Joseph Mallozzi's Blog, page 142

December 30, 2021: What’s on the reading horizon for January, 2022!

Sis sent me the this pic from back in the day. Truth is, if you’d have taken a photo of me at any point in my life, chances are good I’d have been holding a book.

Which makes it downright shameful I won’t be posting a Best of Reads for 2021 since I did little to no reading this year. Previous years have seen me go through over a hundred books but the pandemic – and, specifically, this extended development period – has really quashed my desire to read.

BUT I’m going to (try to) put a change to that in 2022. I’m going to set myself a simple goal of a book a week and aim to target 50 for the year. Once I’m (hopefully) back in the swing of things, I should double that count – however I’m going to start with a modest target. Here’s my short list…

Greenwich Park – Katherine Faulkner (4th)No And to Light On – Yara Zgheib (4th)Reckless Girls – Rachel Hawkins (4th)The Highhouse – Jessie Greengrass (4th)The Swells – Wil Aiten (4th)The School for Good Mothers – Jessamine ChanA Flicker in the Dark – Stacy Willingham (11th)Battle of there Linguist Mages – Scott Moore (11th)Deep Dive – Ron Walter (11th)Mickey 7 – Edward Ashton (15th)

The Good Son – Jacquelyn Mitchard (18th)

Reminders of Him – Colleen Hoover (18th)Joan is Okay – Weike Wang (18th)Last Resort – Andrew Lipstein (18th)Light Years From Home – Mike Chen (18th)Rod of Bones – Christopher Golden (25th)The Accomplice – Lisa Lutz (25th)The Overnight Guest – Heather Gudenkauf (25th)Dead Silence – S.A. Barnes (25th)Goliath – Tochi OnyebuchiThe Village – Caroline Mitchell (25th)The LIar’s Beneath – Heather Powell (27th)Anything missing? Anything you would recommend? Do tell.

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Published on December 30, 2021 13:13

December 29, 2021: Today is Wednesday!

I went through most of yesterday under the mistaken assumption that it was Wednesday, so my weekly Amazing Covers post was one day early. So today, in atypical Wednesday fashion, I bring you some delicious dishes we enjoyed prior to heading into pre-lockdown mode…

A few of the dazzling dishes we enjoyed at 156 Cumberland for Dr. Blackjack’s birthday: Hamachi and cucumber with wasabi oil, Beef tartare in tofu skin pockets, Chestnut-stuffed chicken wings with black garlic glaze, Duck leg confit, Mushroom truffle congee, Beef short rib, Brown butter cake with honey ice cream, and Chocolate mousse. The menu is a confident mix of French and Korean. It’s only been open for about three months now, but judging by the room on our visit, it is fast-developing a loyal clientele. Check them out!

A return visit to Bloom Cafe for Christmas cake, Matcha and Earl Grey cream puffs, a Yuzu and Earl Grey panacotta, a Matcha eclair, and a Matcha daifuku. One of my favorite dessert spots in the city.

Today’s Yes/No…

Hojicha Caramel Cream Frappuccino? Yes/No
Starbucks blends Japanese and Western flavours together in new Frappuccino https://t.co/uk6e0wkV7K via @RocketNews24En

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) December 29, 2021

I mean, sure. Why not?

New Year’s is almost upon us…

In preparation for a traditional Japanese New Year's meal, Akemi asked me whether I'd prefer shiny black beans cooked with a rusty nail, or not as shiny nor as black beans cooked without a rusty nail. I am torn, so putting it to a vote.

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) December 29, 2021

Apparently, cleaning is also a strange Japanese New Year’s tradition. And, in keeping with said tradition, Akemi is putting us to work…

My argument that my participation should be considered cultural appropriation fell on deaf ears.

Finally but no less importantly…

This cheese tastes like an old gym sock someone used to mop up vomit.
Not bad.

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) December 28, 2021

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Published on December 29, 2021 13:20

December 28, 2021: Amazing Covers!

A few that caught my eye this week…

Detective Comics #1046 – cover art by Dan Mora

Icon and Rocket: Season One #6 – cover art by Taurin Clarke

Swamp Thing: Green Hell #1 – cover art by Christian Ward

The Human Target #3 – cover art by Stanley “Artgerm” Lau

Devil’s Reign #2 – cover art by In-Hyuk Lee

The Winchester Mystery House #3 – cover art by Ryan Quackenbush

So, which were YOUR favorites?

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Published on December 28, 2021 09:57

Top 10 K-Pop Debuts of 2021!

Best #Kpop Debuts of 2021
9. Just B – Damage#JustB #저스트비 #Damage #JUST_B환상의_짝꿍
Debuting 3 years after their introduction on the survival show Under Nineteen. pic.twitter.com/hQnSwKfz3g

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) December 27, 2021

Best #Kpop Debuts of 2021
7. Lilli Lilli – Barcode #lillililli #릴리릴리 #BarCode #바코드
Unless their discography is made up of barcode-themed tracks, I don't really see the point of the name. But I do like the song. pic.twitter.com/esKEcZGkAW

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) December 27, 2021

Best #Kpop Debuts of 2021
5. Rosé – On the Ground#Rosé #로제
Rosé's debut single is the best Blackpink song since Kill This Love. pic.twitter.com/US55uAYW4F

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) December 27, 2021

Best #Kpop Debuts of 2021
3. Omega X – Vamos #OMEGA_X #오메가엑스 #Vamos #바모스
Unlike most Kpop groups that give individual members specific designations, Omega X opts for a more egalitarian approach. All eleven members are considered group leaders. pic.twitter.com/1XTNyAKdc6

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) December 27, 2021

Best #Kpop Debuts of 2021
1. BugAboo – BugAboo #bugAboo #버가부 #BugAboo
The fact that these girls and this track isn't appearing on more Best of 2021 lists is an outrage. pic.twitter.com/6OlKbMn9Za

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) December 27, 2021

So, which were YOUR favorites?

