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)

Happy 84th Birthday to Carole King - There is a Connection to Bob Dylan

 

You've Got a Friend was featured on Season 1, Episode 17 of Theme Time Radio Hour that was hosted by Bob Dylan.  But if you get to the 5-minute mark on the video below, Carole says some terrible things about Dylan.  In the early 1970s, at a festival, King approached Dylan, who was reportedly cold, dismissing her work by asking if she was "the one who writes for moms."

More Random Thoughts - February 8, 2026

 

• It was 4 degrees F this morning in NYC.  It is just too cold to go outside.  There is plenty of heat in my apartment.
• I am running out of ideas for this journal.  What do I gain by posting songs from YouTube?
• I keep having crazy dreams about running into people I have not seen in years.  A few nights ago I  had another dream about returning to my former employer, a university.  I encountered my former boss, who said there was a golf tournament in progress.  Last night I entered a restroom where the library's business manager came in to replace a light bulb.
• I always wonder who reads this journal regularly.  I am aware of a few people who read it on Facebook, but I understand that most people want to be anonymous when they surf the web.

Random Thoughts of the Day - February 6, 2026

 

• 12 days after the 10-inch snowfall, very little has melted.  The remaining snow is dirty and very ugly.  There will not be any significant melting until there is a warming trend which is not in the forecast.  I just can't take my walks around parks.
• I am sure that I have discussed this before, but watching the news on TV and reading about it online is just depressing.  The news media just give too much attention to the notorious.
• The disappearance of Nancy Guthrie is very sad.  I just think the news media is giving too much attention to it.
• The pitchers and catchers will report to camp in Florida soon.  Will the roster moves made by the Mets pay off?  I am most disappointed that Pete Alonso signed with the Orioles.

Another Lay Lady Lay Cover - This One is by Isaac Hayes

 

This was likely an album cut since I didn't find it in Joel Whitburn's Top Pop book.  I promise there will be no more posts about this song.

Lay Lady Lay by the Isley Brothers

 

After my appearance on Cousin Brucie's show, talking about Bob Dylan, Barbra Streisand, and Lay Lady Lay, I found out that the Isley Brothers covered it in 1971, which only reached #71 on the Billboard singles chart.  I heard it for the first time today.  The version above, which is over 10 minute,s is likely the album version.  I assume a shorter version was released as a single.

I Spoke to Cousin Brucie about Bob Dylan, Barbra Streisand and Lay Lady Lay

 

It has been three years since I spoke to Cousin Bruce on the telephone on Saturday night show.  I try from time to time to get through, but I constantly get busy signals.  Last night I phoned at 6 PM, when the show begins.  I luckily got through, but was put on hold until about 8:12 when he finally spoke to me.  I talked about how Dylan wrote Lay Lady Lay for Barbra Streisand.  Check out this YouTube video when she discusses it with Howard Stern.

My converstation with Cousin Brucie

Internet Outage Overnight - Thankfully It Came Back

 

For many years, I have subscribed to Spectrum and its predecessor, Time-Warner Cable.  Over the years, the service has been excellent.  I receive cable TV, a VOIP phone (it is not a landline phone), and internet.   When I woke up this morning, a light on the internet modem was blinking.  There was no dial tone on the phone.  I checked my email on my cell phone, which stated at 3:44 AM that there was an outage in my area.  At 7:45 AM, the internet came back.  Thankfully, most of the outage came during the overnight hours.

There is an old saying - "you don't miss your water until the well runs dry."  Likewise, we don't realize how dependent we are on the internet until we lose it.

Baby It's Cold Outside by Ida Menzel and Michael Buble - Appropriate Song of the Day

 

It was +9 degrees F this morning.  They say it will finally break freezing in a few days.  I just hate this cold weather, but there is nothing we can do about it.

Blow Away by George Harrison - Song of the Day

 

Blow Away wasn't George's biggest hit since it only reached #16 on the Billboard chart in 1979

Staying Home - Cabin Fever Can be a Drag

 

Cabin fever is characterized by irritability, listlessness, and similar symptoms that result from prolonged confinement or isolation indoors during the winter. It is setting in after a snowstorm of about 10 inches hit NYC yesterday.  It always takes a day or two to dig out after a significant snowfall.  The weather forecast calls for several days of below-freezing weather.  There is just nothing anyone can do about it.  It looks like I will have to stay home and suffer from cabin fever.

Are People (Including the Media) Overreacting over the Forthcoming Snowstorm?

 

For several days, the National Weather Service has forecast a major snowstorm for the New York metropolitan area to begin early Sunday morning.  Estimates of the amounts vary from 6 to 12 inches.  Of course, the TV news stations have given this story top priority.  As a result, there has been panic buying at grocery stores.  There was a report of long lines at stores in Manhattan yesterday.  I am pretty well stocked up, but there are a few items that could use.  I will venture out in the cold to the local Stop & Shop.  If I can't get what I need, it would not be a calamity.

The biggest snowfalls in NYC since records were kept are:

January 22–24, 2016 (Blizzard Jonas): 27.3 inches.
February 11–12, 2006 Blizzard: 26.9 inches.
December 26–27, 1947 Blizzard: 26.4 inches.
March 11–14, 1888 (Great Blizzard of 1888): About 22 inches.
January 6–8, 1996 (North American Blizzard of 1996): About 20 inches.

I experienced 3 out of those 5 storms.

If we get 12 inches, it would be the 28th biggest storm in recorded history in NYC.

We'll get through it.

