Joseph Mallozzi's Blog, page 439

November 28, 2013: A Thanksgiving mailbag!

Happy Thanksgiving to our American viewers!  How are your turduckens and piecakens coming along?  Let’s see the pics!

Hey!  When’s the last time we did a mailbag?

Maggiemayday writes: “I’m looking at planning my 2015 spring vacation and Vancouver is an option. So, is April or May a decent time to visit? We visited Vermont one spring and it was closed. Whole darn state.”

Answer: Unlike baseball, and presumably Vermont, Vancouver is never rained out. Having said that, April-May is the tail-end of the rainy season – that usually begins in September.

glowyzoey writes: “ The regular actors and guest stars didn’t always pronounce Jaffa and Go’al’ud (and I forget how to spell the latter!) the same way. Did anyone care or did it become a thing with the cast and crew and done deliberately wrong,”

Elliott Goa’uld

Answer: Yeah, the varied pronunciations of “goa’uld” became a running joke behind-the-scenes.  Some were sticklers for correctly enunciation “go-a-uld” while others, ie. Rick, liked to have fun with the word.  As seasons passed, most of our human characters went with “goold” less out of laziness than a suggested disrespect for the l alien symbiotes.  As opposed to the amazing Beau Bridges who stuck to “go-a-uld” because he was good friends with actor Elliott Gould.  No, really.

gforce writes: “ In the first episode of SGU, as people came through the gate, they were thrown forcefully out on arrival. I remember you saying at one time there was a reason for it and it would be revealed as the show went on. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen of course, and I always wondered what the explanation was. It didn’t happen when they gated from more nearby gates, so I always wondered if it was strictly a matter of distance or whether there was some other explanation.”

Heads up!

Answer: No, it was a matter of the great distance traveled.  The more panicked the entry, the more forceful the exit.  This is confirmed in Incursion I when the Lucian Alliance members have to evacuate their base of operations, some rushing through the gate – and exiting in violent fashion.

gloeyzoey writes: “On SG-1 there seemed to be a lot of characters over the years (okay, several characters) named Jona/Jonah or Jonas or some variation. Probably not done on purpose, I’m guessing, but is there a reason for the similarities? lot of writers liked the name? A favourite uncle of someone’s? A fondness for guys who get swallowed by whales? “

Answer: Jonah was O’Neill’s alternate identity in SG’1 Beneath the Surface, then a bad Jonas (Hansen) in SG-1′s First Commandment, and finally a good Jonas (Quinn) in SG-1′s Meridian and beyond.  We’ve also had Six Peters, six Davids, five Johns, five Franks, three LIndsays, three Marks, but, curiously, only one Olaf.

Olaf. He’s one of a kind!

Tam Dixon writes: “Is you back feeling better?”

Answer: Much better, thanks.  Back to my regular workout routine:

Tam Dixon writes: “How did your Sis like her Vacouver vacation?” and Ponytail writes: “Do you have any pictures of Andria with the dogs while she was babysitting?”

Answer: Andria had a great time in Vancouver, with the dogs and checking out the local restaurants.  Fable was by far her favorite.  She posted the follows pics while she was here:

dasndanger writes: “Television series – what do you prefer (to watch, or to write): one-and-done episodic shows, or serialized shows?”

Answer: With the exception of a few comedies, pretty much all of my favorite shows are serialized: The Sopranos, The Shield, Breaking Bad, Rome, Game of Thrones. Almost all the shows on my weekly rotation are serialized as well: Boardwalk Empire, The Walking Dead, and, to a certain extent, Survivor and Top Chef.  Episodic television, on the other hand, isn’t much-watch viewing.  You can miss an episode or two without consequence and perhaps catch up at a later date.  Or not.

dasndanger also writes: “One of the things driving me away from television is the grittier, more explicit content of shows, even those on network television.”

Answer: Serialized shows tend to be cable shows and cable shows tend to allow for more creative freedom, which is why it’s where you’ll find more varied and, frankly, more realistic programming.  Ultimately, it comes down to a matter of taste.  I honestly can’t remember the last scripted network show I really enjoyed.

keith writes: “Will you be starting the Superhero Movie of the Week Club up again soon?”

Answer: Yep.  Cookie Monster will be back reviewing super-themed movies in the new year – provided he comes out of hiding.

stygianlnq writes: “1) In any of the Stargate series, did you ever have one-shot enemies/civilizations of the week that you would have wanted to have revisited at a later time (like what was done with the Rand Protectorate and the Langarans) or otherwise explore further?”

Answer: Oh, there were plenty of civilizations I wanted to revisit, not so much for story’s sake, but simply to check in on them to see how their people have been doing since we left them.  Special Features producer Ivon Bartok was always requesting we revisit the Nox.

