Happy, Healthy, and Safe New Year to Readers of Bruce's Journal

 

I may as well end the year by wishing everybody well for the new year.  Jackie Robinson made this famous quote that I see when I enter the rotunda at Citi Field.

"A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives."

Likewise, a publication is not important except in the impact is has on other lives.

I have published over 5000 journal entries over 19+ years.  When people surf the web they want to be anonymous.  I am aware of a few of my Facebook friends who read it regularly.  I am certain there are others who don't want to reveal their identities.  It is a vanity press for me, but does it have an impact on anyone else?  Most of my entries are related to music and sports.  I am careful not to get too personal since many issues should remain private.

I will continue to write in 2025.

Bob Dylan and Jimmy Carter Talk About Each Other

 

Jimmy Carter smiled when the recording of Mr. Tambourine Man started.

I hope that Bob will come to Jimmy Carter's funeral on January 9.

Radio Log - Sunday December 29, 2024

I haven't done this in a while, but here goes.  I won't list the time of day:

• 1010 WINS on 92.3 FM - I just want to hear the basic news stories and weather forecast
• WCBS-FM - I just listen once a week for "old time sake" . No radio personality on Sunday mornings.  I don't care for the music mix
• Pirate Radio Key West - I like the syndicated show "The Acoustic Storm". I like to catch part of the show each week.  I think it would be a good fit at Q-104.3, but NYC stations usually don't air syndicated shows.
• Rewound Radio - I wanted to hear some of the listeners' choice for their favorite hits. Hey Jude was #1 while Like a Rolling Stone cam in at #23.  Thanks to Mike Riccio, Allan Sniffen and others who make it possible every year at this time.
• Beatles Channel on SiriusXM in the car on the way to Cunningham Park
• Elvis Radio on SiriusXM in the car on the way home.  This is Lee's favorite.
• Classic AT 40 with Casey Kasem on iHeart Radio.  He was playing the top hits of 1970
• Sunday Supper with John Platt on WFUV
• Pop Gold Radio - I caught the end of Tom Natoli's hits of 1974 and the beginning of That Thing With Rich Appel.
• 60s 70s show with Bob Radil.  I listened to part of Friday night's show that I missed.

 

Do These News Stories Really Affect Me?

 

Here are some of them:

• Luigi Mangione murdered the CEO of United Health Care
• The Guatemalan illegal immigrant set a homeless woman on fire
• Daniel Penny was acquitted of criminally negligent homicide
• The Menendez Brothers are back in the news again.
• After 28 years we still don't know who killed Jon Benet Ramsey
• There is always something new about the British royal family

People talk about these stories, but do our conversations change anything?  Are they just silly conversation pieces?

I'd rather write about Bob Dylan or baseball.

There But For Fortune by Joan Baez - Featured in A Complete Unknown

Joan Baez played by Monica Barbaro in A Complete Unknown was a significant person in Bob Dylan's life in the early 1960s.  There But For Fortune was played in the movie.  Phil Ochs also covered that song.

 

We Saw A Complete Unknown at the AMC Empire 25 in Times Square

This journal entry will be my comments on the film.  I will refer my readers to the review in the New York Times.  Here goes:

• A documentary must be completely factual, but in a biopic the filmmakers have the right to change the story around.  They can add or omit details to spice up the story.
• Andy Greene of Rolling Stone Magazine provided a fact-check and revealed 27 inaccuracies.  Likely there are more.
• The acting was excellent. Timothee Chalomet as Dylan and Edward Norton as Pete Seeger should get Academy Award nominations.
• I was glad to see that Al Kooper and Mike Bloomfield were portrayed.
• Certainly, not every event in the 1961-65 period could be covered.  There should have been a mention of the Spring 1965 tour in the UK and his appearances at Carnegie Hall in 1963 and 1964.
• His girlfriend was named Sylvie Russo in the film since Dylan wanted to protect Suze Rotolo's privacy. in the film she appeared at Newport in 1965, but I am certain that their relationship was over by then.
• The film ends with Dylan riding a motorcycle and then the screen goes black and starts the credits.  This chapter of Dylan's career ended with his motorcycle accident in July 1966.

The theater was quite crowded and included mostly younger people.  Could they become new Dylan fans and buy his albums?  I am aware of many "Dylan Immigrants" who became his fans later in his career and "backtracked."

The Times Square area was very crowded.  We wanted to go to the Hard Rock, but the line to get in was very long.  We were able to get into Applebees, but that restaurant was also crowded.  I thought that people who observe Christmas stay at home and have a gathering and a dinner with their extended families.  Many just don't.

