Screw it! I’m going to Vegas!
If things go the way I think they will, then next month is going to be crazy between planning for the Toronto move and the move itself. And it aint gonna get any easier once I get there. We’re going to be starting up a new series and that will require the assembly of qualified personnel, the establishment of a sound production structure covering everything from scheduling to sign-offs, the coordination of the various entities involved, the spinning, writing, and rewriting of scripts, general pre-production, general production, general post-production, early morning, late nights, and – of course – the odd disagreement over everything from second unit shoots to lunch orders. Alex, Paul and I will have our work cut out for us. So before I launch headlong into the abyss, I’ve elected to launch headlong into a culinary extravaganza.
Back in SG-1’s final seasons, we would hit Vegas on a semi-regular basis, celebrating our birthdays in spectacular fashion at places like (then) Aqua, (the dearly departed) Alex, and Aureole (home of the wine angels). It’s been a while, but with the impending move to the other side of North America, I figured now would be the time to go back for one final delicious blow-out. To hell with Texas Hold ‘Em and Cirque de Soleil, I want my Chef’s Table d’Hote! I touched base with my former culinary wingman and Sin City expert, Martin Gero, who threw some suggestions my way – Joel Robuchon, Guy Savoy, Bouchon – and offered to drive down for a night and meet me for dinner. Just like old times! And, if Paul and I do end up in T.O., it truly will be like old times as Marty G. will be in town show running his own series as well (Epitome Pictures Releases Info For New Show “HIGHLAND GARDENS …). Hey! We’re getting the band back together!
On the flipside of the culinary coin was today’s lunch at Trattoria Restaurant on 4th. It’s owned by The Glowbal Group who have seemingly made a habit of following the same predictable pattern: opening strong with middling to above-average food, then coasting and eventually dropping precipitously in quality. So it was with Glowbal Grill & Satay Bar where, on our last visit, Fondy was served a chicken so suffuse with rosemary flavor as to render it inedible. So it was with Sanafir, a restaurant I thought highly enough to bring an out-of-town foodie to – with disastrously disappointing results. And so it was, today, at Trattoria. It wasn’t all bad. Akemi had a very good omelette. My meal, alas, wasn’t even close. I sat down and ordered a bottle of sparkling mineral water only to be informed the restaurant serves up its own distilled carbonated water at $3 a bottle. But, our waitress was quick to inform us, we could have as many glasses as we liked. Bottomless tap water! What a steal! My experience with distilled water served at restaurants hasn’t been great. The flavor is far from crisp or neutral; at best slightly chlorine in taste, at worst fishy. I ordered a smoothie instead: the Strawberry-Basil. Okay, okay. I’m sure you’re thinking “Strawberry-basil?! What do you expect?!”. Well, in truth, the basil wasn’t the problem. It actually worked. It was the strawberries that were the culprit – sour and wholly unpleasant. I hate to bring this up again, but no one puts up with this crap in Japan. When you buy a fruit at the local supermarket, its ripe and incredibly sweet. Here in North America, you take your chances. Why? Well, pick up Jeffrey Steingarten’s The Man Who Ate Everything and check out the chapter titled “Ripeness Is All” in which he details American agriculture’s push to harvest earlier fruit and greener produce. All this to say: didn’t love the smoothie. And REALLY didn’t love the Spicy Italian Pizza with house made sausage, caramelized leeks, fingerling potatoes, and burricotta. I remember visiting this place when they first opened and ordering (AND ENJOYING) a similar pizza: crisp and flavorful, the potatoes thinly sliced and heavenly. Fast-forward to today’s lunch and the pizza is soggy in parts, weighed down by flavorless potato chunks, a starchy mess.
For the life of me, I can’t figure these guys out. First Glowbal Grill, then Sanafir, and now Trattoria. What gives? Do they have an A-Team that opens their latest restaurant and then moves on to other projects? Are they easily bored? Or is it more a case that, once their clientele is secured, they simply stop caring. Not sure, but its a clear pattern that will have me steering well clear of Coast or Society, their latest additions to Vancouver’s increasingly mediocre restaurant scene.
In preparation for a potentially permanent move, I’ve decided to start clearing out my crawlspace. I spent an hour today going through just a few of the hundred or so boxes full of toys, scripts, contracts, receipts, and general crap I’ve accumulated over the years (and have been sitting, unopened, since my last move five years ago). I’ve decided I’d like to get through five boxes a day from now until mid-March and whittle down my holdings. Among the treasures discovered today: the complete run of Star Trek: Voyager on video (tossed), my old animation contracts (tossed), hard copies of some of my old animation scripts (kept – they’re my only copies), a pile of 11+ year old receipts (tossed), spiral notebooks full of football stats from my old wagering days (tossed), a bunch of floppy disks (tossed), Hong Kong Penthouse magazine featuring Qi Shu (kept – for its collectible value).
Mailbag:
Ryan writes: “E writes: “Once SGU’s fate is determined, will you share with us an AU season 3, like you did with SGA S6?” What did you do with s6? What did I miss?”
