Victor Lana

The Sunday Scaries – More Scary than Ghosts, Goblins, and Ghouls!

2026-10-18T07:38:30.236-07:00

It's Sunday yet again! Sunday is a day most people handle well enough until the sky gets dark, and then they realize the inevitable reality that the next day is Monday. Monday is like a dentist appointment or a colonoscopy. It's not something you look forward to at all.

We are now in the heart of Halloween month – it's officially Ghostober – and many houses are decorated with frightening scenes from movies and TV shows. It is always a month when people partake in all things that are scary. However, the Sunday scaries are in no way connected with hauntings and witch sightings – they have to do with something real and dreadful.

What are the Sunday scaries? The Sunday scaries are feelings of anxiety, sadness, or dread that happen on Sunday as the weekend ends and a new work or school week begins (Merriam Webster). This fear affects adults, adolescents, and kids, and it is more frightening than anything found in Dracula's Castle.

I Felt Them At a Young Age

I recall being in fourth grade and experiencing the Sunday scaries for the first time. When the weather was nice, we would go for a Sunday drive with my paternal grandparents who lived with us. On this particular Sunday we left the city and drove way out on Long Island to Cold Spring Harbor.

We walked around a lovely waterfront area where we could see fish and reptiles in tanks. The fish hatchery was right on the water, and there was a view of the harbor and many boats bright in the sunshine. I should have been enjoying myself, but I kept thinking about a presentation I had to do the next day in school. I was literally sick to my stomach. This was my first experience with Sunday scaries, but it was not my last.

Sunday Nights Are the Worst

As I grew older, Sunday nights seemed to be the worst. I was fine on the way home from work on Friday, Saturdays were golden, and then along came Sunday morning and the clock was ticking louder, like a countdown to doom.

Anxiety about Mondays is Common

So, for adults, what causes this to happen? Many issues can make us dread going back to work on Monday morning. For example, a big meeting about budget cuts, a deadline on a project that you have to submit to your boss, or unfinished tasks that you should have done on Friday but were left for Monday.

There are probably endless lists of things we could post on a wall about why we don't want to go into work on Monday. The thing is that they are there whether we like it or not, and they will still be there on Tuesday morning if you call in sick on Monday – AND they will be added to everything you had scheduled to do on Tuesday.

How I Got Over the Scaries

Watching the game helps

As I got older I learned how to prioritize my things to do list, and I became able to do more tasks within less time. Part of my self perceived lack of productivity had to do with my inability to multitask. I learned how to do more things in a day when I put each task into order of importance.

I also tried to do more enjoyable things on Sunday. This could range from taking a long walk to heading to a museum to seeing a movie or watching some football on TV. Instead of letting Sunday control me, I learned to control it to make the day better for me. As the day waned, I didn't dread the next day anymore because I knew I would be able to handle whatever the day threw at me.

Some More Helpful Tips

-Try not to leave any big project or deadline that's due on Monday unfinished. Get to it early on Friday and try to finish it if before lunchtime or directly afterwards.

-View Monday differently – not as the big bad looming monster but as the day that gets you one day closer to next weekend.

-Try to avoid losing Sunday to doing any unfinished work in order to be ready for the next day. That will make you resent Monday even more.

Reading a good book really helps

-Schedule lunch with a friend on Monday. That will break up the day and make it seem less daunting.

-Make Sunday night count. Watch a movie, read a book, or FaceTime a friend.

-Go to bed at a time that will give you a sufficient number of hours of sleep (eight hours is ideal).

Final Thoughts

Hopefully, you can take the time to truly enjoy your Sundays and embrace Mondays as a day that can be filled with possibilities. If you're a football fan, you have the game that evening to look forward to enjoying. If isn't football season, maybe there is another game that you can anticipate seeing. You can also go to the gym, take a drive to a park or the beach, or meet a friend for dinner. Monday is not so bad if you can turn it into something positive each week.

One last reminder – Monday leads to Tuesday and then you get to Wednesday, which means the week is half over. Monday is really not as bad as you think it is – you just have to convince yourself that it's your friend. Not a best friend, but one that can help you start every week off in the right way.

Please check out these videos about Mondays!

The Mamas and the Papas

The Carpenters

Here is one for Sunday!

Don McLean's "American Pie" – The 55th Anniversary of a Great Big Slice of Nostalgia

2026-10-10T05:46:58.546-07:00

By chance this week, I heard Don McLean's classic song "American Pie" on the car radio as I was driving to work. The announcer mentioned something about this month being the 55th anniversary of the song, and I got to thinking that I was just a kid when I first heard this song, and it couldn't be that long ago, but as I kept driving and listening I felt like it seemed like only yesterday that we were singing it in the school yard at recess.

Overview

McLean in 1971

The song was released on October 24, 1971, and its runtime of eight minutes and 42 seconds was not your typical two to three minute average for a single. It was released by United Artists, which means they had a strong belief in this extra long song's merits.

I recall getting the single as a gift – I still have it by the way – and you had to flip it over to the B-side to listen to the second half of the song. That was a very unusual situation, but "American Pie" was not your ordinary hit single.

The song reached number one on the U.S. Billboard charts in 1972. It also topped the charts in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. It reached number two in the U.K. where it stayed for three weeks in 1971.

"American Pie" was chosen for preservation in the U.S. National Recording Registry in 2017.

Inspiration

The inciting incident of the song is repeatedly recalled when McLean sings about "the day the music died." This alludes to the plane crash on February 3, 1959, that took the lives of musicians Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and the Big Bopper. This incident signaled what was known as the end of the early rock and roll era.

The Big Bopper

Buddy Holly

Ritchie Valens

McLean recalled the moment that gives us the line "Bad news on the doorstep/I couldn't take one more step." He was 13 years old and delivering newspapers in New Rochelle, New York, and he cut open a bundle of rolled up newspapers. That is when he saw the

headline about his three rock and roll heroes dying.

McLean clearly saw this is as the end of the age of his innocence. What was to follow was rock and roll's changing landscape where widespread cultural and societal realignment would follow.

Other References in the Song

The meaning of the rest of lyrics has been questioned for many years. As kids we used to debate who or what the references were about. Listening to the song again and again over the years as well as reading about it too, there seems to be a consensus that has been agreed upon by a majority of people.

Elvis Presley

-Miss American Pie was a young woman McLean was dating who had been in the Miss America beauty pageant.

-The King is generally accepted to be Elvis Presley. McLean has pushed back on this and has noted the "thorny crown" references a more spiritual figure.

-The Jester is widely agreed upon to be Bob Dylan. He represents the new rock and roll era after the plane crash, charging his songs with political and societal messages.

-Jack Flash is mentioned in the lyric "Jack Flash sat on a candlestick" and refers to Mick Jagger and the Rolling Stones' song "Jumpin Jack Flash."

-James Dean – the iconic American actor who died in a car crash – is directly identified in the lyrics as the one from whom the Jester is said to borrow a coat.

The cover of Sgt. Pepper

-The Quartet/The Marching Band is accepted to be The Beatles. The reference is connected to the sergeant's marching band in the group's eighth album Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band.

-The Father, Son, and Holy Ghost seem to refer to the assassinations of John F. Kennedy, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and Robert F. Kennedy. Although there are some people who think it is a reference to the deaths in the plane crash in 1959.

-A Girl Who Sang the Blues is pretty much accepted to be Janis Joplin.

-The Altamont Concert (1969) refers to the free concert by the Rolling Stones. One of the fans – Meredith Hunter (a young Black man) – was killed by a member of the Hells Angels (who provided security) when Hunter pulled out a gun and was stabbed to death. This incident seemed to put a dark cloud over the notion that peace and love ruled this generation.

Further Analysis and Interpretations

Looking at the time covered by the song – 1959-1970 – takes us from when McLean was 13 and learning about the deaths of his musical heroes to when he was 24 years old. Many of the events referred to in the song were major occurrences that shook the nation and the world.

McLean has long resisted giving explanations or meaning to his masterpiece, but once in a while he will throw in an acerbic comment about the lyrics like "They're beyond analysis. They're poetry." He has acknowledged that the beginning of the song is about Holly, Valens, Bopper, but that is as close as we are going to get anything more from him, so don't expect something that is more definitive.

Final Thoughts

When I listen to this song, I think about Walt Whitman's great poem "I Hear America Singing" – a very upbeat tribute to the country in contrast to McLean's "American Pie." Whitman's poem is understandable because he was looking at all the possibilities of America in the late 1800s, when everything was booming and our country was growing stronger.

Vietnam War protest in the '60s

McLean's America in the time his song covers was vastly different. Weighed down by the Vietnam War, political assassinations, societal strife, and exploding cultural changes, America was a very volatile place. The American dream that Whitman championed had for McLean turned into a nightmare.

So, in light of the song's 55th anniversary, I celebrate "American Pie" because it stands the test of time. It reminds us about who we were and what we had become in 1971. All these years later it rings true and clear and resonates with audiences because it is like a living history lesson. If we are wise enough, it is one from which we can still learn in 2026.

Fun Fact: When I was a kid I thought that the line "And while Lenin read a book on Marx" was "And while Lennon read a book on Marx" thinking it was John Lennon. I had quite a few colorful conversations with people until someone who played guitar showed me the sheet music for the song, and I realized that I was wrong. You can find all the lyrics to the song here.

Please check out the full video of the song. It was filmed in 1972 in London. Watch how the British audience accompanies McLean throughout the song.

Movie Review: 'Obsession' – One of the Scariests Films You're Ever Going to See

2026-10-03T13:06:04.830-07:00

People had been recommending Obsession to me for a long time, but since it had no major stars in it – I have to admit that starpower motivates me to see films – I figured I could wait until I got to see it online. Now, after viewing the movie, I'm glad I didn't see it in a theater. I imagine the audience's reaction would have been a lot like the audience I watched the original Halloween (1978) with years ago – a true screamfest!

The unjarring aspect of the film is that all the characters are relatable – and the fact that none of them are famous actors somehow adds to their credibility. Rock Burwell's score enhances the creepiness factor. It is like a stove burner on low heat for most of the film, but rises to scorch you when it matters most. The whole time I watched the film I felt unnerved, not sure what would happen next but enjoying every minute of it, even though the story takes a deep dive into some dark stuff.

The music store crew

The story revolves around Baron "Bear" Bailey (Michael Johnston), a clerk in a music store. He works with Nikki Freeman (an amazing Indie Navarrette), long time friend Ian (Cooper Tomlinson), and Sarah (Megan Lawless). Her father (Andy Richter) owns the store, and everyone seems to get along well. They all went to high school together, but Bear has always had a thing for Nikki. He is shy and cannot bring himself to ask her out, even with Ian trying to help him go through with it.

An Unexpected Death

When Bear comes home from work, he finds his cat Sandy dead on the floor. She apparently got ahold of one of his pills, and it killed her. Sandy's death breaks Bear as it was the only loving relationship in his life. He sullenly puts the cat into a garbage bag and cleans up the space where it died.

One Wish Willow

When Nikki loses a crystal necklace at work, Bear goes to a novelty store to get her a new one. The store is something like Spencer's in the mall, but has a creepy feel about it. He discovers a toy called One Wish Willow, and he decides to get that for Nikki instead. Maybe she will make a wish that will be good for him and her.

A cheap plastic toy with dark power

After a night of hanging out at bar with Ian and Sarah, Nikki wants to go home. Bear offers to drive her, and he is hoping to let her know how he feels about her along the way. Once they get to her place, she gets out of the car, and Bear cannot bring himself to tell her.

As she is walking toward her door, in frustration Bear takes out the One Wish Willow and breaks it, making a wish that Nikki will love him more than anyone else in the world. He turns to see Nikki almost immediately coming back to the car. She tells him that she is upset because her father is dying of cancer, and she cannot be alone.

A Happy Relationship Begins But

Seemingly happy together

We get scenes of blissful domesticity as Nikki starts living with Bear. We see them making breakfast, doing things together, and seemingly having a wonderful time, but there are some red flags along the way.

Nikki creates a memorial for Sandy using the cat's body. Bear is shocked by this, but Nikki claims she only did this because of the remnants of the Molly (MDMA) she took.

Ian calls Bear and tells him that Sarah told him only recently that Nikki said that she thought of Bear like a little brother. He also tells him that her father is healthy, and that she doesn't even speak to him.

When Bear tries to talk to her about this, she gets very angry. She accuses him of not loving her. During the night, Bear wakes and finds Nikki staring at him as he sleeps. When he says something to her about it, she cries dramatically.

Spoiler Territory

Things start to unravel

The rest of the way has too many things that will ruin the movie for you. I will say that Navarrette is totally chilling and shocking in the way her character unravels bit by bit, and Bear's weak attempts to deal with what is happening are to no avail.

The story is basically about having your cake and eating it too. In this case Bear got what he always wanted until he realized that he got it the wrong way. When he calls the toll free number of the One Wish Willow company, he is told there is no way to undo the spell except if he dies.

Highly Recommended

Curry Barker wrote and directed this horror masterpiece, and I'm impressed by his patience of letting the story come along slowly. The toy bought in a novelty story is the inciting incident, and the slow burn eventually becomes a blaze that is hard to extinguish.

There are all kinds of horror stories – Dracula to Frankenstein to Night of the Living Dead – but Obsession will scare you more than any of them. You'll probably never get caught by those cinematic monsters, but the most frightening thing about this film is the whole time you're watching it, you're thinking this could happen to you.

Fun Fact: Curry Barker plays the voice on the One Wish Willow helpline.

*Please watch the scary trailer below!

Stevie Nicks' Song "Edge of Seventeen" – Inspired by Deaths and a Misheard Conversation

2026-09-20T07:32:29.564-07:00

Stevie in her witchy attire

Stevie Nicks' career as a member of Fleetwood Mac and as a solo artist has been impressive. As a kid I fell in love with her because she was beautiful and talented, and as I grew up I never stopped getting her albums and never stopped loving her work.

