Happy New Year To Readers of Bruce's Journal

I have no idea who reads Bruce's Journal, but whether I know you or not I wish you a happy and healthy 2018.

It will obviously be a year of change for me as I no longer have to cope with managers or New Jersey Transit.  I need to spend much of my first year of retirement resting.  I will be riding the #7 train, but it will be less often than I did in the last 25 years.  Whenever possible I will try to avoid the rush hours when the trains are most crowded.

I will look into doing volunteer work, but I have no specific plans right now.  I will step up my activity in SABR. (Society for American Baseball Research)

Stay tuned.

The Check Engine Light Saga Came to an End Today

A few weeks ago I reported in Bruce's Journal that my Check Engine Light Came on.  Here is the chronology:

December 18 - I took the car to the mechanic who said it would need an oxygen sensor and a catalytic converter which would be an expensive job.  I said I would take it back next week

December 27 - Another mechanic was on duty who said he wanted to recheck the scan, but did not have his scanner with him.

December 28 - The second scan indicated that it just needed an oxygen detector.  The mechanic had to order the part.

December 29 - the mechanic installed the oxygen detector.  The bill including the part and labor was about $250.  That wasn't too bad,

Review of Petula Clark at BB Kings on December 26

I must say that at age 85 Petula Clark is not getting older, she is getting better.  She really wowed the audience at BB Kings on December 26 as she sang in front or a jammed packed club.  She sang many of her hits including Downtown, Don’t Sleep in the Subway, I Couldn’t Live Without Your Love, My Love and This is My Song.  She told some anecdotes about meeting Charlie Chaplin and John Lennon and Yoko Ono.  I was surprised to hear her cover the Beatle’s Blackbird and John Lennon’s Imagine.  She also sang a few songs from her forthcoming CD Living for Today.  There were many younger people in the audience.  Last night’s concert completes a tour that started in Modesto, California on November 12.

The Top 77 of All Time as Voted by Listeners Will Be Revealed Tomorrow

Starting tomorrow Rewound Radio will play the top 77 hits as voted by the listeners and compiled by Mike Riccio, Tom Natoli, and others.  This is the 20^th time this survey was compiled.  Radio stations of various formats often do this, but the prevailing opinion is that the survey is “fudged” omitting songs that are out of the format.  Very often the order is changed to create the desired playlist.  I certainly applaud these gentlemen for all their efforts in compiling a true countdown.

I have heard thousands of oldies over the years, but how do I and others pick their favorite 10?  Here are some reasons:

1.        You were dating your future spouse when it was a hit

2.       It has a good beat and you can dance to it.

3.       You are very familiar with it.

4.       The lyrics have significance for you.

Here is what I do.  I pick my 10 favorite artists and then pick one hit from each one that I feel is likely to make the survey.  I am known as a big Bob Dylan fan, but why should I vote for an obscure album cut that would never make the survey.  Thus, I always vote for Like a Rolling Stone which a powerful, but a very bitter song.  For the Byrds, one year I’ll vote for Mr. Tambourine Man, yet another time I’ll vote for Turn Turn Turn.  I continue this for 8 more artists. 

I guess there is a method to my madness.

Thoughts?

A Bob Dylan Song for Galen - Subterranean Homesick Blues

Bruce and Galen

It is very unusual when I call someone out in one of my journal entries.  As you see Galen is smiling at this photo taken at my retirement luncheon.  That smile must turn into a frown every Sunday this fall as his beloved Giants football team is 2-13.  You can check out his Twitter feed at Warden of the North.

I think I should cheer him up by dedicating Subterranean Homesick Blues to him.  This Dylan song just does not make sense, but the listener must pick apart every line.  There is one line in this song that should make sense to him.  Below is the video from 1965 which appeared in the documentary Don't Look Back.  I will even show him all the lyrics, but I won't outline the important line.

Subterranean Homesick Blues

WRITTEN BY: BOB DYLAN

Johnny’s in the basement
Mixing up the medicine
I’m on the pavement
Thinking about the government
The man in the trench coat
Badge out, laid off
Says he’s got a bad cough
Wants to get it paid off
Look out kid
It’s somethin’ you did
God knows when
But you’re doin’ it again
You better duck down the alley way
Lookin’ for a new friend
The man in the coon-skin cap
By the big pen
Wants eleven dollar bills
You only got ten

Maggie comes fleet foot
Face full of black soot
Talkin’ that the heat put
Plants in the bed but
The phone’s tapped anyway
Maggie says that many say
They must bust in early May
Orders from the D.A.
Look out kid
Don’t matter what you did
Walk on your tiptoes
Don’t try “No-Doz”
Better stay away from those
That carry around a fire hose
Keep a clean nose
Watch the plain clothes
You don’t need a weatherman
To know which way the wind blows

Get sick, get well
Hang around an ink well
Ring bell, hard to tell
If anything is goin’ to sell
Try hard, get barred
Get back, write braille
Get jailed, jump bail
Join the army, if you fail
Look out kid
You’re gonna get hit
But users, cheaters
Six-time losers
Hang around the theaters
Girl by the whirlpool
Lookin’ for a new fool
Don’t follow leaders
Watch the parkin’ meters

