Again, a big thank you to those who have taken the time to introduce (and reintroduce) themselves in the comments section of this blog. Not surprisingly, a lot of scifi fans among you. Somewhat surprisingly, A LOT of animal lovers as well! 🙂
It’s been great learning a little about the individuals who make up our extended blog family so, if you haven’t already, please take a moment to say hi.
A few of the upcoming releases that caught my eye…
300: Rise of an Empire
Release Date: February 7, 2014
What it’s about: The sequel to 300 pits Greek General Themistokles against an invading Persian army.
What it’s got working for it: The original 300 was an entertaining visual treat.
What’s it’s got going against it: Eight years later and audiences will be expecting more than a visual and narrative retread.
Mr. Peabody & Sherman
Release Date: February 7, 2014
What it’s about: The time-traveling adventures of a brilliant talking dog and his equally brilliant young owns.
What it’s got working for it: If it’s as clever as the original cartoon, viewers of all ages are in for a treat.
What’s it’s got going against it: The fact that no attempt was made to recapture the spirit of the original voices bodes ill for this reboot.
The Art of the Steal
Release Date: February 14, 2014
What it’s about: A former art thief must get his old gang back together for one last heist.
What it’s got working for it: Who doesn’t like a good heist movie?
What’s it’s got going against it: Covers some well worn – one might even say cliched – territory.
Bad Words
Release Date: February 14, 2014
What it’s about: A 40 year old man exploits a loophole in the rules and takes a run at the hitherto “children only” Golden Quill national spelling bee.
What it’s got working for it: A pretty funny premise.
What’s it’s got going against it: At some point its sure to take that heartwarming, redemptive turn. And, when it inevitably does, it will hopefully be more cutting than cloying.
MUPPETS MOST WANTED
Release Date: February 21, 2014
What it’s about: The Muppets become embroiled in an international caper.
What it’s got working for it: Come on! It’s the Muppets!
What’s it’s got going against it: That shot of Kermit doing the Dr. Evil impression feels dangerously dated.
It has been awhile since I commented, but I have appreciated all of the posts. I am a homeschool mom and writer who lives in the Southeastern United States.
I’m Riley, from Melbourne. Still reading every day – been reading since … well. SGA was still airing. A while. now! Don’t comment much anymore, mostly because of the time difference. And I’m a lurker by nature, I think. Enjoying reading Akemi’s take on SGA. Making me miss the gang all over again.
It seems quite a few of us have strong feelings about English-language literacy and skills, AKA language conventions: spelling, grammar, sentence construction, punctuation, capitalization, etc. This link gives some brief examples of English conventions.
http://lhsenglish.weebly.com/uploads/2/9/9/4/299498/standard_english_conventions.doc
I think my fellow language-lovers may appreciate real-world adult spelling bees over the film BAD WORDS.
The American Association of Retired People sponsored a US national event in 2010. I’m trying to find out whether there will be an AARP bee this year.
Meanwhile, there are 2014 adult bees scheduled around the country.
https://www.google.com/search?q=adult+spelling+bee+2014+USA&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en&client=safari
Are English spelling bees for adults held in the UK, Canada, Australia, Phillipines, India?
Pablo, are there Spanish-language adult spelling competitions in Spain? Have our other international friends heard of spelling competitions in their native languages?
Yours multilingually,
Gilder
(BA Spanish, 30+ years bilingual English /Spanish, conversational in German, also studied American Sign & Latin, trying to decide between Mandarin or Japanese class this summer)
Voice talent aside, I’ll probably go see Mr. Peabody since I’m a long time Jay Ward fan. I’m so much of a fan that I named all the PCs on the home network after his characters. Bullwinkle is the big, dumb and slow den machine, Rocky is the fairly fast family room machine. The downstairs CNC milling machine is Peabody. The mobile laptop, which is a bit flakey and reboots itself at inopportune times (and is therefore somewhat evil) is Natasha. And the file server is Dudley (always ready with music or movies).
Back to the film; Barb doesn’t share my love of Jay Ward and will likely stay home. So now I just need to convince my son to see it with me as a token “kid”. Unfortunately he’s fifteen now and resists “little kid movies”, thus I may just need to say “what the heck” and go by myself.
