Health is My Most Important Wish for 2022

 

As people age, they inevitably face health issues.  The human body is like a machine with parts that can wear out.  Most of all, I wish all of my friends and acquaintances a healthy new year as we become one year older.

I never thought that the COVID-19 pandemic would persist until 2022.  It may never completely "go away",  At least there are now vaccines that can make the infections weaker.

We must always keep in mind that problems will not go away as the calendar changes.

My best wishes for a healthy new year for readers of my journal.

Wanted Man - Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash Together

 

If you listen carefully at the end you will hear that Johnny Cash has a good sense of humor as he improvises.  It is certainly nice to see Bob Dylan smile here.

Should Jeopardy Limit Winners to Five Victories?

 

As of this writing, Amy Schneider has won 20 games and is still going strong.  Earlier this season Matt Amodio won 38 games and was dethroned by Jonathan Fisher, another big winner.  Until 2004 champions were limited to five victories.  In that year Ken Jennings set the record with 74 victories.

You can look at this two ways:

1. Big winners generate interest in the show drawing more viewers.
2. Big winners create boredom as people think why should they watch when they know who will win.

I think ratings for the show will answer that questions.

In my opinion, overconfidence eventually defeats a long-time winner.  They will bet big on a Daily Double and get it wrong.  In yesterday's game, Amy lost $6,000 on a Daily Double but still won.

Stay tuned.

The Top 100 Favorite Records as Voted by Listeners of Rewound Radio and Posters on Oldiesboard.com

 Mike Riccio and Alan Sniffen and others compile this list voted by oldies enthusiasts every year.  The results vary, but Hey Jude by the Beatles has been #1 almost every year this survey has been compiled.  The only Bob Dylan song that made the Top 100 was Like a Rolling Stone that came in at #29.  I appreciate the efforts that Mike and Alan and others put into compiling this list every year.

Rank Title Artist Year
1 Hey Jude Beatles 1968
2 God Only Knows Beach Boys 1966
3 Satisfaction Rolling Stones 1965
4 Bridge Over Troubled Water Simon and Garfunkel 1970
5 Rag Doll Four Seasons 1964
6 Good Vibrations Beach Boys 1966
7 MacArthur Park Richard Harris 1968
8 Light My Fire Doors 1967
9 In The Still Of The Nite Five Satins 1956
10 Ain't No Mountain High Enough Diana Ross 1970
11 American Pie Don McLean 1972
12 Be My Baby Ronettes 1963
13 Can't Find The Time Orpheus 1969
14 Stairway To Heaven Led Zeppelin 1971
15 My Girl Temptations 1965
16 Aquarius Let The Sunshine In 5th Dimension 1969
17 I Want To Hold Your Hand Beatles 1964
18 Hotel California Eagles 1977
19 Wichita Lineman Glen Campbell 1968
20 Cherish Association 1966
21 Nights In White Satin Moody Blues 1972
22 She Loves You Beatles 1964
23 Dawn (Go Away) Four Seasons 1964
24 You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin' Righteous Brothers 1965
25 Brandy (You're A Fine Girl) Looking Glass 1972
26 Beginnings Chicago 1971
27 California Dreamin' Mamas and the Papas 1966
28 Runaway Del Shannon 1961
29 Like A Rolling Stone Bob Dylan 1965
30 The Rain The Park & Other Things Cowsills 1967
31 Cara Mia Jay & the Americans 1965
32 Sugar Sugar Archies 1969
33 Go All The Way Raspberries 1972
34 Let It Be Beatles 1970
35 Born To Run Bruce Springsteen 1975
36 Layla Derek & the Dominos ( Eric Clapton ) 1972
37 Will You Love Me Tomorrow Shirelles 1961
38 Mack The Knife Bobby Darin 1959
39 One Less Bell To Answer Fifth ( 5th ) Dimension 1971
40 Up Up And Away Fifth ( 5th ) Dimension 1967
41 Happy Together Turtles 1967
42 Thunder Road Bruce Springsteen 1975
43 I Only Have Eyes For You Flamingos 1959
44 Walk Away Renee Left Banke 1966
45 Theme From A Summer Place Percy Faith & His Orchestra 1960
46 I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch) Four Tops 1965
47 I Get Around Beach Boys 1964
48 In My Life Beatles 1966
49 What's Going On Marvin Gaye 1971
50 Wedding Bell Blues 5th Dimension 1969
51 To Sir With Love Lulu 1967
52 Suspicious Minds Elvis Presley 1969
53 Superstar Carpenters 1971
54 A Hard Day's Night Beatles 1964
55 Since I Don't Have You Skyliners 1959
56 You Belong To Me Duprees 1962
57 Strawberry Fields Forever Beatles 1967
58 Things I'd Like To Say New Colony Six 1969
59 The Long And Winding Road Beatles 1970
60 Wouldn't It Be Nice Beach Boys 1966
61 Morning Girl Neon Philharmonic 1969
62 Yesterday Beatles 1965
63 Here Comes The Sun Beatles 1969
64 It's Too Late Carole King 1971
65 Red Rubber Ball Cyrkle 1966
66 Incense And Peppermints Strawberry Alarm Clock 1967
67 Double Shot (Of My Baby's Love) Swingin' Medallions 1966
68 Poor Side Of Town Johnny Rivers 1966
69 Please Please Me Beatles 1964
70 Daydream Believer Monkees 1967
71 Imagine John Lennon 1971
72 Groovin' Young Rascals 1967
73 I'm A Believer Monkees 1966
74 Stayin' Alive Bee Gees 1978
75 Stoned Soul Picnic 5th Dimension 1968
76 Get Back Beatles 1969
77 Don't Worry Baby Beach Boys 1964
-----------------------------------------------
78 Dreams Fleetwood Mac 1977
79 Elusive Butterfly Bob Lind 1966
80 Ariel Dean Friedman 1977
81 Crystal Blue Persuasion Tommy James and the Shondells 1969
82 Baker Street Gerry Rafferty 1978
83 My Sweet Lord George Harrison 1971
84 The Boxer Simon and Garfunkel 1969
85 What A Wonderful World Louis Armstrong 1988
86 Summer Wind Frank Sinatra 1966
87 The Tears Of A Clown Smokey Robinson Miracles 1970
88 I'm Not In Love 10cc 1975
89 Downtown Petula Clark 1965
90 Close To You Carpenters 1970
91 Because Dave Clark Five 1964
92 He's A Rebel Crystals 1962
93 Mr Dieingly Sad Critters 1966
94 Time Won't Let Me Outsiders 1966
95 Day After Day Badfinger 1972
96 Sloop John B Beach Boys 1966
97 Da Doo Ron Ron (When He Walked Me Home) Crystals 1963
98 Honky Tonk Women Rolling Stones 1969
99 Moonlight Feels Right Starbuck 1976
100 When I Grow Up (To Be A Man) Beach Boys 1964