“2) Has there been any word yet on whether Brad Wright will publicly announce his intended ending for SGU?”

Answer: No, still no word.  Ultimately, it’s up to Brad to reveal that ending.

“3) What do you think of this article (http://www.forbes.com/sites/merrillbarr/2013/11/18/the-final-season-of-nikita-isnt-about-fan-service-its-about-netflix/) as someone who works in television?”

Answer: The gist of the article is that the emergence of Netflix and its unique deal structure has spurred productions to offer satisfactory conclusions to their shows. Netflix viewers binge-watch and the thinking is that they won’t waste their time sitting down to a show they know will not end in satisfactory fashion.  It’s a very interesting shift in thinking given that, years ago, the emphasis was on producing episodic shows with no conclusive endings for syndication because it was believed viewers would be less likely to invest in a show if the story actually concluded.  For my part – surprise surprise – I prefer this new model.  Every story should have a beginning, middle, and end.

“Do you think that the Netflix/Digital Distribution model will make networks more reluctant to cancel a series without giving it a chance to wrap up?”

Answer: That’s entirely dependent on the type of deal that is in place.  Without a second window like Netflix to aim for, it’s unlikely an under performing show would be given the luxury of extra episodes to wrap things up.

“Do you think that it will make writers and producers of shows more likely to want to have cliffhangers at the end of seasons to try and squeeze those last few wrap-up episodes out of the network? What are your overall thoughts?”

Answer:  Oh, I suppose it depends on the producer.  Keep in mind, shows are not written in a creative vacuum.  The network will have a say on what kind of season-ender is produced.

“4) What ever happened to Transporter: The Series? I remember watching the first three episodes and then it went on break or something and I never saw it again. Is it still on?”

Answer: No clue.  Amber alert?

Ponytail writes: “Which trip to Tokyo has been your favorite so far?”

Answer: I think my 2009 trip is my favorite, the one on which I ate at a record number of Michelin-starred restaurants, made a bunch of new friends, and met Akemi.  My trip to Tokyo with my buddy Ivon is, of course, a close second.

“So why haven’t you, Paul, Rob, Brad, Carl, Martin, Ivon formed a company and made your own TV shows, productions and/or movies? Is everyone doing their own thing?”

Answer: We all are working on our own things, but our own company is a great idea. All we need is $$$ and partners with sales and business savvy.

“How is your Mom?”

Answer: Mom is great.  Thanks for asking.

Lewis writes: “Have you seen any episodes of “The No.1 Ladies’ Detective Agency” by Richard Curtis (of Black Adder, Mr. Bean, & Vicar fame)? Idris Elba is in it.. along with David Oyelowo (MI-5/Spooks).”

Answer: I haven’t.  I was pleasantly surprised by the first book in the series.

JeffW writes: “1. Is Akemi making any special outfits for the furry kids this Christmas? (Barb thought Bubba’s last Santa outfit was cute).”

Answer: Not yet.

Brent writes: “1) When filming Stargate scenes that arent done at the studios, i know you did some filming at locations, but did you ever go to other TV or Film studios sets and use them to save money since they were already in place? Did any other shows or films use Stargates sets? If this happened any interesting stories?”

Answer: We did, on occasion, take over sets.  For instance, the White House set we used in the latter seasons of SG-1 was leftover from a disaster movie that had shot in Vancouver.  Some of the internal structure of Atlantis was formerly the set of one of the Blade movies.  Often, a production will save on the costs of striking and dumping a set by selling it to another production for a nominal fee.

“2) Who wrote the scene between Tealc and Tomin in the mess hall of the ship in Ark of Truth? I thought it was one of the best scenes in Stargate history. It isnt particularly uplifting or a bonding moment. But it is so powerful and also reminds the fans that Tealc is responsible for extreme atrocities that one shouldn’t forget. Great scene. I watch it twice every time i play the movie.”

Answer: Ark of Truth was written by the uber-talented Robert C. Cooper – writer, director, producer, chef.

Robert C. Cooper. And creepy friend.

“3) In SGU we learned that the ship has some interesting secrets like being able to manipulate the mind of Young. Where there any more secrets the Destiny was going to reveal in its future?”

Sure.  We wanted to add depth to the Destiny over the course of the show’s run, introducing undiscovered sections of the ship as budget allowed (ie. the bridge was the big addition for the show’s second season.

“4) Of all the people you worked with on Stargate, who do you think walked off with the best prop from the show(s) and what was it?”

Hmmm.  Hard to say.  I really like my pain stick.  On the other hand, Rob Cooper has some mighty cool stuff including a kino.