Ah get born, keep warm
Short pants, romance, learn to dance
Get dressed, get blessed
Try to be a success
Please her, please him, buy gifts
Don’t steal, don’t lift
Twenty years of schoolin’
And they put you on the day shift
Look out kid
They keep it all hid
Better jump down a manhole
Light yourself a candle
Don’t wear sandals
Try to avoid the scandals
Don’t wanna be a bum
You better chew gum
The pump don’t work
’Cause the vandals took the handles

Copyright

© 1965 by Warner Bros. Inc.; renewed 1993 by Special Rider Music

 

We See a Hat Trick as the Islanders Beat Winnipeg 5-2 at Barclays Center

We only go to a few hockey games each season, so today we trekked on the subway to Brooklyn to see the Islanders play the Winnipeg Jets.  As you see above Lee got an Islanders' short and cap that he wore to the game.  The highlight was the hat trick scored by rookie Matthew Barzal.  It was the first hat trick by an Islander rookie since 2011.

Game recap

My 44 Year Journey Ends on My Terms

My 44-year journey started in January 1974 as I left the University of Rhode Island (URI) with a master’s degree in chemistry and has ended today as I have retired as a Science/Engineering Librarian with NJIT.  There was successes, failures, peaks, valleys, and plateaus along the way.  I shouldn’t make this entry too long or nobody will read it.  To quote the song The Way We Were – “What's too painful to remember we simply choose to forget”.   Since I have an excellent autobiographical, it is often difficult to forget the bad experiences.

When I left URI, I had no job prospects.  I was sending resumes out to chemical companies all over the country seeking an entry level position.  In early March when I still didn’t have a job, I went to a temporary agency called OTI and applied for a job.  They placed me at Bank Americard now known as Visa and did clerical work for them.  It was very boring, but it was better than staying home. In May 1974 I landed a position with Rhodia in New Brunswick, NJ.

I moved to a temporary apartment there where the landlord was a real jerk and just could not leave me alone.  A few months later I moved to a permanent apartment nearby.  I worked in the development lab where we modified processes in the manufacture of bulk aroma chemicals.  To make a painful story short, the situation did not work out.  If you are interested in reading more about my New Brunswick days there are two previous journal entries:

• Part 1
• Part 2

In June 1975, I landed a position with UOP Fragrances in Long Island City, Queens.  I had a very terrible commute from New Brunswick to there.  My intention was to do that for a year and then move.  This job involved synthesizing new chemical substances at a small scale to be evaluated for perfume ingredients.  In early 1976 the company was sold to a Dutch company called Naarden.  Some months later, they eliminated the research department and let everyone go from the bottle washer to the research director.  So, I was out of a job again.

This job search was long and painful.  One company actually wanted me to work for them for two days as part of my interview.  I refused and didn’t get that job which was for the better.  After being unemployed for 6 months, I had to consider relocation.  I landed a job at Pfizer in Groton, Ct.

I moved to New London which is across the Thames River from Groton.  At Pfizer I worked under a Ph D chemist to synthesize new substances to be tested for analgesic activity.  Disaster struck here as I realized that I wasn’t suited to work as a laboratory chemist.  Also, Southeastern Connecticut was not the right place for me to live.  I stayed in that area for one more year and then moved back to live with my parents in Queens. 

I worked with an outplacement consultant to help me “get my act together” to find a new career path.  I decided to pursue a career as an information scientist who would research the professional literature on behalf of laboratory scientists.  Some people suggested that I pursue a degree in Library Science, but I decided not to do that at this point.  It was a difficult job search, but In June 1979 a landed a position with Schering Corporation in Bloomfield, NJ.

Again, this necessitated a long commute from Queens.  My job was to look for documentation in the literature for chemical substances that would either be intermediates or final products.  There was online searching back then, but it was very slow and primitive compared to the internet of today.  We had to use a telephone modem to search DIALOG.  Those were the days. While I was at Schering I obtained a masters in library and information science from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn. That job lasted for 3 years.

From there I went to H.W. Wilson in the Bronx to become and indexer for the Applied Science and Technology Index.  I hated that job and left after 4 months.

From there I went to the New York Public Library Science and Technology Division which then (1983) was in the famous building with the Lions at 5^th Avenue and 42^nd Street.  It was one of the biggest STM Library Collections in the world.  It was difficult working with a closed stack collection.  Users had to submit a call slip to the librarian and then a page would retrieve the book or periodical and bring it to the patron. “On the table tops there are seat number, write down your seat number and we’ll bring you the item.”  They could understand nuclear physics, but not seat numbers.  The hard part was finding the physical location of the item that the person requested.  After 7 ½ years, I felt it was enough.

I wanted to become an academic librarian and obtained a position at St. Johns University in Queens.  I was the Head of the Science Division for two years and then moved on to NJIT.

I could probably write a book about my experiences over the past 25 years at the Robert Van Houten Library.  I know many of my colleagues read Bruce’s Journal so I won’t say anything negative about the university or any of the people.  Any job has its frustrations, I had my share.  I had the satisfaction of reaching out to the faculty and students and winning their respect.  NJIT has grown by leaps and bounds in my 25 years.  There are many more buildings on the campus and the student body has increase greatly.  Reference librarians have to “compete” with Google.  Instead of searching the library’s database to find information, students will do a Google search and report websites in their bibliographies.  My biggest frustration was to see the reference transactions and research consultations decline.  Interested readers can check out my librarians blog.

