Joseph Mallozzi's Blog, page 472
February 8, 2013
February 8, 2013: Pidgin Restaurant!
Akemi and I don’t get out as much as we used to but, the other night, we hung up our pots and pans (and packed away the sous vide machine) in favor of a night out. We headed to Gastown to check out Pidgin, one of the newest additions (less than a week old!) to the local dining scene. The man behind the menu, Chef Makoto Ono, was the winner of the first Canadian Culinary Championship at Gold Medal Plates back in 2007. Since then, he has opened Makoto restaurant in Beijing, as well as Liberty Exchange and Liberty Private Works (which made the World’s Best 50 Restaurants) in Hong Kong. And finally, Chef Ono has set up shop in Vancouver.
I’ve heard the menu described as mix of French, Japanese, and Korean influences with an emphasis on fresh, local ingredients. Akemi and I were intrigued…
The menu is a one-sheet covering everything from appetizers to larger plates, the individual prices a guide to their relative portion sizes. We started small and worked our way up.
The rice crackers and sweet soy anchovies weren’t my thing (as I enjoy neither rice cracker or anchovies) but Akemi is a big fan of both and loved this starter.
Akemi concentrates on eating.
More my speed where the fried shisito (Japanese) peppers with parmesan and pine nuts. I’m a big fan of their sweet and slightly bitter taste, also the fact that roughly one in every three is mouth-blastingly hot.
Akemi presents…
One of the highlights of the night, however, was the sea urchin with cauliflower mousse, ponzu jalapeno salsa, and dashi. Forget what you think you know about sea urchin. Most of the stuff served at many sushi restaurants is packaged and possessed of an unpleasant funkiness. But get them fresh – as served here – and they’re nothing but creamy sweetness melting in your mouth. I ended up having two servings.
Akemi also did a wedge salad with tofu dressing, nori, and bonito flakes. Again, not my thing but very much hers.
The only dish that didn’t impress was the Korean rice cakes with pork belly with tomato sauce and furikake. It wasn’t bad, but I thought the belly and rice cakes an odd textural combination.
On the other hand, there was the other highlight of the night: beef tongue and cheek with broccoli pistou and mustard. A marvelous dish but, I thought, a little pricey given the portion size.
We had three options for dessert and, rather than risk second-guessing myself, I decided to go with all three.
The black sesame cream with red bean and snow fungus was interesting and I loved the little crunch imparted by the fungus, but it felt like a very good Chinese dessert – which is my way of saying it was better than what I’d expected but not something I’d order again.
The chocolate fritters with the matcha dipping sauce were a bittersweet treat. My only quibble was that the chocolate inside the fritters hadn’t totally melted and were solid and cool at their center.
The meringue with yuzu curd, vanilla, and celery (Yes, celery!) was excellent – and Akemi’s favorite. This was the dish she was talking about on the way home.
The verdict? Akemi put it best: fresh, clean flavors.
We’ll definitely be back and, on our return visit, I’m definitely getting the one menu item I regretted missing: the foie gras rice bowl with chesnuts, daikon, and unagi glaze!
Oiiishiiii!
Tagged: food & drink, Pidgin, Pidgin Restaurant, Vancouver Restaurants
February 7, 2013
February 2013: The Akemi Fall 2013 Collection! Days of Stargate Atlantis Past! The Prodigal!
Akemi has caught the dog fashion bug! Over the last couple of days, she’s been hard at work, snipping, sewing, and generally cannibalizing some of her older outfits, transforming them into haute canine couture. Check out her Fall Collection so far:
Meanwhile, a naked pudgy Bubba awaits his first outfit…
Sadly, Akemi is running out of material as we cleared out our closet and dropped off our old clothing at one of the local donation bins last month. It was while we were searching through the drawers last night that the idea came to me: “Hey, you know where we can find some old clothes? The local donation bin.” Strangely, she wasn’t thrilled with my suggestion.
Continuing our Days of Stargate Past reminiscing with…
THE PRODIGAL
(514)
One of the high points of Atlantis’s fifth season was this episode (compliments of Executive Producer Carl Binder) that saw the return of Michael, one of the show’s most colorfully nuanced villains. The episode includes Michael and Ronon going a mano a mano in the control room followed by tower-top battle between Michael and Sheppard. While the latter was being shot, at one point, Joe Flanigan’s stuntman lost his balance and went off the tower (fear not, he was cabled and there were some nice comfy mats to cushion his fall), which prompted actor Connor Trinneer to throw up his arms and triumphantly proclaim: “I win!”.
Teyla’s decision to – let’s not mince words here - murder Michael engendered a fair amount of controversy. Was she justified in her actions? Did the fact that she was a mother protecting her child color your opinion of her actions?
Setting up the big radio-controlled car showdown (photo courtesy MGM Television)
Boys and their toys (photo courtesy MGM Television)
Michael comes out on top (photo courtesy MGM Television)
Michael marshals the troops (photo courtesy MGM Television)
Tagged: Atlantis, Days of Stargate Atlantis Past, Days of Stargate Past, dog clothes, dog fashion, Dogs, french bulldog fashion, french bulldogs, pug fashion, pugs, science fiction, scifi, scifi television, SF, SF television, SGA, Stargate: Atlantis, The Prodigal
February 6, 2013
February 6, 2013: The Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival Tour II!
My Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival tour continues with visits to…
Bengal Dream: Milk chocolate with sweet spices (chai) served with caramelized honey and orange palmier.
Available: February 2 – February 14 at Bel Cafe 801 West Georgia Street @ Howe (at the Rosewood Hotel Georgia)
A little sweet but some very nice flavors. The palmier packed quite a sweet punch as well.
Pretty in Pink: White chocolate with rose and raspberry, served with a vanilla bean shortbread.
