Program Notes and Food for Thought and Tummy

TABLETALK: I am honored and delighted to announce that Rabbi Jonathan Kligler, will be my guest on the program of March 18. This will air at 8 AM Eastern Time and will, as always, stream on the web.

Rabbi Kligler is a Rabbi in the "Reconstructionist" area of the various "sections" of Judaism and we speak of what that means and how it is influencing, not only, Judaism but how it compares to Unitarianism, Ethical Culture, and various other interesting insights and thoughts he shares with us. Rabbi Kligler is also a musician and we are able to offer a sample of his music at the end of the program. Something that, truly, fits our dialogue.

TRADITIONS AND SUNDAY SIMCHA: For these see the previous posts. The RR picture is great so why repeat it---scroll down for it.

Kim And Reggie Harris and Rabbi Kligler who is also on Appleseed Recordings are all set for our PASSOVER program on Sunday Simcha. Get your Matzos and favorite Pesach snacks and do not miss this one----April 1--10 AM. Me---I have a nice piece of sponge cake and a few macaroons and will be listening as well. By the way---if anybody has some Pesach recipes they would like to share why not make note of them for our other visitors. I bet there are some great chicken soup recipes and tzimis recipes out there.

OK-- I will start---not Pesach, though.

Tomato/Onion Soup---1 can of Crushed Tomatoes added to some boiling Onion Soup mix with a dash of pepper----that simple. Delicious!

Bill's SuisseKraut---(my mother's recipe)-- 1 head of cabbage (real bargain at St. Patrick;s Day)

Some caraway seeds,

Some Pepper

1 cup Vinegar

1 cup Sugar

1 Potato

Shred Cabbage in a slicer and put into an oiled Wok. Add the Pepper/Caraway seeds.. Cook till tender and then add Vinegar and Sugar. Put Potato in blender w/a small amount of water. Add to Wok after other ingredients have cooked. This is for thickness.

Cook for another 3 or 4 minutes and there you have it-

--Oh how I waited for this along with wiener schnitzel from my mother---and had it at the now, sadly, gone restaurant in NYC---Moccas. Many great meals there.

OK--so Moccas is gone, Mom is gone, but the memories linger---and the taste of great food. And, great music.

The Currrent Events Today---and a Mention of Radio

Now here are two smiling faces. Granted, for truth in commentary----they are not from the same event. The top one is from the conviction of Mr. Libby. The one of the photogenic VP is from a different, surely, happy event.

Might we say that the latter's expression can shed some light on his thinking on the former event. Seems that the people that are involved are always the lower echelon. Would that the true target were indicted. His smiling face is on the left. Well, don't run any benefits for Mr. Libby yet. Financially he probably came out of this OK. Politically he protected his "handlers". As it is said---"
..ain't loyalty grand". I think "they" said that. Whoever "they " are. Our hero---GWB--commended the decision and felt justice done. But, saddened. Would that he felt that way about other matters that have made his administration the biggest mistake this republic ever had.From Iraq to the scandals at Army Hospitals (which house veterans of his ill conceived war), to tax breaks for the wealthy, from "no child left behind" to denials of the quality of the education in the nation, and, finally, though there could be more, from visits to disaster areas after the fact to visits there later for photo-ops.

So--to move into a positive mode. We seem to have some pretty good alternatives these days. Time was--I date myself now--when new candidates were picked at conventions. Now---we seem to start 2 years ahead of time and it is a foregone conclusion at convention time.

So we do have the choices that will, hopefully, bring us back to what this nation is about---or is, hopefully, still about. Perhaps some people that still have idealism. I have to say that they are all on the Democratic side of the voting machine even though I would like to choose the one who is, to me, the most fitted for the position. Here are a few choices that seem to have the "chops" and the diplomatic and idealistic skills required---and ,yes,in order of preferance:
Gore
Richardson

Edwards
Obama

Clinton

You will notice that I put Hillary at the bottom. Frankly, I admire her. I also think she is just a politico and handles it day to day---and Bill will pull her out of any problems---as was shown in the Selma incident. It would be Bill's 2d shot

not a bad thing. But our rule of law does not work that way.