I saw Fleetwood Mac in concert a few times and, although the whole band was awesome, I couldn't help but be mesmerized by her stage presence. She had the wickedly witchy way of dressing, and Stevie moved around the stage in like a ghostly haze. It was impossible for me to stop watching her lithe movements, even if she wasn't singing the lead vocal.

This album is so amazing

I must have played Fleetwood Mac's album Rumors probably a thousand times when it first came out – I still have it by the way – but it was the song "Dreams" with Stevie's lead vocal that I wanted to hear again and again, so I went out and bought the single. I still think this was their greatest album and "Dreams" was one of their best songs.

Sad Inspiration

Stevie started thinking about the song and wanted it to be about the romance between Tom Petty and his wife Jane; however, one sad week changed everything.

John in NYC 1975

On December 8, 1980, John Lennon was assassinated in New York City. In that same week her beloved Uncle Jonathan passed away from cancer. Deeply affected by both events, Stevie decided to turn the song into something to help her deal with these tragedies.

The Title and a Misheard Word

Stevie was talking to Jane Petty about how she had met Tom. During the conversation she mentioned something about them being "the age of seventeen." Jane happened to speak with a heavy Southern accent, so Stevie thought she heard "edge of seventeen" instead.

Although she changed the nature of the song after Lennon's and her uncle's deaths, Stevie kept the title and reworked the song, and we have the beloved classic song that we can appreciate today!

The White-Winged Dove and the Night Bird

Stevie on the cover

The memorable and powerful imagery of the white-winged dove in the song came from a restaurant menu in Phoenix, Arizona. Stevie later explained that after she changed the song to one serious in nature that involved two deaths, and she envisioned that the dove would be representative of the soul leaving the body.

The night bird in the song represents Death "singin "Come away" (come away, come away). When you listen to the song again, the white-winged dove seems to prevail over Death, and takes the soul away with it to heaven.

Bella Donna

Stevie's first solo album was Bella Donna, and the record was released in July 1981 and became a juggernaut. It reached number one the Billboard 200, and it was greeted with overwhelmingly critical acclaim and was a financial success, selling over 5 million copies.

"Edge of Seventeen" and three other singles from the album made the Billboard Hot 100, and Stevie would begin her White-Winged Dove Tour in November 1981 with her band and backup singers from the album. Rolling Stone crowned her "the Reigning Queen of Rock and Roll," and it seemed like she was on a trajectory at the time to be as big of a sensation as Fleetwood Mac.

Takeaways

Tom and Jane Petty

While Stevie's song started out as a planned romantic song for her friends Tom and Jane Petty, it ended up being an unforgettable song about death and eternal peace. Perhaps the original idea for the song would have been a hit, but the way it turned out made it an iconic rock and roll masterpiece.

And as for me, the kid who fell in love with Stevie still loves her. She has been true to her craft and desire to bring her fans joy through her music. Stevie Nicks is a legend, and I believe "Edge of Seventeen" is her greatest hit that will go down as one of the most enduring rock songs of all time.

Please watch this video to understand the power of this song!

How Should We Teach Students About 9/11 Who Were Born After It Happened?

2026-09-10T17:30:40.552-07:00

Plane headed for South Tower

It is the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks that brought down the Twin Towers in New York City, damaged the Pentagon in Washington D.C., and caused an airplane to crash in Shanksville, PA. For those of us who were alive when this day happened, the tragic event is seared into our memories, but there are those who were born after the attacks, and many of them are not fully aware of what happened or clear about the impact on our city, our country, and the world.

For me, 9/11 is very personal. We lost a family member on that day – a firefighter who was so brave that he went up the stairs of a burning building when everyone else was coming down them. I also lost two childhood friends that day, so it is not something I can just forget about and move on.

My children have no memory of what happened, but as a family we have chosen to keep the story of 9/11 as something that deeply affected us. They have heard stories about their brave uncle who died on that day, and they see how we have honored his memory each year. Even though it is 25 years later, we are never going to stop marking this day and will never forget what happened.

How Can We Teach About What Happened?

To the generation born after 9/11, it has become a part of history. It's something they encounter in their textbooks in history class. As my generation learned about Pearl Harbor – another devastating day in American history – these students learn about 9/11 as part of a broad course of study.

D-Day in France June 6, 1944

My father was a WWII veteran, so in our house discussions about Pearl Harbor, D-Day (my father was there for it), and other aspects of the war were part of our childhoods. When I was learning about it in school, I had a definite personal connection to the events of the war.

This generation may or may not have known someone connected to 9/11. Teachers cannot and should not treat 9/11 as just another event in history. It must be made into something more important than that. It is a day that changed everything, and those lost and their grieving families and friends deserve a more focused approach.

Personal Connections

Firefighter visiting a classroom

One of the best resources teachers have at their disposal are people. Survivors of 9/11 – firefighters, other first responders, and civilians – are valuable because they can relate personal experiences had on that day.

Schools should hold a day of tangible recognition for 9/11. Part of the program of that day or week should include visitors who experienced 9/11. I know many people – myself included – who would be more than willing to participate in such an experience.

These speakers could bring physical artifacts to show to the students. This could include photographs of their lost loved ones, personal belongings, and documents (including any newspaper clippings). This would make 9/11 not just something read about in a textbook – it would make the tragic day come alive for students.

Interview Family Members

A great resource for students can be family members or friends of the family. Students can be given an assignment to interview someone and ask a series of questions regarding 9/11.

Student interviewing someone about 9/11

Younger parents may have vague memories of 9/11, but older family members and friends or neighbors may hold onto vivid memories of 9/11. Questions could be asked like these: Where were you when it happened? How did you feel when you learned about it? Was anyone you know lost in the attacks? And many other questions.

By interviewing people who lived through 9/11, students are going beyond what is just a historical entry in a textbook. This is bridging the gap between a simple rendering of events and personal memories that are probably more vivid and meaningful.

Audio and Video

9/11 was covered extensively by the media from the moment the first airplane hit the North Tower of the World Trade Center. For students to be able to see and hear what happened that day has much more impact than a textbook entry would have. Please watch the video below of the Twin Towers coming down.

Depending on the age of the students, teachers would have to use discretion regarding what is actually shown. High school students should be able to handle the more graphic videos of the falling buildings and people jumping from the burning towers. While this is ugly and heartbreaking, it is also necessary and compelling to let students know about the human losses that day and how horrific they were.

There is also the opportunity to hear audio of phone calls between people in the burning buildings or on the doomed planes and their friends and loved ones. People who knew they were going to die were trying to connect with others during those final minutes. Yes, it is devastating to listen to these voices, but it will definitely make 9/11 become real beyond the textbook explanation about what happened.

Everyday Impacts on Their World

The attacks on 9/11 are still impacting our world today. Teachers can make clear how these procedures have changed the way we live our lives. Here are some things that should be discussed:

Passengers and TSA agents

1. Airports - Going through security now involves taking off shoes, limiting the volume of liquids we carry, and going through TSA body scanners.

2. Public Areas - Concrete barriers, enhanced security (including surveillance cameras), and bag checks are found in federal and state buildings, train and bus stations, sports arenas, and large public events.

3. The Patriot Act - Federal legislation enhanced governmental powers to monitor phone calls, digital communications, and financial contractions.

4. New Agencies - The Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Custom Enforcement (ICE) were established for domestic security and border control.

Social Impacts

1. Profiling People - The attacks caused an increased awareness of Middle Eastern, South Asian, and Muslims, who were subjected to heightened security, stereotyping, and a persistent focus on their activities.

2. Ongoing Health Issues - First responders and Lower Manhattan residents and students have been affected from ongoing chronic respiratory illnesses, cancers, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which can compound physical and mental health and also lead to death.

3. 9/11 Memorial and Museum - Lesson plans are available from this invaluable resource for all grade levels. It is also an ideal place for school class trips for students to understand the real impact that 9/11 has had on our lives.

First Responders' Bravery

NYC Firefighters raise a flag on 9/12/2001

Students should be made aware of the incredible bravery of all first responders on 9/11, when they did their jobs without thinking about their own personal safety. Even after the attacks, they worked in the smoking rubble for weeks to try to find survivors.

If teachers are able to do so, schedule a class visit by first responders to talk about the impact of 9/11 on our city and the country. It will be more than a teachable moment – it will make the day come alive for our students.

Final Thoughts

By making an effort to do the things discussed above, we can make 9/11 more than just a day that occurred in history. On this 25th anniversary of the attacks, it is essential to remember the depth of the scars that were left on our nation.

By teaching about 9/11 in a compelling and meaningful way, we are not just giving our students essential instruction about an impactful historic moment, we are also honoring all those lost on that day and their families and friends who still suffer a deeply personal loss. In doing so, we are making clear right now and for the years to come that 9/11 will not recede into the backdrop of history but will be meaningfully noted each year for now and forevermore!

9/11 Documentary

When you have time, please watch the documentary below. I believe it best captures what happened to my city on 9/11/2001 and shows the bravery of the firefighters on that fateful day.

Celebrating the 60th Anniversary of 'Star Trek TOS' – Marking the Premiere of the First Episode

2026-09-07T15:30:59.079-07:00

On September 8, 1966, "The Man Trap," the first episode of Star Trek TOS, premiered on NBC. Little did anyone know it at the time, but the show would change television and film forever. People like George Lucas and Seth MacFarlane have admitted being influenced by Star Trek, leading them to create shows (MacFarlane's The Orville) or films (Lucas's Star Wars franchise).

The Episode

McCoy and Nancy had once been lovers

"The Man Trap" involves the U.S.S. Enterprise arriving at planet M-113, where it is meant to provide supplies and medical exams for its only two inhabitants – Professor Robert Crater (Alfred Ryder) and his wife Nancy (Jeanne Bal) – who work at the archaeological research center there.

Darnell sees a woman he once knew

Captain Kirk (William Shatner), Dr. Leonard McCoy (DeForrest Kelley), and Crewman Darnell (Michael Zaslow) beam down to the surface, with Kirk mentioning to McCoy that he once had a relationship with Nancy. They each view Nancy differently – Kirk sees her as an older woman, McCoy sees her as he once knew her, and Darnell as an attractive blonde woman he had met once before. When Nancy goes outside to find her husband, she encourages Darnell to follow her.

Crater returns without Nancy, and he insists that he doesn't need a medical examination. All they require is salt tablets because of the atmosphere. McCoy insists on conducting the examination, but before anything meaningful can take place there is a woman's scream outside. They find Darnell is dead with a plant in his mouth and Nancy standing over him. She says that he tried to taste the plant, and it caused marks on his face and that it killed him.

Back on the ship, McCoy conducts an examination of Darnell's body and determines that the plant didn't kill him, and he has had all the salt drawn from his body through suction marks on his face. Kirk recalls that Crater asked for salt tablets, and he is determined to get to the bottom of what has happened.

The Salt Monster

The Salt Monster

Designed by Wah Chang, the creature consisted of a head sculpted in clay and then covered by a plaster cast. After drying, Wang removed the cast and painted the head and added a white wig and glass lenses for the eyes. Gloves were fashioned to make the fingers having suction cups, and the costume was complete with a furry bodysuit. Dancer Sandra Gimple played the part – one that I found terrifying as a kid.

The Last of Its Kind

The discussion is had that a salt vampire like this one of an inferior species that is dangerous to humans and should be destroyed. But, when it is learned that the murderous creature is the last of its kind, there is some doubt about killing it. The decision is made for them when the Nancy starts attacking Kirk, and McCoy has no choice but to kill her.

Nancy starts to attack Kirk

When the the creature reverts back to looking like Nancy, McCoy apologizes but shoots her again, knowing it is not the woman he once loved. Still the final feeling left by the death of the creature is multi-layered. This is the power of Star Trek episodes – they are not just meant to entertain you – they are also meant to get you thinking!

Final Notes

A fun fact is "The Man Trap" was the sixth episode to be filmed, but it was chosen as the first to be broadcast due to its scary monster theme. The choice worked because the episode scored 25.2% Nielsen rating for the first half hour, making it first in its time slot.

Some viewers complained about the violence – multiple killings of crewmen – but others noted that the acting was strong. Fans came up with the name Salt Vampire for the creature, and that is how the character is known by fans today.

The Celebration Continues

A series of events will continue to take place celebrating the 60th anniversay of Star Trek. Please check out this link to read about the everything being done to celebrate this milestone.

Live Long and Prosper!

Back to School Can Be Cruel

2026-08-31T16:27:13.321-07:00

I have been an educator for many years, and I can tell you one simple truth – going back to school can be cruel. This is not just for the kids who have cherished these carefree summer days of no more pencils and no more books – even we educators suffer from what we thought was the endless summer finally ending.

There is no shame in admitting that the summer's end brings anxiety and dread. Getting back into a rigid routine after having months of freedom is daunting. Wondering about how many things I am going to do today is a blessing. Knowing what I have to do today because of a work schedule is a decidedly different thing.

The pleasure of enjoying sunsets

Adults love summer too, and there's no better feeling than knowing you can linger on the beach to watch the sunset because you have nothing pressing to do tomorrow. I enjoy it just as much as my children do, and there's nothing wrong with that until time runs out, and you have to face reality.

The Calendar

"The calendar is our friend in June and becomes our enemy as it turns to September," I remember a classmate saying years ago. I recall as a kid looking at the calendar in the kitchen as my mother would for some unknown reason – now I think it was to keep us aware of the days left in summer – cross off each day with a marker.

I was perfectly fine until the calendar flipped to August. As those days started getting crossed off, I knew my goose was going to get cooked. Each day I would try not to think about it, but inevitably all August days were crossed off, and I stared at the dreaded word SEPTEMBER like it was a black hooded executioner.

My Kids Suffer Too

I guess my anxiety about summer ending as a kid and then as an educator was inherited by my children. I never crossed off days on the calendar – we don't even have a physical calendar in our house – but they are painfully aware that tomorrow is September 1st, and they know what that means.

