Saturday, September 29, 2012

Edinboro 31 LIU Post 24

After sitting up in 7th heaven at Met Life Stadium to see the Jets and Giants a few weeks ago it was nice to sit up front to see the LIU Post football team play today.  The name of the school was changed from CW Post to show more of an identification with the parent Long Island University.  Most of the games we have seen there have been high scoring blowouts, but today's game was close.  Edinboro University located in northwestern Pennsylvania tied the game with 28 seconds left in regulation.  They scored a touchdown in overtime to win 31-24.

Friday, September 28, 2012

Bob Dylan and the Band - Perfect Together and Apart


This is surely an eventful time for fans of Robert Allan Zimmerman with the release of Tempest and the forthcoming concert at the Barclays Center.  As you can see above a new DVD was released about Dylan and his Band.  It traces the history of the group from it inception as the Hawks as the backup band to Ronnie Hawkins.  It tells how they hooked up with Dylan for tours in 1966 and 1974.  It features interviews with Garth Hudson, John Simon, Mickey Jones, Charley McCoy, Barney Hoskyns and others.  I highly recommend it for all Dylan fans.

Thursday, September 27, 2012

Congratulations R.A, Dickey on your 20th Win

I would have loved to be at Citifield today, but I had to go to work.  Somebody has to pay the bills :).  I was able to follow the game on and off by looking at ESPN.com.  R.A. left the game in the 8th inning with a 6-3 lead.  Jon Rauch gave up a two run home in the top of the 9th, but Bobby Parnell held on to get the save as the Mets held on to win 6-5 to give Dickey his 20th victory.  He is the first Met 20 game winner since Frank Viola in 1990.  I sure hope he stays with the Mets for a few more years.  I highly recommend his autobiography to my readers.  I think there will be an updated edition covering the 2012 season.

Dickey, R A, and Wayne R. Coffey. Wherever I Wind Up: My Quest for Truth, Authenticity, and the Perfect Knuckleball. New York: Blue Rider Press, 2012. Print.

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

7th Annual Meet and Greet of Oldies Radio Enthusiasts


Readers of  Bruce's Journal are invited to the 7th Annual Meet and Greet of Oldies Radio Enthusiasts to be held:

Saturday November 10 2 PM - 4 PM
Bens Deli (http://www.bensdeli.net)
209 West 38th Street
New York, NY

This is a golden opportunity to meet new and old friends who share the same enthusiasm for oldies radio.  This event does not endorse any radio station or program.  In the past celebrities from major radio stations have appeared.  Presently we are inviting some well known personalities and will announce special guests after they have confirmed their appearance.

We choose Ben’s since they are moderately priced and have always allowed to have a private room without an additional charge.  You only have to pay the restaurant on the day of the event.  We may ask for $1 from each person to pay for the lunch of any special guests.  This is an open event, so please invite any friends who are interested.

The organizers are:

Alan Berman (alan707@verizon.net)
Jeff Scheckner (jmandjs@aol.com)
Bruce Slutsky (BruceS8852@aol.com)

Please feel free to contact any one of us for information.  Please e-mail one of us just so we can get a count of people who will come.

Below is a picture of Alan Berman from last year's event.  He is wearing a Pop Gold Radio shirt.  Hopefully, Don Tandler will come.





Monday, September 24, 2012

Some Thoughts as Yom Kippur Approaches

People interpret their religion and holidays in different ways.  I certainly respect orthodox Jews who observe everything to the letter of the law.  Reform Jews chose what and how they want to observe each holiday.  In my opinion all Jews must see the Day of Atonement as a time to reflect on the past and hope for the future.  We must think of what went wrong in the last year and what can we do different in the year to come.  I chose to fast for 24 hours on Yom Kippur.

I wish my Jewish friends an easy fast if they chose to observe the holiday that way.  Gentiles mean well when they wish Jews a happy holiday for Yom Kippur; obviously it is not a nice holiday.

