Ain't That Good News by Sam Cooke - Oldie of the Day

 

All we see and read in the news is bad news:

• Shooting in Mid-Manhattan
• Death and famine in Gaza
• The War in Ukraine
• Tariffs
• Donald Trump
• The incompetent people whom he appointed
• Jeffrey Epstein (he should rot in hell as far as I'm concerned)
• The murders of 4 students in Idaho (the media should finally put this story away)
• A contentious mayoral race in NYC ( I will not vote for an inexperienced legislator)

It is nice to hear about some good news even if it is fictional.

I Can't Listen to Sounds of the 60s Online Any Longer on BBC Radio 2

 

Sounds of the 60s has been discussed many times in Bruce's Journal.  It is heard Saturday from 6 AM - 8 AM in the UK, which corresponds to 1 AM - 3 AM in NYC.  For many years, I listened to a podcast on Sundays. BBC Sounds is now only available to audiences in the UK.  Radio 2 can still be streamed, but it appears that podcasts of Sounds of the 60s are gone.

Over the years, the show was hosted by distinguished radio personalities including:

• Brian Matthew
• Tim Rice
• Johnny Walker
• Tony Blackburn

Oh, well.  I'll have to listen to something else on Sunday mornings.

Partial Transcripts from Some Recent Chats with Younger Women

 

I don't sense any malicious intent from the younger women who chatted with me online.  I don't understand why they communicate for a day or so and then disappear (ghosting).  I realize that even if I wanted to, I couldn't date these women since they are from afar.

• You are my best friend
• Age is just a number
• I hope my message didn't bother you. Interestingly, you always appear in my friend recommendation list. I'm curious, do we know each other?
• I saw you show up in my friend suggestions and couldn't help but get a little curious, so I decided to add you. I hope I didn't bother you - if I did, please forgive me!
• Oh really? I can't believe my eyes. You're 76 years old and you look so young. You look more like 50
• Are you Larry, the manager of the auto repair shop? (they get the wrong person and then want to chat with me anyway.)
• You know, its really nice chatting with you. If I get the chance, I'd love to get to know you better. (But then they abruptly end the chat in a day or so)
• Bruce, sorry again for sending the wrong number. I’d really like to chat with you, but this is my business account, so we can’t talk for long here. At this point, the chat moves to her personal Telegram account.

The only "consequence" is the waste of time spent on these chats.

I shouldn't start any of these chats knowing they will eventually come to an end.

Out of Sight Out of Mind Strikes Again

 

In the mid-1990s when I got my first computer, I was active with an online service known as Prodigy.  I frequently accessed message boards for enthusiasts of oldies radio.  I met JB over there, who lived in the Washington, DC area and was a law student at the time.  We communicated electronically, and later met each other as I visited suburban Maryland and he attended lawyers' meetings in Manhattan.  He even attended a few of the oldies meet-and-greets that we had at Ben's Deli in Manhattan.

I saw him for the last time about a year ago when we had lunch together at Mr. Broadway's, a glatt kosher restaurant that took over Ben's Deli's location on West 37th Street. After I phoned him about a month ago, he did not return my call.  A week later, I tried again with the same result.

I don't sense any hard feelings between us, but it just seems a matter of out of sight, out of mind, superseding staying connected.  Once people stop seeing each other with any degree of regularity, they lose contact with each other.  I've faced this before.

NYC cyclists see tenfold increase in criminal summonses under NYPD push

 

Union Street near 28th Avenue in Flushing

Around the corner from my home

I am happy to read in the Gothamist that the NYPD is issuing more summonses to cyclists who violate the law. There is a very wide sidewalk on Union Street between 28th Avenue and 31st Road.  Cyclists regularly ride there even though there is a bike path on the street.  They often whiz by pedestrians.  I understand that there cannot be a policeman on every street.  I hope that more cyclists riding on the sidewalk will be given summonses.

Where Rock Lived - A WNEW-FM Documentary Will Be Released in 2026

 

WNEW-FM is best known as an influential progressive rock station that began in 1967 and continued into the 1990s. There is a website that describes this documentary produced by Tony Monte and others that will not be released until 2026, so we will have to be patient.

There is a radio station today with the calls WNEW at 102.7 FM, but it is not the same.  It is owned by Audacy with a format labeled as Hot AC.

Mets 3 Reds 2

 

The first 15,000 fans to enter the stadium received a David Wright bobblehead doll in honor of his #5 being retired yesterday.  Years ago, all fans received a bobblehead, so I have many in my collection.  We didn't want to arrive very early and wait in line to get the bobblehead.  Already, they are on sale on eBay for $80 and more. Some people get the bobblehead and do not even stay for the game.

This game was boring, but the Mets didn't want to start the second half of the season being swept by the Reds.  The Mets were ahead 2-1 in the 8th inning, but Edwin Diaz got his second blown save of the season by Spencer Speer to force in the tying run.  In the bottom of the 8th, Juan Soto scored the go-ahead run on a grounder by Luis Torrens to second base.