When they were younger, these last days of August were filled with dread. We would finally go to Staples to get their school supplies – and the most important new backpack because every kid was apparently judged by this important item. It would have to feature currently popular characters from shows they watched on TV, and ideally their lunchboxes would have to correspond with the backpack.

Check out this funny Staples commercial with Alice Cooper. Actress Madeline Martin plays his daughter.

My kids are older now but the pressure is still the same. I'm going back to work, and it's back to school time for them. I do think this feeling is normal, and it is a good idea to examine why we feel this way.

Why Kids Hate Back to School

1. Academic expectations have to be the number one reason kids have hated going back to school since the days of the one-room schoolhouse. They have gone from the lazy crazy days of summer – where the only expectations were to have fun – to days filled with quizzes, tests, assignments, and the dreaded specter of homework.

2. Structured routines return with school and that is daunting because they have spent a whole summer without a basic routine. I know how my own kids would stay up late watching movies and shows they liked, and then they could sleep late into the morning undisturbed. Going back to school means alarm clocks are set, breakfast is early – when in the summer breakfast could be had a lunch time – and then they are off to school.

3. Social anxiety is another factor that going back to school brings. During the summer kids hang out with friends, some of whom they've known since pre-K. There is no structure to friendship in the summer; it is rather a laissez-faire arrangement of seeing friends and hanging out with little structure.

Back to school means sitting in a classroom with different kids, new kids, and there is pressure to "make friendships" which you may not want to or do not like someone from previous experiences. Trying to make friends or trying to fit in sets up awkward situations.

4. Loss of freedom is another reason why kids hate going back to school. Going from waking up late and doing whatever you want to do to a rigid schedule is the worst thing of all. Kids heard Alice Cooper singing "School's Out" as they ran out of the school doors in June. but now there is nothing to sing about as they head inside on the first day of school clutching new pencils, new books, and receiving those teachers' dirty looks.

5. A no phones in schools policy is something kids dread. Living in the NYC area, we have the New York State Phone-Free Schools Law. There is a statewide ban from "bell-to bell" which means no smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, and internet connected laptops for the whole day. School issued devices are the only exception. For kids who spent all summer addicted to their phones or other devices, this is a withdrawal that can be very difficult for them.

Handling Going Back to School

Both parents and kids have to prepare themselves for going back to school. For most of us here in the NYC area that means we have until next week, but many of you reading this may already have kids back in school now. What can we do to ease ourselves back into school days mode?

1. Kids and their parents should get back to a normal sleep routine gradually. If you all have been sleeping later, try to get up a little earlier each day. Start getting up 10 to 15 minutes earlier each day this week until you reach the time you would actually have to get up for work and school next Tuesday.

2. Start getting back into school/work mode with your daily activities. Maybe the kids can get their school supplies ready, read a book they know they will have to read in September – besides school supply lists reading lists or books needed for the school year can be posted online. Parents too can try to get back into a breakfast-lunch-dinner pattern that will be starting the following week.

3. Getting clothing ready or getting new clothes for the school year is a way to let reality sink in. Some kids actually have to get new uniforms for school. As a parent I realized that for some reason kids grow more during the summer, so check and make sure that last year's uniform still fits.

4. Ease anxiety by talking about how they feel about going back to school. Kids will feel better if they can explain why they are worried or scared about going back to the classroom. If they are entering a new school – like when kids transition from K-5 to middle school – they may be worried about finding their classroom and meeting new people and teachers.

5. Going online to "meet" the teachers in advance is helpful. Many school websites have lists of faculty including pictures and biographies. Getting to know where everything is can be helpful too. If you're new to the school, why not schedule a visit to the school with your kids to find out where their classrooms are, the cafeteria, gym, and other important places. Knowing where things are can help ease nervousness of going in cold on the first day.

Final Thoughts

Going back to school is always challenging. Parents and their kids can lower the risk of it being a catastrophe by preparing for change. Confront the notion that this is a transition phase and that expectations should be realistic that the first week – or even all of September – can be a time of adjustment and adaptation.

Parents should remember that kids take cues from you about how to handle the situation. If you're acting nervous or stressed out about this back to school time, kids will mirror that, and it will be harder for them. Going back to school is cruel only if you allow it to be!

Take a deep breath, stay calm, and face this time with conviction that everything will work out – because invariable it always does. Oh, and by the time you go to Meet the Teacher Night – usually held during the second week of school – everything should be back to normal.

Good luck in your transition back to school and have a great school year!

Celebrating the National Park Service's 110th Anniversay

2026-08-24T15:53:30.972-07:00

The Department of the Interior managed our parks across the country until August 25, 1916, when President Woodrow Wilson signed legislation (The National Park Service Organic Act) for at that time were 35 locations to be united into the National Park Service. This year we will celebrate the 110th anniversary the NPS.

Found in All 50 States

The service manages 433 sites found across 50 states. This includes 63 national parks, most national monuments, historic places, and recreational areas. It is responsible for maintaining ecological and historic aspects of the sites, and the service must also make these places available to the public to visit and enjoy in a safe manner.

Park Workers and Volunteers

The service is responsible for 85 million acres of land. It employs 20,000 people to work at these sites. Approximately 250,00 volunteers each year make it possible for the system to sustain its efforts to maintain such vast areas of land, mountains, waterways, and seashores.

History

Mount Rushmore

The concept of a national park was first suggested by artist George Catlin. While visiting the Dakotas in 1832, he realized that the way of life there was being threatened by the advancement of civilization. He saw a need to preserve the culture of American Indians, the wildlife living there, and the environment. He wrote about "a nation's Park" that would maintain these things for all time.

The First National Park

Yellowstone National Park was our nation's first national park. Since Wyoming was a territory and not a state, the park was managed by the federal government. The military was put in charge of handling all matters, and this included the famous African American Buffalo Soldiers.

There were calls for an independent agency to manage Yellowstone and future parks. Conservationist Stephen Mather headed a campaign to create The Department of the Interior. This agency would manage all parks and sites until Wilson signed the legislation to create the NPS, when he named Mather as it's first director.

Under Mather's leadership, he pushed for the creation of new parks, built roads, established campgrounds and lodges, and worked with car companies to promote accessibility for citizens to visit the parks. He also introduced education programs for adults and for children.

The Reorganization Act of 1933

Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

On March 3, 1933, President Herbert Hoover signed the Reorganization Act. This gave the president the authority to transfer monuments to the NPS. Later that year the new President Franklin D. Roosevelt directed that American Civil War sites be transferred from the War Department to the NPS, expanding areas that it administered.

However, it wasn't until 1966 (when NPS turned 50 years old) that the idea of parks and sites being more accessible to the public came into sharper focus. Director George Hartzog initiated the process, and he established the National Lakeshore and National Recreation Areas. This drive began to transform the NPS into what we know today.

Why We Should Celebrate This Anniversary

Old Faithful, Wyoming

We should appreciate the National Park Service now more than ever. Let's celebrate the importance of its mission. The service conserves ecosystems, protects endangered wildlife, maintains precious American historical sites, and offers free to low cost access to recreational spaces for millions of people to visit each year.

It also leads the way in the fight against climate change. NPS preserves large areas of forests and plant life across its sites, and these green areas absorb carbon dioxide and clean the air that we breathe. This is an essential element that the service provides. It also strives to keep the water clean in wild habitats.

Have you visited a national park recently? I have visited a number of them over the years and have enjoyed the opportunity to swim, hike, and gaze in wonder at the amazing sights to be seen. Why not schedule a visit to national parks near you as soon as you can? They have so much to offer and truly are American treasures.

Fun Fact: On August 25th, 2026, admission is free for the 110th anniversary of the NPS. Camping and reservation fees are still in effect.

Please enjoy this video about visiting Yosemite National Park.

Please enjoy this video about all 63 National Parks!

My Favorite Summer Songs

2026-08-13T16:13:45.583-07:00

Summer songs are a lot like Christmas carols – every time I hear them they bring back the season vividly. Particular songs can even evoke special moments when I remember the event because of that song.

My list is completely subjective, so it is very likely that you would have a completely different list. That is the beauty of music – there is something for everyone.

So, here it goes, my top ten favorite summer songs – with number one being the top one for me.

10. Shadow Dancing by Andy Gibb

When I hear this song I picture my teenage self driving on the Belt Parkway into Brooklyn to pick up my then girlfriend to go to the beach. It makes me think of great times that summer and freedom to just enjoy life.

9. "Dancing Days" by Led Zeppelin

Robert Plant sings the heartbreakingly beautiful words "Dancing days are here again as the summer evenings grow." Wow! The whole song brings back my youthful life of swimming every day, hanging out on my friend's back deck watching wrestling on TV, and barbecues that I wanted to never end.

8. "When Doves Cry" by Prince

I was traveling through Europe with a big group of enthusiastic young people on a bus. I can remember listening to my Walkman – at the time heading toward Nice, France – and I put Prince on, and I was tapping my feet to this song. I was on top of the world seeing different places, but this song makes me think of beautiful France every time I hear it.

7. "Summer in the City" by The Lovin' Spoonful

This one always reminds me of riding the subways in New York City during a hot summer. I was taking acting classes on the upper West Side, and in those days less than half the trains were air conditioned. Some of them had the old annoying oscillating fans. Still, every time I hear this song I think of the magic of that summer. I was playing Edmund in scenes from King Lear. I will never forget it.

6. "Rockaway Beach" by the Ramones

The band members were Queens boys like I was, and they went to a NYC high school just like I did. So, even though I never met them, they were kindred spirits. This song always makes me think of Beach 116th Street where we would get the coldest beer for our beach parties. As soon as I hear it, I instantly think of those wonderful summers.

5. "Cruel Summer" by Bananarama

This one takes me back to riding the city subways as well. Summer in NYC is hotter than hell, so there is something "cruel" about it to be sure. However, as the sun sets and the lights come on, walking to Battery Park took all the heat away. As soon as I hear this one I feel like I'm standing there as night fell over the city looking out over the water again at an illuminated Statue of Liberty.

Fun Fact: Check out the price of gas in the video above.

4. "Vacation" by the Go-Gos

I'm sitting in the international terminal at JFK waiting for a flight to take me to Italy. Once again I am listening to my trusty Walkman – I still miss the thing – and this song came on. It was a mix-tape – I made a lot of those back then – so it was completely random that this song came on first. Now, every time I hear it, I think of that great trip that started with this song.

3. "Dancing in the Street" by Martha and the Vandellas

When I hear this one, I'm a kid again. I don't know for sure but I think I was probably nine or ten. I was at a block party playing with friends, and the adults were eating and drinking. When this song came on, almost all the people got up and started dancing – and my friends and I joined in the fun! Every time I hear this song, all I want to do is dance.

2. "School's Out" by Alice Cooper

This is every kid's anthem every June of every school year. On that last day of school each year, I would hear this song in my head as I ran out the doors and dreamed of never having to go back. Cooper did sing, "School's out forever!" I wanted to believe him. Every September ruined the feeling, but nothing could beat the joy of hearing this song and being free of pencils and dirty looks for what did seem like forever in late June.

1. "I Get Around" by The Beach Boys

Beach Boys' songs always make me think of summer, but this one does so most of all. I remember the summer I got my first car, and I had a lot of tapes in the glove compartment. When I would get closer to the beach, I'd pop in the Endless Summer album and listen to this song. Every time I hear it, I think about the freedom I had driving a car and had seemingly not a care in the world.

Honorable Mention

"Summer Breeze" by Seals and Crofts

Like most of the songs on this list, this one brings back memories. I can remember it playing in my head as I swam at the beach, toasted marshmallows at bonfires, and went to parties and had no worries. Indeed, the summer breeze made me feel fine, and I wish I could go back to that time even for one day!

In the End

So, there is my very subjective list of favorite summer songs. They all bring back good memories, but also a few tears too. I think about hearing those songs with loved ones and friends, and some of them are not here now.

Still, music has the ability to transcend moments in time. When I hear one of these songs, I feel young again, like I was experiencing it for the first time.

Why not make your own top ten list? You might be surprised by what pops up there.

Enjoy the rest of your summer!

Movie Review: 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day' – Peter Parker's Evolution

2026-08-06T17:09:33.072-07:00

Peter is Spider-Man

The new Marvel movie Spider-Man: Brand New Day is an excellent film that explores the evolution of Peter Parker (an excellent Tom Holland) and his alter ego Spider-Man. Remember this line? "With great power comes great responsibility" is something that we associate with Spider-Man. We are familiar with it in an intimate way because Peter Parker inhabits the suit, and so Spider-Man is always Peter Parker, but we forget that Peter Parker is himself when not web slinging, so where does responsibility begin and end?

Director Destin Daniel Cretton – along with writers Chris McKenna and Erik Sommers – has crafted one of the best Spider-Man stories told on film. Holland has grown into the character and has made it his own, and here he is allowed to explore nuances of that responsibility to others, but Peter begins to understand that it's at the expense of his own good health and peace of mind.

Catching Up

MJ and Ned

In the last film – Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021) – Dr. Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) created a spell that made the world forget Peter ever existed. This means that his girlfriend MJ (Zendaya) and best friend Ned Leeds (Jacob Batalon) no longer know him, and also all the Avengers will not know who he is, and the general public who knew Peter Parker was Spider-Man don't remember that anymore. This spell was cast because Peter's world had become too dangerous, and he mostly wanted to keep his friends safe.

This does present Peter with some difficult problems. He still loves MJ and misses his friendship with Ned. He keeps track of them online during their time at MIT. He also observes them after they graduate and return to New York City. He feels very upset about seeing them in person again and knowing that they don't recognize him. He also has lost his identity – living alone and anonymously is not exactly an exciting way to spend his life.

New Acquaintances

Frank Castle/The Punisher

Peter has made new "friends" in the form of Frank Castle (a terrific Jon Bernthal) and Detective Jean DeWolff (Liza Colon-Zayas). Frank and Peter are more like frenemies – Peter keeps stopping him from killing the criminals Frank is pursuing. On the other hand, Peter is working with Wolff catching criminals and hopefully preventing bigger events.