I Found Out There are Still Jewish Dances After I Thought They Were Long Gone

 

If you read some of my autobiographical journal entries there were mentions of Jewish singles dances in the 60s and 70s.  In NYC, there were Cometogether and Tempo dances.  A former friend of mine met his wife at a dance in 1972.  When I lived in northern New Jersey in the mid 1970s there were dances run by an organization call the Dunhams.

Yesterday I posted on a Facebook group Jewish Singles 65+ that back in the day there was always a Jewish Singles Dance on Christmas Eve or Night.  I thought that those miserable dances were gone for decades but a poster stated that there is a singles dance every year at this time called MatzoBall.  In any event this dance is not for me since the stated age range is 21-49.

Since I became a widower I have been very reluctant to get involved in dating again,

Chanukah Song by Adam Sandler - My Seasonal Song

 

 I am obviously not listening to LITE-FM at this time.  You may want to read my journal entry from December 2013, Being Jewish at Christmas.

Why Do the Notorious Get So Much Media Attention While Heroes and Good Samaritans Don't?

 

The tragic murder of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson has been covered extensively in the media.  Ever since Luigi Mangione was identified as the alleged murderer, so much has been revealed about his background.  ABC TV did a one-hour special about him.  Sadly, a former student at a prestigious university is now accused of a heinous murder.

I only saw a photograph of Brian Thompson.  Very little about his background was reported in the media.  I am certain that he was a decent person who didn't deserve to die. There are problems in the health insurance business, but killing an executive won't change anything.

A customer and an employee at a McDonald's in Altoona, PA, reported to the local police that someone in the restaurant matched the description of the fugitive.  Who are they?  They deserved to be recognized and applauded for their good deed.  I hope they received the reward offered by the FBI.

That is the way it is.  Writing a blog entry is not going to change anything.

Random Thoughts of the Day - December 18, 2024

• Oh those crazy dreams.  Last night I had a dream about doing the laundry that nobody enjoys doing.  It is bad enough that I have to do it twice a week, but why is my subconscious mind punishing me?
• I have written about abolishing the electoral college several times in this journal since 2017.  Today Governor Kathy Hochul stated the she is in favor of abolishing it.  It is just not going to happen.
• I am getting sick and tired of reading more speculative articles in reliable publications about trades and free agency signing.  I don't believe anything I read on those topics in Facebook postings.
• The Queens Bus Design report just came out.  To speed up buses many stops including the one at 28th Avenue and Union Street will be eliminated.  Thus I will have to walk a little further to get on a local bus.  The Q34 will be eliminated.  The good thing about this is that when bus stops for that route are eliminated, more parking spots for people in my neighborhood will be created.  There is a parking problem in my neighborhood, but since I have a garage in my Co-op, I don't have to worry about looking for a spot when I drive home.

 

Like a Rolling Stone - Bob Dylan at Newport 1965

 

Dylan is joined by pianist Barry Goldberg and of the Paul Butterfield Blues Band, guitarist Mike Bloomfield, bassist Jerome Arnold and drummer Sam Lay, and with Al Kooper playing organ.

Henry Bernstein - Facebook Friend of the Day and Bob Dylan Fan Extraordinaire

 

It has been a very long time since I featured a Facebook Friend of the Day in Bruce's Journal. As you can see from his photo Henry Bernstein rooted for the 2024 Chicago White Sox who lost 121 games.  I actually rooted for the 1962 Mets who lost 120 games.  I met Henry at the Bob Dylan Center in Tulsa in July 2022 when I observed he was wearing a t-shirt he got from Laura Tenschert.  Somehow a nice Jewish boy from New York had to go to Tulsa to meet a nice Jewish boy from Chicago.  At 75 years old, can I call myself a boy?

Here are some examples of Henry's great enthusiasm for Bob Dylan:

• He recently initiated a Bob Dylan podcast called Songs of Experience where he and his guests examine one Dylan song at a time.
• He was interviewed by Erin Callahan on a podcast called Dylantantes
• He appeared on a podcast called Dylan Pod
• He traveled from Chicago to Memphis to see a Dylan concert.  I am certain that he has made other road trips to see Dylan
• He traveled from Chicago to Orlando, Florida to see an early screening of A Complete Unknown.  He just couldn't wait to the official opening on Christmas Day.

Henry - if you read this I will buy a ticket to see a Met game at Citi Field if you come to NYC during baseball season.

Congratulations to David Wright

 

Anthony DiComo confirms that David Wright will be inducted into the New York Mets Hall of Fame and have his #5 retired on Saturday July 19.  This honor is well deserved as we look at his statistics from Baseball-Reference.  Sadly, his career was cut short by injuries and likely will not be elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown.  I have a Sunday plan for 2025, so I'll have to watch the ceremony on TV.