Saturday, September 22, 2012

Mets 4 Marlins 3

Perhaps the Slutsky family should go to more Met games since the Amazins were 7-3 at games we attended.  I bought the ticket for this game in early July when I though the Mets could be in contention for a wild card berth in the playoffs, but I was wrong as the team collapsed after the All-Star break.  It will be interesting to see if R.A. Dickey wins 20 games as he was the starting pitcher today.  Jason Bay and Scott Hairston hit home runs as the Mets lead 4-0 after 8 innings.  Dickey gave up two hits in the ninth as he was relieved by Jon Rauch who gave up a 3 run homer to John Buck to make the game close.  Thankfully, the Mets held on to win 4-3.  Two of the three home runs were reviewed by the umpires.  Perhaps the video review should be extended to other situations.

Game Recap

Friday, September 21, 2012

#3 on the Billboard Album Chart


In recent years I have not been much of a chart guy, but on the Billboard album chart Tempest debuts at #3. Will it hit #1.  We'll check in next week.

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Random Thoughts of the Day

I spent some time thinking of the year past and my hopes for 5773.  It was nice to spend some quiet time with the family on Rosh Hashana.

I received my tickets for the Dylan concert at the Barclay center in the mail.  Yesterday was also the start of the season for Jeopardy.  I say that if you enjoy something, go for it.

As of 5 PM, the big rain has not yet come.  The Mets and the Yankees who were scheduled at home already cancelled their games.

I did not check my work e-mail over the holiday.  I read it tomorrow when I return.  Sadly, some people don't talk, they send e-mail.  I've initiated some unpleasant confrontations over this issue in the past.  I will stand my ground if I feel I am right.

Monday, September 17, 2012

Jeopardy Season Begins Today

No phone calls between 7:00 - 7:30 PM please because the new season of Jeopardy begins tonight.  Will there be any categories about Bob Dylan this season?  How many high fives will Lee get when he gets a correct question?  How many times will I get a final Jeopardy correct when all contestants miss it. Kudos to Alex Trebek and all the people behind the scenes who make it possible.

Sunday, September 16, 2012

My Comments about Bob Dylan's interview in Rolling Stone


I am not familiar with Mikal Gilmore who interviewed Bob Dylan in the recent issue of Rolling Stone.  He is certainly a very privileged journalist since Dylan rarely gives interviews to the mainstream media.  The last one I can recall was with the late Ed Bradley on 60 Minutes in December 2004.

My first impression of the interview was that Dylan’s remarks were vague and open to interpretation as his songs.  I will not be comprehensive in my analysis.  It would take me quite a long time for that.

Dylan - “My songs are personal.  I wouldn’t want people singing along with me. It would sound funny.”  The last time that Dylan sang with someone on an official recording was in 1969 with Johnny Cash doing Girl from the North Country in 1969.  Back in 1995 I was at a concert at the Beacon Theater when he sang Dark Eyes with Pattie Smyth.  I also remember Dylan saying that he doesn’t care for people covering his songs.

Dylan -“What others think about me, that’s so irrelevant.”  I interpret that is that Dylan does not appreciate the support of his fans.  Some time ago he referred to Mel Prussack as “that nut from new Jersey.”  I remember in 1997 when we saw him at William Paterson University he smiled at the audience.  In general, he only talks to the audience when he introduces his back up musicians.

Bob Dylan’s motorcycle accident in July 1966 was a very significant incident in his history and obviously changed the course of his career..  Within the interview there is a sidebar talking about the other Bobby Zimmerman who was the president of the San Bernadino Hells Angles.  He died in a motorcycle crash in 1961.

Dylan -  “I like Bruce [Springsteen] like a brother.  He is a powerful performer unlike anybody.  I care about him deeply.”  I never had anything against Springsteen, but I was just never a big fan of him.  Dylan appeals to the baby boomers who listened to popular music in the 60s and 70s while Springsteen’s fans are younger.  Some years back Dylan and Springsteen played together at one concert at Shea Stadium.  I really wish they would collaborate, but as Dylan said above he doesn’t want anybody singing with him.  Springsteen has covered some Dylan songs including Chimes of Freedom.

