Joseph Mallozzi's Blog, page 106

November 20, 2022: Suji Sunday!

Coming to get those kisses!

Feeling bleh.

Photo op.

Loves her apples slices!

Christmas-ready!

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November 19, 2022: Under the Weather!

It started yesterday afternoon with a little nausea, a little fatigue.  My muscles were sore and I dismissed the symptoms as the result of having had to wake up in the middle of the night the previous night to deal with a Suji bathroom emergency.  That and my wife’s insistence on doing these Japanese posture exercises every morning.  I didn’t think anything of it but I nevertheless took Akemi’s advice and went to bed early.  I was out at 9:00 p.m.  Two hours later I was awake.  I felt as though the oatmeal I’d had for dinner had hardened into an impenetrable ball and was sitting in my esophagus.  No amount of water would clear the seeming blockage.  I took a couple of tylenols and tried to sleep it off, but I found it impossible to sleep.  The only semi-comfortable position was lying propped up on my back – but even that wasn’t enough to get me truly comfortable.  So I popped a melatonin and hoped I could sleep it off.  That didn’t do the trick.  Neither did vomiting a half dozen times.  Finally, at a little after 5:00 a.m., I dozed off – and woke up at 8:0 this morning feeling slightly better.

Slightly.  My diet today has consisted of the rice gruel and chicken Akemi prepared for me, and gatorade.  I’ve napped three times, but still managed to get in a Japanese lesson.  I think I’ll stick the workout tonight, the oatmeal, and hope I can sleep through the night for the first time in three days.

Fear not.  My wife is taking care of me.

Today’s Yes/No which, given my present state, would be a definite not…

Tobikiri Avocado Croquette Burgers? Yes/No
Mos Burger’s new “Tobikiri Avocado Croquette Burger” teaches us how great potatoes are https://t.co/Sryl01lNhs via @RocketNews24En

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) November 19, 2022

Also, my phone died today.  It was very old but I stuck with it despite its constant inability to recharge and the fact that its battery would completely deplete with in a few hours.  It’s picture quality was no the greatest and its volume had begun to fade, but it was small – and that’s a rarity in this day of smart phones just slightly smaller than an iPad.  So, I ordered a new one today.  Looking forward to find out how mini is “mini”.

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November 18, 2022: With Special Guest Star Anthony Lemke!

A few days ago, actor Anthony Lemke (Dark Matter’s THREE) reached out to me via text.  He’s been in town shooting Hardy Boys and wanted to get together for dinner.  I was , of course, delighted at the suggestion and asked him what he felt like eating figuring I could choose from myriad restaurants that fit bill.  His answer: “Eastern European”.  Eastern European?!  As much as I love schnitzel, I’ve found that Eastern European restaurants tend to not stick around.  Half convinced I wouldn’t find anything, I hopped online and googled “Eastern European restaurants” – and, lo and behold, I found one – DROM Taberna – a short 15 minute walk from my place.  I sent Anthony a link to the menu.  He gave his approval.  I emailed a reservation request to the restaurant and we were set!

Until we arrived at the restaurant at the appointed time to find it shuttered.  In fact, it looked like it hadn’t been open in a while.  Google had steered me wrong once again.

Fortunately, I had a back-up plan: ramen.  We ended up going to my favorite ramen-ya, Midori Ramen, where I enjoyed my favorite ramen, the black garlic with thing noodles.  Anthony had the red spicy.  Both were excellent.  As was the conversation that progressed through dinner, continued over the short walk to Nord Lyon patisserie, and wrapped up over hot chocolate and pastries.  Alas, for those of you about to ask, no photos – of either the meal or my dinner guest.  But, trust me, he WAS there.  And he was looking terrific.

I’ve always enjoying taking to Anthony.  He’s smart, well-spoken, and is always thinking outside the box, always willing to entertain the less popular takes.  And that inevitably makes for a fascinating chat.

Anyway, a good time was had by all and I suggested we do it again sooner than later.  Perhaps when my next show is green lit and we dine together again at the cast dinner.

Rumor has it twitter is going away.  If so…

If twitter goes down for the count, you can find me at Matty's Patty's Burgers or Beast Pizza.

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) November 18, 2022

Today’s Yes/No…

Confit Garlic? Yes/No https://t.co/rWMYaYTiXn

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) November 18, 2022

More Stargate goodies…

 

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November 17, 2022: The Horror Marathon continues with Byzantium, The Lighthouse, Ankle Biters and Gummy-based Roast Beef Sauce!

Byzantium (2012)

Residents of a coastal town learn, with deathly consequences, the secret shared by the two mysterious women who have sought shelter at a local resort.

