Happy Birthday, Lee (It is actually tomorrow)

 

Picture of Lee at the November 2022 Oldies Meet and Greet

I have to make this journal entry today since I will be very busy tomorrow.  It is hard to believe that he will be 35 years old.  It seems like just yesterday that we brought him home from the hospital.  He looks a little sad in the photo, but he is happiest when he plays Elvis Presley's music on his iPad.

Random Oldie of the Day - Ventura Highway by America

 

I just heard this song on the syndicated show The Acoustic Storm that I heard on Pirate Radio from Key West, Florida.  I vaguely remember seeing America at the Westbury Music Fair in the mid-1980s.

It is 7:31 and It's Time To Turn Off The Today Show - Creating the News Again About the Murdaughs

 

I thought that after Alex Murdaugh was convicted and sentenced, I would not hear about that family again.  Now his son, Buster, is suspected of the death of his classmate Stephen Smith in 2015.  This was a cold case that is suddenly being reopened.  There are likely hundreds of murder cases that have not been solved.  Why is this getting so much attention from the media?  Since Alex is a murderer, why is his son also suspected as a murderer?  I usually watch The Today Show in the morning, but every day at 7:31 it is Murdaugh time when I turn off the TV.

Remembering May 8, 1970, and Willis Reed

 

Today, we learned that New York Knick legend Willis Reed passed away at age 80.  Please check Basketball-Reference  to see the statistics he compiled during his Hall of Fame career for the New York Knicks.

The highlight of his career had to be winning the NBA championship on May 8, 1970, at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks and the Los Angeles Lakers were tied at 3-3, but it was uncertain if Willis would be able to play with a muscle tear in his right thigh.

The Knicks ott an emotional rush when their captain hobbled onto the floor against the Lakers, hit two jump shots, and boosted his teammates’ confidence and performance for their first NBA championship.

RIP Willis and thanks for the memories.

Why Don't You Write Me by Simon and Garfunkel - Classic Album Cut of the Day

 

This cut appeared on the Bridge over Troubled Waters album in 1970.  Many fans thought this was in reference to the split between Simon and Garfunkel.  Art Garfunkel was on an extended vacation in Mexico.  Back in those days, you had to write a letter and use postal mail to send it.

I wish some of my old acquaintances would send me an email, text message, or Facebook message and ask me how I am doing.  A click on Facebook or Twitter is not enough.

More Unhappiness about a Discussion Group

 I previously reported on my unhappiness with a discussion group at a local senior center.  I asked the people there if they can start a group for men only.  They accepted my suggestion and started a group that meets on Friday mornings.  The same problems that I faced with two other groups exist in this men's group.

• A few people domineer the group
• I am just listening to other people's small talk.

Last Friday a gentleman complained that his hearing aid didn't work after his barber accidentally sprayed water into his ear.

Another man related a story where his girlfriend who worked in a nail salon was not paid.

I think the social worker who moderates the group should:

• Ensure that everyone who wants to talk should have the opportunity.
• The topic at hand should be of interest to the majority of participants.

I think that complaining will not do any good.  I just have to evaluate whether I should come again.  If I am not enjoying myself, I am only punishing myself for coming.

Remembering Richard Sweeney and His Green Jacket on St. Patrick's Day

Richard Sweeney was University Librarian at NJIT from 1995 until his untimely passing in 2016. Every St. Patrick's Day, he wore a green jacket as seen below.

One of his code names was Mr. Spreadsheet as he must have thousands of them over the years.  I wonder if he colored his spreadsheets green every March 17th. My favorite quote from Richard Sweeney was "Is there anything else for the good of the order".