iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

My Pal Sammy @mypalsammy.substack.com · 28/09/2026

“What’s the use of getting older if you ain’t gonna get bolder?” A #GenX postcard on aging, memory and why independence beats acceptance every single time. Behold the latest #MyPalSammy 👇 mypalsammy.substack.com/p/a-gen-x-po...

mypalsammy.substack.com

A GEN X POSTCARD FROM 1428 ELM STREET

A Sermon, A TED Talk and A PSA on the Anniversary of My Birth

000

Reposted by My Pal Sammy

My Summer Lair @mysummerlair.bsky.social · 19/09/2026

The #CriterionCollection setting up directly across from Hooters is wild fun. Truly a fantastic one-stop shop for lovers of...physical media. 💀 #TIFF26

A sidewalk scene in Toronto during TIFF featuring an A-frame sandwich board sign in the foreground for "Criterion x Cinema Cellar" next to a bicycle. Across the street is a Hooters restaurant with an orange awning, set against urban buildings and street signs.

021

My Pal Sammy @mypalsammy.substack.com · 30/08/2026

“Hold it, Wyatt. I know female stats. I mean, anything bigger than a handful, you're risking a sprained thumb!” I got Weird Science…d at the Audible booth at Fan Expo. And I didn’t have to wear a bra on my head. That’s how far Science has progressed. Rather fitting since today is #FrankensteinDay.

A glowing blue, 3D wireframe outline of a human body lit up from within against a dark background, styled like 1980s computer graphics.

000

Reposted by My Pal Sammy

My Summer Lair @mysummerlair.bsky.social · 15/06/2026

While I'm certain the #NBAFinals was disappointing for @sheaserrano.bsky.social as a Spurs guy...this #Knicks run generated a wealth of emotions. And Shea's book Expensive Basketball is all about that: 🏀 “Expensive Basketball is an affirmation of feelings.” cc: @grandcentralpub.bsky.social #MSL

001

My Pal Sammy @mypalsammy.substack.com · 12/05/2026

Nobody Said Thank You. As #Cannes celebrates the 25th Anniversary of #TheFastSaga the #MyPalSammy newsletter sings a #GenX protest song: We Built This. Featuring @hertzbarry.bsky.social & his Fast & Fun book: Welcome to the Family. Dig the #Substack: mypalsammy.substack.com/p/we-built-t...

mypalsammy.substack.com

We Built This: A Gen X Manifesto of New Gods

From Egypt to Echo Park: An Overdue Thank You To The Defiant Architects Of Our Best Pop Culture

020

My Pal Sammy @mypalsammy.substack.com · 01/05/2026

Happy #NoPantsDay! (Though honestly isn't that everyday?) VHS, cassettes and vinyl have experienced great resurgences. But it'd be a legit Blockbuster if pants faded away like New Coke. Rather than having pants "comeback" it’s better when they come down... #DownWithPants

010

Reposted by My Pal Sammy

My Summer Lair @mysummerlair.bsky.social · 10/04/2026

Tomorrow in #Toronto: This is as real as the rain when @samrobertsband.bsky.social show up to @masseyhall.bsky.social as part of the 5 Nights 5 Cities #PantsWorthy celebrations of Chemical City's 20th. For this #FlashbackFriday; I asked #SamRoberts about his relationship with History.

031

My Pal Sammy @mypalsammy.substack.com · 26/01/2026

It's the 6th anniversary of #Kobe's death. In Showboat: The Life of Kobe Bryant, NBA biographer Roland Lazenby explores how Kobe became the Black Mamba: obsession, the mythology & the personal cost of relentless greatness. Here's that @mysummerlair.bsky.social episode: youtu.be/Lo-jefcGkkI?...

youtu.be

Kobe Bryant: The Dark Side of the Black Mamba | Roland Lazenby (Showboat: The Life of Kobe Bryant)

YouTube video by My Summer Lair

000

Reposted by My Pal Sammy

My Summer Lair @mysummerlair.bsky.social · 02/01/2026

Happy National Science Fiction Day! People will put stock in psychic predictions but reject the crystal ball prophesy of the best sci-fi. For the diverse richness of sci-fi we often fail to properly market hope. Sci-fi is the fuel your imagination needs to change the future: Hate The Fate.

