Happy New Year to All

I'd like to wish all visitors to Bruce's Journal a happy and healthy new year. This journal averages about 20 hits a day, so whether I know you or not, thanks for coming by. I use an anecdotal approach to share my experiences and interests with my readers at http://www.bruceslutsky.com and on Facebook. I am always interested in getting comments for readers. I get very few on this journal, but many on Facebook. I hope to see you back in 2010.

Mellow Yellow by Donovan

I think I have discussed the Ipod nano and iPhone enough on this journal. I could talk about the movie It's Complicated that I saw this afternoon, but instead I'll post Mellow Yellow by Donovan, one of my favorite singers. Facebook friends can see it at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HCCjv2OiTxE

Ipod Nano vs iPhone

From what I understand there are Ipods that hold up to 160 Gigs of music. My Ipod nano and iPhone each have 8 gig disk drives. The Nano inlcudes only music recorded by Bob Dylan or covers of his songs. I really like using the shuffle feature and hope that I get a good blend of covers and original recordings. I only have 557 songs on the nano with about 2.3 gigs of space left.

I found out that the 8 gigs on the iPhone must hold the apps and music. I would rather save the disk space for the apps, so the playlist will only includes Beatles songs or those by John, George, Paul, and Ringo after the group split. I think I know the basics of how to use the iPhone. It will likely take me time to learn the idiosyncracies of te device. Again I hope my readers will send me apps that they think are useful.

Big Radio Day Today

Since I work for a university, I get the time off between Christmas and New Years. I spent time doing one of my favorite things, listening to the radio. I listened t0 several stations of different formats with various devices. Here goes:

• WCBS-FM - Oldies (or should I say classic hits)
• WFUV - Adult Album Alternative in radio jargon.
• WBGO - Jazz
• Sirius XM 50s on 5 - oldies
• WMTR - Oldies
• KMPS - HD2 - Seattle - Classic Country
• WPYX - Albany Classic rock
• BB King's Bluesville Channel on Sirius/XM
• WFAN - Sports
• WPLJ-HD2 - True Oldies Channel

I may not be finished. It is only 8:20 PM

Here are the devices that I used:

• Accurian HD Radio
• Bose Wave Table Radio
• My laptop
• GE Superradio
• My car radio
• iPhone

I have other radios in the house that I did't use today. It's nice to do things you enjoy

Ipod Dock for the iPhone

I am still getting adjusted to the new iPhone today. I expected there to be a learning curve involved with a new gadget. I visited my mother for a little while this morning and she was not impressed. She had gotten a cell phone a few years ago, but hardly used it and returned it. I have seen plenty of senior citizens using them over the years. I bought the Ipod dock as seen above so that I can hear Sirius/XM and other radio programs on the iPhone in other parts of the house. There are different attachments for different products sold by Apple. It also worked with my iPod Nano.

We found out that there is a little switch on the left which can turn off the ringtones completely. You can assign a different ringtone for each person on your list. When I get more adjusted to it I'll have to try to download ringtones. Maybe I should surprise Karen and have Like a Rolling Stone as my ringtone.

A Hearty Mazel Tov To Me - I got an iPhone Today

I few weeks ago I said that I was going to get an iPhone right after Christmas. I didn't waste anytime. Today is December 26th and I have my iPhone after months if not years of indecision. Although it was raining today, we walked over to downtown Flushing to the AT&T store. We told the salesman that I wanted a 3G iPhone for $99. We also got a contract with 200 text messages a month for $5. I think that will be enough for me. The salesman took our old phone and transferred the contacts to the iPhone.

When we got home it was time to figure out how to use it with the thought in mind that Rome wasn't built in a day. It will take me time to learn how to use it. I first figured out how to make and receive phone calls and text messages. I then added the voice mail message.

The next step was to start to download apps for it. Your truly, the big radio enthusiast chose to download the Sirius/XM apps first. The next ones were Radio@aol which includes the CBS owned stations. I also got the app for the Cheap Channel (Clear Channel) stations. WFUV had its own app but was also included in the NPR radio app. I then downloaded the apps for Facebook and Twitter and experimented with entering data into those two services. Finally I downloaded ESPN for sports scores and ABC News. It is now about 5:10 PM, so I will put the phone aside until about 8 PM. I think I will upload some of my CDs.

If any of my readers can recommend some apps or offer an advice on using the iPhone, please let me know.

Resting at Home Today

I drove to Cunningham Park this morning with Lee. We knew that snow would still be covering the basketball court, but we would just walk around. The Parks Department plowed a path on the concrete area so people could walk or jog.

We walked over to the local multiplex to see Avatar in 3D. I was really surprised to see the theater was so busy on Christmas Day. I would think that the kids would stay home and play with their new toys, but I guess people want to get out of their houses on a cold day.

When we got home we dug out some out videos of one of the 7 things that keep the Slutsky family together. We saw a few episodes of Car 54 Where Are You? Lee was laughing like crazy at his favorite TV character Gunther Toody. Readers of this journal may remember that a few years ago I sang the Car 54 theme over the radio. This clip is about 4 1/2 minutes, but my singing comes in at about 1:15 http://www.4shared.com/file/47202439/a22e983a/Car54.html

You can hear the offical version at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dnVdaTlQNMU

Back to the Color Songs

Since I don't observe Christmas, I don't have much to say today. I certainly wish all observing it a happy and healthy holiday. I don't want to repeat what I wrote here last Christmas so I think I'll post a video of one of my favorite color songs Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I remember seeing the movie when it came out in December 1968. Facebook friends can see it at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MCsYDZ2M04M

Knowing the NYC Subway System Helps

On the way home tonight I entered the subway system at the 7th Avenue and 34th Street station. It is especially crowded close to Christmas with people schlepping luggage and packages. When I reached the platform there were 6 people deep waiting for the uptown 1,2, and 3 trains. It was obvious that there was a delay in service although there were no announcements made. I decided to take the #2 train downtown to 14th Street since I knew there was a transfer to the Sixth Avenue F train. I had to walk a long distance through an underground corrider to get the F which I took to Roosevelt Avenue and 74th Street in Queens where I transferred to the #7 train. My delay was only 10 minutes.

I really lucked out this morning on New Jersey Transit since the power was turned off between Newark and NYC at 8:45 after I had arrived at work. It seems that there are numerous delays after a snowstorm.

