Joseph Mallozzi's Blog, page 262

Which team in the SEC should I root for this season? YOU decide!

Well, the results of the Which NCAA Division 1-A Conference should I root for this season? poll are in and what a finish!  The Big Ten jumped out to an early, seemingly insurmountable lead, but the SEC came roaring back in the late-goings.  It was neck and neck with a mere 4 votes separating the winner from the first runner-up.  

The final tally…

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Which means that we now move on to the second of our polls.  Yesterday, you picked the conference.  Today, you choose Which SEC Team should I root for this season?  Will it be Tigers or Bulldogs?  And, if so, which ones?  Cast your vote!

Take Our Poll

Which SEC team should I root for this season?

Having trouble deciding?  Here are some highlights.

Alabama on defense…

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Arkansas on punt coverage…

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Auburn on offense…

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Florida punting…

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Georgia on defense…

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Kentucky on offense…

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LSU on offense…

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Mississippi State on offense…

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Mizzou on offense…

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Ole Miss on offense…

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South Carolina on offense…

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Tennessee on offense…

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Texas A&M on defense…

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Vanderbilt on defense…

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All terrific candidates.  It’s gonna be hard to choose!

My Snow Monkeys commence their quest for back to back titles!

 

So, yesterday was the day.  Draft Day for our League of Accommodations fantasy football league.  My Snow Monkeys, last year’s champions, are looking to repeat. And, after the final pick was made last night and all was said and done I can can say with utmost confidence… I don’t know…

THIS is my team =

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Hmmmm.  Immediately following the draft, I ran a league analysis and received the following results:

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According to their fantasy pros analysis, I’m the #2 team in our #12 team league. Not bad. Not bad at all.

Then I wake up this morning, to this analysis from NFL.com:

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I mean, WTF?  Who is to be believed?

I should point out that the two years I won my league championship were years where I lost my first round draft picks to early season injuries (OBJ last season and Peyton Manning a while back).  So I can deal with adversity.

Also, on the bright side and to hedge my bets, my Snow Monkeys are playing in a second league this season (A League Of Our Own), a splinter of the original league that will include the likes of The Landsharks, Chubbalub, and L’ Legit Team.

Can I go 2 for 2 this year?

Probably.

I need Your Help 

Hey, I need your help.  With the NCAA college football season fast approaching, I need a team to root for.  Oh, sure, I could root for some old favorites, but why allow my preferences to rule when I can just put it to a vote?  So, here’s the deal. Today, I need you to weigh in.  Which NCAA Division 1-A Conference should I root for this season?

Take Our Poll

Finally, today’s entry is dedicated to blog regular MaggieMayDay who is going through a very tough time.  A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to help.  If you would like to contribute, please click on the link: https://www.gofundme.com/elderly-family-in-need-of-help

Thanks!

Night out with the guys and gals!

I love reunions!

So, a couple of weeks ago, Roger Cross (Dark Matter‘s SIX/Griffin Jones/Kal Varrick, and every other show’s everyone else) sent out a Toronto-wide text to let everyone know he’d be in town shooting one of his innumerable productions. Last night, we finally got together for a feast of steak, sides, steak, wine, steak, Yorkshire pudding, steak, dessert, and more steak!  In attendance, from left to right: Robbie, Stephanie, Akemi, Joe, Ivon, and Roger.

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On the menu:

8 oz Argentinian Angus tenderloin

10 oz Ontario Angus rib-eye

6 oz Kansas Angus tenderloin

8 oz Idaho Wagyu California cut

14 oz Hokkaido Wagyu rib-eye

And other stuff.

Surprisingly, the majority preferred the Snake River Farms wagyu hybrid, a nice balance of rich and meaty.  I chose the Hokkaido wagyu, while Akemi’s favorite was the pre-meal complimentary Yorkshire puddings.

For dessert, we split a slice of smores cheesecake and homemade ice cream (two scoops chocolate chip cookie dough and one scoop pralines and cream).  For a guy who said he didn’t want any dessert, Roger availed himself quite nicely.

[Jacob Steak House]

I didn’t get as much writing done this week as I had hoped, completing a whole two paragraphs of the two-page series overview I wanted to get done on that comic book adaptation.  Also, have run into some unforeseen obstacles on one of the other projects.  Hoping we can get this settled sooner than later because, as I learned on Stargate – and has been proven true through my experience on several proceeding productions – L.T.S.!

