Rich Monetti
Bio
I am, I write.
Stories (707/0)
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 Monetti2 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 Monetti2 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 Monetti2 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 Monetti2 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 Monetti2 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 Monetti2 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 Monetti2 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 Monetti2 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 Monetti2 years ago in Unbalanced
Bilingual Education Program at Mt. Kisco Elementary Works
Photo by vazovsky If you have ever had an email or Facebook post misinterpreted then you shouldn't be surprised by this basic fact. 80 percent of all human communication is nonverbal and only using words fails to do justice to the full meaning. Unfortunately, that doesn’t really help when you try to have a conversation with someone who doesn’t speak the English language. So regardless of whether you speak slowly enough or include exaggerated gestures, there has got to be one unmistakable given. If you are teaching an English speaking child about subjects like photosyntheses in Spanish, there’s no real chance of learning. Well, don’t be so sure of what you think you know?
By Rich Monetti2 years ago in Education
Lexie Bean Hopes to Change the Trans-Narrative with New Book
Growing up in Michigan, Lexie Bean didn’t have the vocabulary to classify a very fluid gender identity and used popular culture to establish an inner dialogue. “I’m like Mary-Kate Olsen. Those were the two options. You’re either a tom-boy or a girlie girl,” remembered Bean who designates as non-binary, assigned female at birth. But the overall conversation has moved forward, and Bean’s Written on the Body: Letters from Trans and Non-Binary Survivors of Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence certainly does its part. Nonetheless as the dialogue still lacks, the author does at least have a better vernacular to feel comfortable in their own skin.
By Rich Monetti2 years ago in Pride
More Star Trek Sexism and Not so Much
Photo by Steve Cavers In response to the Five Most Sexist moments in Star Trek, the absence of Turnabout Intruder has been a mystery among readers. I think I left it off because the last episode of TOS is so blatantly obvious. The article also would have been endless. In addition,The Enemy Within has also been mentioned. So I took a look at both. I would say sexism, and at the same time, not so much.
By Rich Monetti2 years ago in Futurism