Bob Dylan's Never Ending Tour Will Continue in 2010

I just found out from Bill Pagel's Bob Links site that Dylan has dates in March 2010 in Osaka, Nagoya, and Tokyo Japan. And the Never Ending Tour continues. He has played over 2000 shows since June 1988. Hopefully, he will return to NYC sometime in the following year.

Shades of Grey - The Monkees

I have featured black songs, white songs, and one with black and white. When you mix black and white you get gray sometimes spelled grey. Below is a video I got from Youtube of a live performance of the Monkees in 1997 doing this minor hit. Facebook friends can see it at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RBSrutNa6ug

More random thoughts with snow on the ground

Last night as I was listening to Cousin Bruce I glanced at the current issue of Goldmine Magazine which featured Creedence Clearwater Revival. I then accessed Amazon.com and saw that an MP3 version of their greatest hits album with 20 songs was available for download for only $5. I still prefer to get CDs the old fashioned way but this was too good a deal to pass up.

It started to snow steadily last night and ended this morning with an accumulation of about 10 inches in Queens. It snowed on the wrong day of the week since if today was a work day, NJIT would have likely closed. We were planning to take the subway to Madison Square Garden to see college basketball with St. Johns meeting Hofstra in the holiday tournament. Since the #7 Flushing line is mostly above ground, I was afraid there would be problems getting into Manhattan. I really don't want train problems on weekends, when I have enough during the week. We'll see enough basketball this season.

We walked over to the multiplex and saw the movie Armored. We decided to wait until Christmas Day to see Avatar. We saw the end of the Jet game as they lost to Atlanta 10-7. We switched to the MSG network and saw the second half as St. Johns beat Hofstra 72-60.

Back to work tomorrow as I have to hang in ther until Thursday.

Random Thoughts of the Day

There was a forecast for a big snow storm in NYC today so Lee and I left the house a little this early so that he could play basketball in Cunningham Park before the snow began. He doesn't mind the cold weather and we even took our usually two laps around the park.

About 12 noon we took a walk to the local multiplex to see Did You Hear About the Morgans. The story was silly, but the acting of Sara Jessica Parker and Hugh Grant saved the movie. When we left the theater at about 2 PM it was snowing.

The NJIT basketball team played Rutgers as the game was broadcast on WOR. I listened to part of the game as the NJIT Highlanders lost to the Scarlet Knights 71-62. At least they were competitive.

I had a stack of magazines on my table, so I thought I should try to catch up on some reading. I picked up the recent issue of Discover which discussed the top 100 science stories of the year.

At about 5 PM I turned on WFUV and listened to Pete Fornatale who interviewed the group Aztec Two-Step. After the interview he played my favorite holiday oldie, Santa Claus is coming to town by the Four Seasons. I had always enjoyed that version since it was released in the early 1960s.

It is shortly 8 PM now and am listening to Cousin Brucie. So far there is only 2 inches or so of snow on the ground the the weather forecast is for 10-15 inches in NYC. We are hoping to see the St. Johns-Hofstra game at Madison Square Garden tomorrow,

Black and White by Three Dog Night

I have featured white songs and black songs, so here is one that has both. Facebook friends can see and hear it at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=68i4tMmv9F4

Sh-Boom! - The Explosion of Rock 'N' Roll 1953-1968

Years ago (1983-90) when I worked at the New York Public Library I wrote book reviews for our publication called New Technical Books. In the early 90s I wrote some reviews of science books for Library Journal. These were essentially short annotations indicating the level of the book and which type of library should purchase it. Now I am writing a review of a book a few weeks after I met the author. The title of the book, Sh-Boom, The Explosion of Rock ‘N’ Roll 1953-1968 by Clay Cole only tells part of the story. It is essentially an autobiography with numerous anecdotes of that 15 year period.

I knew of Clay Cole as I was growing up in the 1960s listening to rock n roll radio, but I didn’t watch his show regularly. I guess I was spending my leisure time listening to WABC, WMCA, and records and didn’t have too much time for TV back then. Clay’s popularity has increased recently with his appearances on some radio shows to promote this book. I suggest readers of this entry check out the interview at Ronnie Allen’s page at http://www.jerseygirlssing.com/RonnieRadioPage.html . Warning, it is 90 minutes long, but you don’t have to listen to it all. I had the pleasure of meeting Clay Cole at the recent BeatExpo as you can see from the photo above. I bought the book there, but had to put it aside as I was reading a biography of Paul McCartney.

About 10 days ago I was able to start reading it on my daily commutes to work. I would love it if I could sit down for hours and read a book in one sitting, but my schedule just does not allow for that. So it took me over a week to finish it. Clay was born Albert Rucker in Youngstown, Ohio and got into show business at a very young age. He hosted a music show there called Rucker’s Rumpus Room. In 1958 he came to New York City and started his famous Clay Cole Show on Channel 13 which was a commercial station. He took the stage name Clay Cole after his uncle. Perhaps at my advanced age I should get into show business and call myself Sy Wagman after my Uncle. I sure sounds better than Bruce Slutsky .

I don’t want to write a long entry scare people away, so I will be brief. I was quite impressed by Clay’s memory of events of 40 - 50 years ago. Many autobiographies are slanted, but Clay is very honest with his readers and talks about his failures He actually walked away from his very successful gig on WPIX - TV in 1968. He became a freelance television producer and now lives in North Carolina.

I highly recommend this book for anyone who is into oldies. If you can’t pick it up at a bookstore, I am sure it is available from Amazon.com.

Black Magic Woman by Santana

Santana and Bob Dylan toured together in 1993. Karen and I went to a concert with the two on September 11, 1993, at Jones Beach. Since I am still featuring "black" songs below is a video of Black Magic by Santana

 

Listening to the Mount Rushmore of Rock Music Under the Hudson River

I think the title of this journal entry needs some explanation. From 1993 until about 2005 I collection hundreds of radio tapes. Some I recorded myself while I traded for others. Once a month or so I dig out an old radio tape and listen on the way to work. This morning I pulled out a tape titled Pete Fornatale's 40th anniversary on radio. I recorded it in November 2004 on WFUV. Pete started his radio career as a student on WFUV in November 1964 and is best known for his days at WNEW-FM. For several years his Mixed Bag show is heard from 4 PM until 8 PM back on WFUV. I was on the train in Penn Station as Pete announced that the next number features the Mount Rushmore of Rock Music:

• Roger McGuinn
• Neil Young
• Tom Petty
• Eric Clapton
• George Harrison
• Bob Dylan

As the train entered the tunnel under the Hudson River Pete played My Back Pages that the above superstars performed at the 30th anniversary tribute to Bob Dylan at Madison Square Garden on October 16,1992. Back in those days one couldn't buy tickets over the Internet, so I phoned Ticketmaster numerous times, but couldn't get through. I did record the audio that night on WNEW-FM and the video from Pay Per View.

