Joseph Mallozzi's Blog, page 397

January 4, 2015: Introducing…Director T.J. Scott!

One of the most important decisions we had to make early in process was the selection of our first director.  Whoever we chose would be shooting our first two episodes and, as such, would not only be responsible for setting the tone for the series, but would be charged with the task of “working out” any early issues that happened to present themselves (and, for a new production, a few do inevitably crop out). We needed someone with a sharp narrative sense and a great visual style, a visionary capable of delivering a dynamic story, nuanced character moments, and kick-ass action sequences – on budget and on schedule.  We needed the ultimate pro – and we got him in director T.J. Scott.

T.J. oversees the concept meeting for episodes #101 and #102.

Some of you are probably familiar with his work even if you may not immediately realize it.  Xena: Warrior Princess, La Femme Nikita, Spartacus: War of the Damned, Orphan Black and Gotham are just a few of the shows on his extensive resume.

T.J. on a location scout, considering a possible #102 reactor room.

And there’s also this: https://www.flickr.com/photos/tj_scott/sets/72157625670731438/, a massive coffee table book comprised of gorgeous celebrity photographs, all shot by the man himself.  Over 150 “models” from film, fashion, music and television,  stripped down for this project – and a good cause.  100% of the profits from the sales of these books are donated to Breast Cancer Research.  You can order your own copy here: http://www.amazon.ca/In-Tub-TJ-Scott/dp/0988738503

Stunt Coordinator John Stead and Director T.J. Scott plan the “last stand” sequence.

It’s been amazing seeing him work.  He’s been all over prep, pitching ideas, overseeing all meetings, leading the creative charge as we accelerate toward production.

Smart, inventive, cool under pressure – and a hell of a nice guy.  I instantly knew I’d like him when, for our very first meeting, he insisted we discuss the show over oysters and beer.

These next few weeks are going to be a blast!

https://twitter.com/tjscottpictures

Tagged: Dark Matter, Dark Matter t.v. series, Dark Matter the series, Science Fiction Television, scifi, scifi television, SF, SF television, T.J. Scott

January 3, 2014: Stormracer!

We left Montreal early(ish) this morning, hoping to beat the storm front before it rolled into Ontario.  And we almost made it.  About an hour out from Toronto, we were blanketed – first snow, then rain.  It made things interesting – and a lot slower – but we eventually arrived, safe and soaked.

Awaiting for us back at our T.O. place were a couple of boxes c/o Akemi’s father in Japan.  Before leaving for the holidays, we sent him a nice warm Christmas coat -

Clearly thrilled, he sent Akemi a little something to combat the winter chill.  Warm pants, tea, and a lifetime’s supply of hot pockets:

Well, we’re all settled in.  The dogs are napping, Akemi’s surfing the net, and I’m watching football, perusing some of the photos of our last couple of days in Montreal…

Ralphie and Sis

Akemi’s dog food sushi (aka dog food omelet)

Mom and Sis

My smoked meat sandwich and potato latke at Smoke Meat Pete

One more day of R&R and then it’s full-throttle prep as we speed toward the commence- er, the, uh, “cameras start rolling”.  Some of the upcoming highlights, according to the quadruple goldenrod prep schedule, include cast costume fittings, production meeting, a playback look-see, a post-production work flow discussion, hair/makeup/camera tests on set with the cast, a tone meeting, and the cast read-through.

And it only gets busier from there!

January 2, 2014: Outracing the storm!

The plan is to leave tomorrow morning to avoid the snowstorm due to hit Montreal on Sunday.  More importantly, it’s a storm front rolling in from Toronto that will be blitzing Ontario Saturday afternoon so its imperative we get out and in in advance of the bad weather – and, of course, the kick-off of the first divisional wildcard game this weekend.  Speaking of which – I’m picking the Colts to take it all this year, partly because I think they’re capable, but mostly because I picked them as a 35-1 pre-season longshot while I was in Vegas.  Ideally, they’ll be playing the Green Back Packers who were my NFC pre-season pick at 12-1.

