Barry Scott - Facebook Friend of the Day

Congratulations to Barry Scott for the 25th Anniversary of his radio show Lost 45s.  If I remember correctly I found out about this show in the mid 1990s from Scott Fybush.  In that decade I traded radio trades with people from all over the country.  I recieved tapes of the Lost 45s heard  on several Boston radio stations from several aircheck collectors including Gary Brefini.  It's always nice hearing lesser hits not usually played on "Greatest Hits" radio stations.  I guess I shouldn't use the word oldies.  You can hear the show on WODS - Boston or at Lost 45s.com. 
Keep up the good work!

Suze Rotolo Passes Away at Age 67

The Village Voice reports that Suze Rotolo, one time girlfriend of  Bob Dylan passed away at age 67.  She is best known for being on the cover of the Freewheelin Bob Dylan released in 1963.  My readers should click on the link to the article by J. Hoberman.  She wrote the following book a few ago talking about her relationship with Dylan:

Rotolo, Suze. A Freewheelin' Time: A Memoir of Greenwich Village in the Sixties. New York: Broadway Books, 2008.

R. I. P. Suze

Beatles Song of the Day - Old Brown Shoe

I am picking this song for two reasons:

1.Friday was George Harrison's birthday which I forgot to mention here. George would have been 68 had he lived. He is sorely missed.
2. Today I bought a new pair of brown shoes to replace two old brown shoes that were pretty much worn out.

Facebook friends can see the video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-x0FUZgbtHc

Girl from the North Country - Johnny Cash and Bob Dylan

This song makes the father and son very happy while Mom is an interested observer.



Facebook friends can view it at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x4xvls9LAlM

Celebrating Johnny Cash's Birthday with the family

The Man in Black would have been 79 years old had he lived.  Lee has enjoyed his music for as long as I can remember.  This morning we ate out at Uncle Bill's Diner in the neighborhood.  In the early afternoon we drove to visit my mother in Westbury.  In the evening we drove over to Queens College to see a basketball game.  Queens College defeated St. Thomas Aquinas 81-58.

Tragic Death of Facebook Friend Bob O'Brien

Last night I found out that Bob O'Brien from Mechanicsburg, PA died in an automobile accident.  Bob was a Facebook friend whom I never met in person.  We shared a common interest in oldies and radio broadcasting and 31 mutual Facebook friends.  Bob very often commented in a friendly way on many of my posts on Facebook.  Some months back I sent a private e-mail to Bob asking to let me know if he was going to be in NYC since we could organize a small gathering for him.  Sadly this will never happen.  He will be sorely missed by all.  My condolences to his family.

The story about his accident stated that he was not wearing a seat belt. Perhaps he would have survived if he wore his seat belt. Please whenever you are in a car as a driver or passenger buckle up.

Rest in peace Bob

Writer's Cramp Today

It is one of those day's when I just don't have anything to contribute to my journal.  Things are pretty much status quo at work and home so I have nothing to say.  Thanks for stopping by and tomorrow is another day.

Knicks Land Carmelo Anthony in a Big 3 Team Trade

  Readers can refer to ESPN to read about the details of this blockbluster trade.  I can not remember such a large deal made in the middle of an NBA season.  The team chemistry changes completely with about 1/3 of the season to go.  This reminds of the Dave DeBusschere trade in November 1968 which did lead to a Knick championship in 1970.  As of today the Knicks are 28-26 and are in 6th place in the Eastern Conference.  Perhaps the acquisition of Carmelo Anthony will strengthen the Knicks to move up a couple of notches, but this will not be a championship season.  I think next year will tell the story.  The turnover in personnel is so great in professional sports that you can't become attached to a player.  Before you know it, he will leave the team.  My family was really disappointed when David Lee left the team last year.

Let's see how long it will take for Carmelo Anthony jerseys to appear in sporting goods stores. Likely sometime today the Knicks will announce his uniform number.  He can not use his #15 as he did in Denver since the Knicks have retired that number in honor of Earl Monroe and Dick McGuire.

Another Holiday Has Lost its Significance

Though it never made the New York Times in the Daily News the caption red "Let Abe and George Stand Apart."  Today's journal entry is inspired by an Op-Ed column by actor Richard Dreyfuss.

