Rich Monetti
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I am, I write.
Stories (1006)
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Somers Arsenal Reaches Semifinals of US Club Soccer National Championship
The town of Somers couldn’t have asked for much more in the success that the FC 13U Girls Soccer team had in falling just short of the US Youth Soccer Nationals. But the fair sex having their say, the FC Somers Arsenal Boys (u17) weren’t quite done talking for the town, and a one goal first half deficit versus Eclipse Select Academy in the semifinals had the team in reach of a national championship.
By Rich Monetti4 years ago in Unbalanced
After a Successful 20 Year Run as John Jay Head Football Coach, Jimmy Clark Hangs up his Cleats
If you know Jimmy Clark, you're not surprised when he responds to questions with a little playful sarcasm before coming back to how he really feels. In retirement, the exiting head coach is no different. “I couldn’t take it anymore,” he joked about his departure from John Jay. But Clark's actual reasons and feelings are about as sincere and heartfelt as it gets.
By Rich Monetti4 years ago in Unbalanced
Brooklyn Native has Lived and Written a Remarkable Life as a Deep Undercover Boston Police Officer
Anyone who has lived the life of a police officer is going to have some pretty good stories to tell. Even so, the recountings may only be as good as the storyteller. But Ernie Lijoi got a pretty good sense he could retell a tale from the police reports he wrote over the 27 years he served in the Massachusetts State Police. “One lawyer said to me that your reports read like a book. They are enjoyable to read,” conveyed Lijoi, and the Port Charlotte retiree, who spent almost two decades as a deep cover operative, didn’t let those literary skills go to waste when his career ended in 1993.
By Rich Monetti4 years ago in Criminal
Somers Wrestling Coach Taught us to Stand on Our Own
In late December 2021, a Somers Icon passed away at the age of 79. Richie Gnida graduated from Somers in 1959 and got his teaching degree from SUNY Cortlandt in 1965. He began his career as a gym teacher and wrestling coach in Middletown and then assumed those duties at Somers in 1968. “He transformed the wrestling program to a powerhouse,” said Somers Grad and former Somers Wrestler and Somers JV Wrestling coach John Urgola.
By Rich Monetti4 years ago in Unbalanced
Don’t Look Up Falters Because of Fifth Grade Humor and Unnecessary Hyper-Partisan Bias
Yes, I get it. Global warming is a problem, and we are essentially digging our own graves. But just because someone makes a satire critiquing the human road to doom, doesn’t automatically make the movie worth seeing. Don’t Look Up, I’m talking about you, and worse yet, the Adam McKay film actually moves us closer to midnight on the doomsday clock.
By Rich Monetti4 years ago in Geeks
Before Current Wonder Woman Movie, Lynda Carter Twirled a Generation in the Star Spangled Tights
Photo by Ethan The new Wonder Woman Movie upon us, we know Lynda Carter as the 1970s version, and the star spangled outfit likely resulted in its share of supernovas long before the Big Bang Theory cornered the market on superhero worship and angst among longing teenage boys. But the Arizona born actress had a career before and after we invited her into our homes every week from 1975-1979, and an upcoming appearance at B.B. Kings NY on October 12th is just another day in the life.
By Rich Monetti4 years ago in Futurism
Spock Is so Human
Photo by Gage Skidmore “Of all the souls I have encountered in my travels, his was the most human.” What a line from Star Trek II, but do we really believe Kirk in his eulogy. I would say we appreciate the sentiment. However, Trekkies probably dismiss it as a quaint send off. In other words, a touching moment that gives a nod to Spock’s human half in honor of his inner struggle. On the other hand, if you sift through all the logic, Kirk is right and Spock is so human. Here are five memorable, human moments from the series.
By Rich Monetti4 years ago in Futurism
Indian Point Evacuation Plan: Put Your Head Between Your Knees And....
Photo by Tony Fischer If Indian Point happens to spring a leak, the signal will sound, everyone can check the wind and just drive in the opposite direction. As ridiculous as we all know that sounds, the direction of the plume isn't even accounted for in the event of an emergency. "All roads will be directed south," says environmental educator and activist, Dr. Susan Rubin. In response, the environmental activist has just made a short stinging documentary on the grossly inadequate plan our leaders have devised.
By Rich Monetti4 years ago in The Swamp
Retired Somers Teachers Hope to Spark Youth Activism with their Environmental Trilogy
Gail Simpson spent 40 plus years on the staff of the Somers School System. Gym Teacher, Principal and Athletic Director filled out a resume that began in 1969 and had her live a great deal of change over the years. However, one stood out in stark contrast from her beginnings. “The whole video gaming world and screen time usage has taken the place of random playing outside,” she said. So in 2015, with the sedentary nature of kids in mind, Simpson wanted the to be elevated and began writing a book with her long time colleague Jan Antonucci. But as one book eventually became three, the primary premise of The Nadia Stone Trilogy remained the same and addresses a far more global problem.
By Rich Monetti4 years ago in Education
Somers Man Gets Executive Credit for New Docuseries on Rap and Jewelry
Who could ever forget the outfits that Liberace use to graced us with? Gaudy jewelry dwarfing his digits and outrageous furs clad with diamond and glitter, we rejoiced in a man who wanted us to know how large he lived. But when we see the same type of thing from today’s rappers, the big bling is usually met with disdain. So the inconsistency has given rise to a new docuseries, and one of our own is the Executive in Charge of Production of Ice Cold, which premiered on Youtube on July 8.
By Rich Monetti4 years ago in Beat
John Jay Field Hockey Falls Short to Lakeland in Section Final Heartbreaker
John Jay completed their season at 11-2-3, and seeded third, a sectional championship was within reach. Of course, the 12 time defending champs of Lakeland would be in the way, and a Halloween matchup proved a scare that the top seed didn’t bargain for. Still, Zoe Eliades' pained response said it all. “So close,” she lamented the 2-1 loss. But the senior left it to her teammate to bring proper perspective.
By Rich Monetti4 years ago in Unbalanced
Ripped away from the Bronx, the Suburbs Could not Compare for a Kid
I was born on Bronxdale Avenue and have very vague memories of the Bronx. You see, I was ripped away at five years old and clearly remember the excitement of being in the basement of our own house in Somers, NY. Little did I know, my euphoria was misplaced.
By Rich Monetti4 years ago in Unbalanced
