Treat from Amazon - Bob Dylan - Through the Open Window - The Bootleg Series Vol. 18 1956-1963

 

Back in the day, I would run to the nearest record store to buy the Bob Dylan album on the day of its release.  Now I just have to wait for the Amazon deliveryman.  My package arrived about 12 noon before any of the trick-or-treaters. They will come after school.

This 8-CD set provides never-before-released recordings from Dylan's formative years.  It includes concert performances, uncirculated studio outtakes, and rarities of Dylan's performances in friends' apartments.

It also includes a book with photographs and text detailing Dylan's early recordings.

Instead of giving a long journal entry about this, I will refer my readers to Dylan scholar Ray Padgett's track-by-track guide to the set.

I received this on Halloween, but for me, it would have been more appropriate to receive it on Chanukkah, since I could listen to one CD per day for the 8 days of the festival.

For Halloween - The Monster Mash by Bobby "Boris" Pickett

 

Last Halloween, only one group of kids came to my door.  I bought a package of candy for them.  If the kids don't come, Lee and I will have to eat the candy.

I Value Medical Privacy on Social Media

 

Medical privacy involves the protection of an individual's health information, primarily through the federal HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act), which establishes national standards to safeguard protected health information (PHI).

I want to mention some indiscretions in social media regarding medical privacy.  Some people will detail their medical problems on Facebook and even show photos of themselves or close relatives in hospital beds.  I certainly would never do that.  I don't want to read about medical issues of Facebook friends whom I only "know" online. Thankfully, I am in good health

Sports Equinox Today

 Today marks the Sports Equinox, as MLB, NFL, NBA, and NHL teams are in action.

Comments on Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere from a Bob Dylan Fan

 

Today we saw Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere.  Over the years, I was so involved in my enthusiasm for Bob Dylan, Donovan, The Byrds, Simon and Garfunkel, and similar artists that I only developed a cursory interest in Bruce Springsteen.  I am familiar with his major hits but cannot identify his deep tracks.

I will compare it to recent Bob Dylan film A Complete Unknown.  Both films only cover a short part of the artist’s respective career.  The Dylan movie covers 1961-65, while the Springsteen film covers only 1981-82.  The latter emphasizes how Springsteen came to conceive and record the album Nebraska, while the former covers Dylan’s time in NYC and his transition from folk to rock music.

Deliver Me from Nowhere features flashbacks to Bruce’s growing up in Freehold, NJ.  It would have been interesting to see accounts of Dylan’s growing up in Hibbing, MN., but the writers chose to exclude that.

Both films were partially fictionalized.  For example, Faye Springsteen’s girlfriend in the movie did not exist.  Likewise, Sylvie Russo was a fake name for the real Suze Rotolo.

Inaccuracies in A Complete Unknown

Inaccuracies in Springsteen:Deliver Me from Nowhere

Movie Review from the New York Times

I recommend seeing it, especially since there are so few movies out today suited for older adults.

Hey Joe Revisited

 A Google search revealed there are over 1800 versions of Hey Joe written by folk musician Billy Roberts in the 1950s.  Below are versions from Jimi Hendrix, The Leaves, The Byrds, Tim Rose, and Johnny Rivers.

Remembering Roy Herschaft - New York Culture Has Lost a Friend

 

Roy at a Forest Hills High School Reunion in 2017

Roy at My 60th Birthday Dinner in 2009

Roy Herschaft passed away on Saturday, October 18 after being in failing health for a long time.  I was friends with him since our Forest Hills High School Days in the 1960s.

My first memory of him was walking to school talking about the WABC and WMCA music surveys.  He was a big fan of the Supremes while I was a fan of Bob Dylan.  I’ll never forget in October 1966 he came out of his building beaming when You Keep Me Hanging on by the Supremes hit #1 on the WMCA survey.  In high school we were in a program that emphasized the sciences.

After high school our paths diverged as Roy went to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, NY, to study architecture, while I studied chemistry at the City College of New York.  We stayed connected through letters and phone calls.

After college Roy worked for the Peace Corps for a while and lived in San Francisco for about a year.  After he returned to NYC, he worked for the Department of City Planning where he stayed until he retired.  For about 50 years, he lived in an apartment in Brooklyn Heights.

Roy should be best remembered for his devotion to culture in New York City.  He was most passionate about ballet.  For many years he attended ballet class and, for a short time, aspired to be a professional dancer.

He just loved movies.  He would go to a multiplex and stay all day seeing 3 or more films on one admission.

