The Almost Daily Rooster

Cooking is Not New on Television

2010-06-17T19:03:00.000-04:00

Amazingly cooking shows are hot these days. Sometimes even the food is. And, I suppose, to some of the viewers so are the chefs.

Once upon a time when Television was fairly new there was a great innovator of new techniques, off-beat humor---and---yes---the start of cooking shows---Ernie Kovacs was a comedic and technical genius---have a look

A BRIEF BIO & AN INTERESTING OFFER

2010-04-16T19:14:00.001-04:00

THEODORE was, perhaps, the first of what we call performance artists today. The likes of such comic geniuses like Andy Kaufman ( to mention one) are followers in that great tradition.   I won't even go into the nonsensical "performance" art that is foisted as brilliant material on the public by the likes of the current exhibition (an aside---"exhibitionism" is a better word) at MoMa. Check on that for yourselves.

THEODORE had a very tragic life and, albeit, a long and fruitful one.   Briefly; a Holocaust survivor from a renowned publishing family in Europe, a janitor in Calif. who ended up in a bitter divorce, and, finally a brilliant performance artist and a featured actor in many films.

THEODORE was a name he used when, in the 1950s (late 1940s) he had a great cult following for his one man shows at Circle in The Square (then in Greenwich Village). Later he became known as Brother Theodore---which is covered in an interview I did with him.   He, later, appeared in film and was a regular on the Merv Griffin TV program and then David Letterman (NBC days).

In the mid 1990s I had the delight of spending time at his apartment in NYC and recording an interview with him that fills in many of the blank spots from above. A brief synopsis of tht chat is his history in Germany, his time in Calif., his getting into his performance art and all the stops along the way.   I would say he is a true intellectual. His humble apartment in NYC is ---was---lined with books of all genres.

Having, once again, recalled this brilliant man who I had first seen in those halcyon days--to me--in the 1950s and never thought I would ever meet personally I was delighted to be able to chat with him at length. If you would care to have a copy of that interview I would be happy to send it to you. Given the cost of mailing, recording, and time I have to say that it would cost $25.00.

Should you want it please e mail me at poobah891@yahoo.com where we can discuss the details. For an extra $10.00 I will include a recording of his Carnegie Hall appearance which is a truly memorable event on a long ago out of print recording.

Meanwhile---for your pleasure and introduction to this great performance artist:

As Noted on PROGRAM NOTES

2010-04-07T19:04:00.000-04:00

Yesterday---and not the title of the nice song---it was promised that there would be a video of a troubador who left us too soon and who had said so much to us---and had so much more to tell us. We will never know to what heights he may have climbed. We do know that certain others of his generation have achieved fame and fortune and then claimed not to be political. Which may well be true for their--oh, c'mon--his later years. The Troubador of which I speak may well have been considered a "reporter" by some but, in reality, he was a person of immense musical talent who not only wrote topical songs comparable to the balladeers of old who covered their current topics of interest but also wrote some beautiful pieces of music---a few that come to mind--Changes, Rehearsals For Retirement, The Highwayman, and many more. I speak of Phil Ochs.

Shortly you will be hearing an interview with Jack Comeau that I have recorded for TRADITIONS. Jack Comeau has a screenplay--- a drama and not a documentary--recreating the brief, brilliant, and tragic life of Phil Ochs that will, hopefully, be filmed and distributed.

What follows is one of Phil's lesser heard pieces which, as many, are still, sadly, current today. It is not that he was prescient; rather, he knew human nature and humanity's weaknesses:

A Bit Away From Comedy for The Moment

2010-03-27T19:41:00.000-04:00

Its been a while since there was a posting but something transpired in the past few days that I, apparently, coming to as a latecomer---that is the music and eclectic interests of Henry Sapoznik. The link will tell you more in an interview he gave to a banjo website.

Suffice it to say that his eclecticism is amazing---folk, country, Klezmer, composition that led to a number of Grammy nominations and also composing music for film (The Life & Times of Hank Greenberg). Mr. Sapoznik is also the founder and force behind Klez Camp. How he got involved with this music after starting a career in the traditional music of the banjo in folk and country is an interesting tale that you will find in more detail in the link above.

Mr. Sapoznik is and was the guiding light behind the "Music From The Yiddish Radio Project"---which listeners to Sunday Simcha have heard many a time---that captures rare Yiddish material of yesteryear. Material that should not be forgotten. He is also the guiding force behind a wonderful Box Set he sent me (that you will be hearing on Sunday Simcha) and I hope you will be wanting to own---a 3 CD set with a wonderful book of details to go with it. If you have wanted to once again hear the voices of Molly Picon, Moyshe Oysher, Sholom Aleichem, Peisachte Burstein, Sophie Tucker, Fyvush Finkel, and ever so many more this a set you do not want to miss---and you can hear it on Sunday Simcha and also more at JSP Records.

I am hoping to be able to conduct a Senior Citizen group at some point in time that will feature the works of people like Mr. Sapoznik---and---certainly---one I truly hope will come to fruition---Folk Artists that brought us to where we are now--from the 1940s to the 1990s (well, 2000s too). Hopefully this will happen in the near future at various JCCs and also at a few Library and College Outreach programs.

Meanwhile---let us see two of the interests of Henry Sapoznik:

One of the members of that band is Cookie Siegelstein. Those of you who listen to Sunday Simcha will know her from various recordings she has appeared on---including Die Alte Kashe.

My appreciation, once again, to Henry (Hank) Sapoznik for the latest material to Sunday Simcha and, mainly, for his championing so many forms of music that may not be well known to people who just think of "top40" or some such genre---there is more out there---much more.

LIFE IMITATES ART--At Times

2010-02-06T17:17:00.005-05:00

Most of the items intended for this page are of comedic interest--most but not all. Today this came to mind and since nothing ever leaves life anymore thanks to YouTube I thought this would be a perfect thing to give all a good laugh.

I viewed these items when they were aired a number of years ago on Mad TV. Mad TV is not on the air anymore and SNL, like the Eveready bunny goes on and on and on and in my not so humble opinion has not (since its early days) come near to Mad TV in topical cleverness.

The first video is interesting because it aired even before the second one---and quite a few years before Apple came up with comically named Ipad. The second piece you will immediately recognize as a great topical piece of some or so years ago. Mad TV has had over its years some truly gifted performers who have stayed with them for a long while.