Below is the video of that historic performance. 

We will not be renewing our 15 ticket package for the Mets in 2010

In 2009, the first season at Citifield, we bought a 15 ticket package for Lee's graduation. We also thought that since the seating capacity at the new stadium was 15,000 less than at Shea that it would be dificult to get tickets. Needless to say the season was a disaster. A few weeks ago we got an invitation to renew for next season. Even though the price was 7% lower I am declining for a number of reasons:

• I will have to commit by December 18th and pay several months before the start of the season.
• The package includes 10 Saturdays and 5 weekday games. We like going to games on the weekend, but it was an inconvenience to go during the week. I should go to the games that I want not the ones that are imposed on me the the team's management.
• As of this writing there have been no improvements made to the team. Some free agent signings and trades may come in the weeks to come, but I don't see a substantial improvement for next season.

The only consequence would be that without a package, it is likely impossible to get tickets for the Met-Yankee series. I'll have to watch them on TV. Perhaps if many people renew their ticket packages, they will offer 6 packs as they did in the last years at Shea Stadium.

Baby's in Black by the Beatles

Nothing much happened today, so it is back to the color songs. I am listening to Yesterday by the Beatles and will be posting about Baby's in Black. Facebook friends may see and hear it at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rVYuGVdGhhE .

Rainy Sunday at the Multiplex

Lee and I were able to get out early in the morning as it didn't start to rain until about 11 AM. Later, we walked over to the College Point Multiplex to see Invictus starring Morgan Freeman and Matt Damon. I must say that Morgan Freeman was a dead ringer for Nelson Mandela. In the film Mandela had recently become President of South Africa after being released from prison. He tried to unite is country through the language of sport. Apartheid had recently ended and he needed to bring together the racial factions. South Africa had entered the World Cup of Rugby which is not known very well in the United States. I would recommend this film.

Ben's Deli had hot pastrami for me but not Sirius/XM

Tonight Cousin Brucie read my e-mail about today's Meet and Greet at Ben's Deli. I requested Hot Pastrami by the Dartells, a hit in 1963. The Cuz wasn't able to play it. Apparently Sirius/XM did not have it in their library of MP3 files. I must assume that radio stations rarely play vinyl, tapes, or CDs these days. Anyway I found this recording on Youtube. I don't know if the quality of the audiof from Youtube is good enough for satellite radio. My facebook friends can hear it at
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oXxYFnrl5HU

CORRECTION - At 9 PM the Cuz played it. Maybe I should just say that Ben's Deli served hot pastrami faster than Sirius/SM :)

2009 Oldies Meet and Greet Today

I went through some grief in the planning of the 4th annual meet and greet of oldies enthusiasts at Ben's Deli in Manhattan. If anyone is interested, please contact me privately since anyone can read this post. Above is yours truly with Alan Berman, the Dean of oldies listeners wearing his WMCA sweatshirt. This annual gathering is Alan's pride and joy. At 6:50 PM tonight Alan and I had a good belly laugh about something unrelated to today's event. About 30 people came which is somewhat lower than turnouts in the past. I think many people couldn't come since they were busy preparing for Christmas. Bob Radil and Joe Accardi who do oldies shows on WNHU-New Haven and WTSR-Trenton, respectively, came. I try to listen to parts of Bob's show which I have discussed in this journal. I will have to try to find some time on Sunday mornings to listen to Joe. We all had a good time. I think it is the quality not the quantity of people coming to an event which is more important.

My Facebook friends can find the photos that I took on my wall. Others can see them at http://picasaweb.google.com/Bigtownman/2009OldiesMeetAndGreet#

Happy Channukah to All

The cold weather this morning reminds me that winter is just about here. Happy Channukah to all my Jewish friends.

My Son the Subway Enthusiast

Lee has always loved riding on subways. Whenever we take public transportation anywhere, he is sure to take his subway map with him. He has used the subway systems in Boston, Philadelphia, Washington, DC, Cleveland, Chicago and San Francisco. In the photo above he and Karen are at the New York City Transit Museum in Brooklyn sitting in a #7 train car from 1964. Today we saw an advertisement for a watch with the logo for the #7 line in the face. That will be his Hannukah present for this year.

Black is Black - Los Bravos

I am now moving to another color. Below is Black is Black by Los Bravos, a Spanish one hit wonder group from 1966. Facebook friends may see it at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ntHVZdIZ7Vk .

John Lennon 1940-1980

It is hard to believe that it has been 29 years since John Lennon was tragically taken from us. Back then I was working at Schering-Plough and had to wake up very early in the morning. I must have gone to sleep about 10:30 PM and didn't find out about the tragedy until 6 AM the next morning, The photo above was taken by Bob Gruen. The video below of Bob Dylan and John Lennon was taken in 1966 and is an outtake from the film Eat the Document. Facebook friends may see it at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c8OkqwY0tvc

A Whiter Shade of Pale by Procol Harum

I was at a librarian's meeting today and wrote it up for my professional blog. Since I have no desire for creative writing today, I will go back to videos of color songs. I remember in 1967 Murray the K playing A Whiter Shade of Pale by Procol Harum. I distinctively remember buying their LP with this song on it all those years ago. Facebook friends can see the video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PbWULu5_nXI .

Jazz Concert Today

Karen and I often look in local newspapers like the Queens Tribune and the Queens Courier for inexpensive things for the family to do on weekends. Today Karen found a notice for a jazz concert at the Voelker Orth Museum within walking distance of our house. The performers were Dotti Anita Taylor on flute and Bertha Hope on piano. They performed a set of songs relating to the sun, the moon and the stars. It was something different for us to do on a Sunday afternoon.

