A Terrorist Attack Can Happen Anywhere

Oy Vey.  It is a pleasant autumn afternoon and you are riding your bike down a path in lower Manhattan and a nut job in a rented truck just mows you down.  As of now, 8 have died while 11 were injured in this apparent terrorist attack.  It is just impossible to guard against something like this.  Now cars and trucks are being used as weapons of mass destruction.  Prayers for the families of the victims.

Random Thoughts on a Very Rainy Sunday

This is a very rare day as I never left the apartment as the rain was so heavy.  I wouldn't send out a dog on a day like this.  I was a little tired today as my approaching retirement is causing some anxiety.

Last night we went out to dinner at Ben's Deli in Bayside.  As we were eating Curtis Sliwa and a couple of other Guardian Angels came in to dine.  I have not seen the Guardian Angels on the subways in many years.  Some years back I saw Curtis near Union Square and said hello to him.  He just smiled back.  A year or so ago I saw him on the platform at Newark Penn Station.

Tomorrow, the Science Librarians Meetup, formerly known as a Special Interest Group is meeting at METRO's new headquarters at 11th Avenue and 45th Street.  It will be my last meeting as its convener.

NJ Devils 5 Ottawa Senators 4 in a Shootout at Prudential Center

After work last night I headed over to the Prudential Center where I met Karen and Lee.  The Ottawa Senators scored the first two goals but then the Devils scored 4 unanswered goals to take a 4-2 lead.  With about 2 1/2 minutes left in regulation, the Senators pulled their goalie and then scored with about 90 seconds to go and again with 37 seconds left to tie the game.  No goals were scored in the 5-minute overtime period necessitating a shootout.   Drew Stafford and Jesper Bratt scored in the shootout giving the Devils a 5-4 victory.

Game recap

My Two Favorite Fats Domino Songs

I heard the news today that Fats Domino passed away at age 89.  My two favorite hits of him are:

• I'm Gonna Be a Wheel Someday - I sent an email request to Cousin Brucie for this
• My Blue Heaven - we sang this to Lee when he was a baby as he has blue eyes.

The Media is Creating the News Again

Here we go again as the media is really blowing out of proportion the story of movie mogul Harvey Weinstein sexually abusing women.  Do I really have to see and read about this every day?  Does it affect me?  I guess it builds up rating points for the local and network newscasts.

I was watching the ABC News with David Muir tonight when there was a story about a police officer in Skokie, Illinois buying a gym membership for a kid after he was caught trespassing in that gym since he could not afford the membership fee.  Is this appropriate for a national newscast?  I would rather hear about a police officer buying food for a family that is starving.

Sometimes I wonder why I watch TV news.

Mickey Who?

There were several reports today including The New York Times stating the Mickey Callaway, pitching coach of the Cleveland Indians, will be hired as Mets manager.  The details are in the Times article so it is not necessary to repeat them.  I never heard of him until today.  Is it advisable to hire someone with no managerial experience?  I have to wish him luck as he assumes the position.  The manager alone can't be blamed for the poor performance of the team.  The manager can't prevent injuries.

Usually, after the World Series, there is a flurry of activity.  Players can declare free agency and sign with other teams.  Who will the Mets retain or what if any free agents will they sign?  I assume that Mickey Callaway will hire a completely new coaching staff.

Stay tuned.

I Am Not Counting the Days To Retirement

People at work have asked me how many days left?  December 22 will be my last day of work, but I am not counting down the days as others have.  I feel it just makes the time pass slower.  I am trying to enjoy myself as much as I can my last months at work.  It is very hard to be happy when I no longer enjoy the work that I do.  It was "same old same old" for all too long.  The numerous personality problems at work sadden me.

My late Dad always told me "This too shall pass."