THURSDAY--Another Edition of....

A flip of the fedora to Jimmy Cannon

 NOBODY ASKED ME BUT......

     (early but only topical for this week—honest opinions for the less than honest holidays)

1)        I thought we would spend some time on holiday thoughts this time around---given the time of year—along with some miscellany.

2)        It seems that the glow of the season gets tarnished as you get older.  From a time of awe it evolves into a time of practicing diplomacy and tolerance.   Sort of like childhood dreams and adult reality.

3)        As one gets older one can more readily empathize with Ebenezer.  Dickens knew his people.

4)        I have the feeling, many times, that Karl Marx had it right when he talked about “...the opiate of the masses” but for the wrong reasons and moments.

 5)        Do you recall when, as a child (if you are of that age), the stores and the windows were a delight and you could go in to a toy department (say, Macy’s) and play with the toys?  Now, they are carried in specialty stores and all pre-packaged and you get to see them on the TV ads. 

6)        There was a time when the family got together for Thanksgiving dinner and then had conversation (OK some  sit and watch TV/Football) and now there is a whole segment that finds a real familial feeling in getting up at

      3 AM to go maniacal shopping in keeping with the spirit of familial gathering. 

7)   Since materialism seems to have overwhelmed us in the holiday period and it is all about retail sales why not just call it what it is and forget about the “tradition”---commercialism. Which those who do not fall for the cliches (i.e. the rich and smart).  I know---it is hurtful to the naive who truly believe the Pilgrim story and that people like The Donald and those of his ilk are moved and touched and become one of the masses for these days.  The celebrants (unlike those in the Christian Mass who feel a part of the body of Christ) eat turkey while those mentioned usually have jetted off to a sea side resort (they own) and dine in a fine restaurant.

8)  I truly had tears in my eyes when I heard the NPR report that ended the most touching piece they did a while back on the USS Kirk---the thanks and the meeting of the recipients of the caring of the Kirk’s crew and the crew after all these years and the awarding of an honorary crew membership to the sadly deceased infant they cared for---and was appreciated by the Vietnamese family that the Kirk rescued.

9) Peter Ustinov had it right.  When people said to him---Have A Nice Day---he said---I Have Other Plans.  Frankly, the holidays bring that out in me---the damned music ad nauseum in stores, the ubiquitous “happy Thanksgiving/Christmas”---they say it but do not care---and neither do I.  Just say—“thanks”.

10) One final thought---I am not a hypocrite.  Join me on Sunday 11/28 on Traditions when we commemorate Thanksgiving in a non-hypocritical way---along with a great guest---SI KAHN.

RANDOM THOUGHTS FROM A VERY RANDOM MIND

Some of the few readers of this most insightful blog---in my ever not very humble opinion---may recall how impressed I was with the bio of David Susskind.  Another impressive person is Harry S Truman who you can see on Hulu.com in an interview with Susskind.  Truly impressive and think about this---do you think that there is a talk show host today capable of such and interview and that any recent ex Pres.  would sit for something like this?   A true treat of what things were like.   True---times have changed and the Pres. has to be in an auto that is labeled THE BEAST---and given the tragic events of 1963 rightfully so.   Time have changed but the openness and the honesty of someone like HST still has to be surpassed.  Ex Presidents today make fortunes from speeches and memoirs---and who knows what else.  HST famous comment after his presidency---"..it is not for sale" and he never did make a nickel off his tenure.

