Joseph Mallozzi's Blog, page 79
September 19, 2023
September 19, 2023: The Crime Binge continues!
The Tower (2021-2023) – First season
After a long-serving cop and a teenage girl fall to their deaths from a London tower block, Detective Sarah Collins investigates the dark heart of policing.
My thoughts: Logic goes out the window in service to a social justice message. Pass.
2/5
Love/hate (2010-2014) – First season
The story of the organized crime scene of Dublin is revealed, centered on Darren, who wants to stay out of trouble but ends up returning to his old habits and his old gang.
My thoughts: The visual style is dated and the soapy elements are a little much at times, but the characters are great and the story is compelling.
3.5/5
The Responder (2022-) – First Season
A crisis-stricken, morally-compromised first-responder tackles a series of night shifts on the beat in Liverpool.
My thoughts: Bleak. Not for me.
DNF
Guilt (2019-2023) – First season
Two brothers accidentally run over and kill an old man. They cover their tracks, but their lives start to fall apart when neighbors and relatives of the dead doubt the way he died.
My thoughts: Maybe on or two too many twists in this darkly humorous Hitchkokian thriller, but it’s loads of fun.
4/5
Line of Duty (2012-2021) – Season 1
Drama series following the investigations of AC-12, a controversial police anti-corruption unit.
My thoughts: A terrific set-up with some great twists and turns, but marred by plot conveniences.
3.5/5
The post September 19, 2023: The Crime Binge continues! appeared first on Joseph Mallozzi's Weblog.
September 18, 2023
September 18, 2023: Unusual Deaths and Weird Egg!
#UnusualDeaths
Ants kill over 30 people a year. Fire ants, and their Australian cousins the jack jumper ants, sting their victims with venom. African army ants, meanwhile, can form columns 50 million strong, often feeding on small mammals. pic.twitter.com/HZVqsND9O5
— Joseph Mallozzi
(@BaronDestructo) September 8, 2023
#UnusualDeaths
Bees kill, on average, 50 people a year, with most deaths due to anaphylaxis from bee stings. The deadliest of the species, the Africanized honey bee, is reputedly aggressive and, apparently, vengeful, known to pursue people for up to 3/4 a mile when provoked. pic.twitter.com/hn7Hz96cf8
— Joseph Mallozzi
#UnusualDeaths
Selfies have killed almost 400 people since 2011. Most were transport-related or involved electrocution, firearms, falls, or drowning, but a few involved animals, like the guy in China who was drowned by a walrus that evidently didn't want its picture taken. 1/ pic.twitter.com/e2BV5Iw5kA
— Joseph Mallozzi
#UnusualDeaths
There are over 200 frozen bodies on Mount Everest, many of which are used as trail markers by hikers. While many are unidentified, a few have been given names like Green Boots and Sleeping Beauty. pic.twitter.com/KYBTs8bvMa
— Joseph Mallozzi
#UnusualDeaths
The Brazilian yellow scorpion and the Israeli deathstalker can inject their victims with enough venom to kill a human being (usually children, the elderly, and the immuno-compromised). They kill 3250 people a year. pic.twitter.com/GPMQqBo8ei
— Joseph Mallozzi
Today’s Yes/No…
Inside-Out Egg? Yes/No https://t.co/yPWCIjDw4T
— Joseph Mallozzi
Thanks again for all the well-wishes. Suji had a better day today.
The post September 18, 2023: Unusual Deaths and Weird Egg! appeared first on Joseph Mallozzi's Weblog.
September 17, 2023
September 17, 2023: Suji Sunday!
So we’re keeping an eye on our little girl and while we’re preparing ourselves for the worst, we’re taking it one day at a time and spoiling the hell out of her. Her recent meals included grass-fed ground beef, bacon, pan-fried chicken with Herbes de Provence, water buffalo cheese, kouign-amman, coconut ice cream, and Portuguese custard tart.
Coffee outing to Cafe 23…
Hanging with dad…
Check out this interview…
https://www.sharisimpson.com/post/suji-and-her-people-joe-akemi
The post September 17, 2023: Suji Sunday! appeared first on Joseph Mallozzi's Weblog.
