Joseph Mallozzi's Blog, page 512

January 8, 2012: Another project! Football Sunday!

Tomorrow, I start work on that feature script I really should have written a year ago.  What stopped me?  Well, for one, the fact that the life of a feature writer never held much appeal to me.  Given the choice, I'd rather be working in television, producing my own episodes or running my own shows rather than working in film, being tolerated as an occasional on-set visitor.  I remember the story a successful television writer once told me about his experience in film.  After scripting his second produced feature, he was finally invited to set where he was introduced to the female lead.  "When she found out I was the writer,"he said, "she looked at me like I was something she'd found on the bottom of her shoe,"  So thanks but no thanks.  But this particular script will be different because the concept and budget should make it fairly easy to convince most any studio to give me and my producing partners (Ivon and Paul) a fairly long leash in producing the movie ourselves.  I'll start tomorrow and hopefully have most of the first draft done before I head to Tokyo at month's end.

Why, yes, I'm Tokyo-bound – a month late but going nevertheless. Akemi will be heading over to visit with her mother and I'll be tagging along to check out the state of the Japanese sushi and macaron industry.  Let me know if you want me to bring anything back for you.  Maybe a life-size Gundam statue or plastic facsimile of a katsu cutlet or one of those 500 lb tunas from Tsukiji Market?  Let me know!

Today was Playoff Football Day.  We gathered for eats, sweets, and to track our respective players in the NFL Fantasy Football Playoff Challenge.  While nowhere near as exciting or meaningful as the RIP Fantasy Football League Championship won by my Snow Monkeys…

…it's still very interesting.  I'm rolling the dice on a darkhorse.  Let's see if my Snow Monkeys can make it 2 for 2 this season!

I asked Ivon to pick up some vegetables to accompany the porchetta I got for lunch. He brought THIS. I haven't been this disappointed since the SGU cancellation.

It's okay. I'll just double up on this: the crispy stuffed porchetta.

Ivon and Lulu reconnect!

Les Truffes!

The Speculoos Ice Cream!

It went over well.

Tomorrow, I turn this blog over to guest reviewer Cookie Monster who will be weighing in with his thoughts on the first movie in our Superfilm of the Week Club: Superman and the Mole-Men.  Did you all watch?  I hope so.  I'm expecting a lot of insightful comments!

January 7, 2012: What I did today!

Besides watch NFL football playoff action of course.

After watching an episode of Top Chef last night, I was in a braising mood this morning.  I went to the butcher, figuring I'd pick up a pork shoulder when counter man, Spencer, directed me to the fresh, milk-fed goat they'd just got in.  Capretto!  My mother used to make it all the time!  I had them cut up a shoulder, then stopped by next door for some apples and pears…

Always sear off your meat before the braise. I usually coat the pieces in flour and spices (in this case salt, pepper, garlic, thyme, rosemary, and hot paprika) before transferring them to a hot cast-iron pan.

Sear them to a nice, brown finish, 2-3 minutes on each side.

Choose your braising liquid. In this case, I used some apple juice, apple sauce, veal stock, a couple of apples and pears, and a half bottle of ice wine. Pop it in the oven at 350 degrees, covered, and allow it to cook for 3 hours. Test the meat. It should be fork-friendly. If not, let it could until tender. Then, drop the temperature to 300 degrees and cook, uncovered, for another 30 minutes.

I finished it under the broiler for ten minutes, then served!

Since the guys are coming over for football tomorrow, I thought dessert would be appropriate.  Or, more to the point, dessertS.  First up: pistachio truffles.

Whenever I make truffles, people are all sorts of impressed but here's a secret for you: they're not that hard to make.  Chop 9 oz of your favorite chocolate (I prefer a nice Callebaut 70%), then either melt over a double-boiler OR heat up 3/4 cups of heavy cream and mix it with your chocolate.  Whichever way you choose to go, that's 9 oz chocolate + 3/4 cups heavy cream.  Whisk it up and add your flavoring. I always add a couple of tablespoons of some liqueur.  Frangelico and Kahlua are great choices as is rum.  Today, I went with Galliano (I like its relatively subtle vanilla flavor) and a half cup of crushed pistachios. Transfer the mixture to a refrigerator and let it cool for 3-4 hours or overnight.

Once it has cooled, it should be ready to roll…

Scoop and roll.

I use a mortar and pestle to crush the pistachios I'll roll my truffles in to create a nice, crunchy outer layer. Alternate ways to go include cocoa powder, powdered sugar or, if you're feeling really adventurous, crushed cookies like amaretti.

Et voila! Pistachio truffles!

It's been week since I made ice cream, so I decided to experiment with some of the stuff my sister got be for Christmas.

Namely the Speculoos (Dutch cookie) spread. Damn, this stuff is good.

Bring 2 1/2 cups of milk to a boil. Whisk together 8 egg yolks, 12 spoons of sugar (I only went with 6 since I was adding the Speculoos), 2 teaspoons of cornstarch. Add the hot milk and two tablespoons of the Speculoos, whisk, and transfer back to the pan. Simmer over low heat until a custard forms, then transfer to refrigerator overnight. You want it nice and cool for churning.

