Happy New Year to Readers of Bruce's Journal

I wish all readers of Bruce's Journal a happy and healthy new year.  I appreciate your stopping by whether I know you or not or if you are a regular reader.

Hofstra 75 NJIT 64 in Men's Basketball

It is unusual when the NJIT Highlanders come to NYC or Long Island to play, but they faced the Hofstra Pride last night at the Mack Arena.  So we drove over to see the game.  Since it was played during the Christmas-New Years break, the crowd was small.  The Highlanders got off to a slow start as Hofstra scored 9 unanswered points to start the game.  I felt that NJIT was not penetrating and was relying too much on 3 point shots.  They trailed during the entire game, but late in the game cut Hofstra's lead to one point.

Game Summary

I was able to take a photo of the Hofstra mascot seen below as he circulated throughout the stands.

The NJIT Highlander mascot seen below was not at the game.  Perhaps he was on vacation.  Maybe I'll run into him when I return to work.

It Wasn't Rocky Balboa vs Jake Lamotta

In 1980 Robert De Niro starred as Jake Lamotta in the film Raging Bull.  Likewise beginning in 1976 Sylvester Stallone starred in several Rocky movies.  Since it was raining so hard today we decided to go over to the local multiplex to see Grudge Match where De Niro and Stallone starred as fictional boxers Billy "The Kid" McDonnen and Razor Sharp.  They originally fought each other 30 years ago, but came out of retirement to fight each other again.

During the movie an inconsiderate person started to use her smartphone which created some visual discomfort in a darkened theater.  I asked the person to put it away.  When she persisted Karen went out to get the theater manager to stop her.  If you want to surf the web or text message, why go to the movies?  Just stay home.  I guess some people are just addicted to their phones.

College Basketball at Barclays Center Today

There was a college basketball tripleheader at Barclay's Center.  In the first game St. Johns faced Columbia in a battle of locals.  The defenses were very tight as there were many forced shots coming shortly before the 35 second shot clock expired.  I was impressed on how Columbia stayed in the game but the Red Storm held on to win 65-59.

Recap

The second game was a blowout as Kansas State beat Tulane 72-41

Recap

We did not stay for the third game which featured Virginia Commonwealth against Boston College.

I do think that a festival like this should feature 6 schools from the NYC region as attendance at this event was very low.  Most of the fans left after the St. Johns/Columiba game. I think there are likely few alumni of Kansas State or Tulane who live close by and would come to Brooklyn to see the game.

Jewish Museum Today - Art Spiegelman and Marc Chagall

If I remember correctly Karen and I vistited the Jewish Museum last year just after Christmas Day.  We went today to specifically see Co-Mix, a retrospective of Art Spiegelman and Chagall: Love War and Exile.  When we got to the museum just before opening time at 11 AM there was already a line of people wanting to get in.  Art Spiegelman grew up in Rego Park as I did and was only a year older than I.  I vaguely remember his name back then, but I was not acquainted with him.  He is noted for writing the book Maus using comic book characters to tell the story of his parents in the holocaust.  The exhibit featured other works of his.

Marc Chagall was a Jewish artist born in Russia who emigrated to France after the revolution.  Many of his paintings wer shown. I was surprised to see how crowded the museum was especially at the Chagall exhibit.

The upper floors were permanent exhibits that we saw last year, so we did just took a quick look.

The exhibits are described in detail at http://www.thejewishmuseum.org/Exhibitions

Boxing Day for Me

It was a pretty active day for me since I am off from work until January 2. Karen and I went to the bank to move money from one account to another.  It is a shame that the interest rates are so low these days.  The rate for our savings account is only 0.2%.  We set up a 5 year CD with some money for 1.5% interest which is still very low, but it is the safest investment possible.

When I went home I did some reading and viewing of Bob Dylan's Never Ending Tour.  I read a few chapters of this book was on my Kindle:

Muir, A. (2013). One more night: Bob Dylan's never ending tour. S.l.: Createspace

I also went into my library of DVDs and dug out the following:

Watson, W., Dylan, B., Garnier, T., Jackson, J., Baxter, B., Gilbert, J., Rivera, S., ... MVD Visual (Firm). (2009). Bob Dylan never ending tour diaries: Drummer Winston Watson's incredible journey. Oaks, Pa.?: MVDvisual

After that I watched Who Wants to be a Millionaire with Cedric the Entertainer.

From there I drove out to Douglaston and walked around Little Neck Bay.  We ate dinner at Ben's Deli in Bayside.

On and off throughout the day I listened to Rewound Radio featuring the top 77 as voted by the listeners.  I am not a "survey guy" as I believe that if I like a recording, I don't care what number it is.  I commend Tom Natoli, Mike Riccio, Frank Thomas, Allan Sniffen, and Bob Radil ( I apologize if I omitted anybody) for all the hard work they put into this programming.  I am especially impressed by the anecdotes about each of the songs that made the survey.  I was please to see that Like a Rolling Stone was voted #15.  The important thing was that this was an honest compilation of the actual votes. Many commercial radio stations do surveys, but the results are obviously "fudged" so that songs consistant with the stations format make the survey.