When I was growing up we celebrated Lincoln's Birthday (state holiday) on Feburary 12 and Washington's Birthday (federal holiday) on February 22.  Back in my P.S. 139 days we had class discussions on the significance of the two presidents' contributions to American History.  If I remember correctly in the 1970s Presidents Day was designated as a holiday on the third Monday in February.  At that point all New York City schools were closed that "Presidents Week" to save on fuel to heat the buildings.

Let me quote Dreyfuss - "Presidents' Day whitewashes Washington's and Lincoln's unique virtues - and lumps them with our worst leaders"

I don't know how elementary school teachers discuss this newer holiday.  Are Lincoln and Washington no longer glorified?  The average American is happy to have a day off and spend the day at the shopping mall to take advantage of Presidents' Day sales.  Sadly, most holidays have lost their significance.

Random Thoughts on a cold Sunday

I found out that John Strauss, the composer of the Car 54 Where are You theme, recently died at age 90.  This show which aired from 1961-63 was one of my favorites as a kid.  Facebook friend Jet Screamer is also an enthusiasts of the misadventures of Patrolmen Gunther Toody and Francis Muldoon.  Even people who never watched the show know the theme song.



We saw the highly acclaimed move The King's Speech in Douglaston this afernoon. It seemed strange watching a movie aimed at an older audience. There was a story on tonight's 60 Minutes about the hidden letters behind the King's Speech.

I haven't done a radio log for a while so here it is for today:

WINS - News
WCBS-FM - Sue O'Neal
WAXQ - Breakfast with the Beatles with Ken Dashow
Sounds of the 60s with Brian Matthew on BBC2
WCBS-FM - Pat St. John
WCBS-FM - Steve O'Brien
Sirius/XM 50s on 5 with Norm N Nite
Dylanradio.com
Sirius/XM 60s on 6 with Cousin Brucie
WODS- Boston - Lost 45s with Barry Scott

St. Johns 60 Pittsburgh 59 at MSG



Once a year we like to see a college basketball game at Madison Square Garden.  We picked the right game as the St. John's Red Storm defeated the Pitt Panthers 60-59.  Guard Dwight Hardy scored the game winning basket with 1.2 seconds to go.  He lead the Johnnies with 19 points.

Remembering Sam Cooke

Lee played a greatest hits CD of Sam Cooke on as we ate dinner tonight.  Next to the murder of John Lennon his death in my opinion was the most tragic.  We always wonder what music he would have produced in the years since December 1964.  Perhaps he would have become another Quincy Jones.  He left a great works of music that live on today.

Bob Dylan Concert CD to be Released on April 12

The tape of this concert was  recently found in the collection of the late music journalist Ralph J. Gleason and will be released on April 12.  The tracks include "Honey, Just Allow Me On More Chance" (incomplete), "Talkin' John Birch Paranoid Blues," "Ballad Of Hollis Brown," "Masters of War," "Talkin' World War III Blues," "Bob Dylan's Dream," and "Talkin' Bear Mountain Picnic Massacre Blues."  More information.

The Last Play at Shea

Over the past two nights we viewed the DVD Last Play at Shea.  It was a good blend of footage from Billy Joel's concert at Shea in July 2008, the history of Shea Stadium, and New York Mets baseball.  Short clips from many of the concerts held over the years were shown.  Head groundskeeper Pete Flynn who droved to Beatles to the stage in 1965 also drove Paul McCartney to join Billy Joel in 2008.  We saw the Bill Buckner error in the 1986 World Series and the first sporting event in NYC after the 9/11 tragedy among other significant events at Shea.  I was disappointed since the film did not show Tom Seaver throw the last pitch to Mike Piazza on September 28, 2008.  It did show Ryan Church making the last out that day.

I highly recommend it to fans of Bill Joel and the Mets.

Bob Dylan sings Maggie's Farm at the Grammys

I first heard Maggie's Farm on the Bringing it All Back Home Album in 1965.  There have been several versions of it heard in concert over the years.  He sang it at the Newport Folk Festival as the fans booed since they didn't like to hear an electric Dylan.  The version played by the Rolling Thunder Revue in the mid 1970s is powerful.  Over the past several years the song has become a personal favorite since I have to face two Maggies every day.  The nice thing about Dylan songs is that you can interpret them anyway you want.  The significance to you can change over the years.

