Our Experiences: A Recent Mix of Good and Bad

Life has a way of balancing itself out. Recently we went to two events that didn't turn out as well as we hoped. But to balance things out, I'm also including photos from our garden and a dog picture or two!  The bottom line is that in everyone's life there's good and not-so-good. You have to focus on the good.

(Photo: Joey and Jimmy enjoying the sun on the back deck!)

GOOD PART 1 - Joey and Jimmy, our recently adopted 4 year, 6 month old Chiweenies are the best part of our lives. They bring love and joy in every day. Seeing them enjoy life, like sitting in the sun on our back deck is just awesome. Life can't get any better when you have the love of a dog. 

BAD PART 1 - An Elton John Tribute Gone Loud - We bought tickets to a local performance as a tribute to Elton John as we love his music and he has a huge catalog. The lead singer had a great voice, and sounded and even dressed like Elton John in the 80s. But the first song was 12 minutes of loud, pounding, thumping bass guitar that was eardrum splitting and people had their hands over their ears. **It felt like we were in a metal concert, although everyone in the audience had grey hair!! 

Within 50 minutes, he sang "I'm Still Standing," and "Rocket Man," - both without the pounding guitars and those songs were great and enjoyable. But the pounding guitars and drums resumed in between them. We left after 50 minutes, when the band went into another loud song we didn't recognize and our heads were pounding. It was disappointing. In fact, I played Elton's hits in the ride home and we sang to them and had a better time than at the concert!!

(Photo: Tom and Rob waiting for the concert)

  

GOOD PART 2 - Flowers, Driveway, Forest Trails

Tom has been working hard on the backyard gardens and the flowers that bloomed recently are beautiful. We also had the driveway sealed (again) so it looks great. In addition, Rob has been doing a lot of forest trail maintenance, and we moved all the memorials to our 7 dogs so they line the main trail. They will be in a future blog. 

BAD PART 2 - A Comic Book Lecture That Never Happened and We Walked Out Of

      The Salem NH Historical society announced a lecture free to the public about the Golden Age (1930s to 1950s) of Comic Books, so being a HUGE fan, Rob dragged Tom on the 1 hour drive there. The spokesman greeted everyone and said "Just a few minutes of business before we get to our featured speaker." We sat. And sat. And sat. Over 30 minutes we heard about finances, calendar items, school visits, bus arrangements, who is bringing food to future meetings, future events over the course of the summer, and one woman said "next time kids come in here we should use a cattle prod." 

     We were not amused. In fact, I was really angry and felt bad for the speaker who had been standing up with his first slide on the screen behind him for the entire 30 plus minutes. As they droned on, Tom and I got up and left, but not before I told an older gentleman who was part of the group how furious I was, and how disrespectful it was to the speaker. ***If you're going to talk business, do it at the END of a public event. Not at the beginning. 

(Photo: The speaker's first slide was on the screen for 30 minutes and he still couldn't speak because the people who were hosting the meeting wouldn't shut up!) 

HISTORY: First roller coaster in America opened in June

If you like rollercoasters, you may have wondered when the first one appeared and where! Today's blog, courtesy of History.com provides the answers. It appeared a lot earlier than I would have thought, but the place makes sense.  We love the rollercoasters at Dollywood, although we haven't been there in a decade. Now you can learn more about the first appearance! 

(Image: the Thunderhead rollercoaster at Dollywood. It's a wooden coaster manufactured by Great Coasters International.  Credit: Dollywood)

First roller coaster in America opens 

HISTORY.com, : July 16, 2025

On June 16, 1884, the first roller coaster in America opened at Coney Island, in Brooklyn, New York. 

Known as a switchback railway, it was the brainchild of LaMarcus Thompson, traveled approximately six miles per hour and cost a nickel to ride. The new entertainment was an instant success and by the turn of the century there were hundreds of roller coasters around the country.

About Coney Island

Coney Island, a name believed to have come from the Dutch Konijn Eilandt, or Rabbit Island, is a tract of land along the Atlantic Ocean discovered by explorer Henry Hudson in 1609. The first hotel opened at Coney Island in 1829 and by the post-Civil War years, the area was an established resort with theaters, restaurants and a race track. 

