Is Snail Mail Returning? I don't see it

 

There was a story on the Today Show about the return of snail mail.  I just don't see that as people are in love with text messaging.  I rarely send out letters via the postal mail.  I remember at the 1964 World's Fair in Flushing Meadows, Parker Pen had a pavilion where you could find a pen pal from a foreign country. In the early 1970s, when I was a graduate student at the University of Rhode Island, I sent letters to my friends in NYC.  I just don't see the return of snail mail.

Forest Hills High School Class of 1967 Reunion is Announced for June

 

I have mixed feelings about reunions.  I don't hate them, but I am not jumping for joy over them either.  I've been to a few over the years, but also passed on some others.  Shelly Gabel Dinstein is organizing this one.  I knew her better in PS 139.  This reunion will be at the World's Fair Marina, which is a 10-minute drive from home.

The announcement above includes selected photos of classmates.  There were about 1000 students in FHHS class of 1967, so it is hard to predict how many will come.  Many are indifferent to reunions, while others are willing to travel long distances to reconnect with old friends.  Sadly, many of my classmates have passed away.

Check in next June for a report.

I Just Love the Bo Diddley Beat - Say Man

 

The "lyrics" are somewhat silly, but I love the Bo Diddley beat.

Mazel Tov - The Mets Beat the Dodgers 8-3

 

Of course, this has been a lost season for the Mets.  Most of the stories speculate on who will be traded at the deadline.  Nobody talks about what players the Mets should get back in return.  Let's get back to today's game.

As I entered Citi Field and walked to my seat, I observed there were as many Dodger fans as Mets fans. A Facebook friend stated Dodger fans are travelers. You see lots of them at Camden Yards as well.

The Mets fell behind 3-1, but Tyrone Taylor put the Mets ahead with a three-run homer in the sixth inning, and Marcus Semien added a three-run drive in the seventh.  The bullpen closed the doors on the Dodgers, and the Mets held on to an 8-3 victory.

Box Score

Jeopardy Season #42 is Over

 

Jeopardy is unique since its season lasts for 46 weeks into late July, while other game shows end in June.  Thus, there are 230 episodes every season.  For 6 weeks, the show will be airing reruns of various tournaments.  This season featured several big winners including:

• Jamie Ding - 31 wins
• Harrison Whittaker - 14 wins
• Caleb Groen - 12 wins
• Adam Remsen - 10 wins
• Tristen Williams - 10 wins
• Chris D'Angelo - 8 wins

Those and several others will compete in the next Tournament of Champions.  Jamie will be the favorite, but you never know what will happen.

The Mets Should Be very Careful About Making Trades at the Deadline

 

Needless to say, this season has been a disaster for the Mets.  As of today, their record is 43-60.  I put the blame on David Stearns, whose off-season moves did not work out.  This article by Jason Burgos prompted me to write this entry.  He has a good point in saying that the Mets' farm system is just not producing.  Few minor leaguers can be impact players within a year or two.  There is a temptation to trade players with expiring contracts for prospects.  These include:

Freddy Peralta (SP): Earns an $8 million salary in 2026. He is considered one of the Mets' top trade chips despite a down season.

A.J. Minter (RP): Playing under an $11 million salary. He is an impending free agent expected to move to a contender

.Brooks Raley (RP): Playing on a $4.75 million contract after his 2026 club option was exercised.

Tyrone Taylor (OF): Playing on a one-year, $3.8 million deal and hits free agency at the end of the year.

If you are going to trade them, at least get good players in return.  Last winter, Stearns traded Jeff McNeil to the Athletics and got a 17-year-old in return.

I hope the Mets will sign Clay Holmes, who holds a player option for 2027, to an extension.

Stearns should ensure that the Mets have a competitive team for the rest of 2026.  I have several games left on the Sunday package and do not want to see a bunch of minor leaguers.

I Had Shelter for the Storm at Home Last Night

 

Bob Dylan at Forest Hills 2026

The weather forecast for yesterday was terrible, calling for heavy rain, wind, and the possibility of tornadoes.  I grappled all day on whether I should go, as the venue's policy was the show goes on rain or shine.  At about 4 PM, there was heavy rain in Queens.  Although I have been a big Dylan fan for 60 years, I decided to stay home and not have to sit in the rain for hours. I was looking forward to this concert, but safety and comfort must come first. In any event, you barely see Dylan since he hides wearing a hoodie, as seen above.  I was willing to lose the money I spent for the tickets.