While it's churning, I like to add (what is known in the ice cream industry as) "particulates". In this case, Akemi used a piping bag to make some speculoos particulates that I included, along with a couple of tablespoons of Galliano. Again, a nice, subtle liqueur.

Once the ice cream had firmed up, we transferred it to a container, layering it with a crunchy version of the speculoos for a nice textural contrast.

Speculoos Ice Cream - done!

 Checking in on some friends:

Tara, former Transporter stand-in and Toronto arch-nemesis, blogs about her recent vacation, the shitty Sonesta Maho Beach Resort in St. Maarten, and mistakenly swallowing a suppository: Vacation Diaries Pt. 1.  Bikini pics to come in Pt. 2!

Joseph Dilworth of Pop Culture Zoo is looking for funding for his own indie comic book: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1222studios/believer

Alastair Reynolds' new book hits the shelves June 5th.  You can check out the trailer here: Blue Remembered Earth trailer

John Scalzi talks about his encounters with authors before he was published: In Which I Meet Some Authors

Ask author Joe Abecrombie anything: Ask me Anything.  Anything!

Mailbag:

Astrumporta writes: "Joe, you might find this article about Japan interesting… it explains how the West has a totally distorted view of Japan's economic state, e.g. it's always presented in the US as a 'failure', while the truth is anything but. Very illuminating! http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/08/opinion/sunday/the-true-story-of-japans-economic-success.html"

Answer: Fascinating read.  It's interesting how both sides seem to benefit from the myth.  Hey, speaking of Tokyo…oh, I'll save it for another blog entry.

Tam Dixon writes: "What does Spamochi mean?"

Answer: It's my bastardized version of "supamochi" which is a bastardized version of "supa mucho" (super sour) chips.  I've decided that "supamochi"  should be synonymous with "awesome".

Tam Dixon also writes: "What was the Japanese word that meant "don't work yourself to death"?"

Answer: That would be karoshi.  Our buddy Alexander still has the "Don't Karoshi" post-it Akemi made for him stuck to his laptop.

Narelle from Aus writes: "Thanks Joe and to everyone that's emailed or sent good thoughts our way."

Answer: Let us know how you're doing.

Michael Papak writes: "Based on what little I know, I would love to see Dark Matter: The Series picked up."

Answer: You're not the only one.  I was telling my agent yesterday that we really need to position Dark Matter as the SF equivalent of a Sopranos or a Breaking Bad, a premium series with twists, turns, and serialized potential.  Sound crazy?  Well, three years ago, the notion of an ongoing zombie series may have seemed ludicrous to most and yet, now, it's one of the hottest shows on cables.

Michael writes: "Why doesn't Akemi have her own blog again?"

Answer: Of course she does.

dasNdanger writes: "Mr. Das' big lyric misunderstanding was the AC/DC song, Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap."

Answer: Me = Bad Moon Rising: There's a bathroom on the right.

JaratheMusicLover writes: "Hey… I just was wondering what you thought of the idea of Eli fixing the stasis pod, and the crew waking up thousands of years later by being intercepted by an advanced alien race?"

Answer: A variation of one of the scenarios we were considering - May 12, 2011: Stargate: Universe, Beyond Season 2! What Might Have Been!

January 7, 2011: What I did today!

Besides watch NFL football playoff action of course.

After watching an episode of Top Chef last night, I was in a braising mood this morning.  I went to the butcher, figuring I'd pick up a pork shoulder when counter man, Spencer, directed me to the fresh, milk-fed goat they'd just got in.  Capretto!  My mother used to make it all the time!  I had them cut up a shoulder, then stopped by next door for some apples and pears…

Always sear off your meat before the braise. I usually coat the pieces in flour and spices (in this case salt, pepper, garlic, thyme, rosemary, and hot paprika) before transferring them to a hot cast-iron pan.

Sear them to a nice, brown finish, 2-3 minutes on each side.

Choose your braising liquid. In this case, I used some apple juice, apple sauce, veal stock, a couple of apples and pears, and a half bottle of ice wine. Pop it in the oven at 350 degrees, covered, and allow it to cook for 3 hours. Test the meat. It should be fork-friendly. If not, let it could until tender. Then, drop the temperature to 300 degrees and cook, uncovered, for another 30 minutes.

I finished it under the broiler for ten minutes, then served!

Since the guys are coming over for football tomorrow, I thought dessert would be appropriate.  Or, more to the point, dessertS.  First up: pistachio truffles.

Whenever I make truffles, people are all sorts of impressed but here's a secret for you: they're not that hard to make.  Chop 9 oz of your favorite chocolate (I prefer a nice Callebaut 70%), then either melt over a double-boiler OR heat up 3/4 cups of heavy cream and mix it with your chocolate.  Whichever way you choose to go, that's 9 oz chocolate + 3/4 cups heavy cream.  Whisk it up and add your flavoring. I always add a couple of tablespoons of some liqueur.  Frangelico and Kahlua are great choices as is rum.  Today, I went with Galliano (I like its relatively subtle vanilla flavor) and a half cup of crushed pistachios. Transfer the mixture to a refrigerator and let it cool for 3-4 hours or overnight.

