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

A flip of the fedora to Jimmy Cannon.

 NOBODY ASKED ME BUT......

    

1)          I just figured out why dentistry upsets me more than medical procedures-----Insurance.

2)          Why are award programs so highly touted and viewed?   The real talent and meaningful material is always relegated to the off-camera moments and one can find those artists at local venues rather than what is celebrated by---as the novel of years back said---“The Great Unwashed”.

3)          Why is it that the meaningful moments at award ceremonies are usually not in “prime time”?   While award ceremonies, to me, are meaningless---just hype comparing apples to oranges   (I vote for Oranges) ---they seem to  draw an audience that feels a kinship to folks who don’t know of them or care about them---I believe the word is idol worship---or, possibly, penis envy.   You know what the good lord said about worshiping idols---as to the rest---have I offended enough folks now?

4)          It does seem that while some people can cause hard feelings for many years when “hard times” come to them they apologize for the bad deeds that they performed that caused the hard feelings.  While it is hard to apologize (and credit should be given) are they really doing it to please some super being that might help them through the hard times?

5)          What a great idea to pit a computer against the humans on Jeopardy.   The results are in---- but the interesting thing is how a computer can pick a category and a price----answering questions is another matter.

6)          Do you remember when people and nations were able to think logically about things before making instant judgments and decisions? Did not always work out properly but it was, at least, a considered matter and not a Tweet or Twitter or Chirp or whatever.

7)          Faith and Ritual can be a wonderful thing for people in distress. It is easier for someone who trusts in those things to cope with life’s many vicissitudes.

8)          With all the budgetary problems around the nation and individual states does the pittance of funding to NEA or CPB that is important to maintaining an oasis on that wasteland called TV matter to when all that pork is out there waiting for some reduction and might just help the budget?   After all---the fat cats could use a diet that does not include pork---great weight loss idea.

9)          When it comes to eclectic radio programming it is true that the “right place on the left side of the dial” is still WFDU---eclectic, volunteer, and given the partial results (the fund-raising goes on for only 1 more week) of the fund-raising efforts the audience seems to agree.  My admiration for all the fellow staff members for their expertise in the formats they present---not what other stations give you---let’s play the same songs but in a different order now.

10)  Why not have “Watson” try some other TV game shows---Dancing With The Stars, American Idol come to mind---after all even Mel Brooks’ Young Frankenstein could dance.

                                                   

HARRY CHAPIN & HARRY CHAPIN SONG NIGHTS

Many years ago I organized some benefit concerts---many years back. More thanI care to think of---and, as the song says---"...who knows where the time goes.."  I hope others will take up the reins for what I suggest later in this brief--well,  fairly brief, commentary.

It is a delight to see so many others also making such efforts that bring some great music and talent to us---and talent that should always  be remembered.  Back in 1983 (I am pretty sure that was the year) Sonny Ochs (sister of Phil Ochs) started her very memorable PHIL OCHS SONG NIGHTS..  They have become an event that travels the nation with some great talent doing his music and is keeping it alive and remembered---as it should be.

Stuart Marcus produces a wonderful HARRY CHAPIN (Chapinstock  aka Harry Chapin Music Event) each year in Long Island.  It is attended by thousands and the price of admission is some food for the local pantries in Long Island since Harry Chapin always supported such efforts and founded World Hunger Year (and was recognized for that effort by the government). Stuart Marcus, it must be said, is a wonderful musician and writer in his own right but this is an annual event that is truly meaningful----as is the honor paid to PHIL OCHS.

It has seemed to me, for quite some time now, that as PHIL OCHS MUSIC NIGHTS have become a wonderful event around the nation it would be a perfect time to start such an event for HARRY CHAPIN.

Think about these few things--Harry Chapin wrote music that was both topical (in a subtle way), pertinent to life's important moments,he was charismatic, and is waiting to be discovered by people who know only one or two of the "pop" hits---which, to me, were not the greatest works of all.   As PHIL OCHS needed to be introduced to a wider public that was weaned on someone that he was every bit that person's equal, so does HARRY CHAPIN needs an introduction to a wider audience than those who hear his music on Long Island each year or only know of Cats in The Cradle and Taxi. 

My suggestions are as follows---start a Facebook Page for that effort---get a leader (I am past that time in my life) like Stuart Marcus, and anything else you might think of that might make this come to fruition.  If not fruition, then, at least, pick a word and------LET'S MAKE IT HAPPEN.

THURSDAY===Another Edition of .....

A flip of the fedora to Jimmy Cannon


NOBODY ASKED ME BUT....

1)  Given the events this day an essay is required---at least in my opinion and in response to some comments made on a link at Facebook--where else--opinions galore---and rightfully so.  