“5) Not a question, but a comment. I thought Mitchell and Vala were a fantastic boost to SG1. I especially enjoyed Mitchell. He brought a nice feeling of grit and intensity when needed. Sad they didnt have a longer run in Stargate.”

Answer: Yeah, it is sad.  I really enjoyed Ben and Claudia’s work on Farscape and, when it came time to make an addition to the team, I automatically thought of Ben.  And, later, after Claudia’s guest stint, we thought she’d make a great addition as well – but the network was resistant as they felt it would be a little too Farscape…until they saw the episodes and change their minds.  Of course, at that point, it was too late for season 9 but we did make Vala a regular for the show’s tenth and final season.

“6) I loved SGU! We were robbed of so many interesting stories that could have been… Sigh.”

Answer: So true.

arcticgoddess writes: “1) Many actors that I know are going the “Independent Film” route, doing You Tube short films and looking for funding through Kickstarter. Have you and Paul ever considered doing an indy?”

Answer: Sure, we’ve considered it.

“2)If you ever decided to go the independent route, would you use crowd funding, or are there better ways to fund a project?”

Answer: Crowd funding is an iffy proposition.  Maybe it would work for smaller projects, but movies and especially a t.v. series requires you go the old fashioned route.

“3) Now that you’ve been a writer, a producer and a show runner, which job was the toughest and why?”

Answer: Apples and oranges.  They’re all equally challenging in different ways.

“4)If a studio picks up your show, how much control over it do you retain?”

Answer: That depends on the studio and your deal.  More often than not, the studio has a major say in the creative and can turf dissenters.  In better case scenarios, they have enough respect for the creative to exercise restraint in the process.

“5)How did you find your agent?”

Answer: In the case of my Canadian agent, I had dealt with him – and his clients – on other shows.  When I thought it was time, I simply dropped him an email.  In the case of my American agent, I had our Canadian agent set up a bunch of meetings, then Paul and I did the rounds in L.A. and decided which representative would be a best fit for us.

“6) When you were given the reigns to Star Gate Atlantis, were you also given the final say on the actors chosen for the various parts?”

Answer: As far back as SG-1, the writer-producer of a given episode was given a pretty strong voice with regarding to casting.  Like Brad and Robert before us, we always screened auditions with our fellow producers to get their respective takes.

Fagate One writes: “Tout le travail de développement d’idées et de scénarios que vous faites pour des projets comme ceux mentionnés est-il fait à vos frais ou êtes-vous engagés à contrat?”

Answer: It depends on the project.  Paul and I are paid to develop certain projects while our personal pilots are written on spec.

“Pouvez-vous nous informer un peu sur les modes de rémunérations des multiples essais que vous faites pour des séries ou des fims quand ceux-ci n’aboutissent pas? En d’autres mots, êtes-vous payés uniquement si la série ou le film reçoit le OK de production?”

Answer: Yes, you are definitely paid more if a script you’ve written is eventually produced.  In fact, that’s where the real money is.  Development work pays “okay”, but it’s not going to buy you that jet!

Lewis writes: “Any chance of more DARK MATTER stories in comic form?”

Answer: Alas, unlikely.  The opening four issue arc was a lot of fun to work on but the intent was always to use it as a springboard to a live-action series instead of the opening story of an ongoing comic book series.   Ultimately, if I was given the opportunity, I would love to create another original story in comic book form.  Either that, or write an original Stargate story in comic book form, maybe one of the stories we didn’t wanted to tell but didn’t get the chance.  For instance, it would be incredibly cool to do a comic book version of Stargate: Extinction, that unproduced Stargate: Atlantis script.

stargateatlantisseasonsix writes: “First: Were there ever actually plans to go more in depth into the Athosian culture or the Void where the Ascended go? I’m just curious since my current story on my blog for Atlantis’ Season Six is currently going into these subject matters.”

Answer: No concrete plans but I’m sure that if a story called for it, we would have certainly explored them.  Or, in the case of ascension, Rob Cooper certainly would have explored it.

“Second: Was there ever a plan to delve into the people behind the scenes of Atlantis i.e. not the major or minor characters but the truly background people that help make everything happen too, like the “Below Decks” episode of Star Trek TNG or like the series The West Wing? I’d think that’d be interesting considering that one of the purposed episodes you writers came up with for the Sixth Season (a story that I’m going to post as Episode Six of my Atlantis Season Six) was based on one of those unfortunate ‘Red Shirt’ marines of the series.”

Answer: Yes, we tossed the idea around and Carl Binder even came up with The Red Shirt Diaries.  The biggest challenge to writing one of these scripts is figuring out a way to include our main characters in the story.  Yes, I know, wouldn’t it be cool if the entire episode only focused on these unknown characters?  Well, yes and no. From the standpoint of unique storytelling, it would – but from the standpoint of good television, maybe not.  Viewers tune in for those familiar characters and having them take a backseat to complete strangers could be disappointing for many fans.  SG-1′s The Other Guys is a great example of an episode that struck the right balance.