Answer: September 30, 2008: An AU Season 6!
Lev writes: “Are there going to be any SGU fiction books and if so, how canon are books considered to be in Stargateland?”
Answer: Sorry, I have no idea. This is a question for MGM.
JYS writes: “i’m going to New York on Tuesday. Got reservations at Jean Georges, Daniel, Eleven Madison Park, WD-50….Per Se i’m going to walk in for the salon menu.”
Answer: Hope you plan on blogging about it. With pics!
Anna Cookie writes: “What about the MMO Game? Is the whole idea scrapped or just permantley on Hiatus?”
Answer: Unfortunately, I know even less about what’s going on with the game. Sorry.
Thornyrose writes: “So, are you flying out to Toronto again before the final move, to confirm your new digs, or are you relying on an agent or other proxy to provide you livable quarters?”
Answer: I’m only going to make one trip (if I can help it). I’ll trust Fondy, who is in Toronto, to scope out the place and sign off on my behalf.
Sam V writes: “Has there been any news on an MGM trailer for SGU 2.”
Answer: Nope, and I don’t think we’re going to see one.
Zach P. writes: “You “disagree” with your accountant? That’d be like if your accountant disagreed with some of your writing. I don’t understand why people go to professionals and then disregard some of their suggestions. Maybe you want to be like an American and live past your means.”
Answer: My accountant works for me, not the other way around. And his suggestion has nothing to do with living beyond my means.
Erin writes: “Ever try any Cajun/Louisiana cuisine? If so, what particular dish(es) did you enjoy?”
Answer: I’m a huge fan of Cajun cooking. Unfortunately, there are no good Cajun restaurants here in Vancouver. Many years ago, I went to New Orleans and enjoyed some terrific meals at Arnaud’s, Brennan’s, Antoine’s, The Court of Two Sisters, and Commander’s Palace.
squall78 writes: “I have someone on the Syfy.com forums, posting plot info from episode 211. They stated something about a flashback with the Asgard and them developing something and whatnot.”
Answer: Hey, squall. You could ban him for lying but not for giving away spoilers since his inside information is complete and utter bullshit.
DP writes: “My sister insisted I watch this show called Modern Family last night. I suddenly became very uncomfortable. “Who are they talking to?” I asked.
Did you notice what TV has slipped in on us? The characters occasionally sit in front of the camera and talk. To us. “Hey, look up from your iPhone a sec, here’s what we’re doing on this show you’re sorta’ watching.”
What am I measuredly ranting about? The characters on sitcoms talk to us now. Who let this happen?”
Answer: Years ago, there was a British show called The Office that used this technique. The conceit was the events depicted were being shot/covered by a documentary crew. When the American version of the show was produced, they kept the same technique/conceit. Don’t know why Modern Family does it.
Montrealer writes: “SPACE channel in Canada is getting a free ride from Skiffy (AKA SyFy) since they didn’t spend any money on producing SGU. IIRC the show was funded almost solely by Skiffy with financing in place for 2 seasons. Also SPACE only pays MGM not Skiffy for a licensing fee.”
Answer: Sorry to say you know a lot less about the situation than you see to think. Both SPACE and SyFy paid a licensing fee to MGM to broadcast the show. The amount they paid may have differed, but that’s because the broadcast markets differed. The show was most certainly not “funded almost solely by Skiffy”. And, for the record, SPACE did an incredible job promoting the show, from their terrific trailers to their fan-focused Innerspace features to the big pre-Gemini SGU special they aired spotlighting the cast and Creators/Exec. Producers Brad Wright and Robert Cooper.
dasNdanger writes: “Today I broke down and bought something I really shouldn’t have – really don’t have the money to waste these days – but I just couldn’t resist. It’s a picture taken in 1947 for Harper’s Bazaar. SO mesmerized by this picture – it’s so ethereal and serene – I could not take my eyes off of it. It now hangs in my reading corner:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v54/dasNdanger/womanfloating1947.jpg”
Answer: Awesome. I probably would have splurged myself.
Miko writes: “Just wondering, if I just won the lottery for a 100 million €, could I make you guys produce like 10 more episodes for a season 3 SGU?”
Answer: Once you win, let’s talk.
When you say you threw away the complete Voyager series on video, do you mean VHS or DVD? I still have a few season’s worth of Voyager on VHS even though I have them on DVD. Can’t seem to throw them out.
Ooooh, you and @JYS are making me jealous! Do tell me all about Bouchon. Had reservations at Aqua when I went to Vegas quite a few years back with my daughter, but had to cancel due to overeating earlier in the day, so missed out on that, too. I’ve only been to Aureole in NYC, and it would have been a very enjoyable meal had my son-in-law not been calling from Florida to tell me Elway was having seizures (asking what to do with the Valium suppositories, totally panicked, and me, at the top of my lungs “Stick it up his ass!” – yes, I went outside, but not before EVERYBODY heard me…). Daniel in NYC? Meh. I know so many people rave about this place, but quite frankly, I found my Dover sole really, well, meh. The Syrah reduction on my daughter’s fish was bitter and pretty much ruined the dish. Soup, appies and desserts were lovely, service was impecable.
