Four Terrific Female Bob Dylan Fans

In no particular order:

• Nancy Cobb - I had the pleasure of meeting her at a luncheon during Bob Dylan's residency at the Beacon Theater in November 2019.  She visited Duluth during Dylan's birthday celebration and from there visited Hibbing.  She is now on her way to Tulsa for the World of Bob Dylan 2023.
• SueMyAss - that is her Twitter handle.  I don't know her real name.  She is planning to go to every Dylan concert in June in Portugal, Spain, France and Italy
• Laura Tenschert- She has a podcast called Definitely Dylan and has spoken at several conferences.  She posts regularly on Instagram and Twitter about her favorite singer-songwriter
• Anne Margaret Daniel  - a professor at the New School for Social Research in NYC.  She teaches a course about Dylan there and has spoken at academic conferences about him.

 

It Ain't Me Babe - What Version is Your Favorite -Turtles, Johnny Cash or Bob Dylan?

 

I'm so Tired - Beatles Song of the Day

 

You can get tired by sitting and waiting.

For Bob Dylan's 82nd Birthday I am Playing Dear Landlord

 

Sometimes one must take Dylan's lyrics out of context to find words of personal significance

Please don’t put a price on my soul

My burden is heavy

My dreams are beyond control

When that steamboat whistle blows

I’m gonna give you all I got to give

And I do hope you receive it well

Dependin’ on the way you feel that you live

Dear landlord

Please heed these words that I speak

I know you’ve suffered much

But in this you are not so unique

All of us, at times, we might work too hard

To have it too fast and too much

And anyone can fill his life up

With things he can see but he just cannot touch

Dear landlord

Please don’t dismiss my case

I’m not about to argue

I’m not about to move to no other place

Now, each of us has his own special gift

And you know this was meant to be true

And if you don’t underestimate me

I won’t underestimate you

Copyright © 1968 by Dwarf Music; renewed 1996 by Dwarf Music

Mets Defeat Guardians 2-1 on Sunday Night

 

My 20-game plan called for games on Friday 5/19 and Sunday 5/21 scheduled as a night game.  The pitching matchup was between two former Cy Young winners, Justin Verlander, and Shane Bieber. Jose Ramirez hit a home run in the first inning to give the Guardians the early which stood until the sixth inning when Francisco Lindor homered against his former team.  Jeff McNeil hit a tie-breaking sacrifice fly in the eighth inning to put the Mets ahead.  Verlander pitched eight innings, the longest for any Met starter this season.  Brooks Raley came in for the ninth inning to get the save.  The Mets have now won five games in a row.  Can they go on a winning streak and get into contention for the NL East championship?

Game Highlights

Happy Recap - The Mets Beat the Cleveland Guardians 10-9 on a Walk off Hit by Francisco Lindor in the 10th Inning

 

Our 20-game Sunday plan includes last night's game against the Cleveland Guardians.  The game started out on a low now for the Mets as starting pitcher Carlos Carrasco returned from the IL but allowed five runs in his five innings as the Mets trailed 5-0.  The Mets got two runs in the fifth and one in the sixth inning.  To make it close at 5-3.  However, the Guardians scored twice in the top of the seventh to increase their lead to four runs.  In the bottom of the seventh, Pete Alonso hit a grand slam (see below) to tie the game at 7-7.

The game went into extra innings when Gabriel Arias hit a two-run home to put the Guardians ahead 9-7.  It looked bleak, but the Mets rallied in the bottom of the 10th to win the game topped off by Lindor's game-winning hit.

The Mets have now won three games in a row evening their record at 23-23,  Hopefully, they will go on a winning streak and be in contention for the National League East title.

Baby Don't Get Hooked on Me by Mac Davis - Oldie of the Day

 

This hit #1 in 1972

The Mets Will Recall Mark Vientos

 

The Mets are now 25% into the season and are 20-23 and slipping.  They did not do well against teams with poor records and are in a three-game series with the Tampa Bay Rays who have the best record in baseball.  The starting pitching has been plagued with injuries while Verlander and Scherzer have not pitched like Hall of Famers.  Pete Alonso and Brandon Nimmo are the only consistent hitters.

