Thanks to everyone who has offered up informed advice, hopeful suggestions, and strongly worded remonstrations on my ongoing tech problems. The battle continues on two fronts. First, there’s the internet issues with my new Macbook. Despite repeated attempts to log on to my home network (I can make a connection just fine at work), I keep getting the “This computer was unable to join the AirPort network you selected. You may have entered an incorrect password…” message. My online tech support suggested I try changing the network name and password – which I’ve been reluctant to do since, the way my luck has been going, it’ll no doubt end up screwing the internet capabilities of the laptops that CAN still get a connection. Hmmm. Maybe I’ll give it a try later tonight, but only after I’ve uploaded this entry. If no comments are approved after this entry is published, you can be sure I’m royally screwed.
Then, there’s the issues with my damn Blackberry. This one is particularly infuriating because, unlike my laptop, I can’t use the damn thing. Oh, sure, I can scroll up and down and side to side, but I can’t click down on the trackball. Actually, that’s not entirely true. I CAN click down on the trackball, but it requires me to set the tip of a pen against it and then press down with my full body weight. Needless to say it’s a highly inconvenient method of communication. I was at Fuel last night and Tom informed me that he experienced the very same problem. And so had a number of his friends. And so had A LOT of other people as my subsequent online research revealed. Apparently, it’s a problem with the hardware, NOT the software (as my cell phone provider would have me believe). Unfortunately, the phone is over a year old and no longer under warranty so my only options are to: a) purchase a new phone and start a new contract, or b) suck it.
I figured that, after my many years as a Rogers customer, I would be rewarded for my loyalty and offered some sort of deal. Perhaps a discount on an iPhone? Some free weekends on my new contract? A coupon for a free McChicken if I purchase a sandwich of equal or greater value? Nope, sorry. Longtime Rogers customers aren’t as important as relatively new customers who have less than a year remaining on their contracts. THEIR business, Rogers wants to keep. YOUR business – they‘ve already got. What’re you gonna do? Well, like I said, you can purchase a new phone at full price and sign up for another three year contract (and hope the same thing doesn’t happen to you a year from now) or you can suck it. Or…
You can pay a penalty and take your business elsewhere, see what kind of deals a rival cell phone provider can offer that will hopefully offset the cost of breaking your contract. And, if you’re feeling pissed off enough, start a contest on your blog that would automatically enter anyone who drops Rogers in favor of a rival provider in a draw to win a round-trip airfare for two to anywhere in the world of the winner’s choosing. And offer a similar incentive to anyone willing to drop Blackberry for an iPhone. Also, new customers who sign up for an internet provider OTHER THAN Rogers or purchase an iPhone over a Blackberry would also be eligible. I haven’t quite worked out the details, but give me a couple of days.
And, of course, Rogers and Blackberry can suck it instead.
Hey, Stargate science consultant Mika McKinnon () will be giving a talk next week about working as a science consultant, science in science fiction, and the science portrayed in Stargate. If you’re interested, head on over:
Monday, 3pm, running at least 15 min but not more than 1 hr.
Earth & Ocean Sciences seminar room (EOS-Main 330A), UBC campus
A reminder to all you Book of the Month club participants who read Emissaries from the Dead and have questions for the author – Post ‘em! You have until tomorrow night!
Mailbag:
JYS writes: “I found out about the closure too on facebook…sucks…cause I never got a chance to try the duck or belly confit.”
Answer: There’s still time. You have about three weeks until the changeover. And I’m sure there’s a strong possibility the duck and the belly confit will make an appearance on the new menu at some point.
Ron writes: “So theoretically dialing the gate while in the sun would have worked but Rush somehow managed to stop them?”
Answer: Rush may have been able to pull one over on Telford and his crew, but it’s unlikely he would be able to do the same to Eli who is in a better position to check and either confirm or deny Rush’s assertion.
PoorOldEdgarDerby writes: “Who has you beat on Fuel visits?”
Answer: Some guy who used to go in for lunch all the time (I personally think dinners should count for more). Anyway, I went in for my own lunch visit today and tied him. One more visit should put me over the top.
Flygirl writes: “No Fuel?!! What will we do?!! It’s always one of my first stops, when I’m in Vancouver! Rats! It’s those darn protesters fault!”
Answer: Ha, I guarantee that the protesters are deluded enough to think this was all them. But fear not, Flygirl. The reimagined Fuel will be taking its place and I’m confident the food will be a terrific as ever.
Jmanzione writes: “Regarding Fuel; the name change, menu change, and emphasis on “more affordable” tells me that your city, and probably your country, is being hit with the same economic destruction that the USA is experiencing and at least your friends at Fuel still have a company and their employees won’t be tossed to the curb.”
Answer: That’s it, I suspect. All of the city’s fine dining establishments have taken a hit and several have shut down operations entirely.
Paloosa writes: “Since Destiny is elderly, will there be some breakdowns now that the crew is taxing its systems?
Can “Time” be considered a stand alone episode?
Will there ever be an episode where the crew of the Destiny can rally against something together, instead of against each other?”
Answers: 1) Possibly. 2) Yes. 3) I’d say they rallied together at the end of Earth with Brody and Volker following Rush’s plan to rid Destiny of Telford and co.
Cat writes: “I am saddened to hear of Fuel’s closing also. Unfortunately I’ve never been, as it’s a bit out of my price range, but I had been planning on selecting it for my celebration dinner when I finally complete my undergrad (the parents would foot the bill for the meal in that case).”
Answer: The reimagined Fuel will be more casual and more affordable from what I hear, so you can still check it out.
Matt Boesch writes: “at the end of justice will we see a to be continue logo?”
Answer: Nope. You’ll just have to trust us!
Anais33 a ecrit: “=) je veux posé des questions à Maximus!
1) Où êtes vous née?
2) Avez vous eu dàja des disputes avec vos camarades chiens? Qui? et pourquoi?
3) Que pensez vous de Joseph?”
Maximus repond: 1) Calgary, Alberta. Canada.
2) Oui. Brie. Et Lulu des fois. Elles sont mechantes.
3) Il est toujours en retard avec mon dîner!
Flappo writes: “So may I ask what Animes do you watch?”
Answer: The last two I watched were Death Note and When They Cry, both of which I enjoyed. Some of my faves include: Berserk, Cowboy Bebop, Now and Then Here and There, Utena, Ninja Scroll, Read or Die, Samurai 7, Samurai Champloo, Kino’s Journey, Last Exile, Azumanga Daioh, Ghost in the Shell: Standalone Complex, Neon Genesis Evangelion, Excel Saga, Infinite Ryvius, Patlabor, Love Hina, Video Girl Air.
Extra Ordinary Teenager writes: “Hey Joe, what is the episode composition for sgu? is it still 5 acts and the tease like sga?”
Answer: Yes, same as it was for both SGA and SG-1.
Anubis91 writes: “I would like to know if we could see those “un”official lists of adress that has been done in the past ?”
Answer: I’ll look into it for you.
Shelsfc writes: “any chance we might see you make an appearance there btw? It’s apparently gonna be the last Gatecon “
Answer: It always comes down to scheduling for me.
D writes: “A) Why did you chose to put this type of content in the Kino videos, and why wasn’t more of this type of content included in the show?
B) Since these first intro episode are about the audience getting to know the ship and cast why aren’t we seeing a bit more of how they’re setting up life out there and learning to live around the technology of the ship (beyond just *it’s broken right now*):
Picking rooms, morning exercise routines, exploring places like the medlab, making revelations about the ancients, etc.”
Answers: A) Some of this content has been incorporated into the show (Darkness comes to mind and this week’s episode, Time, is a great example).
B) We’ve already done a fair amount of set-up and will be exploring how the crew is settling into their new lives over the course of this season.
Bailey writes: “Closing Fuel and opening a new restaurant with the same owners is wierdly like how Stargate was “reopened” with SGU.
Hope you like the new place.”
Answer: Oh, I know I will. But, in the unlikely event I don’t, I’ll demand changes and if they don’t come about instantly, I’ll organize a boycott and try to shut them down – just for spite J
Simon writes: “1) What’s the deal with the one worded titles this season? Not complaning, just curious as to what the insperation was behind that chose.
2) I know this has been asked COUNTLESS times, but, when are talks with MGM about the SG1/SGA movie going to continue?
3) How many Nic Rush-centered episodes are we going to see this season?
4) Will we see who/what attacked the Destiny? And does it involve ‘the pod’ from ”AIR (3)”?”
Answers: 1) I suggested one word titles for season one, hoping we would do two word titles for season two. So far, the two word titles thing hasn’t exactly caught on.
2) There are no “talks”. It’s up to the studio to decide when the movies move forward.
3) Depends what you mean by Rush-centered. If you’re talking specifically Rush-centered, only one comes to mind: Human.
