Today's Visit to the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA)

 

Sculpture from the Judd Exhibition

We were able to get tickets today for the Museum of Modern Art as they are only allowed to admit 25% of capacity.  The last time we were here was in November 2019 so there were obviously new exhibits when the museum reopened.

The first exhibit we visited on the sixth floor was devoted to the works of Donald Judd, wo used industrial materials and production processes, to explorations of color and surface through his “boxes” and “stacks" as seen above.

Another exhibit was Félix Fénéon The Anarchist and the Avant-Garde—From Signac to Matisse and Beyond.

There were several paintings by Pablo Picasso in the collection.

There has always been a helicopter in the museum

Alabama Song (Whiskey Bar) Lotte Lenya and the Doors

 I heard Alabama Song (Whiskey Bar) by the Doors way back in the late 1960s when it was on their first album.  I was certain that Bob Dylan would play it when I heard that a new Theme Time Radio Hour would feature whiskey songs.  He did play the Lotta Lenya version of it back in 1930.  I must say that it is a very deep track and that Dylan must have an encyclopedic knowledge of music.

Galen Faison Should Be Father of the Year

 Galen Faison joined the NJIT Library in 1995, 3 years after I did.  While he was employed there he obtained Bachelors's and Master's degree in Professional and Technical Communications.  He also became an Adjunct Professor.

After 25 years he decided to bow out gracefully and will teach in the mornings and become a stay-at-home dad for most of the day.  He is the proud father of one son and two daughters.  I am sure he is also glad that he can spend more time watching football.

I wish him well in all his future endeavors and nominate him for Father of the Year.

Galen with his youngest daughter

at my retirement party in December 2017

500 Best Albums of All Time According to Rolling Stone Magazine

 

I have written more about top oldies (singles) as selected by listeners or contrived by radio stations.  I received an announcement from Rolling Stone magazine announcing the 500 Best albums voted by over 300 Artists, producers, critics, and music-industry figures.  I don't want to peruse the entire list, but my readers can click on the link.  The number 1 album is What's Going On by Marvin Gaye.  Number 2 was Pet Sounds by the Beach Boys.

The top Beatle albums were:

5- Abbey Road

11- Revolver

The Top Bob Dylan albums were:

9- Blood on the Tracks

18 - Highway 61 Revisited

I guess I should examine the entire 500 list in detail.  Obviously, the list would be different if voted by readers.

Random thoughts of the Day

 

• Today would have been Harry Harrsions's 90th birthday.
• For the past two days, I attended virtual Rosh Hashana services offered by the Free Synagogue of Flushing.  The Rabbi, Cantor, pianist, and camera operators were the only ones in the temple.  The people blowing the shofar did it remotely.
• NYC Oldies Radio Enthusiasts is one of the Facebook groups that I moderate.  I can not understand why people from outside the New York Metropolitan area join it.  Most of them are lurkers.  Many people use this group to promote their internet radio shows.
• I really hope that Donald Trump can be blocked from nominating a Supreme Court justice.  The Republicans denied Barack Obama's nominee from being considered 9 months before the election in 2016.  Politics suck.
• I saw the documentary RBG a few years ago but did not document it in this journal.  She was an extraordinary woman.

Virtual High Holy Day Services at the Free Synagogue of Flushing This Year

 First of all, I wish all my readers who observe the holidays a happy and healthy new year.  For several years we have attended High Holy Day services at the Free Synagogue of Flushing.  They have never charged anyone for attending services.  Every year I send them a donation to support their efforts.  Since there are still limitations on gatherings, the temple is offering virtual services.  I assume that current regulations would allow for 10 men to attend in person allowing for a minyan.  This would include, the rabbi, cantor, and those reading the Torah.  I will attend their virtual services.

Count Your Blessings When You See a Food Line

I was sitting and reading in the little park adjacent to PS 214 in the Mitchell Linden section of Queens where I live.  I observed a line of people by the school waiting for food that was more than a block long.  The coronavirus pandemic has thrown millions of people out of work and sadly these people don't have the money to buy food.  I often see people in the neighborhood scrounging garbage to find bottles and cans that they can redeem for 5 cents each.

When I see that I am glad that I have a good pension and am able to support my family at this time that has created stress for me.  If things are bad for you, always realize that it is worse for other people.