OH, how many more droppings before the damned thing is totally empty? It already feels a little light on the supply side. On Facebook a person posted something about the hospital he visited recently and it was quite negative. I had a similar experience there a while back and told him I would post this on my never so humble blog along with some other comments. You know that there always other comments.
OK--libel threats be damned since truth is always the best defense. Nyack Hospital is the facility the person commented about in his negative opinion. I agree fully. A short while ago I went there for some tests and they had to be re-done (if that is a term) because, as the technician administrating the test said---"...sorry about that but we are short of money and this is some really old equipment..." There is a confidence builder. By the way---the admissions people did not even know where the dep't was where I was supposed to go and when my apptmt was.
Later I contacted the administrator of the place and told him of this and also added that my wife worked at Nyack Hospital until her death. It was, in my view, a wonderful place then. In fact, we donated a large (all relative---I am not Bloomberg) to a plague in her honor to the place. Totally gone. I told the administrator about this and he said he would look into it---OR---would I like my money back. I'll leave the expletives deleted.
From a wonderful local facility it has devolved, to me, into a 2d rate (if that) operation. I will say, however, that I have heard nothing but good things about their Cancer care facility.
One last point now---not about Nyack Hospital. Let us now critique the one hospital that advertises itself as the best cancer care anywhere. Nice rhyming. What do they say in Bklyn---faggedaboudit. Some years ago I had, sadly, occasion to go there with my late wife who was recommended to go there and see a particular MD for her cancer. The person who urged her to go there was her boss at Nyack---and well intentioned. We went there and the result was ---you have a serious problem and we will get back to you. 4 weeks later she called and was told by the chief of radiology that if she cannot wait for treatment it would be best she go elsewhere since we are very busy and, hey, whatever happens--happens. That was a fairly accurate paraphrase. We did go to a great facility that truly cared for her and the MD who handled her case could not have been more competent and caring. To this day I still admire him and am happy to say that I go to him for any issues (in Otolaryngology) I may have. The facility is Westchester Med. Ctr. in Valhalla. As to the doctor---contact me if you want to see him.
Perhaps, as I have done, it is best to find a facility and a practice that can best fill your needs. My solution has been inconvenient but worthwhile----L I MDs and Winthrop Hospital. I don't know if they have a slogan but any slogan is more truthful than the pomposity and error ridden one of Sloan Kettering---and they have no free parking which is so important to the next of kin that bring their patients for their exit door to the world---I could not resist one last jibe.
Saturday, March 15, 2014
Saturday, March 8, 2014
SOME MORE RANDOM BRAIN DROPPINGS NEGLECTED FOR A WHILE
Since it has been a while I do want to start with some comments about the 2 programs I am privileged to do on WFDU---SUNDAY SIMCHA & TRADITIONS. So, first the positive comments about that most eclectic radio station---WFDU. We play whatever we decide within our genre of material. There are no mandated playlists as there are on so man, allegedly, public or community stations. Both on the left side and the center of the dial. Well, no one has dials anymore anyway.
On the subject of WFDU (www.wfdu.fm if you like streaming) I want to bid a truly fond farewell to the General Manager of WFDU who has announced his retirement. My respect for him and his loyalty in adjudicating issues that may have arisen. Be they content or any other matter.
This all brings me to Sunday Simcha and its content. I thank you all for your support for the program over the years and in the recent fundraising efforts the station had. In doing the program I have to say, in all honesty, that much of the material is being repeated. I know you appreciate it but I urge you to send me any material (which I have rcvd. over the years) you might want to share with our mutual audience.
My thanks to the loyal audience to TRADITIONS and also for all the nice comments when spoke on the phone recently during our fund raising month. You made my day(s). I know many of you did not want premiums and I thank you for that. However, some gifts, if you will, are already on the way to you. My thanks, too, to the artists that have supplied them.