So, when does your Vegas adventure begin, Joe? Enjoy yourself, and have a safe trip! 🙂
Hey Joe
My dad has every episode of Star Trek ever aired taped. He sat in his chair with the remote to remove the commercials. He would jot down the times, date and episode name in a little book. Mom heard enough about missing episode names from the original series so she bought him the DVDs…
Elminster
S & I are talking Vegas but not until mid-March. Too bad we can’t coordinate with you.
Dear Mr. Mallozzi,
I’m sorry to hear about your disappointing meals as of late. Maybe there will be good restaurants in Toronto.
However, I will soon be visiting Vancouver and was wondering if you knew of any good bakeries to visit…if you could answer in mailbag form that’d be great!
Thank you,
Maria
Glad to see you are purging old paper, though. That’s the easiest and probably most security-conscious move preparation. One of our biggest tasks at the estate house has been to go through files, photos, and scrapbooks.
I saw a SGU season 2 trailer on SPACE, I cant wait for March 8th.
Hey Joe if you find any Stargate scripts you dont want send em my way! Especially Window Of Opportunity or Scorched Earth, my favorite season 4 episodes (seriously no butt kissing) or my favorite overall episode Heroes. Rob Cooper is the man, i want to have his babies as soon as science finds a way to make that possible.
dasNdanger writes: “SO mesmerized by this picture – it’s so ethereal and serene – I could not take my eyes off of it. It now hangs in my reading corner:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v54/dasNdanger/womanfloating1947.jpg
That photo is awesome! I am also pretty sure I have seen it before, but can’t place it. Do you have any more info on it?
Did your Accountant approve this extra trip to Vegas?
(Just kidding – don’t hurt me!) 🙂
Yes SPACE did an awesome job promoting SGU. Also Canada did appreciate, recognize and reward SGU via the Geminis. A lot of folks are saying Canada is pirate country. Well check this out: even if SGU was broadcasted on Tuesday on Syfy and uploaded online, Canadians would still turn in to see the show live on SPACE on Friday. Even if I have been guilty ‘of cheating’ myself a few times, I can tell you that I always watched it on SPACE on Friday. So the fan base exists and is strong and can be galvanized via a proper marketing and promotion like SPACE did.
SGU failed in the ratings because Syfy fucked up its promotion and viewing time. Canada and Europe showed there was a public for SGU.
BTW, its not the first time we see Syfy fucking up a good show. Take a look at the good Merlin fantasy show:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Merlin_tv#UK_.26_US_Ratings
Strong S1 and S2 in UK… and off course Syfy managed to fuck it up too in S2 by moving it around the schedule and lose viewers.
Pattern much ?? GG !
All right, enough venom. I will enjoy the bittersweet SGU return for the end of S2. I can not wait to see David Hewlett and Robert Picardo in SGU! I am sure to have a blast.
@Randomness
Probably shouldn’t say this as you’lll likely feel the need to do the personal attacks you did last time and this time, but you seriously need to stop telling other people what to post as you come across as really offensive/angry and it wouldn’t surprise me if you respond to this with the abusive posts you did last time when someone disagrees.
As for the person in general, bite me. Their slur on Americans was uncalled for as was their comment to Joe. Until Joe appoints you as the person who approves comments, why don’t you get over yourself and move on.
And to think just yesterday I was thinking… well the person is a jerk sometimes but at least cares for animals. Okay I guess I can still think that… just change sometimes to “often” and add condescending to it.
On restaurants… I think the stupid ones work hard to do great to get business, then slack off not understanding they then lose business. Hope your final meals are much more appealing. You should call them ahead of time and let them know you will be blogging about your meal. 🙂 Maybe they’ll put in effort!
I am utterly impressed at the 5 boxes a day. I have 2 storage units here I really need to go through and get rid of half the stuff in them… either sell or donate or trash. Dread it but we plan to move in 2 yrs and I sure don’t want to wait til down to the wire. Please post every day how much you are doing so I will be either inspired or shamed into digging into mine!
@ SebiMeyer – It was used for a jazz album cover back in 1962…other than all I know is that it’s a “model floating in the water at Weeki Wachee Spring, Florida. The image by fashion photographer Toni Frissell was published in Harper’s Bazaar in December 1947.”
@ Joe – I’ll get you that picture for a housewarming gift, IF you invite me to your first Toronto-based chocolate party! You’ll be within driving distance now…hehehe. 😈 (Are you SURE you wanna make that move?? 😉 )
Also, the restaurants? Are you sure you’re not trying to convince yourself that the food’s gone downhill, just to make leaving Vancouver a little easier? It’s like when you know a relationship’s over and suddenly all the little habits you were willing to put up with or overlook when things were going good become magnified into huge, annoying habits that you can no longer tolerate. Maybe that’s what’s happening with you and Food Vancouver – you know you’re breaking up, and you’re looking for every reason to justify it and lessen the pain.