These are comments in reply to that post---with some editing for this posting on the blog----

  I could write an essay on this but, suffice it to say, revolutions and upheavals have changed w/ the technology but at the core is still the power of a state and its ability to control. Either subtly or overtly w/ pain and death.

• That said, Mubarak is what he is and in hardball diplomacy he has not been the worst--nor the best---of people the U S has dealt with.
  You can separate this into 2 issues if you will. The people of Egypt and the U S interests. Obviously we are looking out for them and keeping the Middle East below a boiling point that this rev. could start--forget the dominos of Viet Nam --this is more a domino effect.
  As to the people--that is an internal Egyptian problem and they seem to have taken it to the streets and into an absolute success---to a point. You still have to find some sort of leadership that can then negotiate and deal w/ the "state".
  Since we spoke (or I did) of dominoes let us never forget Saudi Arabia, Israel, and all the others---the Arab nations are the dominoes that might fall, Israel has, since Sadat--and Mubarak acceded to it--been at peace with Egypt. The Arab nations get overthrown if there is upheaval in Egypt (dominoes again) and you can rest assured that all hell breaks loose w/ Israel---and the U S is going to be involved once again.
  
  SO---in stark terms---Mubarak is not a nice guy---most dictators are not---but he is our fairly benevolent dictator and he also has the army (so far) at his side---an army that we have trained and supplied.
  
  SO--practical terms---this may well be the best of all worlds---wait it out to Sept. and, frankly, founding fathers are born (as in the U S) and not appointed.   No external entity, is able to appoint "founding fathers".  Think here of our own history.

  2)  Let us leave it for next week to comment on the "reviews" for the fiasco entitled "Spiderman" and also the great complimentary reviews for some films and a wonderful play.

  

                                      

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

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

The weekly flip of the fedora to Jimmy Cannon

 NOBODY ASKED ME BUT......

    

1)          Eric Bogle has it right in “Silly Slang Song” (if you want to hear it again just e mail me to play it) the language has been bolly woggled and changed---do you remember when “friends” were friends and not virtual things on Facebook---those are acquaintances ---and “virtual” ones at that.  So, what will be the new term for “friend”---the real deal that is.

2)          The Founding Fathers were not saints but they sure got things right and, perhaps, we should let other people have “Founding Fathers” even if they are not very nice dads.  Their choice---not ours.  If only corporate interests stay out of the way it could work---globalization does have a negative side—or better yet---sides

3)          Andre Braugher is in a new play and, while not having seen it yet, I would recommend it because of the subject and Andre B.  

4)          The internet does open up opportunities for communication that did not exist. SO---anyone needing a wonderful Cantor for High Holyday services—seriously---I know of one who would be interested---just e mail me: sundaysimcha@yahoo.com

5)          Icicles are getting bigger, patience is wearing thin,  the world is going to hell in a wheelbarrow, and I, having cabin fever now, and thinking the past life seemed a lot simpler and, damn it, I guess it was not.

6)          Have you ever wondered how and why (NYC Police excluded here) the Police in suburban areas that have less risk than Metropolitan areas are paid the high salaries and the great pensions?   One cop in a car with not much to do and (an area I know of) retires with a 300,000 pension.  My mother would have been proud---“my son the cop”---beats “my son the doctor” and nothing to really learn—other than how to beat a system.

7)          Even though I stopped smoking over 19 years ago but I think this banning of smoking in parks, beaches, etc; is really over the top.  Whatever happened to freedom of choice, taxes a person paid supports the parks, etc;---and, of course, taxes paid to buy that pack of cigarettes?   Maybe cars should be banned from “Parkways”—they pollute and for some strange reason a “highway” is called a “PARKway”. 

8)           The weather has been truly lousy this winter but the newscasts on TV spend more time with pictures of people complaining as they shovel and less time with a revolution going on in the Middle East.   I guess they are waiting for a scoop (not of ice) if the snow starts to fight back.  Smart move!

                                              

THURSDAY--ANOTHER EDITION OF.......

A flip of the fedora to Jimmy Cannon:

 NOBODY ASKED ME BUT......

    

1)      It is great that a pendulum swings but it sure can be overdone with total miscreants such as the shooter in Arizona.  Lynching is gone but we do have incarceration and death sentences for people caught on video tape.  The defense team, not withstanding, this seems like a “no-brainer” even for the politically correct and those who want to save a few tax payer dollars.

2)      Don’t you love that expression about “tax payer dollars”?   When did you ever feel you were save a few dollars?  Even a lynching would not line a taxpayer’s pocket---that has been taken care of by many elected honest and allegedly idealistic people.  