Once it has cooled, it should be ready to roll…

Scoop and roll.

I use a mortar and pestle to crush the pistachios I'll roll my truffles in to create a nice, crunchy outer layer. Alternate ways to go include cocoa powder, powdered sugar or, if you're feeling really adventurous, crushed cookies like amaretti.

Et voila! Pistachio truffles!

It's been week since I made ice cream, so I decided to experiment with some of the stuff my sister got be for Christmas.

Namely the Speculoos (Dutch cookie) spread. Damn, this stuff is good.

Bring 2 1/2 cups of milk to a boil. Whisk together 8 egg yolks, 12 spoons of sugar (I only went with 6 since I was adding the Speculoos), 2 teaspoons of cornstarch. Add the hot milk and two tablespoons of the Speculoos, whisk, and transfer back to the pan. Simmer over low heat until a custard forms, then transfer to refrigerator overnight. You want it nice and cool for churning.

While it's churning, I like to add (what is known in the ice cream industry as) "particulates". In this case, Akemi used a piping bag to make some speculoos particulates that I included, along with a couple of tablespoons of Galliano. Again, a nice, subtle liqueur.

Once the ice cream had firmed up, we transferred it to a container, layering it with a crunchy version of the speculoos for a nice textural contrast.

Speculoos Ice Cream - done!

 Checking in on some friends:

Tara, former Transporter stand-in and Toronto arch-nemesis, blogs about her recent vacation, the shitty Sonesta Maho Beach Resort in St. Maarten, and mistakenly swallowing a suppository: Vacation Diaries Pt. 1.  Bikini pics to come in Pt. 2!

Joseph Dilworth of Pop Culture Zoo is looking for funding for his own indie comic book: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1222studios/believer

Alastair Reynolds' new book hits the shelves June 5th.  You can check out the trailer here: Blue Remembered Earth trailer

John Scalzi talks about his encounters with authors before he was published: In Which I Meet Some Authors

Ask author Joe Abecrombie anything: Ask me Anything.  Anything!

Mailbag:

Astrumporta writes: "Joe, you might find this article about Japan interesting… it explains how the West has a totally distorted view of Japan's economic state, e.g. it's always presented in the US as a 'failure', while the truth is anything but. Very illuminating! http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/08/opinion/sunday/the-true-story-of-japans-economic-success.html"

Answer: Fascinating read.  It's interesting how both sides seem to benefit from the myth.  Hey, speaking of Tokyo…oh, I'll save it for another blog entry.

Tam Dixon writes: "What does Spamochi mean?"

Answer: It's my bastardized version of "supamochi" which is a bastardized version of "supa mucho" (super sour) chips.  I've decided that "supamochi"  should be synonymous with "awesome".

Tam Dixon also writes: "What was the Japanese word that meant "don't work yourself to death"?"

Answer: That would be karoshi.  Our buddy Alexander still has the "Don't Karoshi" post-it Akemi made for him stuck to his laptop.

Narelle from Aus writes: "Thanks Joe and to everyone that's emailed or sent good thoughts our way."

Answer: Let us know how you're doing.

Michael Papak writes: "Based on what little I know, I would love to see Dark Matter: The Series picked up."

Answer: You're not the only one.  I was telling my agent yesterday that we really need to position Dark Matter as the SF equivalent of a Sopranos or a Breaking Bad, a premium series with twists, turns, and serialized potential.  Sound crazy?  Well, three years ago, the notion of an ongoing zombie series may have seemed ludicrous to most and yet, now, it's one of the hottest shows on cables.

Michael writes: "Why doesn't Akemi have her own blog again?"

Answer: Of course she does.

dasNdanger writes: "Mr. Das' big lyric misunderstanding was the AC/DC song, Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap."

Answer: Me = Bad Moon Rising: There's a bathroom on the right.

JaratheMusicLover writes: "Hey… I just was wondering what you thought of the idea of Eli fixing the stasis pod, and the crew waking up thousands of years later by being intercepted by an advanced alien race?"

Answer: A variation of one of the scenarios we were considering - May 12, 2011: Stargate: Universe, Beyond Season 2! What Might Have Been!

January 6, 2012: Evil Testicle! Shanks T.O.-bound and Golden Boy Martin Gero does it again! I talk Dark Matter with Steve Eramo! Talking business with Ivon!

"Talented people is always crazy so don't worry." – Akemi, today on the subject of yours truly.

The other week, Akemi called me an "evil testicle".  I assumed this was the literal translation of some Japanese diss but it turned out she was simply repeating an insult I'd once hurled at someone.  Or so she claimed.

"Evil testicle?"I asked.  "I've never called someone an evil testicle."

But she insisted I most certainly had – and reminded me of the exact circumstances.  I realized she was right.  Sort of.