We are blessed to have our "rule of law" and the ability to say goodbye to GWB and DC in a pacific way and move on from the disaster and ignonimity they have inflicted on this nation with relations to the rest of the world community. Sadly, much of the rest of the world cannot partake of such positive things that have been passed down to us by the "founding fathers" and upheld by most administration.

Well---we have moved far afield from the "folk" and "radio" content for this site. So===how about a few shots of some up coming guests on Traditions, Simcha, and Tabletalk

Noel Paul Stookey Rabbi Johnathan Kligler Kim & Reggie Harris

They will all be on Sunday Simcha---except for Mr. Stookey. He will be joining me on Traditions and also,hopefully, on Tabletalk. Do not forget our wonderful Sunday Simcha featuring Kim and Reggie and Rabbi Kligler.

A Few Program Updates and Recommendations

TRADITIONS: Admittedly the same picture---but such a beauty is this class of locomotive. On the 3/11 program I will be devoting much of the 4 PM hour to RR songs---from the classics to the ones you do not expect. There are, in fact, many kinds of trains. Some you do not expect to think of when thinking RR songs. We will end it with what is, to me, the greatest RR song ever written and performed by the composer. I would be curious if you agree---let me know after the program.


SUSAN WERNER : She has not had an album in a while and is now back fit as the proverbial fiddle with a really wonderful piece of work.


I think blending this with some other meaningful Gospel will be a revelation to us all. Trust me---this is meaningful and not "proselytizing" material---just great work with much meaning to us all in this time we are living in. It shall be combined with "traditional" Gospel---so, as Hank Williams said---"...friends and neighbors--it is Gospel time" You don't get the dialect on the computer-tune in---I will do my best.

Frankly, this is so different from what I have heard from Susan Werner in the past and deserves much attention.






Another repeat picture.:

You all realize how important I felt this wonderful new CD that Noel Paul Stookey produced. I am happy to say that an conversation with him is being arranged and in it I hope we will be able to cover his many social and humanitarian interests. And his music as well.
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To separate this from my radio programs:

Now to update a few comments from earlier regarding the sad situation that we find our returning veterans in.

Heads seem to be rolling and that is all to the good. The questions that must be asked are about how such a sad turn of events came to pass.
During the Clinton years the V A became one of our first class deliverers of medical care. It is so noted in statistics, network news shows, etc; Now it is still delivering such care with one hand tied behind its back---financially.
One has to again ask the question of how much spin this administration can put on all the events that it has--frankly---mislead the public about.
I notice that, in today's news, the VP had a problem in his leg. Went to his physician and it is being properly treated. Not that I truly care. Would that our service people also got such prompt attention once back in the U S. I say that because I am certain that our field medics are doing all they can.

In all the wars that this country has been involved in medical issues were never (I believe) a matter of contention. Was the war right or wrong was. We always treated our armed forces with the quality of medical care they deserved.

Interestingly and sadly this war was brought to us on false pretenses, fought on the " cheap", no understanding of the underlying conflicts in the areas we invaded, and then this administration has neglected the sad fallout of this war that is being fought by people talked into a "career" and "contractors" who are getting rich at the expense of their maimed and dead employees.

Well, Dick Cheney and Donald Rumsfeld are neighbors in newly acquired properties in a posh area where they can think and chat of all their idealism and successes. Perhaps they also might think of the great medical care that is being given---just like theirs---to the folks that they have put into "harms way" under their false pretenses and profit making possibilities.

Program Notes and Some Misc. Items

TRADITIONS: Over the years many of the requests have involved Railroad Songs. Myself---I have always loved them. From the early traditional ones to the ones by Hank Williams, Leadbelly, and so many others. One cannot ever forget the classic Steve Goodman piece---City of New Orleans.

So I do hope you will be there for the March 11 program. I will devote much of the 4 PM hour to RR songs---from Roy Acuff to Steve Goodman and more. If you have requests let me know---here or: wfdutraditions@yahoo.com


Additionally we shall be debuting--as we always do--some wonderful new work by some truly talented and creative artists.

Sunday Simcha: We are blessed with some wonderful new work by some very talented people that have new takes on old material. Always a delight. And comedy is over the top this week. I would he curious to know how many people recognize the songs that Mickey Katz is satirizing

Tabletalk: Spring has almost sprung--so can baseball be far behind. I welcome Jerry Amerac to the program on 3/11 to speak about his book about The Bambino---Babe Ruth.

