Joseph Mallozzi's Blog, page 532

August 7, 2011: Out and about with the Stargate gang! Ice cream with Sue and co.! The Maximus update!

The Dynamic Duo: Carl Binder and Michael Shanks

Marty G. "Hansamu" as the Japanese would say.

Michael Shanks was back in town so, last night, we headed over to what is fast becoming a second home for me here in Toronto: Scarpetta.  And, this time, we were joined by fellow Stargate alums Carl Binder and Martin Gero for pasta, wine, and reminiscences.  Michael was in town shooting a guest spot on Flashpoint, Marty G. is here Exec. Producing his new show, and Carl is here working on The Transporter and bathing my dogs.

Today – completed revisions on Sharks (episode #103) and finished up my wrap report for 12 Hours (episode #102).  Took a break to finally check out the ice cream at The White Squirrel Cafe along with my friend Sue who was in town with family visiting family.

Sue (right) and family.

The coconut ice cream was fantastic!

On the home front, I've noticed that Jelly and Maximus have started gravitating toward each other of late, spending more time together, sleeping side by side. It's very sweet, almost sad, as though Jelly realizes something is up and is trying to comfort him.

We call 'em "the oldsters". Maximus and Jelly.

Spoke to the surgeon Saturday.  Apparently, it's a very big tumor.  Surgery would be risky and still wouldn't get it all.  At mom's suggestion, I asked about cryo ablation that would effectively freeze the tumor, killing it.  Unfortunately, this procedure only works for smaller tumors and would have little effect on the bone of Max's jaw that has apparently been invaded.  Radiation is an option (melanoma is apparently very sensitive to radiation therapy), although the side effects are something to consider – especially given that part of the tumor is located in the back of Maximus's throat.  Tomorrow, I'll be speaking to a radiation oncologist who will offer his opinion on the best course of action.

In the meantime, Maximus seems alright.  Slower, a little more lethargic, but still hungry and happy.  He even ran down the corridor this afternoon to get a treat from Akemi.  Feel sorry for the little guy.  Wish I could do more to help him.

Whuzzat?!

August 6, 2011: There's nothing like a nice, homemade card!

When we were kids, my mother used to emphasize the importance of a good, homemade card.  The way she saw it, it took hardly any effort to buy a card. Making one, on the other hand, was a demonstration of love, an achievement of time, toil, and determination.  Mom was right.  And so, with a former co-worker's wedding fast-approaching, I thought it would be nice to put in that extra little effort, and take the time to show her how much I cared.  I dropped by my local gift shop, picked up some multi-colored construction paper, stickers, a glue stick and got to work…

…handing them off to my assistant, Trevor with instructions to make a nice, heartfelt card.  The results…

Trevor triumphantly shows off the fruits of his all-day labor.

Not bad. A minor quibble with the word "MARRIED" that looks a little front-heavy in the letters, suggesting he misjudged the amount of space he had to squeeze in the word. Other than that, pretty nice. Like the choice of the pink and blue.

A sweet sentiment expressed amid the matrimonial adornments: wedding cake, the bouquet, a gift, a heart, and a tyrannosaurus rex.

His own little touch in the back. I believe he's trademarked the company logo.

So, I sent off the card along with a check.  Beside the "RE" at the bottom left of the check, I wrote: "Payment for black market organ".

Good luck trying to cash it!

Anyway, the following week, I received a response from the bride-to-be…

Hmmm. Qu'est-ce que c'est?

Oooh la la!

And the "thank you". I'll take it, although I'm still kind of upset she didn't take my advice and go with the Stargate-themed wedding.

It turned out Trevor had some leftover supplies and, with my sister's birthday around the corner, I figured "Why not?"…

Note the liberal use of dinosaurs and kittens.

It took a little extra time and effort but it proved worthwhile because, in the end, everyone was very happy.

With the exception of Trevor who cut his finger, contracted a bacteria from the suspect glue stick, and spent the weekend at the hospital.  Unfortunate but, as mom is fond of saying: "No pain, no gain!".

August 6, 2011: There's nothing like a nice, home made card!

When we were kids, my mother used to emphasize the importance of a good, home made card.  The way she saw it, it took hardly any effort to buy a card. Making one, on the other hand, was a demonstration of love, an achievement of time, toil, and determination.  Mom was right.  And so, with a former co-worker's wedding fast-approaching, I thought it would be nice to put in that extra little effort, and take the time to show her how much I cared.  I dropped by my local gift shop, picked up some multi-colored construction paper, stickers, a glue stick and got to work…

…handing them off to my assistant, Trevor with instructions to make a nice, heartfelt card.  The results…

Trevor triumphantly shows off the fruits of his all-day labor.

