Well, mom headed back to Montreal today, her three week stay with us having drawn to a close with nary a museum visit or art gallery foray. My mother, alas, was not interested in any of the cultural excursions I had planned. She was, however, up for Fondy’s cross-city tour of various Vancouver landmarks including what is apparently the largest Buddhist temple in North America, skeevy Chinatown, and Stanley Park (highlighted by the breath-taking view from Prospect Point which is, incidentally, where I nodded off, awakening an hour later as we were pulling up in front of the house). I have to admit, though, I did enjoy myself at the Buddhist temple where, strolling through its expansive grounds, I was transported back to our last visit to Hong Kong and was once again filled with regret we were unable to make the return trip this year.
I was so bummed, in fact, that I decided to try a little experiment. Before embarking on our last East Asian vacation, I purchased two new bottles of cologne – one for my stay in Hong Kong, the other for my stay in Tokyo – in the hopes that their unique scents would forever evoke fond memories my time there. After all, I’ve heard it said that scent is the highest memory trigger of all the senses. So, last night, I put that theory to the test by dabbing a bit of Terre d’Hermes beneath my nose before bedtime, just enough for its subtle bouquet to work its magic on my sleeping brain. Would I be whisked back to Hong Kong in my reverie? Would my drifting mind be steered toward remembrances of Lantau, Kowloon, and the spicy shoft-shell crab at Hutong? In a word: no. Instead, I dreamt that special features producer Ivon Bartok played a practical joke on Rob Zombie, who was on the lot directing his latest feature, pissing the man off enough that he dispatched some Siamese dwarves to my home to inquire about my involvement in the affair.
Well, I’m almost caught up on my reading for the upcoming book discussions, with this month’s selections ranging from excellent to tough slogging. Remember, you’re not expected to read all of them. Just a pick a book from the genre that interests you. I’ll be weighing in with my thoughts on the official selections – The Time Traveler’s Wife, The Princess Bride, and Ghost Story – starting Monday. If you’re interested in having a shot at taking home the sequel to Sean Williams’ The Crooked Letter, then weigh in with your opinions on the book the following Monday (January 14th).
Today’s blog is dedicated to the sickly Quilani.
Today’s pics: The sights and sounds of Vancouver (minus the sounds).
Today’s mailbag:
Sagacious writes: “Since Atlantis is now on a different planet, any chance our heroes might have to deal with extreme weather, such as snow, wicked cold, or even extreme heat? Assuming you have one, what’s on your iPod?”
Answers: 1) Possibly. 2) I own an iPod I never use. Fondy has it.
Steph writes: “what’s your opinion on manga?”
Answer: I don’t read manga, so I can’t really weigh in with an educated opinion.
Narellefromaus writes: “Do you find that your dogs have different reactions to your return home after a trip?”
Answer: No, they pretty much all go nuts the second we walk in the door.
Ladydulcinea writes: “…we have just sold all of our worldly posessions and are 10 minutes away from leaving for the airport. We’ll be at your door tomorrow night and we’d like to bed down as soon as possible.”
Answer: Now I feel really bad. You see, to take advantage of the skyrocketing home prices, Fondy and I have sold our house. We are living in our car until after the 2010 Olympics when, presumably, the market will crash and we’ll be able to buy a new house at half the price. If only you’d told me sooner.
Valerie writes: “How much say do the actors have in what is required for them for the show? For example if the script called for an actress to shave off her hair or to perform a stunt without a stunt double (due to how it needed to be shot) could she be required to do so due to her contract?”
Answer: We would never force an actor into such a situation. For instance, in Adrift, that was a stand-in whose head was shaved and not Torri. There are, however, occasions when we will hire an actor with the understanding that they may require some physical change of them. A gag I like to play during auditions is to ask the nervous actors whether they’d mind waxing their eyebrows for the part.
RachelCooperLPN writes: “As a writer on Stargate, you do realize that while you guys create the material, it is fans such as myself and the others who visit this blog who make or break your enterprise, do you not?”
Answer: Of course. If it weren’t for our fans, there wouldn’t be a show.
Susiekew writes: “ Several times over the past few months people have asked for your recommendation for a good scifi book, and more often that not you answered John Scalzi’s Old Mans War. Well, I picked up a copy and loved it. I will be definately be reading more of his work. Any more suggestions?”
Answer: Scifi? Check out some Iain M. Banks – The Player of Games or Consider Phlebas.
Arctic Goddess writes: “How come all the alien civilizations that the teams on Stargate visit speak English?”
Answer: Good question. In my mind, gate travelers are implanted with translator nanites that allow them to understand and be understood whenever they travel off-world. Of course, the system isn’t 100% efficient as evidenced by the inability to translate goa’uld.
Rdcalalow writes: “I wanted to know if you knew about or had had Canadian or American Kobe beef and how different it is from the Japanese?”
Answer: Canadian and American Kobe beef is excellent – but nothing beats the real thing.
