12:15 p.m.: I get “The Call”! But I miss it because I’m in the backyard scooping dog crap.
12:23 p.m.: I realize I’ve missed “The Call” and try Marty G., catching him enroute. I inform him that me and my Q7 are ready for Operation Magenta (a.k.a. Let’s go to Best Buy and get your brother a flat screen t.v.). He informs me that he is aborting his solo run and returning to home base.
12:51 p.m.: The pick-up goes off without a hitch.
13:02 p.m.: Arrival at Best Buy-ish. I take a wrong turn and end up in the Canadian Tire rooftop parking lot. While Martin checks out the inflatable Christmas lawn decorations, I attempt to master the parking ticket dispenser. It is a true battle of wills, man versus machine, that ends with machine eating man’s two dollars. Martin eventually walks over and pays with his credit card.
13:10 p.m. - We locate target - 40” Sony flat screen t.v. - and await the help of a “sales associate”. They are very friendly (“Hey, how are you?” on their way by) but not particularly helpful. One eventually slows as Martin waves him down with a: “Can I get some help?” He assures Martin that he will find someone to help and disappears into the back.
13:21 p.m. - No sign of help or the “sales associate”. I hope he’s okay. Martin flags down another “sales associate” who, again, slows down long enough to assure us he will find someone to help us before disappearing into the back.
13:31 p.m. - I fear something horrible has happened to the “sales associates”. Marty G. is more worried about which t.v. to choose. Eventually, he chooses among the conveniently available models and, decision made, we pick it up and head to the cash.
13:32 p.m. - We pass an employee (not a “sales associate”) who asks us if we’d like to pay for that. “Oh, no no,”Martin responds and leave him standing there, clearly confused.
13:33 p.m. - We reach the register where the girl at the counter asks us to locate the product’s bar code. We do. She passes the scanner over it. Nothing. She tries again. Nothing. She gives the scanner a shake and tries again. Nothing. “Maybe you should try turning it upside down and then rightside up really fast,”I suggest. She makes a half-effort, tries again. Nothing. “It’s all in the wrist,”I encourage her. She ignores me, types something on her computer screen, and tries again. Nothing. Again. Still nothing. Marty G. is beginning to look weary. “Did you try the upside down rightside up thing?”I ask. “Believe me, I’ve tried everything,”she responds in an obvious attempt to shut me up. Eventually, Martin realizes that her computer screen is prompting her from information. He walks her through the process. She tries the scanner. It works!
13:44 p.m. - The employee (not a “sales associate”) who had earlier inquired about our desire to pay for the t.v. set offers us a “t.v. check up”. Apparently, it’s Best Buy policy to check every television screen for obvious damage (ie. cracked screens, scratched frames, psychologically abused instrumental panels) before the product leaves the store. Martin and I stand by as the employee (not a “sales associate”) summons two peons (“sales associates”) to do the check up. After barely figuring out how to get the box open, they spend a full five minutes trying to remove the protective packaging without ripping it (unsuccessfully). They check the t.v. Nope. No obvious signs of damage. I takes them another five minutes to figure out how to put the protective packaging back on without ripping what’s left (unsuccessfully), then boxing it back up.
13:58 p.m.: One of the “sales associates” transports our purchase to the car. He suggests it sit straight up in the back seat rather than flat in the trunk. Marty G. does the honors, demonstrating great push and shifting skills and determination of spirit. Once he’s done, I complain that the box somewhat obscures my view out the back. “That’s what your back-up camera is for,”he assures me.
13:59 p.m.: As it turns out, my back-up camera only works if I’m driving backwards.
14:06 p.m.: We arrive at home base. I help Martin slide his purchase out of the back seat, across the street, up the stairs, past the giant skulls sitting on his front porch (presumably a Halloween decoration, although Halloween was three weeks ago) and into the house.
14:09 p.m.: Mission Accomplished! I await the customary invite for pizza and beer. It is not forthcoming. Instead, I receive a far less tasty handshake and “See you at work!”. Faaar less tasty.
Today’s photos: Operation Magenta
Today's video: Click on the date for a mid-operation update from Marty G.
Today’s mailbag:
Jon K. writes: “Speaking of fried mars bars, ever had a fried snickers bar?”
Answer: Yup. While I do like them, I prefer the deep-fried Mars bar.
Charles Schneider writes: “Every time I hear the words "deep fried candy bar" I'm instantly reminded of the Simpson's episode wherein Moe converts his bar into a TGI Friday's-esque establishment…”
Answer: Where he deep fries the entire table, plates and all. Laugh if you like, but I think it would work. Especially if the plates were edible.
Promogirl writes: “Will we see Carter going on any more off world missions this season?”
Answer: Carter will see action in the back half of the season.
Nikki writes: “Should it turn out, would you like some? Did you ever have molasses taffy growing up?”
Answer: Molasses taffy? Hmmm. I’m dubious. I’m not a chewy candy fan.
Crazymom writes: “I've been having a wonderful time catching up on my email, posting the photos of Emma's "no more chemo" party and writing stories about the crazy people I deal with at work.”
Answer: Great to hear that Emma will be enjoying a nice Thanksgiving dinner.
Cheveron7 writes: “When questions hit your ear about visual effects and space battles you respond BE ALL MY SINS REMEMBER'D. Now I thought the visual effects in Adrift and Lifeline were pretty killer. Are they just going to get better?”
Answer: There’s an incredible sequence in BAMSR that, in my opinion, is the best visual effects sequence we’ve ever done.
