all I gotta do is find em!! :S
Kdvb1 said…
I guess there was no question in there…unless anyone knows of a SG game in the works?
Stargate Worlds is a Stargate MMORPG which is due out in, I think, December 2008? And I believe there will be an Atlantis expansion to it? I’m sure someone else probably has more up-to-date information.
Wow, I can’t imagine ever getting Stargated out, but I guess it has to happen sometime.
Hey, what about the nut question?
Also, was the Sedge in “The Real World” Torri’s dog?
I’m really enjoying the pictures. Wraith all over the nonWraith ship… being directed, looking nonthreatening… The normal people-things the guys in Wraith gear do while off-camera always make me smile.
So,we know what you like to eat for tea and lunch.
1.How about breakfast?
2.How many episodes will Caldwell have in S4?
Mr. Mallozzi,
Thanks for not mentioning to Jason what I said about him wearing glasses in the picture you snapped. I am glad I did not have to spend long months in the hospital. :>D
You mention Doctor Who. I’m of the opinion that David Tennant might well be the best and most memorable Doctor since Tom Baker. What do you think ?
I find the latest intereview with David Hewlett extremely depressing. He’s all but confirmed that you’ve destroyed the Weir character as we know her.
Do you have a clue as to how popular she and Torri are? Do you have any idea?
You’re going to find out when it’s too late. When you’ve destroyed her character beyond repair, and her fans have given up and moved on to another show.
Beckett and Weir, gone in the space of a couple of episodes. It’s too much. They’re too popular for you to lose without it making an impact.
To Luke Judson, re this comment: “Please don’t let this same failure happen to Atlantis, you and Paul have to do better than that after watching the other train-wreck, please tell us you guys learned from that mess made of SG-1. Thank you.”
Too late. Two characters have been offloaded so TPTB can keep SG1 alive through Carter.
Two characters played by two wonderful actors, who had incredible chemistry with the rest of the cast.
I’d much rather see SGA cancelled, than see them screw it over the way SG1 was towards the end.
Weir and Beckett were the heart and soul of Atlantis. Now one’s dead but will miraculously come back, and according to the latest information, the other is changed to the point where she’s no longer the same character.
It’s a disgusting insult to the fans who supported the show from the beginning, to the actors who’ve been so professional and so wonderful, and the remaining actors, who must be wondering who will be offed next. Please let it be Flanigan. He deserves better, and could do wonderful things in mainstream shows.
Hiya Joe! Haven’t been around much lately… had fun catching up with everything though. Glad to hear that everything with Fondy’s store is going well.
Hm. A Joe book club… guess I’ll have more to read, besides textbooks.
Will you be going to Nibbles & Bites in Richmond in September?
I adored Spirited Away, don’t get me wrong, but I loved Howl even more! And yes, I think the book (by Diana Wynne Jones, it’s in the young adult section usually) is good too (I liked the movie’s ending better, though). There’s also a sequel book, Castle in the Air, that’s not bad, though it focuses far more on a new character than Howl or Sophie (the main character in HMC).
Yay for Rodney selflessness! 😀
Regarding RDA being “tricked” into 3 eps of SGA, I can at least see where anonymous #2 was coming from, even if it wasn’t precisely a trick:
A quote from a TV Guide interview:
“TV Guide: How many shows are you doing this season?Anderson: Five altogether. I just found out the other day that they have me doing three episodes of that other show….
TV Guide: Atlantis.Anderson: Atlantis — [Laughs] how soon they forget — and two over here. So that kind of threw me a curve ’cause I was expecting to come back to my family. Not their family.”
suse
Joe,
I realize you were just snarking a a very rudely worded comment. But the poster who mentioned RDA and S10/S3 had a point. RDA mentioned his surprise in an interview posted on TV Guide’s site on Aug 18, 2006. The poster’s just didn’t need to be expressed in such an accusatory way to a man who (very likely) didn’t make the decision on where to use RDA. Or insinuate you had a reason in not using him in S4.