AnneTeldy writes: “. Someone once told me that the city of Atlantis is about the size of Manhattan. Is that the closest comparison, or is there something else you(collective) use to visualize the size and scope of the city? 2. Will you settle a good-natured argument about Atlantis, please? I say that the city of Atlantis itself was more of a government center/research facility/university than a true city. [] Opponent says that, given its size, there had to have been factories and schools and children in Atlantis making it a true city.”
Answer: 1) That’s the comparison we’ve always drawn in the room. 2) I’ll call it a tie. Although, quite clearly, the main focus of the city was research, the war with the wraith eventually forced the surviving Ancients to fall back to Atlantis, transforming it into a stronghold and more of the community described by your friend.
Knightie writes: “I am assuming that the editors will use different camera angles to put the finished product together? Who determines that: The editors or the director?”
Answer: The editor will gather together all of the footage and put together the first cut, what is referred to as, appropriately enough, the editor’s cut. The director will watch it, then join the editor in the editing suite, replacing shots and making changes as he sees fit. Once he’s done, he puts out the new cut which is called, appropriately enough, the director’s cut. The producer watches it, then joins the editor in the editing suite, replacing shots and making changes as he sees fit. Once he’s done, he puts out a new cut which is known as, appropriately enough, the producer’s cut.
Crazymom writes: “What is yang chow fried rice?”
Answer: I’m sure there are many variations, but the one my mother enjoys includes eggs, barbecued pork, shrimp, green onions, peas, and, of course, rice.
Grapesofwraith writes: “Do the directors sign up for episodes, or do you write with a director in mind, or is it chosen in another way?”
Answer: We (the producers) put together the directors schedule prior to the start of production.
Cat4444 writes: “If WordPress already has a preview function, Joe figures out how to enable it…”
Answer: If it does, I haven’t been able to find it.
Annie from Freemantle writes: “What factors are considered when the PTB make their final decision as to giving the go ahead for the next season?”
Answer: It’s the network that decides whether to pick up a show or not and their decision is based on the show’s performance only insofar as they are concerned. Variables like dvd sales, episode downloads and international sales and viewership, on the other hand, inform the studio’s decision on whether or not to continue production.
Jedi43 writes: “Have you ever tried Venison or Buffalo? And if yes did you like it?”
Answer: I have enjoyed both, but prefer venison over buffalo. They are lean meats and, if improperly prepared, can be tough.
Atimson writes: “Would you rather see the deleted scenes reedited into the episodes, or see them simply live on the disc as a “what might have been”?”
Answer: Given the choice, I’d choose the latter. Deleted scenes are usually deleted for a very good reason.
Neep writes: “What is your current favourite chocolate?”
Answer: Amedei Chuao.
Stargatemagic writes: “Is the show Psych shot in Vancouver?”
Answer: It was.
Firefly827347 writes: “I also have a question about staff-type weapons, i.e. Jaffa staffs and the ones Ori soldiers use. Is there some kind of trigger on them used to fire them or are they fired by thought control like Lantean weapons?”
Answer: Trigger.
Mrs.B108 writes: “1- Do you think the darker feel of this season will continue into season five? 2- Would you say the loyalty and bond between the core team really shine through the remainder of the season?”
Answers: 1. Possibly. 2. I think so.
Josh Hancock writes: “Have you or any other writers ever taken ideas for episodes for SG1/SGA from fanfic or theories that people have come up with?”
Answer: Nope.
I’m very curious to read your book club post for this month, although I’ll undoubtedly wait until the end of January to read it. I normally don’t partake in any of the book club related posts because it’s not very often that I’m able to sit down and finish a book. But, having read “The Princess Bride”, and currently planning on reading “The Time Traveler’s Wife” on a plane in two weeks, I’m curious which book has been giving you trouble. I’m not planning on reading the post on Monday because I don’t want any outside sources to influence my future readings…but…is there any way you can give me a hint as to whether or not I should bring a second book along with me on the flight?
-Seren
Depends on the type of book you enjoy. Then again, it’s all relative. All four books we’ll be discussing have their supporters as well as their detractors.
Seren:
I read The Time Traveler’s Wife a couple of years ago, and I really enjoyed it, although I think I would probably *understand* it a lot better on a second read! As far as scifi goes, it’s a *lot* more focused on the characters and their relationships than the mechanics behind the actual time traveling.
Hi Joe, Have you tossed around any Ford stories at all???? Any chance of seeing any of the Atlantis baddies ever making it to the Milky way so that SG-1 and the Atlantis crew can fight them together????
What’s the difference between a teleplay and a script?
hi, joe,
through all the pleading, nagging, and griping, i hope you see that at the center of it is just a love for something about your show. i know there are some that just want to be buttheads, but for every considerate weir fan, beckett fan, jack fan, shipper fan, etc, it’s all out of love. i hope you know that…
sally 🙂
Narellefromaus writes: “Do you find that your dogs have different reactions to your return home after a trip?”
