I've been very good in taking a few pieces at a time...when I normally would devour it in one sitting.

Hence I have a bit left for dessert tonight...but it has to be with a tall glass of cold milk!

So my question is, when are they going back to Poland for another visit?

Comments? email me at:  mike@whud.com

Follow the path of Rip Van Winkle in this reimagined, high-energy, immersive experience set across the historic home and grounds of Sunnyside.

Experience one of Washington Irving’s most famous tales like never before. Led by a cast of costumed actors, you’ll travel from scene to scene through a multi-sensory light and soundscape of live music and dreamscapes, where you’ll join in festivities, enjoy complimentary alcoholic and non-alcoholic libations and snacks, and interact with the tale as it unfolds around you. It’s a story about losing time, but finding yourself at just the right moment in time—it’s bold, atmospheric, and definitely inspiring!

RECOMMENDED FOR AGES 10+

May 23 – July 26

Weekends

Advanced Tickets Only. Not Sold on Site

Timed Admission

70 Minute Immersive Experience with Live Perfomances

Select Fridays – Sundays
6pm & 8pm

Tickets

General Admission: $65

Members Save 15% 

Email me with any comments on any of my blogs...mike@whud.com

To find out which sports cities fandom is the most zealous, researchers at PlayBaseball.com, a sports equipment retail site, surveyed thousands of Americans across the United States and ranked states passion for local sports teams based on the following criteria: How strongly residents identify as sports fans, how emotionally invested the feel, how much time they spend following sports, whether they attend games or even travel for them, and how much money they spend on sports. 

Unfortunately, New York did not rank within the Top 5, but we are inside the Top 10.

(Thinkstock; Canva)

When all the stats were analyzed, New York was placed the #6 U.S. state with the most passionate sports fans.

Our ranking HAS to go up when the next batch of results is released, right? The New York Knicks just made the NBA Finals for the first time in 27 years and the NY Giants recently hired former Baltimore Ravens Head Coach John Harbaugh to take the reigns of a football team that's showing great potential. So, I definitely feel the enthusiasm around professional New York sports team gaining momentum!

Here are the Top 5 Most Passionate Sports States in America (according to PlayBaseball.com):

1. Texas

2. Georgia

3. Illinois

4. Mississippi

5. New Jersey

Take a look at the full ranking at PlayBaseball.com.

– It was announced today that the Secretary of War the Honorable Pete Hegseth will be the speaker at the U.S. Military Academy’s Class of 2026 graduation ceremony on Saturday, May 23.  

This marks his first official visit to the academy.  

Hegseth is the 29th secretary of war and serves as the principal assistant to the President in all matters relating to the Department of War.  

Born and raised in Minneapolis, Minn., he was commissioned as an infantry officer in the U.S. Army National Guard following his graduation from Princeton University in 2003. He later earned a degree from Harvard University in 2013.

He participated in a number of active-duty deployments during his time in service, including operations in Guantanamo Bay, Iraq and Afghanistan. Hegseth also served in multiple staff positions in the National Guard.  

.

Cheryl L. Boujnida

Chief, Media Relations Division

Directorate of Communications

U.S. Military Academy at West Point

DUTY! HONOR! COUNTRY!

From the time he first appeared on Saturday Night Live in 2010, I was a fan of this guy because not only is he naturally funny but he has the ability to do just any celebrity impression! From Denzel to President Obama...he nails it every time.

Now he's hosting the Fox prime time game show "The Quiz with Balls" which just wrapped up season three and he told me yesterday that season 4 will happen. He says his 87 year old grandmother calls it her favorite show!

Don't miss Jay Pharoah at Levity Live-West Nyack at the Palisades Center mall......his first appearance there!

BTW, Jay Pharoah is a stage name...his real name is Jared Antonio Farrow....he told me Jay makes the money and Jared pays the taxes!

Go see him and send my your review: 

mike@whud.com

Sure, lots of sports figures have dated the same people time and again, but never have I ever heard two that literally swapped their whole entire lives.

But that's the crazy-but-true real life story of New York Yankees pitchers Mike Kekich and Fritz Peterson.

The year was 1973. Mike Kekich and his wife Susanne and Fritz Peterson and his wife Marilyn had reportedly been friends for about four years at that point.

It was at Yankees Spring Training in '73 that Kekich and Peterson made a public announcement that they'd fallen in love with each other's spouses. And this was no prank or temporary experiment. It was very real and the headlines ran away with the scenario.

As you can imagine, given the era, this was a major scandal, both in the sports and media world. Explaining on Instagram said it best, stating, 'It remains one of the most bizarre and talked-about off-field stories in sports history'.

