In the saturated superhero era, the DC Universe's much-anticipated introduction of a Latino superhero is finally presented in "Blue Beetle." The director, Angel Manuel Soto, competently interweaves a poignant family narrative with the challenges of newfound powers, creating a story that deeply resonates with audiences.

Fresh out of Gotham law school, Jaime Reyes (Xolo Maridueña) returns to Palmera City, a hometown that feels like a fusion of Miami and L.A. Instead of his anticipatory warm welcome, he discovers his family grappling with various hardships. Jaime, seeking employment with industrialist Jenny Kord (Bruna Marquezine), is entrusted with guarding a mysterious package. Unexpectedly, this binds him to a biotechnical Scarab. This alien tech empowers Jaime, unwillingly transforming him into the Blue Beetle (Imagine a suit, a blend of Iron Man's A.I. and Spider-Man's Iron Spider suit from the Avengers).

At first, I admit, I was a bit flattered to learn that online entrepreneurs are selling study guides for my new book. I thought of CliffsNotes from long ago, helping fellow students who were short on time or interest to grasp the basics of notable works. Curiosity quickly won. I pulled out my credit card, paid $9.99 plus tax for one of the offerings, and awaited its arrival in the mail.

 The thin booklet got off to a reasonable enough start, explaining with its first sentence, “The U.S. media coverage that makes it easier to sell wars to the public, as well as the often-hidden cost of civilian casualties from errant U.S. attacks, are all harshly criticized by journalist Solomon.” That wasn’t a bad sum-up of my book.

 But the study guide’s second sentence was not nearly as good: “He guarantees that when Russia designated Ukrainian communities during the new attack, the U.S. media was everyone available and jumping into action with compassionate, piercing revealing.” Rereading that sentence a few times didn’t improve it, and I began to worry.

On July 25th I screened for the endorsement of the Columbus Firefighters Union Local 67. For nearly one hour, I discussed how I would address the most important issues facing Columbus citizens and what I would do to support Columbus firefighters and emergency medical service professionals.

This past Friday I received a letter from Local 67 President Steven Stein stating in part that “On behalf of the Columbus Fire Fighters Union Local 67 Executive Board and membership, I am sorry to announce we have chosen not to endorse any candidate for City of Columbus Mayor. The Screening Committee has come to the decision that both candidates have been, and we hope continue to be, friends of Local 67.”

The American Public Health Association has highlighted that African Americans have historically been withheld from healthy living opportunities. We want to talk about changing that.
 
The SPAN Ohio Equity Committee is presenting a health equity workshop on August 22nd from 7:00pm to 8:30pm. We would love to have you join us! This health equity event is a special one, as Willa Evans, President of the A. Philip Randolph Institute, Cleveland Chapter, will be hosting the event. The event will feature Charleta B. Tavares, CEO of PrimaryOne Health in central Ohio, who will lead a discussion on:

Backstage at Carnegie Hall during the mid-1980s I found myself standing next to a tall, older gentleman. Looking up, I gasped, realizing I was in the presence of arguably the world’s greatest living playwright. I blurted out: “God bless you, Mr. Miller!”

Arthur Miller, author of the immortal masterpiece Death of a Salesman, is high up on my list of must-see bards. Whenever I get word that one of his plays is being mounted on L.A.’s boards, for me “It’s Miller time!” and I make a beeline to that stage to bask in the brilliance of his Arthurian dramatics and wordplay. (See: https://hollywoodprogressive.com/stage/all-my-sons; https://www.peoplesworld.org/article/broken-glass-what-it-means-to-be-a-jew-in-america/.) And so it was with the Ruskin Group Theatre’s stellar, gut-punching production of A View from the Bridge (which I’d never had the opportunity to see before on stage or screen) way down yonder at Santa Monica – and I wasn’t disappointed.