Article in the New York Times Summarizing Films by or About Bob Dylan

 

This article, written in December 2024 by New York Times film critic Alissa Wilkinson provides brief descriptions of films concerning Bob Dylan.  It is written for casual fans, not my Dylan scholar friends.  I was intrigued by this statement by Wilkinson:

"Somehow it’s not the worst movie (referring to Hearts of Fire) from this period, though. Dylan made a cameo as a painter in the 1990 drama “Catchfire” (a movie its director, Dennis Hopper, disowned). But the real stinker is “Masked and Anonymous” (2003), directed by Larry Charles and co-written by Charles and Dylan (under the pseudonym Sergei Petrov, for some reason). Dylan also stars alongside a bizarrely stacked cast. It’s set in a dystopian near-future America ruled by a dictator. Dylan is (yet again) a washed-up musician, this time named Jack Fate, who is bailed out of jail by some cynical entertainment promoters to perform a benefit concert for … America?

It’s very badly crafted, with clunky editing and a ponderous structure, but if you’re itching to hear old 1960s Dylan songs performed in weird new ways, you’re in luck."

Everyone is entitled to his/her opinion.

Is Snail Mail Returning? I don't see it

 

There was a story on the Today Show about the return of snail mail.  I just don't see that as people are in love with text messaging.  I rarely send out letters via the postal mail.  I remember at the 1964 World's Fair in Flushing Meadows, Parker Pen had a pavilion where you could find a pen pal from a foreign country. In the early 1970s, when I was a graduate student at the University of Rhode Island, I sent letters to my friends in NYC.  I just don't see the return of snail mail.

Forest Hills High School Class of 1967 Reunion is Announced for June

 

I have mixed feelings about reunions.  I don't hate them, but I am not jumping for joy over them either.  I've been to a few over the years, but also passed on some others.  Shelly Gabel Dinstein is organizing this one.  I knew her better in PS 139.  This reunion will be at the World's Fair Marina, which is a 10-minute drive from home.

The announcement above includes selected photos of classmates.  There were about 1000 students in FHHS class of 1967, so it is hard to predict how many will come.  Many are indifferent to reunions, while others are willing to travel long distances to reconnect with old friends.  Sadly, many of my classmates have passed away.

Check in next June for a report.

I Just Love the Bo Diddley Beat - Say Man

 

The "lyrics" are somewhat silly, but I love the Bo Diddley beat.

Mazel Tov - The Mets Beat the Dodgers 8-3

 

Of course, this has been a lost season for the Mets.  Most of the stories speculate on who will be traded at the deadline.  Nobody talks about what players the Mets should get back in return.  Let's get back to today's game.

As I entered Citi Field and walked to my seat, I observed there were as many Dodger fans as Mets fans. A Facebook friend stated Dodger fans are travelers. You see lots of them at Camden Yards as well.

The Mets fell behind 3-1, but Tyrone Taylor put the Mets ahead with a three-run homer in the sixth inning, and Marcus Semien added a three-run drive in the seventh.  The bullpen closed the doors on the Dodgers, and the Mets held on to an 8-3 victory.

Box Score

Jeopardy Season #42 is Over

 

Jeopardy is unique since its season lasts for 46 weeks into late July, while other game shows end in June.  Thus, there are 230 episodes every season.  For 6 weeks, the show will be airing reruns of various tournaments.  This season featured several big winners including:

• Jamie Ding - 31 wins
• Harrison Whittaker - 14 wins
• Caleb Groen - 12 wins
• Adam Remsen - 10 wins
• Tristen Williams - 10 wins
• Chris D'Angelo - 8 wins

Those and several others will compete in the next Tournament of Champions.  Jamie will be the favorite, but you never know what will happen.

The Mets Should Be very Careful About Making Trades at the Deadline

 

Needless to say, this season has been a disaster for the Mets.  As of today, their record is 43-60.  I put the blame on David Stearns, whose off-season moves did not work out.  This article by Jason Burgos prompted me to write this entry.  He has a good point in saying that the Mets' farm system is just not producing.  Few minor leaguers can be impact players within a year or two.  There is a temptation to trade players with expiring contracts for prospects.  These include:

Freddy Peralta (SP): Earns an $8 million salary in 2026. He is considered one of the Mets' top trade chips despite a down season.

A.J. Minter (RP): Playing under an $11 million salary. He is an impending free agent expected to move to a contender

.Brooks Raley (RP): Playing on a $4.75 million contract after his 2026 club option was exercised.

Tyrone Taylor (OF): Playing on a one-year, $3.8 million deal and hits free agency at the end of the year.

If you are going to trade them, at least get good players in return.  Last winter, Stearns traded Jeff McNeil to the Athletics and got a 17-year-old in return.

I hope the Mets will sign Clay Holmes, who holds a player option for 2027, to an extension.

Stearns should ensure that the Mets have a competitive team for the rest of 2026.  I have several games left on the Sunday package and do not want to see a bunch of minor leaguers.