Directed by: Destin Daniel Cretton Starring: Tom Holland, Zendaya, Mark Ruffalo Release Date: July 31, 2026 Runtime: 2h 25m My Rating:
Spider-Man is trying to navigate a world where everyone has forgotten Peter Parker, including those that he loved. Despite his efforts, a mysterious threat appears that knows who he cares about. Now Peter teams up with Frank Castle (aka The Punisher) to thwart this new threat.
This is an excellent film. I almost gave it 5 stars, except it felt a little long. It has one of those endings where the writers take an extra 15 minutes to settle a couple of story plots.
Just over two years ago, I wrote a post about ChatGPT and OpenAI, including some predictions. I’ve decided to follow up on that and take another critical look at AI. Since that time, I have still never used ChatGPT, and I have barely touched any form of AI.
Does that mean you shouldn’t? Not necessarily. While I still believe my prediction came true—that AI is making people lazier—you don’t have to be like them. Use it as a tool to facilitate your work, but don’t use it to do your work. For example, writing an email does not need to be outsourced. If you’re a developer, don’t buy into this “vibe coding” crap. You’ll learn more by doing it yourself. More on that later.
There are a couple of claims that I want to address. The claim that AI has “changed the world” and that if you’re not embracing it, then you’re being left behind.
You know that I don’t eulogize a celebrity unless they truly meant something to me and I’m truly mourning their passing. In this case, it’s a celebrity athlete, which means they aren’t as well-known around the world. The past two weeks have been hard on us GenXers, but the latest death hit me the hardest. I’ve mentioned before how I grew up as a Chicago Cubs fan, and my favorite player was Ryne Sandberg.
Ryno was amazing to watch at 2nd base. He could teach a master class on 2nd base defense. Second base is my favorite infield position, and it’s because of Ryno. Not only did he make it look easy, but he also made it look fun.
He Didn’t Do It For the Money
When you listen to the stories pouring out from his old teammates and coaches, you learn so much more. He was always a professional. He played the way he played because that’s how you’re supposed to play; it was never about the money. If you don’t believe me, read about his 1994 retirement.
He walked away from a $16 million contract extension because he felt like his game was slipping. He did come back in 1996 to play two more years with the Cubs, and his performance was amazing again. Then, he officially retired at the end of the 1997 season.
I got to meet him once, in the 90s. It was the Cubs Convention in Chicago. I got his autograph and a quick photo with him.
Getting Ryne Sandberg’s autograph at the Cubs Convention about 30 years ago
Let’s set aside those inane topics that divide us and celebrate our freedom today. I know it’s hard but we should all be able to show respect for those with dissenting opinions. No matter which side of the aisle you stand on.
Also, make sure you’ve picked up some CBD treats for the dogs. Fireworks are always much more entertaining when you’re high.
Merry Christmas to one and all. I hope my Jewish friends had an excellent Hanukkah! If you celebrate something different, I hope it is equally as merry and excellent! I hope all of your festivities are safe, enjoyable, and drama-free. While I believe Christmas is more about giving than receiving, I hope you get that Nintendo and/or that Red Ryder, carbine action, 200-shot, range model air rifle you’ve always wanted.
I don’t idolize Hollywood. Most of their elite attitude is loathsome. Also, while I mourn the passing of a great actor and musician I’m not often compelled to write about them. I will, however, pay homage to them at the end of the year. You will also notice that I don’t write about the passing of my family members. They are my family members and their passing is not for public display.
Occasionally one comes along in Hollywood that leaves a lasting impression. It’s rare enough, for me, that I feel the need to write about them. This is one of those times and Matthew Perry is one of those celebrities.
