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Rod's Pure Thoughts

Demanding Respect For Your Business!

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6 months ago

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Last Updated on October 13, 2025 by Daily News Staff

business

The Business

I originally posted this on the former TNCN blog site back in 2021, but it is still very relevant today.

This is my first blog post in a long while. Today, I would like to talk about demanding respect for your business, in whatever you do. Whether you are running a blog, or podcast, creating apps, craft beer, food, or even if you are mowing lawns. Whatever it is you are doing, this is your business, and your reputation, your blood, sweat, and tears got you some level of success to this point.

From my standpoint, any success that I have had with TNC.Network I can attribute some of it to help from my family and friends. My friends care about my business, are concerned about its failure and champion its success.

More than likely, your friends do respect your business, and at least understand how your business integrity and reputation are valuable and important to your company’s future and treat it as such.

There are, however, times when this is not the case. A person who claims to be a friend and doesn’t have your business’s best interest at heart.

Thinking about the work you put into your business, you’ve also considered this, your company’s branding. This shows your hard work and dedication. With your branding, you have successfully and deservedly earned the trust of your clientele.

If you are running a media business like a blog, podcast, or a video channel and you are dealing with sponsors, or you are receiving products to review, movie or theater passes, or you are getting press passes to cover special events, it means that these venues and companies are entrusting you and your brand with their success.

With that said, let’s circle back to friendship and respecting your business or brand. Running TNC Network, I worked hard on branding and the blog’s reputation. When someone entrusts me with their branding, it is important to treat it with the respect they deserve, with integrity and professionalism.

Let’s focus on press passes. Covering events for TNC Network, I occasionally get press passes for events, which means that the venue is entrusting my news-blog to cover the event professionally and as a member of the press. It is not, however, an avenue for someone to just enter for free or act like a fake VIP and take advantage of the situation. Also, while at the event, we must follow the rules, no matter what you think about them or dislike them.

In 2018, I had an incident happen within our company where the person who was supposedly representing us at a local event purposely didn’t follow the rules. As a result, we are now seemingly blacklisted from getting press passes from that venue. Lesson learned. Good friends understand how important your company’s reputation is to its brand.

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I learned a lot from that incident, and it made me rethink how I issue press passes within the company for coverage. I now take much more care in vetting the people who will represent the company. Press passes are not given for personal benefit; they are a symbol of the company’s trust and reputation. Good friends realize that and respect the importance of maintaining professional boundaries and upholding the company’s standards.

Furthermore, I believe that demanding respect for your business extends beyond just managing press passes or handling sponsorships. It includes how you interact with employees, clients, and even competitors. Consistently demonstrating professionalism and integrity in all aspects of your business fosters a culture of respect that can be felt by everyone who interacts with your brand.

So, whether you’re just starting out or have been in business for years, remember that your reputation is one of your most valuable assets. Protect it fiercely, demand respect for your hard work, and surround yourself with people who understand and appreciate the importance of your business’s integrity. In the long run, this will contribute not only to your success but also to the satisfaction and loyalty of everyone involved with your business.

STM Daily News is a vibrant news blog dedicated to sharing the brighter side of human experiences. Emphasizing positive, uplifting stories, the site focuses on delivering inspiring, informative, and well-researched content. With a commitment to accurate, fair, and responsible journalism, STM Daily News aims to foster a community of readers passionate about positive change and engaged in meaningful conversations. Join the movement and explore stories that celebrate the positive impacts shaping our world.

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STM Daily News is a multifaceted podcast that explores a wide range of topics, from life and consumer issues to the latest in food and beverage trends. Our discussions dive into the realms of science, covering everything from space and Earth to nature, artificial intelligence, and astronomy. We also celebrate the amateur sports scene, highlighting local athletes and events, including our special segment on senior Pickleball, where we report on the latest happenings in this exciting community. With our diverse content, STM Daily News aims to inform, entertain, and engage listeners, providing a comprehensive look at the issues that matter most in our daily lives. https://stories-this-moment.castos.com/

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  • Rod Washington

    Rod: A creative force, blending words, images, and flavors. Blogger, writer, filmmaker, and photographer. Cooking enthusiast with a sci-fi vision. Passionate about his upcoming series and dedicated to TNC Network. Partnered with Rebecca Washington for a shared journey of love and art.

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Rod: A creative force, blending words, images, and flavors. Blogger, writer, filmmaker, and photographer. Cooking enthusiast with a sci-fi vision. Passionate about his upcoming series and dedicated to TNC Network. Partnered with Rebecca Washington for a shared journey of love and art.