Sure---I said random thoughts---here are some really random ones we can fill in at a later date if anyone likes:

1)  Facebook.   Why do people feel they have to post their most personal thoughts there?   Sadly, some of them truly have not other life and for that reason it does serve a purpose.  I only hope that those posting people do not believe these are "friends".  Friendship implies more than some electronic companion to fulfill your emptiness.
2)Thanksgiving.  The holiday is almost upon us and it is the one and only holiday that can be celebrated by all religious sects, ethnicities, and Americans who enjoy it for its familial camaradarie.   Though, admittedly, Louden Wainwright III has a different take on that..   It does lead to the problem of a festive occasion and has to allow for the foibles of some attendees which can lead to tension provoking problems.  As a child it seems or seemed as a more festive occasion as most holidays did.  When you mature and age you do find the problematical things in these "festive" occasions---and, yet, the preparers of the festivities are to be applauded for their wonderful completetion or the occasion.
3) Chirstmas/Channukah.:  Almost upon us and seem to start earlier each year---as a child it was a magical time.  In aging and maturity, given our new methods of communication see the above comments---basically the same story.  

I do believe that all of you folks that fit into our small phone booth deserve a symbolic picture:

                                                

THURSDAY---Another edition of...

A flip of the fedora to Jimmy Cannon

 NOBODY ASKED ME BUT......

1)     You really have to suspend belief in Congressman Rangel’s innocence when he speaks of not being able to afford his lawyers and yet somehow amassed enough money for a whole bunch of rent-stabilized apartments, condos in the Caribbean, and other business ventures there.

2)     Hulu.com is where you can see the funniest and most memorable of the great David Susskind shows---How to Be A Jewish Son which includes the great Mel Brooks joke about the translation of the old Jewish curse---May you Eat Trolley Cars and shit transfers.

3)     Seems that Justice Thomas’ wife has more to say than he does.  She seems to be a very “vocal” majority to his “silent”  minority of opinion on the Supreme Court.

4)     There was an interesting piece in last weekend’s NY Times Real Estate section about people sharing “bargain” lodgings in NYC.   There was a time when the joke was about Puerto Ricans living 20 or so to a room---now they glamorize people sharing a room in NYC (of about 300 Sq Ft)  for a rent of about $600.00 .  Let me see if I remember my definitions---Puerto Ricans lived in slums (or made them  slums) but these folks are “romantics” who want to be in the “Big Apple”===I do believe either the core of the apple  is rotten or the OED needs updating for its definition of “romantic”.

5)     Too bad old P T Barnum is gone since he would love to meet these folks since he defined them so well---and they were born every minute.

6)     Why do judgmental and opinionated people become psychologists or social workers (and why do social workers have practices since they are not psychologists or psychiatrists---and why the word practice---kind of meaningless for non- accomplishers).   Same goes for lawyers and MDs---must be a better term---how about “successful participants in ________”

7)     W is opening his presidential library so---no jokes about only one book.  But the crayon work depicting his ambitions is not to be dismissed.

8)     I wonder if I have it right---GM declares bankruptcy and wipes out their share holders and now is issuing stock in its new company and is limiting who can get into the IPO (even the ex-employees that were wiped out) save the large institutional investors.   The Government (read tax payers) bails them out and to repay them they are issuing the stock.  Given that would it not be appropriate for the tax payers to have equal access to purchase (though why pour good money after bad given their track record is questionable) the shares.  

9)     Washington Mutual is long gone---a gift (basically) to Chase---Country Wide went to Bank of America---and, GM gets bailed out.  (a disclaimer here---I owned shares in Wash. Mutual---and surely like my new wall paper courtesy of Washington---not Mutual).  So, if Capitalism has to do with the opposite of Socialism then what happened to Laissez-faire in the interim?   Warren Buffet and his Letter to The Ed. in the NYT not withstanding.   I would have weathered the Wash. Mutual troubles but the government did not want me to do that---what a blessing---putting me into the decorating business with new wall paper.

10)                      I have a Chase credit card now and what a thrill to know that they have horrific interest rates but, according to the ads, may well pick up my check at a restaurant.  Really warms the heart to know of the personal touch Chase has with me.  I avoid restaurants because I do not believe Chase is there as my host---ads not withstanding.

                                                             

                                                                 

THURSDAY and Another Edition of.....

A flip of the fedora to Jimmy Cannon

 NOBODY ASKED ME BUT......

