Joseph Mallozzi's Blog, page 120

August 6, 2022: The Thursday Lunch Finale!

Every Thursday I accompany Akemi to her pottery class in the Junction.  And, every Thursday, while she dabbles in clay, I enjoy a neighborhood stroll followed by a solo lunch followed by a matcha latte at a local cafe with free internet.  For our first six visits, I frequented the same fantastic delicatessen – When the Pig Came Home – working my way through the entire menu.  First it was the porchetta with crackling on milk bread, then it was the smoked meat, followed by, on subsequent visits, the philly cheesesteak, the jerk chicken on a bun, the peameal sandwich, and a variation of their BLT topped with apple slices and an egg (The Kim, named after the co-owner).  Every one of them delicious.

On my last visit, however, I learned that the restaurant would be closed for two weeks while the owners were away for their annual fishing trip.  And so I had to make alternate plans last Thursday and, after much back and forth, opted for – Chica’s Chicken – as I was curious to try out their spicy fried chicken sandwich.  My choices were Jalapeño Popper, Sweet Heat, Crispy Buffalo, or the O.G. topped with slaw, buttermilk slaw and served on Texas toast.  The latter came in a choice of six heat levels ranging from plain to Hot AF which is prepared with a combination of ghost peppers and Carolina reapers.  I’m sure you can guess my order.

Pictured above, the OG Sando, Hot AF.  It’s billed as “extremely hot” but, surprisingly, I just found it “hot”.  I don’t know.  Maybe I’m building up a tolerance in much the same way that full volume on my headphones doesn’t quite seem loud enough anymore, or my suspicion that what used to be 12 pt font has, somehow, shrunk down to 10 pt font but everyone keeps calling it 12 pt and pretending it’s always been that small.

Also, the sandwich was not quite up to the behemoth pictured on the restaurant’s instagram page (pictured above).  A pretty good sandwich nevertheless.  But not quite as enjoyable as anything on that deli menu.

Next week, Akemi has her final class – and I’ll be having my final lunch in the Junction.  So, what’s it going to be for the big finish?  Seafood, Thai, Filipino, or Tacos?   What do you think?

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August 5, 2022: The Horror Marathon continues!

Jennifer’s Body (2009)

A newly-possessed high-school cheerleader turns into a succubus who specializes in killing her male classmates. Can her best friend put an end to the horror?

Thoughts: There’s a glibness to the humor and an interminable delight in its own cleverness that makes this movie tonally off-putting. Still, is it entertaining? Yes. Is it scary? Definitely not.

3/5

Kill List (2011)

Nearly a year after a botched job, a hitman takes a new assignment with the promise of a big payoff for three killings. What starts off as an easy task soon unravels, sending the killer into the heart of darkness.

Thoughts: Unflinchingly brilliant and brutal in its examination of amorality, but it loses its way in its final act. I love to be surprised and challenged, but only insofar as there’s an underlying logic to the shocks and charades. And, in the end, esoteric rationalizations just don’t cut it.

3.5/5

Lamb (2021)

A childless couple discovers a mysterious newborn on their farm in Iceland.

Thoughts: The set-up is akin to an SNL parody skit, but Rapace’s commitment to the material makes it work. Weird, at times silly, Lamb never wavers in its commitment to playing it straight. Unique, disturbing and ultimately rewarding, but it takes a while to get there. Patience is required.

4/5

Today’s Yes/No…

4lb Big Bomb Onigiri? Yes/No
Say hello to the Big Bomb Onigiri, a beast of a Japanese rice ball https://t.co/cAuqjOlUhv via @RocketNews24En

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) August 5, 2022

 

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August 4, 2022: The Thursday Edition!

Yesterday, Akemi, Ivon, and neighbor Kevin and I checked out Le Genie French Bakery (382 Yonge Street) where we enjoyed –

The pain au chocolat, the chocolate-hazelnut flower tart, and the pistachio Paris-Brest.  Akemi was all over that pain au chocolat with all of its airy crispness and rich butteriness.  We split the chocolate flower – pastry shell for her and chocolate cream for me.  The pistachio Paris-Brest, made from Sicilian pistachios, was the best pistachio dessert I’ve had in recent memory.  Positively stellar.

Cool!

The Sombrero Galaxy
credit: Hubble
More: https://t.co/GvCgpvdpix pic.twitter.com/E8cgIWFMkj

— Black Hole (@konstructivizm) August 4, 2022

Also cool!

