I’m done.
go away.
A gracious man you are, Omra. 
I’m so bummed I missed the ST Experience. I was actually there, too, once for a convention in Vegas. The drinks were free in Quark’s (sponsored by AvFuel at the time, I think), but most of the real Experience stuff was actually locked down. Saw a little bit of the prop museum, but that was it.
Seriously, I kick myself every year for not having just made a quick, cheap trip out to see it. I really do hope some folks re-open something similar.
As you’ve already detected, we have. Love the movie. It’s also one of my favorites of all time, and I know for a fact it’s high on Sean and Audra’s list, too. I’ll even go as far as to say that I catch trouble from BSG fans because when I think of Mary McDonnell, I think of Sneakers before BSG.
Funny story I think I told on a podcast long ago (so forgive me if you’ve heard it): A number of years back I was working on some integration software for a financial institution, and during one of the briefings it became apparent that they offered phone-based access to accounts. One of the more senior people in a big meeting asked “do they have to say their account information out loud?”
It seems not. They had a voice recognition system. It was very new, though, and they brought the tech people who created it to demo it. The passphrase: “My voice is my passport. Verify me.”
I coughed when I heard it and saw a nice lady about my age on the other side smile. Heh.
And to Jonathan_NYC:
Irony and humor is a difficult thing to express within the confines of a forum post. No one can see if you are smiling or if your tongue is firmly implanted within your mouth while you are writing your jest. That is why everyone who is experienced in such matters uses the smilies.
Smilies are your friend (also known as emoticons)! Use them to express your emotional state whilst writing, hopefully this will alleviate any further misunderstandings amongst those reading your posts, and put and end to any future frustrations on your part.
I hope you find this helpful…
I figured you were all Sneakers fans, and I have to say I agree that I immediately think of that movie when I read about Mary McDonnell. It was an awesome movie, and one that had an unmistakable impression during my formative years. Whenever I hear about voice-recognition systems I immediately think of THAT phrase.
Speaking of heist movies, are you going to have a look at the classic Italian Job (not the remake). I once owned a 1980’s mini, and it was so cool to drive. It was also incredibly useful for nipping around town and squeezing between huge off-roaders, much to their chagrin.
I know this is not a movie, but what about Burn Notice? This is a great TV series, and made especially cool pretty much everything they do/McGuyver in the series works. Michael Weston is a great character too, and his internal monologue offering a spy’s perspective is hilarious (“Covert intelligence involves a lot of waiting around. You know what it’s like being a spy? Like sitting in your dentist’s reception area 24 hours a day. You read magazines, sip coffee, and every so often someone tries to kill you.”)
I’d also just like to say thanks for the welcome guys. I’ve been a listener for the past thirty episodes, and have to say I impressed. I rarely listen to podcasts, as they just don’t hold my interest. I like to hear an intelligent critiquing of science-fiction, not how good science fiction (I know it is good, that is why I watch it, now give me some informative analysis, please!).
To put things into context, the only other podcasts I actually listen to are LostCasts and RDM’s episode commentary!
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/world/europe/10130840.stm
Five paintings by Picasso, Matisse and other great artists have been stolen from the Museum of Modern Art in Paris. Lost estimated to be 100 million euros.
Just when we are on the heist theme, and this happens in the real life. Someone ought to make a movie about this heist…
I mean, they probably did this just to prove they can. Where can you sell Picasso’s Dove with Pea anyway?
If you like to read Sci-Fi also, here’s is a UK podcast/website you might enjoy:
http://www.starshipsofa.com/
Ahhh, those RDM 'casts! The smoking, the Scotch of the Day. The cat inside and the noisy trucks outside. And, oh yeah, the awesome behind the scenes look at BSG. I miss Mr Moore. Welcome PA.
Thanks for the welcome, Topgun. The RDM casts for BSG were incredibly insightful. Has RDM posted any episode casts for Caprica though?
Also thanks for the recommendation Gryper, I will check them out. I am a huge book worm - six bookshelves and counting - I am currently reading Halting States by Charles Stross.
David Eick is helming the Caprica podcasts, usually with the co-exec producer, Jonas Pate. He often has ‘guests’ from the show, though still not as much fun and the RDM casts.
You might have a look at the GWC Book Club thread to see what’s popping, and squee with delight at shared interests- lol!
What’s the point of having a hovercraft if it can’t out run a horse…
Earlier, my friend wanted to know what was so cool about having Steam games on my Macbook when I had them on my desktop. The answer:
“Never ask a geek why!”
Some things just are.
