I can tell you first hand the chaos at @TSA is beginning to set in at airports. How anyone thought it would be a good idea to jeopardize travel & air safety with a shut down is beyond me. Not to mention inconvenience and delays. And having Pre Check or Clear only helps to a point because you still have to go through the scanners. I appreciate the agents who are now working with no pay, but this is dumb beyond words and a disaster waiting to happen. Be warned if heading to the airport. Delays are substantial. Hope this current insanity ends soon.
Celebrate Memorial Day. Celebrate Mel Brooks.
Long before “The Producers,” Mel Brooks fought Nazis. At 18, he crossed the Atlantic on a puke-soaked troop ship to unearth landmines in France.
He learned to wield a saber at Virginia Military Institute. He trained as a radio operator at Fort Sill—where mashed turnips masqueraded as potatoes and “shit on a shingle” (chipped beef on toast) became a regular meal.
Then came Europe. His ship, the Sea Owl, was a Liberty ship without stabilizers. Seasick GIs puked nonstop on a journey that zigzagged through U-boat territory. Brooks wrote comedy in the middle of it—penning a satirical column called My Floating Day, joking about saltwater shaving and flying breakfasts.
In Normandy, he was reclassified as a combat engineer. His new job? Clearing Nazi landmines, booby-trapped toilets, and tripwire-triggered “Bouncing Betties”—mines that exploded at chest height. One mistake and it was over.
Still, Mel found humor where he could. When he heard Germans singing across the river during bridge construction, he grabbed a bullhorn and serenaded them with “Toot Toot Tootsie.” He swore they clapped and shouted, “Sehr gut!”
He is primary duty was detecting mines with a bayonet, clearing paths for Allied troops.
And when the war ended, he celebrated not with wild gunfire—but in a wine-stocked cellar with a friend who knew that what goes up must come down.
Then came the joy: a USO show featuring Bob Hope. Mel couldn’t help himself—he grabbed Hope’s pant leg and demanded an autograph. Years later, on the set of The Tonight Show, he reminded Hope of that moment. Hope laughed and said, “I remember that crazy soldier.”
Brooks’ military service wasn’t just duty—it was the origin of his voice. His satire, irreverence, and love of life were forged in the absurdity of army chow, the terror of a minefield, and the warmth of a French farmhouse.
On this Memorial Day, let’s remember that Mel Brooks didn’t just lampoon fascists—he risked his life to fight them.
He joked that the army didn’t rob him of his youth—it gave him an education: how to stand on your own two feet, how to survive, and how to make someone laugh even when everything seemed bleak.
Confirming Arthur’s report that #Isles are evaluating no longer having specific radio broadcasters, and that Chris King and Greg Picker have been let go.
The day after they announced a new era, the Islanders come off today as minor league. It is a gross, unforced organizational error.
This should not stand.
Doing this to two incredibly dedicated and loved people is disgusting and mindless.
For the decades I’ve known him, no one has given more of himself in dedication and service to the Islanders and this community as Chris King. He is one of the best humans in this business. I’ve known the Picker family a long time, and Greg has come a long way. No one has worked harder.
There can be no way this billion-dollar brand did this to save money. The NYI radio operation is tiny. If they actually think they did this to save money, they are not smart. In the context of major league sports and the NYI, we are talking pennies. It can’t be that, right?
If anything, the NYI radio operation should be elevated, and with Chris and Greg intact. Add a former Islander and help him build his broadcast career.
The person who made this decision should put his name on it. You made it and it resulted in word getting out today, of all days. Have some guts.
I understand that to a lot of people this may not be big news in the scheme of things. But to do this at the same time at least 80% of the fanbase was overjoyed with yesterday’s news? What are they thinking?
I will do everything I can to see this silly, absurd decision reversed, and hope some of you join me. I also hope people of influence including @brendanmburke, who came from radio and knows its importance, explain to the Islanders why this is not the way to go.
I welcome your comments and petitions to retain Kinger and Greg and radio/streaming announcers. Asking you to consider kindness in the replies on this subject. Thank you.
So we’re at 35 days of drones/orbs over NJ every night with no explanation but we’re told they pose no danger. And we are at least 5 days in to the water in NJ looks funny, tastes funny and smells funny but we’re told it’s safe to drink. Cool
No responses so far from @comcast, @NBCUniversal, or @MSNBC about MSNBC host Al Sharpton receiving $500k from Kamala Harris before he interviewed her last month.
The network suspended @JoeNBC in 2010 for making $4k in campaign donations. https://t.co/l5PqZqsRmR
Wanted On A Warrant
In reference to the brutal assault that occurred on Oct. 13, in the 1000 blk of S. Charles St., a warrant has been issued for the arrest of 24 y/o John Callis, of Baltimore. Callis was seen on video assaulting two males following an NFL game, and is currently wanted for first-degree aggravated assault & three counts of second-degree assault.
My doctor, a board certified neurologist with over 20 years of experience believes I need an MRI.
But Frank, from Blue Cross Blue Shield, believes otherwise.
What a joke.
Just wow
#RIPBROTHERS
IF YOU RIDE ANY TYPE OF BIKE
LOVE HOCKEY
REPOST MAKE #RIPBROTHERS trend today 👊#Gaudreau
State police have confirmed that Johnny Gaudreau and his younger brother were struck and killed by a car while riding a bicycle on Thursday, per Daily Faceoff, with police sources saying the accident remained under investigation.