Frank mumbles about how he's going to "Kill that kid" after Peter stops him yet again in pursuit of a tank raging through Manhattan. Wolff is basically part of the fan club that has developed over the past four years, seeing Peter as the city's protector, but even she worries about him because he seems to devote his whole life to crime fighting.

Health Issues

Peter's lack of social connections is negatively affecting his health. He is swallowing Advil to combat headaches, and his whole body seems to be revolting under his Spidey suit. After having an emotional reaction to seeing MJ and Ned, Peter comes home and just collapses on the floor.

Peter's Wake Up Call

The next morning he finds himself enveloped in a cocoon made of spider webs hanging outside over the street below. He discovers that his senses have become enhanced, and webs are coming out of his arms instead of web shooters. This evolution is painful and makes Peter feel uncertain about what his next move should be.

The Villains

Scorpion

Mac Gargan/Scorpion (Michael Mando) seems to be the villain at first, and Spider-Man captures him after a brutal battle. But when Peter discovers that someone is trying to break Mac out of the Department of Damage Control (DODC), it is not just one person but numerous persons.

Peter realizes that the main villain is using telepathy to "body hop" from person to person to break Mac out of prison. Since this is unlike any villain he's ever faced before, Peter realizes that he needs help.

Getting Help

Spidey's Business Meeting with Yelena

Peter visits Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh) who is the current Black Widow. In a very hilarious scene, Yelena's office is a bathhouse, and to "meet" with her, Peter must take off his Spidey suit and go into the bath with her. When he comes out of the changing room he is stripped down but still wearing his mask, causing me to laugh along with the audience in the theater.

Yelena uses her telepathic skills to zero in on a person who continually attacks the DODC looking for someone or thing called V-Max. She believes whoever this is is the one who is body hopping from person to person. Peter's job just got much more difficult.

Getting More Violent

Peter locates the escaped Scorpion and engages in another violent battle. Scorpion even recognizes a change in Spider-Man's tactics and asks him about it. Spider-Man eventually defeats Scorpion, but he injures a police officer in the process.

DeWolff arrives on the scene and is appalled to see her badly injured officer. She warns Spider-Man that while she is grateful for all he's done for the city, if something like this happens again that she would have no choice but to arrest him.

Controlling His Rage

Dr. Banner tries to help Peter

Being extremely upset that he hurt a police office and was out of control with his new powers, Peter visits a local university to meet with Dr. Bruce Banner (Mark Ruffalo). He knows that Banner had invented an inhibitor to keep his Hulk alter ego in check.

Peter impresses Banner with his understanding of the inhibitor technology. They discuss the various parameters that are needed for the inhibitor to work. Peter goes home and starts working on building an inhibitor. He also builds one for the telepathic villain because he believes that will put an end to the body hopping.

Spoiler Territory

The rest of the way is spoiler territory. Will Peter be able to build the inhibitor to control his growing powers? Will he be able to find the villain V-Max and use the inhibitor to stop what seems to be aimed at destroying the DODC? And, or course, the most important question is this: will Peter ever get MJ and Ned back into his life?

The Verdict

Spider-Man: Brand New Day is an awesome movie that checks all the boxes for Marvel fans and even those who are not fans. The performances are all strong, and the story keeps moving forward like a freight train right up to the thrilling final act.

The way I see it this film is it's a great start of a new Spider-Man trilogy. In the grand scheme of things it feels like the threads are being woven to bring in other characters from the MCU – I'm hoping that will include Matt Murdock/Daredevil (Charlie Cox).

I'm looking forward to more Spidey days ahead. I give this film 4.5 stars out of 5. I highly recommend that you go and see it on the big screen. You'll be happy that you did.

Please check out the trailer below.

Get My Novel 'Life and Death in Venice' in a Kindle Countdown Deal

2026-08-03T16:01:22.146-07:00

My novel, Life and Death in Venice, is entering a Kindle Countdown Deal. The promotion begins with the book being available for 99 cents starting on August 4, 2026, at 11:00 EST. It will end on August 11, 2026 at 11:00 EST.

With the summer reading season here, Life and Death in Venice makes a good read for the beach or on your vacation wherever planes, trains, ships, and cars can take you.

So, please get in on this great deal that will last one week. Thank you to everyone who has already ordered a copy.

Also, the paperback version of the book is now available. Some people – myself included – prefer to hold a physical book for their reading experience.

Get your deal here: Kindle Countdown Deal.

Celebrating the 60th Anniversary of 'Star Trek TOS' – New LEGO Set of The 'Enterprise' Bridge Is Awesome!

2026-08-02T07:56:55.920-07:00

To continue to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of Star Trek the Original Series, LEGO has released an awesome set that captures the imagination and the inspiration of the TV show.

Kirk, Sulu, Uhura, and Chekov on the bridge

I always felt a little slighted by the lack of Star Trek LEGO sets. We got so many Star Wars sets – not that I'm not complaining – but it is nice to see this Star Trek set joining the fold.

There is only one previous Star Trek LEGO set – Star Trek: The Next Generation's – U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701D (#10356) and it comes with characters from that series. While that was a welcome addition, this new set inspired by Star Trek's 60th anniversary hopefully will be the first of many more Trek sets forthcoming.

So, let's take a look at this great new LEGO set available for pre-order now – it will start shipping on September 1, 2026 – just in time to celebrate 60 years of Star Trek in our lives.

National Star Trek Day is September 8. This year it marks the 60th anniversary of the premier of the series' broadcast debut with the first episode – "The Man Trap" – broadcast on September 8, 1966.

The Bridge

I cannot wait to build this one. Star Trek: U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701 Bridge (#11385) lets you recreate the iconic bridge where so much of the action took place in the original series. It even includes a lever to swish open the turbo doors. There is also the view screen with an image of an angry Klingon on it.

The eight minifigures

The set comes with 1,701 pieces (the ship's number) and eight minifigures – Captain James T. Kirk, Mr. Spock, Nyota Uhura, Hikaru Sulu, Dr. Leonard McCoy, Pavel Chekov, Nurse Christine Chapel, and Montgomery Scott. The gang's all here to embark on many adventures.

The set comes with numerous accessories including Spock's harp, phasers, tricorders, and four tribbles. This will help you recreate many memorable moments whether you wish to position characters for display or actually play with them.

This set box proudly announces that it is for 18+ builders and the LEGO website says that it's "a collectible building set for adult fans of the popular sci-fi franchise." The words "Adults Welcome" are prominently featured on the set's page.

The Transporter Room

The transporter room was another a place where frequent scenes took place. Series creator Gene Roddenberry's ingenious idea of "beaming" people down to a planet or up to the ship – it was actually a way to save money on the more costly small ship landing on a planet – adds another level of excitement to this set.

With a turn of a knob, the characters can be beamed off the ship or come back on board. With the dependable Scotty at the controls, our passengers know that they're in capable hands.

Adult LEGO Sets

Targeted adult builder

The concept of making LEGO sets for adults is interesting and fascinating. Many of us who grew up with LEGO can experience a void of not having something to build like we used to do.

My joy was having a son who loved LEGO. This gave me years of being able to build great sets – many of them Star Wars related – and there is great satisfaction looking at our playroom now filled with all of our completed sets.

Apollo 11 Lunar Lander

Sadly, my son is grown up now and those days of building together are gone. However, for Christmas I was given NASA Apollo 11 Lunar Lander (#10266), and that was a joy to build – my son even got in on the fun.

Now this set sits proudly on my shelf in my office. I just have to glance up at it as I am doing my work and remember the awe and excitement of being a kid when the first men landed on the moon. That is the lasting resonance of LEGO – capturing moments that are memorable and indelible in our lives.

The Verdict

Star Trek: U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701 Bridge LEGO set is an awesome new set that will warm the hearts of many Star Trek fans. The combination of the iconic bridge and transporter room is a great homage to the original series that still delights fans of all ages.

I have asked Santa for this set for Christmas, so I have a long time to wait to actually build it. But I will come back here and report on what will undoubtedly be one of my favorite sets to build.

Until then, "Live Long and Prosper!"

Please check out this video for more details about this awesome set.

ABBA Surprise – Frida's "I Know There's Something Going On"

2026-07-25T11:15:17.012-07:00

There are sometimes things you take for granted – like a favorite TV show that suddenly gets canceled. There is also the music that you listened to in your youth. There are a few songs that I heard on the radio that I liked, but I never really investigated who was singing them. I just enjoyed them. Such is the case with the song "I Know There's Something Going On."

The other day, I heard the song on the radio in my car, and it brought back old memories from the past. I decided I was going to look up the song when I got home. When I typed the title of the song for a search, I was shocked. I never knew that the singer of the song was ABBA band member Anni-Frid (Frida) Lyngstad. As if that revelation was not enough, I also discovered that the distinctive drummer in the song is Phil Collins. Now listening to it again and watching the video, I'm just sorry I didn't know this sooner.

The Story of the Song

Frida and Collins in the studio

Released on August 6, 1982, "I Know There's Something Going On" was from Frida's third solo and first English language album Something's Going On. The song was written by Russ Ballard, and the album was produced by Collins.

The song was released prior to the announcement that ABBA was going to take a break from recording and performing. This break would last into the next century, and Frida obviously was trying to take a different direction on her own.

Not Like ABBA

Frida wanted her single and album not to have an "ABBA pop sound" to set her on her new journey. She obviously accomplished that – at least for me – because I never would have connected the song with ABBA because it sounds nothing like the group's work.

With Collins playing the drums and also providing background vocals, the sound is quite unique and memorable. Frida's vocal is rather haunting, and the song holds up well after listening to it a number of times. It definitely had the right recipe to become a hit single.

Documentary

The making of the single and the album was filmed by Swedish television SVT. The whole recording process was covered from the first day in the recording studio up to the release party. This indicates that Frida was very savvy about what was a new beginning for her and the end of ABBA.

The documentary includes interviews with Frida and Collins, as well Bjorn and Benny from ABBA. The musicians who worked on the album were also interviewed. While it was broadcast on SVT, the video was also made available to the public as Frida - THE DVD.

Reception

The cover of her third album

The single "I Know There's Something Going On" became a great success for Frida. It reached number one on the charts in Belgium and Switzerland, and it was in the top ten of most hit lists in other European countries, but it only made it to number three in her home country of Sweden.

In the United States it reached number 13 on the Billboard Hot 100, and it spent 29 weeks on that chart – which is very impressive longevity for a single. It also explains why it remained lodged in my mind all these years later because I had heard it so often back then.

The Verdict

I think that "I Know There's Something Going On" was the perfect single to help launch Frida's solo career. The vocal is very different in retrospect when you think about how she sounded with ABBA. Her legacy with her former band was secure, but now she was setting out on a new path.

While her voice was wonderful when she sang lead in the past – like the great song "Fernando" (1975) – in this song we hear a stronger vocal – a confident, independent, and powerful rock and roll voice like never before. Frida took this brave and necessary step, and it worked out perfectly for her.

I hope you appreciate the song and video as much as I do. I have included the video below.

FIFA 2026 World Cup – Has Changed Americans' Feelings About Soccer and How the World's Fans Feel about America

2026-07-18T12:29:29.698-07:00

The FIFA 2026 World Cup has taken the game of soccer – or football for most of the rest of the world – into the American consciousness. Shattering attendance records in stadiums and drawing the viewership of millions of Americans on television, the 2026 tournament has irrevocably altered Americans' attitude toward the sport, and – due to the influx of fans from all over the world – it has changed the way people feel about America.

My Experience with Soccer

Personally, my experience with watching soccer came down to my children playing the sport. I never played soccer as a kid, and none of my friends did either. As a NYC kid, I played in the street or on a paved city park field, and the sports we cared about were baseball, football, basketball, and hockey.

Growing up my teams were the New York Mets, Jets, Knicks, and Islanders. I never had any thoughts about playing or watching soccer. But when my kids were little they wanted to join soccer teams – until this day I don't know why because they never saw me watching that sport, but I think it had more to do with their peers.

Once my kids were on teams, I went to practices and matches. I had interest in the sport because they were playing it, but that didn't make me want to go home and try to find matches to watch on TV.

Of course, the FIFA 2026 World Cup has changed my attitude about the sport. I dare say it has changed millions of Americans' feelings about soccer too.

Viewership and Cultural Change

Millions of Americans are watching

This 2026 FIFA World Cup has drawn a massive television audience. It is estimated that every match has had an audience of 100 million or more Americans. In my opinion the only other case of this kind of national attention would be the NFL Super Bowl – an estimated 124.9 million Americans watched Super Bowl LX in February 2026.

A recent Gallup Survey revealed that around 40% of Americans were watching some of the matches. That is comparable to 38% of Americans who watched it in 1994 when the World Cup was held in America. In other years when the event was held elsewhere viewership was around 30%.

Neglecting My Other Sports

Personally, I have neglected other sports that I would have been watching because of the World Cup. I have not watched a Mets game at all during this time, and I have had no time for Wimbledon this year. My late father would not believe that I didn't watch any tennis or Mets' games, but I have been so involved in these cup matches.

The Knicks Win the Championship

Of course, I watched every Knicks' playoff game as they eventually brought a championship home, but I wonder if timing isn't everything. The World Cup was just kicking off when the Knicks beat San Antonio, and then my attention quickly shifted to soccer. I cannot believe I'm even saying that.

Changed Attitude

I think that I – and many other Americans – used to feel that the game was boring. With the other sports I've previously mentioned, games are broken down into innings, quarters, or periods. There are numerous opportunities for breaks in those games – which means opportunities for getting a snack, going to the bathroom, or checking your phone.

I appreciate soccer now

Also, soccer is very low scoring. 1-0 matches are common rather than rare. In American football, we are used to high scores. Even in baseball we are not used to seeing 1-0 games. In basketball 100 points – or even more – are quite common for both teams.