He regularly went to museums and knew when the specific institution offered free admission.  Roy was also a big fan of opera and collected artwork.

In later years Roy’s musical interests changed toward classical music.  I remember going to the record department with him at J&R in lower Manhattan.  Earlier in this essay I mentioned my enthusiasm for Bob Dylan.  Roy came with me to three Dylan concerts at Madison Square Garden, the Beacon Theatre, and Forest Hills Stadium.  I bought a 2-LP set of the Supremes Greatest Hits which he signed for me.

Roy was a very big enthusiast of the theater.  He went to almost every Broadway show that was out and always could find a bargain for tickets.  He would stand in line for hours to get tickets for Shakespeare in the Park.

Roy was an avid viewer of PBS programming and left money in his will to WNET-TV

I was always a big sports fan, while Roy was completely indifferent.  I once had an extra ticket for a Mets game, and he joined me at Shea Stadium.  He appeared to be uninterested.

In recent years, I would always speak to Roy on the phone on Sunday mornings.  We would always discuss our cultural activities of the past week. He always said that I watched terrible movies. Since he just passed away, Sundays will just never be the same, so I will conclude by posting hit by Spanky and Our Gang.  I will certainly miss Roy.

Whitney Museum - October 2025 Visit

 

It was time for a return visit to the Whitney Museum.  The main attraction today was Sixties Surreal, an ambitious, scholarly reappraisal of American art from 1958 to 1972, encompassing the work of more than 100 artists. It recontextualizes some of the decade’s best-known figures alongside those only recently rediscovered..  Below are two of the many works we saw today.

RIP Gary Fishbein New York Mets and Oldies Fan Extraordinaire

 

Gary Fishbein at the 2012 Oldies Meet and Greet

He is wearing a WMCA Good Guy Sweatshirt and

a Brooklyn Cyclones Cap

I always saw Gary at the annual Meet and Greets that we held in Manhattan.  We had many phone calls over the years discussing the Mets, the Brooklyn Cyclones, oldies artists, and radio personalities from WMCA, WABC, and WCBS-FM.  A few weeks ago the phone calls stopped.  Today, when I reached his cell phone, I got a message saying the phone was disconnected.  I accessed his Facebook page and read the following message from his Cousin:

This is Gary's cousin, Michele. I am sorry to let everyone know that Gary passed away in his home on August 17, most likely due to a heart attack or something similar. Thank you for being his friend. Gary was a man of few words, but when he spoke, it was usually about the Mets.Hopefully, he can watch the games where he is. We had a private funeral last weekend, but if you want to share any memories you have of Gary, please do so on this page. Thanks.

RIP Gary. There will be an empty seat at Citi Field and Maimonides Park.

I will make a donation to the Amazin' Mets Foundation in his memory.

I Stand by the No Kings Protests Today

 

I don't like to discuss politics, but I am saddened every time I watch the TV News or see online reports about the current President of the United States. Our founding fathers rebelled against the King of England and formed a government based on checks and balances among the three branches of government being the executive, legislative, and judicial branches.  This president has essentially done whatever he wants by signing an executive order.

The Constitution allows for the President to grant reprieves and pardons for offenses against the United States.  This entails various forms of clemency, including commuting or postponing a sentence, remitting a fine or restitution, delaying the imposition of a punishment, and providing amnesty to an entire group or class of individuals.

I am quite upset over the clemency given to George Santos as detailed in this article in the New York Times.  He pardoned the criminals who invaded the Capitol on January 6, 2021.

He is using the judiciary to punish his political enemies.

It is so sad that no Republican will stand up to him.

I pray for the future of the United States of America.

Best of Luck to Future Riders of New Jersey Transit and Amtrak

 

The Gateway Project was initiated to add more railway tunnels under the Hudson River between New York City and New Jersey. It is currently underway, having undergone numerous starts and stops, and sits at the center of the busy Northeast Corridor, which stretches from Washington to Boston.

During my 25 years of commuting from New York to New Jersey, I had to endure many delays when one of the tunnels had to be closed for one reason or another.  These tunnels were also damaged by Superstorm Sandy and must be closed to be completely repaired.  This cannot be done if the Gateway Project is stopped.  I fear there will be a disaster on the rails if a tunnel fails because the repairs could not be made.

This article in the New York Times details the politics behind the withholding of federal funds for this project.

Why does Donald Trump hate New York?

Why does Donald Trump hate Democrats?

