Sunday, January 31, 2010

Random Thoughts on a Cold Sunday

I asked Lee this morning if he wantd to go outside and play basketball with me even though it was 15 degrees outside. He agreed to, but I told him if he felt cold we would return home. We drove out to Cunningham Park and was able to play and take our normal two laps around the park. There wasn't much wind, so the weather was bearable.

When I got home I downloaded two apps for the iPhone:
  • Who Wants to be a Millionaire - I played the game three times. On the third time, I won the Million Dollars. There was a cute feature. When you chose your "phone a friend" lifeline (which was eliminated on the TV version) 3 of your contacts from the phone appear.
  • Soduku - this is one of Karen's favorites. Now she can use the iPhone instead of pencil and paper.

Speaking of apps, there was and interesting article in todays New York Times Styles section titled "When Phones Are Just Too Smart". It states that people have downloaded many apps for their phones, but regularly use only a few. It is similar to a family's use of cable tv channels. We may have a few hundred at our disposal, but watch only a few.

In the early afternoon we walked over to the local multiplex to see The Book of Eli. The only comment that I will make was that it was a good movie, but Denzel Washington has appeared in much better films.

Today's radio log:

  • WINS - news
  • WCBS-FM
  • WAXQ
  • Sounds of the 60s with Brian Matthew
  • WLTW-HD2 Country Music
  • WWFS-HD2 Last-FM discovery
  • Acoustic Blues - AOL Radio
  • Sirius/XM 60s on 6 with Cousin Brucie
  • WODS - Boston - Lost 45s with Barry Scott

Saturday, January 30, 2010

Hofstra 77 Delaware 67

It was a cold day as we drove out to Hofstra in Hempstead, LI to see the Hofstra Pride defeat the Blue Hens of Delaware 77-67.

Game Summary

Friday, January 29, 2010

I just may host a one hour show on WBGO

Today was the last day of the WFUV fundraising drive and the first for WBGO. As an incentive for listeners to make donations on the first day, the anyone who contributes today is entered in a contest to host one hour on the station. If I win, my hour will be devoted to jazz flavored covers of Bob Dylan songs. On Dylan's New Morning album there was a song "If Dogs Run Free" which in my memory is the only Dylan recording that can be classified as jazz. There was even some scat singing in it. I think my chances of winning this contest are better than my appearing on Jeopardy. I suggest to my radio friends that they check out this fine radio station and if they like it, support it financially.

Thursday, January 28, 2010

Bummer - David Lee Did Not Mak the NBA All Star Team

There is just no justice. David Lee did not make the NBA all-star team. I don't know if it is politics or what, but he having a fantastic season making the Knicks somewhat competitive and he was not selected. I will not watch that game.

Facebook Friend of the Day - Drew Durigan

As I mentioned a few weeks ago, I chose my Facebook friend of the day; I don't allow the computer program to pick one randomly. I mentioned in yesterday's journal entry that I didn't want to bore anyone by talking about my dental issues. Drew responded that he was interested, so for that reason, he is my Facebook friend of the day. I sent him a private e-mail detailing my story.

I encountered Drew in the 1990s when we both frequented the radio pages on Prodigy. Drew did some radio shows with a speciality in 1970s oldies. I asked him if he were still in the radio business. I did trade some airchecks with him back then. I suggested to my current radio friends that they check out http://www.drewdurigan.com .

People who "hit me" the right way can become my Facebook friend of the day.

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

I Don't Really Want to Bore My Readers

So, I won't talk about my trip to the dentist today. So it is back to my color songs. On the way to work today I listened to a 2 CD set issued to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Stax-Volt. So since I am into green songs. Here is Green Onions by Booker T and the MGs. Facebook friends may see it at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U-7QSMyz5rg

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Don't Expect to See Me on Jeopardy

As expected the Jeopardy online contestant quiz was very difficult. There were 50 questions with only 15 seconds to answer each one. There was certainly no time for any senior moments. For example, one question was "Who wore #7 for the Denver Broncos? The correct answer John Elway came to me after the time was up. I correctly answered the two chemistry questions. One answer was tritium while the other was bronze. I would think that thousands of people apply while so few actually succeed in getting on the show. There is only one Ken Jennings who won 74 games.