However, this tournament has taught me to respect the game of soccer. There is so much precision and strategy to the sport. I – and think now millions of Americans – have found an appreciation of the game and realize the depth of talent needed to play it competitively.

American Influence on the Tournament

If the World Cup changed how Americans viewed soccer, it can also be said that America changed some aspects of the game. Consider the following:

-FIFA installed extended half time

-Hydration breaks (which allowed more TV commercials)

-Championship rings (like the Super Bowl winners receive) – this is the first time FIFA will give the champions rings

-Working with Nike and Adidas during the tournament for promotional reasons

Economic and Cultural Boost for America

It is estimated that the boom in hospitality for American host cities was a financial juggernaut. The host cities received a welcome boost from the visitors coming there to view the matches.

Scottish fans were thirsty in Boston

Those cities also learned about having to be ready for a huge crowd. Consider the situation in Boston – the city ran out of beer due to the enthusiastic Scottish World Cup fans visiting there. You can bet that will never happen in that town again! Next time they will be prepared.

It is believed that each city had $600 million or more dollars spent because of the visitors coming to watch the matches. This is an amazing amount of money spent, but there was also another long term benefit – a new found love for America.

Visitors Appreciate America

As a traveler for many years – having visited six continents – I have always found locals to be friendly with me wherever I went. I've never had a problem, but I found that people do have a lot of reservations about America. They've heard a lot of negative things about my country, and I always felt sad about that.

Yet now – if you have seen numerous positive videos on YouTube – visitors found that America is very different from what they expected. People from countries all over the world – and especially from Europe – have found that America is nothing like they perceived it to be.

Please check out this video about visitors' reactions to being in America.

I find it heartwarming to see people gushing over visits to Walmart, Costco, Waffle House, Target, McDonald's and other places we probably take for granted. They are overwhelmed by visiting local malls and the size and amenities found in our stadiums. The good news is that these people don't only want to come back – some of them never want to leave!

Impressive Impact on America and the World

The FIFA 2026 World Cup has left a lasting impact on America and the way the world perceives us. It has changed the way Americans feel about soccer – leaving an overwhelmingly positive perception for many people, including those who never gave the sport a chance.

AT&T Stadium in Texas

It has changed the way people from other countries feel about America, and it has provided host cities with a welcome economic boost. Millions of soccer fans from Europe visited places like Kansas City and Dallas that they would have never visited before, and they fell in love with these cities and American culture.

Globally, the FIFA World Cup 2026 has reached between 5 to 6 billion viewers, whether they were watching TV or streaming the matches. In the United States, FOX and Telemundo broke previous records for viewership, and it has brought soccer to the attention of Americans like never before.

And in the End

The GOAT Messi plays in Miami now

Americans will never think of soccer as that other sport ever again. It has been brought into focus like never before, and I think that will last long after the World Cup 2026 is over.

There will be a new interest in Major League Soccer – let's not forget Lionel Messi plays in Miami now – in this country that will be good for the sport and good for us as well.

The FIFA 2026 World Cup will have a lasting impact on Americans and people who visited here. It has brought about a feeling of good will and sportsmanship that will never be forgotten.

Please watch another video about World Cup fans' reaction to America.

'The Odyssey' – Before You See the Movie, Get to Know About the Epic Poem First

2026-07-12T16:39:01.509-07:00

The Odyssey is one of two epic works of ancient Greek literature – the other is the Iliad – and both are said to have been created by the blind Greek poet Homer. It is one of the oldest surviving works of literature, and many people may recognize the title but know little or nothing about the actual story – or think about the Honda minivan.

Odysseus' 10-year journey home

The story basically follows the hero Odysseus – who is also known as Ulysses in the Latin version of the story – on his voyage home after the 10-year battle of Troy – which is the story told in the Iliad. Realistically speaking, 10 years to fight a war must have been the most brutal, inhuman way of life for that bloody decade. Anyone who survived that horror would have deserved to go home.

It will take Odysseus another 10 years to get back to Ithaca where he is the king. During that time he encounters creatures good and evil, faces many dangers, and loses all of his men. As the sole survivor, Odysseus has the incentive to return home not just to see his wife and son but also to tell the news of what happened to him and his crew.

While he is away – and presumed dead after so many years – his wife Penelope and son Telemachus must deal with a large group of potential suitors for Penelope's hand in marriage.

The Poem's Composition

The blind Greek poet Homer

When trying to find the time that both epic poems were composed, there is no totally agreed upon answer. According classics scholar Robert Lamberton, the poems were probably composed – written down – much later, but they were certainly told long before that time in what is called the oral tradition – the poems were conceived by Homer some time in the 8th Century BC, but he would have told the stories by reciting them from memory.

The poems would then be handed down over generations, told by bards who performed them also from memory, but adapting them sometimes for a particular audience. At some point someone decided to sit down and write the long 24 chapter poems. These poems would have been transcribed in Homeric Greek sometime between the 8th and 7th Century BC.

Impact on Culture and Education

Homer's work can be considered some of the most influential literature in history because of its impact on culture and education. The poems provided the framework of what to teach during the classical age, and they also affected Greek culture for generations.

We can make connections to how the Greeks passed the torch to the Romans as Homer's work still was honored and taught, continuing to be important as Christianity spread in the Roman Empire.

Homer would be rediscovered by the Byzantine Empire in the 8th Century CE, and would also have a tremendous impact on Renaissance Italy. From that time going forward many different translations of the epic poems were made, causing them to be part of classical education throughout Europe and eventually the rest of the world.

Books, Television, and Film Adaptations

Notable Books

Margaret Atwood

-The Penelopiad by Margaret Atwood tells the story from Penelope's point of view. It offers a feminist perspective of the tale, highlighting the oppressive patriarchal aspects of the original work

- Circe by Madeline Miller focuses on the life of Circe, the witch whom Odysseus encounters on the island of Aeaea.

-Ithaca by Claire North is a historical fiction that also tells the story from wife Penelope's point of view as she tries to maintain the kingdom of Ithaca while Odysseus is away.

- The Lost Books of the Odyssey by Zachary Mason provides alternate versions of the stories told in the original epic poem.

Television Series

- Odyssey (1968) is an Italian miniseries that captures the essence of the original work.

- Ulysses 31 (1981-1982) is a French-Japanese animated series that transports Odysseus to the 31st Century, where he battles space monsters.

Armand Assante as Odysseus

- The Odyssey (1997) is a Hallmark produced NBC miniseries starring Armand Assante that is faithful to the spirit of the original epic poem.

Films

Ulysses (1954) is an Italian-American film starring Kirk Douglas in the title role. It is considered a classic and faithful adaptation of the story.

The Return (2024) is a film starring Ralph Fiennes as a bruised and weary Odysseus who returns to reunite with his wife and son and reclaim his throne.

Matt Damon as Odysseus

The Odyssey (2026) is master filmmaker Christopher Nolan's retelling of the tale. With an all star cast including Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway, Tom Holland, Zendaya, Lupita Nyong'o, Mia Goth, and many more stars in the hands of one of our greatest living directors. It will be exciting to see what Nolan has accomplished in retelling the classic tale.

Nolan's The Odyssey premieres in the United States on July 17, 2026. For tickets and showtimes, please check here.

Reading the Original

I know there's not much time until the premier, and the original work is rather long, but I encourage you to try to read some of Homer's classic tale. Here are some tips on reading or at least getting familiar with the story. There is always a benefit of at least being aware of the highlights of the source material when viewing Nolan's film.

Please watch this video about approaching a reading of the Odyssey.

And in the End

The impact of Homer's Iliad and Odyssey cannot be denied. Although created more than 3000 years ago, the works tell the story of the human condition. War, greed, love, lust, and death are all omnipresent in the stories told.

The fact that we are still living with many of the conditions Homer describes tells us that human life – while greatly changed by technology and history – is still very similar to those times.

Recognizing ourselves in great works of literature – no matter now old – relays the notion that human beings have always been much the same over the centuries. Hopefully we can learn from the mistakes that occurred before our time, but sadly many times we find that we continue to repeat them. That is what is called being human.

Please check out the trailer for Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey.

Tipflation – Tipping Culture in the United States is Out of Control!

2026-07-09T12:44:49.259-07:00

There's pressure to tip at the counter

The concept of tipping has never bothered me. I believed that if someone performed a service in a good and meaningful way, I would show my appreciation with a good tip. I had no issues with that situation until recently.

I'm basically bothered about tipping requests for most purchases that I make in a store. While I can understand tipping a waitress who served me at a table, someone handing me a takeout order in the diner or a cup of coffee in Starbucks is a different story. Why should a screen pop up asking me to choose the percentage of tipping I want to give? In those cases, I hit the "No Tip" button, but it is always awkward.

The History of Tipping in the United States

Tipping started with serfs

To understand the concept of tipping in the United States, it is a good idea to look across the pond. Tipping started in Europe during the Middle Ages between masters and their serfs. If servants did excellent work for the master, it was customary for the master to give a gratuity to the serf as a reward.

Many years later, well to do Americans traveling in Europe during the middle 19th century encountered the tipping custom, and they thought it was an excellent idea. They brought that custom home because it made them feel like the aristocrats that they saw in Europe when they tipped someone.

Tipping Was Unpopular at First

Many Americans resisted the idea of tipping in the beginning. Eating in a restaurant was expensive even in those days, and the notion of making it cost more was unpopular.

There was also a sense that the idea of a gratuity was a way of showing off or making it seem that someone had more money than they actually had. It also made some people who didn't have the money to tip feel uneasy in those situations.

The Civil War Changed Things

With the end of slavery after the Civil War, many freed Black people sought jobs in the hospitality industry. These jobs paid little or nothing to the workers, so they would do an excellent job for their customers and hope they would give them a gratuity.

Tipping spread from Pullman trains

George Pullman started the Pullman Company of luxury railroad service, and this caused an explosion of tipping as a popular practice because he hired many former slaves as porters and servers for his trains. While Pullman at least paid them a low wage, the concept of tipping became the norm on all of his trains, causing the practice to spread across the country.

20th Century Challenge

Despite tipping being widespread by the end of the 19th century, in the early 20th century there was more outrage from many in the public feeling that they had to pay for things twice. Eventually, 48 states passed laws to get rid of tipping.

In 1926 the state governments overturned those laws because there was difficulty to enforce the ban because the practice had become so widespread. Restaurant owners capitalized on these overturned laws, paying their workers less and making them rely on tips for good service.

Many Americans Are Feeling Annoyed about Tipping

Must tip a table server

A recent Pew Research Center survey indicates that 72% of Americans feel like tipping is more prevalent in a variety of places than it was just five years ago – like the dry cleaner or the corner deli. This rise of requested tipping in places that never asked for gratuities before is called Tipflation.

A recent survey by Bankrate – a financial services company – finds that two thirds of Americans now have negative feelings about tipping and prompts to tip. Because of this pressure, people are reluctant to tip according to the electronic prompts forced upon them, and even in some restaurants with sit down service some people are not leaving any tips – I do not agree with that practice at all. If someone has served me at a table, I'm going to be leaving a tip for that service.

Tipping in Hotels

Hotel tip placement

I have traveled on six continents, and stayed in many hotels – although in recent years I have preferred staying in an Airbnb – and the questions about tipping are really a difficult call depending on where you are staying.

According to Conde Nast Traveler, tipping rules in hotels vary "by country, by region, and by scenario." For example, in countries like Japan or South Korea, leaving a tip in a hotel may seem offensive. In the United States, a tip is expected – $2 to $5 per night – and should be left on the nightstand or pillow.

In Western and Southern Europe, tips are not expected due to wages being higher for hotel workers, but a tip of $1 to $2 a night will not be unwelcome, and in China tipping is not customary and may cause unnecessary confusion as to why the tip is left.

In general, I try to check on the customs of the place I am visiting, and if someone does bring my luggage to my hotel room – I always feel obliged to give a tip no matter where I'm staying.

Feeling Pressure to Tip

The pressure is real here

Sometimes I feel like a Hamlet-like customer at my time to pay at the counter – To tip, or not to tip? That is the question! This becomes even more of a dilemma especially at counters in a variety of establishments when the cashier is waiting for you as the screen appears to request a tip at varying percentages or no tip, and sometimes they turn the screen with tipping options in order for you to see it.

In what circle of hell has this situation been devised? This person is waiting to see if I tip or not. There is no more awkward ten seconds in my daily life. If I hit one of the tip percentages, I'm going to walk away feeling cheated. If I hit on "No Tip," then I'm going to feel like Scrooge. Oh, this is just simply madness personified.

What to Do Going Forward

I'm not sure that I know what to do moving forward. Even when I order a meal to be delivered, the person on the phone will ask, "Do you want to include a tip?" I always say, "No, I will tip at delivery." If I place the order online, that tip box pops up as always, and I hit "No Tip." When the order arrives, I always give the tip in cash, and I see delivery people smiling, so I think that's appreciated.

I just think that something has to give. I believe in tipping in the proper places at the appropriate times, but what's happening now seems like a tipping epidemic, and I'm feeling like a victim. It's so pervasive right now that it seems like there's no turning back.

The Brown Bag Prescription

My lunch option now

After much contemplation, I could only think of one thing to do – the brown bag prescription. When I go to work, I bring my lunch in a brown bag just like a kid going to school. If I go to a park or the pool, the brown bag is coming with me. This way I don't have to face that awful situation of the electronic screen with tip suggestions.

I encourage you try the brown bag prescription. At least you know the food is what you like and made the way you like it. There's nothing wrong with that!

* Please watch this video about how Americans feel about tipping!

FIFA 2026 World Cup – The USMNT Eliminated with 4-1 Loss to Belgium

2026-07-07T10:36:02.257-07:00

USMNT players stunned by loss

I had on my USA jersey and the popcorn was all popped. I foolishly sat down and wanted to watch the the U.S. Men's National Team (USMNT) plow their way into the quarter finals to play against Spain. I was all in and excited about them defeating Belgium and then moving on. How naive was I to think that would happen? Well, up until this point I had no reason to doubt that it would happen as I envisioned.