Michelle writes: “One thing (of many) I loved about The Seer was that John values the peoples of Pegasus as much as the safety of Atlantis... asserting they can't defend the city at all costs to the other civilizations. Not only is it the "right" position, we haven't really seen it stated before, and it sets up lots of potential for more conflict with the IOA and US military. Will that be explored this year?”
Answer: Yep. Very late this season.
Jessy Ka writes: “I was wondering, is there any chance to receive an Atlantis e-card with your signature and best wishes for me?”
Answer: Best wishes, Jessy Ka. Better, no?
Paula writes: “If we ever talk you into coming to Atlanta for Dragon*Con, stay over a couple of days and I'll take you to some great Southern BBQ!”
Answer: Deal!
Nolim writes: “In my opinion, the main difference between SG-1 and SGA is the question of bad guys…”
Answer: You raise an interesting point but, for me, what makes a villain interesting is both motivation and personality. The great thing about the System Lords was that they were incredibly colorful characters. Lord Yu, especially, stands out because, despite being “evil”, was surprisingly honorable nevertheless. The Ori, while interesting, lacked individual personality, which is why Adria was introduced. In the case of the wraith, you could argue that they have no choice (that they simply consider humans food), but there is no doubt that they enjoy toying with their victims and even take great pleasure in their suffering. If that’s not evil, I don’t know what is. Nevertheless, in spite of their superior attitude, this season we are making an effort to explore a more “human side” to the wraith through the character of Todd. As I said, I always find multi-layered enemies much more interesting than simply “scary for scary’s sake”.
Dee in South Africa writes: “ I have a brother your age and if he said that to me,well,I would have my hand out and an evil grin on my face. Joe, face it, you're toast.”
Answer: Yeah, she called me last night in celebration.
Cheeky Lil Devil writes: “We were talking about the CG Wraith being in Atlantis, and someone brought up a good point. How are they going to feed him?”
Answer: That’s a great question.
Anonymous writes: “ why did N. John Smith say that the character was only 'disappearing' when he leaked word about Paul McGillion no longer being main cast?”
Answer: That is a question for N. John Smith.
Anonymous #2 writes: “I had fantastic barbeque in Kelwona of all places. The Memphis Blues Barbeque House has the best platter I've had outside the South and the only BBQ poutine I've ever seen!”
Answer: My favorite BBQ joint in town. Their pecan pie a la mode is fantastic.
99 comments:
We pass an employee (not a “sales associate”) who asks us if we’d like to pay for that. “Oh, no no,”Martin responds and leave him standing there, clearly confused.
I hurt a little bit from laughing so much.
...this season we are making an effort to explore a more “human side” to the wraith through the character of Todd. As I said, I always find multi-layered enemies much more interesting than simply “scary for scary’s sake”.
I, for one, like what you're doing with the Wraith. The "do we trust them, don't we trust them" is much more interesting than them being just the evil enemy. And having them actually keep their word once in a while is a great way to keep everyone off balance. Keep it up, Joe!
Hmm. Must think of something to post so that I can stay in the running for that awesome virtual dinner (can I request grilled cheese?).
Hmmm. Errr. Ummm. Ahhh.
Say, love the show!!!!!
How's Lulu these days?
Whew. Mission accomplished.
WB
I hope you guys bought a Full HD-1080P screen... Did a little purchasing a while back and bought a "HD-Ready" screen, Which I found out later is a bunch of BS cause it only goes as high as "720P" HD resolution :(
Also, Holy crap... I wish my family would give me a 40" HDTV Screen! :O (Aren't those things expensive in Canada?, Cause the good ones cost like 1500+ Euros over here)
Hi Joe
The Video was nice.. Made me laugh out loud. Good one.. Liked the Seer.. Nice to see the Wraith developing a sense of humor.. It seems you are developing two enemies.. at the other end of humanity .. one soul less the other devouring all the souls they can get.. Re Carter I miss her "know it all character". Not use to her in the role of administrator.. Will get use it I guess.. Anyway take care..
Dori
So, does Marty's brother read your blog?
Sometimes when I watch a Best Buy ad ("Let me help" or "I want to help") I wonder if those people work at the same Best Buy I shop at. Most of the time, alas, the appear not to. It's a shame.
This post had me in stiches, too.
Hi Joe!
Really enjoyed The Seer. Great setup for what's to come the rest of the season, seeing Todd the Wraith again - loved the joke - and how taking a chance seems to have worked in the short run. Great Carter ep, and loved how Keller asked the very important question, were we treating The Seer or studying him. Also liked how Teyla's pregnancy was revealed, subtle, understated, classy, just like Teyla. :)
Cute pics/video of Marty G. I empathize with the lack of sales associates interest and existence. Ran into the same problem as a remarkably similar store here, so I walked out and bought my camcorder elsewhere.
No beer & pizza at the end of a big TV hunt????? I think that's illegal in some US states.
Thank-yooooooou so very much! G'night!
eddy
Are there plans for Teyla to be in Season 5 or for her to leave with her child and lead her people?
The Wraith are great as the villains. The way they enjoy terrorizing their "food supply" makes them evil, but the fact that they must use us as food means there's no way to negotiate a peace. That fact makes the morally-questionable retrovirus experiments not so questionable, or at least more interesting to argue about. What's worse, just annihilating them all, or changing them, even against their will, so that we can live in the same galaxy? So much plot potential there!