4) Stay tuned.
DasNdanger writes: “Joe – quick question about Fuel. jmanzione did a good job at pointing out the probable economic reasons for the change, but do you think such things as the foie gras protesters had any bearing on their decision?”
Answer: Not at all considering the fact that foie will no doubt be on the new menu as well.
Scary writes: “# 1 Does the SG1 movie have a title like SGA does?
# 2 When you get the “call” do you think that both movies will be made at the same time or will they only make one at a time?
# 3 How long do you think you will get to shoot each movie?
# 4 Who is tentatively slated to direct each movie?”
Answers: 1) Stargate: Revolution
2) I wouldn’t even dare hazard a guess.
3) 3-4 weeks for each movie would be great.
4) I know that Andy Mikita is slated to direct Stargate: Extinction.
Melendwyrwrites: “What were the most important scenes from the first six episodes of SGU?”
Answer: That’s a matter of opinion. The examples you gave from other shows are not moments I would consider “important” in comparison to others.
Earndoggy writes: “What exactly is time shifting? If that means recording it and then watching it later….”
Answer: That’s exactly what it means. And Maximus says hi!
C. writes: “1. How do the Kino webisodes fit with the show’s continuity?”
Answer: Some kino scenes will be episode-specific while others will be more general. They’re added material so, no, you don’t have to watch them to follow what’s going on in the show – however, they do offer insight into ship life and certain characters that someone who only watches the episodes won’t be privy to.
2. I’m really liking Becker and an IMDB search tells me Jeffrey Bowyer-Chapman had a role as unnamed server on the SG-1 episode “Momento Mori.” It took me a little while to remember that was the one where Vala lost her memory and was working at a restaurant — which is I’m assuming where he played that character.
Did you guys notice that once you cast Bowyer-Chapman and could Becker be considered the same character?”
Answer: Nope. He got the role based on his audition.
Montrealer writes: “Is the remaining episodes similar to aired episode arc? Or will the look and feel of the show changes?”
Answer: As I’ve been saying, the next three episodes to the mid-season break (and the four following) are terrific and definitely more action-oriented featuring alien encounters, ship to ship battles, the shuttle in action, suspense, intrigue, and double-crosses. It all starts this Friday night with Robert C. Cooper’s masterpiece Time.
Sheryl writes: “Hey Joe, did ya get the chustnuts?”
Answer: Hey, Sheryl. Yes, and thanks! They were a hit in the office.
DasNdanger writes: “Speaking of which – you said last year that you would be heading back Sushi Kanesaka this year? Any plans of doing so?”
Answer: Although it’s not on my itinerary, I think I might.
Daniel Hardy writes: “My question would be, obviously you’ve spoken about how there have been a lot of changes from how SG-1 and SGA where written/produced/shot etc, are these things you know look back and thing, “wow, we should have been doing it this way all along.”
Answer: Oh, sure. I enjoy the cohesiveness and running throughlines of SGU and, while we did a bit of that in SG-1 and SGA, I think both shows could have benefited from more sustained arcs.
Tammy Dixon writes: “ Condolences on the loss of Fuel. I hope all the staff have found other positions?”
Answer: Same positions. Same place. Just a different concept for the restaurant.
Guy writes: “ It’s the responsibility of people in the United States to voice their opinions.”
Answer: Really? It’s a responsibility to have an opinion on everything? So you’re suggesting it’s un-American to NOT comment on the heavy-set guy wearing the orange shorts sitting across from you on the bus?
Guy also writes: “The show is rather flat, and that’s not a personal opinion, that’s an opinion of someone who has done a decent amount of acting, and has written a few skits…”
Answer: Alright, so now that we’ve established you’re expert credentials, go on…
Guy also writes: “Being “argumentative” means you argue with facts, and logic. Being “verbally aggressive” means you attack people and their ideas.”
Answer: Ideas are off-limits? Ideas as in “ideas we have for the show and write into scripts” or “ideas everyone else has like, say, an opinion on an idea we had that we incorporated into the show”? Also, saying you like or dislike something is an opinion – which you’re of course entitled to, but I hardly see how an opinion ca be grounded in logic. You’re baking analogy is all well and good, but it doesn’t deal in facts. I mean, you can say you feel the characters aren’t compelling and I can disagree and say I feel they are compelling, but I don’t think either of us have logic or facts on our side.
Guy also writes: “And the portrayal of the women characters seems to non-verbally say, that Chloe likes to have sex…”
Answer: Yes, Chloe seems to enjoy sex. And, from all indications, so do Scott, Young, and James. And, I’m willing to bet, a lot of people, some of whom ARE women.
Guy also writes: “… …”, Young’s wife is willing to have sex with some strange body (because remember, she sees Telford, not Young like we do)…”
Answer: True, but the individual occupying the body is no stranger to her. It’s her husband.
Guy also writes: “…Wray is passed over for promotions in the I.O.A.”
Answer: So what? You only assume it’s because she’s a woman in an effort to shoe horn this example into your argument. There is no indication that was the case.
MrsB. writes: “Will Rush develop a soft spot for any of the crew members? Or have a single friendly encounter with anyone that turns around on him, sending him further into his shell?”
Answer: We’ll be exploring Rush’s vulnerabilities (and his backstory) in the second half of season one.
Cook66 writes: “I wonder… Did any of the other shows, or any shows, ever create as much hostility?”
Answer: Oh, yeah. SG-1: shippers vs. non-shippers, fans upset at Daniel Jackson’s departure, the rise of the anti-Jonas faction, complaints of not enough team, complaints of not enough gate travel, complaints of too many Earth-based episodes, Carter fans vs. Vala fans, Carter fans vs. Mitchell fans, fans who hated seasons 9 and 10 because they felt it was no longer Stargate. Atlantis: Fans upset at Weir’s departure, fans upset at Beckett’s departure, fans upset at Carter’s inclusion, the anti-Keller faction, complaints of not enough team, complaints of not enough gate travel, complaints of too much emphasis on McKay/Keller. Those are just some of the lightning rod issues I can remember off the top of my head. Scifi fans are, by their very nature, extremely passionate about their shows.
Belouchi writes: “Thanks for answering my questions. I was wondering if you know any good restaurants in Boston because I’m planning a little romantic get away with my girlfriend.”
Answer: Sorry, I’m unfamiliar with the Boston restaurant scene. Hop on Chowhound and get some recommendations.
ACW writes: “Which I would certainly expect you to dispute, but please do so on your own (or your colleagues’) behalf, rather than claming to be defending the actress.”
Answer: My original comment was not a defense of the actress. Feel free to read it.
ACW also writes: “But no, calling Lt. James “Lt. Rack” (which I note has happened less since the writers started to let her keep her uniform on, and occasionally to do something non-rack-related even if it’s still All About The Guy) is not demeaning Julia Benson, any more than calling Lt. Uhura “Lt. Hailing Frequencies” would be demeaning Nichellle Nichols.”
Answer: You’re kidding, right? The first is a reference to the actress’s physical attributes. The latter is a reference to the character. It’s no different than someone criticizing a scene for being racist while using racist terminology to make his point. Like I said, by doing so you risk not being taken seriously. You can feel free to disagree and assume people will respect your opinion regardless but I made the point as a result of what I was seeing and not simply stating a personal preference.
Hithere writes: “We’ve seen in SG-1’s S09E20 ‘Camelot’ an emulator of the subspace link generated by the stones which showed an analog signal. Now, I’m going to take this as intended cannon for my next question.
Why don’t they constantly interrupt the signal in order to send a data stream?”
Answer: 1) They don’t know how to use the stones to transmit a data stream and 2) What exactly would they be sending?
DP writes: “Is Rush’s name a tribute to the band?”
Answer: No.
Candace writes: “So okay…I still loved it…but I never remember hating a book so much at one point…LOL”
Answer: Given your response, I can’t wait to hear your reaction to the end of the next book. My advice is to make sure there are no toss-worthy hot beverages within reach.
I saw big piles of wood and other stuff outside stage 6? (the stage where the SGC and Atlantis base sets are). Are the two sets being torn down? Or is that just other junk? Or do you not know? Totally looking forward to Friday.
Holy cow.
Stargate Revolution.
Me likey likey.
Let’s hope it gets made soon.
Thanks so much Mr M,
Major D. Davis
Joe:
There are known issues between the Apple MacBook and Airport. There are some step by step solutions, just do a google search for “Macbook airport problem unable to join”, there are a few sites that can walk you through resolving the problem.
Alfred
The key to all of your technology working without a hitch for the life of the contract…. get insurance on them. When you’ve got it, they work like a charm. As soon as you don’t, something will go wrong. I think someone called Murphy has something to do with it.
Hey Joe,
I am totally going to plan on being at that seminar on monday! Awesome.