I should also add that I am proud of my accomplishments in the American Chemical Society and the Metropolitan New York Library Council (METRO).  I am also proud of my professional publications.

I was frustrated not to get a promotion for 25 years, but at least I had the satisfaction of leaving on my terms.  My career difficulties were early, before I was married and had a family.  Being on a career plateau was frustrating, but I wasn’t let go.

After 40+ years of working, and 25 years at the same it was time to retire at age 68.  I will be 69 in 4 more months.  Thankfully I am in good health and hope to enjoy my retirement years.

Bob Dylan Does Recognize His Fans

The song Mississippi heard in concert above originally appeared in the album Love and Theft Released in 2001.  I just completed the book Thomas, R. F. (2017). Why Bob Dylan matters.  I have certainly read plenty of books about Dylan over the years, but each one provides a new insight.  Dylan rarely gives interviews and now just doesn't talk to his fans during concerts.  He doesn't even introduce his backup musicians to the audience.  But does he really care about his fans?

Richard F. Thomas, a Professor of Classics at Harvard, does what I often do and take a line out of context from one of his songs (Mississippi).

"I’ve got nothin’ but affection for all those who’ve sailed with me."  Many people have "sailed" with him over the years.  Below are the lyrics to the entire song.

Mississippi

WRITTEN BY: BOB DYLAN

Every step of the way we walk the line
Your days are numbered, so are mine
Time is pilin’ up, we struggle and we scrape
We’re all boxed in, nowhere to escape

City’s just a jungle; more games to play
Trapped in the heart of it, tryin' to get away
I was raised in the country, I been workin’ in the town
I been in trouble ever since I set my suitcase down

Got nothin' for you, I had nothin' before
Don’t even have anything for myself anymore
Sky full of fire, pain pourin’ down
Nothing you can sell me, I’ll see you around

All my powers of expression and thoughts so sublime
Could never do you justice in reason or rhyme
Only one thing I did wrong
Stayed in Mississippi a day too long

Well, the devil’s in the alley, mule’s in the stall
Say anything you wanna, I have heard it all
I was thinkin’ 'bout the things that Rosie said
I was dreaming I was sleepin' in Rosie’s bed

Walkin' through the leaves, falling from the trees
Feelin' like a stranger nobody sees
So many things that we never will undo
I know you’re sorry, I’m sorry too

Some people will offer you their hand and some won’t
Last night I knew you, tonight I don’t
I need somethin’ strong to distract my mind
I’m gonna look at you ’til my eyes go blind

Well I got here followin' the southern star
I crossed that river just to be where you are
Only one thing I did wrong
Stayed in Mississippi a day too long

Well my ship’s been split to splinters and it’s sinkin' fast
I’m drownin’ in the poison, got no future, got no past
But my heart is not weary, it’s light and it’s free
I’ve got nothin’ but affection for all those who’ve sailed with me
Everybody movin’ if they ain’t already there
Everybody got to move somewhere
Stick with me baby, stick with me anyhow
Things should start to get interestin' right about now

My clothes are wet, tight on my skin
Not as tight as the corner that I painted myself in
I know that fortune is waitin’ to be kind
So give me your hand and say you’ll be mine

Well, the emptiness is endless, cold as the clay
You can always come back, but you can’t come back all the way
Only one thing I did wrong
Stayed in Mississippi a day too long

Copyright

Copyright © 1996 by Special Rider Music

Random Thoughts of the Day

I took today as a vacation day as I must use mine up or else I would lose them.  I took my car over to a service station to find out why the check engine light went on.  It turns out that I will need a new catalytic converter and oxygen sensor.  Likely, this will cost me big bucks, but the only alternative is to get a newer car.  I have a 2000 Chevy Cavalier which I bought new, but it only has 65,700 miles.  I'll keep it for a few more years.

I had to fill out some paperwork fro TIAA.  I put in so much money into it over the last 27 years so it will be nice to finally withdraw from it.  I think I finished my work with the Social Security Administration.

I was going through a drawer at home and found the advertisement for my job that I answered in 1992.  I also saved my cover letter and the letter I received from the late Ann Buck confirming my interview.

4 more days of work!  Hopefully, there will be no train delays or arguments.

Million Dollar Bash by Fairport Convention - Bob Dylan Cover of the Day

I remember the late Pete Fornatale playing this on the radio.

Politically Incorrect Oldies on Bob Radil's 60s 70s Show

Listener Steven Green suggested to Bob Radil that his 4th-hour theme be devoted to politically incorrect songs.  Certainly, those songs would not be released today.  Below is a list of the songs that were played during that hour.  My favorite has to be The Ten Commandments by Prince Buster.  Back in 1967 Murray the K played it regularly on WOR-FM.  I always liked its "Blue Beat."