Monday, January 25, 2010

Remember Non-Profit Radio Stations Provide Unique Programming Please Support Them

On Saturday WFUV commenced a fund raising drive. This week the station is playing 5 decades of music in 5 days. Today the featured music of my favorite decade, the 1960s. I usually give WFUV $100/year during their Fall drive. Later this winter I will give the same to Jazz station WBGO. When I got my iPhone I downloaded a program that will allow me to listen to NPR stations all over the country. I hope my radio friends will also donate an appropriate amount to their favorite not for profit radio station.

My "problem" is that I listen to so many radio stations that I have to spread myself so thin. There are AM and FM stations in NYC, internet only stations, broadcast stations in other markets on the web, HD2 and HD3 stations, and last but not least Sirius/XM. There is only 24 hours in a day. I have to sleep and I also read a lot.

Sunday, January 24, 2010

Bad Day for New York Sports Teams




By now everyone knows that the dream of the Jets reaching the Superbowl has ended. They were leading the Indianapolis Colts 17-6 with two minutes to go in the first half, but feel apart the rest of the way as the Colts won 30-17.
Another piece of sports news that didn't get much notice was that the Knicks were creamed by the Dallas Mavericks 128-78. Luckily, we didn't watch the game on TV. We just didn't wanted to be glued to the TV for 6 straight hours watching sports. The 50 point loss was the second worst in the teams history. They are now 17-26. I guess Donny Walsh is waiting for the end of the season to try to sign LeBron James and other free agents.

Saturday, January 23, 2010

CW Post Basketball Today

For $5/ticket how can we go wrong? We drove out to the Pratt Recreational Center at the CW Post Campus in Brookville, Long Island. The matchup between CW Post and the New York Institute of Technology was called the "Battle of Northern Boulevard" since the schools are only 1 mile apart. CW Post won 88-83.

We signed up for another Jay Buckley Baseball Tour

Back in 2006 and 2007 we went on Jay Buckley Baseball tours of the midwest. If my readers are interested they can read my entries in August 2006 and June 2007. We are going in June and will start the tour in Chicago at Wrigley Field. It will stop at Minneapolis, Kansas City, St. Louis and back to Chicago. This morning a received a phone call from radio friend Ken Hawkins who lives in St. Louis. Since he is also a baseball fan, he suggested the we meet up at the Stadium. We will definitely see less games at Citifield this year. I am projecting that we'll see 6 to 8 games as opposed to the 15 we saw last year.


Friday, January 22, 2010

Green Tambourine by the Lemon Pipers

It's Friday night and I am just not in the mood to write a journal entry, so it is back to the color songs. Tonight we leave yellwow and go to green. The song of the day is Green Tambourine by the Lemon Pipers. Facebook friends can see and hear it at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1BjQKMxJNEc

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Happy Birthday - Richie Havens

Lee reminded me tonight that January 21 is the 69th birthday of Richie Havens. I vaguely remember that I first heard Richie on the radio back on WOR-FM in 1966 or so. My favorite CD of his is called Mixed Bag. Pete Fornatale current radio show on Saturdays on WFUV is called Mixed Bag. He did use that name for a show he did Sunday mornings on WNEW-FM back in the 1980s. Richie has covered many of Bob Dylan songs including Just Like a Woman which he played at the 30th Anniversary Concert on October 16, 1992. Richie had a short role in the Dylan biopic "I'm Not There." Happy Birthday Richie.

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Who Will Catch for the Mets in 2010

It is January 20th already. Spring training will be here before you know it. The Mets did not sign catcher Benjie Molina. He returned to the San Francisco Giants. As it stands now Omir Santos would be the #1 catcher since Josh Thole is not ready the big leagues. I am hoping that 2010 doesn't pick up where 2009 left off.