Answer: No, they pretty much all go nuts the second we walk in the door.
😀 … well I think that’s common behaviour for all dogs around the globe. For example our dogs go nuts the second they hear a key toucing the door. And they make such a noise with all howling and barking. And it don’t matter how long we have been gone … 5 hours or 5 days… it’s all the same. I’m sometimes afraid that our neighbours will chip in and buy us and our dogs one way tickets to the most distal place they can aford 😀
Do your dogs do the barking and howling too or do you have tought them to behave? If so, then what’s your secret because it seems that our dogs are incapable to learn how to be happy to see us in silence.
Thanks for answering my question 😀
Your photos are spectacular, I would kill for a view like that in my city.
Hi Joe,
Long time lurker, first time poster just wanting to add my two cents before the second half begins.
First off, I am firmly in the camp that this season has been the strongest so far. All of the eps (with the exception of “Travelers” which I kept falling asleep during) have been excellent and I like the way the story has been progressing. All of this came as a surprise to me because I wasn’t expecting much. I was disappointed to see Weir leave and afraid that the show was going to become Stargate: Carter’s Story. Glad to see I was wrong.
On the other hand, although I wasn’t all that upset about Carson dying (he was a good character, but I’m a Sheppard/McKay fan), I can’t stand Keller. From her cutesy pie smile to her “deer caught in the headlights” look everytime she’s scared, she has quickly become the character I most wish to see die.
Already have the DVR set up for tomorrow night. Hoping the second half is as good as the first.
Jo
Stargatemagic writes: “Is the show Psych shot in Vancouver?”
Answer: It was.
Was? Has it been cancelled?
You mentioned using a stand-in for the head-shaving bit. What sort of compensation does a person get for that kind of thing? Is there something in addition to the usual daily rate? Also, while we’re on the subject of stand-ins and things, to what degree are extras warned about what will be required of them before they get to set? Say a shot requires the extras to be scantily clad, or in a potentially embarassing situation, or to wear special effects make-up, or to engage in vigorous physical activity. I ask because in a recent episode of House, there was a brief scene with a male patient in the background with his legs in stirrups, having some kind of delicate operation. The extra in question only found out he’d be in stirrups when they got there. He was a good sport about it, but it seems like some other people might be uncomfortable with something like that, feeling that maybe that wasn’t quite what they’d signed up for. Anyway, just wondering. The little details like that help form a more complete idea of what production’s like.
Hey Joe!
Reading your comment on the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, do you have any plans to attend it?
Talk about some great pictures! You perform some amazing photography!
– Enzo Aquarius
The pictures are gorgeous. You must live in a nice city. Only one of the towns near where I live has a ‘chinatown’ and it’s only about ten by ten feet (so it’s not really anything).
Please answer this question. Who cleans up around Atlantis? Do they have janitors or does everyone pitch-in? (I know I asked this twice but my sister is really bugging me about this).
Nice mountains. I always prefer a pointy view, I have a nice vertical chunk of the Wasatch Range visible through my picture window.
Nice Buddhist Temple. Now I’m homesick for Yokohama Chinatown and Kamakura.
Your dream was better than mine, mine involved broken video poker games at my favorite bar, which can’t be realistic as there’s not a single decent bar in Ogden and I hate video poker, followed by mini-fridges full of other people’s yogurt instead of beer and all my buddies replaced by actors from a commercial for Applebees. See what you’ve done? I mean, I love Rob Zombie and possibly could adore the sinister Siamese dwarves as well. Wanna switch dreams? No? Ah well, couldn’t hurt to ask. Maybe I’ll break out the Chanel and try the REM Roulette.
Do you mind my self-centered rambling as a substitute for relevant and/or profound questions?
Joe,
Thanks for those fantastic photos. It makes me want to get there even more. One day!
Shawna ,
The show Psych was renewed for another season.
Hey Joe
glad to read you have had a good xmas and new year.
i was wondering if i could ask your advice about film licenses.
i’m going into production mid febuary for my college course and i have to be fully compt out under copyright and licensing laws i was wondering if you can tell me how to get a music license?
yours faithfully
AtlantisQueen
Wow, Vancouver’s a beautiful city.. I read that it has a lot of Asian influence so beats me why you’d want to venture to REAL Asian places. Just kidding!
So your mum’s gone now.. I guess your house will be a bit (select one) noisier, quieter, absent of the smell of Italian food? now she’s gone? I wonder if she’s the type to leave you a nasssy surprise that you’ll discover a bit late (what IS that smell you may ask)..you never know, you got your practical joker gene from one parent!
I’m glad that dvd sales are taken into account. Now everyone here is getting one for their birthday. That’ll be 3 in this household, one for my eldest son,one for his gurrfriend and even one for the cat. Someone loan me $250 bucks?