Honestly, I think Carter is quite enough crossover for the year. I love(d) SG-1 but am still not so sure about the two(?) eps Teal’c is in.
On a positive note, David Hewlett’s recent interview has ne fairly excited about S4.
suse
Excuse me while I hyperventilate.
DR. LEE!!!!!!!!!
*gasp*
Hi Joe:
I hope the big finale is paving the way for Elizabeth’s return. I don’t suppose you’re ready to give up the title for this yet, are you?
Also, add me to the people who love Howl’s Moving Castle. It’s wonderful.
Have a great week,
Roxanne
Hey Joe, Im going to Hong Kong at the end of the year. Got any Nice resturants?
Salut joseph!!
Encors de superbe photo! Merci! Vous n avez jamais penssez a être photographe?
Merci aussi pour m avoir répondu! c est trés trés gentil!!
Ah d accord vos chien ne sont pas tous de ma même races.Moi mon chien est à moitier setter et golden et il s’apelle Ajax^^!
Vous n avez pas compris ma question quand je perlais du bébé de teyla? en fait je voulais demander si son bébé sera totalement humain?
Moi mes couples préférés sont:(sheppard et teyla) et(Mckay et sheppard) et (Mckay et Sam)
En y penssant, je me rend compte que vos journées sont vraiment bien remplit, c est bien sa.
Mes questions:
1)Vous savez bien cuisiner?
2)Vous aimmez lire des Bandes dessinées?
3)Pourquoi Ronon va aller sur terre dans la saison 4? Où va t il aller?
Voila,voila^^!
Merci iffiniment!énorme bisou! je vous adore!
(((passer une trés bonne journée)))
Thanks for the set pictures Joe, they’re wonderful!
I was wondering, you’ve mentioned Sheppard’s ex-wife will be putting in an appearance in Outcast, as will a character from season 1, but will we learn about Sheppard’s parents? That is to say, will we find out if they’re dead or alive?
Thanks! 🙂
I love Terry Pratchett’s books, especially the ones with Sam Vimes and the nightwatchmen. Did you see the recent televised version of the Hogfather with David Jason? It was made by SkyOne over here in the UK, I’m not sure if it aired in the US or Canada though.
You should read Howl’s Moving Castle, Diane writes the sort of Young Adult books which have a wide appeal, anyone who enjoyed JK Rowling would enjoy her stuff (she’s been at the game for a lot longer than JK though). But then I might be biased, I’m a secret mistress of the universe apparently, called Zinka Fearon.
You should also try Terry’s YA stories, which start with The Wee Free Men, I prefer them to the Discworld books proper, even though I’m not in any of them (though Magrat wears my jewellery and Gytha is named after my best friend).
FF- who has been hanging about with authors for way, way too many years now.
ZOMG! Ben Cotten with short hair!!! -dies laughing- I love it. 😀 Joe, you are my hero. I am really quite fond of Kavanagh because he’s such a little twerp, and yet the same thing could be said about beginning season one McKay. Hopefully, Kavanagh’s character will be able to be flushed out more in the next season? -squee- Short hair!
Joe, I officially dedicated my Clint Eastwood Good Bad Ugly poster that hangs above my bed to you.
Salut Joseph c est encore moi^^!
alors bien dormi?^^
jespert que oui!!
Je suis trop heureuse! mon pére vient de méttre une Tv dans ma chambre c est trop cool^^! …vous aimez la Tv….hmmm a mon avie je pensse que vous préférez lire!
Au moin comme sa je pourais regarder stargate dans ma chambre^^! et la coupe du monde de rugby^^. Vous aimez le rugby? ….Je suis sur que Jason momoa est poour le nouvelle Zeland^^, de toute façon ils seront battu par la France lol^^!
Bon voila! Gros bisou! bonne journée!
Hi Joe!
I was wondering if you were able to catch the preseason football game between the Raiders and the Rams, especially the play in the first quarter by St. Louis rookie running back Brian Leonard? Ok, I know the Raiders won, but what a play! Go Rutgers!
