Joseph Mallozzi's Blog, page 429
February 27, 2014
February 26, 2014: Jelly’s surgery day!
Big day today for my gal Jelly. She’s in for surgery – and a possible teeth cleaning while she’s under. Last month, I noticed a curious lump on her belly and made an appointment to have it checked out. Of course, by the time I brought her in, the mysterious lump had mysteriously disappeared. I dismissed it and didn’t think anything of it until a couple of weeks ago when it reappeared. And so, I brought her in again last week and, this time, tests confirmed it was a tumour. I instantly thought of my handsome pug Maximus who went through a similar ordeal. But, unlike Maximus, Jelly is in great spirits. Her appetite is unaffected and I take this as a good sign. The doctor won’t know the seriousness of the cancer (apparently, there are three stages) until they’ve removed the entire tumour and had it tested. But, first things first.
Jelly is an impressive 15. Despite her bad hips, she’s able to manage a half block walk every day. And then, when Bubba and Lulu go for a walk, she sits it out – but still comes along for the ride.
Yep, that’s the routine.
Anyway, as I await word, I leave you with a couple of doggy videos. You’re going to want to turn up the sound for this one…
And the gang eating peanut butter…
Will report back with an update once I hear word!
February 26, 2014
February 26, 2014: This guy! That gal! And March under-the-radar movie releases to look forward to! Or not!
THIS guy -
THIS GUY -
- is, of course, former Stargate Executive Producer and writer Carl Binder who called me this morning to catch up. Coincidentally, I was just thinking about him the other day and was meaning to give HIM a call after Akemi inquired: “How’s Binder-san?”. Well, Binder-san is doing great and keeping busy with several projects on the go. Like Paul and I, he’ll be hearing back on his various irons in the fire shortly. Yep, very soon we’re all going to finally get word. Rob, Carl, Paul and myself. With a half dozen projects between us, you’d figure the chances are good, right? How good?
I’d love to get back into production sooner than later if, for no other reason, than the opportunity to once again work with THIS guy -
THIS GUY -
Meanwhile, THIS gal -
- goes in for surgery tomorrow. Wish her luck!
And now, following yesterday’s entry on some of the March movie releases that caught my eye, here are some of the under-the-radar releases to look forward to next month. Or not.
PARTICLE FEVER
Release Date: March 5, 2014
What it’s about: The launch of the Large Hadron Collider
What it’s got working for it: An inside look at one of history’s biggest and most expensive experiments.
What’s it’s got going against it: Science can be fun. But, sometimes, it can be boring.
THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL
Release Date: March 7, 2014
What it’s about: A concierge and lobby boy contend with some coloful guests at the Grand Budapest Hotel.
What it’s got working for it: If you like Wes Anderson’s quirky sensibilities, this movie looks promising.
What’s it’s got going against it: On the other hand, if you find his sense of humor annoying, you might want to give this movie a pass.
THE GRAND PIANO
Release Date: March 7, 2014
What it’s about: A concert pianist performs under the watchful eye of a sniper, burdened by the treat scribbled on his sheet music: “Play one wrong note and you die.”.
What it’s got working for it: The premise sounds like Speed at a piano concerto.
What’s it’s got going against it: Actually, it sounds like an SNL parody of Speed – at a a piano concerto. When was Brian DePalma’s last good movie?
ENEMY
Release Date: March 7, 2014
What it’s about: A university lecturer tracks down his doppelgänger.
What it’s got working for it: Could be creepy.
What’s it’s got going against it: Or unintetionally silly.
UWANTME2KILLHIM?
Release Date: March 14, 2014
What it’s about: Two teenagers seek revenge against a murderer.
What it’s got working for it: Based on a true story.
What’s it’s got going against it: As always, there’s the danger of dramatic license trumping a satisfyingly straightforward dramatization of fact.
VERONICA MARS
Release Date: March 14, 2014
What it’s about: Veronica Mars is back on the case when her ex-boyfriend is accused of murder.
What it’s got working for it: Three seasons of t.v. history and a rabid fan base.
What’s it’s got going against it: Television shows rarely make the successful leap to the big screen.
BLOOD TIES
Release Date: March 21, 2014
What it’s about: In New York of the 1970′s, a cop must deal with the problems engendered by his ex-con brother.