Misc. Items: Noah Paul Stookey below:

A CD has come to me that I was totally blown away with. MUSIC TO LIFE 2006. It features so many meaningful pieces. Pieces to make us think and at the same time to appreciate as topical and contemporary music. No---not Disco, not Rap, not Music with a beat. More in the area of meaningful music that has been with us for years---from even before Phil Ochs and Pete Seeger. Music that speaks to us and is not "background". Not Muzak.

I am delighted that Erik Balkey is one of the writers featured on this---a guest on our program and a person who practices what he says.
Now I will add a few honest thoughts regarding the material. Much as I agree with most of the thoughts I will also admit that some of the thoughts are a bit simplistic but well intentioned. We, after all, know that there are many shades of Gray (Grey). There is not really and black and white to an issue---well, some anyway,. Some are B and W.
Noah Paul Stookey is the producer of this album. I am hoping that I might have the privilege---I use the word properly---of having him join me on TRADITIONS or TABLETALK to speak of this work. I met him some years back. I was not in my radio mode and he was not in his performing mode. A few years later he did a symposium at NERFA with Si Kahn and others.. Let me say that person is what he seems and someone I hope will join me on the program to expand and expound on his thoughts.

As we might say on Sunday Simcha---a real MENSCH

If you really like reading these long dissertations let me suggest the Maureen Dowd column in today's (3/3) NYT. Me--I like a Gore/Edwards ticket.

Some Program Notes--As The Title Says--and a few afterthoughts

PURIM ON SUNDAY SIMCHA:


The most joyous of Jewish holidays will be commemorated and celebrated on the program of March 4---the actual day of Purim. The picture is a classic of Queen Esther and Mordechai. I am certain that most of you know the story of Purim and how Esther foiled the evil Haman and had become a Queen. So---get your "greggers" out (I, as it turned out did not have one---but made noise anyway--you will see if you listen). We have a few surprises on the program and lots of music to celebrated the holiday. Remember March 4. 10 AM Eastern Time---and on the web of course.

The week after is the program that comes just before St. Patrick's Day. Now, you may say---so what. Well---on March 17 we are all--at least in the NY /NJ /CT area Irish. Self deprecating humor is a standard of Jewish humor. Since we are all Irish that day---well, tune in and see what is planned. Always remember---a laugh a day keeps one healthy---this one will keep you healthy for weeks to come. Either that or your condition is going to need much work---the doctor, as Lucy in Charlie Brown says, is in.




A More Important Topic:

Many of you have, surely, seen the various interviews and documentaries by and about Bob Woodruff.

Thankfully he has survived and seems on the road to a full recovery. The interview on NPR today with him and his wife---and her feelings was wonderful. www.npr.org/freshair Allow me, at this time, a few comments that relate to this subject. Aside from the joy of a good recovery, some things always seem to be left unsaid.

Bob Woodruff, and I believe he will be the first to say so, received treatment far and above what the average GI receives. ABC, his medical insurance, and notoriety surely kicked in.

This is not to denigrate the V A, but rather the Dept of Defense (DOD). Whereas the DOD admits to some number of casualties they do not include many of the injuries and the VA is treating them in the facilities in some more major areas. It is admitted that smaller units or areas do not have the facilities for this

This brings one to the scandal at Walter Reed Hospital.

Our pride and joy of a major military medical facility that, as it turns out, is warehousing injured veterans in--to put it mildly--less than humane conditions. Our leaders receive first rate care there. It is a wonderful facility. How is it possible that our people, who have been sent into "harms way" (and been harmed) do not receive the same.

Unfortunately we are always talking of the consequences of these sad matters. We talk of how to alleviate them. What is lost is what got us into this---as Laurel said to Hardy---"fine mess we are in".

One person --well, perhaps two-- who never, to my mind had the authority to do it---but fabricated things. Freud would have had a field day with Geo. W. The father--agree or disagree---diplomatic. The son---you fill it in.

Think of this---Rumsfeld as Secty of Defense. Bush the elder---despised him for good reason. Bush the elder knew when to stop. He knew the differences ( I believe) between the Shiites and Sunnis. This is our problem---lack of understanding, lies, and the stubborness of a recovering drinker. One who some people mistakenly believe knows what the ---hell---he is doing.

