Log #28: Goodbye Ash & Pikachu

It breaks my heart to hear this devastating news. After 25 years of watching these anime heroes on the Tv screen, it was officially announced that we have to say goodbye to these well-known heroes. After finally becoming the very best like no one ever was, Ash Ketchum's 25-year journey in the animated Pokémon TV series will soon be coming to end as the series will focus on a brand new cast next year.

Ash, alongside his longtime partner Pikachu, became the world champion in an episode of "Pokémon Ultimate Journeys: The Series" that aired in Japan in November. With the series' main character as the top Pokémon trainer, The Pokémon Company announced that "the final chapter in Ash and Pikachu's story" will begin on Jan. 13, 2023, with 11 episodes culminating the journey that began in 1997.

"The forthcoming special episodes not only celebrate Ash’s monumental achievement, but they also act as an expression of gratitude from Pokémon to all the fans who have joined him and his partner Pokémon Pikachu along the way," The Pokémon Company said in a statement. "They will provide a glimpse at what the future may hold for the world’s strongest trainer in this final chapter for Ash and his Pikachu."

After all, it kind of makes sense. Ash Ketchum has finally achieved the goal he was pursuing from the very beginning of the anime. To become a Pokemon Master. After this tournament, he would officially become that person. So what else is there for him to do?

The answer. Nothing.

Now he can just lay back with his best friend Pikachu and walk towards the sunset. He can just share memories and talk about how his life was during the early years. For us viewers, we can just go back to the old series and watch from the very beginning. It's going to be hundreds of episodes and a dozen movies to watch, but it'll be nice to watch how it all started.

In the end, thank you so much Ash Ketchum and Pikachu. You two started the series and kept us all entertained. We'll miss you two and no new characters will replace you. Just enjoy your downtime. 

Log #27: Canned Peaches Cannot Treat COVID-19

In all my years of lifestyle journalism, I would've thought the human brain would evolve of a series of some forms of stupidity. I mean, after all, we're all in recovery from COVID-19. However, I never thought we would drive back into craziness. I thought wrong.

Here is an example.

Chinese citizens reportedly began hoarding canned peaches for their purported “magic” healing properties as the country reopened after months of strict lockdowns due to COVID-19. The demand for canned peaches was so high that online sales platforms have reportedly run out of stock. Actions like this are falling under the term "panic buying."

Due to this, China published an official statement warning citizens to stop buying canned peaches. They can't be used for medical purposes. Therefore, there is no reason for them to be hoarding them like the end of the world is near.

Here is a brief description of the so-called "magical properties" peaches can give to the human body and why it's very important for China specifically.

It is scientifically proven that peaches can help rid the intestines of parasites. They help maintain liver and kidney health, as well as help with gout and rheumatism. Peaches are shown to have anti-obesity, anti-inflammatory, and anti-diabetic properties. It is a Chinese symbol of immortality, and it is often prominently displayed in depictions of the sage Lao Tzu.

In many cases, that can explain why the Chinese culture praise, and dare I say, worship this great fruit. Oranges also apply in some of the history books and modern times, but peaches are one of those things people rarely talk about.

While I fully support China and the culture's calling, I have to be a straight shooter on this one. Peaches might contain a good value for all of their purposes, but treating COVID-19 isn't one of them. There is no proof that this fruit can cure the virus. So if I were China, I would stop hoarding all of these canned peaches before we lose all of our peach trees. 

For God's sake, winter is almost coming. Ration for good reasons. As for whoever spread that belief, keep your mouth shut. The world is already in a state of panic. We don't need anymore panic attacks.

Log #26: HBO Max & Discovery+ Will Merge And Become the New Streaming Service "Max"

 

Looks like things really are changing when it comes to streaming services. This right here takes the cake. It's officially been announced that the two major TV streaming services run by Warner Bros. Discovery (HBO Max and Discovery+) are set to merge soon. Warner Bros. Discovery lawyers are vetting the name "Max," which the company's executives have chosen for the service.

It notes that the name could still change but that Max is "the likely choice" and that boots are on the proverbial ground trying to make it a reality. Until now, the company's leaders have called the new service by the temporary codename "BEAM" internally. Max (if that is indeed its name) is slated to launch in spring 2023. There have been no announcements about its pricing, but HBO Max and Discovery+ cost $14.99 and $6.99 monthly for their ad-free tiers.

Are we ready for this new streaming transition? I guess we'll find out when this new streaming platform comes out in the spring.

Log #25: Shouldn't 'Scandal' Be On Netflix With The Rest of Shondaland?

 

As a die-hard Shonda Rhimes fan, I watch every show that Shondaland throws out. From Grey's Anatomy to Inventing Anna, I've stuck behind every single show that has come out of Shonda Rhimes' production studio. Although, there is one thing that confuses me in regard to the programming of Shondaland.

I've managed to watch every show on Netflix since she signed a deal with Netflix to create original programming for them. However, out of all the shows that Shondaland has produced, one show doesn't appear to be on Netflix, but on Hulu, That show is Scandal.

I'm a Scandal fan. I can watch each episode endlessly and never get tired of it. My best friend once said if I wasn't going to pursue a career as a lifestyle journalist, I would be a crisis manager just like Olivia Pope. That's how much I love this show. Still, there is something that puzzles me. How is it that Scandal is the only Shonda Rhimes tv series that doesn't stream on Netflix?

Everything she created has been given the access button for Netflix. Yet, Scandal isn't there. I don't know about you but I consider this a complete weirdness in regards to holding up the Shondaland empire in one streaming spot.

Log #24: Never Eat Cajun Food At A Chinese Restaurant

When I was in North Carolina with my fiance we decided to go out to get takeout to bring home. He drove me to this Hibachi Chinese restaurant. We had a long workday. We got so occupied that we forgot to eat breakfast and we had a light lunch. So once we were done, it felt like a good idea to go out, order takeout, and bring it back to the condo. 

That was our plan and we initiated it.

We made it to this Chinese restaurant that was inbuilt in the form of an all-you-can-eat buffet. I didn't know Hibachi restaurants were built like that, but I just went ahead. After all, when you've leave in the Northeast for 11 years of your life, you tend to forget how things were built down south. So once he parked us there, I was a little surprised at how the building looked when we got there.

I went to the buffet thinking I was going to get the traditional things I would buy whenever I go to a Chinese restaurant in New York City. This one was different. As I made my way across, I was stunned to see that they had two things I haven't eaten since I left my hometown, New Orleans. Cajun-style crawfish. Due to the fact that it's been almost a decade since I've eaten those things, I instantly grabbed a little spoonful and placed it on my takeout plate.

Big mistake!

I ate all of the crawfish and shrimp fried rice. The next day, I woke up to food poisoning. It was incredibly horrendous. I was vomiting all day and night. My fiance gave me aid. 

It took an entire 24 hours before I finally felt better. I woke up the next day. The stomach virus was gone. I learned that day. Chinese Hibachi restaurants shouldn't be making Cajun food because they have no idea what they're doing.