(yayayay my son’s mumps have gone he looks more human now.. finally taking them out of the house!!! Seeya!)
Hey Joe, just a long time reader, first time poster here. I was wondering, as a writer, do you find yourself criticizing/analyzing other people’s work (be it a TV show, movie, etc.)? Do you watch or read something and think “Wow, I could have done that better…”?
Is there a reason for the Asuran Stargate Weapon sent to Lantia in the 3rd Season Finale “First Strike” only having 8 chevrons instead of the usual 9 Chevrons?
Or am I entirely blind and did I miss the part where Pegasus gates only have 8 Chevrons? (If so I would be really ashamed to call myself a Gater 😛 )
Or… Was it just a screw up by the CGI department?
Beautiful phots of your native haunt, and mention of the Olympics in 2010? That is obviously an invitation for the few hundred of us here to drop in then, since it gives us just enough time to work out the logistics (who picks up who on the road, who gets the crossbeams in the attic to sleep on vs who has to sleep under the porch), etc. Unless the Border guards will permit port-a-potties across the line, we’ll have to rely on fans north of the border to secure those. After all, there is a limit to what Fondy will tolerate, and I dont even want to consider trying to work out the schedules of 200+ people and one bathroom…
The photos truly are gorgeous, and it’s my hope to make one of my road trips extend that far north and west eventually. Thank you for putting them up. When is SAG considering going on strike? Sorry if I missed the walk-out date, but I’m curious on how many episodes you will be able to get banked before the strike hits, if it does. Though here’s hoping all parties concerned can come up with some reasonably equitable solution.l
Been sick for a few days so have missed poking in here and seeing what’s going on. I hope your Mom had a safe trip home. The pictures are absolutely gorgeous. 🙂
Question: How are episode soundtracks handled with such a tight production schedule? How quickly does Mr. Goldsmith crank out new material, vs. how often to you “recycle” certain music beds that he’s written in the past? Fantastic choice of composer, btw if I’ve never said so before. 🙂
uh oh… I feel my resolution slipping… need something intelligent to say…..
I read your post a few dozen time waiting for my shift to end and I can’t think of a single question….
I’ve been to vancover once and was not fortuante to get to Stanley park, I did however visit the bushart (spelling?) gardens which I enjoyed. Been there?? I find that when you live in/near a city you take the “tourist” attractions for granted. I go to Toronto once a month but have only been to the CN tower once… Ah well what can you do eh!
Hello, Joe! Thank you for answering my question and a fabulous answer it was by the way. I asked that question of you because I have been hearing some rumors recently that made me wonder. Thank you for keeping this blog going. Even though it seems some don’t share your awesomeness up there, it’s refreshing to see that you seem to listen to what the fans think, which made your answer even better. You do realize that!
BTW, what sites did you take pictures of on today’s blog? I’m coming to Vancouver in April and I’d like to see some of those things. They are really pretty!
Joe…Happy New Year!!!…..Have you ever been to Baltimore??… I have all of my friends hooked on Atlantis!! Can’t wait for tomorrow’s show…I just completed my DVD collection of SGA…This season is AWESOME!!..Keep up the good work….Ps. Do you ever watch the show, Monk; it’s pretty hilarious….
Lovely collection of photos. Someday hubs and I will have to take up his Burnaby cousin on her offer/request for us to come visit and do the town together.
Then-and-now experiences in a handful of major urban areas makes me wonder if there’s a middle ground between skeevy and gentrified. It would be nice.
The pics of the temple remind me very much of the Byodo-In Temple in the mountains just off the eastern Oahu coast, near Kaneohe. Despite Oahu being overbuilt, the temple setting is lovely and peaceful. Those memories make me long to visit Japan (and southeastern Asia) someday.
Hi Joe,
I received an advanced copy of your “working titles” for the first half of season 5. I illegally downloaded from the internet but I’m positive that the person providing it and corresponding with me, “Lucy the Cyber Kitten,” is really Martin Gero in disguise. So, I’m totally convinced this is legit. All I need is for you to confirm the following line-up:
1. When Good Lantian Pets Go Bad
2. Dude, Who Stole My Jumper?
3. The One Where Chandler and Joey Visit Atlantis
4. SmellVision: Sheppard’s Intoxicating Stick Fighting Scent
5. What Happens on Atlantis, Stays on Atlantis
6. Trick or Wraith: The Halloween Special
7. The Turtle Documentary- 38 Minutes of Nature
8. London Bridges: McKay Sings Fergie Classics
9. What is Ronon Wearing?
And of course the highly anticipated mid-season cliffhanger will come at the end of:
10. The Long Anticipated Toilet Episode
Ohhh, I’m just so excited about season 5 already!!! I’m so right, aren’t I?
Hi Joe
I’m upto book eighteen of Patrick O’Brians’ Aubrey- Maturin novels (there are twenty in all). Coming to the end of the series I now wish he had written another twenty, as each book is such a gripping read. Have you ever read any historical novels?