The scandal unfolded in about five steps. Here are the series of events surrounding this New York Yankees 'life swap'.

First, the pitchers switched wives. Fritz Peterson got with Susanne Kekich. Mike Kekich got with Marilyn Peterson. Second, the families swapped kids. Yep, the Kekich kids were living with Fritz and the Peterson offspring were living with Mike. Third, the newly formed couples traded homes. Fourth, Fitz and Mike traded cars. Fifth and finally, they even swapped family pets!

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Explaining (@explaining)

So, how did this all end up? Fritz Peterson pitched for the Yankees for nine seasons. He and Susanne got married and stayed together. As for Mike Kekich, in the bullpen for the Yankees for four seasons, he and Marilyn's love affair fizzled out after a couple months.

via GIPHY

Yep, my eyes are still bugged out of my head, lol.

But in about 2 1/2 hours working by himself, Jose from Whitaker's Garage Door Store ripped down the old door (I think most of it just crumbled on it's own) and installed our lovely new stainless steel door with a lock!

No more wild critters taking up residence in our detached garage and it looks fantastic! Highly recommend Whitaker's...as the sign says..914-962-9873

Comments anyone? Email me at: mike@whud.com

I have a nice blanket and notepads and address labels and now this sign that hangs on the inside of our front door.

I've always believed that Native Americans got shafted way back when and anything I can do to support them now is a good thing.

I'd love to hear YOUR opinions about which charities you support!

Email me at mike@whud.com

I've told him in the past that I believe the annual show should be required viewing by all Americans. It is so moving and reminds us all of the sacrifices of many men & women in uniform to keep us free.

Among the musical performers this year is fellow Monroe-Woodbury graduate, Andy Grammer and actor Noah Wylie of "The Pitt" 

BTW, my chat with Joe will air this Monday May 18th at 6:15 & 8:15am on 100.7 WHUD

I'd love to hear your feedback ..email me at mike@whud.com

FRIDAY 5-22 UPDATE...sad to say Joe Mantegna had to bow out of this year's telecast but the show will of course on without him as Gary Sinise will be joined by actress Mary McCormack. Hopefully Joe will be back for Memorial Day 2027!

Here's what the Chamber has to say:

The Orange County Chamber of Commerce will mark a milestone on June 3 with its fifth annual Women M.E.A.N. Business event at Winding Hills Golf Club in Montgomery, N.Y., celebrating five years of empowering women across the region. In addition, Vicki Mastronardi, assistant vice president and branch manager at Orange Bank & Trust, will be honored with the first MEANingful Impact Award. 

Mastronardi, assistant vice president and branch manager at Orange Bank & Trust, was chosen for her leadership, mentorship and deep community involvement, which have made a measurable difference across Orange County. Known for guiding and uplifting others, fostering meaningful professional connections and empowering women to advance in their careers, Mastronardi embodies the very spirit of the M.E.A.N. mission

About the Orange County Chamber of Commerce

The Orange County Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to promoting economic growth and prosperity in Orange County, N.Y.. Through advocacy, networking, and community engagement, the Chamber serves as a catalyst for business success and a champion for the local business community. Learn more at orangeny.com.

BTW, if you call Orange Bank & Trust, my voice can be heard when you're on-hold!

Comments anyone? mike@whud.com is my email which I monitor 24/7 ...I don't sleep lol

A google search explained why Worchester officers were running in New York. 

Five years ago one of their colleagues was killed and in his honor. they run from Massachusetts to Washington DC where the National Police Memorial is located. The 460 miles is run by fellow officers in honor of Worchester Police Officer Manny Familia died five years ago when he went into a pond to save teens from drowning. 

Parents or guardians interested in submitted their child can find a link at hudsonvalleypost.com.

(REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni)

Currently listed for $4.9 million, Drew's probably going to lose money on the sale since she's only got it on the market for $500,000 more than she paid for it in 2024.

(Rich & Fabulous/YouTube)

And reportedly, Drew gutted the 280-year-old, 12-acre estate doing a ton of renovations.

(Rich & Fabulous/YouTube)

She once compared the project to the 80's Tom Hanks movie The Money Pit, according to Realtor.com.

via GIPHY

The estate boasts six bedrooms, nine bathrooms, vaulted Cathedral-style ceilings, an in-ground swimming pool, guest house, and more.

(Rich & Fabulous/YouTube)

It's full of whimsy and touches of Shabby Chic and looks ultra inviting.

(Rich & Fabulous/YouTube)

Watch this video that offers a virtual tour of Drew Barrymore's Westchester home:

And it looks even BETTER in the photos you can view at this link!