Available: January 19 – February 1 at Bel Cafe 801 West Georgia Street @ Howe (at the Rosewood Hotel Georgia)
As Akemi pointed out, white chocolate-based hot chocolates are the toughest because, all too often, the sweetness of the white chocolate overwhelms the other ingredients. Conversely, attempts to balance the flavors can result in overkill. In this case, however, it worked – a perfect marriage of white chocolate and rose.
Raspberry Beret: Raspberry-infused white, milk, or dark Belgian hot chocolate. Prepared fresh to order, by blending whole chocolate pieces into steamed milk, topped with vanilla whipped cream, served with a trio of Bittered Sling-infused meringue cookies by Kale & Nori Culinary Arts.
Available: Every day of the festival at Blenz 708 Thurlow St. (at West Georgia), Vancouver. (Downtown Central).
Fairly bursting with raspberry flavor but never overwhelming the chocolate, this one was a pleasant surprise although it was a little thinner than the offerings at some of the other places we’ve checked out on this tour.
Shirokuma: White hot chocolate with Japanese matcha, served with a trio of Bittered Sling-infused meringue cookies by Kale & Nori Culinary Arts.
Available: Every day of the festival at Blenz 708 Thurlow St. (at West Georgia), Vancouver. (Downtown Central).
Shirokuma is Japanese for polar bear (shiro = white, kuma = bear) and is apparently, according to Akemi, a very popular flavor back in Japan. While good, the sweetness of the chocolate overshadowed the delicate matcha flavor.
Both hot chocolates were accompanied by a tasty assortment of meringues compliments of Kale & Nori Culinary Arts.
Cherry Bon Bon: Hot Chocolate with Cacao Barry Extra Brute Cocoa and sour cherries, topped with house-made sour cherry marshmallows, and served with a pecan fruit crisp.
Available: February 1-14 at Terra Breads 2380 West 4th Avenue (@ Balsam)
Weak and surprisingly devoid of any real chocolate flavor. I actually wondered whether real chocolate was used.
Blond Mystique: Roasted white chocolate, candy cap, and cognac hot chocolate. Served with a brown butter Caramelia financier. (Candy cap is a unique small mushroom, that when dried, has the aroma and flavour of earthy maple syrup.
Available: Every day of the festival at 1 Water Street, Vancouver (In Gastown)
Everyone else found it too boozy but I loved this incredibly flavorful drink.
Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels: Smoked cinnamon mocha with chocolate marshmallows and caramel powder. Served with Manjari chocolate brownie.
Available: Every day of the festival at 1 Water Street, Vancouver (In Gastown)
Fine but, ultimately, it just tasted like a flavored coffee.
Aphrodite: Nyangbo and parsnip hot chocolate, topped with whipped chocolate ganache and parsnip milk jam. Served with English Breakfast gelato.
Available: Every day of the festival at 1 Water Street, Vancouver (In Gastown)
A gorgeous, multi-layered drink. A lot going on here. This was everyone else’s favorite. For my part, I couldn’t get past the parsnip flavor.
Monty’s Heat: A spicy hot dark chocolate.
Available: February 2-8 at Gem Chocolates 2029 West 41st Avenue, Vancouver.
Some very nice, deep flavors that didn’t really pack a whole lot of heat. A very good drinking chocolate but a little weaker than some of the others we’ve sampled.
One In A Million: Hot chocolate made with Maranon (the world’s rarest chocolate), served with a chocolate-dipped madeleine.
Available: January 30 – February 10 at Thierry Chocolaterie Patisserie Cafe 1059 Alberni Street
http://www.thierrychocolates.com/
Delicious, possessed of a nice rich fullness, I only wish it had been a little thicker.
Tagged: Bel Cafe, Blenz, Chocolate, Gem Chocolates, Hot Chocolate, Hot Chocolate Festival, Secret Location, Terra Breads, Thierry Chocolaterie Patisserie Cafe, Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival
February 5, 2013
February 5, 2013: The Superbowl’s Most Controversial Ads! Days of Stargate Atlantis Past continues with…Inquisition!
The Superbowl is never without its share of controversy. Power issues. Blown calls. And, of course, the commercials!
What am I talking about? Well, find out for yourself. Presenting, the most controversial ads in superbowl history…
Holiday Inn compares itself to a post-op transexual:
Apple’s depresssing misstep:
The great Fred Astaire dances with a vaccuum cleaner, compliments of Dirt Devil:
Lifeminders’ self-proclaimed worst commercial. Coincidentally, they’re no longer in business:
Just For Feet’s superbowl commercial was so controversial, it’s almost impossible to tack down. Check it out here:
http://adland.tv/commercials/just-feet-kenya-mission-1999-030-usa
Ah, women. So bossy and temperamental. So says Pepsi:
Snickers manages to simultaneously offend homophobes and the LGBT community:
The HomeAway test baby:
Save the whales money with Groupon!:
Free Tibet! I mean Save with Groupon!:
Ah, Ching Ching and Ling Ling! We hardly knew you:
This year’s Volkswagon ad featuring a white guy speaking with a Jamaican accent (and attitude) sparked controvery. Some found it racist. Interestingly, all of my Jamaican friends found it hilarious:
And then there was this year’s Go Daddy ad that featured model Bar Rafaeli making out with some uber-nerd – complete with close-ups of them tonguing each other. Yech!:
.
Our walk down Atlantis memory lane continues with…
INQUISITION
(513)
There invariably comes a time in every season when the producers take a look at the bottom line and realize they’re over-budget and need to come up with a relatively inexpensive episode to put the show back on track – and, more importantly, ensure there is enough money for the big season-ender. Desperate times call for desperate measures. And just how desperate depends on how much money you’re looking to save. If you’re in not bad shape, you can look to do bottle show, an episode that takes place on the existing standing sets. No extra builds or moves to exterior locations are a big money-saver. An even bigger money saver is to eschew the bottle show in favor of the dreaded clip show, an episode that makes use of pre-existing material to tell a story. Sometimes, they can be great. While other times…well, they can be pretty forgettable.
