I am Now Fully-Vaccinated - Thank You Walgreens for Your Efficiency

 It took many attempts to get an appointment, but I finally succeeded at the end of February.  I thought I would get an appointment at Citi Field which is a mega site, but I got my two appointments at Walgreens.  My first appointment for the Moderna vaccine was at the Walgreens in downtown Flushing which is a 20-minute walk for me.  I arrived at 2 PM and got my shot at 2:25 as my appointment was for 2:30.  The only problem was that I had a slight fever for a few hours the next day.

My second dose was scheduled for today at 2:30 at Walgreens in College Point which was a 10-minute drive away.  I received my shot at 2:20 PM.  I must admire Walgreens for its efficiency.

I have read that if 70-90% of the population is vaccinated there will be herd immunity.  Hopefully, this will mean a return to normalcy with everything open at full capacity with no masks or social distancing.  Unfortunately, there is a group called Anti-Vaxxers who refuse to be vaccinated.  Hopefully, they are a very tiny minority.

Just Like Old Times - Problems on the #7 Train Changed My Plans for the Day

 

Today at about 11 AM there was a track fire at

103rd Street on the #7 Line

I still have a blog https://nynjcommuting.wordpress.com/ where I documented my horrors commuting from Flushing to Newark.  I stopped adding to that blog when I retired at the end of 2017.  

Anyway, today I thought I need some diversion and wanted to walk along the Highline on the west side of Manhattan as I have done several times in the past.  I left home at about 10:30 and walked to the Main Street station of the #7 line.  The train proceeded to the 111th Street station where it stopped.  After 10 minutes the conductor announced there was a track fire at 103rd Street.  He suggested that passengers wanting to go the Manhattan should backtrack and take a westbound train at Willets Point which would bypass the track fire.  I didn't want any further aggravation so I decided to return home.  I could return to the Highline on another day.

I spent some time cleaning out the apartment.  Oh well.

Every Day Should be Unwrapped Like a Precious Gift

 

Harry Harrison must have said "Every Day Should be Unwrapped Like a Precious Gift" thousands of times during his career as a radio personality.  This quote has meant more to me since Karen passed away at age 65,  I am 6 years older than her and always thought she would outlive me, but that didn't happen.  I have a precious gift as I awaken in the morning while Karen does not.  I have thought of some acquaintances who passed away at younger ages:

• Patrick H - 30
• Jack D - 46
• Barry L - 46
• Veronica C - 50
• Estelle D - 50
• Dana K - 53
• Dan G - 60
• Mike F - 60
• Alan B -61

May they all rest in peace.

I Suggest that my Readers Listen to the Acoustic Storm, a syndicated Radio Show

 

Here is a description of the Acoustic Storm taken from their website:

"The Acoustic Storm is an internationally syndicated radio program, featuring the best variety of acoustic-based rock. With an emphasis on acoustic guitar-driven songs, Audrey Parets presents the full spectrum of acoustic rock, including rarely heard “unplugged” versions of classic tunes in their purest form."

Very often you will hear acoustic versions of classic rock songs.  I actually discovered the show several months by accident as Pirate Radio from Key West, Florida added it after dropping another syndicated show.  It is not heard on any terrestrial stations in NYC, but there is a list of stations that carry it.

I think it would be a good fit for WFUV to air it on weekends.

There Have Been Enough Mass Shootings - It is Time to Repeal the Second Amendment to the Constitution

 

I usually don't like to comment on controversial issues, but after hearing about the mass shooting in Boulder, Colorado something drastic needs to be done.  There are too many "gun nuts" out there who think that everyone has the right to bear arms.  There are just too many conservative thinkers in our government who would do everything to preserve the Second Amendment to the Constitution that gives everyone the right to bear arms.  This document was written over 200 years ago as so much has changed.  I suggest you read this article by David S. Cohen, Professor of Law at the Thomas R. Kline School of Law of Drexel University.

Random Thoughts of the Day

Just for the heck of it I looked at the website for Parents without Partners.  I sent an email asking for more information.  Someone responded that the local chapter is not active now.  I must assume that the pandemic has precluded them from face-to-face meetings.  Perhaps I'll try again when things return to normal.

I spend more time these days doing errands.  I have to do things that Karen used to do.