011

Reposted by My Pal Sammy

My Summer Lair @mysummerlair.bsky.social · 25/12/2025

If Santa was good to you...well: that's disappointing. The coolest people are often on the naughty list. I'm literally hanging out with the wrong people. Sigh. Guess that's what New Year's Resolutions are for...make more friends with the naughty list crew. #MerryChristmas #HappyHolidays

011

Reposted by My Pal Sammy

My Summer Lair @mysummerlair.bsky.social · 24/12/2025

The @millsandhunte.bsky.social virtual yule log is all warmth, glow, and smooth jazz — exactly the ideal cozy background comfort Christmas Eve was built for Highly recommended if you just want to exhale. And get rid of your pants. #MerryChristmas youtu.be/3Q3NDEzbeEY?...

youtu.be

Angels We Have Heard On High (extended)

YouTube video by Pas da' Millz

011

Reposted by My Pal Sammy

Henry VanderSpek - Photographer @culturesnapca.bsky.social · 22/12/2025

This excerpt of my interview on the @mysummerlair.bsky.social podcast captures a big reason why I love being a photographer. Thanks to Sammy for this! 😊

062

My Pal Sammy @mypalsammy.substack.com · 21/12/2025

#CouchWorthy: March 2025 TV Highlights: Andrew Schulz (Life) & Bill Burr (Drop Dead Years) comedy specials. Daredevil was Reborn; so was Russo Bros. working on The Electric State. Seth Rogen released The Studio. More best of March 2025 #SetTheVCR. #CertifiedMSL mysummerlair.com/setthevcr/co...

mysummerlair.com

#CouchWorthy: March 2025 TV Highlights #CouchWorthy: January 2024 TV Highlights

Here are the hits and blockbusters we enjoyed in March 2025. Some TV highlights that are #CouchWorthy. #CouchWorthy is your monthly TV Guide to help you plan a fantastic TV show schedule from must-wat...

000

My Pal Sammy @mypalsammy.substack.com · 14/12/2025

Some delicious December TV offerings that do not involve a horny yet single interior decorator or other Hallmark movie junk. Latest My Pal Sammy offers and suggests and recommend the following for December 2025: mypalsammy.substack.com/p/setthevcr-...

mypalsammy.substack.com

#SetTheVCR for December 2025

Thank You So Much for Making 2025 Special...

010

Reposted by My Pal Sammy

My Summer Lair @mysummerlair.bsky.social · 11/12/2025

Remember in Stand By Me there’s a scene in the local junkyard. Through the fence the owner mocks Teddy, played by Corey Feldman: “Loony, loony, loony!” Well today: Corey Feldman vs the World is out on PVOD through platforms such as @AppleTV. Sadly, is Corey still a Lost Boy?

011

My Pal Sammy @mypalsammy.substack.com · 27/11/2025

Did you watch #StrangerThings5? Holly Wheeler is played by Nell Fisher. IMDb says she was born on Nov 2, 2011 in London. Wee Lass; Big Talent. See her in Bookworm and you’ll see. Based on her freshtastic Bookworm performance Demogorgons should be nervous. mypalsammy.substack.com/p/a-bookworm...

mypalsammy.substack.com

A Bookworm Reveals The Secret to Endless Wonder

Listen now | How '80s movies staring kids taught us to dream bigger, stay curious & embrace magic.

000

Reposted by My Pal Sammy

My Summer Lair @mysummerlair.bsky.social · 18/11/2025

For #TalkyTuesday writer @benjamin.percy informs me who is scarier: Wolverine or @stephenking? I mean they both have large yet fictional body counts, right? We all gotta go sometime...so would you want to be taken out by Wolverine or by Stephen King? Hmmm. 🎧 ⬇️ mysummerlair.com/podcast/benj...