3)       Speaking of elected people---did Chuck Schumer ever pass a mic. or camera he did  not like and have focus on him?   He is a great test pattern.

4)      Is there anyone out there who might be willing to sell me a small amount of snow to decorate my lawn with---it is in short supply.  The holidays are only 11 months away---wait---I just heard the forecast and I will be getting it for free once again---now, if summer does not screw things up, I am all set.

5)        It seems, according to news reports, that the financial debacle was avoidable.  Now that the matter is decided we can wait for the next “avoidable” one because greed and self-interest usually win out.  Ask the robber barons of yore—now residing in ornate mausoleums.

6)      Studies, surveys, policy matters, programs all say that money is the issue.  Money---is paper backed by the government. Idealism is doing something because it is right---SO—what happened to Volunteerism on the local, state, and federal levels.  If it needs doing let it be done.

7)      Speaking of Volunteerism why do local town councils get paid for their part time jobs (including medical and pension benefits many times) while the local library boards and ambulance people “volunteer”?

8)      Topicality is important so let’s wonder why Jesus was spied going into a bar and asking for a wine glass---but, have it filled with water.

9)      The French are now apologizing for their RR system’s transporting of Jews to Germany----because there is the possibility of some lucrative contracts.  Do you think BMW (the Holocaust Museum in DC makes a point of giving those initials when mentioning Bavarian Motor Works), Siemens, and Bayer might make some mention of their complicity?  

10)                    Funerals can be really convenient these days.  Some providers even have live internet feeds---so much for personal involvement.   Perhaps the new opening comment for the cleric is—“...All ye gathered here and on our reasonably priced TV feed let us mourn the personal and electronic loss of----“.

11)                    What a thrilling moment to hear a speech (State of the Union) that was an oratorical gem as opposed to the monosyllabic incomprehensible words of a previous deliverer of this address.

12)   Does Meche ring a bell?   I am no sports fan but news about him reinforced my thinking that there are still some idealistic and honest people around.

13)  Tom Paxton has a brilliant new piece of, sadly, short shelf life material about guns on Youtube---either check it out or let me know to post it here.

14)  Did you know that Utah has a "gun appreciation day"?  Here is a bit of irony---they want it to coincide with MLK day since "....they both made major contributions to freedom and liberty".    I bet MLK would have appreciated that.  Can legislators be that ignorant?   It is a rhetorical query.

                                 

                                          

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

A flip of the fedora to Jimmy Cannon  (and a day late---probably a dollar short as well).

 NOBODY ASKED ME BUT......

    

1)    The translation into German of the name “Austria” is East Reich.  Sort of tells you something about that “invasion” in 1938.

2)    Since airplanes are now flying cattle cars (for high prices to board the “sty”) it is nice to recall the days of Piano Lounges, decent food, and the drama that once was air-travel.  Railroads, as well, had quality service with (on commuter trains) drinks served in a bar car among other amenities.   What a glorious time it was for “Mad Men”  and other commuters.

3)    A Shakespeare play opened next door to the ill fated Spiderman----fraction of the cost, just as exciting, and more meaningful.  Nothing more to say on that matter other than no one really got hurt---not even financially.

4)    Speaking of wonderful entertainment moments---Larry Siegel at the Orangeburg Library was a great hit.  This proves, once again, the best things in life are free---you do not need to pay exorbitant prices for quality at Arenas or Bway---hype does not mean quality.

5)    Since NYC is, allegedly one unit does not the expression “the outer boroughs” sound condescending?  And you wonder why Manhattan gets plowed out right away.

6)    President Hu is here---does that mean VP What is in China and where is the ever popular I Don’t Know?

7)    Dick Cavett’s book  “Cavett” is a good read---and his Groucho stories are delightful---Couple spy Groucho in a restaurant and the man says “...Would you say something funny and insulting to my wife---Groucho:...looking at your wife I should think you would have enough insulting remarks to make on your own”.

8)    Has anyone ever wondered why one name never appears on my playlists? And why?  Occupants of this phone booth have plenty of room to write down an answer. We are not overcrowded yet.

9)    If someone is a big fish in a little pond does that have to make that person a bully or just egotistical?

10)                      I do believe that I have it right about semantics and advertising. “ More” is less and “new and improved” is same old crap under a new name.   The banks have it down perfectly---I bet you won’t get that “free meal from Chase”  but you sure as hell will get the new charges they are billing to you. 

11)                      Bless DVR to help avoid seeing some of the above.

12)                      Speaking of Advertising---it surely has changed with the Internet---now just images and not even clever copy.  I will admit that an ad for Honda on TV was subtle and a knock on the Ford ads---I wonder how many people got it?