THURSDAY--Another Edition of.............

A flip of the fedora to Jimmy Cannon

NOBODY ASKED ME BUT.......

1)       What does it say about the Israeli Prime Minister when he negotiates with terrorists and will not sit down with responsible Palestinian leaders from Fatah?

2)       It’s tough to be a leader and avoid emotion but that is what is required from a true leader and not having his subordinates put a spin on it. One of the subordinates I had the privilege of interviewing some time back---sad to think  really believes what he says, albeit in a most erudite manner.

        On a side note, a word of wisdom from the young---13 yr old Grandson on hearing his dad remark how unfair the prisoner exchange was but if it were his son he might feel differently---the grandson's comment---"every boy is someone's son"

3)       When someone says “death is the great equalizer” they are right---good old Muomar crawled into a hole and quivered like all the others he destroyed while living in his palatial places and not giving a damn about people.  Remains to be seen how the newcomers will do---given the history there “pessimism” is the watchword

4)       Is it me or does TV just get worse and worse and worse since the halcyon days of classic programming?  

5)       “Prime Suspect” is not anywhere near the quality of the British version.  Just another 2d rate Detective story now---featuring 2d rate actors and 1^st rate actors (Aiden Quinn) in a second rate role.

6)       Over 25 year old Brit. Sitcoms are still more interesting and quality oriented than today’s pack of pap---think of Keeping Up Appearances and As Time Goes By.

7)       Now that Cablevision has deigned to put BBCA on its line-up why is it that it just a re-hash of old 2d rate American programs and WNET and WLIW (the twins of repeat programming) air the quality material?

8)       I finally figured out the real reason that the Chicken crossed the road----

9)        Politicians don’t really want to get out the vote---they want to get out the vote that will vote for them. 

10)Let’s end with a trivia question---in the early days of this nation the Republican Party begat which other party and the Federalists begat which party---that begat another?  Ever so biblical wording in this query.  It all proves what, I believe, old Bill Shakespeare said (forget this Anonymous business)---What’s In A Name.

11)  One last word of wisdom from the young---a 9 year old says that "Practice Makes Perfect" is incorrect---"Practice Makes for Promise".  Good point--whatever is " perfect"  Out of the mouths of babes.

                                      

THURSDAY--Another Edition of.............

A flip of the fedora to Jimmy Cannon:

NOBODY ASKED ME BUT.......

1)      I am still trying to understand what the 99% demonstrations will accomplish since human nature precludes voting your self interests out of existence. Unfortunately hard ball politics wins the day at most time.

2)      Given all the police overtime costs the demonstrations surely will accomplish a windfall for the police and higher taxes if the tax collections are really off.

3)       It certainly seems that sometimes “...more than you need to know...” is true.  Why does anyone need Twitter---to keep up with instant word on one’s totally unimportant information.

4)      Why do people constantly post such nonsensical things on Facebook?  Do we really need to know that you just came home or just had dinner---then the next day we find how the dinner went with that person’s bowel movements---or lack thereof.

5)      In Algebra class the other day the teacher confiscated a rubber band slingshot---it was a weapon of math disruption.

6)      In the early days of TV you had 7” screens (or smaller) in black and white and now there are giant ones in color; so, why would people want to watch a film (or anything) on a tiny smart phone. Is that known as retro in the guise of progress?

7)      Do TV ad sponsors really believe making people using their products look stupid and inept sells the product?

8)      If endorsements by celebs sell products then those who buy into it are really off-kilter.  All that is accomplished is enriching the endorser and raising the price of the products.  I, for one, have a great bridge to peddle once I find an endorser so that the unwashed masses can line-up to purchase it.

                                                 

THURSDAY--Another Edition of--

A flip of the fedora to Jimmy Cannon:

NOBODY ASKED ME BUT.......

1)       Since Jimmy Cannon is always thanked for this idea at the top it would be nice to recall who he was.  Probably the best sportswriter ever to come down the pike and since I am not a sports fan, for the most part, it has to be added that he could write on so many other topics as well---as evidenced by the title of this column.  He wrote for the NY Post when it was a “newspaper” and, dare I be critical now, and not a repository for the wrapping of dead fish.

2)       The new TV season is one that could do well to just leave a test pattern on the screen since it may well have more interest than the programs.  Specifically, Pan Am.   Why knock off Mad Men (which is a quality show) that captures an era and has a great story line and just walk around parading logos---the logos are better than the show.

3)       As to Pan Am---Pan American World Airways (before we abbreviated everything) was truly a great way to travel when flying was still a great adventure and this airline made it even more adventurous.  Today---welcome to the airborne cattle cars and the loss of class and comfort.

4)       A true story of a Pan American World Airways flight from L A to NY with 3 abreast seating and I am at the window seat, a man is next to me (an opera singer he says) and an lady from India on the aisle with her baby.   The Stewardess (yes, that was what they were called) asked for the meal order and the Indian lady asked for fish since she cannot eat beef since cows are sacred in her land,  the “opera singer” orders meat and says to the lady---“ you know we have sacred fish here as well---did you not hear of Holy Mackerel..”  Diplomacy was his middle name.

5)       I have another airline story of the many I have remembered over the years.   Disliking flying, as I do, I had struck up conversations many a time with the flight attendants and one time I mentioned that I am sure they were well trained in helping us evacuate in case of emergency and her reply was “....damned right---to mine own ass will I be true---I am out of here in an emergency...”   Her quest was for finding an eligible bachelor---probably in 1^st class.