Being Jewish at Christmas

You can read what is in the picture above or read what I have to say.  I always have that "funny feeling" of being left out at Christmas time.  We don't open up gifts on Christmas or have a large family gathering.  Many gentiles do forget the significance of the holiday as it commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ.

I remember back in the 1970s before I was married there was always a Jewish singles dance on Christmas Day or Eve.  It was your last chance to get a date for New Year's Eve.  In the mid 1970s when I lived in New Brunswick, NJ there was a group called the Dunhams that held such an event.  We called it a JAP Festival. (JAP=Jewish American Princess).  That expression and singles dances have become passe over the years.

I will take in a movie tomorrow, but pass on the Chinese food.  It will be nice to be off from work until January 2.

Survey of Readers of Bruce's Journal

About once a year I like to survey readers of Bruce's Journal to get some feedback.  About a year ago survey results advised me that I make too many typographical errors.  I have tried to correct this, but inevitably I will make some errors.  The survey is short, so if you have a minute or so, I'd like to hear from you.

Thanks

  Click here to take survey

Anchorman 2 - Avoid this Movie!

Maybe I am just getting too old for the mainstream movies. (I think I have said that in this journal before).  Anyway, I thought the humor in this film was stupid, warped, obnoxious, etc.  There were only 10 or so people in the theater and I didn't hear too many laughs.  My next trip to the multiplex will be on Wednesday.  Hopefully, the movie will be better.

Bob Dylan - Keep Your Eyes on the Prize

I was surfing on Facebok and I found a reference to a film cover Dylan's early career.  The name is Bob Dylan Keep Your Eyes on the Prize.  The film interviews people in Hibbing, Minnesota who knew Bob when he was growing up there.  There are extensive interviews with people including:

• Clinton Heylin
• Derek Barker
• C.P. Lee
• Mickey Jones

They discuss his early career from 1961-66.  Just click on the link below and can view it for free.

Don't You Just Hate These Small Snowstorms?

When there is a big snowstorm as seen above schools and businesses close and everyone is "happy" to get a snow day.  Today there is a forecast for 2-4 inches of snow.  Mr. G said it will be light for a while but will be heavy from 11 AM - 1 PM.  This is the third light snowstorm we've had in the last week.  These small snowstorms are a nuisance since everything is open and we have to travel in poor conditions.  You know the old saying. "People talk about the weather, but don't do anything about it.

Happy 65th Birthday to Bob Shannon

I found out on Facebook that today is the 65th birthday of Bob Shannon formerly of WCBS-FM.  The photo above was taken at the CBS Radio Expo at Yankee Stadium in June 2010.  Bob has not been heard on WCBS-FM or WLNG since December 2011.  There was never a statement made by either station.  We heard from the various radio message boards that he left due to health reasons.  No specifics were given and I certainly want to respect his privacy.  He was an asset to WCBS-FM for the many years that he worked there.  I remember him fondly for announcing Lee's birth on his show in March 1988.  He played "What a Wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong and said "what a wonderful world it is that we can welcome a new listener."  Lee has been a loyal listener to WCBS-FM for all those years.

My best wishes for a happy and healthy birthday to you Bob.

My Favorite Seasonal Hit From the Early 1960s

I remember first hearing this on Cousin Brucie's show on WABC all those years ago.  I haven't heard it in many years, but thanks to YouTube, I just heard it.

Folk Rock Set on Bob Radil's 60s 70s Show

Bob Radil now features a theme set at 9 PM on his 60s 70s show on Friday night.  I am glad that he used my suggestion of a folk rock set last night.  Here is the set list:

9:07:12 PM 63_174 Tom Cat - The Rooftop Singers
9:09:14 PM 62_180 Where Have All The Flowers Gone - The Kingston Trio
9:12:13 PM Rewound shout
9:12:13 PM We Wish You a Merry Christmas - The Kingston Trio
9:15:39 PM 65_086 It Ain't Me Babe - The Turtles
9:17:44 PM RewoundRadio-1964
9:17:49 PM 64_416 It Ain't Me Babe - Johnny Cash
9:20:50 PM Rewound Radio Acappella-5
9:20:51 PM 1970 shout
9:20:51 PM Deja Vu - Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
9:24:57 PM Those Fabulous Sixties (Bob Dylan parody) - National Lampoon
9:26:42 PM RewoundRadio-1965
9:26:49 PM 65_029 Like A Rolling Stone - Bob Dylan
9:32:49 PM 1970 shout
9:32:49 PM 70_630 Eve Of Destruction - The Turtles
9:35:23 PM Eve of Destruction - P. F. Sloan
9:38:31 PM 60s70sRewound-1965
9:38:40 PM 65_302 The Dawn Of Correction - The Spokesmen
9:46:05 PM 63_519 Jenny Brown - The Smothers Brothers
9:48:03 PM Priority1-Rewound Radio
9:48:05 PM 1967 shout
9:48:05 PM 67_248 My Back Pages (stereo single) - The Byrds
9:50:37 PM RewoundRadio-1964
9:50:43 PM 64_250 Tell It On The Mountain - Peter, Paul and Mary
9:53:32 PM 60s70sRewound-1961
9:53:42 PM 61_011 Michael - The Highwaymen
10:01:18 PM Sunny Goodge Street - Judy Collins - In My Life

Mississippi - Bob Dylan Song of the Day

Thanks to WFUV for playing this at 6:10 AM.  It was a good wake up song.

