Joseph Mallozzi's Blog, page 93
March 30, 2023
March 30, 2023: IT experts in!
So, last Saturday, my laptop died. Ish. It powered up, but the screen remained dark. After much troubleshooting, I was resigned to likelihood my laptop had given up the ghost and switched to my old back-up laptop (which Akemi had suggested I upgrade because she feared it was near the end of its lifespan. Given the laptop was only two years old (and one month), I figured it was possibly a minor issue – yknow, one of those jiggly cable loose connections. Alas, no. The Genius at the Apple store informed me that the screen would probably need to be replaced at the cost of roughly $1000. $1000! No doubt picking up on my displeasure, he suggested I contacted Apple Support to see if they could do anything for me. So, the next morning I spoke to Apple Support and told them the situation. It was a two year old laptop. It had not been damaged. I hadn’t dropped it. I hadn’t spilled water on it. Apple Support informed me that, unfortunately, my warranty had expired and there was nothing they could do for me. Well aware of the fact that the call was being recorded, I politely informed him that the fact I would need to replace my screen two years into the life of the laptop – not to mention the fact that my buddy, Ivon, had to have his motherboard replaced three months after purchasing his – did not instill much confidence in the product and… Dial tone. He had hung up on me.
Fine. So I took it to twitter and posted the following…
I was ready to do it, people! My greatest motivation has always anger, spite and/or revenge, so I was already lining up my new non-Apple laptop when, some twenty minutes later, apologizing for losing me (“Don’t know what happened there.”) and informing me that they would be able to cover the cost of the screen after all. I thanked him, dropped off by laptop yesterday, and picked it up today. On the one hand, it works. On the other hand, all of the pre-existing data has been wiped. Also unfortunately, I’m unable to find the device containing my last timed back-up from 2022. The only one I can find is from 2020.
But fear not! I have iCloud storage. All I have to do is input my apple password, click “restore from iCloud” and it’s all hunky dory, right?
Alas, no. That’s not an option. You can restore from a timed back-up. You can restore from another Mac. But for some inexplicable reason, you’re unable to restore from iCloud even though we are led to believe that everything is backed up on iCloud.
Am I missing something?
The post March 30, 2023: IT experts in! appeared first on Joseph Mallozzi's Weblog.
March 29, 2023
March 29, 2023: Amazing Covers!
Betsy Braddock: Captain Britain #2 – cover art by Ramon Villalobos
Justice Society of America #5 – cover art by Mikel Janin
Something is Killing the Children #30 – cover art by Ario Anindito
200 AD November Prog Pack – cover art by Mark Harrison
Star Trek: Strange New Worlds – The Illyrian Enigma #4 – cover art by Mark Alvarado
Kamen Rider Zero-One #3 – cover art by Miguel Mercado
So, which were YOUR favorites?
The post March 29, 2023: Amazing Covers! appeared first on Joseph Mallozzi's Weblog.
March 28, 2023
March 28, 2023: Unusual Deaths!
#UnusualDeaths
In 42 B.C., Porcia Catonis, wife of Brutus, died after swallowing hot coals. Presumably, this was intentional. pic.twitter.com/lYEyIKUoKR
— Joseph Mallozzi
(@BaronDestructo) March 22, 2023
#UnusualDeaths – Bathroom Break edition
– April 8, 217 A.D., Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius Antoninus, aka Caracalla, was killed by his own soldiers while taking a bathroom break.
– November 30, 1016 – King Edmund Ironside of England stabbed to death by a toilet assassin.
2/ pic.twitter.com/yqo56o2fD9
— Joseph Mallozzi
#UnusualDeaths – Bathroom Break edition
– November 4, 1035, Jaromir, Duke of Bohemia was speared from beneath his toilet seat.
– February 27, 1076, Godfrey IV, Duke of Lower Lorraine was murdered while on the toilet.