Decision about the iPhone

I decided to get an iPhone but will wait until the Christmas break to get it. I am sure that there is a learning curve on how to use it. Since I will be off from work from December 25 - January 3, I will have time to learn how to use it. I assume that some of the apps come loaded with the phone when it is purchased while others must be downloaded. If there is anyone reading this note with an iPhone, I would appreciate any advice. Joe Murphy, how about you? I will also have to teach my wife how to use it. She is not very tech savvy.

The Twilight Saga: New Moon

Lee and I were able to go to Cunningham Park early this morning, but we had to cut it short since it started to rain. Since it was a cold, windy, and rainy day, it meant a trip to the local multiplex. We saw The Twilight Saga: New Moon. We have learned from experience not to attend a blockbuster movie on the first week of release. I read that people waited for hours to see this movie on the first day. I enjoyed the film, but as I have said before, most movies these days are not aimed at baby boomers like myself. It ended abruptly, which means there will be a sequel released eventually.

Nights in White Satin by the Moody Blues

I am in a TGIF mood and just not in the mood to do any creative writing. So, its back to my color songs. Nights in White Satin has been a staple of classic rock radio for many years. According to Joel Whitburn's Top Pop it was originally released in 1968 but "bubbled under" at #103 on the Billboard charts. When it was re-released in 1972 it peaked at #2. Facebook friends can view the video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9muzyOd4Lh8 .

Hofstra ends its football program

I found out that Hofstra is ending its football program. The announcement states that this decision reflects a strategic reallocation of the university's resources. The president Stuart Rabinowitz stated that the football program costs about $4.5 million a year and is the most costly sports expenditure. The feeling was that the program did not bring enough recognition to this fine university for the money spent.

For many years Karen, Lee and I have attended games at James Shuart Stadium on the campus. It certain was an entertainment value at $10/ticket. We could never get tickets for the Giants and Jets anyway. It was always disappointing to observe small crowds at this stadium. In the announcement the president stated that on a typical game day only about 500 students attended at no cost to them. Apparently, most students go home for weekend and are not there to see the games. Schools like Michigan, Ohio State, Oklahoma, and Mississippi are in communities where the college is everything and thus can draw crowds up to 100,000 for a game. Hofstra is just a blip on the New York metropolitan area scene.

We will continue to go to basketball games there especially with the Knicks doing so poorly (4-15 at this writing). In the fall we'll still go to CW Post but look into seeing games at Fordham, Iona, and Columbia.

Million Dollar Quartet is Coming to Broadway

Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash as seen above comprise the Million Dollar Quartet. On December 4, 1956 those four united at Sun Records storefront studio in Memphis for an impromptu jam session. A musical based on this recording session has been playing in Chicago for about a year.

Sometimes it pays to listen to radio commercials. On Monday night I heard Bob Shannon on WCBS-FM talk about the opening of this show on Broadway in April. Previews will begin on March 13. In the commercial Bob said if you go to Ticketmaster this Friday December 4th, the anniversary of this famous session, tickets may be bought for $19.56. It is certainly a bargain to go to a Broadway musical at that price. It would be perfect for us to go at the end of March for Lee's birthday since he is NYC's biggest Johnny Cash fan. He likes the other three as well. You may follow Million Dollar Quartet News on Twitter @milliondquartet.

White Room by Cream

It was back to work today. Nothing all that exciting happened so I think I will resume my posting of color songs. One of my favorites has to be White Room by Cream with some fantastic guitar playing by Eric Clapton. As you can see from Youtube, this was from the album Wheels of Fire which I bought back in 1968. The cover of the initial release of the album which I still have was in a glossy silver color. Later issues had a dull gray cover. Facebook friends can hear the song at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uGZeqwdWoeo .

Beat Expo in Stamford, Ct Today

Yours truly is posing with Clay Cole who hosted a television dance show in New York City from 1959-68. Clay also met Alan Berman, the Dean of oldies radio listeners. Both of us bought autographs of Clay's new book titled "Sh-Boom! The Explosion of Rock n Roll 1953-68." I will likely write a review of this book in Bruce's Journal.

The show was devoted to the Beatles and featured some tribute bands including Octopus's Garden and the Beatles Forever Band. Guests included Peter Tork of Monkees, Butch Patrick of the Monkees, and Sid Bernstein who brought the Beatles to America in 1964. Sid was selling his book titled "It's Sid Bernstein Calling ... The Promoter Who Brought the Beatles to America. Sid looked quite well for a man of age 92. I attended a session where Sid was interviewed about some of circumstances of how the Beatles came to Carnegie Hall in 1964 and to Shea Stadium in 1965 and 1966. It is heard to believe that one could buy a ticket to a Beatles concert for $3.50 back then. Salaries were also much lower in 1965.

We also saw a film of Beatles performances from 1964. Much of the space in the hotle was devoted to a vendors/dealers room where one could purchases records, tapes CDs, videos and other Beatles memorabilia. Of course someone was trying to sell copies of the rare Yesterday and Today Butcher Cover for thousands of dollars.

Besides Alan, I ran into Bill Dilane, Fred Velez, and Annie K. Kolenberg Cross. Photos may be seen at http://picasaweb.google.com/bigtownman/BeatExpo2009. You will see a photo of Lee with Butch Patrick who starred in the Munsters.

Recording of Cousin Brucie playing my song request last night

I would like to publically thank Andrea Wiener, the Oldies Diva, for recording my request of I'm Gonna Be a Wheel by Fats Domino on Sirius/XM last night. Here is the link: http://www.4shared.com/file/162081917/920c1f34/Im_Going_to_be_a_Wheel_Someday.html

Cousin Brucie played my request tonight

It has been impossible to get through to Cousin Bruce on the phone while he does his show on Sirius/XM. I sent him an e-mail requesting I'm Gonna Be A Wheel by Fats Domino. An hour later he played my request. His show alone is worth the subscription to Sirius/XM. He also acknowledged that I was the first to get him involved with Facebook. My friends there can see the video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T0gFdDFg7jY

The Blind Side

We decided to stay close to home today and just walk over to the local multiplex to see the Blind Side with Sandra Bullock and Tim McGraw. It was about a family who supported a poor and undereducated football player as he attended high school and was recruited by major colleges in the south. I recommend it highly. You can access the Internet Movie Database for more information about this film

Black Friday at the Brooklyn Museum

The closest I got to a shopping mall today was the bus stop by Macy's and Old Navy in downtown Flushing. We took the subway to the Brooklyn Museum to see the exhibit Who Shot Rock & Roll: A Photographic History, 1955 to the Present. I am sure that my readers are familiar with album covers and famous photographs of rock stars, but few including myself know of the photographers. The one above of Tina Turner was taken by Henry Diltz. The exhbit at the museum featues 175 works by 105 photographers including:

• Richard Avedon
• Annie Leibovitz
• Barry Feinstein
• Don Hunstein
• Mark Seliger

We purchased the companion volume to the exhibit to have a permanent record of what we saw today. We did have time to take in some other exhibits including the Luce Center for American Art, the Elizabeth A. Sackler Center for Feminist Art and the period rooms on the 4th floor. We didn't have time to view any of the exhibits on the lower 3 floors. It would take two full days to take in the entire museum.

