WTF? What the hell does this mean?
“The Google Maps API server rejected your request because you do not have permission to use this service over SSL.”
I ask because the message pops up every time I attempt to update this blog. And, by some unhappy coincidence, my html keeps screwing up, line spacing is off, paragraphs are run together, and I’ve inadvertently offended someone on Skype (although I’m not entirely sure the I can lay blame for the latter on Google Maps API server, I’m going to try anyway). All signs point to a plug-in issue. Or, at least, the google search for the aforementioned phrase points to a plug-in issue. How to address? Should I switch web browsers? Check the firewall settings on my internet security software? Apologize?
Paul popped his head into my office yesterday and asked: “Hey, what’re you doing the last week of July?” almost sounding as though it was a perfectly innocent question. Almost.
“I think I’ll be in Chad,”I informed him, “doing missionary work.”
“Now, you see,”he said, fixing me with a look of feigned disappointment. “If you’d said you were gun-running, THEN I might’ve believed you…”
I knew this was about Comic Con, that he’d been asked, couldn’t attend, and was looking for me to go instead. Unfortunately, I really did have plans for that particular week. Not missionary plans or gun-running plans, but more possibly going to Montreal plans. Plus, I think the fans get enough of me here on this little corner of the internet. I wouldn’t want to overextend myself. First it’s Comic Con and the next thing you know I’m endorsing Fritos and doing a guest spot on Cougar Town.
Damn. After five straight days in first place, I relinquished my spot in our Office World Cup Pool to – of all people – fellow Exec. Producer Carl Binder! I’m now tied for second alongside Paul and Brad. Fortunately, Carl has picked Greece in one of tomorrow’s match-ups. And, fortunately, I have not.
Hey, have you met my Jelly?
She’s the eldest of my dog crew, an eleven year old pug who aint quite as spry as she used to be on account of some hip problems. Once a speed demon, she can barely get around anymore, relying on me to carry her up and down stairs, on and off the bed, in and out of the house. Although a complete hip replacement is an option, it’s a fairly invasive surgery, one I’m not at all certain she’d be able to handle, so, instead, I’m managing her discomfort with medication and consigned myself to being her chauffeur for the foreseeable future. Then, the other day, I came across this interesting article – http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1817572,00.html – detailing the use of stem cell therapy to help animals suffering from hip dysplasia and similar degenerative conditions. Tissue is removed from the pet and sent to a special lab where a centrifuge is used to extract the stem cells, then the cells are sent back and injected into the problem area. According to studies done since the Time magazine article was first published, the treatment has seen very positive results. No side effects to speak of, although some pet owners have complained of feeling lighter in the wallet. The procedure is pricey. BUT I figure if I can spend the money to go to Tokyo, I can sure as hell spend the money to help out my favorite gal. If the treatment helps by restoring even ten percent of her original hip function, it’ll have been worth it. Hell, even if it has no discernible effect, it will have been worth it because at least I’ll know I tried everything I could to ensure her golden years are as comfortable as possible. After a preliminary discussion with our vet who believes the treatment may hold some promise, I was referred to a specialist. They’re sending him the x-rays and Jelly and I have an appointment to see him next week.
Today’s entry is dedicated to blog regular Das. Get yerself fixed up!
Mailbag:
Ian Z. writes: “While I’m not against it. What made you (and fellow writers) decide to have the Lucian Alliance use Earth weapons instead of Goa’uld weapons? Are we to assume that Earth has superseded the Goa’uld in arms dealing?”
Answer: No particular reason. As I said in a previous entry, the Lucian Alliance is made up of disparate groups who have helped themselves to any and all tech (rudimentary and advanced) available since the fall of the goa’uld. When it comes to handheld weaponry, that covers everything from zats to crossbows. We decided to go with Earth (Earth-like) weaponry to differentiate Kiva’s faction from previous factions we’ve encountered. Also, they’re cooler in a firefight.
Ian Z. also writes: “Also, have you checked out Stargate Resistance yet?”
Answer: Nope. I’m sure it’s wonderful, but I’m not a gamer.
Mark writes: “1.if the crew of the destiny finds a seedership, could they change the programming of the seedership to build a supergate from the collected materials?
2.If the Seedership is not big enough to produze a supergate (to get the destiny through the supergate (if they could control it) to earth) they could change the programming to build more modern stargates, to change the limit of the range?”
Answers: 1. Highly unlikely. 2. Again, highly unlikely.
Simon writes: “1) What do you think of the ratings in total for SGU’s first Season?
2) When’s that Jamil Walker Smith Q&A coming?
3) If SGU where to end shorter than expected, are you prepared for that?
4) Similar to the question above. If that DOES happen, will there be more of a chance of getting the SG-1 and SGA movies?”
Answers: 1) No matter what ratings your show receives, you always want it to do better. That being said, the key demos have been fairly consistent as have the +7 numbers. Ultimately, any discussion of these ratings, while interesting, is neither here nor there. Our second season pick up was predicated on a strong first half performance of our opening season. The third season pick up will depend on the first ten episodes of the show’s second year. And, with our scheduled move to Tuesday nights, I’m feeling pretty good about our chances.
2) Good question. Jamil?
3) Oh, sure. I’ve been prepared since the end of SG-1’s fifth season. It’s been a fantastic twelve season ride for me and I would never take anything for granted – still, if I had to put money on it, I’d say that, same time next year, you’ll be quizzing me about a possible fourth season pick up.
4) Er, quite the opposite actually. Some fans, either because they’re ignorant to the workings of television production or simply refuse to see reason, assume that the only thing holding back the movies is continued production on SGU. In fact, the hold up is a studio decision based on various financial factors that have nothing to do with Universe. Continued production on Universe is what is keeping the franchise healthy and open to the possibility of future movies. As things stand now, Stargate: Universe carries the mantle of the Stargate franchise while the two movies – with scripts already in place – await the greenlight for production. If, in a worse case scenario, SGU were to wrap production earlier than expected (unlikely but, hey, let’s play “what if?”), then I suspect that it would assume first position in any potential film schedule, pushing SG-1 to the temporary back-burner.
dasNdanger writes: “1. Did you mention the publisher? For some reason, I’m thinking either Vertigo/DC, or Dark Horse…but that may be for something else I was looking into.
2. Any time frame for release? Next year sometime??
3. What’s the difference between scripting a tv show, and scripting a comic book?”
Answers: 1. I haven’t mentioned the publisher, but will make the announcement once the deals have been finalized (just awaiting a few contract signatures now).
2. I’m hoping sometime early next year.
3. When script a comic book, you assume the role of both writer and director.
myhelix writes: “1) Will we have a episode in Season 2 that focused on Dr. Rush and Col. Young´s and Rush and Eli´s relationship ?! These three are a blast to watch, they have a great on-screen chemistry.
2)Will the Destiny crew ever stumble across a planet with a whole alien society on it?”
Answers: 1) Possibly. 2) Again – possibly.
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