3/End pic.twitter.com/654cyCyMKX
— Joseph Mallozzi
#UnusualDeaths
Henry II of France died on July 10, 1559, ten days after sustaining an injury while watching a jousting match. Specifically, a sliver of a shattered lance pierced his eye and brain. Interest in the sport waned soon after. pic.twitter.com/vBddkh1nA6
— Joseph Mallozzi
#UnusualDeaths
On February 17, 1673, French playwright and actor Molière delivered his final performance in Le Malade Imaginaire, his character dying onstage in a chair. Molière was so ill at the time that he he had to be transported back home in the same chair – where he died. pic.twitter.com/jpYZmroyKQ
— Joseph Mallozzi
#UnusualDeaths
Lighthouse keeper Henry Hall died on December 8, 1755 after a blob of molten lead from a roof fire fell down his throat. The 7 oz piece of lead now resides at the National Museum of Scotland. pic.twitter.com/kk2HXMLEXG
— Joseph Mallozzi
#UnusualDeaths
Inspired by a visit to the circus, John Cummings decided to try his hand at sword-swallowing, passing all 21 of his first attempts. His next 20 were not so successful and, following his death in March of 1809, 40 metal fragments were recovered from his stomach. pic.twitter.com/mO3YQdMWir
— Joseph Mallozzi
#UnusualDeaths
On June 6, 1867, casual smoker Mathilda of Austria, daughter of Archduke Albrecht, Duke of Teschen, died after accidentally setting her gauze dress on fire while trying to hide a cigarette from her father. pic.twitter.com/9x3AaTEW2k
— Joseph Mallozzi
The post March 28, 2023: Unusual Deaths! appeared first on Joseph Mallozzi's Weblog.
March 27, 2023
March 27, 2023: The Horror Marathon continues with five more bullet reviews!
Upgrade (2018)
Set in the near-future, technology controls nearly all aspects of life. But when the world of Grey, a self-labeled technophobe, is turned upside down, his only hope for revenge is an experimental computer chip implant.
My thoughts: he hyper-kinetic action sequences are inspired, but the script much less so. Still, while predictable, the humor and 80’s schlock sci-fi style really carry this film.
3.5/5
Starry Eyes (2014)
A hopeful young starlet uncovers the ominous origins of the Hollywood elite and enters into a deadly agreement in exchange for fame and fortune.
My thoughts: Satirical, cynical, scary, and smart, it does lose steam in its closing act but nevertheless has a lot to say about Hollyweird.
3.5/5
The Endless (2017)
As kids, they escaped a UFO death cult. Now, two adult brothers seek answers after an old videotape surfaces and brings them back to where they began.
My thoughts: I really liked the brotherly bond at the heart of this time-trippy scifi-horror movie.
3.5/5
We Are Still Here (2015)
In the cold, wintery fields of New England, a lonely old house wakes up every thirty years – and demands a sacrifice.
My thoughts: Shaky direction, questionable and confusing plotting, and its low budget work against it.
2/5
The Conspiracy (2012)
A documentary about conspiracy theories takes a horrific turn after the filmmakers uncover an ancient and dangerous secret society.
4/5
The post March 27, 2023: The Horror Marathon continues with five more bullet reviews! appeared first on Joseph Mallozzi's Weblog.
March 26, 2023
March 26, 2023: Suji Sunday!
Sunday stroll.
Resting up for her next meal.
Picture Perfect.
Derpy…
Relaxed…
Messy egg time…
Sneezy!
The post March 26, 2023: Suji Sunday! appeared first on Joseph Mallozzi's Weblog.
March 25, 2023
March 25, 2023: Stargate and such!
So what kind of Stargate series does Amazon have in the works?
Nobody knows, but we DO have a firm sense of what Stargate fans would like to see…
Time will tell!
And a little trip down memory lane…
Rumble in the Jungle
First Impressions
Alien Outtake (courtesy of VFX Supervisor Mark Savela)
Suji’s awesome new blanket c/o CrustyCowboy!
Today’s Yes/No…
Banana Pudding Cookies? Yes/Nohttps://t.co/jam1iSl4xK
— Joseph Mallozzi
The post March 25, 2023: Stargate and such! appeared first on Joseph Mallozzi's Weblog.