What does Donald Trump have against diversity, equity, and inclusion programs?

I think this convicted felon should sit on a New Jersey Transit train stuck in a Hudson River tunnel for hours.

It Was 20 Years Ago Today I Started Bruce's Journal

 

Actually, Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play on June 1, 1947.  On October 15, 2005 your truly started Bruce’s Journal.  My first entry was very brief as I just described the family going to see a football game at Hofstra University.  At first, the journal was published as an AOL Journal, but when that service was discontinued in 2008, the journal was transitioned to Blogger, a service of Google.  I was able to get a domain with my name.

Over the years, I have just kept on writing.  The entries ranged from the ridiculous to the sublime.  Some were thought out in advance, while others were written spontaneously.  The topics in no particular order include:

• Baseball – especially the New York Mets
• Oldies Music – On some days I post a song that comes to mind
• Bob Dylan
• Jeopardy
• Museum trips
• Movies
• Radio broadcasting
• Family outings
• Autobiographical Information

I rarely discuss politics, which I despise, especially over the past 10 years.  I try not to get too personal, as I believe that certain issues should be private.  I am always careful about what I write since anyone can read it.

I have written 5289 entries over the past 20 years.  This amounts to 264 entries annually, or approximately 5 each week, which means that some days are not documented.

According to Blogger, there have been over 7 million hits, but I sense that most of them are from robots.  I wonder how many of those hits are from real people.  Blogger states that 45% of the hits were from China.  I am certain that all of those hits are from robots.

I post most of my entries on Facebook, so I am aware of a some regular readers.  A few have contacted me saying they read it regularly.  I will not ask for feedback as I know that most people are anonymous when they surf the web.  Many hits are likely from Google searches.

Thanks for reading, and I will continue with Bruce’s Journal.

I will not post Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band Reprise

 

Dedication to Cousin Bruce Morrow on A Quiet Special Day - Forever Young by Bob Dylan

 

Today, Cousin Bruce Morrow is celebrating a special birthday, but he doesn't want to talk about it.  You can always do a Google search on him, and you will easily find out.

He doesn't look his age

Random Thoughts of the Day October 12, 2025

 

A nor'easter is predicted for NYC today with heavy rain, strong winds, and coastal flooding.  As of 8:45 AM, there is no rain, but the wind is picking up.  Lee and I usually like to walk around a park on Sunday mornings, but I decided not to go out since we never know when the rain will begin.

Last night I had a vivid dream about visiting my former employer.  It is hard to believe that it is almost 8 years since I retired.  Where did all the time go?  I don't feel bitter about the university, the library, or any individuals, but I must look ahead to the future, not back upon the past.  One of the reasons for not visiting is to never again experience that miserable commute.

Over the last week, 8 young women have tried to contact me on Telegram.  I just ignore them.  I don't want to start a meaningless chat.

The Who What or Where Game - On TV From 1969-74

 

Over the years, there have been many short-lived quiz shows on TV.  Some may have lasted only 13 weeks, but for some strange reason The Who What or Where Game hosted by Art James came to mind today.  It was on the air for 5 years, which is a fraction of Jeopardy's longevity. There was actually one show that I found on YouTube.  Perhaps the library at the Paley Center for Media may have preserved more shows.

More information about this show at the U.S. Game Shows Wiki.

Louise Murray - Facebook Friend of the Day

 

Louise Murray sang for a group called the Jaynetts that had a #2 national hit in 1963 Sally Go Round the Roses.  Louise came to several of the oldies meet and greets that we held at Ben's Deli in Manhattan.  She even sang for us a few times.  She also sang with a 1950s R&B group called the Hearts.

Louise Murray with radio personality Cool Bobby B in November 2014.

Save The Life of My Child by Simon and Garfunkel - Classic Album Cut of the Day

Though it never made the New York Times, in the Daily News, the caption read "Save the Life of my Child".

Wrong Numbers Yesterday and Today

 

Let's go back in time when we only had landline phones.  It was not uncommon to dial a wrong number.   A typical conversation would be:

Hello, is this John?

No, I think you have the wrong number.

I'm sorry, and then both parties hang up.

This transaction would only take a few seconds.

Here is a recent text message exchange I had when a young lady reached me on the wrong number.  My responses will be in italics.

Mina, I'd like to invite you to go shopping with me this weekend. Are you free?

Wrong person

Oh! Really? I thought this number was my friend Mina's number. I think saved the wrong number.