Speaking of annihilation, I just watched a basketball game pitting our police department team against the team from the crime lab. It's the first time I've ever seen the fans cheer just as loudly for the opposing team when they scored...because it happened so rarely, we thought they deserved the applause.
I like your thinking. I had a few fraternity brothers that bought a fry-daddy and deep fried everything in sight...everything.
The next time you have a large party, you can take Martin on a long quest to assemble the necessary party goods, then promptly shake his hand a leave him with a, "see you at work".
The part about the sales associates is too true.
Are we going to see a juxtaposition of Michael and Todd this season? It would be nice to see these Wraith scientists meet face to face, since they represent two different facets of Wraith-Alatean relations.
Ok. memo to self. put down the glass of water and make sure mouth is empty BEFORE reading any more of your blogs. You've managed to make a less than perfect day a lot brighter. I fully expect to see Mr. G incorporate this experience into a future episode, say sometime in season 6?
Where does one find deep fried candy bars in the Greater Vancouver Regional District...er, Metro Vancouver area?
I really enjyed the "Seer". I especially enjoyed "Todd". He was hilarious and engaging. I also loved the scene you singled out where Woolsey says "ladies first". He can be so spineless! I was thinking, though, that he has had some pretty unpleasant experiences in Atlantis--it probably put him on edge ;)
Now, for the question. Has anyone on the SG writing staff ever considered doing a holiday themed episode?
Royal
Just a quick note to let you know how much I’m enjoying S4. I especially liked the scene in Carter’s office on Friday night's "The Seer".
All season I have been trying to suss out the photos she has up in her office and was pleased this week to see one of Cassie, I'm a sucker for those little details! Is it you and Paul that provide those gems or it all thanks to your wonderful set dressers?
AussieTrueCat
Hi Joe:
The latest news out of the Creation Burbank convention this weekend is that the only damage to production at Bridge Studios with the WGA strike is that Carl Binder, who is a member, can not write for Atlantis. But everyone else, you, Martin Gero, etc, are WGC members, so are not affected.
Honest, one of the major SG actors told the fans.
So, how is the work going to be affected on SGA?
Patricia
I really liked The Seer. Will we be seeing alot more damage to Atlantis as shown on that "Vision" that Carter was shown? How much can one City take :D?
In the story line, how did Atlantis get those glass windows replaced in the control room, with the glass stained things and everything?
thought you were joking about the deep fried chocolate bar! that abomination actually exist?
How is the brainstorming going, any full episode writen yet?
One "wraith handshake" to Marty G. for omitting the pizza and beer invite at the end of your successful mission!
My sister-in-law wants to get a pug. A breeder told her the males are friendlier than the females. Do you find that to be true? Is there a difference in temperment between males and females?
HI JOE,
Marty G. is very funny. He makes my laugh everytime I see him. Nice TV!
I understand why you dodged my second question yesterday. Don't give too much away. Today I have a funny one. Is there no climate changes on the planets Atlantis inhabits? They are surrounded by water and its always a perfect weather day and night. And when it does rain its because of a monster hurricane. I would even like to see Atlantis in snow. Do a Christmas special!
I think you could get a gazillion hits on YouTube if you videotaped Lulu sliding off the chair (assuming she starts in a normal position and then slowly slides off, but then you might need a real video camera for the length of time it'll take to tape).
Looking forward to "Miller's Crossing" in two weeks.
LOL, I'm glad to hear I wasn't the only one with an experience like that at Best Buy. But you know, honestly if there were a 'sales associate' he/she wouldn't have known squat anyways. We ended up with a 42 Plasma and and the awesomely cool digital receiver Marty G got. It's the best thing ever, especially because of no Tivo up here.
BTW I meant to ask have you ever been to Chambar on Beatty St? We were down there again last Saturday and I adore their food. Any thoughts?
PLEASE, PLEEEEASE keep the large continuous arc-driven feel going in Season 5!
I like the occassional stand-alone, but I like what you've done this season at least mentioning the main arcs in the stand-alones.
my sister brought up a good point... why no mention of Jonas (and his future seeing abilities in "Prophecy") in "the Seer"?
I just love the idea of working with the wraith, I have since Michael, so I was really frustrated with how they betrayed him in Misbegotten after he helped them so much in No Man's Land. So I'm excited to have Todd on Atlantis and I hope to some day see him without all those restraints, maybe kinda like the wraith scientist from Allies. :) some day, I will watch and see ;)
*snort* Yeah, sounds about right.
This is an eerie coincidence - I bought a 40" Samsung flatscreen LCD a mere fortnight ago..... I've since discovered the dang thing is really much too large for my small living room, and in fact is much better when viewed from the neighbours house two doors over.
It also serves to illustrate how crap broadcast TV is, and has forced me into digital cable (well, it will do once I actually move into my house).
I can't believe they made you PAY for carparking!!?? That would just make me grumpy and far less liable to spend my dollars there...
As for your story about not Best Buy, that is why I don't buy the high end stuff there. It is just not worth the hassle.
We pass an employee (not a “sales associate”) who asks us if we’d like to pay for that. “Oh, no no,”Martin responds and leave him standing there, clearly confused.
LOL. Let me guess, Martin is the kind of guy who when asked "soup or salad?" responds "Yes." Even so, it is a stupid question.
I Get The Feeling That Telya Wont Be Around After This Season Unlesssomething Is Done With The Baby
Did we get a sneak peek at the awesome battle in Be All My Sins Remember'd that you keep talking about in one of the visions in The Seer?
