Bob Dylan Has Met Two Popes

Bob Dylan's meeting with Pope Leo XIV may be described in the Vatican News.  His late 2026 tour titled Lights of Autumn has already reached a number of European cities, and is now in Rome.  Even when meeting the pope he still wears a hoodie.  Can't he wear a suite and tie?
Bob Dylan famously performed for Pope John Paul II in September 1997 at the World Eucharistic Congress in Bologna,

I wonder how many Americans excluding presidents have met two popes.

Piano Man by Billy Joel - Random Oldie of the Day

 

I just checked Joel Whitburn's Top Pop book and noted that Piano Man only peaked at #25 on the Billboard chart in 1974.  It obviously gained popularity in later years.  It is often played in the 8th inning at Citi Field.

Random Thoughts of the Day November 1, 2026

 

• Only one group of kids came to my door last night.  I have about 1/2 bag of Kit-Kats that Lee and I will have to eat.
• More frustration with the dating apps.  It seems you start a short chat with the women and they just ghost you.  You never know when there is just a break in the chat or if you are being ghosted.  I am sorry I tried again.  Sometimes investments don't pay off.
• I will be happy when the election is over on Tuesday.  I am tired of seeing the political TV commercials.  Many of them are from congressional races that only cover part of the TV stations' viewing area.  Those commercials must cost the candidates a fortune.
• Best wishes to Mary Ellen, the partner of a radio friend, for a full and speedy recovery.
• I hate this time of the year when it is dark by 5 PM.

Season of the Witch from Super Session

 Season of the Witch is a Halloween song that was originally recorded by Donovan,  I have featured that in this journal.  An 11 minute version was featured on the Super Session album that included Al Kooper, Stephen Stills and Mike Bloomfield.

Today is National Cat Day

 National Cat Day was  founded in 2005 by animal advocate Colleen Paige to raise awareness about shelter cats and encourage adoption.  I never owned a cat, but in the 1980s my sister-in-law had two Siamese cats named Tasha and Jenny. When she went on vacation Karen and I would cat sit for them.  The obvious song for today is Year of the Cat by Al Stewart.

The New York City Subway Began on October 27, 1904

 Since I retired, I only take the subway about once a week on the average.  I only remember a few bad delays over the past 9 years, but I encountered many over my years of commuting to work.  I have discussed many of them in my companion blog that I stopped when I retired.  With that thought in mind I a featuring Don't Sleep in the Subway by Petula Clark.

Life is a Carnival by the Band - Random Classic Rock Hit of the Day

 

It is sad that all the members of the Band have passed away.