As I depart my hometown of Montreal, I leave behind many memories.  Memories of the odd nick-nacks  that adorn my family home:

“The Holy Grail” is how my buddy Lawrence used to refer to it back in high school.  Actually, it’s a soup tureen.  Thankfully, my mom recognizes its garishness and has never actually served soup out of it.  But that hasn’t stopped her from giving it a place of honor on the central basement shelf.

Creepy Pinocchio hails from what my writing partner, Paul, calls the line of “German Wooden Toys”.  You know, toys that only elderly relatives find endearing.  The kind of toys a kid would NEVER play with.

This one is, I believe, a fairly recent addition to the oddball collection.  Apparently, it’s art.  No, really.

The eyes follow you around the room!

A taste of the old country.  Then again, it could be Greek.  Not really sure what’s being depicted here but the guy at the bottom is certainly getting the worst of it.  As is often the case.

When I was a kid, I’d always unstopper this bottle, hoping I would release my very own Jeannie.

Next week, it’s the final ramp-up towards commencement of principal photography on the first season of Dark Matter.  In addition, I’ve got a few more behind-the-scenes personalities to introduce including a director, a stunt coordinator, a visual effects supervisor – and many more.  I’d also like to offer a little insight into the casting process, as well as a first look at some of our ship designs.

Stay tuned!

January 1, 2015: Happy New Year!

Here at Casa Mallozzi, we ran in the New Year in traditional fashion: eating, drinking, waiting an interminable four and half hours for the ball to drop in Times Square, toasting 2015, and then cutting up the New Year bread-cake so that Akemi can inevitably find the lucky coin baked inside.

La Bombe!

New Year’s Resolutions:

1. Eat better

2. Exercise more

3. Read 100 books

4. Make awesome t.v. show

According to my sister’s friend, you should start the year doing what you want to be doing for the rest of the year.  For instance, sis will be depositing a check.  Me, I spent some time this afternoon working on Dark Matter, tracking the various character arcs, influenced as they are by the myriad twists, turns, and surprises that will be thrown their way over the course of our 13 episode first season.

Oh, speaking of my sister – to those inquiring about what laid her up for the past week and had her spending 18+ hours at the hospital emergency…mystery solved! It wasn’t a blood clot or pleurisy or the flu.  To quote Andria:

“After two clinic visits, two sets of x-rays, and two rounds of antibiotics, I wasn’t better.  I went to emergency the day before yesterday and after 18 hours, blood work, more x-rays, an ECG, a CT scan, and a heart ultrasound, they finally noticed I have a fractured rib.  No clue how I did it.”

Mom’s neighbour across the street said she suffered the same injury…sneezing. Having learned her lesson, she cautioned us to avoid high risk activity – like sneezing, coughing, or laughing.

December 31, 2014: Best Books of 2014!

“Top 25?!”said Paul.  “How many books did you read this year?”

Well, after the paltry 65 I got through in 2013, I decided to make a concerted effort to improve on that embarrassing number in 2014.  My goal was a lofty 120 – which I ended up far exceeding, racking up a very respectable 180 books on the year (and I could have done even better had I not been distracted by this pesky production).

Let’s be real.  Most Best of the Year lists are full of crap, lazily lauding critical darlings or rewarding mere premise over execution (I’m tempted to compile a list of “Top 10 Worst Books That Made Everyone Else’s Top 10 Best Books”).  This, on the other hand, is my diverse list of the books that truly resonated with me this year; books I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend.  And do!

So, yeah.  Top 25.  But then, after I started compiling my list, I realized I was excluding some terrific books – and so, I expanded it to a Top 30.  And, eventually, 35.

Many of these books were published prior to this year – but I’ve indicated the 2014 releases with an asterisk (*) and capped my countdown with a mini Top 10 Titles of 2014 list.

All to say – here are the books I most enjoyed reading between January 1st and December 31st (inclusive!) of this year.  It’s a nice eclectic mix covering everything from graphic novels and genre (horror, fantasy, SF, mystery) to general fiction and non-fiction.

What titles made your list?

*35. BIRD BOX by Josh Malerman

A series of bizarre murder-suicides in Russia pique the media’s interest, but when these horrific incidents begin to proliferate and start striking closer to home, the world descends into a blind panic. Rumour spreads that people are being driven insane by the sight of some mysterious otherworldly entities and, soon, people have retreated into their homes, covering up their windows, refusing to open their eyes if they venture outdoors.  A helluva page-turner.