Sorry to hear you’re having so many issues with you Blackberry. Which model do you have?
I have a Bold, but it’s still under warranty and they’ve been pretty good about things. The damn thing kept crashing with this white screen app error (picture the blue screen of death, but white, and on a Blackberry)… I’m hoping the new one doesn’t develop the same problem.
Hope your tech issues are resolved soon, that’s always incredibly frustrating.
Nadine
To everyone:
For anyone else in Vancouver who’s interested in going, but isn’t familiar with UBC, here’s a map:
http://www.maps.ubc.ca/PROD/index_detail.php?show=y,n,n,n,n,y&bldg2Search=n&locat1=402
so we have a name! Stargate: Revolution.
😀
“even if u guys don’t get picked up for season 2 would u seek work in other tv shows?”
Thanks for the nice Q&A!
And here – just a suggestion for your continued tech problems:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v54/dasNdanger/fixit.jpg
🙂
Have a good evening, sir!
das
Hey Joe. Gotta say that SGU is going really well. I enjoy the whole new dynamic you guys have going. I understand what you’ve been saying about the whole “dark side” of the SGU characters compared to SG-1 and Atlantis. Unlike Battlestar Galactica, you guys aren’t going dark enough to want me to watch a comedy straight after.
I was just wondering, Jack becoming a desk jockey, so to speak, and in charge of Stargate Command or whatever department he’s in charge of, is that covered in the SG-1 movie? And is Richard Dean Anderson still going to be a major character in it?
Looking forward to the next seven episodes. And the rest after that. Oh, and I was just curious, have you ever seen the Naked Gun movies? Leslie Nielson is in them. Very funny.
Nope. He (Jeffery Bowyer-Chapman) got the role based on his audition.
I’m sure he did. My question was meant more along the lines of — once you guys saw his audition and decided to cast him in SGU, did you notice he had the tiny little role on SG-1 and decide to make the SG-1 character part of Becker’s background. Like, if we looked at Becker’s history, would we see that he at one point in his life worked at a Colorado Springs eatery?
Hi Joe
In regards to your network issues, do you have a router? If so, could you possibly have a wireless filter enabled? If that is the case it will only allow a specific mac address to establish a connection while rejecting everything else, just a thought? Not sure what your setup is, but if you have a router, check your router’s wireless filter.
Good luck!
Looooooong mailbag tonight! Nice!
Glad to see you’ve kept your sense of humour about you regarding Fuel’s rebranding. Kind of like SciFi channel’s switch to SyFy, only [hopefully] not as lame! 😉
Re: wifi problems: maybe you’re typing in your password incorrectly? Check and make sure you don’t have capslock on! Can you tell I really want this to work out for you? 😉
And pray tell: what did you think of how it worked in your office, where you weren’t all frustrated with your wifi issues?
Can anyone who lives in the area tape Mika’s talk and put it on youtube (with her permission, of course!) for those of us who cannot be there? Sounds BEYOND interesting!
Carter vs. Mitchell…that brings back memories. Man, people really hated that guy.
Joe, I owe you an apology. Once I saw your answer re reservations and flexibility at Fuel, I realized that the same queries were asked and answered previously. Sorry for being redundant.
Your answer to Cook66 sounds like LiveJournal, on a good day. Oh, and you forgot the anti-Vala contingency, the anti-…. I’ll stop now. It makes my brain hurt. Why can’t we just all get along?
So sad to hear that Fuel is closing. I bet that the next restaurant will be great though. Same people, slightly different menu.
Is your IP address FUBAR? I know sometimes we have problems with IP addresses on our network. Stupid XBOX always messes it up. Have you totally reset the system? You probably have though. We have to reset ours occasionally by turning off the router and the box that handles our network, for at least ten seconds. I wish I knew more about how these things work.
Hello Joseph,
Are there any plans yet anywhere in the Stargate franchise to do a timely sequel to the 2 Aschen storylines (SG1’s “2010” and “2001”) next year (the real 2010)? It is rare that a franchise lasts long enough to catch up with its own future-based storylines that are set a decade out, and now would be a perfect opportunity to take timely advantage of it. You could either somehow fit something in to the first half of SGU season 2, assuming season 1 is already fully planned out, or season 1 otherwise, or in one of the movies. Of course, you could call the story “2010” again. I very much hope you take advantage of this opportunity. Failing that, I would still like to see an Aschen storyline again.
Thank you. — Darren Duncan
Also, for more detail on part of my post 2 days ago, where I said that so far “Light” was my favorite SGU episode, I would say that the scene with the shuttle departing the Destiny was possibly my favorite scene. Arguably the most emotional.
I love my service plan! Being that I’m the baby in the family I get all the hammy downs from sister, dad, and friends. I haven’t had to buy a new phone EVER and the most I have ever had to pay (friends and family plans) is $35 a month for unlimited access.
Laptops are also passed down to me too. My current one though is a bribe from my boss so I would not quit. I’m anti mac solely because I take hardware from one laptop and install it into another.
Hey Joe,
just got the news that MGM is for sale. Would this affect the second season of SGU or the SG-1 and Atlantis upcoming movies? The studio’s library will be auctioned off in a few weeks – “In fact, one studio or investor may even bid to acquire just the rights to 007 or even the popular “Stargate” television franchise. Considering the company is $3.7 billion in the hole anything is possible.”
Self-explanatory quote…
“Dancing and the little ones
Has Dancing With the Stars gotten too sexy for family viewing?
One e-mailer thinks so. “Even Carrie Ann (Inaba) mentioned she hoped the kids were in bed during one dance. Truth is, kids were not in bed. After the judges went on about æcrotches,’?” the viewer wrote, “my 5-year-old asked what a crotch was.”
So, why doesn’t she just keep her little one from watching? The e-mailer went on to list positive lessons for kids on Dancing. “It has reinforced that you must work hard and not give up when you don’t do it right the first time.” She concluded: “DWTS is a ratings leader — why add the smut?”
I, too, have noticed the judges gushing more about the sexual aspects of some dances — particularly when critiquing supermodel Joanna Krupa. Still, “smut” is way too extreme a word to apply to Dancing — at least so far.”
Excerpted from Jeanne Jakle’s column, 11/11/09, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS
Wow, I never realized there could be so many groups of people that would be upset at a TV show… Yet, for all of their complaints, they probably kept watching said show religiously.
Also, that “guy” person seems to be quite a piece of work and quite delusional if he thinks women don’t like to have sex. What century is he/she from?
I do have a question about SGU, if you don’t mind…
Will it be the end of the show when the Destiny crew finally manages to return to earth? Or perhaps will there be more after that event?
Oh, no! I’m very sorry to hear about Fuel. Whenever I made it to Vancouver, that was going to be my first dinner stop. Alas, I certainly won’t be making it there this month. But hopefully, the crew is still there many years into the future even if the atmosphere’s a bit different.
That’s unfortunate your service plan expired. If they’re not willing to take care of long term users, I say leave them! I’d leave them for you, Joe (and that prize!) if I used them. Fortunately, I’m relatively safe with Best Buy. I might get duds, but at least they replace them! (Speaking of, I’m having my own computer issues again, so I feel your pain. I hope the wifi gets figured out soon!)
Hiya Joe,
Just wanted to say we’re loving SG:U downunder – technically we’re a week behind in episodes but we’re keeping track.
LOVED the way you “broke the connection” of those ancient communication devices… haha coitus interruptus :o) Are you guys gonna have more fun with that?
Seriously, it’s a good show that is getting better as it goes on we’re enjoying the “unlikeability” of some of the characters and general dysfunction…
Oh and we can’t help but giggle every time we see what age has done to RDA (do NOT tell him we said that!!).
Looking forward to the next ep.
Albie
Damn, I have a lab at 3pm on Monday!
Hmm…maybe I can blow something up in the lab so I get kicked out. That shouldn’t be too hard.
Alright then, that’ll be the plan. It’ll be a mini Stargate get together! Hey Joe, maybe you can show up too? 😉
Hey Joe!
Sorry about all the tech problems. So, are people who left Rogers and gone to a rival 3yrs back also eligible for your contest? I will NEVER go back to Rogers. When I told the rep over the phone that I was leaving they asked “is there anything we can do to keep your account with us?” I said: “yeah, you can give me back my 200 odd dollars in minutes you just took off my account.” Rep: “Sorry, can’t do that” Me: “ok, give me my account number; I’m at the Telus store right now.” Grrrr! Rogers sucks!
Can’t you buy a new phone without getting a new plan? You can do that with Telus, you just pay full price for the phone and a data (phone numbers) transfer fee (like $10). I don’t think Rogers would charge you a data transfer fee because you just have to move the SIM card over, which you can do yourself.