Okay…that’s my analysis for the night, now get off’a my couch and get back to packing!
Give the poochies kisses for me (esp. that Jelly!), sleep well, and remember…Toronto’s only a day away… 😈
das
Darn it, sorry Joe. Keep meaning to comment on the Jelly video because someone commented on her movement. She does appear to be dragging her back leg some… could be just muscle tone issue or neurological. But dang what an incredible improvement! Considering all she has been through, I am impressed.
Screw it! I’m going to Vegas!
that needs to be the city’s new motto.
i can just see the commercials now;
a woman gets stood up at the alter, she turns to the bridesmaids & says; “screw it! i’m going to vegas!”
a kid doesn’t get into yale, he calls a friend & says; “screw it! i’m going to vegas!”
the big parts machine breaks down at work, the supervisor throws his hands up & says; “screw it! i’m going to vegas!”
a woman has a bad day, her car breaks down in the rain, she stepped in dog crap, the internet is down & she says; “screw it! i’m going to vegas!”
I doubt your accountant will appreciate your trip to Vegas. 😀
Sorry to hear about this latest restaurant let-down. Striking out in the final days, no good! Can’t wait to read about your ReFuel dinner, though.
(Also, I hope you responsibly tossed those videos and floppy disks, rather than letting them sit in landfills leaching God knows what chemicals into the ground. Yikes!)
@DAS
*COOL*!!
i actually don’t have a blog…but the pics are definite.
Joe, I smiled when I read “…no one puts up with this crap in Japan.”
I’ve only been there once, but there were two things (other than, you know, everything) that really stood out. And as a big-time tech geek, I’m even surprised that Akihabara wasn’t one of them.
No, they were Tokyo Disney Sea, which had one of the coolest theme park attractions (maybe the coolest) I’ve ever seen (the Sindbad ride) and the food section at Mitsukoshi.
In some ways, it blew away the food section at Harrod’s, and I think Harrod’s is pretty cool.
But what you wrote really drives to the point. They may not have the selection of Harrod’s, but every. single. thing. there was simply perfect.
Perfectly ripe. Perfectly made. Perfectly displayed.
And I’m sure there are plenty of other places I didn’t see that raised the bar even more.
I don’t know nothin about Canadians from Canadia, but I can tell you that we U.S.-ians, as a culture, have pretty low standards and that doesn’t seem to be a situation that’s improving at all.
Hey, Joe!
Well, the new season of AMAZING RACE has started… any favorites from the sea of familiar faces?
Oh, hey, have you heard about the comic called BATTLEPUG? I haven’t seen it or anything, but heard someone talking about it and immediately thought of you & your brood.
Take care!
“Answer: Sorry to say you know a lot less about the situation than you see to think. Both SPACE and SyFy paid a licensing fee to MGM to broadcast the show. The amount they paid may have differed, but that’s because the broadcast markets differed. The show was most certainly not “funded almost solely by Skiffy”.”
Interesting. I thought Syfy paid for around 40% of each episode. I guess you can’t disclose the amount they paid?
Since the topic of SPACE doing such good promotion in Canada keeps popping up I am curious: How good or bad where SGU’s ratings in Canada?
Can you make a comparison for non-Canadians to grasp how good or bad they where?
For instance: SGU was averaging about .. viewers which would be as good or bad if SyFy had .. viewers.
Any overview source for the Canadian ratings?
If the ratings where better it might help us in fighting the occasional “SGU was bad and no one watching it proves it” argument by argueing that when promoted right ratings would have been better.
Can’t wait to see SGU 2.5. Hope about some good news regarding SGs future soon…
@Debra
You attack others that don’t agree with you. Just grow up a little, people don’t appreciate such hostile comments aimed at them like you did with that other person. You’l just drive people away from posting here.
Hey Joe,
You are doing what I find impossible. I have wonderful things like floods that decide for me what goes and what I keep. Moving also helps…because things just tend to get lost. One time I numbered each box and listed every item in that box. Funny thing…that year we didn’t lose anything.
Yes…I have moved…as an adult….14 times. Crazy…I know. Life should be simpler…but it’s not. Oh well…good luck with all THAT packing and tossing. Wish I were there to see all the tossing. *smiles*
Best to you Joe,
Always,
Cheryl 🙂
Don’t throw out any of the toys that belong to the pups. They will miss them when they are in their new home. Take them ALL. Really…
@Unfortunately, I know even less about what’s going on with the game. Sorry.
Joe the company making the game lost the rights to the Stargate name. Assuming because they couldn’t produce the game in the MANY years they were given, MGM just cut their losses.
Infact the Stargate Worlds site is mostly defunct now lol. Such a shame, I would of loved to of walked around a virtual Atlantis, or a Virtual SGC.