Not bad. A minor quibble with the word "MARRIED" that looks a little front-heavy in the letters, suggesting he misjudged the amount of space he had to squeeze in the word. Other than that, pretty nice. Like the choice of the pink and blue.

A sweet sentiment expressed amid the matrimonial adornments: wedding cake, the bouquet, a gift, a heart, and a tyrannosaurus rex.

His own little touch in the back. I believe he's trademarked the company logo.

So, I sent off the card along with a check.  Beside the "RE" at the bottom left of the check, I wrote: "Payment for black market organ".

Good luck trying to cash it!

Anyway, the following week, I received a response from the bride-to-be…

Hmmm. Qu'est-ce que c'est?

Oooh la la!

And the "thank you". I'll take it, although I'm still kind of upset she didn't take my advice and go with the Stargate-themed wedding.

It turned out Trevor had some leftover supplies and, with my sister's birthday around the corner, I figured "Why not?"…

Note the liberal use of dinosaurs and kittens.

It took a little extra time and effort but it proved worthwhile because, in the end, everyone was very happy.

With the exception of Trevor who cut his finger, contracted a bacteria from the suspect glue stick, and spent the weekend at the hospital.  Unfortunate but, as mom is fond of saying: "No pain, no gain!".

August 5, 2011: The Transporter – Episode #102 – 12 Hours – Day #7!

The awesome Bruce McDonald kicks back after another looooooong day.

Sweet, sweeet Saturday sleep.  I now look forward to my late weekend mornings the same way I used to look forward to new issues of The Mighty Avengers or ice cream on a hot summer day.  It's been another exhausting week, but we got some really great stuff – thanks, in great part, to our fantastic director, Bruce McDonald.  Not only is he terrifically talented, but he's also one hell of a nice guy.  A true pleasure to work with.

Speaking of "pleasure to work with", look at who moved into my office while I was away shooting episode #102…

Yes, it's our buddy Carl Binder who you may remember from such productions as Pocahontas, Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman, Little Men, Stargate: SG-1, Stargate: Atlantis, Stargate: Universe, and twitter.com/cpbinder.  Look at how thrilled he is to be working with us again.

Laisse les bon temps rouler!

Today, we were in two places at once: the clean room location AND our standing sets!

Tim and Bruce conspire.

Bruce reveals his master plan to Richard.

A rare collectible shot of Tara smiling.

Watched some of the footage from the big fight sequence this afternoon.  Wow!  As Alexander pointed out: "There's nothing like this on television."  Cyril's choreography is unbelievable – fluid, fast, and fun.  As for Chris Vance, our Frank – well, like my writing partner Paul likes to say: "He's a superstar."  He's smart, dedicated, intense, an incredibly hard worker, a great actor, and a good, good person.  He's incredibly charming and can command the screen with something as simple as a purposeful march down a long corridor.  Can't wait to see the viewer reaction to his Frank Martin when the show premieres in 2012.

Took home the director's cut of the pilot.  Something to peruse this weekend while finishing up the rewrite of Sharks and writing up my Wrap Report for episode #102, 12 Hours.

Tee hee!

Yet another Stargate reunion tomorrow night.  Michael Shanks is back in town and I'll be getting together with him, Carl, and Marty G. for a night of revelry and reminiscences.

To the weekend!

August 4, 2011: The Maximus Update!

An even longer and more exhausting day than the usual.  I woke up bright and early this morning to take the 90 minute drive to the University of Guelph Small Animal Hospital where my pug Maximus had a visit with one of the resident Oncologists.

My handsome boy.

We met with the doctor who gave us the rundown on our options.  Thanks to the links man of you provided, I went armed with a bunch of questions concerning vaccines and potential alternate treatments.

Maximus looking very concerned.

Of course, it would all depend on what the tests showed.  I requested a thorough examination: a CT scan to identify the size of the tumor, chest x-ray and ultrasound to find out whether the cancer had spread, and blood work to see how his body was dealing with the disease.

He's usually incredibly laid back. Not so much in the doctor's office.

He seemed to sense what was coming and went into hiding - in full view - under my chair.

We had to leave him for the day.  The doctor promised to call me as soon as she had the results.

His "Please, don't leave me!" look.

Leaving him behind for a procedure is tough.  He is always terrified at the prospect of being left alone and will actually tremble.  But, alas, it had to be done.