You’ve settled the debate I’ve been having between Blackberry and the iPhone; I’m up for renewal and couldn’t decide which one to go with. I’m leaning towards iPhone now; what sucks is the data plans are no cheaper with the increased competition (Bell and Telus recently got the iPhone.)
Hopefully you can get it all sorted out soon.
-K
Hey Joe, just curious about something. Going back to the Atlantis episode ‘Brain Storm’, which NBC forced you to have it in the ‘green theme’, who is the King of irony here? Since the episode focused around the cold killing people, to promote ‘global warming awareness’?
Quite hilarious, but this greeny stuff is just going way to far now, it’s very cult/religious-like and the evidence is so flimsy to support their cause, that’s why the ‘sceptics’ are either silenced or insulted rather than being dealt with evidence.
Hi Joe:
Not that I think Fuel was overpriced, since the food was beyond delicious, but the two times I ate there, the bill for just me was over $100.00 per meal. Perhaps the economy is to blame?
As for ditching the Blackberry, I’ve had a Blackberry Storm for 4 months and am already having issues with it. So, I’m with you on turfing it. Maybe we could mail all of the blackberries to the inventor…Jim Balsillie…postage due.
Patricia
“Oh, I know I will. But, in the unlikely event I don’t, I’ll demand changes and if they don’t come about instantly, I’ll organize a boycott and try to shut them down – just for spite”
Are you kidding Joe? Wouldn’t you just complain how much you hate it and how you’ll never eat there again, yet somehow always end up eating there again?
And the foie would be sexist. Of course.
😛
Answers: 1) I suggested one word titles for season one, hoping we would do two word titles for season two. So far, the two word titles thing hasn’t exactly caught on.
I hope it does catch on, and I hope the show lasts a long time, just because I want to see you guys come up with twenty 10-word titles. Star Trek had some great long titles (many of which were more memorable than the episodes themselves).
Regarding the SG-1 and Atlantis movies, is there anything at all we can do to encourage the studio to go ahead with that? (I’d presume increased ratings for SGU would help, but not many of us have a Nielson box, so as long as the ratings system is still stuck on that ridiculous format, our viewership apparently doesn’t count.)
Can you buy a new Blackburry outright and get pre-paid in Canada? That would be my suggestion – screw the contract!
Oh and to your laptop issue, shame David Hewlett is in the UK at the moment – I’m sure Mr Dgeek could fix it it for ya!
Hi Joe!
Woohood for the new SG1 movie title! Very exciting!
My boyfriend and I just finished watching Death Note. He was and avid Kira fan, and I was devoted to L. Who did you hope would succeed?
Thanks for a huge laugh. Your answer to Bailey just caught me the right way, and forced me to catch my breath before attempting to post. Was also impressed at the Cook66 response. I wasn’t really involved in the online fandom side of either show until late into Atlantis’ run, so I didn’t appreciate how much grief you, as a writer, have caught over the years. Looks like you’ve been well trained/conditioned for the current hassle.
Heck, I’ll settle for a bus token as a prize, but alas I’m ineligable for either contest as a) Rogers doesn’t operate around here, and b) I don’t own a blackberry. Perhaps someone can refer representatives of both companies to this blog posting and see if that somehow encourages some improved customer service.
I’m much cheered at the idea of the duck making the transition to Fuel’s new menu. I hope they also keep the foie gras as a specialty item. I would love to try both again at some time. I have actually tried a duck offering locally. Neither the presentation nor the taste came close to Fuel’s standards. I’m still deciding whether to venture trying out the foie gras around here, for fear of further disappointment.
Anyways, wish me well. I’m attending Symposium through this weekend, and we have two solid days of rain and flooding and high winds to look forward to. And naturally the hotel holding all of my classes is a five minute walk. Maybe I should have borrowed a kayak. But then the public parking deck would have charged me to tie it off no doubt.
Oh, and no Syfy at this hotel, so I’ll be downloading this week’s episode at some time to catch up on how the show is progressing. I’m actually looking forward to it, based on your promises, and the fact that I’m fond of time paradox/loop/parallel world type stories. And that seems to be what the previews are hinting at.
Anyways, time to venture out and do my Noah impersonation. Thanks for struggling through the tech hassles to keep us informed and entertained.
I was sleepy last night – I meant ‘mailbag’, not ‘Q&A’. I mean, it IS a Q&A, but…ya know…we usually don’t call it that except when it’s a Q&A with a guest blogger. With you it’s just a mailbag. Wait! THAT’S sexist! 😡 It should be called a femalebag! 🙂
Hey, what should we call a guest blogger? A glogger? A blost? Just another unsuspecting pawn in your evil plot to take over the world?
Yeah…I’m still half-asleep. Gimme time…
das
Petit message du stage:
“Yahhhhh Maximus ma répondu, j’ai trop de la chance, c’est un honeur =)! Comme ça j’en sais plus sur lui!
Alors comme ça vous lui donnez son repas du soir en retard? c’est pas bien tout ça, le pauvre avec ses petits yeux vous implorants et son bidou qui gargouille, vous n’avez pas honte ! lol ^^”
Bonne journée,
a ce soir. =)
Thanks for the long mailbag, Mr. M! I’m glad you are getting professional help on your laptop, also. I’ll quit suggesting stuff for it.
Although, I suggest you look into something other than an iphone. There are some new phones coming out that are suppose to blow the iphone away. It would be worth looking into.
Great news on Fuel’s employee’s also. My hubby’s company just had a round of layoffs. Scary stuff. I feel so bad for the unemployed around the holidays (any day really). Do they have unemployment compensation in Canada?
T
Must say I am very much looking forward to Time this friday!
Oh, and I couldnt help but notice my hometown Red Wings are playing the Canucks tonight….so Go Wings!
Great nor’easter slamming us today – should last through Friday, maybe Saturday. I LOVE nor’easters! I feel my best during these storms – no idea why.
However…a commercial boat went down last night. My brother (ladyhgiggles daddy) used to run that boat back when he was fishing – not sure what it was being used for this time, but my husband heard it was clamming. Three men missing. I hate when this happens, because 9 times out of 10, I know someone who was on the boat.
And today I’m thanking God that I have a face. I don’t particularly like my face…but no complaints now. In fact, hit me – and hit me hard – if I ever again complain about how I look. Why? Well, I just saw that very courageous lady who had her face ripped off by the chimp a while back. She has no face. Nothing. I don’t know what gives people the strength to keep going, because I don’t think I can be that brave. It is just very sobering…very sobering, indeed.
das
Hi Mr M!
Just a quick post to say howdy! Sorry to hear Fuel closing, but delighted that the guys are “re-imagining” with a new style etc. I really enjoyed the meal there in April 08. Please pass on my best to Tom, Rob and the crew.
I hope to try it out again in 2011, when I (hopefully) return to Vancouver.
Am headed over to the Amanda Tapping Convention in London (AT4) tomorrow. A big HELLO to all the blog regulars who will be there…See you in-person there.
When is the Tokyo trip? Is it soon?
Best to all
S’n’T
Yay for Revolution! Finally we can stop calling it the third SG-1 movie. 😀
@Nova: Who hated Mitchell? Damn, the guy’s gorgeous, a fabulous actor and so damn likeable!
Joe, I’ve been shopping around for Dragon’s Blood, and found this disclaimer on on site. Though Dragon’s Blood is not listed in the disclaimer, I thought it might amuse you…
http://www.chilliworld.com/Sauce_Additive_Disclaimer.asp?oid=&FPC=NO
das
Hi Joe,
1. Why doesn’t McDonald’s sell hotdogs?
2. At a movie theater which arm rest is yours?
3. Why do doctors leave the room when you change? (They’re going to see you naked anyway.)
4. Where does the toetag go on a dead person if they don’t have toes?
5. If you are asked to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth and you’re the main witness, what if you say “no”?
6. How far east can you go before you’re heading west?
7. What’s the difference between normal ketchup and fancy ketchup?
8. When does it stop being partly cloudy and start being partly sunny?
9. Is there a time limit on fortune cookie predictions?
10. If ghosts can walk through walls and glide down stairs, why don’t they fall through the floor?
11. When Atheists go to court, do they have to swear on the bible?
12. Can animals commit suicide?
13. How can something be “new” and “improved”? If it’s new, what was it improving on?
14. If laughter is the best medicine, who’s the idiot who said they ‘died laughing’?
15. Can a short person “talk down” to a taller person?
16. If a bald person works as a chef at a restaurant, do they have to wear a hairnet?
17. How fast do hotcakes sell?
18. Do astronauts change their clocks when they move over different time zones in space?
19. If a guy that was about to die in the electric chair had a heart attack should they save him?
20. Do Jewish vampires avoid crosses or Stars of David?
21. Why do we sing “Rock a bye baby” to lull a baby to sleep when the song is about putting your baby in a tree and letting the wind crash the cradle on the ground?