I was grateful that I did not have to fight crowds in the shopping malls. The worst part of shopping is standing in line when inevitably the person ahead of you has a big problem. Not today for me.

What do Bob Dylan and Micky Dolenz have in Common?

It is obvious that both of them are recording artists. There is another common thread between the two regarding radio. Micky Dolenz did the morning show on WCBS-FM from January 2005 until June 3, 2005, the day the turkeys (and that is being polite) who ran CBS radio brought the dreaded Jack format to 101.1 FM. That morning there was a celebration for Micky's 100th show.

Bob hosted the Theme Time Radio Hour on XM Radio for 3 seasons. The series ended after 100 shows last spring. XM is running repeats of the shows, but there has been no official announcement of the end of the series, but I think that is safe to assume that it will not return.

Thanksgiving Dinner with the Family

I picked up my mom in Forest Hills this afternoon and drove to my sister Joyce's house in Dix Hills, Long Island. My brother-in-law Keith and my nephews Scott and Adam were there for Thanksgiving dinner. We certainly missed Sasha their dog who passed away last September. We enjoyed the football game and turkey dinner. We concluded the evening by watching Jeopardy. I drove my mother home and now I am writing this journal entry. Hopefully, we will do this again next year.

She's a Rainbow by the Rolling Stones

Last week I announced that on "writer's cramp" days I would list color songs. Today's entry comes from the Album Their Satanic Majesty's Request, the Rolling Stones answer to Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band. Facebook friends may see it at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tQIcFvbWRe0

Special Dedication to a Regular Reader - Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood by the Animals

I am not familiar with the composers of this song. It was written by Bennie Benjamin, Gloria Caldwell, and Sol Marcus. I will not comment any further. Facebook friends may see it at
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d2FT4FprxDg.

2012 the movie - a little far fetched for me

We took a walk over to the local multiplex this afternoon to see the movie 2012. As I have said before in this journal most of the movies these days are suited for a young audience. Most of the people in the theater for Pirate Radio last week were baby boomers like myself who grew up with the sounds of the 60s. The audience for 2012 were mostly kids.

It is my opinion that science fiction books and films be based on speculative science, not blind fantasy. Here a scientist states in 2009 that there is excessive neutrino activity in the sun and 3 years later there are earthquakes all over. The protagonists in the movie have way of getting out of harms way by car or plane within seconds of death. In one scene they are submerged under water for several minutes and survive without any ill effects.

The movie gets an A++ for special effects. Maybe in a bad economy people may feel that they are just out of work, while most of civilization in this movie perishes.

Remembering November 22, 1963

It is hard to believe that it has been 46 years (3/4 of a lifetime for me) since the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in Dallas. I was in the 9th grade of Russell Sage Junior High School at the time. I had just finished 7th period English class with Alice Duffy as I walked into 8th period algebra class with Frank Jackson. We were supposed to have a test, but he had a very long face as he said that the president was shot but there were no other details. He cancelled the test as we waited for a further announcement. The principal, Dr. Charles Tanzer, got on the loudspeaker system and repeated the report to the entire school. About 10 minutes later Dr. Tanzer announced that President Kennedy was dead. Some of the girls in the class cried. I spent most of the next 4 days watching the unfolding events on TV news.

Hofstra 52 Massachusetts 38

It was a mild and sunny day for late November so we drove out to Hempstead and saw the Hofstra Pride beat the Minutemen of the University of Massachusetts 52-38. If you like defense, this was not the right game. There were very very turnovers as the quarterbacks dominated on Senior Day, the last home game of the season.

Colorful Interludes to this Journal

I have decided to include videos of colorful songs to this journal on "slow days" when I have nothing to say. They could be songs about colors in general or a song about a specific color. I'll keep it up until I get tired of doing it.

To start it, I have chosen Colours (note the British spelling) by Donovan. I actually have this on vinyl on the original Hickory label. I will also post the lyrics. Facebook friends can see it at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9RFCcyLZrg



Yellow is the colour of my true love's hair,
In the morning, when we rise,
In the morning, when we rise.
That's the time, that's the time,
I love the best.

Blue's the colour of the sky-y,
In the morning, when we rise,
In the morning, when we rise.
That's the time, that's the time,
I love the best.

Green's the colour of the sparklin' corn,
In the morning, when we rise,
In the morning, when we rise.
That's the time, that's the time,
I love the best.

Mellow is the feeling that I get,
When I see her, m-hmm,
When I see her, oh yeah.
That's the time, that's the time,
I love the best.

Freedom is a word I rarely use,
Without thinking, m-hmm,
Without thinking, oh yeah.
Of the time, of the time,
When I've been loved.

Bob Dylan at the United Palace Theater - Saving the Best for First

Dylan and his band took the stage at 8:40 PM. Below is the set list:


Stuck Inside Of Mobile With The Memphis Blues Again
It Ain't Me, Babe
Man In The Long Black Coat
It's All Good
Spirit On The Water
High Water (for Charlie Patton)
Most Likely You Go Your Way (And I'll Go Mine)
Forgetful Heart
Cold Irons Bound
I Feel A Change Comin' On
Highway 61 Revisited
Workingman's Blues #2
Thunder On The Mountain
Ballad Of A Thin Man
Like A Rolling Stone
Jolene
All Along The Watchtower

My favorite had to be Stuck Inside of Mobile with the Memphis Blues Again, the first song. It has had personal significance for me since it was first released in 1966. A close second had to be Most Likely You Go Your Way (and I'll go Mine) also from the Blonde on Blonde Album. Lee said that his favorite was All Along the Watchtower while Karen picked Highway 61 Revisited.