 I'm sorry for sending you the wrong number. I hope you can forgive me

NP

I think you are kind and friendly person. Thanks for your compliments. Anyway, nice to meet you here. You can call me Mary. How can I call your name?

[How can she assume that after two short replies]

I am 76 Years old

Age is just a number, it doesn't affect our friendship😊.  I like talking to people who are older than me. Because they can give me a lot of knowledge and wisdom. I'm from Florida. Where are you from? [How can she call me a friend? I think I heard that before.]

NYC

Wow! Nice place. Your place is so beautiful. If I come to your place on business. I hope we can have coffee together. Can I see what you look like?😍

This chat lasted for a few days and died out.  We just exchanged some pleasantries and small talk.  She said she was 42 years old, divorced twice, and had a 15-year-old son.

I had a few similar experiences over the last year.  I explained to the women that I was much older than they were, and they always replied, "Age is just a number".  I sense there was no malicious intent, but the experience is just a waste of time for both.

We live and learn.

Random Comments of the Day - October 3, 2025

• I survived another Yom Kippur.  Lee and I went to services at the Free Synagogue of Flushing.  It was a shame that people had to register in advance and be screened by security guards.  It sad that there is so much anti-semitism today.  Attendance was very low, as a result of the declining Jewish population.  Years ago, the Rego Park Jewish Center had to rent the Lost Battalion Hall to handle the overflow.
• Shelly, a classmate of mine from Forest Hills High School, class of 1967, is organizing a 60th reunion for June 2027.  I appreciate her efforts, but I think it is much too early to plan it.  People from my class were enthusiastic about it, as noted in a Facebook discussion.
• There is an article from SNY by John Harper grading managers and players on their 2025 performance.

The Mets have announced that several members of the 2025 coaching staff will not return next season, including:

• 🔸 Pitching coach Jeremy Hefner
• 🔸 Hitting coach Eric Chavez
• 🔸 Hitting coach Jeremy Barnes
• 🔸 Bench coach John Gibbons
• 🔸 Third base, infield coach Mike Sarbaugh
• 🔸 Catching instructor Glenn Sherlock

I know there will be many changes on the roster, but I will not speculate.

 

Release Me by Englebert Humperdinck - Oldie of the Day

 

This is a live version and my first post of October.

Remembering Chip Ordway for His Kindness

 

Today, by reading the New York Radio and TV Board on Facebook, I found out that radio and railroad enthusiast Chip Ordway passed away.  I had a brief but kind online encounter with Chip in 2018.

First, I must turn back the clock to 1996 when I was an avid listener to the late Bill Brown on WCBS-FM.  He had a feature called the Brown Bag, where listeners would suggest a theme set for Bill to play during the noon hour. If your set list was picked, you would win a WCBS-FM tote bag. I knew that May 24th, Bob Dylan’s birthday, was coming up. I asked Bill to play a set list of Bob Dylan covers on May 24 that were top 40 hits. I requested

• It Ain’t Me Babe - The Turtles
• Mr. Tambourine Man - Byrds
• The Mighty Quinn - Manfred Mann
• Don’t Think Twice - The Wonder Who
• Blowin’ in the Wind - Peter. Paul and Mary

On May 24th I was on vacation and was ready to record the Brown Bag hoping that Bill would play my set.  I was very disappointed that it was not played.  A few weeks later, I received the tote, figuring that they played it on another date.

Nothing happened for 22 years, but in May 2018, I received a Facebook message from Chip stating that heard my name on the Bill Brown aircheck.  I assume Chip knew my name from radio message boards.  He sent me an mp3 file of the theme set that I missed.

I was forever grateful for his kindness.

Obituary of Chip Ordway from News10 Albany

For National Coffee Day - One More Cup of Coffee, a Dylan Song Covered by Roger McGuinn and Calexico

 

Since today is National Coffee Day, Corny O'Connell on WFUV asked listeners on his "Question of the Day" feature to suggest songs that are about coffee.  The following songs were selected:

• Hozier "Too Sweet"
• Roy Ayers, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Wayne Garfield "Coffy Is the Color"
• k.d. lang "Black Coffee"
• The Ink Spots "Java Jive"
• Cowboy Junkies "Anniversary Song"

He did not select One More Cup of Coffee by Bob Dylan.  I featured it in my journal entries on National Coffee Day in 2022 and 2024.  In 2021, I featured a cover of that song by Tom Jones.  Today, I am featuring a cover by Roger McGuinn and Calexico that was heard in the movie "I'm Not There."