OMG! I just had a similar experience today. Found a 42" 1080p LCD HDTV and found out they were out of stock...came home and got online and found the same thing only cheaper. So, I went to apply for the "no interest for 24 months" special only to find that part evidently not working. The "800" number I called suggested going back to the store and applying there. Mission Accomplished! Got back home and ordered said TV online only to find out that It would be shipped to...you guessed it... the store! Guess I'll make yet another trip to Circuit City. Must have been the day, yes?
If they make the sale anyway, what reason would Best Buy (or any of the box stores) have to change the way they treat their customers?
Joe, you've stated before that the writers' strike is not affecting work on Season 5, as most of you are with the Canadian guild rather than the WGA.
But what about the Directors Guild and the Screen Actors Guild? If they do end up striking next summer, it will happen right when you guys are filming Season 5. I can only assume that if SAG strikes, Joe Flanigan and Jason Momoa will have to walk off the set. In the event that happens, will you have a contingency plan in place to complete Season 5 without them?
Have you lied to us yet again Joe?
When watching 'The Seer' (which by the way was very, very good despite the fact that it is a season 6 SG1 rehash of ‘Prophesy’ with Jonas and the whole vision thing) I realised that we only had one more episode to go before Torri's last confirmed episode. And yet I remember reading that Elizabeth was supposed to be in four episodes.
Now, we've only seen her in two so far- sure she's been mentioned a bunch of times, almost every episode which I must say is a nice thing to see, unlike Carson being mentioned like what once? As an Elizabeth fan I appreciate it because it shows that you are treating her character’s departure with the same respect that you treated Daniels with constantly mentioning him....but the point is that unless we see Elizabeth in 'Miller's Crossing' which I think is highly unlikely because aside from the name 'Wallace' having a loose connection to her former boyfriend, there doesn't seem to be any reason for a flashback of any kind and that would mean that you lied; just like you lied about Carson leaving the show.
So, here's my question Joe. Is Torri appearing in four episodes this season like you SAID she was, or is she really appearing in three, technically two since she was just a lump on an infirmary bed in 'Adrift'?
Inquiring minds would like to know, if its not to much trouble. Pretty please.
so i have learned an important life lesson or two in the last 24 hours.
Life lesson #421) NEVER EVER EVER leave a toddler around small shiny objects(even ones out of sight) as they WILL figure out how to open them and ingest the contents thus requiring a call to poison control(for future reference you CAN drink perfume it'll just give you a tummy ache).
life lesson #529) Never and i repeat NEVER watch joe flannigans appearance in Dawsons creek while trying to read your blog. I dont think my head has EVER spun that fast to look at the tv and now i think i have a crick in my neck and side from laughing so hard.
Okay now to my question of the day.
I was looking at my DVD cases for season three of SGA and noticed that on the back under the 'commentaries' listed that the disc 5 case had the commentary for 'sunday' listed, as did the case for disc 6, which actually contains the actual episode(disc 6) was that an opps on your part or on MGM's?
Gotta love all those wondrously helpful sales associates, huh? Apparently, you eventually got the TV! Also, I'm getting the impression that Martin Gero isn't the least bit camera shy...
Sonic (Drive-In/Fast Food) down in the States is currently offering Fried Mac'N'Cheese. It's.....interesting.
You reminded me of all the Best Buy-ing I have to do this holiday season. /sigh/
Please ask Martin G. where he got his t-shirt. I'd like to add a similar one to my "Gee, that is interesting!" t-shirt collection. Thanks loads.
Cheeky Lil Devil writes: “We were talking about the CG Wraith being in Atlantis, and someone brought up a good point. How are they going to feed him?”
Answer: That’s a great question.
Oooo, can we feed him Keller? She's already had cannibals chasing after her, why not a wraith this time? Just think of all the whining she could do!
Sorry, Joe, I just couldn't resist. ;)
Love Mike's long hair Joe. Can he keep it when he comes to Atlantis?
Remember Daniel use to have long hair anyway so it wouldn't be that much of a stretch.
Actually, I guess it doesn't matter if Mike has long hair or short hair- either way the man is still *gorgeous*
(((HUGS))) for keeping your promise that Daniel would be a priority in S5.
Bonsoir Joseph,
Pour avoir travailer très longtemps avec le public dans différents commerces, j'ai trouvé votre aventure à tous les deux au Best Buy très rafraîchissante. C'est vrai qu'on trouve jamais personne pour nous servir et c'est vrai que très souvent les «associés» (quel nom ridicule pour nommer des commis de plancher)fuient les clients (parce que tellement souvent ces derniers sont impertinents). C'est pas que j'approuve, mais des fois j'étais pu capable des clients. Les choses qui se passent dans nos têtes quand on est dans le rush et qu'on doit sourire et rire de la joke platte que ça fait cinquante fois qu'on entend !! Houlala, je suis vraiment contente de ne plus faire ça, quand on a été serveuse et caissière on compatit vraiment avec eux !!! Chapeau bas à tous ceux qui travaillent dans le public !!! lol
Gotta say, luved The Seer. I also like the story-arc-driven feel this season. :)
'course that just means lotsa loose ends to be tied up further down the line. ;)
And yes, Best Buy seems to universally suck wherever you go. I was not impressed with our local place either. They must have an orientation course on 'Customer Dissatisfaction.'
Had a fantastic meal the other night; was treated to a wonderful veal dish and it was only after the fact that I thought that I should've taken pics and chronicled the meal 'Mallozzi style.' :) The Creme de Menthe dessert was nice too. ;)
The Seer episode was great!