Anyway apoligies for somewhat argueing with this Debra person posting on your blog, as you approve comments you likely know what is being said, but honestly. She basically attacks anyone on here with a differing opinion to her own. And erm copys what I aim at her, her latest comment aimed at me was basically almost a copy paste of mine aimed at her =/
I hate people like that personally, she honestly needs to mellow out, I can’t imagine her being on forums for long with her constant need to attack others.
Mostly good news anyway, the cat that was injured came back recently, looks to be walking somewhat normally now. Just have to keep an eye on it.
Can’t imagine the kind of relief I had when it came back mostly fine lol
@Miko
If you had 100 million euros you could probably fund Season 3 and 4, and SGA/SG1 movies.
God how I wish someone would do that, lots of rich people in the world, but none that care enough about the show D:
By the way, did you watch The Amazing Race Joe? It’s back now, old racers in a semi all star edition. They call it *Unfinished business*
One of the legs upcoming even is in Japan, and the show is in HD now.
It only took 17 seasons but Amazing Race finally got the HD treatment Lol
Okay you likely know from watching Stargate being filmed, HD equipment is pretty fragile in some ways, and as The Amazing Race is mostly filmed with some crew members + team, it’d be expensive too. Happy they finally made the switch to HD mind you.
They were shown up by The Amazing Race Asia as TARA has hit HD before them.
Anyway, think I’ll just ignore Debra. No point in argueing with someone so. Erm horrible.
I’m glad you’re getting things back in perspective, Joe! And I agree with archersangel about “Screw it! I’m going to Vegas” as the new ad slogan for that city.
You did raise a very good point about the food: we’ve sacrificed quality for quantity. I’m very picky about fruits and veggies and I’d rather have a restaurant tell me that an item is unavailable because they couldn’t get good strawberries or peaches or whatever than to serve me bad food.
It’s good to see Jelly moving around so well again!
@das: interesting picture. Well worth the splurge.
I have to disagree about the restaurant thing, though. I think the restaurant gods are helping Joe separate from Vancouver (at least temporarily) by making his recent visits less-than-perfect. Easing the transition.
Oh! I just started Ghosts of Manhattan and I’m enjoying it a lot so far. And I did see your comment on MM’s blog. I agree that Steve fits the Elric image and attitude very nicely!
And Joe’s new location in Toronto is only about 10 hours away for both of us now: road trip! Could happen. Just sayin’ …
@anyone who was annoyed by the SciFi change to SyFy: They made fun of the new name on Big Bang Theory a couple of weeks ago!
From what I understand Merced the ratings in Canada are absolutley exceptional.
On Space, we get the 1 Hr of Stargate, followed by “InnerSpace,” which is where the two hosts talk about the episode, series, and where there thoughts will go on for that particular episode the night it falls on.
Space & InnerSpace has been absolutley wonderful to the Canadian Fans. They’ve already posted on their Facebook page that they apparently crunched the numbers and cannot solely support SGU on its own. Check their pages via FB/Twitter, or Google Canadian Ratings for Stargate. There have been a few articles about Space is definitley the place to go for Sci-Fi TV and programs.
Thanks Joe, sad that no one knows about the MMO Game. In the mean-time, I guess my boyfriend will play WOW & Eve Online. We just want to put our money into the Stargate Franchise – and EVE Online is as close as we can get.
I’ve thought so many times to buy out Chapters in books… but that little difference I’m sure will not be the key to save Stargate.
The Stargate Franchise, is always on Space. Repeats of SG1, SGA, and SGU are on usually during the day and weekends. Space has even said, its the most watched show on their channel.
I live in Mississauga, ON. But I’m sure that Space’s programming is the same across the country. You will get the occasional movie here and there, and repeats of Caprica, Merlin, etc. But I guess a lot of people with their PVR’s now have been recording the series off of Rogers/Cogeco (Same Company, Cogeco for Rural here in Ontario. Not sure about Canada-wide.)
We have two sets of collection sets. One for the DVD Player, and one to be never touched for the SG1 and SGA series. We just bought the other SGU ones to keep the series, but again, its 1 sale for two people who watch it at home. That’s what doesn’t matter. In order for both of us to count, we would have to buy both and put them away. (I plan to do so in the near future, to know I’ve counted in the cause).
Its all about money, I understand that… Its just sad Stargate had to die like this. I always think about now, if I’m endorsing SyFy if I buy merchandise, being a Canadian, I only want to endorse Space & Stargate. I’m not sure if I really want to endorse MGM, as too my boyfriend wants to boycott them right now as well.
The only reason we are not: Stargate. The hope Stargate will continue.
Joe ; Have fun in Vegas, hope you win some money ^_^ !
A lot of cool things to do down there. This will keep your mind off the move and give you some good quality time to yourself that you deserve.
Always with Care,
Anna ^_^
Mr. M.: Quite a change from yesterday’s attitude! You bounce back fast.