What it’s got working for it: A solid cast.
What’s it’s got going against it: Ho hum, it feels like we’ve seen it all before.
CHEAP THRILLS
Release Date: March 21, 2014
What it’s about: A mysterious couple engages two hard-luck friends in a series of increasingly dares for cash.
What it’s got working for it: Possibly a cutting social satire.
What’s it’s got going against it: Or, on the other hand, just a nasty piece of filmmaking.
Tagged: March movie releases, March movies, upcoming movie releases
February 26, 2014: This guy! That gal! And March under-the-radar movie releases to look forward to! Or not!
THIS guy -
THIS GUY -
- is, of course, former Stargate Executive Producer and writer Carl Binder who called me this morning to catch up. Coincidentally, I was just thinking about him the other day and was meaning to give HIM a call after Akemi inquired: “How’s Binder-san?”. Well, Binder-san is doing great and keeping busy with several projects on the go. Like Paul and I, he’ll be hearing back on his various irons in the fire shortly. Yep, very soon we’re all going to finally get word. Rob, Carl, Paul and myself. With a half dozen projects between us, you’d figure the chances are good, right? How good?
I’d love to get back into production sooner than later if, for no other reason, than the opportunity to once again work with THIS guy -
THIS GUY -
Meanwhile, THIS gal -
- goes in for surgery tomorrow. Wish her luck!
And now, following yesterday’s entry on some of the March movie releases that caught my eye, here are some of the under-the-radar releases to look forward to next month. Or not.
PARTICLE FEVER
Release Date: March 5, 2014
What it’s about: The launch of the Large Hadron Collider
What it’s got working for it: An inside look at one of history’s biggest and most expensive experiments.
What’s it’s got going against it: Science can be fun. But, sometimes, it can be boring.
THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL
Release Date: March 7, 2014
What it’s about: A concierge and lobby boy contend with some coloful guests at the Grand Budapest Hotel.
What it’s got working for it: If you like Wes Anderson’s quirky sensibilities, this movie looks promising.
What’s it’s got going against it: On the other hand, if you find his sense of humor annoying, you might want to give this movie a pass.
THE GRAND PIANO
Release Date: March 7, 2014
What it’s about: A concert pianist performs under the watchful eye of a sniper, burdened by the treat scribbled on his sheet music: “Play one wrong note and you die.”.
What it’s got working for it: The premise sounds like Speed at a piano concerto.
What’s it’s got going against it: Actually, it sounds like an SNL parody of Speed – at a a piano concerto. When was Brian DePalma’s last good movie?
ENEMY
Release Date: March 7, 2014
What it’s about: A university lecturer tracks down his doppelgänger.
What it’s got working for it: Could be creepy.
What’s it’s got going against it: Or unintetionally silly.
UWANTME2KILLHIM?
Release Date: March 14, 2014
What it’s about: Two teenagers seek revenge against a murderer.
What it’s got working for it: Based on a true story.
What’s it’s got going against it: As always, there’s the danger of dramatic license trumping a satisfyingly straightforward dramatization of fact.
VERONICA MARS
Release Date: March 14, 2014
What it’s about: Veronica Mars is back on the case when her ex-boyfriend is accused of murder.
What it’s got working for it: Three seasons of t.v. history and a rabid fan base.
What’s it’s got going against it: Television shows rarely make the successful leap to the big screen.
BLOOD TIES
Release Date: March 21, 2014
What it’s about: In New York of the 1970′s, a cop must deal with the problems engendered by his ex-con brother.
What it’s got working for it: A solid cast.
What’s it’s got going against it: Ho hum, it feels like we’ve seen it all before.
CHEAP THRILLS
Release Date: March 21, 2014
What it’s about: A mysterious couple engages two hard-luck friends in a series of increasingly dares for cash.
What it’s got working for it: Possibly a cutting social satire.
What’s it’s got going against it: Or, on the other hand, just a nasty piece of filmmaking.
Tagged: March movie releases, March movies, upcoming movie releases
February 25, 2014
February 25, 2014: March movie releases to look forward to! Or not!
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 mad 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.
