So le met get this straight. The U.S. Congress passes a 700 billion dollar financial rescue bill today and the Dow Jones responds by DROPPING 157 points? That‘s…annoying. Although, at the end of the day, it’s neither here nor there for me since, several years ago, I followed the advice of dream shaman and…
Octboer 2, 2008: What the Future Holds (No Spoilers!)
One of the great things about doing this daily blog is that it affords me the opportunity to head off rumors and fan concerns before. Today, for example, I see many a panicked reaction to a recent Vancouver Sun article that states: “Heavy machines are smashing the Stargate Atlantis TV series' set in Bridge Studios'…
October 1, 2008: I Come Down With a Bad Case of the Ghosts
Hey, does anybody remember me mentioning how adorable the dogs were in their garden foraging for cherry tomatoes? Well, suffice it to say that several bouts of explosive diarrhea later, their backyard shenanigans are, in retrospect, decidedly less adorable. The worst appears to be over and their stomachs have settled although is evidently still a…
September 30, 2008: An AU Season 6!
At the beginning of every season, the writers get together and brainstorm story ideas for the coming year. We sit in a room, eat Chinese take-out, and spin, pitching out and discussing notions that are eventually listed up on the whiteboard with placeholder titles. Sometimes, these placeholder titles stick, as in the case of season…
September 29, 2008: The Missing
I’ve often said that I like SF, fantasy, and horror - but, in fact, that’s not entirely true. Yes, I’m more receptive to genre fiction, but that certainly doesn’t mean I enjoy every SF, Fantasy, and horror that crosses my plate. So what then makes certain works of fiction more enjoyable than other? Well, a…
September 28, 2008: Fuel’s Chef Rob Belcham Fills Us In On Kitchen Tats, His Iron Chef Dream Battle, and What He’s Cooking the Queen of England
Whenever I peruse the menu at a local restaurant, I’m usually thinking: “What would I like to eat?”. On the other hand, whenever I peruse a restaurant menu in some other city, I’m usually thinking: “What would I like to eat?” and “When’s the next time I’ll be back here?”. In my mind, there’s nothing…
September 27, 2008: Baron Destructo Plays Matchmaker
The other day, I received the following email: “My new friend, I am well pleased to contact you after going through your profile on my search for genuine relationship. I will like to be your good friend, please contact me. I am waiting for your reply soon, Rita“ Well, hot damn. I passed the…
September 26, 2008: Robert Picardo Answers Your Questions!
Back in late 2007, when we received word that Amanda Tapping would not be reprising her role as Colonel Samantha Carter on Stargate: Atlantis, the production was faced with the task of choosing a new commander for the Atlantis expedition. Surprisingly, it wasn’t that difficult given that Paul and I immediately agreed on the…
September 25, 2008: A First Contact Sneak Peek, Underrated Authors, and the Mailbag
If there are two things Martin Gero loves, it’s show tunes and heist movies. So, very early on in his Stargate career, he was presented with an irresistible challenge: How to combine these two greatest passions into one hugely awesome episode of Atlantis? “Impossible!”you say? Well then, I would have to agree with you. But…
September 24, 2008: Advertising Gaffes and the Great Tap vs. Bottled Water Taste-Off
Generally, I’m not one to be swayed by advertising. Jared‘s spirited testimonials in no way increase the likelihood that I’ll ever lunch at Subway. Watching a bunch of football fans dance in the snow won’t tempt me to pick up a case of Coors Light. And having the lovely Jessica Alba gaze alluringly back at…
September 23, 2008: Carl Binder Up Close and Personal, Further Discussion on The Black Company, the Mailbag, and a Behind the Scenes Snippet
After speaking with Paul on Sunday, it was decided that we would head back into the office Tuesday morning so that we could, at the very least, start spinning the SGA movie. I rolled in at around 10:00 a.m. to find Carl, Martin, and Alan conferencing in Martin’s office. We got up to speed on…
September 22, 2008: The Black Company and The Return of The Weird Food Purchase of the Day AND the Mailbag
Those in search of atypical fantasy need look no further than Glen Cook’s The Black Company. It’s as atypical as it gets. Dark, gritty, at times overwhelmingly bleak, it’s a far cry from classic works of the genre with their prancing elves, noble wizards, and stalwart heroes. No archetypal struggle of good vs. evil…
September 21, 2008: The Wrap Party!
Well, MGM pulled out all the stops for the big 100th Episode/Series Wrap Party. The Sheraton Wall Centre was the scene of the festivities that included black jack, roulette, gaming stations, and lotsa food. A huge thanks to Jeff, Theo, and Ramona for organizing the event. A month ago, when Tanja asked Paul and I…
September 20, 2008: With Special Guest Author Justina Robson
Today, I turn this blog over to author Jusina Robson who join us from a quaint little place called The U.K. (You may have heard of it. It was featured heavily in the early Bond movies.). Enjoy Justina's insightful Q&A, post any questions for writer-producer Carl Binder if you have 'em, then check out the…
September 19, 2008: Last Call
Production on Stargate Atlantis wrapped today for most of our cast and crew. As the sets go dark here at The Bridge Studios, the scene shifts to Vegas for a few more days of filming after which work on the series is finally complete. Well, almost complete because work continues for post, viz, the producers,…