Maggie's Farm

I ain’t gonna work on Maggie’s farm no more
No, I ain’t gonna work on Maggie’s farm no more
Well, I wake in the morning
Fold my hands and pray for rain
I got a head full of ideas
That are drivin’ me insane
It’s a shame the way she makes me scrub the floor
I ain’t gonna work on Maggie’s farm no more

I ain’t gonna work for Maggie’s brother no more
No, I ain’t gonna work for Maggie’s brother no more
Well, he hands you a nickel
He hands you a dime
He asks you with a grin
If you’re havin’ a good time
Then he fines you every time you slam the door
I ain’t gonna work for Maggie’s brother no more

I ain’t gonna work for Maggie’s pa no more
No, I ain’t gonna work for Maggie’s pa no more
Well, he puts his cigar
Out in your face just for kicks
His bedroom window
It is made out of bricks
The National Guard stands around his door
Ah, I ain’t gonna work for Maggie’s pa no more

I ain’t gonna work for Maggie’s ma no more
No, I ain’t gonna work for Maggie’s ma no more
Well, she talks to all the servants
About man and God and law
Everybody says
She’s the brains behind pa
She’s sixty-eight, but she says she’s twenty-four
I ain’t gonna work for Maggie’s ma no more

I ain’t gonna work on Maggie’s farm no more
No, I ain’t gonna work on Maggie’s farm no more
Well, I try my best
To be just like I am
But everybody wants you
To be just like them
They sing while you slave and I just get bored
I ain’t gonna work on Maggie’s farm no more

Rolling Stones Song of the Day - Yesterday's Papers

Many Jagger/Richards compositions are somewhat sexist in nature including Yesterday's Papers.  Whenever I listen to this song which originally appeared on the Between the Buttons LP in early 1967, I block out the sexist element.

YESTERDAY'S PAPERS

(Jagger/Richards)

Who wants yesterdays papers
Who wants yesterdays girl
Who wants yesterdays papers
Nobody in the world

After this time I finally learned
After the pain and hurt
After all this what have I achieved
I've realized it's time to leave

Cause who wants yesterdays papers
Who wants yesterdays girl
Who wants yesterdays papers
Nobody in the world

I'm living a life of constant change
Every day means the turn of a page
Yesterdays papers are such bad news
Same thing applies to me and you

Who wants yesterdays papers
Who wants yesterdays girl
Who wants yesterdays papers
Nobody in the world

Seems very hard to have just one girl
When there's a million in the world
All of these people just can't wait
To fall right into their big mistake

Who wants yesterdays papers
Who wants yesterdays girl
Who wants yesterdays papers
Nobody in the world

Tribute Site for Clay Cole

I'd like to thank Laura Pinto for this web site http://lpintop.tripod.com/oldiesconnection/claycole.html a fitting tribute to the late Clay Cole.  The above picture is your truly with Clay at the Beatles festival in Stamford, Ct in November 2009.

Bob Dylan will appear at the Grammy Awards Ceremony this Sunday

I read that Bob Dylan will appear at the Grammy awards ceremony this Sunday.  I just hate award ceremonies and really don't want to watch this one for 3 1/2 hours to see Dylan for 3 minutes.  I think I will take advantage of internet technology and wait to watch it on Youtube.

I bought tickets for the Mets in 2011

It is still February and very cold and old snow is staying on the ground.  It's nice to think ahead of Spring, Summer and the baseball season.  2011 will be the 50th years of the New Yorks and I have been there since day 1.  There have been many problems in the off-season including the financial issues facing the Wilpons concerning the Madoff mess.  Since the Mets have to pay large contracts to Oliver Perez, Luis Castillo, and Carlos Beltran, little money was available to pursue quality free agents.

The Mets offered 6 games for the price of 5 in 2011.  We were able to pick one game against the Yankees and 5 others.  Out of a sense of loyalty I purchased a package yesterday.  Let's hope for the best.