BoltBait writes: “Are you allergic to anything? If so, how do you handle it at restaurants?”

Answer: Whenever I eat out, I always ask if there’s penicillin in any of the dishes.

“Do you get paid for all of these projects you’re working on?”

Answer: It depends on the project.  For instance, any development work we’re hired to do is paid work.  At present, three of the projects I mentioned in a previous blog entry are paying jobs.  The others – pilots, pitches, etc. – are speculative and will only pay off if they sell…or go into development.

Randomness writes: “1. What were some highs and lows from your Japan trip?”

Answer: Highs = The wedding, Robot Restaurant, dinners at Esquisse and Sawada.  Low = getting sick.

“2. Most interesting location(To you) that you visited?”

Answer: Robot Restaurant.

“3. What was the most enjoyable thing you did in Japan?”

Answer: Ate (as usual).

“4. As an anime fan, how did you find the whole experience?”

Answer: Overwhelming.  Akihabara is anime heaven.

“5. Were there any places you wanted to visit but couldn’t due to time?”

Answer: Gyoza stadium, Ueno, Odaiba.

“6. Looking back at the wedding stuff, did you feel nervous before you arrived? And how was the whole thing to you?”

Answer: No nerves.  It was a lot of fun.

November 27, 2013: Buyer’s remorse!

It’s always great to receive recommendations about pick-ups and purchases I may enjoy, but I think that equally as important are the flashing red light warnings about those I should steer clear of.

And so, in that spirit, and in a desire to save you all the headache, here are some recent investments I have NOT enjoyed:

Xylitol lime mint gum

Akemi picked up this gum in Japan.  She offered me a piece yesterday and, when I popped it into my mouth and started to chew, two thoughts ran through my mind: 1. I’ve been punked!  2. Am in any danger eating this?

Seriously.  It tasted so bad that I actually wondered if it was toxic.  If Lysol disinfectant came in a chewable mint flavor, this would be pretty close to it.

Colgate optic white

Like brushing your teeth with Crisco brand shortening.

Vega One nutritional shake

It tastes really REALLY good for you.

Dymatize Nutrition elite casein

If you’re looking to put on muscle mass, you need to work out and consume more protein.  During the day, you can boost your protein intake with a delicious Pro Line Is-Advance vanilla post-workout shake.  And, at night, top yourself off with some Dymatize Nutrition elite casein, chocolate flavor in name only, that tastes like the devil’s rectum.  In powdered form.

Case Keenum, QB Houston Texans

Projected to torch the weak Jags D for well over 20 points, I decided to pick up Case Keenum off waivers and play him over both Carson Palmer and Philip Rivers.  The result?  A lackluster 4.96 points and a premature end to my Snow Monkeys fantasy football season.

If you’ve got any questions you’ve dying to ask, now is the time to post them to the comments section.  I’ll be answering all your queries (burning or otherwise) in the coming days, so don’t be shy!

November 26, 2013: Projects on deck!

That Super Secret Project:

The best laid plans of mice and men often go astray.  Especially in the film & television industry.  Particularly when legal departments get involved.  Such is the case with this project that was humming along quite nicely until….  I was contacted, we had our initial discussions, I pitched out what Brad W. used to term “a Grinchy idea”, everyone loved it, everyone got excited, work commenced and then…lawyers got involved.  It’s really a shame.  While, realistically, this project wouldn’t have contributed much in the way of my career, it would have been a hell of a lot of fun to work on and, more importantly, something you all would have really enjoyed. Hopefully, this is just a final hurdle that has to be overcome but if it isn’t, and the projects gets deep-sixed by suits and skewed logic, I may have to release the hounds.  And, ladies and gentlemen, you are the hounds!

That Project in Development:

I’ve never understood why development has to take so long.  I suspect that having to do rewrites on outlines may be a contributing factor.  A little frustrating, but the people we’re working with, on both the production and network side, are very smart and a lot of fun to deal with.  I would simply prefer to have fun and deal with them on an actual first season.  Anyway, I’ve done my pass on the outline, sent it over to Paul who will work on it tomorrow, and it’ll be off to the network before the weekend.  And, by next week, we’ll finally have the go-ahead to go to script.

That SF Novel We Developed and Pitched:

We were hired to develop a series concept and pitch for a novel written by one of science fiction’s greatest authors.  We took it out to some broadcasters in Toronto and, later this week, we’re meeting up with our production partners to discuss taking our dog and pony show south of the border.  Pitching is always a long shot, but we’ve got a great take on the material and some incredibly supportive people backing us.