Where do you think the Raiders will go this season?
Anonymous said…
To Luke Judson, re this comment: “Please don’t let this same failure happen to Atlantis, you and Paul have to do better than that after watching the other train-wreck, please tell us you guys learned from that mess made of SG-1. Thank you.”
Too late. Two characters have been offloaded so TPTB can keep SG1 alive through Carter.
Two characters played by two wonderful actors, who had incredible chemistry with the rest of the cast.
I’d much rather see SGA cancelled, than see them screw it over the way SG1 was towards the end.
Weir and Beckett were the heart and soul of Atlantis. Now one’s dead but will miraculously come back, and according to the latest information, the other is changed to the point where she’s no longer the same character.
Sometimes I wish I could tell the whiny babies to shut up about it already!
Tori and Paul are good actors, but the were, in my opinion, minor characters and not as important as the Sheppard’s team. Losing them was not the major crisis everyone keeps trying to make it.
Joe, I sugggest if you have trouble posting video ask the Squirrel King and self admitted nerd geek, David Hewlett.
He could most likely figure out, if he doesn’t already know, how to post HD video.
Joe, will we see any Asguards next season or in the movies?
So in how many episodes will Dr. Lee appear next season?
Hello
I’m wondering about how Sheppard and Larrin will be played out. Will there be sexual tension between them or will they be enemies and/or rivals?
Thanks
The Hogfather is a wonderful book! I don’t know if you have seen the 2-part TV adaption but if you haven’t you should really check it out c:
Anna
Haven’t been keeping up with blog events lately, since I divide my time between working ,travelling to/from work and sleeping… (eating! Damn, I knew I forgot something…) but this book club proposition sounds great 🙂 Am currently halfway through Hogfather so that’s handy, although I amn’t finding it as good as Mort.
Game of Thrones *finally* came in to our bookstore on Saturday… I don’t know why customers come to us, that book took 3 weeks and I’m staff! On finding out that I’d bought it, my friend summed it up as being “Tolkien-esque, but just when you think it’s getting boring, zombies show up!” so now I am intrigued and can’t wait to start.
I must also confess to not having watched that much Atantis before (fighting 4 crazy football fans for tv posession in my apartment at college just isn’t worth it, so I gave up on a lot of tv), but I caught the first 5 episodes of season one at home the other day and enjoyed them immensely. McKay-isms may just replace Jack-isms as my favourite quoting material 🙂
Mary
crazy4dh, your name says it all. As long as Hewlett’s there, you’re happy.
Well, just as much as you love him and his character, there are people who love Beckett and Weir. If enough of them tune out because of the loss of those characters, there WILL be an impact.
Carter is not the miracle cure for all of Atlantis’ ills that TPTB seem to think she is. There are PLENTY of people who hate or are indifferent to the character.
Bottom line, I’m predicting the audience stays the same, or even drops a bit.
I think there’ll be an increase for the first couple of eps, but don’t bet on her drawing in enough fans to boost ratings.
Joe, do you have any idea of SciFi’s advertising campaign for season 4? Scifi has given lots of ads to Flash Gordon and Eureka, but ads for SGA are sparse. Do you know if they’ll ramp up ads, or do print ads, before the premiere?
David Hewlett said on his Twitter he was filming scenes from three episodes today. Can you give us a hint which episodes those were? And is it common to do that?
*waves*
I’m back! 😀 And i’m being exceptionally long-winded today. So, I understand if you don’t want to authorise this… I did go on a bit. 😀
*cough*
Atlantis is adrift, and our team are all-alone,
Too far from their homeland, so they can’t use the ‘phone’.
So John Sheppard takes the lead,
Will they make it through the day?
Or will Carter come along, in a ship from the Milky Way?
The big op eppy, is next in line,
Is Weir going to survive?
We’ll all know in time.
