Joseph Mallozzi's Blog, page 558

November 22, 2010: Rate my Tokyo restaurant list!

In approximately two weeks, Ivon and I will be Tokyo-bound.  Since I'll be in company this time rather flying solo, I've decided to mix things up a bit.  Instead of the strictly Michelin star blowouts of past years, I've elected to broaden my horizons by incorporating a little high and a low-end dining into the culinary itinerary: teppanyaki, yakitori, izakayas, tempura, tonkatsu sushi, unagi, and, yes, a handful of Michelin stars.  Even though we'll be playing things more by ear on this trip, I'm a firm believer in the more structured approach to travel, thus I've gone ahead and established some touchstones for us to look forward to/schedule around.  These touchstones will (surprise surprise) take the form of restaurants located throughout Tokyo.  So, for instance, if we know we'll be having dinner at Sawada in Ginza, we may elect to spend the day in the nearby area – breakfast at Tsukiji, lunch at Mos Burger, browsing at Misukoshi and Ito-ya, taking in a Noh performance, then after-dinner drinks at the Desert Rose.

Anyway, this is how it's looking so far…

Day #1: Dinner at Kamon.  We get in late, so what better way to introduce Ivon to the marvels of kobe beef than a teppanyaki meal at the hotel restaurant.

Day #2: Dinner at Birdland.  Heard a lot of very good things about this upscale yakitori joint that serves up everything from chicken breast with basil sauce to "chicken oysters" (whatever they are).

Day #3: Lunch at Butagumi.  If you're in the mood for tonkatsu (deep-fried pork cutlet), looking no further than this restaurant in Nishi-Azabu that offers up some 57 different varieties of pork from Spanish Iberico and Chinese Meishanton.

Day #4: Dinner at Sawada.  We'll be doing plenty of casual breakfast sushi at Tsukiji, but for blow-your-mind high-end sushi, I can't think of better than Sawada.  Last year, I went for lunch and enjoyed a three hour feast.

Day #5: Dinner at Pachon.  This restaurant comes recommended to me from my buddy Stefan who I met on my last trip to Tokyo.  He's a bigger foodie than I am (I mean, the guy carries around his own salt pouch!) and spend the better part of his year in France – so he should know what he's talking about.

Day #6: Diner at the Molecular Tapas Bar.  Beef cooked in nitrous oxide.  Liquid nitrogen Blue Hawaiian.  Just a couple of the inspired two dozen or so dishes served up at THE place to sample the wonders of molecular gastronomy in Tokyo.  Ivon had only one restaurant request, and this was it.

Day #7: Dinner at Kondo.  If you're going to do one tempura meal in Tokyo, you can't do much better than this restaurant in Ginza.

Day #8: Dinner at Hirosaku.  One of my best meals on my last trip to Tokyo was lunch at the family-owned and operated Hirosaku.  According to the concierge who made the reservation, Mrs. Watanabe remembers me.  I'm guessing she remembers the ever-gregarious Stefan and just happens to recall the guy he was dining with.  Anyway, eager to try the charcoal-grilled Japanese black cattle this time.

Day #9: Lunch at Nodaiwa. This fifth generation restaurants is one of the few places to serve natural eel – steamed and served with wasabi and rock salt or lovingly broiled.

Day #10: Dinner at Muroi.  I missed Muroi on my last trip, an oversight I intend to rectify this time.  Apparently, the chef specializes in wild mushrooms (with over 70 varieties!).

Day #11: Ristorante Honda.  I have to include at least one Italian restaurant and Ristorante Honda comes highly recommended.  Apparently, they do a winter flan with foie gras and truffles as well as a sea urchin tagliolini.

Day #12: Tateru Yoshino Ginza.  Organic vegetables from Chiba, seafood from Yamaguchi and Wakayama, and lamb from Hokkaido.  Another restaurant that made my short list last time I visited.

Day #13-15: Open.

So, I figure somewhere in there, we'll work in a bunch of izakayas, ramenyas, at least one soba kaiseki, and maybe a lunch at that place in Omotesando that serves up burgers in those whiter than white buns – not to mention all the desserts!  I swear, this trip, if the sake doesn't kill us the pistachio macarons will!

If you've got a dish you'd like to enter in the "I Make the Best Whatever" contest, post a description and link to a pic by tomorrow night at the latest.  I've got more than enough to choose from and would like to announce the elite eight contenders for the recipe showdown.

Today's blog entry is dedicated to PBMom.  Wishing you a speedy recovery!

Tagged: Tokyo travel

November 21, 2010: The Stargate: Universe Season 2 Wrap Party!

Last night, we celebrated the end of another production year with a wrap party at Vancouver's Gotham Steakhouse.  But before we hit Gotham, a bunch of us met for dinner at Market in the Shangri-la Hotel…

What better way to kick off the pic parade than with a shot of belated birthday boy Lawren.





The sesame-crusted tuna.  Awesome appetizer.





Soy-glazed short ribs.  My go-to dish, but I decided to opt for something a little different this time out…





Curry chicken.  Good, but didn't love it.  That'll teach me to try something new.





Perennial party gal Michelle

I ended up seated between Brad's wife, Debbie, and Paul's wife, Michelle, who spent much of the dinner discussing potty training. Check that.  LOUDLY discussing potty training in an effort to be heard over the restaurant's accoustics.  For some reason, they elected turned down my offer to switch seats, preferring instead to shout through me.

Eventually, we finished up and walked down to Gotham for food, fun, and frightfully horrible DJ tunes (Seriously.  It's been ages since the last time I heard Funky Town).

Mike Dopud and his lovely wife.





Peter Kelamis and his lovely waitress.





David Blue looking buff.





Louis Ferreira already on a roll.





Appies





Me in my morning coat.





Carl is all smiles.





Jamil Walker Smith, and buddy, dressed for success.





Ready to party.





Master Chef Steve leads the catering crew.





Carl and Karen.





Kelly.  Her eyes!  They burn!





Kerry and Alan.





David and Peter.





Troy and his better half.





Ken gettin' all Holywood.





Ivon and Sara





Carl and Ashleigh





Patrick Gilmore raises a glass – to you!





Ashleigh and Patrick.  Oh, and Louis.





Jen Spence.