American Underdog - A Good Movie for Christmas Afternoon

 

I have never been much of a football fan since I am so engrossed in Major League Baseball.  During the fall and winter months, I need to get away from sports.  It is especially tough on New York City football fans with the Jets and Giants doing so poorly.

I am marginally familiar with Kurt Warner, but I am not knowledgeable of the details of his career.  I certainly would classify American Underdog as a biopic.  Kurt Warner played college football with Northern Iowa which was in Division IAA.  Since he couldn't land a job in the NFL, he ended up playing in the Arena Football League. Considered the NFL's greatest undrafted player, Warner is the only undrafted player to be named NFL MVP and Super Bowl MVP, as well as the only undrafted quarterback to lead his team to a Super Bowl victory.  He played most of his career with the St. Louis Rams and Arizona Cardinals.

I recommend this film for all.

Good Luck to Dave Chokshi after March 15

It seems that every time you turn on the TV there is a public service announcement by NYC Health Commissioner Dave Chokshi about the COVID pandemic.  Even he said that he is tired of talking about it.  It is certainly the most serious health crisis in 100 years.

The Health Commissioner is appointed by the mayor.  With the change in administration the incoming mayor, Eric Adams has a right to make appointments.  Dr. Chokshi was asked to stay only until March 15th when a new Commissioner will take over.  I think Dr. Chokshi has done an excellent job and should stay in that position as long as he wants it.  Certain positions in government should not be political.

I wish Dr. Chokshi well in his future endeavors.

 

Wooden Ships by Crosby Stills and Nash - Random Album Cut of the Day

 

For your listening pleasure.

Happy 39th Birthday David Wright

 

It is a shame that David Wright's baseball career was cut short by spinal stenosis.  2014 was his last full season playing for the Mets when he was only 31 years old.  Had he played a few more full seasons, he would likely be elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame.  It is just a matter of time until his number 5 is retired and he enters the New York Mets Hall of Fame.

Will Buck Showalter Bring a World Series Victory to Citi Field?

 

When Steve Cohen purchased the Mets he stated the Mets would win the World Series within 5 years.  I think he made a good move by hiring Buck Showalter as Manager.  He has had some significant accomplishments in his managerial career.

• With the Yankees, Showalter ended a 14-year playoff drought
• With the Orioles, he ended a 15-year drought.
• With the Diamondbacks, he led them to the playoffs in just their second season.
• He won the Manager of the Year Award in 1994, 2014, and 2014

The Mets made some significant moves in the off-season before the lock-out and will likely make more transactions once there is a new collective bargaining agreement.  Steve Cohen is certainly willing to spend money, so let's hope Buck will bring a World Series victory to Citi Field in the near future.

Bob Dylan - Greeting the audience and band intro - Beacon Theatre, New York City, Nov, 21, 2021

 

The quality of this bootleg video is quite good.  Dylan talked to the audience for about 2 minutes.  I was at the show the previous night.

Random Thoughts of of the Day

It appears that the Major League owners and Players Association are not even talking at this point.  Hopefully, they will meet shortly after the holidays to try to come to a new collective bargaining agreement.  A few reporters from The Athletic speculate that an agreement will be reached in February shortly before the beginning of spring training.  I think that there will be a backlash by the fans if games are lost.

The New York Knicks are now 12-16.  Should they make trades are let their current players develop?  They have not won a championship since 1973.

A new mayor has a right to make appointments.  Dermot Shea did a good job as Police Commissioner and apparently will take a position in the private sector.  Mayor-Elect Adams will name Keechant Sewell the first female NYPD commissioner.  Likewise, Daniel Nigro has done a good job as Fire Commissioner.  Perhaps Adams will retain him.