How Much E-mail is Useful These Days?

I started using email in 1992 when I started at NJIT.  Back then it was a novelty as it made it easier to communicate with friends and colleagues.  Over the years e-mail has become more of a waste of time than anything else.  I have:

• One account for work
• Two AOL accounts
• One Gmail account
• One Yahoo Account

How many of these e-mails are useful these days?  On all accounts most e-mail is advertising.  After making online purchases I am bombardeded by emails advertsing more products from that vendor.  Very few emails are useful these days.

Oy Vey another Root Canal

I did a search on Bruce's Jounal and found several entries to my adventures at the dentist in recent years.  It used to be a visit every 6 months for a check-up and cleaning, but as I have gotten older dental problems surface.  A few weeks ago my periodontist (gum specialist) found an infection in my gums.  She suggested that I visit an endodontist (root canal specialist) whom I visited today.  More tough luck as I will need a root canal.  Stay tuned.

Dedications to John Lennon - 1940 -1980

Empty Garden by Elton John

All Those Years Ago - George Harrison

Here Today - Paul McCartney

Roll On John - Bob Dylan

Holiday College Basketball Festival at Madison Square Garden

Over the past 3 years Madison Square has been renovated and modernized.  It is better to do this than to build a new arena.  I believe the cost of these improvements must have been about $1 Billion.  Of course the fans must pay for this when they buy tickets.  Since tickets for the Knicks are prohibitively expensive, we decided to go to a few college basketball games at the Garden.  We came in the middle of the first game as LaSalle defeated Stony Brook 65 -57.

The second game was one--sided to say the least as St. Johns defeated Fordham 104-58

Major League Baseball Comments of the Day

The Mets signed Curtis Granderson for $60 Million over 4 years.  It seems to be a step in the right direction, but I am concerned with his strikeouts and his ability to hit home runs in spacious Citifield.  He does the potential to hit 40 home runs a season, but many can turn into long flyball outs in Flushing.  Let's hope he doesn't turn into another Jason Bay.

The Seattle Mariners signed Robinson Cano for $240 Million over 10 years.  He is a very good ball player, but is not worth that money.  The Mariners will really be burned if he sustains major injuries in the middle of the contract.

The Yankees could be in serious trouble next season especially if Derek Jeter can not return to form. Jacoby Ellsbury has been injury prone in the past. Their farm system is weak and may not be able to replace those who retired or moved to other teams.

We'll have to wait and see.

In Memory of Nelson Mandela - Under African Skies by Paul Simon

When I think of Nelson Mandela I think of Paul Simon's Graceland album.  Under African Skies was one of my favorite cuts from that album.

Richard Kearney - Facebook Friend of the Day

Richard Kearney is a librarian at William Paterson University.  Has he won the honor of being my Facebook Friend of the Day for bein a Met fan?  No, but that helps.  He has won it for being a Bob Dylan fan and tagging me on Facebook.  He wrote:

"Interesting excerpt from a new book about the Chelsea Hotel. I'm betting Bruce Slutsky and Jack Axcelson will dig it too."  The book he is talking about is:

Tippins, Sherill. Inside the Dream Palace: The Life and Times of New York's Legendary Chelsea Hotel. , 2013. Print.

Bob Dylan wrote at least some of the songs on Blonde on Blonde at that hotel.  I took at look at a description of that book and figured out that it is likely that only small portion of the book would be about Dylan.  Anyway, I decided not to buy this book.  I got thinking that I hadn't book a Bob Dylan book in several months.  I found this book on Amazon.com:

Muir, Andrew. One More Night: Bob Dylan's Never Ending Tour. S.l.: Createspace, 2013.

So, I bought an electronic copy for my Kindle.

I was looking at his Facebook photos and found this.  Could he be playing  a Bob Dylan song.  Will he be performing at the VALE annual meeting in January?

I did encounter Richard at a Dylan concert at the United Palace Theater in upper Manhattan in November 2008.  Richard and I attended a Dylan concert at William Paterson University in 1997, but I didn't see him there.  That night was historic for the Slutsky family since it was Lee's first Dylan concert.  He was only 9 years old at the time.

For being a fan of Bob Dylan and the Mets, Richard has earned the honor of being my Facebook Friend of the Day.

Making Facebook Friends with Radio People

Over the years I have mad Facebook friends with many radio personalities.  I have met a few of them at the oldies meets and greets over the years.  Off the top of my head some radio friends are:

• Cousin Bruce Morrow
• Famous Amos (Russ DiBello)
• Herb Oscar Anderson
• Anita Bonita
• Broadway Bill Lee
• Pat St. John
• Cool Bobby B
• Bob Radil
• Scott Fybush
• Joe Causi

Anyway, today I received a friend request from Bob Dearborn seen above.  His name sounded familiar in the radio context.  He worked at many radio stations in different locations over the year.  He is best known for his time (1970-76) at WCFL in Chicago.