Random Oldie of the Day - Niki Hoeky by PJ Proby

 

Niki Hoeky by PJ Proby only reached #23 on the chart in 1967.  I believe it was a bigger hit in England.  There is a biography of him in the Wikipedia.

My Thoughts on the Mets Signing of Juan Soto

 

I am certain that the Met fans at the Queens Baseball Convention are all jumping for joy as the Mets are signing Juan Soto for a record breaking $765 Million over 15 years.  He certainly will improve the team, but here are some of my thoughts on the entire issue.

• 26 players comprise the roster of a Major League team.  Juan Soto is just one of them.  The other 25 must contribute for a team to be a winner.
• Including the DH, the lineup consists of 9 batters plus the pitcher.  One batter can not do everything.
• The Mets still must improve the team.  I think they should sign Pete Alonso.
• Two former Yankees, Clay Holmes and now Soto, have signed with the Mets this offseason.  Will Yankees be spiteful and sign Alonso?  They need a first basemen. I think Steve Cohen will exceed any offer the Yankees will make to Alonso.
• Now $765 Million is the highest contract given to a professional athlete.  In the years to come another superstar will get more money.
• When Steve Cohen bought the Mets in 2020 he promised a World Series win in 5 years.  2025 will mark 5 years since he bought the team.
• You never know when injuries will come to a star player.  Look what happened with Jacob de Grom and Steven Strasberg.  15 years is a long time.

Seattle Kraken 7 New York Rangers 5 at Madison Square Garden

 

I was able to get tickets in section 209 for this game and was one of the oldest fans in the arena.  Jonathan Quick was the goalie for the Blueshirts substituting for Igor Shesterkin.  The Rangers had a 3-1 lead but the Kraken scored five unanswered goals to take a 6-3 lead.  The Rangers scored two goals to make it close but the visitors scored an empty-net goal with less that two minutes to play to put the game  out of reach.

The Rangers are in a slump as they have allowed six or more goals in the third time in their last eight home games.  They have lost seven out of their last nine games.

Game Recap

Queens Baseball Convention 2024 - For Fans of the New York Mets

 

For the third year in a row Lee and I went to the Queens Baseball Convention   at the Four Points Sheraton Hotel within walking distance of my apartment in Flushing.  This year there were interviews of the following Met alumni:

• Turk Wendell
• Greg Jeffries
• Ray Knight
• Jose Reyes

They all talked about their experiences playing with the Mets.  None of them played their entire career with the Mets.

There were also panel discussion:

• SNY Baseball Night in NY
• State of the Mets
• Til the Mets Do Us Part Podcast

All of them speculated on roster moves that the Mets may make during the off-season.  The "elephant in the room" was Juan Soto.  As of today, he had not signed with any team.  Everyone wants him to sign with the Mets.

Some Photos:

Interview of Gregg Jeffries

Interview of Jose Reyes by

Lori Rubinson of WFAN

Ray Knight interviewed by

Roger Clark of NY1

SNY Panel Featuring

Former Met Manager Terry Collins

State of the Mets panel featuring

Kelley Franco

 

I Got an Amazon Kindle Fire HD-10

 

I bought Amazon Kindle Fire tablets in 2012 and 2017.  Since my last tablet wasn't performing well lately, I decided to by a new one.  No product lasts forever.  I intend to use it mostly for reading books that I purchased or borrowed from the Queens Library or NYPL.  I have no room anymore in my apartment to shelve print books, so it is best that I buy more e-books.  The local branch of Queens Library is very small and has a limited collection.  I can borrow e-books from two large library systems.  As a member of SABR (Society for American Baseball Research) I can get free e-books on the Kindle.

I can use many resources such as Facebook, X, and YouTube on the Kindle as I do with my iPhone and laptop.

Pop Culture Jeopardy is Not For Me

I have been a fan of Jeopardy since it began in 1964 with Art Fleming as the host.  I also watched Rock n Roll Jeopardy and Sports Jeopardy which were short-term spinoffs.  Today Pop Culture Jeopardy hosted by Colin Jost premiered on Amazon Prime Video.  I watched the first episode and concluded that it is not for me.  I only answered 5 out of the 61 questions correctly.

The questions were obviously based on current popular culture which I don't follow.  I would be an expert in the pop culture of the 1960s and 1970s, but the show is aimed at a young audience.  Instead of three single contestant there were three teams of three that competed.  All of the contestants were under 40 years old.  There was a feature called Triple Play where the team that picked that square could answer 3 questions and get more points.

Colin Jost did a good job as host, but perhaps the producers should have given that role to James Holzhauer.

Oh well.

