SOME NEGLECTED THOUGHTS-==UPDATED

Lot's of hoopla for some films that have opened recently.  One is Enough Said w/  James Gandolfino ( his last performance) and the critics raved.   It was, to me, a pleasant film that could easily have been a T V sitcom.   Ms. Dreyfus' specialty---who I cannot abide.  

The film that intrigued me after all the advertising was The Book Thief.   I had not read the book ---which everyone is raving about and which was, to my knowledge, a "young/adult" tome.  Be that as it may.   It is a great story and, I assume, it was a wonderful book.  As to being a film.  That is another story.   First let me dispense with the positive---the photography is truly wonderful for a picture postcard. The film does not represent the horrors of war, the devastation, and the upheavals of the victims and their families.   It presents a nice sugar coated version of sad events.  Picture this---bombs are falling and our protagonist is playing his accordion in a bomb shelter to a rapt audience, people are conscripted into the Nazi forces and even though the protagonists truck is bombed and destroyed he, miraculously, survives and his home again---playing his accordion, the Jewish  person who had almost died in hiding miraculously shows up again near the end.   Nothing like happy endings for a subject that has been covered myriad times in films many times more realistic and well done---think of Judgement at Nuremberg among others.  

So many films have captured the horrors of war and all the sadness that is the aftermath to people and families.   It is a delight to know that the narrator "Death" in this film makes it all such a pleasant experience----SPOILER ALERT---the ending is almost too  much over the top to be believe.  I will say that I, personally, know of some folks that are akin to the ending of this film but that is still far from the real world of reality or even storytelling.

MORE ILL AFFORDABLE BRAIN DROPPINGS

If I do enough of these the old brain will shortly be empty.  Some believe it already is.  Anyway---moving on--

Let us start with the music programs I do on WFDU---SUNDAY SIMCHA & TRADITIONS.  If you are a member of that exclusive club known as Facebook please feel free to go there and "Like" us on that page.   I promise to consider you an acquaintance and not a
friend".  Amazing how definitions get re-invented.

I do hope that you will be joining me on Nov. 10 on TRADITIONS  as we commemorate Veterans Day in the 4 PM hour---call it Armistice Day if you want---we cover it all in 30 minutes ( with some great artists and music) when we go to one of our regular features.  In addition, the program starts with some brilliant new material that has, happily, dropped over our ever open transom.   Gathering Time, Kimmie Rhodes, and more will grab your attention.   As will some of the material on SUNDAY SIMCHA, which seems to garner much interest on the playlists.

Now a few misc. brain droppings on some of the current items before us these very strange days---seems like a person of my age grew up in a bubble of good fortune---Health insurance was affordable.   Medicare came along and, being of a certain age, I am in Medicare. A grateful nod now to LBJ for that. He was more than Viet Nam.   Social Security---FDR.   Oh, how certain politicos fought that.    Now the politicos, who do very little while accepting some great medical insurance benefits, are fighting the Affordable Care Act (let us not call it the negative "Obamacare") which, in the end, will be a benefit to the nation and be admired as Medicare and Social Security are now.   I said I lived in a bubble.   Today's health insurance is, basically, unaffordable given the premiums and the deductibles.   Would that this all could be organized and legislated as Medicare is under Social Security as a single payer program this nation would be the leader amongst the industrialized nations in a true definition of "Capitalism" and "Democracy" that works for the people and for society.


I am having trouble caring about the NYC elections since I do not vote there but do admit that those debates on TV were fascinating.  I tuned in to my local (Cablevision) channel and heard for a few moments  (accidental surfing) my local candidates.  Truly boring and not a debate---each made their statements and the local moderator knew nothing, it seems, about follow up questions.   The good thing was that I did decide how to vote---one seemed like a true nit-wit and the other had some pertinent facts to relate---all in about 45 seconds since I could not take more of this nonsense.  

It always amazes me how this wonderful new technology (that seems like a magic lantern to me) affects all our lives. Be it the things we can do with it, the Facebook experience, the Google experience (or is it Bing)  and how, through some research for free or for a cost people can find people they have lost contact with over the years.   Good and bad.    I speak from personal experience here---how many times have you finally avoided someone and then the person finds you on the internet---how do you, politely, tell that person to F##k off?  I did ===politely.  Hope it works.

Finally, a book recommendation----"Still Fooling Them"---Billy Crystal.  Truly funny and then as it moves on some great anecdotal material.   Amazingly talented and clever person.  One question though---he says that as you get older you forget things---I agree.  So, how does he do live shows and remember all those lines?