Okie-doke.  I’m off to prep for tonight’s fantasy football draft, the first step in my Snow Monkeys quest to win back to back championships.  My strategy going in is to lead with a dominant running back, wait on quarterbacks, and avoid any and all Patriots.

Finally – many of you are complaining that you have stopped receiving email updates from this site.  I’ve tweaked the settings.  Let me know if this works!

Oh, and to celebrate National Dog Day…

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Projects and Priorities!

So let’s take a look at my updated project slate:

THAT NEAR-FUTURE PLANETARY EXPLORATION SERIES

Series bible and pilot script delivered to the broadcaster.  So what’s next?  Well…

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And, yes, as much as I’d love to play Hungry Hungry Hippos instead, sadly, we don’t have the choice.  Here’s hoping I’m back in action with David, Erin, Sam, Tom, Rebecca, and Alex sooner than later.

THAT SUPERNATURAL SMALL TOWN MYSTERY SERIES

Series overview and pitch delivered to the production company.  If we get the thumbs up,  I’ll be heading to script.  I really hopes this one pans out, not only because I think it’s a terrific premise, but because I’ve really enjoyed working with the show’s co-creator and production point person.  Also, love the idea of shooting in this city, a place I’ve always wanted to visit.

THE UNTITLED AWESOME PROJECT

Had a preliminary meeting about the prospective series, it’s characters, and tone.  In the spirit of such Mallozzi-scripted episodes as (Window of Opportunity, Moebius I, The Ties That Bind, Ripple Effect, Point of No Return, Family Ties, Stuff To Steal People To Kill, All The Time in the World, and Isn’t That A Paradox? – whew), this one is going to be a blast to develop – and even more of a blast to produce if things work out.

THAT GOTHIC HORROR PROJECT

Option discussions underway with an eye to producing a series bible for the spring.  Interestingly, there’s talk of actually shooting this one just outside of my hometown.  I’d be able to meet sis for late night soft serve after wrap!

THE COMIC BOOK ADAPTATION

Love this comic book, and I’ve been a big fan of the writer for ages.  Work is presently underway on a series overview.  Would love to have a rough draft – for discussion purposes – by mid-September.  Broadcast execs talk about wanting “loud and noisy” shows.  Well, I can think of no louder or noisier than this one.

THE PROCEDURAL

Honestly, I never thought I could bring myself to work on a procedural (or medical or legal series), but the concept is unique and it offers opportunities for wonderful, character-driven humor.  The creator is a comic legend – very smart, very funny, and very pleasant to work with.  I’m hoping we can go out with the pitch in the coming months.

THE ADAPTATION OF THAT HORROR NOVEL

The deal is finally getting closed on the option – I believe – so I’ll soon be brainstorming with the author on a series overview.  We’ve already had some preliminary discussions on how we’d like the first season to play out.

THAT FAR FUTURE EARTH-BASED SCI-FI SERIES

Has been given the green light and I’m in the process of a closing a deal to show run.  The show’s creator already have a rough, ten-episode game plan for the first season and are eyeing a month-long (maybe longer?) writers’ room starting in early to mid-September.

All very important and very exciting — but first things first!  Priority #1 is my fantasy football league draft scheduled for tomorrow night.  My Snow Monkeys are defending champs and looking to build a dynasty and shock the world!

Or, at least, the guys in my league.

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Spotlight on the dogs!

Let’s celebrate a relaxing Friday evening with dog videos!

Lulu, up close and personal –

Getting Suji revved up for her walk –

Suji coming in for a landing –

Lulu will NOT tell you again!

Conversations with Suji…

There’s no reasoning with her!

Time for that corporeal upgrade!

Apparently, I have something called “frozen shoulder”.  How do I know?  Well, as of yesterday, the range of motion of my left shoulder has been extremely limited.  It’s weak, quite painful at night, and no longer capable of supporting my weight for my daily regimen.  My buddy Ivon gave me the diagnosis after reading my symptoms over the course of a text conversation.  Out of an abundance of caution, I sought a second opinion from Alexa who informed me that treatments vary from medication to surgery to being put under general anesthesia so a doctor can beat the shit out of that scar tissue.  On the bright side, according to wikipedia, the condition will eventually sort itself out… in approximately two years.

Since I’m no longer able to pursue my 100+ push-ups a day regimen, I’ve switched to a  100+ squats a day regimen which I can thankfully do because it seems I have fully healed from that groin pull/tear.