I was just rewatching SG1 season 7 Fragile Balance. Who’s idea was it to use the Lily Frost song Who Am I? at the end of the episode? It was just so perfect.
~Donna
Hi Joe,
Happy New Year! I have to say that I was able to live on my own skin (this is an expresion from Spanish, so I don’t know how it came with the translation….) how much love you have for the fans, or your fans, because despite all the admiration and respect that I have for you, on my trip to Venezuela last week, by the time the food that I was craving came, I would start eating it and halfway I would think, Oh no, I didn’t take a picture for Joe! How do you do it?
Take care and have a great year, with Asian trip included!
I have a question for you, Joe. Might even be my first question ever, or if not, the first question in so long, my Alzheimer’s can’t remember. But today for the first time I was wearing my “Stargate Digital” baseball cap that I got from a friend working on “Private Practice” on which the US branch of the company was doing some kind of special effects.
So since I know they have a Vancouver branch, I’m curious whether you’ve ever heard of them? Whether you’ve ever used them? Or whether they don’t do the kind of work you need for the show? Or whether you have used them and I wasn’t paying close attention (which could be as I watch the show more for the stories, characters and relationships)?
I’m not advocating that you do use them as I know nothing of their work, it’s just that I was surprised to be handed a Stargate Digital hat from a company doing visual and digital effects and while I know that you guys don’t have a copyright on the term, my brain always goes to you guys when I hear the word.
Bonsoir Joseph,
Ici il fait tellement froid que s’en est insultant (non mais -30 avec le facteur éolien !!!!) C’est donc dans mes couvertures et avec un bon chocolat chaud que j’ai passé la journée et j’ai lu un bon roman !Heuu, en fait j’ai pas de question ce soir pour toi, je voulais juste te dire bonjour (ou bonsoir ou bon matin, c’est comme tu veux !)En plus, je suis ceeeeeertaine que tu est heureux comme un collégien de lire un peu de français et de savoir quel temps il par chez nous !! lol
Aha! Buddhist temple was the first thing I thought upon seeing those pictures. 🙂 There was one on Oahu, my elder brother liked to visit, so we’d occasionally go up there when he came to visit. Largest one in NA, mm? It looks gorgeous, though that may be a given. I’ve yet to see an ugly Buddhist temple.
Speaking of unorthodox foods you’ve tried (because who doesn’t want to know the funny things you’ve eaten), have you ever had emu or kangaroo? I know the former’s not too uncommon, actually, or at least wasn’t in San Francisco area… which isn’t saying much… But I prefer kangaroo myself.
And, correct me if I’m wrong, but aren’t there legal issues with using ideas from fan material?
That Buddhist temple looks absolutely fantastic, and somehow completely slipped under my radar when I was doing my research. Thanks for inadvertently improving my trip!
I wonder which book you’re referring to when you mention “tough slogging”.. for me, that was definitely the case with Time Traveler’s Wife.
Have you ever been set to shoot an episode set on a ‘tropical’ planet, or at least one experiencing summer, and been faced with a foot of snow outside? What did you do?
Gorgeous pictures Joe. I’ve never been lucky enough to visit Vancouver; but I’ve always wanted to go there on a nice long vacation.
I just saw the cover art posted on Gateworld for the “Ark of Truth” and it’s fantastic. I’m so excited to see both the “Ark of Truth” and also “Continuum”. I saw a picture of Mitchell and Daniel in flight suits from a scene in
“Continuum” which has me intrigued. Can’t wait for both movies.
Looking forward to tomorrow night’s Atlantis episode. It will be great to have something to watch on a Friday night again.
Does Ronon feel anymore bonded with the team and does he have more of a O’Neill/Teal’C relationship by the end of the season?
My opinion would be YES as in Tabula Rasa, he gives Sheppard the speach about how no-desiese can erase their relationship.
Add me to the list of those who really, really miss the “preview post” function too!!! *sigh*
Ok. I have no idea how easy/useful these plugins are since I don’t have a WordPress blog and can’t test them out, BUT…
In response to those wishing for a ‘comment preview’ function, I did a little research. Depending on how phobic/(in)competent you are in the computer world, you (Joe) may want to give one of these a try: (or not)
Live Comment Preview – I’m not exactly sure how a ‘live comment preview’ differs from a regular ol’ ‘comment preview’, but I guess there’s a difference. One’s live and one’s posthumous. Or something.
Normal? Comment Preview – So, here’s another possibility. Maybe.
I don’t know which version of WordPress you have (and apparently it might matter), but I’d wager that you have the newest version since your WordPress acquisition was fairly recent. Also, it might matter which theme you’re using (a default theme vs. a 3rd party theme). Yeah. Good luck.
Anyone out there tried any of these? Heard about them? Recommend them? Recommend to avoid them?