The fans are getting antsy to find out what’s in store,
As to whether Lizzie survives the op, or if she dies in S4.
With Reunion on the horizon,
I await with baited breath.
Will it bring our runner, face to face with lots of wraith?
I hear rumours are abound,
regarding him and the Satedan race,
But we know he’ll handle the truth, with lots of firepower and faith.
Will it result in his leaving, the team and all his friends?
Or will our favourite runner, finally meet his end?
With the Doppelganger’s script, there’s the hope of a scene.
Of seeing Shep in his bed, while he’s having bad dreams.
So I’ll be cheeky and ask, is there a chance we will see,
Semi nekkid Shep lying, in the in-firmary?
So that brings us up to Travelers,
A gift to us you say. Will our Sheppy be rescued?
Or will he have to save the day?
Beaten and bound and used for his gene,
I’m hoping he gets rescued by his very own team.
Excited I am, to see this episode air,
But promise me this, just don’t whump Shep’s hair. 😛
Tabula Rasa, is the one, where our team have fallen ill,
I hear they’re not feeling quite right with fever and a chill.
So hot and sweaty Sheppard, I cannot wait to see,
I hope you’ve whumped him good and proper,
For it will really make me squee.
But you know what would excite me more?
Shep being shirtless, in the whole of season 4. 😀
We don’t know a lot about ‘missing’,
But, I’m guessing what’s in store,
That someone turns out to be missing,
Though I’m really not to sure…
But no doubt you’ll keep us guessing,
Until you’re ready to reveal your plans,
As I know you like to tease us, your loving loyal fans. 😛
We’ve got the Wraith in ‘the Seer’,
And I’m hoping a whole lot more,
With the chance of some visions,
I wonder who they’re for?
Will we glean a little something?
That relates to the future of our team?
Or will fans be kept guessing as to whether things are as they seem?
With Miller’s Crossing, I hope that we will see,
Jeanie Miller playing with her brother Rod-ney… (you should know I can’t rhyme by now) 😛
So with Shep and the team in their civvies,
And exciting team moments galore,
It’s only 32 days now until the start of season 4.
With the mid season finale, there’s a chance of a scene,
From the Shakespearean soliloquy, and the line: perchance to dream.
So, with the shuffling off, of This Mortal coil,
The Wraith and their plans, the team must try to foil.
You gave us pics of Joe and Jason, with Bambam to the side,
The whumpers they did love the fact,
The blood you did not hide 😀
Of Sheppy getting whacked a bit,
Was it Ronon hitting Shep, with one of Teyla’s sticks?
B.A.M.S.R, is the next one in line,
Will the Atlantis team find, that they’re running out of time?
They’ll be joined by an enemy, to defeat a bigger threat,
With a tentative alliance, will it end up in regret?
Spoils of war, is ep with the birth,
Will the team bring the baby, frankincense and mirth?
Or will they find that the baby, is not what it seems,
And it ends in the destruction of the entire Atlantis team.
With the Quarantine episode next in line,
We will hopefully see that all is not fine.
As relationships are tested,
This should be great fun,
For when Atlantis goes into lockdown,
Can the team still think as one?
Next we come to Outcast,
The back story we’ve been waiting for,
It’s so great to see it realised, towards the end of S4.
We finally get to know Shep, and just what makes him tick,
But why does he return to Earth? Is it because he’s feeling sick?
Did you whump him good and proper, Joe?
And back to Earth he has to go?
Marty G was getting restless,
With the script he had to write,
Was it the thought of McKay and the girls,
That caused him sleepless nights?
With Sam and Keller, along with Rodney McKay,
Who will end up saving the day?
Will it be girls versus boys,
That’s something I’d like to see,
Can we see something like that?
Or am I just being cheeky?
Kavanagh is back in Midway,
And the boys go head to head,
But from the look of the pictures,
Will the protagonist end up dead?
But, he’s only just arrived, and antagonistic he must be,
I hope he’s here to stay, as i’ve missed the controversy.
