“There’s a spot,”I informed Fondy as we rolled into the parking lot. I pointed. “Right there.”
“That’s the difference between you and me,”she said as we rolled by the empty space. “I’m more of an optimist. Instead of settling for a spot, I’m willing to take a chance and find something closer.”
We spent the next ten minutes creeping through the lot, stopping for foot traffic, winding our way around double-parked cars and people unloading their groceries, until, finally, we found a spot. Clear on the other side of the Costco parking lot.
“If we had parked where I’d suggested, we’d be shopping by now,”I couldn’t help but point out.
She put the car in park. “This spot is closer.”
“No it isn’t. It’s closer to the building, but we have to walk all the way around to get to the entrance. Plus, the time we spent looking for parking – “
“I prefer this spot.”
I hopped out of the car and swung around to meet her. “Really? You prefer this one? The one that’s further away.”
She threw me a look that suggested I might want to reconsider pursuing the subject. “Just go get a cart.”
So I did. I got the cart, dropped the topic, and wasted two hours of my life at Costco and Home Depot lugging top soil, a lawn chair, a seven drawer organizer cart, cucumbers, and enough toilet paper to last us through the next two apocalypses. Fortunately, I brought along a book (John Wyndham’s Chocky. So far, so brilliant. I’m a huge fan of Wyndham’s prose style.) and, while Fondy studied the lavender plants and office equipment, I stood guard by the cart, reading. I’m pleased to report I made it two-thirds of the way through the book without incident (the suspicious elderly woman who eyed our cherry tomatoes notwithstanding).
Tonight, I think we’ll follow yesterday’s lead and watch a movie. After last night’s screening, I’m inclined to agree with Carl. The wrong movie won the Oscar for best picture. Ratatouille was robbed!
With the satellite down (A repairman will be coming by anytime between 9:00 a.m. tomorrow and the opening ceremonies of the 2010 Olympics, so we have to make sure someone is home.), I’ve been dipping back into my vast anime storehouse. Lately, I’ve been watching a series called Hell Girl in which impressionable young kids summon up demonic forces via internet to wreak vengeance on bullies, cheats, and veterinarians who diss their dogs. The twist, of course, is that by cursing others, they are also banishing their own souls to Hell. Yet this decided con is often glossed over as the involved parties reason “But that’s a long way off.”. The interesting thing about the series, besides its bizarre premise, is its unapologetic treatment of countless doomed innocents. Often, it’s high school students who should know better than to consign their souls to everlasting torment over toughing it out through their senior year, but sometimes its misunderstood adults who are banished as a result of some oversight. In the episode I watched yesterday, some poor slob gets sent to Hell because a girl assumed he was responsible for her father’s death. Turns out he wasn’t but “Oh well. Take it up with Connie in Human Resources once you actually reach the underworld. And say hi to Ty Cobb for me. Sucker.”
Today’s blog is dedicated to the generous Paloosa and her CD shipment.
Today’s video: Wraith chat with Aaron and Tyler. Click on the link:
http://s230.photobucket.com/albums/ee164/BaronDestructo/?action=view¤t=Wraithonthelot.flv
Mailbag:
Mackenzie’s Momma writes: “Why do the Milky Way planets get designated with “P” and Pegasus Galaxy planets get designated with “M” designations?”
Answer: It’s a simple way of differentiating between planet’s in either galaxy, P for Pegasus and M for Milky Way. No. Wait.
Annie from Freemantle writes: “Do you feel confident that this season is going to clinch a spot for a season 6?”
Answer: I’m very proud of the season 5 episodes completed to date but, at the end of the day, a sixth season pick-up will depend on much more than the quality of the show. Other variables that will be taken into account include ratings, production feasibility, and bottom line economics.
Thornyrose writes: “ Do you have a secondary pile waiting in case you finish the main pile off early? […] Besides your books, do you have any plans for going to the movies, the theatre proper, or watching dvds? If so, which ones?”
Answer: Only my two days into hiatus and I suspect I may have underestimated by reading capacity. I’ll pick up some more titles on Wednesday since I’ll be dropping by the offices anyway to watch the Ghost in the Machine day one mix and the Broken Ties final mix, and begin discussions on Project Twilight.
Rose writes: “Just wondering – how business-free is your hiatus? Do you get frequent calls from sycophants and minions asking where the tape is or are you able to relax?”
Answer: Well, I will be working on that script rewrite. And directors’ cuts and mixes will inevitably find their way to my home. So, in answer to your questions – no, this hiatus will not be Stargate-free.
Bugguy writes: “They had bacon ice cream on Top Chef and most of the recipients loved it. Any chance we will see you giving this a go on your ice cream Friday?”
Answer: Where have you been, sir? Re: the bacon ice cream. I’m intrigued enough that I may just give it a go this Summer.
Gate Geek writes: “Have you ever done or know anyone who has done the Grouse Grind?”