Amusement Parks Arrive

Between 1897 and 1904, three amusement parks sprang up at Coney Island–Dreamland, Luna Park and Steeplechase. By the 1920s, Coney Island was reachable by subway and summer crowds of a million people a day flocked there for rides, games, sideshows, the beach and the two-and-a-half-mile boardwalk, completed in 1923.

The First Coney Island Amusement Park 

Paul Boyton founded Sea Lion Park at Coney Island, which created the business model of the first Coney Island Amusement Park.

The hot dog is said to have been invented at Coney Island in 1867 by Charles Feltman. In 1916, a nickel hot dog stand called Nathan’s was opened by a former Feltman employee and went on to become a Coney Island institution and international franchise. Today, Nathan’s is famous not only for its hot dogs but its hot dog-eating contest, held each Fourth of July in Coney Island.

(Photo:  Big Bear Mountain rollercoaster at Dollywood.  The ride is 1.2 kilometres long and the trains reach a top speed of 80 km/h.Credit: Dollywood) 

Roller coasters and amusement parks experienced a decline during the Great Depression and World War II, when Americans had less cash to spend on entertainment. 

Finally, in 1955, the opening of Disneyland in Anaheim, California, signaled the advent of the modern theme park and a rebirth of the roller coaster. Disneyland’s success sparked a wave of new parks and coasters. By the 1970s, parks were competing to create the most thrilling rides.

By the mid-1960s, the major amusement parks at Coney Island had shut down and the area acquired a seedy image. In recent decades it has been revitalized, however, and remains a popular tourist attraction. It's still home to the Cyclone, a wooden coaster that made its debut in 1927. Capable of speeds of 60 mph and with an 85-foot drop, the Cyclone is one of the country’s oldest coasters in operation today.

Went to a Curiosity Expo and Saw a traveling Ouija board museum

We recently attended an unusual event called "The Cabinet of Curiosities Market," in Sanford, Maine.  It's billed as "New England’s Cabinet of Curiosities is a curated vendor event celebrating the strange, the beautiful, and the obscure. Featuring artists and sellers focused on the the more unusual type of craft."  There were definitely some unusual things there, and one of the 2 floors was a traveling Ouija Board museum! 

VENDORS - Vendors sold products from handmade jewelry to skulls of reptiles! There were ouija boards, knitted items, handmade bags, candles, and even a rabbit rescue had a table.There were other vendors who sold minerals and crystals, others sold stained glass creations, skull decorations, and one vendor made homemade catnip toys!

You can learn more about the group that sponsors these events at: https://www.facebook.com/necabinetofcuriosities 

I MADE A SHORT VIDEO OF THE EVENT: https://youtube.com/shorts/4gMu-Ubo3jI?si=-rF3WK5gEcJHN6rd

TRAVELING OUIJA BOARD MUSEUM - The Maine Paranormal and Horror Convention features the interactive Traveling Board of Wonders, a massive collection of vintage Ouija boards and spirit communication devices. Curated by Jeff Witham, the exhibit offers attendees hands-on exploration of eerie artifacts and historical talking boards.

   HOW I KNEW ABOUT THIS EVENT- The Traveling Ouija Board Museum is owned and managed by Jeff, who is also managing the Maine Para/Horror Con and I got to meet him in May at the Pennhurst Paracon in Pennsylvania.  By the way,  I'm going to be speaking and signing books at the Maine Paranormal and Horror Convention on September 12–13, 2026 at the Augusta Civic Center. This two-day event features celebrity guests, paranormal investigators, cryptid experts, dark art vendors, and interactive panels.  Location: Augusta Civic Center, 76 Community Dr, Augusta, ME  

Idiot of the Week: MD Gubernatorial Candidate convicted of stalking, intimidation

This week's idiot is a guy who is running for governor in Maryland and who doesn't have the sense to leave an ex-wife alone after being court-ordered to do so.

Maryland candidate for governor convicted of stalking, intimidation

Pamela Wood, 6/12/2026, Baltimore Banner

Dwight Douglas Larcomb, a longshot Republican candidate for governor, was convicted of stalking, witness intimidation and multiple counts of violating a protective order following a trial this week in Frederick County Circuit Court.

Larcomb, a Frederick resident who uses the name “Douglas Larcomb” in his political campaign, asserted his innocence, alleged he’s a victim of “vindictive” prosecution and said he plans to appeal.

The case dates to October 2020, when protective orders were issued against Larcomb and his then-wife. Larcomb was ordered not to contact her.