IT'S BEEN A WHILE SO--SO SOMETHING HAIMISCH (IF THAT IS THE SPELLING)

2010-01-28T19:03:00.002-05:00

My attention has been drawn to the fact that the SUNDAY SIMCHA program on WFDU has been attracting many more listeners and also the welcoming feeling I received from the attendees recently at a gathering at the JCC in Bergen County(Washington Twnshp)I thought it might be nice, for those of you might follow this program and page, to view two of the masters of the Yiddish Stage.

Let me preface this by saying that my hosting of the SUNDAY SIMCHA program for these past years--some 5 now by my count--has broadened my horizons with regard to the music and the "Yiddishkeit". I hope I have also done that for the listeners by a mix of the old and the new. A

As one attendee at the JCC pointed out---"...most of the Yiddish music is not folk melodies but, rather, show tunes". True. Here are two masters of that genre---in a piece by Aaron Lebedeff which, after Allan Sherman (for Comedy Corner) may well be the most requested piece.

Please do stay tuned in to Sunday Simcha and check this site for some comedic---and perhaps other matters of moment.

I also want to thank the folks who approached me about doing a presentation at their facility. I would be more than happy to oblige and the fee is very nominal---truly nominal. As the old saying goes---"Oy, I have to make a living"---but it will not be at your expense---now both of the artists that have appeared on the program along with my sadness that Bruce Adler is not with us anymore and joy that Mike Burstyn (who I have had the pleasure of visiting in his apartment for some interviews and seeing in various productions is still with us)and, of course, I am glad I am still with you as well:

COMEDY & TRAGEDY AND A TOUR DE FORCE

2009-12-31T17:23:00.002-05:00

There is a production that has received little notice in the NY metro area and is a tour de force not to be missed. A one man show by the greatly talented Jim Brochu (which he also wrote) about the life and times of the late, great Zero Mostel. In fact, once Jim Brochu enters the stage you will feel that Zero Mostel has been resurrected---as you will see in this brief clip from the official site:

Besides going into his career, his personality, and the political upheavals of his era you will find Jim Brochu has Mostel's intonations and rhythm down pat. You will also hear some of his great witticisms----"....they always say I change a script---no, I just add things sometimes like announcing a football score in the middle of Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum---but I did it in character---Lions XII - Bills VI..."

The production was directed by Piper Laurie and if you loved Zero Mostel or if you just appreciated his great talent----do not miss this in its limited engagement at the St. Clements Theater on W. 46th St in NYC.

More Comedy for the Cold Winter Nights

2009-12-25T19:16:00.002-05:00

Earlier the mention was made that the precursors of Monty Python and Hugh Laure/David Frye must surely have been Peter Cook and Dudley Moore. Time now to view a bit of their material as performed in London and also on Broadway (in Beyond The Fringe---which also featured Alan Bates and Jonathan Miller). Speaking of Jonathan Miller---please check the last video in this sequence---and a brief update on him:

Admittedly, British humour is an acquired taste which I have not only acquired, but, relish. Plays on words, subtlety, and hitting many situations that we have all witnessed.

This brings us to Jonathan Miller. Another entity in Beyond The Fringe who went on to produce/direct opera, theater, and all the while holding a medical degree. It is quite possible that Leonardo Da Vinci might have been a long distant relative given his unique talents---though, I know not if he knows of engineering. What follows is an interview on The Dick Cavett Show (when late night TV had substance and not hype)with Jonathan---Dr. Jonathan Miller.

Most of the items on this site will be devoted to comedy---any suggestions are welcome---and a pie in the face if I don't care for them. Another tale on another day of some former friends who stalked out of a British film (a classic of comedy w/ Peter Sellers) decrying Brit humour ---spelled the Brit way---and that is why they are former.

HUMOR FOR THE DARK DAYS OF WINTER

2009-12-17T16:14:00.002-05:00

The idea of this page was for some topical material but also to add some humor that might not be seen or thought of otherwise---and now with the internet and the ubiquity of cable TV channels nothing leaves this world. It is just in suspended animation.

Many years back there was a wonderful comic duo comprising of Dudley Moore and Peter Cook---but more about them at another time. All humor evolves and has roots elsewhere and I can only believe that the following bit (and Monty Python) may well have evolved from those two who's roots go back to their predecessors.

If you are a fan of the TV program "House" you may not know---or perhaps do--that Hugh Laurie is British. You may also not realize that he and Stephen Fry both starred in the earlier Brit. Com--The Black Adder as well as being a comic duo in their own right. At some point--with enough requests ---we shall spend some time with Moore and Cook and, perhaps, recall their wonderful stage presentation in NY from the 1960s---Good Evening. In the meantime see Hugh Laurie in a totally different mode from House and enjoy the repartee between him and his comedy partner, Stephen Fry.

Next time we take a look at Cook and Moore---and see the similarity and differences.

Disovories and Comedy

2009-12-07T19:17:00.003-05:00

If you scooted here from the Program Notes---bless you. A free service and people should take advantage of it. If they did more important news could be up here---say, things like the travails of Tiger Woods, the importance of viewing the 11 PM news so that you do not miss any stories of fires and mayhem, or other such major moments such as the terrible auto accident recently in The Bronx where a woman was killed and all the headline said was--"....Tom Brokaw Unhurt in Crash".

On to what this is supposed to be all about now. You read earlier about the concert at The Orangeburg Library with Gathering Time. A wonderful event it was and one that is a delight to put on at this time of year as we have done for the past five years with the likes of Pat Wictor, Red Molly, Modern Man, and, now, Gathering Time. It was my delight to introduce them and sit with the audience to appreciate their talents. After the show we schmoozed with a compatriot of theirs who I have now come to know and appreciate for his talent and his openness. He will be a guest on TRADITIONS shortly and in the meantime check out a sample of his work here:

Larry Siegel is a truly creative songwriter, agent, booker, and you name it. His material will be heard this coming Sunday on TRADITIONS and he will soon be a guest on the program. As soon as his busy schedule between Europe and the U S permits.

As you see and hear it is his take on Calypso---Calypso always tells a story and this is a true one as they all are. For more on the Calypso Traditions check Smithsonian Folkways website, :Bermuda Websites (for their take on it with some classics you have heard on TRADITIONS), and listen to TRADITIONS for more this weekend.