1)     You really must read David Susskind’s biography if you want to see what an earlier and quality time in TV was like and also meet a truly creative and strange character.

2)     That woman who, so brilliantly, answered the question with just one letter on Wheel of Fortune is not the brightest bulb in the closet.  Think about it----if she knows it stretch it out and pick up more cash on this show geared for enthusiastic morons.  Or---Jay Leno fans.

3)     Did anyone find the constant swinging necktie on TBS counting off the time until Conan while other shows are on annoying?   And all that for a non-event that makes his show as dull as Leno.  So distracting from the depth of Family Guy.

4)     Given all the troubles of this poor planet why is there such a focus on the time wasting nonsense of the pointless late night talk shows---other than Jon Stewart.

5)     Dick Cavett’s new book should be a must read.  He reigned when late night TV had some import and substance---along with Jack Paar and Steve Allen.

6)     Why do politicians---when they disagree with you---say nothing here is personal when it sure as hell is?

7)     Orangetown, NY Town Council members only appear once a month at council meetings and are paid for that day (they have full time jobs) and hope for medical benefits and a pay increase (well, they did).  You really have to feel for a person who gets paid for one appearance a month and pleads for a raise and benefits due to the high cost of living---the only thing high is the dudgeon the tax payers should be in.  

8)     Thanksgiving is almost upon us and I am hoping that Si Kahn will be joining me on both SUNDAY SIMCHA and TRADITIONS that weekend.

9)     Germany has a hard time with November 9 and to their credit they seem to handle the dichotomy very well.  It is the date of the “wall” coming down---which came up after the end of WW 2 and led to E. German subjugation by th Soviets. All th9s had roots in November 9,1938 since that is the day (or night) of Krystalnacht ---The Night of The Broken Glass---the terrorizing of Jews that infamous day. History has strange and unexpected ramifications. 

10)                      Now—in the famous words of Peter Ustinov in response the ubiquitous and cliched comment we all hear each day---Have A Nice Day-----I have other plans.  

THURSDAY ----Another edition of....

A flip of the fedora to Jimmy Cannon

 NOBODY ASKED ME BUT......

1)          The new voting machines are really nice and it is hard for us old timers not to recall and like the old manual models.  Time marches on but the bottom line is that this is a fortunate nation to have the opportunity to vote and actually elect our very defective candidates.  Beats assassinating people to get there.

2)          You have to wonder why there were not great debates and only negative attack ads ---and, of course, the classy Paladino (in NY) sounding like a hit man.

3)          Does anyone really care about Jean Luc Godard and his films or his alleged anti-semitism---why not just ignore him at the Oscars and if any one wants to see his films---pay the price of admission.

4)          I loved the sign of one of the attendees at the Jon Stewart/Stephen Colbert rally---Hitler IS Hitler---Perfect.

5)          I wonder how many people feel, as I do, that Jon Stewart’s comments about Juan Williams and having Yusuf(Cat Stevens) on his rally inappropriate.   A good subject for debate.   I add---I do believe that Jon Stewart is a wonderful communicator (and a really intelligent person) for our electronic time---and loved his line;  “...we live in hard times---NOT in END TIMES”.

6)          Carl Paladino has succeeded beyond his wildest dreams in getting what he secretly wanted in his heart---lose an election.   Next stop---a joint ticket with Palin---for an even bigger loss---and I have a great bumper sticker for that P&P---- Don’t even think of Peeing in the polls.

7)           I do hope you will tune in to SUNDAY SIMCHA this Sunday as the annual sad commemoration (for about 15 minutes) of Krystal Nacht (The Night of The Broken Glass) takes place---you can hear it on the web  www.wfdu.fm 10 AM Eastern Time.

8)          I hope that the David Susskind bio gets some good publicity---a giant in TV and theater that should not be overlooked.

9)          I have often wondered how much people feel they have to share on Facebook that is of no interest to anyone except the advertising folks that track your bowel movements for the proper laxative to sell you.  