September 16, 2023
September 16, 2023: Another Suji update!
So last night was a bit of a long night for me and my gal. Whereas mom hand feeds her, massages her, and brushes her teeth, dad is in charge of ensuring she does her business and sleeps comfortably through the night. Akemi has noticed Suji has been having trouble breathing of late and he nose has been very leaky. I must have awakened two dozen times last night to readjust her or wipe her nose.
In discussions with the vet yesterday, she said that only we would know when it was time. Some people draw the line when their dog or cat stop walking, but if that was our line, we never would have adopted Suji in the first place. She came to us with a wheelchair, her back legs useless. But, over time, we got her walking again – albeit in a wobbly manner. And she did walk, wheelchair-free, for several years – until last year. Despite our best efforts to repeat our success, she didn’t regain her walking ability.
Other people draw the line at a pet’s inability to do their own business but, again, this was yet another issue Suji had when we adopted her, so we learned how to express her bladder and I became a poop-whisperer of sorts.
For me, the line I’ve always drawn with my pats dogs has been loss of appetite. Pugs and frenchies are notorious gluttons and when they reach a point where they no longer show an interest in food, then I know it’s time. Suji is still a voracious eater. In fact today at lunch, after sampling the pan-fried chicken breast, she angrily barked for more.’
BUT, it’s very clear that she is increasingly having trouble chewing and swallowing. You can even see her frustration in her attempts to accomplish the previously simple task of eating.
I knew it was Maximu’s time to go when he stopped eating and then simply gave up on walking on afternoon. I knew it was Jelly’s time when she stopped eating. Akemi was more attuned to Bubba’s needs, and she knew exactly when it was time – calling me off set late one night. In the case of Lulu, it was somewhat easier on all of us in that, rather than us having to make the decision, she ate a big breakfast and simply keeled over.
As I said, I’d always kind of hoped that Suji would go out that way, preferably quietly in her sleep, but as our vet pointed out, EVERYONE hopes that is the way their dog or cat will go out but only about 2% of them do.
On the one hand, Suji is animated and hungry and we can see her personality shining through. On the other hand, she is struggling to eat and, of more concern, struggling to breathe. Not always, but occasionally, enough for me to fear she will aspirate.
So we’re taking it one day at a time and keeping a close eye on her. Our vet has given us the name of a mobile vet that does in-home euthanasia, something we’d rather not think about but realistically have to at this point.
And that’s the update. As I write this, my gal is dozing comfortably beside me. She sleeps particularly well after our lunch (table scraps!) and after Akemi gives her a massage. Thinking I may spoil her with ice cream later.
The post September 16, 2023: Another Suji update! appeared first on Joseph Mallozzi's Weblog.
September 15, 2023
September 15, 2023: The Suji update!
Today, we took Suji to another vet for a second opinion. As I mentioned in yesterday’s post, we fear that Suji’s neurological condition is worsening and a creeping paralysis is working its way through her body, making chewing and swallowing difficult. Lately, this has manifested in nasal discharge and choking. So Akemi and I are faced with the tough decision. Given her condition, we figured she had maybe days left at most…
BUT, miraculously, she seemed to bounce back today – as if she knew we were taking her to the vet. She demonstrated a good, healthy appetite, cleaning out half of the clinic’s collection of beef treats, and displaying NONE of the symptoms that had us worried over the past couple of days. She seems to be back to her old self. Almost. Somewhat quieter but certainly less sniffly.
So, for the time being, we’re going to keep an eye on her and play it by ear.
Thanks to everyone who posted and reached out with well-wishes and will keep you posted on our feisty, cantankerous gal.
The post September 15, 2023: The Suji update! appeared first on Joseph Mallozzi's Weblog.
September 14, 2023
September 14, 2023: Suji
Alas, our little gal has not been doing well of late. Increasingly, she’s been having trouble eating – chewing and swallowing – and whenever she drinks, her nose runs. She’s been having trouble breathing but seem to do better when she is in certain positions, with her chest propped up.
I suspect it’s the neurological condition that initially paralyzed her back legs and, eventually, her front ones as well, slowly working its way up her little body.
