Sunday, November 30, 2014

Bob Dylan at the Beacon Theater - Saturday November 29


It's nightime in the big city as we exit the 72nd subway station and walk toward the Beacon Theater.  This is the third time that I've seen Dylan at this venue.  We walked up to the balcony and took our seats.  The show started at 8:02 as Dylan and his band started with "Things Have Changed."  I think they could have waited 10 or 15 minutes as people were still getting to their seats.  On this leg of the tour the same set list was used.  Thus, we were able to follow it as the concert progressed.  Dylan did not play the guitar at all.  On some songs he played the piano and the harmonica.  As usual, he did not talk to audience and did not even introduce his band.  There are three more concerts scheduled for the Beacon and then the Never Ending Tour takes a break.  Hopefully it will resume in 2015.  Since Dylan is now 73 years old, we don't know when he'll decide to stop touring.

The set list was on Bill Pagel's Bob Links page.

1.Things Have Changed (Bob center stage, Donnie on pedal steel, Stu on acoustic)
2.She Belongs To Me (Bob center stage with harp, Donnie on pedal steel)
3.Beyond Here Lies Nothin'
(Bob on piano, Donnie on electric mandolin, Stu on acoustic)
4.Workingman's Blues #2
(Bob center stage, Donnie on pedal steel, Stu on acoustic)
5.Waiting For You
(Bob on piano, Donnie on pedal steel, Stu on acoustic, Tony on standup bass with bow)
6.Duquesne Whistle (Bob on piano, Donny on lap steel, Tony on standup bass)
7.Pay In Blood (Bob center stage, Donnie on pedal steel, Stu on acoustic)
8.Tangled Up In Blue
(Bob center stage with harp then on piano, Donnie on pedal steel, Stu on acoustic)
9.Love Sick (Bob center stage, Donnie on electric mandolin)
(Intermission)
10.High Water (For Charley Patton)
(Bob center stage, Donnie on banjo, Tony on standup bass)
11.Simple Twist Of Fate
(Bob center stage with harp, Donnie on pedal steel, Stu on acoustic)
12.Early Roman Kings
(Bob on piano, Donnie on lap steel, Stu on acoustic, Tony on standup bass)
13.Forgetful Heart
(Bob center stage with harp, Donnie on viola, Stu on acoustic, Tony on standup bass with bow)
14.Spirit On The Water (Bob on piano, Donnie on pedal steel, Tony on standup bass)
15.Scarlet Town
(Bob center stage, Donnie on banjo, Stu on acoustic, Tony on standup bass)
16.Soon After Midnight (Bob on piano, Donnie on pedal steel, Stu on acoustic)
17.Long And Wasted Years
(Bob center stage, Donnie on pedal steel, Stu on acoustic)
(encore)
18.Blowin' In The Wind
(Bob on piano, Donnie on violin, Stu on acoustic, Tony on standup bass)
19.Stay With Me (song by Jerome Moross and Carolyn Leigh)
(Bob on piano, Donnie on pedal steel,



The Youtube video below is Long and Wasted Years.


Friday, November 28, 2014

Black Friday Thoughts


Of course retailers are out for the almighty buck and Black Friday actually started on Thanksgiving.  The TV news reported that many stores were crowded yesterday as shoppers sought out bargains.

I avoid shopping on this "sacred day" as I really don't like the crowds and waiting on long lines to pay.  In recent years I have become a "cyber shopper".  This morning I ordered my Jeopardy calendar from Amazon.com.

Later today I will see the movie The Theory of Everything which is about Stephen Hawking.  Since it is not playing at the College Point Multiplex I will drive over to the Bay Terrace Theater in Bayside.

There is a new oldies station WOLD-LP in Woodbridge, NJ.  They are playing a wide variety of hits from the 60s and 70s.  The dial position is 107.9 FM, but since it is a low power station I assume it can be heard over the air only in Central New Jersey.  It is on the internet at http://www.woldradio.com.

Wednesday, November 26, 2014

Bob Dylan Was In Newark Today But Didn't Visit Me at NJIT

The Never Ending Tour stopped at the NJPAC today in Newark within walking distance of NJIT.  I thought he may stop by the NJIT Library today and visit me.  It would have been nice if he took me to Highlander Pub and bought me a beer after all the "business" I gave him over the years.  I'll have to wait until Saturday night to see him at the Beacon Theater.

The weather was pretty bad as it was sleeting in Newark.  We were allowed to go home early before the holiday weekend.  When I got to NYC the precipitation was almost all rain.  Of course I had a train delay this morning as a train stuck at Grand Central messed up the 7 line.  I had to switch at 74th Street for the E Train to get to Penn Station.

