Joseph Mallozzi's Blog, page 549

February 14, 2011: Lady of Mazes, by Karl Schroeder

In a far, far distant future, Teven Coronal is one of numerous space habitats orbiting a sun. Its inhabitants live within separate manifolds, virtual realities independent both physically and philosophically.  One manifold may be  a technologically-advanced culture where flying cars abound and individuals are able to project their consciousnesses into artificial constructs, duplicates called animas, while another may be primitive and technologically bereft.  All of these societies are generated and maintained by AI's through neural implants via a technology called inscape.  Meanwhile, failsafes called tech-locks ensure technological purity (ie. developmental stagnation in the cases of those primitive manifolds) and that there is no bleed-thru between the the individual VR's, making for a well-controlled system.  But the occasional glitches do occur…

One such glitch proved an almost-transcendent experience for two young people, Livia Kodaly and Aaron Varese.  Following the crash of a public transport, only they were able to handle the subsequent exposure to harsh reality, an ability that allowed them to lead many survivors to safety – and that, subsequently, set them apart from their fellow citizens of the Westerhaven manifold.  And yet, their brief intimacy with reality those many years back does little to prepare them for more shocking truths when a large-scale disaster strikes, upending their very existence.

The tech locks have been disabled and the barriers between manifolds is breaking down.  Livia discovers the source, a mysterious entity known as 3340, but it does little to save Westerhaven.  It is attacked, descends into chaos and soon, she is forced to flee.  With the entire solar system under threat, she and her allies journey to other coronals in search of answers. What she inevitably ends up with are answers to questions she never even thought to ask, surprises and revelations in the form of entities, cultures, and realities bigger, broader, and deeper than anything she could have imagined within the strict confines of Westerhaven.  To say any more would risk spoiling the novel for those who've yet to discover its wonders.

Wow!  Lady of Mazes was a head-spinner.  The world-building is vast, the technology intricate, and the thematic core of the book both challenging and thought-provoking.  I'll admit to being slightly overwhelmed by its first fifty pages.  Although the concepts introduced aren't overly complicated, they do require a fair amount of exposition, resulting in a slow narrative build over those first fifteen chapters or so. The use of exotic terminology lends another confusing element, forcing one to progress at a very deliberate.  Easy reading this aint.  But highly-rewarding it is because a basic understanding of these worlds, technologies, and philosophies form the launch point to a brilliant exploration of knowledge and existence, the sort of big ideas that shouldn't be confined to science fiction alone (but, honestly, no other genre does a better job).  How does technology benefit our lives and what are the disadvantages of living in a technologically-advanced society?  Is happiness always defined by reality or can happiness flourish in a state of artifice and ignorance?  Should it?  Do absolute truths exist, or are they as fluid and volatile as varied environments and social constructs? We are posed these questions through the experience and enlightened eyes of our protagonist, a woman who ventures beyond the comforts of her constructed reality to examine and understand people and places once beyond her comprehension.  And, ultimately, we learn that the search for answers is just as important as the answers themselves.

Lady of Mazes isn't the type of book I'd recommend to a friend looking for a fun SF summer read.  It's dense and demanding, yet smart, inventive, illuminating, and incredibly satisfying.

So, those are my preliminary thoughts.  I'm very interested in hearing what everyone else thought.  Let's hear 'em!  And start posting your questions for author Karl Schroeder!

Tagged: Karl Schroeder, Lady of Mazes

February 13, 2011: I can't remember the last time I so thoroughly enjoyed a book…

I read a lot.  Between writing, producing, working out, dining out, and spending quality time with the dogs, I make it a point to set aside a couple of hours every night to cozy up with a good book.  Well, that's the intention anyway.  Truth is, many of the books I've read over the years haven't been good.  They've been middling, sometimes above average, occasionally terrible.  Every so often, they have been good. Perhaps once every few months, I'll even be lucky enough to read a very good book.  But rare are the instances that I come across a great book.  Of course every time I pick up my latest read, I do so in the far-flung hope that I will fall in love with it – but experience has been cruel. Inevitably, my hopes are dashed by weak supporting characters or convenient twists in the narrative, my heart broken by 11th hour contrivances and tidy, anti-climactic resolutions.  Yes, rare are the instances when I come across a great book.  But, when I do, it's always wonderfully unexpected, thrilling discovery.

So, what makes a great book?  Well, I suppose that's subjective.  All of my great reads differ in many ways, but the two things they have in common are: a) their ability to thoroughly delight and engross me from start to finish, and b) a sense of humor.  Prior to this week, I would have offered a third common variable: the fact that they were all works of fiction.  But that was before I'd read this…

I mentioned the author, Jeffrey Steingarten, in a recent blog post (January 9, 2011: The Top 10 Food T.V. Personalities I Enjoy Watching!).  He's one of America's leading food writers, a former attorney turned food critic whose regular column for Vogue Magazine has earned him a plethora of accolades and awards.  He's also a regular at the judge's table on both Iron Chef America and The Next Iron Chef, and the author of two books: The Man Who I Ate Everything (1998) and It Must've Been Something I Ate (2003).  I downloaded the latter to my kindle prior to my recent Toronto trip (the first book was annoyingly absent from my online bookstore the last time I checked), figuring it might provide me with an amusing, somewhat informative, in-flight distraction.  Instead, it positively coldcocked me with its charm, sincerity, and humor.