A few months later, in February and March, law enforcement and prosecutors allege that he sent a barrage of Facebook messages to the woman and called her repeatedly, in violation of the protective order. Larcomb sent messages from his own accounts and also using aliases, according to police and court records.

“You have to fix this and fast,” Larcomb wrote the woman, using an alias. “And, the very first thing is that you have to STOP INVOLVING LAW ENFORCEMENT for attention!!!!”

In another series of messages introduced at trial, Larcomb wrote: “What do I want from you? Most expedient is truth to officials. I want all legal matters against me gone. I don’t care if you have to kick and scream to the gallows, you have to tell them that you aren’t testifying to ANYTHING. PERIOD. No matter if they say you have to.”

Larcomb was initially found guilty at trial in 2022 and was sentenced to nine years in prison. After appeals, Larcomb won a new trial in 2025 and was released from custody. The case was prosecuted at trial by the Carroll County State’s Attorney’s Office. “I am happy to see another jury came to the same result for the victim,” said Karla Goldman, assistant state’s attorney.

Hero of the Week: Food Truck Owner Rescues Flash Flood Victim

In June, 2026 a storm generated flash flooding around Cape Girardeau, Missouri. Fortunately for one driver who was caught in a flash flood, Miguel Morales was nearby and helped pull the driver in the submerged car to safety. Miguel is this week's hero.

(Photo: Miguel is working hard cooking. Credit: Miguel’s Tacon Madre)

ABOUT MIGUEL AND HIS BUSINESS - Miguel’s Tacon Madre is the name of the Food Truck owned by Miguel. It is a vibrant, flavor-packed trailer bringing the taste of Mexico straight to Cape Girardeau. From home made birria and handmade gorditas to bold, authentic salsas, this trailer serves Mexican street-food in the most traditional way. Located at 408 S. Kingshighway, Cape Girardeau, MO, 63701  (901) 277-1388   

Cape Girardeau man honored for heroic flash flooding rescue  

By Heartland News, Jun. 15, 2026

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KFVS) - The Cape Girardeau City Council honored a local hero at its Monday night meeting.

Business owner Miguel Morales received an official proclamation from city leaders for his service and dedication to helping others during a time of need.

Man rescues driver from submerged vehicle during flash flooding

On June 8, heavy rainfall in Cape Girardeau caused flash flooding throughout the city and surrounding areas.

During this time, a driver became trapped in a flooded vehicle, and Morales, who was working at his food truck, saw the emergency and saved the stranded individual--despite the dangerous conditions and rapidly rising floodwaters.

(Photo: One person was injured and rescued from a flooded vehicle on South Kingshighway in Cape Girardeau, Mo.(KFVS))

On June 15, the city recognized Morales’s compassion, courage and public service, stating that “he demonstrated extraordinary bravery, selflessness and concern for the safety and well-being of a fellow community member.”

Community supports hero’s food truck after flood rescue The driver’s family also shared the following statement, thanking Morales for his heroism: “Thomas Beasley [the driver] and family would like to express our deepest gratitude for all of the prayers and outpouring support. We will never be able to thank Miguel Morales, paramedics, EMTs, and the fire department enough for saving such a vital member of our family. If it wasn’t for Miguel, the last seven days would look a lot different. Mr. Morales showed true selflessness and bravery, not traits we hear about often in this day and age. He is an example of what we should strive to be. Forever our hero, from the bottom of hearts, thank you.”

(Photo:  Miguel’s Tacon Madre food truck)

Graphic Novel of the Week!! Batgirl Vol.1: by Gail Simone & Ardian Syaf

As a reader of comic books since 1974, and someone who loves many of the DC Comics superheroes like the Superman and Batman families of characters, this week's graphic novel collects an amazing storyline about Batgirl. Gail Simone is one of my favorite comic book writers and when she was given the reigns of a new Batgirl series in 2011, it became the best-ever version of Batgirl I have ever enjoyed in 37 years! I recently bought the first graphic novel from the series (I have the comic books) and loved it all over again. It's my highly recommended Graphic Novel! 

In Gail Simone's version of Batgirl, it picks up after Barbara Gordon (Batgirl's civilian identity) finally regained her ability to walk after being shot point blank by the Joker many years before. The writing was solid, and showed how Batgirl struggled with her physical limitations as she regained her ability to fight crime. The storylines were gripping, the characters exciting, and the artwork by Ardian Syaf was fantastic! 5 of 5 Stars. 