Julia and Peter…

Dave





Amanda





Mike brought his baby.  Or borrowed a baby in the hopes of attracting women.  Can't remember which.





Kelly.  Again with the eyes!





Kerry and Ashleigh.  Oh, and Lawren.





Nancy





Will and Kathy





Brian J. Smith gets ready to chow down.





The ladies of hair and make-up.





The VFX gang.





James "Bam Bam" Bamford





Ashleigh and James





Elyse and Devon





Carl and Julia





Lisa and Akemi





Lisa and Tio

A quickie mailbag:

Judy in SATX writes: "I've always wondered, is 'Furling' the real spelling? When I first saw the episode I thought it was 'Ferling', maybe because it's not so Ewok-evocative."

Answer: Nope.  The far more Ewok evocative "Furling" is, in fact, the correct spelling.

Randomness writes: "Speaking of the Gate network the seederships are laying. It's reasonable to think that any alien species with enough knowledge could use the gates even without a remote right? Kinda like how Earth used the gate without a DHD by making a dialing program."

Answer: Yes, that is another reasonable assumption.

Ponytail writes: "What is that building in the first picture? Garage, guest house, pool house, dog house, maid's quarters, playhouse, neighbor's house, detached office?"

Answer: Garage/guest room for visiting in-laws.

Freeman writes: "Also i have one last quick question for you Joe, I'm not sure if you read all of these or not but I was wondering if you get requests for people wanting to send you a "new idea" or a "partial script" that they have made up as something to spark a new path in the stargate story."

Answer: I don't receive as many as I used to.  I suppose most know by now that I can't read or accept unsolicited scripts or story ideas.

JJA writes: "Have you read the Lost Fleet series of Jack Campbell??"

Answer: Nope.  You can check my (approximate) read list here: http://www.goodreads.com/review/list/384915-barondestructo?shelf=read

JJA also writes: "Also about Destiny: Does it have its own manufacturing section of the ship?"

Answer: No, it doesn't.  Only the seed ships have been outfitted with that capability.

BTW writes: "…who's job is it to choose the typeface used in the opening/closing credits?"

Answer: SGU co-creators Brad Wright and Robert Cooper had the final say on everything from the Destiny design to the typeface used in the opening/closing credits.  THAT is hands-on producing.

Mika writes: "As your resident scientist who has worked for a few years in a research laboratory focused on the cosmic microwave background radiation, I'm obliged to point out that seeing circles is like finding patterns in the static of old sk00l tvs. (Literally, just like it — a percentage of that static IS the Cosmic Microwave Background!)"

Answer: Hey, Mika!  I think I saw you at the bar last night, then when I turned around you had disappeared like two protons colliding at high energy.

Lloyd67 writes: "A new Stargate spin-off ? by Robert C. Cooper? Seriously?"

Answer: No.  Not seriously.

Major D. Davis writes: "Given recent developments, are you still confident about a renewal. I know theres a lot more to it then numbers, so fingers crossed!"

Answer: Neither confident nor pessimistic.  We produced a terrific second season and, at the end of the day, that's all we can do.  Things like what night we air, what segment of our audience records or downloads, are elements beyond our control.

November 20, 2010: Furlings! Snow! And the mailbag!

Hey, Canadian Stargate: Universe fans!  Did you get a chance to watch last night's post-SGU episode of Innerspace.  It featured special guest Robert C. Cooper who fielded a rapidfire barrage of fan questions on everything from directing to the furlings.  Ah, the furlings, those mysterious aliens, alternately loved and despised (I suppose it depends on whether you're a fan or simply working in the Stargate writers' room).  "When are we going to see the furlings?" was the question.  To which Robert replied: "I never get that question."  He then went on to reveal that he is presently working on a furling spin-off series.  With a straight face no less.  The guy plays a lot of poker.  Which is something he's good at – unlike, say, naming alien races.  As a matter of fact, his alien-naming privileges were revoked shortly after he came up with "the furlings".  True story.

Hey, check it out.  Snow Day today!

Akemi is thrilled!  Me and the dogs…not so much.

So yesterday I was leaving the doggy daycare and rolled up to a tricky intersection.  I needed to take a left turn across two lanes of traffic.  On my right, all clear.  On my left, all clear except for a slow moving van inching up to take a right.  I crept up.  Right still clear.  Left still clear.  Tapped the gas.  At which point a speeding SUV, perfectly blocked by that creeping van, came streaking up to my left.  I happened to catch it from the corner of my eye and hit the brake just in time.  It zipped on by and away.  Had it been going a little faster, had I not hesitated, I would have certainly been demolished – along with my car.  I thanked my lucky stars, took the turn and headed home.  Then, some five minutes later, almost had another car merge directly into my driver's side (for the second time this year: http://josephmallozzi.wordpress.com/2010/06/17/june-17-2010-aw-resurgence-day-1-mailbag-day-872ish/

But of course that's not possible because tonight is the SGU season two wrap party.  Yes, I'll drive extra carefully.  And, yes, I'll bring my camera to document the evening. And, finally, yes – I'll post the pics as part of tomorrow's blog entry.  While you're waiting, how about a little…

Mailbag:

Aaaargh! writes: "An analogy: if you read in the newspaper that someone got run over by a car you don't think twice about it (causal viewers). If that person is your best friend, however, you'll visit the hospital to be at his side every day (true fans). Are you having fun ? Why are you still visiting your friend if you're not having fun ? Because now he needs you the most, that is what real friendship is all about.

I think this is *the* reason why so many people are angry, you've been trusted to take care of our good friend, the Stargate franchise, and you betrayed our trust. Not only did you rape and murder our friend, you're offended that people don't thank you for it."

Answer: Aside from the fact that your analogy is both shallow and  offensive, it doesn't make a whole lot of sense.  A more appropriate analogy would be – after losing your girlfriend to a tragic accident, you decide to start dating her cousin.  This cousin reminds you of your ex-girlfriend but, very quickly, you realize that she is not enough like your deceased ex for your liking, so you start pestering her to dress more like her dead cousin, talk more like her dead cousin, and generally behave a lot more like her dead cousin. When she resists, you get angry and begin harassing her incessantly, stalking her online and wishing her dead as well.

Michael White writes: "I hope you read the comments because I had the strongest feeling to share this with you.

http://io9.com/5694701/does-cosmic-background-radiation-reveal-the-universe-before-the-big-bang"

Answer: Great article.  Thanks for the link.