I think the position of Public Advocate should be abolished as almost every incumbent has used it as a stepping stone to a higher elected office.  Jumane Williams is running for Governor.

 

Bob Dylan in the Big Apple Troubadour Tales of New York

 

There have been countless Bob Dylan books written by scholars.  They are very detailed and researched exhaustively including extensive bibliographies.  Bob Dylan in The Big Apple: Troubadour Tales of New York is written by Keith Miles, a Dylanologist but not a scholar.  Am I a Dylanologist?  Keith presented a paper The Unknown Muse- Robert Graves and the Tregunter Road Encounter at the 2019 Dylan conference in Tulsa.

I did not meet Keith when I was in Tulsa, but I "met" him on Twitter where I have Tweeted about 9,000 times.  I was quite intrigued by the book as he announced it there.  Ironically, it is easier to get the print version of it in the United Kingdom than it is in the USA. Amazon will not officially release it in the USA until May.  I received my copy as an e-book on the Amazon Kindle.

The book does not claim to be exhaustive, but the author details Dylan's activities in Greenwich Village during the early 1960s.  Some of his appearances in the 1970s and beyond are mentioned.  I was disappointed that Dylan's appearance at the Woody Guthrie Tributed in early1968 was not mentioned.  It was Dylan's first appearance since the motorcycle accident of July 1966.  Likewise, the author didn't consider the "Bobfest" of October 1992.

I highly recommend this book for casual and serious Dylan fans, especially those who live in NYC.  Dylan scholars would be highly critical of the lack of completeness.  However, there are many more fans than scholars.  Keith reports that the book has sold very well in its first days after its release.

If you have read this journal entry, I suggest you listen to this song:

Mike Nesmith as a Songwriter

 

Yesterday we heard the sad news that Mike Nesmith passed away at age 78.  Of course, he is best known for being one of the Monkees, but Mike was also a songwriter.  He composed Different Drum that was a big hit for Linda Ronstadt.

Recalling my 50 years as a Member of the American Chemical Society

 

I just received a letter from the American Chemical Society congratulating me for being a 50-year member.  I joined while pursuing a Master's degree in chemistry at the University of Rhode Island.  My first major contribution was a Careers in Chemical Information Workshop held at the City University Graduate Center in November 1989.  It was to advise students of an alternative to working in the laboratory.

Slutsky, B. (1991). A Careers in Chemical Information Workshop. Journal of Chemical Education, 68(1), 43-45. https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/ed068p43

Over the succeeding years, I organized several similar workshops held at the American Chemical Society National Meetings n various locations.

I was also a Careers Consultant offering advice on a one-to-one basis to chemists needing guidance.

I organized the Tri-Society Symposium in 1999, a joint venture of the ACS, ASIS, and SLA,

I was the Chair of the ACS Division of Chemical Information Publication Committee.  As part of this role, I edited the division's newsletter.

I organized the ACS on Campus event at NJIT in December 2012.

For many years I participated in the New Jersey Chemistry Olympics for high school students.  This was an ACS event.

I feel that over the years I was an asset to my profession.

Flowers on the Wall by the Statler Brothers - Country Crossover Hit of the Day

 

Remembering John Lennon on the 41st Anniversary of His Passing - Just Like Starting Over

 

I went to sleep early the night of December 8th, 1980.  I didn't find out about his murder until the next morning.  John's music will live on forever.

Finally - Gil Hodges is Elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame

 There is always some prejudice as to why some players are elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame while others who are worthy are denied that honor.  Gil Hodges played for the Brooklyn Dodgers in the 1940s and 1950s before this era of analytics.  He finished his playing career for the New York Mets in 1962 and 1963.  He appeared in 8 All-Star games and won the Gold Glove Award for first basemen 3 times.  His statistics are detailed in Baseball-Reference.

His biggest accomplishment was turning the New York Mets from perennial losers to World Champions in 1969.  His wife Joan survives him almost 50 years after his untimely passing in 1972.  To use an old cliche, better late than never.  Certainly, many of the living 1969 Mets will be at the induction ceremony next summer.

Gotta Serve Somebody - My Favorite from the 2021 Tour

 

This video was taken at the Sunday, November 21 show.  Of course, the quality is poor since the "filmmaker" was filming blind.  He was lucky to escape the "Beacon Theater Police".  I assume that in the future it will be deleted when the YouTube Police find it.

Below is the studio version from the Album Slow Train Coming.

What Will Bob Dylan do in 2022?

 

There were 21 concerts from November 2 to December 2 on this leg of the Never Ending Tour.  According to the graphic above this was part of a worldwide tour from 2021-2024.  Before the pandemic, the tour would resume in the spring.  My guess is the next leg of the tour will be in Europe.  Perhaps in the next months, he will record some new material.  If so, there could be a new album late in the year.  Will Bootleg Series #17 be released?  If so what will it feature?  I would love to see a Never Ending Tour sampler.

I guess my speculation is as good or bad as anyone else's.