The Agony is Over as the Mets Lost to the Miami Marlins 4-0 and Miss the Playoffs

 

Today, as in 2007 and 2008, the Mets lost game 162 to the Marlins and were eliminated from the playoffs.  In today's game, the hitting was not there, but the slide began in June after the Mets had the best record in MLB at 45-24.  The pitching fell apart at that point as injuries began to affect the staff.  I wonder if pitchers should throw 100 MPH fastballs.  The human arm just wasn't designed to throw an object at that speed consistently.  So many pitchers have undergone Tommy John surgery, which means that they cannot pitch for a complete year.  46 players pitched in at least one game this season.  David Stearns liked to bring up a pitcher from the minors for one game and then send him down to pad the pitching staff.  A pitcher would pitch well for 3 innings or so and be rewarded with a demotion.

Throughout the season, the Mets did not hit well with runners in scoring position.  They just can't lose series to losing teams like the Marlins and Nationals.

Looking forward to next season:

• Pete Alonso has an opt-out clause in his contract.  Will he return?
• Lindor, Soto, and  Nimmo will return.
• I will blame David Stearns since he made poor trades at the deadline and bad roster moves that didn't motivate players.
• Will injured pitchers, including Griffub Canning, Kodai Sengai, Max Krnick, and AJ Minter return.
• What role will Nolan McClean, Johah Tong, and Brandon Sproat play?  Will they be sene to the minors for more seasoning?

We shall see what we shall see.

How Many Roads: Bob Dylan and His Changing Times, 1961-64 at NYU

 

The Bob Dylan Center in Tulsa started a traveling exhibition featuring Bob Dylan's early career in New York City.  It was held at NYU in Greenwich Village, where Dylan performed in the early 1960s before he became famous.  There were photos, videos, and artifacts demonstrating:

• Dylan and other folk singers at the March on Washington in August 1963
• Dylan's early concerts in NYC
• Robert Shelton's articles in the New York Times
• Dylan singing "Only a Pawn in Their Game."
• Dylan refused to appear on The Ed Sullivan Show when the producers would not let him  sing Talkin' John Birch Society Blues.

This exhibit will close on October 15, so my readers in NYC should see it before then.  I assume it will shown in other cities.

I learned that there was supposed to be an album featuring his performances at Town Hall and Carnegie Hall in 1963.  The cover is below.

Pitcher Bobby Shantz Turns 100 Years Old Today

 

Bobby Shantz pitched from 1949-64 for the following teams:

• Philadelphia/Kansas City Athletics
• New York Yankees
• St. Louis Cardinals
• Pittsburgh Pirates
• Houston Cost .45s
• Philadelphia Phillies
• Chicago Cubs

Career Statistics from Baseball-Reference

A search in SABR's Baseball Index  yielded 126 articles about Bobby

Bobby is the second-oldest living baseball player.  Bill Greason at 101 years and 23 days (as of 9/26/25) is the oldest living player according to the Baseball Almanac.

For One-Hit Wonder Day - Hey Baby by Bruce Chanel

 

I didn't know today was One-Hit Wonder Day until Corny O'Connell mentioned it on WFUV this morning. It was established in 1990 by music journalist Steve Rosen to encourage people to discover and appreciate those musical gems.  Since I am Bruce, I chose to feature Hey Baby by Bruce Chanel.  There are likely hundreds of one-hit wonders in my favorite era (1955-79).

To qualify as a one-hit wonder, an artist must have only one top-40 hit.  The Grateful Dead and Jimi Hendrix are one-hit wonders, but are better known for their albums.

3-Alarm Fire at H-Mart, a Grocery Store Around the Corner from My Home

 

At about 4 AM last night, I was awoken by sirens.  When I went downstairs this morning, I saw there was a big fire at H Mart, a Korean grocery store.  Fortunately, no civilians or firefighters were injured, but I assume that all the food in the store was destroyed.  Since H Mart carries very little American food, I only shop there when I need bananas.  Likely, the store's employees will be laid off as it would take a long time to repair the damage

There are other H Marts within a short drive of this location, thus the Korean community will have other places to purchase their ethnic food.

Nationals 3 Mets 2 on Closing Day at Citi Field

 

For many years, I attended the last Sunday game of the regular season at Shea Stadium or Citi Field.  The worst was in 2007 and 2008 when the Mets were eliminated from the playoffs on that day.