9:02:51 PM Song - Speedy Gonzales - Pat Boone
9:05:17 PM Jingle - 60s70sRewound-1963
9:05:27 PM Song - If You Wanna Be Happy - Jimmy Soul
9:09:49 PM Song - Game Of Love - Wayne Fontana & The Mindbenders[gay version]
9:11:52 PM Jingle - SCP-Can't Touch
9:12:01 PM Jingle - 1962 shout
9:12:01 PM Song - Ahab, The Arab - Ray Stevens
9:14:46 PM Jingle - You Found The Rewound Sound
9:14:52 PM Jingle - 1967 shout
9:14:52 PM Song - Ten Commandments - Prince Buster
9:20:34 PM Song - Indian Giver - 1910 Fruitgum Company
9:23:13 PM Jingle - Big Band Rewound
9:23:18 PM Song - Ten Little Indians - The Beach Boys
9:24:40 PM Jingle - Train wreck(2)~4
9:24:45 PM Jingle - 1973 shout
9:24:45 PM Song - Living For The City - Stevie Wonder[LP]
9:33:24 PM Song - Good Girls Don't - The Knack[LP lyrics]
9:36:29 PM Song - Sit Down, I Think I Love You - The Mojo Men
9:38:43 PM Jingle - RewoundRadio-1970
9:38:50 PM Song - For The Love Of Him - Bobbi Martin
9:41:24 PM Jingle - Rewound Radio -2
9:41:27 PM Jingle - 1973 shout
9:41:27 PM Song - Ain't No Woman (Like The One I Got) - Four Tops
9:44:29 PM Jingle - All American Your Favorite Station
9:44:36 PM Jingle - 1965 shout
9:44:36 PM Song - Run For Your Life - Beatles (LP - Anthology Outtakes Vol. 2)
9:49:48 PM Song - When I Kissed The Teacher - Abba (LP - Arrival)
9:52:45 PM Jingle - SCP-Worst Nightmare
9:52:55 PM Song - The Astronaut - Part 1
10:01:27 PM Song - Wives And Lovers - Jack Jones

The Check Engine Light Came on Today

I have a 2000 Chevy Cavalier which I bought new back then.  Over 17 years I have put only 65,600 miles on it since I take public transportation to work.  Most of my driving in recent years has been short trips near home.  Today as I was driving Lee home from a doctor's appointment the Check Engine Light came on.

I learned from experience not to panic when this happens.  "Research" using Google led me to some websites saying that it just could be a loose gas cap or a defective oxygen sensor.  I know that service stations can easily find the problem.  Hopefully, the solution will be inexpensive.

Happy Retirement - Reg Tomkins

I have known Reg Tomkins, Professor of Chemical Engineering at NJIT since I started in Fall 1992.  Today his department held a retirement party for him in Tiernan Hall.  He has been a great friend for all these years.  We used to have lunch in the NJIT pub with several other faculty members in the Pub in the basement of the old Hazell Center.  He actually heard Brian Matthew play one of my requests on Sounds of the 60s.

Best wishes to him on his retirement.

What are These "Lone Wolves" Trying To Prove?

As the #7 train I was on this morning approached Grand Central Station at about 7:30 the conductor announced that the train will skip the Times Square Station since there was police activity there.  I decided to get off the train at 5th Avenue and take the B, D, or F train one station to 6th Avenue and 34th Street and walk over to Penn Station.  I was able to accomplish that with a minimal delay.

I didn't realize what happened until a little later when an announcement popped up on my cell phone stating that there was a bombing near the Port Authority Bus Terminal.  I found out that there was a terrorist with a pipe bomb in the corridor connecting the Times Square Subway station with 8th Avenue and 42nd Street.  Fortunately only the terrorist suffered significant injuries.

It seems that most of these terrorist attacks recently were done by "lone wolves" who claim loyalty to ISIS.  Why must innocent people suffer?  What are these creeps trying to prove?  You just can't have a police officer guarding every square inch of the city.

On the way home there was much more police stationed at Newark Penn Station, New York Penn Station, and the Flushing subway station.  They are guarding against a "me too" attack.  But, how long can they stay there?

What is this world coming to?

I needed a Day's Rest to Recover From My Retirement Party

I am not used to being the "center of attraction", thus my retirement party was a little stressful.  I think I had more photos taken of me there than I had at my bar mitzvah and wedding combined.  Back then a professional photographer took all the pictures, but now everyone has a cell phone with a camera. I didn't have time to eat.

I have a number of vacation days that I have to take before I leave, so I took yesterday off to recover. 
I certainly thank my colleagues for organizing this event.

I Survived My Retirement Party with Flying Colors

Yours Truly with President Joel Bloom of NJIT

I didn't realize how popular I was at NJIT until today as about 40 people came to my retirement party.  I was pleasantly surprised that President Joel Bloom stopped by as seen above.

Your truly with Provost Fadi Deek

I knew in advance that Provost Fadi Deek would also come.  The Provost is the highest academic office in a university.  The library reports to him.

In addition to the librarians, there were representatives from the departments of chemistry, chemical engineering, physics, civil engineering, humanities and the university administration.  There was a computer in the room with access to a speaker so I put on Don Tandler's Pop Gold Radio as background music.  I was guessing that there were people there who are not Bob Dylan fans.

Blake Haggerty is a big Dylan Fan

Eric Katz is another big Mets Fan

Roz Yates is a big Fan of Mine

Selenay Aytac has been my research collaborator for 3 years

Just Love That Cousin Brucie Theme

I hear this every Wednesday and Saturday night.  May Cousin Brucie stay on the air forever.