I had been nominated by the late Sister Virginia of the Dominican Sisters Family Health Service because of my charity work for them and other local not-for-profits! My class of inductees included Frankie Vallie, Brooke Shields and boxer Ray "Boom Boom: Mancini.

The Ellis Island Honor Society has a rich history as outlined here:

The Ellis Island Medals of Honor have been awarded annually since 1986 to Americans, both U.S.-born and naturalized, who represent and contribute to the rich mosaic that is our great nation. This year, a total of 76 honorees will be honored for their contributions in business, education, entertainment, public service, philanthropy, media, healthcare, sports, and the defense of the United States. Each medalist has embraced their personal immigrant history and recognizes the role that uniquely American opportunities played in helping them reach their goals. 

The medal ceremony will take place on Saturday, May 16^th during a black-tie gala held in Ellis Island's Great Hall, which served as the gateway for 12 million immigrants to the U.S.

Email me your comments at mike@whud.com

They are angels on Earth...and have always been so comforting to me in my worst times.

My current nurse is Lira, who works with orthopedic Dr. Scott Russinoff of Optum. When I go into the office for my quarterly cortizone shots for my knees....Lira is the first face I see and she's always smiling and ready with a compliment about that morning's show. It means a lot to me that she enjoys my work as much as I enjoy her work. She loves talking about her two little boys who are adorable. She's a great mom and a great nurse!

So to all the nurses out there...especially the ones who've cared for me over the years....thank you on behalf of me and my family! 

His 'It is high! It is going! It is GONE' call will live in infamy among Yankees fans and fellow sports broadcasters.

Here are 10 facts about John Sterling you might not know, followed by the Yankees touching tribute to the man and his many talents:

1. His real name is John Sloss.

2. He was a July 4th baby.

(Stephanie McCabe/Unsplash)

3. He called hockey, basketball, and football before he ever called baseball.

4. He called 5,060 consecutive New York Yankees games between 1989 and 2019.

5. He once switched places with a Red Sox broadcaster during the 4th inning of a 2018 series against Boston. It was called, 'Rivalry in the Booth'.

(REUTERS)

6. He called play-by-play for the first-ever Major League Baseball games played in Europe.

7. He was the voice of Hallmark Channel's 'Kitten Bowl' from 2013 to 2017.

(IMAGN Images for REUTERS Connect)

8. Three of his four children are triplets.

(Llyfrgell Genedlaethol Cymru / The National Library of Wales)

9. In 2021, during Hurricane Ida, Sterling was rescued from his flooded car by Yankees Spanish-language broadcaster Rickie Ricardo.

10. He was hit in the head by a foul ball while calling a game. He went on with the show.

Watch the New York Yankees Tribute to John Sterling

RIP John.

They performed a song that translates to "Beautiful Skies" and I loved it.

After a stop at the radio station, the band is heading north to Kingston & Albany to perform!

in 2015 she had an appearance at the Westchester County Center in White Plains and I was able to get meet & greet passes for me and my wife Mary Ellen. The experience was more than we had wished wish for...Carol was funny, friendly and generous with her time. She gladly accepted a signed copy of my book and laughed out loud at the title..."Don't Pay the Ransom, I've Escaped".

That alone made my night...but Carol was so sweet & genuine ...she made us feel like longtime friends, when in actuality we, like so many millions of people, are just longtime fans of her comedy & personality. So Happy Birthday Carol...here's to another 93!.

But now the years have caught up with the detached garage in our backyard. The door is falling apart...literally... my wife has been holding it together with duct tape, trying to keep wild critters from setting up shop inside. 

So I finally called one of our great WHUD sponsors, Whitaker Garage Doors this past Wednesday...24 hours later Brian was standing in my backyard measuring for a new, steel door., that comes with a lock that only my wife will have.

We signed the deal and expect to have our spanking new garage door within a couple of weeks!

I'll keep you posted...like the old saying...happy wife, happy life!

Comments? email: mike@whud.com

(Kirby Lee for IMAGN Images via REUTERS Connect)

Even though I'm a Philadelphia Eagles fan and very nervous but excited to see who gets added to the team, I'm actually so curious to see who the New York Giants take. I have a feeling that, under new head coach John Harbaugh, the Giants are heading into one of the most-anticipated seasons in the franchise, and I'm intrigued to see who the team goes with at the very crucial time.

(REUTERS/Ed Mulholland)

The New York Jets? Not so much, but I wish them luck, lol.

According to Ari Meirov @MySportsUpdate on X, the Jets still had $40 million in their salary cap as of April 6th, the 5th highest in the league. The Giants are reportedly working with much less headed into the draft coming in 27th among the 32 NFL teams with $6.4M.

