Uh oh. I’m in big trouble. The elderly Italian couple who lived behind us have found out I actually speak Italian. I was rolling the garbage bin into the garage this morning when Rosa left off her tomato plant inspection to ask me a question – in Italian. Even though we’d only exchanged the briefest of pleasantries in broken English since I’d moved into the neighborhood, I thought nothing of it and responded – in Italian. And that was it. The floodgates were opened. Suddenly, this hitherto reserved septuagenarian was yakking away about everything from her parents’ medical conditions to the marital status of each of her various nieces and nephews. She ended up speaking to me more in that twenty minute run than in the preceding three year’s worth of conversations combined. Damn. And I’d been so careful up to that point. Clearly, someone must have tipped her off. On the bright side, she was so pleased with our little chat that she gifted me with two young tomato plants. Remind me to check in with Fondy later this Summer to find out how they’re doing.
One of the questions people in “the business” are always asked is “What is so-and-so like to work with?”. Is he really as nice as his onscreen persona? Is she really as selfless and generous as her interview for The Missionary Herald would suggest? The response to these types of questions is always the same. A resounding “YES!” frosted with effusive praise, trimmed with the sincere admiration, and crowned with a healthy dollop of respect. But, honestly, it’s the equivalent to someone asking you what you think of you’re co-workers with the understanding that whatever you say will one hundred percent, without a doubt , get back to whoever it is you‘re talking about. It’s politics rather than honesty that dictates a polite response in social settings. And so rarely do you hear someone say “That guy’s a jerk!” or “She’s a demanding diva.” or “That guy was fired from his last show for accidentally setting fire to the executive producer’s daughter’s Winnebago during while in flagrante delicto.” Instead, it’s always sunshine and butterflie. But what’s the real story? Who IS a pleasure to work with and who ISN‘T? Well, the best way to find out is to query the people they work with. And I’m not talking about actors or directors or producers. I’m referring to those unsung heroes of the industry, the men and women who spend their every working day in their company. I’m referring to the crew, the people who make it all happen on-set and, in so doing, have to put up with that demanding actor, that quick-tempered director, or that overbearing producer with a disquieting penchant for karaoke and orange creamsicles. They, better than anyone, know what’s what. And they, unlike most, can’t be accused of having an axe to grind. They call ’em as they see ’em. I bring up this topic because Michael Shanks was in yesterday, shooting his scenes for the mid-season two-parter and the crew was Thrilled (note the capital T) to have him back. Apparently, Marty G. came across Michael holding court on set, exchanging anecdotes and happy memories with an appreciative gathering of familiar faces from his days on SG-1. Yep. How actors, directors, and producers gets along with/are respected by their crew will pretty much tell you all you need to know. FYI.
Well, I was awakened again early this morning by Maximus who was hacking and wheezing like a 3-pack a day smoker. Very strange since I was certain I’d confiscated his secret cigarette stash over a month ago. Our vet suspects kennel cough (despite the fact that his shots are up to date), so he’s on antibiotics while the other pooches are on cough-watch.
A representative from our home insurance company came by today to inspect the damage wrought by the build-up of moisture in the furnace room (see previous blog entries for all the glorious details, ed.). His attitude was amusingly optimistic. He even went so far as to suggest the presence of mold aint all that bad. “It’s not necessarily bad for you,”he tried to convince Fondy. “After all, we eat mold!” Really? Had I been there, I would have happily offered him a hunk. Bon appetit!
As I suspected, yesterday’s lurid headline (Major Hollywood Star Attacked by Rabid Turtles) coincided with a modest traffic uptick for this blog. So let’s see how today’s entry does.
Today’s blog entry is dedicated to Demon Hunter and his/her burning eyes.
Mailbag:
PG15 writes: “ Episode 15 = Marty’s pitch, but you’re writing it. You’ve now named it Remnants.
Episode 16 = Very Special Atlantis Episode, Marty’s writing it (and directing it).”
Answer: Why would I be writing Martin’s pitch yet keep the title I came up with for my story? Nope. I’ll be writing my story, Remnants, in the 15 slot. Martin will write and direct his story in the 16 slot.
Kellie writes: “ There was an episode in season three when Woolsey and Caldwell were chatting on the inner balcony thing in Atlantis. Woolsey was peeling an orange. I’ve always wondered why he didn’t offer a piece to Caldwell.”
Answer: Because in the preceding scene, Caldwell was eating an ice cream sandwich and Woolsey asked for a bite but Caldwell refused. Unfortunately, it was cut for time.
MysteryMadchen writes: “1.) Your killing me here, any news on when the Shep whump ep will be? I’d sure love some tid bits as to what it may consist of? Sheppard’s my favorite character and those are my favorite episodes.
2.) I don’t mean to be smug but carbs are sugars as well, they are just complex carbohydrates. I’m Diabetic and have been since I was 14, so for 14 years. Nobody tells people that, especially the newly Diabetic but your power bars actually have 8 grams of sugar. 1 gram simple table sugar that hit’s your system quick and hard and 7 grams that sticks with you and sneaks up later, elevating your blood sugars and maintaining them longer.
3.)Is Jason M. really only 2 inches taller than Joe F.?
4.)Where can fan’s go to let the network and MGM know that we want another season of SGA. Is there an email address or a site, anything to show our support?”
Answers: Hey, Nicole. Hope your mom is well. 1) Hexed is on life support. 2) I think you’d be hardpressed to find a power bar that contained no carbs. 3) Haven’t a clue. 4) You can post on the official website – but I’m sure MGM is all for a sixth season.
AnnaLeo writes: “Sometimes there are dining scenes. Do the actors end up eating a lot in those when you have to do several takes? Or do they pretend to eat?”
Answer: Depends on the actor.
Iamza writes: “ I’ve been trying to decide if his pain is part of the reason Glokta chose his new profession — if he’s in pain, why shouldn’t everybody else be?”
Answer: That was my assumption.
Angelus writes: “ Is it true that on breaks the people of Stargate and the people of Smallville have a little battle of the shows on the Bridge Studios lot?”
Answer: Smallville doesn’t shoot at The Bridge.
Pilgrim writes: “Are they ever going to stop with these ridiculous hybrid names for crossbreeds? When I first got my mutt he was just a little mongrel but now apparently he’s called a Springador (Springer Spaniel/Labrador cross)…”
Answer: I want my next dog to be a Bulldog Shitzu mix just because of the crossbreed name potential it provides.
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