Now some comments about Facebook and how it has invaded all (or most of) our lives. I see the benefits in spreading news you want promulgated (there is a SAT word they may eliminate) but why oh why do people have to post personal medical, marital, and legal issues there? Are there not certain things that are meant to be kept private and not promote them when the authorities (NSA) can find them out without your advertising them. Geo. Orwell was just a few years too early in his book----we have now arrived. With our help and Facebook. Mark Zuckerberg is rich and we, happily, give up privacy and get unwanted ads (which is only a tip of an poisonous iceberg) after having our DVRs skip ads.
On the subject of WFDU (www.wfdu.fm if you like streaming) I want to bid a truly fond farewell to the General Manager of WFDU who has announced his retirement. My respect for him and his loyalty in adjudicating issues that may have arisen. Be they content or any other matter.
This all brings me to Sunday Simcha and its content. I thank you all for your support for the program over the years and in the recent fundraising efforts the station had. In doing the program I have to say, in all honesty, that much of the material is being repeated. I know you appreciate it but I urge you to send me any material (which I have rcvd. over the years) you might want to share with our mutual audience.
My thanks to the loyal audience to TRADITIONS and also for all the nice comments when spoke on the phone recently during our fund raising month. You made my day(s). I know many of you did not want premiums and I thank you for that. However, some gifts, if you will, are already on the way to you. My thanks, too, to the artists that have supplied them.
Now some comments about Facebook and how it has invaded all (or most of) our lives. I see the benefits in spreading news you want promulgated (there is a SAT word they may eliminate) but why oh why do people have to post personal medical, marital, and legal issues there? Are there not certain things that are meant to be kept private and not promote them when the authorities (NSA) can find them out without your advertising them. Geo. Orwell was just a few years too early in his book----we have now arrived. With our help and Facebook. Mark Zuckerberg is rich and we, happily, give up privacy and get unwanted ads (which is only a tip of an poisonous iceberg) after having our DVRs skip ads.
Sunday, February 23, 2014
BRAIN DROPPINGS CONTINUED
It has been a while since the last posting and it has been a busy time with the radio programs---Sunday Simcha and Traditions. For that reason this will be brief.
If you check the playlist page you will find what is planned even though the playlists wee suspended for a brief fund raising time.
So---one thought I want to share that has nothing to do with folk music---but I do have to thank all who have supported both Simcha and Traditions with their hard earned pledges in this economy. OK the thought----I will leave my opinion out of it but you will pick up on it---
Gov. Cuomo has a wonderful plan to offer college educ. to inmates to get degrees. The system now offers training in trade skills (to some extent). So, let me see if I understand--this will prevent recidivism and those who are not serving jail time cannot afford college or are burdened with loans more horrendous than home mortgages. The dear Gov. might think of this---best people (youths) rob a convenience store and go to prison for their education---no student loans, free room and board, and you graduate prison with a degree---and if, luckily, it is Sing Sing, you have attended Harvard on the Hudson. Sounds like a plan to me that equalizes college opportunities for those hard to repay student loans. A forward thinking politico---he is that. Not a statesman.
If you check the playlist page you will find what is planned even though the playlists wee suspended for a brief fund raising time.
So---one thought I want to share that has nothing to do with folk music---but I do have to thank all who have supported both Simcha and Traditions with their hard earned pledges in this economy. OK the thought----I will leave my opinion out of it but you will pick up on it---
Gov. Cuomo has a wonderful plan to offer college educ. to inmates to get degrees. The system now offers training in trade skills (to some extent). So, let me see if I understand--this will prevent recidivism and those who are not serving jail time cannot afford college or are burdened with loans more horrendous than home mortgages. The dear Gov. might think of this---best people (youths) rob a convenience store and go to prison for their education---no student loans, free room and board, and you graduate prison with a degree---and if, luckily, it is Sing Sing, you have attended Harvard on the Hudson. Sounds like a plan to me that equalizes college opportunities for those hard to repay student loans. A forward thinking politico---he is that. Not a statesman.