SIDE NOTE - When Gail Simone's run ended, DC Comics did something really stupid with the Batgirl character. They relaunched the character from a 30-something year old with super computer tech skills and connections Batman, Robin, Nightwing and others, to a 16 year old girl (She was NEVER a 16 year old in the comics- she was always and adult). They also made the artwork look like a saturday morning cartoon. They absolutely destroyed the great character that Gail Simone created. Needless to say, I never read Batgirl again. But this collection preserves the BEST Batgirl, ever.

ABOUT THE BOOK - Batgirl Vol. 1: The Darkest Reflection (The New 52) by Gail Simone (Author), Ardian Syaf (Illustrator), Vincente Vincente (Illustrator) 

As a part of the acclaimed DC Comics—The New 52 event of September 2011, Barbara Gordon is finally back as Batgirl! The nightmare-inducing brute known as Mirror is destroying the lives of Gotham City citizens seemingly at random. Will Barbara be able to survive her explosive confrontation with this new villain, as well as facing dark secrets from her past? A new chapter in the riveting adventures of Batgirl continue in stunning fashion, with script by fan-favorite Gail Simone and stellar art by superstar Ardian Syaf! 

This volume collects issues 1-6 of Batgirl, part of the DC Comics—The New 52 event.

Think you've had a bad day? Man Rescued from Septic Tank!

 If you're having a bad day, here's a story that shows how it could always be worse. You could be walking your dog innocently, and then suddenly fall into a septic tank... where the person with you is so nauseated by the smell they won't help you. I'm just glad the dog is okay.  Here's the story from Maryland! 

Man Rescued After Falling In Septic Tank Hole In MD

A report said the man was walking his dog when he fell into the hole on Monday.

Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff, Wed, Jun 3, 2026

CHARLES COUNTY, MD — A man was rescued this week after authorities said he fell into a septic tank hole while walking his dog in Charles County.

The incident occurred around 9 p.m. Monday at an address on Ishine Place in Nanjemoy, Charles County Volunteer Fire said in a news release.

According to authorities, a woman called 911 to report that the man had fallen into the hole, but the strong odor prevented her from getting close to him.

Firefighters and first responders arrived at the scene and located the man clinging to the side wall of the septic tank. Crews assisted the man using a ladder, ensuring he did not fall further into the hole.

Following the rescue, the man was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Authorities said the man’s effort to hold onto the side of the wall helped with the rescue. DC News Now reported that the man was walking his dog when he fell into the hole.

HISTORY: Photo at Boston's Famous Hood Milk Bottle

As someone who grew up in Massachusetts and has been to Boston countless times, I've seen the iconic Hood Milk Bottle statue for decades but never investigated how it came to be, or had a picture next to it until May 2026, when I met my friend Dave for the Comic Con and we visited it. In today's blog you'll learn about the famous bottle and how it got to rhe Boston Seaport.

(Photo: Dave and Rob at the famous Hood Milk Bottle icon in Boston in May 2026. Credit: R.G.)

How the Famous Hood Milk Bottle Arrived in Fort Point 

The inside scoop on Boston’s most incongruous architectural icon.

Boston Magazine, By Jacqueline Houton· 8/19/2020 

Any list of the city’s most iconic landmarks would have to include the Hood Milk Bottle. A beacon for the Boston Children’s Museum, which stands a few yards away, the 40-foot-tall bottle is instantly recognizable to tourists and locals, tots and grownups. But the bottle’s backstory isn’t quite as well known—and it’s as strange as the structure itself.

The bottle got its start in 1933 as a roadside stand for ice cream maker Arthur Gagner, who used it to beckon drivers on Route 44 in Taunton, Mass.

The massive bottle—roomy enough to hold 58,620 gallons if it were real—was certainly a novelty, though Gagner wasn’t the only entrepreneur to employ fanciful architecture to catch the eyes of customers. As car ownership became commonplace, giant doughnuts, coffee pots, hot dogs, and other surreal shapes rose up on roadsides across the country, enticing motorists to pull over. Gagner peddled sweet treats from his whimsical wooden stand for a decade before selling the building to the Sankey family, who also used it to sell ice cream. But by 1967, the bottle had been abandoned. 

