One of the nice things about going away for a while is coming back to find stuff done for you. Things like laundry, guest Q&A’s, and script outlines. Well, guest Q&A’s anyway. And so, today, I turn this blog over to the lovely and talented Martin Gero who has kindly taken the time to answer your questions about last week’s episode, Brain Storm, which he wrote, directed, and produced. Now, if he only did laundry…
Hey everyone! As always, thank you for your kind comments, questions and occasional condemnation. I relish the chance to answer a few questions on this, the most popular Sci-Fi/Food blog on the internet. Let’s begin:
Bailey writes: “I wanted to ask Martin Gero what possessed him to write an episode of Stargate Atlantis that had nothing to do with a Stargate or Atlantis? With so few eps left, why???? And what were you all thinking in making the McKay and Keller relationship so blatant and in our faces?”
Pilota writes: “First off – I really liked Brainstorm alot. It was geeky good fun. I’m not one to pick apart episodes so my question is of the “not so deep” variety….
Dyginc writes: “Welcome Back! I tried to make an reservation at Fuel today for me and my sister’s trip in February (13th-16th) for my birthday but online it said that I was to early to do so?! My questions for you is if I do end up getting one…
1) should I get a table or sit at the bar?
2) what would your recommend for someone who HATES cheese since I can’t see a menu and I really would like to try something to increase my pallet
3) would you recommend a good time slot?”
Answers: 1) It really depends on you. When I’m with Fondy, we get a table as it’s a little more intimate. When I’m with Martin, we usually like to sit at the bar so that we can watch and chat with (aka harass) the kitchen staff. 2) Tell them beforehand if there is anything you can’t eat and they’ll make sure to avoid said ingredients in your multi-course menu. They’re more than happy to accommodate. 3) Again, it depends on you. I’m an early eater so anytime before 8:00 p.m. is my preference.
Wraithfodder: Did you see any Godzillas?
Answer: Alas, no Godzilla. The NHK Studios did promise a photo op with either of their mascots, Spoo or WanWan but, unfortunately, neither was present on the day I visited.
Wonderingbrit writes: “Regarding season two of ‘Weird Food Purchase of the Day’ (wfpd), are we likely to see more of these most excellent videos over the next few days? Or might you be doing something special in the way for interest christmas foods from around the world?”
Answer: You never know what this blog has in store. And neither do I.
Megan writes: “Quick question for you concerning SGA: According to MGM, the decision to cancel the series was not in their hands; they would have approved a sixth season. SciFi wanted a sixth season as well. You’ve stated you wanted to continue with Atlantis as did the actors. So, who made the final call to cancel SGA when all parties wanted to go on?”
Answer: Great, great question.
Terry writes: “ What did you think of the Vernor Vinge book? Had you read “A Fire Upon the Deep?””
Answer: I enjoyed Rainbows End, but A Fire Upon the Deep is still my favorite Vernor Vinge book.
Arctic Goddess writes: “1) Is it possible to not have to learn some Japanese to visit the country? I suppose it would mean just doing the touristy thing?
2) You snapped a picture of a line of middle aged people. Some of them were wearing face masks. Can you explain what that was all about?
3) Is Stargate or Atlantis seen in Japan?
4) Have you noticed any major changes in Japan since you were last there?”
Answers: 1) Sure. Many Japanese speak some English. Still, it wouldn’t hurt to pick up a few words and phrases before you go – especially if you think you may need to locate a public toilet at any time over the course of your stay. 2) Yes. I noticed this the last time I visited Ginza – huge line-ups of middle-aged to elderly people waiting for…something? I finally asked one of the guards overseeing the crowd about it. Apparently, they were all lining up for lottery tickets! 3) Yep. On AXN. 4) Actually, I noticed a lot of things that hadn’t changed. There was a tiny shop on a Ginza side street that used to sell funny pug calendars. Fondy and I visited the last two times we went to Tokyo. On this last trip, I didn’t see it and assumed it was no longer there – only to come across it on my second to last day in town.
