Mission Objective: Hit five of Toronto's best dessert spots over the course of an afternoon. STOP #1 SUD FORNO: Italian pastries. Seven stalwart eaters joined me on this dessert op. Mean Jean Brophey starts things off with a double espresso. She would need the caffeine boost. On deck: Mini rhum babas, mini chocolate rhum babas,…
March 25, 2017: My Girls!
Why does Suji look so worried? Well, the results of her latest urinalysis reveal an antibiotic-resistant bug. Antibiotic-resistant but for a single one we can use to treat her. The news has Akemi and I very concerned because this is the same road Jelly went down in her final years. Over time, her frequent UTI's…
March 24, 2017: Dark Matter Season 3 – Day 75 of 91!
There you have it. Yet another season 3 episode title... "Episode 34: Hot Chocolate" But what does it all mean? Well, turns out you'll find out sooner than later as Dark Matter's third season fast approaches! Read-thru for Episode 312 today. Boy, A LOT happens in this episode. And it's chock full of surprising revelations. Not just…
March 23, 2017: Dark Matter Season 3 – Day 74 of 91!
Hey! I need a title of Dark Matter Episode 308. Click on the link below and vote for one. It only takes a few seconds and would really help me out. Thanks! P.S. I just got a sneak peek at the director's cut of Episode 309. Disguises! Bikes! Fresh-baked cookies! It's gonna be crazy! Anya on Janah-12 (photo…
March 23, 2017: Dark Matter Season 3 – Day 73 of 91!
Director Steve DiMarco takes a stroll through the pod room (photo by Renee Chan). The pods - one of three new looks we'll be featuring in season 3. I believe the sign is self-explanatory. Crew blocking. Or the line-up for today's oreo cake dessert. Director Bruce McDonald shows off his mad sword skills. From the…
March 21, 2017: Dark Matter Season 3 – Day 72 of 91!
Adorning the triptych on this day: Classic Battlestar! Director Melanie Orr calls the shots on Janah-12. Hmmm. Jana-12. That rings a bell... Relaxing between set-ups. Executive Producer Jay Firestone, keeping things light. And kinda kooky. Handicap International Charity winner (and blog regular!) Alisa Scott visits the set. She got to hang with Anthony Lemke, took…
March 20, 2017: Dark Matter Season 3 – Day 71 of 91!
Jodelle Ferland does Goth Chick chic. Line Producer Norman Denver and Roger Cross strategize over the big screen. The Ferrous Corp guns are red. The Mikkei guards are blue. So who have the green guns? Blocking on the bridge with director Melanie Orr. Dr. Shaw's secret lab. Wait. Who's Dr. Shaw? What (or who?) resides…
March 19, 2017: Mailbag!
It's been a while. Let's hit the mailbag: Jessica writes: "Your day-to-day schedule is filled to the brim with tasks, work, activities, etc galore. How do you maintain such a strict schedule of managing your time to accomplish everything, including writing this blog?" Answer: I get asked this question a lot and the honest answer…
March 18, 2017: Thank you’s!
(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 16, 2017: Dark Matter Season 3 – Day 70 of 91!
Today, I ate lunch at 6:30 p.m., but that's what happens when crew call is at 12:30 p.m. And it looks like we're only halfway there. Rumour has it we'll be wrapping at 2:30 a.m. tonight which means we'll probably be kicking things off at about 2:30 p.m. tomorrow. With a few more production days…
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 14, 2017: Choose a new Dark Matter episode title!
Another week means another opportunity to make a contribution to television history. I mean, what other show gives you the opportunity to help choose episode titles? Today, it's Episode 307 on deck. And your episode title choices are: While Co-Executive Producer Ivon Bartok and the crew were burning the midnight (well, 9 p.m.) oil on…
March 13, 2017: Dark Matter Season 3 – Day 67 of 91!
Guys! Help me approve a few visual effect shots for Dark Matter's upcoming third season... Needle in a cosmic haystack. Intruder alert. We've got company. Alas, only low-rez screen shots but they're just a taste of what's in store for Dark Matter fans this summer. VFX Supervising Producer Lawren Bancroft-Wilson has got some awesome eye candy in store. And…
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.…