Tagged: 300: Rise of an Empire, Bad Words, March movies, Mr. Peabody & Sherman, Muppets Most Wanted, The Art of the Steal, upcoming March movie releases, upcoming movie releases
February 25, 2014: March movie releases to look forward to! Or not!
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 mad 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.
Tagged: 300: Rise of an Empire, Bad Words, March movies, Mr. Peabody & Sherman, Muppets Most Wanted, The Art of the Steal, upcoming March movie releases, upcoming movie releases
February 24, 2014
February 24, 2014: For Whom the Bell Trolls!
Let me start off by thanking everyone who has taken the time to post a short little self-intro in this blog’s comment section. I would say “Welcome!” but it would seem all of you have been here for a while, whether your respective screen names have popped up before or not. So, instead, I’ll say “Thanks for being regulars – secret or otherwise!”. It’s great getting to know who’s out there, and, also, getting to know a little more about our more familiar contributors. Best of all, I’m compiling a list of your various cities and towns so that I’ll be able to impose on each and every one of you when the times comes for my world tour. Imagine the excitement of having a real scifi writer/producer sleeping in your guest bed, watching your t.v., and even eating the food you so lovingly prepared! It doesn’t get any better than that (unless, of course, I actually paid for my stay)!
So, please keep posting those intros. Don’t be shy!
This fun little exercise just happened to dovetail with a recent news article a buddy of mine posted on Facebook regarding online anonymity and trolling.
In internet slang, a troll is a person who sows discord on the Internet by starting arguments or upsetting people,by posting inflammatory, extraneous, or off-topic messages in an online community (such as a forum, chat room, or blog), either accidentally or with the deliberate intent of provoking readers into an emotional response or of otherwise disrupting normal on-topic discussion. - Wikipedia
Yes, we’ve all come across them at some point in our internet lives, those attention-seeking jerks who feel free to say anything they want, no matter how offensive or hurtful, because, at the end of the day, they can get away with it since nobody knows who they are.
Well, usually. But what happens when a troll loses his/her online anonymity. As it turns out, they’re A LOT less bold in person.
Like in this case where a boxer, fed up with being trash-talked on twitter, decide to track down his troll: Boxer Hunts Down Cowardly Twitter Troll for Digital TKO. Lots of backtracking and grovelling. Love it.
And then there’s this interesting article about a blogger whose attempts to track down a troll came to a shocking conclusion: The day I confronted my troll | Leo Traynor
When the late Charlotte Dawson confronted some of her online tormentors - Charlotte Dawson tracks down and confronts Twitter Trolls in 2012 - they proved surprisingly cowed.
But that’s not always the case. Some remain defiant – if not uncomfortably so:
Bottom line: They don’t like it.
It would seem that, when all is said and done, these anonymous online trolls are just regular people. Just regular, screwed up, terrible people: Science Confirms: Internet Trolls Really Are Narcissistic …
‘Internet Trolls’ Are Actually Jerks in Real Life Too, According to …
Online trolls are psychopaths and sadists, psychologists claim
But we kind of had an inkling, didn’t we?
February 23, 2014
February 23, 2014: Another Akemi-ism! Introduce yourself! Wrapping up our Stargate Atlantis season one rewatch with…The Siege II!
“My legs are kidding me!”
- Akemi, this morning, complaining about her post-workout aches.
After a recent exchange in the comment section about chatty regulars and silent lurkers, I thought it was high time we got to know a little about the people behind the strange names (and bizarre avatars) who frequent this blog. So take a moment to introduce yourselves. First name. Location. Favorite thing. Pet peeve. Anything else you’d care to add. Go!
Wrapping up our Stargate: Atlantis first season rewatch with…The Siege II!
Upon further review – meh. Not my favorite season finale by a longshot. BUT wow! Talk about spectacular visual effects sequences. Several of them! And the last five minutes ARE thrilling. Yes, there’s nothing I love more than ending a finale with our heroes in mortal danger (see Camelot, Incursion II, The Last Man).
But, again, who cares what I think? What was Akemi’s response to the big season finale?
She found Major Everett’s “southern drawl” (?) almost incomprehensible: “I can’t understand anything he’s saying.”
As much as she loves Dr. Beckett, her patience with his chair aversion came to an end here: “Stop complaining!”was her exasperated advice for a reluctant Carson.