*34. THE ROAD TO RECKONING by Robert Lautner

You can almost smell the gun smoke, sweat, and campfire in this gritty Western character piece about a young boy, orphaned after his father’s murder, who enlists the help of an ornery bastard to get him home.  Smart and absorbing.

*33. FROSTBORN by Lou Anders

Award-winning editor Lou Anders first novel is a Norse-inspired, adventure-fueled tale for young fantasy enthusiasts. Karn, a young farmer-to-be, strikes up an unlikely friendship with Thianna, a half-giantess, to take on undead forces, an ancient dragon, troublesome trolls, an opportunistic uncle, and more! If you’re looking to inspire your child to follow in your Martin/Eddings/Jordan-loving footsteps, then this book is a great place to start.

32. ANCILLARY JUSTICE – Anne Leckie

The mysterious Breq is much more (and less!) than she appears. Once a military starship possessed of Artificial Intelligence, she now exists as merely one of the thousands of former ancillaries (a.k.a. corpse soldiers) that live as extensions of her former self. Reduced to a single fragile human body, fueled by the memories of her powerful past, she sets out on a seemingly impossible mission of vengeance. Sound cool? Well, it is. And smart. I haven’t read an SF novel this engrossing in quite a while.

31. A CALCULATED LIFE By Anne Charnock

In the late 21st century, society has stratified into the haves (genetically-enhanced individuals who live comfortable lives free of addiction and crime) and the have-nots (drudge workers who live in segregated, crime-ridden communities). Our protagonist, Jayna, is a hot up-and-comer at a corporation that track global trends. She has the perfect job, the perfect life and yet, she can’t help but feel that something is…off. Perfection aint all it’s cracked up to be and when Jayna decides to inject a little unpredictability into her ordered existence, things take a turn for the dangerous.

30. SCHRODER by Amity Gaige

In the heat of a custody battle, a desperate father takes his daughter on an ill-advised extended road trip. It’s one of several big errors in judgement that lead our protagonist down an inevitably heartbreaking path. The fairly straightforward premise belies a surprising complexity in this touching and tragic tale. On the surface, not “the type of book” I’d enjoy – but I was thoroughly engrossed.

29. THE INVERTED WORLD by Christopher Priest

A city moves along a railroad track in constant, laborious progress, attempting to keep up with something called “the optimum” – or risk losing pace and falling victim to a gravitational field that has warped space and time. This is a truly bizarre work of science fiction that jumps between multiple narrative styles in telling a story that is both grounded in its characters yet intellectually and creatively provocative in its conceit. At times, I felt like I was reading Leigh Brackett’s The Long Tomorrow – on acid.

*28. TO RISE AGAIN AT A DECENT HOUR by Joshua Ferris

Online identity theft turns a middle-aged dentist’s life upside-down in this wickedly dark novel about self, faith, and the inherent dangers of not flossing.

27. The Circle by Dave Eggers

Our young heroine lands a job working for The Circle, a cutting edge internet company that is Google, Facebook, and Yahoo rolled into one. Before she knows it, she is at the forefront of a wave of technological advancements that will revolutionize social interaction. But at what price? A smart, scary book that explores the potentially insidious consequences of our increasingly “connected” lives.  Delivers a powerful message on our increasing willingness to relinquish privacy and freedom in exchange for convenience.

26. Red Country by Joe Abercrombie

Joe Abercrombie has distinguished himself in a fairly crowded field, delivering gritty, visceral, yet darkly humorous tales that fly in the face of established high fantasy conventions. His world-building is as unique and richly textured as the colorful characters who battle and banter their way through his stories, and I list him among my very favorite authors. Period. Beginning with his first book, The Blade Itself, and continuing through five subsequent novels, I can honestly say “I’ve never read an Abercrombie book I haven’t loved.”.  Red Country is Joe at his consistent best, a story about a young girl, Shy South, who sets off to rescue her younger siblings from a group of murderous outlaws. She is aided in her quest by Lamb, her (seemingly) spineless soft-spoken stepfather, and the unlikeliest of allies in a group of risk-averse mercenaries. A hell of a lot of fun.