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Entertainment

Disclosure Day: Why Spielberg’s New UFO Film Has My Attention

The upcoming movie “Disclosure Day,” directed by Steven Spielberg and written by David Koepp, is highly anticipated for its exploration of sci-fi themes involving UFOs and aliens. Scheduled for a June 12, 2026 release, it features a strong cast, including Emily Blunt, and is expected to deliver a blend of wonder and emotion, reminiscent of Spielberg’s iconic films.

Published

2 weeks ago

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March 19, 2026

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If there is one upcoming movie I am genuinely excited about, it is Disclosure Day. As someone who has been fascinated by science fiction, aliens, UFOs, and space since I was a little kid, this one feels like it is landing right in my wheelhouse. Add Steven Spielberg to the mix, and it becomes even more personal. Spielberg’s work helped shape the way a lot of us look at wonder, fear, and the unknown. For me, films like Close Encounters of the Third Kind, E.T., Jaws, and Duel were not just movies. They were experiences.

Disclosure Day: Abstract image with blurred features.
Image Credit: Universal Pictures

That is why Disclosure Day already feels like one of the most intriguing releases on the 2026 calendar. Directed by Spielberg and written by David Koepp from a story by Spielberg, the film brings together a strong cast that includes Emily Blunt, Josh O’Connor, Colin Firth, Eve Hewson, Colman Domingo, and Wyatt Russell. Blunt is reportedly playing a Kansas City TV meteorologist, which immediately adds an interesting angle for a story tied to mystery and possible extraterrestrial themes.

Disclosure Day | Official Trailer

What makes this project especially exciting is the creative team behind it. Spielberg returning to UFO territory is enough to get longtime sci-fi fans paying attention, and Koepp’s involvement adds another layer of anticipation. The film was first reported in April 2024 as Spielberg’s next project, with Universal Pictures later confirmed as distributor. Production took place from February through May 2025, with filming in New York, New Jersey, and Atlanta under the working title Non-View.

The supporting details only make it more interesting. John Williams is set to compose the score, marking yet another collaboration with Spielberg. That alone gives the film a sense of event-level importance. Williams and Spielberg have created some of the most unforgettable moments in movie history together, and for a film centered on mystery and awe, that musical partnership matters.

Right now, Disclosure Day is scheduled to hit theaters in the United States on June 12, 2026, with an IMAX release planned as well. It was originally dated for May 15, 2026, but the move to June only builds the summer blockbuster feel around it. Based on everything we know so far, this looks like a film that could blend spectacle, emotion, and that classic Spielberg sense of wonder.

From my perspective, this is exactly the kind of movie I want to follow closely. I have always been drawn to stories about what might be out there, what we do not understand yet, and how ordinary people react when the impossible suddenly feels real. Spielberg has explored those ideas before in ways that stay with you, and I am curious to see how Disclosure Day adds to that legacy.

I will be keeping an eye on this one and updating readers as more information comes out, from trailers and story details to cast insights and release coverage, all the way up to premiere day. For sci-fi fans, UFO believers, and anyone who still feels that pull of the unknown, this is a movie worth watching.

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Looking for an entertainment experience that transcends the ordinary? Look no further than STM Daily News Blog’s vibrant Entertainment section. Immerse yourself in the captivating world of indie films, streaming and podcasts, movie reviews, music, expos, venues, and theme and amusement parks. Discover hidden cinematic gems, binge-worthy series and addictive podcasts, gain insights into the latest releases with our movie reviews, explore the latest trends in music, dive into the vibrant atmosphere of expos, and embark on thrilling adventures in breathtaking venues and theme parks. Join us at STM Entertainment and let your entertainment journey begin! https://stmdailynews.com/category/entertainment/

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Entertainment

Catherine O’Hara and the Late-Night TV That Stayed With Me

A personal reflection on watching Catherine O’Hara on SCTV during late-night television and how those early performances shaped a lifelong love of character-driven comedy.

Published

2 months ago

on

February 1, 2026

By

person holding black remote control
Photo by Towfiqu barbhuiya on Pexels.com

Catherine O’Hara and the Late-Night TV That Shaped a Generation of Comedy Fans

From a personal point of view, one of my earliest memories of Catherine O’Hara doesn’t come from a movie theater or a prime-time sitcom. It comes from the quiet glow of late-night television, long after most of the house had gone to sleep.

As a youngster, I remember staying up late enough to catch Second City Television (SCTV), which aired after Saturday Night Live and Don Kirshner’s Rock Concert. That meant it didn’t come on until around 1:30 a.m. Pacific Time, deep into Saturday night and early Sunday morning. Even at that young age, I knew I was watching something different. The humor felt sharper, stranger, and somehow smarter — and Catherine O’Hara stood out immediately.