A little jab at the writing. When the military comes in and informs McKay and Zelenka that they are out of time and McKay informs them that, coincidentally, they just finished prepping the nukes: “Not coincidence. Writer decided to just finish. Perfect timing.”
Not surprisingly, she LOVED the visual effects. The moment tracer fire lit up the night sky over Atlantis: “Wow! Disneyland!”
On the other hand, she remains fixated on another seemingly inconsequential issue – clearly NOT inconsequential to her: “The quality of wraith hair is getting worse!”.
A little dig at MY writing: “You like to kill people. In your episode, always somebody die. If you write every single episode, then everybody die and you have to replace them.”
And, finally, once the TO BE CONTINUED came up onscreen: “To be continued? No! This is the only episode I want to know what happen next!”
Though not immediately as she has requested we take a break before proceeding. With what, I’m not sure as she’s expressed a desire to fast-foward to season 5 so that she “can see Bob [Robert Picardo] and Iron Chef [Mark Dacascos]“.
Your thoughts on Siege II?
February 22, 2014
February 22, 2014: Videos news of note! Our Stargate Atlantis rewatch continues with…Siege I!
Let’s start you off with a grammar lesson…
Dad’s six minute cell phone video of kids falling…
This looks like a good movie :
There but for the grace of God goes Equestrian Dressage
Continuing our Stargate: Atlantis rewatch with season one’s penultimate episode: The Siege – Part 1!
Atlantis’s first season ends with a bang. Actually, multiple bangs. My thoughts on the big two-part season finale here: June 17, 2012: Checking out the new food trucks! Days of Stargate Atlantis Past! Siege I and II!
As for Akemi, she quite enjoyed this one. High points for her included McKay, Zelenka, and the “very cool computer graphics!”. She loved McKay’s EVA: “I found very cool the scene to jump in space.” and the destruction of the hive ship: “Like the shot of them destroying the ship.”
The episode was not, however, without its bumps. The second Halling walked into Weir’s office: “Oh, no. Ritual!” And then, after the conversation about the saving Atlantis, she was much relieved: “I thought he was going to do another ritual. Did ritual for Teyla dying. Maybe ritual for wraith is coming.”
She wasn’t a fan of the later (filler) Weir-Zelenka scene in which Weir expresses her desire to save more of the Ancient database (again) and Zelenka explains it is quite impossible (again): “I’ve heard this all before.” She also found McKay’s spacesuit altogether hilarious: “Silly looking suit!”she laughed.
Props to Rachel (“Whenever Teyla try to read mind, so scary. She is good actress.”) and Torri (“She is beautiful woman.”).
But she is still hung up on the wraith hair. When Bob makes his first appearance: “Bad hair!” And later, when Bob is imprisoned: “First one, Steven, had such beautiful hair. But this one has ugly hair. Dreadlocks. Like rock ‘n roll hair.” Das, is there something you’d like to add?
She seemed strangely unmoved by the shocking demise of Peter Grodin. ”Did you feel sorry for Peter?”I asked. ”Sure,”she replied. ”He seemed nice guy, Peter-san.”
And tonight, things wrap up with Siege II. Akemi is looking forward to it: “Excited for the next episode. Hopefully it’s happy ending.” Errr….
So, what did you all think of Siege I?
February 21, 2014
February 21, 2014: My Top 10 Olympic Scandals! Our Stargate Atlantis rewatch continues with…The Gift!
In honor of the bullshit that is The Olympics, I give you my Top 10 Olympic Scandals!
Despite holding a lead heading into her final skate and delivering what many termed a flawless performance, and despite the fact that Russian Adelina Sotnikova reportedly “stepped out” after landing a triple combination, Yuna Kim had to settle for the silver medal. The Russian, of course, won the gold. Among the anonymous judges was one who was suspended for a year for trying to fix an event at the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics, while another is married to the head of the Russian Figure Skating Federation. Outraged viewers have started an online petition calling for the IOC to open an investigation into the suspect judging: - change.org urging that the judging be investigated. - which is presently inching toward 2 million signatures. Still, this is the IOC we’re talking about. Good luck with that.
