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.

 

Half Moon by Janis Joplin - It is Halfway Through 2026

 

Where does all the time go?  We are halfway through 2026.  The days just fly by.  The days turn into weeks, weeks into months, and months into years.

Phillies 5 Mets 4 - New Manager Same Result

On the way to the game, there were signal problems on the #7 train.  So what else is new after all these years of riding the trains?  We arrived in time for the start of the game, as with other Met games this season.  The Mets left 14 men on base and batted 2 for 16 with runners in scoring position.  The only highlight for the home team was a two-run pinch-hit homer by A.J. Ewing that tied the game at 3-3.  But Kyle Schwarber hit a two-run homer to put the Phillies ahead 5-4 in the 7th inning.  He now leads MLB with 30 home runs.

There were many Phillie fans in the stands.  It is an easy drive or train ride from Philadelphia to Queens.

Game Recap

 

David Stearns Should Have Been Fired - The Manager is Always the Scapegoat

 

This man should be on the unemployment line

. 

As a Mets fan since 1962, I should throw my two cents in at this time.  I thought of an analogous situation. In October 1960, the Yankees lost the World Series to the Pittsburgh Pirates in 7 games.  Shortly thereafter, Casey Stengel was fired as manager, even though he won several World Series for the Bronx Bombers in the 1950s.  Casey managed the expansion Mets from 1962-65, who were big losers.  The players on the two teams were the difference.

David Stearns made several offseason player moves that turned out to be disasters.

• He signed Jorge Polanco to play first base, even though he had very minimal experience there.  He has missed most of the season so far to injury.  Did Stearns examine his medical history?
• Luis Robert Jr. was signed to be the centerfielder, but he too, has missed most of the season to injury.
• He traded Jeff McNeil to the Athletics for a low-level minor leaguer.  If you make a trade, get something of equal value back.
• He traded for an aging Marcus Semien to play second base.

This week he traded pitcher David Peterson to the Cubs for another low-level minor leaguer.

I don't like how Sterans has handled the roster.  A pitcher comes in and does well.  A day later, Stearns sends him back to the minors.  How can a pitcher develop confidence when that happens?

Several players, including Bret Baty, Mark Vientos, and Bo Bichette are playing new positions.

The world's greatest manager can not win if he doesn't have good players.  Carlos Mendoza was made the scapegoat for David Stearns' mistakes.

Adam Remsen - Latest Jeopardy Superstar

 

Adam Remsen, an attorney and theater producer from Memphis, won his 10th game to qualify as a Jeopardy Superstar.  Most of his victories were runaways.  Of course, he qualifies for the next Tournament of Champions.

Adam Remsen, career statistics:
263 correct, 29 incorrect
23/28 on rebound attempts (on 44 rebound opportunities)
42.11% in first on buzzer (240/570)
11/14 on Daily Doubles (Net Earned: $36,400)
6/10 in Final Jeopardy

We have to watch one show at a time to see how far he goes.  I assume there are 4 more weeks in this season.

Cubs 9 Mets 6

 

Last night's game was part of our 20-game package so we were in our usual seats in section 516 in the upper deck behind home plate.  It was a disaster for Kodai Senga, who gave up 7 runs in 3 2/3 innings.  In 7 games that he pitched this season, his record is 0-6 with an ERA of 10.08.  What was David Stearns do now?  The highlight of the game for the Cubs was a three-run home run by Pete Crow-Armstrong. At the trade deadline in 2021, the Mets traded Pete to the Cubs and received Javier Baez, who just stayed with the Mets until the end of the season.  He then signed with the Detroit Tigers.

I can't see the Mets having a decent record this season, even after Francisco Lindor returns.

Game Summary

Following Up On a Journal Entry I Wrote in 2015 - Just a Random Thought

 

Every day, I check Blogger, which lists the journal entries that were accessed over the last day.  I never know if they were accessed by real people or robots.  On July 22, 2015, I wrote an entry listing Facebook friends I would like to meet.  Here is my list:

• Gary Brefini - radio enthusiast extraordinaire.  He runs an internet radio station XL5 which features current hits.
• Amy Kearns - a New Jersey librarian and a big Met fan.  She was actually at the same Met game as me about a month ago
• Joanna Ente - I knew her late husband Bernie and brother-in-law Phil back in high school.  She is also a big Met fan.
• Michael Judge - his Facebook postings remind me of the late Alan Berman
• Joy Jeong - a young radio enthusiast.  He actually lives in Queens
• Kate Kosturski - a graduate of the Pratt Institute School of Information and Library Science who lives in Connecticut
• Dave Stein - an oldies enthusiast extraordinaire
• Steven Jay Gilinsky - owns a radio station in Binghamton and is a personal friend of Harry Harrison
• Terry Morgan - a radio enthusiast who works at the New York Public Library
• Dave Freeman - another radio enthusiast who is a big aircheck collectorose 10 

Out of those 10, I only met Joanna Ente and Kate Kosturski, both at Citi Field. Sadly, David Stein passed away. In recent years, I haven't had much online contact with the people listed.  I guess "out of sight, out of mind" also applies to online relationships.