Even before I understood why it was funny, I understood that it mattered.

Late-Night Television as a Classroom

Looking back now, it’s clear that late-night television quietly shaped my taste in comedy. SCTV didn’t feel like it was aiming for the widest possible audience. It felt like it trusted the viewer to catch up. Catherine O’Hara’s performances weren’t just about delivering punchlines — they were about inhabiting characters completely, no matter how absurd, subtle, or offbeat they were.

SCTV High Q Night School sketch with John Candy, Eugene Levy, Catherine O’Hara, Rick Moranis

That kind of comedy asks you to pay attention. And for a kid watching far past his bedtime, it was oddly captivating. I didn’t have the vocabulary for “character work” or “commitment to the bit,” but I recognized authenticity when I saw it. O’Hara had it in abundance.

Seeing the Through-Line Years Later

As the years went on, Catherine O’Hara kept showing up in new places — and each time, something clicked. In Beetlejuice, there was that same fearless weirdness. In Home Alone, she brought warmth and panic and humanity to what could have easily been a one-note role. She grounded the chaos without ever dulling it.

A personal reflection on watching Catherine O’Hara on SCTV during late-night television and how those early performances shaped a lifelong love of character-driven comedy.

Then came Schitt’s Creek. By the time Moira Rose entered our cultural vocabulary, it felt less like a reinvention and more like a full-circle moment. The bold choices, the musicality of her voice, the unapologetic commitment — it all traced back to those SCTV performances from decades earlier.

Moira Rose didn’t come out of nowhere — she came from years of late nights, sharp instincts, and fearless comedy.

Why Those Early Moments Matter

What I didn’t realize at the time was that those 1:30 a.m. viewings were teaching me how to appreciate comedy that lingered. Not everything had to land immediately. Not every joke needed a laugh track. Some performances simply stayed with you.

Screen Shot 2026 02 01 at 8.13.43 AM
Catherine O’Hara – SCTV

Catherine O’Hara’s work did exactly that. It stayed. Through different decades, formats, and genres, her performances carried a consistency of intelligence and heart. For many of us who grew up sneaking glances at late-night television, she became a familiar presence — someone who trusted the audience enough to go all in.

A Personal Goodbye

With news of her passing, those memories feel closer than ever. Not just of Catherine O’Hara the icon, but of Catherine O’Hara the performer who helped shape how many of us learned to watch comedy. She wasn’t just funny — she was formative.

Late-night television doesn’t always get credit for the role it plays in shaping taste, curiosity, and imagination. But for those of us who were there, watching quietly while the rest of the world slept, it mattered. And Catherine O’Hara was a big part of why.

— STM Daily News

For more on her early career in comedy, see Forbes retrospective on Catherine O’Hara’s career history and influence. [oai_citation:3‡Forbes](https://www.forbes.com/sites/hannahabraham/2026/01/30/how-catherine-ohara-became-beloved-across-three-generations-from-sctv-to-home-alone-to-schitts-creek/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

Learn about the cultural impact and awards for Schitt’s Creek Schitt’s Creek Wikipedia overview. [oai_citation:4‡Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schitt%27s_Creek?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

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See a broad overview of her life and legacy from PBS NewsHour PBS retrospective. [oai_citation:5‡pbs.org](https://www.pbs.org/newshour/arts/catherine-ohara-emmy-winning-actor-and-comedian-of-schitts-creek-fame-dies-at-71?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

Looking for an entertainment experience that transcends the ordinary? Look no further than STM Daily News Blog’s vibrant Entertainment section. Immerse yourself in the captivating world of indie films, streaming and podcasts, movie reviews, music, expos, venues, and theme and amusement parks. Discover hidden cinematic gems, binge-worthy series and addictive podcasts, gain insights into the latest releases with our movie reviews, explore the latest trends in music, dive into the vibrant atmosphere of expos, and embark on thrilling adventures in breathtaking venues and theme parks. Join us at STM Entertainment and let your entertainment journey begin! https://stmdailynews.com/category/entertainment/

and let your entertainment journey begin!

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The Empty Promise: Lynwood’s Lost Downtown Dream

In the 1970s, Lynwood, CA, dreamed of a downtown mall anchored by Montgomery Ward. Decades later, the empty lots told a story of ambition, delay, and renewal.

Published

3 months ago

on

January 3, 2026

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In the 1970s, Lynwood, CA, dreamed of a downtown mall anchored by Montgomery Ward. Decades later, the empty lots told a story of ambition, delay, and renewal.

Artistic Image: R Washington and AI

In the early 1970s, Lynwood, California, dreamed big.