One of the keys to producing a good clip show (relatively speaking) is to have a great story at its core – and, in the case of Inquistion, we had a pretty good one: Finally, after so many years of playing the role of galactic policeman, the Atlantis expedition was being held accountable for their actions. One the one hand, they had successfully defended the inhabitants of the Pegasus Galaxy from the wraith. On the other hand, at what cost? And there’s also an argument to be made for the fact that their presence in the Pegasus Galaxy only exacerbated the problem. It was an interesting debate that fandom had been heatedly discussing for years and, while there weren’t any easy answers, there were some convincing arguments on both sides. This then was the premise of the episode – at turns controversial and complex. But, hopefully, all sorts of entertaining as we would include flashbacks to various spectacular situations from seasons past. As clips shows went, it was a tall order – and it happened to fall on first-time writer – and longtime Stargate script coordinator Alex Levine.
Alex was more than up to the challenge. It was a tough script but, ultimately, a great learning experience – as he explained on his SciFi.com blog:
“Inquisition’ is a clip show, [and] that didn’t make it any easier to write. You see, there’s a particular aspect of writing clip shows that’s extra tough, and that is the part where they move in and out of the clips. Of course Paul Mullie, who did the re-write and produced the episode, has lots of clip show experience, but this was my first attempt. And writing specs and other scripts didn’t prepare me one bit. So let’s just say it was a great learning experience.
“At the end of the day, the writing staff was very kind. They met with me on my first draft, gave me notes and some time to re-write the script. I did another draft too on another round of notes. In the writing I found some things about the characters and the story that worked well; other stuff was discarded. There’s certainly some of my writing in the finished product, but I must credit Paul Mullie and the writing staff with much of the episode’s success. And my experience is not unlike other first time writers of any show. Stargate is no exception.
“The coolest part of the show, which is always why people watch clip shows, is that you’ll get to see pretty much every cool space battle we’ve done. There’s also great acting in this one — keep your eyes open for the character of Myrus (the Council Liaison), who is played by my real life brother, Tobias Slezak (different last name). He did a great job.”
Many of you will recognize his brother, Thobias, from SG-1′s Heroes in which he played the part of Tech Sergeant Dale James, or more recently from the SGU episodes Intervention and Visitation in which he played the part of Peter, or, perhaps even more recently, from my Superbowl get-together where he played the part of “Guy scoffing down doughnuts” -
As for brother Alex, his writing career continued to blossom post-Stargate with credits on King, The Border, Verdict, Flashpoint, and an upcoming scifi series.
I knew him when…
Tagged: Alex Levine, Atlantis, controversial Superbowl ads, controversial Superbowl commercials, Days of Stargate Atlantis Past, Days of Stargate Past, Inquisition, science fiction, scifi television, SF television, SGA, Stargate, Stargate: Atlantis, Superbowl commercials
February 4, 2013
February 4, 2013: The Supermovie of the Week Club reconvenes! Cookie Monster reviews Iron Man!
Monster not want to sound sexist, but Iron Man be waaaaay more fun and exciting den sekwel Iron Lady.
Movie open on rich industrialist playboy Tony Stark, a guy who be seeing more girly action den Kermit during his Muppet Show days! But during grand tour of Afghanistan, his military convoy attacked (see, dis why Monster prefer all expenses paid cruises). Tony taken prisoner by terrorists. Injured in attack, his cave-prison bunkmate build him mini arc reaktor to keep shrapnel from entering his heart (So DAT what arc reaktor does! Me got one two Christmas’s ago and be using it to power my gecko aquarium). Tony also forced to build terrorists a weapon like one designed by his company, Stark Industries. And, after dat, who knows? Mebbe a sous vide machine?
Hey! Dis not in pamphlet me got from Tourism Afghanistan!
But tricky Tony fool terrorists. Instead, he make pimped out suit of armor. He kick ass and fly away, crash, but end up getting reskued by army buddy.
Back home, Tony be conflikted. After finding out terrorists be using his weapons, he shut down weapons division of Stark Industries. Dis not sit well wit his partner, Obladi (Oblada Life Goes On Brah La La La How Life Goes On) Stane. But Tony not seem to mind. He too busy working on new and improved Iron Man armor like one he designed and built in Afghanistan. He test it, take it for a joyride, kick more terrorist ass, and, in one thrillling sekwence, outfly a couple of spiteful fighter jets. He also find time to flirt wit his cute assistant, Pepper Pots, in a relationship reminiscent of classik screwball comedies of de 40′s.
It turn out he not de only one working on a suit as terrorists be trying to reverse-engineer his first prototype. But terrorists de least of Tony’s problems. It turn out Obladi (Oblada Life Goes On…, etc.) in league wit terrorists all along. He steal plans for prototype from dem, den steal mini arc reaktor from Tony’s chest.
It all lead to terrifik, extended VFX showdown dat also reminiscent of classik screwball comedies of de 40′s. Sort of like Adam’s Rib except, instead of lawyers arguing a case, Tracy and Hepburn be business partners fistfighting in high-tech suits of armor.
Taking de new Audi Q7 for a spin.
Verdikt: A perfekt blend of aktion, humor and great dialogue. A skript dat aktually fun and make sense! No doubt screenwriters will be rewarded by not getting to write sekwel!
Rating: 9.5 chocolate chippee cookies!
Tagged: comic book movies, Comic Books, Comics, Cookie Monster, Cookie Monster film reviews, Cookie Monster movie reviews, Cookie Monster reviews Iron Man, Iron Man, superhero movies, superheroes, SuperMovie of the Week Club
February 3, 2013
February 3, 2013: Super Sunday!
Whew! I’m exhausted. Watching football, especially a game like today’s, really takes a lot out of you. Now that the season is over, I can look forward to some nice, relaxing weekends spent working on writing and rewrites.
I was, of course, pleased to see the Baltimore Ravens come out on top. And even more pleased with our final Football Sunday menu. What a day!