The Olympics has a rich history of really suspicious judging. Take the case of the bantam weight bout pitting Japan’s Satoshi Shimizu against Azerbaijan’s Magomed Abdulhamidov at the 2012 Summer Olympics. The Azerbaijani boxer was knocked to the canvas not once, not twice, not three times, not four times, but FIVE TIMES in the third and final round – AND STILL WON THE ROUND! And the bout. Sure seemed fishy, especially after THIS BBC report: Azerbaijan had paid millions of dollars in an international boxing organization. Perhaps even more surprising than the initial result was the fact that the Japan lodged an appeal – and won. And the judges were punished. Ha ha. Just kidding about that last part.
At the same 2012 Summer Olympics, Chinese boxer Zou Shiming had to endure the boos of the crowd after winning a highly controversial bout against Kaeo Pongprayoon of Thailand. Everyone in attendance thought the Thai boxer should have won – and he would have if he hadn’t been given a two point penalty for some mystery infraction with 9 seconds left to go in the match.
Everybody makes mistakes. Sometimes two. Even three. But when you’re judging a gold medal olympic event, six is apparently a bit much. Such was the case at the 2004 Summer Olympics. With the gold medal in fencing at stake, Hungarian referee Joszef Hidasi made six scoring errors decisions in favor of Italy. How egregious were his errors? So bad that he was replaced at the end of the match. Too little too late though for the Chinese who ended up losing by 45-42.
This one was painful to watch. With a one point lead over her German adversary with less than a second to go in her gold medal match, South Korean fencer Shin Lam was certain to emerge victorious. Unfortunately for her, the clock “stuck”, giving her opponent some extra time, time she put to good use by scoring a touch and snatching victory from the jaws of, well, somebody else’s victory. It was clearly a clock issue and, while the officials talked it over, viewers were treated to an inconsolable Shin Lam seated on the mat, in tears, as she awaited a decision. It finally came, one hour later but, with the extra time, officials were able to make the right decision and reversed the call, awarding the gold medal to the rightful win — Aaaah, just kidding. They screwed her over and gave the German the gold.
At the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul, American boxer Roy Jones Jr was on the receiving end of some suspect judging when he lost a decision to South Korean Park Si-Hun in their middleweight gold medal bout, this despite landing 86 punches to Park’s 32. After the match, one of the judges admitted he voted for Park Si-Hun because he assumed Jones had the win in the bag and simply wanted it to look close for the home crowd. Despite investigating and discovering that three of the judges were wined and dined by Korean officials prior to the bout, the decision was allowed to stand.
Allegations of bribery dogged the IOC in connection with the awarding of the 2002 Winter Olympics to Salt Lake City. With several investigations underway, the Department of Justice also got involved. Heads rolled. The members of the IOC were expelled and another ten were sanctioned. By the way, the investigations discovered that the Salt Lake City bribery scandal was not an isolated incident.
Down 49-48 in their gold medal game against the Soviet Union, the USA Olympic basketball team sunk two clutch free throws (the second going in despite the sounding of the game-ending buzzer). The Soviets inbounded the ball to half-court when – they are awarded a time out. Sort of. The Soviet coaches were arguing they’d called a time out earlier. According to international rules, they could not be awarded the time out – but the officials stopped play anyway. Three seconds were put back on the clock. The Soviets inbounded. They put up a shot. And missed! The game was over! Nope. Apparently, the clock hadn’t been properly reset so the Soviets received yet another chance. And scored. Third times the charm I guess. Apparently, team USA’s silver medals still lie unclaimed.
At the 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano, one judge recorded another trying to fix the results. For some reason, no one was in a hurry to change the dodgy judging system…until four years later when yet another scandal forced their hand…
Two gold medals were awarded in pairs figure skating at the 2002 Winter Olympics, one to the Russians who were the original winners, and another to the second place Canadians after allegations surfaced that the results had been fixed. A French judge claimed she had been pressured to give the Russians higher marks and then, once the scandal heated up, retracted her initial statements.
Continuing our Stargate: Atlantis rewatch with…The Gift!
My past thoughts on this episode (and the last one) here: June 16, 2012: An early start to the day! Days of Stargate Atlantis Past! Letters from Pegasus! The Gift!
“Dream! Double dream!” This episode got off to a good start. Immediately folllowing the tease: “So far, so good.”
