Far Afield Thoughts for this Site---Academy Awards

Leaving the notes for the 3 radio programs aside for the moment and being happy that the Academy Awards are on after TRADITIONS has aired on February 25 I thought to throw out a few thoughts.

What started as an industry event has, as most things, turned into a commercial gala. With plenty of imitators now--Golden Globe, Peoples Choice, etc; Given that we have to--as Arthur Miller said about Willy Loman--"...attention must be paid". Though one does have to ask when thinking of other things in this universe---WHY.

But, since attention is being paid, a few comments and then some favorite picks---and your comments are welcome.

I never could understand a contest for Best Picture. How do you compare a tragedy, a serious docudrama (documentary is a different category), a comedy, and a musical. Different animals and different breeds.

Acting can surely be compared for its difficulty and its impact on the audience. The technical things---make-up, sets, effects, etc; as well.

My choices---let me see if you agree--

Picture: Little Miss Sunshine -- a dark comedy with a wonderful point.

Actress: (female actor) Judi Dench -- An amazing performance as always--Kate Blanchet was her equal in this great film---Notes On A Scandal.

Actor: Forest Whitaker. Would it not be interesting to see Peter O'Toole win after all those great roles for actually playing himself.

Supporting Actor: Alan Arkin-- He made me not want to leave watching Little Miss Sunshine---you all know, surely, he started singing folkd songs with the likes of Lee Hays and others.

Supporting Actress (female actor) : Abigail Breslin --who could best exemplify Little Miss Sunshine---Frankly I thought she was the lead. Kate Blanchet had an equal part to Judi Dench. These categories are pretty misleading---she, too, was a marvel to watch.

No comments on any other things since I am not technicaly versed in make-up, cinematography, etc; other than to say that, given its popularity and political correctness, Al Gore's film will win the documentary award. As to animated features---I suppose Happy Feet gets it on a technical basis. But, frankly, nothing has come up to Shrek yet. This one is only 90 minutes and feels like 2 years---every effect but a kitchen sink is thrown in. Cute at first then it becomes tedious---best to stick to March of The Penguins. Real and not cute.

Any comments you have are welcome---and as for me---I will watch bits and pieces===Ellen DeGeneres ---and then read the results in the paper. After all there is other pap on the boob tube.

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.

A Few Thank You Mentions and Some Reminiscences

I really have to send out many thanks to the loyal listeners who have supported this program over the many years it has been on. You know that it was started by Ron Olesko (on the right) (while a student) in 1980. It is now the longest running program on WFDU and, frankly, has evolved into the last program left in this area that still gives you a diverse menu of offerings in the folk area each week.

WFDU, thankfully, still programs "locally". By that I mean there are people here---you can talk to them and you can interact. If you know of any other stations in this or in most areas I would like to hear of them.

As we said today---we try to present a "festival" each week. A diversity. Not all Bluegrass, Blues, C/W ==rather a blend of all that and the traditional and the new folk artists that are emerging. There are many. We have introduced you to Pat Wictor, Johnsmith, Dave Carter/Tracy Grammer, and so many others---Sharon Katz and the Peace Train---the list goes on. Other local stations claim to be local---they wait for a track record from the artists. Well, they get it here on WFDU and many, thankfully, keep their loyalty to this station which is why the greats keep coming back--The Kennedys, Tony Trishka, Mary Gauthier, and so many more.

So--thanks again for your support which supports you as well in keeping your listening habits where they are. I know I hate it when something I look forward to is gone.

As to the reminiscences. One of our pledgers today recalled how had been listening to this program since 1980 and knew all the previous co-hosts and also when the program started. I am flattered that he found that my start---some 13 years ago now---was rather nervous and how it has evolved into something he looks forward to each week. I recalled to him how he sent me a CD of Spanish Civil War songs and how he wrote that he hoped I would share my collection of recordings on the program. Also, how we met many a time at the Clearwater Revival (Great Hudson River Revival) and caught up on things---and programming.