Ponytail writes: "Joe what's wrong with you? No patented peace sign and no big grin. I must say, I'm a little disappointed."

Answer: To be honest, I was holding my patented phony photo smile for what like forever, then relaxed – at which point the picture was snapped.

JYS writes: "also. I went to Meat and Bread on cambie today. Really good porchetta sandwich. they're closed on sundays, but, i suggest trying it before you head to Tokyo"

Answer: As a matter of fact, I did.  And enjoyed the porchetta sandwich.  Great minds eat alike…

Meat & Bread's porchetta sandwich.





And their maple-bacon ice cream sandwich.

Johnny writes: "Since there's no DHD placed along with the respective gates, are we to assume the gates were only meant to be accessed from Destiny alone?"

Answer: That's a safe assumption.

Elliot writes: "You said that Destiny has a repairing drone. And if they can make it work again, that means they can build back the damaged ship parts?"

Answer: Yep.  First up, the dome that will house the new hydroponics lab.

zaghy2zy writes: "I just had to ask, why is Robert Carlyle way at the back not with the rest of the main cast?"

Answer: Despite his celebrity status, Bobby is an incredibly quiet, and humble guy.  He passed on front and center for a more casual position amidst the rest of the crew.

PJR writes: "The Comic Project - Thanks for your response. I'd like to ask further: is the script format somewhat along the lines of a TV/film script?"

Answer: No.  It's a very different format that requires some getting used to.

PJR also writes: "- and assuming (dangerous!) that 'general structure' you mention refers to plot/arcs, etc and not the script body – I'm wondering more about how through the brief you were given you see similarities and differences to the plotting/breaking/etc you do on a show like SGU, or Atlantis. Quite different animals or more similar, at least in essence, than we'd figure?"

Answer: I was referring to the format specifically.  Elements related to plot and story structure remain more or less unchanged.  The end of the first issue lines up naturally with the end of the pilot script's second act, the end of the second issue with the conclusion to the pilot script.

PJR also writes: "Now you're working both on episodes and comic story planning, I'm wondering how many pages a 45 minute episode might run on the basis of the standard 22 page/issue comic format – much more or pretty much there?"

Answer: It's really story dependent because the two formats are so different.  That said, it's looking like your average minute script will translate to two 22 page comic book issues.

November 19, 2010: And that's a main unit wrap!

Yesterday was the last day of principal photography on Stargate: Universe's second season.  We marked the event with woodfire pizza, champagne, and, oh yeah, shooting those final scenes.

Cast and crew hanging out on set. Pictured left in the hat - Tio, whose fantasy football team my Snow Monkeys will be beating this weekend.

Executive Producer Carl Binder on set, ensuring production runs smoothly. And pizza is eaten.

Editor Rick Martin takes a break from the many days spent working on The Hunt.

Ashleigh drops by for pizza. And to criticize Andy's directing.

Kerry and Jen practice their "You're the best friend I ever had!" lament prior their post-open bar Saturday night celebration.

The crew had a choice between pulled pork sandwiches and woodfire pizza. The pizza apparently won by a landslide.

They actually brought along their woodfire pizza oven. I mean, how else are they gonna do it, right?

With special guest chef Louis Ferreira.

The Ferreira Special. May include nuts.

Jamil Walker-Smith calls it a night. And a season.

It's been a great year and, looking back over the 20 episodes produced for SGU's second season, I have to say I'm very proud of what we've accomplished: great stories, grand arcs, wonderful character moments both big and small, set-ups, pay-offs, and more than a few surprises.  As much as I've enjoyed working on these episodes, I've enjoyed hearing your reactions even more.  So, thanks to everyone out there who has supported – and continues to support – the show!  You aint seen nuthin' yet!

 

November 18, 2010: The Final Day of Main Unit Photography on SGU's Second Season!

Well, here we are – the last day of main unit principal photography on Stargate: Universe's second season.    And I say again: "Wow!  That was fast!".

I walked into my office to find THIS sitting on my desk…

And check out what was inside…

Cool, no?  And perfect for my upcoming trip.  So it should come as no surprise that the individual who got me the kindle was none other than my Tokyo travel wingman, and Stargate: Universe Special Features Producer, Ivon Bartok.  It was his way of thanking me for getting him the plane ticket – which sounds a lot more impressive than it really was since I used air miles to book both of our flights.  His gift is much appreciated and I look forward to the many hours I'll spend enroute, ignoring him while I read the latest issue of Salmon Monthly.

Also much appreciated – this being our last main unit day and all – is the hard work of our catering crew (led by Steve on mains and Anthea on desserts) who served up a true feast for lunch today.

 

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A point of interest - compare my modest portion of cheesecake (left) with Ashleigh's softball-sized portion. Now I'm not saying anything. Just...noticing.

Prime rib, prawn, spanapaktawhatchamajobs, red pepper soup, cheesecake, and sundry etceteras!

We watched Carl's producer's cut of #218, Epilogue this afternoon.  This one gets a 3-hanky alert.  You've been warned!

Hey, Canadian Stargate fans – make sure to tune in to the post-SGU wrap-up show, Innerspace, this Friday night when the show will be co-hosted by none other than SGU/SGA co-creator/co-show runner/Executive Producer/Writer and Occasional Director Robert C. Cooper.  Rumor also has it that he's in the running to replace Don Cherry on Hockey Night in Canada.

Mailbag:

Gilder writes: "Joe, are you going to check mail at Bridge for a few more weeks?"

Answer: The production office will be open for another two weeks as the producers come in to watch the various cuts and mixes.  I believe December 3rd is my last day before my Tokyo trip.

detanfy writes: "1) Is it possible that Destiny and not the Stargates is actually the ancients most important invention?"

Answer: I suppose it's a matter of opinion.

"2) hows the anime going? Did you finally finish or at least watch Eureka 7? I remember you having some trouble getting into it, besides the slow start it picks up and really is an amazing series"

Answer: Alas, haven't watched Eureka 7 past the first couple of episodes.  Haven't watched any anime in a while.  Thinking of checking out Baccano.

"3) when are we going to see more Destiny specific tech? like the repair drone for example"

Answer: Coming soon…

"4) Is "Ursini" the official name of the Awakening aliens? if so what compelled you to reveal it on here?"