Monday, November 24, 2014

I Donated to Hungerthon 2014 Today


For many years I have donated to Hungerthon which was a charity promoted by the late Pete Fornatale. Hungerthon is an annual Thanksgiving radio tradition started in 1975 by WhyHunger to raise awareness about hunger and poverty and to invest in long-term solutions that help people in need in communities across America  I believe there will be a radiothon tomorrow on WCBS-FM, Q-104.3 and other stations,  I decided to "jump the gun" by a day and sent my donation a day early.  I will get a long sleeve John Lennon t-shirt that I will give to Lee.  I think John is Lee's favorite of the 4 individual Beatles.

Sunday, November 23, 2014

Random Comments of the Day

Yesterday was the 51st anniversary of the assassination of JFK.  Since it was not a milestone anniversary, not much was siad in the media about it.  Since I have reported about this tragic event in Bruce's Journal before, it is not necessary to repeat my thoughts.  Last night Cousin Brucie played The Warmth of the Sun by the Beach Boys saying that Brian Wilson wrote it hours after the assassination.

I think some people use poor discretion when they post on Facebook.  It is one thing to say you are in the hospital.  When that happens the good health wishes come quickly.  But, please don't post photos of yourself in a hospital bed.

I guess that's it for today.

Friday, November 21, 2014

Congratulations Ben Ingram


I congratulate Ben Ingram for winning the Jeopardy Tournament of Champions.  He won 8 games during the "regular season" but able to defeat 20 time winner Julia Collins and 11 time winner Arthur Chu.  The questions are extremely difficult during the tourament.  Julia faltered during the final round and Arthur bet $7,000 and lost on a Daily Double.  I must congratulate all 15 contestants for a job well done.

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

I've Passed This Way Before by Jimmy Ruffin

I saw the announcement today that Motown star Jimmy Ruffin passed away at age 78.  One of his songs that had significance for me and perhaps some of the lines could be taken out of context.



Life lands a freshing blow
And once again our heart is broken
And as history repeats itself
These few words are sadly spoken

I've passed this way before
I've felt this pain before
A hurt that took so long to end
Has found my poor heart again

As I watch love walking away
It brings back old memories
A familiar pain still feels the same
Once again, heartache has found me

A dark cloud covered my heart
Oh, when she told me goodbye
Now there's nothing left but emptiness
And the tears that fill my crying eyes

I've passed this way before
I've felt this pain before
A hurt that took so long to end
Has found my poor heart again

No matter how strong a man is
Without a love he walks in the dark, baby
If love deserts him, it would surely hurt him
'Cause his weakness is his heart

A lonely journey now stands before me
The endless pain has started
But this time I know the way
Walking alone and broken hearted

Because I've passed this way before
And I've felt this pain before
A hurt that took so long to end
Has found my poor heart again
I've passed this way before
I've felt this pain before
A hurt that took


Read more: Temptations - I've Passed This Way Before Lyrics | MetroLyrics 

Tuesday, November 18, 2014

Ken Jennings Won $100,000 on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire

Ken Jennings became a celebrity after he won 74 games on Jeopardy.  He was invited to play on Who Wants to be a Millionaire where the rules are different.  On Millionaire if you miss a question you are out and just get the $1,000 consolation prize.  Ken started out very well as he got the first 9 questions with no trouble.  He stumbled on question #10 and had to use all 3 of his lifelines.  He used the Ask The Audience Lifeline first.  Since the audience was not conclusive he used his Plus 1 and then jumped the question.  I reallly thought his Plus 1 would have been Brad Rutter, but it was not.  He answered the $100,000 but decided to walk away when he was unsure about the answer for the $250,000 question.

Sunday, November 16, 2014

Are Changes Needed in Future Oldies Meet and Greets?

Sue O'Neal Talks to Amy Auerbach and Others

Yogi Berra once said “It is so crowded that nobody goes there anymore.” Let me discuss a minor problem that arose at yesterday's Oldies Meet and Greet. Several people complained that the waiters were very slow at bringing the checks. Some had to leave to catch buses or trains, so I can certainly understand their anxiety over this. A few hours after the event I received an e-mail from the manager of Ben's asking how things went. I reported this situation to him and he responded Its time consuming to make separate checks per person based on what they ate. We can work on that for next year by setting a price per person. One of the fixed price menus should work for the group. Another option would be to have the waiter give one check to each table. The problem is that people often have problems figuring out how to split the check.

This is a problem that arose since we had a turnout of about 70 people. The question is “Has the Oldies Meet and Greet become a victim of its own success? Since 2006 we have held the event at Ben's Deli on West 38th Street in Manhattan.