That SF Novel We’ve Been Asked to Consider Developing for Television:

While I was in Tokyo, my agent phoned up Paul, my writing partner, and informed him that a production company was looking to develop a television series based on a novel by one of SF’s most wildly imaginative authors.  I read (actually, re-read) the book and talked it over with Paul.  It’s a mind-bender – with a lot of potential.  Our agent is setting up a Hi-how’re-you-doin?/Get-to-know-you/What’s-your-take-on-the-material? call for next week.

That SF Novel We Were Hired to Develop for Television:

Paul and I, along with our production partner, beat out a pretty solid series premise complete with major story and character arcs, twists and turns.  Alas, in interim, the project has been temporarily shelved and we’ve asked to shift focus to…

That Action Feature:

Based on an idea by one of our energetic and compulsively creative production partners, we actually spent an afternoon beating out the broad strokes of the story while we were in Toronto a couple of months back.  Once some questions get answered, Paul and I can actually sit down and put together an outline.

Dark Matter:

Our production partner did an incredible job putting all the pieces in place on this one.  We were good to go.  All we needed was the green light.  We waited.  And waited.  And waited.  And finally received word from one of our broadcaster partners.  But it wasn’t “green light”.  It was “pass”.  Wait?  What?!  Apparently, it came down to two projects and, in the 11th hour, the decision was made to go with the other one.  I was…what’s the opposite of “placidly pleased” to hear it.  I was later informed that it had been very VERY CLOSE – which, believe it or not, actually makes me feel worse.  Not to be deterred, our production partner is back on his horse in search of an alternate broadcast entity – or alternate formula that will see Dark Matter get made.  I mean, come on!  Who’s got a hankering for a ship-based SF series?

That Genre series:

When one door closes, another opens – or, sometimes, it’s the same door that’s left slightly ajar because you were quick enough to thrust your foot in the jamb.  Such is the case with this opportunity.  We simply need to agree on a suitable, modestly-budgeted genre series to go in with.  And that has proven a bit of a challenge – not so much the agreement on the project itself but the agreement on a  meeting in which to reach an agreement.

That Urban Fantasy series:

We completed various drafts of a series overview and pilot script until it met everyone’s satisfaction.  And then…it seemed to fall into a black hole.  No more notes.  No word of a pass.  Just radio silence.  I imagine that, some day, it will eventually resurface: tomorrow, next year, in the far future when it is discovered by alien archeologists.

That Southern Gothic pilot:

I’m 17 pages into this one.  I’ve got oodles of research material (provided by Savannah native and technical advisor JeffW – Get well soon, buddy!) and an intervening scene to write.  My partner on this one just sent me her pass on the cafe scene.  It’s great.  I’ll tweak it, write the next scene, and then pitch things back to her – hopefully before week’s end.  But with Thanksgiving (football) on the horizon, I’m not sure how likely that will be.

The Horror feature:

This one made the rounds but, alas, no takers.

The Other Horror feature:

I was pitched the idea for this one by a long-time friend and excellent writer who came up with the devilish premise.  I loved the set-up but couldn’t quite get my head around how to attack it…until, the other week, in my addled, exhausted, food-poisoned state, the solution suddenly came to me.  I wrote out my take, sent it his way, he loved it, and sent me some ideas of his own.  Now, all we need is that crucial, cook, and wholly unexpected (tough to do) turn that will have it all fall into place.  Since my partner on this one has his hands full with actual paid production work, looks like I’ll be taking the lead once we nailed down those final story elements.  Can’t wait to get started.

And assorted others:

Opportunities in the field of comic books (going after the film & television rights to an establish series, launching an original series as a springboard to a t.v. series), other established SF, fantasy, and horror properties we’re considering for development with one of our production partners.

So, yes, on the one hand, very busy which should keep me out of trouble (ie. gang life, the competitive twerking circuit, etc.).  On the other hand, I’m getting a might antsy working from home and if one of these projects doesn’t pop soon, I may just have to bite the bullet and consider staffing south of the border.

No, not telenovelas.  Not THAT south.

November 25, 2013: The Return of Football Sundays!

Even though I was in Tokyo for a few weeks, I did keep up to date on world events while I was away: the nuclear deal with Iran, Ukraine’s shift away from the E.U., and, of course, my fantasy football team – the Snow Monkeys – and their  drive for playoff spots in two different leagues.  Yesterday marked the second-to-last weekend of regular season playoff.  Post-season berths were on the line.  And I was hungry for a win.  And pizza!

Fortunately, my buddy Rob just got himself a pizza oven…

For the man who has everything.  Except a pizza oven.