Saturn in Infrared from Cassini
credit: NASA pic.twitter.com/5jwu19kmoR

— Black Hole (@konstructivizm) August 4, 2022

If you follow that double cheeseburger with a banana, you'll net +4.4 minutes of lifespan!
The top 5 worst foods that could SHORTEN your life expectancy https://t.co/eLl5nkWVVr

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) August 4, 2022

Today’s Yes/No…

Ketchup and Mustard soft serve? Yes/No
CNE getting new outrageous food this year including ketchup and mustard ice cream https://t.co/UTDVBR8o1b

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) August 4, 2022

Also had to include this one, as it has to be seen to be believed…

Banana-stuffed Bitter Melon? Yes/Nohttps://t.co/23YmdyWtla pic.twitter.com/XlZ940TNBS

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) August 3, 2022

Meanwhile, on the home front…

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August 3, 2022: Amazing Covers!

A few that caught my eye…

Iron Man #22 – cover art by Alexander Lozano

X-Men Red #5 – cover art by Taurin Clarke

Batman #126 – cover art by Jorge Jiminez

DC vs Vampires #8 – cover art by Nathan Szerdy

Poison Ivy #3 – cover art by Joshua Middleton

The New Champion of Shazam – cover art by Joshua Middleton

So, which were YOUR favorites?

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August 2, 2022: News of note!

Choose one to lose!

For me, it’s shrimp all the way.  Love me some scallops (possibly my favorites).  And I do love a good lobster roll.   Crab is great, especially stone crab – so long as it’s served with the shell already cracked.  A bit labor intensive, sure.  But shrimp?  Maybe breaded and roasted with garlic.  Otherwise…meh.

Gadget graveyard: We found the hidden death dates on popular devices https://t.co/L62GxcaJAL

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) August 2, 2022

My iPhone is living on borrowed time.  It’s 112 in cell phone years.

A village on Guoqui island abandoned by humans over 30 years ago, now covered in vegetation. pic.twitter.com/PVoOyoQSgy

— History Defined (@historydefined) August 2, 2022

Cool!

The Prague astronomical clock, installed in 1410. It is the world's oldest astronomical clock still in operation. pic.twitter.com/fL9jZ5hhrc

— Black Hole (@konstructivizm) July 31, 2022

Also cool.

Today’s Yes/No…

Soy Sauce Ice Cream? Yes/No
Thanks to @DJKennyJaymes for the tip.
How soy sauce ice cream became this summer's coolest trend https://t.co/GPnaxrgkDJ via @Femail

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) August 2, 2022

Akemi is NOT a fan of the sweet and salty combo.  I, on the other hand, am and would be all over this.

This is what happens when you tweet during Happy Hour at O'Malley's Pub. https://t.co/4Ix3G5D8IU

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) August 1, 2022

This surprises me as many of my elderly relatives still use Facebook. It remains the premiere platform for being reminded about birthdays and fact-checked on science by "experts" with little to no background in the field. $META https://t.co/4b9ZWQMTQ9

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) July 28, 2022

Cannot wait for this increasingly irrelevant, fast-dropping shitco to go the way of https://t.co/Pa3Lryrobo $FB https://t.co/dkTvlML4MH

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) August 1, 2022

I find this….

Good to know.https://t.co/Gdw1MwMmXC

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) August 1, 2022

…mighty disquieting on the heels of THIS –

Uh…is there something they're not telling us? https://t.co/3tOAOdEXSn

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) July 28, 2022

Who’s up for a little caving?

“Looks like you’re wedged in pretty tight. Gonna have to wait for you to skinny up to get you out!”

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August 1, 2022: The Horror Marathon continues!

Ghost Stories (2017)

Skeptical professor Phillip Goodman embarks on a trip to the terrifying after being given a file with details of three unexplained cases of apparitions.

Thoughts: The fact that these stories are first-hand experiences told in flashback defuses much of the stakes – until the final “twist”, which proves to be the big screen equivalent of the “It was all a dream”writing cliche. In the end, it’s hard to muster up much retroactive horror.

3/5

Hell House LLC (2015)

Five years after the unexplained deaths of 15 tour-goers and staff on the opening night of a Halloween haunted house tour, a documentary crew travels back to the scene of the tragedy to find out what really happened.