As to that ignominous start. I thank Ron Olesko for letting me warm up for a few weeks in a studio that was not broadcasting. I thank my daughter for coming by with her husband in 1994 for my "debut" and commenting on my nervousness----and now complimenting me on the quality of the program.

In continuing my Oscar acceptance speech---I thank all those little people who made me a big fish in a little pond. WOW!!! Does anyone thing I can get to do the Oscars?

Other listeners have called to say hello and support the program and comment on the depth of feeling they have for this particular show. I--and Ron---both thank you in the most heartfelt way.

Obviously I cannot single everyone out to thank. Many do not want to be acknowledged and I shall honor that. So---heartfelt thanks for your sincere help in keeping something we all want around for much time to come.

Finally---please e mail or make comments here if you have anything you wold like to say about TRADITIONS or if you want to make some late pledges. Email is wfdutraditions@yahoo.com

Some Upcoming Appearances and A Few Other Bits of Minutae

Some items for the various programs:

SUNDAY SIMCHA: As you all know Purim is just around the corner and we shall meet you with our "gregers" in hand and with some festive music. The big news is what is planned for PASSOVER .

The cover of a CD you see on the left is a must have in your collection and is put out by, to me, the record company that, in my opinion, is one of the rare entities that still releases meaningful material and not just the "pop" and commercial material.

On Sunday Simcha I am happy to say that I will be joined by three of the main artists that have put this together---Kim and Reggie Harris along with Rabbi Jonathon Kligler. We will devote the entire hour to this greatly anticipated and timely visit. It will be recorded at Rabbi Kligler's Congregation in Woodstock, NY and will cover music (from the CD) as well as a discussion of the common bonds all people have in this world. Be they Jewish, African-American, or of any ethnicity or religion. Passover seems a most appropriate time to present this program and we are honored to have these sincere, talented, and insightful people join the program for this program.

TRADITIONS: Some great programs in the offing now that Ron and I have gotten past the much needed fund raising efforts at WFDU to keep this eclectic programming on the air. Eclectic programming you will find nowhere else on the radio dial. That is not a mere BS statement---think about it. Dial around.

We plan to air our Traditions Showcase from NERFA and more material recorded there in March. In April Deborah Holland will be joining me in the studio. She is touring in this area at the time and we will recall her last visit to

the program
We will also play and talk about her newest CD and reminisce about some of her wonderful past works---The Panic is On, The Book of Survival, and her newest CD " Bad Girl Once---Good Girl Now".

Also---some live music in the studio from this greatly talented person.

AND NOW THE MINUTAE FOR SOME HUMOR --OR AS MONTY PYTHON SAYS---Something completely different:

Nice old Jewish Grandmother takes the little boychick to the beach and a huge wave washes him away. She looks to the heavens and pleads that she has been a pious and devout woman all her life---Why oh Why should this happen---please send him back to me.

Another huge wave delivers him safe and sound to the beach. After much hugging and kissing Jewish Grandmother looks to the heavens again--"...he had a hat".

Moving on: Man walks into a bar and says that he can identify any wine served to him while blindfolded and let us make wagers. The patrons and barkeep agree---1st one: Chateau Rothschild 1925---perfect. Next: Coppola 1992--excellent. This goes on until one of the inebriated pees into a glass and the hand it to Mr. Expert---he sips and says ---Ech! Urine. Yes---but by who and when?

If you have any jokes (PG rated) to share please use the e mail addresses for either program or post them as comments here.

And let us never forget the 3 musical notes that go into a bar---G flat, B flat, and A flat. They are thrown out because this bar does not serve minors.

Some Random Non-Musical to Musical Thoughts

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This is a "blog" as we all know. For those who wonder what does "blog" mean---it came from the expression------web log. Say it fast and you get the idea.

Which brings me to the whole idea of "blogging" and reality. There are ones such as this that serve a purpose of informing a community of kindred spirits about items of interest to them and also giving the group ---and we are a community--information that is something they want. Playlists for the various radio programs I do, updates on events pertaining to them, and such.