Rob makes the dresses the pizza.  You’ve got a choice between regular and fire roasted tomatoes, pepperoni, sausage, cheese.

Once it’s ready, it goes on the flat shovel thingie.

And into the pizza oven it goes, cooking for about five minutes. 

Rob then uses the round shovel thingie to turn the pizza and ensure equal crispness all around.

Look at it in there, all cozy.

And, voila!  Pepperoni pizza is up!  

The Margherita

Well, I guess I’ve fully recovered from my stomach issues – as evidenced by the fact that I ate six slices of pizza.  Also, a small salad (but I think that was overdoing it). While we watched both games of the double-header, Rob was preparing dinner…

The leg of lamb receives the family secret marinade.

Ready to go!

Hours later

Rob handles the carving duties

Who needs veggies when you can have these as your sides?

And for dessert…

Rob’s home made tiramisu

Even though she didn’t join us, choosing instead to stay home and enjoy a nice, long (presumably five hour) bath, Akemi contributed to the dessert cause with these delicious seasonal pistachio cream cookies:

Festive, no?

Quite the afternoon.  And, best of all, I now have the inside track on the best pizza in town.  Rain or shine, day or night, I know where to place my order.

And, as for my Snow Monkeys.  I’m glad you asked…

Photo by Mary-Lou Emmert (2010 National Geographic Photography Contest)

Alas, the day’s action brought with it a mixed bag.  My Snow Monkeys were eliminated from playoff contention with a loss to the creatively-named Lawren (managed by, of all people, Lawren).  It was a particularly bitter defeat because I elected to sit my regular starting QB, Philip Rivers, in favour of Houston QB Case Keenum who had the seemingly easier match-up.  After all, the Rivers and the Chargers were facing the fearsome Kansas City D – who, incidentally, I was also playing.  Bad call.  Rivers put up approximately 23 more points than Keenum.  Also, the KC defence put up a grand total of negative 3 points.  Had I gone with Rivers and the Cardinal D, I’d still be fighting for my playoff life.

Much happier results in my original league where my Snow Monkeys won and wrapped up a spot in the playoff, positioning themselves for a potential top seed and bye for the league’s wildcard weekend!

November 24, 2013: Upcoming under-the-radar movies to look forward to! Or not!

The ones that caught my eye:

LAST DAYS ON MARS

Release Date: December 6, 2013

What it’s about: On the last day of the first manned mission to Mars, astronauts make a horrifying discovery.

What it’s got working for it: It’s SF with a mystery angle.  Sounds intriguing.

What’s it’s got going against it: Cool new scifi movie or Alien retread?  We’ll see.

NUCLEAR NATION

Release Date: December 11, 2013

What it’s about: A documentary that focuses on the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster and posits whether something like it could happen again – with far worse consequences.

What it’s got working for it: A focused account of the tragedy offering details and information the general media failed to convey.

What’s it’s got going against it: The danger of being perceived as a “message” film. Hopefully, the events portrayed will speak powerfully for themselves.

 

HER

Release Date: December 18, 2013

What it’s about: A lonely man falls in love with a state-of-the-art operating system.

What it’s got working for it: Writer-director Spike Jonze is a unique storyteller.

What’s it’s got going against it: Not exactly the most original premise.  The trailer looks a somewhat…unconvincing.

LONE SURVIVOR

Release Date: December 25, 2013

What it’s about: The dramatization of a true-life covert mission to neutralize an al-Qaeda operative that went horribly awry.

What it’s got working for it: Based on a book by the mission’s sole survivor, Marcus Luttrell.

What’s it’s got going against it: The temptation to Hollywoodize.  Will the movie stay true to its source material?

Tagged: film, Her, Last Days on Mars, Lone Survivor, movies, Nuclear Nation

November 24, 2013: Upcoming movie releases to look forward to! Or not!

Just a few that caught my eye:

THE HOBBIT: THE DESOLATION OF SMAUG

Release Date: December 13, 2013

What it’s about: The second instalment in the sprawling Hobbit trilogy.  No, really.

What it’s got working for it: Director Peter Jackson and oodles of production value.

What’s it’s got going against it:  Three really long movies based on a single fairly short book.

SAVING MR. BANKS

Release Date: December 13, 2013

What it’s about: The story of how Walt Disney convinced the author of Mary Poppins to give him the film rights to her book.  No, really.

What it’s got working for it: An all-star cast and a story we definitely haven’t seen before.

What’s it’s got going against it:  A movie that, I’m sure, will bear no resemblance to actual events or characters.

ANCHORMAN 2: THE LEGEND CONTINUES

Release Date: December 13, 2013

What it’s about: Sequel to the somewhat successful Anchorman about – you guess it! – an anchorman.