Thoughts: Some questionable logic (and the fact it borrows a little too heavily from Blair Witch in its closing scene) aside, this one is an effective entry in the found footage sub-genre. Does a great job of ratcheting up the tension on its way to its chaotically creepy climax.

4/5

In Fabric (2019)

A haunting ghost story set against the backdrop of a busy winter sales period in a department store that follows the life of a cursed dress as it passes from person to person, with devastating consequences.

Thoughts: At its best when it’s leaning into its dark humor; much less so when it’s seemingly embracing weirdness for weirdness’ sake.  Loved the soundscape and visual nods to giallo.

4/5

Today’s Yes/No…

Cricket Ramen? Yes/No
Waiter, there’re 100 crickets in my soup! We try make-it-yourself Cricket Ramen【Taste Test】 https://t.co/TrjPvcORbA via @RocketNews24En

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) August 1, 2022

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July 31, 2022: Suji Sunday!

At one with nature.

Suji distraught to discover that her favorite pee tree is no more.

Trying to sell Suji on a new pee tree.

A little off-roading.

Risky Business.

Lost her golf ball.  That’s a one stroke penalty.

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July 30, 2022: Montreal will have to wait!

The plan was to be in Montreal for my sister’s birthday weekend, but mom coming down with covid has forced me to switch things up.  Looks like it’ll be a birthday call instead and a rescheduled visit next weekend.

So rather than traveling, I spent the better part of yesterday and today rewriting that feature script that my American agent feels will have a hard time finding a home.  Given that’ the case, I’ve decided to give it a home myself.  I have a director, a lead, a line producer, and a crew in mind.  I’m going to go down the self-financing route and see if I can produce this small film myself.  Will keep you posted!

Also took time today to see  my buddy, Steve Bacic (of Stargate, Big Love and, apparently, Supernatural fame) who was in town doing a convention and MC’ing a karaoke event.

Great catch-up over sushi and salad.

Meanwhile, on the investment front…

I’m considering diversifying my portfolio into bullshit renewables since that’s where governments are looking to burn taxpayer money.
Recommend me some cream of the crap!

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) July 30, 2022

Today’s Yes/No…

Ice Cream Curry Ramen? Yes/No
Menya Musashi adds ice cream to curry ramen to make the perfect summer dish https://t.co/quKMeoSxXI via @RocketNews24En

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) July 30, 2022

This is my favorite preparation of this dish –

A chef with absolutely no fucks to give.  “You want ice cream in your ramen?!  HERE’S your fucking ice cream ramen!”

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July 29, 2022: The Horror Marathon continues!

Cam (2018)

When her account is stolen by a look-alike, a cam girl sets out to unmask the mysterious woman and get her identity back.

Thoughts: A surprisingly smart psychological thriller that explores our disturbingly vulnerable online lives.

4/5

Daniel Isn’t Real (2019)

A troubled college freshman, Luke, suffers a violent family trauma. He then resurrects his charismatic childhood imaginary friend Daniel to help him cope, not realizing how dangerous Daniel is.

Thoughts: An uninspired take on a well-trodden premise. Has a real MOW feel.

2.5/5

Eden Lake (2008)

A young couple on a romantic weekend break at a remote lakehouse, are terrorised by a group of vicious delinquents.

Thoughts: A disquieting thriller that does a great job of conveying the evil inherent in children. And also – in the grand tradition of most horror movies – the disastrous consequences of dumb decisions.

3.5/5

Winner = Cam!

Today’s Yes/No…

Raw Egg on Rice? Yes/No
We found the prettiest TKG ever at a restaurant specializing in raw eggs on rice in Tokyo https://t.co/rX0TlHsHU5 via @RocketNews24En

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) July 29, 2022

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July 28, 2022: Meanwhile on the home front!

Man vs fly…

Akemi’s pal, Woody…

PSA’s of yore.  They don’t make ’em like they used to!

Another classic MADD PSA. In the extended cut, Best Friend waves up at window and shouts: “I borrowed $20 from your wallet for condoms! I left your change on the night stand!”

In the spirit of the cronut, I've invented a chrysanthemum croissant which I am calling The Croissanthemum! pic.twitter.com/5Fw9PIrTf0

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) July 28, 2022

Today’s Yes/No…

Mint Chocolate-Flavored Fried Chicken Dip? Yes/No
KFC Introduces Blue Mint Chocolate-Flavored Dip for Its Fried Chicken https://t.co/hgkPtQH05r

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) July 28, 2022

Possibly the very worst to date.

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