They Are Treating Me Like A King

Sarah, Minglu, Au, Bruce, Ann, Bonnie, Wen

Las Thursday the librarians from Rutgers took me to lunch at a "kosher style" restaurant in Newark called Hobby's.   The term kosher style is an oxymoron since food is either kosher or it is not.  It is obviously not kosher when cheese is put on top of meat.  This restaurant also served an egg cream where milk is put in with chocolate syrup.  Hobby's similar to the Stage and Carnegie Delis which closed which are not kosher.  Thank you all for the wonderful lunch.

Professor N.M. Ravindra (Ravi)

The distinguished gentleman seen above is physics professor N.M. Ravindra better known as Ravi.  Over the years I have assisted him and his students numerous times.  Today he took me to a Japanese/Chinese restaurant in Harrison called Chinatown.  It seemed strange that a restaurant served food from both countries.  Thank you so much.  It was my pleasure to serve you for all the years I have been at NJIT.

Today's Radio Log

Times are approximate

6:30 AM - 1010 WINS with Mitch Lebe
6:50 AM - WCBS-FM with Randy Davis
7:30 AM - WOLD Central NJ - Breakfast with the Beatles with Dennis Mitchell
8:00 AM - Pirate Radio from the Florida Keys - Breakfast with the Beatles with Dennis Mitchell
10:00 AM - WBGO - Rhythm Review with Felix Hernandez
10:30 AM - Johnny Cash Radio
11:00 AM - Bob Dylan Tracks with Dan Murphy
12 Noon - Rewound Radio featuring Cousin Brucie on WCBS-FM in 1997 playing a 1957 countdown
3:00 PM - Nash-FM
4:00 PM - Pop Gold Radio with Don Tandler doing a countdown of Dec 2, 1969
5:00 PM - WFUV - Mixed Bag with Don McGee
8:00 PM Cousin Brucie on SiriusXM 60s on 6

Reading Two Books at a Time on the New Kindle Fire

In recent years I have purchased more electronic books than traditional print ones.  I bought these two books to "break in" the new Kindle Fire.

Thomas, R. F. (2017). Why Bob Dylan matters.  - Yet another Bob Dylan book.  Every author brings new insights.

Clinton, H. R. (2017). What happened.  - she certainly bashes Donald Trump

I read a chapter of one book and then a chapter of the other.

Spotlight on Lloyd Price

Cousin Brucie interviewed Lloyd Price on his show tonight.  He is now 84 years old and is going strong.  He will be playing later this week at the Cutting Room in Manhattan.

Bob Dylan Receives Grammy Nomination for Triplicate

It was announced today that Bob Dylan for Best Traditional Pop Album for Triplicate.  I must be honest by saying that Triplicate is not my favorite Dylan album since he did not write the songs for it. Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, and others are much better singers of the adult standards that he has on that 3 album set.  In any event in his career, he has been nominated for 38 Grammys and won 10 times.

My New Hi-Tech Toy is An Amazon Kindle Fire HD 8 Tablet

I guess I did my part in making Jeff Bezos a multi-billionaire by purchasing a Kindle Fire HD8 Tablet.  Back in June 2012, I bought the first generation Kindle Fire to supplement my laptop.  I still have that tablet which is still working but felt that after 5 years I needed to upgrade.  This new model is much faster and even includes Alexa which I also have on the Amazon Echo.  I think the Kindle Fire is much less expensive than an iPad and serves the same purpose.

Afternoon of college basketball at Barclays Center

We usually go to several college basketball games every year as the ticket prices are much lower than those of professional basketball.  Today there was a doubleheader featuring Brigham Young (BYU) vs U Mass in game 1 and Minnesota vs Alabama in game 2.  Our plan was to see game 1 and leave at halftime of game 2.  It is just too long to sit through two games.

U Mass held a comfortable lead for most of the game but BYU rallied in the second half and won with a dunk by Yoeli Childs.

Game Recap

We left the second game with U Mass leading Alabama 41-29 at halftime.  However, we missed all the excitement late in the game.  As a result of a scuffle 7 Alabama players were ejected leaving the team with only 5 players. One other player fouled out while another had to leave after an injury.  This left 3 Alabama players against 5 for Minnesota.  The final score was 89-84 in favor of Minnesota.

Game Recap

Wheel of Fortune and Petula Clark at the Paley Center Today

We went to the Paley Center for Media today to see a special exhibit for the 35th anniversary of the syndicated version of the show.  The exhibit featured photos, memorabilia, videos, and more.  There was a video featuring versions of the show in 45 countries.

From there we went to the library where we saw a recording of an interview with Pat Sajak, Vanna White and others that was done early this month at the Paley Center.  They spoke of the history of the show including some strange occurrences.

In December we will be seeing a performance by Petula Clark at BB Kings.  I searched their database on her and found a classic program when Petula Clark and Harry Belafonte reunited for the fortieth anniversary of the 1968 variety show that sparked a racial controversy.  We even saw that show that was seen on NBC in 1968.

I must say that the Paley Center is a treasure.  Once I retire in January I will have more opportunities to sample radio and TV shows in their collection.  Since I am a member, I can do that for up to 3 hours.