*25. ANNIHILATION by Jeff VanderMeer

A team of four women set out to explore a mysterious region known as Area X. By all accounts, they are the twelfth group to journey into the bizarre amazon-like territory. All of the previous expeditions have ended badly, marked by murders, suicides, disappearances, and, in the case of the eleventh, the inexplicable return of its members, sickened and psychologically broken by their experience. Our narrator, a biologist, apprises us of her team’s progress as they venture deep into Area X, making strange discoveries and unearthing hidden agendas, all the while dogged by a creeping suspicion that all is not right…

24. The Last Policeman by Ben H. Winters

A great near-future thriller that follows Detective Henry Palace in his investigation of a suspicious suicide – amidst the backdrop of societal breakdown as the world prepares for the apocalyptic arrival of Asteroid 2011GV.  While the clock ticks down toward an extinction level event, suicides abound and people abandon all to pursue their bucket lists, but Henry demonstrates single-minded focus.  The first book in a three part series, each focusing on a different investigation – and the continuing erosion of civilization.

23. House of Sand and Fog by Andre Dubus III

A clerical error sparks a property dispute between a former Iranian Air Force Colonel and a recovering addict, a conflict fueled by desperation and pride that eventually leads to tragic consequences. Dubus does a masterful job of presenting us with the very real and very sympathetic people on both sides of the issue. This one will stay with you.

22. Summer House with Swimming Pool by Herman Koch

Herman Koch excels at developing fascinating morally ambiguous, occasionally sociopathic characters – and his books are the opposite of feel-good summer reads.  So, with that warning in mind, prepare to be thoroughly engrossed by this novel about a physician to the stars who faces some serious legal consequences after one of his celebrity patients dies following a botched medical procedure.

21. Mistress of the Art of Death by Ariana Franklin

After a series of horrific child murders casts suspicion on the local Jewish community (a valuable tax source for the English court), King Henry II brings in a brilliant coroner, educated at the school of medicine in Salerno, to lead the investigation.  The only hitch – she’s a woman.  Operating at a time in England when female doctors are about as prevalent as tennis rackets, our protagonist, Adelia, must feign assistantship to her own assistant in order to solve the murders.  A great historical mystery.

*20. We Are the Goldens by Dana Reinhardt

A story of two sisters and their incredible bond. Nell and Layla are inseparable, the best of friends, drawn even closer by their parents’ divorce. But Nell begins to notice a change in her sister. Layla becomes withdrawn and secretive, and Nell suspects it may have something to do with a popular high school teacher. Restrained and real.

*19. Can’t We Talk about Something More Pleasant?  by Roz Chast

At times reminiscent of Art Spiegelman’s brilliant graphic novel Maus in its depiction of the relationship between aging parents and their middle-aged offspring, this bittersweet memoir traces artist Roz Chast’s struggles to care for her increasingly infirm mother and father as they deal with their loss of independence, their health and, eventually, each other.  At times very funny and at times heartbreaking, it’s an eye-opening account of the realities that await us all.

*18. Afterlife with Archie (Escape from Riverdale) by Roberto Aguire-Sacasa

Archie Andrews and the gang from Riverdale face a zombie apocalypse when their high school dance is crashed by the undead, forcing them to take refuge at Lodge Manor. Surprisingly dark, this grim take on the hitherto silly comic is shockingly effective. Right up there with The Walking Dead and World War Z.

17. N0S4A2 by Joe Hill

Hill finally comes into his own with an unsettling story about missing kids, a dark fantasy land, and a creepy yet surprisingly nuanced villain. A standout read.

16. Going Clear by Lawrence Wright

A history of scientology and its frighteningly far reach. Terrifying.

15. Hyperbole and a Half by Allie Brosh

I generally hate blog books but this one is the exception.  Incisive, engaging, and very, very funny, it’s complimented by some perfect and perfectly hilarious illustrations.