Sources say the Mets will recall Mark Vientos who has been hitting well at AAA Syracuse.  His statistics are 33/.416/.688 with 13 Home Runs, 37 RBIs, and 24 extra-base hits.  We always need to find out how he will perform at the major league level.  The speculation is that Tommy Pham may be released to make room on the roster.

Will Another Online Relationship End Abruptly?

 

Last November I reported on two online relationships that ended unexpectedly.  Yesterday, a young lady responded to an old Facebook post of mine about critically acclaimed movies not being shown at my local multiplex.  She said she really enjoyed reading my posts and wanted to be Facebook friends.  I don't really "know" most of my Facebook friends anyway, so I thought "What the heck."

 I must admire her for doing that.  She was comfortable with the difference in our ages. One of the things she said was:

I will appreciate our being good friends in sincerity, honesty, and trust. to share ideas and discuss more issues as we talk more about ourselves, what do you think?

I last heard from her this morning.  Let me see what happens.

It Ain't Over - An Excellent Documentary about Yogi Berra

 

I was fortunate to have lived through most of Yogi Berra's baseball career as I started following baseball in 1957 as an eight-year-old.  Younger baseball fans should see this documentary as it should help them develop an appreciation for the history of baseball. Yogi's granddaughter Lindsey Berra, executive producer, wants people to have a new appreciation for how good he was on and off the field. The film tells Yogi's story from humble beginnings in a working-class St. Louis neighborhood called "The Hill to his passing in 2015.  Some of the highlights are:

• Jackie Robinson called safe after a collision with Yogi in the 1955 World Series
• Yogi's refusing to set foot into Yankee Stadium after George Steinbrenner fired him as manager in 1985.
• His amusing quotes such as "If you see a fork in the road, take it"

Derek Jeter, Joe Torre, Mariano Rivera, Willie Randolph, Don Mattingly, Joe Girardi, Tony Kubek, Ron Guidry, and Nick Swisher were baseball greats interviewed for the film.  Baseball journalists including Suzyn Waldman, Joe Garagiola, Vin Scully, and Steve Somers appeared.

Review in the New York Times.

Trailer

Politics 1974 vs Today

 

In 1974 Richard Nixon was accused of covering up crimes that were committed during the Watergate scandal. When the House Judiciary Committee was meeting to consider impeachment, there were calls by Democrats and Republicans for Nixon to resign which he did.

Donald Trump was impeached twice and, in both cases, the vote to convict was done on party lines.  His actions on January 6, 2021, were disgraceful, to say the least.  Several people died that day as a result of his trying to reverse the results of an election.

I cannot understand why anyone would want him as president again, yet he is leading the polls against other possible candidates.

There is no bipartisanship in Congress today.  All issues are voted on party lines.  

Likewise, Congressman George Santos is accused of:

- 7 counts of wire fraud

- 3 counts of money laundering

- 1 count of theft of public funds

- 2 counts of making materially false statements to the House of Representatives

Also, he lied about his credentials when he ran for office.  Yet the Republican Speaker of the House refuses to bring a vote on his removal from office.

I cannot remember a time when there was more polarization in this country.

POLITICS SUCK!

I'll Be on My Way - Paul McCartney's First Song

 Beatles historian Mark Lewisohn reports that Paul McCartney wrote I'll be on my way in early 1959.  Below is the version recorded Live at the BBC.

It was also recorded by Billy J. Kramer and the Dakotas

The Mets Fall to 17-18 as They Lose to the Colorado Rockies 13-6

 

The only good thing about today's game was the weather.  There are still 127 games to go, but so far Steve Cohen is not getting his money's worth as the Mets dropped to under .500.  At this point the Mets have lost eleven out of their last fourteen games, but what do they have to do to turn things around?  They are now 7 games behind the division-leading Atlanta Braves.

The Mets were ahead 4-3 at the end of the fourth inning, but a two-run homer by Brenton Doyle highlighted a 7-run fifth inning by the Rockies that essentially put the game away.  I am not going to discuss any more details, but my readers can consult the game summary by ESPN.

The Mets commemorated fan favorite Bartolo Colon's "famous" home run on May 7, 2016.  He threw out the first ball.