SO--why not more Calypso---here is Lord Invader with the original lyrics of this song--see the true meaning:

See you Sunday for some more great music and insights.

Check Your TV LIstings---Or Get An Invitation

2009-11-28T19:26:00.003-05:00

At last. Mel Brooks will be honored shortly at the Kennedy Center in the annual Kennedy Center Awards and it will prove to be a riotous evening of laughter commemorating a comic genius who, along with Carl Reiner, have been long-time friends and have overcome great recent losses in their lives.
Since I have commented that this site will stick to more lighthearted things here is an early clip from one of their earliest appearances---not as the 1,000 or 2,000 year old man:

Short ending---check the listings for when the Kennedy Centers Honors will be Telecast. A Must See TV Moment---probably more than the NBC Must See TV promos.

ERIC BOGLE and some comments

2009-11-24T19:43:00.003-05:00

Admittedly I was going to reserve this site for comedy and also for some topical commentary. Stick with me because here you will find some of the things I sign off with on WFDU on Sundays on Sunday Simcha---"...the eclectic sound of...
ERIC BOGLE has been a favorite and influential part of the various programs I have been doing on WFDU. He is now retiring from touring and what you will see here part of his farewell tour with John Munro and also the title song that I have played many a time on Traditions on WFDU.
I had the privilege and honor of meeting and chatting with him a few years back prior to one of his bi-annual appearances at The Hurdy Gurdy Folk Music Club in NJ. He actually turned down a NYC appearance to be there that evening.
John Munro, who as you know from my program, is a traveling companion and, also, a wonderful artist in his own right accompanies him in this video from the farewell tour and I could have chosen a different piece but, I do believe this is one that captures their music and camredrie and you will be hearing it this Sunday on TRADITIONS:

Humor Par Excellance

2009-11-13T19:30:00.003-05:00

One has to ask why it is that Amos and Andy (as well as The Goldbergs) are persona non grata on TV. Taste sure cannot be the issue. The Goldbergs were surely not offensive. The gave some real life insights into ethnic and familial situations. Amos and Andy, which is what I really want to focus on, are a different matter.
Amos and Andy, admittedly, were created by two white writers and actors---on Radio. Freeman Gosden and Andy Correl. The show was so popular that water pressure dropped during the commercial breaks. True story. That was how many people were tuned in during the golden age of radio.

Fast forward ahead to the age of Television in its infancy. Amos and Andy moved to TV and employed a brilliant Black cast of actors in the program. They truly captured the characters---the hard working Amos, the befuddled Andy, the slick (cornerstone) Kingfish, and all the others---lawyers, judges, wives, and more.

It was the 1950s and here was work for some wonderful Black actors that was not available elsewhere and also presented them in situations that were relevant across the spectrum. Today this program (The Goldbergs as well) are, as said, persona non grata on TV. Were it not for You Tube resurrecting the past (can they go back to Palaeolithic times?) these episodes would be lost forever. What a shame that would be since later TV shows employed characters much more offensive with less redeeming qualities than Amos and Andy. The Jeffersons is a case in point. How could anyone think of that as in better taste? Moronic Whites, inane Blacks, and a script that was devoid of any sensibility or sensitivity.

The following would be in the sidebar were it not for the glitch with Google at this time so--------------Harking back to that earlier era please take a look at this brief segment that, as Perry Mason used to say--"...I offer to use as evidence"(I sure hope he said that)

There you have the final part of the episode of " The Rare Coin". A nice cross section of people---the con man, the patsy, the disbarred lawyer, and more. Not any different than White sit-coms of years later and earlier. As to the actors---Tim Moore was the Kingfish---it was a great gig at that time and they were brilliant performers.

LOU JACOBI---A Rememberance

2009-11-07T19:16:00.003-05:00

As the title says---you read it on the main page and since Google has problems with the posting of side-bar videos this seems the way to go and this seems to be the spot, given the numbers, where the misc. and comedy segments are welcomed.

LOU JACOBI aka---see the first page---was more than a comedian---here are some clips in different modes:

That is from Little Murders---the Jules Pfeifer film. His very clever commercials are not available to show but to see some of his great performances do see those classic films---listed on the first page.

Think of all the weight you will lose from this exercise of going from page to page.

Great Comedy from a Great Artist

2009-11-06T18:50:00.004-05:00

Glad you scooted over here. Given that nothing dies in cyberspace and humans do it is wonderful to find the never aging and never deceased (virtual) performers.

Some background. I had rcvd a video of the ever popular swinger L. Welk and it got me to thinking who was hip around that time and were not some of the comics then just so good. They made points and created brilliant characters as opposed to some of the stand-ups of today. To them it is shock for shock's sake with no point---check Comedy Central for these "brilliant" artists.(do not include Stewart and Colbert in that sentence).

True there are some in the later years---Carlin, Pryor, Bruce, and a few others (I believe Klein was earlier)--but in general the pantheon is intact. Which brings me to Flip Wilson and how I re-discovered him. Sort of like his great routines where he would stop in the middle--at times--and say in a high pitched voice---I discovered Ray Charles. You have to hear it. Or is the line---you had to be there?

In any case, my thoughts drifted to him when I rcvd. that You Tube video of the very un-hip Lawrence Welk and Co. Did they get it or did they not get it? My vote is that they did not. You can search You Tube for the piece. What I want to do is present to you via You Tube (which seems to have errors on the sidebar now) a piece by Flip Wilson. I would happily a dd more routines to the side bar it seems to be on functioning for videos. If you would like more comedy on this site just let me know.

The routine --or joke-- you will see here is one I have remembered--not necessarily by Flip Wilson--since late teen-age. His timing, however, is brilliant----you have got to love this routine:

JOHN PRINE AND ORGAN DONATIONS

2009-09-22T19:42:00.004-04:00

The song you will see (granted the audio is not great but it is better than good audio and silly pictures) started out as a really clever song and can now be thought of something else. Something that comments will be made about after you view this:

John Prine, as you know, doing Please Don't Bury Me. In thinking of the piece, after years of enjoying its humor, I realize that it would be a great song for people to think of organ donations.

It has been said, many times, that in humor there is always a segment of truth. Be it in Stand-up, in Opera, in Musical Comedy, and all other genres. That song is one that John Prine might not have thought of at the time of writing it as being something that might become an anthem for Organ Donation. It well could be that.