My thoughts: An elegant, at times lethargic vampire film that doesn’t really add much to the genre but does look undeniably beautiful not doing it.

3/5

The Lighthouse (2019)

Two lighthouse keepers try to maintain their sanity while living on a remote and mysterious New England island in the 1890s.

My thoughts: A bleak and beautiful film initially buoyed by powerhouse performances but ultimately sunk by pretentious excess.

3/5

Cherrypicker (aka Ankle Biters) (2021)

Four adorable little girls plot to murder a hockey player after they mistake an act of lovemaking as an attack on their mom.

My thoughts: Offensively discordant. The premise offers the promise of a horror comedy, but its execution is so lumbering it delivers on neither.

1.5/5

Today’s Yes/No…

Gummy-based Roast Beef Sauce? Yes/No
This gummy-based roast beef sauce recipe is sure to make an impact on your dinner guests https://t.co/BMpRC77B9T via @RocketNews24En

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) November 17, 2022

The post November 17, 2022: The Horror Marathon continues with Byzantium, The Lighthouse, Ankle Biters and Gummy-based Roast Beef Sauce! appeared first on Joseph Mallozzi's Weblog.

November 16, 2022: Amazing Covers!

Captain America and the Winter Soldier Special #1 – cover art by Alex Maleev

Alliances – cover art by Bill Sienkiewitz

Batman: One Bad Day – Mr. Freeze #1 – cover art by Matteo Scalera

Batman: One Bad Day – Mr. Freeze #1 – cover art byGiuseppe Camuncoli, Arif Prianto

Dark Crisis Worlds: Without a Justice League – Batman #1 – cover art by Ryan Sook

The Bone Orchard: Ten Thousand Black Feathers #3 – cover art by Andrea Sorrentino

Overwatch: New Blood #5 – cover art by Irene Koh

Door to Door, Night by Night #1 – cover art by Tyler Crook

Lucy – cover art by Tanino Liberatore

Blue: Last Chapter – cover art by Angela Vianello

So, which were YOUR favorites?

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November 15, 2022: Things on my plate! And goodies from the Stargate vault!

Added a couple of new projects to the rotation including a small town thriller that may or may not pan out but is all sorts of interesting.  Offered my take on the material and am now awaiting word.  In the meantime, delivered the first draft of that android murder master and have switched gears to a re-tweak of that sci-fi Kpop mash-up.  Also, hashing out an outline for that horror movie and delivering a new pass on the overview for that globe-trotting action-adventure series.  And, of course, have to turn around notes on that revised sci-fi pilot.  This week, I have a two zoom generals, one with a network, the other with a new comic book publisher.  The latter is especially intriguing as it offers up the freedom to pursue a variety of narratives and (hopefully) ensure I get to tell the entire story.

Well, looks like Toronto is heading into the deep freeze.  The weather has turned in a matter of days and, today, we got snow.  No one is thrilled, least of all Suji who now has to model her snowsuit.  It’s good stay indoors and write or watch horror movies weather.  However, I will brave the elements to grab dinner with actor Anthony Lemke tomorrow.  We’re doing Eastern European as per his request.

12 more featured yokai to go and I’ll hit 100, after which I will wrap up my Japanese spirit rundown.  Once I’m done, you’ll have to let me know which one was your favorite.

Today’s Yes/No…

Green Bean Casserole Seltzer? Yes/No
Thanks(?) to @Thogar for the tip.
Company introduces green bean casserole-flavored seltzer water https://t.co/kDX87ZzY65

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) November 15, 2022

Within the Serpent’s Grasp concept art –

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November 14, 2022: Your Handy Guide to Weird Yokai!

You spot a figure lurking behind your shoji, but when you slide open the door, there is no one there. Chances are you have just encountered a Kage Onna (Shadow Woman) and that your house may be haunted.  Art by @matthewmeyerart 

The Iso Onna appears as a beautiful woman with long dark hair, usually found along seasides. Should you approach her, she’ll emit a frightful shriek that will leave you stuned, allowing her to ensnare you with her hair and drag you into the ocean where she will drain your blood.

Evil spirits are unable to enter places secured by fuda, protective wards. Thus, they enlist the help of Fudakaeshi, spirits who specialize in convincing humans to remove the charms in exchange for rewards – that never materialize (as you’d know if you’d bothered to check their google reviews).