Always been a big mytharc fan.
Loved the CG Wraith's voice! How is his voice made to sound like that?
The show has really matured this season. Was a conscious decision made ahead of time on where this season might head and how it would be achieved? Or did it just work out this way?
Joe Flanigan fans I know want me to ask you this question. No, it's not the why doesn't JF want to take his shirt off one! It's a TOTALLY DIFFERENT question...Why are Sheppard's shirts AND pants getting baggier and baggier on him this season? One fan wants JF to go back to wearing Shep's S2 pants again. I guess they weren't nearly as baggy.
So the last time I went to Best Buy it was to buy a wireless router for my new apartment. I wandered around for 20 minutes or so, waiting for the sales associate to come help me. Tried to make heads or tails of the router choices on my own, failed miserably and did some more pacing and eye-catching and waiting.
The guy finally comes over to help me, I explain my dilemma (own a Mac, need a router that will load properly on said Mac) and he tells me the router I should buy.
Of course, it's not on the shelf. But he looks in the computer, which says there are six, and tells me, "I know we have these because I just unloaded them last night. But I'm not sure where they are so I'm going to send you to one of our other Best Buys, none of which are close to here, and let you get it from them."
The punk kid. I said, "Yeah, I don't think I'll be visiting your store again," went to the Apple store and paid more than I should have to get a router from people who actually care.
Curse you Best Buy! It matters not where you are. Best Buy sales associates are the same in Texas as they are in the Pacific NW.
- kimberly
Speaking of BBQ I just had a huge slab of well sweet and spicy sauce oiled baby-back ribs tonight.Place called Famous Dave's.I did not even touch my sides...you know its good when you eat and loose track of all space and time.
Perhaps Marty G. could make up for not offering pizza and beer by doing a guest mailbag for Miller's Crossing instead? All of us Gero fans would very much like the opportunity to pick his brain about how one would go about writing Hewlett-Hewlett banter.
You and Marty G. are a prime example of what happens when geeks are allowed to have cars and money and free time - and I cannot express in words how happy that makes me feel way down inside. Methinks maybe this is why I enjoy the fruits of your labors (i.e. the show) so well.
I must give props to whoever wrote Todd's joke in the Seer "Wraith Humour", it was fantastic! Especially the end with the sigh after the laugh, that had me in stitches for ages! XD I love Todd
BTW I love the new uniforms they look SO much better than the old ones!
1.)Danny J. is coming to Atlantis is season 5, so are we finally going to get some backstory into who the Alteran civilization were?(before the splitting into Ancient and Ori)
You should write a letter or just go to Costco and or Wall-mart or better yet the Kwiki-MArt next time.
You should play a practical joke on Marty G. for the "see you at work" rejection.(ie) pay some friends to be "removal associates" and move all of his stuff out of the office and pretend he's fired.
Or you could put chile in his chocolate next time you have one of your chocolate parties(seems like ages and ages since you last had one)
Can i come?
How about you use DJ in the mid season 2 parter in s5 and make him a big part like O'Niell in s3?
Gotta stop reading your blog at 2am. I nearly woke the neighbors laughing so hard at Operation Magenta! I had a similar experience recently, trying to buy a new computer monitor.
Is there any truth to the rumor filming will start earlier next year - in February instead of March - and if so, why? Just curious.
I hope you have Alan McCullough hard at work writing episodes, because he's awesome!! It makes me mourn the loss of Carl Binder a tiny bit less.
I don't know what the exchange rate is regarding canadian$ and GB£ but if you swap the $ for a £ that's about what we pay over here.They don't refer to it as rip off britain for nothing. BTW my theory regarding "sales associates" is this they are bred in a specially developed lab which ensures a maximum IQ of .02 which just about enables them to place one foot in front of the other with optional "D'you want fries with that?" or "How may I help you?" I tell you we don't need brain sucking aliens, we have politicians and lousy education, same thing!
Thank you for your answer. I actually enjoyed the return of Todd in the course of events and, as other people said, I like his "wraith humor" and I am wondering how they are going to feed him.
Do you read fanfictions written in french? I have a few of those on my deviantART personal page. Just google "Nolim on deviantART" if you have some time to waste.
LOL!!! That was too funny, reading about your adventures in TV-buying! Those poor employees/sales assistants *grin*
Can I also just say, I had a sudden and unexplained need to ask you to do whatever is within your power to have Dr Zelenka in as many episodes as possible, with lots and lots of lines and adventures. Thank you. :)
We pass an employee (not a “sales associate”) who asks us if we’d like to pay for that. “Oh, no no,”Martin responds and leave him standing there, clearly confused.
Classic!
Lastnight, after I had closed the shop, leaving only one shutter partially open so that I could leave, turned the lights off and was clearly counting the cash in the till to *close*... a guy sticks his head under the shutter and asks "Are you closed?". This is not the first time this has happened... suggested future response???
By the way, have you seen THIS?
Sky one are actually using it as their Stargate advert over here.
Mary
Too much this time! Great pictures. And apparently you get that kind of "help" no matter what Best Buy you go to. :)
I'm really sorry about your best Buy experience. I just started working there (media dept. surrounded by billions of movies that I love all day, it's not such a bad job) and what everyone is saying is that the most important thing is the customer's experience. We're supposed to talk to each customer, offer help, get to know them, and make sure that thay get anything they need. I actually talked to some customers about the stargate series' today and two of them bought the complete SG-1 box set. Just think of me as your girl inside the system.