I will credit my daughter for having me sign the organ donors card on the NYS drivers license and I hope others will follow after hearing that song. Think of it---humor and a thought, unbeknown at the time of composition to John Prine, a new anthem. He is not an anthem writer---well, Flag Decal might be considered there.

Sometimes humor can do more to promote things than some serious commentary and diatribes. SO--pass it on and please, whatever you do, do not "kiss my ass goodbye"---all the other stuff is OK. Though, I cannot think of how the needy would need my knees--perhaps a tennis player and I would be OK with that.

DECORUM, MANNERS, CLASS, AND WHAT WAS ONCE TENNIS.

2009-09-15T19:15:00.004-04:00

When you go to a baseball game you expect the cheers and the constant bugle sounds to keep up the crowd enthusiasm. Hell, they have paid $9 for a beer so they can cheer along. Not much different in Football---and I don't want to digress now about that vis a vis soccer and this nation. Save it for another time

Tennis has not been the most popular sport in this country and still is not. It does, however, now generate huge amounts of cash with the U S Open in Flushing. Statistics tell us even more dollars than other major sporting events. It has been become a multi-million or is it billion dollar industry.

A brief few thoughts about how it was and what it has become.

There was a time in the 1970s (perhaps even the late 60s) when PBS or, perhaps, Channel 13 --WNET in NJ/NY carried tennis and, I believe, Bud Palmer was the driving force in making it into a popular sport. As the years went by Television realized it is a game with time frames, as some others, and that people could be commercially introduced to it the sport really took off. The "names" started making millions whereas the early competitors received the accolades and not much more. Granted that to be a "name" one had to invest much time, energy, intensity and, let us not forget, money. Much money.

The classic era of tennis that encompassed the days of the Bill Tildens, Alice Marbles, and going all the way to the classic court participant; Arthur Ashe ended about that time.

Let us now move on to what has happened to tennis and this year's U S Open is a perfect example of it.

Up to this point it has been a positive piece pointing up a bit of tennis history; albeit ever so briefly.

Given the new technology creating "power" rackets (racquets), the ratings on TV, the huge dollar event the various major tournaments have become, the huge dollar endorsements showered on the "names", and the entire, basically, commercialization of the sport one has to expect some of the events that transpired this past week. One also has to mourn the demise of any kind of manners, courtesy, and, yes, class for this sport.

Cutting to the chase finally. Serena Williams performance in her match with Clijsters and her most offensive exchange with a line judge should have, not only caused her a point, but should have disqualified her from the next day's doubles match and participating next year. TV ratings, of course will preclude that because the USTA has many self serving interests to serve and honoring the traditions of true tennis courtesy is not one of them. Mamon is the true god here.

I am of the strong belief that Serena attended the Keanu Reeves school of deportment and charm. She was at the event that he botched just as she was not at the U S Open to watch other players. So much for her interest in the manners and interest in others of the game.

As to the Women's Final. That was a class act worthy of what tennis is all about. Competition and sportsmanship. Ditto for the men's final. Both Federer and Del Porto had real class in the ending. No matter how devastating it was for Federer and no matter how upset he was with a judge's call earlier.

Thankfully there are still some players that remain and, hopefully, come up in the ranks, that will honor tennis for the individual sport it is. For the courtesy that it encompasses. For the manners that have been a part of it through history. Hopefully, also, the commercializing of the game---you know, the $9 beers, the roar of the crowd and the smell of the BO of the guy next to you does not detract from a classic game.

For the positive end to this---go out an play the game locally and enjoy it with friends and make believe you are a champ---we all are , you know.

Ed Merrit owner of Merrit's Tennis Courts in Pearl River N Y ---age 89. God Bless.

A Thank You

2009-09-09T19:53:00.004-04:00

While I will not be putting much up on this page in the future I do thank you for all the interest and visits to it.

It seems that less is sometimes more and for that reason I will be posting most comments and items on the main page which, as you know and can click on here, is http://www.billhahnprogramnotes.blogspot.com/ It would have been shorter but, being a computer Luddite, I tried to be accurate. Who knew.

Hopefully you will visit that page and the playlist page for commentary, playlists, and topics about the folk community and some larger communities and thoughts as well.

From time to time I will change the videos on this page but will inform you on the other one---and you will always find some new ones on those pages.

THURSDAY--Another Edition of:

2009-08-20T17:17:00.004-04:00

And the weekly tip of the hat to Jimmy Cannon

NOBODY ASKED ME BUT.....

1) It is obscene that NY State legislators are able to “retire” for one day and then go back to their jobs and collect then the salary AND a full pension.

2) Seems like NJ has illegal issues and NY has illegal issues done legally and getting the same result.

3) It was nice to see Mad Men back on the tube and seeing my wardrobe in fashion again—along with the decor.

4) Some great things in NYC are free---like the qualifying rounds at the U S Open

5) Does the notoriety of the hostage and situation determine the fame of the person designated to “free” him/her?

6) Seems like there is more news on Comedy Central late news programs than the local network ones---unless you just like see fires and accidents and poorly dressed weather people.

7) The latter part of the summer season seems to be the pre-cursor to some interesting new material coming in over the transom for the radio programs----Joel Mabus, Jonathan Edwards, Jakobs Hollow and more for TRADITIONS--- Beyond The Pale, Susan Colin, Susan McKeown/Lorin Sklamberg and more for SUNDAY SIMCHA.

8) It would have been so nice if Mocca, the Hungarian restaurant in NYC had not closed a while back. I still miss that good home cooking and a full meal for $13.95 and a waitress that always sounded like your mother.

9) V.A. medical care is all well and good---unless you need medication promptly. After all the tests, scheduling appointments with a doctor who goes by a computer script, and having medicine mailed to you at a future date you have either recovered or went to meet some fellow veterans behind the pearly gates.

10) In all aspects of life you get what you pay for and, hopefully, you can pay.

11) I am still waiting to see Yoo Hoo Mrs. Goldberg which will have to be when it comes out on DVD---or PBS does a special fund-raiser.

12) I still like a full length CD instead of the individual downloads for modern reasons as opposed to the step back to the days of 78s and individual songs.

13) Why is it that so many of the greatest artists die at such young ages---does creativity cause mental and health problems?

14) Woodstock is commemorated at 40—when did 40 become the new 50 or 75 and how come no one (except NPR) mentioned the other festival in Central Park that wknd. Billed as the Black Woodstock?