After languishing for eight years, the bottle found an unlikely savior: Carol Scofield, a clothing designer and, as it turns out, a fan of roadside Pop architecture. She saw the building while driving by and bought it for $2,500. 

Then she called John Sloan, director of urban design for the Boston Redevelopment Authority (now known as the Boston Planning & Development Agency), and asked if he had any ideas for repurposing it. Sloan thought the bottle would make a perfect addition to City Hall Plaza; he imagined it selling ice cream in the summer and hot chocolate in the winter, bringing life to the vast brick expanse. One of his colleagues had a friend who worked at Hood, which agreed to fund the bottle’s restoration. But the mayor’s office quashed the plan: Gerhard Kallmann, one of the architects who led the design of City Hall in the 1960s, had made it clear he viewed the idea as an affront to the building’s dignity.

Sloan went back to the drawing board, seeking another underused urban space that needed a little levity. Eventually he reached out to the Children’s Museum, which was preparing to move from Jamaica Plain to a former wool warehouse on Congress Street Wharf. The playful take on a kid-friendly beverage was a hit with the museum’s board. Before long, the bottle was off for refurbishment in Quincy, where workers sanded off 14 coats of old paint. 

On April 20, 1977, it bobbed across Boston Harbor on a barge escorted by two fireboats, and a crowd cheered as a crane delivered the 15,000-pound bottle to the doorstep of the soon-to-debut museum.

Over the years, the bottle has hosted various vendors, from Hood to Au Bon Pain to Sullivan’s. It quickly turned into a fixture of Fort Point. “The bottle became such a good symbol for the museum back in the 1980s that many signs around the city were just a graphic of the milk bottle and an arrow—it was so well known,” says architect Peter Kuttner, principal of CambridgeSeven, the firm that helmed a renovation of the museum in 2007. By that time, the bottle was looking battered, having suffered water damage during storms. CambridgeSeven cut the structure in two, rebuilt the bottom half, reinforced the top, and moved the bottle slightly to a higher-elevation spot. “We were pleased to be able to save as much of it as we possibly could,” Kuttner says.

Today, with seas rising due to climate change, the waterfront plaza the bottle calls home is again in the spotlight.  

Saw the Boston Tea Party Ship: Learn Some History Today!

 Last week's Monday blog was about my attendance at the Boston Comic Con. This week's local blog is about the Boston Tea Party ship that was close to the comic con.

(Photo: The Boston Tea Party Ship. Credit: R.G.)

THE GIFT SHOP - We stopped in the gift shop, and it's got a lot of cool stuff from tea (of course) to post cards, cloth bags, tricorner hats, clothing and more.  

RE-ENACTMENTS - Experience the debate firsthand and learn of the potential ramifications of your bold actions as you find yourself on Griffin’s Wharf on the morning following the Boston Tea Party. A Patriot and a Loyalist discuss “the boldest stroke yet struck in America.."   

 ABOUT THE TEA PARTY MUSEUM - At the Boston Tea Party Ships Museum – An Adventure in History! you can be part of the famous event that forever changed the course of American history through a multi-sensory experience featuring live actors, interactive exhibits, and full-scale replicas of 18th-century sailing vessels. 

WHERE IS THE TEA PARTY MUSEUM? It's located at 306 Congress St, Boston, MA, United States, 02210

THERE IS A BOX FROM THE 1773 TEA PARTY ON DISPLAY - Protected and preserved for more than two centuries, the Robinson Tea Chest is the only known surviving tea chest from the Boston Tea Party of 1773. Experience the compelling history of this significant artifact from its humble beginnings in China through the Boston Tea Party and being handed down through the generations. The Robinson Tea Chest is proudly displayed at the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum from the permanent collections of Historic Tours of America, Inc.

WHAT IS THE HISTORY OF THE BOSTON TEA PARTY

 The Boston Tea Party was a political protest on December 16, 1773, where American colonists, disguised as Native Americans, destroyed 342 chests of tea in Boston Harbor. Orchestrated by the Sons of Liberty to protest "taxation without representation," the event escalated into a catalyst for the American Revolution.

Causes of the Protest

1)  Taxation Without Representation: Following the French and Indian War, the British Parliament imposed a series of taxes on the American colonies to help pay down war debts. Colonists vehemently opposed these acts because they had no elected representatives in the British Parliament.

2) The Tea Act of 1773: While earlier taxes were repealed, the tax on tea remained. The Tea Act was passed primarily to bail out the struggling British East India Company by granting it a monopoly on tea sales in the colonies.