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Lee, Jeopardy and the Three Stooges

Lee was pleasantly surpised this evening when the Three Stooges was a category on Jeopardy. He got four out of the five questions corectly before the contestants, but he missed the one about Niagara Fall. Thanks to Youtube, here is that famous episode. Facebook friends may see it at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_yJBhzMWJCc


Monday, January 18, 2010

Martin Luther King Day at Madison Square Garden - A family ritual

For several years in a row we have attended a Knick game on Martin Luther King Day. It is always more convenient for us to go during the afternoon, since the trains and buses run much less often at 10 PM when the night games end. In todays game the Knicks beat the Detroit Pistons 99-91 with Nate Robinson the high scorer with 27 points. As usual Coach D'Antoni used only 8 players, but you can't argue with success since the Knicks won today. At the half way point of the season the Knicks' record is 17-24 which is still subpar. They need to improve on that winning percentage for a chance to get into the playoffs.

Recap from ESPN

Sunday, January 17, 2010

Congratulations New York Jets

I am not a big football fan but I was pleased to see the New York Jets beat the San Diego Chargers 17-14 today. They made the playoffs with a mediocre 9-7 record and have beaten the Cincinnati Bengals and San Diego Chargers in upsets to reach the AFC finals next week in Indianapolis. The Jets won the Superbowl back in 1969 when the beat the Baltimore Colts. Good luck Jets next week.

Game Summary

Saturday, January 16, 2010

Jazz Concert at the Flushing Branch of the Queens Borough Public Library

This morning as I browsed through the local Queens newspapers I found out about a jazz concert at the Flushing branch of the Queensborough Public Library. It was a mild day for January so we walked over. Every seat in the auditorium was filled as we saw Chris Washburne and the Syotos Band, a Latin jazz group. This group holds the longest running Latin jazz gig in NYC history. The group includes former members of the Tito Puente and Eddie Palmieri bands. The performance was part of the Carnegie Hall's Neighborhood Concert Series.

Friday, January 15, 2010

The Sad Story of Dominic Carter

NY1 News started in September 1992 at the same time I started my position at the NJIT Library. I have been a regular viewer since its inception since I like their non-tabloid approach to New York City news. Many of their reporters have moved on to prestigious positions in local or network news organizations.

Dominic Carter who was hired at the station's inception was one of it best news anchors. He hosted a show called Inside City Hall where he interviewed many influential political figures and moderated numerous high profile debates.

About a year ago I read his autobiography No Momma's Boy where he reported how he was brought up my a mother who was a paraniod schizophrenic. She tried to strangle him to death when he was a small child and attempted suicide several times. In spite of that Dominic went to college and became successful journalist.

Carter was convicted of third degree attempted assault for beating his wife at their Ramapo home in Ocitber 2008. The judge also reported there were 10 police reports of domestic violence by Carter from 1997-2008. He was just sentenced to 30 days behind bars in the Rockland County jail. He must also attend classes for domestic violence and take medication for his violent outbursts. His contract was not renewed by NY1 News.

This is a very sad story to say the least. I was touched as I read the book seeing how Dominic obtained his position and succeeded in the difficult television news business after being raised in an abuse environment. I sincerely hope that after he serves his sentence and completes his therapy he can resume his career as a brodcast journalist.

New York Times article.

Look Who's Number 1

Patrick Guice is my number one follower on Facebook for the past week. We are both devoted fans Cousin Brucie on Sirius/XM on Saturday night.

Thursday, January 14, 2010

Jewish Joke

My friend Zaven Ariyan, Professor of Chemistry at NJIT, sent me this joke. He is not Jewish, so all readers should get a good laugh,

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A rabbi was walking down the street when he noticed one of his congregants on the other side of the street entering a Chinese restaurant. The rabbi crossed the street to peer in the window of the restaurant to see what his congregant was doing in the trayf (non-kosher) restaurant.

The congregant ordered some spare ribs and some fried shrimp. The rabbi continued to watch and soon, the waiter brought the spare ribs and shrimp. The congregant was eagerly devouring it with a hearty appetite when the shocked rabbi, unable to contain himself, burst into the restaurant to confront his congregant.