In front of a capacity crowd at Lumen Field in Seattle, head coach Mauricio Pochettino's team unraveled before his obviously stunned eyes as the they made severe defensive blunders and individual lapses that defied expectations. This cut their previously exciting tournament run short of the quarterfinals for what would have been a repeat visit like in 2022.

Key Match Moments

- Belgium's Charles De Ketelaere scored the first point at the 9-minute mark.

- USMNT's Malik Tillman tied the score with a free kick at 31-minute mark.

- A little more than a minute later, De Ketelaere struck again giving his team a lead they would not relinquish.

Freese can't believe what he did!

- In the most disastrous moment for USMNT, goalkeeper Matt Freese inexplicably abandoned the goal to try to control the ball, setting up an easy goal for Belgium's Hans Vaneken at the 57- minute mark

- The coup de grace happened when Belgium's Romelu Lukaku scored the final goal, shoving a dagger into the USMNT's players and fans' hearts.

The Balogun Controversy

Before the match even started, something weighed heavily upon the USMNT in the form of the Folarin Balogun red card incident. Balogun had received a red card in the match against Bosnia Herzegovina – which meant that he would have an automatic suspension.

Reviewing the video over and over again, I had a hard time believing that this play – involving Balogun stepping on his opponent's ankle – happened deliberately. There is even video footage of a previous match in the tournament showing Argentina's Lionel Messi doing basically the same thing, and he received no penalty.

Check out this video to compare the Messi play with Balogun's red card moment. What do you think?

United States President Donald J, Trump made a phone call to FIFA to ask for the play to be reviewed. In a highly unprecedented move, FIFA overturned the suspension clearing Balogun to play in the match against Belgium. Ironically, his presence barely had an impact on the game making the decision to allow him to play seem meaningless.

I'm sure if Balogun had a greater impact on the outcome of the game that Belgium would have protested his presence.

Moving Forward in the Tournament

At this point, the host countries – the United States, Canada, and Mexico – are out of the tournament. Belgium moves on to meet Spain in the quarterfinals – a match that would have proved to be a significant challenge for the USMNT.

I still would have liked to see my team take on Spain, but I have now no interest in that match between Belgium and Spain in Los Angeles on Friday. My focus will now be to follow Argentina and root for Messi and company to head to the finals.

Final Thoughts

Disappointed fans processing the loss

The USMNT had a great run and thrilled American fans along the way. This was a disappointing loss, and I know loyal fans including me feel like our bubbles have burst.

I believe this World Cup being played in North America has brought a new awareness about the sport to a wider audience – especially a wider American audience. That is good for the sport and good for Americans as well.

*Please check out this video regarding the USMNT's loss to Belgium.

Happy Birthday America – Some Ways to Celebrate the 250th Anniversary This Fourth of July

2026-07-01T17:23:13.387-07:00

There's something about birthdays that are very personal. When you were born is important in every person's life, and your identity is framed by when – and where – you were born. Some of us identify with the month and day we were born as a badge of honor – saying I'm a proud Virgo, for example. But what about our country?

The United States will celebrate its 250th Anniversary/Birthday – it's called the Semiquincentennial to be official about things. This day marks the signing of the Declaration of Independence – a document that is as significant as any ever produced in history. So, to start your celebration, that is the first stop on your journey this Fourth of July.

The Declaration of Independence

The Declaration of Independence

This document is our document – it is both personal and collective. While we love celebrating our own birthdays, and they are distinctly ours, July 4 is jointly celebrated by all Americans, and The Declaration of Independence was the catalyst to spark our path to freedom. It is our birthright, and it is unlike any other document ever created.

Spelling and punctuation are unique in this document, but that matters less than what the words mean. Freedom! Justice! Liberty! These are big ideas and necessarily and compellingly explored in the document. So, your first order of business is to read it now!

If you want to see it in person – which should be a pilgrimage for every American at least one time – you can find it displayed in the Rotunda at the National Archives Museum in Washington D.C.

Sail 4th 250 in NYC

To celebrate America's 250th Anniversary, there will be the largest maritime parade ever of tall ships from around the world. These majestic and beautiful ships will be seen entering New York Harbor.

Sale 4th 250

There are also free tickets available for tours of the ships. They will be located in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Staten Island. It is strongly advised to get your tickets online because the demand is expected to be heavy. Get your tickets here ASAP!

MACY'S 50th Annual Fireworks Display in NYC

There is nothing like MACY'S July Fourth fireworks display. The viewing is free, but the crowds are always overwhelming. The fireworks can be seen along the East River, by the Brooklyn Bridge, and also along the Hudson River. If you've never seen this impressive display of fireworks accompanied by great music, you owe it to yourself to not miss it.

Times Square Ball Drop in NYC

If you have watched the ball in Times Square drop on New Year's Eve on TV, this is an event you won't want to miss.

For the first time in history the ball will drop on a night other than New Year's Eve. It will drop eight times on July 3-4, 2026, to mark all American time zones' celebrations of the 250th Anniversary! Check out how you can watch it live here.

America's Time Capsule in Philadelphia

On Saturday, July 4, 2026, America's Time Capsule will be dedicated at Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Led by America250, the goal is to preserve a look at life in America in 2026.

The capsule will be buried in Independence National Historic Park, where it will remain for 250 years. It will be opened in 2276 as a gift for future generations to understand what life was like at this moment in our history.

July 4 Benefit Show in Los Angeles

America's Block Party in LA

Celebrate America's 250th Anniversary in Los Angeles with "America's Block Party Benefit Giving 4th" hosted by Queen Latifah. You will be able to see The Smashing Pumpkins, Chris Stapleton, Chaka Khan, and Anthony Ramos live at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

Explore America's Block Party to find celebrations in your area, and if you're excited about the idea, you can even host your own block party. America250 wants to connect as many Americans as possible to celebrate this event.

They are striving for "350 for 250" – the goal is to connect all 350 million Americans for the celebration on July 4th, 2026.

Salute to America 250 Aviation Spectacle in Washington D.C.

Blue Angels Will Participate

Salute to America 250 will feature the most complex and entertaining aviation show in American history. The skies above the National Mall in Washington D.C. will be transformed into a demonstration performed by America's best military pilots.

The aerial program will feature flyovers and fleet reviews of planes from every branch of service. The celebration on the ground will include live stage moments, patriotic music, and ceremonial moments throughout the day.

For more information, check here for the official Salute to America 250 website.

Other Events in Washington D.C. on July 4th

The National Independence Day Parade will start at 10:30 AM. There will be marching bands, military units, and floats going along Constitution Avenue. For more details check here.

State Fair on the National Mall

The Great American State Fair continues running on the National Mall. There will be music, food tents, and interactive exhibits. It will open for visitors at 1 PM on July 4th.

Main Stage Concert and Speakers will begin at 7:00 PM with music from the Joint Armed Forces Orchestra followed by speakers including President Donald Trump.

Guinness World Record Fireworks will be a massive fireworks display and aerial drone performances that will be the largest of its kind in history, and this will conclude the day's activities.

The Verdict

I give all these terrific events 5 out of 5 stars! July 4th, 2026, is going to be a memorable day for all Americans and all foreign visitors who happen to be here during this historic time.

I've covered events in New York City, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, and Washington D.C. in this post, but there is also so much more going on all across the country. Please check here for the full calendar of scheduled events.

Happy Fourth of July to everyone! I hope you enjoy the day and make memories that last forever!

FIFA 2026 World Cup – Celebrate with New LEGO Sets

2026-06-29T16:34:25.220-07:00

I went to the mall this past weekend, and like I always do, I checked out the LEGO store to see what is new, and what to my wondering eyes did appear – brand new LEGO sets celebrating the FIFA 2026 World Cup competition!

While I was delightfully surprised to find the sets, I have to say that I was a little disappointed that I did not have advanced notice about these sets. Being a loyal LEGO VIP card holder for many years, I thought that I should have been sent an email announcing these sets weeks ago.

Thanks to my forgiving nature and love of LEGO, I put these feelings aside and decided to enjoy the moment and get some of the great sets that are currently available – there are 11 sets in all, but I am just including my personal favorites here. You can look at all the sets that are available at LEGO.com.

My Favorite LEGO 2026 World Cup Sets

LEGO Editions FIFA 2026 World Cup Official Trophy (43020) $199.00

Official Trophy with hidden figure

The size of this 2,842-piece set says it all – it's huge like the competition itself. Standing 14.5 inches tall and consisting of special molded golden bricks, it has the size and heft befitting the real thing. Oh, and there is special feature – a hidden 2026 World Cup mini-figure holding a small World Cup

I'd say this one is my favorite, and it is the essential one for your collection. Think about how great it will look on display surrounded by the other sets!

FYI - this set is only available for backorder now.

Official Emblem Wall Art

LEGO Editions FIFA 2026 World Cup Official Emblem (43032) $24.99

If you want the cup for a lesser price, this 298-piece set is a good option for you. It will display nicely on the wall above the other World Cup sets that you are displaying.

Lego Editions Soccer Ball (43019) $129.99

Soccer Ball with micro stadium

This 1,498-piece set is a collector's dream. It's based on size 5 soccer ball used in official games. Inside there is a micro stadium scene!

I'm definitely starting my 2026 World Cup display with this ball and the trophy in the middle of the table!

Lego Editions U.S. Soccer Team Jersey (43033) $24.99

The U.S. jersey set

For those of you who are rooting for the home team – I'm definitely watching all the U.S. Team matches – this is the set for you. Reasonably priced too!

This 167-piece set features the team jersey and two players. You can customize your design with any numbers – 0-99 – to make the set your own. Great for display on your wall next to your World Cup Emblem set!

Player Sets

LEGO Editions Lionel Messi - Celebration (43018) $199.99

This set has 1,427 pieces and becomes a 3D colorful wall art showing Messi in his signature move of pointing to the sky – after he scores a goal it's a way to honor his late grandmother – and he is seen against a colorful jersey background.

Messi Legend set

LEGO Editions Lionel Messi - Soccer Legend (43015) $79.99

This 958-piece set gives you two building options – Messi pointing to the sky or dribbling the ball across the pitch.

Lego Editions Cristiano Ronaldo - Soccer Legend (43016) $79.99

You get 854 pieces for this set that also allows you to pose Ronaldo in two positions – his famous "Siuuu" celebration or making a mid-air kick.

The Verdict

All the sets are exciting, colorful, and bring your favorite players to you. These and other sets that are available allow you to enjoy the World Cup experience while participating in some fun builds along the way.

These are my favorite LEGO Editions 2026 World Cup sets. There are more to choose from. Get your favorite ones today!

*Please check out this video which includes all the LEGO Editions 2026 World Cup sets but also shows you how long it takes to build each one. Enjoy!

FIFA World Cup – Argentina's Lionel Messi Makes History with Record Breaking Goals

2026-06-24T17:36:38.760-07:00

I have been trying to keep up with so many matches in FIFA's World Cup broadcasts, but I have to admit to focusing on two aspects of the tournament – watching the USA team matches and the Argentina team matches.

In the first case I'm watching because I'm rooting for my country's team. Up to this point, the USA team has done better than I think many people suspected. The team has won two matches in the group stage and has never been in this position before. They are heading to the knockout rounds, and I'm very happy about that.

As for the Argentina team, I'm watching because I want to see Lionel Messi play. Argentina has also won two matches in the group stage and is heading for the knockout rounds. Messi leads his team with talent and style, and watching him play is a lesson of infinite grace. He is just a joy to watch.

How Lionel Messi Made History

Messi after scoring his record goals

During the first half of Argentina's match against Austria in Dallas, Texas, Messi kicked his 17th World Cup goal to give his team a 1-0 lead. This makes Messi the all-time men's FIFA World Cup goalscorer, breaking the Miroslav Klose's long held record of 16 World Cup goals.

In the second half, Messi scored another goal giving him 18 goals in World Cup matches. This certainly proves the Messi is the GOAT in the sport of soccer/football. At 38 years old, he seems certainly still at the top of his game and is making each match he plays an exciting experience.

Lionel Messi's Humble Beginning

Lionel Andres Messi was born on June 24, 1987, in Rosario, Argentina, raised by his working-class parents Jorge and Celia who were from Spanish and Italian families. He grew up in a football loving atmosphere, and Lionel developed a love of the sport early in his life.

At the age of four he joined a local boys' team that was coached by his father. His maternal grandmother (also named Celia) would always go to watch him training and his matches. She died when he was 11, and Lionel was affected by her loss. Until this day, when Lionel scores a goal he looks up and points to the sky as a tribute to his grandmother.

A Health Challenge

A young Messi loved soccer

At the age of 10, Lionel was diagnosed with growth hormone deficiency, threatening his future as a professional player. He began growth hormone therapy when he was 11 years old. His father's health plan only covered the regimen for two years, and after that they struggled to find ways to pay for it because it was expensive.

One of Lionel's coaches at the time, Adrain Coria, said of him, "He's a dwarf; he's too fragile." But the man recognized his talent overcame any deficiency in height. Coria realized that size meant nothing compared to Lionel's abilities and drive for success.

The Napkin Contract

Messi usually kicks with his left foot

The Messi family had relatives in Spain, so they brought Lionel there to Catalonia when he was 13 for a trial with Barcelona. First team director Carles Rexach wanted to sign him immediately, but he got pushback from the board of directors because it was unusual to sign a foreign player at such a young age.

On December 14, 2000, the Messi family pushed for Rexach to make a commitment or they would move on to look for other opportunities for Lionel. Rexach wanted to seal the deal, but had no paper with him at the time, so he wrote a contract on a paper napkin. In February 2001, the Messi family relocated to Barcelona. The rest, as it is often said, is history – Lionel Messi again and again proving Rexach right for believing in him.

Barcelona

Messi makes an impression on the pitch!

Messi made his debut on Barcelona's first team on October 16, 2004, at 17 years old. He scored his first goal May 1, 2005, making him the youngest scorer for the team at that time. He was the youngest player to represent Barcelona, and the club won the league title that season.