We kicked things off with a visit to the dog park for a bulldog meetup -
Then it was home for the football festivities -
Lawren brings the novelty beer.
Super football fan Kristin – and Lawren.
7 hour sous-vide Muscovy duck confit
Rob’s homemade tamales. Always a winner.
Chef Rob Cooper
Ivon and his gal Lulu.
Dinner: the mole sauce was fantastic.
For dessert: blueberry pie.
Choice of ice creams
Ivon brought donuts!
And Thobias brought the Turkish candy
Thobias indulges
February 2, 2013
February 2, 2013: News of Note! Days of Stargate Atlantis Past continues with Outsiders!
A guy in Tennessee sends his pit bull to the pound after suspecting his dog may be gay. The ensuing outrage resulted in the pooch being rescued. What struck me most about this story wasn’t so much the circumstances but this line from a CNN article: “According to the irreverent website Gawker, Facebook users had a hissy fit Wednesday when they found out the dog’s owner got rid of the animal after he (the dog, not the owner) humped another male dog.” I checked the original Gawker piece but found no use of the term “hissy fit” to describe the reaction. ‘Gay’ dog gets euthanasia reprieve – This Just In – CNN.com Blogs Hissy fit? Seriously?
And at the top of the list, no surprise, sits CEO. I’m sure Lawyer was a very close second. Not sure how to react though. Media (TV/Radio) comes in at #3 in the +Psychopathy list but, on the other hand, Creative Artist sits at #8 on the -Psychopathy list.
Forget blue chip stocks. Invest in these market darlings – chicken wings!: http://business.time.com/2012/02/13/chicke…ces-are-hotter/
Yeah, the first thing I wondered when I heard Iran had shot a monkey into space was “Did it actually make it back?”. Apparently not: Is Iran’s space monkey a fake?
Major backlash for Burger King on Facebook and Twitter as horse meat found in … As someone pointed out elsewhere, the horse may be the least of your problems: What’s in the Meat? excerpted from the book Fast Food Nation by …
Just in time for Superbowl Sunday:
http://www.i4u.com/2013/02/bizarre-food-super-8-past-flashback-bowl-fast-commercials-sundays
A greatly appreciated change of pace from all the “cops shooting dogs” articles. In this case, a police officer risks all to save a dog: Police Officer Kidnaps Dog Sentenced to Death www.lifewithdogs.tvA Facebook campaign launched to save the life of a dog sentenced to death took an interesting turn when police officer Lars Bo Lomholt went above and beyond the call of duty and kidnapped him from the kennel where he was being held.
Continuing our stroll down SGA memory lane…
OUTSIDERS (512)
Okay, I’ll be honest. I don’t really remember much about this episode outside of the scene where McKay and Beckett argue over the cramped seating in the dart.
I do recall one of the fan sites, again, incorrectly stating that the working title of this episode was “Amort”, presumably based on the fact that some Art Department sketches contained the word “Amort” under Episode Title. As I explained in a previous post, “Amort” is short for “Amortize” – in this case, it’s a reference to the village set, the cost of which was amortized (written off over time) over the course of many episodes.
Actor Brendan Penny who plays the wraith technician here (and stepped in for Chris Heyderdahl in Spoils of War and Be All My Sins Remember’d) is presently playing the part of Brian Lucas on the t.v. show Motive starring Louis Ferreira (SGU’s Colonel Everett Young).
The local color
The terrific Joel Polis as Elson.
Just like high school. You’ve got the villager clique and the crew clique.
Cast or crew member? Often it was hard to tell.
February 1, 2013
February 1, 2013: Stargate Prop Builder Mark Nicholson Answers Your Questions!
The hard work and contributions of so many individual went into making one of the greatest SF franchises in television history. Over the course of this blog’s run, I’ve invited various members of the extended Stargate family to talk about their experiences on the show(s). We’ve spotlighted writers, producers, directors, actors, stunt coordinators, VFX and FX supervisors, and many more.
Today, we turn the spotlight to Mark Nicholson, a longtime prop builder for (and, it turns out, fan of) Stargate. Mark has kindly taken the time to field your question – AND offer up some visual aids!
Take it away, Mark…
Patricia Stewart-Bertrand writes: “As for a question for Mark Nicholson – my question: I’d like to know if you needed any special education or training to get into your current field. Did you want to work in the entertainment industry so looked for a job you could do and enjoy within it, or did you have an affinity to creating props and the rest naturally followed?”
MN: Special education or training? Sort of. I don’t believe there’s any places here that specifically teach people how to make movie props as a course. Most of the people I worked with did have a lot of special training, or a lot of experience in something before bringing it to this industry. I worked with people who went to school for Pottery, Engineering, Photography, Graphic Design, Sign making. It’s kind of a weird industry.
While I never specifically set out to work in Film, I did always want to work in entertainment, starting with computer animation when I was young (I blame Reboot), and later video games (which I did for a while before Film, and still want to get back into). I most certainly didn’t have an affinity for creating props, and my first year really felt like an apprenticeship, spending a lot of time helping more experienced builders with parts of their builds and learning a lot of ropes.
gforce writes: “Question for Mark: How much input/freedom did you have in designing the items for the franchise? Were you able to have a lot of creative leeway or were things pretty much drawn up for you already?”
MN: Input varied. You can find a lot of production concepts here on this blog in fact, and many times, what we delivered was exactly that. Sometimes when things were rushed we’d get a ‘paper napkin drawing’, which is like it sounds, and while the important aspects are laid out, you do end up getting the freedom to interpret it.
Disruptor
We also had things like working from established themes. By season 10 of sg-1 and season 3 of Atlantis, looks like ‘Ori’ and ‘Wraith’ were already established, and while we would sometimes have a lot of freedom with the specific prop, it would still have to be known instantly as ‘Wraithy’, so sometimes we couldn’t deviate too much. SGU was my favorite show to work on because we got to spend a lot of pre-production making up a lot of stuff with a lot of new tools and technology, and allowed us to establish a lot of neat building systems.