"Stop!" the rabbi shouted. "How could you do this? How could you eat this food?

It's ribs and shrimp. It's trayf!"

"Hold on," said the congregant. "Rabbi, did you see me walk into this restaurant?"

"Yes, I did," replied the rabbi.

"Did you see me sit down at this table?"

"Yes, I did, "the rabbi again testified.

"Did you see me order?"

"I most certainly did," the rabbi attested.

"Did you see the waiter bring this food to my table?" the congregant asked.

"Yes, I did," the rabbi again affirmed.

"Did you actually see me eating the ribs and the shrimp?" asked

the congregant

"Yes, I did. I watched you the entire time!" exclaimed the rabbi.

"Well, then," the congregant said calmly, "what's the problem? It was all

done under rabbinical supervision!"

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Facebook Friend of the Day - Roz Yates

Facebook has a feature called Friend of the Day, but the friend is chosen by the program. I am starting this feature for Bruce's Journal, but I pick the friend. Today's choice is Roz Yates from the NJIT library. I selected her because in all the years I have known her she has never given me a hard time. Some years back Roz was my partner during the library's inventory project. Without her, it would have been a really dull job. Whenever I pass by her desk, I always get a compliment. Roz really tells it like it is.

I would like to dedicate Tell it Like it Is by Aaron Neville to Roz. She can see the video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DYMIH_ILIZA .


Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Yellow River - Christie

There is nothing much to talk about today. So, I think I will post Yellow River by Christie which will be my last color song. Facebook friends can see and hear it at
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=did2PTV3UTE

Monday, January 11, 2010

Google and Who Wants to be a Millionaire

The rules on the game show Who Wants to a Millionaire were changed today thanks to our "friend" Google. Since the inception of the show a contestant had the ability to phone someone to help get an answer. This person had 30 seconds to assist the contestant. It became obvious that the "friend" had a computer in front of him/her and "Googled" to find the answer. I did this at home a few times to amuse myself. The producers of the show figured this out and eliminated this lifeline. The following lifelines are left:

  • Ask the Audience
  • Double Dip
  • Ask the Expert (the contestant no longer has to wait to the $5,000 plateau to use this)

Since 2003 no contestant has won the million dollars except in a recent tournament held by the show to finally get a big winner. I think the elimination of the Phone-A-Friend lifeline will make it even more difficult for contestants to be big winners. My suggestion to the producers would be to restore the "Switch the Question" lifeline which was allowed at one time if the player passed the $25,000 plateau.

Sunday, January 10, 2010

Another Spotlight on Harry Harrison

I just checked the archives of Bruce's journal and noted that I spotlighted Harry on March 27, 2009. I noted that I missed hearing Lee's birthday announced on his show each year. Last night I impulsively started a Harry Harrison Fan Page on Facebook. In less than one day, over 100 people have signed up. I have appointed the following poeple as co-administrators:
  • Alan Berman - Dean of Oldies Radio Listeners
  • Linda Cohen - Full Professor of Oldies Radio Listeners
  • Mary Shaw - Full Professor of Oldies Radio Listeners

I certainly miss waking up to Harry every morning on WCBS-FM, but he reached the time in his life when he wanted to retire in March 2003. He came back to do a Saturday morning show on WCBS-FM from October 2004 until June 2005 when the station was hijacked. I don't want to talk about that again.

I am disappointed that Harry never came back for a guest appearance on WCBS-FM after the oldies or should I say classic hits returned in July 2007. I sincerely hope that Harry is enjoying his retirement.

Saturday, January 9, 2010

Sully and the Jets on a Cold Saturday

I picked up the book Highest Duty by Capt. Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger at the public library about a week ago. I read parts of it during my daily commutes to work, but since today was cold, I had time to finish it. I just hate sitting home, but I have to remember one of my mother's quote "There is nothing more enjoyable than a good book."