Answer: It is the official name and I was compelled to reveal it here because someone asked me.

"5) is your comic project going to be Marvel/DC or Image?"

Answer: One more guess.

"6) I really enjoy the supporting characters, Brody, Volkner, James, park and co. Please tell me you are keeping them around and they won't suffer the same fate as Riley

also will we be seeing more of them? not centric episodes, just more awesomeness in general and learning more about them"

Answer: We all love the supporting characters as well – but no promises as to their respective fates.

"7) Does Destiny have any secrets you aren't telling us tech-wise, specifically in the weapons department, maybe version 1 drone weapons?"

Answer: In all probability, yes.

Jordan writes: "When you started in the entertainment business, obviously you probably wanted to get any job you could but creatively did you want to work on a certain genre? Like science fiction, or drama, or comedy? I know any job you could get you had to do but did you start writing to work on something specific?"

Answer: I've always enjoyed writing humor so, ideally, that's the type of show I want to end up working on.

Brian M. White: "I just have a quick question: where do you find these locations?"

Answer: This is a question for the lovely Heather who heads up our locations department.  This season, she's been able to find us locations we didn't even know existed!

Holloway writes: "Last of all as for Ms. Kennair's remarks doesn't that simply confirm in part what I was saying last season in that Greer was underdeveloped compared to most (or all) of the main cast?"

Answer: I don't think so.  The same comment could have applied to any of our characters had they received similar back half focus.

Aussuu writes: "So if/when SGU is picked up for a 3rd season do you see it possible to come back to Utah for an episode?"

Answer: It's certainly possible.  Rob Cooper and the cast had a terrific time on their last visit.

melnjohn writes: "Did you know in advance that Ginn would be such a fan favorite? In other words, did you create her to be so well liked, or did Julie Mcniven just come off that good in the character?"

Answer: I'm not surprised because Julie McNiven is a wonderful and very charismatic actress.  You can attribute to popularity of Ginn to two things – the character on the page and Julie's ability to interpret that character in a way that resonates with viewers.

nate writes: "1.) How much time had past between The greater good and Malice? Was it just a few minutes or hours?"

Answer: The action is continuous.  Think of it as one, long episode.

"2.) Are there any episodes coming up that reveal new areas of Destiny? You mentioned the dome room being repaired at some point…"

Answer: Yes and yes!

"3.) I may be mistaken, but didn't you imply in a recent mailbag that Ginn isn't really dead? Was that just to keep us in suspense or is there more to come from Ginn in the form of a vision for Eli, like Rush and his wife?"

Answer: Did I imply she wasn't really dead or did I imply we'd see her again?  I don't recall.

"4.) Why has no one thought about going back to the seed ship for Telford, since they can plot a new course and control destiny?"

Answer: Given the circumstances in which they left him and the time and distance that has passed, it would seem unlikely to many that he'd still be there.

"5.) So, is everyone on board with the mission of Destiny now?"

Answer: Sure looks that way.

Paddy writes: "Are we ever gonna get Camille on an offworld mission… every one has to chip in right??!"

Answer: Yes and yes.

Ben42 writes: "Do those bison/velociraptor hybrids have a name?"

Answer: Lenny, Phil, Margie, Loretta, and Maurice – those were the ones I can remember off the top of my head.

PJR writeS: "On the comic project were you given a strict pagination per issue, and so per story (whether told in one issue or across a few)? Hence, the structural breakdown to page-turns and frames per pages, etc.. Oh, and have you sorted an artist yet?"

Answer: We were given a script guide that covered formatting and general structure.  We're operating under the standard 22 page/issue format.  The first story arc, which encompasses the potential two-part series premiere, will be comprised of four issues.  I'll be doing one more pass on it tonight, then sending it my editor's way in the morning. Hopefully, I'll hear word on potential artists next week.

dioxholster writes: "You said North Americans have similar tastes but clearly not, I think someone had a point when they said SGU feels too Canadian. I think its valid, and it became very apparent with how you guys approached the sex storylines."

Answer: Sorry, haven't a clue what you're talking about.  Are you suggesting that Americans are more prudish when it comes to sex on television?  Really?

Audrey writes: "So what's up with Varro lying to Young and co., when he says he knows nothing of the attack on Earth? In Pathogen we see him have a talk with Simeon, and its sorta implied that they all know about it."

Answer: No, I think it's pretty clear in that scene that he and other Lucian Alliance members are offering Homeworld Command information while Simeon is offering disinformation.  The Alliance, as the name implies, is made up of various factions.  Simeon and Ginn belonged to the same faction, the group planning the rumored attack on Earth.

Viv writes: "Most network shows wrap in late March early April for shows that will air in May."

Answer: And we're about to wrap up in late November on a show that already started airing in late September.  It really depends on the series.  Shows like ours, that include significant VFX, will require more lead time.

Viv also writes: "But, your doubt aside, what sort of feedback would cause creative shifting for Season 3, or do you feel that it already is what it is?"

Answer: At the end of every season, we'll look back and take stock, discuss what worked and what didn't from a creative standpoint, consider what the fans responded to and what didn't work for them, receive input from the studio and network, and move forward.  Suffice it to say that provided we get that third season pick up, season 3 will see some shocking, monumental developments.

November 17, 2010: Author Christopher Moore Stops By!

Writers are busy people, so when I contact an author about the possibility of participating in our little book of the month club discussion, I always promise them that the process will be quick and relatively painless.  They're free to pick and choose among the questions sent, and under no obligation to meet any sort of deadline in turning around their responses.  Ultimately, it doesn't really matter when they them send back.  I'm just honored and thankful that they take the time to do so.  Looming deadlines, works-n-progress, and even the minutiae of daily life have resulted in authors getting back to me weeks, occasionally months after the fact.  All perfectly understandable and no less appreciated. On the flip side, I've received responses in mere days, sometimes hours – or, in the case of Chistopher Moore, about forty-five minutes!

So a BIG thank you to Chris for the super quick turnaround of a terrific Q&A that, interestingly enough, kicks off with a question from yours truly…

Joe writes: "I enjoyed Bloodsucking Fiends immensely and already have You Suck (and assorted other Chris Moore titles) on my daunting to-read pile.  Still, as a former Masters student who happened to write his thesis on Shakespeare's Julius Caesar, Fool remains my favorite.  Any plans to tackle anymore of the bard's works in similar fashion?