Fathers Day Song - Color Him Father by the Winstons and Keb Mo

 

Last night, Phil Tolotta, an original member of The Winstons, was Cousin Bruce Morrow's guest.  The Winstons had the hit version of Color Him Father that charted in 1969.  This morning on the syndicated radio show, The Acoustic Storm, I heard Keb Mo's version of it.

Wikipedia entry for Color Him Father

Whitestone Lanes is Definitely Closed Permanently

 

In March 2024, I was interviewed on NY1 News about the closing of Whitestone Lanes.  Finally, 27 months later, the bowling alley closed permanently.  There was a Facebook post about a week ago saying it was closed, but I know there is often fake news on social networking sites.  I drove past a few times, but I couldn't tell for sure whether the alley was open or closed.  I decided to walk over today and saw a small handwritten sign stating Whitestone Lanes is permanently closed.  There were no stories about this yet in the local Queens newspapers.  I think if the owners gave a few weeks' notice, they could have earned some extra bucks from bowlers making one last trip.

The next step would be to gut the building and dispose of the bowling equipment.  Could anyone else use that stuff?   Now Jib Lanes on Parsons Blvd. is the only bowling alley left in Queens.  Once the building is demolished, construction will begin on affordable housing.

Would You Believe There Was No Parade for the 1970 and 1973 Champion New York Knicks?

 

There were reports that about 2 million people tried to get to the New York Knicks parade on Thursday.  Many could not get to see it since it was too crowded.  They had to stand about a block away.  The people who stayed at home and watched on TV were better off.  This article in the New York Times explains why there were no parades in 1970 and 1973 when the Knicks were champions.

I guess for both the parade and the watch parties, fans had to jump on the bandwagon.

Happy 84th Birthday to Paul McCartney - Featuring Penny Lane

 

I decided not to comment today about the parade of the century.  June 18th is Paul McCartney's 84th birthday.  I decided to feature Penny Lane, which is one of my favorite Beatles songs with Paul singing lead.  The other three Beatles are also shown in this video.

A Few Comments About the Knicks Winning the NBA Championship

 

• I was more excited about the Knicks winning the NBA Championship in 1970 and 1973.  I guess the kids get more excited over sports teams.  Older people realize there are more important things in the world than sports.
• It was really disgraceful to see violence during the celebrations.
• I sense there are many "fair-weather" fans out there.  Where were they when the Knicks were mediocre?  I guess everybody loves a winner.
• The Mayor, Governor, and other elected officials should not gain popularity when a team wins a championship.  We should judge them on how they handle problems that face everyone.
• How many kids are going to play hooky from school on Thursday to come to the victory parade?  The mayor is not postponing Regents exams scheduled for Thursday.  I am surprised that the Regents exams were never cancelled.  The curricula had to be geared to the standardized test.

Mets 8 Braves 1

It was nice to watch an easy victory for the Mets at Citi Field during this disappointing season.  A. J. Ewing was the hitting star of the game as he finished a triple short of the cycle.  Ewing and Marcus Semien had home runs on consecutive pitches to open the fifth inning.  There were plenty of fans dressed in New York Knicks garb in the stands.

 

Knicks Win NBA Championship

 

Congratulations to the New York Knicks for winning the 2025-26 NBA Championship.  There is no sense for me to repeat what has been written in other places.  Everyone loves a winner, but where were these people when the Knicks were losers?  I haven't attended Knicks games in a few years since ticket prices are so high.  They were at least $200 for seats in the 200 level.

It is so sad that the celebrations after the victory had to be violent. A crowd set school buses on fire in Times Square last night.  Why?  The victory parade is scheduled for Thursday.

