Happy 2026!

 

There.com's 2025 New Year's party was a lot of fun; kudos to everyone who helped put this event together. My city had a big snowfall on December 31st, so it was nice to have a Plan B just a few clicks away.  Had some nice convos and enjoyed the fireworks...and everyone came to the party dressed to impress! I missed the flotilla flight earlier in the evening, but was able to catch a replay on Youtube.

This past year was especially eventful for me since I opened Words and Lyrics cafe at Mango Market. I thought it would be fun to have a venue where creative works could be shared and promoted, as well as enjoy watching movies and other entertainment. Here is a summary of all the events I hosted in 2025...

Words and Lyrics — 2025 Event Highlights

June — Jaws Watch Party

The summer kicked off with a splash as Spielberg’s classic proved it still has bite. Shark props designed by BABS added a playful, crowd‑pleasing twist to the screening.

July — First Man Watch Party

Guests were captivated by Ryan Gosling’s grounded portrayal of Neil Armstrong and the film’s immersive Apollo 11 realism. The watch party delivered a tense, emotional journey that left the room buzzing.

August — Pinkerbelle Concert

U.K. artist Pinkerbelle wowed the audience with a mix of heartfelt originals and standout covers. The strong turnout made it one of the cafe’s most vibrant musical nights.

September — Chiefs vs. Chargers Watch Party

The Words and Lyrics crowd turned out strong for this AFC showdown, creating a lively, high‑energy atmosphere. Fans enjoyed a crisp, competitive game that kept the room buzzing throughout.

September — Steelers vs. Vikings Watch Party (Dublin Game)

Later in the month, the community gathered again for the special international matchup played in Dublin. The unique setting added an extra layer of excitement, making it one of the year’s most memorable NFL nights.

October — Halloween Screening of Hush

Mike Flanagan’s Hush delivered a tense, edge‑of‑your‑seat Halloween experience. The event, sponsored by Mahalloween Village, brought spooky energy and great seasonal vibes.

November — Steelers vs. Chargers Watch Party

Fans turned out for another spirited Steelers matchup, filling the cafe with energy and friendly rivalry. The game kept everyone engaged from kickoff to the final whistle.

November — Zodiac Deep‑Dive (French‑Moroccan Engineer’s Z‑13 Proposal)

This session explored a French‑Moroccan engineer’s proposed solution to the Z‑13 cipher, offering a fresh angle on one of the Zodiac’s most puzzling codes. Attendees enjoyed the mix of true‑crime curiosity and analytical discussion.

November — Wicked Watch Party

A colorful screening brought the community together for a night of music and magic. Rainbow décor set the tone, and BABS stole the show dressed as Dorothy.

December — Die Hard Watch Party

The holiday action tradition soared thanks to the Francis7‑designed Nakatomi Heliport venue, which set the perfect tone. After the credits rolled, attendees boarded a helicopter for a stylish trip to a seaside lounge.

I think one of the most appealing things about there.com is that it is a fully immersive 3rd space. A 3rd space or 3rd place is a social setting that is not your home or workplace. Think of locations like libraries, coffee shops, and parks where people can hang out and socialize.

Just as in real life, these places can ALSO be enjoyed on there. As I mentioned earlier, my New Year's activities were curtailed by a snowstorm; however, I knew I could hop on there and enjoy an evening with friends and acquaintances.

Popular Youtuber Shelby Church shared some interesting commentary on 3rd spaces in a July, 2025 video.

3rd Places Aren't Gone - We Just Stopped Going

I hope everyone has a meaningful and fun 2026 in our favorite 3rd space!