Happy 92nd Birthday to Willie Mays

 

At age 92 Willie Mays is the oldest living baseball Hall of Famer.  All baseball fans whether or not they rooted for the New York or San Francisco Giants must thank Willie for his contributions to the sport.  There are several books and countless articles written about Willie.  I was only 5 years old at the time and was too young to follow baseball, but his catch in the 1954 World Series of Vic Wertz's fly ball must be a highlight of his phenomenal career.

Should We Panic about the Mets? - We are Now 20% into the Season

 

The Mets just lost a three-game series to the lowly Detroit Tigers.  A week ago they lost two of three to the Washington Nationals.  They lost 9 out of their last 11 games and stand at a mediocre 16-16 record.  Some of the problem can be attributed to injuries:

• Justin Verlander was out for one month and gave up 2 home runs in his first outing.
• Jose Quintana is expected to miss half the season
• Omar Narvaez was just placed on the 60-day injury list.  This gives Francisco Alvarez a chance to prove himself at the major league level.
• Carlos Carrasco has been out for a few weeks.

The hitting just has not come through.  Today they managed only three hits off the Detroit Tigers.

It is a long season, so hopefully the Amazins can turn things around soon.

The Bob Dylan - Gordon Lightfoot Connection

 It was announced today that Canadian singer-songwriter Gordon Lightfoot died at age 84 of natural causes in Toronto.  Leave it to me to find connections to Bob Dylan.

Dylan makes few public appearances, but in 1986 he inducted Gordon into

The Canadian Music Hall of Fame

According to the British magazine Far Out Dylan described Gordon as one of his mentors.

Bob Dylan with Gordon Lightfoot

Harry Belafonte Sings Bob Dylan

 I must say that Harry Belafonte has some voice.  I was only familiar with the Banana Boat Song and Matilda. I found out that he covered two Dylan songs:

• Tomorrow is a Long Time
• Forever Young

John Fogerty at Radio City Music Hall

 

About a week ago, I saw an advertisement on Facebook for John Fogerty at the Radio City Music Hall.  I always liked him and Creedence Clearwater Revival, so I decided to get tickets.  The last time I was at Radio City was in September 2017 when I saw a tribute to Brian Wilson.

The opening act was Hearty Har, a psychedelic rock band from Los Angeles, California, formed in 2012. Led by brothers Shane Fogerty (guitar/vocals) and Tyler Fogerty (guitar/vocals).  They are obviously John's sons.

This concert was unique since videos were shown in the background with every song played.  For example, when Have You Ever Seen Rain was playing there was a scene with rain.  The set list included hits from Creedence Clearwater Revival and John Fogerty as a solo artist.

Some of the hits played were:

• Fortunate Son
• Run through the Jungle
• Born on the Bayou
• Looking Out My Back Door
• Green River

During the encore set Lester Holt of NBC News played the bass guitar.

My favorite song of the evening was Centerfield

Three Versions of Maggie's Farm - One of My Favorites by Bob Dylan

 

Original Studio Recording from Bringing it All Back Home

Performed at Newport Folk Festival Summer 1965

(The folk music purists hated it)

Performed Live at Fort Collins, Co 1976

From the Hard Rain Album

My Favorite Harry Belafonte Song is Matilda

 

Today we learned that singer and humanitarian Harry Belafonte passed away at age 96.  May he rest in peace.

Several years ago, when I worked as a librarian AG was my best buddy.  When I worked the late shift, I met him on the train going home.  We would give code names to our co-workers.  Some of them were:

• Bumpkin
• Kojak
• Captain Crunch
• Norton

My favorite code name was Matilda whom AG called the Harry Belafonte girl.  We associated the song Matilda with her.

Random Thoughts of the Day

 

• Today Joe Biden announced that he will be running for a second term as president.  I am still concerned about his age as he would be 86 at the end of his second term.  He has very few challengers for the Democratic nomination.
• Donald Trump must never become President again.  As far as I am concerned he is a criminal.  His actions on January 6, 2021, alone should disqualify him from the presidency.  Sadly the wheels of justice are moving too slowly in this and his other alleged criminal actions.
• Happy 90th birthday to Willie Nelson.  I hope he continues to record and perform.
• So many baseball players get big contracts and end up on the injured list.  For example, Justin Verlander has not yet pitched for the Mets.  He got about $7 Million in salary for being injured.  Starting pitchers Carlos Carrasco and Jose Quintana are also on the injured list.
• There will be another World of Bob Dylan Conference in Tulsa in June.  I decided not to go this time since the conference is a little too scholarly for me.  I enjoyed the conference in 2019, but I feel a little "Dylaned out".