What it’s got working for it: The promise of consistency in quality.

What’s it’s got going against it:  Of course, said consistency cuts both ways, depending on what you thought of the first movie.

WALKING WITH DINOSAURS

Release Date: December 20, 2013

What it’s about: An “immersive 3D experience” that will place audiences within a prehistoric tale involving an underdog dinosaur.

What it’s got working for it: The promise of state of the art visuals.

What’s it’s got going against it:  But they say promises are made to be broken.  The actual script sounds a bit flimsy.

47 RONIN

Release Date: December 25, 2013

What it’s about: Loosely based on true events – a group of samurai seek vengeance on those responsible for the death of their leader.

What it’s got working for it: It certainly looks epic.

What’s it’s got going against it:  Keanu Reeves?  Sorry, Hollywood, I STILL don’t get it.

GRUDGE MATCH

Release Date: December 25, 2013

What it’s about: Two old guys prepare for a rematch to a bout that never happened.

What it’s got working for it: DeNiro and Stallone as aging boxers?  So ridiculous it could be brilliant!

What’s it’s got going against it:  Or just ridiculous.  Probably ridiculous.

THE SECRET LIFE OF WALTER MITTY

Release Date: December 25, 2013

What it’s about: Based on the story by James Thurber which focuses on an innocuous fellow’s incredible fantasies.

What it’s got working for it: Looks visually appealing.

What’s it’s got going against it:  If it’s “all in his head”, then a very unsatisfying movie.  If it’s not, then it’s a completely different character from the story.  Also – Ben Stiller.

Tagged: December movie releases, film, movies, The Hobbit, The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, upcoming movie releases

November 22, 2013: News of note!

Now that I’m back home, it’s time to catching up on the latest news…

Following word that Hollywood is planning an ill-advised sequel to It’s a Wonderful Life, Yahoo’s Kevin Polowy offers his list of 2o Classic Movies Hollywood Can’t Remake or Revisit: http://movies.yahoo.com/blogs/movie-news/untouchables-20-classic-movies-hollywood-t-remake-revisit-235511819.html  Any you’d care to add to the list?

6 Sneaky Ways Movies and TV Shows Outsmarted the Censors Viral  Yeah, admittedly a couple of these are tried and true.

I’m sure you’ve heard the reports about Knockout, that “game” played by young idiots that essentially amounts to sucker punching complete strangers.  Well, finally, a report about one of those games with a happy ending: The assailant unwittingly picks a victim with a gun, gets shot twice, then sent to prison:  http://www.wilx.com/news/featured/headlines/Dangerous-Game—Point-em-Out-Knock-em-Out-231443411.html?device=phone

And, on a similar note, the family of a gun-wielding thief is upset with the good samaritan who shot him: http://www.opposingviews.com/i/society/guns/alabama-thiefs-family-angry-good-samaritan-shooting-him#  This quote from one of the family members – “Like I said, we don’t know anything.” – pretty much sums it up.  

Mmmm…Insect shells…

Vegetarian burgers are more toxic than conventional beef patties – and other favorite-food-related info: http://preventdisease.com/news/13/110413_14-Things-People-Do-Not-Want-To-Know-About-Favorite-Foods.shtml?utm_source=110413

If you’re thinking of purchasing a new home, compare your annual salary to this handy list and find out where you can afford to buy: http://finance.yahoo.com/news/here-s-where-you-can–and-can-t–buy-a-home-on-a-five-figure-salary-214349734.html  San Francisco tops the list, beating out New York, at $125,071.78.  Damn.  Got to sell that show!

File this one under “amazing”.  When slowed down, crickets actually sound like a human choir: http://enpundit.com/someone-recorded-crickets-slowed-track-sounds-like-humans-singing/

For those special occasions (like, say, you’re 100th birthday) - http://eater.com/archives/2013/01/28/most-expensive-tasting-menus-in-america.php  As a matter of fact, yes, I did manage to do one with Akemi and Marty G a while back.

The 25 most inappropriate magazine ads: http://www.opposingviews.com/i/gallery/entertainment/25-most-inappropriate-magazine-ads?=popup

His loved ones celebrate his birthday without Diesel who was stolen from his yard in Pensacola, Florida – which seems to be dognapping central.  Anyone with any leads can contact the family at their Diesel dedicated Facebook page:  Finding Diesel

November 21, 2013: The Day After!

I’m doing better today.  But I’m not taking any chances.  Thus, this was my lunch today:

Steamed rice with turmeric and ginger powder. Yum!

And these were a couple of the things I missed out on the last day of my trip:

Every time I walked by this little shop, there was a line-up. Finally, on my last day, there was no line-up. But i was in no condition to sample.