Oh what can I say about the Harmony ep,
I’m still on my quest, and I’ve not give up yet!
Because a quest as you know, is such a noble thing,
That’s why cheeky went forth through the ancestral ring.
So Mr M can you tell me, just what you have in store,
Will Sheppy be whumped and end up falling on the floor?
Or will we finally get to see, the end of cheeky’s quest,
And see Shep in all his glory, showing off his manly chest!
Next up we have The Kindred, a two-parter to make us squee,
We’ve heard there’s lots of guest stars including a few from season 3
I hear there are lots of surprises, and battles lie ahead,
Will the team be seeking an alliance, before they end up dead?
With the CG Wraith and Michael, and the fallen one I hear,
Can I do my happy dance and give a little cheer?
For the one thing I love, apart from Sheppy’s chest,
Is knowing that our team, don’t get a moment’s rest.
I love the action and angst, with character moments galore,
And I know we’ll get lots of it throughout the whole of season 4.
So that leaves us with the finale,
Who knows just what’s in store,
But I won’t be looking forward to it,
As it would mean the end of season 4. L
But I’ll try and keep my squee alive,
And hope that we get a season 5,
My spidey sense is tingling,
That we’ll get a whole lot more,
And that Stargate Atlantis, will go beyond it’s season four,
I’ll have to say goodbye now,
Although I’ve still so much to say,
But I won’t bore you needlessly,
I’ll save that for another day. 😛
hehehe, well, maybe not another day 😉 With so much good stuff on your blog today, how can I possibly not comment further. 😀
*hugs*
Joe,
It’s my birthday on the 27th and I want the blog dedicated to me. Also, can you do me a favor? If you see Amanda on set, give her birthday greetings and a hug from me.
Cheers,
Vern, the physically challenged Stargate nut.
I’ve read Hogfather already, but I’ll definitely get right on “Excession”. The summary makes it sound really exciting!
I don’t get this stuff about S9 and S10 of SG-1 being bad. I thought they were great seasons and loved the new characters and what they brought to the show. Mitchell was reverent to the team and let the others lead him, and Vala brought out more from Daniel than we’d seen in years!
I guess fan passion both pro and con is a good sign though. I sat through 2 eps of Eureka last week, trying to be a good Sci Fi supporter. Geez, that was hard to do. There’s nothing epic or moving about the show; the main actor is great, but the writing is uninspired. Would I ever bother to join a Eureka board to criticize the show? Heck no — I don’t care enough to!
So Joe, does all the criticism of S4 ahead of time make you uneasy, or do you take it as positive sign that people care so much?
Dsbeerf said…
You mention Doctor Who. I’m of the opinion that David Tennant might well be the best and most memorable Doctor since Tom Baker. What do you think ?
I’m with you on that one. Tennant has absolutely made the role his own and just brings *so* much to the show. I’d say 95% of my interest in the show stems from Tennant’s incredible portrayal 🙂
Cheeky… good lord, girl.. what have you been drinking today?!! 😆
I know what you mean about babies – they all look alike and do so for a few years.
But imagine inferring that Jelly, your little Princess, is chubby with wrinkles. She is a lady and should be described in lady-like terms. Tsk Tsk.
Are any of the Pugs related other than by adoption?
When anonymous people skip into your journal to berate you and your workmates on what you’ve done in regards to a tv programme, and make it sound somewhere inbetween medically experimenting on baby kittens and kneecaping nuns, do you cry for humanity on the inside, or do you let a single manly tear trickle down your cheek?
Joe,
I have to agree with one of your posters about the promos for season 4. Sci-Fi is worrying me a little with their promotion plan for you guys. They should have spots airing right and left and they don’t. Atlantis should be their crown jewel next season – getting the plumb 10pm spot. Yet the network seems to be doing nothing to help the show succeed. I’m baffled by their behavior and what seems to me to be a terrible marketing strategy – unless they are intentionally trying to make the show fail. I really don’t want to believe the latter, but I saw what they did to SG-1 in their final season and I have to wonder.