*14. Dear Committee Members by Julie Schumacher

Jason Fitger writes a lot of reference letters.  A lot of woeful, meandering, passive-aggressive, unintentionally offensive reference letters that, if nothing else, offer tragic-comic insight into the world of their author, an embittered professor of creative writing at a small liberal arts school.  The book, a hilarious collection of his (un)professional missives, will have you carefully reconsidering the next time you ask someone for a professional recommendation.

*13. The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August by Claire North

Many will no doubt draw comparisons to Kate Atkinson’s much-hyped Life After Life given the similar premise – a protagonist is continually reborn after death, reliving his/her life over and over – but whereas Atkinson’s heroine has no knowledge of her past experiences, North’s hero does and this makes for a completely different and (in my opinion) far more interesting narrative.  Armed with the memories of what came before, Harry August discovers others like him, time traveling kalachakra, who hold the secret to saving the world – and ending it.

*12. In the Kingdom of Ice by Hampton Sides

Historical documents, journals, and personal accounts are used to reconstruct the ill-fated polar voyage of the USS Jeanette and its 33 man crew who are forced to undertake a grueling thousand mile journey across the frozen Arctic when their ship goes down in icy waters.  Harrowing.

11. Thirteen Hours by Deon Meyer

When a young American backpacker turns up dead in Capetown and her friend disappears, Detective Benny Griessel is tasked with the politically-charged job finding the missing girl.  The narrative jumps back and forth between the official investigation and the young woman on the run in this highly suspenseful, immensely captivating page-turner.  Impossible to put down, I read this novel in a single night, staying up until 2:00 a.m to finish it.

*10. Saga by Brian K. Vaughan

It’s an going series, so I’m including it as a 2014 release.  Two former soldiers, deserters, and star-crossed lovers from opposing sides of an interplanetary conflict attempt to put the war behind them and raise their daughter with the help of some unlikely allies.  But their pasts come back to haunt them in the form of some even unlikelier enemies – and otherworldly complications.  The comic book version of an intricately plotted, character-driven cable drama.  Fiercely original.

*9. The Troop by Nick Cutter

A field trip to an isolated island takes a horrific turn for a group of young boys when their scout leader welcomes an emaciated stranger into their camp. It’s a horror version of Lord of Flies that is at turns harrowing, humorous, and thoroughly engaging. Wonderfully written. It’s heads and shoulders above most novels in the genre.

8. Super Graphic by Tim Leong

This visual guide to the comic book universe uses pie charts, venn diagrams, bar graphs, maps, and trajectories to highlight fun facts. Whether it’s a rundown of DC’s alternate Earths, the pizza particulars of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, the alliances and connections of the denizens of Sin City, a Walking Dead kill counter, a map of Tintin’s travels, or a taxonomy of animal-named characters, there’s something here for most every fan to geek-out over. LOVED it!

7. The Lions of Al-Rassan by Guy Gavriel Kay

Moorish Spain (or a fictional version thereof) is the backdrop of this sweeping historical fantasy involving sieges, warfare, diabolical plots, courtly intrigue, crosses, double-crosses, friendship, and romance. At heart of it all are three protagonists whose backgrounds and alliances lead them on intersecting paths both heroic and tragic. Brilliant world-building and wonderfully nuanced characters. My introduction to the works of author Guy Gavriel Kay novel. Highly recommended.

6. Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

When his wife goes missing, family and friends rally in support of her distressed husband – until evidence surfaces suggesting he may have had a hand in her disappearance.  As suspicion mounts and the onion is peeled on a less than ideal marriage, the reader discovers that appearances can be very deceiving.  Replete with twists and turns, a compelling read.

*5. Half a King by Joe Abercrombie

Young Prince Yarvi is son to the King of Gettland.  Born with only one good hand and no aspirations to the throne, he has grown up in the shadow of his older brother.  But when his father and brother fall in battle, it falls on him to avenge them.  His scheming uncle has other plans, however, and Yarvi is betrayed and sold into slavery.  And so, it’s from his lowly position as a galley rower riding the Shattered Sea that his quest for revenge begins, one that will see him forge alliances with reprobates and renegades, battle fierce adversaries, and, ultimately, reforge himself into a force to be reckoned with.