I'm sorry your store wasn't as awesome as I believe mine is. It could be due to the fact that everyone is freaking out a bit in preparation for Black Friday, and every store has a ton of new seasonal employees who aren't doing things right yet.
If you imagine the "Mission Impossible" theme tune while you're reading today's entry it makes it even funnier.
And, on behalf of all Scots, I would just like to apologise for the deep fried Mars bar (which was 'invented' just down the road from Aberdeen. Be grateful that deep fried easter eggs and pizzas haven't made it there yet.
Hanging my head in shame
Meils
Saw an advertisement last night for Hogfather. I think it is a mini-series starting on Sunday night. It's on a weird channel here called ITV or something like that. Just a FYI.
Hi Joe, perhaps this is a silly question, but Atlantis has an intergalactic hyperdrive, does it not? Of course the team obviously now have certain responsibilities in Pegasus, moreso with the revelation of the Replicator's new method of dealing with the Wraith. But before all that - during the height of the Ori assualt on the Milky Way - why did nobody (McKay/Sheppard) suggest simply flying the city back to Earth, throwing up the cloak to 'protect the World from the Stargate program' and thus provide defence both to Earth and the city itself? Perhaps even dismantle the gate-bridge and then the Wraith would have no immediate way to get to the Milky Way either. The Athosian's might not like it, but hey, they've done a runner anyway! Obviously this wouldn't make for very good television, and it pretty much eliminates all sense of intergalactic exploration, but on a practical note it surely must have been worth a passing consideration, or do you disagree?
Tell Marty to be glad he wasn't trying to buy a tv in the UK. Over here, you step in a shop and you can't even see the products because you have so many 'sales associates' swarming you trying to sell you stuff you neither want nor need.
"Do you want the three year warranty with that?"
"How about our home insurance plan?"
"Did you know that if you buy this tv today and pay an extra £50 you can get a free dvd player?"
"Would you be interested in receiving our monthly catalogue? Only £12 a month."
"Today only we have an X-Box 360 and 5 games on offer for £300..." NO! BUGGER OFF!
he should of got a 60inch tv, would of made one hell of a huge tv
Hey Joe
I recently purchased a copy of the X-box 360 game 'Mass Effect' and was surprised to see that the main character (if male) is called 'John Shepard'. I know it's one p different, but it makes you wonder how many of BioWare's staff are SG:A fans, and how many other such things have been affected by SG:A. Just a thought.
Tim
Hi Joe!
Loved the video bit at Best Buy! We've all had moments like that. LOL!! My oldest daughter, Marianne(15), and I are looking to go to the Chicago Creation SG-1 convention in August 2008. It will be our first time. What area(s) would you suggest we visit first?? I would love to splurge on the gold package, but don't have the money for that right now and we will be there for just a day (trying to pay for my college). If you are going to the convention, how could we meet up with you? Also, did you catch my questions about "the Next Iron Chef"? Have a great week! Three day work week/3 day school week for kids/1 day school week for mom!! Woo! Hoo!!! and Gobble! Gobble!! Oh there's a good question!! How would you cook a turkey?? Later! :)
Hey Joe, could I get a blog dedicated to me? It is a little early, but My birthday is on Thanksgiving (i know, the food, and then there will be cake! To qutoe Jack!) and I will be traveling so I will not be able to read your blog for a few days, so sad. Any help to make a good birthday great would be appreciated. THanks! Oh I will be 29, so spread the word!
R.e. The Seer, I wondered: is Todd the Wraith's wackiness a product of his long imprisonment by Kolya (Wraith PTSD?), or will we see other Wraith with a similar personality? I like the idea that Sheppard's Wraith is nuts, but, as with your example of Lord Yu of the Goa'uld, it also makes good sense that there are varying personality types within the species just in general.
I also agree with folks who've mentioned how much they liked Carter in this ep. I especially liked her scenes with Sheppard. I'm a fan of Elizabeth, but also a fan of Sam, and one of the things I find really interesting so far this season is that there are (to me, anyhow) differences between Sheppard's relationship with Carter v. his relationship with Weir. I also like Sheppard's and Carter's (or Flanigan's and Tapping's; or both) chemistry, they way they work together and work well together.
One more thing I love about SGA: how, even from the beginning, this show is about how the people from Earth keep screwing up. They couldn't just walk into another galaxy and get it right the first time; or the second time, or the third time, fourth, fifth... Not because they're stupid, or naive, or reckless, necessarily; but because they're doing the best they can and that's just not always good enough. I don't run across that set-up very often, and it's one I like, and you guys do it really well.
Hey Joe,
Do you know how "The Seer" did compared to "Missing" in live ratings? Was there another uptick?
Thanks!
Any interesting hints about upcoming Season 4 eps or things to look out for/look forward to this Season Joe? Help me out here.. need something to tide me over during a week without a new episode! *sobs*
Is it possible that there was just something about the death of Carson, that we don't know yet, like, for example: his body was never found or something like that where everyone on the show knows but doesn't mention until later?
What kind of camcorder do you use for your videos?
Love the blog by the way :)
I just wanted to say how much I loved "The Seer". Another fantastic ep! I loved all the different threads running through this one. Carter continues to impress me. She's so much more human here, I love seeing this side of her. Kudos to AT for fitting in so well with the rest of the Atlantis team. (Okay, and maybe the writers, too, for making it work).
