(illustration by Juanita Nakamura) Thanks to everyone who took the time to reach out via posts, texts, emails, phone, and personally to offer condolences on Bubba's passing. Akemi and I are truly touched by the kind words and gestures of friends, co-workers, and strangers alike. It's been an exhausting week and it has meant a…
March 17, 2017: Bubba
He was supposed to be a present for my ex's brother but, after having him for two weeks, I decided to keep him and got her brother a toaster oven instead. He was unlike my other two pugs at the time. Whereas Jelly was a bossy bitch and Maximus a laid back lover, Bubba was…
March 15, 2017: Dark Matter Season 3 – Day 69 of 91!
The people have spoken and we have a brand new episode title. Aint democracy wonderful? Your winner... "Episode 33: Wish I Could Believe You" Thanks to everyone who made Operation Name-Another-Episode a great success. But special thanks goes to YOU. Yes, YOU! Today was Bring Your Daughter To Work (And Leave Her With Key Hair…
March 12, 2017: Things I’ve enjoyed of late!
Today, the whole family headed over to Off Leash Studio where photographer Kevin Sarasom spent the better part of an hour snapping singles and group shots of our muttly crew. Lulu and Suji were naturals, sitting pretty, preening, and occasionally mugging for the camera while Bubba required a little more work to bring out his natural derpishness.…
March 11, 2017: The Bubba Update
Sadly, it isn't good news for our boy. A follow-up with our oncologist revealed that the tumors in his lungs have grown since our last visit one month ago. As a result, she suggested we discontinue the Palladia treatment and focus on making the most of the time he has left. We'll continue administering the…
March 5, 2017: The crazy week ahead!
On the heels of his What does a producer do? blog entry, I'd like to start off today's instalment by saying Thank You to Dark Matter Co-Executive Producer Ivon Bartok who, for better or worse, in sickness and in health, despite shitty weather and atmospheric stages, oversees on-set action when I can't be there. Like tomorrow, in…
February 26, 2017: The Doggy Update! Hiatus winds down!
Despite his dire prognosis (2-3 months), Bubba has seemed pretty good this past week. Following a single morning when his appetite apparently deserted him, he's been back to his old self - eager to eat, walk, and sit on our laps. He has been unusually needy of late, following Akemi around the apartment whenever she…
February 20, 2017: Hot sauce! Directors! And our Android!
My third and final batch of hot sauce (habanero, shallots, garlic, salt, pepper, smoked Chilean merken pepper, organic apple puree, apple cider, honey, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar) is a lip-smacking (in both senses of the word) masterpiece. It's a scorcher...but delicious as well. A true culinary capsicum achievement. I don't know whether to…
February 18, 2017: What’s best for Bubba
There are still some rewrites to do, a couple of polishes to finish, and a series finale to break but, for now, I'm taking it easy. For now, it's all about the dogs. We broke out the stroller for the dogs while Lulu managed to limp her way to the dog park long enough to…
February 17, 2017: Dark Matter Season 3 Day 56 of 91!
And that's a wrap on Dark Matter Season 3 Production Phase II. The third and final phase commences a little over a week from now. Until then, it'll be R&R&R (Rest and Relaxation and Reading) for me. Unfortunately, not everyone made it to the hiatus. But those that did have earned a well-deserved break from 7:30…
February 16, 2017: Dark Matter Season 3 – Day 55 of 91!
"It's like when you make ganache and you put it in the fridge and when you take it out it's an hour too early and it's not yet set. That's what it was like." Akemi describing Bubba's stool sample this morning. Today, we took Bubba a very relaxed Bubba (he's already on vacation!) to see…
February 15, 2017: Dark Matter Season 3 – Day 54 of 91!
"Is your dog relaxing or in distress?"asked the receptionist, prompting Akemi and I to swing a look over to the shiba inu sprawled out on the floor by a row of seats at the back. "Relaxing,"replied her owner. "She hasn't eaten in five days." Five days?!!! If any of my dogs skipped a single meal,…
February 11, 2017: My dogs are getting old :(
It feels like not all that long ago I had four dogs. Now to most, four dogs would seems like at least a couple dogs too many but for me at the time, it was the ideal number. First there was Jelly - alpha, bossy, troublemaking Jelly - who used to run the corridors of…
January 15, 2017: Sunday Dog Therapy! And the mailbag!
Another weekend come and gone. Between the demands of writing, plotting, chores, and bills, a little on-couch therapy with the new girl. Bubba, bundled up, ears tucked in, ready for the winter weather. Suji is one tough cookie. Any guest to our apartment automatically forfeits all rights to self-respect and become defacto dog beds. Let's…
January 11, 2017: Dark Matter Season 3 – Day 29 of 91!
What's this? Could I have finally given in and granted Jodelle Ferland's request for a shipboard mascot. Director of Photography test tastes the commissary offerings. Space beer! Laying some track for the commissary walk 'n talk. The masterful work of Dark Matter Production Designer Ian Brock and his teams - art and construction departments. The early…