I received the call late this afternoon.  Apparently, it's a big tumor and the cancer has spread to the bone behind his eye.  Nodules were discovered on his spleen and liver but they will have to aspirated and tested at a later date to check for malignancy.  On the positive side, his lymph nodes and chest are clear.  Tomorrow, I'll be talking to a surgeon about what can be done.

We wrapped at around eight.  I hopped in my car and drove another 90 minutes to pick up Maximus so that he wouldn't have to spend the night alone.  He was positively thrilled to see us.  And Jelly was positively thrilled to see him.  According to Akemi, the poor gal spent much of the day searching the apartment for him, crying.  One year apart, the two practically grew up together.

Jelly and Maximus in their younger days.

Anyway, it's late and I REALLY need to get some sleep.  I've got another early day on set and another pass on Sharks that needs to be done before Tuesday's concept meeting.

August 3, 2011: Transporter – Episode #2 – 12 Hours – Day 5!

Although we started an hour later this morning, I had to add an hour to my travel time so it was a wash: no extra sleep for me.  5:20 a.m. wake-up, walk the dogs, wash up, then out the door at 6:30 a.m.  By the time I rolled into The Devil's Punch Bowl at Stoney Creek, Director Bruce McDonald was already talking car stunts with our Car Stunt Coordinator Michel Julienne.  There was some initial concern the recent rainfall could complicate the game plan but, fortunately, it dried up fairly quickly and, eventually, even the sun came out.  And then left later that afternoon, making way for overcast skies and a fine mist for the vineyard scene.

Patrick, Bruce, and Michel discuss the car stunts.

The Lamborghini, in position.

A picnic by the cliff side.

Both of our shooting locations were situated a short walk from the Punch Bowl Market, purveyors of fine foods (pies in particular).  And so, after lunch, I sat down to some blueberry pie.  A la mode of course…

Derek = one piece.

Onno - 1 1/2 pieces.

Robert = 1 1/2 pieces.

Tara = 3 pieces. Probably more because she was still eating when I left to get back to work. Look! She's got something in her eye.

Tara destroys dessert!

Stephan stocks up.

We return to work after lunch. Well, Simon does anyway, wondering where the hell is everyone else?

Cruising the vineyard.

Uber-adorable Erin shows off HER NEW LAMBOGHINI, a reward for her 2+ months of hard work on the production.

Finally completed by rewrite of Payback.  Not the last time I'll be revisiting the script, I'm sure.  Still, quite relieved it's finally out of the way.  Now, I can take a break – and work on my rewrite of Sharks.

August 2, 2011: The Transporter – Episode #2 – 12 Hours – Day #4! Thanks from me and Maximus!

Back at it again today, this time in Stouffville for a visit to Geneva and a very unique home plus a healthy dose of action compliments of Fight Choreographer Cyril Raffaelli (pictured above, calling YOU out).

The day was a scorcher!

Flower child Tim Bider makes love not war.

Stephanie's salute to Switzerland.

All revved up and ready to go.

Brendan swings by set for the free coffee, then heads back to the production offices for the free lunch.

David Julienne, aka The Driver, aka 009.

Tara and Robert on an upscale picnic. And then, presumably (check out the hat below), The Kentucky Derby.

Need a lift?

What's in YOUR trunk.

Sweet ride!

The Maestro: Director Bruce McDonald

It was a hot, long day and, as a thank you to my terrific cast and crew, I arranged for a little treat…

Ice cream for everyone!

Tomorrow, I'm Hamilton-bound for a little cliff-side action and some vineyard intrigue.

Thanks to everyone who took the time to send their thoughts, links, and well-wishes for Maximus.  They are greatly appreciated.  My poor little (big) guy is more lethargic, obviously slower, but his appetite remains strong which I take as a good sign.  He also seems to be in relatively good spirits, still demonstrating his typical tail-wagging affection for the neighborhood kids who stop to pet him.

We have an appointment this Thursday to see a specialist at the University of Guelph.  I'll be going armed with a bunch of the helpful info several of you have provided, along with a slew of questions.