"Not evil testicle,"I said.  "Egotistical!"

"What's the difference?"she wanted to know.

"Not much,"I conceded.

Two things Akemi enjoys: Starbucks cappuccino and her iPad (which she has named Spamochi).

Hey, check it out!  Big news involving a couple of Stargate vets: NBC To Pick Up Canadian Medical Drama Series 'Saving Hope' For Summer  NBC has picked up Saving Hope starring Erica Durance and SG-1′s own Michael Shanks.  Meanwhile, CW is finalizing plans to pick up Golden Boy Martin Gero's series The L.A. Complex.  I hear one more Stargate alum has landed a big genre gig, but the news hasn't gone public yet so I'm going to have to sit on that particular tidbit for the time being.  Nevertheless, congratulations all around!

Why, yes, that IS Jewel Staite among the series regulars.

Check out the Canadian premiere of Martin Gero's The L.A. Complex Tuesday, January 10th and 9:00 p.m. ET/PT on CTV and Muchmusic.

And the very next day, head on down to your local comic store to pick up the first issue of my new SF comic book series, Dark Matter.  If walking isn't your cup of tea, then I suggest ordering the comic book online here (TFAW.com) or snagging yourself a digital copy here (Dark Horse Digital).  Oh, and speaking of Dark Matter, here's another interview I just did, this one with our long-time Stargate buddy Steve Eramo over at The Morton Report: Stargate's Joseph Mallozzi Unveils Dark Matter

Met up with my Tokyo travel buddy, Ivon Bartok, today for lunch at La Taqueria (Pinche Taco Shop).  A terrific meal followed by some discussion on an exciting side project.  The plan is to do a little research, toss around some ideas with Paul, then write the script and produce a trailer.  Fast-tracking this one as I prepare to head down to L.A. and start pitching Dark Matter: The Series!

Clockwise from lower left: braised beef cheeks, poblano peppers with creamed corn, pork confit, and braised beef tongue.

Clockwise from lower left: Jelly, Bubba, Lulu, and Maximus.

Today's blog entry is dedicated to Narelle from Aus.

January 5, 2012: Countdown to Dark Matter! Pick my next show! And NFL playoff fantasy line-up!

Check it out!  The advance solicitations for Dark Matter issues #1-4, complete with covers (art by Garry Brown, colors by Ryan Hill) and non-spoilerific teasers.

DARK MATTER #1

Joseph Mallozzi (W), Paul Mullie (W), Garry Brown (A/Cover), and Ryan Hill (C)

A derelict ship floats in space, its troubled crew awakened from stasis with no memories of who they are or how they got on board. Their search for answers triggers the vessel's deadly security system: a relentless android bent on their destruction. Facing threats at every turn, they have to work together to survive a voyage charged with vengeance, redemption, betrayals, and hidden secrets best left unknown.

On sale January 11th.

DARK MATTER #2

Joseph Mallozzi (W), Paul Mullie (W), Garry Brown (A/Cover), and Ryan Hill (C)

On the run, with no memory of who they are or where they are going, and being pursued by an unknown enemy, the crew unearths a clue buried deep within the ship's database. Their search for answers leads them to a remote world, an alien threat, and, ultimately, the startling truth about their past!

On sale February 8th.

DARK MATTER #3

Joseph Mallozzi (W), Paul Mullie (W), Garry Brown (A/Cover), and Ryan Hill (C)

On the heels of a shocking revelation about the nature of their mission, the amnesiac crew struggle to come to terms with their roles-—and each other. Meanwhile, a space ship bristling with weaponry pops up on their radar and it doesn't seem friendly. Will a reckless response to a perceived threat damn them all?

On sale March 14th.

DARK MATTER #4

Joseph Mallozzi (W), Paul Mullie (W), Garry Brown (A/Cover), and Ryan Hill (C)

Abandoned by one of their own, the remaining crew members are trapped planet-side as enemies orbit their position. Outnumbered and outgunned, their only hope rests with a suicidal last stand—and help from a most unlikely source…

On sale April 11th.

And another interview, this one with Geek Crash Course: Interview: Joseph Mallozzi, Co-writer – Dark Matter | GEEK CRASH …

Slowly making my way through the fourth season of Breaking Bad, resisting the urge to burn through the rest of the episodes and ration myself to one a day.  I fear I may go into withdrawal after screening the last episode (which, by all accounts, is unbelievable – Hiya, Michelle!).  Fortunately, the fact that I held out so long before sitting down to watch the show means I won't have to wait that long to catch the fifth and (sadly) final season which premieres sometime between March and this summer.

I fear I'm going to go into withdrawal soon and need another remarkable series to capture my interest.  Something along the lines of The Sopranos, The Shield, and Rome.  My tastes run to cable shows (although I loved Friday Night Lights).  Have already watched Deadwood, Spartacus, The Wire, Oz, Six Feet Under, and the first seasons of Mad Men and Dexter.  What's next?  I'm considering: Sons of Anarchy, Boardwalk Empire, Game of Thrones, Luther and Misfits. Thoughts?