Jacob Young made a pair of sensational catches in center field to prevent extra-base hits Sunday as the Washington Nationals hung on and handed the New York Mets a costly 3-2 defeat.  The Mets, who have lost 11 of 15 and are 35-52 since mid-June, dropped into a tie with the streaking Reds for the final National League wild card.  The Mets no longer control their own destiny, as both New York and Cincinnati have the same record, with the Reds having the tiebreaker.  The Mets have 6 road games left, and must get hot, or else they will miss the playoffs.

Game Recap

Bob Dylan Performed at Farm Aid 40 in Minneapolis

 

The entire concert was shown on CNN, which aired commercials during the performances.  Dylan arrived around 11 PM EDT wearing his black hoodie.  We could barely see his face as he performed 5 songs.

Minneapolis, Minnesota Huntington Bank Stadium September 20, 2025

1.	All Along The Watchtower (Bob on piano, Doug on acoustic guitar, Matt Katz-Bohen on keyboard)
2.	I Can Tell (song by Samuel Smith) (Bob on piano, Doug on Acoustic Guitar, Matt Katz-Bohen on keyboard)
3.	To Ramona (Bob on piano and harp, Doug on Acoustic Guitar, Tony on standup bass, Matt Katz-Bohen on keyboard)
4.	Highway 61 Revisited (Bob on piano, Matt Katz-Bohen on keyboard)
5.	Don't Think Twice, It's All Right (Bob on piano and harp, Tony on standup bass, Matt Katz-Bohen on keyboard)

The First Amendment to the Constitution

 

First Amendment

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

I read the newspaper and watch TV news with great sadness as I observe that the current administration is attacking the constitutional rights of citizens, whether they are TV personalities, elected officials, or ordinary people.  Everyone has a right to criticize the president and his policies without facing retribution.

I never watch late-night TV and am only familiar with Jimmy Kimmel from his role as host of "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire".  He has a right to express his opinion on a TV show viewed by millions.  “Taken together, the attacks on all of our media institutions is certainly unprecedented in modern American history,’’ said Victor Pickard, a professor of media policy at the University of Pennsylvania. “I can’t think of any parallel.”

I never heard of Charlie Kirk until his assassination.  I don't know what his impact was while he was living, but he became a martyr to the MAGA people.  He did not deserve to die.  He was assassinated by one individual.

Public officials have a right to peacefully protest the conditions imposed on immigrants who were arrested and detained.

I pray for the future of our nation.  

Bob Dylan The Bootleg Series Vol. 18: Through The Open Window, 1956-1963 is Officially Announced

 

There have been rumors about this for some time, but since I saw it on BobDylan.com today, I know it is really being released on October 31.  The deluxe version will comprise 8 CDs with 139 tracks, featuring never-released performances, rare cuts, and a hardcover book containing exclusive photographs.  This set obviously covers Dylan's very early years as a folk singer.  I just saw it on Amazon.com for $160.  I might as well pre-order it, since I already have all the other Bootleg Series CDs.  I will await the Amazon delivery man on Halloween and not the trick-or-treaters.

Random Thoughts of the Day September 16, 2025

• My online chats with younger women have finally come to an end.  They found me by accident on Telegram or WhatsApp.  After I tell them that I am twice their age, they insist on chatting, saying they can learn from an older person.  For several days, we exchanged small talk and pleasantries, but nothing substantial.  Finally, the chat ends.  In most cases, there is no malicious intent, but I suspect a few were assuming fake identities.  No more.  The best way to stop is not to start in the first place.
• It is so sad that there is so much polarization in today's society.  All this started when Trump came on the scene in 2016.  Charlie Kirk's assassination was tragic, but he will be a martyr to the ultraconservatives.  His death was caused by a deranged individual, not the liberals.
• It is a shame that the notorious get so much media attention.  Luigi Mangione's court appearance today is a hot topic in the news.  Pretty soon we will know Tyler Robinson's life story.
• I wish that the war in Gaza would come to an end.  Palestinian civilians should not suffer.

 

We Were There to See Pete Alonso's 3-Run Walk-off Home Run in the 10th Inning

 

Things were looking bad for the Amazin' Mets as their 8-game losing streak was taking them out of the last wild-card berth.  Today's game was part of our Sunday package, so we were there. The Mets backed rookie Nolan McLean with a 2-0 lead only for Joc Pederson to tie the score with a two-run single in the seventh off Reed Garrett.  The rookie was excellent, but again, the bullpen was ineffective until Edwin Diaz pitched a scoreless 9th inning and Ryne Stanek didn't let the Rangers' free runner score in the 10th inning.