March 24, 2023
March 24, 2023: Completing our SG-1 season 7 concept art and episodic insights!
Chimera…
The things that stands out for me about this episode was the title which, over the course of prep, production, and post, was pronounced anyone of about a half dozen ways: Ki-mera, Kee-mera, Kee-meera, Chi-mera, Chy-mera, Chy-meera – and variations thereof. Damian Kindler was the king of the obtuse episode titles and, after following Ethon with Talion, I decided to call my next script Futtock (One of the curved timbers that forms a rib in the frame of a ship.) but was overruled by my writing partner, Paul, since he’d be sharing onscreen credit with me on this one. Anyway, Damian did a great job on an episode that provides a rarity – actual closure to a storyline! Daniel saves Sarah and, with the help of the Tok’ra, restore her to her former self.
This episode also continues the Sam’s romantic arc with a fellow fandom coined “Stalker Pete”. The role was played by David DeLuise, brother of Peter DeLuise. His appearance marked the fourth appearance by a member of the DeLuise family (Dom guested in Urgo, Michael guested in Wormhole Xtreme, David guested in several episodes as Stalker Pete, and, of course, fan favorite Peter DeLuise wrote, directed, produced and had cameos in episodes too numerous to mention).
Death Knell…
No concept art 
Bit of a nitpick, but if the Alpha site had been wiped out by the self-destruct, it would have been one massive blast crater instead of a clearing littered with spot fires. Realistically, however, a massive blast crater would have been a huge expense that wouldn’t have added much to the episode. The Jaffa, M’Zel, was a tip of the hat to Stargate long time AD Bill Mizel who provided us with many an entertaining concept meeting with his spirited renditions of the scripts – and also showed off some killer dance moves during the shooting of SGU’s Earth.
Heroes, Part 1…
This one wasn’t planned as a two-parter but, after going through all the footage and assembling his first producer edit, Robert Cooper decided he would need more time to tell the story. And so, additional scenes were written and additional footage shot. No padding here, however, but some fantastic action sequences on the planet’s surface. Many guest stars of note in this episode: Adam Baldwin as Colonel Dave Dixon, Saul Rubinek as Bregman, and, of course, Robert Picardo as the pencil-pushing Richard Woolsey who makes his first Stargate appearance in this episode. What a run for Bob who goes from pain-in-the-ass bureaucrat in Heroes I to the lovable commander of the Atlantis expedition in SGA’s fifth season. And speaking of SGA and its cast connections to this episode, Adam Baldwin was another actor who so impressed that his name was at the top of our list for possible lead role on Atlantis.
Heroes, Part II…
No concept art
The hearbreaking conclusion to the Heroes two-parter sees Stargate Command suffer a huge loss. The writers’ room was divided on the death of Janet Fraiser, the SGC’s long-time CMO, but, after much heated debate, it was decided that since this was going to be the final season anyway (!), it was the perfect time to tell this story – a salute to our armed forces, those who fought, and those who’ve lost their lives in the service of their country.
Resurrection…
Written by Michael Shanks and directed by Amanda Tapping, this one was all sorts of fun at almost every stage – pre, prep, production, and post. The episode finds the N.I.D. screwing up yet another experiment, leaving Stargate Command to pick up the pieces (and dispose of the bodies). Fans have long speculated on the full name of the nefarious organization and I’ve read some pretty good guesses: National Intelligence Directorate, National Intelligence Division, Next In Defense. All great. All wrong. What it actually stands for is Not a Real Department. N.I.D. Simple, no? Oh, right. Well, it WAS originally N.R.D. but we changed into N.I.D. because it sounded better.
Inauguration…
No concept art
When Paul and I learned the show was going to be doing another clip show, we lobbied hard for the opportunity…Oh, you’ve heard this one before. Never mind. Actually, as far as clip shows go, this one was a lot of fun, mainly because it afforded us the opportunity to throw in a twist at episode’s end by having company man Richard Woolsey actually demonstrates surprising strength of character by turning his back on the conniving Senator Kinsey and doing the right thing. It’s the first step in the rehabilitation of a character who would eventually become one of my favorites to write for. Terrific performances all around by Robert Picardo, Ronny Cox, and William Devane who had the gals in the production office all a-flutter after taking the time to autograph some pictures for them between scenes.
