Last night, Paul and I met up with Aaron Abrams (aka Kano from SGA episodes “The Lost Boys” and “The Hive”, and Marty G.’s writing partner on YPF) and had dinner at Hatfield’s, a restaurant Paul described as “L.A.’s Fuel.” We enjoyed a spectacular 7 course meal that included pork belly served with a surprisingly nice vanilla-based sauce, squash agnolotti, and a chocolate and peanut butter dessert that so impressed Aaron I feared he would break down in tears. Alas, no pics. In the end, I didn’t bring my camera because I didn’t want to be mistaken for the guy desperately looking to snap a pic of Mario Lopez out on the town. Next time I’m in town, I’ll definitely make a return visit to Hatfield’s. And I will make it a point to bring my camera.
This morning, we had our fifth and final pitch meeting at a studio that, in my opinion, would be the perfect fit for this project. We should find out if any of these meetings yields positive results in the next few weeks. In the meantime…
It’s back to the office tomorrow for a Day 1 Mix of Identity. The beat sheet for the SGA movie is in Paul’s hands and he has promised to work on it this weekend and put it out on Monday. As for that super, secret project…well, I haven’t had a chance to work on it since leaving for L.A., so I’m still stuck on page 5, top of scene 4. On November 10th, we all reconvene to start spinning stories for SGU’s first season.
Well, we’re finally homeward bound. Which is just as well since we were running out of tipping money for the valet who brings our car up from the hotel parking lot. It was a might pricey after awhile but, in my opinion, well worth the expense for the hilarious “delivery of the day” we were treated to on Tuesday. The on-duty valet approached Paul and, I assume, meant to ask him either “What’s your last name?” or “Do you remember your room number?”, but ended up asking: “Do you remember your last name?” Fortunately for Paul on this day, he did. And we got our car.
Some discussion on The Traveler:
Sylvia writes: “The book is sooo contemporary – given the “big brother”, RFID, so many security reasons to eavesdrop on the populace; local and global. It was very erie to think of the similarities of the book to our own society.”
Answer: Yes. This was one aspect that really stood out for me. The author does a terrific job of blurring the line between the fantasy and reality of contemporary surveillance technology. I wouldn’t be surprised to discover the Twelve Hawks has merely scratched the surface of what is actually out there.
Sylvia also writes: “Michael – did not expect him to become such an opportunist and ready to be selfish, greedy, and basically – sell out his brother.”
Answer: Their ability to turn Michael bumped me a bit given that they were responsible for the (seeming) death of his father.
Sylvia writes: “Thus, it was appalling that Nash wanted to pursue and was directing efforts to communicate with the intelligence found in the super computer. They had no idea or guarantee that the entities would not end up destroying earth or the live they had.”
Answer: Hell, yes. This was my thought exactly. Those technologically advanced entities seeking access to our reality are going to be trouble. The Tabula better have a plan to deal with them if the need arises. And the fact that, like I said, they are technologically advanced could make dealing with them easier said than done.
AntiSocialButterflie writes: “ I read the last half of this book on an airplane. The whole trip I kept spotting security cameras and thinking that I was being watched.”
Answer: That’s funny. As I was heading through the airport screener today, I was flagged for a secondary screening in which I was patted down and my bag thoroughly searched. My first thought was “I wonder if they know I’ve been reading The Traveler.”
NarellefromAus writes: “Now hearing about my upbringing you all think I’m a Froot Loop? That’s if you didn’t beforehand.”
Answer: I prefer “delightfully wacky”.
Thronyrose writes: “I was, however, put off by the Bretheren/Vast Machine conspiracy, though not enough to put the book aside. Too many conspiracy theories, too many improbable stories and claims about centuries old Secret Societies invisibly manipulating mankind has jaded me on this sort of tale.”
Answer: I really enjoyed this aspect of the book. In some ways, it reminded me of Umbert Eco’s Foucault’s Pendulum – a very different novel with a similar theme.
Drldeboer writes: “. I also believe ALL people have the potential to catalyze change, generate new ideas and make different things happen. It doesn’t take anyone *special* and I’m distrustful of people who think that they are better than everyone else. “
Answer: I agree. I’ll always remember an interview with Harlan Ellison in which he described coming to L.A. for the first time, a virtual nobody. He watched the movers and shakers around him and distilled their success to one trait: confidence. Ellison cultivated this trait in himself and, well, there’s no denying the guy has done pretty well for himself. In short – if you’re confident in yourself and your abilities, the world is your oyster. Or, if you’re my wife, the world is your clam.
Okay. I’m posting from the airport lounge. Tomorrow afternoon, I’ll be writing from the comfort of my home – which means I’ll finally be able to get around to that mailbag!
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