Random Thoughts of the Day October 12, 2025

 

A nor'easter is predicted for NYC today with heavy rain, strong winds, and coastal flooding.  As of 8:45 AM, there is no rain, but the wind is picking up.  Lee and I usually like to walk around a park on Sunday mornings, but I decided not to go out since we never know when the rain will begin.

Last night I had a vivid dream about visiting my former employer.  It is hard to believe that it is almost 8 years since I retired.  Where did all the time go?  I don't feel bitter about the university, the library, or any individuals, but I must look ahead to the future, not back upon the past.  One of the reasons for not visiting is to never again experience that miserable commute.

Over the last week, 8 young women have tried to contact me on Telegram.  I just ignore them.  I don't want to start a meaningless chat.

The Who What or Where Game - On TV From 1969-74

 

Over the years, there have been many short-lived quiz shows on TV.  Some may have lasted only 13 weeks, but for some strange reason The Who What or Where Game hosted by Art James came to mind today.  It was on the air for 5 years, which is a fraction of Jeopardy's longevity. There was actually one show that I found on YouTube.  Perhaps the library at the Paley Center for Media may have preserved more shows.

More information about this show at the U.S. Game Shows Wiki.

Louise Murray - Facebook Friend of the Day

 

Louise Murray sang for a group called the Jaynetts that had a #2 national hit in 1963 Sally Go Round the Roses.  Louise came to several of the oldies meet and greets that we held at Ben's Deli in Manhattan.  She even sang for us a few times.  She also sang with a 1950s R&B group called the Hearts.

Louise Murray with radio personality Cool Bobby B in November 2014.

Save The Life of My Child by Simon and Garfunkel - Classic Album Cut of the Day

Though it never made the New York Times, in the Daily News, the caption read "Save the Life of my Child".

Wrong Numbers Yesterday and Today

 

Let's go back in time when we only had landline phones.  It was not uncommon to dial a wrong number.   A typical conversation would be:

Hello, is this John?

No, I think you have the wrong number.

I'm sorry, and then both parties hang up.

This transaction would only take a few seconds.

Here is a recent text message exchange I had when a young lady reached me on the wrong number.  My responses will be in italics.

Mina, I'd like to invite you to go shopping with me this weekend. Are you free?

Wrong person

Oh! Really? I thought this number was my friend Mina's number. I think saved the wrong number.

 I'm sorry for sending you the wrong number. I hope you can forgive me

NP

I think you are kind and friendly person. Thanks for your compliments. Anyway, nice to meet you here. You can call me Mary. How can I call your name?

[How can she assume that after two short replies]

I am 76 Years old

Age is just a number, it doesn't affect our friendship😊.  I like talking to people who are older than me. Because they can give me a lot of knowledge and wisdom. I'm from Florida. Where are you from? [How can she call me a friend? I think I heard that before.]

NYC

Wow! Nice place. Your place is so beautiful. If I come to your place on business. I hope we can have coffee together. Can I see what you look like?😍

This chat lasted for a few days and died out.  We just exchanged some pleasantries and small talk.  She said she was 42 years old, divorced twice, and had a 15-year-old son.

I had a few similar experiences over the last year.  I explained to the women that I was much older than they were, and they always replied, "Age is just a number".  I sense there was no malicious intent, but the experience is just a waste of time for both.

We live and learn.

Random Comments of the Day - October 3, 2025

• I survived another Yom Kippur.  Lee and I went to services at the Free Synagogue of Flushing.  It was a shame that people had to register in advance and be screened by security guards.  It sad that there is so much anti-semitism today.  Attendance was very low, as a result of the declining Jewish population.  Years ago, the Rego Park Jewish Center had to rent the Lost Battalion Hall to handle the overflow.
• Shelly, a classmate of mine from Forest Hills High School, class of 1967, is organizing a 60th reunion for June 2027.  I appreciate her efforts, but I think it is much too early to plan it.  People from my class were enthusiastic about it, as noted in a Facebook discussion.
• There is an article from SNY by John Harper grading managers and players on their 2025 performance.

The Mets have announced that several members of the 2025 coaching staff will not return next season, including:

• 🔸 Pitching coach Jeremy Hefner
• 🔸 Hitting coach Eric Chavez
• 🔸 Hitting coach Jeremy Barnes
• 🔸 Bench coach John Gibbons
• 🔸 Third base, infield coach Mike Sarbaugh
• 🔸 Catching instructor Glenn Sherlock

I know there will be many changes on the roster, but I will not speculate.

 

Release Me by Englebert Humperdinck - Oldie of the Day

 

This is a live version and my first post of October.