Passover Seder in the NYC Subway

 

The story on the TV News last night states that this seder took place on the #6 train.

• A rapper known as Kosha Dillz started hosting pop-up Passover Seders on subway trains three years ago.  It is obviously an abbreviated version.
• The moving celebration brings together riders of different backgrounds, including some attending their first Seder
• Organizers say the quick, unconventional format is designed for people who might otherwise skip the holiday
• Participants say the experience is both meaningful and uniquely New York

I think there should have been a seder on a New Jersey Transit train.  With their history of long delays, there could have been a complete seder.

Everybody Plays the Fool by the Main Ingredient on April Fools Day

 

I have to be careful about what I read on the Internet on April Fools Day.  Somebody stated that the Mets traded Richard Lovelady to the Baltimore Orioles for Pete Alonso.

Pirates 4 Mets 3 in 10 Innings

Since we hold a Sunday partial ticket plan, we were at today's game after being at the home opener just 3 days ago.  Like yesterday, today's game had to go into extra innings.  The Pirates did not hit well with runners in scoring position in the first 9 innings, but in the 10th inning Ryan O’Hearn singled to left field, driving in automatic runner Bryan Reynolds.  Four batters later, Pittsburgh added to the lead when catcher Henry Davis singled to right-center field, scoring pinch-runner Billy Cook.  With runners on first and second with no outs in the bottom of the 10th, Juan Soto doubled to left-center field, scoring automatic runner Francisco Alvarez, but relay throws from center fielder Oneil Cruz and shortstop Jared Triolo were able to nail Francisco Lindor at the plate.  Jorge Polanco flied out to Cook in right field to end the game.

The Mets are now 2-1, but there are 159 more games to play.

Box Score

 

Jamie Ding - Latest Jeopardy Superstar

 

Last night, Jamie Ding won his 10th game qualifying him to be a Jeopardy Superstar.  Here are his statistics compiled by The Jeopardy Fan.

Jamie Ding, career statistics:

306 correct, 20 incorrect

22/24 on rebound attempts (on 42 rebound opportunities)

48.42% in first on buzzer (275/568)

12/17 on Daily Doubles (Net Earned: $34,200)

8/10 in Final Jeopardy

Average Coryat: $25,540

Total winnings for the first 10 games: $272,810

He now ranks #18 in all-time winnings in regular play.  He made one mistake when he bet and lost $30,000 in a Final Jeopardy.

We must take Jeopardy one game at a time, so we don't know how many games he will win.  It depends on the categories, Daily Doubles, and competition.

Opening Day at Cit Field Mets 11 Pirates 7

 

Since we bought a 20-game package for 2026, we got tickets for Opening Day.  There was a full house at Citi Field.  I saw reports of horrific traffic jams in Queens, but, as usual, we took the #7 to the ballpark.  The Mets made several roster changes in the offseason, so this was obviously the first time to see the new players in action.

Freddy Peralta, acquired from the Milwaukee Brewers, gave up two home runs in the first inning, but it was uphill from there for the Mets.  They scored 5 runs in the first to knock out the 2025 Cy Young Award Winner, Paul Skenes. The Mets were helped by defensive mistakes by centerfielder Oneil Cruz.

Rookie Carson Benge hit his first career home run, while catcher Francisco Alvarez also homered.  Brandon Lowe hit two home runs for the Pirates.

It is a very long season, but so far, so good.

Box Score

Two Years Later, Whitestone Lanes is Still Open

 

Two years ago, I was interviewed on NY1 about the closing of Whitestone Lanes.  In 2019, I started an online petition opposing the use of that site for affordable housing, as it would create congestion at that intersection and overcrowd the local schools. The reporter was able to track me down and interviewed me and two others for the story.

After two years, Whitestone Lanes is still there.  I see many cars in the lot when I pass there on Saturday mornings.  It must be profitable, or else the owners would have closed it.

I advised the reporter that it may be premature to run the story, but she wanted to do it.  NY1 did a story about the demise of the College Point Multiplex, but in that case, a closing date was announced.

MJ The Musical

 

It is a family tradition to see a Broadway show for Lee's birthday, which is coming up this Saturday.  He picked MJ The Musical.  We decided to go on a weekday since the ticket prices were significantly less.  It is a Tony Award-winning Broadway jukebox musical focusing on Michael Jackson's creative process during rehearsals for the 1992 Dangerous World Tour and featuring 25 of his hits.  The choreography was excellent.

