I'm a creature of habit. There's nothing I enjoy more than the comfort and familiarity of routine. Back when I was in Vancouver, working on the well-oiled machine that was the Stargate franchise, I lived a fairly structured existence. Here in Toronto, it's somewhat different. Working on this first year production of Transporter, my…
August 15, 2011: Bento Breakfast Binder-Style! Co-workers! A Familiar Guest Star! The Maximus Update!
Akemi occasionally sends me off to work with some pretty amazing breakfasts - tasty and artistically elaborate bento creations that are, apparently, all the rage back in Japan. I've posted pics of these edible masterpieces in recent months... Well, not to be outdone, Carl's wife, Karen, sent him off with his own bento box creation…
August 14, 2011: Laws of Attraction!
For some reason, drunks flock to my french bulldog, Lulu, as if she were a kiosk dispensing wine samples at an all-night liquor store. If we're out on a walk and there's a drunk within staggering distance, guaranteed he'll find his way to her, cooing, occasionally crying, invariably getting down on the ground the better…
August 13, 2011: A Quaint Southern Saying!
There's an old Southern saying that goes: "Don't piss on my leg and tell me it's raining.". I remember hearing it ages ago and not thinking much of it at the time - but over the course of this past week, I've been thinking about it. A lot. I'm a pretty reasonable guy. Most people…
August 10, 2011: Back on set!
Back on set today - even though my episode (#102 - 12 Hours) wrapped two days ago. I've been standing in for Paul who has been busy prepping episodes #104-105 (The Switch and Harvest), overseeing the final two outstanding days on the pilot. Yes, it's true! So much awesomeness it couldn't be contained in one…
August 8, 2011: Another Maximus Update
Maximus let me carry him this morning. On the surface, it may not sound like such a big deal but it really is when one considers that, throughout his life, he has never willingly allowed himself to be carried. All it would take was an: "I'm going to pick you up!" and he would quicken…
August 7, 2011: Out and about with the Stargate gang! Ice cream with Sue and co.! The Maximus update!
Michael Shanks was back in town so, last night, we headed over to what is fast becoming a second home for me here in Toronto: Scarpetta. And, this time, we were joined by fellow Stargate alums Carl Binder and Martin Gero for pasta, wine, and reminiscences. Michael was in town shooting a guest spot on…
August 6, 2011: There’s nothing like a nice, homemade card!
When we were kids, my mother used to emphasize the importance of a good, homemade card. The way she saw it, it took hardly any effort to buy a card. Making one, on the other hand, was a demonstration of love, an achievement of time, toil, and determination. Mom was right. And so, with a…
August 5, 2011: The Transporter – Episode #102 – 12 Hours – Day #7!
Sweet, sweeet Saturday sleep. I now look forward to my late weekend mornings the same way I used to look forward to new issues of The Mighty Avengers or ice cream on a hot summer day. It's been another exhausting week, but we got some really great stuff - thanks, in great part, to our…
August 4, 2011: The Maximus Update!
An even longer and more exhausting day than the usual. I woke up bright and early this morning to take the 90 minute drive to the University of Guelph Small Animal Hospital where my pug Maximus had a visit with one of the resident Oncologists. We met with the doctor who gave us the rundown…
August 2, 2011: The Transporter – Episode #2 – 12 Hours – Day #4! Thanks from me and Maximus!
Back at it again today, this time in Stouffville for a visit to Geneva and a very unique home plus a healthy dose of action compliments of Fight Choreographer Cyril Raffaelli (pictured above, calling YOU out). The day was a scorcher! It was a hot, long day and, as a thank you to my terrific…
August 1, 2011: Maximus…
I noticed the change in Maximus several weeks ago. Normally possessed of an appetite characteristic of most pugs, he would scoff down treats on sight, snapping up kibble, liver brownies, and fingertips with equal relish. And then suddenly, three weeks ago, something changed. While he didn't exactly turn down the treats, he no longer attacked…
July 30, 2011: Dinner with Mike!
I spent much of the day working on that damn rewrite of Payback, taking a break only to check out the lame Caribana Fest that offered up eight-dollar jerk chicken sandwiches and corn on the cob as a presumed "taste of islands". So much for the oxtail, curried goat, and plantain I was expected. Screw…
July 29, 2011: The Transporter – Episode #2 – 12 Hours – Day #3!
We were back at TIFF today for the third day of production on episode #102: 12 Hours. The usual cast of characters were in attendance... Eventually, we head down to the parking garage for the final sequence of the night... The weekend is upon us and, finally, I can relax. Just as soon as I…
July 27, 2011: The Transporter – Episode #2 – 12 Hours – Day One!
Up at 5:30 a.m. this morning to walk the dogs and get in for the first blocking. It was Day #1 of Episode #102, 12 Hours, and I wanted to make sure I was there on time: a) for my director, Bruce McDonald, b) for my cast, c) for my crew, and, most importantly, d)…