Rich Monetti
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I am, I write.
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Tribeca Resident Mirrors the Origins of Human Expression on Buildings Across New York City with His Graffiti
Photo courtesy of Robert Janz Looking across the landscape of New York City and seeing all the graffiti on our buildings could lead to a rather low born opinion. The idle minds behind the scrawls carry a mentality not much more evolved than those of a Neanderthal. 86 year old Robert Janz of Tribeca counts himself among NYC artists who add to the scenery and would not only consider the critique a compliment but sees the perception as pretty insightful.
By Rich Monetti6 years ago in Journal
As a Huge Fan of 'Star Trek: The Motion Picture', the Big Screen Experience Proves a Letdown
After 10 years in rerun wilderness, Star Trek: The Motion Picture rolled out in the winter of 1979. I saw the TV commercials, and I was ready to take the conn with old crew and newly engaged engines. But the reviews were bad, and when my brother asked me to go see it, I declined. I eventually saw TMP on TV—save a bit too much gasping at the gas cloud—I absolutely loved it. So the omission became a lifelong regret that I didn’t see it in the theaters, and when 40 years triggered a new theatrical release, I knew what I had to do. As it turns out, that decision may have been in error.
By Rich Monetti6 years ago in Futurism
Greed, Not Title IX, Responsible for the Cutting of Men's Sports Programs
I’ve played sports my whole life. They are a teacher, a test of character and provide an outlet that helps guide us along the journey of life. But this human necessity had been disproportionally denied our sisters—until Title IX was passed. In recent years, though, the landmark legislation has come under criticism. Organizations like the College Sports Council (CSC) claim that striving for women’s equality has unfairly resulted in numerous cuts to men’s sports programs. Wrestling, men’s gymnastics, and tennis are typically among the programs that leave men out in the cold. But before I flush out the facts, let’s cherish the history first.
By Rich Monetti6 years ago in Unbalanced
How Much Is Too Much Competitive Youth Sports
You don’t have to go too far to hear parents lamenting the busy sports schedules they endure with their kids. I only wish I could have grown up in such a culture because there was an awful lot of sitting around in the 70s. Still, there must be a middle ground, and I wonder what the impact is when adults are always involved.
By Rich Monetti6 years ago in Unbalanced
Chazz Palminteri Reveals the Many Tales Behind 'A Bronx Tale' at the Bedford Playhouse
As a kid growing up in the Bronx, Chazz Palminteri told the audience at the Bedford Playhouse that he was definitely attracted to the gangster element portrayed in A Bronx Tale. Yes, he knew they were dangerous, and theirs was a life he didn’t want to emulate. But the whole neighborhood cast was a bunch of characters that he just couldn’t ignore. On the other hand, association did seem to pay off when Sonny pulled young Chazz out of the ill fated car that killed his four friends in. The actual truth, though, firmly sides with the voice that took precedence in the two worlds Palminteri went back and forth between.
By Rich Monetti6 years ago in Geeks
Summer Travel to Warwick Castle in England Makes Great Educational Experience for Kids
What could be more painful to a kid than hearing that the weekend will be spent at an upstate Renaissance Fair. On the other hand, recreating the middle ages becomes a lot more interesting when a trip to England can provide ample infrastructure of the era and the living history to go with it. Sort of reporting from England, I recently traveled overseas to visit my English Girlfriend, and Warwick Castle in Warwick, England was a Saturday destination.
By Rich Monetti6 years ago in Wander
Mahopac Native Brings the Plight of the Tiger Home in 'Tigerland'
The fact that there are now only 500 Tigers left in Far East Russia probably doesn’t get a lot of play around dinner tables in Mahopac, NY. But the distance doesn’t diminish the issue for a Mahopac native who has made a name as an Oscar winning Documentary Filmmaker, and is the subject of his latest film, Tigerland.
By Rich Monetti6 years ago in Geeks
Sachika Empowers Women with Sophisticated and Sexy Clothing Line
“The modern, ambitious woman dares to be different, and isn't afraid to go after her dreams.” So says Sachika’s website in boldly boasting their sophisticated and sexy brand of women’s wear. Of course, a log line is easy enough to come up with. But when the words truly reflect the journey, the goods are much more likely deliver, and To-Tam and To-Nya Sachika’s story definitely lives up.
By Rich Monetti6 years ago in Styled
Jessica Sherr and Her Bette Davis Show Ain’t for Sissies
Long before Jessica Sherr received acclaim for her one woman show on Bette Davis, she learned how easily things can go awry onstage. “I was in Frosty the Snowman, and right before I went on, I sneezed,” Sherr remembered. “My mom didn’t have time to wipe my nose and through the whole dance I was crying.” The attention she got, though, made her realize that, “this was it.” But what the three year old didn’t realize was that not folding in the face of pitfalls would be an ongoing two step that has led to success.
By Rich Monetti6 years ago in Geeks
'Ad Astra': Is It Worth the Journey?
Luke, I am your father... Another movie about an astronaut with daddy issues—at least that’s what I came away with after seeing Ad Astra. But there’s real issues explored here, and the near future panoramic journey to the Moon, Mars and Neptune gives us enough to think about. There is one very pertinent question above all others, though. Is it worth the very introspective 123 minute journey?
By Rich Monetti6 years ago in Futurism
Popularity of Reggae in Japan Leaves Scene Trying to Stay on Message
Photo by Mattias Hallberg The undeniable link Japan has held with Reggae for the last several decades may seem quite unlikely to those of us who haven't noticed. So trying to figure out how the lineage actually emerged probably requires a full subscription to the musical version of Ancestry.com. On the contrary, a simple search on Japan, and the genre's godfather returns a clear delineation of when, where and how it all began.
By Rich Monetti6 years ago in Beat
Hereditary Shocks But Fails to Tie the Threads of Horror Together
Hereditary contains the mostly profoundly startling death I have ever seen in a movie. So much so, my recoiling almost made me turn off the DVD player. But just because I’m squeamish, doesn’t mean I won’t give a movie a proper hearing. I can definitely appreciate the creativity—especially since the resounding shudder abruptly shifted the second act, and the mystery into gear. So the set up firmly in place, an obvious question follows: Would writer/director Ari Aster complete a story arc that was commensurate with the unforgettable moment (and a horror I can never un-see).
By Rich Monetti6 years ago in Horror