The breakfast place in the Imperial Hotel supposedly makes the best pancakes in Tokyo.

Between the jet lag and the stomach thing, I wasn’t feeling particularly ambitious today so I took it easy, reading the first couple of chapters of this very weird SF book someone is looking to adapt to the big screen, sending off payments, responding to emails, and keeping hydrated.  Oh, and spending quality time with the dogs.  They were thrilled to have us back, Jelly perhaps a little less so after being made to model the new Christmas outfit Akemi picked up for her in Omotesando:

Jelly’s WTF?! look

 

November 20, 2013: Back on the home front! Akemi bloopers!

I advised Akemi that the best way to avoid jet lag and get back on your regular schedule is to sleep through the flight back to the west coast.  Leave Japan at 6:05 p.m. local time, sleep for 8 hours, then land in Vancouver at 9:45 local time.  You’ll be well-rested, have enough energy to last you to 9:00, maybe 10:00 p.m. and after that, it’s smooooooooooth sailing.  So, Akemi took my advice, falling asleep the instant she settled into her seat.  I, on the other hand, sat awake, frustrated and tired, counting down the few precious hours of sleep time I had left as the flight wore on.  First seven, then six, then five, then four, then three, then two…And, finally,  fell asleep.  Only to be awakened some twenty minutes later when the cabin lights were turned on for the breakfast service.

We arrived home to a long anticipated reunion with our dogs who were positively CRAZY-happy to see us.  And then, after seeing our dog-sitter off, I went against my own advice and joined Akemi – and the dogs – upstairs for a little nap.  ”Five minutes,”she said.  It was actually more like three hours.  Alas, not exactly restful between my stomach issues and a neighbor using some annoying motorized gardening tool for almost an hour straight.  I mean, come on!  It’s 11:45 a.m.!   People are trying to sleep!

Okie-doke.  Still not feeling great and I promised Akemi that if I hadn’t recovered after three days, I’d go see a doctor.  Sigh.  So off to the hospital tomorrow!  In the meantime, I’ve done some online research and discovered some hopefully helpful home remedies.  Right now, I’m sucking on cloves.  My mouth tastes like a Christmas tree.

I’m exhausted and not at my best.  So, let me turn things over to a blog guest who is at her adorable best not being her best…

Bloopers from Akemi’s food channel:

November 20, 2013: Tokyo Day #15!

This is what I’ve bee reduced to: whiling away the afternoons in my hotel room eating $3 bananas.

The old adage is true.  You never truly appreciate something until it’s gone.  Like, say, your appetite.  Or even the ability to eat something without having it transform your stomach in a raging maelstrom.  At the beginning of this trip, I was on the top of the world, assuming I’d get to try anything and everything.  The bechamel-laced gratin croquette from Tokyo McDonalds.  The ice cream waffle sandwich from Ginza’s Manneken.  A casual lunch-time visit to Pizza Seirinkan in Naka-Meguro.  I figured there’d be time.  But there wasn’t.  Instead, there was a banana and sliced bread and a manuka honey throat lozenge Akemi picked up at Mitsukoshi department store the other day.

Not even a final drink at Star Bar or a return visit to Butagumi for their delicious braised pork appetizer.

Well, let’s not get ahead of ourselves here.  I don’t fly out until 6:05 p.m. tomorrow evening.  Maybe there’s still hope?

We started our Tokyo trip with lunch at Sawada sushi and ended it with a dinner there.  As always, excellent.  On last night’s visit, we ended up befriending some of our fellow diners and retiring to Star Bar for a nightcap – cocktails for them and a medicinal stomach-settling amaro for me.

New friends!

So, we fly back to Vancouver today.  By the time you read this blog entry, Akemi and I will already be thinking about eventually heading to the airport to catch our flight back to Canada.  Unless, of course, you read it much later in which case we’ll already be in the air.

Random shots:

Me in happier, hungrier, more hopeful times at the beginning of my journey.

The zen garden outside the hotel. I’m tempted to crawl in and attain some inner peace by quelling the inner turmoil. In my stomach.

A beautiful day in Ginza

My awesome new t-shirt from that NHK show I don’t watch but should. It look awesome.

A pre-wedding snap

Akemi all dressed up

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The green “health juice” Akemi made me drink.

Avoid swimming in this without a certified lifeguard present.

Fresh orange jelly.

Tokyo is the worldwide home of individually-wrapped items. Like, for instance, bananas!

Warrior woman at the Robot Restaurant

Thanks for coming along!

P.S.  I am NOT looking forward to that 90 minute shuttle bus ride to the airport.

Tagged: food, Japan, Japan food, Japan travel, Tokyo, Tokyo food, Tokyo travel, travel