I loved this book.  I wanted to devour it like a Refuel crispy duck confit platter but, instead, elected to pace myself, luxuriating over each chapter like a box of individually wrapped Amedei Chuao chocolate squares.  It Must've Been Something I Ate is a collection of some 40+ food-themed essays covering everything from caustic garnishes to haute chocolate, sea urchins to steaks.  They're equal parts entertaining and edifying, but it's Jeffrey Steingarten himself who, at the heart of each mini-narrative, driving the quest for the perfect pizzza or the ideal espresso, makes this book such a pleasurable read.  He's a character (and what a character!), at turns brilliant, bumbling, brash, and bewildered yet, above all, good-natured and incredibly amiable – the type of guy you'd like to have a beer with, or, preferably, a 12 course Chef's tasting menu.

Now let me make one thing clear.  Yes, this is a book for foodies.  But it's also a book for individuals interested in learning more about the quality of the beef that ends up on their dinner plate (High Steaks), those who'd like to know whether that MSG is to blame for their post-Kung Pao migraine (Why Doesn't Everybody in China Have a Headache?), and anyone looking for the best chocolate chip cookie recipe out there (Standards and Practices).  In Brain Storm, an article in a neurology magazine suggesting food obsession may be symptomatic of brain damage sends an initially amused, then increasingly anxious Steingarten to Zurich in search of answers – and a brain scan.  In Salt Chic, he investigates the horrifying professional assertion that "all salt tastes the same", dealing a painful blow to designer salt enthusiasts and his own devotion to the ultra-rare Oshima Island Blue Label. Chocolate Dreams looks at the recent studies and attempts to answer the burning question: "How good (or bad) is chocolate for us?  Really?", while the sexual mores of lobsters and the most humane way to dispatch of the tasty crustaceans is covered in On a Roll.

If you could have dinner with anyone (dead or alive) who would it be? If I was thrown that old chestnut today, I wouldn't hesitate to answer: Jeffrey Steingarten.  And, after reading this book, chances are good you'll answer the same.

Mailbag:

Randomness writes: "Wait. what? So somehow I'm being blamed for taking Craig at his word?"

Answer: No, you're not being blamed and I can see how you could have arrived at those conclusions.  I'm simply making it absolutely clear that said conclusions are wholly inaccurate.

don writes: "This sounds like a show that from the start was fundamentally at odds with your stated preferences. Is it possible that your heart was never really in it?"

Answer: Stargate: Universe is a great show and I thoroughly enjoyed working on it – in much the same way I enjoyed working on Atlantis, and SG-1 before it.  Sure, there were elements of the shows that didn't resonate with me as strongly as others (ie. the Ancient storylines which, by the way, were a part of all three series) but I'm sure that's true for any writer working on a show that didn't spring wholly from his mind alone.

sci451 writes: "Also Joe I am curious why you and Paul are writing the series bible instead of say Robert Cooper?"

Answer: We have (and will) make different contributions to the project.

Randomness writes: "I like everyone else just want the truth on this issue. What is Brad Wright doing? Do SGU movies actually exist, or are we all being played?"

Answer: Just because you haven't been made privy to the details of what is going on behind the scenes doesn't mean the gears aren't turning.  Whether they'll amount to anything in the end is the big question.  And I'm not sure what you're suggesting at when you say "are we all being played?".  To what purpose?  What logical reason would anyone have for holding out hope for a continuation of the SGU story?  Rather, it would be much easier and far more convenient to say: "The network cancelled us, thus we're done for now".

Quade writes: "Couldn't the Asurans be a race of complex machinery? I think the problem would be categorizing them as "living"."

Answer: Exactly.  The latter is the issue.

Quade also writes: "What in the hell are you going to do with all your anime collection?"

Answer: Leave it in Vancouver for Ashleigh to watch.

Ben writes: "Speaking of Stargate; how much time has elapsed since the Destiny was boarded by the Earth people?"

Answer: I'd say a little over  a year.

Elliott writes: "In the back half of season two, will be see more dynamic space battles?"

Answer: Right off the bat in episode 11, Deliverance.

Roger Hagensen writes: "I think personally I'd rather have/see the cast/writers etc. do a "table read" of the script. And after just go around the table and maybe ask some fan Q's etc. Release it as a DVD maybe, plus art design stuff not seen before (as a slideshow maybe), maybe with some music that hasn't been used before or that has rarely been used. Should also be some room for regular interviews with crew as well. And anything else that doesn't fit the "video" style could just be put on the DVD in a folder that a PC can open. (maybe a PDF or two, some JPG images, maybe a few MP3 tracks of music or soundeffects or ringtones.) The production cost of such a DVD would hardly be expensive at all."a

Answer: I beg to differ.  Those involved, the actors in particular, couldn't be expected to take part for a nominal fee.  And while such a production might be of interest to hardcore fans, casual viewers won't be rushing to pick up the dvd.

Echelon writes: "The current project you're working on, do you happen to know what it will air on? Being network, basic cable or pay channel?"

Answer: Stay tuned.

Echelon also writes: "Do you plan on kidnapping Ashleigh and taking her with you?"

Answer: Alas, Ashleigh will be very busy with her own project this year and won't have time for my antics.

Randomness writes: "Some people are quick to hate on the Syfy channel but honestly speaking, this is the only network that will give Stargate a chance. The way I understand things is if MGM came back to them with a cheaper alternative, then they will air it."

Answer: Cheaper alternative?  What the hell does that mean?  A radio play version of season 3?

RFVdevil writes: "Could early ratings in March determine how that plays out, or do you expect SGU's fate to be ultimately decided by the time it returns to the air?"

Answer: SGU's fate on the network has already been decided.  They canceled the show.

justin1985 writes: "Thought you would enjoy this. http://www.hotsauceworld.com/index.html"

Answer: Great! Thanks for this!