Gozu and Mezu (Ox-Head and Horse-Face) are animal-headed demon doormen of the underworld who may, occasionally, abandon their posts at the gates of Hell to chase down escaped souls. Art by @matthewmeyerart

A man finds a beautiful woman standing on his doorstep and marries her (cause why not?). Every day, she makes him a delicious bean soup – until he comes home and catches her urinating into the pot, thus revealing she is really a Hamaguri Nyobo, a clam that has taken human form. Art by @matthewmeyerart

Today’s Yes/No…

Reaper Pizza? Yes/No
You have to sign a medical waiver to order this fiery pizza https://t.co/T0sTt11sxX via @reviewjournal

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) November 14, 2022

Who dares?

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November 13, 2022: Suji Sunday!

Fall weather

Flower viewing

Close-up flower viewing at home

Physio

Coffee with mom

Suji has been a little more vocal of late.  Maybe due to her failing eyesight, she doesn’t like us to stray – especially not as far as the next room.  So, to reassure her, I’ll pick her up and walk her around the place.  This seems to comfort her…

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November 12, 2022: White Truffle Supper Club!

Last night, I attended the White Truffle Supper Club dinner overseen by Chef Massimo Bruno.  I was tipped off by my foodie friend Natalie and, in turn, tipped off my food friend Dr. Blackjack.  The three of us, along with Natalie’s father, enjoyed an evening of truffle-themed plates…

The home made focaccia (not pictured).  Akemi was not in attendance because she’s not a fan of truffles (or cheese), so this is about the only thing she could have eaten on the night.

Burratta and tomato salad with truffles.  I’ve always been a big fan of burrata.  Akemi is more of a fiore di latte gal.

Polpette di Ricotta (fresh ricotta ball baked with white truffle honey).  This one was a hit with many and a few diners proclaimed it their favorite dish of the night.  Had a lot more character than the preceding cheese dish.

Wild mushrooms with truffle on arugula.  This one was fine.  I find that once you deep fry mushrooms, they really become hard to differentiate.  I’ve always preferred my wild mushrooms simply prepared: pan-fried with a little salt and butter.

Sea scallops with truffle cream.  Outstanding.  My favorite of the starters.

Risotto cacio e pepe and truffle.  And even better.  Loved the fact the grains were a little al dente.  My favorite dish of the night.

Pasta with butter, sage, and truffles.  I found the flavors muted on this one on the heels of the preceding two spectacular plates.

Harvet salad.  Doused with red wine vinegar.  This one was a punch to the throat.

Brasolo al’ Baralo. A rare non-truffle dish, but it was excellent never-the-less.  Slow-braised and incredibly tender.

Mashed potatoes with truffle.  Buttery great.

Polenta with truffles.  This one not so great.

Truffle tiramisu allo zabaione and truffle.  I’ve been of the long-held opinion that truffle and dessert don’t mix, and this tiramisu did nothing to change my mind.  Everyone else loved it however.

A good time was had by all.  And rather than uber, I opted for the 45 minute walk home.

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November 11, 2022: The Horror Marathon continues with Bliss, Prevenge, The Devil’s Candy, Satan’s Slaves: Communion, and Lemon KitKats!

Bliss (2019)

A brilliant painter facing the worst creative block of her life turns to anything she can to complete her masterpiece, spiraling into a hallucinatory hellscape of drugs, sex and murder in the sleazy underbelly of Los Angeles.

My thoughts: Like getting super high and then having someone scream at your for an hour and change.

2/5

Bloody Hell (2020)

A man with a mysterious past flees the country to escape his own personal hell – only to arrive somewhere much, much worse.

My thoughts: The goofiness keeps it from being genuinely scary, but it’s a fun ride nevertheless.

4/5

Satan’s Slaves: Communion (2022)

A family moves into an apartment, believing it to be a safe place, but they soon realize this might not be the case once they get to know their neighbors.

My thoughts: A fantastic follow-up to the original (remake) with one of the most horrifying elevator sequences ever committed to film.

4/5

Revenge (2016)

Widow Ruth is seven months pregnant when, believing herself to be guided by her unborn baby, she embarks on a homicidal rampage, dispatching anyone who stands in her way.

My thoughts: Strong premise. Weak execution. A one act movie devoid of surprises.

2.5/5

The Devil’s Candy (2015)

A struggling painter’s possessed by dark forces after he and his young family move into their dream home in rural Texas, in this creepy haunted-house tale.

A dark and disturbing descent into heavy metal horror. What makes it so eerily effective is the character work and performances that actually make us care for these people.

Today’s Yes/No…

Ogasawara Island Lemon KitKats? Yes/No
Japanese KitKats get a new regional flavour, straight from a Tokyo island https://t.co/OthaXPwKxU via @RocketNews24En

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) November 11, 2022

 

 

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