The Bruce Springsteen Archives and Center for American Music

 

My readers may also want to see this video from PBS

I was never that much of a Bruce Springsteen fan.  I am so much into Bob Dylan, the Beatles and other acts that started in the 1960s.  Thus, I never developed an interest in Springsteen and his music.  I did buy a few CDs of his over the years, but it is a small fraction of my collection.

Today, the Springsteen Center is opening on the campus of Monmouth University in New Jersey.  It is very similar to the Dylan Center in Tulsa, but there are some differences.

Monmouth University is in the general vicinity where Springsteen was born and started his musical career.  Dylan performed a few concerts in Tulsa, but has no roots there.

The Dylan Center contains artifacts that the George Kaiser Family Foundation purchased.  I believe the Springsteen Center is an outgrowth are artifacts from a local collector that was once housed in a local public library.

Bob Dylan nevert foot into the center in Tulsa and never gives interviews.  Springsteen was interviewed in his center in the video from PBS.

Monmouth University is about a 90 minute drive from home.  I will have to check it out sometime.

I Always Hate Looking for a Parking Spot

 

I am grateful that my co-op offers parking garages.  For $75 a month, it is a blessing since I never have to hunt for a parking spot when I get home.  However, when I travel, I must find parking upon arrival.  I often take public transportation, so I don't have to worry about parking.  I refer my readers to this article in the New York Times that discusses parking in the city.  It states that on the average, a New Yorker will spend 107 hours a year looking for parking.

Thoughts About Spectrum News NY1

 

I have watched NY1 News since its launch in 1992.  I guess I am "devoted" to it as I am to the New York Mets, whom I have followed since their beginning in 1962.

Certainly, like any organization, there are changes over time.  Originally, it was owned by Time-Warner, which later spun off its cable TV division, including NY1. It was sold to Charter Communications, which branded it as Spectrum News.  I usually watch it at 10 PM.

Most of their reporters over the years were excellent.  Some have stayed for many years, while others have made career moves to other news organizations or left the news business.  Some are now working for public relations firms.  I admire the 5 women who sued the organization, believing they were victims of ageism and gender discrimination.  They settled out of court, resigned, and have moved on.  Those 5 were excellent journalists.

I was interviewed twice by the station.  In 1996, as I was walking by the 109th Precinct, a reporter stopped me and interviewed me about stolen cars in Flushing.  I detailed my interview about Whitestone Lanes in 2024 in a previous journal entry.  After two years, the bowling alley is still standing.

I intentionally did not give names of reporters or anchors.  The people who work behind the scenes are also essential to any news organization, but are unknown to viewers.

I wonder if anyone from NY1 will see this journal entry.

Random Thoughts of the Day - June 7, 2026

 

• Best wishes to Mary Ellen Brown, companion to Bob Radil, for a speedy recovery.  She is a big New York Mets fan.
• Fadi Deek found my review of his latest book, Portrait of an Expatriate: A Lebanese-American Story, in this journal.  I revised and edited my review and had it published on Amazon.com.  As of today, my journal entry has received 88 hits.  I don't know how many are from real people and how many are from NJIT people.
• My Bob Dylan friends report that " Baby, Won’t You Be My Baby, which was played in the last 2 concerts, had never been played in concerts before.  It first appeared on The Basement Tapes box set and was recorded in 1967.
• Some of those "baseball nuts" really amaze me.  One guy traveled to Seattle and San Diego to see the Mets.  On the way home, he stopped off in Chicago to see a game at Wrigley Field.  What is he trying to prove?  Where does he get the money to cover travel expenses?

Bob Dylan's Never Ending Tour Resumes

Above is the setlist from the first concert of this leg of the tour in Troutdale, Oregon.  I assume this will be the same setlist on July 21, when I will see him at Forest Hills.

 

Ode to Billy Joe - This Song Mentions The Third of June

 

I don't want to mention another event on June 3.

It was the third of June, another sleepy, dusty Delta day
I was out choppin' cotton, and my brother was balin' hay
And at dinner time we stopped and walked back to the house to eat
And mama hollered out the back door, y'all, remember to wipe your feet
And then she said, I got some news this mornin' from Choctaw Ridge
Today, Billy Joe MacAllister jumped off the Tallahatchie Bridge

And papa said to mama, as he passed around the blackeyed peas
Well, Billy Joe never had a lick of sense; pass the biscuits, please
There's five more acres in the lower forty I've got to plow
And mama said it was shame about Billy Joe, anyhow
Seems like nothin' ever comes to no good up on Choctaw Ridge
And now Billy Joe MacAllister's jumped off the Tallahatchie Bridge

