Polling Readers of Bruce's Journal

I haven't done this in a while, but I'd like to get some feedback from the readers of my journal.  So if you have a few minutes, please take this short survey.

Thanks

Link to Survey

Best Wishes for the People in Houston During Tropical Storm Harvey

I really have to feel for the people of Houston and other parts of Houston who are suffering during Tropical Storm Harvey.  The area is really flooded by the storm which is expected to linger and for days and cause extensive flooding.  It could be worse than Hurricanes Sandy and Katrina which hit some years ago.

When you plan a vacation you always hope for good weather.  While we were in Houston from July 15-20 it was hot and humid was just a few showers.  There are likely travelers to Houston who could be stranded there for several days as the streets are like rivers.

Ov yey.

Yankees 6 Mariners 3

Even though I am a big Met fan, I don't root against the Yankees except during the Subway Series.  We usually go twice a season to see the Bronx Bombers play.  Today, Sonny Gray started and pitched seven innings.  He was helped by a three run homer by Jacoby Ellsbury.  Gary Sanchez was the designated hitter as he is appealing his suspension for fighting in the game against the Tigers.  Dellin Betances came in to pitch in the 9th inning and got the save.

Game recap

Disgraceful Actions at Yankee Tiger Game Today

I was at work today so I did not watch the Mets or Yankees who were playing in the afternoon.  There were three brawls at the Yankee-Tiger game after pitches were thrown at batters.  There are several issues involved here:

• Grown men who make millions of dollars a year should not act like children.  Youngsters who watch baseball idolize these players and often emulate them.
• A major league pitcher throws a ball at 95 miles an hour.  A player could be very seriously injured when hit by a pitch.  I'll never forget how that jerk Roger Clemens threw at Mike Piazza in 2000.
• One of the fights started out between Austin Romine and Miguel Cabrera.  But why must both benches and the bullpens come out and join the fight?  In the NHL there is a rule that states that the third man in a fight can be suspended.  Maybe a similar rule should be made n baseball to prevent these bench clearing brawls.
• From what I've heard, the umpires were not in control.  Maybe they need training on how to handle these situations.  Did the police at the stadium get involved?
• Several players on the Yankees will likely be suspended.  This can be devastating to a team in a pennant race.

Game Recap from ESPN

I donated to the New York City Coalition to the Homeless

 In June I reported in this journal about giving a homeless woman a dollar and she did not even thank me.  The photo in that entry said to say no to panhandlers and giving to a local organization.  Today, I found $2 on the subway and thought about handing it over to two homeless people.  I certainly pass by many on the street, the subway, and Penn Station.  The track 1 waiting room in Newark Penn Station is likely the homeless capital of New Jersey.  When you give money to an individual, you never know how they will use it.  Perhaps they use it to purchase drugs.  There is always the story that the person needs money for train fare.

Today, I gave a $50 donation to the New York City Coalition For the Homeless so I will know that the money will go to food, clothing, or shelter for the homeless.

Mets Lose to the Miami Marlins 6-4

Maybe I should stop going to Citifield as almost every time I have been there this season they have lost.  We usually go on Sunday afternoons when they usually lose.  There was no exception this afternoon as they lost 6-4.  The highlight of the game was a three-run homer by Giancarlo Stanton that increased his major league total to 45.  The Mets ace pitcher Jacob de Grom was the loser.  A Yoenis Cespedes home run in the first inning and a three-run rally in the 8th inning were not enough.

Game Recap

Visit to New York Transit Museum to See Exhibit on the #7 Train

If you ever read my companion commuting blog you will read about my many misadventures on the #7 train over the years.  Today we stopped by the annex of the New York Transit Museum at Grand Central Station to see an exhibit titled 7 Train: Minutes to Midtown.  It showed how the #7 train was constructed in the early 20th century and how the neighborhoods around it developed over the years.  The line was constructed through a rural area with the expectation that the train line would bring people and businesses.  It sure did!

Long Island City has really grown by leaps and bounds over the last 15 years.  Every time I pass by I observe a new building or one under construction.  Certainly, the ethnicities of the neighborhoods along the 7 line have changed as well.