February 14, 2012: Roses and Reeses – and beans! Sundry dog items and next week’s Superfilm of the Week pick!

I asked Akemi where she wanted to go for Valentine's dinner?  She informed me that she'd prefer to eat at home.  And so, inspired by the occasion (and a recipe from Gordon Ramsay), I made beans for dinner - supplemented by a couple of schnitzels.  Romantic, no? And, of course, the Valentine gifts... I'm pleased…

February 13, 2012: Well look at who else is angling for a part in the Dark Matter television series! The Supermovie of the Week Club! Cookie Monster Reviews Hero At Large (1980)!

Hmmmm.  Coincidentally, the day after I discuss Alex Levine's transparent attempt to land a role/directing gig on a potential Dark Matter series (Based on the comic book series of the same name. Check it out!) which, coincidentally, came the day after I discussed Ivon Bartok's equally obvious attempt to get himself cast, I received an email…

February 12, 2012: Alex Levine checks in! Smallville season 11! The Supermovie of the Week Club is back! On the home (cooking’) front!

Well, well, well.  If it isn't former Stargate: Atlantis script coordinator Alex Levine, pictured here holding up not just one but both recent issues of my comic book series, Dark Matter.  Again, it's no surprise that I found this pic sitting in my mailbox this morning, the day AFTER I discuss Ivon Bartok's transparent attempt…

February 11, 2012: Casting dilemma! Another Apple issue! Dancing bonito! And remembering Maximus.

Well, well, well - look at who picked up the latest issue of my comic book series, Dark Matter.  None other than my buddy (and former Stargate Special Features Producer) Ivon Bartok.  While I appreciate the effort and obvious enthusiasm, I can't help but feel there's an ulterior motive here.  Let's face it, it's no…

February 10, 2012: All aboard the Dark Matter express! Next stop: a t.v. near you! Sampling Crunchyroll! What’s up with Apple? And Carl and Alexander’s early, early Christmas gifts!

The second issue of my comic book series, Dark Matter, came out last weekend to some terrific reviews.  Thanks to everyone who has been supporting the book by picking up a copy.  If you haven't already checked it out, please do so by swinging by your local bookstore, or ordering a copy (for those of…

February 9, 2012: Max

I picked up Max's ashes from the animal hospital yesterday, shortly after getting back into town.  They were accompanied by a certificate of cremation and a copy of The Rainbow Bridge, a poem I've never been able to bring myself to read in its entirety.  Amongst the mail that had amassed over my twelve days…

February 8, 2012: Tokyo Day #13! The Longer Longest Day! And Dark Matter #2 hits the stands!

The second issue of my comic book series, Dark Matter, hit the shelves today.  Did you pick up your copy?  Have you read it yet?  If so, what did you think?  Were you shocked by the surprise ending or did you see it coming?  Do tell? THINGS I HAVE LEARNED FROM THIS TOKYO TRIP: 1.…

February 7, 2012: Tokyo Day #12! Berkserk! Nakajima! Taku! And a fond farewell to Star Bar! A mini mailbag!

On my second day in Tokyo, I came across a poster for Berserk (Golden Age Arc I: Egg of the Supreme Ruler), the first part of a three-part film trilogy based on one of my all-time favorite anime series (which was, in turn, based on a wildly popular manga series).  The movie's opening happened to…

February 7, 2012: Tokyo Day #11! The gang back home! Okonomiyaki! And my weirdest meal yet! Well, actually not so much a meal as a bite.

I received an email from my dog-sitter Christine who informs me Jelly, Bubba, and Lulu are doing well.  The latter two can apparently go on endless walks while Jelly can only manage the occasional half block - but only if she's enticed with treats.  Anyway, Christine forwarded the following pics of the gang back on…

February 6, 2012: Tokyo Day #10! Still thinking about it! Dim Sum! Ueno! Back to Harujuku! Another night with the ladies!

Hey, I hear what you're all saying.  There's a big difference between visiting a place for two weeks out of the year and actually living there, however I am a creature of habit.  I adjusted quite quickly to Vancouver after the move from Montreal and then adjusted to life alone with the dogs.  When Akemi…

February 5, 2012: Tokyo Day #9! Good news! A formal lunch at a casual restaurant! A gay egg! A rose-donkey! And a night out with the gals!

Woke up to some very good news.  From the government no less!  Akemi's application for permanent residency has been approved, meaning she won't have to leave Canada when her visitor's visa expires (on her birthday!) this April.  According to the letter I received, the paperwork has been sent to Tokyo for processing - whatever that…

February 4, 2012: Day #8! Considering a change in location! Visiting Geek Central! Dessert for dinner and dinner for dessert! Make your own ice cubes – Star Bar style! And a mini mailbag!

The more I consider it, the more I think I could actually give it a go here in Tokyo.  Of course, the move wouldn't be as simple as just picking up and shifting my life over to the other side of the world.  Some issues would have to be addressed.  Chiefly: 1. What would I…

February 3, 2012: Tokyo Day #7! Braving the cold! Kaiseki! Football Avenue! And it’s all business! Sort of!

Woke up to an email from my friend, Sohaib, over at www.fictionalfrontiers.com informing me that the audio interview I did in support of my comic book series, Dark Matter, is up.  You can check it out here: http://bit.ly/yiGl0i.  We talk about making the transition from television to comic books, my years on Stargate, and the various mysteries (and…

February 2, 2012: Tokyo Day #6! Samurai Joe, Nodaiwa, Faro!

We started the day by checking out the surroundings - and it don't get any closer than the Imperial Hotel itself.  We strolled through the shops on the basement level where we happened across a place called Shokendo, a shop that sells and displays antique Japanese swords.  Mrs. Aota struck up a conversation with the…