Alonso now has five walk-off homers in his career.  His most notable walk-off was on October 3, 2024 when he led the Mets to victory over the Milwaukee Brewers in the wild card series.

Game Recap

Oy Vey - The Mets are on an 8 Game Losing Streak

 

I guess I am a glutton for punishment as I watched on TV the Mets lost their 8th game in a row.  This is 2007 and 2008 all over again as the Mets lost their lead for the final wild card position.  I am not optimistic about their turning it around during the last two weeks of the season.  I blame two people:

1. Carlos Mendoza for not motivating the team.
2. David Stearns for making poor player transactions in the last off-season and at the trade deadline.

I will be at Citi Field tomorrow.

I am Saddened Every Time I Watch or Read the News - Please Listen to What Bernie Sanders Says

 I certainly keep abreast with the news via the New York Times, NY1 News, the Today Show, and a multitude of apps on my phone.  I am saddened by any type of violence, whether it is in a war, on the street, or against a political figure.  I suggest my readers view this 4-minute video by Senator Bernie Sanders who tells it like it is.

Random Thoughts of the Day - September 10, 2025

 

• Over the past 76 games, the Mets are 31-46.  As of today, they are only two games ahead of the San Francisco Giants for the third wild card.  I think the problem has been injuries with the pitching staff.  David Stearns made some bad trades at the deadline as he gave up 11 prospects for 4 players with expiring contracts.  He made so many roster moves with relief pitchers this season.  If the Mets make the playoffs, they will not advance.
• The woman described as "Phillies Karen" was stupid and obnoxious for taking the ball away from the kid. To say the least, the situation has "gone viral" in this era of cell phone videos and the internet.  Let's put it to rest.  How come "notorious" people get so much media attention?
• I am sick and tired of young women finding me on Telegram and WhatsApp, and wanting to start a chat relationship that will eventually die out.  My sense is these young ladies just have nothing to do.

Why Does Bob Dylan Hide at Concerts?

 

Bob Dylan at Mansfield, MA, Sept. 7, 2025

Bob Dylan at Hartford, CT Sept. 6, 2025

When people go to concerts, they want to see the recording artists.  They can always hear the recordings at home, but a concert is a unique experience.  At his last two concerts at the Outlaw Music Festival, Dylan wore a black hoodie and is barely visible to the audience. Last month at Jones Beach, Dylan was wearing a white cowboy hat, but refused to allow the video screens to operate while he performed.  Why is he hiding?

Remembering Davey Johnson - Best Known for Manager of the 1986 NY Mets - He Had a Phenomenal Career

 

The four-minute video concisely describes Davey Johnson's career as a player and manager.  Condolences to his family.

Davey Johnson's record as a player from Baseball-Reference

Davey Johnson's record as a manager

Obscure Oldie of the Day - Run Run Run by the Supremes

 

Run Run Run only reached #93 on the Billboard singles chart in 1964.  I can't remember the last time I heard it on the radio and don't know why it came to mind today.

Trevor Story's Controversial Pesky Pole Home Run Yesterday

 Fenway Park's famous right field foul pole, AKA the Pesky Pole, required necessary structural repairs. Named after Johnny Pesky's playing career in the 1940s and officially named in 2006, the Pesky Pole became a notable feature of the ballpark.

It is unusual when I post something about baseball not related to the New York Mets.  I am certain that Bill Nowlin, Red Sox Fan #1, is aware of this.  He was likely at the game.  It was originally ruled a foul ball, but the replay showed that it hit the foul pole first, making it a home run.  There would have been a heated argument with players and managers ejected without replay.

Marlins 5 Mets 1 As the Mets Lose 3 out of 4 in the Series

Go figure.  The Mets sweep the division-leading Phillies, but lose 3 out of 4 to the lowly Miami Marlins.  In the past, the Marlins have played spoilers to the Mets in the stretch drive.  As of this writing, the Mets are 6.5 games behind the NL East-leading Phillies, but still lead the Reds by 4 games for the last wild card berth.

In today's game, Kodai Senga allowed 5 runs and 7 hits in 4 2/3 innings, continuing to struggle with his effectiveness. Relief pitcher Brandon Waddell kept the Mets in the game by allowing no runs and 3 hits in 4 1/3 innings.  His reward will likely be a trip back to Syracuse, orchestrated by David Stearns who must hold the record for roster moves in a season.  As of today, the Mets have used 44 pitchers.