I, of course, have no need for this function seeing as how I never make mistakes. But I understand that most people aren’t perfect. 😉
(Now watch–after posting this, I’ll see that my attempts at linking have turned into garbledygook thus proving my need for the preview function)
Why do the CG gates on Atlantis now have 8 chevrons instead of 9? Is it a goof or is it intentional?
Those pics were amazing. I’m trying to save to go to Vancouver maybe next year or should I say this year and this only inspires my desire. I have a thing for Asian culture and since I won’t be able to afford Japan any time soon, I can do a bit of both.
Thanks!
Fantastic pics! About as close as I like to get to cities, I’m a country girl, not much else to be here in Cornwall LOL.
Anyway, I hope your mum had a cracking visit and a safe journey home.
Pauline: I really enjoyed reading your explanation as quoted:
“From a mathematical perspective, RPS [rock-paper-scissors] is a function known as an intransitive relation, which means it creates a loop of preferences that has no beginning and no end, defying standard notations of hierarchy.
“Though each item is better than some other item, it is impossible to define what is ‘best’.”
I totally suck at math, yet here’s a concept I can understand and even enjoy, when I concentrate on it. Thank you!
Elizabeth: I can answer for you. Of course there are janitors in Atlantis. Here’s one if you click on the link.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v73/anny_phillips/dagwood-1-sized.jpg
He was seen carrying a mop and bucket on DSV but since the show’s been cancelled (what a crime – loved that show) he’s been seen cleaning around Atlantis. Sometimes he tries to direct but he oft gets put in his place.
Talking about a tough slog, I’m still bloody waiting for my “Ghost Story” book in the mail from the U.S.. hurry up!
Joe do you use any programmes to enhance your pics ? Eg to adjust lighting, contrast, colour blah de blah? If so, what do you use?
Joe, out of curiosity, are there any stargates which spit people out of both ‘sides’ of the event horizon? If not, why not? What makes one side of the event horizon so special?
Yooo.
Um, today i s my 21st birthday. So Joe, I’ve been a faithful reader . Coul d I get a dedication? Thanks a bunch either way manl.
Keep up the godo work.
I was watching the SG1 episode ‘Window of Opportunity’ yesterday, one of the best ever episodes IMO, and noticed (not for the first time i might mention) the book Jack reads on Ancient Latin by one ‘Joseph Mallozzi PHd’.
I was wondering what College/University qualifications do you actually hold?
Also I know you mentioned that character of Lt.Binder in the upcoming Ark of Truth movie (clearly a tribute to Carl Binder).
Are there any other mentions of directors/producers within SG1 or Atlantis?
You said: “Good question. In my mind, gate travelers are implanted with translator nanites that allow them to understand and be understood whenever they travel off-world. Of course, the system isn’t 100% efficient as evidenced by the inability to translate goa’uld.”
I wondered myself how it was that the teams such as SG1 and Sheppard’s team could understand people from another galaxy, yet McKay doesn’t understand Zelenka’s Czech and Daniel was needed to translate Russian for Sam. Could it be the nanites only translate off-world languages?
Hi Joe
I wanted to ask you how do you feel about shippers in general and Sam&Jack shippers in particular. Also do you watch/like House M.D.?
Hey Joe, today is my birthday (1/4) and it would be an honor, as well as the icing on the cake so to speak, if you’d dedicate today’s blog to me. =D
~Val
Joe, please pass this forward:
A quick SHOUT-OUT to all the various creative folks/departments of Stargate Atlantis. THANK YOU ALL! Special thanks to Joel Goldsmith, musical GENIUS, for all the fabulous music that makes the episodes complete.
Check out the full cast/crew credits at:
IMDB
I appreciate you settling the first debate, but I noticed you didn’t answer my beaming technology question. So, I”ll ask again: Did the Ancients have beaming technology in their larger ships? Or will I find out one way or the other in an upcoming episode?
Anne Teldy
Hey Joe. Based on your recommendation I picked up First Law: Book One. It was excellent. I have seen other ask you for recommendation on fantasy and Scifi and was wondering if you could create a list of books that could be maintained on the site that you would recommend (maybe top 20 or so). You’ve listed a bunch on numerous occasion, but a central list would be great beneficial to us what-Joe-likes-I-want-to-read folks. Not remember an author or book name from reading an old post make searching kind of difficult. Even a specific post that you could edit with new recommendation and we could bookmark would work. Thanks….PS. How about an exoctic chocolate list also…my wife and I really enjoyed Vosges’, especially the Oaxaca Bar.
Great pictures Joe. I love visiting Buddhist Temples. My husband and I visited the one on Oahu and found it to be the most peaceful place we had ever been.
I am anxiously awaiting tonight’s episode. I so enjoyed the first half of S4.
Is there any chance you will be attending Gatecon in August? I hope (fingers & toes crossed) to be there for the triumphant return to Vancouver.