Tagged: It Must've Been Something I Ate, Jeffrey Steingarten

February 12, 2011: I can't remember the last time I so thoroughly enjoyed a book…

I read a lot.  Between writing, producing, working out, dining out, and spending quality time with the dogs, I make it a point to set aside a couple of hours every night to cozy up with a good book.  Well, that's the intention anyway.  Truth is, many of the books I've read over the years haven't been good.  They've been middling, sometimes above average, occasionally terrible.  Every so often, they have been good. Perhaps once every few months, I'll even be lucky enough to read a very good book.  But rare are the instances that I come across a great book.  Of course every time I pick up my latest read, I do so in the far-flung hope that I will fall in love with it – but experience has been cruel. Inevitably, my hopes are dashed by weak supporting characters or convenient twists in the narrative, my heart broken by 11th hour contrivances and tidy, anti-climactic resolutions.  Yes, rare are the instances when I come across a great book.  But, when I do, it's always wonderfully unexpected, thrilling discovery.

So, what makes a great book?  Well, I suppose that's subjective.  All of my great reads differ in many ways, but the two things they have in common are: a) their ability to thoroughly delight and engross me from start to finish, and b) a sense of humor.  Prior to this week, I would have offered a third common variable: the fact that they were all works of fiction.  But that was before I'd read this…

I mentioned the author, Jeffrey Steingarten, in a recent blog post (January 9, 2011: The Top 10 Food T.V. Personalities I Enjoy Watching!).  He's one of America's leading food writers, a former attorney turned food critic whose regular column for Vogue Magazine has earned him a plethora of accolades and awards.  He's also a regular at the judge's table on both Iron Chef America and The Next Iron Chef, and the author of two books: The Man Who I Ate Everything (1998) and It Must've Been Something I Ate (2003).  I downloaded the latter to my kindle prior to my recent Toronto trip (the first book was annoyingly absent from my online bookstore the last time I checked), figuring it might provide me with an amusing, somewhat informative, in-flight distraction.  Instead, it positively coldcocked me with its charm, sincerity, and humor.

I loved this book.  I wanted to devour it like a Refuel crispy duck confit platter but, instead, elected to pace myself, luxuriating over each chapter like a box of individually wrapped Amedei Chuao chocolate squares.  It Must've Been Something I Ate is a collection of some 40+ food-themed essays covering everything from caustic garnishes to haute chocolate, sea urchins to steaks.  They're equal parts entertaining and edifying, but it's Jeffrey Steingarten himself who, at the heart of each mini-narrative, driving the quest for the perfect pizzza or the ideal espresso, makes this book such a pleasurable read.  He's a character (and what a character!), at turns brilliant, bumbling, brash, and bewildered yet, above all, good-natured and incredibly amiable – the type of guy you'd like to have a beer with, or, preferably, a 12 course Chef's tasting menu.

Now let me make one thing clear.  Yes, this is a book for foodies.  But it's also a book for individuals interested in learning more about the quality of the beef that ends up on their dinner plate (High Steaks), those who'd like to know whether that MSG is to blame for their post-Kung Pao migraine (Why Doesn't Everybody in China Have a Headache?), and anyone looking for the best chocolate chip cookie recipe out there (Standards and Practices).  In Brain Storm, an article in a neurology magazine suggesting food obsession may be symptomatic of brain damage sends an initially amused, then increasingly anxious Steingarten to Zurich in search of answers – and a brain scan.  In Salt Chic, he investigates the horrifying professional assertion that "all salt tastes the same", dealing a painful blow to designer salt enthusiasts and his own devotion to the ultra-rare Oshima Island Blue Label. Chocolate Dreams looks at the recent studies and attempts to answer the burning question: "How good (or bad) is chocolate for us?  Really?", while the sexual mores of lobsters and the most humane way to dispatch of the tasty crustaceans is covered in On a Roll.

If you could have dinner with anyone (dead or alive) who would it be? If I was thrown that old chestnut today, I wouldn't hesitate to answer: Jeffrey Steingarten.  And, after reading this book, chances are good you'll answer the same.

Mailbag:

Randomness writes: "Wait. what? So somehow I'm being blamed for taking Craig at his word?"

Answer: No, you're not being blamed and I can see how you could have arrived at those conclusions.  I'm simply making it absolutely clear that said conclusions are wholly inaccurate.

don writes: "This sounds like a show that from the start was fundamentally at odds with your stated preferences. Is it possible that your heart was never really in it?"

Answer: Stargate: Universe is a great show and I thoroughly enjoyed working on it – in much the same way I enjoyed working on Atlantis, and SG-1 before it.  Sure, there were elements of the shows that didn't resonate with me as strongly as others (ie. the Ancient storylines which, by the way, were a part of all three series) but I'm sure that's true for any writer working on a show that didn't spring wholly from his mind alone.

sci451 writes: "Also Joe I am curious why you and Paul are writing the series bible instead of say Robert Cooper?"

Answer: We have (and will) make different contributions to the project.

Randomness writes: "I like everyone else just want the truth on this issue. What is Brad Wright doing? Do SGU movies actually exist, or are we all being played?"

Answer: Just because you haven't been made privy to the details of what is going on behind the scenes doesn't mean the gears aren't turning.  Whether they'll amount to anything in the end is the big question.  And I'm not sure what you're suggesting at when you say "are we all being played?".  To what purpose?  What logical reason would anyone have for holding out hope for a continuation of the SGU story?  Rather, it would be much easier and far more convenient to say: "The network cancelled us, thus we're done for now".

Quade writes: "Couldn't the Asurans be a race of complex machinery? I think the problem would be categorizing them as "living"."