CM: Yes, as soon as I finish the book I'm working on I'm going to adapt Fool for the stage, then I'm going to write another book with Pocket, using more Shakespeare for the source material. Can't say much more than that, now.

Craig writes: "Question for Mr. Moore: did he have a trilogy planned out from the beginning or was Bloodsucking Fiends originally intended to be his only vampire novel?"

CM: No, in those days I didn't outline my books, so I didn't even know I was going to leave it open for a second book. Originally, in the end of Fiends, I had Jody going off with Elija, but my editor at the time said it was too dark, so he asked me to change it to a happier ending. The book was so anemically published  that I had to wait 12 years for my career to recover before I could write a sequel.

Narelle from Aus writes: "Bloodsucking Fiends was like Scrubs in a book for me. Which means I liked it. A lot. So I ask Mr Moore, what brand of comedy did you grow up with? Was it TV or written humour that's been your biggest influence?"

CM: Really, early on it was Mad Magazine, but then, of course movies and TV, as well as those few funny novels that I could find. Movies, more than TV, I suppose as influence in comic timing. Scrubs was brilliant those first few years, though, and I was a big fan.

Michelle writes: "A couple of questions for Christopher Moore:

Why did Ben Sapir choose to turn Jody and then immediately act as an adversary to her? Why didn't he take her under his wing, so to speak?"

CM: Couple of reasons. One, he's fully batshit and bored, so it was more interesting to watch them struggle. It was a game to him. And second, he wasn't sure she would survive. It even says that he had watched the ones who don't make it, can't handle it. Best not to get attached.

"What did it mean that nearly all of his fledglings didn't last long? Did he kill them for violating some vampire code of honor?"

CM: It just meant that it's hard out there for a vamp. He basically had to keep them secret. What's happening in Bloodsucking Fiends is that he's sort of out of control, after 800 years or so, and he's losing it. But mainly he kills them because they go insane and he can't have them found.

"When he said he wanted to end his loneliness, did he mean by Jody becoming his mate, or Jody somehow finally killing him? He seemed sort of suicidal."

CM: I think he wanted to have a companion.

"Who does the Emperor represent to you?"

CM: He's a symbol for someone who has kept his humanity and sense of empathy, even though he lives under very unpleasant circumstances. He's based on a real person. Google "Emperor Norton".

Sparrow_hawk writes: "Questions for the author: I realize that you wrote the book 15 years ago and I really appreciate your willingness to stop by and discuss it with us.

1. What was your inspiration for the story?"

CM: I had always read horror stories and fancied myself a horror story writer when I started. I had done a story for the radio when I was a DJ about a guy who finds out his girlfriend is a vampire and ends up putting her in the freezer until he can figure out what to do. I think I'd read an article in Science Digest about scientists having just successfully frozen and revived a bat, or perhaps that they thought they were close to being able to do that. Anyway, when I needed a third idea for a proposal for my third book, I threw in the vampire idea, almost as a throw-away, and the publisher picked it. I think the original story was influenced somewhat by Peter Beagle's "Lila the Werewolf".

"2. I loved Tommy's references to Bram Stoker's Dracula (a favorite novel of mine) and The Vampire Lestat . Were those your major sources for vampire lore or did you do other research?"

CM: I had been reading vampire stuff since I was a kid. I'd really read it all. In fact, I remember a friend helping me move once, and looking into my boxes of books and saying, "You should do a vampire book, you wouldn't even have to read it."  I included Dracula and Lestat in the text because I always found it annoying in vampire books and movies when everyone was completely ignorant of the concept of vampires, like they'd been living in a vacuum.

"3. I loved Elijah Ben Sapir and the way he tested Jody after turning her and that you made him an "angel of death" choosing victims that were terminally ill and would die soon anyway. Can you comment a little on his character?"

CM: I was just trying to work off the biological imperative that the predator only takes the sick and the weak, thereby strengthening the herd. I also thought it would be easier to sympathize with the character if she was feeding almost in the name of mercy.

Tammy Dixon writes: "My Question for Mr. Moore is: Do you have first hand experience in what goes on in an all night market? (shudder)"

CM: I had Tommy's job when I was his age. All the animals were based on real guys on my night crew, and we got our name, The Animals, in the same way they do in the book. Although my experiences were in Ohio, no San Francisco.

For the love of Beckett writes: "1.) They say (semi-) autobiographical stories — and deadlines! — make some of the best stories. Bloodsucking Fiends is one of those, with hysterical results. It's the funniest anti-romance I've read, and at the same time you created hilarious characters that I really cared about by story's end. I almost teared up over the brass turtles. My turtles! (Stargate joke.) This is first of your books I've read, and I can't wait to read the sequel, You Suck, over the weekend."

CM: Thanks.

"2.) So you also left home in the Midwest at the age of 19, and landed in San Francisco to become a writer. But Incontinence, Indiana? Dude! You were born in Ohio! How could you do that to the state one of your favorite authors was born in? (I'm from Vonnegut's hometown.)"

CM: I was just going for generic Midwest. It's not completely autobiographical. I didn't live in San Francisco until I was almost 50. I landed in Santa Barbara when I came West.

"3.) I loved every one of the characters. They were not only fully developed, but real. Since you really live in Frisco, how many of the book's characters have you met in real life there? Did you ever meet the Emperor of San Francisco? What was he like?"

CM: The Emperor lived in the 1860s. But I came to the city in the early 1990s to do research, and I saw a lot of homeless here, as one does, and I wanted to give them a nod as humans. Tourists would be very cruel, and say absolutely horrible things to the homeless, and they never seemed to get that these were PEOPLE. I just wanted to put a face on and give some nobility to those people who were living on the streets.

"4.) In another autobiographical detail, one of your previous jobs was working in a grocery store, just like C. Thomas Flood. (Safeway was terrific, another world-within-a-world.) Since it's nearly Thanksgiving time in the U.S., what was your all-time high score in Turkey Bowling?"

CM: I don't even remember keeping score, much. We mostly played volleyball in the stock room on our breaks, but that wouldn't have made for a very funny scene.