Lost City I and II…
Screen-Shot-2023-01-13-at-5.31.32-PM
The plan (actually “plans” since it was fast becoming a habit) was to wrap up the show and then cap it with a movie. Lost City was going to be that movie – until we got the eighth season pick-up, at which point it was rewritten and turned into our two-parter season finale. This episode saw the introduction of Dr. Elizabeth Weir. Blonde in Lost City I and II, she goes brunette by the time the Atlantis expedition gets underway in Rising I and II (In case you failed to notice).
One of my favorite moments of this season comes when all of SG-1 gathers for what they think may be the last time. With Jack facing an uncertain future, Sam unexpectedly drops by for a visit. As they sit down for a beer, there’s a knock. O’Neill opens the door to discover Daniel at his front door. Not long after, Teal’c comes a-calling. As much as I enjoyed the show’s high-adventure, I especially enjoyed these scenes – moments that brought the team together, demonstrating that they weren’t just teammates but good friends as well.
A great series-ender that sets the stage for game-changing events, particularly with regard to Anubis’ destruction of an aircraft carrier. I mean, holy smokes! How the heck is the government going to cover something like that up?! Great, great question. Guess we’ll find out next season!
Or not.
Making a special appearance in this episode is General John P. Jumper, former Chief of Staff of the United States Airforce. I remember running into him in the production office the day before he was to shoot his episode and asking whether he had any plans to explore further acting opportunities in the near future. He chuckled and assured me his Stargate appearance was a one-time-only thing. “You sure?”I asked. “Next week, I better not turn on the t.v. and catch you on Moesha.”
The post March 24, 2023: Completing our SG-1 season 7 concept art and episodic insights! appeared first on Joseph Mallozzi's Weblog.
March 23, 2023
March 23, 2023: The Horror Marathon continues with five more horror movie bullet reviews!
The Outwaters (2022)
Four travelers encounter menacing phenomena while camping in a remote stretch of the Mojave Desert.
My thoughts: Twisted, terrifying, and tedious. A experimental experience, roughly 20 minutes too long.
3/5
Livid (2011)
The suggestion of a big treasure hidden somewhere inside Mrs Jessel’s once renowned classical dance academy will become an irresistible lure to a fiendish trap for Lucie and her friends.
Thoughts: Not as strong as Bustillo and Maury’s other outings like Inside and Deep House, but still a creative and creepy surrealistic take on the haunted home invasion sub-genre.
3.5/5
Braid (2018)
Two wanted women decide to rob their wealthy psychotic friend who lives in the fantasy world they created as children; to take the money they have to take part in a deadly perverse game of make believe.
My thoughts: Visually resplendent and thoroughly bonkers, it’s a movie that challenges both your understanding and patience. Your mileage may vary, but I was onboard for the wild ride.
3.5/5
All Eyes (2022)
A disgraced podcast host interviews an eccentric farmer who claims to have a monster living in the woods near his house.
My thoughts: Gets off to a heartfelt and humorous start, then inexplicably switches gears, abandoning the character-centered warmth in favor of silly Home Alone escapades.
3/5
Better Watch Out (2016)
On a quiet suburban street, a babysitter must defend a twelve-year-old boy from intruders, only to discover it’s far from a normal home invasion.
My thoughts: The scares and laughs are few and far between in this tonally discordant “horror comedy”.
2.5/5
Speaking of horror…
Crispy Frog Legs? Yes/No
c/o IG: https://t.co/x4FRrW6ibb pic.twitter.com/SAyrRlbeiw
— Joseph Mallozzi
The post March 23, 2023: The Horror Marathon continues with five more horror movie bullet reviews! appeared first on Joseph Mallozzi's Weblog.
