The Oldies Meeting and Greet will Transition to a Zoom Meeting

The late Randy Safuto (Randy and the Rainbows)

at the 2017 Oldies Meet and Greet

There have been yearly oldies meet and greets held in Manhattan since 2006. The event was an outgrowth of our outrage over the terrible format change at WCBS-FM in June 2005. Almost all of the events were held at Ben’s Deli on West 38th Street. Over the years we have had several radio personalities and singers of some of our favorite oldies as guests. Early this year the Manhattan Bens Deli was sold and is now known at Mr. Broadway. They are asking $44 for a sandwich, fries, and soft drink which is significantly higher than what we paid in the past.

In previous years, up to 80 people attended the event. In November 2022 only 25 came. There were two reasons for the big drop-off:

1. During the two-year gap caused by the pandemic many lost interest

2. Women were afraid to travel to Manhattan by public transportation.

We feel that the higher price would deter many from attending this year and in the future. We investigated other venues in Manhattan that were even more expensive. We have decided to hold future meetings virtually through Zoom. We have some ideas for a theme, but nothing has been finalized. However, we need someone to let us use the account for this event. If you can help us out, please let us know.

We thank all who have attended one or several past events.

Bruce Slutsky (BruceS8852@aol.com)

Jeff Scheckner (JmandJs@aol.com_

 

Bob Dylan Song Appropriate for the Tragic Events of the Past Few Days

 

Great Guitar Riff, but read the lyrics carefully.

Thank You Tom Natoli for Your Wonderful Tribute to Bob Shannon

 

Tom is on the bottom left with the NASA shirt

The other men are his fellow Survey Guys including

Ken Kaiser, Alan Ross, Charlie Menut, and Joe Pergola

Bob Shannon at CBS Radio Day at Yankee Stadium in 2010

Radio personality Bob Shannon has appeared many times in this journal.  Oldies Radio enthusiast, trivia maven, and radio personality on Pop Gold Radio Tom Natoli has spent many hours preparing a tribute to Bob Shannon.  Charlie Menut (seen above) and Phil Meynis recorded 10 hours of this tribute.  Keep in mind that this is only Part 1 of 3.

The recordings may be found at:

PART 1A:

DROPBOX:

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/lylgkdbm3qtdb2h9favyx/Tom-Natoli-Bob-Shannon-Tribute-PGR-Pt.1A-09-30-2023-FINAL.mp3?rlkey=cgd58zj6hh3j56emj6xj52zyb&dl=0

4-SHARE:

https://www.4shared.com/s/ffATjqYbBge

PART 1B:

DROPBOX:

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/a4mhf1ym2tijt6lofm66i/Tom-Natoli-Bob-Shannon-Tribute-PGR-Pt.-1B-09-30-2023-FINAL.mp3?rlkey=spias4b3gdcn5o8bnbq4hh6js&dl=0

4-SHARE:

https://www.4shared.com/s/f8yyeTCqcku

There is a segment featuring yours truly on the tribute show.

Covers of I Heard it Through the Grapevine - Marvin Gaye, Gladys Knight and the Pips, and Creedence Clearwater Revival

 

,/

The Word Friend is Misused on Social Media

 The dictionary defines a friend as a person whom one knows and with whom one has a bond of mutual affection, typically exclusive of sexual or family relations.

It is obviously misused on Facebook since I never met most of my "friends".  I have had many of them only once and some I have not seen in decades.  When I dabbled in dating apps, some of the women I encountered immediately called me their "friend".

I will include this journal with "That's What Friends Are For" by Dionne Warwick and others.  The video includes the lyrics.

Partisan Politics Are Ruining This Country

 

Every elected official must do what is right for the country.  Sadly, in recent years legislators have done what is best for their party. Republican Kevin McCarthy was duly elected as Speaker of the House.  He did what was best for the nation by teaming up with Democrats to pass a bill to fund the government for 45 days when hopefully a budget for the entire year will be passed.  The House Republican caucus contains about 20 hard-right members who sometimes support radical measures teamed up with Democrats to remove McCarthy as Speaker.

There is an ideological cold war between Democrats and Republicans and between the blue and red states.  There is so little bipartisan to pass legislation that is beneficial.

Closing Day at Citi Field - Buck Showalter is Fired and the Mets Lose to the Phillies 9-1

 

For several years, the Slutskys have come to Shea Stadium or Citi Field for the last home game of the season. As I arrived at my seat eating a hot dog, I read a message saying that Buck Showalter was fired.  The screen in centerfield posted "Thank You, Buck".  When he brought the lineup cards to the umpires the entire team got out of the dugout and applauded him.

The team fared poorly with a record of 74-87.  I still don't know if the suspended game of last Thursday's game will have to be completed.  Anyway, you can't fire the team, so you fire the manager.  In my opinion the poor record of the team should not be blamed on Buck.  I think General Manager Billy Eppler made some bad trades that hurt the team.  When Uncle Steve Cohen bought the team, he said he would bring a world championship to Flushing in five years.  He's got two years to go.  Will David Stearns, the incoming President of Baseball Operations perform miracles.  I think he will bring Craig Counsel from the Brewers to manage the Mets.

As far as today's game was concerned, starting pitcher Joey Butto did well as he allowed two runs and five hits in six innings.    However, the bullpen faltered as the Phillies scored six runs in the ninth inning to make the game a blowout.  The offense for the Mets was weak as they made only two hits include a home run by Tim LoCastro.

Game Recap