Bob Dylan's Never Ending Tour Completed its Japanese Leg and Will Come to Europe in June

 

Dylan will be 82 years old, but he continues to tour.  He obviously doesn't need the money so he must really love performing in concerts.  His set list for the Japanese leg of the tour includes mostly songs from the Rough and Rowdy Ways album, but he surprised his most avid fans by including covers of Grateful Dead songs.  Above is a recording of Tuckin'.

After a break in late April and May the tour resumes in June with concerts in cities including:

• Lisbon
• Madrid
• Lyon
• Milan
• Rome

Will he return to NYC?

Another Birthday - Where Did All These Years Go?

 

The days turn into weeks, the weeks into months, and the months into years.  When I was born Harry S. Truman was the president.  Joe Biden is the thirteenth president of my lifetime.  It is hard to believe that it is 2+ years since Karen passed away and 5+ years since I retired.  I have an excellent autobiographical memory and often relive some of my good and bad experiences in my mind.

I sincerely appreciate all the birthday wishes that I receive on Facebook.  As of 9:15 AM, there are about fifty, but certainly, more will come later.

Pete Freckelton of Canada who runs a Bob Dylan internet radio station sends me the most imaginative birthday wishes.  A few years ago, he sent me a video of Mr. Met singing Happy Birthday.  Below is what he sent me this photo.

As Tears Go By/Marianne Faithful and Rolling Stones Versions

 

I just heard the Marianne Faithful version on 60s Gold with Phlash Phelps.  Mick Jagger and Keith Richard wrote the song.  I have also included the Rolling Stones version for your listening pleasure.

Today Marks the 100th Anniversary of Yankee Stadium

 

Even people who dislike the New York Yankees must appreciate the rich history of the team and its stadiums. SABR (Society for American Baseball Research) published a book featuring many significant games played there.  Bill Nowlin, who must be the Red Sox #1 fan, is one of the editors.  The first game played 100 years ago today is one of the games documented in the book.

About five years ago I wrote an article about the Pine Tar Game for the SABR Games Project, but the editors did not include it.

There are actually three Yankee Stadiums:

• The original (1923-1973)
• A renovated version of the original (1976-2008)
• Current stadium built across the street from the original (2009-  )

Let's hope the Yankees win the AL pennant so there can be another Subway Series.

Three Shapiros in Oakland

 

On the left is Scott Shapiro (a San Francisco Giants fan), and on the right is his twin brother Justin, who proudly wears a New York Mets shirt.  The young man in the middle is Justin's eight-year-old son Ethan who roots for the Oakland Athletics.  They are standing by the 1973 World Series trophy won by Oakland who beat the Mets in seven games.  I hope they enjoyed today's game as the Mets won 4-3 in 10 innings.

The future of the Oakland franchise is in doubt as they must move to a new stadium.  If that does not happen within a few years, the team will likely move to Las Vegas.

The New York City Sports Calendar is Full These Days

Thanks to overlapping seasons, the sports calendar in the Big Apple is quite busy in mid-April.  Here goes:

Baseball

• The Mets were out west in Oakland last night where they demolished the A's 17-6
• The Yankees are home against the Minnesota Twins.  They lost 4-3

Basketball

• The Knicks start the first round of the NBA playoffs in Cleveland against the Cavaliers
• The Nets start their playoff schedule in Philadelphia against the 76ers

The NBA playoffs will likely continue until mid-June

Hockey

• The Rangers and Devils face off against each other
• The Islanders face the Carolina Hurricanes in the first round

Likewise, the NHL playoffs will continue until mid-June

I am old enough to remember:

• 16 teams in Major League Baseball
• 8 Teams in the NBA
• 6 Teams in the NHL

As these leagues have grown, the playoff series has grown as well.  More money is made by more playoff series.  The almighty buck rules.

If we turn the clock ahead to October there will be overlapping seasons with the MLB playoffs, and regular seasons for the NBA, NHL, and NFL.