4. This is Where I Leave You by Jonathan Tropper

To honor the memory of his recently deceased father, Judd Altman learns he must sit shiva, spending the week in mourning with his fractured family.  Disparate personalities clash as unresolved issues resurface in this wickedly humorous novel.

3. The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion

Don Tillman, a brilliant but socially inept professor of genetics, comes up with the optimal means to finding his ideal companion: a sixteen page questionnaire designed to weed out unsuitable candidates and zero in on his perfect match.  His scientifically sound approach to love yields unexpected results in this touching and thoroughly charming novel.

*2. We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves by Karen Joy Fowler

Inspired by an experiment in the 1930’s in which a husband and wife research team raised a baby chimp in their home as a member of their family, this novel offers a fictional account of a similar experiment run some sixty years later – and its heartbreaking effects on those involved. Our narrator is Rosemary, a woman who reflects back on her childhood, growing up with a human brother and chimpanzee sister – until the dark day her sister, Fern, was taken away. The loss of their beloved family members has far-reaching consequences for all of them. Some fifteen years later, Rosemary attempts to learn the truth about her sister’s fate.  Humorous and poignant.

1. The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls

The book opens with our narrator, Jeannette, on her way to a New York City function, when her cab stops beside a homeless women rooting through the trash. Upon closer scrutiny, Jeannette realizes that homeless woman is, in fact, her mother. And so begins one of the most amazing books I’ve read in recent memory. The blurb on the back of the jacket does it an enormous disservice, painting it as a bleak autobiographical account of woman growing up in an abusive family. It’s actually quite touching, uplifting – and incredibly funny, reminiscent of David Sedaris at his very darkest. One of my Top 10 books of all time. Go read it!

MY TOP 10 BOOKS OF 2014

#10 – We Are the Goldens by Dana Reinhardt

#9 – Can’t We Talk about Something More Pleasant? by Roz Chast

#8 – Afterlife with Archie (Escape from Riverdale) by Roberto Aguire-Sacasa

#7 – Dear Committee Members by Julie Schumacher

#6 – The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August by Claire North

#5 – In the Kingdom of Ice by Hampton Sides

#4 – Saga by Brian K. Vaughan

#3 – The Troop by Nick Cutter

#2 – Half a King by Joe Abercrombie

#1 – We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves by Karen Joy Fowler

Happy New Year!

Tagged: 10 Best Books of 2014, A Calculated Life, Afterlife with Archie, Allie Brosh, Amity Gaige, Ancillary Justice, Andre Dubus III, Anne Charnock, Anne Leckie, Annihilation, Ariana Franklin, Ben H. Winters, Best Books of 2014, Bird Box, Brian K. Vaughan, Can't We Talk about Something More Pleasant?, Christopher Priest, Claire North, Dana Reinhardt, Dave Eggers, Dear Committee Members, Deon Meyer, Frostborn, Gillian Flynn, Going Clear, Gone Girl, Graeme Simsion, Guy Gabriel Kay, Half A King, Hampton Sides, Herman Koch, House of Sand and Fog, Hyperbole and a Half, In the Kingdom of Ice, Jeannette Walls, Jeff Vandermeer, Joe Abercrombie, Joe Hill, Jonathan Tropper, Josh Malerman, Joshua Ferris, Julie Schumacher, Karen Joy Fowler, Lawrence Wright, Lou Anders, Mistress of the Art of Death, N0S4A2, Nick Cutter, Red Country, Robert Lautner, Roberto Aguire-Sacasa, Rose Chast, Saga, Schroder, Summer House with Swimming Pool, Super Graphic, The Circle, The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August, The Glass Castle, The Inverted World, The Last Policeman, The Lions of Al-Rassan, The Road to Reckoning, The Rosie Project, The Troop, Thirteen Hours, This is Where I Leave You, Tim Leong, To Rise Again at a Decent Hour, Top 10 Books of 2014, Top Books of 2014, We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves, We Are The Goldens

December 30, 2014: Exercise! Friends! And maple maple maple!

“You shouldn’t do CrossFit.  You should do Peanutty X.”

- Akemi this morning as she watched me struggle my way through my workout.