Nervous Breakdown - Eddie Cochran ----- Nineteenth Nervous Breakdown Rolling Stones

 

Bob Dylan covered Eddie Cochran's Nervous Breakdown on his first two concerts of 2026.  According to Joel Whitburn's Top Pop, it was released in 1958, but did not chart.  Eight years later, Nineteenth Nervous Breakdown by the Rolling Stones hit #2 on the Billboard chart.

Bob Dylan's Never Ending Tour Resumed Last Night in Omaha, Nebraska

 It is still branded as the Rough and Rowdy Ways Tour that started after the COVID-19 pandemic.  Within minutes after the end of the concert, the setlist was posted on the Internet. As you can see below, most of the songs were from Dylan's latest album.  There were a few older Dylan songs played along with covers of Bo Diddley and Eddie Cochran songs.  Will future concerts on this leg of the tour have the same setlist?

1. I'll Be Your Baby Tonight
   Play Video
2. Man in the Long Black Coat
   (First Live Performance Since 2013)
   Play Video
3. All Along the Watchtower
   Play Video
4. I Contain Multitudes
   Play Video
5. False Prophet
   Play Video
6. Black Rider
   Play Video
7. Love Sick
   Play Video
8. Key West (Philosopher Pirate)
   Play Video
9. I Can Tell
   (Bo Diddley cover)
   Play Video
10. I've Made Up My Mind to Give Myself to You
    Play Video
11. Crossing the Rubicon
    Play Video
12. When I Paint My Masterpiece
    Play Video
13. Don't Think Twice, It's All Right
    Play Video
14. Soon After Midnight
    Play Video
15. Nervous Breakdown
    (Eddie Cochran cover)
    Play Video
16. Every Grain of Sand

Tribute to Miles Davis at Flushing Town Hall

 

It is nice to have a concert venue in the neighborhood.  Last night we walked over to see a tribute to the late Miles Davis.  Led by trumpeter and 2012 NEA Jazz Master Jimmy Owens, the FTH stage welcomed pianist and 2010 NEA Jazz Master Kenny Barron, drummer and 2021 NEA Jazz Master Terri Lyne Carrington, bassist Kenny Davis, saxophonist and 2022 NEA Jazz Master Donald Harrison, and guitarist Michael Howell. This suite of brilliant, acclaimed musicians championed Davis and his contributions to the field.

I have his CD Bitch's Brew in my collection.  His works are heard on WBGO.  From 1988 to 2007, his recordings were also played on CD101.9.  WFAN is now heard on that frequency,

Howie Rose calls Pete Alonso's Go Ahead Home Run 2024 Wild Card Game 3

 

Today, Howie Rose announced that he will retire from being the Mets' radio voice at the end of this season.  He has been with the team since 1987.  He said his father introduced him to baseball, and sadly passed away in 1978, and never saw or heard any of Howie's broadcasts.  Hopefully, Howie will announce a Mets World Series victory to end his phenomenal career.  

I am posting Howie's call of Pete Alonso's Go Ahead Home Run 2024 Wild Card Game 3.  Ironically, Devin Williams who threw the pitch is now on the Mets while Pete Alonso left.

Questions About Bob Dylan's 2026 Tour - Posted on March 18

 

Some time ago, dates were announced from March 20 to May 1.  Most venues are in small cities in the South and the Midwest.  Within the last few days there were two concert dates announced in early June in Washington State and one in Oklahoma.  Likely, more dates will be announced in the near future.

Questions

• Will these be more Rough and Rowdy Ways concerts with most songs being from Dylan's latest album from 2020?  If so, what other Dylan songs or covers will he play?  Will there be a completely different set list?
• Will Dylan appear on the Outlaw Tour with Willie Nelson as he did during the last two summers?
• The big question for me is whether he will play in the New York metropolitan area.  The Beacon Theater is my preferred venue.

70s Hit of the Day Love Rollercoaster by the Ohio Players

 

This was a big hit in early 1976.  It reminds me of two people that I knew all those years ago.

Chris Carrino, Radio Voice of the Brooklyn Nets, Win Curt Gowdy Media Award from the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame

 

Chris Carrino has served as the Brooklyn Nets’ radio play-by-play announcer since 2002, having joined the organization in 1992 as a studio producer and feature reporter. He steadily worked his way up to studio host, backup play-by-play announcer, and ultimately the team’s lead radio voice.

It is an amazing accomplishment since Chris is suffering from facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy, or FSHD, a genetic disease that has weakened his muscles and for which there is no cure.  Chris's journey is discussed in detail in an article in The Athletic written by Andrew Marchand.

Please read this website describing the Chris Carrino Foundation for FSHS.

