I Am Switching from the MetroCard to the OMNY Card

 

Fare collection on the New York City Bus and Subway system has a history.  Obviously, the fare has gone up over the years.  Growing up I paid 15 cents to get on the subway, while today the full fare is $2.90.  As a senior citizen, I pay $1.45.  Back then, the subway token was used to pay the fare.  One could use coins to pay the fare on the bus.  Over the years the fare increased and the subway token was changed several times.  In the 1990s the MetroCard was introduced to allow for a free transfer between the bus and the subway.

A rider often had to swipe several times to get into the Subway.  This was likely a result of the failure to clean the slots that took the Metrocard.  That could create an inconvenience.  For that reason, I decided to switch over to the OMNY card where I can tap my credit card to get on a bus or train.  I have observed that most riders still use the MetroCard.  The MTA will eventually retire the MetroCard, but I don't know when.  

A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical

 

I cannot remember when I last saw a Broadway show, but it must have been at least five years ago.  Since I was always a fan of Neil Diamond, it would be good to see the show covering his life and career.

This was more than just a routine jukebox musical as the older Neil Diamond is shown in the play observing his works and accomplishments as a younger performer.  In the Playbill, Neil states that "Sitting in the theater and watching the show has itself been therapeutic; reliving some joyful and some of the painful parts of my life."

I recommend the show to all my friends who are oldies enthusiasts. Most of the audience were older adults who likely heard Neil back in the 1960s.  I read that Broadway has not completely recovered from the pandemic.  There were many empty seats in the theater.

Leader of the Laundromat - My Favorite Parody of an Oldie

I dedicate Leader of the Laundromat to John Davitt and Dean Meminger of NY1 who are concerned that their viewers don't get themselves or their laundry wet when they go out late at night.

 

A Dream About a Professional Meeting

 

From 2000 until I retired in 2017 I ran a special interest group for Science and Medical Librarians through the Metropolitan New York Library Council (METRO).  It was a great source of satisfaction for me as I held about 50 meetings and met many outstanding colleagues.  About a year before I retired I met with JC of CUNY for him to continue to run the group.  About two years later, I found out the group folded.  I am speculating that JC was frustrated since there were poor turnouts for the meetings he held.  I  was disappointed since I hoped that this METRO group would be my legacy to the profession.

Last night I had a dream where as I retiree I held a meeting trying to resurrect this METRO group.  I encountered many people I knew years ago.  Someone abruptly interrupted my meeting saying that everyone had to leave.  I agreed to have another meeting.  As I walked out I encountered SA who was my research collaborator.  I asked her about her twin sons.  Then, I woke up.

I my mind has played many tricks on me through my dreams.

Bob Dylan's Rough and Rowdy Ways Tour Extends into 2024

 

Here are the dates and locations from March 1 to March 18 from Bill Pagel's Bob Links Page.  There were some dates after March 18, but they were withdrawn from the page.  Perhaps they haven't been confirmed.

03/01/24 Fort Lauderdale, FL - Broward Center for the Performing Arts

03/02/24 Fort Lauderdale, FL - Broward Center for the Performing Arts

03/05/24 Clearwater, FL - Ruth Eckerd Hall

03/06/24 Clearwater, FL - Ruth Eckerd Hall

03/07/24 Fort Myers, FL - Suncoast Credit Union Arena

03/09/24 Orlando, FL - Walt Disney Theater

03/10/24 Orlando, FL - Walt Disney Theater

03/12/24 Jacksonville, FL - Moran Theater

03/14/24 Athens, GA - The Classic Center Theatre

03/15/24 Athens, GA - The Classic Center Theatre

03/17/24 Charlotte, NC - Belk Theater

03/18/24          Fayetteville, NC - Crown Theater

Who Wants to Ice Skate to I Can Help by Billy Swan?

In today's Question of the Day on WFUV, listeners were asked to name songs to ice skate by.  Some how I Can Help by Billy Swan was chosen.  Go figure!

 

Marquette 73 St. Johns 72 at Madison Square Garden

 

Lee and I ventured out in the cold to go to Madison Square Garden to see the Red Storm play the nationally-ranked Golden Eagles of Marquette.  The two teams traded baskets in the first 13 minutes of the game, but St. Johns built a 10-point lead with 1:28 left in the first half.  Marquette trimmed the deficit to 34-28 at halftime.

In the second half the Golden Eagles built up a 13-point lead at 71-58, but could not extend that lead.  St, Johns rallied but fell short as they lost 73-72.  St. Johns is now 12-7 overall and 4-4 in the Big East Conference.  There is still plenty of time in the season to improve their standing in the conference.

Game Recap