It has been a while since the last posting and it has been a busy time with the radio programs---Sunday Simcha and Traditions. For that reason this will be brief.
If you check the playlist page you will find what is planned even though the playlists wee suspended for a brief fund raising time.
So---one thought I want to share that has nothing to do with folk music---but I do have to thank all who have supported both Simcha and Traditions with their hard earned pledges in this economy. OK the thought----I will leave my opinion out of it but you will pick up on it---
Gov. Cuomo has a wonderful plan to offer college educ. to inmates to get degrees. The system now offers training in trade skills (to some extent). So, let me see if I understand--this will prevent recidivism and those who are not serving jail time cannot afford college or are burdened with loans more horrendous than home mortgages. The dear Gov. might think of this---best people (youths) rob a convenience store and go to prison for their education---no student loans, free room and board, and you graduate prison with a degree---and if, luckily, it is Sing Sing, you have attended Harvard on the Hudson. Sounds like a plan to me that equalizes college opportunities for those hard to repay student loans. A forward thinking politico---he is that. Not a statesman.
Sunday, February 23, 2014
Sunday, January 12, 2014
MORE NEGLECTED BRAIN DROPPINGS
It has been awhile since I dropped of these from this ever brain. Let's start locally with an event that is of no interest to anyone outside this NE area. It is being called Bridgegate--NJ Gov. Christie ( not be confused w./ another more idealistic Gov of NJ who's first name was Christie) has managed to put himself into a truly awkward position. No jokes now about how hard that must be for him in a doctor's office or elsewhere. Here is a person who claims he is on top of every situation (and he usually is) and nothing gets by him. His claim now that he was not advised or informed the problem in Ft. Lee and the GWB does not seem plausible. He claims that his closest assistant started this fiasco and he immediately (well almost immediately) fired her. Besides wondering how she allegedly did not inform him one has to ask why he fired her and not try to get to the bottom of what he claims he knew nothing of. Does not sound like great Presidential timber to me. I don't know if Rachel Maddow is correct in her views but they sure make a lot of sense. Think about it. Why would the Gov. want to alienate (punish) a mayor he claims to not know when the Port Authority(the NJ half) could, at the Gov. behest, punish an opponent of his not directly involved with Ft.Lee. It ill behooves one who claims to be on top of everything too now say how contrite he is and to not know what is going on around him via his own appointees.
I know that no one in the rest of the nation will care about this---what they will care about is his persona when makes appearances. Nixon famously said--",,,I am not a crook.." The good Gov. has said "...I am not a bully.." Wait till the rest of the country gets a load of him. That won't do well in Iowa--among other places.
Perhaps I should give him the benefit of the doubt and blame it all on his hearing while in his office and he told his loyal (now fired appointee) to "close the Frig"---an easy mistake to think he meant Bridge. Well, positive side, for NJ politcos it is not another corruption or fraud scandal. Better that they endangered lives and inconvenienced the public.
Here is a bumper sticker I would like to sell you--reasonable prices----CHRISTIE FOR NEVER PRESIDENT.
Since this site is supposed to be for "program notes" let me just add that on Jan. 19 I welcome 'GATHERING TIME" into the studio and we will, certainly, have a great blend of music and conversation. My thoughts on the film Inside Llewen Davis are well know by now but do let me recommend NEBRASKA--what a winner this is.
Finally, for those who cannot rcve. the programs (SUNDAY SIMCHA -- TRADITIONS) over the air at 89.1fm we are streaming on the web where they are archived for 2 weeks-- www.wfdu.fm
I know that no one in the rest of the nation will care about this---what they will care about is his persona when makes appearances. Nixon famously said--",,,I am not a crook.." The good Gov. has said "...I am not a bully.." Wait till the rest of the country gets a load of him. That won't do well in Iowa--among other places.
Perhaps I should give him the benefit of the doubt and blame it all on his hearing while in his office and he told his loyal (now fired appointee) to "close the Frig"---an easy mistake to think he meant Bridge. Well, positive side, for NJ politcos it is not another corruption or fraud scandal. Better that they endangered lives and inconvenienced the public.
Here is a bumper sticker I would like to sell you--reasonable prices----CHRISTIE FOR NEVER PRESIDENT.
Since this site is supposed to be for "program notes" let me just add that on Jan. 19 I welcome 'GATHERING TIME" into the studio and we will, certainly, have a great blend of music and conversation. My thoughts on the film Inside Llewen Davis are well know by now but do let me recommend NEBRASKA--what a winner this is.