Giving Tuesday - I Could Only Pick One Organization

 

Over the course of the year I donate small amounts to several organizations including cultural institutions, medical organizations, and food providers.  They are all worthy organizations.  I hope that they all minimize their overhead so that the funds they receive go to the people who need their help.  It is a tough decision that was somewhat impulsive; today a gave a donation to No Kid Hungry.  They report nearly 4 in 5 households said it had become harder to afford groceries over the past 12 months—the highest percentage tracked yet in their annual poll. My donation today will be matched.

Next month I will donate to another worthy organization.

Orlando Magic 100 Brooklyn Nets 92 at Barclays Center

 

I usually root for the New York Knicks, but the ticket prices at Madison Square Garden are outrageous.  Should I pay hundreds of dollars for 2 1/2 hours of entertainment?  Since the tickets at Barclays Center are much more reasonable, we took a long subway ride to Brooklyn.

The first half was evenly matched, but Orlando pulled ahead in the third quarter.  It got close for a while, but they held on to win by 8 points.  The Magic have now beaten the Nets twice in the last 3 days.  We ate diner at Applebees after the game.

It Don't Come Easy - George Harrison Version

 

It was 23 years ago today that George Harrison passed away.  Ringo Starr had the hit version in 1971 as I discussed in this journal in October 2011. George produced Ringo's version also helped write the song, but Ringo received the writing credit on the record.  Bob Radil played both versions on his show tonight.

Thank You Very Much by the Scaffold - Song of the Day

 

This group features Mike McGear, the brother of Paul McCartney.

The World of Dylan Symposium is Scheduled for July 24-27, 2025 in Tulsa

 There were symposia held in Tulsa in 2019, 2021 (online only), 2023, and now 2025 to be on the 60th anniversary of Dylan's appearance at the Newport Folk Festival.  I didn't go in 2023 because I thought the presentations would be too scholarly for me.  I consider myself a fan and not a Dylan scholar.  Two of my Dylan friends told me the attendance for the 2019 meeting was higher than the 2023 symposium.  There is a Call for Papers and Proposals with a deadline of February 28.  Everyone will have seen the biopic A Complete Unknown starring Timothee Chalamot by then.  I am certain there will be a symposium about that film  I wonder if a young lady with the X handle @Ithrewtheglass will present a paper on Hearts of Fire.  I just saw that movie on Amazon Prime and it was just as bad today as it was in 1987.

I am certain that many of my Bob Dylan friends will be there, but like I did in 2023, I will take a pass on this.  I am sure it will be excellent, but again it will be too scholarly for me.  Perhaps in a few years I will make a return trip to Tulsa to see the Bob Dylan Center.

Out of Sight Out of Mind by the Five Keys and Little Anthony and the Imperials

 

Near the end of Cousin Bruce's show last night he played Out of Sight Out of Mind by the Five Keys.  It wasn't a big hit as it only reached #23 on the Billboard chart in 1956.  Earlier in the show, he interviewed Anthony Gourdine of Little Anthony and the Imperials.  It turned out that they covered the same song in 1969.  It only reached #52 on the chart.

I have too good of an autobiographical memory as too many people and events have been out of sight for many years, but they are not out of my mind.

Classic Album Cut of the Day - The Wind Cries Mary by Jimi Hendrix

 

This song represents the mellow side of Jimi Hendrix.

What Will Bob Dylan Do in 2025?

 

The Rough and Rowdy Ways Tour ended last week at the Royal Albert Hall in London.  We can only speculate on what he will do in 2025.  Here are my thoughts:

• The Never Ending Tour will resume in the Spring with a new set list.  The question is where will he play?  He seems to enjoy touring and obviously does not need the money.  This is quite possible.
• He will record an album with new songs.  He is now "off" for several months so this is a possibility especially since it is over 4 years since he released the Rough and Rowdy Ways album.
• Will he meet Timothée Chalamet after the release of A Complete Unknown?
• Steven Jenkins of Bob Dylan Center in Tulsa reported there will be a new bootleg series featuring very early Dylan recordings.

Of course, Dylan is very unpredictable.

I Love a Rainy Night by Eddie Rabbit - Appropriate Oldie of the Day

 

I requested this song on Bob Radil's 60s 70s show on Friday night. It has not rained much on the East Coast in the last month or so, creating drought conditions that have resulted in numerous brush fires.  If it rains at night people's plans for the day won't be ruined.

My Thoughts on Congestion Pricing in NYC

 

Much has been written and said about congestion pricing in NYC over the past few years. This article from MSN summarizes the latest developments.  Here are my thoughts:

I never drive my car into Manhattan to avoid the above congestion and not pay exorbitant fees for parking in private garages. Back in the late 1960s, I would drive into Manhattan on Friday nights to go to the Sigma Beta Phi fraternity house on 6th Avenue and 28th Street. Since then, I have only driven into Manhattan on rare occasions.