Answer: Exactly.  The latter is the issue.

Quade also writes: "What in the hell are you going to do with all your anime collection?"

Answer: Leave it in Vancouver for Ashleigh to watch.

Ben writes: "Speaking of Stargate; how much time has elapsed since the Destiny was boarded by the Earth people?"

Answer: I'd say a little over  a year.

Elliott writes: "In the back half of season two, will be see more dynamic space battles?"

Answer: Right off the bat in episode 11, Deliverance.

Roger Hagensen writes: "I think personally I'd rather have/see the cast/writers etc. do a "table read" of the script. And after just go around the table and maybe ask some fan Q's etc. Release it as a DVD maybe, plus art design stuff not seen before (as a slideshow maybe), maybe with some music that hasn't been used before or that has rarely been used. Should also be some room for regular interviews with crew as well. And anything else that doesn't fit the "video" style could just be put on the DVD in a folder that a PC can open. (maybe a PDF or two, some JPG images, maybe a few MP3 tracks of music or soundeffects or ringtones.) The production cost of such a DVD would hardly be expensive at all."a

Answer: I beg to differ.  Those involved, the actors in particular, couldn't be expected to take part for a nominal fee.  And while such a production might be of interest to hardcore fans, casual viewers won't be rushing to pick up the dvd.

Echelon writes: "The current project you're working on, do you happen to know what it will air on? Being network, basic cable or pay channel?"

Answer: Stay tuned.

Echelon also writes: "Do you plan on kidnapping Ashleigh and taking her with you?"

Answer: Alas, Ashleigh will be very busy with her own project this year and won't have time for my antics.

Randomness writes: "Some people are quick to hate on the Syfy channel but honestly speaking, this is the only network that will give Stargate a chance. The way I understand things is if MGM came back to them with a cheaper alternative, then they will air it."

Answer: Cheaper alternative?  What the hell does that mean?  A radio play version of season 3?

RFVdevil writes: "Could early ratings in March determine how that plays out, or do you expect SGU's fate to be ultimately decided by the time it returns to the air?"

Answer: SGU's fate on the network has already been decided.  They canceled the show.

justin1985 writes: "Thought you would enjoy this. http://www.hotsauceworld.com/index.html"

Answer: Great! Thanks for this!

 

Tagged: It Must've Been Something I Ate, Jeffrey Steingarten

February 12, 2011: I'm going to miss these meals! Feeling the Ghost Chili heat! Reprioritizing my reading list! And the mailbag!

I'm going to miss a lot of things about Vancouver: the weather, the people, the food.  In the latter category, I doubt there's a place I'll miss more than Refuel, my home away from home over the last twelve years.  Today, we swung by for lunch and enjoyed…

Their Salumi Platter comprised of (from left to right): 18 Month Dry Cured Berkshire Ham, Fennel Pollen Salami, Saucisson Sec, Sopressata, and Dry Cured Chorizo.

Slow cooked garlic risotto with Italian parsley and albacore tuna tartare.  The reason we came.  Akemi had a hankering.

And two of my favorite desserts from the Refuel kitchen: chocolate pot de creme with caramel mousse and peanuts, and warm sugar pie with pear puree and vanilla ice cream.

I did a little shopping and returned home with three interesting ingredients:

For dinner tomorrow, I've decided to try my hand at pappardelle with braised veal cheeks and porcini cream.  All of the recipes I've checked out call for red wine, but I'm going to go with a port reduction (and veal stock) as my braising liquid.  Most of the recipes suggest searing the meat first in hot oil, but I think I'll go a different route, rendering some guanciale (far right) in a cast iron pan and then using the savory fat to brown the cheeks.  As for the box in the middle – I spotted it at a specialty shop and decided to pick it up.  It is, I believe, one of the hottest sauces on the market, made from the Indian Ghost Chili which boasts a rating of 855 000 units on the Scoville Scale (the scorching habanero, in comparison, comes in at between 350 000 to 580  000 units).  Apparently, the Indian government is weaponizing the stuff for use against terrorists.  Good to know.  Anyway, I sampled the stuff last year when I received a bottle of another sauce made with the same pepper, Dragon's Blood, from a blog regular. Carl joined me in the taste challenge and I had Lawren record the event for posterity's sake.  Head on over to this entry and scroll down to check out the vid (October 22, 2009: Julia Benson! Jennifer Spence! Birthday Swag! The Weird Food Purchase of the Day!).  Note my poker face as I sit back, casual as hell despite the inferno in my mouth, and patiently wait for Carl to pop the chip in his mouth.

Anyway, a couple of Akemi's friends came by tonight and after a little snack -

Fresh sea urchin on rice -

I decided to break open the bottle (and the fun), but only after removing the yellow CAUTION tape:

For those of you who can't read the warning on the label, allow me – WARNING: Use this product one drop at a time.  Keep away from eyes, pets, and children.  Not for people with heart or respiratory problems.

How hot was it?  Well, let me put it this way.  Seconds after sampling a couple of drops on his rice, my guest, Masa, turned beet red, started coughing, then hiccuping, then had to down a glass of almond milk before staggering out on to the back porch to collect himself.  Not beet redness for me, but plenty of hiccuping and some coughing. Probably the hottest thing I've ever eaten.

To all those offering requests on alternate publications for the Stargate: Atlantis script, Extinction – alas, I don't own the rights.  They rest with the studio.  Ideally, I'd love to see it on screen but, barring that, I'd love to see it go out in script form (rather than, say, a novel, comic book, or radio play).  But, as I said, the decision doesn't rest with me.