Let's hope the picks for both teams pay off during the upcoming 2026-2027 pro football season. I just hope everyone has fun. NOT! Go Birds! Lol.

And he returns to Bethel Woods on August 8th with as he calls them...his dummies!

Jeff says they earned him enough money to afford a car collection...and now he's turned that hobby into a TV show on Discovery!

Jeff Dunham's "The Cars That Drove Us" airs TONIGHT and its about dune buggies!

So watch his TV show and then catch him live at Bethel Woods August 8th with Gabriel Iglesias!

Most customers just browse among the many aisles but my feet are very difficult to size so I called in advance to be certain someone could help me with my purchase. Leslie answered the phone and encouraged me to come in. When I arrived a found a bench to sit on and who walks by...of course its Leslie. Friendly, helpful and patient as I tried on several styles & sizes before we hit on the right pair for me! (I'm wearing them right now for the first time). 

I asked if Howie Mandel was in the store...she said I haven't seen him in the three years I've worked here LOL

So here's to exemplary customer service....performed beautifully by Leslie...who shared a photo she took with Mark Ruffalo (The Hulk) when he was filming a TV show locally. Pretty cool to share that memory with me!

Your car is often your sanctuary. Sometimes, it's the only thing between you and the real world.

The Yogi Berra Museum & Learning Center located in Little Falls New Jersey and has many programs and exhibits open to the public...including this weekend...here's the museum's news release....

Hundreds of pictures for the 60 kids & adults attending...it was no-stop. They loved the props but would then get another round of photos just making faces or being serious...mostly families!

This keepsake strips of 3 photos were the treasured by all and will adorn refrigerators, walls and notebooks forever!

I just never realized how cool a photo booth is to lay with...even comes with its own generator!

Thanks to Uptown Sounds for the dance music and the photo booth! Loren Latham and his soon-to-be wife Epiphanie Reddick....what an entertainment team!

Which is why I have a soft spot in my heart for anyone who has to interact with the public...which can be tricky in today's climate.

So it was nice to have this young lady deliver my food curbside at the Bagel Shoppe in Fishkill by announcing...I am Mida and I'm from Guatemala!

I said hello, nice to meet you...just like the new hit song by Myles Smith!

When I said let's take a picture...she said sure and this is the result. Nice to meet new people who are so friendly!

Email comments to Mike@whud.com

It's called Trax Coffee Roasters at Groveville Mills....and the smell of the coffee beans being roasted is absolutely incredible to me....I can spot the smoke coming out of that smokestack on the right from blocks away! I actually slow down, lower my car windows (even in the winter) so my vehicle is filled with the mouthwatering odor. A nearby factory emits not-so-popular aromas...but that's a story for a different day!

Oh, I forgot to mention that I don't drink coffee...never have but the roasting process creates an aroma that I can't resist!

Oddly, I love the smell of gasoline too but I've never tasted that either! LOL

comments: email mike@whud.com

During Spring Training, Schlitter visited Cats & Caffeine, a cat cafe in Tampa, Florida where the Yanks get ready for the season ahead. Cam's downtime included snuggling kittens and cats, feeding them treats, and giving them pets. It's cuteness overload!

Watch Cam Schlitter's kitty adventure below!

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by New York Yankees (@yankees)

Cam's assessment of cats is that they're usually nicer when they're tired, lol. Spot on, Cam!

Cats & Caffeine sent Schlitter home with some merch, including a hat appropriately embroidered with the word 'meow', that he says is definitely a game day hat for him.

In 2026, Easter falls on April 5, making now the perfect moment to rethink what goes into your child’s basket. While candy still has its place, more families are embracing a mix of fun and functional items that last well beyond the holiday.

But why a basket? And what's up with the bunny?

One widely shared theory traces the Easter Bunny back to ancient spring festivals honoring Eostre, a goddess associated with fertility and renewal. Offerings were often placed in baskets and included eggs or seedlings, both symbols of new life. The rabbit, known for its rapid reproduction, became a natural emblem of fertility.

Another origin story comes from 18th-century German immigrants who settled in Pennsylvania. They told their children about the “Osterhase,” a magical hare that laid colored eggs. Children would prepare nests — sometimes in baskets or hats — for the hare to fill.

...and chocolate?

Chocolate wasn’t always part of Easter, but once it arrived, it quickly became central.

European confectioners began crafting chocolate eggs in the early 1800s. In 1842, Cadbury introduced its first “eating chocolate,” and by 1875, the first chocolate Easter eggs were produced. The launch of Cadbury’s Dairy Milk chocolate eggs in 1905 helped solidify chocolate as a seasonal must-have.

Courtesy of nbcchicago.com