Finally, for those who cannot rcve. the programs (SUNDAY SIMCHA -- TRADITIONS) over the air at 89.1fm we are streaming on the web where they are archived for 2 weeks-- www.wfdu.fm
Wednesday, January 1, 2014
THE FIRST OF THIS YEAR'S BRAIN DROPPINGS---IN A TIMELY MOMENT
The new year is once again upon us and, of course, many wishes for joy, happiness, good health, and all the other cliches I should be heaping on this annual event. Yet, a few thoughts occur to me that I am sure were expected---
Let's start with Secty of State Kerry and the Isaraeli/ Palestinian issue. Truly complex and fairness and justice is needed. One thing all have to remember is that given the issues in 1948 the fact that Israel is "Jewish" state (homeland) cannot be disputed. All other things should be negotioable. On can only hope that Mr. Netanyahu also realizes that simple fact. Times and situations change. We have come along way from, 1948 and later times. They
need later solutions and, yet, Bravo, for the events of that time
Skipping to another pet peeve. Have you ever wondered why Theater prices are so astronomical. My guess is that you think the rents or the money paid to performers just kept upping the costs. Think again. Do you know that an average "stagehand" (with that strong union) rcvs approx. over $400,000 annually. Picture this---Carnegie Hall, no scenery, standing up music stands and chairs. I bet many of you have done that for a HS concert, let's say. $400,000. I wish. The recycler who picks up the matreial from my place gets a pittance for all his / her hard work. Sure, there are some more complicated shows to work with. But, still, over $400,000 dollars---they certainly do not get the kind of play that the performers receive. Sure beats coal mining and other endeavors and all below the popular and nonsensical radar. Now---there is a union and they certainly know how do what they have to do. Too bad the UAW and the UMW and all the others have not taken a page from their book. Enjoy your next overpriced show and think of these struggling workers.
I am so touched by Mayor Bloomberg's valedictory ( as reported in the NYT). This I love--"...be then swiped his senior metro card on a subway station and headed home..". Right. To his limo and then to his mansion. Please. It's so hard to be poor and humble when you are rich and arrogant.
A personal thought about New Years Eve. Over many years---too many to even remember--they were always spent w/ friends. How delightful that, for many years now , they have been spent with family. By that I mean children and their kids and their friends. As to New Years Eve. No sense getting into another day where people seem to be delighted to show---on TV--how moronic they are and how, like the morning TV audiences, they look like trained sheep being led to who knows what. Best to have the good memories of years gone by and uniting with family and friends and not watching strange folks thinking that being on the "boob tube" makes them meaningful.
OK--now is the time to remind you of some upcoming shows and programs--On 1/5 you cannot want a better New Years gift than my conversation with David Buskin and Rob Carlson during the TRADITIONS program. Do join us and then make sure you go on1/18 to the Acoustic Cafe in Park Ridge, NJ ( www.cafeacoustic.org )
Finally, and for you happily, I end with my sincere wishes for a very Happy---and most, importantly--Healthy New :Year.
Let's start with Secty of State Kerry and the Isaraeli/ Palestinian issue. Truly complex and fairness and justice is needed. One thing all have to remember is that given the issues in 1948 the fact that Israel is "Jewish" state (homeland) cannot be disputed. All other things should be negotioable. On can only hope that Mr. Netanyahu also realizes that simple fact. Times and situations change. We have come along way from, 1948 and later times. They
need later solutions and, yet, Bravo, for the events of that time
Skipping to another pet peeve. Have you ever wondered why Theater prices are so astronomical. My guess is that you think the rents or the money paid to performers just kept upping the costs. Think again. Do you know that an average "stagehand" (with that strong union) rcvs approx. over $400,000 annually. Picture this---Carnegie Hall, no scenery, standing up music stands and chairs. I bet many of you have done that for a HS concert, let's say. $400,000. I wish. The recycler who picks up the matreial from my place gets a pittance for all his / her hard work. Sure, there are some more complicated shows to work with. But, still, over $400,000 dollars---they certainly do not get the kind of play that the performers receive. Sure beats coal mining and other endeavors and all below the popular and nonsensical radar. Now---there is a union and they certainly know how do what they have to do. Too bad the UAW and the UMW and all the others have not taken a page from their book. Enjoy your next overpriced show and think of these struggling workers.
I am so touched by Mayor Bloomberg's valedictory ( as reported in the NYT). This I love--"...be then swiped his senior metro card on a subway station and headed home..". Right. To his limo and then to his mansion. Please. It's so hard to be poor and humble when you are rich and arrogant.