22. Why do we put suits in a garment bag and put garments in a suitcase?
23. If Mars had earthquakes would they be called marsquakes?
24. Why do dogs like the smell of other dogs butts?
25. What happens to an irresistible force when it hits an immovable object?
26. If there’s a speed of sound and a speed of light is there a speed of smell?
27. What do Greeks say when they don’t understand something?
28. Do the English people eat English muffins, or are they just called muffins?
29. Why do people say “heads up” when you should duck?
30. Why does triangularly cut bread taste better than square bread?
31. When sign makers go on strike, is anything written on their signs?
32. If you blew a bubble in space would it pop?
33. If someone owns a piece of land, do they own it all the way to the center of the earth?
34. What type of animal is Snuffaluffagus?
35. What happens when you put a lightsaber in water?
36. On Gilligan’s Island, how did Ginger have so many different outfits when they were only going on a 3 hour tour?
37. Why do people constantly return to the refrigerator with hopes that something new to eat will have materialized?
38. Where do people in Hell tell other people to go?
39. If there’s an exception to every rule, is there an exception to that rule?
40. What is another word for “thesaurus”?
😉
(found the questions at “www.crazythoughts.com”)
Why do the characters ages differ from their actors ages? For instance – how in Darkness Adam Brody is said to be younger than his actors age.
JM Answers: “My original comment was not a defense of the actress. Feel free to read it.”
I did read it when first posted, if you’re referring to your “rant” and subsequent commentary. I saw a brief assertion that the Kino-peeping scene wasn’t sexist (because Young was “disappointed”, despite completely failing to support his own officer and a complete lack of consequences), and a rather longer assertion that calling the character “Lt. Rack” or “McBoobs *was* sexist. Have you watched the actual scene recently, or at all? Maybe it wasn’t sexist as written, but I’m astounded you’re still defending it as shot.
JM Says: “You’re kidding, right? The first is a reference to the actress’s physical attributes. The latter is a reference to the character.”
In both cases, it’s a reference to what the writers have reduced the character to. Except that in Uhura’s case, she actually started out with some good scenes and lines in Trek’s early days. I hope that Lt. James has some good scenes/lines coming up (she’s certainly been improving in that regard), but the ones you (generically speaking) chose to use to initially define her character, defined her as “Lt. Rack.” First impressions are important.
JM Also Says: “It’s no different than someone criticizing a scene for being racist while using racist terminology to make his point.”
I had decided against going there, but since you did: That’s a reasonable analogy. And if I thought the writers were wrong to portray MSgt. Greer as a “bloodthirsty spear-chucker” (or worse), and I said so, I think most readers would understand that I was attributing the racism to the writers, and disapproving of it. (That’s just a hypothetical example; Greer is actually turning out mildly interesting, even if he continues the tradition of every person of color in Stargate being some combination of Angry, Addicted, and/or Alien.)
If was Black, I could probably even get away with using the N-word. I’m not Black, but a lot of the people complaining about “Lt. Rack” were women.
I looked up some phone review articles Mr. M. I don’t know if they will help but….
“Ultimate mobile deathmatch: iPhone vs. BlackBerry vs. Droid vs. Pre”
http://tech.yahoo.com/news/infoworld/20091112/tc_infoworld/99453
“PC magazine review”:
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2348402,00.asp
Can we get another spinoff Stargate called “Stargate: Lt. James”? Julia Benson rocks!!!!!! Seriously, can we at least have some more kino webisodes of her? And no they don’t have to be with her shirt off. She would be great dressed like an eskimo.
You have to set the computer up to be accepted by your wifi. The wifi might be set to private, and therefore require a code to be entered on the computer you are using in the internet connection/ setting up internet portion of your comp. I don’t know how to get there on a mac.
Hello Mr. Mallozzi.
Thank you, for answering. Now I have a few things to watch in the Anime Sector again :D.
For your Mac Problem. If you click on the Airport Symbol in the near of the spotlight, it should open a drop down menu. When you click on “other” or “Join other network”, after typing in the name of your network have you chosen the wright sort of protection? I mean maybe your password is WEP-40 or something like this. Have you tried this? (I hope you have the same buttons, I use the German Version so hopefully I translated them wright)
Best Regards
Flappo
Sorry for posting again so soon. I just wanted to answer:
Narelle: it was a new dr. My regular doctors have seen my dad. He was very tall and thin. It must be hereditary. I eat much more than my heavy friends. I’m thinking Snickerdoodles this week. Do they have snickerdoodle cookies in Australia? If not, they are very good, yummmm.
J: Prayers are very welcome! Thanks!!!
Das: If you sue your hubby for sexual harassment, wouldn’t it come out of your account also? 😉 .
T
I have to know…are we to assume that Jack and Sam are officially a couple now back on Earth? And, will we ever see that or have it confirmed in any way on-screen?
Sorry to bring this up late, but I just noticed this from Nov. 7th:
JM Answers: “As I said, although there is no indication given, logic dictates that Telford would know something like that could happen (since Young IS returning for a conjugal visit) so it’s fair to assume he signed off permission.”
Um, no? Young was returning for a briefing, which then became a painful example of stalking (and she couldn’t even have gotten an enforcable restraining order, what with the body-swapping), which unexpectedly became a booty call. Plus, Telford *hates* Young. Occam’s razor says you’re rationalizing after the fact, and not very convincingly.
Me revoila!
Ohh j’ai vu que vous aviez encore des problemes avec votre ordinateur et votre B.B, j’espere que ça va s’arranger, je vous aurez bien aider, mais moi et l’anglais ça fait deux.
Merci encore à Maximus pour ça réponse =)
Bisou!
I had a similar problem connecting my Macbook to my Linksys router. For some odd reason the way a WEP key is entered in a Linksys router is different from the way the key is entered on a Mac. Evidently Linksys uses some algorithm for converting a password into a key. Don’t ask! They also suggest to use WPA instead of WEP as your security…again, don’t ask. Anyway as a solution I had to put a $ in front of my password with no spaces in between and BAM, I instantly connected with my wireless. Hopefully this will help you as well, if not, sorry. I also have a “like new” Blackberry 8830 laying around because I got the new Blackberry Storm. You are welcome to it as it still works great, but the catch is that you have to have Verizon Wireless as your provider or find a way to clear the ESN.
Still having tech problems, Monsieur Mallozzi? Or did ya just give up and go with my solution? 😉
das
Hey Joe, how about we band our dogs together and send them over to bite TPTB at Blackberry? That oughta send a message!
Gah, I had that same issue with Roger’s so told them to suck it and went monthly. No more three year plans for me, valued customer my a**.
I am getting a new Roger’s linked b-berry pearl for 30$, if you are interested I can probably get you one too.
Hey Joe, long time lurker popping out once again to wave and say thank you so very much for taking the time to do this bolg and answer fan questions and comments.
I noted a few comments recently wherein someone(s) said something about not seeing enough of the ‘everyday’ kind of thing of the crew settling into life aboard the Destiny – I might suggest they check out the Official Stargate Website
http://stargate.mgm.com/
The Kino featurettes are really great. Not a lot of them but it should fit the bill for those looking for the more everyday adjustments. I especially liked the new one of Lt. Scott and Dr. Volker helping Dr. Brody and Sgt. Riley try on space suits. LMAO!!!
Are these actually outtakes or deleted scenes, or were the specifically produced for the website?
Thanks again for your time and hard work!
I see there are still some bemoaning the lack of authoritative females in Universe and I just want to say that I am GLAD. Strong female roles have to be handled carefully if the character is not going to come across as a ball-buster. I’m no feminist. I’m happy that there is a gulf of difference between men and women, that is exactly as it should be. I like it when a guy holds a door open for me I don’t find it sexist at all to have my sons get the car door for me or walk on the outside of the pavement. I brought my boys up to be gentlemen, courteous and respectful, which some choose to take as sexism. My eldest recently asked his girlfriends dad for permission to propose which immediately sealed the deal with approval on all sides ………….shit, I’ve gone of at a tangent again haven’t I? Oh well, thats me all over!
Hows Maximus doing?
@ Tammy Dixon – I wouldn’t sue him – just give him more chores! 😀
ACW wrote: “Um, no? Young was returning for a briefing, which then became a painful example of stalking (and she couldn’t even have gotten an enforcable restraining order, what with the body-swapping), which unexpectedly became a booty call. Plus, Telford *hates* Young. Occam’s razor says you’re rationalizing after the fact, and not very convincingly.”
Yup. They got you there, Joe.