When Messi turned 18, he signed his first senior league contract. As he continued to impress on the pitch, his contract was extended to 2010. A few months later, as Messi consistently amazed fans and team officials, his contract was extended to 2014 and his salary was doubled. Messi was on his way to fame and fortune.

Becoming a Legend

Messi celebrates his fourth Ballon d'Or

During the 2012-2013 season, Messi became Barcelona's all-time top scorer, and he surpassed Gerd Muller for most goals scored in a calendar year. Messi won the FIFA Ballon d'Or for the fourth time, becoming the first player to achieve this accomplishment.

Messi signed a new contract that kept him with Barcelona until 2018, and he wore the captain's armband for the first time. He was the top scorer in Spain and Europe for the second straight year, and he also became the first player to win the European Golden Shoe for the third time.

Paris-St. Germain

After making his farewells in Barcelona, Messi joined Ligue 1 Paris-St. Germain for a two-year contract 2021-2023. He chose the number 30 for his uniform – which was the number he first wore with Barcelona. Although the team won the league title, Messi had disappointing season that saw him score just 6 goals.

Ronaldo and Messi with awards

Messi had a much better 2022-2023 season, and during a match against Nice scored his 702nd goal. He surpassed Cristiano Ronaldo as the all-time highest goalscorer in European club football. At the end of the season he had 21 goals and highest number of assists with 16, which helped PSG clinch its second straight Ligue 1 title. At the end of the season Messi decided not to renew his contract.

Inter Miami CF

On July 15, 2023, Major League Soccer (MLS) team Miami CF announced that Messi had signed a contract with them. Messi's pay set an MLS record at $50 million. Messi's arrival in the United States raised the popularity of the sport in the country, and also brought awareness of the MLS abroad.

Messimania in Miami

Messi's presence on the Miami team immediately brought results – the club's games were being sold out. Messi's number 10 jersey was the best-selling jersey in the league and very popular around the world. The excitement and attention on him began being called Messimania! Of course, Messi was named team captain, and he led the team to their first trophy in the Leagues Cup final, but disappointingly they missed the MLS playoffs.

By March 2026, Messi was reportedly earning $70 million to $80 million based upon his salary and other compensation. On March 18, 2026, Messi scored his 900th career goal, making him only the second player to achieve this after Cristiano Ronaldo.

What a Career!

Messi the Great!

Now, as we enjoy watching him in the World Cup matches, we can understand how Messi's legend continues to grow. Though he is short in stature, it has never impeded his playing ability. He overcame illness and height concerns to become one of the greatest players the game has ever seen.

I hope you continue to enjoy watching Lionel Messi in the World Cup matches, as well as all the other contests that are being broadcast by FOX here in the United States.

Please check out this video of Messi kicking his history making goal.

Amazon's 'Spider-Noir' Series – A Darkly Funny Comic Delight

2026-06-20T07:45:54.522-07:00

In case you didn't know it, the Nicolas Cage led series Spider-Noir on Amazon Prime is just what you need – that is if your a fan of Cage's work (which I most definitely am) and of the era of the 1940s-1950s world of film noir classics like White Heat and The Lady from Shanghai. Both of these films get referenced in scenes in the series, which I appreciate because it shows an awareness of their influence on culture and film overall.

Spider-Noir is based on the comic book series Spider-Man Noir (2008-2018) created by David Hine and Fabrice Sapolsky, giving the story a 1930s Great Depression setting. In this universe Peter Parker works for newspaper reporter Ben Urich, and he gets his powers by being bitten by an ancient spider god.

Spider-Noir was developed by Oren Uziel for Prime, making The Spider an aging superhero named Ben Reilly. Uziel and fellow showrunner Steve Lightfoot were able to secure screen legend Nicolas Cage as the lead actor, and this is the first time Cage has played a lead role in a television series.

World Weary Anti-Hero

Cage plays Ben Reilly – a down and almost out private detective that would have found himself right at home in Humphrey Bogart's films. Reilly is more like a mixture of Sam Spade and Groucho Marx – his comic timing is awesome and yet Cage adds dramatic gravitas that gives substance to the proceedings.

Ben is always supported by Janet

Ben is truly a mess, but he is eeking out a living. Supported by his loyal and loving secretary Janet Ruiz (played by a terrific Karen Rodriguez), Ben tries to do the right thing even though the dangerous world of this alternate New York 1930s universe is making that very difficult.

Robbie helps Ben with his cases

Ben once was The Spider – New York City's only superhero – who kept crime down and cops honest. Since Ben put away the costume, the gangs and crime have gotten out of control, and many of the cops – including Police Chief McNamara (Randy Olgesby) – are in the pocket of the local gang kingpin. His reporter friend Robbie Robertson (a hilarious Lamorne Morris) keeps encouraging him to get back to web slinging, but Ben is reluctant after he lost the love of his life Ruby (Amanda Schull) for which he blames his Spider persona.

Ben Gets Some Work

An older chubby man named Carmedy (Brian Howe) hires Ben because he suspects his younger wife of infidelity. Ben sees her picture and questions why the beautiful young woman would be married to the man. He is also hired by a secretive man named Winston (Lukas Haas) to find a man named Jimmy Addison (Jack Mikesell) who is a known criminal. Ben takes the cases because he hasn't had one in a while, and Janet hasn't been paid and has a hungry husband back home.

Addison displays his powers

At the Redcliff Hotel, Ben spies on the wife who seems to be having an affair with the city's Mayor Morris (Michael Kostroff), but he gets entangled with another P.I. named Donegal (Cameron Britton) who is also looking for Addison. As they both chase the target, Addison displays an ability to set himself on fire, but Donegal shoots and kills him before he can inflict any damage.

The Femme Fatale

Femme fatale Cat Hardy

As Bogey would know intimately what to do, Ben seems oblivious to the fact that a beautiful woman wanting to pay him for a job usually means trouble. Into Ben's office walks a gorgeous woman named Cat Hardy (Li Jun Li). Cat wants Ben to find her missing boyfriend Flint Marko (Jack Huston). Ben recognizes her as the "wife" that he was following at the Redcliff who had been in the room with the mayor the night before.

Kingpin gangster Silvermane

Ben takes the case because she gives him a large retainer, but he is leery of her and then learns that she is a nightclub singer at the Alcove, a place run by the city's biggest gangster Silverman (enthusiastically played by the always excellent Brendan Gleeson).

How He Became The Spider

In a flashback we see Ben as an officer in World War I leading a group of soldiers to liberate a POW camp. After an intense battle, Ben and others find a ward where German scientists were conducting experiments on the American prisoners.

Ben and the other soldiers are shocked by the horrors of what they discover in the ward. Ben tries to help one patient who he realizes is mutating into a spider. Before he can do anything, the creature bites Ben in the arm. This is how he gains his spider powers, but unlike others like Marko (who becomes Sandman), he is not adversely affected in other ways.

Other Victims of German Experiments

Sandman and Tombstone

Ben learns that Addison, Marko, Lonnie Lincoln (Abraham Popoola) who becomes the super strong Tombstone, and Dirk Leyden (Andrew Lewis Caldwell) who can generate electricity as Megawatt, were all victims in the German experiments and liberated from the camp.

All of them were treated at a clinic by a Dr. Faber (Amy Aquino), and he decides to get into her office to investigate her files. He believes she is somehow connected to the mutations because only the vets who visited her have been adversely affected.

The rest of the way is spoiler territory, but I will say that Ben does put on The Spider costume again to try to battle the gangsters and the mutated veterans who are now working for them.

Overall Experience

Great credit has to be given to Uziel and Lightfoot for crafting a visually beautiful look at 1930s New York. The number of period automobiles and other vehicles, the rainswept streets, the gritty alleys, and the old subway cars help create the essence of the time and place.

Megawatt battles The Spider

Though the story is about our superhero and supervillains that he fights, gang kingpin Silverman and his crew of dirty rotten mobsters are also a factor. All of the characters are wonderfully realized, and there is an atmosphere of the slick, dark, and tenuous world that rings true.

In this world, cigarette smoke is clouding the rooms, and no matter where anyone goes someone is pouring whiskey into a glass. Sunlight creeps through Venetian blinds and shadows darken corners where danger lurks. Seduction, betrayal, and moral ambiguity abound, and the idea of love seems something that is in short supply.

Ben

Ben drowning his sorrows

Of course, all of this would not work if not for Cage's amazing performance as Ben/The Spider. He has enough ticks to populate a rose garden, and he is always grabbing a whiskey bottle and lighting up a smoke. He plays Ben like the classic film noir hero – cynical, tired, and almost about to give up – yet he keeps finding a reason to go on and make a difference in this bleak world because no else can.

The Verdict

Spider-Noir is an excellent experience – for eight incredible episodes you will feel like you've been submerged in the film noir world. When I watched the last few minutes of the last episode, I was sorry that the show was over, but look for a subtle hint that there seems like that there is more Reilly and Ruiz to come.

I give Spider-Noir 4.5 stars out of 5 stars!

Fun Fact: Amazon gives you a choice to watch the series in either Authentic Black and White or True-Hue Full Color. After watching the first episode in color, I switched to black and white, and it did feel more authentic – like I was watching the old great film noir movies like Double Indemnity or The Maltese Falcon. I highly suggest that you do the same.

Please check out the trailer for Spider-Noir.

FIFA World Cup – Why Do Americans Call the Game Soccer?

2026-06-16T16:26:24.261-07:00

Having traveled rather extensively when I was younger, I was always asked many questions about home (New York City/the United States), and invariably one question that always came up is this – why do Americans call football soccer when most of the world calls it football?

Of course, at the time I would just say that we had the game of American football, so that it made sense that we wouldn't call another game "football" because that would be confusing. I did believe at the time that was the reason, but it is much more complex than that.

The Word "Soccer" Comes from Great Britain

The word "soccer" has British origins.

In the 1800s in Great Britain, there were two games of football that were very popular. There was Rugby Football (played with a ball that looks remarkably similar to the one that is used in American football today) and Association Football (played with what looks like a soccer ball today).

To make a distinction between the two sports, elite university students started calling Association Football "assoccer." This was eventually shortened to the word "soccer." I know it seems unbelievable, but Americans did not come up with the word. The British did!

American Games

A typical NFL game

Across the pond during this time, Americans were developing their own games of baseball and football. Their football game became a combination of British rugby and soccer. This would evolve into the game we know as American Football.

Since this game wasn't rugby or soccer, it was called football. While soccer players use their feet to move the ball – making the name football make sense –- American football involves minimal use of the foot.

Use of Feet in American Football

Player kicking a field goal

While the majority of the time in the National Football League (NFL) a football is thrown by a quarterback or passed to a receiver, the feet are used in several ways. One team kicks off to another team to start the game and second half. If a team is not going for a touchdown (6 points), it can kick for a field goal (3 points). The team can kick for an extra point after a touchdown. Teams also punt the ball if they are on the fourth down to get the ball to the other team.

Most of the time the ball is transferred by hands, and the receiver holds the football and runs with it to gain yards toward what will hopefully be touchdown. It is understandable why people in other countries don't know why we call the sport football, but feet are used in some important aspects of the game.

The FIFA World Cup

It's called football for most of the world

The FIFA World Cup of Football (Soccer) has increasingly drawn interest in the United States over the years. This year there is a good deal more attention being paid since a number of the matches are taking place in the United States.

Whether you call it football or soccer, the game is the most popular sport on Earth. There are approximately 3.5 to 4 billion soccer fans in the world. The FIFA World Cup is the most watched sporting event in the world.

Soccer in the United States

When I was a kid, I had no exposure to soccer at all. None of my friends had a soccer ball. We always tried out for baseball, basketball, or football teams. Some kids went in for swimming, and a few went for tennis lessons.

Probably the biggest reason we were not interested in soccer was the lack of it being on broadcast TV. I was told by someone who worked for a network that soccer was a hard sell because of two long halves with minimal breaks. Since television networks make money on advertising, there were not enough opportunities for commercial breaks the way there are with other American sports where there are innings, time outs, and quarters.

Kids Love Soccer

In the USA little kids like soccer

The truth is I only got into soccer when my kids started playing. I enjoyed going to their practices and matches. It does seem like many kids like mine play soccer when they're younger, but they are more likely to go in for the popular American sports by the time they get to high school.

Rating Show Things Will Change

With the exposure to soccer coming from the World Cup having some matches played in the United States, there is a chance that soccer will increase in its popularity here. I plan to watch the matches that interest me most, and many Americans are doing the same thing.

For the United States vs. Paraguay (US won 4-1) match on FOX – the English-speaking World Cup television rightsholder in the United States – had 16 million viewers tuned in (on average) over the night, with viewership peaking at around 19 million late in the second half.

The Spanish-language U.S. broadcast on Telemundo and Peacock added another 9 million viewers, bringing the total figure for the match to around 25 million domestically.

Hopefully, these matches will increase the exposure of the sport and awareness of its world wide popularity. So, sit back, and enjoy some matches. Whether you call it soccer or football, it is an exciting game to watch on TV or in person.

Please check out this video that explains why we call football "soccer" in a fun way.

John Lennon's Drawings for The Beatles' "I Feel Fine" – The First Music Video!

2026-06-14T08:13:03.729-07:00

Imagine meeting one of the Beatles and ending up becoming a collaborator with him. That is what happened to Stephen Verona. "I met John Lennon in London while directing a commercial," Verona recalled in an interview.

He went on to say, "We started doodling drawings on a table, and I suggested making a film from them." These doodlings would go on to be featured in the Beatles' first animated music video for the song "I Feel Fine."

First Music Video

"Basically, 'I Feel Fine' was Rock 'n Roll's first music video," Roag Best – founder of the Liverpool Beatles Museum – told Local TV Liverpool. It's not surprising considering the Beatles were innovators when it came to creating their music and then promoting it.