City leaders envisioned a new, modern downtown — a sprawling shopping and auto mall that would bring jobs, shoppers, and a sense of pride back to this small but growing city in the southeast corner of Los Angeles County. At the heart of the plan stood a gleaming new Montgomery Ward department store, which opened around 1973 and promised to anchor a larger commercial center that never fully came.

But for those of us who grew up in Lynwood during that time, the promise never quite materialized.

Instead, we remember acres of empty lots, chain-link fences, and faded “Coming Soon” signs that sat for decades — silent witnesses to a dream deferred.

The Vision That Stalled

In 1973, Lynwood’s Redevelopment Agency launched what it called Project Area A — an ambitious plan to clear and rebuild much of the city’s downtown core. Small businesses and homes were bought out, land was assembled, and the city floated bonds to support new construction.

For a brief moment, it looked as if the plan might work. Montgomery Ward opened its doors, serving as a retail beacon for the area. Yet the rest of the mall — the shops, restaurants, and auto dealerships — never came.

By the mid-1970s, much of downtown had been bulldozed, but little replaced it. And by the time Ward closed its Lynwood location in 1986, the vast lots surrounding it had become symbols of frustration and unfulfilled potential.

What Happened?

Some longtime residents whispered about corruption or backroom deals — the kind of speculation that grows when visible progress stalls.

But newspaper archives and redevelopment records tell a more complex story.

Lynwood’s plans collided with a series of hard realities:

The construction of the Century Freeway (I-105) disrupted neighborhoods and depressed land values. Environmental cleanup and ownership disputes slowed development. Economic shifts in retail — as malls in nearby Downey, South Gate, and Paramount attracted anchor stores — drained the local market. And later, political infighting among city officials made sustained redevelopment almost impossible.

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To this day, there’s no public record of proven corruption directly tied to the 1970s mall plan. What did exist was a tangle of bureaucracy, economic change, and missed opportunity — a perfect storm that left Lynwood’s heart half-built and half-forgotten.

Growing Up Among the Vacant Lots

For those of us who were kids in Lynwood during that era, the story is more personal.

We remember the sight of the Montgomery Ward building — modern and hopeful at first, then shuttered and fading by the mid-1980s.

We remember riding bikes past the empty dirt fields that were supposed to become shopping plazas. And we remember the quiet frustration of adults who had believed the city’s promises.

Those empty blocks became our playgrounds — but they also became symbols of the gap between what Lynwood was and what it wanted to be.

A New Chapter: Plaza México and Beyond

By the late 1990s and early 2000s, the dream finally resurfaced in a new form.

Developers transformed the long-idle site into Plaza México, a vibrant commercial and cultural hub that celebrates Mexican and Latin American heritage.

It took nearly 30 years for Lynwood’s downtown to come alive again.

The result is beautiful — but it’s also bittersweet for those who remember how long the land sat empty, and how many local businesses and residents were displaced in pursuit of a dream that took a generation to fulfill.

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Looking Back

The story of Lynwood’s lost mall isn’t just about urban planning.

It’s about hope, change, and resilience. It’s about how a community tried to reinvent itself — and how the children who grew up watching that effort still carry its memory.

Sometimes, when I drive through that stretch of Imperial Highway and Long Beach Boulevard, I still imagine what might have been: the bustling mall that never was, and the voices of a neighborhood caught between ambition and uncertainty.

📚 Further Reading

  • Montgomery Ward will close its Lynwood store. (Jan 3 1986) — Los Angeles Times. 

    Read it here

  • Montgomery Ward Won’t Confirm Deal: Lynwood Council Says Retailer to Stay Open. (Jan 16 1986) — Los Angeles Times. 

    Read it here

  • “Las Plazas of South LA” — academic paper by J.N. Leal (2012), discussing retail and redevelopment challenges in the region including Lynwood. 

    Read the PDF

  • Proposed Lynwood Development Draws Support and Criticism. (2007) — Los Angeles Sentinel. 

    Read it here

  • Wikipedia page: Lynwood, California — overview of the city including mention of Plaza México redevelopment. 

    Read it here

Dive into “The Knowledge,” where curiosity meets clarity. This playlist, in collaboration with STMDailyNews.com, is designed for viewers who value historical accuracy and insightful learning. Our short videos, ranging from 30 seconds to a minute and a half, make complex subjects easy to grasp in no time. Covering everything from historical events to contemporary processes and entertainment, “The Knowledge” bridges the past with the present. In a world where information is abundant yet often misused, our series aims to guide you through the noise, preserving vital knowledge and truths that shape our lives today. Perfect for curious minds eager to discover the ‘why’ and ‘how’ of everything around us. Subscribe and join in as we explore the facts that matter.  https://stmdailynews.com/the-knowledge/

 

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