Is the lack of promotion for Atlantis compared to the overwhelming inventory of promos for shows like Flash and Eureka concerning at all to you? Hopefully you know something about Sci-Fi’s plans in regards to this that we don’t! 🙂
Um…Cheeky? Can I just say that I am now in love with you?
Brilliant, truly, wonderfully, brilliantly brilliant.
*waves*
Only me again, but you’ll be pleased to hear I shall be attempting to curb my enthusiasm. 😀
Crazymom Good luck for tomorrow hon. 😀
“Anonymous’s who both need to take a chill pill has said…
I find the latest intereview with David Hewlett extremely depressing. He’s all but confirmed that you’ve destroyed the Weir character as we know her.
Do you have a clue as to how popular she and Torri are? Do you have any idea?
You’re going to find out when it’s too late. When you’ve destroyed her character beyond repair, and her fans have given up and moved on to another show.
Beckett and Weir, gone in the space of a couple of episodes. It’s too much. They’re too popular for you to lose without it making an impact.”
Did we read the same interview? Have you conducted a poll that reflects their popularity? I mean what on earth would a show runner know about character’s popularity. I’m sure they just sit in their ivory towers and say, “I know, i’m feeling particularly villainous today, which part of the fandom can we piss off now?” Now I know you may think that the writers and producers are the spawn of all evil… sorry Joe. But, you know what, like it or not there ARE other factors involved when decisions are made, and they’re not just about popularity! And before you go sprouting that whole chestnut of I must hate Weir and Beckett, you couldn’t be further from the truth. Sure i’m saddened about what’s happened, but you know what things change, cricumstances change, and you can either roll with the punches or not. Your choice, but why continue to make your life miserable by agonizing over things that are and always will be out of your control?
“Alipeeps whose been more talkative than me lately has said…
Cheeky… good lord, girl.. what have you been drinking today?!! :lol:”
Hehehe, that would be too much expresso. 😆 And the fact that i’ve not spoken in quite some time… it’s really not healthy for me to keep quiet. 😉 I’m sure others will disagree. 😀
Sorry, Joe, I did say it was going to be a short post… ooops!
Thanks for the yummies, you’re a very kid and wise man. So, how’s the vid thing coming along?
Oh my, you may need to get me a gag! 😀
“PG15 said…
Um…Cheeky? Can I just say that I am now in love with you?
Brilliant, truly, wonderfully, brilliantly brilliant.”
*blushes* Ah, I love you to hon. Well, you and your flocking. 😉
*hugs*
Answer: My problem with dubbed versions has little to do with the voice actors or the accuracy of the script and everything to do with the voice directors who, more often than not, think “cartoon = wacky” and err on the side of embarrassing over-the-top performances.
No fear there, the voice acting is wonderful. Even when I’m reading the book, and the words and the story are completely different, I hear those voices.
Btw, I’m assuming everyone bought their copies yesterday, yes? Good, good…
Oops! I got so excited at you commenting on my comment, I forgot to mention your “Book Club” choices!
I love Hogfather and I think it’s one of Pratchett’s best, especially for a new reader. I may be biased though since that was the first Pratchett book I read!
Excession, however… I hate to say it, but you’re going to put people off Iain M Banks with that. It’s a great book and I love it, don’t get me wrong, but even after reading it over half a dozen times (at least) I STILL have to keep flicking back to keep it all straight. Trying to remember who’s on whose side, who’s in whose gang, who’s really working for who… You’re throwing people in at the deep end with this one. I just wouldn’t introduce Iain M Banks with this. When people have read him and know the payoff is worth it, it’s a different matter, but I’m certain a lot of people probably never finish Excession. But fingers crossed, because it IS worth it.
Hi Joe,
Nice to Paul, I missed the accent.
I was recently watching “First Strike” and noticed when we first see the stargate thats used to attack Atlantis its only got eight chevrons. What ever happened to the ninth?