Just a Few Thoughts for Today

The Last Play at Shea DVD of the 2008 Billy Joel Concert went on sale today.  I stopped by the Borders by Madison Square Garden on the way home, but they did not have it.  Back in the old days I would stop at "Nobody Beats the Wiz" in Flushing and pick it up there.  So I ordered it on Amazon.com.

I don't think I'll have to worry about conversations with Alex Trebek.  They Jeopardy quiz was very hard.  I must assume that a very small number of potential contestants are picked from the online quiz.  Those chosen must go through another test and interview before they finally appear on the show.  I certainly didn't lose anything by taking the test.

Thinking of my 75 Interviews with Alex Trebek

Tomorrow at 8 PM I will be taking the online test to become a contestant on Jeopardy.  My fantasy is to get on the show and break Ken Jennings record of 74 wins.  I will have to think about what to discuss with Alex Trebek on each of my appearances. Hmmm.. Let me think.

• My being a Mets fan since day 1 in 1962
• The role of Bob Dylan in my marriage
• How Lee became the family's biggest fan of Elvis Presley
• My son the Johnny Cash Fan
• This Journal

We can all dream, can't we.  I will get 50 questions 15 seconds apart.  They are very difficult and I image there will be thousands of people entering.   People who do well on the test are later called for an interview.  Jeopardy does a very good job in screening contestants.  I also sense there is some age bias in the selection of contestants since I have seen few seniors on the show.

I am giving fair warning especially to someone who lives on the Queens/Nassau border.  Do not phone me between 7:00 and 7:30 PM during the show and 8:00 - 8:30 PM during the test.

Art Vuolo - Facebook Friend of the Day

Art Vuolo is known as "Radio's Best Friend."  Since the 1970s he has video taped radio broadcasts and events related to the radio business.  Over the past few years I hve purchased a handful of his videos.  A few days ago I look at his web site and decided to purchase "Legendary DJ's Inductions at The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame(1998) "

When you purchase something from Art you get a phone call from "Radio's Best Friend" to confirm that your package is on the way.  Last night during the Superbowl I got the phone call from Art.  Since I am not the world's greatest football fan I didn't mind the interruption.  Watching the Superbowl is an American Ritual where people who only watch one game a year tune in.  I had no preference between Green Bay and Pittsburgh.

Is the F Word used too often in movies by women?

Swear words like F- and S- have become cliches since they are used so much.  In the past month I saw The Fighter and No Strings Attached where the F- word was used just too much by women.  The characters in The Fighter were blue collar and relatively uneducated and used the F- word as an expletive.  The women in No Strings Attached were physicians and used the word to describe the sex act.  I thought that in both films expletives were used too often.

Johnny Cash Music Festival to be Held at Arkansas State University in August

Here is a phot of Lee with a wax figure of his idol Johnny Cash at Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum a few years ago.  We just read about the Johnny Cash Music Festival in August.  I am sure that Lee would love to go, but this is a one day festival.  We would have to fly to Memphis and rent a car to go to Jonesville, Arkansas.  It is too much of a trip for a one day event.

Ice Storm Today - I decided to stay home

I recieved a phone call and text message from NJIT's alerting service this morning stating that the university would delay its opening until 11 AM due to an ice storm.  Radio stations and the New Jersey Transit Web Site reported that there was no service between New York City and Trenton and that PATH was running with delays.  I decided to wait until 8:30 to decide whether or not to come in.  Since the situation had not changed, I decided to stay home.  I always bank some vacation time for emergencies like this.  Believe me I have had some aggravating commutes in bad weather.

I spent time reading and watching TV.  Back to work tomorrow.  This has to be the most miserable winter since 1996.  I don't believe what happened on Ground Hog Day

Why must talk radio be so negative?

This morning I decided to try something a little different on the radio and listened to Curtis Sliwa on 970 The Apple.  I just had to turn it off after 15 minutes.  Why does he have to be so negative.  After one month in office he is calling Andrew Cuomo King Cuomo II.  Give him a chance to implement new programs and policies before criticizing him.  Back to the FM band.  Dan Taylor, Jim Kerr, Claudia Marshall, and Gary Walker are always so friendly.