The Pizza Came Late For The Focus Group and I Was Nailed on My Performance Appraisal

I am writing this entry at the suggestion of Laura Nygard, sports fan extraordinaire.  A focus group is a management tool which elicits feedback from the consumers of a product or service.  A small group is recruited and is asked questions from a moderator. The session is recorded for future reference.  I feel that this method has minimal effectiveness since a small number is not a representative sample of the population of users

Let’s turn the clock back to 1996 when the library manager wanted to run focus groups to determine what issues are bothering our users.  He wanted groups of undergraduate students, graduate students, and faculty.  I volunteered to coordinate this effort.

To get students to participate, we offered a free lunch.  I could not anticipate how difficult it would be to recruit students for this effort.  I sent out mass emails and tried to recruit people face to face, but they just did not want to be bothered.  It was minutes before the session was to begin and I was still trying to recruit students.  Meanwhile, the person from the dining services delivered the pizza to the wrong side of the building.  The focus group had started without the food.  The boss came in and went into a rage over this.  We finally located the food in another part of the building and brought it over.

The boss trashed me in front of other people which was completely unfair to me in any event.  The person who delivered the pizza to the wrong room should have been reprimanded.  My boss had a very good memory and nailed me on my performance appraisal several months later.  His performance review sessions were traumatic experiences.  At least he didn’t fire me.

The boss took the tape from the focus group and played it on his car radio on the way home.  Some people listen to rock, others jazz, but the micromanager listened to focus group recordings.

Random Comments Regarding Retirement

Today I shredded all my performance appraisals over the past 25 years. This includes the one where my boss trashed me since the food came late for the focus group. That is a legend in the NJIT Library.

If you are reading this blog entry, you are welcome to come to my retirement party on December 7.  I certainly hope Mr. Met shows up

Anyway, there is exactly one month to go until my last day on December 22.

Topsy Part 2 by Cozy Cole - Oldie of the Day

Since we have the Amazon Echo, I use a feature where I say "Alexa, play Billboard Top Hits of a Year."  Today, I picked 1958.  One of the songs that came up was Topsy Par 2 by Cozy Cole.

Documentary about the Early Bob Dylan

I found this documentary on Facebook.  It runs about 1 hour and gives some new insights about Dylan, the folk singer from 1962-64.  I'll keep it here for later reference.

New York Radio - Changes and Speculation

The deal with Entercom taking over the CBS owned radio stations will be completed tomorrow.  It was not necessary to sell any NYC stations but there is some speculation about changes:

• 92.3 AMP which is a contemporary hit station will flip to Alternative Rock.  It is possible that this would happen.
• 1010 WINS will move to FM as speculated by some message board posters.  There are some FM news stations in other markets, but I doubt it will happen in NYC.  WINS is doing very well, so if it is not broken, don't fix it.  If WINS is moved to FM a revenue stream would be lost.

WFAN has made some changes:

• Gregg Giannotti will assume the morning co-host spot next to Boomer Esiason
• After Mike Francesa leaves the station, Chris Carlin, Bart Scott, and Maggie Gray will take over the afternoon slot from 2-630pm.

Some changes in HD Radio

• 103.5 HD2 is now a Taylor Swift station.  I sense that this is temporary
• 104.3 HD3 is playing alternative rock.

Let it Out (Let it All Hang Out) by the Hombres - Oldie of the Day

I just heard on on Cousin Brucie's show.

Church Bells May Ring by the Willows Featuring Tony Middleton

Tony Middleton, a member of the group, was one of the guests at the recent Oldies Meet & Greet.  He didn't sing at the event but answered questions from his fans.

The 2017 Oldies Meet and Greet was a Little Different

Dominick Safuto of

Randy and the Rainbows

In many of the previous  Oldies Meet and Greet the guests were radio personalities from stations such as WCBS-FM and Q-104.3.  They have included Bobby Jay, Pat St. John, Ken Dashow, Carol Miller, and Jim Kerr.  This year the guests were recording artists from the 50s and 60s.  Above is Dominick Safuto who is Randy of Randy and the Rainbows whos biggest hit was Denise.  A surprise guest was Lillian of the Exciters.  She sang the group's big hit Tell Him for the group.

Tony Middleton of the Willows who charted with Church Bells May Ring also appeared.

Mary Shaw who is Ms. Radio

according to Cousin Bruce Morrow

Dedication of the Wellness and Event Center at NJIT

About 10 years ago NJIT moved into NCAA Division I sports.  However, the athletic facility was small and outdated.  It took some years to get funding from the state of New Jersey to build a state of the art facility that was suitable for Division I sports.  The groundbreaking was two years ago and finally, the facility called the Wellness and Event Center (WEC) opened today.  There was a ribbon-cutting ceremony with speeches by elected officials, alumni, Athletic Director Lenny Kaplan and President Joel Bloom among others.  We were then given a tour of the WEC which is more than a basketball arena.  It is some facility.  Congratulations are in order for all those involved in the planning and construction of it.