Game Recap

Reconnecting with Phil K from My Rego Park Days

 

It is relatively easy to reconnect with an old friend through Facebook or another social networking site. There is another dimension when a phone conversation follows some online chats.  In 2009, I wrote a journal entry describing my growing up in Rego Park, Queens.  Phil was mentioned as a friend.  He lived on Booth Street and 64th Road, across the street from P.S. 139.

I didn't remember seeing Phil after I was promoted from that school in 1961.  He said that after one year at Russell Sage JHS 190, he enrolled in Kew Forest, a private school. He went to Wagner College for his B.S. degree and then earned an MBA from Baruch College. He had a few jobs in NYC and later relocated to Denver and then to Florida, where he now resides.  I told him of my personal and job histories.  I do not want to repeat that here.

We discussed:

• His father passed away at age 44 from acute leukemia
• His mother remarried twice and passed away at age 96
• He married relatively late and has a son and a daughter.
• How Rego Park has changed over the decades
• A few other mutual friends from the old neighborhood

Our phone call lasted about 50 minutes.  My experience is that reconnections are one-time events with no follow-up.  He has not visited NYC in many years, while my last visit to Florida was in 2015.

Finally - A New Jeopardy Superstar - Scott Riccardi Wins His 10th Game

 

In this season, there have been only a few big winners on Jeopardy.  Yesterday, Scott Riccardi, an engineer from Somerville, NJ, won his 10th game to qualify as a superstar. According to the Jeopardy Fan, his statistics to date are:

253 correct, 19 incorrect

15/15 on rebound attempts (on 41 rebound opportunities)

40.35% in first on buzzer (230/570)

11/17 on Daily Doubles (Net Earned: $23,600)

8/10 in Final Jeopardy

Average Coryat: $20,880the 

The big luck factor on Jeopardy is hitting the Daily Doubles, wagering high, and getting them correct.  We'll have to keep watching and see how far Scott goes.  The season should end either this Friday, 7/18, or next Friday, 7/25.  If he keeps winning, he can come back next season.  He obviously qualifies for the next Tournament of Champions.

Home Run Derby - Yesterday and Today

 

Home Run Derby Matchup between Mickey Mantle and Willie Mays in 1959

I only watched last night's All-Star game until 10 PM, just after Pete Alonso hit a 3-run homer to give the NL a 5-0 lead.  When I woke up this morning I found out that after the score was tied at 6-6 after 9 innings, the NL won the game after a home run derby.  I wasn't aware of that tie-breaking rule.  I think it is a silly way to end the game.  There has been a home run derby competition the day before the All-Star Game held since 1985.

I remember as a young boy watching a home run derby TV series.  There were 26 episodes filmed at Los Angeles Wrigley Field in 1959/60.  This series was rebroadcast on Classic Sports Network in 1996.

Random Thoughts of the Day July 14, 2025

 

• I was watching the Today Show this morning when the topic turned to Jeffrey Epstein and his list. I immediately went to the restroom to take care of my business, so I couldn't hear what was going on. I just don't understand why the media glorifies the notorious.
• Yesterday I saw a kid on a skateboard looking at his cell phone at the road leading out of Forest Park. I have observed so many careless pedestrians and cyclists on the street.
• I just hate party politics.  No Republican wants to cross Donald Trump.  They should do what is best for their constituents, not what is best for the party.  I just can't believe that 77 million people voted for that lowlife.
• I just don't understand why so many Democrats support Zohran Mamdani when he has so little experience as a legislator.  I am uncertain about his views on Israel and anti-semitism.  I will vote for a candidate based on qualifications not party.

George Reeves is Still My Superman

 

Growing up in the 1950s, I read the Superman comic books and watched the Adventures of Superman with George Reeves on TV.  When I grew older, I gave up the comic books, but watched the reruns of the classic TV series.  In the late 70s and into the 80s, there were Superman movies starring Christopher Reeve as the Man of Steel.  I enjoyed watching them, but they weren't the same as the TV series.

This weekend, a new Superman movie, the first film for DC Studios, was released, starring  David Corenswet as Clark Kent/Superman.  The 3D film obviously incorporated the newer technologies, such as the cell phone.  In this version, Lois Lane, played by Rachel Brosnahan, knows that Clark Kent is Superman.  There is also a romantic relationship between them.  Superman's archenemy, Lex Luthor, plays a significant role.

I enjoyed the movie, but George Reeves will always be my Superman.

Review in the New York Times.

I Walked Out of the Reality Check Group at the Older Adult Center after the Group Started to Discuss Jeffrey Epstein

 

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In my Journal entry of September 22, 2024, I wrote about my frustration with the Reality Check Group at the Older Adult Center in Bayside.  This group discusses current events on Friday afternoons.  My last paragraph read:

I attended this group to enjoy myself for one hour on a Friday afternoon.  As I realize I no longer enjoy this group, it is time to leave it.  I don't feel any animosity toward the facilitator or any participants.  I just don't have the pleasure of listening to a political discussion.  Perhaps after the election, I'll sample this group again.

Nine months later, I decided to check it out again since there was no trivia group on Tuesday.  On many Fridays, I like to go on my "urban hikes," but it was just too hot and humid.