The Multi-Millionaire Players are Locked Out

 

The bottom line is that everybody is out for the almighty buck.  The most divisive issues that caused this lockout include revenue sharing, years to arbitration, and the luxury tax.  Someone will be getting $43 million per year to pitch 32 times a season if healthy.  Relief pitchers get millions for pitching one inning.  My feeling is that a settlement will come before the start of spring training as not to jeopardize the 2022 season,  Too much money will be lost if games are canceled.

In the end, the fans will be paying increased ticket prices.  Will it be $75 to sit in the upper deck of Citi Field?

Nobody's Child - 2 Versions of a Very Sad Song

 Here I go again.  I heard Nobody's Child by the Traveling Wilbury's on the Deep Tracks Channel.  I vaguely recall hearing a Beatles version of this from the early 1960s.  Tony Sheridan was the singer in the latter version.  George Harrison holds the distinction of being on both versions.

Random Thoughts at the End of November

I felt I need a little time off from social networking to attend to a health issue.  I am OK, but not 100%.  I would rather not discuss health issues in a public forum.  I have not met most of my Facebook friends and don't feel comfortable revealing health problems to strangers.

So the Mets are paying Max Scherzer $140 Million over 3 years.  I am just afraid that at age 38 his best years are behind him.  Pedro Martinez signed a 4 year deal with the Mets and only had one good season.  Likewise, Bret Saberhagen at the end of his career did not perform for the Mets.

So Javier Baez signed with the Detroit Tigers.  Will Pete Crow-Armstrong become a superstar for the Cubs?  Will Robinson Cano or Jeff McNeil win the second base job?
 

Bob Dylan at the Beacon Theater Saturday Night November 20

 

Since Dylan is now 80 years old, this is likely his last concert in NYC.  The Rough and Rowdy Tour is supposed to last until 2024. so I am guessing that he will stop touring after that.  My only "complaint" about the evening was that Dylan and his backup band were all dressed in black.  Dylan should have worn a lighter color to distinguish himself.

His voice sounded quite good for an 80-year old.  I was able to understand his words as his mumbling days seem to be over.  My favorite of the evening was an updated version of Gotta Serve Somebody.

This setlist was posted on Bill Pagel's Boblink's page within minutes after the end of the concert.

New York, New York Beacon Theatre November 20, 2021

1.	Watching The River Flow
2.	Most Likely You Go Your Way (and I'll Go Mine)
3.	I Contain Multitudes
4.	False Prophet
5.	When I Paint My Masterpiece
6.	Black Rider
7.	I'll Be Your Baby Tonight
8.	My Own Version of You
9.	Early Roman Kings
10.	To Be Alone With You
11.	Key West (Philosopher Pirate)
12.	Gotta Serve Somebody
13.	I've Made Up My Mind To Give Myself To You
14.	Melancholy Mood
15.	Mother of Muses
16.	Goodbye Jimmy Reed
--	Band introductions
17.	Every Grain of Sand

A Very Kind Phone Call from Jackie of Ridgewood Savings Bank

For over 35 years Karen and I did most of our banking at the Whitestone branch of Ridgewood Savings Bank which is within walking distance of our apartment.  Jackie was one of the customer service representatives we saw whenever needed to open an account.  About two years ago Jackie left the Whitestone branch for another position within the Ridgewood Bank.

Over the last month or so I have had to change several joint accounts to single accounts since Karen passed away.  Evidently, word got around to Jackie about Karen.  Yesterday, I received a phone call from Jackie expressing her condolences.  I was very touched by her kindness.

I Received a Nice Comment about this Blog

 

After writing over 4300 journal entries over 16 years, I rarely get any comments from readers.  I have gotten thousands of hits, but generally, people want to remain anonymous when they surf the web.  Anyone with a Gmail account can leave a comment about this Journal in general or about a specific entry.  I may be reached by email at bruce@bruceslutsky.com or BruceS8852@aol.com.  Below is a nice comment I received from Nick from Long Beach, California:

I’ve been a follower of your blog for several years now and never knew how to reach you - until you provided your email address recently in your blog - especially to express my condolences when your beloved wife passed away.

My name is Nick (born in 1953), grew up in Pittsburgh where I USED to be a huge Pirates fan till the current ownership ruined that, and moved to Southern California in 1984, where I’ve lived since then in Long Beach.

I share many of your same interests, especially the music of our era (except Bob Dylan, sorry). But I saw this in my hometown newspaper today and thought I’d introduce myself and pass it along to you.

https://www.post-gazette.com/ae/music/2021/11/16/Bob-Dylan-review-Pittsburgh-Rough-Rowdy-UPMC-Events-Center/stories/202111160084

OK, not everybody likes Dylan.

Get Back - A Beatles Documentary is Coming to Disney+

 

This 6-hour documentary was made entirely from never-before-seen, restored footage. It provides the most intimate and honest glimpse into the creative process and relationship between John, Paul, George, and Ringo ever filmed.  It will be seen over three days, November 25, 26, and 27, 2021, exclusively on Disney+.

I refuse to get a subscription to this service and have to watch it on the dates they prescribe.  I pay enough for cable TV and then they want me to subscribe to various premium streaming channels.  I am almost certain that Get Back will eventually be released on DVD.  I will wait until then to watch it.