Becky
So now that atlantis is on another planet does that mean the next time a solar flare comes around on the other planet that everything will become extinct?
Hi Joe, I have a couple of questions regarding the Daniel/Carter friendship. 1) Will we see them interact at all in Continuum? and 2) If Daniel does make a guest appearance on Atlantis (really hoping so), is there a good chance he’ll interact at all with Carter?
Their friendship is something I’ve really missed in the past 2 seasons of SG-1, so I’d love to see it again soon in some fashion.
Hi Joe!
Sorry late, to say Happy New Year! 🙂
About Stargate Atlantis, I don’t understand why Daniel Jackson is not working with SGA team? Why?
I think when SG1 ends, MilkyWay will be in “HoneyMoon” he could visit Atlantis… why not?
Daniel is wise with all about the Ancients world and I think he could be useful with his knowledge…
See you soon! 🙂
Do you think Sheppard would have gone through with using that weapon on Weir if she hadn’t woke up when she did?
Was her waking and him talking to her why John didn’t kill her? Was there some other reason he didn’t go through with it even though he asked for the EMP generator?
How could he have been sure the nanites wouldn’t have contacted the replicators?
I’m normally quite happy with living on the east coast, but looking at those pictures of greenery has me green with envy. The snow banks at the end of my driveway are literally taller than me! And let’s see, yep, -15 right now, probably around -30 with the windchill. BRR!
Your first photo would make an incredibly challenging jigsaw puzzle!
This is where I hail from, and at 6 Rand to the Dollar perhaps I can convince you to thaw out here?
http://www.kapstadt.org/en/capetown-pictures/capetown-southafrica
Hi Joe!
I was a lucky little fan who got seasons 1 and 2 of Atlantis under the tree this year. I’ve really, really been enjoying rewatching the seamless versions without commercials.
I really like the commentaries for the episodes too, so in case you were wondering if anyone really paid attention to them, YES, someone in NY at least is listening to them.
I’ve temporarily put aside “Scarlet” by Stephen Lawhead to read “Time Traveler’s Wife” in order to take part in the discussion, looking forward to it.
Mr. Mallozzi,
A quick question, if you please. Have you ever known of a show that the network wanted to continue, but the studio didn’t (for whatever reason)? Just wondering, and thanks!
PS-Am REALLY enjoying The Blade Itself. Thanks for the recommendation! 🙂
Hey Joe-
Great Vancouver pictures. Please sir, I want some more!
Question: From where do you purchase your books? Except when ordering from Amazon, I’m having a hell of a time finding your selections at the local booksellers (no independents here). It’s probably a moot point as my MA program started again today and I’ll be reading Managerial Finance and Human Resource Management, but I’d like the info for future reference. Thanks!
Hi Joe,
Thanks for sharing the photos. I couldn’t help thinking that second photo reminded me of one of your dogs – Lulu, perhaps? Also, it was fun to see Vancouver pics – I think I have a few of those same shots from Stanley Park. 😉 The snow on the mountains is lovely.
I did want to ask though, what does “skeevy” mean? I’ve not seen this word before – I’m guessing it’s not a flattering term??
Looking forward to the new SGA tonight, presuming our power doesn’t go out due to the storms – the winds from earlier this AM have calmed and the sun is shining for the moment, so we should be okay. Will have to see if I can come up with some Gero-worthy question to post later after the show.
Happy Friday, Joe! 🙂
Still stuck in 2007?
Hello Joseph! Me revoila!!! content de me revoir??
Moi oui =D. J’ai passer de trés bonne vacance! jespert que vous aussi!
Superbes photos, jespert que votre maman a fait un bon voyage.
J’adore votre photo quand vous laisez un commentaire. mais je ne les pas dans ma galerie de photo qui vous est consacré………comment j’ai pu la raté???
Durant mon abscence j’ai dépaser les 45000 commentaire! vraiment trop happy =)!!
Mon cherie ma offert pour Noel la film de stargate, ahhhh j’adore. On c’est passer aussi la saison 1 de sg1. Quesqu’on aime staragate!!!
Question:
1) Combient d’heure d’avion y’a t’il entre Vancouvert et Montréal?
2) Si il y’aurais une bataille entre les goau l,les wraith et les réplicateurs, qui gagneraient?
Voila, merci, gros gros bisou, je vous adores!!!!!! Bonne journée!
Joe, I have two questions, which I hope you don’t mind my asking.
#1: Whose decision was it to let Daniel Jackson become like Jack O’Neill in seasons 9 & 10? I ask this because I’m fairly certain I heard Michael Shanks say he (Daniel) had taken on some of Jack’s personality traits.
#2: As entertaining as the banter was between Daniel & Vala, how come there were so few scenes between Daniel & Sam in seasons 9 & 10?
Hi, Joe.
The SciFi Channel SGA web site just announced the 2008 Get in the Gate Sweepstakes!
Woo-hoo!