It’s great that you and Fondy have such a cordial relationship. How many people would let their Ex pick out a house for them?
Have a great trip in Vegas!
Das: beautiful picture!
Ponytail: good one!!!!
Amazing Race is off to a terrific start, although the cowboys are screwing up far too much far too early. C’mon, boys, Cowboy Up!
For those of us on a budget here in Utah, the slogan is: “Screw it, I’m going to Wendover!”
Having just cleaned out mom and dad’s house, I had to laugh. I found mom’s cards from her wedding day in 1943, menus from cruise ships (fantastic, I should frame them), brochures from every trip we ever took, piles of negatives … and dad’s photography was spectacular, large format, how can I toss them? Their high school year books from 1941, each semester had one and they changed mascots each time. My birthday cards, dad’s letters from his deployments in the 60s, Christmas cards, a scrapbook from WWII in Hawaii, programs from my brother’s high school plays, dad’s paystubs and W-2 forms from his job at Orowheat between WWII and Korea … all this, yet we moved every few years with the military. I kept a bit in one single plastic bin, gave some to a friend for collages, but most of it evoked a tearful memory or a puzzled pondering of my parents’ life before I was born, then into the trash.
Well, two bins, one just for the negatives, slides and prints.
Three bins, one for my sailor nephew who will want the things from Dad’s Naval career.
Four bins, the things which will be incorporated into my Burning Man art projects.
Five bins, mom’s sewing things and fabrics, which will be turned into Burning Man costumes and gifts.
I am positive there is a sixth bin.
Ah yes, my brother Wayne’s things, to go to his widow.
Not to mention all the knickknacks I kept, some of them lovely and expensive objects d’art, Belleek, LLadro, Royal Copenhagen, and much, much more.
And the Japanese woodblock prints.
You see the problem? And I already have so many fine things of my own, so many memories.
Stuff is wonderful, but giving it away is liberating.
I found a poem I wrote for mom when I was maybe eight years old:
You are worth more than heaps of silver,
You are worth more than heaps of gold,
You are worth more than heaps of diamonds,
And peanut butter sandwiches.
(Some memories are well worth digging up)
Hi Joe!
Are the Destiny sets still standing and will Creation have access to the studio for set tours in April?
Sorry about the bad food. I hate going out and having all the anticipation of a good meal and then not having it come true. Have fun on your trip to Vegas. We have friends that live there who have been trying to get us to visit. If we end up moving to the other side of the country, we just might do that. Oh, and the mailbag was great!! Your answers always make me chuckle.
Looking forward to the beginning of March and some decent sci-fi television. Hubby was just telling me earlier that Firefly was going to be re-broadcast on the Science Channel. Yeah!! So, we’ll be able to watch Firefly, SGU, and V. My week will be made!!!!!
Have a great day!!!!!!!!
Cant wait for season 2.5. I see some promise ahead. But no matter what happens, this is the last leg of the awesome Stargate franchise….. It will be sad to see that something that has been around for the better part of my life suddenly dissapear…. *sigh*
“All good things must come to an end”
Hey, a new clue!
“Hong Kong Penthouse magazine featuring Qi Shu (kept – for its collectible value)”
I’m sure I’m not alone when I say: I think I know what new show you, Paul and Rob will be working on. Good luck. I’m looking forward to it!
@Merced
I think it was something like 375k for the whole Canada.
Brought back scaling with population, the equivalent of 375k in Canada is 3M in US, so almost triple the proportion than in US.
Ah, so you’ll be working on The Transporter TV series? Let’s see if JimFronJersey’s sleuthwork is right (and if this post gets approved) 😉
Hi Joe have some more questions:
1) If the ZPM were to be removed from the Odyssey would that permanently deactivate Merlins cloak and if so can they adapt a cloak from puddle jumper to replace it?
2) Are any Earth ships able to recharge using sun power yet?
Thanks.
@Randomness
Your posts are often condescending and beyond know-it-all. You have launched more attacks, not on what i SAY, but against me PERSONALLY, than anyone every on this blog against anyone.
You need anger management, dude. Really. And your control needs are just out of orbit. Please, get help.
Reread your posts, compare to mine, and see who the angry abusive jerkwad is. Really. I comment on what people SAY, you attack the person.
I used your own words to try to hit home to you how offensive you are, but it evidently zoomed over your head. I am sorry you “hate” me or people like me. Did I mention: get help. This is a blog, not a relationship. If I bother you, take a healthy approach and skip my posts.
I am sorry I evidently embarrassed you by calling you out repeatedly on your abusive response and you now can’t let it go. But you are so not worth it… from now on, ignoring you. Continue to make a joke of yourself with the tirades, personal attacks and attempts to tell others to grow up when you obviously haven’t.
Wow. Zach P. was nasty!
It seems pretty clear to me that the deal with your accountant is not that you disagree with him on accounting matters (that it would be financially better for you to sell) but lifestyle (whether you value the money more, or the space because of the dogs). That’s a different thing entirely and more of an opinion as long as you can afford it!