  • We are open to everyone. Nobody was ever turned away.
  • Ben's Deli never asked for money in advance to reserve the back room.
  • Everyone was able to order anything from the menu.


Since we ran into this problem, we may have to make changes in the future.

  1. Should we used a fixed price menu limiting people to certain items and collect the same amount from everybody at the beginning?
  2. Should we look for another venue that could accommodate more people? Again I don't want to have to collect money before the event. I think the people at Ben's have accommodated us very well over 9 years.


My feeling is to go for option #1.

Since the internet became popular in the 1990s people have met and became “virtual friends” as part of “virtual communities”. You really don't “know” people until you have met them face to face. Since there were 70 people at the event, it was just impossible to meet everyone. I personally prefer a smaller gathering so I can spend some time conversing with everyone there. Is the event a victim of its own success?

We certainly have time to think this as the next event would likely not be until next November.  I certainly welcome other opinions.


Saturday, November 15, 2014

The 9th Annual Meet and Greet of Oldies Radio Enthusiasts Was a Big Hit

About 60 people came to the 9th Annual Meet and Greet today at Ben's Deli.  Sue O'Neal of WCBS-FM was the guest of honor.  I didn't realize that Sue appeared on many other NYC radio stations including 99X, Mix 102.7, Jammin' 105, WPLJ and WKTU.

Bruce, Jeff Scheckner, and Sue
Photo taken by Matt Seinberg

It was always nice to meet old radio friends and on the air personalities.  I think I became Alan Schulman's personal photographer :)

I first met Frank D'Agostino at Ellen's
Stardust Diner in June 2006
I met Jon Binstock back in 1995 when
we were both on Prodigy.  He travelled from
Maryland for this gathering

Cool Bobby B plays Doo Wops every
Sunday night at 9 PM on SiriusXM 50s on 5

Alan Schulman poses with Keith Allen 
formerly of B-103 on Long Island

Karen poses with Mary Shaw who Cousin Brucie
calls Ms. Radio

Bob Radil drove in from Connecticut for
the event



Louise Murray sang Gee Whiz for us

Thursday, November 13, 2014

Love My Radio Stations on SiriusXM


Here is my deal on SiriusXM Radio.  For some years I was reluctant to buy a stand alone radio, but for a while AOL offered XM radio for free,  After the merger they offered an internet only package which I now pay $164/year.  I actually have four "radios" for it since I can get it on:

  • My laptop at home
  • My work computer
  • iPhone
  • Kindle Fire
But I just love the programming:
  • 50s on 5 - too bad they dropped most of the DJs, but just love Cool Bobby B's Doo Wop Stop
  • 60s on 6 - home of Cousin Bruce and stuff WCBS-FM doesn't play anymore
  • Classic Vinyl - more variety than Q104 with no commercials
  • Deep Tracks rarities
  • Tom Petty's Buried Treasure Channel - I just love those specialty shows
  • The Loft - sounds like WFUV
  • Willie's Roadhouse - classic country not heard on Nash-FM
  • Outlaw Country - includes some country crossovers
  • Watercolors - smooth jazz that was once heard on CD101.9
  • Rock n Roll Hall of Fame Channel - only inductees are heard here.
There are many more good channels, but I just don't have time to listen to them.

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

Thinking About The Mets and The Hot Stove League

I have mixed feeling about the signing of Michael Cuddyer.  I know the Mets need more hitting, but Cuddyer only played 49 games last season due to injury.  I guess only time will tell.  Now Sandy Alderson says he wants to upgrade at shortstop.  Perhaps he should let Wilmer Flores mature into a full-time player at SS.  The Mets have a surplus of pitching, so who knows what they will do.

Monday, November 10, 2014

Bob Dylan Sings Doo Wop


 I thank Facebook friend Scott Warmuth for bringing this to my attention.  This was never heard on Don K. Reed's Doo Wop Shop by the current king of Doo Wop Radio, Cool Bobby B is aware of it.  I hope there are Dylan fans who are reading this journal entry.

Sunday, November 9, 2014

Looking Forward to the Jeopardy Tournament of Champions


Alex Trebek announced the the Tournament of Champions featuring the big winners of the last two years will begin tomorrow.  The questions are always more difficult during this tournament as the cream of the crop of the players are competing.  I hope there will be a face off between Julia Colllins and Arthur Chu who bring different styles to picking the answers on the board.  Good luck to all of the players.

Saturday, November 8, 2014

I Fixed A Computer Problem - Mazel Tov to Me

As I reported last week  I had a problem with my printer.  I tried just about everything, and it still didn't work.  Today I restored my windows settings to what they were a month ago and the printer worked.  Apparently something in the Windows Files were corrupted.  It took about a week, but I fixed the problem.

Thursday, November 6, 2014

Garth Hudson of the Band Visits Big Pink for the First Time in 47 Years

So far I have listened to the first two CDs of the 6 CD set. I found this video on the Rolling Stone Magazine Web site.

Wednesday, November 5, 2014

Random Thoughts of the Day

Happy Birthday to Art Garfunkel and Peter Noone.  We would have played their music tonight, but the CD player was busy with Bob Dylan's complete Basement Tapes which took about an hour.  He actually covered two Johnny Cash songs - Big River and Folsom Prison Blues.

It was a busy night as I had to juggle Cousin Brucie, Bob Dylan, Jeopardy, and the Knicks.  So far they are 2-2.

Alex Trebek announced that the Tournament of Champions will begin next Monday.  I hope there will be a match of Arthur Chu against Julia Collins.

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

Mr G Leaves WCBS-FM after 37 years

Irv Gikofsky better known as Mr. G announced this morning on Scott Shannon's Big Show that he was retiring after 37 years at the station.  I have listened to Mr. G give weather reports for at least 30 of those years with:

  • Harry Harrison
  • Dan Taylor
  • Mike Fitzgerald
  • Micky Dolenz
When Scott Shannon came to WCBS-FM this March I stopped listening to the station since I just did not like all the talk associated with the "Big Show".

Mr. G will continue to do the weather for PIX-11 TV.

Here is where the speculation sets in:

Did Mr. G leave WCBS-FM voluntarily or did Scott Shannon want his own morning team without anyone from the good old days at 101.1 FM?  I will give the management of WCBS-FM credit for giving Irv a chance to say goodbye to his audience.  The Jackasses in charge of CBS radio n June 2005 didn't offer that courtesy to their listeners.

Above is a photo of my son Lee taken with Mr. G on CBS Radio day at Yankee Stadium in June 2010.

Monday, November 3, 2014

Remembering Valerie and July 1970


I was listening to Hy Lit radio when I heard Ronnie Dyson's 1970 hit Why Can't I Touch You Came On. For many years I have associated that song with Valerie whom I dated in July 1970 when that song was a hit. Back then my father managed a ladies clothing store in Mount Vernon in Westchester. He met a young lady named Valerie and suggested that she meet me. I phoned her and met her in Manhattan. We saw the movie The Hawaiians at a theater near Times Square. From there I took her home taking the Metro-North train to Mount Vernon. When we arrived home she invited me to her sister's wedding the next week. I was absolutely stunned to be invited to her sister's wedding after knowing her for just a few hours. During that first date she told me she was going to Israel during August.

Listening to Ronnie Dyson's song regenerated my memories of her. Over the month of July:

  • I took her to see Blood Sweat and Tears at Madison Square Garden
  • We saw the Movie Z
  • We went dancing at Community Gardens a disco in Queens Village
  • We went to the beach at Rye Playland


I never tried to be too forward with someone I just met. But she never wanted to get close to me physically. I remember one date, I got a handshake instead of a kiss. This is why I associated the Ronnie Dyson song with her.

Just before she left for Israel she cooked dinner for me. At point I certainly expected to see her when she returned.

At the end of August I phoned and she talked about her trip. When I asked her out she said “call me again.” A few days later I tried again and she said “I can't go out with you because I had a bad reaction to my cholera shot". After a few more phone calls I got the message that she didn't want to see me anymore. I was really disappointed. Perhaps she met someone on the trip to Israel or maybe she had gone with another boyfriend. I've learned that most disappointments like this in the long term are for the better.

When I heard the Ronnie Dyson hit today, out of curiosity I Googled her and found out that she passed away about a year ago at the age of 63.


Later in 1970 the family is in the car and Valerie by the Monkees came on the radio. Leave it to my sister to ask “What happened to Valerie?”




One consequence of having excellent autobiographic memory is that I often recall too many disappointing experiences of the past.

Saturday, November 1, 2014

The printer spooler was unable to connect to your printer

Oy Vey! - This message has been driving me crazy for the last 3 days.  When I got this new Dell Computer I used my HP desk jet printer that I had for a few years.  I downloaded the drivers for Windows 8.1 as the old computer ran on Windows Vista.  For about 2  1/2 months there was no problem printing, but all of a sudden I kept getting the message "The printer spooler was unable to connect to your printer"  I tried everything, but just couldn't get it to work.  I don't do all that much printing anyway, so I really shouldn't worry about it.  I was able to download a file to a thumb drive and was able to print it from my old computer.  So, there are no mechanical properties with the HP Printer.  Obviously, the problem is with the software.

It was a rainy and miserable day anyway.


 
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