And brother said he recollected when he, and Tom, and Billie Joe
Put a frog down my back at the Carroll County picture show
And wasn't I talkin' to him after church last Sunday night?
I'll have another piece-a apple pie; you know, it don't seem right
I saw him at the sawmill yesterday on Choctaw Ridge
And now ya tell me Billie Joe's jumped off the Tallahatchie Bridge

And mama said to me, child, what's happened to your appetite?
I've been cookin' all morning, and you haven't touched a single bite
That nice young preacher, Brother Taylor, dropped by today
Said he'd be pleased to have dinner on Sunday, oh, by the way
He said he saw a girl that looked a lot like you up on Choctaw Ridge
And she and Billy Joe was throwing somethin' off the Tallahatchie Bridge

A year has come and gone since we heard the news 'bout Billy Joe
And brother married Becky Thompson; they bought a store in Tupelo
There was a virus going 'round; papa caught it, and he died last spring
And now mama doesn't seem to want to do much of anything
And me, I spend a lot of time pickin' flowers up on Choctaw Ridge
And drop them into the muddy water off the Tallahatchie Bridge

History of the Polo Grounds

 

Since my last journal entry was so long, I'll make today's very short.  I found this video by accident when I accessed YouTube.  I am sure that Gary Mintz and everyone in the New York Giants Preservation Society know everything discussed here.  This video did not describe any non-baseball events at the Polo Grounds.

I received an email from Fadi Deek saying he read review of his book and appreciated my comments.

Portrait of an Expatriate: A Lebanese-American Story by Fadi Deek. - This is Not a Traditional Book Review

 

Yours truly, with Fadi Deek at My Retirement Luncheon in December 2017

I was perusing LinkedIn and received an announcement of a new book Portrait of an Expatriate: A Lebanese-American Story by Fadi Deek.  I knew that I had to read this book as I knew him throughout my 25 years at the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT).  I bought the Kindle version of the book as very little room in my apartment for print books.  It was the best $3.99 I ever spent for a book.  I highly recommend anyone associated with NJIT, past, present or future read this book.

I don’t want to make this journal entry a tradition book review but use it to reflect on my interactions with Fadi during and after my NJIT years.

Near the end of the book he states “This book is not a ledger of accomplishments, but an acknowledgement of a life that was made better by those who shaped me, believed in me, and stood with me.  For all of it, I am deeply humbled and eternally grateful.”

Fadi was born in Lebanon in 1961.  Then and now, that was a very volatile part of the world.  He details his childhood, family, and academic goals in his formative years.  Late in his college years he emigrated to the United States and completed his studies at NJIT.  Much of the book relates how his academic career developed from undergraduate to professor, to researcher, to mentor, to university administrator, and back to researcher.  I am amazed at the multitude of positions he held at NJIT including Provost, the highest academic office in a university.

Let me list my comments about Fadi:

• ·       Everyone called him by his first name.  Nobody addressed him by any of his academic titles including Professor, Dean, or Provost.
• ·       He was an impeccable dresser as he always wore a suit and tie while many of his colleagues dressed informally at NJIT.
• ·       In his early years as a researcher, I helped the interlibrary loan people verify the articles he needed to order from other universities.
• ·       When he applied for a promotion to Distinguished Professor he specifically asked me to compile his cited reference report which was a long and tedious task for me.

·       My only disappointment in reading the book is that it did not mention at all the NJIT Library that reported to him.  He mentioned several university administrators, but not the two University Librarians who reported directly to him (the late Richard Sweeney and Ann Hoang).  Shortly after Rich Sweeney’s tragic accident, he visited him at the hospital.  He spoke at a memorial gathering for Rich.

·       He came to my retirement luncheon in December 2017.  I understand that he changed an appointment to come to it.  Please see the photo above.  That was the last time I wore a suit and tie.

·       After I retired from NJIT, I had two email exchanges with him.  After I received the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award by Marquis Who's Who in October 2019, I sent emails to several former colleagues at NJIT.  Fadi was one of the few who responded. He said, “Bruce, this is marvelous news for an award that is well-deserved by you. I am happy to learn that you are enjoying your retirement. I also
appreciate very much that you stay in touch. Have a great weekend.
Fadi”

·       Last year he wrote a book titled The Enduring Presence of Christianity in Lebanon.  I sent him a message congratulating him, which he acknowledged.