 

I Want You - Bob Dylan Song of the Day - Two Versions

 

Studio Version from Blonde on Blonde - It was released as a single in 1966 and peaked at #20 on the Billboard Chart

Live at Budokan - 1978

The Ball Rolled for the Mets Twice Last Night

 

I wasn't at the game last night, but I watched part of it on TV.  Nights will be busy in the months tonight as I have to juggle baseball and quiz shows.  The Mets beat the San Diego Padres 5-0, but the highlight on the game was in the seventh innings.  Luis Guillorme and Tomas Nido bunted down the third baseline.  In both cases, the ball rolled slowly and stopped at the foul line resulting in singles.  It is uncommon for this to happen once in a game, but it happened twice in the same inning and was even highlighted on The Today Show.

The video above shows highlights of the entire game.  The bunts can be seen between 1:29 and 2:11.

Marlins 7 Mets 2 in Our First Sunday Game of the Season

 

I bought a 20-game package in the off-season that includes all Sunday home games.  Carlos Carrasco started for the Mets but was not effective as he allowed 6 runs and 6 hits in 4 2/3 innings and now has an ERA of 11.42 over his first two starts.  He gave up a 3-run homer to Bryan de la Cruz in the first inning and a 2-run homer to Garrett Cooper in the fifth inning.  The offense for the Mets was anemic as it could score 2 runs on 9 hits leaving ten men on base.  There was just no clutch hitting.

Starling Marte exited with a strained neck in the second, one inning after he was injured stealing third base. Marte was shaken up after sliding headfirst into Jean Segura’s knee. Let's hope this is a minor injury.

Game Summary

Opening Day at Citi Field - Mets 9 Marlins 3

Since 1962 I had never been to a Mets opener at home or on the road.  I attended the road opener in Miami this year on the Jay Buckley Baseball Tour.  Since I bought a 20-game package, I got tickets for today's delayed home opener.  The weather forecast for yesterday stated there would be strong showers in the afternoon, so the game was delayed until today. The weather forecast was wrong, but everything turned out right for the Mets.

Tylor Megill pitched six shutout innings, while Starling Marte, Francisco Lindor, and Pete Alonso hit homers for the Mets.  Starter Edward Cabrera gave up seven walks in 2 2/3 innings and was pulled by his manager.  Six Marlin pitchers gave up 12 walks which made the game somewhat boring.  Several rule changes were implemented this season to speed up games, but walks take time.  The game lasted slightly over three hours, but the Mets won 9-3.

Our 20-game plan provided us seats in section 516 which is in the upper deck right behind home plate.  Since all full and partial plan holders were given tickets to the opener, we were moved to section 533 in left field.  Below is our view which is not the greatest, since it was difficult to follow home run balls.

Game Recap

 

Justice Delayed is Justice Denied to the American People

 

Much has been reported in the news about Donald Trump's 34-count indictment for coordinating a scheme during the 2016 presidential campaign to cover up potential sex scandals and committing fraud to keep them quiet.  This happened over 6 years ago and is first brought to court now.  These are serious charges, but the former president has more legal problems.

Trump’s next set of legal problems could arrive in the state of Georgia, where Fani Willis, the Fulton County district attorney, is weighing potential charges in relation to alleged interference by the ex-president and others in the 2020 US presidential election.

Federal prosecutors continue to build a case that the former president obstructed efforts by the government to reclaim classified material and that he may have misled his own lawyer.

The most serious charges are concerned with his actions during the events of January 6, 2021.  The House Jan. 6 committee’s final report asserts that Donald Trump criminally engaged in a “multi-part conspiracy” to overturn the lawful results of the 2020 presidential election and failed to act to stop his supporters from attacking the Capitol, concluding an extraordinary 18-month investigation into the former president and the violent insurrection two years ago.  Five people died in this insurrection. Section 3 of the Fourteenth Amendment prohibits anyone who has previously taken an oath of office (Senators, Representatives, and other public officials) from holding public office if they have "engaged in insurrection or rebellion" against the United States.  What is taking the Justice Department so long in prosecuting Trump for this crime?  If he is convicted, he is ineligible to run for President.  The American people will benefit as soon as Trump is brought to justice on this charge.  Justice Delayed is Justice Denied to the American People.  Donald Trump must never be elected president again.