Hot off my against-all-odds Fantasy Football League championship, my Snow Monkeys have been invited to participate in an NFL Fantasy Football Playoff Challenge.  I need to pick a QB, 2 Wide Receivers, 2 Running Backs, 1 Tight End, a Kicker, and a Defense.  So, who do you figure is going to end up in the Superbowl?  Smart money is on the Packers, but I wouldn't count out the Saints.  The 49ers and Giants are also legitimate threats and, if they get hot, even the Falcons and Lions could surprise.  As for the AFC – slim pickins.  With the exception of the Denver Broncos, any of them have a shot at going to the big dance – or being upset in their first game.  Decisions, decisions…

Hey!  Guess who started eating again?  I'll give you a hint…

January 4, 2012: Graphic Novel Day! Dark Matter Mailbag! A Pet Peeve!

Wednesday is Comic Book Day and, occasionally, Graphic Novel Day as well, depending on my mood.  This afternoon, for instance, I was in the mood for a little diversity so, in addition to the latest issues of the ongoing titles I'm currently following (Uncanny X-Force, Detective Comics, Red Lanterns, Aquaman, Thunderbolts, The Punisher, and Penguin: Pride and Prejudice), I picked up a few trade paperbacks that caught my interest:

DAYTRIPPER by Fabio Moon and Gabriel Ba

"DAYTRIPPER follows the life of one man, Bras de Olivias Dominguez. Every chapter features an important period in Bras' life in exotic Brazil, and each story ends the same way: with his death. And then, the following story starts up at a different point in his life, oblivious to his death in the previous issue – and then also ends with him dying again. In every chapter, Bras dies at different moments in his life, as the story follows him through his entire existence – one filled with possibilities of happiness and sorrow, good and bad, love and loneliness. Each issue rediscovers the many varieties of daily life, in a story about living life to its fullest – because any of us can die at any moment."

AMERICAN VAMPIRE by Scott Snyder, Stephen King and Rafael Albuquereque

"This volume follows two stories: one written by Scott Snyder and one written by Stephen King. Snyder's story is set in 1920′s LA, we follow Pearl, a young woman who is turned into a vampire and sets out on a path of righteous revenge against the European Vampires who tortured and abused her. This story is paired with King's story, a western about Skinner Sweet, the original American Vampire– a stronger, faster creature than any vampire ever seen before with rattlesnake fangs and powered by the sun."

RED WING by Jonathan Hickman and Nick Pitarra

"To stay alive in the future, the best fighter pilots in the world not only have to perfect their skills and master their aircraft, they also have to know how to travel through time!"

BATGIRL RISING, by Bryan Q. Miller, Phil Noto and Cully Hamner

" Stephanie Brown, the vigilante formerly known as The Spoiler and Robin has taken on the identity of Batgirl as she begins her nocturnal crusade to take back the night from the underworld. Now she has become the target of both Gotham City's heroes (who don't take kindly to a new person wearing the cape and the cowl) and its villains (who want to see the entire Bat-family six feet under."

The latter is, of course, this month's Book of the Month Club selection. Discussion begins next week so pick it up and read it.  Or, if you're unable to get your hands on a copy at your local comic store, get the DC Comics app and download it (actually, the first six issues of Bryan Q. Miller's run) to your iPhone or iPad.

Seven days to the release of Dark Matter #1, the first issue of my new SF comic book series!  Today, my editor at Dark Horse, Patrick Thorpe, forwarded me my very first reader query for the letters page (Dark Matters).  Not sure how this fellow got his hot little hands on an advance copy (all the way over in Trinidad and Tobago no less!) but I'm pleased to report he actually liked what he read, concluding his letter with a question that I've avoided answering time and again over the course of the dozen or so interviews I've already done for the series: What influenced Dark Matter?  Well, the reason I've been consistently avoiding that question is because I fear it might give away the big second issue reveal, the revelation that establishes the series' premise and drives our heroes headlong into a chaotic race for survival…and more answers.  Fortunately, by the time this particular letter appears in print, all will have been revealed, so I can go ahead and inform him that I was inspired by the combined influences of a comic book, an old genre series, a cable series, a classic film, the remake of the same film, and a movie from the 70′s.

Hey, you know what one of my biggest pet peeves is?  Bigger than theater-talkers, name-droppers, slow drivers in the fast lane, or those who use the term "addicting" rather than "addictive"?  Coincidence! Specifically, coincidence in film, television, and prose fiction.  It's just lazy writing, a shortcut to cheap tension or convenient dramatic developments.  In certain circumstances, coincidence can be a perfectly acceptable narrative device – on those occasions, for instance, when it works against the protagonist, complicating matters and making things more difficult for them rather than making things easier in the way of providing key information or allowing them to get out of jam. Narrative contrivances aren't interesting.  They just suggest a writer who has given up trying.