Don Tandler and Keith Allen Talk about Their Careers in Oldies Radio at The Zoom Oldies Meet and Greet

 

Don and Keith talk about their radio careers that started at Kingsborough Community College and made many stops along the way.

Happy Birthday Neil Young

 

Old Man by Neil Young

Neil Young is 76 years young today.  Can he be considered an "old man"?  In any event I wish him a happy birthday and many more.

Minimal Side Effects for me with the Moderna Booster

 

Yesterday, I took the Moderna booster shot at my local pharmacy.  Thankfully, the side effects were minimal with just some pain at the injection site.  My first two doses of that vaccine back in March gave me a fever for a day.

The number of hospitalizations and deaths from this miserable virus is going down but is certainly not at zero.  The Coronavirus just will not go away, but likely will become a manageable disease.  I am not a physician, but my prediction is that a booster shot will be required every year.

Tightrope Ride - A Doors Single Released after the Death of Jim Morrison

 

For some strange reason, I thought of this song today.  It was released on an album called Other Voices released after the death of Jim Morrison.  Ray Manzarek was the vocalist on Tightrope Ride which only reach #71 on the Billboard chart.

Duquesne Dukes 34 LIU Sharks 28

 

It was a sunny, but crisp Saturday afternoon that was perfect for a college football game.  I have mentioned that we have gone to Brookville for several years to see Division II football.  Many of the games including the one we saw on Oct 16 were one-sided, but today's game was close.  LIU took an early 14-3 lead, but Duquense rallied for three consecutive touchdowns and held the lead.  LIU closed the gap to 6 points, but a last-minute rally fell short.

Box Score

Daylight Savings Time - Let's Maintain the Status Quo

 

This weekend we turn back the clock as most of the USA returns to standard time.  Twice a year some people argue that Daylight Savings Time (DST) goes on throughout the year, while others say we should stay on standard time all year long.

If we stay on DST all year round sunrise would be after 8 AM during the winter.  Thus, kids would go to school in the dark which could lead to more accidents.  If we stay on Standard Time, sunrise would be at 4;30 AM or so during the summer.  I'd rather have an hour of sunlight in the evening.

One disadvantage of changing the clocks twice a year is that automobile accidents go up in the day or two after the time change.

I say we should maintain the status quo.

A Bob Dylan Artifact is a Treasure of the New York Public Library - Changing of the Guards

 Today I visited the New York Public Library at 5th Avenue and 42nd Street where I worked as a Sci/Tech Librarian from 1983-90.  This time, I came to view the Polonsky Exhibition of The New York Public Library's Treasures.  It featured a sample of items from the research collection selected for their rich significance.  Leave it up to me to find something related to Bob Dylan

Above are typewritten lyrics with changes from The Changing of the Guards from the Street Legal Album (1978)

Description of the above from the exhibition's curator

What piqued my interest was a statement above -"variety of handwritten alterations the record production team made."  Are they altering the words of Dylan's song without his consent?  Is changing the words of a song normal procedure in a recording session?

Below is the final product

Bob Dylan's Never Ending Tour Resumes in Milwaukee after a 2-Year Hiatus

 

This photo was taken by Dylan Enthusiast Stu Levitan

Only a global pandemic could delay the Never Ending Tour.  There are concerts scheduled until December 2 including 3 dates at the Beacon Theater.  I will be there on Saturday, November 20.  Below is the setlist for last night's concert in Milwaukee that was posted on Bill Pagel's Boblinks page.  It remains to be seen if this setlist will be at all concerts during this leg of the tour.

Milwaukee, Wisconsin Riverside Theatre November 2, 2021

1.	Watching The River Flow (Bob on piano, Donnie on Lap steel, Tony on standup bass)
2.	Most Likely You Go Your Way (and I'll Go Mine) (Bob on piano, Donnie on electric mandolin, Tony on standup bass)
3.	I Contain Multitudes (Bob center stage then on piano, Donnie on pedal steel, Tony on standup bass)
4.	False Prophet (Bob on piano, Donnie on lap steel)
5.	Simple Twist Of Fate (Bob on piano and harp, Donnie on pedal steel)
6.	My Own Version Of You (Bob on piano, Donnie on pedal steel, Tony on standup bass)
7.	I'll Be Your Baby Tonight (Bob center stage then on piano, Donnie on electric mandolin)
8.	Black Rider (Bob center stage then on piano, Donnie on electric mandolin, Tony on standup bass)
9.	Melancholy Mood (Bob on piano, Donnie on pedal steel, Tony on standup bass)
10.	Mother Of Muses (Bob on piano, Donnie on electric mandolin, Tony on standup bass)
11.	Gotta Serve Somebody (Bob on piano, Donnie on lap steel)
12.	Key West (Philosopher Pirate) (Bob center stage then on piano, Donnie on pedal steel, Tony on standup bass)
13.	Early Roman Kings (Bob on piano, Donnie on lap steel, Tony on standup bass)
14.	Soon After Midnight (Bob on piano and harp, Donnie on pedal steel)
15.	I've Made Up My Mind To Give Myself To You (Bob center stage then on piano, Donnie on electric mandolin, Tony on standup bass)
16.	Goodbye Jimmy Reed (Bob on piano, Donnie on lap steel, Tony on standup bass)
--	Band introduction
	(encore)
17.	Love Sick (Bob on piano, Donnie on pedal steel)
18.	It Takes A Lot To Laugh, It Takes A Train To Cry (Bob on piano, Donnie on pedal steel)