New Jersey - Some Things Change, Others Stay the Same

 

• From 1992-2017, I commuted from Queens to Newark, New Jersey.  There were numerous delays on New Jersey Transit, many of which were documented on my commuting blog.  Almost every morning now, I hear about terrible NJ Transit delays on the TV news.  I count my blessings that I never have to ride any of their trains.  Avoiding NJ Transit is one reason I don't want to visit my former employer.
• From time to time, I peruse the websites of my former employer. (I choose not to name it here).  Certainly, over 8 years, things will change, most of which is positive.  Enrollment has grown with new programs, departments, and faculty.  There is a new president and provost.
• Let me discuss changes in the library that I observed. The staff has grown with about 4 new positions.  I am disappointed to see that the new librarians do not have degrees in the technical disciplines offered by the university.  I can't understand why reference hours were extended to 9 PM from Monday to Thursday.  During my last years there, reference transactions declined greatly.  For many hours, I sat at the reference desk and had no interactions.  I can not see this trend changing.  Let them do what they want, as I am not there any longer.

Natalie Merchant Covers Sad Eyed Lady of the Lowlands at Cain's Ballroom in Tulsa

 

The Bob Dylan Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma, presented "Sooner or Later: Celebrating 60 Years of Bob Dylan's Blonde on Blonde," a special one-night-only concert held on February 20, 2026, at Cain's Ballroom. The event featured a house band and various artists performing the landmark 1966 album in its entirety, with comedian Jordan Klepper as host.

I have chosen to feature Natalie Merchant's cover of Sad Eyed Lady of the Lowlands.  I remember Dylan's original had a long harmonica solo.  There is no video of the entire concert, but if you search YouTube you will find other concert appearances covering the songs.

Bob Dylan as Filmmaker: No Time to Think

 

In February 2021, in this journal, I questioned how many Bob Dylan books are enough.  What does Dylan think of all the books that have been written him or his works over the years?  He probably doesn't care since he didn't visit the Bob Dylan Center in Tulsa the last time he performed in that city.  The Dylan archives at the center have certainly encouraged more research.  A book about Dylan is valuable if it provides new insights into his works.

Of course, Bob Dylan is best known as a songwriter and musician.  Michael Glover Smith is a Chicago-based filmmaker, author, and teacher.  His most recent film, Helka, was released in early 2026.  Please understand that this journal entry is not meant as a critical review of the book, but just an attempt to bring it to the attention of Dylan fans who regularly read my journal.  I don't know who they are since internet surfers are mostly anonymous.

In the introduction, the author states the book examines an authorial voice in moving image works directed by others, including:

• Eat the Document
• Rolling Thunder Revue: A Bob Dylan Story by Martin Scorcese
• Shadow Kingdom: The Early Songs of Bob Dylan
• A Complete Unknown directed by James Mangold

It does not examine in depth the better-known Dylan films, including:

• Don't Look Back
• Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid
• I'm Not There

I was impressed by the information included in the book's appendices, which are useful to Dylan fans and scholars.  This includes lists of:

• Documentaries about Dylan
• Narrative films in which Bob Dylan appears as an actor
• Music videos where  Dylan appears
• Films for which Dylan wrote new music

Here are a few detailed reviews by Dylan scholars (I am a fan, not a scholar)

• Matthew Ingate
• Simon Warner
• Bradley Morgan

Michael Glover Smith has been interviewed on various podcasts, including:

• Definitely Dylan with Laura Tenschert
• Erin Callahan - Infinity Goes Up on Trial
• Kait Flower

There will be an open discussion through a Zoom Meeting with the Bob Dylan Book Club on March 22nd at 2 PM Eastern Time

Enough said.

Remembering Jack Spector of WMCA

 

It was 32 years ago today when Jack Spector suffered a fatal heart attack while on the air at WHLI.  He is best known for his time as a disc jockey on WMCA when his shift was 1 PM - 4 PM.  When WMCA started a talk format, he did a sports talk show.  Later, he did a similar show on WNBC.  He also worked at WHN and WCBS-FM.

Out of Sight Out of Mind by the Five Keys

 

I discussed the concept of "Out of Sight Out of Mind"  several times in this journal.  I discovered a song by that title that reached #23 on the Billboard chart in 1956.  Sadly, I was confronted by this notion again over the last week.  I won't discuss the specifics of this situation here. Briefly, I sent a friendly email to 3 people, but they didn't respond. I hadn't seen them in about 15 years and was trying to stay connected.  I guess I am Out of Sight Out of Mind to Them.  There is just nothing I can do.