JeffW writes: “Did you also make the electronics (lights) for the props, and if so, was it mostly LEDs, incandescent, or electro-luminescent? (Sorry in advance if that was too technical).”
MN:We had a full time electrical engineer who did nothing but build electronics. As for what kinds of lights, I think at one point we used everything, but mostly LED, and second probably goes to small fluorescent tubes (often handled by the lighting department for larger, stationary things, like ships consoles, or the 1/3 section of Atlantis gate for ‘The Shrine’). My favorite was side-lighting laser engraved acrylic.
Ori ship chair
Ponytail writes: “Hey Joe could you post a few pictures of Mark Nicholson’s handiwork so I know who I am talking to and have a better idea of questions to ask him. Did he help make that minature Destiny?”
MN: I had a very small hand in the miniature Destiny (though, that hand is the one in the pictures holding it while I make flying noises 
Destiny
Choopy 49 writes: “Question for Mark – What equipment/technology/weaponry did you hope the crew of the Destiny would eventually discover on the ship had the show continued?”
MN: I should start this by saying I LOVED WATCHING SGU. I was a big fan of it, and as a fan was crushed when it was cancelled (let alone the fact that it was also my favorite employment ever). What would I have liked to see? or BUILD!? Either way, a Jeep or ATV would have been cool (the whole on foot all the time thing bothered me about the franchise as a whole). More adapted 3rd party tech (not human, or ancient, but from other sources that they could only reach once), especially weapons. Making weapons was fun.
Actually…
Joe, why didn’t they have jeeps and atv’s?
(I would love a detailed answer to this, apart from the obvious $$)
JM: Yes, part of it was $$$, but in my mind given that the teams would be heading out to make first contact or exploring a new planet’s eco-system OR, later in the series, heading into potentially dangerous situations that would require stealth, being on foot would make more sense. Then, after that initial foray, IF transportation was needed, they could always go back and pick up a vehicle. It just so happened that in most cases (well, all the ones we saw), there was either no time or necessity for vehicles, mainly because the civilizations they encountered were always located close to the gate – which made sense.
DP writes: “Questions for Mark Nicholson…It’s hard not to hit duplicate questions this late in the game. What tools, materials, techniques, and resources are available now that you wish were available earlier in your work on Stargate?”
MN: Honestly, I can’t think of anything for this. We had a pretty high tech group, with several CNC machines, a 3D printer, a 3D scanner, and a laser engraver/cutter. I am not aware of any specific manufacturing technology that has been made available since that would have been handy.
“Is there anything that was available then that’s not available now?”
MN: I recall hearing that the quality of some Latex today isn’t as good as it was in the 60′s, due to tree farming practices, but I haven’t found any facts to back this up.
“How thoroughly were the needed props described?
MN: The function and role of most props could be described to us rather quickly, maybe 10 minutes to understand what it is they wanted (along with the concept art). But that’s also coming from my own perspective at the bottom of the chain. Prop meetings where it would be discussed what they wanted to have, and what was possible/affordable/deliverable were not things I attended, an were very long.
“Who did you go to for clarifications when you weren’t sure what was being requested?”
MN: Being off-site, it was a very rare day we would ever see a Production Designer directly. Often, we would see the Prop Master, but 95% of the time, I’d just go to our Lead Prop Builder.
“What’s an inexpensive thing to build with the help of a seven year old? If he can get plenty of big muscle movement during the build, during the use of it, or while destroying it, all the better.”
MN: I have no idea! …after some time thinking on it, I might suggest doing what my dad did, cut swords out of wood with a jigsaw (we did guns too, but that isn’t as well received today as it was then). Or candy glass.
“What examples of serendipity happened in your prop-building?”
MN: Ok. So you know that Jaffa Staff Weapon? The one that opens to fire? They only ever had one that actually opened. And it was only the front half of the staff weapon anyway. After Sg-1 ended, MGM expressed an interest in having a full, working staff weapon. So the working half weapon was pulled out, the back half was put on, it got a fresh paint job, and a custom box for shipping. It was finished, and out the door an hour later, never to be seen by any outside of MGM head office. So there was only ever a working staff weapon we could see and use for an hour. I just happened to get my brother from out of town a tour of the shop in THAT HOUR 
“Did you think Lord of the Rings included too many visual details?”
MN: NO. Not ever. They did awesome work, and I would never wish them to do less, ever. And related to that, once you make a bunch of this stuff in movies, and really see what things look like, and how fake it really is, you pick it up when watching it in the theatre, or at home on TV. It then looks fake to you, ALWAYS. So getting to see something that manages to not look totally fake all the time then becomes one of the few movies you can watch and actually forget that it’s all fake. Captain America was another good example. The story was ok, and the acting was…eh. But the props and sets, those were always AMAZING.
Pontytail writes: “First some questions for Mark Nicholson then I have to watch The Shrine then I’ll be back for comments on that…much later.
1. Okay, Mark Nicholson, just answer the question. Did you make the mini Destiny as seen here on Joe’s blog on Aug. 28, 2010?”
MN: I did not make it, but I did make the stand and case for it, and did get to play with it, and make whooshing space noises flying it around the room.
“That model was the coolest thing ever! If you made it: a. how long did it take?”
MN: I think my co-worker Jay spent a week turning the VFX model into something printable, and another two days to print the 5 parts (4 quarters and a shuttle), paint and assembly was a couple hours.
Destiny progress
“b. what was it used for?”
MN: Ask Joe! It was asked for so directors could plan shots and explore what it actually looks like in depth, in 3D.
(seriously Joe, feel free to chime in here and talk about it’s fate)
JM: Alas, I am unaware of its fate (or the fate of most of those props with the exception of a handful of those Scourge bugs and the pain stick sitting in my garage) but, yes, you’re correct – the model was used to plan shots and sequences.
“c. was it your proudest moment?”