My local bank said that to convert joint accounts to solo accounts I would have to close those accounts and open up new ones.  The bank officer suggested I wait for 6 months.

 

Lord Protect My Child - A Bob Dylan Song That Is Now Meaningful to Me

 

Susan Tedeschi performed Lord Protect My Child at Farm Aid in 2005.  I could not find the Bob Dylan version on YouTube

On the March 21 show of Definitely Dylan Laura Tenschert discussed the sessions for the album Infidels that was released in 1983.  She played Lord Protect My Child that was recorded during those session but did appear on a CD until the Bootleg Series, Vol 1-3: Rare & Unreleased 1961-1991 (1991).  This song has taken on significance for me.

Lord Protect My Child

WRITTEN BY: BOB DYLAN

For his age, he’s wise

He’s got his mother’s eyes

There’s gladness in his heart

He’s young and he’s wild

My only prayer is, if I can’t be there

Lord, protect my child

As his youth now unfolds

He is centuries old

Just to see him at play makes me smile

No matter what happens to me

No matter what my destiny

Lord, protect my child

The whole world is asleep

You can look at it and weep

Few things you find are worthwhile

And though I don’t ask for much

No material things to touch

Lord, protect my child

He’s young and on fire

Full of hope and desire

In a world that’s been raped and defiled

If I fall along the way

And can’t see another day

Lord, protect my child

There’ll be a time I hear tell

When all will be well

When God and man will be reconciled

But until men lose their chains

And righteousness reigns

Lord, protect my child

Copyright © 1983 by Special Rider Music

AAA Saved the Day

 

Since I first owned a car in 1972 I have always been a member of AAA since a driver never knows when his car can break down.  Thankfully over the years I only had to call them a few times.  My worst experience was in 1978 when my car broke down on the Connecticut Turnpike in Milford.

Today Lee and I wanted to drive over to the new IHOP in Bayside.  When I went to my garage, the car didn't start.  I suspected the battery was dead since my car was over 5 years old.  I bought it used in January 2019, but obviously, the dealer did not install a battery at that point.  I  phoned AAA and described the problem.  Someone came within 20 minutes.  He jump-started the car, but I thought it was better to buy a new battery.  He had a battery with him and installed it while I waited.  This was excellent service.

If I had to have a car problem, it was better to have it at home rather than on the road.  Back in 1978, I had to take Metro-North back to NYC and had to wait a day or so for my car to be repaired.  That was certainly a nightmare.

The Mets and Yankees are allowed 20% Seating Capacity for Early Season Games

 It was announced yesterday that Citi Field and Yankee Stadium can admit 20% of their seating capacity in early season games.  Fans must show proof that they were vaccinated or show a recent negative COVID test.  Thus, approximately 8300 fans will be allowed in Cit Field while 10,000 will be at Yankee Stadium.  I assume that as more people are vaccinated and the infection rate goes down more fans will be allowed.

This is a step in the right direction, but there will be problems.  I assume that opening day will be sold out, but 80% of the ticket buyers will be shut out.  Which season ticket holders will be allowed in?

In any event, let's hope for a 162 game season with no interruptions.

Jewish St. Patrick's Day T-Shirt

I  found this t-shirt on Amazon.com.  I certainly wouldn't buy it.  I guess St. Patrick's Day celebrates Irish culture and like Christmas has little religious significance in American culture.  On March 17 everyone is Irish.  

 

Missing You by Diana Ross - Dedicated to Karen

 

Missing You was a hit for Diana Ross in 1985.  I miss Karen every minute of every day.

I Have Not Bought Baseball Tickets for the 2021 Season

 

In previous years I bought tickets for the Mets and Yankees in February or early March.  It gave me something to look forward to as winter was ending and spring beginning.  We always preferred day games.  As it stands right now ballparks in New York will be allowed only 10% capacity.  Likely this will increase by opening day, but at what point will stadiums be allowed to fill every seat?  Let's say that Citi Field will be allowed 25% of capacity.  If opening day is sold out, how will the team decide who gets the limited tickets?

There was a cumbersome procedure last season to get refunds from the Mets and Yankees.  I don't want to experience that again, so I will wait and only buy tickets when I am assured that I'll get in.

How Should Public Libraries Increase Their Services While COVID is Still a Problem?