One of my favorite moments was the quiet little conversation between John and Rodney, where John was telling Rodney it wasn't all his fault that the replicators started destroying entire planets to kill off the food supply of the wraith. I love that we are seeing different sides of their friendship this season, their playful conversation in "Missing" and their more serious one here. The bickering is fun, but the quiet moments are even better.
--GB
Quick comment about The Seer. We find out that 3 months has gone by - and still there is no attempt made to rescue Weir. I find that hard to believe since John Sheppard can't sit still for 2 minutes nevermind 3 months. And after his whole "We don't leave our people in the hands of the enemy" speech, and his whole "I'd do anything for any one of you" speech - it seems that Weir is the only exception to that rule.
I just think that it's unrealistic for the viewers to think that John wouldn't do anything at all.
How old is Dr. Keller?
I was wondering, how was the fight sequence between joe flannagan and his doppleganger shot?
Just commenting my way to 750K hopefully.
I thought the Seer was a pretty good episode. One thing that pulled me out of the episode a bit was Woolsey. I like his character and he serves a necessary plot purpose often by being an obstacle in SG:A/-1's path and raising the stakes. And what makes him more than a cardboard bureaucrat is that he does actually have, as he believes anyway, people's (humans on Earth)best interests in mind.
Still I would like to see him grow a bit more. It must be awfully hard to be continuously wrong about what the Stargate teams are up to. After the 10th or 11th time, you might think he would say, hmmmm.... these people seem to know what is going on, maybe I should listen to them.
How about a episode similar to Missing, except it is Ronon and Woolsey being chased by Wraith instead of cannibals?
Will personal feelings or vendetta's of the Atlantis team endanger the entire expedition this year?
I must admit, I found the entire picture set with Marty G all the more amusing because his shirt seems to be of someone lifting something.
Hehe, actually i mean to say, you know, "Best wishes for your birthday.." (15 December). And name is Jessy by Zhasmina(Enchanté).
So, i have a question about Michael Shanks. At the Creation Burbank Convention he mentioned that you called him to ask if he is interested in appearing as Daniel in “one or two” episodes of Atlantis Season 5. What is your idea for Dr Jackson`s character - as an ascended being with ancient/ori knowledge or as a regulary team member? And when you`ll kill it? ;)
40" is good, but with SONY is great. I have TV SONY Hi-Black and PC monitor SONY profesional and I love it. No remarks.
The Seer was nice, but I can`t wait to see "Miller`s crossing". David and Kate are wonderful tandem.
Joe:
Will we get to see Dr. Jackson interact with all of the Atlantis cast in the story idea that you talked to Mr. Shanks about? Will he get to speak russian with Zelenka? I realize it's a little early to ask these questions but thought I would try anyway.
Thank you for your time.
salut.
Waou super les photo, Martin me fait trop rire. Votre voiture est vraiment belle! Quel journée!
sorry pour le message court....mais je fait un french déprime*.
Quesque la french déprime?
Triste d'être francais et de ne pas parler d'autre langue ...impossibilité de communiquer avec des étranger...=(
une question:
Y'a t'il une langue que vous rêvez d'apprendre?
Voila Merci beaucoup!!! BISOU BISOU!!! I LOVE YOU!! 100% Toi <3<3
Anonymous said...
Have you lied to us yet again Joe?
When did he lie to us previously?
just like you lied about Carson leaving the show.
Huh? I don't recall Joe ever lying about Beckett. Or anything else for that matter. Sure, he's cajoled and teased us...spurred more than one kneejerk fan movement defending various fandom causes...but I can't come up with one instance where he's out-and-out lied to anyone. I think the closest he's ever come is saying something that became untrue later on when the circumstances changed; but as it was true at the time, it doesn't qualify as lying.
Be careful when you make those kinds of accusations. They aren't to be tossed about lightly.
Inquiring minds would like to know, if its not to much trouble. Pretty please.
Aw that's sweet that you have the decency to end your comment on such a polite note. After repeatedly impugning his integrity.
I'm sure the response you'll receive will be as respectfully worded as your question.
I was at the Burbank convention yesterday, and the number of people who said they're not interested without Beckett and Weir was astounding.
There were people there who would normally have done anything to watch the eps, but this year, they've maybe recorded them but haven't got around to watching them, purely because of lack of interest.
There was also a very anti Carter in Atlantis, and completely anti Keller vibe from most of the fans.
The ratings dip you're seeing this season is the tip of the iceberg.
I believe it's been said somewhere that Paul will be back for a significant number of episodes next season. If this is true, I can only hope someone will wise up and do the same thing with Torri.
The number of people saying they miss her, they want her back, and they don't get excited enough to watch live anymore would scare you. And for every one of them, there'd be about 100 people who weren't there who feel the same. I wonder how many of them count in the ratings, JM.
Someone mentioned that Joe F. and Jason are SAG and if the actors strike next summer it would affect filming. Not to mention Rick, Ben, Beau etc... are all SAG.
I thought that even though David H. and Michael Shanks are Canadian that they are also SAG. Could you clarify if that is true or not Joe?
Joe...
I am so incredibly impressed by what you've done with Atlantis.
The Seer was just fantastic and I'm taken by how well Carter and Keller are meshing in with the rest. For The Seer, it was like the last piece of the puzzle went into place for Sam...where she realizes she's more than an administrator and that her decisions affect millions and millions of lives, not just those of her team.
I love how her struggle dealt with the decision I think she'd already made...to go along with the Wraith for the time being...and how Shep reminded her that her team believes in the same things she does and are willing to trust her judgment and go "all in" with her.