August 1, 2011: Maximus…

I noticed the change in Maximus several weeks ago.  Normally possessed of an appetite characteristic of most pugs, he would scoff down treats on sight, snapping up kibble, liver brownies, and fingertips with equal relish.  And then suddenly, three weeks ago, something changed.  While he didn't exactly turn down the treats, he no longer attacked them with the same gusto.  Rather than wolf them down as fast as he could, he seemed deliberate, almost cautious in his approach – carefully sniffing and disposing of them with a slow, extended chew.  It was enough to tip me off that something was wrong.  Over the course of the next couple of days, I observed him more closely and noticed other changes in his behavior.  Always the first one to finish his meals, wolfing down his breakfasts and dinners as if they'd be the last ones he ever eat, Max suddenly seemed less enthusiastic about what was set down in front of him.  He always seemed considerably slower on his daily walks, lagging behind even Jelly with her hip dysplasia.  Max had always been the most laid-back of the foursome, preferring to spend the better part of the day in his doughnut bed or lying about in the sun, but even his typical laziness seemed fervent compared to the lethargy he was exhibiting.

I made an appointment and took him in last week.  During the check-up the vet appeared to discover the problem: a broken tooth that had led to an abscess.  No wonder he couldn't eat and had been so unlike himself.  He was in, no doubt, a great deal of pain.  The vet sent us home with antibiotics, pain meds, and a scheduled dental surgery the following Monday.

I hate bringing my dogs in for surgery, particularly Jelly and Maximus who cower and tremble, gazing out at you longingly as if to say "Please, don't leave me!" and "What'd I do?!", but if dental surgery was going to get Maximus back to his old self then it had to be done.

 I dropped him off Monday morning, then headed off to set where I awaited word.  Finally, some time after lunch, the doctor called to inform me the surgery had been a success and that Maximus was doing fine.  They'd had to remove two teeth in addition to two masses inside his mouth.  The latter had been sent out for testing.  To be honest, I wasn't that concerned.  Throughout his life, Maximus had been prone to these mystery masses that seemed to sprout out everywhere -on his belly, on his back, between the pads of his paws – but test after had shown every one of them to be benign.  So really, I thought, why should this time be any difference.

Maximus returned home and, in the hours after his surgery, almost seemed to be his old self.  His appetite seemed to pick up as did the pace of his walk.  I'd completely forgotten about the outstanding test results until I received a message from the animal clinic asking me to call them back.  I did.  The technician informed me the doctor wanted to go over Maximus's test results with me.  I asked if everything was alright, a question that, curiously, seemed to catch her off guard.  She stumbled a little, then suggested the doctor would be able to answer my questions.  "Should I bring Maximus?"I asked her.  "No,"she informed me, "the doctor just wants to talk to you."

And so, I went to the animal clinic where we discussed the test results.  Afterwards, I had the doctor forward me the histopathology report.  "You were hoping for something benign and I am going to give you some really bad news,"it read.  "This is malignant melanoma."  Then, after a detailed explanation of the type of tumor we were dealing with: "These tumors are dangerous both because of locally invasive and recurrent growth, and because of a very high metastatic risk to lymph node and then lung."

I've made an appointment to have Maximus seen by a specialist, a canine oncologist at Guelph University.  There, they'll run a battery of tests to get a better sense of what we're dealing with after which they'll be able to suggest some treatment options.  Provided the cancer hasn't already spread to his lungs in which case, the doctor informs me, the prognosis is not good.

Rather than wait around, I set aside less pressing concerns to surf the web in search of alternative/homeopathic treatments and came up with a list of safe, natural remedies that anecdotal evident suggests can help (and, at the very least, can't hurt).  We'll see how he responds.

I'm still a little stunned.  This same time last year, I thought Jelly was on her last legs.  Suffering from hip dysplasia, arthritic joints, and a spinal condition, she was barely able to walk, much less squat to pee.  I thought I was out of options – until I came across an article on the surprising results of stem cell treatments for dogs and horses.  I looked into it and, with the help of the fine folk at Vet-Stem, proceeded with the treatment given the understanding that results vary.  Well, one year later and not only is she squatting and walking, she's actually charging down the corridor in albeit wobbly form.

Here's hoping for a second miracle.

Tagged: pugs

July 31, 2011: Lunch with Jane! Dinner with Jewel and Marty G.! Sort of!

I took some time off from the rewrite today to take in not one but two terrific meals.  The first was brunch with the lovely Jane McLean (Charisse in The Time Traveler's Wife, Tammy Okama on Dexter, Jane Richards on Terminal City, and – soon – Fiona Rivers on The Transporter) at Mildred's Temple Kitchen in Liberty Village, a quaint little neighborhood in the city's west end.  Our chat veered from the personal to the professional, covering everything from food and family to producing and pitching for television.  Jane is smart, talented, ambitious but, most important of all, well-grounded, and I have no doubt she'll be accomplishing much much more in the not too distant future.