Even though events at Yankee Stadium and Jones Beach Theater were postponed, the show went on.  Facebook posts indicated it was delayed, but Dylan and the opening acts played.  Many people also didn't come and complained, but there is nothing we can do.

YouTube Recording

Queens, New York Forest Hills Stadium July 21, 2026

1.	To Be Alone With You (Bob on electric keyboard)
2.	Man In The Long Black Coat (Bob on electric keyboard)
3.	It Ain't Me, Babe (Bob on electric keyboard)
4.	False Prophet (Bob on electric keyboard, Tony on standup bass)
5.	I Can Tell (song by Samuel Smith) (Bob on electric keyboard, Tony on standup bass)
6.	Black Rider (Bob on electric keyboard, Tony on standup bass)
7.	Share Your Love With Me (song by Alfred Braggs and Deadric Malone) (Bob on electric keyboard)
8.	When I Paint My Masterpiece (Bob on electric keyboard, Tony on standup bass)
9.	I'll Make It All Up To You (song by Charlie Rich) (Bob on electric keyboard, Tony on standup bass)
10.	Crossing the Rubicon (Bob on electric keyboard, Tony on standup bass)
11.	Soon After Midnight (Bob on electric keyboard)
12.	Under The Red Sky (Bob on electric keyboard and harp)
13.	I've Made Up My Mind To Give Myself To You (Bob on electric keyboard, Tony on standup bass)
14.	Goodbye Jimmy Reed (Bob on electric keyboard, Tony on standup bass)
15.	I Shall Be Released (Bob on electric keyboard and harp)

Boom Boom by the Animals While Thinking About Freddy Cannon

 

I will request this on Bob Radil's 60s 70s show on Friday

Remembering Freddy Cannon (1937-2026)

 We found out today that Freddy Cannon passed away at age 89.  Back in 2014, I posted his hit Abigail Beecher in this Journal. Today, I am posting the Dedication Song.

Smoke Gets In Your Eyes by the Platters - Appropriate Oldie of the Day

 

Hopefully, the smoke from the Canadian wildfires will dissipate soon.

Report in the New York Times

Caleb Groen - The Last Jeopardy Superstar of Season 42

Caleb Groen won his 10th game yesterday to qualify as a Jeopardy Superstar.  Most likely, Season 42 will end on Friday, July 24th, so Caleb will be the last big winner of the year.  With his total of just over $300,000, he is already #18 on the all-time winners list for regular-season play.  Most of his victories were runaways.  He will be a formidable contestant in the next Tournament of Champions.

 

I am Not on the Bandwagon for World Cup Soccer and Other Things

 

According to Merriam-Webster, A bandwagon is a popular cause, movement, or trend that attracts growing support. It is most commonly used in the phrase "jump on the bandwagon," which means to adopt a popular trend, activity, or belief simply because it has become fashionable or successful.

It seems that everyone and his brother is following the World Cup Soccer tournament.  But do these people follow soccer at other times?  I never developed an interest in soccer, so I am not following the tournament.  I am not on the bandwagon.

Some other examples:

• The Super Bowl. Many people follow pro football just once a year.  I marginally follow football.  I guess I am so much into baseball that I neglect other sports.
• The Triple Crown of Racing.  So many people follow only the Kentucky Derby, Preakness, and the Belmont Stakes.  I was never into horse racing.
• The Knicks' victory parade drew about 2 million spectators.  How many of them followed the Knicks during their losing seasons?  I do follow basketball, but not as closely as baseball.

What a Way to Lose a Game - Red Sox 3 Mets 2 in 10 innings

 

Rookie pitcher Zach Thornton was pitching an excellent game as he pitched 7 innings, allowing only 2 hits, 2 walks, and no runs.  Now, I predict David Stearns will option him to the minors. Luke Weaver pitched a clean 8th inning, giving the Mets a 2-0 lead in the top of the 9th.  With one out and a man on first Francisco Lindor allowed Romy Gonzalez's grounder to shortstop to bounce off his chest. That would have been a game-ending double play.