021

Reposted by My Pal Sammy

My Summer Lair @mysummerlair.bsky.social · 03/11/2025

Last night’s #TrackerCBS had a famous cameo. Remember the Essex Corp orphanage in #Deadpool 2? That infamous Insane Asylum has been in numerous movies/TV shows shot in B.C. I heard the following creepy Scooby-Doo ghost story featuring...#RyanReynolds?! mypalsammy.substack.com/p/that-time-...

mypalsammy.substack.com

That Time Deadpool & Cable Went Full Scooby-Doo

My Summer Lair | Getting Goosebumps Making Marvel Movies

011

Reposted by My Pal Sammy

My Summer Lair @mysummerlair.bsky.social · 27/10/2025

Spooky Season offers not just horror movies; but also horror comics. That genre is 🔥 thanks to creators like Jeff Lemire. Jeff visited #MSL to talk X-Men (mutants!), hometown 👻 (scary!) & the 10k-hour grind (frightening!) (or rather 10k Ink Stains). mysummerlair.com/podcast/jeff...

mysummerlair.com

My Summer Lair featuring Jeff Lemire (10,000 Ink Stains)

My Summer Lair host Sammy Younan talks to comic book creator Jeff Lemire about his memoir 10,000 Ink Stains, published by Dark Horse Comics.

011

Reposted by My Pal Sammy

My Summer Lair @mysummerlair.bsky.social · 05/10/2025

“#JamesBondDay is a day of gratitude and a celebration of imagination: how bright sparks can ignite a fiery passion. And ah…of course to recognize sexy ladies named Octopussy.” A quote from a Bond-reflection I wrote for #JamesBond's 60th; still fits. mypalsammy.substack.com/p/that-james...

mypalsammy.substack.com

That James Bond Spark: Bonding With Bond

Bowie // James Bond // Frank Sinatra // Spider-Man // Bruce Springsteen

021

My Pal Sammy @mypalsammy.substack.com · 03/10/2025

The latest #MyPalSammy includes TV Terror recommendations from @paramountplus.com' Peak Screaming collection to #FearFest on @amcplus.com to Terror on #Tubi. Lots of Happy Horror! Let the warm #FearPee flow in this #Substack newsletter: #SetheVCR for October. mypalsammy.substack.com/p/setthevcr-...

mypalsammy.substack.com

#SetTheVCR for October 2025

Halloween on TV Is Funner Than A Weekend Gateway At The Overlook Hotel...

000

Reposted by My Pal Sammy

My Summer Lair @mysummerlair.bsky.social · 04/08/2025

If your Hobby is to Pickup dope TV Recommendations like an American Prince this week's #SetTheVCR is funner than a Clown in a Cornfield. Check out this week's #couchworthy finds ⬇️ mysummerlair.com/setthevcr/se...

mysummerlair.com

#SetTheVCR: August 04-10, 2025

If your Hobby is to Pickup dope TV Recommendations like an American Prince this week's #SetTheVCR is funner than a Clown in a Cornfield.

011

My Pal Sammy @mypalsammy.substack.com · 24/07/2025

🎤 “If you don't take risks the good stuff's not gonna happen either.” ~ @jefflemire171.bsky.social Thrilled to welcome #JeffLemire to #MSL to discuss his storytelling memoir 10,000 Ink Stains, published by @darkhorse.com. Jeff & Dark Horse are at #SDCC2025: mypalsammy.substack.com/p/pantsworth...

mypalsammy.substack.com

#PantsWorthy: Comic-Con 2025

A My Summer Lair Conversation With Jeff Lemire

010

My Pal Sammy @mypalsammy.substack.com · 12/07/2025

For Jaws’ 50th Anniversary filmmaker Laurent Bouzereau directed Jaws @ 50 a documentary/retrospective. I had a #MSL conversation with Laurent about Jaws, creativity, filmmaking, Hollywood &...the unusual way he came to see #Jaws. The latest My Pal Sammy: mypalsammy.substack.com/p/jaws-turns...

mypalsammy.substack.com

Jaws Turns 50 & Still Has Teeth!

We're Gonna Need a Bigger Newsletter: Celebrating JAWS @ 50 with Laurent Bouzereau

010

My Pal Sammy @mypalsammy.substack.com · 15/06/2025

August 2001—first time visiting London. I had a profound concert experience. As the last note rang out & the house lights came up, the moment felt as symbolic as a movie ending. For #FathersDay this is how I got...Stuck in a Moment You Can’t Get Out Of. mypalsammy.substack.com/p/fathers-da...

mypalsammy.substack.com

Father's Day For U2

All That You Can’t Leave Behind // True Sammy Stories // Kite // London, UK

000

My Pal Sammy @mypalsammy.substack.com · 27/05/2025

✊ Protest. Politics. Power. The #Vietnam War lit a fire that still burns. On this #MemorialDay filmmaker Caroline Marsden visits #MSL to discuss The War That Changed America. #EarJoy 🎧 #VietnamTheWar is streaming on Apple TV+. #SetTheVCR mypalsammy.substack.com/p/setthevcr-...

mypalsammy.substack.com

#SetTheVCR: Returning To Vietnam's Pop Culture Jungle

Listen now | What Apple TV+'s Vietnam: The War That Changed America reveals beyond old school '80s movies...