"5.) Your humor and parody are a riot.  Nothing is sacred, but everything is given value, i.e., deaths by vampire, homelessness, and the faith of one of the grocery store Animals. The "fish eye" you give the world had to have reared its head/attitude early on. Do you have a favorite writing memory from H.S., an essay that shocked the teacher but made them laugh and give you a good grade anyway?"

CM: We had a pep rally with mandatory attendance, and I wrote an editorial for the school paper called. Pressured Pep Impossible, which was very snarky and critical of the bullshit that I still believe is highschool sports (and I was an athelete, which really pissed off the coaches) The different coaches wrote and insisted that 7 different rebuttals be printed, and my journalism teacher promised to give me an A for the rest of the year (and this was in October) if I didn't write anything else for the rest of the year. It was like finding out I had a super power or something.

"6.) You've mentioned that all of your books have been optioned or had the rights sold for a movie, but none have ever been made. Too hard to streamline for the screen, or something. Would so love to see Bloodsucking Fiends in a movie theater.  Chris Columbus did a fantastic job with the intricate world building in the first 2 Harry Potter movies, while still making the story marketable for Hollywood. Bloodsucking Fiends would be a complete — and delightfully twisted — left turn. Just a hope…Thanks for writing the story about "a guy whose girlfriend is a vampire.""

CM: I honestly don't know what keeps the movies from being made. I think in some cases, they think the story is very simple, but when they start dismantling it for the screen, they find it falls apart. That's certainly the case in Practical Demonkeeping, which has had more scripts than any of them written.

With others, I honestly don't think they get what I do, so it's hard for them to find a writer that can adapt the book because they aren't really looking at what they liked about the book. For instance, the people who have Lamb first said, Jack Black for Biff, and now are saying Zack Galifinakis. Now, I like both of those guys, but they are not skinny, brown, Jewish guys, which is how Biff is described in the book. They are very much fat white guys. I don't even know how you get from one to the other. I could fill a page with stories like this.

And Chris Columbus had A Dirty Job for three years, since you brought that up, but they never even got a script written. I think that had more to do with his business schedule than any creative conundrum. He's a brilliant guy.

For the most part, people acquire my stuff saying, "This isn't like anything else we've seen before," then they beat the project to death by trying to make it exactly like something else they've seen before. One producer who had Fiends, wanted the screenwriter to lift the whole "ancient love doppleganger" right out of Coppola's Dracula. The screenwriter even called her on it, but she wouldn't relent, didn't even understand why "cliche" wasn't a good thing. Fortunately, the option expired and it didn't get made, which believe me, sometimes, is better.

Hope that helps. I have to get back to work.

Thanks for picking Fiends for your club.

Best,

Chris

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Tagged: Bloodsucking Fiends: A Love Story, Christopher Moore

November 16, 2010: Stargate: Universe, Episode #208, Malice, on Tonight – 9:00 p.m. on SyFy!

As I was walking into the Production Office this morning (after waiting some twenty minutes for the recycling guy to move his truck out from in front of my parking space), I ran into actor Peter Kelamis (SGU's Adam Brody) who had just dropped off the cast's crew gifts.

Check 'em out -

SGU dog tags.

Peter models them in action.

Cool, no?  A big thanks to the cast.  Every time I have to remove the dog tags before taking a shower, I'll think of them.

Speaking of the cast, yesterday marked the final (until, hopefully, next season) shooting day Mike and Julia.  Today, we bid a fond farewell to Peter and Patrick.

 

Patrick Gilmore in wardrobe for his winter hiatus gig playing the role of Tevye in The Vancouver Art Club's Fiddler on the Roof.

I visited the set with Ashleigh and Lawren.  I know, I know.  I always get them confused too.

THIS one's Lawren.





And THIS one's Ashleigh.

Anyway, as is tradition this time of year, both Ashleigh and Lawren head down to stage 4 to set up squatting rights to the various areas they intend to occupy during the hiatus.

Look at them, all comfy in their new living room.

The living arrangements are perfect of course.  The kitchen only has prop food and the bathtub is actually an old crate that used to store a repair robot, but they call it home.

Following our set visit, we grabbed lunch at the truck.  There, I witnessed something so shocking, so unbelievable, that I had to capture it on digital…

Check out eco-friendly, environmental know-it-all Ashleigh using a STYROFOAM CONTAINER for her lunch!!!

She claims she only went styrofoam because she didn't bring her plate with her to set, but I believe that if she truly loved this planet, she would have walked all the way back to the office, picked up her plate, and walked all the way back to the catering truck (before walking all the way back to the office to eat).  Shameful, really.  Rumor has it she also requested extra styrofoam that she used to stuff her boots because they had a comfortable two inches of height.

This afternoon, I went to post where I had a visual effects spotting with Rick, Mark and Bones, then did the cut notes for The Hunt.  As often happens when it comes time to lock my cut, the challenge isn't how to implement the various notes but how to make sense of them.  Specifically, my handwritten scrawl.  1. My handwriting is atrocious.  2. My handwriting is atrocious when I'm scribbling down notes quickly so I can continue watching my cut.  3. My handwriting is atrocious when I'm scribbling down notes quickly in the dark so I can continue watching my cut.  Anyway, I was able to decipher most of what I'd written.  And I'm sure you'll have no problem doing the same.  So here you go, the cut notes for The Hunt.

Spoiler warning!

Here's an early review of tonight's episode of SGU, Malice, from the gang at popculturezoo: http://popculturezoo.com/2010/11/malice-and-revenge-on-the-next-stargate-universe/

Today's blog entry is dedicated Riley.  Very sorry to hear about Moochie.

Mailbag:

Gen writes: "Does Lulu have food allergies? I'm having trouble remembering if you've said so already or not. Anyway, an elderly Cocker Spaniel who we adopted into our family some years ago had a habit of chewing on her paws, along with occasional digestive ailments. The vet told us it was likely a food allergy, and suggested we either change her diet to a special dog food or that we start cooking her meals for her.  We started off with the special food, but one night when she was feeling under the weather I ended up cooking for her. That was that. I cooked that goofy dog dinner every night for the rest of her life."

Answer: What a great dog mom (or dad)!  Lulu is certainly very particular about her food.  She won't eat raw and I have her on a special canned food for hypoallergenic dogs. Might try cooking for her.  How do you think she'd like her foie gras?  With a rhubarb compote?