And I agree, you and your blog attract all sorts of interesting people. It was great to hear of all the far-flung places and faces that follow your blog. Lurkers, keep the bios coming!
Hey there Joe and everyone,
I live in Vancouver BC and I am also a sci-fi fan like many others here. I’ve commented on this blog once, maybe twice before, during a book club reading/discussion of The Book of Joby by Mark Ferrari, but I’ve been reading the blog for a long time now. I don’t usually read comments on the blog because I read posts through my RSS reader.
I started watching SG-1 when I was about 8 years old (season 3 or 4 was on the air) and my brother got me interested in watching it by telling me that it was filmed in Vancouver. I kept up with the franchise throughout its run and it was the first show/franchise that I fangirled over. Much later, near the end of Atlantis, I found out that one of my relatives worked in the props dept for Atlantis (and SGU) – she helped make the SGU stargate etc. so that was pretty cool to find out.
Favourite thing: libraries. not just for books, but in general – I feel serene when I walk into pretty much any library. I like the availability of knowledge and that everything has order.
Pet peeve: people who are always late/don’t respect my time.
I’m Kat from the US Gulf Coast region. I’m a long time lurker, usually coming out for the occasional comment or, in the olden days, a BoTM review. I do double duty as a biomedical researcher and science writing editor. I came for the SGA, but stayed for your interesting culinary exploits and the pups.
I posted a comment a couple years ago when Bubba took a turn for the worse because I was facing a similar decision. You words really buoyed me at that time and I’m happy to report that the old coot is still kicking, though a bit more codgerly than he used to be.
I have to say that even without the Stargate your posts are still an upbeat end to my day. I don’t have the time to participate much in the conversation (for example, I’ve been meaning to comment for three days now), but I still read and enjoy the hell out of this tight-knit community you’ve built around yourself. Thank you.
Whoops, made a mistake in my intro – I was about 12 years old when I started watching Stargate SG-1, not 8.
Hello from Los Angeles, right on the border of Santa Monica and just west of Venice beach. I read the blog every day, very rarely comment but sure do enjoy the blog. I read and enjoy Akemi’s blog too!
I haven’t decided on what films I will be seeing in the next couple of months, with two exceptions. Captain America in April, and Godzilla in May. I’ve loved the big monster from childhood, and the trailers for this one looks to set a new standard. Rise of an Empire only interests me in that there will be at least one kick butt female in the movie, even if she is one of Xerxes’ vassals. And outdated or not, the Muppets are the Muppets…. so, which do you figure on seeing in the theater, as opposed to viewing them later on other media?
Hello Joe, It’s been a very long time since I posted anything so I’ll reintroduce myself. I’m Kevin from Battle Creek, MI. This may jog your memory a bit. I am the one that decided to name his daughter Adria. To be honest it all started as a joke when it came time to picking names because I had wanted Hailey but I was overruled so I started referring to her as Adria and it just kinda stuck. We call her Addy for short and she has turned into the sweetest little 5 year old imagionable. It has been a true joy reading your blog for the past several years.
I may as well throw this out there since I’m writing… Is there any type of news on the Stargate front? Is Brad still trying to get something going for all of us loyal fans?
Name = Sylvia…surprise
Whining from the extremely cold polar vortex that is Chicagoland.
Yep…there are at least 3 of us shivering in this area – JeffW & Sparrow Hawk
Love – all things Stargate
Love – Akemi
Love – your bow-wows
Embrace – all things science fiction
A day without your blog, regardless of your topic of the day, week, month, etc., is a day without sun shine.
Learned about your blog by accident several years ago and have been hooked since.
You look particularly dashing and suave dressed as Baal.
Thanks for keeping the light on and welcoming us into your lives. It is a mighty friendly place here. Your regulars are top notch!
Oh, the avatar was assigned to me.
My intro:
my name is Gina, and while I am originally from Los Angeles, I now live in Arizona. I have been a read of the blog since you were writing over at Gateworld, and followed here. I mostly lurk, but enjoy every entry. I grew up in the entertainment industry, my dad was a film producer, with the majority of his success during the 1960s. Before that he was an agent at MCA and eventually started producing features. For the 6 degrees of separation thing, he did a small budget film in the early 1970s with Beau Bridges, and knew practically everyone in Hollywood.