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Published on December 27, 2021 17:51

December 26, 2021: Suji Sunday!

Our girl has been slowing down of late. I’m not sure whether it’s the cold, her rickety bones, or just old age, but she doesn’t move around as easily as she used to. It also could be the extra weight she’s put on. Not much, but enough for me to notice. So my New Year’s resolution for 2022 is to get Suji trimmed back down to her 13.5 lb fighting weight. Of course all that roast duck she had yesterday didn’t help.

Her reaction to “diet”.

Enjoying her new Christmas pillow.

Contemplating life, the universe, and everything.

Getting comfy.

Sleeping off that holiday excess.

Where’s Suji?

Merry Christmas!

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Published on December 26, 2021 09:21

December 25, 2021: Merry Christmas!

I got new pillows for Christmas. Akemi suggested I throw out a couple of my old favorites and I strenuously objected. And, just to prove a point, I slept with five pillows last night. Pictured above: a dramatization.

Hmmmm….

This feels like a bit of a cash grab. pic.twitter.com/4Qrrl0G1I7

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) December 25, 2021

Also hmmm…

Are you an anxiety-ridden impulsive poor-planner with a short attention span and an overwhelming desire to be amused? Then chances are you've already finished WoT and both seasons of The Witcher!
Certain personality traits explain why people binge-watch https://t.co/IGuiAr2uyq

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) December 25, 2021

One of the most delicious things I ate this holiday season was this black bottom butter tart pie from New Pie Co.

A few of their other offerings I am eyeing: caramel peanut pie, ube pie, and the Thais iced tea pie!

Oh and check out this beautiful chocolate collection from Onyx Chocolates.

Some truly interesting flavors here – Five Spice Crunch, Durian, Kinako Mochi, White Rabbit. But my favorite was the Salted Egg and Black Sesame.

Today’s Yes/No…

Truffle Rich Potato Burger? Yes/No
McDonald’s Debuts New Truffle Rich Potato Burgers In South Korea: https://t.co/kMngLOVfI5

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) December 25, 2021

Sounds a little…carby.

So, how are things on your end? How was your day? What lies ahead?

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Published on December 25, 2021 15:10

December 24, 2021: Tis the (post) season!

Christmas Eve is upon us. And you know what that means, right? Yes! It’s time to reflect back on the past few months and take stock of how your fantasy football team has performed.

Well, this was the first year I really didn’t pay that much attention to fantasy football. Part of it was a shift in focus to stocks, but frustration played a big part in it. The constant updating and data-crunching of previous seasons yielded solid teams that ended up flaming out in the post-season through bad luck. So, this year, I did the opposite. I stopped caring so much. My reward? A post-season berth in my original League of Accommodation and a first round playoff win…

Now, my Snow Monkeys head into semi-final action against the #1 ranked Taylor Made. Will their dumb luck continue?

My Yamazaki 18 is performing better than half my portfolio.
Suntory whisky will be up to 28 percent more expensive in 2022 https://t.co/AagXcYMl8H

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) December 24, 2021

I should have invested in Hibiki Harmony over AT&T!

Today’s Yes/No…

Sake Milkshake? Yes/No
Sake milkshakes return to Japan just in time to celebrate New Year’s https://t.co/ktyj8EldGT via @RocketNews24En

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) December 24, 2021

The correct answer is, of course, a resounding YES, especially if served alongside a bowl of sake ice cream.

So, how go your Christmases (Christmasii?). Akemi, Suji and I are enjoying a nice festively quiet celebration. Still debating whether we should open our presents (spoiler alert: chocolate!) tonight or tomorrow. What’s the procedure at your house? The Mallozzi tradition has always been to open the gifts on Christmas Eve.

And what are your plans for Christmas Day? We’re going to play it by ear but…spoiler alert…chocolate!

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Published on December 24, 2021 13:26

December 23, 2021: Change of plans! I’m spending Christmas with YOU!

Akemi is reluctant to take a trip back to Japan next year for fear that, in her absence, I will spend my days eating fried chicken sandwiches and ice cream and struggling to figure out how to use the washing machine.

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) December 21, 2021

I can neither confirm nor deny ny of the accusations being made against me.

Akemi is researching extended-stay hotels in Tokyo. She's having a tricky time finding a place that accepts both dogs AND foreigners.

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) December 22, 2021

Of course, I could just stay at the Iimperial Hotel and come visit every now and then.

Alas, there will be no Christmas in Montreal this year (like last year). Given the recently announced shutdowns, lockdowns, and general panic, I have elected to cancel my planned trip. Instead, I will be skyping in to one of your family meals so that I can virtually spend the holidays with YOU!

So, how are your holidays looking?

Today’s Yes/No…