Sunday, January 12, 2014
MORE NEGLECTED BRAIN DROPPINGS
It has been awhile since I dropped of these from this ever brain. Let's start locally with an event that is of no interest to anyone outside this NE area. It is being called Bridgegate--NJ Gov. Christie ( not be confused w./ another more idealistic Gov of NJ who's first name was Christie) has managed to put himself into a truly awkward position. No jokes now about how hard that must be for him in a doctor's office or elsewhere. Here is a person who claims he is on top of every situation (and he usually is) and nothing gets by him. His claim now that he was not advised or informed the problem in Ft. Lee and the GWB does not seem plausible. He claims that his closest assistant started this fiasco and he immediately (well almost immediately) fired her. Besides wondering how she allegedly did not inform him one has to ask why he fired her and not try to get to the bottom of what he claims he knew nothing of. Does not sound like great Presidential timber to me. I don't know if Rachel Maddow is correct in her views but they sure make a lot of sense. Think about it. Why would the Gov. want to alienate (punish) a mayor he claims to not know when the Port Authority(the NJ half) could, at the Gov. behest, punish an opponent of his not directly involved with Ft.Lee. It ill behooves one who claims to be on top of everything too now say how contrite he is and to not know what is going on around him via his own appointees.
I know that no one in the rest of the nation will care about this---what they will care about is his persona when makes appearances. Nixon famously said--",,,I am not a crook.." The good Gov. has said "...I am not a bully.." Wait till the rest of the country gets a load of him. That won't do well in Iowa--among other places.
Perhaps I should give him the benefit of the doubt and blame it all on his hearing while in his office and he told his loyal (now fired appointee) to "close the Frig"---an easy mistake to think he meant Bridge. Well, positive side, for NJ politcos it is not another corruption or fraud scandal. Better that they endangered lives and inconvenienced the public.
Here is a bumper sticker I would like to sell you--reasonable prices----CHRISTIE FOR NEVER PRESIDENT.
Since this site is supposed to be for "program notes" let me just add that on Jan. 19 I welcome 'GATHERING TIME" into the studio and we will, certainly, have a great blend of music and conversation. My thoughts on the film Inside Llewen Davis are well know by now but do let me recommend NEBRASKA--what a winner this is.
Finally, for those who cannot rcve. the programs (SUNDAY SIMCHA -- TRADITIONS) over the air at 89.1fm we are streaming on the web where they are archived for 2 weeks-- www.wfdu.fm
I know that no one in the rest of the nation will care about this---what they will care about is his persona when makes appearances. Nixon famously said--",,,I am not a crook.." The good Gov. has said "...I am not a bully.." Wait till the rest of the country gets a load of him. That won't do well in Iowa--among other places.
Perhaps I should give him the benefit of the doubt and blame it all on his hearing while in his office and he told his loyal (now fired appointee) to "close the Frig"---an easy mistake to think he meant Bridge. Well, positive side, for NJ politcos it is not another corruption or fraud scandal. Better that they endangered lives and inconvenienced the public.
Here is a bumper sticker I would like to sell you--reasonable prices----CHRISTIE FOR NEVER PRESIDENT.
Since this site is supposed to be for "program notes" let me just add that on Jan. 19 I welcome 'GATHERING TIME" into the studio and we will, certainly, have a great blend of music and conversation. My thoughts on the film Inside Llewen Davis are well know by now but do let me recommend NEBRASKA--what a winner this is.