With it looking more and more like I may be spending much of 2011 in Toronto, I've decided to reprioritize my reading and viewing lists.  I've got one month to read and watch the books and dvd's I'd been hoping to leisurely get around to.  No time for filler.  It's only the good stuff.  Thus, I've started on Gail Simone's Secret Six run, kicking off with Villains United, then following up with the four trade paperbacks.  Very much looking forward to it.

Mailbag:

Tenacious D. writes: "Oh, SyFy. You remind me so much of Peter Kavanagh. So busy spinning complete bullshit to cover your own ass, to the point where the writer of your show literally has to berate you like Weir did."

Answer: Not quite.  The first quote - http://twitter.com/Syfy/status/36112527372845056 – can be interpreted two very different ways, and I said as much ("Not sure that was the intention of the response…").  As for the second quote – "In this case we had pre-committed to 2 seasons of SGU before we started airing it." – it's unclear, perhaps somewhat inaccurate, given that the two-year commitment was ratings-dependent.  What was "Chotto bullshit" was the inference (not Craig's) that "regardless of how well or bad Season 1 did, they were obligated to give a new season."

majorsal writes: "i'm not an expert on this at all, but if you were very much wanting to stay in vancouver, couldn't there be a way of doing that, but also still being a writer for this new show?"

Answer: Yes.  If I was only a freelance writer for the show, I could just go down for a week and write from Vancouver.  In this case, I would be doing more than freelancing.

Les Ferris writes: "Is there any chance we'll ever get to learn the details of what the SG1 and SGA films where going to be about?"

Answer: See above.  I think a nice glossy hardcover exclusive containing the script (with, perhaps, bonus interviews of cast and crew) would sell very well.

Elminster writes: "Ok, turn the page. We'll have the script read in, what, 54 days?"

Answer: Try 102.

Bryan M. White writes: "Does that fact that you referred to that script as "that script" mean it will never see the green light of a production schedule?"

Answer: Not necessarily but, like I already said, the cancellation of SGU has stymied whatever progress the SGA script had made since MGM's announcement that it was finally moving forward with other hitherto paused productions.

Guillaume writes: "Joe, do you seriously find it normal that the next season of a show is decided upon the first 10 episodes of a previous season ?"

Answer: I actually do.  Given the show's scheduling, that would be the only way (given the standing method of gathering ratings) of gauging the show's performance.

Shadow Step writes: "So, will that new show be full of sex?"

Answer: Tons!

DeanGrr writes: "The trilogy "First Strike, Adrift, Lifeline" is an exciting, fast paced story where one crisis builds on another, with the McKay/Sheppard wit thrown in. But, we're talking about the genocide of a whole race in Season 4 Atlantis, that began with the nuking of Asuras."

Answer: "Race" would be debatable.  Many would argue they were very complex machinery.

DearGrr also writes: "When do royalties become valuable as a writer?"

Answer: Uh, immediately?  Royalty pay-outs differ and are dependent on the types of contracts worked under.  For instance, Canadian writers (working under WGC contracts) receive an advance chunk of royalty payment as part of a heavy production bonus when their script goes to camera.

asdasdg writes: "Will we be seeing more of Destiny's underside (your tormenting me by not giving a straight yes or no).  Totaly unrelated to Stargate, but have you ever played Zeta Flow? what was your favorite Stargate Episode (other then 200)."

Answer: Can't recall if we see more of Destiny's underside.  Never played Zeta Flow.  As for my fave Stargate episode: August 15, 2010: MY Top 10 Favorite Stargate Episodes

dasNdanger writes: "Joe, I stopped by last night, saw the Extinction script, and got really sad. Sadder than I've been since the cancellation of SGAwas announced. I just left. I'm still sad. I think I need a hug."

Answer: Rally the troops and convince the studio to either publish the script.  Once you read it, you'll be incapable of sadness.

 

February 11, 2011: A first draft! Storage awaits! The meal to end all meals! Mailbag!

Huzzah!  As hoped, I completed a first draft of the script today: four acts and a teaser, 53 glorious pages, and oodles of fun!  I'm very pleased.  This weekend, I'll do a pass on what I have and then redirect my focus to the series bible.  Whenever Paul is done with his script we'll swap, revise as necessary, then get them out to Rob, Alex, and the rest of the gang for notes.  Finally, once their notes have been incorporated, the scripts will be delivered and we'll spend the following week on pins and needles, impatiently awaiting the verdict.  If all goes well and all parties sign off, we should be in Toronto by mid-March spinning stories.  Failing that, some other interesting opportunities are suddenly waiting in the wings.

Also this weekend, I should really get around to putting away those boxes I brought back from the office.  They're filled years of Stargate material including Art Department packages, network notes, and more than a few interesting items:

SG-1 Goa'uld Pain Stick! Man, could I put this to good use!

SGU first season commemorative t-shirt!

And, of course, THAT script. For what it's worth, it involved a return mission to Pegasus, the tragic end of one relationship, the beginning of another, and a surprising progression in the alliance between one man and one wraith.

I received a text message from Tom at Refuel the other day.  He'd read I was Toronto-bound and suggested I drop by for one final, glorious meal before I leave Vancouver.  I've had some fantastic meals at Refuel (and its former incarnation, Fuel) and the thought of sitting down to an extra-special dinner has me very excited. Apparently, Chefs Rob and Ted are already throwing ideas around for dishes.

Mailbag:

Randonmness writes: "Did anyone else see this? http://twitter.com/Syfy/status/36112527372845056 Basically Syfy saying if they had the choice, Stargate Universe wouldn't be a Stargate show."