Then there are the "blogs" that purport to be "news". While it is true that reportage via newspapers, magazines, and "air" media can be suspect one has also to say that there is a hierarchy there that has to be answered to. For the most part things are checked and double-checked. "Blogs" are a different animal. Everyone has his or her own news outlet now. Each "blogger" reports the news---their version of it. Double checking---confirmations---hey, why bother it is my "blog" and I know what I am talking about. Sexual proclivities. Sure, post your thoughts. Movie Critics. Sure, post your expert opinion (and state it as fact).

My point to all this is that this "magic lantern" known as the Internet has opened something---like Pandora's Box--that cannot be closed. While it has created "community" it has also put us into the position of not knowing what is true or what is just rumor or gossip--or just "virtual".

It is true that all things evolve. From the early days of radio to TV to Internet. Going further back---letters, cards, and then telegrams.

My point to all this is that all these innovations--call it progress---has also created less "reality". We no longer can tell what is fact and what is fiction. When a photo is "adjusted", when it is not. What happened to "...the camera never lies". It does thanks to digitization. In all honesty--it did with "air brushing"---but that was fairly noticeable.

A "blog" giving information to a unique community is one thing.
Bloggers" who present themselves as reporters are a whole different issue. While we cannot stop or censor we can, at least, be skeptical and questioning. Or we can just creat a "blog" for a community we are involved in---music, literature, arts, etc; and comment, discuss, and present events.

As to the picture on top. That is me not giving news just presenting some music and some honest comments about the artists.

I did say there were some musical thoughts to this as well. That has to do with some material that has been arriving and I felt that might be something of interest---

There is a wonderful CD presenting Hank Williams At The Grand Ole Opry. Where, by the way, he was not a welcome presence rather rapidly. It is put out on the Mercury label http://www.mercurynashville.com/ Some great tracks with intros by Red Foley and routines (that have not aged well) by Minnie Pearl.

One last thought about one of the longest running programs anywhere--Grand Ole Opry (though TV has changed it, certainly). A film from the 1940s--Mrs. Wiggs of The Cabbage Patch---it starred Fay Bainter (if you wanted a tear jerker you hired her). I was quite young and never forgot it---farm family, poor, big night out---Grand Ole Opry--farm burns down while there---tragic. That's the film. The basis of so many country songs and there emblazoned in celluloid. Not tape.

Some Sunday Simcha Suggestions

A few suggestions for some wonderful cinema that I thought might be of interest to you all. They are right up the alley of a program devoted to Jewish music and thought---be it serious or be it comedic---or be it cultural. Which, as you know, is Sunday Simcha on WFDU (89.1 FM) in the NY/NJ area and on the web http://www.wfdu.fm/

Let us start with Gloomy Sunday. This magnificent film has been around for quite some years and has travelled around the world and is probably what one might, now, consider a cult film.

It is a brilliant Hungarian film in German. A study of the relationships and the events of a group of people---German, Jewish, male, female and the history that envelopes them from the late 1930s until the near present time. The take is quite different than other films of this genre and also makes it more personal.



Without giving away the plot which is unique let me just say that during the last 10 minutes or so of this film one should not take their eyes off the screen. There is a subtle and interesting event that puts the entire film into perspective---or should I say context. Alfred Hitchcock not withstanding---this is brilliant.


Now here is a truly happy person---Dani Levy. He is accepting the Lola prize for the wonderful film, " Alles Fur Zucker". One of the first films to be able to

poke fun at the Jewish community in Germany. A film that contrasts the East Germans and West Germans, the Orthodox and the Non-Orthodox in the most hilarious and touching ways.

At the awards Henry Hubchen, the lead, said---"I Beat Hitler"---referring to his award ahead of the actor that captured the character of dear old Adolf in "The Downfall" (who's performance was brilliant).

The confrontations between the Orthodox brother and the gambling and alleged neer-do- well brother from the West is truly a must see. For its comedic and its human insights it is a must not miss film.

I hope to be able to mention other things of interest for listeners to Sunday Simcha and I also hope that you will keep listening for a program that I hope fills a void in our cultural fabric in this area---and on the web. You can listen on the web, as you know