Joseph Mallozzi's Blog, page 177

December 6, 2020: Suji Sunday!

Helping with the laundry.

All dressed up and somewhere to be.

Looking three years younger!

Sleepy time.

Sneezy!

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December 5, 2020: My lockdown rant

Came across this video on twitter today of a desperate small business owner in California being forced to shut down her outdoor dining area while, some 50 feet away, a film/t.v. crew sets up their own outdoor dining area in advance of a production –

Watch this video, folks. Sound on. pic.twitter.com/Oo6LMdmE1p

— Klavan Squarebeard, first of his name (@SpencerKlavan) December 4, 2020

There has been a massive failure of leadership across the political spectrum.  I look at it as a sliding scale.  On the one end, you have the most egregious: the Republican party that has chosen to address the pandemic by largely ignoring it and/or actively undermining efforts to curb the virus.  There are the Democratic leaders at the state level who have enacted policies and safety measures in an unequal, often illogical (Sending those Covid-positive patients into nursing homes where the most vulnerable reside) manner.  There are the Western governments that have generally been slow to act, choosing optics over the health of their citizens in refusing to enact travel restrictions and then lying about the effectiveness of masks so as to dissuade the general public from purchasing N95’s thereby ensuring enough of a supply for medical professionals – all because our leaders failed to act quickly  at the first signs of trouble.  There are the governments of China and Russia that apparently have the virus “under control” by, let’s face it, having their people “under control”.  And then there are the outliers – the New Zealands and Taiwans, Japans and South Koreas – countries that took immediate, decisive action.  Countries whose citizens came together to fight the virus and keep each other safe, championing the common good over the egocentrism that compels people to complain about masks or pack into third rate barbecue joints.

“We’re all in this together” is a phrase I’ve been hearing a lot over the past few months, usually from politicians imploring us to lockdown and not travel while they dine maskless or vacation in Cabo.  But the phrase clearly has varying applications.  “We’re all in this together” does not mean, for instance, that “all” receive equal government support.  In the U.S., the top 1% have done very well in this pandemic, the stock market and their zombie companies propped up by the Fed while small business owners and regular folks receive a comparable pittance or, in many cases, do without.

Which brings us back to the small business owner in the above video.  Why is it that the same rules don’t apply to everyone?  We’re all in this together after all.  It’s a question I asked a friend of mine who is a working line producer.  “It’s different,”he explained, “because productions are very careful and test three times a week.”  This, of course, begs the question: “Why isn’t everyone being tested three times a week?”  The obvious answer is: “Because there aren’t enough tests.”  Which is why medical professionals are only tested once a week.  Let that sink in.  The individuals risking their lives on the front lines of this pandemic are tested once a week while, back in June, the NBA was testing players and staff daily.

So what’s the answer?  Ideally, a fast-acting and effective vaccine.  But while we’re waiting, how about some support, both emotional and financial, for those in need? How about honesty and consistency in both messaging and policy on the part of our leadership?  How about a little science-based common sense, selflessness, and general empathy on the part of people in general?  Small sacrifices in the face of a looming crisis.  Because if things keep going the way they are, this virus will be just the half of it.

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December 4, 2020: It’s not really Christmas without Tokyo!

Well, sounds like pretty much everyone is staying put this holiday season.  Disappointing for many, I’m sure, but, without a doubt, the right call given present circumstances.  Hopefully sis can set mom up with her internet package by Christmas we can have a festive little zoom chat and look forward to a return to normalcy…  Maybe summer of 2021?  What do you think?

 It’s strange but whenever Christmas rolls around, I really miss Tokyo.  For many years, I would plan my annual Japan trips for early December, at a time when the holiday lights and decorations are in full effect.  Now the Japanese may not celebrate Christmas the same way we do, but, boy, do they ever out-Christmas us nonetheless.  Every year around this time, Tokyo’s Ginza and Shibuya areas transform into veritable winter wonderlands reminiscent of those Hollywood holidays classics.  It always made me wistful for that perfect Christmas atmosphere that really doesn’t exist outside of the movies, but boy did it always put me in a festive spirit.