BA writes: "Also, took your advice and bought a copy of "Revelation Space." I LOVE THESE BOOKS! Reynolds is an amazing writer. I've burned through every one of his books, even his short stories."

Answer: Hey, Brad, pleased to hear you're enjoying the show (Tell your friends!) and equally pleased to hear you're enjoying Alastair Reynolds.  He's a recent discovery and I love the fact that I still have several of his books to read.  Show co-creator and Exec. Producer Brad Wright is also a recent Reynolds convert.

Viv writes: "If you are already working on the season two finale, when the mid-season finale has yet to air, how does this allow the writing team time to react to something that doesn't air well? [...] The only show I know definite production info about is Buffy the Vampire Slayer, which I think had more sets, actors, locations, and maybe special effects that an SGU episode, and by the end of each season, they were shooting the episodes a bare three weeks prior to airing."

Answer: It takes us about six months from shooting to final and Buffy was a show that made use of visual effects as well, so I find it highly unlikely that they would have been shooting episodes three weeks prior to their airing.  The realities of production simply don't allow for that type of creative shifting.

Llyod67 writes: "I want your opinion : does Wraith feed on pregnant women?"

Answer: Don't see why they wouldn't.

Renegard writes: "Joe, could you provide some information on the Destiny's FTL drive? Is the intergalactic hyperdrive in Daedalus-class ships faster?"

Answer: Ivon Bartok is putting together a special feature that will focus on SGU's various tech elements, from FTL to shields.  Watch for it!

Debra writes: "As for Bubba… do me a big favor? Bitch slap your vet. Do it now, do it hard. Eyelashes cause horrific pain to the eyes. They should have fixed the eyelash problem LONG ago with entropic type surgery to prevent rubbing."

Answer: Jelly had the procedure done long ago.  Your comment spurred me to bring Bubba in this weekend for a check-up and referral to a specialist.  Thanks.

Deena writes: "On a related note, are we going to see Varro pop up anytime soon?"

Answer: Varro…Varro…hmmm….doesn't ring a bell…

Holloway writes: "However one issue that I can't overlook, one that's been agitating me since season one, is the handling and under usage of Greer."

Answer: In season one, we set the groundwork for the series and tried to give each of our main players a spotlight episode (in Greer's case, it was Lost).  As we headed into season two, we broke down our stories and ensured that each main character would have one (or more) spotlight episodes.  When it comes time to lining these episodes up in the production schedule, their placement is dictated by the overall season arc and ongoing storylines, so even if one character may seem light in the first half of the season, that won't be the case for the second half.  In the case of Greer, he's got two big episodes in season 2 (in addition to a lot of terrific beats and throughlines in other episodes), but you'll have to wait until the back half to see them: episode #213, Alliances, and episode #216, The Hunt.  In fact, one of the things SyFy's Erika Kennair remarked on during her last visit to the Stargate set was the significant development in both the Greer and T.J. characters this season.

November 15, 2010: The art of trash talking taken to artistic heights! Production update! Doggy ailment update!

THIS was the first sight to greet me when I walked into work this morning -

Most gloaters do their gloating verbally.  Best Boy Mike goes one step further, celebrating Bailey's Irish Creamers' defeat of my Snow Monkeys with a painstakingly assembled collage.  Obviously, someone has put their weekend scrapbooking classes to good use.  Well, the Snow Monkeys may have been beaten this past weekend but, incredibly, they're still one game out of playoff spot.   Fortunately, they'll be up against a much easier opponent this weekend in Tio.  I mean, come on.  Ten weeks into NFL Fantasy play and he still hasn't picked a name for his team!

Watched an awesome Day 1 Mix of an equally awesome episode, Hope, today.  Carl Binder is on a roll this season.  Great performances and some really, really nice moments both humorous and touching.

Also, watched my cut of The Hunt this afternoon.  The A, B, and C stories interweave nicely and, again, some nice character and comic beats peppered throughout.  The T.J. flashbacks are officially filed away for next season – but that's fine because it pushes me to come up with a T.J.-centered story.  Both Carl and Brad came up with some terrific potential season 3 stories.  Let's just say the second season finale sets up a VERY INTERESTING scenario.

Keep those dish descriptions and photos coming for the "I Make the Best Whatever…" contest!  I'm eager to start prepping YOUR recipes.

Since some of you asked, here's the doggy ailment update…

Jelly - Since her stem cell treatment, she's been a lot more vocal. Still, her hindquarters continue to give her problems. Some days she'll lie around all day, others will find her bounding about like a pug half her age.

Maximus - Recovering from surgery to remove a cyst from his eye lid. As laid back as ever - except when it comes time to take his eye meds.

Bubba - dealing with his own set of eye problems, specifically the formation of keratitis caused by abrasive eyelashes. This will probably require micro-surgery.

Lulu - aside from the occasional post-meal vomiting, night time ear-scratching, early morning paw chewing, and general gassiness she's great.

 

 

November 14, 2010: The "I Make the Best Whatever" contest is off to a delicious-looking start! That was fast! And the mailbag!

The "I Make the Best Whatever" contest is off to a great start.  Check out yesterday's blog for full contest details but, in short, I'm asking blog readers to send in a description of THE dish they're known for  - be it rack of lamb, walnut cream cake, or those bacon-wrapped dates stuffed with almonds – along with an accompanying photo.  I'll choose eight dishes from the field of entries and then have them go head to head for the title of "I Make the Best Whatever" Kind and/or Queen (along with some awesome prize to be revealed later at a later date).  Anyway, some very intriguing dishes to choose from already.  Among them:

DasNDanger's Puerco Pibil…

I know, I know. I too figured she just read comic books all day. Who knew she could cook!

Jeff W's Chocolate and Black Raspberry Cheesecake…

Now I don't usually mix fruit and dessert, but I might make an exception in this cake.

Alexander of Houston's formidable-looking Brined Pork Tenderloin with Pourgouri Pilafi and Porcupine Ball…

If it tastes anywhere as good as it looks...

Mark's grandmother's Plum Jam Kifli…

I bet I could eat about a dozen of these before I even finished making them.

Keep those pics and dish descriptions coming.  You have until…well, let's say the end of November – which fast approacheth!