Caleb Durbin and Andrew Monasterio walked, forcing in a run, and Jarren Duran blooped a tying single that dropped just in front of sliding right fielder Carson Benge.

In the 10th, automatic runner Masataka Yoshida moved to third on Connor Wong’s sacrifice against Brooks Raley (4-4) before racing home on Siegler’s liner to left.  The Mets could not score in the bottom of the 10th, giving the Red Sox a 3-2 victory.

The Red Sox completed a 9-0 road trip while the Mets' record dropped to 40-57 at the All-Star break.

Box Score

Random Thoughts of the Day - July 10, 2026

 

Since we are getting closer to the MLB trading deadline of August 3, there is more speculation about whom the Mets will trade.  I think no team should make a trade for the sake of making one. A good trade benefits both teams.  The deadline trades the Mets made last season did not work out.

I just hate the way David Stearns brings up a pitcher, lets him pitch one game, and then immediately sends him back to the minors.  I never know who is still on the team.  This action will hurt a player's professional development.

Yesterday, I engaged in an online chat with Gary, who was the Court Officer, when I was on jury duty in October 2010.  I am surprised he remembered me.

According to Blogger, Bruce's Journal has received over 10 million hits.  I just don't know how many of those are from bots. An entry I wrote about approaching my birthday in April 2017 received over 300 hits in one day.  Those have to be from bots.

Royals 16 Mets 12

 

Oy vey.  What happened to the Mets' pitching?  First of all, I don't understand the concept of an "opener" when a relief pitcher starts the game and is taken out after one inning.  Cionel Perez was the opener for the Mets last night and just pitched one inning.  He was relieved by Kodai Senga, who was  a disaster as he gave up 4 runs in 3 innings.  The Mets had a 9-4 lead at the end of 4 innings, but Austin Warren gave up 5 runs in the fifth inning to tie the game at 9.  Matt Seelinger made his major league debut after 9 years in the minors and gave up 7 runs in 2 innings.  The hitting came through, scoring 12 runs, but what good is that when the pitching gives up 16 runs?

Tyler Tolbert of the Royals set an MLB record getting hits in 12 straight plate appearances.

Game Recap

Happy 86th Birthday to Ringo Starr

 

I have saluted Ringo on his birthday several times in the past.  For this year, I am featuring the Beatles version of Boys where Ringo sings lead.  The Shirelles had the original version of  Boys in the early 1960s.  

17 Years of the Fans of Cousin Bruce Morrow Page on Facebook

 

Yesterday, I received a message from Facebook stating it was the 17th anniversary of my starting the Fans of Cousin Bruce page.  I never remembered the exact date that I started it.  Since that time, 14,400 people have joined the group.  The overwhelming majority are lurkers, as relatively few post there.  Thankfully, there have been very few inappropriate posts over the years.  Cousin Bruce also set up his Official Friendship Page, which has 85,000 members.

Random Thoughts on July 4, 2026

 

• I remember my friend Mike H from CCNY had  birthday barbecues from 1969-71
• Happy Birthday to my grandnephew, Teddy Shapiro, who lives in northern California
• We live in a culture enamored by celebrity weddings.  I think the excitement over Prince Charles's wedding to Diana in 1981 was greater than that of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce.
• On July 4, 1976, I was living in New Brunswick, NJ.  There were more activities for the Bicentennial than the 250th anniversary today.

America by Simon and Garfunkel - Good Song for the July 4th Weekend

 

Random Thoughts of the Day - July 1, 2026

• Today is Bobby Bonilla Day as the former player receives a check for $1,193,248.20 from the Mets.  He will receive these payments every year until 2035. What people don’t know, by deferring Bobby Bonilla's contract, the New York Mets had the money to sign Mike Hampton, who became the NLCS MVP that season. Hampton played a significant role for the 2000 Mets, who lost the World Series to the Yankees.
• I am taking an online defensive driving course to save money on my car insurance.  Everything in the course is common sense to experienced drivers.
• I had another crazy dream about attending a professional meeting 8 years after I retired.  This is one of the few dreams that I remembered after I woke up.