The book was an autobiography of Sully who was a private and anonymous person until the remarkable events of January 15, 2009 on Flight 1549. He felt that his entire life prepared him for the decision to the land the plane in the Hudson River after it had become disabled after a bird strike shortly after takeoff from LaGuardia Airport. The plane hit the water at the right angle so that the fuselage would not break. He really landed in the right spot since the New York Waterways ferry terminal was right there so that all the passengers could be rescued before the plane could sink. There will be some television specials for the first anniversary of this miracle on the Hudson.

I was able to spend some time this afternoon moving along the dial of my HD radio. I listened to WFUV HD2 for a while. Since the HD1 channel airs specialty programming on weekends, the HD2 channel the normal "Roots and Rock" format. I checked out the HD3 channel, but that music labeled as "The Alternate Side" is not my cup of tea. I also listened to Smooth Jazz on 101.9 HD2

I am not a big pro football fan, but we all had to watch the Jet game at 4:30 PM. The beat the Cincinnati Bengals 24-14 to advance in the AFC playoffs toward the Superbowl.

Friday, January 8, 2010

Today is Elvis Presley Day

Elvis was born on January 8, 1935, so if he had lived today would be his 75th birthday. He was featured in the WCBS-FM Hall of Fame today. When I got home at 6 PM, we turned on the Elvis Channel on Sirius/XM. I was disappointed that there was no Elvis category or even a question about him on Jeopardy. Bob Radil played a set of Elvis hits when I turned on his show at 7:30.

My favorite Elvis Presley song has to be "A Little Less Conversation" written by Mac Davis and Billy Strange. It was originally recorded by Elvis for the movie Live a Little, Love a Little in 1968. It was released by RCA Victor as a single in September 1968. There was a remixed version of it released in 2002. The long version of this remix is below. Facebook friends can hear it at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_0O0BkKdMx0



A little less conversation, a little more action please
All this aggravation aint satisfactioning me
A little more bite and a little less bark
A little less fight and a little more spark
Close your mouth and open up your heart and baby satisfy me
Satisfy me baby

Baby close your eyes and listen to the music
Drifting through a summer breeze
Its a groovy night and I can show you how to use it
Come along with me and put your mind at ease

A little less conversation, a little more action please
All this aggravation aint satisfactioning me
A little more bite and a little less bark
A little less fight and a little more spark
Close your mouth and open up your heart and baby satisfy me
Satisfy me baby

Come on baby Im tired of talking
Grab your coat and lets start walking
Come on, come on
Come on, come on
Come on, come on
Don't procrastinate, don't articulate
Girl it's getting late, gettin upset waitin around

A little less conversation, a little more action please
All this aggravation aint satisfactioning me
A little more bite and a little less bark
A little less fight and a little more spark
Close your mouth and open up your heart and baby satisfy me
Satisfy me baby

I think I should play this song for some people I know. Maybe I should use it as a ringtone for my new iPhone :)

Thursday, January 7, 2010

Tie a Yellow Ribbon - Tony Orlando and Dawn

It is one of those days when I can't think of what to write. So back to the color songs. I am up to yellow, so below is Tie a Ribbon Round the Old Old Tree by Tony Orlando and Dawn. Facebook friends may find it at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rBL2kzKg4nY

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

What a Doubleheader - Cousin Brucie and Jeopardy


Until very recently I could only listen to Sirius/XM in the bedroom with my computer. I never bought a radio for the service, I just received it through the Internet. Regular readers of my journal are aware that I recently bought the iPhone with a dock so I can hear the music in the dining room. So from 6-7 PM we listened to the Cuz while eating dinner and from 7 - 7:30 PM we watched Jeopardy. Lee gets a high five when he answers a question before the contestants while I get one if I get the right question while none of the contestants gets it right. Today Lee beat me 5-4. I get a super high five when this happens during Final Jeopardy.
Lee was especially happy tonight as the Cuz played The Orange Blossom Special by Johnny Cash. The final Jeopardy category was Classic Country Stars, but the Question was "Who was Hank Williams Sr.", not Johnny Cash. I would love it if Alex Trebek hosted an oldies show while the Cuz did Jeopady for just one night. That will never happen :)

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

I hope that Paper Publications Will Never Go Away

For once I am bringing a work related issue to my personal journal. For years scholarly publications have been available electronically rather than in print. Both librarians, students, and faculty prefer it that way. The trend is that more popular books and magazines are available online. The Amazon Kindle has been on the market for a few years now and costs $259. I see more and more people on public transportation using it. There are now competing electronic book readers on the market.