Bob Dylan at the Nassau Coliseum

Dylan has pretty much used the same setlist as he has done on this leg of the Never Ending Tour.  Last night’s concert at the renovated Nassau Coliseum was no exception. Dylan did not play the guitar or the harmonica which was a disappointment to me.  He played piano on the songs that he wrote, but stood up and sang for the adult standards.  He did not talk to the audience even to introduce his backup musicians.  I was intrigued by a new version of Tangled Up in Blue.  He will return to NYC for a 5-night gig at the Beacon Theater later this month.  I read in the fanzine Isis that the tour will resume in April 2018 in Italy.  Hopefully, the tour will come back to NYC in 2018.

The setlist was recorded in Bill Pagel's Boblinks Page

Uniondale, New York Nassau Veterans Memorial ColiseumNovember 8, 2017

1.	Things Have Changed (Bob on piano, Donnie on pedal steel)
2.	It Ain't Me, Babe (Bob on piano, Donnie on pedal steel)
3.	Highway 61 Revisited (Bob on piano, Donnie on lap steel)
4.	Why Try To Change Me Now (Bob center stage, Donnie on pedal steel, Tony on standup bass)
5.	Summer Days (Bob on piano, Donnie on violin, Stu on acoustic guitar)
6.	Melancholy Mood (Bob on center stage, Donnie on pedal steel, Tony on standup bass)
7.	Honest With Me (Bob on piano, Donnie on pedal steel)
8.	Tryin' To Get To Heaven (Bob on piano, Donnie on pedal steel)
9.	Once Upon A Time (Bob on center stage, Donnie on pedal steel, Tony on standup bass)
10.	Pay In Blood (Bob on piano, Donnie on pedal steel, Stu on acoustic guitar)
11.	Tangled Up In Blue (Bob on piano, Donnie on pedal steel)
12.	September Of My Years (Bob center stage, Donnie on pedal steel, Tony on standup bass)
13.	Early Roman Kings (Bob on piano, Donnie on lap steel, Stu on acoustic guitar, Tony on standup bass)
14.	Soon After Midnight (Bob on piano, Donnie on pedal steel, Stu on acoustic guitar)
15.	Desolation Row (Bob on piano, Donnie on electric mandolin, Tony on standup bass)
16.	Thunder On The Mountain (Bob on piano, Donnie on electric mandolin)
17.	Autumn Leaves (Bob on center stage, Donnie on pedal steel, Tony on standup bass)
18.	Love Sick (Bob on piano, Donnie on pedal steel)
	(encore)
19.	Blowin' In The Wind (Bob on piano, Donnie on violin, Stu on acoustic guitar, Tony on standup bass)
20.	Ballad Of A Thin Man (Bob on piano, Donnie on lap steel)

Getting Ready for the Dylan Concert at Nassau Coliseum Tonight

I decided to take a vacation day to rest up before going to the concert at Nassau Coliseum tonight.  Back in 2006, we saw Dylan there,  I remember picking up Lee at the Samuel Field Y and continuing on to Uniondale.  Since then I was there for a few Islander games, but tonight I am going there for the first time since the arena was renovated.  Since the Islanders are gone, I think it is used mostly for concerts.

Last night I received an email from Ticketmaster reminding me of the concert and telling me about parking.  It is $30 to pay for parking at the gate, but if I order it online I would only have to pay $20.  Either way, it is very expensive to park, but it would be very difficult to get there by public transportation.

Last night as I was watching the Knick game, the camera showed Mavis Staples in the stands.  She is the opening act tonight.  I wonder what Dylan was doing last night.

Random Thoughts of the Day

The Tournament of Champions started on Jeopardy today with 15 excellent players vying for the $250,000 top prize.  Today Buzzy Cohen, one of my favorite contestants of the year, was the winner.  Hopefully, he'll play against Austin Rogers in the final round.  Maybe it's time for a super tournament featuring Ken Jennings, Brad Rutter and other big winners.

I received a postcard from the Mets today for a pre-sale for 2018 single game tickets.  I went online and saw that there was still a $5/ticket fee.  So what is the sense of buying so far in advance?  If they waived the fee, I would buy tickets.  With the exception of opening day and the 3 games against the Yankees tickets should be available on the day of the game.  The smallest ticket plan is for 20 games which is too much for me.

How many times does there have to be a report of a mass shooting?  A Terrorist attack such as the one in lower Manhattan is politically motivated.  There are just too many nuts getting their hands on guns and killing innocent people.  What is the solution?

LIU Post 49 Merrimack College 7

We drove out to Brookville, Long Island for the last time this season to see college football.  It is certainly much more inexpensive than going to Met Life Stadium to see the Giants or Jets.  It was a one-sided game as LIU Post trounced the visitors 49-7.  The game was marred by too many penalties, but I guess inexperienced players will make mistakes.  In the first period, Post faked a point after kick and ran for the 2 point conversion.

Box Score

Girl from the North Country, Trouble No More and the Social Security Office

This will be an eventful week for this Bob Dylan fan.  I was finally able to get a hold of the cast album of the show Girl From the North Country that is playing now in London.  It is based on several love songs written by Dylan.  Hopefully, it will make its way across the ocean and appear on Broadway.

Today was the release date of Trouble No More a boxed set of recordings from Dylan's born-again period (1978-81).  It consists of 8 CDs and 1 DVD which represents a controversial period in Dylan's career.  Gotta Serve Somebody is my favorite song of this period.  Thanks to Amazon.com for delivering these CDs in a timely manner.  Years ago I would have to run around looking for a record store that had it.