Answer: Not sure that was the intention of the response but, if it was, then that's complete and utter bullshit.  When Brad and Robert pitched SyFy the idea for Stargate: Universe, the network was VERY excited about the prospect of taking the Stargate brand in a new direction – specifically, a darker and more dramatic direction.  It's not as if Brad and Robert shoved the show down their throats.  In fact, quite the opposite. SyFy HEAVILY courted them and made it clear that SGU was the type of show they wanted on their network.

Randomness also writes: "Craig who runs Syfys twitter also mentioned that the channel was contracted for 2 seasons. So regardless of how well or bad Season 1 did, they were obligated to give a new season."

Answer: Also, as the Japanese would say: "Chotto bullshit".  The second season pick-up for the series was conditional on the performance of the first ten episodes of season 1. Those first ten episodes had to  hit an agreed-upon average rating for the second season pick-up to kick in.  If it had fallen below that threshold, SyFy would have been under no obligation to pick us up.

Bailey writes: "Joe, I am just wondering how things work in show biz with the deals and negotiations and stuff. Do writers let their agents handle almost everything to do with the contract, or do you guys get personally involved with all the finances and detail? Do producers and directors have agents to take care of that kind of thing?"

Answer: We have an agent (actually two – one for the Canadian market and another for the U.S. market) and a lawyer who handle the negotiations and contracts.  Of course, they'll always keep us updated on any developments and apprised of the various offers and counter-offers.  Of course, that's mainly for Paul's benefit because I just do it for the love of the art.

dixoholster writes: "Maybe its a good time to ask if Cooper really had creative differences with Brad and thats why he left early right?"

Answer: Wrong.  Rob left because,  after 13+ years of working on the same franchise, he wanted to do something different.  And, since leaving, he's been pretty damn busy doing just that.

Chance writes: "If you are no longer involved with the Stargate franchise who can we go to for our behind the scenes/insider information on all things Stargate?"

Answer: Whenever production starts up again, I'm sure there will be more than enough actors and behind-the-scenes personnel twittering to keep you well-updated on all the latest Stargately developments.

hal ehlrich writes: "If they were to order a 3rd season are you guys willing and able to do it ? Or are you guys wanting to go with your "new plan " .."

Answer: It depends who you mean by "you guys".  While I would love to continue work on Stargate, it looks like recent commitments will keep me busy on other projects for some time.

Narelle from Aus writes: "Do your new employers know you come with a bunch of online craz- I mean characters?"

Answer: They do now!

t'loc writes: "I don't know if joe mentioned this before, but will the production that joe is currently speaking about be shown in the US or is it a canadian only production?"

Answer: Like Stargate, it will be shot in Canada but air all over the world, including the U.S.

avabird writes: "It was a production list from a Teamsters union, and one of the projects listed was a Stargate production. Any enlightenment?"

Answer: That's a mistake.  Wish it were true, but it isn't.

crazymom1 writes: "What if you get hired by a show I'm not interested in?"

Answer: You may not be interested at first but watch an episode and you'll be hooked.

February 10, 2011: Zipping along! Diet dogs and ruff exercise regimen! February book of the month club reminder!

While our finalizing and closing our deal has been a long, complicated, and laborious process, this script has been just the opposite.  I got another nice little run going again today and hit the 41 page mark.  Some fun exchanges, a couple of surprises, and two novel action sequences later, and I'm looking at putting Act III to bed before bed.  Major respect for Alex who – over the course of his own long, complicated, and laborious process – came up with some terrific relationships I'm having a hell of a lot of fun exploring, specifically those involving our hero and "his business associate", our hero and "his buddy on the home front", and our hero and his "unexpected new friend".  At this rate, I'll be finished tomorrow and have the entire weekend to tighten and polish.  And, oh yeah, get to work on that bible.

Paul, meanwhile, is apparently making good progress on his script as well.

Today, between scripting clever dialogue and spectacular stunts, I also found the time to start the dogs on their new diet and exercise regimen.  My porky pug Maximus needs to work on his cardiovascular endurance.  Once around the block and he was hacking and wheezing like a pack a day smoker taking the stairs.  Bubba and Lulu are decidedly more athletic, conquering their afternoon run and still having enough leftover energy to wrestle each other and harass Max who simply lay down and surrendered. Jelly did more sniffing and standing around than walking but that's okay because she's excused.  At her current weight of five pounds under the weight limit, she can afford to take it easy.

As for me – I'm back to two-a-days: weights in the morning and cardio at night.  As for my diet…well…it's not exactly Spartan.  Unless, of course, the Spartans ate ox-tail braised in a reduction of Cabernet Sauvignon, orange, soy sauce, brown sugar, cipollini onions, and star anise served with a sweet potato mash and hosin-five spice broccoli.

Saturday, I'll be using a Catena Malbec to slow-cook some veal cheeks I plan on serving with roasted parsnips and balsamic grilled asparagus.  I'm admittedly not much of a wine connoisseur, but I do know what makes for a good braising liquid!

A quickie reminder to all you Book of the Month Club participants.  Next week, we begin discussion on our February BOTMC pick -

Finish up and start prepping your questions for author (and fellow Canuck) Karl Schroeder!

Tagged: Karl Schroeder, Lady of Mazes

February 9, 2011: Scripts! Spartacus! And Portly Pups!