ILL AFFORDED BRAIN DROPPINGS AGAIN

Let's start with a book review.   You may or may not have heard of Adrian Schoolcraft.  He was a former NYPD patrolman.   He carried a tape recorder and he was upset (an understatement) about the illegal instructions he and his compatriots were given.   Suffice it to say that the book is Kafkaesque detailed description of what happened to him in the NYPD hiarchy and other such officers---it comes (according to the author---factually documented) from the top---read Commissioner and Mayor.   When it comes to to topicality just think of the recent arraignment of an officer who is now charged with being part of the attack on a motorist while he was part of a motorcycle gang---granted he was an undercover agent (so we await that explanation).   Seems that an officer should have aided the victim and not rushed in with the gang.  That is exactly what the book speaks of in different areas.   

SOUL DOCTOR is closing.   Most Bway shows do not recoup their investments and this one was, to  me, the most ridiculously name piece of work yet.   Think about it.  What did you expect when you read the title?   Due to my affiliation with WFDU and the show I produce--Sunday Simcha--I was able to see a wonderful presentation of SHLOMO--THE MUSICAL  I do not know if this had anything to do with the above but I was disappointed that the original never got to Bway.  It was authentic, well done, and the title was not misleading.   You did not expect a Rap or Blues singer who was formerly a doctor---you expected Shlomo and he was a delight to witness along with his music and his musical relationship with Nina Simone.

Since this blog is introduced as one about my radio programs and folk music I should mention that this coming Sunday (10/13/13) I have some wonderful guests in the studio---who later will be performing in New City, NY at the Borderline Folk Music Club.  In addition a Comedy Corner that does push the envelope and will have you laughing quite a bit---as the nostalgic one on SUNDAY SIMCHA  will as well.

Finally, on a local note here in Rockland County, NY.   The Nanuet Mall is now "The Shops in Nanuet".  Whoopee.   An open air mall---how original is that?   Only up scale stores now---granted the place looks like that it should have that as opposed to the totally tacky (to me---hey, its my blog) Palisades Mall.   They do have a wonderful FAIRWAY market---great place if you like paying much more than your local Shoprite, A&P, etc;  It makes Stop& Shop look like a bargain---which it is not.

So--back to a broader picture.    Do try WFDU on weekends---it is, as I say there, "the eclectic weekend sound of WFDU"  You surely do not want to miss the the fellow who follows me after SUNDAY SIMCHA---The Vintage Rock & Pop Shop.   

 

SOME MORE ILL AFFORDED BRAIN DROPPINGS

  It has been a while but it is time for some more, as said, ill afforded, brain droppings.  After all, there is only so much of that small organ that can be spared.   Let me start with some thoughts on Medical/Prescription insurance.

I am truly amazed at Rx insurance (under Medicare).   Perhaps the statements that are sent to the recipient (me) should be more realistic or, perhaps, big Pharma gets a better deal than an individual.  No surprise there.    Here is an example---Omeprizole  (for me) co-pay 20.00 copay, United Health (carrier) .85.   I asked the pharmacy how much this costs for a 90 day supply without insurance------$485.00.   Seems like United Health gets a hell of a good deal---or they send out silly statements.

Which brings me to the strangely named "Obamacare".   It may well be the blessing that no one admits to.  Think about it.   There is mandatory car insurance.   Forget collision---liability.   The medical costs for the uninsured cost us all many dollars in ER admissions, Medicaid when the money runs out for individuals, etc;  Surely, Medicare and Social Security had its critics and now, I believe, we all appreciate its creation.  In hindsight I do believe that "Obamacare" will also become one of those things that will be appreciated and one of his legacies.  It will be tweaked as many things are but the bottom line is that it will be there.  The, as was said in an earlier era, "knowthings" not withstanding.

One other "serious" thought.  There was a time when we so highly regarded higher education that certain places charged no tuition.  Think of CCNY of many moons past. Today we not only have exorbitant tuition charges (and even CCNY has a tuition charge--a smaller one) and, yet, there is deference or preference paid to the wealthy.   Having read the article in the NY Times (magazine) today I am shocked to find such preference.   Needy applicants are denied aid while the wealthier ones are granted aid and admission.   Seems like a sad real life ending to an old joke about the prostitute working for the Salvation Army and said we are for the needy and not the greedy.

Now---on a lighter note.   I do hope you will be tuning in to my 2 programs---SUNDAY SIMCHA & TRADITIONS.   I have some great guest coming up on TRADITIONS--check the Facebook page.  SUNDAY SIMCHA has garnered many e mails and requests and they are appreciated and honored.  Let me now add a Yiddishism for that---a Mechia---OK--such a pleasure.  Someday I will tell you how I came to do this program and how it has grown on me and on the station---and, how I loved Tabletalk but, for personal reasons, had to ease up the schedule a bit.

A last thought in this long piece.   My thanks to WFDU for being so open in its allowing what might be called "freeform" radio today.   Over 20 years now.  That is how long I have been there and done various program---TRADITIONS (my thanks to Ron Olesko) being the first.  Since this is not an obit (yet) let me add another Yiddishism to end this for the future of many years more on the programs---Alevai.