There was some fantastic guitar playing by Charlie Sexton throughout the concert. The best sideman want to play with Dylan. Bob played more harmonica in this show than he had in several of the recent performances that I have seen. Below is part of Like a Rolling Stone that was recorded on Tuesday's performance. I saw several security staff stopping people from taking pictures or videos. As of now there were none on Youtube from Wednesday's show. Facebook friends can see it at
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=skR7nAe272U .

Dylan has toured every year since the early 1990s. It has been popularly called "The Never Ending Tour." Every time I see Dylan I am always afraid it will be for the last time. He is 68 years old, so you never know when he will decide to stop. Tonight's show is the last of this leg of the tour. Hopefully it will resume in early 2010 and return to New York City.

Dion at the United Palace Theater

I digged into my tape collection and found a cassette of Dion's Greatest Hits. We played as we ate dinner before we left for the concert. The ticket said the show was to start at 7:30 and it began at that time promptly. Dion sang a few covers and some of his hits of the 1960s that we used to hear on WCBS-FM. He played:

• Summertime Blues
• Rave on
• Shake Rattle and Roll
• Ruby Baby
• The Wanderer
• Runaround Sue

I remember back in 1987 we saw Dion at the WCBS-FM 15th Anniversary concert at the Radio City Music Hall. At that concert people were dancing in the aisle as she sang Runaround Sue. Below is a video of Dion singing it with the Belmonts. Facebook readers can see it at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c49klxPex-k . He told the audience that he grew up on Belmont Avenue in the Bronx, walking distance from the theater.

Anticipating the Bob Dylan Concert with Dion as the Opening Act

Since the Dylan concert is in the middle of the week, I have decided to take the day off from work so I will not be tired during the concert. Since 1997, Dylan concerts have become family outings. The photo above is Lee with a wax figure of Dylan at Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum in Manhattan. Lee's first concert was at William Paterson University.

I am also looking forward to seeing Dion. The reports from last night's concert indicate that Dylan and Dion did not sing together. Look for a report here in a day or two.

The Nice Thing about Tuesdays - A Double Dose of Bob Shannon

This semester I have been working late on Tuesday's at the NJIT Library. When I work late I bring my radio instead reading material for the train ride from Flushing to Newark. Since the #7 line is mostly above ground I listen to Bob Shannon on WCBS-FM. I have been listening to Bob since the mid 1980s. I remember back then he had Tuesday Night Trivia when he asked a question and listeners would phone in with the answer. Bob announced my son Lee's birth on the air in 1988. When I arrive at work I turn on my computer and listen to Bob on WLNG.com.
WLNG is an oldies station from eastern Long Island. Back in 1977-78 when I lived in New London, CT I was able to listen over the air, but with internet technology anyone can listen over the web.

The WCBS-FM show is done live while the WLNG show is pre-recorded. It is obvious that Bob really enjoys his jobs at both station. He really knows the music and the artists of the oldies genre. WLNG also plays more rarities and hits from the early days of rock n' roll. Connie T. Empress, his wife, is on the air with him at WLNG. Last summer my friend Alan Berman, the Dean of oldies radio listeners, was driving back to NYC from Newport, RI. While he was driving back through Connecticut he was able to hear Bob simultaneously on WLNG at 92.1 FM and at WCBS-FM at 101.1 FM.

Bob has certainly been an asset to the radio business for many years and hopefully he will continue with his two gigs for a very long time.

Beatles Song of the Day - We Can Work it Out

Right now I am listening to Breakfast with the Beatles with Dennis Mitchell during the evening while I am posting a Beatles song. There is a very significant and appropriate lyric in this song:

Life is very short, and there's no time
For fussing and fighting, my friend

Facebook friends (and I hope we are still friends in the literal sense) may see the video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=59NNupminV8

Carousel at the Bay Terrace Jewish Center

Carousel considered by Richard Rogers as his favorite work opened on Broadway in 1945. I am also looking out for different forms of entertainment at a reasonable price. This was a production of Theatre by the Bay, the community theater group of the Bay Terrace Jewish Center. It featured classic Broadway show tunes including June is Busting Out All Over and You'll Never Walk Alone. We all enjoyed the show.

Why We Cant' Be Friends - War - Special Song of the Day

I can be friends with people even if they dislike Bob Dylan, Jeopardy, or the New York Mets.

Facebook friends can see this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJTBPdVpdMc

Pirate Radio movie today

It is not very often when there is a movie about radio. Back in the 1960s it was illegal to broadcast rock music in Great Britain. Thus, broadcasters used ships to transmit from the North Sea. In the movie a member of parliment was trying to pass a law that banned this radio stations. There were some comical subplots involved. I guess I just don't have a British sense of humor. I did enjoy the music which is normally heard on WCBS-FM or my favorite internet radio shows.

I ordered the soundtrack CD from Amazon.com. I had a short online chat with Alan Berman and Patrick Guice about the loss of record stores. I suppose I could stop by Borders at Penn Station on the way home, but their selection is small. I'll wait until my package from Amazon comes.

Summary of the Top 10

• 10 Commandments of Love - Moonglows
• 9 to 5 - Dolly Parton
• 8 Days a Week - Beatles
• 7 Rooms of Gloom - 4 Tops
• 6 O'Clock - Lovin' Spoonful
• Obviously 5 Believers -Bob Dylan
• Big Girls Don't Cry - 4 Seasons
• 3 Cool Cats - Beatles
• 2 of Us - Beatles
• 1 - 3 Dog Night

One - Three Dog Night

I went for the obvious here One by Three Dog Night. One is the loneliest number. Facebook readers can see it at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UiKcd7yPLdU

Back to the Countdown - Two of Us by the Beatles

Three Cool Cats was a very early Beatles recording, while Two of Us was done for the Let it Be Album. It looks like the Youtube video is from the film of the same name. Lennon and McCartney had to certainly be the greatest songwriting team ever. It is a shame there was such bitterness between the two after the breakup of the Beatles in the 1970s. Paul sneered at John with the song Too Many People while John struck back with How do You Sleep. We never know if there would have been a reconciliation in the 1980s. Paul did write a nice tribute to John titled Here Today which he played at the Citifield concert this past summer.