64-12 Wetherole Street in Rego Park - Yesterday and Today

 In January 1980, I moved out of my parents' apartment on Saunders Street and moved to a small one-bedroom apartment a few blocks away at 64-12 Wetherole Street, across the street from P.S. 139. It was a small building with just 12 apartments.  I lived there until Fall 1983 when I married Karen and moved to 62-60 99th Street.  I remember the landlady was a cheap bitch and gave very little heat.  On a few occasions, it was so cold in the apartment that I could see my breath.

64-12 Wetherole Street in 2009

Today, as I perused Facebook, I found a post in the Rego-Forest Preservation Council Folder by Jim Orens and learned that 64-12 Wetherole Street is being demolished and will be replaced by a much larger building.  I haven't visited Rego Park in a while. I am aware that many small buildings were demolished and replaced by high rises.  For example, the Shalimar on 63rd Drive and the Trylon on Queens Blvd. are gone, replaced by high-rises.  Everyone is out for the almighty buck.

2026 64-12 is on the right side and is being deconstructed

The building on the left replaced a low-rise

Random Thoughts of the Day - Tuesday March 3

 

• I saw the documentary Man on the Run about Paul McCartney on Amazon Prime Video.  It was very good, but it stopped in the early 1980s.  Perhaps there will be another film about Paul's later years
• Out of Sight, Out of Mind also applies to families.  I sent a kind email to Karen's nephews and niece in California, but they didn't respond.  This is disappointing, but there is nothing I can do.
• This year, I will watch some of the World Baseball Classic.  Opening Day at Citi Field is on March 26.  Hopefully, it won't be cold that day.

EPIC - Elvis Presley in Concert at AMC Fresh Meadows

 

My son Lee, the Elvis Presley fan in the family, insisted we see EPIC Elvis Presley in Concert, which opened in traditional movie theaters this weekend.  It was not a traditional concert film that showed one concert, but provided clips from different concerts from Elvis's later years.  There were also flashbacks from his earlier years.  Interviews were also featured.

• There were several seconds of Elvis singing Dylan's "I Shall Be Released".  I was not aware of this recording
• Elvis never did a concert outside North America
• Some of the footage was never shown before.
• There were only about 10 people in the audience.  I guess people would rather stay home to watch movies.

On the way home, I turned the SiriusXM radio to Elvis Radio, where we heard director Baz Luhrmann interviewed.

Review in the New York Times

Solitaire - Elvis Presley Covers a Neil Sedaka Song

 Last night we heard the terrible news that Neil Sedaka passed away at age 86.  He was certainly an icon in popular music for over 60 years.  It was a shame that he was not elected to the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame. Obituary in the New York Times.  He also wrote songs for other artists.  Solitaire did not chart for either Elvis Presley or Neil

Johnny Cash - A Wanted Man on What Would Have Been His 94th Birthday

 

This duo of Johnny Cash and Bob Dylan appears on the Dylan boxed set Travelin' Thru.  If you listen carefully toward the end, Johnny changed the lyrics:

Wanted Man Duluth

Wanted Man Hibbing

Wanted Man Dyess

Happy Heavenly 83rd Birthday to George Harrison

 

George Harrison has appeared many times in Bruce's Journal. Many of the YouTube videos that I posted on previous birthdays have been deleted.  I never posted Got My Mind Set on You.

One of these days, I will have to replace the deleted videos.  It would likely take a long time for me to do it.

Remembering a Snow Day - January 20, 1961

Today, there was some controversy over whether the NYC school buildings should be closed and whether online learning should be done.  The mayor decided to open the schools, but there was opposition from many parents and politicians.  On January 20, 1961, I was in the 6th grade at PS 139 Queens in Rego Park.  The day before, a classmate offered to bring a TV to school so everyone could watch the JFK inauguration.  There was a heavy snowstorm that day, and the schools were closed so we could watch the event from home.

 

Bob Dylan Version of Sgt. Pepper Cover Found on X (formerly Twitter)

 

Record Snowfalls in New York City

 

Amount (in inches)	Date(s)
1.	27.5	Jan. 22-24, 2016
2.	26.9	Feb.11-12, 2006
3	26.4	Dec.26-27, 1947
4	21.0	March 12-14, 1888
5	20.9	Feb. 25-26, 2010
6	20.2	Jan. 7-8, 1996
7	20.0	Dec. 26-27, 2010
8	19.8	Feb. 16-17, 2003
9	19.0	Jan. 26-27, 2011
10	18.1	Jan. 22-24, 1935 March 7-8, 1941

I lived through 7 of the 10 biggest snowfalls in New York City history.  A blizzard is predicted for later today into Monday.  Every forecaster predicts a different amount.  The best advice is to just stay home during the storm.