I'm exhausted.  And I hardly did anything today!  As opposed to Akemi who found time to get her hair done AND liven up simple salami and cucumber with a Christmas twist:

January 3, 2012: The doggy dilemma! Dark Matter!

antisocialbutterflie writes: "I have garnered a lot of respect for you and your rallying behind Maximus for a while. There's a strength of character and obvious loyalty for the things you care about that lures me back more than any amusement you provide. I now find myself in a similar situation and my understanding of what you have been going through has multiplied exponentially. Though I don't have the financial resources to support a fight as strong as yours but I would like to query your greater experience in the matter.

If this is something you can't talk about feel free to ignore it or even delete the comment. Frankly it's difficult for me to say aloud even though it has been running through me head constantly for the last three weeks as things turned further south. At what point do you call it? Where is the line past which you are hurting more than helping? I'm grasping at straws hoping this will turn around because I can't stand the thought of losing the 15 lbs of hell and dog breath that have been the center of my world for seven years yet I can't help but feel I am rewarding his unilateral and undying affection with suffering because I am too selfish to let go. I know I can't expect someone else to make this decision for me and that your line may be different from my own but I'm a scientist by nature and profession and I'd like to use all of the resources available to me. Again if you find this too difficult to address I understand but I had to try."

Answer: It's a question I've been asking myself since Maximus was first diagnosed.  I know many pet owners who say "You'll know when it's time." or "He/she will tell you when it's time." but I have my doubts. Maximus stopped eating in Toronto, just days prior to our departure for Vancouver.  I assumed that was him telling me it was time. However, upon our return, Maximus started eating again and, while he wasn't back to his old self, he was certainly better.  Then several weeks ago, he stopped eating.  Again, I thought "it was time" but, yet again, he surprised us all by resuming his eating ways.

Ultimately, I don't believe there's a definite answer.  It's really up to you.  I know a guy who elected to make the call when his dog was no longer able to climb stairs.  My other pug, Jelly, reached that point years ago and today – a stem cell transplant and spinal surgery later – she still can't climb stairs much less get around all that well, yet she's happy and vibrant and clearly enjoying life.  In Maximus's case, I'm not so sure.  Amid the quiet misery there are flashes of tail-wagging happiness that give me pause.  What also gives me pause is the simple fact that I don't want to take the easy out.  Maximus stopped eating a couple of weeks ago, right before I was scheduled to fly to Montreal for Christmas.  It certainly would have been easier to make the call then, but I didn't want to make a decision I would look back on with regret. And so, I packed him up and brought him along, flying him carry-on and doting on him during the holidays.  We're back in Vancouver now and back at square one.  He stopped eating a couple of days ago (which suggests it may finally be time) but he still drinks plenty of water (which suggests it may not).

So when IS the right time to say goodbye?  Perhaps the biggest indicator for me comes with those now bi-weekly vet visits.  Whenever we take a seat in that waiting room, he begins to tremble.  That trembling, his obvious fear at what lies ahead, more than anything, that has been the litmus test.  In my mind, that reaction tells me he's not prepared to go just yet, that he'd like to fight a little longer. Which is fine with me.  I'll continue bringing him to the vet, continue to pick up his medication, continue to administer those meds.  And that's okay.  But should he decide to give up and lose that spark, acquiesce in the face of the upteenth visit to the animal clinic, then I'll make the difficult call.  And hopefully, when the times comes, that'll be okay as well.

By the way, my sis – who has had to make the tough decision several times – offered her eloquent opinion in yesterday's comments section. Check it out.

Jelly

While we're on the subject, Fondy gave me a couple of stuffed toys to pass along while I was in Montreal.  Well, last night, when I got back home to Vancouver, I did.  With predictable results.

Jelly enjoys her lobster.

While Lulu enjoys her otter to pieces. 30 seconds later, she did the same to Jelly's lobster.

Today, I sat down to screen Superman and the Mole-Men, the first entry in our Supermovie of the Week Club.  I'm watching this one in 15 minute installments as the full 57 minute run time has proven too daunting.  So far, alternately strange, annoying, dull, uncompelling, and hilarious.  Looking forward to reading Cookie Monster's review – and, of course, your thoughts next week when we discuss.

Hey, did I mention I have a comic book launching January 11th?  You can get it here (TFAW.com), here (Dark Horse Digital) or at your local comic book store.  Go pick up a copy of issue #1 because I'm going to make it a point to quiz each and every one of you about its contents.

Dark Matter makes SFX 360′s list of Most Anticipated Titles of 2012: Comic Countdown #3: Year In Preview (Pt. 2) | SFX-360: Bringing …

I chat with MTV Geek's Alexander Zalben and break down the ship's mystery crew, reflect on Stargate: Universe and the future of the franchise, and offer my take on psychotic kids, and: Stargate's Joseph Mallozzi Explores 'Dark Matter'… And … – MTV Geek

I talk with Michael Meade over at Tastes Like Rock!'s Geekonomicon, touching on the development of Dark Matter's visual style, the challenges of writing for the comic book medium, and some anime favorites: www.tasteslikerock.com/geekonomicon.html

Over at Angry Koala Gear, Charles Perez and I discuss my influences, "the plan" for Dark Matter, and my favorite comic books growing up: http://www.angrykoalagear.com/2012/01/interview-with-joseph-mallozi-writer-of.html

Dark Matter #1 will be hitting the shelves in about a week, so it's time to rally the troops and get the word out!  I'm counting on each and every one of you to take the next seven days off work (and/or family) and hit the net – forums, twitter, your cousin Marcie's quilting blog – and tell everyone to pick up the first issue!