And, despite the many talky scenes dealing with some extensive backstory, most of which went over her head, Akemi enjoyed the episode. She was on the edge of her seat for the hypnotism sequence and did like the new resident psychiatrist, Dr. Heightmeyer (“Oh, beautiful!”).
On the other hand, Ford is fast falling out of favor: “Are you sure he’s military? So casual.” This a reference to the scene where Teyla shockingly disappears beyond the seemingly firm wall. As panic sets in, McKay suggests he take a running start. A concerned Sheppard reacts. Cut to: McKay and Ford, McKay equally concerned, Ford sporting a goofy ear to ear grin.
And regarding the Atlantis military personnel in general: “SGA’s army is a little more casual than well-trained SGU.”
She did find it curious that Beckett proved so reluctant to sit in the Ancient chair and initiate it, but in retrospect: “I learned from SGU. Chair is very dangerous.” True dat.
18 down and only 2 to go! Tonight, we roll into Siege I.
So, what did you all think of The Gift?
Today’s entry is dedicated to all the hard-training athletes who were robbed.
February 20, 2014
February 20, 2014: Thoughts? Our Stargate: Atlantis rewatch continues with…Letters from Pegasus!
Okay. Weigh in with your opinions on the following…
The Guardians of the Galaxy trailer:
On the one hand, I’m thinking the visual effects will probably be great. On the other hand, the gags in this trailer feel mighty stale.
Now this sounds interesting: Company to Launch Tiny Satellites That ‘Bypass’ Internet Censorship… Why do I have a feeling certain authorities, working in conjunction with big service providers, will come up with some suspect reason to deep-six this?
A couple of weeks ago, I mentioned the story of an elderly couple in Tennessee whose dog was allegedly stolen by Penny Jekot, the director of a local animal rescue. Well, having gotten nowhere with Ms. Jekot, the couple has finally decided to sue to get their dog back…
Considering Ms. Jekot admitted to a reporter that she had the Haddix’s sign “a blank sheet of paper”, considering that a perfectly legal transfer of ownership, AND told a local animal welfare rep that she “decided the Haddix’s were elderly and did not need the dog” I don’t see how she expects to win this.
Of course, I was also surprised that the local authorities didn’t consider this a case of property theft. What gives? Are dogs not considered something as basic as property in Tennessee? Anyone care to enlighten me?
Thanks to everyone who took the time to post their favorite veggie recipes. I feel healthier already! Check out tonight’s side dish..
Fried Greenish Tomatoes
Inspired by JeffW.’s recipe for fried green tomatoes, Akemi and I made this version – which is a twist on a recipe by Montreal chef Chuck Hughes. Unable to find any green tomatoes, we decided to go with the kumatos as a affair comprise because their brownish hue was closer to green than their red counterparts. As per Jeff’s instructions, we first dipped them in milk, then covered them in cornmeal – although I did have a batch with Italian breadcrumbs. We fried them up in peanut oil, then topped them with clotted cream, crisp prosciutto, and chopped green onions.
Verdict: Delicious! Not quite as delicious as the pork and duck rillette it accompanied, but still pretty damn good.
Our Stargate: Atlantis rewatch continues with…Letters from Pegasus!
I offered my thoughts on this episode back when I was doing my Trip Down Memory Lane entries: June 16, 2012: An early start to the day! Days of Stargate Atlantis Past! Letters from Pegasus! The Gift!
As for Akemi – she liked it well enough, but it was no Before I Sleep in her books. Still: “Good episode.”
Next to the visual effects, her highlights are always the show’s more humorous moments. In this case: Beckett’s message to his mother, Zelenka’s impassioned description of the city rising up out of the water, McKay’s long-winded entry. Regarding the latter, she had immense respect for actor David Hewlett’s memory skills: “I’m amazed he can remember such long lines!”
Low points were the extended wraith attack (“I didn’t like so many wraith attacking and taking so long.”) and Sheppard’s impromptu intel-gathering op (“Sheppard went to find out what it was and didn’t find out.”)
Which brought up the BIG question of the episode: “What was the big light from the sky?”
Stay tuned to find out!
Or, maybe not.
So, what did you all think of Letters from Pegasus?
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