Congestion pricing would not affect me.  The MTA needs more funding to maintain its infrastructure and will rely on funds from congestion pricing.  I hope modernizing the signals will be a priority.  Over the years I confronted numerous agonizing delays from signal problems.  Expediting the construction of elevators in the subway system should also be prioritized.  For those reasons, I am in favor of congestion pricing.

Numerous cars enter Manhattan from New Jersey via the Holland or Lincoln tunnels.  Funds collected from those cars should go to New Jersey Transit since that agency desperately needs to improve its infrastructure.  After 7 years I am still grateful I never have to ride their trains.  I do take subways and buses, but not as often as I did when I worked.

Random Thoughts of the Day - November 13, 2024

• Does the media report the news or does it create it?  I am especially critical of sports journalism where so many articles are just speculative.  This is happening now with free agents in baseball on the market.  The big story is who will land Juan Soto?  This article from Major League Baseball is typical of a story based on conjecture.
• Whenever there was a professional opening in academia, it would usually take several months to fill. 
• The position would have to be approved
• Advertisements are then placed.
• The resumes are evaluated by a committee
• Candidates are invited for the first interview.
• Leading candidates are invited for a second interview
• An appointment is finally made.
• I observe that the NYC Mayor and President-Elect make appointments within days.  There is a saying "To the victor belongs the spoils."  Shouldn't there be a committee to appoint a new School's Chancellor?  I question some of the appointments made by the President-Elect within days of his election.  Shouldn't ambassadors have some experience as diplomats?
• The Mayor of NYC wants his trial date moved so it won't interfere with his re-election.  There is no way I will vote for him.

 

What's New Pussycat by Tom Jones - Random Oldie of the Day

 

For some strange reason, this song came to mind this morning.

Today's Visit to the New York Historical Society

 

Over the years I have visited the New York Historical Society as documented in this journal.  Every museum has permanent and short-term exhibits.  Let me outline some of the exhibits we saw today.

• Pets and the City - explores the visual history of New Yorkers and their animal companions over the last two and a half centuries.  I was amused by a video showing pets in TV series.  Another video showed presidential pets.
• “Turn Every Page”: Inside the Robert A. Caro Archive - Offers Unparalleled Look at Caro’s Research and Methodology as a Reporter, Biographer, and Writer.  Caro is best known for writing a 1200 page biography of Robert Moses and a multi-volume biography of Lyndon Baines Johnson.
• Gallery of Tiffany Lamps - this is a permanent exhibition.

Some Political Thoughts Post Election

 

I don't consider myself a political person, but here I go.

• In my opinion backlash against Biden was a major reason Trump won.  Kamala could not answer the questions of how she would differ from Biden
• Biden should have dropped out in late 2023 allowing for a primary season where several candidates could have run for the nomination.  I can't think of anyone else besides California Governor Gavin Newsome who would have run.  Many Democrats may have felt that there should have been a choice.  Kamala's truncated campaign likely hurt her chances.
• To quote a Bob Dylan song title "I Pity the Poor Immigrant", only a few migrants are criminals.  These people who crossed the border are seeking out a better life.  The migrants should not be demonized, but they have put stress on New York City's resources.
• I am afraid that Trump will cut aid to Ukraine so that his buddy Putin will eventually take over the country.

Let's hope for the best.

Oy Vey - I Pray for the Future of this Country

A convicted felon duped the American public into thinking that he is the best person to lead this nation in a very turbulent time.  He was already convicted of falsifying business records to hide an affair with a porn star.  He was indicted for trying to overturn the results of the 2020 election and for having classified government documents in his home.

The question in everyone's mind is what will he do when he assumes office.

• Will he pardon those convicted of crimes on January 6, 2021
• Will he spend billions of dollars deporting all illegal immigrants?  Most of them are honest people trying to make better lives for themselves.  There must be a new policy toward immigration, but will he completely close the border?
• How will the conflicts in Israel and the Ukraine play out?  Maybe he can convince his pal Putin to stop the war.
• Will he circumvent the Constitution and do whatever he wants?  The Constitution provides for a system of checks and balances, but I fear he will become a dictator.  Since the Republicans will have a majority in the Senate, it will be impossible to impeach him (again) and remove him from office.

I pray for the future of this country.

There are Quincy Jones - Bob Dylan Connections

 We heard today of the passing of Quincy Jones.  To say the least, he had a phenomenal musical career.  His obituary in the New York Times  outlines his long career.

He had at least two encounters with Bob Dylan.