MN: No, but it was one of the coolest things we made. We also did some test prints of a Wraith Dart and an F-302.
F302
Wraith dart
“2. What was the funnest item you made, and why?”
MN: Anything we did for 200. Weapons, and webbing, and incredibly acurately detailed uniform details including campaign badges for O’Neill, Carter, and Hammond, all at 1/3 scale.
Scale weapons
“3. Do you ever hang out on set just to see your art in use?”
MN: Every chance we got, which were unfotunately few.
“4. Do you get to keep anything you make?”
MN: Technically, no. On rare occasions, we would make samples that would not get used, and it was okay if those went missing. One of these was a spare of Tyre’s sword, made of ABS plastic, to see if the material was viable for stunt work. It was too wobbly, and thus discarded and sat in a room for a few years. It now hangs on the wall of a friend of mine who introduced me to Stargate, and is a huge fan.
“5. What have you made that got the most attention from the cast or crew?”
MN: Ironically, the same thing got the most attention both positively and negatively. The Asguard Suits in ‘The Lost Tribe’ and ‘First Contact’ got the most positive, and the same suits got the most negative attention in ‘Water’, when actors had trouble breathing in the new helmets.
“6. What was the craziest thing you ever were asked to make?”
MN: So tough to answer. Many things were crazy, and more importantly, I can’t even remember half the stuff we made, so I’ll just list what I can think of that was rather out there:
Wraith Ultrasound Device
Universe Gate
Universe gate
1/3 of an Atlantis gate (for the water scene at the beginning of ‘The Shrine’, no movable version of the Atlantis gate was ever built before this, it was all camera trickery and cg).
The Ark of Truth (or as those frustrated with it by the end called it, THE ARK OF LIES!)
A ‘Space Dishes Rack’ for The Destiny
A ‘Wraith to USB’ adapter
And I know I’m forgetting so many ridiculous things we did.
“7. How do you feel about seeing your work pictured on Joe’s blog?”
MN: Happy Memories, every time.
“8. Where are you working now?”
MN: Kodak, which is boring compared to making props, but reliable. (see Joe’s post last week about the state of the film industry in Vancouver)
for the love of Beckett writes: “Mark Nicholson — How cool was it being a Prop Master for Stargate? And now your creations are collectibles! A different kind of question would be about the overall style or look of each show, and getting the props to match the set and scene. What were your points of inspiration? It looks sort of like there’s an Art Deco feel to Atlantean objects, but still sci-fi. I liked the tall, copper standing piece of art in Woolsey’s office that Joe liked. Also, I’m not normally big on weapons, but Ronan’s/Jason Momoa’s big ol’ gun that charged up with sound effects was my favorite. Did you get to design that?”
MN: I was a prop builder, not the prop master, and it was VERY COOL. Most of the design feel came from the production designer, and coming in later in SG-1, and Atlantis, many themes were already established. We got a lot more leeway with SGU, and it was so liberating and fun to get to design things from scratch. I’m quite sure the tall copper thing in the office was done by the Set Decorators, who tend to handle things in the background that never get touched. Ronon’s gun was cool, and I didn’t get to design it. I did get to repair it a few times (and repair the rubber stunt ones even more. Rumor has it Jason didn’t like carrying the real ones, which were much heavier).
Mike from Canada writes: “I have questions for Mark Nicholson, if he doesn’t mind. I’ll repeat the questions I had on the shotguns with drum magazines if that’s OK. How did you make them, what did you use, fiberglass? Actual metal parts? Did you base them on actual firearms? How long does it take you to make them? Did you make each one a one off, or did you make molds? Do you weight them so they feel more realistic?”
MN: Those shotguns are AA-12′s, and were cast from real ones. Real ones were used on set. I recall hearing not many exist tho, and they’re hard to find. We aim to make things as light as possible.
“New questions: Do you make all your props pretty much the same way? How did you get started building props? Are you working on any other shows these days?”
MN: Yes, most were made with a lot of pre-established techniques.
How did I get in? Like most of the people I worked with, we never intended to be there, it just sorta happens through opportunity. My initial contact was through the model shop asking my old school for any grads who could help with 3D scanning tech they were testing.
I am not currently working in the Film industry.
Mike from Canada also writes: “Hey Joe. I thought of another question (or two or three or four) for Mark Nicholson. Was there any projects that Mark was particularly proud of?”
MN: The Replicator Chip Merek uses in ‘Ark of Truth’
The backs of the chairs in SGU (I got to do whatever I wanted with them)
The Universe gate
Destiny’s bridge consoles
Bridge console
“Was there any that he particularly detested, that were a mess, or screwed up terribly?”
MN: The Ark of Lies (formerly the Ark of Truth) was built in 7 days.
“If there was any show he would really like to work on, what would it be?”
MN: Tron Legacy. We were asked to help, and had to decline, as we were in pre-production for SGU, and currently building the Universe Gate. (Second place goes to A-team, which I DID get to work on )
“Does he work on any software based graphic tools or such for his work? Maya, Vue, cad program, photoshop, etc.”
MN: YES. All of it, lots! Solidworks and Rhino were comonplace, as well as a lot of Corel Draw. And at some point we tested out anything that would help. I prefer 3ds MAX and Zbrush for 3d modelling too.
“How did Mark wind up doing this kind of work?”
MN: Like everyone else, through strange circumstance and lots of luck.
“Did you work on the sets/stages as well as props?”
MN: Not as such. But we did often work on detailed components that would get integrated into sets, like consoles and special panels.
“What is your current favourite TV show?”
MN: Top Gear.
“Have you read anything lately you would recommend? Fiction or nonfiction.”
MN: I just finished the last book in ‘The Wheel of Time’ series. Also, Zoe’s Tale (from scalzi’s ‘Old Man’s War’ series, which has gotten plenty of attention here), and my favorite book, The Count of Monte Cristo.
“Can we see pictures of your workroom?”