Random Thoughts of the Day February 19, 2026

 

• Former Prince Andrew of England was arrested.  Who cares?  I don't understand the fascination of the American public with the British royal family.  Is the news media brainwashing us into thinking it is so important?
• The kidnapping of the Lindbergh baby was in 1932, long before television or the internet.  Is the kidnapping of Nancy Guthrie of similar relevance?  Charles Lindbergh was an aviator best known for making the first solo non-stop flight across the Atlantic Ocean.  Savannah Guthrie is best known as a host of the Today Show on NBC television.  The Lindbergh case came to a tragic end as the baby was found dead. At that point in time it was called "The Crime of the Century".  I guess 60 years later the OJ Simpson case received that moniker. The murderer was tried, convicted, and executed.  Hopefully, Nancy Guthrie will be found safe and sound very soon.
• I have never been tempted to convert Bruce's Journal to a podcast.  I express myself better in writing than I do verbally.
• I am looking forward to the warmer weather and the start of baseball season.

My Comments on the Major League Baseball Collective Bargaining Agreement for 2027 and Beyond

 

This is a very complicated situation that could result in a lockout before the 2027 season.  I suggest my readers look at the following two articles from The Athletic written by Evan Drellich:

• An MLB labor war is coming. Will President Trump try to step in?  - No comments from me here as I despise politics
• MLB owners enraged by Kyle Tucker-Dodgers deal, will push for salary cap ‘no matter what’

The major issue is a salary cap.  Today's salaries are outrageous, to say the least.  The owners will want a salary cap, while the players will oppose it.  There would also have to be a salary floor so that small market teams can be more competitive.  If a salary cap is imposed, there must be a "grandfather clause" so that contracts already signed can be honored.  If there is no agreement, there will definitely be a strike or lockout threatening the 2027 season.

The Players Association Executive Director, Tony Clark, has resigned.  Will this have an effect on the negotations?

MLB Commissioner Manfred sees path to larger national TV slate, bundled local rights for MLB in the future. What does this imply for local networks such as YES and SNY?  This can also complicate the negotiations.

Let's enjoy the 2026 season because there may not be one in 2027.

The Melting Snow is Ugly

 

Three weeks ago today, there was a 10-inch snowfall in NYC.  Since the temperature was so low in the days after, there was little or no melt.  The temperature for the last few days has hit 40 degrees F, resulting in some melting.  The piled snow is always the last to melt. It is absolutely ugly since soot and other pollutants are absorbed by it. Hopefully, there will soon be a warm rain storm to melt the piles. I have seen many cars that have not been moved in three weeks.  What is the sense of owning a car if the driver doesn't use it?

Article in the New York Times about melting snow.

The Sports and Bob Dylan Diehards Have a Little Break

 

I follow some sports diehards, including Mike and Dante, on X.  They keep track of how many baseball, basketball, and hockey games they have attended.  Mike is approaching 10,000 baseball games.  Apparently, these guys have no other interests.  They must incur big costs between the tickets and traveling. Right now the NBA is on the All-Star break will there are no NHL games since many of the players are participating in the Winter Olympics.

Bob Dylan's Never Ending Tour resumes on March 31 in Omaha and will continue until May 1 in Abilene, Texas.  Sue, from Canada, will be driving and visiting most of the venues.  Some of the other diehards have made plans to see some of those concerts.  Dylan will be 85 years old in May and continues to tour.  Hopefully, he will come to NYC later in the year.

Crazy Dreams about Former Colleagues

 

I am changing all names to protect everyone's privacy.  

• XX worked at Newark U. until 2012, when she left for a position at Trenton U.  It was a good career move for her as it allowed her to advance professionally.  It was well known that this University was having financial difficulties.  About a month ago, she announced on Facebook that she was laid off after 13 years at her position.  She was very upset that she got no notice, severance pay, or continuation of benefits.  I met her in my dream last night, where she said she got a new job.  I hope that this dream comes true.
• YY was the University Librarian at Newark until he tragically passed away about 10 years ago.  In my dream, I visited the campus where he told me there was a golf tournament.  I think the university has a golf team, but they wouldn't have a golf tournament on campus.
• I visited Newark and desperately had to use the restroom.  I came into the library when ZZ, the current University Librarian, told me all the restrooms were closed.

Two of the three dreams were crazy.

"I'll let you be in my dreams if I can be in yours" - Bob Dylan from Talkin' World War III Blues - I just had to get him in.

Saluting George Harrison on National Guitar Day

 There are many great guitarists out there, but George Harrison is my favorite.  In this journal entry, I am featuring three songs with a guitar solo by George:

• Beware of Darkness (George as a solo artist)
• Old Brown Shoe (Beatles)
• While My Guitar Gently Weeps (Beatles)