Nice to meet you Bob!

Paley Center and Ben's Deli This Afternoon

A few times a year we like to visit the Paley Center for Media on West 52nd  Street.  Today we saw a few episodes of Doctor Who, a popular science fiction seen on the BBC for many years  From there we went to the library where Lee insisted we research TV programs about Johnny Cash.  We saw a Trbiute to Johnny Cash recorded in 1999 at the Hammerstein Ballroom in NYC.  Many country and rock stars saluted the "Man in Black" by covering his songs.  Both Bruce Springsteen and Bob Dylan who were touring in Europe at that time appeared via satellite transmission.

From there we walked over to Ben's Deli at 7th Avenue and 38th Street for dinner.  This of course is the scene of the many oldies meets and greets that have been held over the years.  The food was excellent as usual, ut why did they have to play WKTU?

Random Thoughts on Black Friday

I did not go into any shopping malls today.  I dislike shopping as it is and did not want to fight the crowds in a retail establishement.  I passed by a Toys r Us at about 9 AM and saw some cars in the parking lot, but it did not look very crowded at that time.

I was curious as to the original of the term "Black Friday" as applied to shopping the day after Thanksgiving.  Here I go quoting from the Wikipedia again. "The term "Black Friday" began to get wider exposure around 1975, as shown by two newspaper articles from November 29, 1975, both datelined Philadelphia."  I guess since I am not at work, it is OK to do that.

My theory about going to the barber shop late in the afternoon worked today.  I passed by the place at about 1 PM and noticed 4 people sitting an waiting.  That implies a one hour wait.  I came home and went back about 4 PM and just walked in.

Alice's Restaurant (The Mascacree Revisited)

My first exposure to Alice Restaurant must have been in Spring 1968 when Steve Greenblatt, a brother in Sigma Beta Phi fraternity, played it at one of our Sunday meeting at the house we rented on 6th Avenue between 27th and 28th Street.  In recent years the original has been played every Thanksgiving at 12 noon on Q104.3 and WFUV.

Today I was listening to SiriusXM's Deep Tracks channel at about 9 AM when the song came on.  It sounded somewhat different.  Arlo Guthrie talked about meeting Chip Carter (Jimmy's son) in 1977 and that he had learned that Richard Nixon owned a copy of the song.  I knew that this couldn't be the original version of the song released in 1967.  So I did a little research in the Wikipedia which can be a very reliable source of  popular information.  There were actually several revised versions.

I also remember seeing the movie Alice's Restaurant in 1969 in Brooklyn with a date that didn't work out.

The 2013 Leg of the Never Ending Tour Ended Tonight

The Never Ending Tour started in 1988 (the year that Lee was born) and continues to this day.  Bob usually takes a break around Thanksgiving and  resumes early the next year.  He is now 72 years old so we can all understand if he gives fewer concerts than he used to. The 2013 leg of the tour ended tonight at the Royal Albert Hall in London.  Dylan gave famous concerts there in 1965 and 1966.  So let's hope that Bob has a good rest so the tour will resume in 2014 and returns to NYC.  Below is the set list from last night's concerts taken from Bill Pagel's Boblinks Page.

London, England Royal Albert HallNovember 27, 2013

1.	Things Have Changed (Bob center stage)
2.	She Belongs To Me (Bob center stage with harp)
3.	Beyond Here Lies Nothin' (Bob on grand piano, Donnie on electric mandolin)
4.	What Good Am I? (Bob on grand piano, Tony on standup bass)
5.	Duquesne Whistle (Bob on grand piano, Tony on standup bass)
6.	Waiting For You (Bob on grand piano)
7.	Pay In Blood (Bob center stage)
8.	Tangled Up In Blue (Bob on grand piano)
9.	Love Sick (Bob center stage with harp, Donnie on electric mandolin)
	(Intermission)
10.	High Water (For Charley Patton) (Bob center stage with harp, Donnie on banjo, Tony on standup bass)
11.	Simple Twist Of Fate (Bob on grand piano)
12.	Early Roman Kings (Bob on grand piano)
13.	Forgetful Heart (Bob center stage with harp, Donnie on violin, Tony on standup bass)
14.	Spirit On The Water (Bob on grand piano, Tony on standup bass)
15.	Scarlet Town (Bob on grand piano, Donnie on banjo, Tony on standup bass)
16.	Soon After Midnight (Bob on grand piano)
17.	Long And Wasted Years (Bob center stage)
	(encore)
18.	All Along The Watchtower (Bob on grand piano)
19.	Blowin' In The Wind (Bob on grand piano with harp then center stage with harp, Donnie on violin)

Finally Got a Bluetooth Speaker

Sometimes I am chicken when it comes to trying new devices.  So today a bluetooth speaker that I ordered a few days ago arrived by FedEx.  I tested it out so now the music form my iPhone can be sent to the speaker seen above.  This way I can listen to Cousin Brucie on Wednesday and Bob Radil  on Fridays when I am eating dinner.  I just ordered an adaptor from my laptop so I use it with that.  It will not work with my Kindle Fire, since it is an older model.  Technology changes very quickly.