ElisaD writes: “How is the script going for the SGA movie?”
Answer: We’re still at the outline stage. I did my pass and I’m waiting for Paul to do his.
Annie from Freemantle writes: “I can’t click on the pics to enlarge.. is it just me?”
Answer: Hmmm. It’s not just you. WordPress went through another upgrade and…changed certain things. The pic commands for one. I’ll look into it.
Special writes: “Any chance that some female writers or writers of color will be joining the SGU team?”
Answer: Every season, the show always makes a point of auditioning new talent and I don’t see SGU being any different.
Susan the Tartan Turtle writes: “Did you film a video of the bath and all its buttons?”
Answer: The bathtub console was far less interesting than the toilet command. Rather than control things like water color or tub texture, those buttons merely operated the t.v. and telephone features. Lame!
Ponytail writes: “1) In all your pictures, EVERYONE looked very slim (even the dogs). Are there any overweight people in Tokyo? What would you attribute this to: diet, exercise (lots of walking), or genetics?
2) How did you and Fondy communicate? Phone calls, texting, or did you just say, “Honey, just read my blog”?
3) Do the police wear guns and is there very much crime in Tokyo?
4) What does $1.00 American dollar equal in Japanese money?”
Answers: 1) The majority of the Japanese people I saw were of slender build. I’d attribute it to equal parts diet, genetics, and stress. 2) I phoned Fondy every morning (which was late afternoon her name) and we also exchanged the occasional email. Also, in the event she expressed a desire for details on my trip, I directed her to my blog. 3) There isn’t that much crime in Tokyo and the only policeman I ever saw wearing a gun was the one stationed across the street from a sushi restaurant I was about to head into. I did find it passing strange until, seconds later, a former Prime Minister came up the stairs, headed into a waiting car, and motored off. 4) According to xe.com, a US dollar is presently worth 92.8350 Japanese yen.
Montrealer writes: “My question for your Nippon gourmet excursion. Did you have any meal item that really surprise you in a good way? Any thoughts on the current political mess in Ottawa?”
Answers: 1) Many of the meals I enjoyed offered plenty of great surprises, from Ukai-Tei’s creamy chestnut soup to the fun okinomiyaki place Jessica treated me to. 2) I generally avoid politically commentary however, with regard to the recent goings on in Ottawa let me just say that, given the individual party leaders involved, I’m not at all surprised.
Jinx writes: “Did you ever manage the Absolut Ice Bar? Or will I just need to travel to Tokyo myself?”
Answer: Sadly, never made it.
Shirt ‘n Tie writes: “Tell us more about Chef Belcham’s new restaurant..I assume it is in Vancouver?”
Answer: I’ll have a full review with pics in tomorrow’s entry.
Karen writes: “Am I seeing things or was it snowing on your blog or does my laptop have a virus?”
Answer: I believe it’s a feature of the background theme I’ve selected. Seasonal, no?
Sparrow-hawk writes: “1. How did the GPS Navigator work in Tokyo? Was it worth the time and trouble you took to download the maps?
2. How did you find your dining companions?
3. Did you ever get the the “Parasitological Museum”?”
Answers: 1) Not too good. The model I purchased, Garmin, doesn’t offer maps of Tokyo – despite the fact that they have offices in the city (?). I mainly used it to upload my own maps but that proved less than helpful as Google Maps, I discovered, is often not all that accurate. I generally relied on the map the hotel provided me with. 2) I went online to a bunch of travel sites and expressed my interest in meeting up with some travel companions, preferably those interested in dining out. I supplied a link to this blog so that people could find out a bit about me. Despite this, I was contacted by some individuals willing to meet up. Go figure. 3) Alas, I did not. I plan to hit it on my return visit.
Trevor writes: “Does this mean like SG-1 only two movies or are they really going to make more movies on both SG-1 and SGA ?”
Answer: At present, we are scheduled to produce two movies next year, one of each.
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