Shutter Island

I haven't discussed movies much lately in this journal, but today we walked over to the local multiplex to see Shutter Island starring Leonardo DiCaprio. It was set in 1954 when U.S. Marshal Teddy Daniels is investigating the disappearance of a murderess who escaped from a hospital for the criminally insane and is presumed to be hiding on the remote Shutter Island. I don't want to give too much away but viewers had to watch closely to be aware of what was actually happening and what were delusions by the main character.

Please see the internet movie database for more information.

Pitt 71 St. Johns 64

We just had to get out of the apartment after sitting in all day yesterday. The roads were a little slick, so we decided to take the subway into Manhattan to see St. Johns play Pittsburgh at Madison Square Garden in a Big East matchup. For $15/ticket it is a pretty good deal. It is shame that in recent years college basketball hasn't generated much interest in NYC. Pitt maintained a lead throughout the game and won 71-64.

Game Summary

Celebrating the Life of Johnny Cash on a Snow Day

If you do a search of this journal, you will find many references to Johnny Cash. Without any influence from me my son Lee became a big fan of the Man in Black. Before he was born I only had one of his albums in my collection. Today would have been his 78th birthday. Since we are all home today on account of a major snowstorm we have time to celebrate his life. Later today we will view the biopic Walk The Line on DVD. A few days ago I downloaded Johnny Cash; American VI: Ain't No Grave‎ which was released this week 6 1/2 years after his passing. We will listen to at 6 PM when we eat dinner. I will also check out The Roadhouse on Sirius/XM; hopefully they

feature Johnny's recordings today. Below is a video of Bob Dylan and Johnny singing Girl of the North Country that appeared on the Johnny Cash show in 1969. Facebook friends can see it at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uRx-5RCImAM

More Snow!

Another snowstorm has hit the New York metropolitan area. Oy Vey! It started out as rain early this morning. While I was on the #7 Flushing train the rain turned to snow. At about 11:30 we were told that NJIT would close at 2:30. The boss came around at 1:15 and said all but a few people could go home. This snow is very wet since the temperature is about 33 F. The forecast says that the snow could continue until Saturday morning. I am waiting for the notification that we will be closed tomorrow.

Bought a 6 ticket package for the Mets for the 2010 Season

Out of a sense of loyalty I bought a 6 ticket package for the Mets for the forthcoming season. Last year we bought a 15 ticket package, but it was for too many games. The Mets offered a 4 ticket package, but those were for the very expensive seats. The 6 ticket package includes the Friday night May 21 game against the Yankees. There are 3 Friday night games and 3 midweek games in this package. The seats are in the upper deck and average about $23. On March 7 the single game tickets go on sale, so I'll buy a few weekend games.

The outlook is not too good for the Amazins in 2010. Outfielder Jason Bay was the only significant offseason acquisition. We'll have to be hopeful.

Bob Dylan Song of the Day - Shelter from the Storm

I often listen to Sirius/XM radio in my office when I am doing work that does not require much concentration. This afternoon I was monitoring QANDANJ, the chat reference service as I tuned in the Bridge Channel which plays folk rock and soft rock oldies. They played Shelter from the Storm originally released on the Blood on the Tracks album in 1974. If I remember correctly WFUV listeners voted in their #1 album. You can hear it at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i6oPS_C1TKg

Count Your Blessings if you are gainfully employed

I am quoting from the New York Times for the second time in a row. In the main news section of Sunday's paper there is an article titled Despite Signs of Recovery Chronic Joblessness Rises. Many Americans have exhausted their unemployment benefits and must reach into their savings accounts to meet their basic expenses. It is quite possible that many jobs that have been lost in this recession may never come back. Technology may have permanently eliminated some jobs. Why must one go to a travel agent when he can book a hotel, flight and vacation online? The unemployment situation must be especially difficult for older people who must face ageism in hiring.

Thankfully, the last time I was unemployed was during the summer of 1982. Back in the 1970s when I first got out of work I had problems in finding my niche, but in the long run everything worked out. When you wake up in the morning, be grateful that there is a job for you even it mean confronting frustrations. Problems encountered on the job are a lot less than the misery of seeking employment. My best wishes to anyone looking for employment in this very difficult time.