Support Your Favorite Not For Profit Radio Stations

In the past I have written in this journal during fund drives for non-profit stations.  For years I have supported WFUV and WBGO with a yearly donation.  There are now many internet only radio stations in every genre of music who play music no longer heard on terrestrial radio.  Many owners of these stations do it out of love of radio and their favorite music.  The gentleman on the left is Don Tandler of Pop Gold Radio.  He plays the music of the 1950s - 70s that is now rarely heard on traditional radio.  I often listen at lunch and on the way home via my iPhone.  In appreciation of his efforts I gave him a small donation today.  Running internet radio stations should never be a financial burden to those who provide entertainment to listeners.

If Don does not like the photo which was taken at the Long Island Radio Day in 2010, I will gladly take it down.

Memories of November 22, 1963

In previous years I have reminisced about Kennedy Assassination.  Below are the links for 3 entries:

• 2009
• 2010
• 2011 

The 2011 entry includes a link to Irv Kass's blog entry where he talks about being in Russell Sage Junior High School when he heard the news.  We were in the same school, but two years apart.  I did not know him back then as I met him electronically on Facebook.

I don't want to repeat what I wrote in previous years, but this time I'll discuss some of the people I knew back then.  I was in class 9-6 in the 1963/64 school year.  My teachers were:

• Carol Minov - Social Studies I found out that she became a reference librarian at a public library on Long Island
• Frank Jackson - Algebra - I was in his class when I heard the news
• Alice Duffy - English
• Jane Singer - Spanish
• Betram Valenti - Science

Some of my classmates in 9-6

• Alan Metzger - I went to my first game at Shea Stadium in Apil 1964
• David Alper - went to Richmond Hill HS
• Andy Bard
• Richie Heller
• Susan Feinstein - I heard through the grapevine that she passed away
• Susan Raphael - she too past away at a young age
• Lola Gold - she passed away within the last year
• Joan Koser - I ran into her at CCNY in the early 1970s
• Carolyn Brindle

Maybe I'll dig out the class picture and remember some more people

Some other friends at Russell Sage

• Larry Stahl - I reconnected with him on Facebook,  He is a lawyer in Baltimore
• Alan Nelson - he is a physician in Connecticut
• Joshua Socoloff

Less than half of the people alive today were born before 1963.  So certainly the younger generation did not experience the Kennedy years or the tragedy of November 22, 1963

Random Thoughts of the Day

Since I am working on the late shift tonight I am going to stop by Madison Square Garden to buy tickets to a few college basketball games.  Since the prices for Knick tickets are so high ($100/seat for the upper level) I will settle for a college game at $35/seat.

As a radio enthusiast I have followed the New York Radio Message Board for many years.  It can be very informative as radio professionals and hobbyists often report on developments in the radio business and offer their opinions.  Unfortuately in recent days there was a big fight between two parties on that board.  I just feel that should have duked it out through private e-mails not on the message board.

That's about it for today.

A Consequence of Making A Facebook Friend with Someone You Don't Know

I should do an inventory of my Facebook friends which now numbers about 500.  Many of them I have never met face to face and just "know them" electronically.  Many of my "electronic friends" are  fellow radio enthusiasts.  One of these friends is Mike Piazza (not the baseball player) who did an oldies show on WTSR affiliated with The College of New Jersey near Trenton.  Sadly Mike passed away in March 2011.

On the upper right side of my Facebook home page there was a note saying it was Mike's birthday today.  Over 40 people wished him a happy birthday and obviously did not he had passed away.  Only a few of the birthday wishes acknowledged he had died.  I really think there should be a mechanism for a family to request a Facebook profile of a deceased relative to be deleted.

Today's Radio Notes

Since we went out last night, we stayed close to home today.  We just took a walk to nearby Bowne Park in the early afternoon.  Here is today's radio log with some comments.

• WINS News
• WCBS-FM - Sue O'Neill
• WBGO - Saturday morning function with Bob Porter followed by Felix Hernandez's Rhythm Revue
• Johnny Cash Radio - the Slutskys love the Man in Black
• Norm N Nite on SiriusXM 50s on Five
• Rewound Radio - Allan Sniffen narrated the station for a few hours in the afternoon
• Pop Gold Radio - Don Tandler was doing a countdown on November 16, 1963.  These were the hits at the time of the Kennedy Assassination
• Hy Lit airchecks from WOGL Philadelphia.  I received these from Sam Lit
• WFUV HD2 - the parent station was airing Fordham University Football.  I am one of the few people with an HD radio so I heard music
• Cousin Brucie on SiriusXM 60s on 6

There was a very nasty exchange today on the New York Radio Message Board.