15) The DVD of The Zion Canyon Song Cycle is really something not to be missed.

SOME RANDOM THOUGHTS ABOUT SOME LESS THAN RANDOM MATTERS

2009-08-16T19:11:00.003-04:00

NOBODY ASKED ME BUT... is all well and good and appears on the "main page" (Program Notes) but some things do need more comment and depth than a one liner. For that reason there is this much neglected page.

Let me first steer you to a wonderful site that will thrill you. This is the You Tube link to a wonderful BBC series on Folk music

http://video.google.com/videosearch?hl=en&q=folk%20america&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wv#

The question to me is this; How is it that this wonderful series and brilliant and insightful documentary is made by the BBC and we have not had this here. TV in the U S is more of a wasteland that Newton Minnow ever thought described in those long ago years---as I said elsewhere--"...technology advances and content decreases". Proportionately, it seems.

Rather than embedding any of these programs --there are 3--best you go to the link and make your own choices. It requires your attention for 1 hour for each episode. Well worth the time. Would only that PBS in the U S picks this up.

MISSISSIPPI JOHN HURT

Now a few comments about Health Care Issues and some of the amazing comments by, allegedly, intelligent people both in the public eye and just some personal ones. In the public eye we have, as usual, Sarah Palin, who should probably be a candidate for a Fox "News" program ( if she would finish out her contract). Headlines and lies. Period.

What saddens me, besides the other burning torch bearers on Fox, is the comments by the average citizen who does not understand the issue and just spouts the comments of the above mentioned rabble rousing nitwits.

I have, personally, been asked by people I know what my views are and when I mentioned that I am not sure of the actual legislation proposed but do support universal coverage in some manner it was amazing the vitriol that came forth ---with no supporting arguments. A few examples:

1) I don't want my tax money paying for medical care for illegals. (Don't know what made her think that).

2) I don't want anyone to tell me when I should stop treatments to keep me alive. (That was the Death Committee nonsense)---more on that later.

3) Obama is trying to turn this country into Nazi Germany now that a Black is in charge and will give it to the Whites.

I am amazed since these are people who I assumed intelligent and sophisticated. They travel, they are educated, and, since this is anecdotal on a personal basis, one has to understand the outbursts at these forums.

Amazingly Pres. Obama was elected with a great majority. It would seem, then, that these folks who have this opinion are a minority.

To address the 2d item. I did have an "in depth" discussion with this person and the gist of it was that her children would want her to stay alive as long as possible. I pointed out that the decision is really hers---as it was mine a while back with some emergency surgery. My decision was that if I ended up in a non-functioning state I would want out. Apparently she does not agree and wants to go to New Jersey. That seems fairly non-functioning as a state.

Bad joke time over. The point is that she was willing to have her bills paid by her insurance carrier. No matter the cost.

One would suppose the argument against this is many fold:

1) The Insurance Carrier will not support it

2)Will you pay out of pocket (if they are deep enough)

3) What about people who have no insurance.

4) Is carrying on a non-functioning life one that you would really want.

5) Your children want the "plug" in ( her comment about children) whilst the decision is yours. Selflessness and logic come into play here.

OK---to end it. My own personal belief. I speak now of a personal moment. If my choice was to have it end if I was not functioning I would want that and my children's wishes matter not a whit. It is best for all.

When I was in an ICU a few months back I saw all those poor souls who could not function. Period. Quality of life is important. If the government will pay for doctors visits for consults on the subject that would be nice since they do not do that now and doctors spend blessed little time with a given patient.

Well, ending on a more cheerful note I do have to run now and see if Grandma's plug is still in or if Sarah Palin has pulled it and blamed it on Obama

Meaningful Memories of Times Long Past

2009-07-05T18:29:00.015-04:00

If you tune in to TRADITIONS on July 12 you will hear a segment on the passing of train travel and that had put me in mind of some early train trips. It put me in mind mostly of the steam train rides to the Ethical Culture School Camp (Cooperstown, NY) in my youth. It gave me the idea to guide you to this site to read something about the camp (long gone now) by comments I and another person have added to the NPR associated project---The Place and Memory Project.

Hopefully, you will re-live some of your own childhood memories and also had gone to a place ---and your kids do now---that gave you responsibility, a sense of values, and was not the summer version of a posh hotel that pampered and spoiled you for a very heavy price. Prices are heavy these days for anything---but even heavier for the type of posh place I just mentioned.
Let's start with a picture:

MAIN HOUSE CIRCA 1960

====================================================
TIME FOR ANOTHER PICTURE: I AM ON THE LEFT 3D ROW---TOUGH TO MAKE OUT
NOW---MY CONTRIBUTION TO THIS AND, AS SAID, I HOPE YOUR EXPERIENCE AND/OR YOUR CHILDREN'S ARE THE SAME

There are those rare places that have such an impact on your life you never forget them or how they affected you. Ethical Culture School Camp was the definition of such a place. Do not be mislead by the word “school” in the title. It was the summer camp of the Ethical Culture Society, which also operated some schools. If, however, one can consider the learning of meaningful values without by example and without pressure and dogma a school then it surely was that.
You have some background on this but this will take us into a few of the years prior to that. The years of the early and mid-1940s (including a group photo from 1947).

As you know from earlier notes the set-up of the camp---female counselors for the youngest kids (boys and girls) to ease them from leaving home and “mommy” for the Summer sojourn, a wonderful mixture of ethnicities, religions, economic strata, and not least the intermingling of all the ages and groups in a non-competitive atmosphere.

Additionaly, the camp also did some things that were way ahead of its time that created an atmosphere of independence amongst the campers as well as a sense of choice. Campers also did not know who paid the full fee, who the partial, and who none. I was a partial fee recipient. When one arrived at Camp (in my years by RR from Grand Central—a long ride on a steam train---(we finally got to the trains) we were ushered to our assigned bunks (or tents -large w/ wooden floors for the older ones) and handed sheets of paper with a list of interests and activities. We checked off what we liked or wanted to participate in---1 check for like 2 checks for like a lot. No checkmarks—well, you know the rest.

A day or so later a huge board appeared on the porch of the Main House and on it were multi colored thumb tacks in a row next to each camper’s name. Each row represented a day and time of the week and the thumb tacks were in various colors and stripes to designate an activity for that time period for each camper. Yes, the campers went by themselves to each activity---as they would in, say, High School—and not with their bunks as a group. Each activity was thought out and individually planned.