The 12 people discussed such depressing news stories as:

• The War in Gaza
• Perceived anti-semitism of mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani
• Donald Trump
• Partisan politics

All of a sudden the facilitator, a social worker in her 20s, started to bring up Jeffrey Epstein, an American financier and child sex offender.  The old farts in this group followed her lead and started a discussion.  I immediately walked out of the group. Perhaps I made a scene, and if so, I hope my action made a statement.

I do not want to talk about such a lowlife.

Why should I attend a group if the discussion saddens me?

A Fluid Leak from My Car Leads to a Big Repair Bill

 

Last Saturday, when I returned home, I noticed a leak from my car similar to the one seen above.  At first, I thought it was just condensate from the air conditioner, but it was greasy, so I thought it could be:

• Engine Oil
• Brake Fluid
• Power Steering Fluid
• Coolant

I called the local Chevrolet dealer and made an appointment to bring it in on Tuesday morning.  It is about a 4 mile trip from my home to the dealership.  About halfway there, a message appeared on the dashboard indicating that the car was overheating.  Fortunately, I made it to the dealership without stalling out.  The clerk said they couldn't work on it until Wednesday.

Wednesday morning, I received a call from the mechanic saying that there were several leaks in the cooling system.  The car needed new hoses, belts, and a thermostat.  The cost was quite high.  The only alternative would be to buy a new car.

My car is a 2015 Chevy Cruze that I bought pre-owned in January 2019.  Apparently, it was previously leased.  I only put 38,600 miles on it since most of my driving is local.  Problems inevitably arise as a car ages.

I am Glad to See There Will Be Enforcement on Violations by Delivery Workers on E-Bikes

 

I have mentioned the issue of bicycle safety in this Journal at least twice:

• Bicycle Safety Should Be Taken Seriously
• Cyclists Should Respect Pedestrians

I was pleased to read in The Gothamist that 45 peace officers will be hired to issue violations and enforce commercial cycling laws against businesses.  This is good news, but it does not go far enough since recreational cyclists are just as guilty as the deliverymen.  It bothers me the most when I see cyclists on the sidewalk when a few feet away, there is a bike path.

Let's hope for the best.

Yankees 6 Mets 4 in Subway Series Finale

 

My 20-game package included this afternoon's game between the Mets and Yankees.  It was Yankee standout Max Fried starting vs the Mets' bullpen. The numerous injuries to starting pitchers have compelled the Mets to use several relievers in this game.  Chris Devenski started for the Mets and pitched well for two innings. The Yankees scored runs off the subsequent relievers, Zach Pop, Brandon Waddell, and Huascar Brazoban.  The highlights were home runs by Austin Wells and Aaron Judge.  Another highlight was a shoestring catch by Cody Bellinger in left field.  He then made a throw to first baseman Paul Goldschmidt, who doubled off Francisco Lindor.

The Subway Series ended in a 3-3 tie. There are now 6 games before the All-Star break.  After that we will see what trades will be made by contending teams.

Game Recap

Random Oldie of the Day - Walking My Cat Named Dog by Norma Tanega

 

I remember hearing this for the first time in 1966 on Dick Clark's American Bandstand.  I reached #22 on the Billboard chart, but it was the only record that charted for Norma Tanega, who passed away in 2019 at age 80.  I requested it last night on Bob Radil's 60s 70s show.

Mets 7 Brewers 3 - Hopefully the Mets Losing Ways are Over

 

Last night's game was part of our 20-game package, so we were there to root for the Mets. Manager Carlos Mendoza shuffled the lineup as Brandon Nimmo batted leadoff while Francisco Lindor was dropped to the #2 slot.  The move paid off in the second inning when Nimmo hit a grand slam home run, while Lindor followed it up with a solo shot.  That yielded a 5-0 lead that held up until the 6th inning when Christian Yellich and Jackson Chourio hit back-to-back homers off Blade Tidwell to make the score 5-3.  The Mets added tacked-on runs in the 6th and 8th innings to win 7-3.

Hopefully, this victory will mark the end of the Mets' 14 losses out of 17.  As of this writing the Mets are two games behind the Phillies in the NL East. There are 75 games to go in the season.

Box Score

Random Thought of the Day - July 1, 2025

• It is hard to believe that 2025 is half over.  Where does all this time go?
• If it is July 1, it is Bobby Bonilla Day. He will collect a check for $1,193,248.20 from the New York Mets, as he has and will every July 1 from 2011 through 2035. His contract was restructured as the Mets had financial problems during the Wilpon era
• The Mets have lost 13 out of their last 16 games, but are only two games behind Philadelphia in the NL East.  Hopefully, they will turn things around soon.
• It is July 1, and NJ Transit is raising its fares 3%.  When I feel blue, I am grateful I never have to ride any of their trains again.
• Yesterday, I received yet another chat request on Telegram from a young lady.  She was offering me the chance to make a lot of money working from home.  The first sign of a scam is that if it is too good to be true, it is.  There are too many scams on social networking sites.  I politely told her I wasn't interested, but she was persistent.  This time, I ghosted her.  How come only younger women try to contact me?