000

My Pal Sammy @mypalsammy.substack.com · 09/05/2025

Uncle Phil! May 9, 1994: Papa's Got a Brand New Excuse. Season 4 Episode 24 of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. You can hear "Hilary" crying in the background. In Will Smith's excellent memoir Will (highly recommended) he writes this about this pivotal scene & its impact. youtu.be/EZGXCDJATDs?...

youtu.be

The heartbreaking moment Will's dad left | The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air - BBC

YouTube video by BBC

010

My Pal Sammy @mypalsammy.substack.com · 04/05/2025

A #MayTheFourth Confession: At the risk of losing my nerd street cred I admittedly have a hard time differentiating between gas and...a disturbance in the Force. #MyShame #HonestPost Happy #StarWars Day.

010

My Pal Sammy @mypalsammy.substack.com · 29/03/2025

Crossed paths with a young lady on her mobile. As she walked past all I caught was: "Oh I know! So many people in my department have been bitten." Appears the Zombie Apocalypse has commenced. Do What Ya Need To Do.

000

My Pal Sammy @mypalsammy.substack.com · 23/03/2025

Big Night on TVO: The #OntarioPlace doc is broadcast at 9 pm (though you can stream #YourTomorrow & other @tvodocs.bsky.social on YouTube.) I spoke to the director; you can hear (and read) that @mysummerlair.bsky.social conversation with #AliWeinstein here: mypalsammy.substack.com/p/whats-an-o...

mypalsammy.substack.com

What's An Ontario Place You Miss So Much?

A MSL Conversation with Ali Weinstein about her Ontario Place documentary.

010

My Pal Sammy @mypalsammy.substack.com · 21/03/2025

On the subway platform the silence was suddenly & randomly shattered by a Jerry Garcia lookin homeless guy yelling out: "Rock 'N Roll!" He then proceeded to shred the living hell outta an air guitar. Though we're both on the same subway platform we are clearly not travelling in the same direction.

000

My Pal Sammy @mypalsammy.substack.com · 19/03/2025

TV is infinitely better when I watch with my hand down my pants. Honestly. The same way you instinctively grip the car door when your driver takes a sharp turn, when suspense heats up like Jiffy Pop...good gravy, the hand goes down.

000

My Pal Sammy @mypalsammy.substack.com · 19/03/2025

Eating #TacoBell is like swallowing a ticking time bomb...you’re not sure how much time you have left; if you can start something significant at work or just wait for the inevitable. This time no hero is cutting the red wire at 0:01. Boom!

000

Reposted by My Pal Sammy

My Summer Lair @mysummerlair.bsky.social · 03/02/2025

Have I got TV Recommendations for Bookworms who like to watch TV In Order. Of course no matter how I build a TV Guide Piece by Piece it’s the Super Bowl which overshadows all #SetTheVCR suggestions. Check out this week's #couchworthy finds ⬇️!

mysummerlair.com

#SetTheVCR: February 03-09, 2025 #SetTheVCR: February 03-09, 2025

022

My Pal Sammy @mypalsammy.substack.com · 15/01/2025

How it all started... 🏈 On January 15, 1967 Green Bay Packers defeated Kansas City Chiefs 35 to 10 in Super Bowl I. A pivotal game that would spark American interest in Roman Numerals outside of Rocky movies. Super Bowl LIX at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans will air on Fox on February 9, 2025.

010

My Pal Sammy @mypalsammy.substack.com · 06/01/2025

Happy #SciFi Day! And bonus fun? If you're struggling to remember your work passwords after a chill #Christmas Break? Never no worries. Here's 5 #SetTheVCR recommendations for January 2025: mypalsammy.substack.com/p/setthevcr-...