It is nice to read magazines like Sports Illustrated online when you can actually hear interviews and see video of highlights of events. One can read the New York Times on a smart phone. Print newspapers are losing more money while many are ceasing publication. At one time almost every other person on the subway was reading a newspaper, but no longer. Some professors at NJIT have told me that students don't want to read books any longer.

I am not a luddite, but still enjoy reading print publications. Its nice to be able to curl up in a chair and read a book or magazine. It is often easier to flip through pages than navigate on a computer screen. Time will tell what will happen with printed publications.

Monday, January 4, 2010

Thank You WBGO for Playing Ben Sidran

When I arrive at work in the morning I must follow a ritual. When I get in I turn on my computer and get my coffee. By the time I return to my desk the computer has booted up. I usually alternate between WFUV and WBGO, my two favorite not for profit radio stations. Today it was turn to access WBGO. At about 8:45 I heard a jazz version of Dylan's Highway 61 Revisited. The DJ, Gary Walker, identified the artist as Ben Sidran. I immediately used my research skills and was pleasantly surprised to find that this cut was part of a Dylan cover CD called Dylan Different. A few minutes later I found out that it was available at Itunes for $9.99. So I just completed downloading it. When I come home from work tomorrow night, it goes on the CD player. I am sure that Lee will like it since it includes his favorite Dylan song, Tangled Up in Blue.

Dylan's songs have been covered in numerous genres of music. Many covers are scattered throught CDs but I have collected many CDs devoted to Dylan covers. This is the first jazz cover collection that I now own.

Thank you so much WBGO for bringing this to my attention. I like the non-profit stations because they have almost unlimited playlists and are not concerned with an aging audience. Older listeners have the money to donate to them. When the next WBGO fundraising drive begins, I will pick up the phone and make a pledge and I hope my other radio friends will do as well. I am also generous each year in donating to WFUV.

My Top 10 Facebook Friends of 2010

A few days ago I commented on my top 10 Facebook followers of 2010. Today I received my list of top 10 Facebook friends. Some people were on both lists, I will only comment on those who were unique to this second list:



#1:Alan Berman - how can he not be #1 when I appointed him The Distinguished Professor of Oldies Radio and then promoted to Dean. Do I hear my phone ringing?


#2:Patrick J Guice - I must say this man has excellent taste in radio shows.


#3:Mary Hennessy Shaw


#4:Victor Monachelli


#5:Joel Glassman


#6:Clay Cole - it is indeed an honor for him to be #6 on my list. I had the pleasure of meeting him at the recent Beatexpo in Stamford. CT. I recommend everyone reading my journal also read his new book Shboom the Explosion of Rock N Roll 1953-68. I wrote a review of this book in the December 17, 2009 entry of this journal

#7:Broadway Bill Lee - another pleasant surprise. I met Bill at the Oldies Meet and Greet in December 2008 and the WCBS-FM picnic in August 2009

#8:Linda Silverberg Cohen

#9:Alan Seltzer

#10:Joe Viel - He was my fraternity brother at City College of New York. He introduced me to beer all those years ago.

Sunday, January 3, 2010

Back to Work Tomorrow

It is back to work tommorow after a 10 day break. This is one of the good things about working for a university. When I worked in the for-profit sector there was much less time off for vacation or holidays. Whenever I wake up in the morning on a work day I am always grateful that there is a job out there for me. I must recall the days when I was unemployed and the pain that I endured all those years ago. 1982 was the last time that I was jobless.

