Faced with the prospect of a Tokyo culinary tour comprised of fatty toro, well-marbled kobe, and sinfully decadent desserts, I elected to put myself on a diet and exercise regimen. I wake up, do either a cardio or weight training work-out, have a protein shake for breakfast, a hearty salad for lunch, a protein bar…
November 16, 2008: Author Brian Lumley Answers Your Questions
When it came time to make a horror selection for this month's BOTMC, I decided to defer to editor/avid reader/occasional ninja Lou Anders. Lou suggested Brian Lumley, a legend in the field of horror. Coincidentally, around the same time I announced we would be reading Lumley's seminal novel Necroscope, another friend to this blog, SFSignal's…
November 15, 2008: The Remnants Write-up
The original idea for this episode came out of a desire to do a Woolsey story. It’s no secret that, in the short time he has become a regular, Woolsey has become a favorite of mine and I wanted to continue the rehabilitation of the character we’d started as far back as SG-1’s 7th season…
November 14, 2008: Jelly on the Mend and Spinning Stargate: Universe Day #4
Well, I’m pleased to report that after a night at the vet’s, Jelly is back home and scrapping with Lulu. She was in much better spirits when I picked her up this afternoon and, aside from her IV armband, seems perfectly herself. Of course, just to be sure, I was given a list of…
November 13, 2008: Get Your Own Staff Weapon, Jelly Under the Weather, and Spinning Stargate: Universe Day #3
Own a piece of Stargate history! My co-workers Lawren and Tanya have organized an auction of props, set dec, and costumes from SG-1, Atlantis, and both SG-1 movies. According to Lawren, they’ll be putting up over a 100 items. Every auction starts at 0.01 and there's no reserve so if you’ve been dying to…
November 12, 2008: David Anthony Durham Answers Your Questions + Spinning Stargate: Universe Day Two
I'd heard a lot of good things about Acacia and its author, so when it came time to select a fantasy book for this month's BOTMC, I decided to go with David Anthony Durham's first foray into the genre. Well, I'm pleased to report that not only was Acacia as good as "they" said, but its author was as…
November 11, 2008: Spinning Stargate: Universe – Day One
We were all back in the office today, spinning stories for season one of Stargate: Universe. In attendance: creators Brad Wright and Robert Cooper, Carl Binder, Martin Gero, Alan McCullough, Paul Mullie, and myself. The first order of business was, of course, catching each other up on what we’ve been up to since last we…
November 10, 2008: Necroscope, by Brian Lumley – and Please Join My Raccoon Literacy Drive
Long before there was Ghost Whisperer or The Sixth Sense‘s Cole Sear, there was Brian Lumley’s Harry Keogh, the original Necroscope. When we are first introduced to the young Harry, he seems like your typical kid - bright, well-adjusted, and somewhat disinterested in school. But as we get to know him, we learn that Harry…
November 9, 2008: My Top Reads for the Month of October and Carl Helps Me With My Travel Plans
First off, I’d like to congratulate everyone who has put forth excellent arguments on both side of the wraith debate. As much as I agree that the wraith are an interesting, multi-faceted species, I would still argue that they are an enemy and should be dealt with as such. The same can be said for…
November 8, 2008: Doggy Delight and Some Prodigal Notes
November 4th may have been a momentous day in the history of the America, but so far as my dogs are concerned, yesterday, November 7th, was the day that will live in their hearts forever. It started with Fondy noticing a puddle of water at the base of our refrigerator. Assuming it was the ice…
November 7, 2008: A Little Ginger Goes a Long, Long Way and Foot Locker Runs Out of Wolverine Repellant
Last night, Fondy and I checked out Goldfish Pacific Kitchen, rumored to be one of the better restaurants in Vancouver’s hip Yaletown district. More upscale casual than fine dining, the place is spacious and brightly lit, with an open lounge area out front and two t.v.’s over the bar area for those interested in following…
November 6, 2008: Fabulous Fan Fiction!
One of the most fascinating aspects of working on a show like Stargate: Atlantis is the passion with which fans express their love for the series. Sometimes, they’ll convey their loyalty by attending conventions, joining online communities, or posting their thoughts on this very blog. Other times, they may organize a petition drive, demonstrate outside…
November 5, 2008: Your Emails in My Spam Folder
Some of you are experiencing some trouble trying to reach me at my yahoo address. The fault could either lie with you (the more likely scenario) or with my overly zealous spam filter. In case it’s the latter, could you please pick out your email message from the ensuing list of missives I rescued from…
November 4, 2008: The Results Are In!
In the words of The Wire’s State Senator Clay Davis: “Sheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiit.” The results are in. No, I’m not talking about the Presidential election. I’m referring to our whirlwind tour of L.A. According to our agent, response to the horror pitch ranged from “I didn’t get it.” to the ubiquitous “It’s not quite for us but…
November 3, 2008: David Anthony Durham’s Acacia
King Leodan rules the Akaran empire, enjoying the support of his people and his seafaring allies. But appearances can be deceiving for, in truth, Leodan’s seemingly benevolent reign belies secrets that plague the once noble monarch. Bound to an agreement made by his predecessors, he must pay a yearly tribute of thousands of child slaves…