ROFLMAO, omg, you really are fixated! 3 posts trying to engage me with more attacks. Random please, get help.
:::I’m glad you’re getting things back in perspective, Joe! And I agree with archersangel about “Screw it! I’m going to Vegas” as the new ad slogan for that city. ::::
Really I think she should pitch the idea to Las Vegas tourist board! It’s brilliant!
Question for the mailbag: Do you have any memories you would like to share of your parents teaching you to drive? It’s been a “white knuckle” weekend teaching my 15 year to drive. It makes me look back and remember those “screaming” moments with my dad 😉 .
We (hubby and I) enjoyed your sandwich story yesterday. We’ve been in the same situation many times. I would have to agree with Lou Zucaro about the quality of food in the U.S.. However, word gets around when a good quality restaurant is in the area. You will find your way around Toronto in no time!
wow this go between debra and randomness is fun, maybe syfy should pick this up
Hi Joe:
I was thinking about the episode Twin Destinies where from what I imgine Rush travels into the future and finds out information that will help them in the present.
If I am correct then I imagine that Rush knows all about season 3 and possibly beyond!
This is science fiction , so I guess there is no way to ask him about this ??
Hey Mr.Mallozi,
I had just found out about the cancelation of the SG Franchise, I have to say I’m pretty shocked, and I am sorry for your loss also. I had fallen in love with the show back in 2007 when i had been home due to four broken toes, their was a marathon on and well, been a fan since. I sincerly hope that there is someone working on finding a way to resurect the Franchise and atleast finish some of the movies in production and hopefully finish SGU with a movie when MGM is fealing more financially secure. lol No Pun intended
Anyway my question is, Do you feal it would be in vain of me to be hopefull for a posotive out come to this situation or is it finished for the for seable future. Good luck with your move and all the best. Thanks for everything!
Joe –
Do the dogs still have twitter accounts? (I think you mentioned it at one point – I don’t remember what they are).
Is it possible they’ll have time during their cross continent journey to post some things? I’m not asking for myself mind you – my Golden Retriever is a big fan of the pugs!!!!
Hello Mr. Mallozzi,
I want to ask you – how many dollars should fans collect for those two movies? Somewhere on this blog is written, that for one season of SGU would be fine more or less 40 000 000 dollars. Realistically, we can’t make that. But for those movies it’s, I think, about few millions and that’s something, what we might can try.
Thanks for answer,
Fan of Stargate
I’ll be in Vegas this weekend, or more accurately, Henderson. I’ll wager we won’t be eating at any of those restaurants. Elephant Bar, anyone? 🙂
You can take boxes of documents to Kinkos and they’ll shred for something like a dollar a pound. It’s a good way to securely get rid of any bills and receipts securely.
Martin’s show sounds interesting. I spent ten dicey days at the Days Inn H’wood next to Beverly Hills High, but the experience was less than starry. I figured having a week of mtgs meant I should save some cash by staying there; big mistake. The first room they put me in reeked of the couplings of a John and his bad girls, and the air conditioner leaked like Niagara Falls.
I requested a second room that had a pool view, no love stank and the air conditioner only leaked for about an hour a day. I came back from mtgs one night to find guys selling suspicious looking party favors in behind the burger joint next door, which was clearly visible from the outdoor balcony that led to my suite. I mastered hustling along the balcony while crouched like a crab to avoid being strafed by any disgruntled customers.
Will any of the SG support staff be joining your new office, or will you be staffing from TO?
@hal ehrlich
If Rush told you Season 3 existed, would you believe him though?
@Paddy
Sorry about that, I’m done on that subject. I need not say more, I think you’l see when they disagree with someone my point anyhow.
I kinda feel embarrased to even bring myself down to their level. I’m better than that :3
Hey Joe,
Thanks for the feedback on the Kindle. I picked up a reading light with rechargeable batteries for mine to deal with no back-light. Works well as a cover-holder-opener at night when reading in bed as well. As I’m not blown away by any Reader at the moment (and Harry did fine last week on a business trip) I’m going to hold off on another purchase.
As for living further away from your favourite destinations, welcome to the feeling of living in Australia. Even travelling to other parts of Australia is far away. It only takes between 1.5-3 hrs to get to Bali, Singapore, Thailand once you leave the Australian mainland, but jeeeeeeeeeeeeeez it takes 5 freaking hours to cross Australia from Melbourne.
I remember my accountant saying it was a bad idea to sell the company. Sometimes accountants only see dollars and cents and don’t take into account the intangibles such as quality of life. Don’t use that accountant anymore. And sold the company. And I’m much happier! Can’t put a dollar figure on that.
Definitely agree “Screw it. I’m going to Vegas” should be their tourism slogan. Pretty sure Charlie Sheen has that tattooed on his body somewhere. It makes it easier for the cab driver to know where he wants to be taken if he can just point to the tattoo.
das – Want. That. Print. Instant relaxation.