020

My Pal Sammy @mypalsammy.substack.com · 06/01/2025

Back to the laborious land of people, passwords and ugh...pants. #DownWithPants Though...my Poop Schedule is still on Vacation Time. I may struggle silently but deadly but I doubt I struggle alone.

000

My Pal Sammy @mypalsammy.substack.com · 02/01/2025

Happy National #ScienceFiction Day! People will put stock in psychic predictions but reject the crystal ball prophesy of the best #scifi. Science fiction is the fuel your imagination needs to change the future: Hate The Fate.

000

Reposted by My Pal Sammy

My Summer Lair @mysummerlair.bsky.social · 01/01/2025

It's not why you're running It's where you're going It's not what you're dreaming But what you're gonna do It's not where you're born It's where you belong It's not how weak But what will make you strong ~ U2 "Summer Rain." Get it Won & Done in 2025!!

021

My Pal Sammy @mypalsammy.substack.com · 25/12/2024

#MerryChristmas! (According to the Sarcasm Detector that was actually 78.6% genuine. Not bad for somebody who surprisingly didn't get visited by 3 ghosts last night.)

My Pal Sammy took a photo of a Christmas Tree.

000

My Pal Sammy @mypalsammy.substack.com · 24/12/2024

Considering how well The Sign Guy is doing during the Zombie Apocalypse of Walking Dead Keira Knightley was not wise in rejecting his love. Damn Girl. What you don't know is more important than your opinion on what you think you know. Hindsight is always so bright it makes me squint.

000

My Pal Sammy @mypalsammy.substack.com · 22/12/2024

The stress of holiday parties comes from trying to hold in all your farts until all the pretty girls have left the room. (Farts count as #Christmas spirit right?! Ho Ho Ho now I have a "machine gun!")

My Pal Sammy sitting on a bench by himself.

000

My Pal Sammy @mypalsammy.substack.com · 16/12/2024

Latest #MyPalSammy via Substack celebrates @mysummerlair.bsky.social's 300th episode! And it's the 300th newsletter: boom! Magic, yo. It's all happening: 300 without #GerardButler's abs. mypalsammy.substack.com/p/celebratin...

mypalsammy.substack.com

Celebrating 300: The Journey of My Summer Lair via My Pal Sammy

Listen now | It's Party Time: My Summer Lair & My Pal Sammy Hit 300…

010

My Pal Sammy @mypalsammy.substack.com · 10/12/2024

Never waste post-poop swagger on work; channel that euphoric energy into dynamic creativity, mindfulness or...ask a girl out. #ProTip

Too Many Humans A Graffiti Photo by My Pal Sammy

000

My Pal Sammy @mypalsammy.substack.com · 09/12/2024

Egyptian #JohnWick! Funny #JamieFoxx! #Smartless #JasonBateman! And more. Plus puns and sarcasm. It's #SetTheVCR. (You can follow @mysummerlair.bsky.social so you never miss a dispatch...)

000

My Pal Sammy @mypalsammy.substack.com · 06/12/2024

Did you know The Facebook's original plan for the Like button was to call it the Awesome Button? True Story...

Social Media Is Selling Your Shirt: A My Pal Sammy photo of a sidewalk in LA.

000

My Pal Sammy @mypalsammy.substack.com · 06/12/2024

Managers out here scheduling Zoom meetings with no regard for poop schedules that’ve radically shifted following months of working from home. What happened to home court advantage?

Do What You Love, Love What You Do: A My Pal Sammy photo of a toilet.

000

My Pal Sammy @mypalsammy.substack.com · 05/12/2024

#McDonalds will always exist because everyday somebody finally admits the lunch they brought to work is uninspiring.

000

My Pal Sammy @mypalsammy.substack.com · 03/12/2024

If you wanna get all cozy, drink coco & watch #Hallmark movies…enjoy. However, if you’re like me & you wanna get all cozy, drink coco & watch anything else other than cheezy Hallmark movies here's 5 freshtastic #SetTheVCR recommendations for December 2024. mypalsammy.substack.com/p/setthevcr-...

mypalsammy.substack.com

#SetTheVCR for December 2024

Team Die Hard Is The Best Christmas Movie Of All Time...

000