Yes, it’s been a while.  But my buddies, Lawrence and Bruce, have inspired me to resume my daily exercise routine despite the absence of a home gym.  Today, I kicked things off with:

15 lunging stretches

15 overhead squats

15 sit-ups

15 back extensions

15 push-ups

15 dips

Repeated three times.

With my warm-up out of the way, it was on to the actual workout:

24 air squats

24 push-ups

24 walking lunge steps

A 400 meter run

Repeated six times

My post work-out celebration

Once I was done, I was DONE.

I think I may follow Akemi’s advice and give Peanutty X a try.

Between work on the show, the holiday eating, and sitting around watching old episodes of Murder She Wrote with mom, I fear I may no longer be in tip top shape.  And so, I’ve decided that things are going to change.  My attitude!  My commitment to exercise!  My diet!

Next year.  After all, I’m still on vacation.  I still have time to squeeze in a few great meals.

Last night, for instance, I met up with a bunch of my Montreal friends for dinner at Moishes Steakhouse.

Bruce, aka Sushi-man (because he once ate 40 pieces of sushi in one sitting.  Note: Since publishing this post, Bruce reminded me that it was actually 65 pieces of sushi.  Bruce: “I eat 40 pieces running for the bus..”), focused on some hilarious cat video on the left; Nigel, aka Supa (because he is), our Master of Ceremonies, who dislikes cooking so much he once lived in a place without a stove…for six years!

Ron, fellow Japan enthusiast and an amazing photographer (https://500px.com/ronthemon) who is supposed to be visiting Tokyo with me some day.

And Jason, family man and devoted reader of this blog.

My 45 day aged rib steak.  It was very good – for a North American cut.  Still, nothing beats a nice piece of wagyu.  I tried actual Kobe beef for the first time back in Tokyo in 2004 and was so blown away that I was unable to eat North American steak for years.

I convinced Bruce to have dessert.  Then asked him to pose for this photo which I’ll be forwarding to Crossfit HQ.

After dinner, Akemi and I swung by the hospital where my sis was waiting – and waiting, and waiting – to be seen by a doctor, then for blood test results that, ultimately, discounted the possibility of a blood clot to explain the pain she’s been suffering for days now.  She’d been there since noon – and it was 11 p.m.!  A day earlier, my friend brought his mother to hospital emergency – and waited eight hours before eventually giving up.  Compare this to Vancouver where I’ve never had to wait more than an hour to be seen by a doctor, either at a hospital or a clinic.  When I mentioned this to my dining companions, they had their own horror stories to offer.  I was told you’d be better off making the drive to Cornwall, Ontario than trying your luck at a hospital in Quebec.  Even factoring in the six hour drive (three there and three back), it’s actually faster!

Anyway, we picked up her house keys, then swung by her place to let the dogs out – and spend some quality time with them.

A wistful Ralph awaits Andria’s return.

Earlier in the day, Akemi and I returned to Old Montreal for a stroll, some crepes, and lots and lots of maple syrup-themed eats!

We discovered a Maple Museum in the basement of a shop specializing in maple treats.

Follow the snow shoes.

They’re empty.  I checked.

I’d forgotten my hat at home so I picked up a new one – that Akemi fell in love with and claimed for herself.  Well, it looks better on her anyway.

Akemi had a maple cookie, a bag of maple popcorn, and some tire d’erable (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maple_taffy).  She was flying high on a sugar high for most of the early afternoon – then passed out on the car ride home and napped through the rest of the afternoon.

Tomorrow – finally – it’s my Best Reads of 2014!

December 29, 2014: This Blog’s 2014 Year in Review!

This entry will mark my 2989th post here on WordPress!  11 more to go to the big 3000!

148 600+ comments and counting!

Readers visitors this blog from 197 countries, everywhere from the U.S, the U.K., and Canada to Fiji, Turkmenistan, Papua New Guinea, New Caledonia, Cuba, and Greenland!

On to our annual countdown of this blog’s most prolific commenters.

Counting down the Top 5 of 2014:

gforce, welcome to the Top 5!  Impressive, but I nevertheless expect you to improve on your 278 comments in 2015, especially with the Dark Matter poised for a summer premiere!