It’s hard to believe it’s been two years since our last trip!

Since I’m in the Christmas spirit, I’ll be gifting you today these awesome Stargate BTS pictures…

 

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December 3, 2020: Holidays plans! Projects progress! And a little Yes/No!

As you know, I’ve been debating whether or not I should go to Montreal for the holidays.  On the one hand, I haven’t seen mom and sis since Christmas 2019 and I feel I’d be relatively safe staying at mom’s since she has been in lockdown since March.  On the other hand, I worry that my living in an apartment building at the heart of the city could put my 86 year old mother at increased risk.  I was thinking of precautions I could take – renting a car and driving instead of flying, getting tested prior to leaving – and was discussing this with my sister this afternoon when THIS news broke –

https://www.mtlblog.com/en-ca/news/montreal/quebec-has-officially-cancelled-christmas-gatherings

Elderly people living alone are permitted ONE guest – meaning that, if I did go, whenever sis came by, I would have to go outside and wait in her car for the duration of her visit.

Anyway, the decision has been made for me.  This will be my first solo Christmas with Akemi and Suji.

And what are your holidays plans?

While Hollywood sleeps, progress continues on my various projects.  Tomorrow, I complete a first draft of my pilot outline for Project F.  It comes in at a robust 35 pages!  It’s been fun building this rather complex world and characters, and I consider myself fortunate that my commissioning executive is a true sci-fi fan.

Meanwhile, the TimEscape bible and scripts will be going out to a terrific actor in the hopes that he loves the material enough to attach himself to the project.  Fingers crossed because he’s not only talented and would be fantastic in the role, but I hear he is wonderful to work with – which, at the end of the day, is everything.

So, how about a little Yes/No…

Vegan Kale Cake with Applesauce No Sugar Icing? Yes/No
Vegan Kale Cake (with no sugar icing) https://t.co/1ewHVwDdJJ via @Upgrade_My_Food

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) December 3, 2020

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December 2, 2020: Great Comic Book Covers!

Just a few of that caught my eye this week…

Sacred Six #5 – cover art by Lucio Parrillo

Black Widow #4 – cover art by Adam Hughes

Marvel Snapshots: Civil War #1 – cover art by Alex Ross

Batman #104 – cover art by Jorge Jimenez

Batwoman/Catwoman #1 – cover art by Travis Charest

Strange Adventures #7 – cover art by Evan “Doc” Shaner

Far Sector #9 – cover art by Jamal Campbell

Backtrack #9 – cover art by Marco D’Alfonso

So, which were your favorites?

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December 1, 2020: Recommendations! And pictures!

Just finished this series and was, to be honest, pleasantly surprised.  The reason?  Because lately, whenever a show has been talked up to this degree, it’s ended up being a massive disappointment.  For me anyway.  It would seem that critics and viewers are confiscating productions they desperately WANT to be good with productions that actually ARE good.  But this was one of the rare occasions where everyone was right.  Highly recommended.

And season 2 sounds amazing!

I’m also pleased to recommend a terrific book, this one a novel written by Adrian Tchaikovsky who is fast becoming one of my favorite contemporary sci-fi authors.

An astronaut loses more than his way when he and his fellow team members explore a strange alien artefact.

Greatly appreciate everyone who has checked in to let us know how you’re all doing during this pandemic.  Please continue to keep us updated.

Photos from the SGU vault.  Actor Louis Ferreira with the helmet cam!

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November 30, 2020: Snow Monkeys poised!

