Check out what I picked up today at The Comic Shop today. It's the latest addition to my collection of supervillain statues. Magneto, Master of Magnetism! When Akemi asked me what I bought, I told her it was her early birthday present (two weeks away!). Unbeknownst to her (in the unlikely event she doesn't read this blog),…
April 2, 2013: From guest stars to recurring favorites! My Top 10! And 1 for good luck!
Television, like life, is just full of surprises. Shows you expect to be huge hits tank while apparent duds become breakout hits. Seemingly average episodes on the page magically come together onscreen while guest characters envisioned for a single episode appearance will pop, surpassing all expectations to develop into fan - if not writer -…
April 1, 2013: The Supermovie of the Week Club reconvenes! Cookie Monster reviews Kick-Ass! Goa’uld-related news!
Dis film be filled wit violence, torture, and a little girl charakter more potty-mouthed den Grover dat time he developed "chemikal burns" on his blueberries after jacuzzi party wit Madonna. It be a terruble, TERRUBLE movie for kids. But a super, FANTASTIK movie for monster. Me loved it! Kick Ass ask de qwestion: What if?…
March 31, 2013: Days of Stargate Atlantis past concludes! Stargate: Extinction! And beyond!
Looking back over my 11+ years with the Stargate franchise, I have one giant regret - the missed opportunity of bringing you that Atlantis movie. We came close...so close... Late in Atlantis's fifth year, when we were working on the final few scripts of the season, we had no way of knowing what the future…
March 30, 2013: Support your local bakers! And umbrella dancers!
Every Saturday morning (and Sunday morning during the summer), Akemi and I head down to the farmers market to support our local growers. Starting this weekend, we can now head down to the bakers market and support our local bakers as well. And so, today, after swinging by Nat Bailey stadium, we headed over to…
March 29, 2013: Build your own wraith facility! Here’s how!
So, how's everyone doing? Good, good. Enjoying the long weekend? Great. Here in Vancouver, it looks like we've finally put winter behind us. The sun is out, the temperature has risen, and my french bulldog, Lulu, is in full spring mode - As for me - well, I'm taking the long weekend off. I plan…
March 28, 2013: Other not-quite-production issues!
When I sat down to write yesterday's blog entry, I hadn't really intended it to be a rant about the state of the BC film & television industry - and the willingness of the standing provincial to help out in the least. I had planned to write about my dogs, but once I started writing…
March 27, 2013: A rare political tirade!
By this time next week, I should have pretty good idea of what I'll be working on next - and, more importantly, where. Whether it's the SF space opera or the urban fantasy series or the non-genre cable show or one of a number of other opportunities, scoring the gig will only be half the…
March 26, 2013: You asked for it! Atlantis floor plans! The Control Room! The ZPM Room! Weir’s Office! The Adrift & Lifeline Art Department Package!
This week feels like the calm before the storm. Of course, I could be wrong and it may actually be the calm before the calm before the storm. Or, worse, the calm before the storm that never comes. Paul and I are closing on several writing assignments (an action feature, an SF pilot, another SF…
March 25, 2013: The Supermovie of the Week Club reconvenes! Cookie Monster reviews X-Men Origins: Wolverine!
Noooooooooooooooo! BIRDSEYE VIEW of monster on knees, head trown back, staring up at de sky in anguish while me scream: Nooooooooooooooooo! DAT pretty much sum up monster's review of dis movie. Me know, me know. Why would monster use such a hackneyed and cliched camera shot to sum up X-Men Origins: Wolverine? Well, read on...…
March 24, 2013: Pasta-making 101!
A little over a week ago, Akemi and I attended a gelato-making class. Today, we took part part in a pasta-making class. Yes, we're working our way backwards. Next week, who knows? Deviled eggs and pigs-in-a-blanket? Being huge fans of Pasta Famiglia artisan pasta (available only at our local winter farmer's market), we were thrilled…
March 23, 2013: Familiar faces!
There are a lot of things I miss about my days on Stargate, perhaps none more than the enormously talented people I worked with over the course of my twelve years with the franchise. I do keep in touch with many of the old gang. Still, emails exchanged and phone conversations are a far cry…
March 22, 2013: The Destiny Bridge!
In Stargate: Universe's second season, the crew finally discovers Destiny's bridge. From a creative standpoint, holding off the discovery until then allowed for some great drama: Rush's attempts to hide it from the rest of the crew, the subsequent attempts to control the ship, etc. Also, waiting until season two permitted us to give it…
March 21, 2013: A Feast of Foie!
Last night was just like old times: me, Chef Rob Belcham, Chef Ted Anderson, and whole bunch of foie gras. The occasion was - well, there was no occasion really. The guys decided they wanted to do a foie gras dinner, so they brainstormed a menu and put the word out. My friends, Steve and…
March 20, 2013: 2007 Silver Wraith-mobile for sale! Only used for picnicking and chasing down human prey! SGC Blueprints!
I had a feeling that trying to sell my car would prove a giant pain in the ass. As it turns out, the experience has surpassed expectations. Initially, I thought I'd save myself the hassle by contacting my local Audi dealer and trading my Q7 in as part of a new vehicle purchase - but…