Finally, for those who cannot rcve. the programs (SUNDAY SIMCHA -- TRADITIONS) over the air at 89.1fm we are streaming on the web where they are archived for 2 weeks-- www.wfdu.fm
Wednesday, January 1, 2014
THE FIRST OF THIS YEAR'S BRAIN DROPPINGS---IN A TIMELY MOMENT
The new year is once again upon us and, of course, many wishes for joy, happiness, good health, and all the other cliches I should be heaping on this annual event. Yet, a few thoughts occur to me that I am sure were expected---
Let's start with Secty of State Kerry and the Isaraeli/ Palestinian issue. Truly complex and fairness and justice is needed. One thing all have to remember is that given the issues in 1948 the fact that Israel is "Jewish" state (homeland) cannot be disputed. All other things should be negotioable. On can only hope that Mr. Netanyahu also realizes that simple fact. Times and situations change. We have come along way from, 1948 and later times. They
need later solutions and, yet, Bravo, for the events of that time
Skipping to another pet peeve. Have you ever wondered why Theater prices are so astronomical. My guess is that you think the rents or the money paid to performers just kept upping the costs. Think again. Do you know that an average "stagehand" (with that strong union) rcvs approx. over $400,000 annually. Picture this---Carnegie Hall, no scenery, standing up music stands and chairs. I bet many of you have done that for a HS concert, let's say. $400,000. I wish. The recycler who picks up the matreial from my place gets a pittance for all his / her hard work. Sure, there are some more complicated shows to work with. But, still, over $400,000 dollars---they certainly do not get the kind of play that the performers receive. Sure beats coal mining and other endeavors and all below the popular and nonsensical radar. Now---there is a union and they certainly know how do what they have to do. Too bad the UAW and the UMW and all the others have not taken a page from their book. Enjoy your next overpriced show and think of these struggling workers.
I am so touched by Mayor Bloomberg's valedictory ( as reported in the NYT). This I love--"...be then swiped his senior metro card on a subway station and headed home..". Right. To his limo and then to his mansion. Please. It's so hard to be poor and humble when you are rich and arrogant.
A personal thought about New Years Eve. Over many years---too many to even remember--they were always spent w/ friends. How delightful that, for many years now , they have been spent with family. By that I mean children and their kids and their friends. As to New Years Eve. No sense getting into another day where people seem to be delighted to show---on TV--how moronic they are and how, like the morning TV audiences, they look like trained sheep being led to who knows what. Best to have the good memories of years gone by and uniting with family and friends and not watching strange folks thinking that being on the "boob tube" makes them meaningful.
OK--now is the time to remind you of some upcoming shows and programs--On 1/5 you cannot want a better New Years gift than my conversation with David Buskin and Rob Carlson during the TRADITIONS program. Do join us and then make sure you go on1/18 to the Acoustic Cafe in Park Ridge, NJ ( www.cafeacoustic.org )
Finally, and for you happily, I end with my sincere wishes for a very Happy---and most, importantly--Healthy New :Year.
Let's start with Secty of State Kerry and the Isaraeli/ Palestinian issue. Truly complex and fairness and justice is needed. One thing all have to remember is that given the issues in 1948 the fact that Israel is "Jewish" state (homeland) cannot be disputed. All other things should be negotioable. On can only hope that Mr. Netanyahu also realizes that simple fact. Times and situations change. We have come along way from, 1948 and later times. They
need later solutions and, yet, Bravo, for the events of that time
Skipping to another pet peeve. Have you ever wondered why Theater prices are so astronomical. My guess is that you think the rents or the money paid to performers just kept upping the costs. Think again. Do you know that an average "stagehand" (with that strong union) rcvs approx. over $400,000 annually. Picture this---Carnegie Hall, no scenery, standing up music stands and chairs. I bet many of you have done that for a HS concert, let's say. $400,000. I wish. The recycler who picks up the matreial from my place gets a pittance for all his / her hard work. Sure, there are some more complicated shows to work with. But, still, over $400,000 dollars---they certainly do not get the kind of play that the performers receive. Sure beats coal mining and other endeavors and all below the popular and nonsensical radar. Now---there is a union and they certainly know how do what they have to do. Too bad the UAW and the UMW and all the others have not taken a page from their book. Enjoy your next overpriced show and think of these struggling workers.
I am so touched by Mayor Bloomberg's valedictory ( as reported in the NYT). This I love--"...be then swiped his senior metro card on a subway station and headed home..". Right. To his limo and then to his mansion. Please. It's so hard to be poor and humble when you are rich and arrogant.
A personal thought about New Years Eve. Over many years---too many to even remember--they were always spent w/ friends. How delightful that, for many years now , they have been spent with family. By that I mean children and their kids and their friends. As to New Years Eve. No sense getting into another day where people seem to be delighted to show---on TV--how moronic they are and how, like the morning TV audiences, they look like trained sheep being led to who knows what. Best to have the good memories of years gone by and uniting with family and friends and not watching strange folks thinking that being on the "boob tube" makes them meaningful.