Also, wasn’t it Joss Whedon who said: “If you’re making a sci-fi film, for god sake, have a hovercraft chase!”
Thirdly, a quote from “Be Cool” (which while not a heist movie, probably falls into the “Con” movie genre)
Martin Weir: But what about speed?
Chili Palmer: If you’re important, people will wait.
Long reply to a short question, but these things must be clarified. 
Regarding Chuck’s comment, “I think I might be a bigger Stargate fan than I am a Trek fan. In fact, I’m pretty sure.” I give you the toybox analogy.
When we were children, we had a toybox. I’m not referring to an actual physical box (although it could have been) but a location where our toys were placed. It might have been under the bed, on a shelf, or in a closet. Some toys suffered more wear and tear than others. Some were cherished more than others. And some held the esteem role of being our favorites. That role would change with our mood, experience, and maturity. But it was never about a particular toy. It was about the place of refuge, the toybox.
A wise Vulcan once said, “The more advanced the mind, the more need for play.” As adults, our imaginations still require a place to thrive and grow. There are many toys to play with. Star Trek, Star Wars, Stargate; GWC is our toybox.
Woah, didn’t see that one coming. Well spoke sir, well spoke.
Hey All,
I just read this article about the Air force X37B program on spaceflightnow.com. I found it really interesting considering Chuck talking about the end of manned space flight by the USA :mad::mad:. There is a paragraph talking about possible uses and among them is “… or rendezvous with another spacecraft to demonstrate orbital inspection and repair techniques. …”
This project is Secret and the Air Force is not really talking about it but the X37B started at as the NASA Space Plane project and the plan there was a manned and unmanned versions. I can not help but wonder if the Air Force is looking to have a multi-mission Aero-Space Fighter.
Well said, my friend.
As much I love Star Trek, I must say the GWC is now my favorite show.
When I first started watching GWC, I thot, “Hey, I’m a fan of BSG so I’ll probably like this too.” The first season of GWC was great. The humor was awesome and I loved getting to know the characters, and bit by bit GWC got under my skin.
Going into the second season of GWC it became more of an awesome ensemble cast, a host of supporting cast along with the three main characters. The story was great. More terrific humor and occasional heart warming drama. But at it’s heart, GWC was still essentially a love story (like all good stories).
By the third season of GWC I began to feel like the GWC characters had become almost like family. It was great hearing more details about the origins of some of Sean’s geekdom. And, I don’t know who writes Audra’s dialog, but she always leaves me in stitches every time. Chuck Cage’s character has had an incredible arc this season too I think. Also the special effects and guest stars began to get more awesome this season.
Anyway, GWC is still my favorite show in the verse. I’m a loyal watcher and fan and if they get pick up next season, which I hope they do, I’m looking forward to more of the same ossim awesomeness.
'Talos & Thot. You leave me speechless.
Thanks for crystallizing it all for me.
GWC is definitely my favorite show, too!
You are, indeed, Prime Alpacas.
Huzzah!
Spoilers for end of GWC Season:
[spoiler]At the end of the season, Chuck, Audra, and Sean are revealed to be clones of the original hosts.[/spoiler]
I have said for years that SG-1 is my favorite TV show. I always have to explain why to family and friends because they ask, what about Lost or BSG? In many ways both are superior but for me it is what gave me the most joy to watch and more importantly re-watch. For me SG-1 combines all the genres (comedy, drama, action) better then any other show out there. BSG is far too serious and serialized to re-watch often. Lost has more comedy but still suffers similar problems, plus you can’t watch just one. 
Comedies are easy to process and you are always happy afterward. This is the main reason I love it so much and to echo Thot’s thoughts, the reason why I love GWC even more. It’s also the perfect balance of NEWWWWSSS, thoughtfulness, comedy, BOOOOOBS, hair, junk and pure awesomeness.
Also, Dorkness Rising is brilliant and hilarious. It reminds me of Clear Skies but even better. 
In terms of heist movie recommendations, I cannot recommend enough an Argentine film called Nueve Reinas, in English, Nine Queens. It is excellent, most excellent. There are a number of other Latin American films that are heist-y in flavor as well, though they vary in terms of cleverness and social commentary.
I’m glad you mentioned this, because I was thinking of it too
I’ve made my opinion on 3D usage known elsewhere, but you’re right about seeing a movie like Avatar in 2D - there wasn’t 3D near us (hello, being in foreign country) so that was the only option in the theatre. And it was still a gorgeous film. It’s like so many things - a technique, a choice, that a filmmaker uses or makes. Sometimes those techniques and choices work better than others.