January 3, 2011: The doggy dilemma! Dark Matter!

antisocialbutterflie writes: "I have garnered a lot of respect for you and your rallying behind Maximus for a while. There's a strength of character and obvious loyalty for the things you care about that lures me back more than any amusement you provide. I now find myself in a similar situation and my understanding of what you have been going through has multiplied exponentially. Though I don't have the financial resources to support a fight as strong as yours but I would like to query your greater experience in the matter.

If this is something you can't talk about feel free to ignore it or even delete the comment. Frankly it's difficult for me to say aloud even though it has been running through me head constantly for the last three weeks as things turned further south. At what point do you call it? Where is the line past which you are hurting more than helping? I'm grasping at straws hoping this will turn around because I can't stand the thought of losing the 15 lbs of hell and dog breath that have been the center of my world for seven years yet I can't help but feel I am rewarding his unilateral and undying affection with suffering because I am too selfish to let go. I know I can't expect someone else to make this decision for me and that your line may be different from my own but I'm a scientist by nature and profession and I'd like to use all of the resources available to me. Again if you find this too difficult to address I understand but I had to try."

Answer: It's a question I've been asking myself since Maximus was first diagnosed.  I know many pet owners who say "You'll know when it's time." or "He/she will tell you when it's time." but I have my doubts. Maximus stopped eating in Toronto, just days prior to our departure for Vancouver.  I assumed that was him telling me it was time. However, upon our return, Maximus started eating again and, while he wasn't back to his old self, he was certainly better.  Then several weeks ago, he stopped eating.  Again, I thought "it was time" but, yet again, he surprised us all by resuming his eating ways.

Ultimately, I don't believe there's a definite answer.  It's really up to you.  I know a guy who elected to make the call when his dog was no longer able to climb stairs.  My other pug, Jelly, reached that point years ago and today – a stem cell transplant and spinal surgery later – she still can't climb stairs much less get around all that well, yet she's happy and vibrant and clearly enjoying life.  In Maximus's case, I'm not so sure.  Amid the quiet misery there are flashes of tail-wagging happiness that give me pause.  What also gives me pause is the simple fact that I don't want to take the easy out.  Maximus stopped eating a couple of weeks ago, right before I was scheduled to fly to Montreal for Christmas.  It certainly would have been easier to make the call then, but I didn't want to make a decision I would look back on with regret. And so, I packed him up and brought him along, flying him carry-on and doting on him during the holidays.  We're back in Vancouver now and back at square one.  He stopped eating a couple of days ago (which suggests it may finally be time) but he still drinks plenty of water (which suggests it may not).

So when IS the right time to say goodbye?  Perhaps the biggest indicator for me comes with those now bi-weekly vet visits.  Whenever we take a seat in that waiting room, he begins to tremble.  That trembling, his obvious fear at what lies ahead, more than anything, that has been the litmus test.  In my mind, that reaction tells me he's not prepared to go just yet, that he'd like to fight a little longer. Which is fine with me.  I'll continue bringing him to the vet, continue to pick up his medication, continue to administer those meds.  And that's okay.  But should he decide to give up and lose that spark, acquiesce in the face of the upteenth visit to the animal clinic, then I'll make the difficult call.  And hopefully, when the times comes, that'll be okay as well.

By the way, my sis – who has had to make the tough decision several times – offered her eloquent opinion in yesterday's comments section. Check it out.

Jelly

While we're on the subject, Fondy gave me a couple of stuffed toys to pass along while I was in Montreal.  Well, last night, when I got back home to Vancouver, I did.  With predictable results.

Jelly enjoys her lobster.

While Lulu enjoys her otter to pieces. 30 seconds later, she did the same to Jelly's lobster.

Today, I sat down to screen Superman and the Mole-Men, the first entry in our Supermovie of the Week Club.  I'm watching this one in 15 minute installments as the full 57 minute run time has proven too daunting.  So far, alternately strange, annoying, dull, uncompelling, and hilarious.  Looking forward to reading Cookie Monster's review – and, of course, your thoughts next week when we discuss.

Hey, did I mention I have a comic book launching January 11th?  You can get it here (TFAW.com), here (Dark Horse Digital) or at your local comic book store.  Go pick up a copy of issue #1 because I'm going to make it a point to quiz each and every one of you about its contents.