OK--now is the time to remind you of some upcoming shows and programs--On 1/5 you cannot want a better New Years gift than my conversation with David Buskin and Rob Carlson during the TRADITIONS program. Do join us and then make sure you go on1/18 to the Acoustic Cafe in Park Ridge, NJ ( www.cafeacoustic.org )
Finally, and for you happily, I end with my sincere wishes for a very Happy---and most, importantly--Healthy New :Year.
Monday, December 16, 2013
Random Brain Droppings for the Multitude---both of you
Now, does that heading not feel personal? I, once, jokingly said (well, more than once) on the air --"this is for our listener". I was chastised for that---you do need a sense of humor---I am sure there is more than one listener so, perhaps, I should have used the plural. That would encompass 2.
This will be short and sweet. Diabetics be warned.
Starting with all the sweetness I have to thank The Kennedys for a most amazing and heartfelt performance last week at the Orangeburg Library. I have never seen a more delighted audience and one that felt so enamored with the performers.
Since we are on the topic of performers; let me say that on 12/29 I will be hosting the year end TRADITIONS (WFDU 89.1 fm and streaming on the web at www.wfdu.fm and I will NOT be presenting any top 10 recordings for the year. I will, however, be presenting what I consider the most memorable recordings I have rcvd this year----could be more than 10 since there were a goodly number of them from some very talented artists---to whom I am only a humble conduit. We will also recall the folks that passed away this year in our genre. If you have any artists you think should be included in " the most memorable of this year" please do e mail me a request and a comment to wfdutraditions@yahoo.com
As the year is rapidly coming to an end---well, "rapidly" is the wrong word. It just seems that way. My delight to have attended some memorable moments with some memorable people---The Folksbiene Gala honoring Theodore Bikel (90 Bday coming up) and Fyvush Finkel, the wonderful and talented guests on my radio programs this year----Andy Revkin,The Levins, and ever so many more truly wonderful and talented artists---AND --stay tuned as I welcome David Buskin ( in a reunion with Modern Man) shortly and also Gathering Time to celebrate their newest release.
Finally, putting aside commentary of things I have read recently (items about the upcoming NYC mayor, my thoughts on the NSA and this nation, and ever so much more) let me just wish all a safe and not too cold winter to survive into the next year of things we can talk about---and listen to on that good ole crystal set
This will be short and sweet. Diabetics be warned.
Starting with all the sweetness I have to thank The Kennedys for a most amazing and heartfelt performance last week at the Orangeburg Library. I have never seen a more delighted audience and one that felt so enamored with the performers.
Since we are on the topic of performers; let me say that on 12/29 I will be hosting the year end TRADITIONS (WFDU 89.1 fm and streaming on the web at www.wfdu.fm and I will NOT be presenting any top 10 recordings for the year. I will, however, be presenting what I consider the most memorable recordings I have rcvd this year----could be more than 10 since there were a goodly number of them from some very talented artists---to whom I am only a humble conduit. We will also recall the folks that passed away this year in our genre. If you have any artists you think should be included in " the most memorable of this year" please do e mail me a request and a comment to wfdutraditions@yahoo.com
As the year is rapidly coming to an end---well, "rapidly" is the wrong word. It just seems that way. My delight to have attended some memorable moments with some memorable people---The Folksbiene Gala honoring Theodore Bikel (90 Bday coming up) and Fyvush Finkel, the wonderful and talented guests on my radio programs this year----Andy Revkin,The Levins, and ever so many more truly wonderful and talented artists---AND --stay tuned as I welcome David Buskin ( in a reunion with Modern Man) shortly and also Gathering Time to celebrate their newest release.
Finally, putting aside commentary of things I have read recently (items about the upcoming NYC mayor, my thoughts on the NSA and this nation, and ever so much more) let me just wish all a safe and not too cold winter to survive into the next year of things we can talk about---and listen to on that good ole crystal set
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