Well now.  How grand is this?  As the penultimate week in my Snow Monkeys’ regular season schedule draws to a close, they seem poised to wrack up a decisive win…

…thereby securing not only a playoff spot, but a first round bye.  Meaning that, instead of agonizing over waiver picks and starts and sits (There will be time for that later), I can relax and shift focus to weeks 15 and 16 and the semi-finals and championship match-ups.  The hope, of course, is that I’ll be facing off against either Ivon Bartok’s Running Dead or Alex Levine’s Superspreaders, but at this point it’s all about positioning.

Could this be the year my Snow Monkeys take it all?

I remain cautiously optimistic.

Okay, Dark Matter fans.  Who’s ready to talk Episode 9 with me, the gang at Orville Nation, and actor Russell Yuen (aka Ryo’s mentor, Akita-san)?  Join us later today!

TONIGHT …on DARK MATTER MONDAY!!!!

STARGATE and DARK MATTER EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
JOE MALLOZZI @BaronDestructo

And Actor @RUSSELLYUEN

November 29, 2020: Suji Sunday!

 Rudolph’s understudy.

Santa’s little helper.

Head shot for her new book jacket.

Melty sleepy.

Reflecting on life.

Cookies Monster!

Join us tomorrow night for a discussion Dark Matter Episode with the gang at Orville Nation and special guest star Russell Yuen (Akita-san!).

Join us for a discussion of S01 EP 09 on #DarkMatterMondays at 5:30e. It’s 1 of the hippest shows ever made #DarkMatter With host @nation_orville & Special Guest @BaronDestructo #TVTime #TVShows #Darkmatter enjoy the promo I made & sung for this episode preview. pic.twitter.com/LES6MJEXUF

— GapStargate aka SGCGate (@sgcgate) November 28, 2020

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November 28, 2020: Checking in!

So, how is everyone doing?  Things grow increasingly crazy out there and I’d like to know how our extended blog family is doing.  Sound off in the comments section.

A little Yes/No…

Gravy Box Burger Meal? Yes/Nohttps://t.co/wbK77asAcd

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) November 28, 2020

I leave you today with some behind the scene photos of my buddy, Peter DeLuise, calling the shots on Dark Matter Episode 209…

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November 27, 2020: What to watch? What to read? What to complain about? Oh yeah!

While 2020 wasn’t a great reading year for me, it has been a terrific anime year.  I finished up my 14th series today and have a few more lined up to close out December.  I considered alternating between live action and anime, but the last Netflix series I watched shit the narrative bed in explosive diarrhea-like fashion in its finale and I have no desire to invest my time on another massive disappointment.  Maybe I should also consider looking into some of the latest comic book titles.  It has been a while.  I’ve also had a hankering for an epic scifi read.  Something along the lines of Iain M. Banks’ Culture series or Michael Flynn’s Wreck of the River of Stars.  Many of the more recent “space epics” I have read have disappointed, even (especially) those critical darlings.  So, any recommendations?

In Toronto, we’re in what’s been referred to as a “Grey Lockdown”, a perfectly appropriate naming given that nothing is clear or seems to be based on actual science-based evidence.  From what I understand, gyms, barbers, hair salons, and small business are closed.  Restaurants are only open for delivery.  Big box stores are open because, I guess, they slip more money into local political coffers.  Large assemblies are to be avoided at all costs.  Unless, of course, we’re talking about schools in which case just go ahead and pack ’em in.  Meanwhile, somewhere in the city, covidiots are losing their shit because they aren’t being allowed to eat brisket indoors.

I think we can all agree that, for the most part, western nations have really dropped the ball during this pandemic.  It’s just been one long, extended screw-up across the political spectrum.  At the end of the day, it hasn’t affected my hermit-like existence, but I feel the need to state the obvious.  And, by the looks of things, it’s just going to get worse between now and February of next year.

Stay safe!  Wear your masks!  And keep taking your vitamin D!

Answers to yesterday’s mascot quiz:

1.E, 2.B, 3.D, 4.I, 5.A, 6.J, 7.C, 8.G, 9.H, 10.F

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