I am falling apart like my old Toyota corolla and feel there is no other recourse but to  transfer my consciousness to a younger clone body or android facsimile.  Whichever is cheaper.  I’m thinking probably the facsimile but I haven’t been keeping up on the latest technological advancements.  So, if someone can direct me to the proper website, I’d appreciate it.

Speaking of websites – as time wears on, I really begin to resent WordPress for forcing me to switch out of my old WordPress theme that while, yes, antiquated in many ways, was inarguably simple to use.  Today, I am fighting a losing battle against this blog’s insistence on being published under the My TV Productions category.  Also, what’s the deal with that purple podcast icon?  And why won’t it give me the choice of adjusting the size of my photo uploads?

Well, if you’re getting an oversized photo, it might as well be this one.  Suji on the bridge of The Raza –

[image error]I used to get to fly around in space until the bad man at syfy cancelled my dad’s show.

Finally, I want to dedicate today’s entry to a member of our extended blog family, MaggieMayDay, who is going through a very difficult time.  If you’d like to help out, follow the link:

https://www.gofundme.com/elderly-family-in-need-of-help

Week’s Best Comic Book Covers!

These were my favorite comic book covers of the week…

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Action Comics #1002 (cover art by Patrick Gleason, Alejandro Sanchez)

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Black Panther #3 (cover art by In-Hyuk Lee)

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Cold Spots #1 (cover art by Mark Torres)

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Incidentals #11 (cover art by Ryan Brown

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The Life of Captain Marvel #2 (cover art by Julian Totino Tedesco)

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The Punisher #1 (cover art by Greg Smallwood)

So, which were your favorites?

Your Subscription To Joe’s Blog

We’ve heard from you all that you may not be receiving Joe’s blogs via your email. One issue that may be causing this snafu is that when we associated the new domain, josephmallozzi.com to Joe’s WordPress account, your old subscriptions to josephmallozzi.wordpress.com might have died. Another issue is that WordPress is changing some of its settings to comply with the European Union’s new privacy laws (called the GDPR).

Those of you with WordPress accounts, please check your subscription list and make sure that you are subscribed to josephmallozzi.com directly. Then check your Reader List and make sure you have checked that you want to be notified when a blog is published.

Checking Your Notifications/Subscriptions

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Click your icon at the top right of the screen.
Choose Notification Settings from the list on the Left column.
Select the last tab, Reader Settings.
Make sure the last item, Block Emails is NOT selected. This is a new setting WordPress added to comply with the European Union’s GDPR rules (Privacy Act).
Save.

Also double-check that you are subscribed to Joe’s Blog by:

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Choose the Reader icon on the left side of your screen.
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Hopefully, this will fix any problems you might be having receiving your notices.

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Rita Lewis (Webmaster)

My Top 10 Favorite Asian Horror Movies!

This list will, of course, continue to evolve as I expand my horrific horizons.  But, as of today, these are my Top 10 Favorite Asian Horror Movies…

[image error] #10. UZUMAKI

Probably the weirdest film on this list – and that’s saying something.  Based on Junji Ito’s J-horror manga of the same name, the movie focuses on a small community beset by spiral-themed terrors.

Favorite scene: The wall-crawling human snails.

***

[image error] #9. KAIRO

A provocative and surprisingly philosophical horror movie involving spirits, missing persons, death, despair, and the terrors inherent in our technology-obsessed world.

Favorite scene: The limping spirit.

***

[image error] #8. I SAW THE DEVIL

Pity the poor serial killer unfortunate enough to run afoul of a very determined, very sadistic husband mourning the murder of his fiancé. The grieving hubby wants revenge – but, hey, he’s in no hurry.

Favorite scene: Saving the nurse and losing the Achilles tendon.

***

[image error] #7. THREE: EXTREMES

Three segments by three different directors offer three different cultural takes on the genre (China, South Korean, and Japan).  Arguably the most disturbing entry, Dumplings, was expanded into a full-length theatrical release.

Favorite scene: Forcing down those dumplings.

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[image error] #6: JU-ON: THE GRUDGE

The third installment in this horror series focuses on a cursed home – and its unlucky new owners.

Favorite scene: You’re not even safe under the covers!

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[image error] #5: DARK WATER

A recently-divorced mother and her young daughter move into a run-down apartment.  It isn’t long before mom begins to notice strange occurrences: spreading water stains on the ceiling, hair in their tap water, and a pesky red bag that keeps reappearing no matter how many time she disposes of it.  What’s going on?  Well, it could have something to do with a little girl who disappeared a year earlier…

Favorite scene: That final elevator scene still haunts me.