Randomness, never the bride or the bridesmaid or the sister of the bridesmaid but always the sister of the bridesmaid’s best friend.  Your second year in a row at the #4 spot!  Still, a great effort.

Ponytail, congrats for taking the #3 position for the second year in a row!  Your commenting has tailed off a little from last year so I’m going to need you to set aside at least one hobby and focus more on goings on here on the blog.

Tam Dixon, after climbing from #3 to #2 last year, you managed to make a run at the #1 spot – but still came up short.  Still, very well done.  And there’s always 2015!

And now, for the #1 commenter of 2014…

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And STILL CHAMPION – three years running!

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das – a big congratulations!  And thanks for leading the way!  I fully expect you to be in the running for the 2015 title as well!

As always, thanks to everyone who took the time to post, read, and visit this blog.

2015 will be the year of Dark Matter so stay tuned for plenty of behind-the-scenes pics, videos, and insights – in addition to our regular programming!

December 28, 2014: Old Montreal! Le Bremner!

Last night, Akemi and I visited Old Montreal, my neighborhood of choice should we ever get a place here.  It’s beautiful, especially this time of year -

After taking a stroll, we headed over to our dining destination on this night: Le Bremner, sister restaurant to Garde Manger.  There’s no signage outside the restaurant so, if you go, make sure you check the address.

A few of the culinary highlights -

Akemi’s hake and maple dashi clam chowder.  She loved it – but found it too rich and could finish it.  So I finished it for her.

The lobster BLT

Pancakes and sucre a la creme Pimms butter.

Equally terrific were the Jerusalem Artichoke 3 ways, the lamb heart & remoulade, and my lamb neck cavetelli.

Our dining companions: my friend (and future collaborator?) Anne-Marie Perrotta and her fiancé  Jerome.

More good times – and equally good eating.  But when I get back to Toronto, I’m ON THE PROGRAM!

No.  Really.

Tagged: Old Montreal

December 27, 2014: Jelly works up an appetite!

Too much fiber in her diet!

 

Tagged: Dogs, pug, pugs, senior pugs

December 26, 2014: Getting together with Buddy! And Mrs. Buddy!

Today, I spent the afternoon with my buddy (Lawrence) and his wife (Mrs. Buddy). I’d heard they were having  a little family get-together and, well, considering myself family, I decided to attend.  Festivities officially got underway after 1 p.m., but official start times are for suckers.  If got there early so that I could scope out the eats and squirrel away the choice cookies and dessert squares.

As most of you probably don’t know, Lawrence is my oldest and dearest buddy, our friendship stretching way back to high school when I first encountered him, indirectly, during a gym class football game.  Our Phys Ed teacher, playing quarterback of course, feathered a touch pass my way as I was running a slant route across the middle of the field.  The ball bounced off my hands, and dropped to the ground.  “Nice catch, Lawrence,”he snarked.  “Lawrence?”I wondered.  “Who’s Lawrence?”

Well, actually, it wasn’t Lawrence back then.  Back in high school, before the name change, it was…something else.  I can’t recall.  But I do remember he had to change it to avoid confusion with some other similarly named individual, though far more famous individual.  I think it was C3PO.

Anyway, all that to say we eventually did meet and have remained good friends ever since.  Whenever I’m in town, getting together is always a top priority so that we can reconnect, rehash old times, and cackle incessantly at each other’s jokes, much to the chagrin of our weary significant others.  And so it was today, between lasagna and homemade cheesecake squares.  We had a few laughs, he gave me the grand tour of the renovations being done to his place (and some of the treasures unearthed in the process: vintage hockey cards, an old Batman relic, a mummified ear!), and proudly showed off some of his painstakingly assembled collections (champagne bottles, fridge magnets, back issues of Redbook!).

Good times, good times!

Stop motion magic of Buddy and Mrs. Buddy in action

Ah, this takes me back to my buddys’ wedding – lovingly captured in these two blog entries:

https://josephmallozzi.wordpress.com/2010/10/10/october-9-2010-wedding-day/

https://josephmallozzi.wordpress.com/2010/10/11/october-11-2010-10-10-10-lawrences-big-day/

More good times, good times!