And I just got to thinking…
Let’s say Mr. Das’ consciousness jumped into the body of…say…Will Ferrell. Now – I detest Will Ferrell, he’s just one of those guys who – at the very sight of him – makes me run from the room screaming, arms flailing. I’m sorry, but even if it was Mr. Das’ consciousness inside of Ferrell’s body, there is no way in hell I’d let him touch me, not in a million years.
So, my conclusion? Mrs. Young is a skeevy ho-bag. 😀
das
Joe,
Didn’t want to go without saying goodbye. This is where I get off, I suppose. I came to your blog for news on SGA and well, I guess we’ve both changed directions. Best of luck with the comic book series and thanks for your patience in answering my questions in the past. Also, the day you dedicated a blog to me on my birthday remains a high point in my life!
Take care, Joe.
Best,
Rose
@Nova:
Some people did dislike Mitchell quite a bit, and not just because of the typical ‘he isn’t O’Neill’ thing that spread across the fandom. But I don’t really recall there being too many of them. It wasn’t nearly as ripe for the picking as the whole ‘anti-Vala’ thing, and even then, Claudia Black had enough fans for her SG-1 role to be considered relatively successful across the fandom. …as far as this fandom goes.
@Shawna Buchanan:
That whole thing with the episode titles getting bigger as the seasons pass by… I think that might be what the rest of the creative team had an issue with; it’d get fairly ridiculous. I pointed that out on here a few weeks ago. I liked the idea for the first season, but immediately started thinking, ‘okay, so either they’re going to expand this every year and that will get pretty crazy fast, or they’re going to stick with one word every year and that… I don’t know, what would that do?’
Also, in regard to what we can do to show the studio support, I don’t mean to just leap in and answer all your questions (I’d still love to see what Joe says) but from what I’ve always been told, pretty much just keeping dedication up in the most general and obvious ways is what will help. I’d imagine if SGU suddenly plummeted in the ratings field, that would be kind of bad for the SG-1 and SGA continuations, but apart from that, so long as DVD sales of the seasons, AoT and Continuum stay steady, that’s a really good sign. And really, just random stuff like convention attendance… I don’t know how smart the big wigs are at MGM (after all, there’s the whole lack of funding thing going on) but they’d probably still be taking note of the fact that the franchise has a widespread fandom. Widespread enough to make the first two telefilms very successful from a relative perspective.
@Deni:
A fair few people hated Mitchell, just… not *that* many people. I still maintain most of them hated him because he wasn’t O’Neill, and Browder wasn’t RDA. And then there were those who hated Farscape and felt like Farscape invaded… and that… well, I’m a Farscape fan, but I won’t deny it was a little silly that they’d bring both actors on full-time. But I don’t really care, because a.) Mitchell and Vala were rather unlike Crichton and Aeryn; b.) I’m a huge fan of both actors and was happy to see them get work; c.) …I’m a Farscape fan?
@Grace:
Stay tuned for the seventeenth SG-1 telefilm, slated to air in 2029 but probably pushed back toward around 2035 due to financial troubles. I’d hazard a guess they’ll cover it then.
Finally,
@Joe:
You’ve unleashed pandora’s box, what with unveiling the third telefilm’s name. Fandom’s going to go bonkers. You enjoy this, don’t you? 😛
You got 3 year contracts in canada, bad for you, i only get one year contracts when buying phones here in Norway.
Anyway love the SG franchise and nice blogg.
I hope that when its sg1 movie itll be sg1 like 😀 I mean no SGU
Can anyone who lives in the area tape Mika’s talk and put it on youtube (with her permission, of course!) for those of us who cannot be there? Sounds BEYOND interesting!
Yes, please! I’d love to see this talk too, but alas, it’s geographically inconvenient. 🙂
Dear Joe:
http://www.BlackberryTrackballs.com -> problem solved.
Joe,
I’m sorry to hear that there’s resistance to 2-word titles for Season 2. The “titles have the same number of words as the season” gimmick was used by “La Femme Nikita”, though they “only” lasted 5 seasons. Plus, as I recall their titles didn’t show on-screen, so if they were silly few people would notice. Do you know if any other series have tried this?
Aren’t iphone’s touch screen? Do you even like touch screens Joe?
I do, but a lot of people don’t. They prefer to feel a keyboard under their thumbs and don’t like the fact that the only way to text on a tough screen phone is to use your fat finger and jab at the screen.
I’m looking at the iPhone specs now. 3-Megapixel Camera? Is that all? Apart from that it looks good.
My advice? Go the iPhone way.
(Dee, a Samsung Omnia (Windows Mobile) owner on a 2 year contract :))
Touch Screen. Yawn…me tyredd. 🙂
Deni: Were you in fandom back then? Mitchell was quite the hot topic, and not for good reasons. Just about everyone had some complaint with the character, either because he wasn’t Jack, because he stole command from Carter, because he was getting too much screen time, because he wasn’t getting enough screen time, he wasn’t competent, etc., etc. Coupled with the huge ratings drop that came when the writers really started focusing on him in mid to late season nine, all this amounted to probably the most unliked character TPTB ever created. His poor reception is even on his wikipedia page….take a look.
jeffo’connor: I would say that you’re typical of the few folks who were Mitchell fans/defenders. You were a Farscape fan, you liked seasons nine and ten because Browder/Black were both added to the cast (even though as you say, it was silly) and you were relatively new to SG-1 at the time. Most older fans though, from the show’s golden years, hated the guy. And most just turned off the TV instead of complaining online. SG-1 was getting 1.9s and 2.0s or better from season seven onward. Even the premiere of season nine did a 1.9. But once fans started to realize that O’neill was out and Mitchell was in, well the ratings just dropped like a stone. A 1.4 for Ethon scared the writers, and they tried to make changes to Mitchell’s character and to the focus on him in season ten, but it was too late. Most SG-1 fans had quit watching every week by then.
Interupting a signal to send a Data Stream?? What would that even do. Anything relivant that needs saying is easily reported face to face. Because the SGC can gather the people they need such as scientists and when they use the stones again they get switched onto the Destiny arbeit in other peoples bodies.
Anyways on the phone subject. Iphone is over rated. The Nokia N97 is a much superior phone with 32Gb memory and you can use to send emails since it has like a mini keyboard thing. Emailing on the go like its meant to be :3
HI ! This one was great :
Answer: Oh, yeah. SG-1: shippers vs. non-shippers, fans upset at Daniel Jackson’s departure, the rise of the anti-Jonas faction, complaints of not enough team, complaints of not enough gate travel, complaints of too many Earth-based episodes, Carter fans vs. Vala fans, Carter fans vs. Mitchell fans, fans who hated seasons 9 and 10 because they felt it was no longer Stargate. Atlantis: Fans upset at Weir’s departure, fans upset at Beckett’s departure, fans upset at Carter’s inclusion, the anti-Keller faction, complaints of not enough team, complaints of not enough gate travel, complaints of too much emphasis on McKay/Keller. Those are just some of the lightning rod issues I can remember off the top of my head. Scifi fans are, by their very nature, extremely passionate about their shows.
OH YES! You bet they are !! How can you sleep after that !
J. Mallozzi
The statement of, “its the responsibility of Americans to voice their opinions” was followed by something like “while is directed toward political ends it has application here too.”
And the ideas, I’m not saying that you can’t argue ideas, I’m saying that if people come on here and say “Stargate Universe is the stupidest thing ever. The whole show is GAY and anyone who thinks otherwise is stupid!” that is being verbally aggressive toward the show (and therefore the shows creators) and the people who don’t like the show. While that argument uses the logic “if you think otherwise” it’s rather faulty logic.
With the women, I’ll keep it simple. Yes, people love sex, I love sex, my girlfriend (oddly) loves it more, and so on and so forth. But when it’s in a public format like a television show, people are going to read between the lines more than they need too. I’m not personally saying the show is sexist (although I do feel like Chloe is the girl from high school everyone dreaded), I was putting out an argument for those people who were flat out calling people stupid because they didn’t think the show was sexist.
Finally, I do have a positive attitude toward the show, I don’t love it, but I think that it will pick up, and that the writers have the advantage of knowing how it ends, where as the viewers don’t. So for the writers it all makes sense and is a complete package. But for the viewers we are all thinking “Ok?”
@Nova: You know, other than Joe’s blog, I’ve never paid attention to any of this stuff, so I was totally unaware. I liked the guy, felt that it was an easy transition from O’Neill and was quite happy with Browder. I didn’t even start watching Farscape until recently, so had no preconceptions about any of it. Now I’m glad!
@das and others on East Coast USA: CBS news reports that combination of TS Ida and a nor’easter are having serious effects. Saying a prayer for you and hoping you won’t hesitate to evacuate.