We have an Olympus Shock/Waterproof camera and have some great water pics from Maya Bay, Phi Phi, Koh Samui region of Thailand from when we were there a few years ago. I have a look at those when needing some instant Wooosaaaaaa-ing. There’s something so totally relaxing about water.
@ maggiemayday – That poem is adorable! Thanks for sharing! 🙂
@ Sparrowhawk – Look, we’re supposed to be sticking together on this. Remember…everything’s in Joe’s head. That missing script? He knew where it was all along, because he hid it on purpose…hid it to make us feel sorry for him. Oh, and the whole thing with his garage door? Did you see how easy he fixed it? Yeah…that was all in his head, too, just to make himself look helpless. It’s for the attention, you see. I betcha he hears footsteps in the attic at night…when everyone’s supposed to be in bed…the lights dim, then there are the footsteps, always over head…and no one believes him…
Okay. I’ve been watching too many old movies… 😛
Can’t wait to get your feedback on Ghosts – one scene in particular. It just felt so very…familiar. 🙂
das
@Tammy Dixon
LOL I loved teaching my daughter to drive. But I live in a rural area where I could take her on empty roads, huge vacant parking lots and deserted mt roads to give her plenty of practice.
I wish I could disagree about food and restaurants here, but we all know most are not good. Even sidewalk dinners in France and Switzerland beat most the best ones here for freshness, presentation and quality overall.
@ Paddy, notice it says done but can’t stop, while and hopes his rants makes others forget his indicating Joe was not truthful.
@ funding SG. Wow, I wish there was a way to get every fan to donate just $20 into a secure fund to get the movies made.
@ Maggiemayday… your sharing is wonderful and appreciated. I know you were a blessing to your parents. You are a blessing as a friend.
@ Narelle – Every time I look at that picture, I feel like I’M floating…never had anything affect me quite like it.
das
das – Looked at the link from my iPhone so have downloaded and saved it. I’ll be whipping that baby out the next time a client rings and demands I drop everything NOW because their problem is more important than the client I’m at right now and it MUST be done because it’s critical to the continuation to their business despite them not thinking ahead that maybe I would be busy at the EXACT moment when they needed this done… now where’s that god-damn picture? Aaaaah, that’s better.
Narelle: Loved the tattoo on Charlie Sheen description!
Anyway, I can look up the details but color e-ink may come to fruition sooner than expected. Two companies that will be instrumental in the color e-ink development merged. So, the longer you wait for a new e-reader, the better they will become.
Debra: I learned to drive in the country and enjoyed all of those country roads. Now, we live in a more urban part of Mississippi/Memphis area, so the boy has to learn to drive in traffic. Very stressful for all of us. 🙂
Oh yeah, strawberries! I have had two weeks of lucky strawberry selecting at the grocers and it’s been wonderful; the Cali strawberries they had were very ripe but not mushy, just perfect. Usually I buy a container and maybe pick out half and have to toss the rest. Gave up on them completely for a while but maybe the cold weather has improved the crop. My dream house will have a Victorian glass greenhouse like the Phipps where I will grow strawberries, rose apples and all my faves from around the world.
Any chance we can see David Hewllet behind the scenes? 😀
Also any chance David Hewllet plays in your new series? 😛
@ Narelle – If you look at it upside down, it looks like some surreal space picture of a woman falling into the water. I like it either way. 🙂
das
das **turns iPhone upside down** Huh, well whaddyaknow. Although it looks like a painful entry into the water that way.
Tammy – Problem with technology, as soon as you buy it it’s obsolete! But I guess that’s their evil plan.
Also…
Rather bad earthquake today in Christchurch, NZ. I’m terrible because the first thing I worried about was the rugby stadium… 😛 …but then I heard there are probably fatalities, and I’m just worried for everyone now. Thoughts and prayers to everyone affected by this quake.
das
….hear last night about SGU being cancelled . Not sure what to say, I’m chocked especially since season 2 so far is pretty good .
I’m still wondering if a show who’s production has already been cancelled by one network can still be picked up by another network… From what I think I understand, the Sci-Fi channel can broadcast new shows hoping that another network of production compagny will buy the project from them. If the project is not picked up, they cancel it …
I’d gladly take those Voyager vhs tapes off your hands 😛
hi joe
It’s intimidating the culinary field…
that is all.
Please forgive my poor grammar.
Anna Cookie writes: “What about the MMO Game? Is the whole idea scrapped or just permantley on Hiatus?”
I’m fairly certain that Cheyenne Mountain Entertainment is pretty much dead, as a company. Meaning that it is extremely unlikely that Stargate Worlds will ever be made.
And, again, “Stargate Worlds” should not be released in its current (even if completed) state anyway. Everything they ever showed was already significantly behind the state of the art in just about every way that could be deduced from what was shown.
Joe when talking about the SGA script you stated: “Answer: Rally the troops and convince the studio to either publish the script. Once you read it, you’ll be incapable of sadness.”
How would us fans RALLY to do something like that?