My best wishes to anyone reading this journal who is seeking employment.


Saturday, January 2, 2010

Hofstra Basketball Today

We saw our first basketball game of the season as the Hofstra Pride lost to the Tribe of William & Mary 48-47. The Pride started out by scoring 9 unanswered points, but it was downhill from there. I thought it was one of most poorly played college games that I have seen recently with poor execution and lack of good fundamental skills. Hofstra's shooting percentage was only 31.5. Game Recap.

My Top 10 Followers on Facebook - Some Surprises

Bruce 's Top Followers on Facebook
1) Gerry McKiernan - he is a science librarian at Iowa State. I have observed his postings on many listseves over the years. I am sure he has read many of mine, but we have never met.

2) Joel Glassman - My old buddy from my undergraduate days at City College of New York. He moved to North Carolina over 30 years ago. I haven't seen him in over 35 years

3) Victor Monachelli - the first radio enthusiast I met about 15 years ago on Prodigy. He lives in Florida now, but I met him in 1995 in Yonkers

4) Patrick J Guice - fellow radio enthusiast. I have met him at gatherings of oldies enthusiasts

5) Ellen Burden Parker - librarian at Atlantic Cape County College in New Jersey. We meet once a year at a professional meeting. I'll likely see her on January 8th. She is also a radio enthusiast

6) Amy Auerbach - oldies enthusiast. We have meet a few times at gatherings of oldies enthuiasts

7) Mary Hennessy Shaw - one of NYC's greatest listeners of oldies radios. We have met several times at "Meets and Greets"

8) Stu Dolgon - I met him on the WCBS-FM message board on AOL years ago. He lives in central NJ, but roots for the New York Rangers

9) Ron Gitschier - fellow radio enthusiast living in Florida. Several years ago he was in the Navy and was in NYC for fleet meet. We met for some drinks at a restaurant in Queens

10) Alan Seltzer - fellow radio enthusiast whom I've met a few times at gatherings.

Thanks to all of you for dropping by.

Some observations:

I have met 8 of the 10 of my top followers. 5 of those 8 I have encountered within the last year. The biggest surprise was who was not on the list.

1. The Dean of Oldies listeners. He knows who he is. But he is by far #1 on accessing me through telephone.
2. The Oldies Diva

None of my NJIT colleagues made the list.

My sister did not make it either. I guess she is not spying on me.

Congratulations Nate Robinson

Last night the New York Knicks beat the Atlanta Hawks 112-108 in overtime with Nate Robinson scoring 41 points. On the surface this is not extraordinary, but Nate was benched unfairly for 13 games by coach Mike D'Antoni. Why should a talented player making millions of dollars sit on the bench? The Knicks are still recovering from the managerial and coaching failures of Isiah Thomas. I am not thrilled with the coaching of Mike D'Antoni. For several games only 8 players were used. What is the sense of doing that when there are 12 players on the roster. This will certainly tire out those 8, while the skills of the bench warmers could erode. Nate Robinson certainly stood up to the poor coaching by scoring 41 points in his return. Perhaps the Knicks would have won a few more games during Nate's absence. A former colleague told me years ago that one's best revenge is success.

There are parallel situations in the business world when employees often suffer from poor and ineffectual management.

Friday, January 1, 2010

There should be more NHL games played outdoors

For the third New Year's Day in a row there is an NHL game played in an outdoor stadium. You can see the photo above of a hockey rink in Fenway Park as the Bruins played the Philadelphia Flyers today. I watched most of the game as the Bruins won 2-1 in overtime. In 2008 the Buffalo Sabres hosted the Pittsburgh Penguins at Ralph Wilson Stadium while Wrigley Field was the 2009 venue as the Chicago Black Hawks hosted the Detroit Red Wings.
These 3 games generated much interest among casual hockey fans. Many people traveled from Philadelphia to Boston to see today's game. The television ratings were very high as well. I am really hoping there will be hockey games at Citifield, Yankee Stadium and the new football stadium in the Meadowlands. I would likely want to get tickets.
 
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