A personal thought about New Years Eve. Over many years---too many to even remember--they were always spent w/ friends. How delightful that, for many years now , they have been spent with family. By that I mean children and their kids and their friends. As to New Years Eve. No sense getting into another day where people seem to be delighted to show---on TV--how moronic they are and how, like the morning TV audiences, they look like trained sheep being led to who knows what. Best to have the good memories of years gone by and uniting with family and friends and not watching strange folks thinking that being on the "boob tube" makes them meaningful.
OK--now is the time to remind you of some upcoming shows and programs--On 1/5 you cannot want a better New Years gift than my conversation with David Buskin and Rob Carlson during the TRADITIONS program. Do join us and then make sure you go on1/18 to the Acoustic Cafe in Park Ridge, NJ ( www.cafeacoustic.org )
Finally, and for you happily, I end with my sincere wishes for a very Happy---and most, importantly--Healthy New :Year.
Monday, December 16, 2013
Random Brain Droppings for the Multitude---both of you
Now, does that heading not feel personal? I, once, jokingly said (well, more than once) on the air --"this is for our listener". I was chastised for that---you do need a sense of humor---I am sure there is more than one listener so, perhaps, I should have used the plural. That would encompass 2.
This will be short and sweet. Diabetics be warned.
Starting with all the sweetness I have to thank The Kennedys for a most amazing and heartfelt performance last week at the Orangeburg Library. I have never seen a more delighted audience and one that felt so enamored with the performers.
Since we are on the topic of performers; let me say that on 12/29 I will be hosting the year end TRADITIONS (WFDU 89.1 fm and streaming on the web at www.wfdu.fm and I will NOT be presenting any top 10 recordings for the year. I will, however, be presenting what I consider the most memorable recordings I have rcvd this year----could be more than 10 since there were a goodly number of them from some very talented artists---to whom I am only a humble conduit. We will also recall the folks that passed away this year in our genre. If you have any artists you think should be included in " the most memorable of this year" please do e mail me a request and a comment to wfdutraditions@yahoo.com
As the year is rapidly coming to an end---well, "rapidly" is the wrong word. It just seems that way. My delight to have attended some memorable moments with some memorable people---The Folksbiene Gala honoring Theodore Bikel (90 Bday coming up) and Fyvush Finkel, the wonderful and talented guests on my radio programs this year----Andy Revkin,The Levins, and ever so many more truly wonderful and talented artists---AND --stay tuned as I welcome David Buskin ( in a reunion with Modern Man) shortly and also Gathering Time to celebrate their newest release.
Finally, putting aside commentary of things I have read recently (items about the upcoming NYC mayor, my thoughts on the NSA and this nation, and ever so much more) let me just wish all a safe and not too cold winter to survive into the next year of things we can talk about---and listen to on that good ole crystal set
This will be short and sweet. Diabetics be warned.
Starting with all the sweetness I have to thank The Kennedys for a most amazing and heartfelt performance last week at the Orangeburg Library. I have never seen a more delighted audience and one that felt so enamored with the performers.
Since we are on the topic of performers; let me say that on 12/29 I will be hosting the year end TRADITIONS (WFDU 89.1 fm and streaming on the web at www.wfdu.fm and I will NOT be presenting any top 10 recordings for the year. I will, however, be presenting what I consider the most memorable recordings I have rcvd this year----could be more than 10 since there were a goodly number of them from some very talented artists---to whom I am only a humble conduit. We will also recall the folks that passed away this year in our genre. If you have any artists you think should be included in " the most memorable of this year" please do e mail me a request and a comment to wfdutraditions@yahoo.com
As the year is rapidly coming to an end---well, "rapidly" is the wrong word. It just seems that way. My delight to have attended some memorable moments with some memorable people---The Folksbiene Gala honoring Theodore Bikel (90 Bday coming up) and Fyvush Finkel, the wonderful and talented guests on my radio programs this year----Andy Revkin,The Levins, and ever so many more truly wonderful and talented artists---AND --stay tuned as I welcome David Buskin ( in a reunion with Modern Man) shortly and also Gathering Time to celebrate their newest release.
Finally, putting aside commentary of things I have read recently (items about the upcoming NYC mayor, my thoughts on the NSA and this nation, and ever so much more) let me just wish all a safe and not too cold winter to survive into the next year of things we can talk about---and listen to on that good ole crystal set
Friday, December 6, 2013
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.
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.
Saturday, November 2, 2013
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?
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?
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