In addition to the individual activities the dining arrangements were also interesting and advanced for a private---or even a public—camp. Every two weeks a list would be posted on the tree near the Main House listing the latest seating assignments. The point was to have a mix of all ages at each table and to have all the campers interact with each other during the summer. Another item was that there were no waiters—at least in my years---each day the seats were rotated and the person rotated to the front was responsible for bringing in the food from the well maintained kitchen. By the way every camper was allowed 2 “pet hates”---you did not have to eat them. I don’t recall mine but I am sure I like them now.

Another great dining experience---for me---having lost much weight each year I was, finally, assigned to the Director’s table to make sure I ate. I did and still lost weight. Oh—what activity and joy can do for you. I was also on the “milk list”. Today that would be a cholestorol no-no, I assume---drink a cup of cream to fatten you up. All well intentioned, surely.

On the subject of food; these were the World War 2 years and the campers tended to a "victory" garden from which some of the food in the dining room was served once the crops came in. It was meant to instill the values of self sufficiency and to overcome some of the food shortages at the time. Food rationing was in effect.

The noncompetiveness I referred to earlier meant that we might have contests between tents/bunks for skit nights, or perhaps the two leagues—major and minor for the young and older kids in soft-ball, an annual “capture the flag” game, or a canoe race amongst individuals. That was about it. Personally---I was lousy at baseball and opted to stay in the minors. The age difference made me decide---I made myself a captain and a pitcher. We usually lost!

Waterfront activities---once a week we would go down to the beautiful Lake Otsego and bathe ourselves. Soap and all. The lake was also the site of the swimming tests and the canoe tests. If you were truly good you could graduate to swimming in the deep area near the float that was in that spot.

A last waterfront activity which must be recalled---Shadow Brook. What a delight to be able to paddle the canoe through it. Portage it and then continue. Now, the brook is there but defoliated and a beach nearby. Sad.

Hiking. Once a week there was a hike to various places and depending on your age you would go on one. A picnic dinner was packed by the truly devoted kitchen staff---consisting of two people—and you hiked to either Cooperstown or Springfield. Or, for the really young, as they say—stops in between.
Entertainment. All homemade. No trips to movie theaters and no movies. Skits, dances, sings, concerts, forest ranger visits w/ slides. and the annual Gilbert & Sullivan Operetta (all done by campers and counselors) A different time and a different place as it is said. A place way ahead of its time.

I have not even touched upon the beauty of Lake Otsego, the amazing cast of over achieving people that attended the camp in the years I was there---Clifford Alexander (ex Secty of the Army among other things), Stanley Gold (noted Cardiologist), the Black brothers (one a Bway producer), and many more of great stature and many who, because of ECSC achieved levels they might not have expected. I am surely excluding myself in that roster.

Some time ago I revisited the site which was now closed and a few things just jumped out at me. Having gone back to the area in the 1980s and once again at a later time I looked for the site. Having finally found it I was shocked and surprised. The shock was seeing the “Main House” (pictured,below) in the state it was in. The surprise was that a lady living in what was the old “rec hall” knew me. She was the wife of a local realtor and they had been divorced. She got the place in a settlement since he was the purchaser of the property. The property has since changed hands and he, as I understand, took a big loss on it. Sad, since it was such a wonderful, beautiful, and memorable spot. It was of its time and of its place, I assumed. Looking at the Rec Hall (where this lady now lives—in nice and newly decorated setting) I realized what happened and how time---as they say---changes everything. In the 1940s we used it and respected it. In the 1960s the walls came alive with graffitti---yep—not The Sound of Music as in the 1940s. Finally, we lost a wonderful place of meaning and character building in the early 1970s.

Pictures of the very early days can still be found at the Otesaga Hotel. In the lower level.

As for me. It truly marked my life and influenced my every activity—including the things I may present or comment on doing a radio program today that has to do with music in a meaningful vein. Besides my late wife (who did not go to camp but fended for herself a lot) and that experience I know where to attribute those values and interests---and not to neglect an Aunt who started that ECSC ball rolling---among other things.

MAIN HOUSE IN THE 1980s

If you have any questions or comments you can, as always, cntact me at wfdutraditions@yahoo.com or comment here.
Submitted by:

Bill Hahn
Producer/Host
Traditions & Sunday Simcha
WFDU 89.1 FM Teaneck, NJ
http://billhahnprogramnotes.blogspot.com/

A Few Other Comments from The Main Page--

2009-06-27T19:16:00.009-04:00

Glad you came over---let us start with a few negatives and then, I promise you some positive comments.

My apologies for a picture of what, I consider, a freak of nature. But it is all in context.

Michael Jackson passed away along with quite a few other people this week. Ed McMahon, Farah Fawcett, and scores of people known and unknown (except to family and friends). Armed Forces personnel, fighting in a war that was foisted on the nation by subterfuge and misdirection (polite way of saying another word). We have, sadly, on the news (including NPR) all Michael Jackson all the time. The priorities seem to have eluded everyone but the race for ratings has not.

Let me sum up Michael Jackson briefly and in a way the media has not. Had they done that we could move on to the news that has affect to us all:

Michael Jackson was talented/ he was in debt/ he was strange/ he had an unhappy childhood (or a happy childhood--does it matter). There really is no more. I do, however, expect to run into him at the supermarket checkout along with Elvis as the dollars to the estate roll in.

On a serious note. It seems, from all reports, that his children are delightful little tykes and quite worldly. But, is that of any more import than of some sad single mother trying to raise her kids as best she can. Or single Dad, for that matter.

This week we also lost Farah Fawcett and Ed McMahon and the coverage was quite adequate and proper. Did I admire McMahon---hell, no. I never did get the Publisher's Sweepstakes win and, to me, he was a toady for Carson. Still, he had integrity and a following. Did I admire Farah Fawcett---oh hell, we have to have a picture--

Was she an icon? Not really. What she did have was integrity and a great talent which many times was wasted and, yet, she did use it for great things many times---think "Extremities" among others.

A person stopped a man on the subway when the person was texted ( I guess that is now a word) that Michael Jackson had died ( This was in the NY Times. I did not make this up. ) and asked if it was in the newspaper this person was reading. Of course not. This generation is now expecting instant news because of things like Twitter, Facebook, Internet etc; They cannot fathom that news is not always instant and some insight, depth, and fact checking is required. That is sad and it is also the leading to the difficulties that newspapers are having.