In this video,  Quincy coaches Bob during the recording of We Are the World in 1985.

In 2012, Quincy introduced Bob at Montreux.  This is audio only.

If I Could Turn Back the Hands of Time by Tyrone Davis - A Couple of Thoughts

 

If I Could Turn Back the Hands of Time by Tyrone Davis hit #3 on the Billboard chart in 1970.  It is popular today since we turned back the clock one hour as we returned to standard time.  We can never return to the past.  We heard this week that the Newark Star-Ledger, a major New Jersey newspaper is ending its print edition while some other newspapers are ceasing publication completely.  I always enjoyed flipping through the Sunday New York Times, but now I have a subscription to the online version.  Perhaps soon even the New York Times will end its print edition.

I always think back to people I haven't seen in decades, but I can't turn back the hands of time and restore an old friendship.  I have reconnected with people through social media, but that encounter is always brief. I met SG who now lives in Toronto in 2000.  He was an old friend from my Rego Park days.  We walked around the old neighborhood, but since that meeting, I have had no contact with him. I have been to a few high school reunions, but there have been no follow-ups.

I Googled some old friends but didn't want to contact them.  MH is a successful attorney, while AA is a CPA in private practice.  I have discussed in this journal my failed attempts to reconnect with former colleagues.

We must look ahead to the future, not back upon the past.

Jaywalking is Now Legal in NYC but......

 

Jaywalking is crossing the street in a way that contravenes traffic laws, typically outside of crosswalks, despite oncoming traffic. Every day, millions of pedestrians in NYC must "compete" with cars, traditional bicycles, e-bikes, and e-scooters for the right of way on sidewalks and streets.  Until recently, jaywalkers could be given a summons and forced to pay a fine.  The law was repealed since there was a claim that 

Blacks and Latinos were given a disproportionate amount of summonses.

There are bad pedestrians and drivers.  If two cars collide, the drivers have some protection, but when a car hits a person, a fatality is very likely. Pedestrians don't have carte blanche to do what they please if they can't be given a summons.

As a driver and a pedestrian, I observe much lack of good judgment on the part of everyone in a hurry to get to their destinations.  Many cars jump red lights and many pedestrians don't look out for cars and cross in the middle of the block.  I remember one occasion when I was driving and saw two young men crossing against the light with their heads in their cell phones.

Common Sense and Courtesy Everyone!

Random Thoughts of the Day - October 31, 2024

• Today is Halloween.  In recent years only a few kids came to my apartment trick or treating.  I bought a bag of Kit-Kats for them.
• Yesterday, the World Series came to an end as the Yankees lost to the Dodgers 4-1.  The Yankees should have won game one since the wrong pitcher was brought in to face Freddy Freeman.  The fifth inning of game five was a disaster as the Yankees committed three errors that allowed the Dodgers to score five runs.
• The Hot Stove League starts today.  For those who are not baseball fans, that term means speculation and rumors about free-agent signings and trades in the off-season.  The big question marks are will Pete Alonso sign with the Mets and will Juan Soto sign with the Yankees?  In any event, the salaries are outrageous.  Is any athlete worth $40 Million per year?  Both teams also must make decisions about other players whose contracts have just expired.
• This afternoon I passed by a building in my neighborhood where a construction crew was installing sidewalk sheds.  It was obviously their lunch hour as all eight of them were lying on the grass looking at their cell phones.  There is a love affair with the American public and their cell phones.

Subterranean Homesick Blues - Bob Dylan vs Timothée Chalamet in the Forthcoming Film A Complete Unknown

 

I first saw this in 1967 when I saw the documentary Don't Look Back.  It is best known for Dylan flipping the cards with Allan Ginsberg in the background.  Subterranean Homesick Blues is a typical Dylan song that nobody understands.

 

It seems that bits and pieces of the forthcoming biopic "A Complete Unknown" are being shown on YouTube.  It whets my appetite to see the film when it is released on Christmas Day.

I bought a New Dell Laptop Today

 

The old Dell laptop just working right lately since I was have problems with the power.  I bought in September 2019 as documented in this journal.  I got plenty of use out of that laptop as I used it twice daily for five years.  It owed me nothing.

I decided to buy another Dell since the last one was very reliable until very recently.  I bought it at Microcenter that gives prompt and courteous service.  I will have to learn to use Windows 11.  I hope to get five years use out of this computer.

Sunny Goodge Street - Donovan and Judy Collins Versions - What A Difference

 

My Comments on World Series Scheduling

 

• In the 1960s, all the World Series games were played in the afternoon.  I remember taking a small transistor radio to school to hear the game.
• If I remember correctly, in 1971 one game was played at night.  After a certain date, all games were played at night.  Money is the name of the game.  Audiences are larger at night so the networks get more money from advertisers.  
• In the 1960s, there was one announcer from each team and one from the TV network broadcasting the game. Today, the announcers are from the Fox Network.
• 8 PM is a late starting time for people in the east.  Couldn't they start at 7 PM so very young fans can stay up to watch the game?
• I assume people in the West don't like the 5 PM PT start. On weekends it will interrupt their dinner, while they commute home on weekdays.

This is What I Will Be Watching on Christmas Day

 

All Bob Dylan fans greatly anticipate the biopic A Complete Unkown that will be released on Christmas Day.  It is a biopic covering Dylan's early years including his transition from folk to rock music.  The trailers including the one seen above are very promising.  Timothée Chalamet is the actor playing the young Dylan.  The film should be historically accurate.  I don't expect to learn anything new about this era of Dylan's career, but hopefully, it will attract some younger people to Dylan.

Sunshine Superman by Donovan - Random Oldie of the Day

 

I didn't know what to write today, so I opened Joel Whitburn's Top Pop book and placed my finger on a charted song.  I picked Sunshine Superman by Donovan that hit #1 in 1966.

My Thoughts on the 2024 Mets Season

 

Let's turn back the clock to May 29 when the Mets' record was 22-33. 2024 would be a repeat of 2023 when their record was 75-87.  But at that point, the team started to turn things around.  For the rest of the season, the Mets' record of 67-40 was the best in MLB. David Stearns made several roster changes that helped the team.  About 60 players were on the roster for all or part of the season.  The team clinched a spot in the playoffs on the day after the regular season ended.  They beat Milwaukee in the Wild Card series and then the Phillies in the Division Series.  They were tough against the Dodgers in the LCS, but lost the series 4-2.  The Mets have nothing to be ashamed since they improved so much over last season.

As we look ahead to 2025, five pitchers and five position players, including Pete Alonso, have contracts expiring. My gut feeling is that Pete will re-sign with the Mets.  They should look for bullpen help.  Some of their top prospects may be ready to be promoted to the team.

I will be rooting for the Yankees in the World Series.  Shortly after it ends, the Hot Stove League commences with free agent signings.  We'll have to wait and see what happens.

My Girl by the Temptations - Original vs Citi Field Version

 

Late this season Francisco Lindor of the New York Mets made My Girl by the Temptations as his walk-up music.  Since it has become very popular with the fans, the Temptations were invited to Game 5 of the NLCS to sing it before the game.  Sadly, most original Temptations who recorded the song in 1965 have passed away.

The fans sang My Girl when Lindor came up to bat during the game.

Shake by Sam Cooke - Oldie of the Day

 

Today's Question of the Day on WFUV asked for Shake songs.  Listeners can suggest songs on the WFUV website or on a Facebook page.  By the time I finish breakfast at about 7 AM I look at those pages and all the most relevant songs are already listed.  For that reason, I rarely respond.  Shake by Sam Cooke was played.

Today is the 19th Anniversary of Bruce's Journal

On October 15, 2005, I started this journal and continued.  The entries range from the ridiculous to the sublime.  Let me try to classify the 5000+ entries:

• Autobiographical
• Baseball especially the New York Mets
• Music especially Bob Dylan - I posted many YouTube videos that were later taken down
• Radio
• Facebook
• Movies
• Family

I will think of other categories later.  According to Blogger an entry titled TGIF was my number 1 hit, but I don't why. Some of my entries were "classics" while others were just trivial.  Blogger states that my journal was hit over 3 million times, but I don't know how many were real hits and how many came from robots.

I am only aware of a few regular readers of  Bruce's Journal.  Most people are anonymous when they surf the web.

Thanks for stopping by.

 

 

Super/Man The Christopher Reeve Story at the AMC Empire 25 at Times Square

 

For the first time in at least five years, I traveled to Manhattan to see a movie since Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story was not playing at any local theater.  It was a documentary tracing Christopher's career emphasizing his role in the Superman movies.  The focal points were his treatments after his tragic accident and his relationships with his family who were supportive of him. Many were interviewed for this documentary.  He fought back after the accident and served as a role model for those suffering from similar injuries.

The film is quite sad when it shows Christopher in poor physical condition.  The saddest part was at the end when he and his wife Dana passed away.

I have always been a fan of Superman since the George Reeves TV series of the 1950s.  I certainly enjoyed the films where Christopher starred as The Man of Steel in the 1970s and 1980s

Review in the New York Times.

Mazel Tov to the Shapiros of Walnut Creek, CA

A hearty Mazel Tov to my nephew Justin Shapiro and his wife Rachel on the birth of their daughter Paige Harper.  She joins her brothers Ethan and Teddy seen above.  They will have their hands full with three kids, but the more the merrier.