Oldies Zoom Meet and Greet is Set For Saturday November 13 at 2 PM

 Saturday, November 13, 2 PM - Careers as an Oldies Radio Personality - The Long and Winding Road - Keith Allen Verdi and Don Tandler will be our guest speakers discussing how their careers as oldies radio personalities developed. We are more likely to be aware of the career paths of well-known DJs including Cousin Brucie, the late Dan Ingram, and the late Harry Harrison among others. Keith is best known for his time at B-103 on Long Island while Don worked at NJ-101.5 and Pop Gold Radio. Both of them worked at other radio stations and experienced successes and setbacks. They will be pleased to answer questions.

I thank Bill Dillane for letting Jeff Scheckner and I use his Zoom account for this meeting.

Please send me an email at BruceS8852@aol.com and I will be pleased to send you the login information. I would rather not put this information in a "public forum" since someone could sabotage the meeting. It happened to me once.

Saturday Morning Function - An Excellent Radio Show on WBGO Lives On After its Host Bob Porter Passed Away

 

Some of the best and unique radio programming are heard on not-for-profit stations.  The Saturday Morning Function is heard from 8 AM - 10 AM  on WBGO at 88.3 FM in the New York-New Jersey area or on its website.  It provides a mix of classic soul and rhythm and blues.  Its host Bob Porter who passed away in April 2021 received many awards for his professional achievements.  I thank the management of WBGO for keeping this program alive after the host's passing.

My Vaccines for 2021

 

I have never received a flu shot until today.  I guess I was persuaded by Dr. Dave Choksi, NYC Health Commissioner, to get the shot this year.  In all the years I didn't get the flu shot, I never contracted the disease.  This year I received:

• Moderna #1 for COVID-19 -  March 3
• Moderna #2 for COVID-19 - March 31
• Shingles Shot #1 - August 16

In all three cases, I developed a fever within a day of the vaccination.  I am hoping I won't develop side effects for today's or future shots.

Within the next few weeks I will get:

• Moderna Booster
• Shingles Shot #2

I should also get the Prevnar vaccine to fight pnemonia.

Eddie's Sweet Shop in Forest Hills

 

There was a good article recently in the New York Times about Eddie's Sweet Shop in Forest Hills.  I must say that it was one of a kind in selling homemade ice cream.  I remember in the early 1980s during my Queens B'nai Brith Singles days I went there regularly with, Herb, Gary, Lenny, and Howie.  The article states that apparently there was no Eddie, but I distinctively remember an elderly man named Eddie there.  In later years Karen, Lee, and I went there after seeing movies at the Cinemart Theater just across the street on Metropolitan Avenue.

Cara Mia by Jay and The Americans - 1965 and 2011 Performances

 We heard the sad news yesterday that Jay Black passed away at age 82.  I know that his Cara Mia was always a favorite of my friend Cara Sieden.  I found two versions of this song on Youtube from 1965 on Shindig and 2011 from PBS.  Which version do you prefer?

1965 on Shindig


2011 on PBS

Goodbye Country Music - Hello Classic Hip Hop on 94.7 FM in NYC

 

It has been a long time since there was a major format change in New York radio, but today 94.7 FM flipped from country music to classic hip hop.  The ratings for country music were not good in NYC and apparently, the advertising dollars coming in did not satisfy Audacy, the owner of 94.7 FM, and other radio stations in NYC and other markets.  Historically, country music appeals more to listeners in the suburbs than in the city.  94.7 FM adopted country music in January 2013 when it was owned by Cumulus and branded as Nash-FM.  It was sold to Audacy and was branded as New York's Country as seen in the logo above.

Classic Hip Hop is heard on radio stations in other cities.  It remains to be seen if it will succeed in the Big Apple. It will be branded as 94.7 The Block and adopt the calls WXBK. Country music can still be heard at 94.7 HD2 and on the Audacy app.

Random thoughts of the Day

 

Working with banks can be a real pain.  I had several joint accounts at my local bank with Karen.  Now I have to close those accounts and open up new ones.  It can be a tedious procedure.  Also, I can't access my safe deposit box until I get an order from the Surrogate Court.  I sent them the required paperwork, but it will take weeks before I hear from them.

Jonathan Fisher has now won $193,800 in 8 appearances after dethroning Matt Amodio after 38 victories.  he is an excellent player, but I don't think he will finish among the elite.  There is a website comparing the performance of Ken Jennings, James Holzhauer, and Matt Amodio.  I would love to see a match among the three, but I don't think that will happen since Ken now works as Consulting Producer for Jeopardy,

I asked Don Tandler to play I Only Have Eyes for You by The Flamingoes on Pop Gold Radio at about 12 noon today.  In the early 1980s I dedicated it to Karen on Jack Spector's Sock Hop heard on Saturday Night on WCBS-FM.

Deep Track of the Day - As You Said by Cream

 

When I can't think of anything to say, I usually post a song in my journal.  One of my favorite stations on SiriusXM is Deep Tracks which obviously plays cuts not usually heard on terrestrial classic rock stations.  This morning I hear As You Said by Cream.  I remember buying the album Wheels of Fire with its shiny silver cover back in 1968

Tribute to Dan Ingram - Podcast from WABC Radio

 

My radio friends who read my journal will enjoy this recording.  I thank Mary Ellen Brown for bringing this to my attention.