O'Donnell with the drawings

A Lucky Collector

Recently, collector Joseph O'Donnell acquired ten of the Verona and Lennon's original drawings at an auction where there was no one making a big deal about them. "I'm a big Beatles fan," O'Donnell said in an interview, and he was happy to loan them to the Liverpool Beatles Museum for a summer showcase.

Why did O' Donnell make the purchase? He said, "It's nice to have something that is artwork, that you put on the wall." Of course not many people can say they have original drawings from a Beatle hanging in their home.

Verona's Career

As for Verona, the film for "I Feel Fine" was screened at international film festivals, and he went on to make a career in Hollywood working with other musicians like Barbara Streisand, Roberta Flack, and the band Chicago. He also wrote scripts for movies and continued working as a painter and photographer. Verona held onto his copies of the original drawings until 2000, when he sold them through Christie's Auction House for $59,000.

Visitors at Liverpool Beatles Museum

Plan to Sell Drawings

O'Donnell also plans to sell his drawings after they are displayed in the museum over the summer. I would expect they will go for a lot more money than what Verona got for his drawings in the year 2000.

As an avid Beatles fan myself, I am always in awe of anything that is still out there and discovered anew. I cannot imagine no one making a big deal about old drawings connected to the Beatles. It makes me wonder what else can be out there that hasn't been discovered yet.

Can there be something in your attic or garage? A friend of mine found old 8mm movies of the Beatles at Shea Stadium in the basement when he moved into a new house. So, don't be afraid to explore all the places in your home, especially basements, attics, and garages. You never know what may turn up.

The Beatles Legacy

This story proves that the Beatles' legacy is everlasting. Besides the band's impact on culture and fashion, the thing I value most is their music. Fans of all ages have that to appreciate forevermore.

Please check out the music video for "I Feel Fine" (original title "She Said So") below.

MLB's Automatic Ball-Strike System – The Rise of the Machines?

2026-06-08T16:54:33.006-07:00

If you're a Major League Baseball (MLB) fan, you must have formed an opinion by now about the implementation of the Automatic Ball-Strike system (ABS) this season. My feelings about it were initially mixed – if a call went my team's (NY Mets) way, I was happy with it, but when it went against my team I hated it. Now that we've reached June, I've decided that I dislike it altogether no matter how the call goes.

What is ABS?

What the ABS looks like on TV

ABS stands for Automatic Ball-Strike system. It allows players to challenge the home plate umpire's call of balls and strikes. The system uses Hawk-eye cameras and T-Mobile's 5G technology. This allows for precise tracking of the pitched ball to determine whether it is a ball or strike. The goal of using the system is to provide an opportunity to question a human umpire's decision if it seems that it is incorrect.

How It Works?

Each team starts the game with two challenges. If the challenge shows a call is incorrect – say the human umpire's call of a strike is determined to be a ball – the call is overturned and the team retains the right to challenge another call. If the human umpire's call is found to be correct, the call stands and that team loses the ability to challenge during the rest of the game.

If the game goes into extra innings, each team is awarded an additional challenge. The idea behind this is that most players are using the challenge based on the notion that the game is nine innings long. Players cannot be expected to hold onto a challenge for extra innings when there is a reasonable assumption that the game will only go nine innings.

Who Challenges the Call?

Player tapping his helmet signal

The pitcher, catcher, and batter are the only players who can challenge a ball or strike call for an ABS system check. The players involved must tap the top of their hat or helmet within two seconds of the pitch being thrown. This is a signal to the umpire that they want the system to check the accuracy of the call.

This is an important aspect of the use of the system because it is immediate in nature. A player has little or no time to check with the manager in the dugout, so it is on the player to make a split second decision about making a challenge that perhaps can change the outcome of the game.

Juan Soto of the NY Mets

There is a consideration of a discussion before a game between the manager and players about who can make a call. For an example using my Mets, manager Carlos Mendoza might want a star player like Juan Soto to be the one to challenge a call over rookies Carson Benge and A.J. Ewing. There's a distinct possibility that this happens.

Immediate Visual Availability

Umpire checking ABS challenge

Once the challenge is made, the challenged pitch appears (which includes a strike zone box and the ball) on stadium video screen and on the television broadcast of the game. The system shows exactly where the pitch crossed through the strike zone – allowing people in the stadium and watching at home to see whether the ball is inside or outside of the box.

The ABS Strike Zone

While the human umpire's strike zone can vary every time a pitch is thrown, the ABS calculates the strike zone with accuracy for each individual hitter. Each player is measured during spring training with a player standing up straight without wearing shoes.

The top of the zone is set by using the player's height as is the bottom of the zone. This makes the system player specific, and there's nothing arbitrary about it. It will be the same unique zone every time for each player, so this makes it seem like it is the perfect technology solution to the varying human umpire's strike zone liabilities.

The Red Flags

A home plate umpire

My number one red flag is the umpires of the game. Umpires – and all their human fragility – have been a part of the game since baseball began in 1876. Now, even though I've seen some umpires make bad calls, the majority are hard working people who want to get their calls right.

ABS has umpires worried about the future. As I mention in the title of this article using a Terminator movie title, the rise of the machines is scary in baseball too. The ABS can make an umpire look bad, and in some cases – with an extremely wrong umpire call – it can humiliate them. Imagine having a job performance review available in seconds in front of 50,000 fans in the stadium and millions of fans on TV. That does not seem appropropriate.

Player arguing a call with human ump

There are also those baseball enthusiasts who enjoy when a bad call results in an argument between a player and umpire or the manager and umpire. This is all about human nature, and there is something about seeing a player or manager letting off steam that is cathartic because they are expressing what the fans are feeling. The ABS unrelentingly steals these memorable moments from us.

Fear of Expansion

The embarrassment of umpires is bad enough, but the talk of inevitable expansion – and I've heard about this on talk radio, read about it online, and have had discussions in person – is that MLB will eventually expand ABS to cover every pitch of every game. In this NY Times article, you can get an idea about how players and managers feel about going full ABS – meaning many of them are not happy about every pitch being electronically tracked.

If we have no umpire behind the plate at some point in time, what will happen to the other umpires on the field? Will the ABS ever be crew chief for a game – the crew chief is the most senior umpire on the field for a game. Over time it could happen that the ABS would be more senior than new umpires, so how would that work exactly?

Are there Robo-umpires in our future?

If they can replace the home plate umpire, will the other umpires be next on the list? Will we face a time when we have a full robotic umpire crew – meaning robots at first, second, and third base too. How does a manager or player argue with a robot? Wouldn't the robots always be right?

Moving Forward

As mentioned previously in this article, I was initially okay with ABS in its limited capacity in MLB as it is now; however, my opinion has changed. The human factor has always been important in the game of baseball, and ABS diminishes that more that it should be doing.

A lot has changed in MLB over the years – for example, I still hate the designated hitter – but at least a DH is a human being. I don't think we want baseball to ever become a game where the rules are enforced by robots. If that happens, will robotic players be the next step forward? That will ruin the game beyond repair because robots don't go on injury lists and don't need to be paid, and they would break every record because they could play for an infinite amount of seasons.

I wouldn't watch that kind of game. Would you? I'm worried about your answers more than you can know.

Please check out this video for a very concise explanation of the ABS system.

TV Review: Netflix's 'The Boroughs' – A Senior Citizen Version of 'Stranger Things'

2026-06-06T07:49:08.825-07:00

I will say this immediately – I loved this series! I will also admit that the executive producers of Netflix's The Boroughs are The Duffer Brothers – creators of the juggernaut television series Stranger Things, so it is not surprising that I am connecting the two series as kindred spirits.

The big differences between the two series relate to time, locations, and characters. Stranger Things focuses on a group of young people dealing with extraordinary circumstances in Hawkins, Indiana, during the 1980s. The Boroughs deals with a group of senior citizens dealing with extraordinary circumstances in The Boroughs, a seemingly perfect retirement community in the New Mexico desert during the present day.

The First Victim

The story begins on a very idyllic night in The Boroughs. Elderly Grace (Dee Wallace) is having a quiet evening at home. She speaks on an iPad to her husband Edward (Ed Begley Jr.) who is apparently in a facility and struggling with dementia. She promises him that she will see him tomorrow, even though he wants to see her right away.

Grace hears a noise and checks around the house. She opens the front door to look outside in hopes of figuring out what is happening, and she is promptly entangled in tentacles and dragged back into the house. This incomprehensible moment leaves us wondering what happened with no explanation.

A Grieving Man

Sam wonders if he's losing it

It is made clear that a good amount time passes after Grace's incident, and we see the recently widowed and still grieving Sam Cooper (an outstanding Alfred Molina) moving into what was Grace's house. He is there reluctantly because his daughter Claire (Jena Malone) can no longer handle him being at home. Sam does not want to be there, but Claire has signed a contract and used all of his savings to purchase the property.

Sam is plagued by visions of his dead wife Lilly (Jane Kaczmarek). They are disturbing because they seem so vivid. Now he is in this place unconnected to Lilly, and he feels all alone. Sam believes he must break the contract and get out of there.

He meets a friendly neighbor named Jack Willard (Bill Pullman) who tries to get him to see the good side of the community, and Jack even offers to throw him a welcome barbecue in order for him to meet his neighbors on the cul de sac.

Corporate Office Visit

Blaine and wife Anneliese have a secret

Sam goes to the corporate office to demand a way out of the contract. He meets with Blaine Shaw (Seth Numrich) – the CEO of The Boroughs – and, while he comes off as friendly, there is something about him that Sam doesn't like. Blaine asks Sam to give the place a chance.

Sam also sees some of the worst cases of senior citizens with dementia or other issues who are not able to live in houses. They are kept in a place called The Manor, and Sam gets a bad feeling about that place.

Owl in the Walls

When Sam returns to his house, he finds a visibly disturbed Edward there. Edward is scratching at the walls and trying to find the "owl in the walls." Sam tries to talk calmly with him, but then Edward grabs a kitchen knife and declares that Sam is "one of them." He stabs Sam in the arm, but then security arrives, and Sam receives medical attention. A disturbed Edward is taken back to The Manor.

The Barbecue

Sam bonds with his new neighbors

Jack makes good on his word and throws a party for Sam. Sam gets to meet his neighbors – former doctor Wally (Denis O'Hare), Judy (Alfre Woodard) and her husband Art (Clarke Peters), and Renee (Geena Davis). They are all warm and welcoming, and Sam feels better about the place after meeting the neighbors.

After the party, Sam returns to his house with a different perspective. He calls Blaine and lets him know that he has decided to stay. Blaine seems very pleased to hear this news.

A Disturbing Occurrence

Later on that night, Jack hears an alarm, and then he realizes that it is coming from Jack's house. Sam rushes over there, but the door is locked. He breaks a back window to get into the house. When he walks inside he sees Jack lying on the floor under an obviously alien like creature attacking him. This is how the first episode ends.

A Cover Up

Renee suspects a cover up

When the paramedics come, Jack is dead. They say that Jack died of a heart attack, but Sam explains that a creature attacked Jack. The paramedics and head security guard Hank (a creepy Eric Edelstein) try to dismiss what Sam is saying, but Hank's younger partner Paz (Carlos Miranda) is willing to listen. Renee reports to Paz that quartz items are being stolen all over the community, and she thinks there's a connection to Grace and Jack's deaths.

Making Connections

Sam seeks answers from Edward

Sam goes back to The Manor to talk to Edward about what happened to Jack. Somehow, Edward already knows why Sam came. Edward says, "You caught one!" Sam is shocked. Edward rambles on for a while then he tells Sam, "The owl is in the walls. The key is in the light."

Sam goes back home and searches the house. He finally finds a key to a storage locker in a light fixture. Sam searches the storage locker and finds a large stuffed owl. He disappointedly returns home thinking that Edward didn't know anything about the creature.

A Discovery

Sam is playing around with old televisions sets – he was an engineer and likes to tinker with things. Wally comes by and Sam shows him some inky blood that he found in Jack's house that must have been from the creature that killed Jack. When exposed to the lights from the televisions he's working with, the blood explodes in a burst of energy. Wally says "It's a miracle."

What are these creatures? Why does the staff at The Boroughs downplay what Sam saw? There have been two deaths, but no one seems to care? What's going on here?

The Autopsy

Not satisfied with the official explanation of Jack's cause of death, Wally and Sam decide to find out what really happened. They break into the funeral home in order for Wally to perform an autopsy on Jack. Judy comes in and discovers what they are doing, so now she is involved.

Wally, Sam, and Judy looking for answers

During the examination, Wally discovers puncture marks in the back of Jack's throat that lead directly to his brain. He surmises that the creature killed Jack by sucking out his brain fluid. They figure this is what happened to Grace as well.

They realize that Shaw and his staff are deliberately covering up what these creatures are doing. The question is why are they doing this? Do they not want everyone to find out because the seniors would all want to leave the community? Or is there even a darker motive – are Shaw and company somehow involved with what these creatures are doing for other nefarious purposes?

No Spoilers Here

While the rest of the way is spoiler territory, I can say that we face a similar situation here that the kids deal with in Stranger Things. This time it's a group of fiesty senior citizens that won't take "No" for an answer. They are determined to find out what is going on at The Boroughs.

The Cast

The main characters are all wonderfully realized, with Molina's Sam leading the way. Each one has a moment to shine in different capacities. As the clues add up, they become proactive detectives who are going to solve this puzzle. It's exciting to see the chemistry between the characters – it seems all of the actors are having a great time acting in this series.

The Verdict

I really enjoyed this series. It may be for an older audience, but if young people give it a chance I think they would enjoy the show. Hopefully, the fact that the Duffer brothers are involved will attract a wider viewership.

I give The Boroughs 4.5 out of 5 stars. I highly recommend the series. The episodes are all around 45 minutes long, so I was able to watch all eight episodes over the course of two evenings. So, if this kind of thing matters to you, you'll appreciate that.

Overall, this a very enjoyable series with a satisfying conclusion.

Please check out the trailer for The Boroughs below: