Three Definitions of Catfish with a Bob Dylan Reference (of course)

 

Catfish are a diverse group of ray-finned fish known for their prominent barbels (whiskers).

Jim "Catfish" Hunter was a major league pitcher for the Oakland Athletics and New York Yankees.

• SABR Biography
• Statistics from Baseball-Reference

Here is the Bob Dylan reference.  Catfish Hunter was the only baseball player who was the subject of a Dylan song.

Catfishing refers to the creation of a fictitious online persona, or fake identity (typically on social networking platforms), with the intent of deception, usually to mislead a victim into an online romantic relationship or to commit financial fraud.  When I meet new people online these days, I don't know if they are real or catfishing.  In any event, they turn into ghosts within a few days.

What Happens When a Nice Jewish Girl from Brooklyn Meets a Nobel Laureate from Minnesota

 

Barbra Streisand released a new album titled “The Secret of Life: Partners, Volume Two,” is that breath. It's a cozy, comforting audible hug from a parade of familiar friends, including Paul McCartney, James Taylor, Josh Groban, Sting, Ariana Grande, and Mariah Carey. Even Bob Dylan hopped aboard this love train.

Dylan and Streisand sang The Very Thought of You, a duet with Streisand and Dylan.

The song was first recorded by Ray Noble and His Orchestra with Al Bowlly on vocals for His Master's Voice in England in April 1934.  I am surprised they chose an adult standard rather than a Dylan composition.  For more information on this song, please visit Wikipedia.

Another Chatting "Relationship" Ends Abruptly

 

Here we go again. Facebook regularly provides users with friend suggestions, typically based on shared friends. Lily and I had one common friend, an oldies enthusiast, so we friended each other.  She lives in Southern California and appeared to be about 30 years old, so obviously, I can't date her. She emigrated from Germany about 5 years ago.  We had a nice chat for a few days on Facebook Messenger.  After a while, she suggested we move the chat to WhatsApp.  She began discussing Bitcoins and cryptocurrency. After I told her I wasn't interested in that, she abruptly ended the chat.

I inferred that she wanted me to invest with her and "gave up" on me as a potential client.  Thankfully, my finances are in good shape, and I am not interested in any type of investing.  If I were going to invest, I would do it through a reputable organization, not through an online "acquaintance".

I am aware there are many online scams on social networking sites, so I am careful.

I sense my chat with younger women are a substitute for dating.  They are just a waste of time since they all end abruptly.  All but one were with women hundreds of miles away.

I was ghosted again.  Oh well.

 

Mets 7 Braves 3

 

After the Mets lost 10 of 11 games, I was hoping that Lee and I would bring them some luck.  Over the course of 162 games, any team will have peaks, valleys, and plateaus.  Everything will even out by the end of the season.  The Mets' problem appears to be their inability to hit with men on base. The bottom of the lineup has been especially unproductive. Their bullpen has faltered recently since the pitchers are overworked.

The highlights of the game were two home runs by Juan Soto and another homer by Rony Mauricio.  Soto has now hit 10 home runs in his last 23 games.  Still, is any athlete worth $51 million/year?

Game Recap

The Bobby Sherman - Bob Dylan Connection - One Too Many Mornings

 

June was a very bad month for recording artists, as it was announced today that Bobby Sherman passed away at 81.  He revealed earlier this year that he had stage 4 cancer.  I best remember Bobby for his appearances on the TV show Shindig in the mid-1960s.  Leave it to me to find a link to Bob Dylan as Bobby covered One Too Many Mornings.

Random Thoughts of the Day - June 24, 2025

• Today is Primary Day in NYC for mayor and other city-wide offices.  I am just tired of seeing the incessant TV commercials for the various candidates.  I predict that Andrew Cuomo will win the Democratic primary for mayor, given that he has invested a significant amount of money in commercials. I will not rank him, but more voters will "forgive him" for his indiscretions as NYS governor. If Trump can be elected president despite his actions, Cuomo can be elected Mayor.  The election for mayor in November will be Cuomo (Democrat), Sliwa (Republican), and Eric Adams (independent)
• My stove has not been operating well lately.  The burners and broiler work, but the baking does not work properly.  A repairman is scheduled to come between 1 PM and 4 PM.  It is so hot, so I may as well stay home.  Perhaps it just needs a thermostat.  If I need a new stove, so be it.  I had this one for about 18 years.  No product lasts forever.
• Lee's bus came 2 1/2 hours late today.  Better late than never.
• I see statistics for Bruce's Journal from Blogger.  I just don't know how many are real hits and how many are from robots.

 

Fanatics Fest at the Javits Center - It was more for kids and collectors

 

Over the past few weeks, I saw numerous Facebook ads for this Fanfest, so I decided to attend.  When I bought the tickets online, I was sent a QR code with instructions to look for the Will Call window at the Javits Center.  When I arrived this morning, I had to wait 45 minutes in line to show my QR code and get a badge to attend the show.

Much of the show was devoted to vendors selling collectables, especially baseball cards.  I haven't collected baseball cards since I was a kid growing up in Rego Park.  There were many activities for kids, such as hitting a baseball, kicking a soccer ball, and throwing a football.  Sports stars were available for autographs.  We just bought two New York Mets t-shirts.

It was very crowded and noisy.   I was likely the oldest person there.  We stayed for about 3 1/2 hours,  but there were few places to sit.  I left the place very tired.

Two Faces Have I by Lou Christie - Oldie of the Day

 

I guess I've known many "two faces" in my lifetime.

Lou Christie Passes Away at 82

 

Cousin Brucie with Lou Christie

It has been a tough month for oldies artists, as Lou Christie is the third singer to pass away.  Cousin Brucie interviewed Lou several times over the years on SiriusXM and WABC.  I am sure the Cuz was devastated when he heard the news.

Lou had several hits, including:

• Lightning Strikes
• The Gypsy Cried
• Rhapsody in the Rain
• I'm Going to Make You Mine
• Two Faces Have I

I always remember how Lightning Strikes moved up the chart so quickly in late 1965.

Obituary in the New York Times

Received a New Air conditioner Today

This journal entry is for my own use only, so I can keep track of when I received the new unit.  The last air conditioner lasted 11 years.  If today's purchase lasts 11 years, I will be 87 years old when it conks out.

The service from PC Richards was excellent.  I ordered the unit on Friday, June 1,3, and it arrived today, the 18th.  The message stated. it would arrive between 8:15 AM and 12:15 PM, and the driver and installer came at 11:30 AM.  It took them about 1 hour to remove the old unit and install the new one.  It came in the nick of time as the weatherman predicts a heat wave for next week.

 

Ron Taylor of the 1969 Mets Passes Away at 87

 

It has been 56 years since the Amazin' Mets won the World Series in 1969.  From an actuarial perspective, it is expected that many people in their 20s or 30s would have passed away by now. Deceased members of the 1969 Mets include (please forgive me if I have omitted anyone):

• Ed Charles
• Ed Kranepool
• Jerry Grote
• Tom Seaver
• Don Clendenon
• Tug McGraw
• Gil Hodges (Manager)
• Joe Pignatano (coach)

Yesterday we learned of the passing of relief pitcher Ron Taylor, who later became the team doctor for the Toronto Blue Jays.  Please see the following links for more information:

• Biography from SABR (Society for American Baseball Research)
• Career statistics from Baseball-Reference

Mets Were Swept by the Tampa Bay Rays as they Lose 9-0 on Father's Day

Any team will have hot and cold streaks in the course of a 162-game season.  The Mets have hit a skid, losing a 3-game series to the Tampa Bay Rays.

Met pitchers walked a season-high nine as they were dealt their most lopsided loss this season and were swept in a series for the first time since last Aug. 9-11 at Seattle. Starting pitcher Shane Baz allowed three hits and four walks in 6 2/3 innings while striking out six.  He held the Mets hitless in 12 at-bats with in scoring position.  This has been a problem for the Amazins this season.  After Junior Caminero hit a three-run homer in the ninth against Ryne Stanek, Carlos Mendoza brought in position player Jared Young to pitch.  I didn't see the point in putting a position player to get the last out, especially since there is an off-day tomorrow to rest the bullpen.

As a diehard, I stayed until the very end.  On August 12, 2023, I stayed until the end to see the Mets lose to the Atlanta Braves 21-3.  In that game position player Danny Mendick gave up 8 runs.  At least Jared Young didn't give up any more runs in today's game.

Box Score

 

The Beach Boys - That's Why God Made the Radio

 

Bob Radil played my request for this on his 60s 70s show, even though it was released in 2012.  I suppose God created the radio to provide entertainment and information for its listeners. Sadly, radio broadcasting has deteriorated over the years due to the major corporations that own radio stations.  They must cater to the advertisers, not the listeners.

Mets 5 Nationals 0 as David Peterson Pitches a Complete Game Shutout

 

This Wednesday night game was included in our season package for Sundays.  To honor Brian Wilson, a few Beach Boys songs were played on the stadium's loudspeaker system.  In recent years, complete games are rare in MLB.  Complete game shutouts are even less common, but David Peterson did the trick.  Brandon Nimmo hit two home runs and Juan Soto hit one to give the Mets the 5-0 victory.

The Mets have now won five games in a row and are 44-24.  Is this 1986 again?  There are still 94 games to go.