Merrimack College 43 LIU Post Sharks 5

 

I did a search in Bruce's Journal and found out the last time we went to an LIU Football Game was in November 2017 when LIU Post defeated Merrimack College 49-7.  Four years later things changed as the LIU Post Pioneers were rebranded as the LIU Sharks.  The result of that game was reversed today as Merrimack won 43-5.  There was an enthusiastic crowd on Homecoming Weekend, but the home team fell to an 0-5 record.

The only highlight for the Sharks came in the second quarter as they blocked a point after touchdown and ran it back to the end zone. It was scored as a safety.  Thus, the 5 points were gained by a field goal and a safety.

Box Score

The Beatles are at it again - A Remastered Version of Let it Be is Released Today

 

Let it Be was the last album the Beatles released as a group in Spring 1970.  As they did with other albums at or near their 50th anniversary a newly remastered version is released.  Giles Martin, son of legendary producer George Martin, did the remastering.  This re-release is available in a variety of sizes and formats.  I resisted the temptation of buying the super deluxe version with 5 CDs at $118.  I compromised and bought the 2 CD version for about $20.  The second CD includes outtakes and alternative versions.

I guess the bottom line, literally, is that there are big bucks for everyone including the record company, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, and the estates of John Lennon and George Harrison.

Remembering Angelo Perna Professor of Chemical Engineering at NJIT

 

Professor Angelo Perna was a good friend to me during my 25 years at NJIT.  Sadly, he passed away at age 88 in July 2020.  There was a virtual celebration of life for him held in December 2020.  I just found out about it a few days ago.  I'd like to share it with my readers.

Bob Dylan's Series of Dreams

 

Last night I had a crazy dream that I was teaching a class about Bob Dylan and apologizing to the students that I have degrees in chemistry, not literature or music.  There are several Bob Dylan songs that consider dreams:

• Series of Dreams
• Bob Dylan's Dream
• Bob Dylan's 115th Dream
• Talkin' World War III Blues

In Talkin' World War III Blues Dylan says:

They were my own dreams and they’re only in my head

Well, now time passed and now it seems

Everybody’s having them dreams

Everybody sees themselves

Walkin’ around with no one else

“I’ll let you be in my dreams if I can be in yours”

Thankfully, I forgot most of my dreams when I wake up in the morning.  They rarely make sense.

Random Thoughts of the Day

 

Today, I went to a major department store looking for long-sleeve shirts.  Why were there so many short-sleeve shirts on the shelves?  I thought department stores work one season ahead.  I thought I'd buy clothes from a brick-and-mortar store for a change.  I did buy three shirts.

Matt Amodio is on schedule to break Ken Jennings' record of 74 victories in about 5 weeks.  Wouldn't it be ironic if Ken Jennings was the host when Matt tied or broke his record?

Why do I have dreams about going back to work at previous employers?  Is my subconscious trying to play tricks on me?

Preliminary Announcement of the Oldies Zoom Meet and Greet - Saturday November 13 2 PM - Careers as an Oldies Radio Personality - The Long and Winding Road

 

Keith Allen Verdi and Don Tandler will be our guest speakers discussing how their careers as oldies radio personalities developed.  We are more likely to be aware of the career paths of well-known DJs including Cousin Brucie, the late Dan Ingram, and the late Harry Harrison among others.  Keith is best known for his time at B-103 on Long Island while Don worked at NJ-101.5 and Pop Gold Radio. Both of them worked at other radio stations and experienced successes and setbacks.  They will be pleased to answer questions.

It will take place on Saturday, November 13 at 2 PM.  More information including the Login information will be sent later.  I thank Bill Dillane for allowing Jeff Scheckner and me for using his Zoom account for this meeting.

Hopefully, we will meet in person in the near future.

Day 4 – October 3 – Big Game at AT&T Stadium – Dallas Cowboys vs Carolina Panthers

Game time was 12 noon, but we left our hotel at 9 AM.  By the time we arrived at the stadium at 9:30 AM, there were people already tailgating in the parking lots.  The tour guide told us there was no public transportation to the stadium, so everyone had to drive.  It cost about $40 to park.  At about 10 AM we entered the stadium I must say that Texans really love their Cowboys.  Almost every fan wore a jersey of their favorite player.  There were many fans of the Carolina Panthers as well.  I assume they all made a trip from North Carolina just to see the game.  The fans were shouting at every play.  The Cowboys beat the Panthers 36-28. (Game Summary)  There was a big traffic jam after the game.  It took the driver over an hour to get back to our hotel that was only 3 miles away.

We returned to the hotel and ate dinner at a Cracker Barrel.  When we arrived at the restaurant, we were told there was a 20-minute wait.  When we were finally seated, I observed the dining room was ¾ empty.  The problem is that restaurants are having problems getting help.

We left Monday and flew back to New York.