This passage made me laugh:

“Now let me conclude with what is “not acceptable”.  Starting with micromanagement.  I observed how it can undermine trust, stifle creativity, and create a demoralizing work environment.  Leaders must avoid and reject the temptation to micromanage because it can prevent team members from growing and developing their own leadership skills.”

Did he realize that Richard Sweeney was a micromanager?

After 5400 journal entries over 20 years, I never know who reads Bruce’s Journal. Perhaps Fadi will find my thoughts about his book.  Fadi, thank you for sharing your thoughts with everyone.  I hope your children and grandchildren will bring happiness and joy to you.  I am sure that at age 65 you may begin to think about retirement.  Keep on doing what you enjoy no matter what your age.  I know that a few NJIT professors didn’t retire until age 90.  I look forward to your next book

If anyone wants to contact me, I can be reached at Bruce@BruceSlutsky.com 

 

 

Tale of the Broken Air Conditioner

 

Just one year ago, I purchased an air conditioner from a reputable manufacturer at a reliable retailer.  Thankfully, I added a warranty.  On the first hot day of the season, nothing happened when I turned on the unit.  I called up the retailer, who referred me to a company that repairs air conditioners.  They picked up the AC a week ago and took it to their shop.  Today, I received a phone call saying the unit needs both the indoor and outdoor fan motors.  It is disappointing that two major parts would break down after one year of use.  What aggravated the situation is that both parts are on back order until October.

I called the retailer's customer service, who said they would honor the warranty but would have to pick up the broken AC.  I arranged for the repair company to bring it to my home, but they cannot come until Friday, June 5.  After that, I will have to go to the store to get a new AC.  That will obviously take time until the new unit arrives. I hope the weather will be cool over the next few weeks.

I think this qualifies for an Oy Vey!

Steve Cohen is Paying over $32 Million to Players No Longer on the Mets Roster

I guess the Mets' owner, Steve Cohen, just likes to give away money.  As you can see he is paying over $32 million to former Mets. The biggest bust is $17 million to pitcher Frankie Montas, who is injured and can't pitch.  I blame David Stearns, President of Baseball Operations, for this mess.  I assume if Stearns is fired, Cohen will have to pay him millions.

Oy vey.

 

Rain by the Beatles - Appropriate Song for this Memorial Day Weekend

 

I have written several posts in this journal about rain, but never posted Rain by the Beatles.  I am sure that the rain over the Memorial Day weekend spoiled the plans of many people who wanted an outdoor barbecue.  Tomorrow is another day.

Something Different for Bob Dylan's 85th Birthday

 

I know I am a day early for this, but I just couldn't wait.  Bob Dylan's birthday has been discussed many times in this journal.  I have never posted a song written about Robert Zimmerman.  I will even post the lyrics.

Ah, hear this, Robert Zimmerman

I wrote a song for you

About a strange young man called Dylan

With a voice like sand and glue

Some words had truthful vengeance

They could pin us to the floor

Brought a few more people on

And put the fear in a whole lot more

[Chorus]

Ah, here she comes, here she comes, here she comes again

The same old painted lady from the brow of the superbrain

She'll scratch this world to pieces as she comes on like a friend

But a couple of songs from your old scrapbook could send her home again

[Verse 2]

You gave your heart to every bedsit room

At least a picture on the wall

And you sat behind a million pair of eyes

And told them how they saw

Then we lost your train of thought

The paintings are all your own

While troubles are rising, we'd rather be scared

Together than alone

[Chorus]

Ah, here she comes, here she comes, here she comes again

The same old painted lady from the brow of the superbrain

She'll scratch this world to pieces as she comes on like a friend

But a couple of songs from your old scrapbook could send her home again

[Instrumental Bridge]

[Verse 3]

Now, hear this, Robert Zimmerman

Though I don't suppose we'll meet

Ask your good friend Dylan

If he'd gaze a while down the old street

Tell him we've lost his poems

So we're writing on the walls

Give us back our unity

Give us back our family

You're every nation's refugee

Don't leave us with their sanity

[Chorus]

Ah, here she comes, here she comes, here she comes again

The same old painted lady from the brow of the superbrain

She'll scratch this world to pieces as she comes on like a friend

But a couple of songs from your old scrapbook could send her home again

[Outro]

Ah, a couple of songs from your old scrapbook could send her home again

Oh, here she comes

Ooh, here she comes

Oh, here she comes

Ooh

Bob Dylan at Newport (1965) Singing Maggie's Farm on an Audi Commerical

 

Will any of the Dylan fanatics run out to buy an Audi?