Game Recap

Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys Passes Away at 82

 

Like millions of others, I am saddened by the passing of Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys at age 82.  I cannot add to the volumes of tributes that will be written about him.  There are numerous biographies of the Beach Boys and Brian Wilson.  Here is his obituary in the New York Times.  It is normal journalistic practice to write obituaries before the subject passes away.  Shown above is a video of his album Smile.

Ten years ago, I wrote a journal entry about the link between Bob Dylan and Brian Wilson.  In that entry, there is a YouTube video with Bob and Brian collaborating in 1988 on a song called Spirit of Rock 'n Roll.  There is also a YouTube Video of the Beach Boys doing a parody of Dylan.  Both of those videos were deleted from YouTube.

A reader of that entry commented The Beach Boys covered Times They Are A-Changin' in 1965 on the Party! album, lead vocal by their resident folkie, Al Jardine.   He also said the Spirit of Rock' n 'Roll was meant for an album called Sweet Insanity, which was never officially released but did leak out on bootlegs a few years ago later.

Random Thoughts of the Day June 9, 2025

 

• I was thinking about shopping for a new air conditioner this afternoon, but I was tired after doing the laundry and some house cleaning.  I'll try to do it tomorrow as there is no big hurry,  I assume I'll have to wait for delivery and installation anyway.
• Young women find me on Telegram.  Now, I just ignore them, and they'll go away.  You never know when the friendly chat will turn into a romance scam.  I learned my lesson.
• I belong to a Facebook Group called Jewish Singles 65+.  Within this group, there was a side chat for people in NYC.  Last Saturday, the group had a luncheon in a restaurant in the Theater District.  I was the only man among 6 women.  I did feel a lititle uncomfortable, but it reminded my days working in a pharmaceutical company library from 1979-82 when I was the only man in the department.  Now they are chatting about holding a brunch later this summer.

I am a Bob Dylan Fan but Certainly Appreciate the Writings of the Scholars

 

A fan is someone who shows a strong interest and admiration for something or someone, often with enthusiastic support.  I have been a Bob Dylan fan since I first heard Like a Rolling Stone in 1965.  I am aware of some Bob Dylan fans who have done some extraordinary things, such as traveling hundreds, if not thousands, of miles to see him in concert. A few have seen hundreds of his concerts over the years, even if the set list is the same.  I consider them fanatics.

Dylan's work is examined through the lens of various disciplines, including literature, musicology, history, and cultural studies.  His song lyrics are considered literature as he won the Nobel Prize in 2016.  There are hundreds, if not thousands, of books analyzing his works.  There is also an open-access scholarly journal called The Dylan Review.

I have many Bob Dylan books in my personal collection that I have read over the years.  Since I have little room in my apartment for books, I have read many Dylan e-books on my Amazon Kindle.  Most of these books are scholarly.  I appreciate all the authors.

I often take lines from Dylan songs out of context and apply them to my situation.  Here is an example from Memphis Blues Again.

An’ here I sit so patiently

Waiting to find out what price

You have to pay to get out of

Going through all these things twice

Two Air Conditioners Broke Down on the First Hot Day of the Season

 

Since it was in the high 80s yesterday, I decided to turn on the air conditioners in the apartment for the first time of the season.  The air conditioner in the bedroom just wouldn't turn on.  The electrical outlet worked, so I concluded there was a problem with the machine.  The air conditioner in the living room conked out 30 seconds after I turned it on.

Both air conditioners were over 10 years old.  Of course, no product lasts forever, so it is time to get new ones.  I will likely buy one at a time starting this week.  I just read there was a recall of certain air conditioner models.  So when I go to the appliance store, I'll bring the list of the recalled models.

At least my car air conditioner worked.  A few years ago, I had to bring it to the dealer for it to be repaired.

Treat Her Right by Roy Head - Random Oldie as I Have Writer's Cramp

 

It is one of those days when I don't know what to write about so I'll just post a random oldie.

Soul Makossa by Manu Dibango - Oldie of the Day

 

This was a hit in the Summer of 1973 when I was a student at the University of Rhode Island.  For some strange reason, it reminds me of a former friend.  Felix Hernandez plays it on his Rhythm Revue show on WBGO.  Manu Dibango passed away from COVID in the early days of the pandemic.

Mets 5 Rockies 3

 

In 1962, I suffered as the expansion New York Mets were 40-120.  Last year, fellow Bob Dylan enthusiast Henry Bernstein suffered as his Chicago White Sox lost 121 games. This season, the Colorado Rockies are now 9-50 with a .153 winning percentage.  At that rate, they could lose more games than the Cleveland Spiders of 1899, who finished 20-134.

Today, the Mets completed a three-game sweep of the hapless Rockies.  All the scoring was done through home runs.

For the Mets:

• Pete Alonso
• Francisco Lindor - the Mets have won the last 28 games, including the 2024 postseason, when Lindor homers.
• Juan Soto

For the Rockies

• Tyler Freeman

Box Score