Back to Woodfuff. He survived. Many are maimed and the people conducting this ill advised fiasco never served in any unit---JFK did, HST did, DDE did--they knew the risks and importance. GWB and DC know how to avoid service, make money, and pontificate about other people's lives.

Now back to your regular program.

Sorry to have usurped the bandwidth for some personal pontification but I have to say that this may be one of the only outlets that this can be said---unless PBS wants to hire me.

We will try to stick to "folk" in the future. I also believe that people who love "folk" and topical material as I do will also feel a connection to my comments.

Some Oscar Afterthoughts & More

As you see this is the team that won for best documentary. So a few thoughts that are far afield from 2 of the radio programs (Traditions and Sunday Simcha, at least) .

You have to credit the academy and the public for embracing a film that might have been deemed as too much of a lecture. Al Gore has pursued what he perceived as important and has opened the mind of the public. Something that, to me, is something I would not have expected. I suppose that old expression"...never underestimate the public taste" proved false in this case. Important matters came to the fore.

Some "pundits" today wondered if he might run once again for President. They thought that if he did he would, once again, revert to "Wooden Al". I fear that as well---yet---and yet-----given our choices let me give you a thought for a ticket that might just pull it off----Edwards/Gore. Or Gore/Edwards. Either way. Both have substance and Edwards---what charisma! No baggage like some of the candidates and seems to have some idealism which has been missing for many years. We may not ever be able to re-capture that simpler and straightforward time; but, this could be close.

As to the Award ceremony. Ellen DeGeneres was really the perfect choice for these times. Low key, informal, and truly clever and putting the ceremony into the context into which it should be received---a commercial TV event like any sports event. The days of "awe" for this event are long gone---it is a fashion show and the networks make the most of it. As the novel of years back said--"...for the great unwashed". After all there is so much more in this world to think of and the media is so abundent with other news that this, surely, cannot be more than a glitch on the mind of anyone that follows more interests than idolizing film folks. And those nice dresses---and the men, of course, wore the tuxedos so that they could emulate The Dance of The Penguins. Give them credit for that.

Some of the smaller categories---where but in some obscure theater in a large city like NYC will you see the contenders for ---short documentary, short animation, etc; ? It is a shame because they are creative. Where we used to have that or travelogues or cartoons we now have commercials. Is it not great that you can see a commercial at home and then have the privilege of paying close to $10 to see some at your local multi-plex ( read movie "palace"?).

Ellen DeGeneres at least did do a few nice lines about the cost of the junk food you pay top dollar for at the movie house when you go in to see the film.
I admit to not watching the entire proceedings. Tedium sets in fast. But I must say that the acceptance speech by Forest Whittaker (which I did see) was most moving---and a well deserved award. Helen Mirren as well. Class will out.
My comments regarding comparing films stands. How do you compare a film like The Queen, The Departed, and Little Mary Sunshine. The listing of these titles should show you the inanity.
As usual my choices from the last post for acting prove that I should not be a booker---we will get to folk music in a moment---I admit that all the winners were excellent. I am just partial to Judi Dench. Alan Arkin won for a supporting role and, frankly, spoke most honestly about "scorekeeping" and how silly it all is. Obviously he does not represent "folkies" (whatever that means) but he did start out in that music. Perhaps honesty comes from that well.
That brings me to the folk and radio portion of this essay. Booking. Probably hurting any chance I have of ever being a booker. By the way---do you know that there is only one letter "h" differentiating "booker" from "hooker"?

Tom Chapin and ----

The problem is that I would, probably, book people that I felt appealed to me, showed loyalty to their calling, and such. I admit to doing that in the 1980s and also realizing I needed a person of some "name recognition" at the time. Happily, I found that in a person I also realized was also one who fulfilled all my feelings mentioned before. Tom Chapin! Sad to say, without him I doubt we could have sold tickets for the benefit we were holding---featuring---The Sloop Singers. Right. Who?
In truth --talented individuals with some great writing talent amongst them.

My point in all this is to point out that idealism is a wonderful thing and, sadly, has to be tempered with reality. Which brings me back to Al Gore, Global Warming, and following the things you believe in.
How the concerts started and why---well, that is another story and you can request it. You know ---just like on the radio.