The interviewer asked if there will be a Chronicles 2. Dylan responded “Oh, let’s hope so.  I am always working on parts of it.  But the last Chronicles I did all by myself.  I am not really so sure I had a proper editor for that.  …… It is a lot of work.  I don’t mind writing it, but its rereading it and the time it takes to reread it- that for me is difficult.” -  The Never Ending Tour takes a break at Thanksgiving.  Maybe then Bob can take time to write Chronicles 2.

There was so much more in the interview.  I don’t want to write an entire book, so I’ll close here.  Here is a little bad news; there is no free version on the web.  You will have to buy a copy of Rolling Stone at a newsstand.  I may be one of the few people who subscribe to Rolling Stone and the AARP magazine.  There is an explanation for that, but I won’t talk about that now.

Saturday, September 15, 2012

Review of Carol Miller's Autobiography

Miller, Carol. Up All Night: My Life and Times in Rock Radio. New York: Ecco, 2012. 



People who know me or other who have read this journal know that I am a big radio enthusiast and admire Djs.  I always wonder about their personas off the microphone.  There is much gossip about the personal lives of TV and movie stars but little is known about radio stars.  I am sure they like it that way.  Anyway, I read on some radio message boards about the autobiography of Carol Miller, now heard on Q-104.3 in NYC.  I have to be honest by saying that I didn’t listen to her that much since I was never much into the classic rock format.  After reading the book, I will have to make it my business to listen to her more often.


So how did a nice Jewish girl from Queens get into the radio business?  In the 1970s there were so few women on the airwaves.  She started out as a student at  WXPN the public radio station of  the University of Pennsylvania.  From there she moved on toWMMR in Philadelphia.  She is best know for working at WPLJ, WNEW-FM, and WAXQ.  She talks about how she was fired after format changes and how a misunderstanding delayed her hiring at WAXQ.

This book is more than just about radio.  Many entertainment biographies just describe the professional lives of the subjects.  Carol describes in detail many personal issue in her life such as her marriages, relationships with rock stars, and fight with cancer.  I certainly admire her honesty and candor throughout the book.  I highly recommend it.  Thanks Carol for sharing with your readers.

Please check out Carol’s web site at http://iheart.q1043.com/pages/onair/carolmiller.html 




Friday, September 14, 2012

Remember Dad Nov 1, 1917 - Sept 14, 1997


It was 15 years ago today that Dad (Irving Slutsky) passed away after a 2 year battle with pancreatic cancer.  My mother who is now 93 years young did a wonderful  job taking care of his during his illness.  I miss Dad the most when I am facing a disappointment  or setback.  He always had the knack of saying the right thing to encourage us after failure.  He worked very hard and was devoted to supporting the family as he worked 6 days a week as a manager of a ladies clothing store.  I think his biggest success in life was teaching me how to drive a car as I flunked the road test 4 times.  Rest in peace, Dad.  We still miss you.

Thursday, September 13, 2012

Random Thoughts of the Day

It was primary day today in New York.  I walked toward P.S. 214 where I vote and I saw a couple of people electioneering.  I really think that this is an insult to the voters.  If you are walking to the polling place, you already have your mind made up.

Right now WFUV is playing Bob Dylan's Tempest as the CD of the week.  The Digital Millenium Copyright Act prevents them from playing a complete album on the internet, but they can do it over 90.7 FM.

The Yankees are in a dogfight to hold on to first place in the American League East.  This year the Red Sox can really be spoilers.

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Remembering September 11, 2001

I took some time today to recall the tragic events of 11 years ago.  Since I was at work  that day I wrote an entry in Bruce at the NJIT Library.Our lives will never be the same.