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[image error] #4. AUDITION

This one starts off as a slow burn about a lonely middle-aged man, recently widowed, who attempts to meet women by holding auditions for a fake production.  He should’ve stuck to tinder.  The last fifteen minutes are downright harrowing as the woman of his dreams becomes the stuff of nightmares.

Favorite scene: Kiri kiri kiri!

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[image error] #3. A TALE OF TWO SISTERS

A young girl, recently released from a mental institution, returns to her secluded home where her father, younger sister, and suspicious stepmother await.

Favorite scene: Don’t look under the sink!

***

[image error] #2. TRAIN TO BUSAN

It’s Speed meets The Walking Dead in the greatest zombie movie ever made.

Favorite scene: The East Daegu train station encounter.

***

[image error] #1. RINGU

A reporter investigates the legend of a cursed video tape.

Favorite scene: As much as I love the shock cut to the girl in the closet, I have to give it up for the iconic t.v. screen crawl-thru.

So what do you think?  Did I miss one of your favorites?  Let me know.

More from the Dark Matter vault!

A few more BTS photos from the archives…

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Behind the scenes on Episode 210, “Going Out Fighting” (and, evidently, singing and dancing as well).  We shot this episode at Brampton City Hall with its gorgeous floral wall art lobby.  My old friend and former Stargate cohort, Peter DeLuise, directed this story that, in its infancy way back when I was first developing the series, was originally envisioned as one of multiple narratives that would have run through the two-parter series finale, complete with far, far more downbeat ending.  Pictured: Anthony Lemke, Roger Cross, Peter DeLuise, and Jonas Chernick.

Melanie Orr’s Direction of the near touching scene

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Behind the scenes on Episode 310, “Built, Not Born” as director Melanie Orr oversees a near-touching moment between Dr. Irena Shaw (Zoie Palmer) and Rebecca (Melissa O’Neil).  The research facility and Shaw’s secret lab were constructed on our second stage that housed the Marauder and, had the series gone a fourth year, played host to an alien ship set.

 

 

 

[image error] Redemption and Return To the Light

Behind the scenes on Episode 312, “My Final Gift To You” – director Bruce McDonald and actor Alex Mallari Jr. enjoy some downtime between set-ups.  At the heart of the show was the theme of redemption and the exploration of how dark someone could go before being drawn back to the light.  In the original, much sadder version of the FOUR/Ryo Ishida storyline, TWO casts the deciding vote and takes Ryo for a walk across the extraordinary landscape of an alien world.  As they discuss their lives, the mistakes they’ve made, Ryo spots something in the distance – incredibly, his stepbrother Hiro and his good friend Misaki, kids again, waving to him from a beach.  He starts forward, uncertain at first, then racing down to meet them, joyous and young.  We PUSH IN ON the excitement in his eyes we PULL BACK TO REVEAL Ryo, overcome by hypoxia, dying on the planet’s surface.  An emotional TWO, her nanites protecting her from the planet’s atmosphere, turns and heads back to the ship.  THAT was the dark timeline ending – which changed in time.  In fact, the plan was to redeem and reinstate FOUR as a beloved crew member in season 4, as hinted at in the virtual season 4, episode 4.02.

 

[image error] Roger Cross’ Future

 Behind the scenes on Episode 210, “Take The Shot”.  Roger Cross does NOT like the look of that automated pizza slicer.  The original plan for SIX, aka Griffin Jones, aka Kal Varrick offered a decidedly more somber conclusion to his story as well.  Unable to bear the weight of his past, the memories of the family he lost and his indirect hand in the deaths of thousands, he opts to have his memory wiped.  He awakens in a community and given a new identity, told he is suffering from amnesia as a result of an accident.  As he settles into his new life, now blissfully unaware of his past, the crew watch him from afar and, in some ways, envy his decision, before heading back to the waiting The Marauder.

Anthony Liked To Get Dirty[image error]

Behind the scenes on Episode 210, “Going Out Fighting”.  Anthony getting measured for his head restraint.  I don’t think I’ve ever worked with an actor who was so eager to suffer for his art, and by suffer I mean getting down and dirty in the mud and slush of a forest location, going all out in his fight sequences, and, more often than not, eating endless servings of rice pudding, gruel and, on one occasion, a lamb shank that requires so many takes he was gnawing on a bone by the end.