LA Kings 2 NJ Devils 0

Last night Karen and Lee met me at the Prudential Center after work to see Devils hockey.  Lee seems to be the big hockey fan in the family.  The defense were very tight as no goals were scored until about 7 minutes to play in the 3rd period.  The LA Kings scored an open net goal with 3 seconds to go and won 2-0.  The Devils are now 6-8-5.

Game Recap

Tom Petty's Buried Treasure Show - A Must For Lovers of Classic Rock

Tom Petty's Buried Treasure Show is another good reason to subscribe to SiriusXM.  New episodes appear weekly on the Deep Tracks Channel, but now there is a channel devoted to "encore performances."  This is a euphemism for reruns.  Programming a radio show is more of an art than a science, but Tom and/or the people behind the scenes do a good job playing the right rarities.  I highly recommend it for classic rock enthusiasts.

Who Is Lurking Here?

I must be careful about writing in this blog since anyone can see what I am doing.  I use Google Analytics to see how people are accessing this journal.  The program tells me the location of people who access Bruce's Journal.  There are regular posters from Monroe Township and Rahway, both in New Jersey.  I am guessing that they are from NJIT, but I don't know who they are.  Who is lurking here?

Surprise Package from UPS Today

I have stated before that I miss the excitement of running to record stores when a new Beatles or Bob Dylan album came out.  A few weeks ago I ordered The Beatles Live at the BBC Volume 2 from Amazon.com.  They are very reliable at sending out pre-orders the day the book or recording is released.  On Friday I received an e-mail stating that it was sent.  I didn't expect it today since there is no postal mail on Veterans Day, but it was sent via UPS and arrived today.  Those early Beatles sound terrific and as a bonus Brian Matthew appeared.

Random Thoughts on a November Sunday

We went over to visit my mother at the Bristal in Westbury as we do on most Sundays.  Today she said that I look like my grandmother (her mother) since both of us did not get gray hair until late in life.  I must admit that I have a few, but people say that I don't look my age.  My grandmother was a redhead, but none of 3 children, 6 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren had red hair.

Sony TVs are very reliable.  The one I have at home must be at least 12 years old and still plays very well.  The only problem is that it is analog.  I am finally thinking of upgrading to an HD TV.  In a couple of weeks I should get some retroactive pay, so I'll have extra money.

Tomorrow is Veterans Day, but I have to go to work.  I can't complain since we get the week off between Christmas and New Years and Fridays off during the summer.  The bus and subway should be less crowded since schools and government agencies are closed.  I just hope that train delays and passengers blocking the doors also take the day off.

Some Random Thoughts about Facebook

I think I have been on Facebook for about 7 years and have amassed close to 500 friends.  Here are some thoughts about the world’s largest social networking site.  Here are some thoughts:

Many of these friends I have never met all or just once.  I have maintained some good electronic relationships with some of them, but others I should drop as friends since I have not communicated at all with them.

It is interesting to see what professional acquaintances do outside of work.

Some people write things that are just too personal.  I have seen a few people who have documented their romances which is just not appropriate.  Others talk about their illnesses or sicknesses in their families.  I just would not do that.  I guess I have discussed my adventures at the dentist.

Will the popularity of Facebook fall off in the years to come?  I guess every product or service has a life cycle.

The Mets are Already Trying to Sell Me Tickets for 2014

Today I received an e-mail from the Mets ticket office offering some partial plans for 2014.  There is a 10 pack which includes opening day and 9 Saturdays.  Well, it is only November and I doubt it will be difficult to get tickets this season.  I will likely buy tickets for this season, but the Wilpons will just have to wait for my money.

Murray the K Introduced Me to Jimi Hendrix

Last night PBS (Channel 13 in NYC) aired an excellent biography of Jimi Hendrix who has appeard in this journal several times in the past.  It was an excellent show tracing Jimi's career from a sideman to a superstar who sadly left us at the age of 27.  Several performances  were featured in this show.  I  remember that in the late 1960s Murray the K on WOR-FM introduced me to his music.  Back in those days WOR-FM was a free form station that played almost everything.  Murray had excellent tastes in music and was an asset to New York radio for many years.  Below is Jimi singing Like a Rolling Stone at the Monterey Pop Festival in 1967.

It Is Official The Mets Will Be Heard on WOR for the Next 5 Years

Mr. Met is seen visiting the WOR studio. I just hope he avoids Mr. Pompous.

I Just Love Pat St. John's Collectible Cut Feature on WCBS-FM

Pat St. John has already been named my Facebook Friend of The Day.  Today I am honoring him for his Collectible Cut feature on WCBS-FM.  Pat has considerable air time on at least 3 channels on SiriusXm, but is only heard from 11 AM - 3 PM on Sundays on WCBS-FM.  I must admit that I don't listen to 101.1 FM as much as I used to since they are burning out too many "Greatest Hits" from the 1980s.  I don't hate music from the 1980s, but how many times must I hear the "Logical Song."

On most Sundays I leave my house at about 12:15 to visit my mother in Westbury.  When I reach Post Avenue I usually hear Pat's Collectible Cut.  Today he played a version of George Harrison singing It Don't Come Easy which was a hit for Ringo Starr.  Tonight, I found it on Youtube.