My Huevos Monty: black bean refritos & sharp cheddar cheese baked in flour tortillas and topped with eggs sunny, fresh salsa & avocado creme fraiche. As good as it looks!

After brunch, it was downtown to run errands.  Among the things I had to pick up today: an electric tea kettle, a gift for Keiko, new sweat pants, and -

A peanut buster parfait. Meh. Soft serve never tastes quite right. In terms of both texture and flavor, it's about as synthetic as you can get. I also take issue with its refusal to melt like proper ice cream.

So the other night, on our way to have dinner with Mike, we happened by a restaurant called Marben that was advertising a monthly pig roast dinner.  I immediately thought of the wonderful Whole Hog dinners I enjoyed at Fuel/Refuel over the years and wasted no time in making a reservation.

Well, tonight we went in for our pig feast.  It was family style serving – a pork platter of various cuts including shoulder, belly, crispy spin, and select pieces from the head and neck area – accompanied by several side dishes including some amazing baked beans, just fine green beans, and marvelous swiss chard.  As for the pork – delicious!  I was working my way through the feast when Akemi warned me to slow down and save room for the next dish.  "What next dish?"I asked her.  "This is it."  She thought I was kidding.  "There is no next dish,"I repeated.  She still thought I was kidding.  Three more rounds of this and it finally dawned on her that THERE WAS NO NEXT DISH.  She was evidently expecting the meal to play out along the lines of the aforementioned Fuel/Refuel Whole Hog Dinner – several different plates featuring different parts of the pig (ie. crispy pig ear with salsa verde, pig tail consomme, crispy brain with fried green tomato, birch syrup milk chocolate pie with candied bacon, etc.).  While she may not have loved the meal, I thought it great and will definitely be making a return visit.

For dessert: the house ice cream sandwiches! Highly recommended.

Also in attendance that night, coming in about an hour after our seating…

Hey! It's Marty G.!

And the gorgeous Jewel Staite.

It's a veritable Stargate reunion in Toronto!  And it just keeps getting bigger.  The cavalry heads into town tomorrow night in the form of my buddy Carl Binder who'll be riding in to lend us some much-needed support on The Transporter.  Also got word from Michael Shanks that he'll be coming back into town to film a guest spot on another locally-shot series – well in advance of his planned return for the August Fan Expo (August 25th-28th) with wife Lexa Doig.  Get your tickets now!

July 30, 2011: Dinner with Mike!

I spent much of the day working on that damn rewrite of Payback, taking a break only to check out the lame Caribana Fest that offered up eight-dollar jerk chicken sandwiches and corn on the cob as a presumed "taste of islands".  So much for the oxtail, curried goat, and plantain I was expected.  Screw it.  I ended up going to Rodney's Oyster House for an oyster po'boy, then Soma for chocolates – and back home for a healthy second helping of rewrite.

Tonight, it was off to Scarpetta.  "Scarpetta?!"you say.  "Why?  Was someone in town?".  Well, as a matter of fact, yes.  Mike Dopud (who, you may know remember, played the role of Varro in Stargate: Universe) is in town, doing some stunt work on Total Recall.  He was just in Montreal doing a guest spot on Blue Mountain State in which he plays a very colorful character.  Don't want to say too much but judging from the pics of his wardrobe, I'd say he had a blast doing it.

Anyway, it was great to catch up with Mike.  We talked Stargate, our old stomping grounds of Montreal, our new hometown of Vancouver, and Mike's hair-raising close shaves in his days as a club bouncer (check out the scars!).  And we also enjoyed a mighty fine dinner…

Akemi came armed.

Onion Varietals with goat cheese, pine nuts, and agro dolce. My favorite starter. Well, it's actually part of the vegetarian menu but any item in a vegetarian menu can be considered a starter so far as I'm concerned.

Akemi's favorite, the rosemary scialatielle with lobster, basil, and lentils. Technically, her favorite on this menu - but she still prefers the black pasta we had at the Scapetta in Vegas.

Believe it or not, I passed on the Amedei chocolate cake in favor of the restaurant's fab coconut panna cotta.  Seriously.  Also sampled a new dessert item – their version of a Baba au Rhum that proved disappointingly dry and lacking the sumptuous rum and cream-saturation characteristic of every other version I've tried. The only real misstep of the night.

Anyway, great to see Mike and, hopefully, we'll get the chance to work together again sometime in 2012 back in Vancouver.

I've got something in mind…

Tagged: Mike Dopud