March 22, 2023
March 22, 2023: Amazing Covers!
A few that caught my eyes this week…
Red Sonja: Hell Sonja #4 – cover art by Rebeca Puebla
Joe Fixit #3 – cover art by E. M. Gist
Star Wars: Darth Vader #32 – cover art by Pepe Larraz
Tiger Division #5 – cover art by Betsy Cola
Women of Marvel #1 – cover art by Corin Howell
Black Adam #9 -cover art by Irvin Rodriguez
DCeased: War of the Undead Gods #7 – cover art by Ben Oliver
Superman #2 – cover art by Nathan Szerdy
Waller vs Wildstorm #1 – cover art by Jorge Fornes
Wonder Woman #797 – cover art by Joelle Jones
Monstress #44 – cover art by Sana Takeda
Mighty Morphin Power Rangers #106 – cover art by G.B. Borea
The Neighbors #1 – cover art by Justine Frany
X-O Manowar: Unconquered #1 -cover art by Will Staehle
So, which were YOUR favorites?
The post March 22, 2023: Amazing Covers! appeared first on Joseph Mallozzi's Weblog.
March 21, 2023
March 21, 2023: Unusual Deaths!
#UnusualDeaths
On December 18, 1881, Sir William Payne-Gallwey died from internal injuries he sustained falling on a turnip. 1/2 pic.twitter.com/nXnmhYHiT4
— Joseph Mallozzi
#UnusualDeaths
On October 17, 1814, 13 year old William Synder died after being swung around by his heels by, according to the Daily Alta California, a "mentally defected" circus clown. pic.twitter.com/wtVckzjJRi
— Joseph Mallozzi
#UnusualDeaths
On June 28, 1884, Allan Pinkerton, founder of the Pinkerton Detective Agency, tripped on a sidewalk and bit his tongue. Gangrene set in and he died three days later. pic.twitter.com/R6tQkxtjJs
— Joseph Mallozzi
#UnusualDeaths
On October 25, 1920, King Alexander of Greece died of sepsis, the result of multiple monkey bites incurred after trying to break up a fight between a German Shepherd and a Barbary Macau. pic.twitter.com/iNrcwjcOH7
— Joseph Mallozzi
#UnusualDeaths
In 163 BC, Eleazar Ovarian died during the Battle of Zechariah, flattened by a dying elephant he had speared through the belly. pic.twitter.com/u6FP3vHbzK
— Joseph Mallozzi
#UnusualDeaths
Greek lawgiver Charondas issued a law making it an offense punishable by death to bring a weapon into the Assembly. In 612 BC, he evidently forgot about his own law and entered the Assembly with a knife in his belt – and thus was forced to commit suicide. pic.twitter.com/uaw75KkZof
— Joseph Mallozzi
#UnusualDeaths
On September 11, 1159, Adrian IV, the first and only English-born Pope, died choking on a fly in his wine, ending his short-lived five year reign. pic.twitter.com/u826lJvZXI
— Joseph Mallozzi
#UnusualDeaths
Mathematician and philosopher Kurt Gödel became so paranoid someone would try to poison him that he refused to eat anything that wasn't prepared by his wife. After she was hospitalized for several months following a stroke, Gödel starved to death in 1978. pic.twitter.com/WLQcjXKaNO
— Joseph Mallozzi
Milo of Croton was a legendary strongman of Greece who trained for the Olympics by carrying a calf on his back every day. According to legend, while attempting to uproot a tree stump, he got his fingers stuck. Thus trapped, he was devoured by wolves. pic.twitter.com/I9SoLoHS6y
— Joseph Mallozzi
#UnusualDeaths
Qin Shi Huang, first emperor of a united China, survived multiple assassination attempts only to die in August 210 BC, poisoned by the mercury elixir he regularly drank in the belief it would grant him immortality. pic.twitter.com/1Kpb8Bbpaw
— Joseph Mallozzi
The post March 21, 2023: Unusual Deaths! appeared first on Joseph Mallozzi's Weblog.
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