Today, I turn the blog over to author Jonathan Carroll who has kindly taken the time to drop by and field your questions about his novel The Land of Laughs, his work in general, and his affection for bull terriers. If you enjoyed The Land of Laughs and would like to know more about the author, head on…
May 29, 2009: Shifting From Dark and Dangerous to Moody and Mysterious. I Weigh In On The Big News Item. And – Some Mailbag.
Lock and load, baby! Julia Anderson (Vanessa James) takes a break from the action. Josh Blacker (Sgt. Spencer) tries to blend in. Director of Photography Jim Menard suddenly realizes he's standing in a puddle - much to Director Robert C. Cooper's delight. The quiet suspense of today’s shipboard mystery was in marked contrast…
May 28, 2009: Astronomers Dave Tholen and Roy Tucker Answer Your Questions
Spaceguard SG-1: Roy Tucker, Dave Tholen, and Fabrizio Bernardi Back in December 2004, there was some concern that the asteroid known as Apophis 99942 might strike the planet in 2029. However, further number-crunching ended up eliminating the remote (approximately 3%) possibility and, as a result, I was forced to convert my asteroid shelter…
May 27, 2009: It’s Almost Show Time! Ashleigh Wants Your Questions! SGU Update! Schnitzel-Fest 2009! I Am Stuffed Like a Goose!
"You! Ask me a question!" Foie gras (foreground) foie gras enabler (background) As a result of losing a bet to my co-worker Kerry, I’ll be accompanying her to a local musical production of her choice. Her choice? Altar Boyz, the hit off-Broadway musical that has been described as “DIVINE!” (Michael Sommers, STAR-LEDGER), “AN ENERGETIC CROWD-PLEASER!”…
May 26, 2009 Author Michael A. Burstein Answers Your Questions
When it comes to making a selection for our Book of the Month Club discussions, I like to take several things into consideration: recommendations, reviews, an intriguing premise, and, of course, whether or not the author is a Stargate fan. Well, when I learned that author Michael A. Burstein was an avid follower…
May 25, 2008: The Land of Laughs, by Jonathan Carroll
Going into this book, I had no idea what to expect. I selected it on the basis of several strong recommendations and a rather whimsical cover depicting an anthropomorphic kite and a six armed creature eating ice cream on a front porch while some malevolent-looking fellow glares out at them from inside the house. Going…
May 24, 2009: Extinction Update, Ever-Closer to That Comic Book Series, and The Mailbag
Heard word back on the Stargate Atlantis movie script from two fronts - creative and business - and both responses were overwhelmingly positive. Some confusion (not surprised given the complexity of the story), so we’ll make a point to streamline and clarify in the next draft. Some great preliminary notes from Carl who missed two…
May 23, 2009: The American Idol Breakdown, Marty G. Checks In, What’s In the News, and Some Mailbag
So American Idol crowned yet another champion the other day and the question that immediately comes to mind is “Does it really matter?”. As a showcase for undiscovered talent, American Idol offers great opportunity to all of its featured contestants, but its debatable whether that last man (or woman) standing is truly any better off…
May 22, 2009: Welcome to the Jungle…But Maybe You Might Want To Come Back Later When We’re Actually Rolling
Carl second-guesses Rob's directorial decision. Everyone laughs off Carl's suggestion. Chadwick, the birthday boy. Chadwick's birthday cake. Director Robert Cooper - prepared for any eventuality. Peter Kelamis (Adam Brody) and Patrick Gilmore (Dale Volker) Mark Burgess (Franklin) Jennifer Spence (Lisa Park) Nancy Ha (Costumes) all decked out for the inclement weather. Camo rain gear Goodies…
May 21, 2009: Death By Musical Theater, Into the Jungle, and an Update on the Comic Book Front
Ready to take down the confirmation number with my lucky Tokyo pen. Today, I bought tickets to Altar Boyz, a musical production that the Arts Club Theatre describes thusly: “ Watch out 'N Sync, the Altar Boyz are coming to town! Matthew, Mark, Luke, Juan, and Abraham-the gefilte fish out of water-can sing and dance…
May 20, 2009: GottaMakeThisFast!
Carl: "This better be good." Tuna appetizer Short ribs Carl gives the food the thumbs up. Green tea opera cake Well damn. Looks like I’m on the clock tonight. I forgot my power cord at work meaning I only have as long as my laptop battery lasts to get this entry out. According to…
May 19, 2009: Victoria Day, Developments on the SGU Front, Michael and Lexa Drop By But Don’t Stick Around For the Spring Cleaning!
Well, we were all back at work today following the Victoria Day long weekend - Victoria Day, of course, being a recently adopted Canadian holiday commemorating one of history’s most remarkable pioneering female Brits. Yes, I refer to none other than Ms. Victoria Beckham. Looking back, I suspect the vote to bestow the honor on…
May 18, 2009: I Remember the Future by Michael A. Burstein
Since winning the John W. Campbell for Best New Writer in 1997, Michael A. Burstein has received multiple nominations for some of SF’s most prestigious awards, but has yet to take home either a Hugo or Nebula. Sure, on the surface this may seem like an “always the bridesmaid never the bride” situation but, truth…
May 17, 2009: Dinner at the Cooper House – My Review
I don’t get invited to many dinner parties. It may be because I do so much fine dining that my friends are too intimidated to cook for me. Or it may be because I grow quickly bored with table conversations and tend to wander about the premises, forcing hosts to put up the kiddy gates…
May 16, 2009: Scooped By My Own Dogs (Instead of the Other Way Around For a Change)!
Suspect #3 Suspect #4 Suspect #5 So not cool, guys. Not cool at all. Bad! Bad dogs! I suppose I should have learned my lesson the first time. The first time, of course, being last year when I taught the dogs how to dial 911 in case of emergency. They proved quick learners, managing to…