Some Program Notes--As The Title Says

As the title says---Program Notes. So a few updates and, perhaps, some other thoughts at the end---with some recommendations for activities.

First off let us focus on TRADITIONS for this coming Sunday. Besides re-visiting some people we have not heard in a while---I always am amazed how many programs focus on the newest pieces of material to come their way and all the other things are forgotten. Not to overdo the thought---but the "classics" in any genre should never be neglected.

Our artists are not in the classical area and yet there is no reason in our genre these people should be neglected. I won't mention the names---but they certainly will be heard on TRADITIONS---this week is no exception.

Aside from all that. We are in the period past Mardi Gras and into the Lenten one. You probably know that the symbolic 40 days of Lent are tied to many famous biblical 40 days---floods, treks in the wilderness, days of grace for Ninevah (before it burned). I am sure you know that I have got some music for the occasion. And a few other things I think will capture your interest. If not---oh well, please feel free to yawn---but, as some old-time radio person said---"uh uh don't touch that dial and stay tuned for..." (if you know who that is or for what show let me know). I think it was Fibber McGee--or Blondie.

Moving On: The recommendations for activities. If you are fans of film and radio you do not want to miss going to the Museum of The Moving Image in Long Island City, NY.

I went, recently, to this magnificent museum after a long hiatus--some 10 years.

I can only say that it is better than ever. Besides the great artifacts you will find there---from the earliest cameras and projectors to the latest equipment you will also be treated to classic films (check their schedule http://www.movingimage.us/ ) but in addition a chance to see some classic films with introductions to their creation. Also, being in radio, I appreciated the exhibits--interactive---of sound editing. Though, it has to be said, it was a good demo but not how it is done in a studio.

I would surely recommend this for children. My own grand kids actually passed by the video game parlor ---the evolution of video games ( all free--included in the admission) to see the great exhibits and be able to do some of the following---create an animated Monty Python sequence, dub a voice over into a movie scene, create a TV moment in front of a Green Screen, and more.

I admit it is cheaper to go there for video games than an arcade(think of what a game parlor costs per game)---but there is so much more to interest the wee ones. They get hooked---a true bonus in horizon widening and education.

The area used to be industrial but now has changed completely. How I recall in my years of visiting factories the area--Now-- next door are The Kaufman Studios, site of many movie and TV filmings. COnverted factory buliding as is the museum.

Restaurants abound. Across the street is a most wonderful Italian restaurant---Cafe Paradiso (what else) with wonderful old pictures of film and film stars as decor. A few blocks away is Astoria --home to some great Greek restaurants and a Hungarian place I wished I had visited---ach--ich liebe das und ich kan das nicht haben ---meine Mocca am 2d Ave. is nicht mal.

OK ---I was pretty close---Mocca on 2d Ave. NYC is gone. But--as said---the above really is a cornucopia of delights.

SO==Feed the mind at the museum and the tummy (and soul) at the other places.