The Standoff: Rather than accept the cheaper, but still taxed tea, colonists in New York and Philadelphia forced the ships to turn back. In Boston, royal governor Thomas Hutchinson refused to let the ships leave the harbor until the cargo taxes were paid.

WHAT HAPPENED?  The Night of the EventOn the winter night of December 16, 1773, a group of 50 to 60 men—members and allies of the Sons of Liberty—gathered and crudely disguised themselves as Mohawk or Narragansett Native Americans. They quietly marched to Griffin's Wharf, boarded three British trade ships (the Dartmouth, the Eleanor, and the Beaver), and systematically smashed open 342 crates of tea.

Over the course of three hours, they dumped $1.7 million (in today's money) worth of East India Company tea—about 92,000 pounds—into the frigid water. To ensure the protest remained focused purely on political rebellion against the tax and not thievery, the raiders reportedly left everything else on the ships untouched.

Consequences and Historical Impact

 Great Britain was outraged by the destruction of property, and the British Parliament responded in 1774 by passing the Coercive Acts, which the colonists referred to as the "Intolerable Acts". These harsh laws were designed to punish Massachusetts and reassert British authority. Measures included: Closing Boston Harbor until the destroyed tea was paid for.Eliminating the local Massachusetts governing assembly.Forcing colonists to house British soldiers.Instead of isolating Massachusetts, the Coercive Acts united the Thirteen Colonies in their outrage. 

This escalation firmly paved the way for the convening of the First Continental Congress and the outbreak of the Revolutionary War in 1775.

Attended the Boston Comic Con: Life-size Star Wars and Godzilla figures

Over Memorial day weekend, I attended the Boston Comic-con with my high school friend, Dave. Since moving back to New England, this has become an annual tradition over the last 3 years. There were lots of vendors and life-sized models from Star Wars to Godzilla and you'll learn about them in today's blog. 

(Photo: Rob and Dave at WickedCon) 

TAKE THE AMTRAK! - In the first two years of the comic con, I drove from Maine to a subway station north of Boston and paid to park the truck, then took 2 subway lines in. The 2 hour drive each way was always Exhausting, and dealing with traffic was always tough. This year, Tom suggested Itake the Amtrak from nearby Dover, NH, and for $50 round trip, it was fantastic!  I got to read, relax and even nap. Once in Boston, I found a Dunkin for a quick coffee and sandwich and took three subway lines to get to the convention. It's the way to go. 

VERY CROWDED!!  The comic con was very crowded, and sometimes it was hard to maneuver!  At last the rooms were brightly lit, so it made it easier to see what comics you were looking at.

 (Photo: Some attendees of the Wicked Con. Credit: R.G.)

WICKED CON is the name of the Boston Comic book convention, and it's housed in one of the Boston Seaport area hotels. Usually it takes up a couple of rooms and is filled with comic books, artists, toy makers, jewelry makers, authors, and more. Since I still read and collect comics, and have been trying to re-buy a good number of comics from the 70s and 80s that I read when I was a kid/teen (that were sadly all given away to a local comics shop in 1989 when I moved to Maryland).

ROOM FULL OF ROBOTS AND LIFE-SIZED MODELS - One of the rooms contained life-sized toys and models from Star Wars to Anime to Godzilla.

MECHAGODZILLA - Dave and I took our picture in front of this character. It's a robot monster built in Godzilla's image for the sole purpose of destroying him, Mechagodzilla has become one of Godzilla's most popular and recurring foes, like King Kong.

STAR WARS FIGURES! - The first Star Wars figure we saw was an android, or a "Droid." I remembered it from Episode 1 of the Star Wars films, which was "The Phantom Menace." I remember that movie because of the annoying "Jar Jar Binks" character! 

(Right: the B1-series Battle droid movel. Credit: R.G)) 

B1-series battle droids, also referred to as B1 battle droids, standard battle droids, clankers, or tinnies were the predominantly used battle droids manufactured by Baktoid Combat Automata and Baktoid Armor Workshop. Even though they were extensively produced and deployed, the B1-series battle droid was flimsily designed and easy to destroy, and was only truly successful in substantial overwhelming numbers. 

(Left: the IG-88B Star Wars droid. Credit: R.G.)