There was a recent article in the Wall Street Journal stating that the Brooklyn Public Library will bring reading rooms outdoors.  Does this do patrons much good as they can always go to a park and read there as NYC Parks do have access to Wifi?  Patrons will still not be allowed to browse the stacks. The three public library systems in NYC have a grab-and-go system where patrons can go online and order items that will be delivered to the patron's home branch.  This procedure does work but is somewhat cumbersome as items must be delivered.  A patron can search the library's catalog and limit it to their home branch.  I suggest that if a patron finds an item in their home branch, they can present the title and call number to a page who will retrieve the item.

The Research Libraries of NYPL are still closed to the public.  There are millions of print resources that are not available online.  My suggestion is to allow researchers to make appointments as the documents will be retrieved in advance while the patron can come into the library to read it.  A limited number of people can use this service to allow for social distancing.

I applaud the efforts of public libraries in providing more online resources during the pandemic.

 

Blood in My Eyes by Bob Dylan

 

This is an excellent video of Bob Dylan as he actually singing the song.  You can even see him give autographs as he walks through the streets of London.   Blood in My Eyes appeared on the album World Gone released in 1993.  Laura Tenschert discussed the song and the video on the episode of Definitely Dylan on February 28.

I Returned to the College Point Multiplex Today

I must have seen hundreds of movies at the College Point Multiplex since it opened in 1999.  I have regularly noted in this journal that mass appeal films aimed at a younger audience are usually shown here, but I like going there since it is within walking distance of home.

Of course, all movie theaters in NYC have been closed since last March but were allowed to reopen with 25% capacity.  Of course, I had to go there today.  There wasn't a good selection of films, so I chose Chaos Walking.  It is a sci-fi fantasy movie taking place in the year 2257.  To be brief it takes place in a new planet with no women. Daisy Ridley plays the only woman to arrive on this planet.

I don't recommend it for senior citizens, but it was good to go to a movie theater for the first time in a year.

Review in the New York Times.

Good Times, Bad Times by The Rolling Stones - Thinking About the Past

 

All of a sudden this song by the Rolling Stones that appeared on the album 12 X 5 came to me.  There are good times and bad times all everyone's lives.  That certainly applies to marriage.  Karen and I had some bad times in our 37 years of marriage, but we persevered.  In this era where about half of all marriages end in divorce, staying married till death did us part is a major accomplishment.

There Should Be Term for All Federal and State Offices

 

I usually don't comment on political issues, but here I go.  Elected officials often act in an arrogant manner once they have been in office for a long time.  Andrew Cuomo is a perfect example of an elected official being a bully after 10+ years in office.  Here are my suggestions:

• All New York State executives and legislators are limited to two 4-year terms.
• U.S. Representatives be limited to two 4-year terms with their elections held when there is no presidential election.
• U.S, Senators be limited to two 6-year terms
• Supreme Court judges are limited to one 10-year term.

It is possible that changes will happen at the state level.  However, it will take an amendment to the U.S. Consitution for anything to change at the federal level.  I doubt if 75% of the states would approve this.

I Got The First COVID Vaccine Today with Excellent Service for the Walgreens in Downtown Flushing

 Persistence does pay off as I was able to get an appointment for the COVID Vaccine at the local Walgreens.  My biggest surprise was how efficient the service was at Walgreens in Flushing. My appointment was at 2:30 and I got the shot at 2:25.  It was over in a few seconds.  My appointment for dose 2 is on March 31 at Walgreens in College Point.  I am not familiar with that immediate area so I will have to take a drive over there to see if there is a parking problem there.  If so, I can take the Q20 bus there.  

I originally thought I would get my vaccination at Citi Field, but I could not get through.  Walgreens is actually more convenient.  I heard on the TV news that people had to wait for hours at Citi Field for their shot.  Hopefully, fans will be allowed in the stadium early in the 2021 season.  I certainly missed going to games last season.

Who's Zoomin' Who by Aretha Franklin - A 1985 Hit That Should be Heard on the Radio Today

 

Zoom in 1985 is not what Zoom is in 2021.  I think many people today have attended many Zoom meetings over the past year.  I have not heard this song by Aretha Franklin on the radio at all.  It peaked at #7 on the Billboard charts.  Does anybody know if the classic hits stations are playing this?