MN: Keith almost gave me a heart attack when I came back to see this guy, sitting there, all sad with his coffee (and again the next morning when I walked in, having forgotten about him).
Suit
“Sorry if I repeated any of the questions, or if I’m too late, or if I’m getting carried away. Curious monkeys want to know!”
MN: No, it’s good. We love monkeys!
Space monkey
BMc writes: “Mark Nicholson – are you AKA confracto? I’ve enjoyed your comments here! What was the most used/re-used/re-adapted piece of equipment you made? And, were you involved with those great suits worn by the Pegasus Asgard, which I believe later re-appeared as Ancient EVA suits on the Destiny?”
MN: Yes, confracto is my online handle. It was the result of ‘Hey Mark! What’s the weirdest word you can think of!?’. We were bored and checking out what domain names were free and taken years ago. Confracto.com will take you to some of my work.
Most re-used peice? Probably all the knobs and buttons for Destiny.
Wall panels
Yes, I was involved with those suits. It was actually one of the best building experiences, since it took 100% from everyone for weeks to do, and really bonded the team. I have never felt more accomplished than seeing those go out the door. My wife tells me I have to mention that I missed our anniversary one year for these suits, due to working 14 hours that day. But they look so cool!
Thanks to Mark!
And today’s entry is dedicated to birthday gals mamasue9 and Ganymede!
Tagged: Mark Nicholson, SF television, SG-1, SGA, SGU, Stargate, Stargate Atlantis props, Stargate props, Stargate SG-1 props, Stargate Universe, Stargate Universe props, Stargate: Atlantis, Stargate: SG-1
January 31, 2013
January 31, 2013: The Hot Chocolate Festival!
The Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival is in full swing and Akemi and I have been trying our darndest to sample as many of the 60-some flavors available at the various shops and cafes around town. So far, we’ve managed to try about a dozen decadent offerings. Looks like we’re really going to need to pick up the pace with roughly two weeks to go.
Here’s a rundown of our tasty accomplishments to date. Please note that some of the flavors have been discontinued – but been replaced with other (no doubt) sublime selections:
Italian Honey Moon: Honey nougat and hazelnut made with Avalon Organic milk and Michel Cluizel chocolate served with Erin Ireland’s “To Die For” Banana Bread.
Available: Every day of the festival at Bella Gelateria 1001 West Cordova Street.
I was leery at first. Hot chocolate topped with shards of honey nougat? I love particulates (that’s what they call ‘em) in my ice cream, but in my drinking chocolate? Well, they turned out to be a wonderful little textural addition to the drink. I am now a hot chocolate particulate convert!
Monkey’s Choice: Caramelized Banana & Honey served with Erin Ireland’s “To Die For” Banana Bread.
Available: Every day of the festival at Bella Gelateria 1001 West Cordova Street.
Very good although I was on the fence about the banana bits. The banana bread was the perfect dipping accompaniment.
Ohhh CANADA: Canadian maple syrup + pecan hot chocolate served with a sable.
Available: January 19 – 29 at Thierry Chocolaterie Patisserie Cafe 1059 Alberni Street
http://www.thierrychocolates.com/
A tasty tribute to The Great White North. And those candied pecans were a lovely touch.
Malteaser: Barley malt-infused hot chocolate served with salt caramel malt truffles.
Available: Every day of the festival at Thomas Haas 2539 West Broadway, Vancouver.
Terrific! I could have had two but I’m sure the sugar rush would’ve killed me.
The Sweet of Bitter Dark: Bitter dark drinking chocolate.
Available: January 19 – February 14 at Beaucoup Bakery 2150 Fir Street (in Kitsilano)
With seating at a premium, we elected to go take-out. The serving sizes are notably smaller than the other offerings sampled so far on this Hot Chocolate tour (which sat perfectly fine with Akemi who thought it ideal given its punchiness). Also, there were some temperature issues as the drink was served at just a touch above room temperature – more of a Warm Chocolate. In the end, probably my least favorite as the sour notes of this particular Valrhona dark proved just too much for me.
Petal of a Rose: Vanilla bean white hot chocolate with rose.
Available: January 26 – February 1 at Beaucoup Bakery 2150 Fir Street (in Kitsilano)
This one was a few degrees cooler than the Bitter Dark and, while Akemi found it too sweet, I enjoyed the flavor combination. The hint of rose was perfect and didn’t overwhelm the vanilla.
The drink was accompanied by a blondie (the brownie’s angelic sister?) that, again, Akemi found too sweet but, yes, again, I enjoyed for its delightful salted caramel combination.
A Snowball’s Chance in Tokyo: White chocolate matcha hot chocolate topped with yuzu marshmallow.
Available: January 19-25 at Beta 5
(http://shop.beta5chocolates.com/) and The Juice Truck (usually found on the corner of Abbott and Water in Gastown).
Being a HUGE fan of the gang at Beta 5 Chocolate, I was really looking forward to this one – but came away disappointed when I got it off the The Juice Truck during last week’s food truck event. It was weak, very watery, and devoid of any trace of yuzu flavor (I assume the marshmallow had dissipated in the heat of it all). Undeterred, I stopped by Beta 5 and picked up the hot chocolate stick mix, then made it myself at home. The results? MUCH better – although I still missed the yuzu marshmallow.
When Pigs Fly: Cocoa Barry “Alto El Sol”, a single plantation chocolate, topped with maple and bacon marshmallow, served with a peanut butter cookie.
Available: Every day of the chocolate festival at Chocolate Arts 1620 West 3rd Ave., Vancouver (Kitsilano).
A nice cup of chocolate although I didn’t find the marshmallows particularly “bacony” and thought the accompanying peanut butter cookie just so-so.
Armoury Armor: Cocoa Barry “Madirofolo”– a single plantation chocolate, kissed with raspberry and served with a mini lemon and basil ice cream sandwich.
Available: Every day of the chocolate festival at Chocolate Arts 1620 West 3rd Ave., Vancouver (Kitsilano).
