The Byrds Under Review - A Documentary DVD

One of my favorite Rock groups of the 1960s is the Byrds. I don't think I ever discussed them in this journal. I read in Goldmine Magazine a review of the new DVD called The Byrds Under Review which documents their career. The unique thing about the group is how their style changed over the years from folk-rock, to psychedelic rock, to country rock and even to pure country music. The original members of the group were Roger McGuinn, Gene Clark, Mike Clarke, Dave Crosby, and Chris Hillman. It is significant to note that as there were personnel changes, the group members did very well on their own and with other groups. Dave Crosby hooked up with Steven Stills, Graham Nash, and Neil Young. Chris Hillman appeared in the Flying Burrito Brothers among other acts. On his own Gene Clark did a fantastic version of Mr. Tambourine Man. I own several CDs of Roger McGuinn solos. The DVD was not authorized by Byrd members.  Thus I was disappointed that none of the artists were interviewed.  The bulk of the video consisted of interviews with music journalists. 

The Mets Came from Behind to Beat the Dodgers 3-2

This series marked the return of Joe Torre to NYC after he did not renew his contract with the Yankees.  The game was very dull until the 8th inning when the Mets struck back.  Carlos Betran hit a two run homer while Fernando Tatis singled in the go ahead run.  Billy Wagner got the save. Box Score

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Why are Commuter Railroads still in the 19th Century

Every day I take New Jersey Transit (NJT) from Penn Station NYC to Newark.  I buy a monthly ticket through my payroll office so I get a tax deduction.  NJT  employs old fashioned conductors to collect fares on the trains.  This method is also used on Metro-North, the Long Island Railroad, and Amtrak.  With all the technology that is available , it beats me why this antiquated method is still used.  The only thing I can see that there is union pressure to preserve these jobs.  There is nothing we can do about this.

Approaching 8000 hits - Who is lurking?

Within a day or two this journal will reach 8000 hits since October 2005.  This number is a little misleading since it counts the times that I access my own journal to write or edit an entry.  I know that several of my radio friends and current and former NJIT colleagues come here.  But who else lurks here?  Are people from my distance past reading this?

Tales of The Micromanager - May 27th Report

The incident today happened to a colleague.  If anyone wants to hear about this incident, please contact me privately.  I wonder how long it will take the Red Sox fan from Arizona to get back to me.

Lee's Photo was in Sunday's New York Times

The gentleman in the center is my son Lee.  The article is about possible cut in funding for his afterschool program at the Samuel Field YM YWHA in Little Neck

WABC Rewound 2008

WABC was the premier popular music station from 1960-82 in New York.  Many legends in New York radio including Cousin Bruce Morrow, Harry Harrison, Ron Lundy, Dan Ingram and Bob Lewis among many others appeared on the station.  As we entered the 1980s there were more FM stations playing popular music in stereo.  At that time popular music became very much fragmented with radio station adopting various musical formats.  Thus, in May 1982 changed to a talk radio format which is very popular to this day.

Listeners of oldies radio are very grateful that the current management of  talk radio WABC is appreciative of the heritage of the station.  There is a nostalgia show called Saturday Night Oldies featuring Mark Simone.  For the last 10 years on Memorial Day WABC goes back to the past and plays recordings of  music radio WABC that have been restored.  There is a schedule for today's program  and a message board where listeners may make comments.  I would like to thank Johnny Donovan, Peter Kanze,  Rob Frankel and many others who made this possible.

WABC's sister station in Chicago WLS has a similair history and are concurrently doing a rewind show.

I certainly enjoy this, but I can't stay glued to my radio for 14 straight hours.  Lee and I went down to play some basketball earlier  We will later see a movie and sit on a park bench and read yesterday's New York Times.  It's back to work tomorrow.