He and I both are dog lovers, and while I don’t have a dog right now, my husband, daughter and I have a cat and a big aquarium full of tropical fish. I am an avid reader and love a good laugh. I look forward to reading this blog everyday and can’t wait to see what Akemi thinks about SG-1… whether she will be an O’Neill, Jackson or Mitchell fan =)
I am a sci fi fan, and loved all 3 Stargates. I have a scifi film project Im trying to get off the ground, but its frustrating, and takes alot of patience… and many hours of hurry up and wait. Not news to you I know =)
I hope I haven’t bored you.
Gina
I’m Connie. From the Kansas City area. I’ve been lurking and reading for years – since SG-1 years. Started due to being a Stargate fan, but have continued reading daily for updates on dogs, food, Akemi. While I have cats instead of dogs at this point, the joys and heartbreaks are the same. I have enjoyed reading about your life!
I owe you an apology. It was Maximus I was thinking of, not Bubba. This is what I get for late night commenting.
Hello from (a once again) snowy New Jersey. Total lurker here, but do comment every now & then. Stargate is my favorite sci fi franchise, from the movie to SGU. Did you see the new Godzilla trailer that came out yesterday? Over 4 million views in 24 hours. Love Godzilla here – so thankful for the person who decided to introduce the big guy to us in the US all those years ago.
You’re right about Mr. Peabody’s voice but I believe I’ll still go see it. Hubby has a trip to Chattanooga next month and I’m tagging along with our son. Free room/transportation and all we have to pay for is our food/entertainment! We’ll probably watch Mr. Peabody then, since there is a theatre within walking distance of our hotel. It’s not the spring break I wanted but we have college expenses coming up.
JeffW: I’m lucky my 18 yr old still likes to see animation. We may see the Lego movie while we are in Chattanooga too. Good luck finding a co-watcher!
Thanks Joe for posting the film intros/trailers. I doubt I will watch any of them, curmudgeon that I am. Too much to do with work, house, other interests.
Is anyone here watching the Vikings TV series on History Channel with handsome Australian leading actor Travis Fimmel? The season 2 premiere is Feb 27 here in US, East coast and I am enthusiastic about it!
@baterista9 Thanks for the language-related links! Interesting about adult bees…
Well, back to work I go.
2cats
I have no interest in any of these movies other than 300 and that’s only because Eva Green is in it. I am merely bidding my time until the Marvel movies start coming out for the season. I did see 12 Years a Slave last week (it finally came to our independent theatre) and wow, that was a good, powerful movie.
Better late than never, I suppose. I wasn’t going to introduce myself, since I never comment, but you keep asking so nicely. So here goes…
I’m Steve, from Woodbury, Minnesota (suburb of St. Paul). Currently cursing my decision to move here 15 years ago, since it appears that we have entered some kind of frozen, eternal, hell-scape where the universe is actively trying to kill us. What was I thinking?!
I’m a research scientist at 3M, focusing on physics and materials science; mostly electronic and magnetic materials, with forays into orthodontics, solar power, touch screens, etc. Married, with 2 daughters, all of us sci-fi geeks to some extent or another. My eldest daughter is looking at colleges now, so we get to escape to the LA area for Spring Break. (YAAAAAAAYYYYY!)
I’ve watched every episode of every SG series, and probably stumbled onto your blog after they were done in an attempt to feed my love for the franchise. I’ve stayed because I find your insights into the behind-the-scenes world of sci-fi TV to be fascinating, as well as enjoying your many food posts. I adore Akemi and her… unique… take on the English language. She’s a real treasure.
Thanks for asking, Joe!
Well, since it is such a well received topic here, I’ll mention that my favorite breed of dog is the Beagle. I grew up with two beagles and have loved them ever since. I’ve had Rottweilers, Bassets, Cockers, Pugs, and mutts, but the Beagle wins out for me. I’m currently dog-less on account of my living situation, but with my house hunting also comes backyard hunting for my future furry friends.
As for the movies: I’m out on everything except for Bad Words. I love Jason Bateman’s dry delivery and I think Kathryn Hahn is WAY underrated. Fun premise, it looks like, too. I think the real treat of this movie will only be revealed when seen, unlike a lot of other movies where the plot was ruined by their trailers.