A final thought on that-----is it really easier and better to read something on line as opposed to a real piece of paper called---A Newspaper? Thought and diplomacy take time. Instant gratification does not and the results are self evident.

The logo of an icon that will hopefully outlast the latest technological advance. They are already "on-line" in keeping with it but we have to ask---will the reportage suffer because of the instant updates? Is it really more satisfying to read it on a screen in segments rather than an integrated and produced newspaper?

I did promise some positive comments and I will, as always, deliver. A few days ago I took the grandkids (aged 10 and 8) to see a most wonderful film which move me (as an adult) and was understood by the 10 year old and enjoyed by the 8 year old on a different level. That is the beauty of it---it appeals to adults, children 10 and up (in general) get it and others enjoy it as the entertainment it purports to be. The picture above captures the soaring spirit that represents the wonder of this film---UP.

To briefly encapsulate the film---it shows us loss, moving on, heroes that are not what they seem to be, and the film does it in such a way to interest the young (10 and over) and the older. Under 10 will surely enjoy the story and the most amazing---let us call it graphics. It is not your grandpa's Dumbo for sure. I could spell out details but best to see it for yourself---see how people find their marital partners, how the plans do not always work out, how long sought heroes are not what they seem to be, and finally how you come to peace with a life that is not what you expected. All done in a way to capture, as said, young and old, in the most wonderful technological way possible today---with some great voice actors.

Some Random Thoughts That Also Encompass The Various Radio Programs

2009-06-06T19:20:00.004-04:00

As you know the main page--Program Notes is dedicated to what is coming up on the various programs I have the privilege presenting. I don't share them --I present them and hope you enjoy the presentation. Don't you just love the performers who say that "...let me share this song with you" when, in actuality they are performing it?

I told you these were random thoughts that, hopefully, might be of interest.

To start with some items that I mentioned on SUNDAY SIMCHA. You will recall that I made mention that the program was about music and culture and not about political thoughts and commentary. I also stated that you might check this website for further comments---well, here we are.

This is a picture of Pres. Obama delivering a speech at the D-Day anniversary this day. A most moving speech from an orator---and I use the word correctly in his case---which is some thing or someone we have not had in a long time.

To get to the Sunday Simcha part now. His speech in Cairo was, to me, a brilliant piece of diplomacy and oratory.

So many of us have the feelings that all things are black and/or white (no pun intended). Speaking with an acquaintance about the speech--a Christian---this person's opinion was that he was "torpedoing" Israel. If you listened to the words you realize he was practicing a wonderful art of diplomacy and compromise. Exactly what this world needs. Israel has a right to exist---he agreed. Palestinians need a state--he agreed. I have to add here that we should not forget the war that followed the recognition of theState of Israel by the U N and the U S. It was horrendous and Israel survived the attacks from the various Arab nations. To the victor go the spoils and , yet, Israel was willing to cede territory. Compromise must come from all sides.

The United States is still in a commanding position and can lay out some ground rules. These ground rules should be considered by all parties. It is, surely, a position that neither the Hawks now in power in Israel want and, certainly, not anything the Palestinian side (which includes Hamas and the Arab world that denied them full membership in their brotherhood for years) will consider. Best they all should.

There are those who condemn our Pres. for his "plaintalking". They also condemned Harry S Truman for that. Even, perhaps, Dwight D Eisenhower. In the end the "plaintalking" resolved a lot of issues.

As I wrote in another venue---"...we are fortunate to have a leader now who thinks before he speaks and not speaks before he thinks".

As toPres. Obama and the anniversay in France. Not much one can say other than he can deliver a brilliant speech that can bring meaning to us all. We may well call WW2 the "Good War". No war is "good" Some are necessary. Sadly. That was one.So--something far afield from the programs and it has to do with the tragic events of the off-duty NYC policeman killed in a "friendly fire" incident. Incident. What a silly word. Tragedy---"friendly fire tragedy" is a better phrase.

Not prejudging I have to say that I do believe that there are those who are taking this out of all proportion. I do feel it was not racial---it was, as said, just tragic. Think of this---you are a policeman and you see a person with a gun chasing another person and you tell him to halt. He does and, probably, turns around to say he is also a "cop"---BUT he has his gun out. Nanosecond. Cannot say more than that. I am sure that officer will live with that thought all his life.

So, to some happy news. A wonderful gala for Theodore Bikel is planned for Carnegie Hall on June 15 to commemorate his 85th Birthday---which was on May 2. Alan Alda, Peter, Paul, and No Mary, Tom Paxton, and the famous many others. I am delighted to be able to be in attendance with my escort---my charming daughter who made sure I was properly outfitted for the occasion.

Any suggestions for a dining place for us is appreciated.

BERMUDA and A FEW THOUGHTS

2009-05-30T19:30:00.010-04:00

Bermuda is a wonderful tourist destination with no small amount of thanks due to The Talbot Brothers. It is also a beautiful bit of land out in the Atlantic Ocean that, being a part of the British Commonwealth (Empire) has an interesting and most colorful history. In Bermuda the spelling would be "colourful"). Frankly, I like that. That history encompasses the trial and tribulations faced in this country as well---segregation for one. Restrictions for Jews as tourists and land condemnation to create communities for the ultra-wealthy for another. Yes, Michael Bloomberg has a place there. So do many other people you may or not may have expected.

As you are, hopefully, aware that I am featuring on my program (TRADITIONS) the music of The Talbot Brothers and doing an interview with Clement Talbot to talk about their wonderful contribution to Bermuda and its tourism as well as their impact on Calypso. TRADITIONS is not the place for a discussion of the history of Bermuda and its evolvement---which has been as substantial as ours. Should you want to hear more of Bermuda and its history and evolvement please do contact me on this site and I will be happy to post an essay here and you can respond and we can have a discussion on that topic.

I would add, at this point, that segregation was rampant in Bermuda until about the 1960s (as far as Blacks--African Americans--Negroes---whatever is now PC) but Jews were banned from certain hotels with, I believe, only Castle Harbour (possibly Coral Island Club) being open to Jewish guests. That ended in the later 1960s to my understanding.

Bermuda is a beautiful place so let us end with a nice picture ------and if it was in the 1950s it might have been on Pan American Airways; (there is a whole story there---and it relates to The Talbot Brothers

We cannot, of course, leave without a picture of the beautiful isle.