A "lowlight" of the game was a base-clearing brawl after Mark Vientos was hit by a pitch by Sandy Alcantara.

 

Game Recap

Enjoy Yourself by the Jacksons - Random Oldie of the Day

 

Enjoy Yourself was charted in late 1976.  Since the Jackson 5 left Motown for Epic Records they had to rebrand as the Jacksons.

Mets 6 Phillies 0 as Nolan McLean Shines for his Third Start in a Row

 

We saw a good game last night, as it was included in our 20-game package.   Nolan McLean became the first New York Mets pitcher to win his first three major league starts, tossing eight magnificent innings.  David Stearns made the right decision in bringing him up from the minors to be among over 40 pitchers for the Mets this season.  Mark Vientos homered and drove in three runs for the Mets.

Since they swept the Phillies, the Mets trail them by 4 games in the NL East.  They now lead the Cincinnati Reds for the third and final wild card.  Hopefully, the Mets can stay hot for the final 29 games in the regular season.  They play three more games in Philadelphia.  I still have memories of 2007 and 2008 when the Mets choked during the stretch drive.  Let's hope for the best.

Game recap

Do I Need More Remasters, Alternative Takes and Outtakes from the Beatles?

 

55 years after the Beatles disbanded, Apple Corps is releasing "new" material.  In 1995, I purchased The Beatles Anthology, Volumes 1, 2, and 3, on 6 CDs.  Those 3 volumes are being released and remastered this November. Volume 4 includes new mixes of The Beatles’ Anthology-associated hit singles. The GRAMMY-winning Free As A Bird and Real Love have been given new life by their original producer, Jeff Lynne, using de-mixed John Lennon vocals.  Do I really need all this?  The remastered versions are not very different from the originals.  Volume 4 will include rare recordings, but I can't buy just that volume.  There will be a video series coming to Disney+  in the Fall.  I will likely watch that.  I think I spent enough money on the Beatles over the years.

Return Visit to the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA)

 

Lee Next to the Campbells Soup Cans Drawn by Andy Warhol

For three Sundays in a row, Lee and I have visited museums in Manhattan:

• August 10 - Morgan Library and Museum
• August 17  - New York Historical Society
• August 24 - Museum of Modern Art (MOMA)

Since we hadn't visited MOMA since last January, I thought it was time was a return visit.  The patrons at MOMA were much younger than those at the Morgan and New Yor Historical Society.  I guess middle-aged and older adults prefer more traditional art. MOMA contains 200,000 works of architecture and design, drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, prints, illustrated and artist's books, film, as well as electronic media.

A Picasso at MOMA

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Oldie of the Day - Another Day by Paul McCartney

 

This was a single release by Paul after the Beatles broke up.

The CD Player Finally Died - I Replaced it with a Boombox

 

In February 2016, I reported in this journal that I purchased a Sony CD player capable of playing 5 CDs consecutively.  Over the 9 1/2 years that I owned it, I used it quite often.  On most evenings, I listened to music while I ate dinner. It must have played hundreds if not thousands, of CDs over the years.  Finally, it just conked out.  No product, especially one with moving parts, lasts forever.

I saw used Sony CD players for sale on eBay, but I decided not to buy one.  You never know how long a used product will last.  Since I rarely play more than one CD at a time, I decided to purchase a boombox instead.

This Phillips boombox also has a cassette tape player.  I saw on the TV news that cassettes are making a comeback.  Maybe I should play some of the radio tapes that I made decades ago.

Random Thoughts of the Day August 18, 2025

Does the media report the news or create it?  Here are two instances;

1. NBC News reports Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, are planning to move their family into a new home on the Windsor Estate in search of a "fresh start" after a trying few years.  Who cares?  Why does the news media brainwash the American public into thinking the doings of the British Royal Family are important?
2. The news media are still following the story of Bryan Kohberger, the murderer of the 4 Idaho college students. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to life in prison with no chance of parole.  What more do we need to know about him?  Let him rot in prison.

ESPN's coverage of the MLB Little League Classic was terrible. Talking to players on the field does not enhance the game's coverage.  Likewise, the interviews during the game distracted viewers.

Commissioner of Baseball Rob Manfred in his interview, said that after expansion, there will be realignment of the divisions based on geography.  This would mean the end of the National and American Leagues as we've known them for over 100 years.  In my opinion, some realignment would be acceptable, but I would prefer to preserve the National and American Leagues.