Facebook readers can see the video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d1Y3PlmwnRM

There is a Bob Dylan Song for Every Circumstance

You never know when a Dylan song will strike close to home.

This version of Disease of Conceit was a performance at the Hammersmith Odeon in London in February 1990. It was obviously a bootleg video, so the words are not clear so I will post them at the bottom. Readers of Facebook can see the video at
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nNQQUy90zPY



Disease Of Conceit

There's a whole lot of people suffering tonight
From the disease of conceit.
Whole lot of people struggling tonight
From the disease of conceit.
Comes right down the highway,
Straight down the line,
Rips into your senses
Through your body and your mind.
Nothing about it that's sweet,
The disease of conceit.

There's a whole lot of hearts breaking tonight
From the disease of conceit,
Whole lot of hearts shaking tonight
From the disease of conceit.
Steps into your room,
Eats your soul,
Over your senses
You have no control.
Ain't nothing too discreet
About of disease of conceit.

There's a whole lot of people dying tonight
From the disease of conceit,
Whole lot of people crying tonight
From the disease of conceit,
Comes right out of nowhere
And you're down for the count
From the outside world,
The pressure will mount,
Turn you into a piece of meat,
The disease of conceit.

Conceit is a disease
That the doctors got no cure
They've done a lot of research on it
But what it is, they're still not sure

There's a whole lot of people in trouble tonight
From the disease of conceit,
Whole lot of people seeing double tonight
From the disease of conceit,
Give ya delusions of grandeur
And a evil eye
Give you idea that
You're too good to die,
Then they bury you from your head to your feet
From the disease of conceit.

Copyright ©1989 Special Rider Music

Three Cool Cats by the Beatles

These were the very early Beatles who played at the Cavern Club in Hamburg. Pete Best was the drummer back then. Facebook readers may see the video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xkyn5fucANQ

Starting the Countdown to the Big Bob Dylan Concert

The concert at the United Palace Theater is now 9 days away. I started by printing out the set listing from last nights concert at Temple University. Dylan fan Bill Pagel has compiled set lists of his concerts for years at http://www.boblinks.org . Since Bob changes the set list for each concert, I like to look at those for concerts leading up to mine to try to predict what he will play when I am there. This concert will feature Dion as the opening act. Yesterday on my way to work Bob Shannon on WCBS-FM stated this and played Runaround Sue and Knockin' on Heaven's Door back to back. He later speculated on whether they would play a few numbers together. Yes, Dion has covered song Dylan songs. The results may be found from this Dylan covers database. I am hoping that Dion will play Tomorrow is a Long Time. I am also wondering if Dion will play some early hits that I used to hear on WCBS-FM. Later in his career Dion did a lot of Christian music.

I am now scratching my head thinking of some of the opening acts I have seen with Dylan:

• Paul Simon
• Pattie Smyth
• Merle Haggard
• Amos Lee
• Van Morrison
• Joni Mitchell
• Ani DiFranco
• Santana

He did several numbers with Paul Simon at Jones Beach. Patty Smyth did Dark Eyes at the Beacon Theater. Bob and Van collaborated on Blue Suede shoes since that concert at the Madison Square Garden Theater was shortly after the passing of Carl Perkins.

Big Girls Don't Cry by the Four Seasons

I couldn't think of any songs with a 4. I even checked my Joel Whitburn Top Pop book and there were only a few obscure hits with a 4 so I picked the 4 Seasons. The first of their hits that I heard back in the Fall of 1962 was Big Girls Don't Cry. The Broadway show Jersey Boys is still going strong. Facebook readers may see the video and hear the song at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YVBvy2cc0Io

Obviously Five Believers by Bob Dylan

 This is one of my favorite cuts from the album Blonde on Blonde that was released in Spring 1966. Very often, the exact title of a Dylan song did not appear in the lyrics. Fifteen jugglers Fifteen jugglers Five believers Five believers All dressed like men Tell yo' mama not to worry because They're just my friends

He doesn't say "Obviously Five Believers"

Six O'Clock by the Lovin' Spoonful

This song certainly strikes close to home since my alarm clock is set to 6:10 AM. If I make all of my conncections I will arrive at NJIT at 8:10 AM. Facebook readers can find this video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pTGTOHeegDo

7 Rooms of Gloom by the 4 Tops

It's back to the Top 10 countdown. I had a couple of choices for the #7 song, but I pick the mainstream Motown hit 7 Rooms of Gloom by the Four Tops. Facebook readers can see the video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=My-OOtFpoAw

Another afternoon at CW Post

Today was Senior Day at Hickock Field on the CW Post Campus. This is the last day of the season where the graduating seniors come on the field before the game with their families and get a award from the school. It was cooler this Saturday than last week, but there was very little wind. CW Post defeated Lock Haven University 27-15.

Friday Night at the Prudential Center in Newark

The Prudential Center is a short walk from both NJIT and Newark Penn Station. Last night Karen and Lee met me there as we saw the New Jersey Devils beat the New York Islanders 2-1. In recent years we have gone to one hockey game a season. Our seats were in the last row of the top level, but right at the red line so we could see everything. Game highlights.

Announcement 4th Annual Meet and Greet of Oldies Enthusiasts Saturday December 12 2 PM

You are invited to the 4th Annual Meet and Greet of Oldies Fans. We use the “O” word with pride.

Date: Saturday December 12 - 2 PM - 4 PM
Place: Ben’s Deli - 209 West 38th Street, New York, NY http://www.bensdeli.net
Cost: You pay the restaurant on the day of the event

Since the restaurant is giving us the space for free, we ask that you do order a meal if you come to the Meet and Greet.

This is being planned by listeners for listeners. It is not affiliated with any radio station.

Please let us know the number of people who are coming.

For reservations and questions please e-mail nycoldiesfans@yahoo.com

Organizers:

Alan Berman
Jeff Scheckner
Bruce Slutsky

A splendid time is guaranteed for all.

Eight Days a Week by the Beatles

I think this is an obvious choice for my 8 song in this thread. Facebook readers may see it at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vs5qsk0pc6Y

Revolution #9 is not my 9 song

I think readers of Bruce's Journal especially the men would rather see 9 to 5 with Dolly Parton instead of Revolution #9 with John Lennon and Yoko Ono. Facebook users may see Dolly at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mpKAA2VxWY8 .