Saturday April 1 - Trip from Miami to St. Petersburg - Tampa Bay Rays vs Detroit Tigers

 

Tropicana Park

We got on the bus at 8 AM for the 270-mile trip to St. Petersburg.  Once we reached that city, the bus passed by Al Lang Field where numerous spring training games were played over the years.  It also passed by Huggins-Stengel Field, another spring training site.

Tropicana Park has been maligned by some as it is quite drab compared to other stadiums.  I would concur with that.  St. Petersburg is at a distance from the more populated Tampa making it inconvenient for fans to drive over.

When I took my seat, I noticed many Detroit Tigers fans.  These people did not look like retirees, so I wondered if these people traveled from Michigan to see their favorite team.

Zack Elfin who received the largest free agent contract in Rays history, allowed only 1 run and 3 hits in 5 innings.  Yandy Díaz and Wander Franco each had three hits and three RBI for the Rays, who scored seven times in the third inning to ruin right-hander Spencer Turnbull's first major league outing for the Tigers since June 4, 2021.  The Tiger fans must have been disappointed as their team lost 12-2.

Game Recap

Friday March 31 - Tour of Miami - Lunch at Hard Rock Cafe - Mets vs Marlins -Game 2

 

Abbey Road Caricature in Little Havana

A very knowledgeable young lady came on our bus and gave us a tour of the city.  There is a sizable population of Cubans in Miami who live in a section called Little Havana.  Since playing dominoes is a very popular activity among Cuban Americans, an artist drew a picture of the Beatles walking on a path of dominoes.

She also took us to Wynwood a neighborhood known for its street murals.  Wynwood Walls is an outdoor museum showcasing large-scale works by some of the world’s best-known street artists.

A street mural in Wynwood

When the tour ended at 1 PM, there were a few hours before we had to leave for the second Met-Marlin game.  Lee and I found a Hard Rock Cafe in the Bayside Marketplace across the street.  We have eaten in several of their restaurants in the cities we visited.  As the host seated us, he asked who are our favorite recording artists? Lee responded Elvis Presley, while I said, Bob Dylan. Ten minutes later Subterranean Homesick Blues was seen on the video screen followed by Hound Dog.

At 4:45 we traveled to Loan Depot Park for the second time. Behind five shutout innings from Jesús Luzardo and home runs by Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Jorge Soler, the Miami Marlins defeated the New York Mets 2-1 on Friday night.  Pete Alonso homered for the Mets.  It was the first major league win for Marlins' manager Skip Schumaker.

Game Recap

Thursday March 30 - It's Time to Meet the Mets in Miami

 

At about 1;30 PM we left our hotel to drive a few miles to Loan Depot Park.  We had to get to the stadium using side streets which thwarts many locals from going to the stadium regularly.  It was raining very hard again, but this time I was prepared with an umbrella.  We found the unique Bobblehead Museum seen below.

The game started with Max Scherzer facing Sandy Alcantara.  Max pitched effectively until he gave up a 3-run lead in the sixth inning.  Brandon Nimmo hit a two-run double in the seventh inning to give the Mets a 5-3 lead which was protected by the bullpen.

Game Recap

Wednesday March 29 - The Trip from Tampa to Miami

Bruce and Lee at the University of Tampa

We made several stops on the way to Miami from Tampa.  We drove slowly by baseball landmarks such as Raymond James Stadium, George Steinbrenner Field, and Al Lopez Park.  We stopped at the University of Tampa where Plant Field once stood.  Babe Ruth hit a ball for 587 feet which is his longest home run as noted below.

We left Tampa and stopped at a fruit store where we could buy native oranges.  Our next stop was at the Miromar Factory Outlet Mall located in Estero.  Lee and I just walked around and stopped for pizza.

We arrived at the hotel in Miami at about 7 PM.  We went across the street to the Bayside Marketplace Mall where we stopped to eat at Chili's.  Just after we finished eating it started to rain in buckets.  We stood under the roof for a while, but the Weather stated the rain would not stop for hours.  We had no other choice but to make a run across the street to our hotel.  We dried out and called it a day.

 

Tuesday March 28 - The Vacation Begins

 

In 2006, 2007, 2010, and 2021, the Slutsky family embarked on a wonderful Baseball Tour led by Jay Buckley.  You can find documentation of the previous tours in this journal.  We picked this tour since we could see the Mets play in Miami on Opening Day.  I had never seen the Mets play on the road.  The second game in Miami was also included followed by a game at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg.

