Tuesday, November 30, 2021

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?
 

Sunday, November 21, 2021

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


Friday, November 19, 2021

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.

Wednesday, November 17, 2021

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.

OK, not everybody likes Dylan.

Monday, November 15, 2021

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.

Saturday, November 13, 2021

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.

Friday, November 12, 2021

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.

Wednesday, November 10, 2021

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.


Monday, November 8, 2021

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.

Saturday, November 6, 2021

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.

Friday, November 5, 2021

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.

Wednesday, November 3, 2021

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)
  


Monday, November 1, 2021

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.

 
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