This script is going swimmingly.  After my traditionally slow start in hammering out the teaser, I got a nice little rhythm going and made some major headway over the past couple of days, hitting the 25 page mark yesterday before coming to a screeching halt this morning.  Tricky scene.  After spinning my wheels for a couple of hours, I elected to take a break, heading downstairs for a workout and the first episode of Spartacus: Gods of the Arena.  As much as I enjoyed Spartacus: Blood and Sand, I had my doubts about a second season: a) prequel and b) without the wonderful Andy Whitfield.  But the premiere of the second season put those doubts to rest.  While I miss Whitfield (and hope he'll make a triumphant return in the show's third season), I thought the show was just as smart and engaging as its first year.  Great performances, interesting characters, sex, violence, and a couple of surprises as well.  Very well done.  Anyone else watching?  What did you think?

After showering, I was no closer to cracking the narrative nut, so I decided to extend my break and take the dogs for a walk.  And, it was while I was out for my walk that I began to run dialogue in my head – over and over and over again until I recaptured my rhythm and finally had my scene!  I headed back inside and was halfway through writing it up, nearing the equally tricky scene end, when I received an email from Rob Cooper with a "crazy" suggestion.  Crazy like a FOX (late 80′s comedy)! "Think about it."he wrote.  And I did. And, immediately, had my scene end AND segue into the next one.  I want to say I was amazed at Rob's timing but the truth is, over my many years of working with the guy at Stargate, I grew habituated to this kind of out-of-the-blue story-spinning saves.  Whenever he starts a sentence with "What if…?" I'm all ears – provided he doesn't follow with "…we go for vegetarian instead?"  And, so far, he hasn't let me down.

So good progress on the script front.  I'll hit the end of act two tomorrow and am on track to finish a draft this weekend.  Paul, meanwhile, has completed his chunky teaseR and has moved on to the first act of his script.  I'm loving this four act structure.  And I'm also loving the opportunity to write these unique action sequences and fun banter.

If everything goes as planned (and, in this business, it almost never does), I'll be heading to Toronto next month.  And, to answer the question someone asked me the other day: "Yes, I'm bringing my dogs with me!".  I mean, come on!  It's not like they're lawn equipment you can give to a friend, or kids you can leave with a family member indefinitely.  They're dogs!  And, provided I don't do something crazy like charter a jet to fly them cross-country in comfort, chances are I may have to fly them carry-on (which would require two round-trips for me and a friend since passengers are only permitted one dog per person).  The airlines are sticklers however.  The dog and carrier cannot weigh more than 22 lbs.

22 lbs eh?  Hmmmm.  So, today, I broke out the scale and conducted a weigh-in…

Jelly. 17.2 lbs. Not bad. She lost some weight since the surgery to help in her post-op recovery and falls well under the weight limit.

Lulu. 24 lbs. But she's all muscle! The gal is ripped! Still, she eats three times as much as the pugs so losing a tablespoon or two of canned food may help ensure she drops a few pounds before next month's weigh-in.

Maximus. 25 lbs. Believe it or not, this little pot roast has lost five pounds since Fall. A little more exercise and few less between meal snacks should get him down to flyweight by March.





Bubba. 26 lbs. Geez! What happened?!! Well, I can guess. I've been so fixated on trying to get Jelly and Maximus to lose weight that I've neglected this chunky monkey. I've never considered him overweight because he's always been athletic but, lately, he's been more George Foreman than Muhammad Ali. He's on the program too!

For the life of me, I still don't understand why airlines won't sell seats to our canine companions.  Think of the money they could make!

Well, barring a dramatic change in airline flight policy, looks like the gang will be flying in-cabin – which means they all start their diet and exercise regimens tomorrow!

Jelly kicks off her kibble and old socks diet.

Max's "Just charter the fucking jet" look.

February 8, 2011: When one door closes another opens. This time, before you leave, remember to bring the keys with you!

Still no definite word on the Stargate front.  Following a flurry of promising developments, things have gone unbearably quiet.  Not a bad sign just… no sign.  There's an anticipation that good news could break any day now – but the longer the wait, the greater the challenge when the time comes.  To those holding out hope that this could mean a third season pick-up – alas, this isn't one of the scenarios in play.  Nevertheless, as I said in a previous entry, if and when we finally do get the green light, Brad has some wonderful surprises in store for fans of SGU (as well as fans of the Stargate franchise in general).  I've got my fingers crossed for all involved, even though it's looking more and more like I won't be among them.

That on again, off again, on again, off again opportunity is back on again and it looks like Paul and I are close to signing a deal that would take us to Toronto for 2011 (and, possibly, beyond).  As things started to heat up this weekend, I fielded a call from my anxious writing partner who was amazed I wasn't stressing out as well.  "My stress was front-loaded,"I told him.  If you'll recall, it was only one month ago that I was assailed by a host of mystery ailments, from headaches to hives, that left me thoroughly vexed and confused.  In retrospect, those ailments weren't so mysterious after all.  I've stressed out big time and now have made, if not peace, then a grudging truce with the situation.  I'm still bummed at the prospect of having to make the big move, ship my dogs cross-country, say goodbye to my life here in Canada's greatest city and start anew in T.O.  What do I bring with me besides the dogs?  My car?  All my suits? Do I take my books, my booze, my ice cream maker?!!  On the positive side, I'll be working on a great new, high-profile series based on an existing, equally terrific franchise (I'm a big fan of the movies).  It's got a healthy budget and, most important of all, boasts some very kind, very talented individuals who'll work hard to ensure the show is positively kick-ass.

But there's still work to be completed on SGU's second season…

Today, we went in and watched the Day 1 mix of Blockade and the Day 2 mix of Common Descent, taking a break in between to eat lunch and approve visual effects for The Hunt (revised) and Gauntlet (temps).  Watching those shows and snippets made me very proud of what we accomplished – and very sad that it had to end so soon.  Word is you'll all get to finally see the back half, surprisingly sooner than later.  Official announcement to come.