Well, damn, this was a surprise! I’m not a fan of the fruit-chocolate combo and find raspberry a particularly reprehensible partner but this heavenly creation sang. Akemi’s overall favorite so far and a definite Top 3 finisher for yours truly. Loved the raspberry sugar rim.
Orange Blossom Flower: 64% dark chocolate – origin: Ecuador. Infused with orange blossom flowers and served with choice of chocolate square.
Available: Every day of the chocolate festival at Chocolaterie de la Nouvelle France 198 East 21st Ave., Vancouver, B.C.
www.chocolaterienouvellefrance.ca
Beautifully presented and loved the froth but the orange blossom overwhelmed.
Jasmine: 64% dark chocolate – origin: Ecuador. Infused with jasmine and served with choice of chocolate square.
Available: Every day of the chocolate festival at Chocolaterie de la Nouvelle France 198 East 21st Ave., Vancouver, B.C.
www.chocolaterienouvellefrance.ca
Surprisingly spectacular. Just the right chocolate married with the perfect balance of jasmine yields the most exquisite hot chocolate of the festival so far.
Currant Direction: The sophisticated Euro accent of blackcurrant. Served with a thyme sable.
Available: January 28 – 30, February 9 – 1 at Soirette Macarons & Tea 1433 West Pender Street, Vancouver. (Coal Harbour)
Our first attempt to sample Soirette’s hot chocolate offerings was unsuccessful. We walked in at 6:30 p.m., a half an hour before closing, only to have the girl behind the counter look at us as though we were homeless people seeking for spare change. We inquired about the hot chocolate and were informed, alas, the kitchen was closed. Closed? Damn, I thought, that must be a mighty involved hot chocolate-making process!
We returned a few days later for an afternoon visit. A different girl was at the counter and she was sweet as can be. The owner, came out from the back to chat macarons and hot chocolate with us – and present us with the thyme sable that accompanied our order.
I’m not a big fan of mixing fruit and chocolate so the cocoa-currant combo didn’t really sing for me. Akemi, on the other hand, was quite charmed by the creation – although she felt the addition of lavender petals was a bit much. That thyme sable however…Holy Smokes! Closer to cake than sable, sweet and salty with a savory thyme undertone, it was the best thing I’ve eaten this year! Unbelievably good but, sadly, not on the regular menu.
P.S. It only took all of 45 seconds to actually prepare the hot chocolate.
The Ayala: Jasmine drinking chocolate, topped with housemade juniper marshmallows.
Available: January 19 – February 14 at Cocoa Nymph 3739 W. 10th Ave (at Alma), Vancouver, B.C. 604-222-4477
www.cocoanymph.co
A subtle blend of jasmine and dark chocolate. The homemade juniper marshmallows were a nice little addition.
The Noah: Balsamic drinking chocolate, topped with housemade cherry marshmallow.
Available: January 26 – February 14 at Cocoa Nymph 3739 W. 10th Ave (at Alma), Vancouver, B.C. 604-222-4477
www.cocoanymph.co
Thicker, silkier than The Ayala but, ultimately, possessed of just a tad too much of a vinegar kick. Sipped on its own, it didn’t quite do it for me although the cherry marshmallows offered a nice counterpoint.
Tagged: Chocolate, Hot Chocolate, Hot Chocolate Festival, Vancouver festivals, Vancouver food event, Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival
January 30, 2013
January 30, 2013: Projects brewing! Days of Stargate Atlantis Past! The Lost Tribe!
Today, I revised and sent off the mythology document for the urban fantasy series we’re developing, then continued the rewrite of the pilot script. Feedback on the first draft was heartening (“Lots of twists and turns and high stakes jeopardy”, “loads of fun” and “Great little horror movie”!) and we received some terrific notes that, once addressed, will no doubt make the script that much better. Came up with a new scene to kick things off, one that establishes our heroine from the get-go. Tightened up the teaser and the first act and just about to write the second flashback scene that will cement “the ritual”. Ideally, I’d love to shave another page (maybe two) before moving on to the second act. If all goes as planned, my writing partner will have a first pass at the second draft awaiting him upon his return to Vancouver.
Gotta say that, as this pilot and series continue to take shape, I grow increasingly excited.
On two fronts, as the initial feedback on the scifi pilot we’re developing has been equally fantastic. A few more entities have to read the script and weigh in (with either notes or a commitment) and then we’ll be on our way. Smooooooth sailing! I’ve already established the major story and character arcs for the proposed first season (that’ll end, like every episode planned, with a shocker), setting things up, seeding clues, and paying things off in a big way – or opening the door to more surprises to come. I also have a fairly detailed sense of what those first seven episodes are going to be – as well as the last four. I’ve yet to decide on #8 and #9. Anyone have any ideas?
In addition, I was informed today by our producing partner that there is a lot of interest in that third project (an SF series based on an existing property) which we should start discussing whenever we come up for air.
Continuing our stroll down SGA memory lane with…
THE LOST TRIBE
(511)
Oops. Mis-titled the last Days of SGA Past entry. First Contact was the first part of the mid-season two-parter while, of course, The Lost Tribe was second.
I remember walking through the Traveler’s ship set with my writing partner, Paul, and thinking: “Damn! We’ve got to find a way to fold this set and store it away for the Dark Matter series. “. Dark. Dirty. More Nostromo than Enterprise. It was, in a word, “perfect”. How were we to know it would be another five years before we’d get a shot.
Marty G. at the controls (photo courtesy MGM Television)
High maintenance Asgard actor holds up the shoot (photo courtesy MGM Television)
Getting into those suits was as much as a chore as trying to walk around in one (photo courtesy of MGM Television
A view from the cockpit (photo courtesy of MGM Television)
Robert Picardo. Loved writing for his character.
The talented and terrific-to-work-with Sharon Taylor and David Nykl
Tagged: Atlantis, SGA, Stargate, Stargate: Atlantis, The Lost Tribe 
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