Election Day Today

It has been my policy not to talk about political issues and I will not do so here. Usually I arrive at PS 214 a block away from home about 6:40 AM to vote before I go to work. Today I got there about 9:30 after my quick checkup at the oral surgeon. I didn't have to be at NJIT until 1 PM. On one side of the street were people promoting Yen Chou, the Democratic candidate for City Council while across the street supporters of Peter Koo her Republican challenger were handing out literature. The major race of course is the mayoral election. Michael "Moneybags" Bloomberg is running against Bill "Mr. Dull" Thompson.

The one comment I will make is that it is outrageous that Bloomberg is spending close to $100 million of his own money to get elected. I wish he would have donated that to worthy charitable organizations.

Top Ten Countdown Starts Today

I was always a big fan of the Top 20 Countdown on WCBS-FM. It was fun to hear songs not in the usual playlist on the station. Since I had so much fun with the days of the week songs I will start a thread listing songs with a number in the title starting from 10 and moving down to 1. My first selection is a doo-wop hit from 1958, The Ten Commandments of Love by the Moonglows. Facebook readers may see the video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZvVqSDFjMho

Everyday of the Week by the Students

This oldie completes this thread of Days of the Week Songs. Years ago I heard it regularly on WCBS-FM, but not any longer. Facebook users may see the video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RbJ1ikRnG10 . I checked the Bob Dylan song book and noticed none of his songs had a day of the week in the title. I am sure that if i looked into the lyrics, I will find days of the weeks in there.

Of the 8 songs, which is your favorite? What other day of the week songs do you like? To summarize my list:

• Monday Monday - Mamas and Papas
• Ruby Tuesday - Rolling Stones
• Wednesday Morning 3 AM - Simon and Garfunkel
• Jersey Thursday - Donovan
• Friday on my Mind - Easybeats
• Another Saturday Night - Sam Cooke
• Sunday Morning Coming Down - Johnny Cash
• Every Day of the Week - Students

Sunday Morning Coming Down by Johnny Cash

I had to scratch my head a little bit to think of a Sunday song. After Lee put on his Johnny Cash t-shirt thing morning the song Sunday Morning Coming Down came to mind. I have discussed in this journal his devotion to the Man in Black. Facebook readers may see the video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hP67H4qfe5w .

CW Post Football Today

Where can you see a football game for $5? Certainly not at Giants Stadium. Today we took a drive out to the CW Post Campus on Brookville, Long Island and see the Pioneers beat Kutztown University (Pennsylvania) 42-17.

Another Saturday Night by Sam Cooke

Here is the next entry in my list of songs with Days of the Week in the title. When I think of Sam I always recall the tragic way he died in 1964 at age 33. We will never know what music he would have made had he lived. Facebook readers may see this video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w5KvR4dEKyQ

Still with AOL for almost 16 years

Back in December 1993 I bought my computer running on Windows 3.1 with a hard drive of 129 MB, AOL was pre-installed. I am now on my 4th computer and have stuck with AOL all these years. I just downloaded version 9.5 on it. I guess I should win an award for being such a loyal customer.

Friday on My Mind by the Easybeats

I think this 1967 hit is an obvious choice to continue this thread. I remember hearing it first on WMCA all those years ago. Facebook readers may see the video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0Gsqtv62I8

Jersey Thursday - Donovan

Let's keep this thread going. For readers who are not familiar with folk music of the 1960s, Donovan is the British Bob Dylan. I have written about him before in this journal. Facebook readers may see the video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JAGcT9tzzM4

Rooting for the Yankees to win the World Series

There has been some discussion on the Internet and on sports talk radio over whether Met fans should root for the Phillies or Yankees to win the World Series. There is no doubt that I will root for the Yankees. The only time I root against them is when they play the Mets during interleague play. It's a shame that the series is starting so late on the calendar. It may end as late as November 5. Hopefully the weather on the east coast will be mild during the games.

Wednesday Morning 3 AM by Simon and Garfunkel (I may as well be consistent)

One of these days my desire to write will come back. I don't want to say anything too personal. You never know who may be lurking especially when Bruce's Journal is imported into Facebook. By the way Facebook users can see the video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-bfEaaG19lU

Song of the Day - Ruby Tuesday by the Rolling Stones

I guess I haven't been very articulate over the last few days so here is Ruby Tuesday by the Rolling Stones performed in Texas in 1988. Vic, I am making this entry in the morning.

Facebook readers may find this at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e5_Voeupr3Q

Monday Monday - by the Mamas and Papas - Song of the Day

Makes sense, doesn't it?

Another Plug for Sounds of the 60s with Brian Matthew

I have talked about this show a few times in my journal, but it is time to make a plug for it. It is heard live on BBC2 Saturday mornings from 3 AM - 5 AM Eastern time, but it is archived for a week. It has become a listening ritual for me on Sunday mornings. There is a good description including this week's set list at http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00nh1pq . Ironically this week's show started out with my least favorite burnout Mony Mony by Tommy James and the Shondells. Anyway, the show features the classic hits, rarities, B sides, obscurities, instrumentals and album tracks. I highly recommend it to my oldies radio enthusiast friends.

Editing my Facebook Friends List

I first joined Facebook to use it as an outreach tool to students at NJIT. I made friends with many students who have been on my list for over 3 years. In order to build up a friends list, I also sought out others with the surname Slutsky even though I was not related to them. My friends list hit a maximum of 476. This morning I deleted about 80 friends whom I felt I did not know. Facebook was not successful as an out reach tool and many of those students have graduated from NJIT. I also deleted one person who use a very obnoxius handle on Facebook. I do believe that on should reveal his true identity on social networking sites.

There are more important things in this world than Facebook. :)

Remembering the Musical Side of Soupy Sales

This morning I was saddened by of the passing of Soupy Sales at age 83. He was best known as a host of a children's show on WNEW-TV in the mid 1960s, but he also had a radio gig on WNBC in the 1980s. Soupy appeared at the WABC Rewound Cruise in June 2007, but it was obvious that he was in failing health. Soupy had a 45 RPM hit in 1965 called the Mouse. It only peaked at #76 nationally, but was a number 10 hit in New York City. Please see the video below.

Hey Joe - 3 version - The Byrds - Jimi Hendrix - The Leaves