 

More Than Brain Droppings This Time---Deep Thoughts (Sorry Jack Handy for using the title)

A few days ago a fellow I know posted a link on Facebook for a video of Pete Seeger memorializing is wife on Freedom Now (the radio program ---and I guess video)   It was truly moving and I respect him for doing it and also for what he did on the rest of the program---his involvement with Native American causes.  Pete Seeger was married for almost 70 years to Toshi. she died shortly before that event.  He spoke of her strength and guidance and her talent in her own right.  

This all brings me to a personal memorial or, perhaps, remembrance of the lady that was married to me for 36 years and died at the tender age of 56.   It was a long sentence.  I could have said, "...my wife.."  Sounds too possessive.  I doubt Pete would have used that term.   Anyway, there is that great cliche about "behind every man there is a woman"--a strong woman(?).  If, as in Pete's case the spousal part helped him into his creativity and work I have to say so did my late wife.  

Whereas I may well have dawdled in the doldrums of everyday life she was always in search of an adventure.  Always getting jobs and connecting with people in a major way.   How, then, could I consider even staying in those doldrums?   She liked Opera, Shows, and more.  I mention that for one reason only.  I was quite narrow in that respect and went along---I liked Folk Music.    This brings me to the way she changed my life---her open mindedness.  She created a wonderful event for my 50th Bday. featuring The Sloop Singers.   It changed my life.  From there I was able to create some concerts that featured them and thanks to her telling me we needed a "name" we got Tom  Chapin.   Well,  more on that another time.  5 years of annual concerts led to my arriving at WFDU (I do want to acknowledge Ron Olesko for welcoming me aboard) after her untimely and too early demise.  

There are more tales and stories but the point, to me,. of publishing this is to recall and remember the greatest influence in my life.  One has to be thankful for the long  years that Pete had with Toshi and I can only be thankful for the short time I had w/---her name was Myrna.   I have a friend who is now 90 and his wife passed on about 2 yrs ago---he, too, has to count those blessings of so many years.  He does.  

Hopefully, you tune in to WFDU from time to time and get a sample of my 2 or 3 programs.   There is not a day that I do not attribute thoet to my late wife.  

SOME MORE BRAIN DROPPINGS---BUT A BLAST FROM THE PAST

Sometimes one reads a piece of writing in a magazine that just jumps out at you. August 8, 2010 is one such day and the  NY Times had a piece by one of their contributing writers that really did that bit of “jumping”   Probably not in the way she intended.  I could be wrong.

Starting on a very personal note---a while back I had some surgery (subdural brain hematoma)  which I was never worried about as regarding surgery because I was hoping, in a way, that if it were not successful I would just not wake up.  This had a lot to do with my own psychological situation, seeing non-functioning people in the Neuro-ICU,  and,  truly, without regard to the worry and upset it would cause my grown off-spring.   They would get over it and my estate was still intact and, who knows, what does the future hold anyway?. 

That aside, we can segue into Therapists, Therapy, and how this all connects.

It is better if the reader has acquainted his or herself with the article but, suffice it to say that I have been involved with the situations the writer speaks of.  For many many years. 

It may well be that the writer and one of her references (Woody Allen) seem to find this a very affordable adventure into, frankly, pure pandering by people who are interested in money, self, aggrandizement, or a myriad of nonsensical motives that even the eminent Dr. Freud would, by now, have realized what pure BS this all was.  Proper meds today do help, and , frankly, insights that a Therapist might have are from his/her subjective history and amount to nothing but pure partial ----dare I say it---Bullshit.  I still do not know how the excrement of Bulls came to mean that. But I do know that most of the advice from the alleged experts is just that.

So, now let me surmise a few things.  The Therapist cares, The Therapist is competent (and we agree that they can be that—a reach for me).  Yet, the “bottom line” enters into this relationship with a patient so that, frankly, one has to say that patient’s best interests are not that “bottom line”.  The hourly fee is.  The hourly fee is earned by the papers on that wall that say this is a competent practitioner of the “art” (I won’t use “science”) of Therapy.

Perhaps we might all agree that there are truly ill ---call them deranged—people that are in need of medication.   Thankfully these things are available today.  What is also available is the total waste of time and money in talking and dealing with self aggrandizing  people with many documents on a wall that tell you how many Universities they have attended.  Those wall hangings do not tell you that the main interest is “the bottom line” .  Now, I admit, there are idealists.  But do let me single out some sub-specialties  that I would be very wary of---Psychologists and the Psychologist wanna-bes---MSWs.  There is a breed you had best stay away from  Any dealings with them only reinforce their own pretensions.   If you check it out you will find that many have earlier careers that led nowhere---from interior decorating to alleged teaching to house painting.  Now they feel qualified to teach life lessons. I seems a lot cheaper and, perhaps, more helpful to talk with your painter, mechanic, or decorator---and mostly a good friend.