Like I said...it was like watching the last piece of the puzzle fit into place; and and with the realizations she came to in this episode, a confidence born of adversity will come. I suspect that any insecurities she might have possessed up until this point will fade away.
Here's a question for you though. I thought it was necessary for Sam to go through her own gauntlet of leadership and I felt The Seer did that in spades...but you said in your blog that you were against the idea of this episode...that you didn't like it. What was it about this episode originally that turned you off and what changed to make it more palatable?
Thanks...
Mary Beth
Saw these two sites and thought of you immediately (especially the first one):
http://foodio54.com/
http://www.bigoven.com/
Can't imagine why you came to mind...!
BTW, I think Martin wants one of those bikes he's looking at as he enters Best Buy ... a subtle hint for you to buy him one for Christmas, maybe?!!
Have you tried Xocolate organic chocolate from San Francisco?
What address should I use to send you a gift of chocolate?
Do you celebrate the US Thanksgiving Day (November 22)? My family does and my grandmother is coming over for dinner (she invited herself). Without going into details, I can honestly say this Thanksgiving will not be a joyous occasion. I'll probably just say I have homework and escape to another room (Just think! I'll finish my 2,000 word US Welfare paper in one day!)
On a different note, could you please dedicate a blog entry to my sister Caroline? She had a flu-like virus for almost a week and when she was almost over that, she came down with a different virus. She's now been sick for almost two weeks, and having a blog entry dedicated to her would really cheer her up. Thanks.
Good luck with season five!
Bonne nuit.......enfin, je vous le dit 8 heures en avance, car moi je vais me coucher, kisou, kisou. Faite de beau rêve cette nuit ..<3
*waves*
So Mr M do we get a great answer to the feeding question? :P
And another quick question while i'm here. I'm going for the hat trick. The whumpers made me do it. LOL.
Mr M, the whumpers would like to know if Sheppy will be shot, but not in the left arm, in season 4? And if not, why the hell not! :P And because we're like Oliver Twist, "Please, sir, can we have some more." :o) Will we see any torture scenes along the lines of CG?
*tries not to giggle*
*hugs*
You're an exceptionally kind and wise man Mr M and the whumpers luff ya.
Excellent documentation of your latest mission. I particularly liked the way you and Marty G tried to assist the girl at the counter, “Maybe you should try turning it upside down and then rightside up really fast,” - I'll have to suggest that next time I'm trying to buy something and it doesn't scan.
Quick question... have you guys given any thought in your season 5 spinning sessions yet about what is going to happen to Ronon's dreads? Jason's been telling us his idea for how Ronon should lose the dreads at the Collectormania con this past weekend... :)
first order of business: love the way you wrote the blog entry today, joe. cracked me up and you have some serious talent.
second order of business:
"Cheeky Lil Devil writes: “We were talking about the CG Wraith being in Atlantis, and someone brought up a good point. How are they going to feed him?”
Answer: That’s a great question."
answer: just get rid of the people you don't like. hmm we could start with woolsey if he ever comes back to visit...
Hey Joe,
This may be a bit snarky, so if it doesn't make the cut, I'll be cool. :)
Anonymous said...
I was at the Burbank convention yesterday, and the number of people who said they're not interested without Beckett and Weir was astounding.
{attempt to "prove" his/her POV with vague threats and alleged anecdotal evidence}
And?
So?
Have you seen the final numbers for eps this season? Have you watched this season? You're only "proving" your own opinion to yourself and those who think like you. Not that there's anything wrong with your opinion, but that's all it is.
Do whatever you want, but I respectfully suggest checking into the term "confirmation bias" and then review your post.
There's nothing wrong with liking one character over another, but you ain't provin' nuthin' with posts like this.
See you in the Pegasus Galaxy?
eddy
With The Ongoing Writer*s Strike And Since Scifi Is Owned By Nbc Would They Boardcast Anyd Epi On Network Tv Or Would Contracts Block That Move?
I was looking around a store the other day and came upon a small display of Vosges chocolate bars. Included in the selection was the Mo's Bacon Bar. Being a lover of both chocolate and bacon and remembering you mentioning it at some point on your blog, I forced myself to buy it even with the $7 price tag (hey, I'm a substitute teacher...that's the price of a meal for me).
While I found the chocolate quite nice, I have to say that I was disappointed in the bar as a whole. The bacon taste was much too subtle...as in, I really couldn't taste it at all. Granted, I could taste the occasional slightly salty chunks, but the bacon flavor? Practically non-existent. Perhaps this was a good thing, but I couldn't help but be disappointed in my purchase. Maybe I should have gone with the spicy chocolate bar whose name is currently eluding me? I've taken to adding a bit of chili pepper to my hot cocoa...intriguing.
Which do you prefer: Caramellos or Rolos? Which kind of filling do you hate to get when picking out a piece in a box of chocolates? (I hate the coconut and maple fillings...EWW)
[quote from Joe Mallozzi]
In the case of the wraith, you could argue that they have no choice (that they simply consider humans food), but there is no doubt that they enjoy toying with their victims and even take great pleasure in their suffering. If that’s not evil, I don’t know what is.[/quote]
Shall I write you a list? ;)
You make the same mistake Hernando Cortes made, when he met the Aztec and called them "evil": You are comparing two totally different peoples, with totally different behaviour and - in case of the Wraith - even two totally different species.
Don't get me wrong: The Wraith a far away from being saints, but they are also far away from being evil. And if they are - we are evil, too.
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