Answer: The Grouse Grind, for those not in the know, is a 1.8 mile ascent up Grouse Mountain here in Vancouver. Quite frankly, it’s not my thing. That said, I once climbed not one but two stairwells to reach Szechuan Chongqing Seafood Restaurant on West Broadway. Close enough.
JoanielovesChachi writes: “Will Mitch Pilleggi be in Season 5?”
Answer: Yep. Watch for Mitch in the season premiere and mid-season two-parter.
Enzo Aquarius writes: “What is that dish in the first picture?”
Answer: Tea-smoked duck from Northern Delicacy in Richmond.
Enzo Aquarius also writes: “Judging by the cut McKay “I said good day, sir” line, I surmise this was a scene where McKay talks back to somebody? […] Heck, if it was between Zelenka and McKay, I would’ve made McKay say it then.”
Answer: It was. And it was meant to be sarcastic.
David writes: “Do you usually get “special treatment” or privilages due to your job?”
Answer: I get to okay the 100th Anniversary cake. Other than that, not really.
Leila writes: “Why can’t the puddle jumpers go through the Gate cloaked?”
Answer: The physics of the cloak won’t allow it to re-molecularize once it exits the gate.
LibKat writes: “In one of the season 10 commentaries you mention that you are a ’shipper and list Jack/Sam, Daniel/Vala and Mitchell/Landry. Did you mean Mitchell/Lam or is there a hidden slasher somewhere?”
Answer: Did you see SG-1’s Uninvited? Those two carried on like an old married couple!
Boston writes: “Have you ever gotten a note on one of your scripts from a fellow writer that you’ve simply ignored or strongly disagreed with?”
Answer: There have been times when I’ve disagreed with a note and have argued the point or tried to address the point in a way that would prove satisfactory to both parties. This is usually easier to do when it’s just a single voice in the room and you have other writers backing you up. When it’s a consensus note, that’s a lot harder to do.
DisplacedDanny writes: “1) If the Ancients created ring platforms, why have we not seen any Pegasus?
2) En terme de ville, est-ce que Montréal te manque?”
Answer: 1) That’s a good question and one that has engendered much discussion in the writer’s room. Ideally, we’d love to address it in an Ancient-focused episode. Maybe in season six. 2) Des fois.
Caitlyanna writes: “I’m just starting to get into Science Fiction novels, but what do you think would be a good one to really get me into the genre?”
Answer: I’d check out either The Android’s Dream, Old Man’s War, or Ender’s Game.
Luis811 writes: “When the main actors are reading their lines while filming the extras you see in the background are also engaed in conversation are they actually reading lines from script or are they just mumbling.”
Answer: Their lines are scripted. What they’re muttering is anyone’s guess. I suspect they’re usually discussing that week’s episode of Lost.
Platschu writes: “1. What will happen, if the SAG strike begins in July? Can you finish season 5 as you planned?
2. The new hostile race will return in the second half or will they be only in the mid season two parter?
3. Which TV actor or actress would you like to see as the leading star in Universe? Are there any plans to call somebody for Universe or will you choose from those, who goes to the casting?
4. Are you satisfied with season 5? If you have to give points to the episodes, than how much will you give? Which is the best?
5. Do you plan a bigger advertisement campaign for season 5 on TV channels / newpapers / electronic media? There is less than a month, but I could see only some short article about the season on scifi.com. When will we get a longer promo or pictures about the team?
6. An 1,2-1,4 average rating would be enough for SciFi to order season 5? “
Answers: 1) Without Joe, David, and Jason? 2) TBD 3) I have no preference. 4) So far – yes, very much so. 5) I have nothing to do with the show’s official promotion. It is up to MGM and SciFi how they wish to promote the series. 6) As I stated above, there are a number of factors that will figure into the decision.
Sarcasmo writes: “How is it a criticism of an episode when I’m not even talking about that?”
Answer: Sure you are. This is all about the Whispers casting and how, in your less-than-humble opinion, it was all about hiring a bunch of hot women (apparently confirmed, in your myopic view, by an off-hand quip made before the script was even written). I find it kind of ironic that you’re passing judgment on these four women based solely on appearances. You’ll be infinitely disappointed once the episode airs and they prove to be infinitely capable. But, like I said in my previous response, I’m sure that, by that time, you’ll have moved on to find something else to complain about, oh Cranky One.
Crazymom writes: “Have you ever had a guest actor on the show who turned out to be far worse than you expected? (not asking for names). Or just a huge pain and not worth their talent?”
Answer: Over the course of my nine years on Stargate, there have been actors we have hired who have disappointed both in front of and behind the camera. I’m sure it’s no different than any other show.
Shiny writes: “Seriously, how naughty is Martin’s YPF movie on a scale where Enchanted is a 1 and Shortbus is a 10? Is it just the title that folks are objecting too?”
Answer: I’d say YPF is a 6 on the Naughty Scale. Yes, the government had a knee-jerk reaction to the title and now they’re looking awfully foolish. Sarcasmo, take note.
Gina writes: “If SAG goes on strike you wont be affected in Canada will you?”
Answer: We certainly will.
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