Columns

Appealing music is in the ear of the beholder

It’s often said that music is a “universal” language – generally with lyrics, a melody and beat. That may be true, but not much simultaneously unites and divides Americans as the sound of music.

Mischievous Caught Stealing deserves to catch strays

The premise of Caught Stealing was intriguing enough: A bartender and ex-baseball player (hence the title) — portrayed by rising star Austin Butler — unwittingly gets embroiled in a deal involving mafia and dirty money.

After a half-century, I still follow sports of all sorts

Most sports fans can relate to my conundrum. I have cheered for and followed the same college and pro teams since my childhood in the 1970s. In my particular case — and I would think there are a few of you who can relate or empathize — most of “my” teams have struggled or been underachievers.

What’s brewing? Hot or iced coffee on my watch

Like many journalists, I’m a caffeine addict. My proverbial poisons are coffee, hot or cold, and icy Coke (ideally in a glass bottle). Not a coffee “snob” per se, though I dislike lukewarm cups; my black gold must be hot or purposely iced — even frozen during sweltering summers.

Map That Leads to You circles back to stale

The Map That Leads to You is an August 2025 film that skipped the theater chains to stream online exclusively via Prime Video. The good news: It’s a gorgeous and economical 95 minutes, shot chiefly in Spain and Portugal, under the watchful eyes of longtime Swedish director Lasse Hallstrom.

Aches and pains, like sands through the hourglass

Are you feeling it? I’m feelin’ it, unfortunately. At no time am I reminded more of humans’ mortality than when I get out of bed each morning. I reached the half-century mark quite a few years ago, and rare is the day that I don’t feel the impacts of Father Time.

Skydiver diary

“The hardest part about sky diving is the ground,” instructor Gregory Meyer said. That quip didn't quite land with me while being strapped into a stiff harness and mentally preparing to jump out of a plane.

Isle be there: Events abound around town

The fact summer is fading away, even if the humidity isn’t, doesn’t signal a paucity of events around Nassau County. Just because school has started and sporting events are up and running is no reason to refrain from going out on the town for festivities.

Film Flash

The new film Weapons is a worthwhile mix of drama, horror and style. In fact, the first 90 minutes of its two hours earned my undivided attention, before the picture slipped on blood puddles into a contrived world of absurdities.