Stargate: Revolution…
Nice! Epic 🙂
Will the events of this movie, whenever it gets made, still take place around the time Stargate Universe begins? Star Trek did a really good job of releasing their movies in realtime, but the SG-1 movies have yet to take place when they’re released. When Ark of Truth came out, it had already happened a while back, and when Continuum came out, it hadn’t happened yet. I’m assuming that the Odyssey’s secret journey has to do with Stargate: Revolution, so when this movie comes out — whether it’s in a year or four — will those events still take place in that time frame?
Personally, I would like to suggest refraining from dropping hints like that. While I enjoy it and think it’s neat to have clues to try and piece together, it bothers me (and this is just me) to watch Stargate Universe knowing that there are two movies that have already taken place that we haven’t seen yet, and the hints are what trap you to that time frame.
Anyway, just a personal nitpick is all. I’m enjoying SGU immensely. Yeah, there are things I don’t especially like, but ultimately, one hour a week is a small price to pay for the things I do like. Keep ’em coming, Joe! Thanks!
“Iphone is over rated.”
As an iPhone user, I disagree. TIME magazine described it best: “the first truly portable computer”. I can do Net research, track my meds and diet, carry notes and calculate yarn amounts for crochet work, etc.
For formal correspondence and meeting notes, I still prefer a full-size keyboard or pen and paper. But I carry the iPhone around the house and fire up the PC maybe once every week.
I’d like Apple to add an external screen brightness control in addition to the volume control and increase the battery capacity.
W00T! Our country declared a state of emergency (limited, most likely), due to the coastal flooding, and wind. Love this weather ’cause it’s doing something! Bright, sunny days get boring after a bit. 🙂
Really, it’s not that bad at all – but if tonight’s tide (around 5pm) can’t get back out, then high tide in the morning could be big trouble. We’re okay, but I have a few friends who are watching the water rise, and hoping for the best. Mostly I just hope a tree doesn’t fall on my house. We have…*counts on fingers* 15 trees (4 maples, 1 locust, 2 spruce, 2 hollies, 3 dogwoods, 2 large cedars, and 1 gum), several bushes/shrubs, and a row of about 10 smaller cedars…all on a lot about 65×95! And a house, too! What can I say, I like nature. 😀 Most of the leaves are off, except for one big maple in the back…so I’m keeping an eye on that one.
We’re still not getting hit nearly as hard as the Carolinas, so I’m not too worried. I have a feeling we’ve lost a lot of beach, though.
Joe – do you like it when the weather is actually doing something – thunderstorms, snowstorms, rainy days, etc? – or are you a sunshiney kinda guy?
das
I watched SG1 faithfully from the very first episode, and while I missed Jack in seasons 9 and 10, I loved Mitchell from the get-go. Most of the fans I knew personally enjoyed the character, too. Never visited fan message boards at the time, so if there was some kind of backlash about it, I never heard about it.
Kind of refreshing, that.
Anyhow. Ben Browder took on a tough task, stepping into a new series character just as a huge fan favorite was leaving (or at least stepping back somewhat), and I give him a lot of credit for that.
Oh, heard about MGM going up for auction today. Curious about what effect this will have.
The article I read (misplaced the link, will try to find it), in listing the “valuable assets” that buyers will be interested in, mentioned the Stargate franchise right after the James Bond library. I don’t know much about the industry, but to me this sounded promising. Whatever becomes of MGM, I hope this means there will be Stargate for years to come.
@das OMG I saw that my co-worker showed me a pic, how awful. After seeing that, I have nothing to complain about. My issues are soooo minor. Hope things turn out ok for all those on the commercial boat.
Anyone who sees Beau Bridges soon should call him “Ram” in honor of his voice-over in USA-broadcast truck commercials.
So I read the comment about the third SG1 movie, and the question was something like “is the SG1 movie title anything like the SGA title?” and you said Stargate Revolution, without anything else… I assumed you were joking since SGA is Stargate Evolution… so Stargate Revolution… and Gateworld posted a story, so i’m just checking.
@ Gilder – Thanks. We should be okay – not in a tidal flood zone. IF the tide got to us, then things would really be serious. For us it’s mostly just gusty winds and rain showers, and beach erosion. We haven’t had a disastrous nor’easter since the ’62 storm:
http://www.capemay.com/Editorial/september08/noreaster1962.html
Yeah, that was a bad’un.
@ Kabra – I just can’t imagine having my face and hands ripped off and/or eaten by a chimp – or anything – and surviving it. My mom and I were discussing it today, and I told her if anything like that were to happen to me, just let me go…no heroics. I just can’t imagine…
However, the woman will be an inspiration to many. It certainly makes me think twice before complaining about my lot in life, and – if something terrible like that did happen to me, and I survived – her example of courage and endurance is certainly something that could keep me going.
God bless her…she’s a very brave soul indeed.
das
Hey Joe:
I just had an idea for a potential SGU hookup: Lt. Greer and Lt. James. What do you think?
PS @ Kabra – No real hope for the fisherman – it was a father, his son, and another crewman. The boat was the Sea Tractor, and it was one that my brother operated years ago, but under different ownership. All of these men were from the Carolinas, but my brother is familiar with the family, though – for once – I am not. Such a shame, regardless.
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iMyqTOJksarR4Sc2nTAY6a9YKP_AD9BUAA382
das
@Das: Not that you asked me, but I love days like the ones you’re having, when weather is exciting! I enjoy dark, gloomy days when there’s a threat of a bad storm, much more than sunshiney days. Had a tornado blast through our old neighborhood a few years ago, just missed us but cut a nice path through the woods – very exciting until I had to clean up the yard! Hope everybody on the commercial boat is ok.
@Kabra: Saw the video of that poor girl, can’t imagine what she went through (and is going through). What a nightmare.
Goodnight everybody, be well!
@ Deni – I love stormy weather, but…I will pass on tornadoes. They scare the crap out of me. And lightning. That scares the crap out of me, too. 😛 I’m more a dark, gloomy, windy, rainy day kinda gal. I tend to try to avoid stuff that can kill me. 😛
das
Hi Joe,
Sorry to hear that Fuel will be no longer around – but I am glad that there will be a new incarnation. I hope all goes well for them. I am also glad to hear that Maximus is doing well. (Whenever I see his name I think of the film Gladiator.) ood luck with your Mac. I really like mine.
Below are my questions for Adam-Troy Castro. Thanks again for providing this Q&A.
For Adam-Troy Castro:
I enjoyed this story, especially the investigation / suspense elements set in such an unsettling environment. I also really liked the character you created in Andrea Cort.
1. What led you to write a mystery and why did you decide to make the main character a woman?
2. You have created some playful names of worlds and alien races (i.e., Bursteenies). Where did the name, OneOneOne, come from?
3. There were some amusing – and not so amusing characters (Gibb) and commentary on management and administrators. Is this based on your own personal experience? (In our household “management” is affectionately referred to as “manglement”.)
4. The AISource is portrayed as fairly omnipotent; God-like in some ways. They even encourage the notion of “free will” in humans and other sentient life forms. How could humans and other living beings co-exist with such a superior race without feeling as if they may be somehow dominated or manipulated by them?
5. It’s revealed that the AISource is essentially conducting behavioral science experiments on organic sentient beings. They have cleverly diverted attention from this activity. Since we know they can actually create some actual life forms (Brachiators), it seems that it would be easy for them to clone or create human beings. So, why don’t they create their own human test populations to study? How would anyone know that these populations were created for actual study?
6. It is also revealed that they are also studying specific human beings because they exhibit behaviors out of the norm which interest them. What do they expect to learn from these human behaviors that they can’t possibly emulate themselves?
7. At the end of the story, it is reveled that the AISource is tired from living basically eternal lives. How have they actually come to be able to feel this way?
8. Andrea’s childhood was a nightmare. She grew up believing she was a monster as a result of her actions during the worldwide massacre on her planet when she was eight years-old. Actually, she was a surviving victim of this massacre yet she was treated like a criminal in her formative years and basically sold to the “Company Store”. It seemed a bit extreme to me though it was a plausible explanation for her anti-social behavior. Obviously, Santiago’s background was much more extreme but can you sum up why Andrea turned out to be fairly functional while Santiago basically became psychopathic?
9. I enjoyed Andrea’s character more when she was an independent, tough outsider. What was the rationale behind your decision to make her open up to her own and others’ feelings towards the end of the book? Was this primarily attributable to AISource meddling or evolution of her character?
Hi Joe
Commisserations at the loss of Fuel. We had a stunning meal there, and if we were locals would definitely have visited more often. Good luck with the ‘most frequent diner’ title. I’m sure you’ll beat that other bloke! Looking forward to hearing your reviews on the new restaurant.
Wow, I never knew that fandom got so worked up back in the SG1 days, although of course, I should’ve known! I thought that the addition of the characters of Mitchell and Vala were great, so I didn’t really miss RDA. Really liked the way Vala was written into the series, and her quirky sense of humour, and style. And Ben Browder did a terrific job with doing a lot of his own stunts too. Those 2 actors did have ‘a tough act to follow’ after RDA but IMO did a great job! And, despite some of Atlantis’s ups and downs, it was still the coolest show on TV 🙂
Good to hear that Maximus is on the mend, and best of luck with your ongoing tech issues. Being a technophobe I can’t offer any informed advice, but I can say as an I Phone user, its pretty good, not that I use half the features on it – its one thing to have all the latest and greatest in technology, its quite another to know how to use it!
Revolution – intriguing – I like it:)
Joe,
Just wanted to say that I think SGU is the greatest show on TV right now! I didn’t watch SGA or SG-1, but I was a big fan of BSG (the Ron Moore remake). Just like BSG, SGU seems to be a show that provokes an extremely negative reaction in some people. I’m not really sure why that is either. Don’t change a thing, keep at it, I’m confident the ride will be worth it!
Rush is my favorite character – what does that say about me?
Doug
I’m not a big fan of the CSI shows – I don’t care for the dramatic one-liners and joyless characters – but I watched all three this week because they all tied together. Gotta say, the final scene brought a tear to my eye. *sniffle*
das
Hey Joe,
I know you do not watch the fellow Vancouverite show Supernatural, but tonight’s episode made me think about you. It was a solid hour of scathing ridicule towards the crazy fans for all the crap they put the writers and actors through. I’d imagine every TV writer has wet dreams about writing this very script. It was also a fabulous “one-off” episode so if you find yourself with 42 minutes to kill I’d suggest you watch it. You might get a good laugh.
Have a lovely evening.
Just to let you know, hubby has an IPhone and hates it. He can’t wait for our plan to be up so he can get rid of it. Has lots of problems and when he talks to others they all have similar complaints. So not sure going with the IPhone is a step in the right direction.
@ antisocialbutterflie – Ah, but creators must accept that it comes with the territory. Make fun of the fans, and the smart ones will leave. I’ve seen a couple shows do this, and I find it very offensive, even though I know I’m not the worst of the worst when it comes to fans (but certainly not the best, either). I just think it’s arrogant and shows a lack of appreciation for the fans when creators mock them on air like that, especially since they risk coming across as if they are grouping ALL fans together, even though they are not. Fandoms are funny things – they are a collective – attack one, and others will rally around them.
It might be funny to some, but it can also be hurtful, especially since I image many of the most passionate fans have self-esteem issues as it is. To have their favorite show publically mock them could be perceived as something similar to being bullied on the schoolyard, and we all know what sorts of things that can lead to.
Of course, maybe they’re confident that most fans will get the joke, and no harm done. Still…I don’t think it’s the wisest thing to do – you risk alienating even those who weren’t targeted, and – honestly – it just seems petty.
das
The SG-1 stages were torn down because of the need to prepare the SGU sets with the SGA movie on the horizon(at the time). So you came up with the idea for Homeworld Command, right?
Have Brad and Rob looked at SGU and said to themselves, I wish we had done something like this with Atlantis? ie. If not the very least how the charcater developement was and the way stories were told?
LOL, I remember some of those factions you’ve mentioned that created the hostilities. I’m one of the people who consider as having grown up with Stargate (I was only 11 when I started watching it! ^^) and I was even part of several of them… Mostly the Daniel ones — for all of season 6, I only watched the episodes with MS in it that year but as I grew up, I think I mellowed. (And I watched season six eventually…)
In the end, I think it comes down to trust. I wasn’t all too impressed with SGU in the first three episodes, but once I got to the fourth, things started picking up for me and I’ve since started enjoying it. Ultimately, I was reminded that you’re still the people who brought me 10 awesome seasons of SG-1 and 5 seasons of SGA. And even though SGU is different and even though it has a lot of people in the cast that are marginalized, different isn’t a bad thing and I have faith that these people will get flesh out in time.
IPhone! IPhone! IPhone!
Come over to the Darkside Joe!
We’d love to have ya.
Why iPhone and not a Sony Ericsson Satio? Or x1i (Xperia the one I have and love)? Just because you got a Mac, doesn’t mean that all things apple are good!
just thank you
“Answer: 1) They don’t know how to use the stones to transmit a data stream and 2) What exactly would they be sending?”
#2: Kino clips!!!!!!!!!!!
Hi Joe! I´m sorry to say, but, SGU is really boring. Sometimes it´s like a BIG BROTHER show and it´s so hard to see an entire episode. I loved SG1 and SGA but they were cancelled. I doubt that SGU will survive!
Hi Joe! On the last weekend, i watched Avalon Part I, II, III. Those episodes were AMAZING. That´s the kind episode that i like. However, there´s nothing this in SGU. That´s way i´m very disappointed with SGU.
Hey Mr. Mallozzi,
hey watched and love all the stargate series, from my standpoint there is a very large fan base based in South Australia, and nevertheless Universe is what it is still setting the scene, but to kill atlantis and even SG1 appears to me to throwing money down the drain, without a doubt it has replaced Star Trek and more and more Trekky like fans are poppin up, Universe is most assured but it seems to me and I too feel the same that yes u’ve bounced a few characteers off and on for watever reason behind the scenes but SG1 and SGA were money spinners and becuase the way SGA was finished and even SG1 fans are angry and blaming Universe as an entity as such, just as we all get comfy with Atlantis its killed, come on you would have the script there for season 6 and some exists for season 11 of SG1, bankroll it urself and make a mint, bring them both or 1 back, and by the way the actors were on the behind the scenes footage of SG1 they would surely consider another season, hopefully atlantis stars would feel the same. wat more can i say, there must be a way, there must be an invester out there with the kind of fan base that has been built with so much hard work. Given the chance I would a bit 1x 1000000th share, LOL
hi,
I believe do you fibs over the timeline of this story. It’s false friendly way to hide the story. But i love your screenplays.
happy new year
greets from germany
dundee
What’s the official word on the next movies (Revolution and Extinction)? I’ve been hopefully awaiting them, but fear they may be in jeopardy at this point.
Also, there was a story arc including the Asgard on Atlantis, has there ever been any thoughts of bringing them back in the SG-1 world?
Hi,
I’m another BF. Big fan by the way, you mention about using the stone to sent data streams.
Its kind of a cool concept.
In reference to Stargate Universe.
If the characters in SGC can find a way to do that then i guess, SGC and practically do a remote control on the ship. Not to mention, have colonel carter remotely study the ship.
Come to think about it why not have Rodney Mckay & SamCarter connected by the stone-com device to help Dr.Rush study the ship. Unless they are somehow less qualified than Dr.Rush.
But then again i guess concerns on these old characters trampling over then new ones such as Eli/DrRush might be character development issue for the writers and the story. But I’m sure the writers can find a way around that.
Hi again,
Now I’m worked up, regarding SG1 and its episodes. I recall that the Asgard transferred all their technology and sophisticated AI. on the Daedalus if I’m correct.
Its would suggested engineering A.I system on the ship is intelligent enough to figure out what the user want and construct a device matching the user’s layman description.
Here’s the point, so if say the Stone-Com with data stream idea works. Wouldn’t it be also possible to interface the Asgard Engineering A.I system to hack into the SGU’s lantean Destiny software interface and figure everything out. and i mean everything.
It may also copy itself into the Destiny and make itself a smart userfriendly interface available to the crew of destiny.
Better yet have the program tap into the system and translate everything. In hopes that maybe the ship will be able to replicate food by itself and support the crew indefinitely.
It doesn’t make sense to create a migratory starship for advance race without it having built in a laboratory to perhaps sustain its own life of its guests.
Let alone, an A.I system to make minutes adjustments to the ship maintenance and manage unknown variables and unquantifiable effects to the ship and its guest.
Hi Joe,
I love acting, I get really high grades for drama, so I was wondering, how long does a main cast member have to learn their script?
Just to add to the “countless times”, as of the 1st Nov 2010, seeing as MGM seem to have agreed a plan to get themselves back on the road again (by the look of it without as much loss of their previous lustre and identity as had been feared), is the future looking bright for Stargate SG1: Revolution again?
You just made my day!
A new Sg1 movie!
Looking forward to this and hope all of the crew n(as well old caracterws as new) will be appearing.
SG1 are the best of all Staragates
What were the “planet-builders”going to be like?
Stargate SG1 Forever Baby!!! Its as classic as X-Files, Transformers G1, Just keep making them, and we’ll buy them!!! You have my word!
David
You know, I am a little bit disappointed. I know it is crisis but not make movies.That is sin. I pardoned when they end SGA I was furious but I calmed down. Then instead of make another movie or sga seasons you create SGU.OMG. Sorry i have to say that but sgu is terrible.But SG1 and SGA i really love it.That is all i have to say. Thank you for SG