6)       You cannot choose the greatest performer in history since it is so subjective but I do believe one is able to choose the greatest newsperson ever.  Only one person fills that slot.  Edward R. Murrow.

7)       Here is a religious thought---Atheism is a non-prophet religion.  No plate passing here.

8)       Debates are not really debates anymore; they more like uninformed arguments and diatribes.  Instead of speaking in headlines would that potential candidates would discuss an issue and focus on the nuances of the matters without overlooking the actual facts of a given matter such as executions in Texas and who does or does not have the power to stay them;  what Mass. Medical care laws were really all about and not the slogans about them; the list goes on.

                                       

NOT THURSDAY BUT---Another Editions of................

A flip of the fedora to Jimmy Cannon:

NOBODY ASKED ME BUT.......

1)       There is only one today since there was supposed to be a 2 week hiatus but this seemed rather pertinent and brought back some thoughts that might benefit you should you be in a position to have to deal with what you will read here.

         Having just finished reading the book     “Wendy & The Lost Boys” a particular part struck me toward the end of the book.  I am not going to review this book about Wendy Wasserstein. Suffice it to say she was brilliant, she died at a young age with much suffering and the author captures her and her family quite well.  Warts and all.  What struck me near the end of the book and the end of Ms. Wasserstein’s short life was her final stay at a particular hospital---Sloan Kettering.

           What struck me was anger.   Let’s start by my saying three things---1) Sloan Kettering does have advanced and excellent Cancer treatment programs and 2) I believe that in our capitalistic society “if you can afford it go for it”, and 3) I truly resent their slogan heard many times in “commercials”—“The Best Cancer Treatment Anywhere”(perhaps a bit of a paraphrase).

          So, let us start with #1.   I agree.

           Now to #2.   According to the book (and verified) there is, I believe, the 18^th floor which has rooms—VIP rooms done up as posh hotel suites and the services are commiserate with that.  Medical and otherwise.  Again, “if you can afford it---go for it”.

          Finally we get to #3.   This comes from personal experience and will be the first to say that people’s experience color their anecdotal comments.   I will also add that once you have received a diagnosis treatment depends a lot on the care and interest of the medical staff.   Sloan Kettering has, from my experience, proven to be a cold and unwelcoming place that puts their protocol, arrogance (the best indeed), ahead of patient care and sensitivity.  Not, of course, on the 18^th floor.  I have no problem with that.  My problem comes when in my own dealings with them (not for myself, I add) one became a cipher and when treatment was to begin was told coldly by the (then) head of radiology when called to ask when treatment would start—“...when I find a slot.  If that does not suit you then try to find another hospital”.  Sensitivity and caring.  Indeed.   You can also take a number at a supermarket and get more diplomacy.

     This leads me to the positive part of this commentary.   Westchester County Medical Center at Valhalla, NY.   While it is true one has to relate with one’s physicians I found there the most caring physicians, nursing staff, and when they see a problem they schedule accordingly and as rapidly as possible   Are they always successful?  Of course not.  Is the treatment state of the art?  That it is.  With the added bonus of a caring and diplomatic staff.

         I am sure there are other places in this          nation that also have such staffs and do not trumpet their brilliance---but not their insensitivity—as Sloan Kettering. Look at the parking fees you save by avoiding the place---unless you go for the 18^th floor and then you have a limo driver anyway.

        As to physicians at Westchester County Medical Center I won’t mention them here but should you want some recommendations (w/ special attention to ENT and Radiation) contact me privately.

         Nobody asked me but....., that page really opened a can of long buried worms.

                                         

THURSDAY--Another Edition of--

A flip of the fedora to Jimmy Cannon

NOBODY ASKED ME BUT.....

1)   There is only one today since a two week hiatus is called for given time constraints and producing a few programs in advance. I do add that I highly recommend a new CD from Kate Campbell and also Byrd and Street.  Tune in to TRADITIONS on October 2 and get a brief sample.

                                         

THURSDAY--Another Edition of.............

A flip of the fedora to Jimmy Cannon

 NOBODY ASKED ME BUT..

1)       Not wanting to lose some listeners on Sunday on TRADITIONS I would highly recommend going to New City NY and seeing a wonderful program with Kim & Reggie Harris at the Borderline Folk Music Club---845 354-4586.  Seating is limited.

2)        The U S Open is over for this year and the most talented person won---that does not mean “The Best Person” won.  Class enters into that equation.  That translates into Rafa or Federer. The NY Times had a very good editorial on the subject---my thoughts exactly.

3)       The U S Open is still over and Serena Williams merely got a slap on the wrist for her totally unacceptable behavior.  She should have been suspended from competition for a time.  Her antics are becoming habitual---and threatening. 

4)       It turns out that Atheism is a non-prophet organization.

5)       Here is a good tennis term for you---In Singles “Love” is nothing but in involved couples mixed doubles it is everything.

6)       The special about Jacqueline Kennedy was truly an amazing event.  If only it were on PBS since I lost track of her and what products to buy or what shows to watch.

7)       This brings us to the blessings of DVR and the money many sponsors waste on commercial TV these days---who woulda thunk it some 20 or so years ago.

       
8)   One of the finest of the Knights of the Round Table was the designer of the table---Sir Cumference