We took a flight to Tampa, the starting point, from LaGuardia Airport.  We arrived at the hotel at about 3:30 but did not have to meet the tour until 8 PM.  At that point, we were issued "Buckley Bucks" that we used to purchase t-shirts.

Just Returned from Vacation

Readers of Bruce's Journal on Facebook know I have been on vacation in Florida on the Jay Buckley Baseball Tour. Some of my readers might be concerned since I haven't written a journal entry in several days.  I also needed a vacation from my computer.  About 90% of my emails are junk anyway, so I am not much concerned about going through them.  Either later tonight or tomorrow I will write up my experiences on the trip.

 

Happy Birthday, Lee (It is actually tomorrow)

 

Picture of Lee at the November 2022 Oldies Meet and Greet

I have to make this journal entry today since I will be very busy tomorrow.  It is hard to believe that he will be 35 years old.  It seems like just yesterday that we brought him home from the hospital.  He looks a little sad in the photo, but he is happiest when he plays Elvis Presley's music on his iPad.

Random Oldie of the Day - Ventura Highway by America

 

I just heard this song on the syndicated show The Acoustic Storm that I heard on Pirate Radio from Key West, Florida.  I vaguely remember seeing America at the Westbury Music Fair in the mid-1980s.

It is 7:31 and It's Time To Turn Off The Today Show - Creating the News Again About the Murdaughs

 

I thought that after Alex Murdaugh was convicted and sentenced, I would not hear about that family again.  Now his son, Buster, is suspected of the death of his classmate Stephen Smith in 2015.  This was a cold case that is suddenly being reopened.  There are likely hundreds of murder cases that have not been solved.  Why is this getting so much attention from the media?  Since Alex is a murderer, why is his son also suspected as a murderer?  I usually watch The Today Show in the morning, but every day at 7:31 it is Murdaugh time when I turn off the TV.

Remembering May 8, 1970, and Willis Reed

 

Today, we learned that New York Knick legend Willis Reed passed away at age 80.  Please check Basketball-Reference  to see the statistics he compiled during his Hall of Fame career for the New York Knicks.

The highlight of his career had to be winning the NBA championship on May 8, 1970, at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks and the Los Angeles Lakers were tied at 3-3, but it was uncertain if Willis would be able to play with a muscle tear in his right thigh.

The Knicks ott an emotional rush when their captain hobbled onto the floor against the Lakers, hit two jump shots, and boosted his teammates’ confidence and performance for their first NBA championship.

RIP Willis and thanks for the memories.

Why Don't You Write Me by Simon and Garfunkel - Classic Album Cut of the Day

 

This cut appeared on the Bridge over Troubled Waters album in 1970.  Many fans thought this was in reference to the split between Simon and Garfunkel.  Art Garfunkel was on an extended vacation in Mexico.  Back in those days, you had to write a letter and use postal mail to send it.

I wish some of my old acquaintances would send me an email, text message, or Facebook message and ask me how I am doing.  A click on Facebook or Twitter is not enough.

More Unhappiness about a Discussion Group

 I previously reported on my unhappiness with a discussion group at a local senior center.  I asked the people there if they can start a group for men only.  They accepted my suggestion and started a group that meets on Friday mornings.  The same problems that I faced with two other groups exist in this men's group.

• A few people domineer the group
• I am just listening to other people's small talk.

Last Friday a gentleman complained that his hearing aid didn't work after his barber accidentally sprayed water into his ear.

Another man related a story where his girlfriend who worked in a nail salon was not paid.

I think the social worker who moderates the group should:

• Ensure that everyone who wants to talk should have the opportunity.
• The topic at hand should be of interest to the majority of participants.

I think that complaining will not do any good.  I just have to evaluate whether I should come again.  If I am not enjoying myself, I am only punishing myself for coming.

Remembering Richard Sweeney and His Green Jacket on St. Patrick's Day

Richard Sweeney was University Librarian at NJIT from 1995 until his untimely passing in 2016. Every St. Patrick's Day, he wore a green jacket as seen below.

One of his code names was Mr. Spreadsheet as he must have thousands of them over the years.  I wonder if he colored his spreadsheets green every March 17th. My favorite quote from Richard Sweeney was "Is there anything else for the good of the order".