Justin was born in Bergen County, NJ,, and went to school at Duke University.  He relocated to northern California some years back and lives close to his twin brother Scott and their sister Faith.

 

Can the Mets Go All the Way in 2024?

 

Anything can happen in a short series.  The Phillies were six games ahead of the Mets in the regular season, but they just beat them 3 games to 1 in the Division Series.  Francisco Lindor was the hero in last night's game with a grand slam homer.  In the NLCS the Mets will play either the Dodgers or Padres who are now tied at two games each in their Division Series.

In 2022 the Padres beat the Mets 2-1 in the Wild Card Series even though all three games were played at Citi Field.  In 1988 the Los Angeles Dodgers beat the Mets 4-3 in the NL CS.

Let's take a look at the American League.  Currently, the Yankees are leading the Kansas City Royals 2-1.  The winner will play the winner of the Cleveland-Detroit series.

I would love to see another Subway Series so the Mets can get revenge on the Yankees for the 2000 World Series.

The key for the Mets or any other to win the World Series is to get hot at the right time.  Last years World Series participants, the Texas Rangers and Arizona Diamondbacks were wild card teams.  To advance and win the World Series, Lindor, Alonso, and others must stay hot and the pitching must not fall apart.  

Random Thoughts of the Day - October 8, 2024

 

• The situation in Israel is tragic one year after Hamas killed 1200 and kidnapped 250 Israelis. Hezbollah and Hamas are determined to destroy Israel and kill all Jews.  It is devastating to see so many civilian casualties.  The extremists on both sides will prevent everlasting peace.
• The political situation in NYC is chaotic with the mayor indicted and most of his inner circle resigning. He should resign, but if he does there will be more mayhem when the Public Advocate becomes acting mayor and must call for a special election in 90 days.  Several candidates including former Governor Andrew Cuomo are likely to run.  The winner will serve until the end of 2025.  There is a general election for Mayor in November,
• The issue of integrity has yet to be discussed in the presidential election.  I can't understand why millions of people will vote for a man already convicted of felonies and was indicted on charges of trying to overturn the results of the 2020 election,
• Tonight's game 3 is pivotal in the National League Division Series between the Mets and Phillies.  In a short series, anything can happen.

Two Sundays in a Row at Flushing Town Hall -Mini-Global Mashup: Daniel Devātman Marcellus Givens, Gongs & Bowls Meets Kaethe Hostetter, Violin

This performance featured Givens’ mesmerizing fusion of jazz, electronic, and world music, combined with Hostetter’s innovative blend of Ethiopian traditional sounds and modern experimentalism, which promises an unforgettable evening of cross-cultural musical exploration.

 

The Magic is Back Again - The Mets Come from Behind to Beat the Phillies 6-2 in Game 1 of the NLDS

 

Highlights from the 8th and 9th Inning When the Mets Took the Lead

We met some Bob Dylan fans for lunch at the Hard Rock Cafe in Times Square.  We came home in time to watch the game starting at 4 PM.   Zach Wheeler was really tough on the Mets for seven innings, but the Mets got to the bullpen in the 8th and 9th inning as seen above.

Pete Alonso OMG!

 

The Met bats were cold last night until the ninth inning when Pete Alonso hit a three-run homer to put the Mets ahead 3-2.  They scored one more run to make the score 4-2.  Dave Peterson held the Brewers scoreless to get the save.  We can all jump for joy, but the next step is the best three of five NLDS against the Philadelphia Phillies.  That will be a tough series.  We are all concerned about Pete's future with the Mets since he becomes a free agent at the end of the season.

There was a watch party at Citi Field.  Below is a report from WCBS-2 News

Shana Tova by the Muppets

 

You can find the strangest videos on YouTube.

To all my readers who observe the Jewish New Year Shana Tova.

Mazel Tov - The Mets Clinched a Wild Card Berth

 

I would have liked to have stayed home today to watch the doubleheader, but I had a dental appointment in Forest Hills at 2 PM.  Since finding parking is very difficult in that neighborhood, I took public transportation to my appointment.  While waiting, I tried to watch the game on the SNY and ESPN apps, but I couldn't connect.  I could listen for a while on the ESPNNY app early in the game as the Braves took a 2-0 lead in the third inning.  I was able to follow the game on the ESPN app until I arrived home in the  8th inning.Mets.

I don't have to give the details of the game here, but it is historic in the 63-year history of the Mets.  It is comparable to Game 6 of the 1986 World Series.

The Mets return to Milwaukee to play the Brewers in a best 2 out of 3 series.  How far will they advance?

Game Recap