Win a walk-on role on SGA!
http://www.scifi.com/getinthegate/
Contest begins January 4th – Ends on March 14th
No interdimensional travel needed.
Enter from the comfort of your own computer.
You must be a registered SCIFI.COM member in order to qualify.
Registration is free! Click here to register now.
http://www.scifi.com/members/
Click HERE to read the official sweepstakes rules.
http://www.scifi.com/getinthegate/gitg2008_rules.pdf
One of the contest rules:
The Get in the Gates Sweepstakes (“Promotion”) is open only to persons who, at the time of entry, are legal residents of, and are physically present in, the fifty (50)
United States and the District of Columbia and who are twenty-one (21) years of age or older.
Also — SGA was on the main page of Zap2It today!
http://www.zap2it.com/
And Multichannel News’ TV Crush by Mary McNamara praised BAMSR:
http://www.multichannel.com/blog/1300000330/post/1650019565.html
We’re having an awesome winter storm here today in N. CA. We’e lost power several times already this morning, I’ve got my toes crossed that we’ll have power tonight to watch BAMSR! Think good thoughts for us N. CA gaters please.
Best wishes, Joe, and thank you.
Morjana
1)Are there anymore surprises/reveals that will have fandom on the edge of their seats?
2)Will any one character on the show silently suffer a growing conflict that will ultimately reveal itself in an explosive display?
Hi. I was wondering something. In your opinion what is Teyla’s largest character flaw? What about Carter’s?
The Buddhist temple looks amazing, Joe. I think it’d be interesting (for me at least) to take a trip to Vancouver sometime. Hopefully you’ll be able to do another Asia trip this year! Thanks for answering my question on directors too. Looking forward to BAMSR tonight – if you could describe it in one word, what would it be?
~Rich
I’m guessing you aren’t the right person to ask, But since your in a position to get in touch with the right people (I hope) …
Do you know of any talks about the upcoming movies (And perhaps the Stargate Series) being released on Blu-Ray or HD-DVD? I’d really like to watch Stargate in high-def, But sadly we’re a little short on HD-channels here in the Netherlands 🙁
Hi Joe,
Thanks for the great shots of Vancouver! I was there back in 1987, and almost forgot how beautiful it was. Thanks also for mentioning the Olympics in 2010. I’m hoping to get out there. Have seen two summer ones, 1984 and 1996, but have yet to see a winter one. Will have many places to sightsee and eat at based on your wonderful recommendations. Might have to stay an extra week just to get to all the food establishments! 🙂
Here’s a question I asked a while ago: Do you ever listen to books on CD, or do you really like the written word better? I know you’re a fast reader, so listening may just take too long. Just curious. I find it very relaxing.
Can’t wait for tonight’s episode. Have my popcorn bowl ready. Thanks for all your insights. They add so much to the enjoyment of the show!
Patty O
Have you ever watched an episode of “Dead Like Me”??
Shawna Says:
January 3, 2008 at 4:36 pm
You mentioned using a stand-in for the head-shaving bit. What sort of compensation does a person get for that kind of thing? Is there something in addition to the usual daily rate? Also, while we’re on the subject of stand-ins and things, to what degree are extras warned about what will be required of them before they get to set? Say a shot requires the extras to be scantily clad, or in a potentially embarrassing situation, or to wear special effects make-up, or to engage in vigorous physical activity.
Or having to snog the face off David or Joe *sigh* a girl can dream.
Wow – great pictures of Vancouver.
If you ever get tried of scifi you could give Bill Bryson a run for his money with travel writing!
Bon je vais au dodo, bonne nuit….
petite pensée pour tous les chanceux qui veront “Be All My Sins Remember’d ”
vive les fesses de Joe Flanigan lol:
http://fr.youtube.com/watch?v=CeNfScMuIsg
Big Kiss**
Hi Joe. Thanks for answering my question again. I wish we had that response with our dogs. Our Kelpie was a lost dog so he won’t talk to me at first, ignores the husband all together and then I have to reassure him he’s not going to be abandoned again. The Ridgeback just bowls me over and then gives me a good ol’ face lickin’.
The temple is amazing. We created our little version here in the backyard. Have to say looks a little weak compared to that! Have you ever watched the doco on the restoration of the Forbidden City? They found thousands of Tibetan Buddhist scrolls hidden in the roofing tiles (how ironic), translated them and then put them back in the exact same place? A fantastic doco if you can catch it…until they get to the part about them opening a Starbucks there!
I’ve just come back from a couple of days down the coast. Lying there with my book I kept on being asked, “What are you reading?”.. “Consider Phlebas”. Each time I was met with raised eyebrows and an “OK?”. Not one person asked what it was like! Just thought it sounded way to strange. I have about 100 pages to go and hope to knock them off today, heat pending. I’m loving the way he thinks, particularly when the… nah, better not give it away 🙂
I hope your Mum had a blast and provides good laughs on reflection over the coming years.