The Star Wars droid, IG-88B, also commonly known simply as IG-88, pronounced Eyegee-Eightyeight, or as a Phlutdroid, was a rogue, deadly masculine IG-series assassin droid manufactured by Holowan Laboratories who, because of his desire to kill organic beings, worked as a bounty hunter. Following the Battle of Hoth, he and several other bounty hunters were summoned by Darth Vader to the Executor and hired to track down the Millennium Falcon and its Rebel crew. 

VIDEO: These droid transports coming over the green hills in broad daylight was one of the first images we saw back in the exciting days before the prequel trilogy started. The scene kicked off the main trailer, and was unlike anything we had ever seen before in the Star Wars universe. Despite the film's many flaws, this hillside battle stands out as one of the interesting visual ideas, and composer John Williams adds to the threat of the droids with a menacing new march.

Idiot of the Week: Maine State Rep. Republican Randall Hall pleads guilty to violating clean election law

 This week's idiot is a legislator in the Maine House who violated election law. Funny how the Republican party has always cried about illegal voting, when they are the majority of the ones who do it. Such was the case recently in Maine. Today's Idiot is one of those people (AND 66% of the people in his district voted him in...think about that). 

Maine State Rep. Republican Randall Hall pleads guilty to violating clean election law

May 27, 2026 , WMTW-TV , Francis Flisiuk

AUGUSTA, Maine — Maine State Rep. Randall Hall pled guilty to charges of unsworn falsification and criminal violations of the Maine Clean Election Act in Oxford County Superior Court on Tuesday.

The Republican state representative from Wilton entered the misdemeanor pleas after reaching an agreement with state attorneys.

Following the guilty plea, Speaker of the Maine House Ryan Fecteau, a Democrat, renewed his calls for Rep. Hall to resign, saying that his "illegal actions have violated the public's trust."

Speaker Fecteau also said if Hall does not resign, he will refer the matter to the House Ethics Committee, which will "convene in earnest to determine its recommendation to the full House.”

Hall was originally indicted on 10 counts of aggravated forgery after being accused of forging 10 names on election documents in 2024.

The indictment accused Hall of knowingly submitting fraudulent documents to qualify as a clean election candidate in Maine, specifically the Cash Qualifying Contribution Affirmation Form.

Court documents indicate that Hall has been sentenced to 48 hours in jail, as well as 100 hours of community service that must be completed by May 28, 2027. Hall is scheduled to serve his 48 hours in jail starting at 7 a.m. Friday, according to the court documents.

Hall is serving his fourth term in the Maine House representing House District 74, which includes the towns of Industry, New Vineyard, Strong, Wilton, Avon, Carthage, Temple, Weld, Perkins Township, Washington Township, New Portland and South Franklin.

He won re-election last November with 66% of the vote over Democrat Gregory Kimber.

Hero of the Week: Chattanooga officer rushed into burning home, rescued family

 This week's hero is a Chattanooga police officer who apparently didn't think twice when he saw a house on fire and he rushed in to save a family. Here's the story.

Bodycam shows Chattanooga officer rushing into burning home, rescuing family

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — A Chattanooga Police officer is being credited with saving a family from an apartment fire.

Body camera video shows Officer Rogers running into a home with flames visible near the front door. Police say the call happened May 1st just before 10 p.m. on Cranberry Way in Hixson.

Neighbors told the officer people were still inside. That is when he went in.

According to Chattanooga Police, Officer Rogers rescued Rachel Blaylock’s 4-year-old daughter Marlowe from the burning apartment as Blaylock followed with 10-year-old Charles.

Police body camera video shows Officer Rogers push through smoke and flames, getting Marlowe out safely. Blaylock says he was even ready to go back inside... "I keep thinking back, how was I going to get two kids down the stairs?" Blaylock told us. "He just grabs her, and he was willing to go back in." Thankfully, no one was hurt.

Police are not trained in firefighting, but they do take an oath to serve and protect,” CPD said in a social media post. “And that is exactly what Officer Rogers did. Neighbor Ebony Cox says she was getting ready for bed when she heard screaming coming from next door.

When she came outside, she looked over and saw the apartment building in flames.

"I'm like, please, please, somebody get her out," Cox says.

"He was just a brave person to react like that. He could have got hurt, but he didn't care. He just kept on kicking the door."

Blaylock says she’s just thankful her children made it out and that Officer Rogers didn’t hesitate.