Monday, September 10, 2012

My Experience at the Bob Dylan Tempest Store

I left work at 4:00 as usual and took New Jersey Transit to Penn Station.  I took the A train downtown to 14th Street and walked through the Meatpacking district to the Dylan store on Washington Street.  I didn't know what to expect, but a saw a line around the block.  I always hate waiting on line, but I thought what to heck since I came this far.  Behind me on line was a guy about my age wearing a New York Mets t-shirt.  We chatted a little bit about Dylan as he told me that the tickets for the concert at the Barclays Center went on presale today from BobDylan.com.  I really should have known this; shame on me.  I waited on line for about 75 minutes and bought the CD and a t-shirt.  As soon as I arrived home I put it on the CD player.

With 20/20 hindsight it really wasn't worth waiting on line.  I could have waited a day and gotten it at J&R and just walked up to the cashier.  I guess I wanted the thrill of buying it the first day.  Back in the 1960s I had to save from my allowance money to buy albums.  For this album I just didn't want to download it.  Someone wrote on Facebook that he wanted to get CD autographed by Dylan, but they were out. Many people on line ahead of me bought the vinyl version.  Let me include some links for my readers:


Saturday, September 8, 2012

Braves 11 Mets 3

It was one of those days; If your don't like the weather, wait a minute.  About 10:30 AM it was raining in buckets while there was a tornado is southern Queens.  The weather cleared up as we left for Citifield.  I bought these tickets in early July when I thought the Mets could be in contention in September.  It was sunny when the game started at 4 PM.  At the end of the 6th inning the Mets were trailing 8-2 when it started to rain again.  I am not the diehard that I once was so we decided to leave to go home.  After a 1 hr 15 minute rain delay the game resumed as the Mets lost 11-3.

Box Score

Who'll Stop the Rain by Creedence Clearwater Revival


It was raining pretty hard late this morning as I drove Lee from his dentist. Hopefully it will stop so we can see the Mets play the Atlanta Braves at 4 PM

Thursday, September 6, 2012

RIP Joe South

I heard last night of the passing of songwriter and musician Joe South at age 72.  My favorite song was Walk a Mile in My Shoes that has personal significance for me.  Joe also played as a side musician on the Bob Dylan album Blonde on Blonde in 1966.  My condolences to his family.

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Bob Dylan Concert at Capitol Theater in Westchester

If I were a rich man I would go to every Bob Dylan concert. Unfortunately I have a modest income and must spend money very carefully.  Last night Mr. Zimmerman played at the Capitol Theater in Port Chester.  This concert was reviewed in Newsday.  The set list indicates that he did not play anything from the forthcoming Tempest CD.  I will be going to his concert at the Barclay Center in November.

Monday, September 3, 2012

Some More Comments about Radio Station Surveys

I have commented about radio surveys before in Bruce's Journal.  WCBS-FM is doing the listener voted top 500 again for this Labor Day weekend  There has been some discussion on the Oldies board and Radio-Info message board about the validity of these countdowns.  In the Still of the Night by the 5 Satins was voted #1 on the WCBS-FM for many years but does not even appear on this list.  I know they are looking for younger listeners who were not yet born during the Doo Wop era, but they should play songs that accurately reflect the choices of their listeners.  If you see message board threads listed below, the prevailing opinion is that this survey was contrived.


http://www.musicradio77.com/bobboard/wwwboard/messages/108375.html

http://www.musicradio77.com/bobboard/wwwboard/messages/108315.html

http://radiodiscussions.com/smf/index.php?topic=218799.0

Sunday, September 2, 2012

Stuck Inside of Mobile with the Memphis Blues Again

This Bob Dylan songs was featured in Bruce's Journal on September 16, 2009.  The video was taken away by Sony Records, but I thought I'd post the lyrics this time which really strike close to home.

Check out the lyrics at http://www.bobdylan.com/us/songs/stuck-inside-mobile-memphis-blues-again

Saturday, September 1, 2012

Will Rogers Quote

You must judge a man’s greatness by how much he will be missed. This was said on Don McGee's Mixed Bag show about Pete Fornatale. He is certainly missed by all who knew him.
 
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