Doo Wop Music in the Library?

No, the sounds of the 1950s and early 1960s were not heard in the NJIT Library today.  We took a walk over to the Flushing branch of the Queens Library to hear a Doo Wop group called The Creations.  They pretty much covered the standard hits that were once heard on WCBS-FM.  Maybe Cool Bobby B can dig out one of their recordings and play them on his show.  My only disappointment was that the performances was less than one hour.  Since the show was for free, I really can't complain.

The Hot Stove League Season is Beginning

Since the baseball season ended with the Red Sox wining the World Series in 6 games it is time to concentrate on basketball and hockey.  When I get off the computer I'll have a choice of watching the Rangers or the Knicks.  However, a different type of baseball season called the Hot Stove League begins where free agents are signed and trades made for the next season.

There are certainly plenty of sports related internet sites that generate rumors which may or may not be substantiated.  I certainly have no control over what will happen.  Very often free agents are signed for long term contracts with big bucks and just don't work out.  There is an old saying that the best trades are the ones you don't make.  The Yankees and Mets will try to improve themselves.  I think the Mets have players with potential in their farm system while the Yankees don't.  We can only wait and see.

A Portrait Of Dylan Influences 1969-70

Readers of Bruce's Journal know that I have written about the deluxe box set of Another Self-Portrait.  This albu differs from other Dylan albums since none of the songs were written by him.  When I don't listen to Dylan I often read about him.  One of the most popular fanzines is called ISIS which is published in Great Britain.  In the last isssue there was an advertisement for a CD called A Portrait Of Dylan Influences 1969-70 .  It includes original versions of the songs that Dylan covered in his Self-Portrait.  Many of those songs are classic country hits.  There were several Everly Brothers hits as well.  If you want this CD, you must order it from ISIS.

Remembering Lou Reed from Singing Foot of Pride at the Bobfest

I heard the news today about the passing of Lou Reed best known as the singer, vocalist and songwriter for the Velvet Underground.  I best remember him for his performance of the Bob Dylan rarity of Foot of Pride played at the Bob Dylan 30th Anniversary Concert in 1992 known at the Bobfest.  I remember I could not get tickets for this historic concert, but saw it on Pay Per View and heard the simulcast on WNEW-FM.  When Lou played Foot of Pride, I just could not recognize the song.  Dylan's version can be heard on Bootleg Series Volume 1-3.  I am sorry to hear of Lou's passing.

Random Thoughts on a Saturday Evening

Since we hadn't seen a movie in several weeks we walked over to the local multiplex to see Captain Phillips starring Tom Hanks.  It was nice to see a film based on an actual event.  As I have said before, I am a little too old for these fantasy movies.

Two weeks ago Joe McCoy, the former program director of WCBS-FM, did an oldies show on WICC Bridgeport, Ct.  For the second week in a row I tuned in and there was an oldies show with no DJs.  Apparently it was a one time event.

Since none of the local teams are in the World Series, I thought I'd skip the first few innings and listen to some oldies on SirusXM 60s on 6.  Peter Noone of Herman's Hermits fame does a show before Cousin Bruce.  Near the end of his show he played Next Plane to London by Rose Garden which is one terrific lost hit.  Please give it a listen.

New Morning by Bob Dylan

IMHO this is one of Bob Dylan's most underrated songs.  The version above is from the album of the same name.  There is an alternate version on the new CD Another Self-Portrait.

Baseball Games are Just Too Long These Days

Albert Spaulding must be spinning in his grave as he sees how long baseball games are these days. Back in his days ball games were likely 2 hours or less.  But in recent years the length of games has increased for the following reasons:

• Batters work out deep counts
• Batters foul off many pitches
• Pitchers and Catchers have too many conferences
• Pitchers throw too many times to try to pick off a runner
• There are long intervals between innings to get more commercials on TV
• Too many pitchers come in to face just one or two batters

These issues seem to be worse during the postseason.  Many 9 inning games last 4 hours.  If a World Series game starts at 8 PM, I likely will not stay up until the end.

This Weekend's Radio Log

Starting late Friday afternoon.

Friday

Pop Gold Radio

Hy Lit Radio

Rewound Radio - Bob Radil's 60s 70s Show

Saturday

WINS - gotta hear the weather and sports report

WCBS-FM - Been listening to Sue O'Neil on weekends since 2007

WBGO - Saturday Morning Function

DylanRadio.com - Thanks Pete Freckleton for the Traveling Wilbury's Weekend

WFAN - long time listener, never called.

WCBS-FM - always glad to hear Randy Davis

WCWP - we were in  the neighborhood to see LIU Post football

WFUV - Don McGee does a terrific job with Mixed Bag.  I still miss Pete Fornatale

WICC - They played oldies, but Joe McCoy was not on

SiriusXM 60s on 6 - Cousin Brucie

Sunday

WINS

WCBS-FM Sue O'Neill

WAXQ - Breakast with the Beatles with Ken Dashow

BBC2 - Podcast of Sounds of the 60s with B

WCBS-FM - I was really happy to hear Pat St. John play Handle with Care by the Traveling Wilburys

WCBS-FM - Al Bernstein

WROR Boston - Lost 45s with Barry Scott

SiriusXM 50s on 5 - Cool Bobby B's Doo Wop Stop

There is less time to listen during the week since my employer does dont pay me to listen to the radio.  I will catch Hy Lit Radio and others not listed above.