More Interviews with Musicians who Played with Bob Dylan

 

The video seen above was produced by the Musicians' Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville.  It includes interviews with several musicians who played with Dylan in Nashville during the sessions for Blonde on Blonde, Nashville Skyline, and Self Portrait.  The interviewees include:

• Charlie McCoy
• Bob Johnston
• Hargus "Pig" Robbins
• Kris Kristofferson
• Joe South
• Wayne Moss
• Henry Strzelecki
• Charlie Daniels
• Pete Drake

These interviews were done in the early 2000s.  Several of the musicians listed above have since passed away.

None of the interviewees were discussed in Pledging My Time: Conversations with Bob Dylan Band Members by Ray Padgett.  This book was reviewed in this journal in 2023.

January 20th is National DJ Day

 

Pilot of the Airwaves by Charlie Dore is the obvious song to feature on National DJ Day.  Sadly, radio personalities don't have the same impact today as they did years ago.  Many radio stations go jockless or voice-track the DJs. Almost all of the "Sweet Talking Guys" from WMCA, WABC, and WCBS-FM have passed away.

Cousin Bruce Morrow, at age 90, still does a show Saturday nights on WABC.

Thoughts about MLB on a Snowy Morning in January

• The salaries that are being offered to free agents are outrageous.  Kyle Tucker, who is certainly not a potential Hall of Famer, is getting $60 million/year while Bo Bichette will be getting $42 million/year.  Aron Judge who signed a 9-year contract, is getting a measly $40 million/year.  Maybe he should renegotiate.
• Many of these players have opt-out clauses so they can renegotiate after a good season.  However, if the player performs poorly, the team can't terminate the contract.
• If the owners insist on a salary cap, there will be a strike or lockout before the 2027 season.  Didn't everyone learn from the consequences of the 1994-95 lockout?  Tons of money will be lost.
• The Mets have given Bo Bichette $126 million, but did they try to match the offer the Orioles gave to Pete Alonso?
• With the acquisition of Bo Bichette, the Mets have too many infielders.  Will one of them be traded for a pitcher?
• Will the Mets' top prospects be ready to be effective major leaguers?
• I think if the Mets don't improve on last year's record, David Stearns should be fired.

 

Bob Weir Covers Dylan's When I Paint My Masterpiece

 

I think that when the Rough and Rowdy Ways tour resumes in the spring, Dylan will cover a Bob Weir song.

Dylan Covers Bob Weir's Only a River

 Bob Weir, a founding member of the Grateful Dead, passed away last week at age 78.  After the group disbanded in 1995, he performed as a solo artist and with former members of the group. Only a River by Bob Weir was written in collaboration with Josh Ritter and Josh Kaufman. The song is the first single from his third solo album, Blue Mountain.

Dylan performed Only a River on April 20, 2023, in Nagoya, Japan, as part of the Rough and Rowdy Ways Tour.

2026 Marks the 60th Anniversary of the Release of Bob Dylan's Blonde on Blonde Album

 

After all these years Just Like a Woman is my favorite track from the album.  I remember that since Blonde on Blonde was a double album, the cost was twice as much.  I worked in my father's store that hot July Saturday in 1966 and came home to buy it at Alexander's record department.

To celebrate the 60th Anniversary, the Bob Dylan Center in Tulsa is holding a concert with several artists covering the songs on the album.  I wish they were doing this in NYC.

Too Many Fish in the Sea - Mitch Ryder - The Marvelettes

 

These versions are very different.

Happy 85th Birthday to Joan Baez

 

This was Joan's biggest hit as it reached #3 on the Billboard singles chart in 1971.  You can check out her website at http://www.joanbaez.com/.  May she stay forever young.

2025 at the Bob Dylan Center in Tulsa

 

Steve Jenkins, the Director of the Bob Dylan Center, narrates this video that outlines the activities of the past year.  Lee and I visited in July 2022, which is already 3 1/2 years ago.  One of these days, we will have to make a return visit, as many artifacts in the museum have changed.

Every Day is Trivia Day for Me

 

I didn't realize it, but yesterday, January 4th, is designated National Trivia Day. It was founded in 1980 by Robert Birch of Pun Corps, the company that produced and released the family favorite Trivial Pursuit board game. 

On many Tuesdays, there is a trivia game at the Older Adult Center in Bayside.  Everyone attending has an equal chance of participating. It is not competitive, and everyone attending enjoys it.

I have watched Jeopardy on TV since its inception in 1964, when Art Fleming was the host. Every day, I play J6 found on Jeopardy.com. There is a version of Trivial Pursuit that is seen in NYC on PIX-11 hosted by Levar Burton.  Over the years, there have been numerous quiz shows that have come and gone.

Twice a day, I get trivia questions from TriviaToday.com.

I just can't get enough trivia.

Some Weird Facts About Shea Stadium

 

I found this video by accident while I was accessing YouTube.  I thought my readers who are Mets fans would be interested.  It is hard to believe that is 17 years since Shea Stadium was demolished.

Random Thoughts on New Year's Day 2026

 

• A Happy and Healthy New Year to all readers of Bruce's Journal.
• My first resolution for the new year is no more dating apps.  I just wasn't successful in meeting any women through my interactions with a few of them.  I say to limit matches to women within 25 miles, but I get people from hundreds of miles away.  Long-distance relationships rarely work out.  My attempts to return to dating have just created some anxiety for me.
• I am waiting to see what moves the Mets will make before spring training.  I was disappointed to see Alonso, Diaz, McNeil, and Nimmo leave.  Now, the roster will not be competitive, but there is still time for free agency signings and trades.