 

Obvious Oldie of the Day - Vehicle by Ides of March

 

The Ides of March is a one-hit wonder as this reached #2 on the Billboard Chart in Spring 1970.  The group did have a handful of other minor hits according to Billboard, but none broke into the Top 40.  Pflash Phelps mentioned it on this 60s Gold morning show, but he couldn't play it since it was a 70s hit.

Bob Dylan Advertising Signs 2004-2014

 

I found this video on Twitter, but the Tweeter obtained it from the Peter Stone Brown archives.  It is a compilation of TV ads that Dylan did during that time frame.  The original soundtrack was replaced by Dylan's I've Made Up My Mind to Give Myself to You from the 2020 CD Rough and Rowdy Ways.  Does this meant that Dylan is giving himself to the advertisers?

Happy 84th Birthday to Neil Sedaka

 

In this clip, Neil Sedaka is introduced on American Bandstand by Dick Clark as he sings Happy Birthday Sweet Sixteen.  Today, Neil is Sweet 84.  He should really be inducted into the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame.

This Cartoon Hits Close to Home

 

I thank Maureen M. who is an enthusiast of Cousin Brucie for posting this on her Facebook page.  I have expressed my frustration in staying connected with former colleagues whom I've known for up to 25 years.  A few weeks ago, a group of us from various departments met at a Zoom meeting to discuss forming a Google Group to stay connected.  One of my former library colleagues attended this meeting. I suggested to her online and in an email that we chat online or over the phone to catch up.  She ignored me.  Look at the cartoon.

Thoughts on Ending Friendships

 

An article on the Today Show website prompted me to write this journal entry as I recall how some friendships ended over the years.  Some were abrupt while others were gradual.

The silliest reason came in 2009 when DD who lives near Chicago ended our friendship over a difference of opinion over a radio show and its host.  He wasn't a real friend since I never met him as we exchanged phone calls and emails over a few years.

I was a good friend of AA from 1970-74.  I was even best man at his wedding in 1973.  After that point, he looked down upon me since I was still single and not even dating anyone.  In late 1974 during a phone call he said, "duh when you get a girl, I'll be sure to come down there."  We never saw each other after that time.

I was a good friend of JB from 1975-78.  During the summer of 1978, he trashed me over the phone saying that I was turning into a deadbeat because I was unemployed.  I was living in CT, while he was living in NJ.  In a letter to him, I defended myself by saying that I was trying very hard to find a new job.  He sent a "Dear John" letter to me saying that the good chemistry between us was no longer there and we should "move on" from each other.  I was very upset as he kicked me when I was down. 

In most cases, friendships end gradually as paths diverge as seen in the picture above.  People are friends when they are in school together or at the same job.  When one leaves, the friendship usually ends eventually.  Sometime people reconnect via social media, but it is just not the same.

For International Women's Day - I am Woman by Helen Reddy

 

Sadly, Helen Reddy died passed away in September 2020 at the age of 78.

Welcome Back Ruschell Boone to Spectrum News NY1

 

Ruschell Boone is an anchor/reporter for over 20 years for NY1 that is available to Spectrum Cable TV providers in New York City.  Last June she developed pancreatic cancer.  Since then, the station documented her treatment.  After nine months she will be returning to the anchor desk at 12 noon today.  She really beat the odds since there is a very low survival rate for pancreatic cancer.  Sadly, I lost my father and uncle to pancreatic cancer in the 1990s.

Here are a few videos of interest:

Cheryl Wills Interviews Ruschell

A promotional video welcoming her back

Random Thoughts of the Day

Now that the Murdaugh trial and the sentencing are over, what story will the media blow out of proportion to get everybody's attention?

Finally, the media or at least one outlet is reporting some good news.  NY1 anchor Ruschell Boone is returning to the airwaves after a successful 9-month fight against pancreatic cancer.  Back in the 1990s I lost my dad and uncle to this dreaded disease.

I am looking forward to my baseball trip to Florida at the end of March to see the Mets on the road in Miami.  This will be our fifth trip with the Jay Buckley Baseball Tour.

There will be another Bob Dylan conference later this spring in Tulsa.  This time I will take a pass on it.  I guess I should take it easy on Dylan for a while.