Dark Matter makes SFX 360′s list of Most Anticipated Titles of 2012: Comic Countdown #3: Year In Preview (Pt. 2) | SFX-360: Bringing …

I chat with MTV Geek's Alexander Zalben and break down the ship's mystery crew, reflect on Stargate: Universe and the future of the franchise, and offer my take on psychotic kids, and: Stargate's Joseph Mallozzi Explores 'Dark Matter'… And … – MTV Geek

I talk with Michael Meade over at Tastes Like Rock!'s Geekonomicon, touching on the development of Dark Matter's visual style, the challenges of writing for the comic book medium, and some anime favorites: www.tasteslikerock.com/geekonomicon.html

Over at Angry Koala Gear, Charles Perez and I discuss my influences, "the plan" for Dark Matter, and my favorite comic books growing up: http://www.angrykoalagear.com/2012/01/interview-with-joseph-mallozi-writer-of.html

Dark Matter #1 will be hitting the shelves in about a week, so it's time to rally the troops and get the word out!  I'm counting on each and every one of you to take the next seven days off work (and/or family) and hit the net – forums, twitter, your cousin Marcie's quilting blog – and tell everyone to pick up the first issue!

January 2, 2012: Another Dark Matter interview! Superfilm of the Week Club Reminder! Book of the Month Club Reminder! Travel Day!

Another interview for my upcoming comic book series, Dark Matter, that hits the shelves January 11th – this one with Eric Whitman at The Daily BLAM! http://www.dailyblam.com/news/2011/12/30/preview-exclusive-interview-joseph-mallozzi-discusses-his-comic-debut-dark-matter

Wow!  This Supermovie of the Week Club has really sparked a lot of interest.  More, dare I say, than my Book of the Month Club ever garnered.  It would appear as though many of you would rather watch a movie than read a book.  Who'd have thunk?  Well, here's the deal. We're going to do both!

For those of you who missed yesterday's blog entry (No, I don't want to hear your excuses), I'll be kicking off a "Supermovie" of the Week Club starting next Monday.  The goal is to watch every superhero-themed movie out there, starting from the 1951 Superman and the Mole Men to, well, whatever the latest movie to hit the big screen will be by the time we're done (Brother Voodoo?  Aqualad?), then gather and discuss with this blog's resident film critic, Cookie Monster.  Festivities will commence this Monday (January 9th) with – what did I say? – the 1951 Superman and the Mole Men, available on Netflix…and I hear elsewhere on the net.

The following Tuesday (January 16th), we'll gather to chat about the second film in our intellectual little discussion group: the 1966 Batman movie which certainly beats any live action Batman movie produced prior to 2005.  We'll push our little movie group by one day because that Monday, in keeping with the Bat-theme, we have a BIG Book of the Month Club discussion on Batgirl: Batgirl Rising.  It's a trade paperback, a quick though no-less involving read, and should be available at your local comic bookstore.  I'd like you all to take the time to read it and come up with some questions for writer Bryan Q. Miller who is a good friend – once removed (he's married to my good friend Erika Kennair) – and a former writer/executive story editor on the television series Smallville.

Homeward-bound today.  Hopefully yet another change in environment will give Maximus a much-needed boost.

Tagged: Batgirl, Batgirl Rising, Bryan Q. Miller

January 2, 2011: Another Dark Matter interview! Superfilm of the Week Club Reminder! Book of the Month Club Reminder! Travel Day!

Another interview for my upcoming comic book series, Dark Matter, that hits the shelves January 11th – this one with Eric Whitman at The Daily BLAM! http://www.dailyblam.com/news/2011/12/30/preview-exclusive-interview-joseph-mallozzi-discusses-his-comic-debut-dark-matter

Wow!  This Supermovie of the Week Club has really sparked a lot of interest.  More, dare I say, than my Book of the Month Club ever garnered.  It would appear as though many of you would rather watch a movie than read a book.  Who'd have thunk?  Well, here's the deal. We're going to do both!

For those of you who missed yesterday's blog entry (No, I don't want to hear your excuses), I'll be kicking off a "Supermovie" of the Week Club starting next Monday.  The goal is to watch every superhero-themed movie out there, starting from the 1951 Superman and the Mole Men to, well, whatever the latest movie to hit the big screen will be by the time we're done (Brother Voodoo?  Aqualad?), then gather and discuss with this blog's resident film critic, Cookie Monster.  Festivities will commence this Monday (January 9th) with – what did I say? – the 1951 Superman and the Mole Men, available on Netflix…and I hear elsewhere on the net.

The following Tuesday (January 16th), we'll gather to chat about the second film in our intellectual little discussion group: the 1966 Batman movie which certainly beats any live action Batman movie produced prior to 2005.  We'll push our little movie group by one day because that Monday, in keeping with the Bat-theme, we have a BIG Book of the Month Club discussion on Batgirl: Batgirl Rising.  It's a trade paperback, a quick though no-less involving read, and should be available at your local comic bookstore.  I'd like you all to take the time to read it and come up with some questions for writer Bryan Q. Miller who is a good friend – once removed (he's married to my good friend Erika Kennair) – and a former writer/executive story editor on the television series Smallville.

Homeward-bound today.  Hopefully yet another change in environment will give Maximus a much-needed boost.

Tagged: Batgirl, Batgirl Rising, Bryan Q. Miller