The Mr. Peabody movie looks meh. I might go see it on numerous recommendations by some good friends. But the Muppets movie is right out. First and foremost, it’s Disney. Everything they do lately has this homogenized level of humor and such uninspired writing that everything is predictable. Sprinkle in a few fart jokes and nut shots and on you go. Sorry, but I loved the original Muppet Show too much to be persuaded to watch this steaming pile of Muppet-Borat crap.
-Mike A.
Hello
I’m Anne. I live in France.
I have been following this blog for a few years now but I have only posted once or twice.
Favorite things: TV shows, music, food, to travel, yoga
Favorite TV shows: farscape, stargate SG-1, revolution, defiance, true detective, Nikita, friends, the x files, fringe…
Pet pee: my mistakes in English (that’s why I don’t post more often I guess),
People who stand too close to you when you’re in line. Like it’s going to be faster!
It’s the only blog I read every day but I don’t have often the time to read comments.
I´m in with Bad word because Jason Bateman.
I wait some reviews to decide about 300 & Mr. Peabody.
Disney Muppets. i´m out.
The art of the steal, even I can smell the smell of cliche from here.
@baterista9
No spelling competitions of any kind in Spain. iN Spanish language each letter has only one sound to rule, no posible confusion here ( verb tenses for non-natives is another more confusing story).
In fact the only intellectual ( no sport related) competitions here is a profusion of (literally :lol:) thousands of small or not so small literary contests.
hey baterista! nice to see how many of us like Languages 🙂
I don’t know much about Mandarin, but Japanese is way cool lady!
I really love that language 🙂 !! it has 3 writing systems, including the Chinese Kanji 🙂 !! but there are strict rules on how to write sentence. ie: you cannot write in hiragana what is supposed to be written in katakana!! or just use a kanji here and there when it feels right. when i started Japanese, i thought that you could write in any old fashion, so if i did not know a sound in hiragana, i would write it in katakana… to the humble horror of my Japanese sensei Kimura San <3
Now i get to teach it one hour per week to school kids and they love it!
By the way guys! IF anybody would be able to recommend a useful website about teaching Japanese, I would love any additional help.
oh, i am also a linguist baterista 🙂 xo
Hi Joe, I’m Bev from Scotland. I’ve been reading your blog since you began posting in Gateworld.
I love SG-1 and enjoyed your comments whilst the show was still running. I continued following you through SGA and SGU, and was also with you during all your trips, food, dogs, bento boxes, Akemi et al.
I’m a music teacher, and enjoy scifi. Reading your blog every day, I’ve been with you through all the ups and downs of your life in the past few years, although I very rarely post.
Hey, thanks for asking Joe!
Tim from East Tennessee here. Magna cum laude english/creative writing major, film studies minor from University of Tennessee. I publish a poetry/prose blog http://www.n.blogspot.com and hobby with short films. I have an outside dog and cat. My top five TV shows are Rod Serling’s Night Gallery, The X-Files, Star Trek TNG, Stargate SG-1, and Farscape. Honorable Mention – Psych. My pet peeve is eliteism, often worn as a royal mantle, simply because someone has a degree, oh, and rabid hamsters. Please, more Canadian anecdotes! Thanks 🙂
Hey, my blog address got altered! WordPress may not play well with [sic] the Google. Anyway, it is http://www.mountvernonpoetryleague.blogspot.com thanks!
I know I know pet peeve and not pet pee! QED And yes, you can laugh. I did! 😀
D’oh, I think all your release dates are a month early! No matter, you’ve saved me a lot of trouble checking Yahoo movies, which sucks these days. 🙂
I’m Jenn from New York, about an hour or so north of the city. I’ve been following your blog for several years now, just reading mostly. I started to follow your blog not long after I started watching Stargate Atlantis, which I am sad to say I did not become a fan until mid-way through the 4th season. I’ve enjoyed reading your daily musings, especially when they include the dogs (I have a dog myself, a lab mix), food, travel, and anything else really. It is one of the highlights of my day when I see there is a new blog post. I’ve been a fan of sci fi for a long time – it’s probably the one genre I can get completely behind. When I’m not at work (computer operator) or school (graduate studies in organizational communication and leadership) I enjoy a good book and sitting around watching some of my favorite shows on DVD.