10)     Helpful Hint from Heloise---- join a group with a communal interest and avoid personal information.  Since I was born around the same time as my old friend Aaron Burr I have no problem with Social Security numbers and such---just living too long and enjoying the fact that my old friend defeated Hamilton in the duel---but he never did get on a coin.  He did, however, spend many of them.

                                                    

THURDAY---Another Edition of.....

A flip of the fedora to Jimmy Cannon:

 NOBODY ASKED ME BUT......

1)       I wonder if psychologists and social workers spend so much time listening to others that they have to be in charge in other social situations. Or  do they act that way with “clients”?

2)       Why are they called “clients” when the same term was applied to Elliot Spitzer.  Could it be the hooker was a social worker in disguise?

3)       The forgotten joke from Fyvush Finkel has been given go me by his son:   The difference between Jewish  religious segments is how they pray to their God (I know it should be G-D===more narishkeit)

                       The Orthodox------Beyne Sheloylim(I guess that is the spelling--it loses it in the reading)

                        The Conservative—Avenu Malkenu

                       The Reform-----The Lord Our God is One.

                      The Reconstructionist---To Whom It May Concern.

That was the end of the Finkel joke---now my thoughts:

The Unitarians and Ethical Culture folks just keep wondering.  They may well be right.

The Catholics===they know for sure and you have to wear great costumes in the upper echelons of the clerical ranks or they will not be heard by an Almighty who is quite clothes conscious.

The Protestants---just too many to know what they want other than protest and be humorless.  Well, the Lutherans anyway---the rest do seem to have a laugh or two---and a drink or two would be good as well.

  

4)       Election Day is just around the corner and it is no wonder it is so close to Halloween since all the ads this year are fright ads.  No depth, no positive commentary---just insults.  By the way the Paladino ads are truly offensive given the half truths ( “...a civil suit instituted by Cuomo that got no jail time---listen closely---“CIVIL SUIT”---not “CRIMINAL”—jail was never an option---it was about the filthy lucre.

5)       I do believe if you kiddies want to scare people just dress like Paladino ---nuff said.

6)       Do you remember when Halloween was a fun holiday ---people rubbing chalk on others, doing some inane and harmless tricks---you know before expensive costumes were mandatory and, by the way, when did the NYC parade start?  Another “event” for what was a simple kids holiday—and parents did not have to escort the wee ones door to door for them to say “trick or treat” and you give the mandatory piece of crappy candy that they will surely throw away (at their parents insistence—amidst tears).  Trust me---I did not stock up on peanuts and razor blades.

7)       I am still wondering which bothers me more---Dental visits or Urological visits.  Talk about opposite ends, or is it horns ,of a dilemma.

8)       Have I got a deal for you---check the WFDU SUNDAY SIMCHA PAGE on Facebook and see what it is.

9)       Speaking of “deals”---does anyone recall when the Tri-Boro (I know JFK) bridge was .25 each way and the Geo. Wash. Bridge was ever so high priced?   I am taking applications now for passports to Nassau County/ NYC and points north since the MTA is making them almost inaccessible to friends, family, and businesses with the new tolls.   The Berlin Wall was about as forgiving for crossing as is the MTA. 

10)There is always a bright side to everything---if you are married and have in-laws on the other side of the great divide controlled by the MTA you have the perfect excuse to avoid them.

11)You should really visit the WFDU SUNDAY page to see an offer that will be hard to refuse---hint---it has to do with the Fyvush Finkel review---other than WFDU what other left side of the dial station will offer you this?

 12)  Have you ever wondered why commercial stations have on going commercial and Public and Community stations only have fund raisers ( in addition to "supporting" (aka commercials) announcements ad nauseum---yes, even the left and far right on the dial and only one---just one---only asks for minimal help 1 time a year?   Could it be idealism and an unpaid staff?   Honesty now---you know who the unpaid staff is---and are.