Hopefully, I will get "trouble no more" from the Social Security Office.  For some strange reason, they want Karen and Lee to come to their office.  I don't understand that as they don't have anything to do with my claim for Social Security benefits.  Hey, I paid into the system for over 40 years, and now I want to get it back.

Dad and Uncle Ben's 100th Birthday

Ben (left) and Irving Slutsky 1930

My sister Joyce posted this photo on her Facebook page today which would have been the 100th birthday of my Dad, Irving, and his twin brother Ben.  We still miss both of them over 20 years after they passed away.  A Bar Mitzvah is a very special occasion in the life of any Jewish family and I am glad that this photo was preserved.

A Terrorist Attack Can Happen Anywhere

Oy Vey.  It is a pleasant autumn afternoon and you are riding your bike down a path in lower Manhattan and a nut job in a rented truck just mows you down.  As of now, 8 have died while 11 were injured in this apparent terrorist attack.  It is just impossible to guard against something like this.  Now cars and trucks are being used as weapons of mass destruction.  Prayers for the families of the victims.

Random Thoughts on a Very Rainy Sunday

This is a very rare day as I never left the apartment as the rain was so heavy.  I wouldn't send out a dog on a day like this.  I was a little tired today as my approaching retirement is causing some anxiety.

Last night we went out to dinner at Ben's Deli in Bayside.  As we were eating Curtis Sliwa and a couple of other Guardian Angels came in to dine.  I have not seen the Guardian Angels on the subways in many years.  Some years back I saw Curtis near Union Square and said hello to him.  He just smiled back.  A year or so ago I saw him on the platform at Newark Penn Station.

Tomorrow, the Science Librarians Meetup, formerly known as a Special Interest Group is meeting at METRO's new headquarters at 11th Avenue and 45th Street.  It will be my last meeting as its convener.

NJ Devils 5 Ottawa Senators 4 in a Shootout at Prudential Center

After work last night I headed over to the Prudential Center where I met Karen and Lee.  The Ottawa Senators scored the first two goals but then the Devils scored 4 unanswered goals to take a 4-2 lead.  With about 2 1/2 minutes left in regulation, the Senators pulled their goalie and then scored with about 90 seconds to go and again with 37 seconds left to tie the game.  No goals were scored in the 5-minute overtime period necessitating a shootout.   Drew Stafford and Jesper Bratt scored in the shootout giving the Devils a 5-4 victory.

Game recap

My Two Favorite Fats Domino Songs

I heard the news today that Fats Domino passed away at age 89.  My two favorite hits of him are:

• I'm Gonna Be a Wheel Someday - I sent an email request to Cousin Brucie for this
• My Blue Heaven - we sang this to Lee when he was a baby as he has blue eyes.

The Media is Creating the News Again

Here we go again as the media is really blowing out of proportion the story of movie mogul Harvey Weinstein sexually abusing women.  Do I really have to see and read about this every day?  Does it affect me?  I guess it builds up rating points for the local and network newscasts.

I was watching the ABC News with David Muir tonight when there was a story about a police officer in Skokie, Illinois buying a gym membership for a kid after he was caught trespassing in that gym since he could not afford the membership fee.  Is this appropriate for a national newscast?  I would rather hear about a police officer buying food for a family that is starving.

Sometimes I wonder why I watch TV news.

Mickey Who?

There were several reports today including The New York Times stating the Mickey Callaway, pitching coach of the Cleveland Indians, will be hired as Mets manager.  The details are in the Times article so it is not necessary to repeat them.  I never heard of him until today.  Is it advisable to hire someone with no managerial experience?  I have to wish him luck as he assumes the position.  The manager alone can't be blamed for the poor performance of the team.  The manager can't prevent injuries.

Usually, after the World Series, there is a flurry of activity.  Players can declare free agency and sign with other teams.  Who will the Mets retain or what if any free agents will they sign?  I assume that Mickey Callaway will hire a completely new coaching staff.

Stay tuned.

I Am Not Counting the Days To Retirement

People at work have asked me how many days left?  December 22 will be my last day of work, but I am not counting down the days as others have.  I feel it just makes the time pass slower.  I am trying to enjoy myself as much as I can my last months at work.  It is very hard to be happy when I no longer enjoy the work that I do.  It was "same old same old" for all too long.  The numerous personality problems at work sadden me.

My late Dad always told me "This too shall pass."

The Animals - We've Gotta Get Out Of This Place - Oldie of the Day

An explanation will be coming on or about December 22, 2017.

34th Wedding Anniversary Today

Endless Love by Lionel Ritchie and Diana Ross was our wedding song.  Karen picked it all those years ago.

Happy Birthday to New York City Culture's Best Friend

October 15 is the birthday of Roy Herschaft who easily New York City Culture's best friend.  As he is retired for over 10 years he enjoys opera, ballet, concerts, theater, and movies.  While he is out enjoying himself he records cultural programs on Channel 13.

I met Roy all those years ago when we were students at Forest Hills High School.  We used to walk along Saunders Street in Rego Park and then down 67th Avenue to school.  The topic of conversation was often the WMCA and WABC music surveys.

By the way, today is also the 12th anniversary of Bruce's Journal.