 

Day 3 – October 2 - Return to Arlington – Tour of AT&T Stadium – Texas Rangers vs Cleveland Indians

Photo of the Tour Group taken during our tour of AT&T Stadium

On Saturday morning we boarded the bus and headed north on I-45 back to Arlington.  Our stop was at AT&T Stadium, the home of the Dallas Cowboys. There was quite a bit of activity in the stadium for a non-game day.  At 2 PM we met Phil our tour guide who is quite knowledgeable about the team and stadium.  He showed us the locker rooms of the Cowboys and the cheerleaders.  The highlight of the tour was sitting in owner Jerry Jones's private box.

After the tour, we took a short drive back to Globe Life Field where the group had tickets to the game with the Rangers playing the Cleveland Indians who will be renamed the Guardians next season.  Since both teams were not in the playoff picture, the game was essentially meaningless.  The Texas Rangers lost over 100 games.  Since the weather was in the 70s, the retractable roof was opened.  The Rangers won 7-2.  Box Score

 

Day 2- October 1 – Tour of Globe Life Field - Trip to Houston – Oakland A’s vs Houston Astros

 

Minute Maid Park

There is always action in a Jay Buckley Baseball Trip.  We left the hotel at 8:30 for a short drive to Globe Life Field for a tour.  When we arrived at the stadium, we saw a statue of Nolan Ryan.  I must remember him for the worst trade the Mets ever made.  Anyway, we were given a tour of the stadium for about 90 minutes.  The tour guide told us about the history of the Texas Rangers franchise since 1972 when they moved from Washington, DC. The stadium opened for the shortened 2020 season.  It has a retractable roof since the climate is very hot in the Dallas-Arlington area.  The previous stadium that was constructed in the 1990s is still in use for soccer and college football. There was plenty of photographs of players from the team over the years.

From there we drove to Houston.  We stopped at a restaurant in Centerville called Woody’s Smokehouse.  We arrived in Houston, stopped at our hotel, and then to Minute Maid Park.  Karen, Lee, and I went to a few games there in 2017.  In today’s game, the Oakland A’s faced the Astros.  In a game that lasted almost 4 hours, the A’s beat the Astros 8-6.  Box Score.

Day 1 – September 30 – Confusing flight schedule and Faulty iPhone Charging Cable

 

Concourse at LaGuardia Airport

We woke up at 6 AM to get a cab to take us to LaGuardia Airport for a 9:10 flight to Dallas.  Shortly after I got into the cab, I received a message stating that the flight was changed to 10:10. This would just mean one more hour at the airport.  When we arrived at LaGuardia, the time was moved back to 9:10.  About a half our later the time was changed to 9:30 since the crew was late in arriving.  Finally, the plane took off and arrived at the Dallas-Fort Worth Airport at about 12 noon.  The hotel offered free van service from the airport to the hotel.  When I arrived at the hotel, I discovered that the iPhone charger was not working.  If I were at home this would not be a problem since I had extra cable, but I obviously could not leave the hotel to find an electronics store.  At 8 PM the tour escorts held a meeting to explain the itinerary and some procedural issues.  The tour escort let me use her charge for a few hours.  I decided at that point to use my phone sparingly as not to bother anyone.  Thus, I only took a few photos.  In later journal entries, I may use photos from the Facebook Group, Friends of Jay Buckley Baseball Tours and will attribute the photographer

Bruce's Journal Returns after a Short Hiatus

 

Some of my regular readers may wonder why I have not posted a new entry in several days.  I was at the Ultimate Game Day Weekend by the Jay Buckey Baseball Tours (JBBT).  If you search in the upper left-hand corner of my journal under Jay Buckley you will see accounts of my trips in 2006, 2007, and 2010.  This weekend featured baseball games at Minute Maid Park in Houston, Globe Life Field in Arlington, and a football game at AT&T Stadium with the Dallas Cowboys.  I will follow this with a journal entry for each of the days of this trip.  This has been a tough year for me with Karen’s illness followed by her untimely passing.  I had to take on more domestic responsibilities as well.  I thought it would be good for Lee and me to get away for a short vacation doing things we enjoy.

Radio Rituals

 

I guess I am a person with a habit of listening to radio stations at the same time of the day or day of the week.  Here goes:

Most Weekday Mornings

• WFUV - with Corny O' Connell
• WBGO - with Gary Walker

Mondays

Morning - Classic Vinyl on SiriusXM

Afternoon - The Village on SiriusXM

Tuesdays

Mornings - Willie's Roadhouse on SiriusXM

Afternoons - Deep Tracks on SiriusXM

Wednesdays

Mornings - 60s on 6 with Phlash Phelps

Afternoons - The Loft

Thursdays

Mornings - Outlaw Country

Afternoons - Classic Rewind

Fridays

Mornings -Rock Hall

Afternoons - BB King's Bluesville

Saturdays

Mornings - WFUV with Janet Bardini followed by Elvis Channel and Rhythm Revue on WBGO with Felix Hernandez

Afternoons and evenings - Don Tandler's Time Machine on Pop Gold Radio followed by Cousin Brucie on WABC

Sundays

Mornings 1010 WINS followed by America's Greatest Hits with Scott Shannon on WCBS-FM

Afternoons and Evenings  - Jon Wolfert's Jingle show on Rewound Radio followed by That Thing with Rich Appel on Pop Gold Radio

There are always variations in my listening habits.