I spent the rest of the day packing up the books in my office.  I stuffed eight boxfuls into the back of my SUV, and I'm still not halfway done!  I'll pack up the rest next week when the ever-lovable Carl Binder heads back into town for one final round of mixes, VFX approvals, and schnitzel.

February 7, 2011: My 2011 looking decidedly busier!

Well, it looks like my fate for 2011 has more or less been decided.  A few formalities need to be addressed and then – well, the mad scramble begins.

A different scramble of sorts began days ago as we face our two script/one bible February 21st deadline.  It may seem daunting but, hell, I wrote a record three scripts in two weeks back in my SG-1 days (Morpheus, Memento Mori, and Counterstrike) so I know I'm more than up for the challenge.  Making matters somewhat easier is the fact that this is the type of show I love to write for: fast-paced, action-driven, and humorous.  Paul suggested we partner up to write the script just like the old days – in the same room, running dialogue back and forth between us – but I have a feeling that approach will just slow us down.  I started work on episode #2 and have already hit the 13 page mark. I'm thinking we should compromise and write the scripts in the much the same manner we co-wrote in the middle of our Stargate run – not together and not separately, but a little of both.  One of us leads with a first draft (and that would probably be me since I'm a faster writer and tend to fall into a nice, prolific rhythms) while the other one follows (and that would be him since he's a perfectionist; great at rethinking and tightening).  I'll pass off the first act to him once I'm done (which should be sometime tomorrow) and, while he's rewriting it, I'll forge ahead with Act II.  If we adopt this strategy, I feel confident we'll be able to hit that February 21st deadline AND get some feedback from our various interested parties before delivering to the network.  After that, if all goes as planned – and I don't see why it wouldn't – that's when the real anxiety will set in.

Heading into the office tomorrow to find out what's what, watch a couple of mixes, and start bringing my books back home – wherever home will be for the foreseeable future.

After months of playing email tag, I finally had a phone conversation with author Jeff Carlson (Plague Year, Plague War, Plague Zone, "The Frozen Sky").  Very nice guy.  Very nice ANd very busy.  We discussed a possible collaboration.  Hopefully, if I have time, we can make it happen.

2011 is looking less and less like the laid-back, easy-going year I was expecting it to be.

February 6, 2011: Super Sunday!

I kicked off Superbowl Sunday in atypical fashion: with a four-way early morning conference call between me, Paul, and our Canadian and American agents.  We're all on the same page now.  Tomorrow is D-Day.  D as in "decision".  Looks like it'll be another sleepless night.

This afternoon, I joined, Ivon, Sarah, Lawren, James, Toby, and his wife to watch the big game.  Unlike previous Superbowls, there were no split allegiances.  Every was rooting for the Packers.  Or, more to the point, rooting against Roethlisberger.  However, like previous Superbowls, there was more than enough food to go around.  Lawren and James brought wings and beer, Toby and his wife brought pastries, and I made -

Pork chops (America's Best Test Kitchen recipe)





Scalloped sweet potatoes and chipotle (Bobby Flay recipe)





Tiramisu (Dad's recipe).

Ivon picked up chicken from Nando's Chicken on 41st.  But not without incident.  Apparently, he ordered the family pack and was informed it came with sides.  He asked for salad.  Then, when it came time to pay, he was surprised to discover the bill was a few dollars more than he expected.  When he inquired, he was informed that the salads were extra.  Now, normally, Ivon isn't the kind of guy to kick up a fuss.  And it was only $4.  But it was more the principle of the thing, the fact that he was told sides were included but NOT told that salads would be extra.  He elected to opt out of the salads only to be informed by the employee serving him that it was impossible for her to void the bill and that he would have to pay the $4.  Now, at this point, Ivon was growing a tad frustrated and pressed her, suggesting that, since she made the mistake, she should be the one to cough up the $4 and consider it payment for a powerful lesson learned.  After all, she had warned him that the garlic bread would be extra, why not the salads? Finally, she grudgingly admitted that the management didn't like the staff informing the customers that salad were extra because it resulted in fewer salad sales.  No shit! As they continued debating the issues, customers lined up behind Ivon began to leave.  Ivon pointed out that the restaurant was losing out on hundreds of dollars in sales for a lousy $4 he shouldn't have had to pay!  But the cashier wouldn't budge.  Guess salad sales were particularly slow that day.  Figuring he had a roomful of guests waiting for the chicken, Ivon eventually gave in and paid the $4, returning home with the chicken and salads – both of which went practically untouched on the day.

So, all this to say – if you're going to Nando's Chicken on 41st, better double-check that bill!

Anyway, we settled in and enjoyed a great game!

Up until halfway through the second quarter when THIS flashed up on the big screen -

"I just replaced it!"Ivon insisted.

I believed him.  But the projector seemed to disagree.  And, one minute later, good to its word, it went dark.

Ivon turned off the power, waited a moment, turned it back on.  And the picture was back!

And then this -

While Ivon and Lawren got to work on the problem, I headed upstairs to continue watching the game.  Surprisingly no one else followed me up, preferring instead, I assume, to watch Ivon and Lawren read the projector's maintenance manual.

Happily, the problem was solved.  At halftime.  I headed back downstairs and watched the second half with everyone else – except Ivon had to leave to play a hockey game some idiot had scheduled for SUPERBOWL SUNDAY!  Toby and his wife considered leaving with seven minutes remaining to go play tennis but, perhaps anticipating the scorn that would be heaped upon them, decided to stick it out to the end.

And what an ending it was.  Packers win!  Packers win!  But, even better: Roethlisberger loses!  Roethlisberger loses!

Tagged: Nando's Chicken