Speaking of fast approachething – this upcoming week marks the final few days of production on Stargate: Universe's second season.  It seems like only yesterday I was crying myself to sleep, agonizing over the script to episode #203, Awakening and suddenly, it's ten months later and I'm crying myself to sleep, agonizing over what I'm going to wear to this weekend's season 2 wrap party.  Wow!  That was quick!  Hopefully, we'll hear word on the fate of the show before I'm Tokyo-bound in early December – but I won't hold my breath.

Damn.  Looks like my Snow Monkeys are about to go down in defeat in week 10 of Stargate NFL Fantasy Football play.  The blame for this week's loss falls on the shoulders of three consistent underperformers: Dolphin wide receiver Brandon Marshall, KC Tight End Tony Moeaki, and the Baltimore Ravens D.  Thanks for nothing, all.  I'm dumping the Ravens D and benching Marshall until further notice.  Would love replace Moeaki, but it's mighty slim pickin's on the waiver wire.

Mailbag:

DP writes: "Do I have to decide between pumpkin bread and blackberry cobbler or can I do both?"

Answer: Feel free to submit both, but make sure to include a photo of each for the official selection process.

DP writes: "Will you be making all the recipes, Joe, or do we need to mail them to you? [...]  Will you sample to pick the top 8 or go with what your experience says will turn out well?"

Answer: I'll be making all the recipes and judging the finished products when the time comes.

kabra writes: "Contest sounds cool, can we enter more than once? Are there any specific categories???"

Answer: Let's say a maximum of five dishes per person.  All entries should fall under the "delicious" category.

Alexander of Houston writes: "Your Braised Short Ribs sound pretty good. Do you deglaze and use the fond? I heard second hand that in Europe, specifically in Italy, some CIA students were turned sideways when their host chef threw out the fond after he seared some meat. I hate to say this, but what did you do (ie add) to your polenta?"

Answer: Yes, I use the fond and that's not polenta.  It's a polenta substitute = sweet potato mash.

Nadine Ramsden writes: "Speaking of recipes, any chance you could post Akemi's recipe for the miso soup?"

Answer: Plenty of requests for this one.  I promise to post later this week.

KEK writes: "You've said before that you're not to keen on ascended being as they seem to stray into the realms of fantasy rather than sci-fi at times, with this in mind can we assume that Destiny's mission and the resolution will be purely scientific/natural in nature, and never supernatural?"

Answer: Not necessarily.  There are plenty of other equally opinionated writer/producers on staff.

Oreol writes: "Syfy is selling SGU props like the kino and the remote. Why? It sounds terrible for Season Three. Should we go in panic mode?"

Answer: Nope.

Hunab.cu writes: "The question I want to ask is whether is there any chance to get any schematics of Destiny?"

Answer: I'll see what I can dig up.

adam writes: "Hey Joe, quick question, is there any news of a Stargate Universe Season 1 Soundtrack?"

Answer: Sorry, haven't heard anything.

Brian C writes: "What is the total elapsed time from leaving the naquada planet to the last episode of SGU?"

Answer: I'd say about a year.

Greg writes: "what happens when they complete Destiny's mission? Show ends?"

Answer: Yep.

November 13, 2010: The "I make the best whatever" contest!

Announcing this blog's very first "I Make The Best Whatever" contest!

1. How To Participate

No purchase necessary.  Just post the name of your dish with a short description and an accompanying photo.  8 recipes will be chosen for the showdown.  The 8 finalists will then be asked to post the accompanying recipe.  Each week will see two recipes battle head to head.  Winners (chosen by me and any blog regulars who care to take the time to prepare and taste test the candidates) will advance to the next round of 4.  The round of 4 will see another two head to head battles.  Winners will be chosen by a panel of hungry judges. The remaining two contestants will face off in a Grand Finale that will be judged by three uber-foodies.

2. Contest Period.

Start posting your recipe names and descriptions now.  I'd like to finalize the Elite Eight before I head off to Tokyo (December 6, 2010).

3. Contest Restrictions.

If you can actually make something tasty, you're free to enter.  The contest is open to all residents of the Milky Way galaxy except employees and retirees of J. Mallozzi Ltd. and its affiliates, franchisees, agents, associates, dealers, representatives, advertising and promotional agencies.

4. Prize.

No idea yet.  But it's going to be awesome.

5. Rules.

For a copy of contest rules, feel free to print up this blog entry.

Remember, the name of the throwdown is the "I Make the Best Whatever" contest so pick the best of your very best.

Since we're on the subject, I thought I'd share some of my recent culinary creations (attempts)…

Last night, I made six-hour-slow-roasted-fall-off-the-bone-short-ribs…

The short ribs are seared to a rich mahogany, then nestled in a sauce made of carrots, celery, onion, garlic, tomato paste, tomatoes, beef stock, rosemary, thyme, and port reduction.  Then, it's popped in the oven at 275 degrees for six(ish) hours.





Polenta goes great with this recipe – unless your dining companion hates polenta, in which case you can substitute a sweet potato mash to form the base.





Voila!

Turns out Akemi is quite the cook.  The other day, she made gyoza…

Apparently, it's a very laborious process.  Bubba (bottom right) offers moral support.  And awaits the possibility of dropped bits.





Gyoza!





Akemi – wearing her cooking boots – prepares the gyoza two ways.





Pan-fried…





…to a crispy finish.





Or in a bonito soup with chives and bean sprouts.  Oishikatta!

The week before that, Akemi also made the most magnificent miso soup I've ever had using white miso, sweet potato, sweet onions, green onions, and tofu….

I'm usually not a soup guy, but I could have made an entire meal of this.





I also made shark – marinated and grilled.





But THIS was the dish of the month: snapper eggs poached in soy, sugar, mirin, sake, ginger, and bonito broth.  Wow!

And, sticking with the seafood theme, days before that it was…

Uni spaghnettini.  The first time I had this dish was at Tableaux in Shibuya where I became an instant convert.





Kama!  In this case, salmon collars.  The tastiest part of the fish – that nobody (but the Japanese) eat.  I picked up these two for a little less than a dollar each.  I rubbed them with sesame oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper, then grilled them 'til done.  Phenomenal.

By the way, thanks to everyone who has weighed in with their recommendations and – er, what's the opposite of recommendations…condemnations? – of my recent book purchases.

And you've got two more days to post your questions and comments for author Christopher Moore!