Random Thoughts at the End of August

 

• It was 42 years ago today that I met Karen for the first time.  She was a blind date set up by our former sister-in-law.  We went to an ice show at the Nassau Coliseum.  The rest is history.  I sorely miss her.  May she rest in peace.
• I question how much the American Public is interested in the British Royal Family.  It seems that several times a week The Today Show does a story about Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
• It was impossible for the New York Mets to invite 1100+ former players to Old Timers Day.  There had to be some discretionary decisions on whom to invite.  Inevitably some invitees had health issues or previous commitments and couldn't attend.  The retirement of Willie Mays' #24 was overdue.  It should have been done in 1979 when Willie was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.

Boring Sunday Afternoon at Citi Field as Mets Lose to the Rockies 1-0

 

If the Mets want to hold on to first place in the NL East, they must not play as they did today.  Max Scherzer was on the mound for the Amazins, but was outpitched by German Marquez of the Rockies.  Scherzer (9-4) gave up four hits and racked up 11 strikeouts over seven innings in his 110th double-digit strikeout game.  He got absolutely no run support as his teammates were held to just three hits by the Rockies.

The Rockies loaded the bases in the seventh inning with three singles.  The only run in the game was driven in on a sacrifice fly by Brian Servan.

It is time for scoreboard watching as the Mets' lead over the Atlanta Braves is 2 1/2 games.  As of this moment, the Braves and Cardinals are tied in the third inning.

Game Recap

The New York Mets Retire Willie Mays' #24

 

I was watching the Mets Old Timers Game ceremony, but I had to go into the kitchen to start preparing dinner.  I was quite surprised to hear that the Mets are retiring Willie Mays' number 24.  Willie's best days were behind him when he was traded to the Mets in 1972, but his number is being retired to honor his days in New York National League baseball.  Mrs. Payson, the original owner of the Mets, promised to retire his number, but it didn't happen until just now. It was not announced in advance. I am sure that Gary Mintz and the New York Giants Preservation Society must be ecstatic. 

Perusing the Radio and TV Collection at the Paley Center

 

I have reported several of my visits to the Paley Center in this journal.  Below is what I found today as I perused the collection:

• 60 Minutes Seminar Creating a Tradition,  Reviewing the first 20 years of that program. - June 15, 1987.  I miss Mike Wallace, Ed Bradley, Andy Rooney, Harry Reasoner, Morley Safer and others who have passed away.
• 30th Anniversary of The Beatles - A special broadcast on WCBS-FM hosted by Cousin Bruce
• Tribute to Charles Kuralt at the Museum of TV and Radio held December 1, 1998.  I also viewed several segments of his On the Road.  He sure knew how to tell a story.

Michael Bourne, Former Host of WBGO, Passes Away at 75

 In less than a year, two former hosts at WBGO passed away.  In October 2021, I reported the passing of Bob Porter.  Michael Bourne was a host on the station from 1984 until he retired early this year.  A lengthy biography may be found on the WBGO website.

An interview that Michael did for Downbeat Magazine in 2012 may be seen below.

My 2022 Trip to the Jewish Museum

 

I have documented several visits to the Jewish Museum on 5th Avenue and 92nd Street in this journal.  My last visit was in May 2021.  An exhibit titled New York 1962-1964 attracted me to the museum today.  This exhibit explores a pivotal three-year period in the history of art and culture in New York City, examining how artists living and working in New York responded to their rapidly changing world, through more than 150 works of art—all made or seen in New York during this time frame.  This exhibit populates the first and second floors of the museum.

Scenes from the Collection is a rotating collection exhibition featuring nearly 600 works from antiquities to contemporary art—many of which are on view for the first time.  I enjoyed watching a video of clips from TV shows featuring Jewish weddings.

Below are two works from the New York 1962-1964 exhibit

There was a working jukebox that played 45 rpm hits of that era

Cousin Brucie Saluted Me on His Radio Show on WABC

 Leslie Peskoff Fisch is Cousin Brucie's #1 fan.  In the 1960s she was the President of the Cousin Brucie Fan Club.  She regularly phones the show on Saturday nights.  On last night's show, she mentioned that I started the Fans of Cousin Bruce Morrow Fan Club on Facebook.  The Cuz responded by saying that I am a great radio guy.

Here is the conversation with Leslie and the Cuz where he mentioned me.