Every year, I serve as a judge on for the Shore Script writing contest.  This year, I was one of fourteen industry veterans who read six scripts competing in the TV Pilot category.  Some solid scripts among the bunch, but there was one that really stood out for me and I look forward to seeing where it ranks when the winners are announced next Monday, October 7th.  IF my top choice doesn’t take the crown, I’ll be reaching out to them personally to tell them I loved their script.  Provided they’re on social media on course.  Which every writer should be.

Today, I checked out my 500th(!) show for my ongoing CrimeBinge, a pretty awful nonsensical French thrilled called L’Esprit D’Hiver (The Spirit of Winter). To date, I’ve genuinely enjoyed 25% of what I’ve watched, 1 out of every 4 shows, which may seem like surprisingly few to some but is actually way more than I expected.  I’m keeping running count of my recommendations over on X:

Can’t believe it’s been a little over a year since our scrappy little girl left us.

Well, mom is back in the hospital.  Her back pain is still not under control (and quite severe in many instances) and the increase in meds only serves to make her groggy. Your input on treatments for similar conditions were greatly appreciated.  I looked into SCS (Spinal Cord Stimulation) as it looked very promising, but it’s not as prevalent a treatment here in Canada.  An epidural is an option as it apparently offers a 50-83% pain reduction and can offer relief for 1-3 months on average.  The only problem is that the doctors are reluctant to sign off on it until all other options have been exhausted – but I really feel we’re already there.  The wait time at a private clinic, on the other hand, is an absurd six months.  Such is the state of our healthcare here in Canada.


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10 responses

  1. I’m so sorry about your mom! Back pain or really any chronic pain is miserable!

    My SIL has excellent results from Spinal Cord Stimulation but according to her, it’s kind of a last resort. She’s had 7-8 spinal surgeries and was told if she has anymore, she will be in a wheelchair. That’s one reason I’ve been putting off my spinal surgery. I’ve seen what a mess it can be.

    I hope they find a solution soon! The epidural “Might” work. I’ve had maybe 4 of them and 2 made a significant difference. You just never know and it’s expensive here, even with good insurance. I say it’s worth a try, if you can get it approved. 🤞🏻

    When is your next Mom visit?

  2. I finished “The Good Mothers”. Is there another show you’d recommend?

    1. Joseph Mallozzi Avatar

      How did you like it?

      This is my full and ongoing list of recommendations:

      https://x.com/BaronDestructo/status/1840533552850465212

      1. I liked the show a lot! It reminded me of The Sopranos.

  3. Oh sorry about your mom. Back and head pain is the worst. I hope she stays in the hospital this time until they can help her. CT Scans have shown I have a degenerative spine. It has been made worse by my chemo therapy treatments. It will be interesting to me to see what they can do for your mom. Please tell her that her fans are praying and pulling for her.

    1. Joseph Mallozzi Avatar

      Thanks, Ponytail. How are you doing?

      1. I finished my BIG chemo treatments 3 weeks ago. Had the max allowed of 8. It was taking longer and longer to get over the side effects. So glad that is done. This week I went to start a maintenance chemo of only 1 bag every 3 weeks for the next year and half. But my blood work was not good. Dr said to rest 1 week and come back. Give my body a little more recovery time. When I told him my gums were bleeding a little, he said then rest 2 weeks and come back. I’m good with that. I feel like I’m on vacation! It should help a lot. Thanks for asking.

        @Drea – you need to check-in more and let us know how you are doing.

  4. Joe, So sorry to hear your mom is still in so much pain. Keeping her in my daily thoughts and very much hoping things improve a bit for her soon.
    Please tell her her fans are thinking of her and sending love. xo
    Thought of a couple easily do-able things that can help ease her discomfort (at least a little bit) and have been meaning to email ya. Albeit, as you know am dealing with my own health issues – so some good days – some bad… but will get in touch in next couple days.

    Speaking of which ….

    @Ponytail Updates?
    Sending much love always and a giggle o’ the day.

    1. Joseph Mallozzi Avatar

      Thanks, Drea. How are things?

      1. I’d been busy these last few days trying to help with coordinating online relief efforts for victims of Hurricane Helene. Fatality / body recovery count, last I heard, is up to 169+ including some fire fighters and first responders/EMTs. Fortunately, NC SC & GA
        are now receiving an abundance of help from all across the U.S with, of course,
        lots of boots on the ground in Asheville -so not quite as much of a desperate need
        going forward and I can take a break.

        Will do my best to get in touch later tonight.
        There are some things I remembered from when I was helping take care of John
        (my former housemate) in the last couple years of his life.
        Just a little something you can forward to Andria to help a bit with mom.

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