Given her advanced age (18 years and 4 months), I had kind of hoped she would drift peacefully off in her sleep one night. But she’s a feisty one and, every morning, she is up and demanding to be fed. So her appetite is still there.
We have an appointment with the vet tomorrow to discuss her condition and options but, sadly, it doesn’t look good for our gal.
The post September 14, 2023: Suji appeared first on Joseph Mallozzi's Weblog.
September 13, 2023
September 13, 2023: Amazing Covers!
A few that caught my eye this week…
The Cull #2 – cover art by Matt de lulis
Batman Incorporated #12 – cover art by John Timms
Batman and Robin #1 – cover art by Stanley “Artgerm” Lau
Batman: Gargoyle of Gotham #1 – cover art by Rafael Grampa
Spirit World #5 – cover art by Jessica Fong
Ghost Rider #18 – cover art by Bjorn Barends
Red Sonja #2 – cover art by Stephen Platt
So, which were YOUR favorites?
The post September 13, 2023: Amazing Covers! appeared first on Joseph Mallozzi's Weblog.
September 12, 2023
September 12, 2023: The Crime Binge Commences!
From horror movies to crime shows. I put out the call for recommendations recently, and you all answered.
I decided to start with the shorter runs, checking out the following five…
Deepwater Fell (2020) – 4 episodes
When a seemingly perfect and happy family is murdered by someone they knew and trusted, cracks appear on the surface of a supposedly idyllic community.
Thoughts: An intriguing set-up and interesting character dynamics, but not much of a mystery and sorely lacking in surprises.
3/5
Inside Man (2022) – 4 episodes
A prisoner on death row in the US and a woman trapped in a cellar under an English vicarage, cross paths in the most unexpected way.
Thoughts: The character motivations are simply ridiculous with our various players making decisions that simply serve to further the increasingly implausible plot rather than being grounded in reality. Over the top direction and the humor never quite lands.
2/5
Collateral (2018) – 4 episodes
Investigating the murder of a pizza delivery man, a London detective uncovers a tangled conspiracy involving drug dealers, smugglers and spies.
Thoughts: Sharp dialogue but some of the plotting is a little contrived. In the end, not particularly compelling.
River (2015)
John River is a brilliant police inspector whose genius lies side-by-side with the fragility of his mind. He is a man haunted by the murder victims whose cases he must lay to rest.
Thoughts: Smartly-written and surprisingly heartfelt. Skarsgard and Walker shine, but the casting is exceptional from top to bottom.
4/5
Mr. Inbetween (2021) 6 episodes (Season 1)
Ray Shoesmith is a father, ex-husband, boyfriend, brother and best friend, tough roles to juggle in the modern age. Especially when you’re also a criminal for hire.
Thoughts: Ray is a great character and the dark humor is delightful, but its reliance on plot coincidences and contrivances undermines the narrative.
3.5/5
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September 11, 2023
September 11, 2023: News of Note!
Well, this is nice…
Canceled But Shouldn’t Be – 20 Canceled TV Shows That Need More Seasons
Fantasy Football kicked off this past weekend and the Snow Monkeys look like they’ll be winless in both leagues.
Looks like it’s going to be a long season.
Uh oh. I could be in trouble. New bakery opened up within walking distance of my place and it’s REAAAALY good. Pictured above: the Kouign-Amman, the pistachio-chocolate croissant, and the triple chocolate croissant from Geste.
This is admittedly the Golden Age of premium programming but, all things considered, I hold that the best show currently on air is #NFLRedzone with @ScottHanson
— Joseph Mallozzi
In the meantime, I have commenced my CrimeBinge starting with a few of the shorter shows. Have finished four. Thought two were okay. One was awful. And one was fabulous. Once I have one more under my belt, I’ll post the reviews and scores here on the blog.
Today’s Yes/No…
Caffeinated Instant Noodles? Yes/No
Thanks(?) to @Thogar for the tip.https://t.co/t2mB7KIPJw
— Joseph Mallozzi
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September 10, 2023
September 10, 2023: Suji Sunday!
Checking under the hood.
Nap time…
Tries to eat my nose…
She loves her chicken…
Massage appointment!
After-massage nap
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