LIU Post 58 Pace 0

Since the cost of tickets to the Jets and Giants is prohibitively high, we took a drive to LIU Post in Brookville.  It was homecoming day at Post as there were several hundred alumni on campus.  The game was a rout as the home team won 58-0.

Game Summary

WOR Will Carry the Mets on Radio in 2014

Neil Best of Newsday and Bob Raissman of The Daily News report that the Mets are close to making a deal to carry their games on WOR next season.  This will likely be a multiyear deal.  At least the Mets will be on a 50,000 watt station with a long range.

Today is our 30th Anniversary

It is hard to believe that Karen and I have been married for 30 years.  Where did all these years go?  It was a sunny and mild day on October 16, 1983 when we wlked down the aisle at the Old Westbury Hebrew Congregation as Rabbi Barry Dov Lerner officiated.  It is just sad to look at our wedding album and see how many people passed away over the 30 years.

Happy Anniversary Karen and many many more.

Happy Birthday Roy

My good old friend Roy is 63 years young today.  We have been friends since our Forest Hills High School Days as our parents were friends.  I remember meeting Roy on Saunders Street and walking to school while we talked about the WMCA and WABC surveys.

Roy retired after working for many years in the New York City Office of City Planning.  He can best be described as a "culture vulture" as he spends 9 days a week going to movies, operas, ballets, and Broadway shows.

Happy Birthday Roy.

By the way today is the 8th anniversary of Bruce's Journal.  There have been almost 2400 journal entries over those 8 years.

Happy Birthday Cousin Brucie

The Cuz is 78 years young today.  Happy birthday and many many more.  You are the #1 Radio Mensch. Here is an obvious dedication to you - Birthday by the Beatles.

A Night With Janis Joplin - For Broadway or Concert Hall?

This afternoon Karen and I went to see A Night with Janis Joplin at the Lyceum Theater.  Whenever a "jukebox musical" opens I like to see it shortly after its release since many of them fail.  Twyla Tharp's The Times They are a Changin' was the biggest flop while the Jersey Boys has succeeded on the Great White Way for years.

I enjoyed the show as Alison Cusano (the understudy) did an excellent job of belting out the Janis Joplin song book.Mary Bridget Davies the advertised Janis had the afternoon off.  The Janis character gave some biographical information to the audience, but there was absolutely no story line.  There were appearances by actresses portraying Chantel, Bessie Smith, Nina Simone, Odetta, Aretha Franklin, and Etta James.  I was pleasantly surprised to hear a version of Dylan's I Shall Be Released.

My question is should Broadway theaters be concert halls? There are many tribute bands out there who play in concert venues rather the Broadway stage.

Review in the New York Times.

Good News and Bad News for Bob Dylan Today

The good news is that after break for about two months the Never Ending Tour resumed today in Oslo, Norway. He will be played in several European Countries during this leg of the tour.  The bad news is that Bob did not win the Nobel Prize for literature.  The honor went to Canada's Alice Munro described as the master of the contemporary short story.

Below is the set list for tonight's concerts from Bill Pagel's Boblinks page

Oslo, Norway SpektrumOctober 10, 2013

1.	Things Have Changed
2.	She Belongs To Me
3.	Beyond Here Lies Nothin'
4.	What Good Am I?
5.	Pay In Blood
6.	Tangled Up In Blue
7.	It's Alright, Ma (I'm Only Bleeding)
	(Intermission)
8.	Early Roman Kings
9.	Simple Twist Of Fate
10.	Summer Days
11.	Forgetful Heart
12.	Spirit On The Water
13.	Scarlet Town
14.	Soon After Midnight
15.	Long And Wasted Years
	(encore)
16.	All Along The Watchtower
17.	Blowin' In The Wind

Happy Birthday John Lennon

Today would have been John Lennon's 73rd birthday.  Although he was tragically killed in 1980 his music with the Beatles and as a solo artist lives on.

Congratulations to Jim Kerr and Shelli Sonstein for 10 years on Q-104.3

Jim Kerr and Bruce at the November 2012

Oldies Meet and Greet

From what I have observed radio personalities come and go quickly at radio stations.  But Jim and sidekick Shelli Sonstein have been together at Q-104.3.  Jim and Shelli were also the morning team at WPLJ.  Jim is originally from Detroit, but has worked for almost 40 years in New York radio.  In additon to working at Q104.3 Jim is heard on SiriusXM.  In the past he has worked at:

• WPLJ
• WYNY (NYC country music station at 103.5 FM)
• WYNY (a Westchester country music station known as Y107)
• WPIX-FM
• Mix 105
• Fill-in host on WOR

My best wishes to Jim and Shelli for continued success in New York radio.