Let me know if you want more discourse on this:

HARMONICA VIRTUOSO

2009-05-19T19:18:00.005-04:00

As many of you are aware I have played on the various programs people proficient in the harmonica. Great artists who play it---mostly in folk and in blues. Those of you of a certain age will remember this person and those of you of a more tender age will find this interesting and unique. The harmonica as a solo classical instrument and played (I still do not know how) by a true virtuoso.

View this video and then afterwards read a bit about LARRY ADLER

Now that you have viewed the brilliant performance of Larry Adler let me inform you of a few things about him---and his classical and pop music as opposed to what I have usually featured on the various programs (mostly Blues and Folk) since the Harmonica, as Larry Adler proved, is more than that.

Mr. Adler was born in 1914 and died in 2001 after a rich and fulfilling career doing what others did not do---play classical harmonica. Not Blues, not Folk, and not what many Vaudevilians did. His work encompassed the works of Ralph Vaugh Williams, Arthur Benjamin, and many more who composed works for his harmonica. He also interpreted works by Debussy, Gershwin and many others.

That was just a brief bio of the man who, like so many blacklisted people, was forced to leave the United States in those terrible years and settled for the rest of his life in Great Britain.

To hear Larry Adler play a harmonica is on a par with watching Perleman play the violin---and they have performed together doing just that. Adler on harmonica and Perleman on violin. The violin sounds like a human voice in his hands and the harmonica does the same in Adler's hands

An Amazing Bit of Showmanship

2009-04-15T19:24:00.003-04:00

This is something that seems to be going around the internet and perhaps you have already seen it. If not be prepared to be amazed. But, before being amazed a few thoughts since this is not the page of "folk" items and programs and schedules.

The internet has, as we all realize by now, shrunk the globe and created an electronic neighborhood. Granted, some nations block items, and yet, we have become a global community. There pros and cons to that but the thing you will view is a true "pro". Having said that I have to add a personal opinion of TV programming. The Reality shows---be they Survivor (Mad TV did a great spoof on that---CBS--The Caucasian Broadcasting System), Biggest Loser, or any of the Idol shows---seem, to me, truly an annoyance to present programming on the cheap with no sense of intellect. Think back to the days of drama--Playhouse 90, Philco Playhouse, Play of The Week (WNET), etc;

OK--venting is over and now please do view this because it is a true surprise which you may have seen already. The lady is 47 years old and she is appearing on the British version of Idol. She truly represents the old cliche--homily--whatever you will of "..never judge a book by its cover". Stick with it after the opening and you will be as amazed as I and the rest of that audience---and, frankly, the annoying hosts of the show---who one has to wonder what made them or any other hosts (American side) experts on anything:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxPZh4AnWyk

For technical reasons this site cannot give you the view but you can view it by clicking the link above. I urge you to do that---perfectly safe and learn that beauty is only in the eye of the beholder and that talent rests within places you might have dismissed. As did the judges and audience at the start,.

A Little Bit Of World Music---if you will

2009-04-01T19:07:00.005-04:00

It has been sometime since this page has been updated and, frankly, it is nice to be able to present something that shows that---as the cliche goes--we are a small world after all. Forget Walt Disney and his company's cliches (he had nothing to do with them--his heirs have other issues).

I have long heard that the Japanese just love Bluegrass and other genres of American music. It makes me feel that my mind is not open enough since I just cannot abide---honesty here---the atonal sounds of the Japanese and Chinese music. Given that I am surprised at their embracing the Western type of music. Be it Bluegrass, Pop, or anything else. Be that as it may they have embraced it and what follows is a wonderful group doing a terrific version of Cottonfields. While Cottonfields is not what you can say is a "traditional" folk song so many people have adopted and adapted this Hudie Ledbetter song that I am happy to see our friends in the Far East (why is it far as opposed to middle ---which is the near. Perhaps the cost of the airline tickets) adopt and adapt:

The name of the group---Wildwood Flower. My own opinion is that their rendition is just great. It reminds me of a time when I realized how much the Japanese like Bluegrass. At a Hurdy Gurdy concert a number of Japanese folks were out in the parking lot playing Bluegrass in the parking lot. Awfully good---isn't English a strange language---awfully good---seems like antonyms. Sort of like the boys in the "hood" saying "you is bad" meaning "good".

I digress. No doctor has cured me of it yet.

Since this page was not intended for the radio or folk portions of the blog but, rather, for other thoughts let me add a few.

A bit of nostalgia here now. Recently I heard a commentator bemoaning the demise of newspapers and realized we were in the same generation and I bemoan it as well. Here is a bit of nostalgia--see how many of you recall these items and let us, at the same time, hope the NY Times does not go the way of so many others (Andrew Revkin has already spoken of the compromises they are making):

1) The NY Post before Murdoch's purchase with great writers--Max Lerner, Frank Kingdon, Jerry Wechsler---more--including Earl Wilson

2) The columnists---Jimmy Cannon--"...nobody asked me but.." as part of his sports colum

3) The New York Daily Mirror---featuring Ring Lardner Jr. among others--I won't mention Winchell. Heaven forbid---the former tap dancer cum gossip columnists that, sadly, was listened to by the near world in the war years and died with about 1 person attending his funeral. His offspring.

4) The New York Herald Tribune

5) The Journal American

6) And for local news let us not forget---The Brooklyn Eagle, The Bronx Home News, and I am sure there were others.

7) The Daily News--it is still here but no longer what was once referred to as "NY's Picture Newspaper". In fact, compared to the NY Post of today it seems like a truly literate publication. Perhaps you recall the days of Steve Allen's brilliant spoofs of their "letters to the editor". Right on the mark. Illiterate anger personified.

8) PM. Anyone recall that short lived and intellectual attempt at a newspaper. They had some great writers---including I F Stone.

Feel free to leave a comment on any topic---pro or con. Civility is always expected and, hopefully, received.

A Few Random Thoughts

2009-03-21T19:36:00.004-04:00

Below you will find an e mail I sent to my daughter with a pasted note from an artist that was posted on an internet "folk" site. I think he hits the nail on the proverbial head. Think of how the technology has changed---78 singles to LP to CDs and now CDs are being phased out in favor of MP3 (or some such format--Ipod) which brings us full circle to singles with not continuum as envisioned by an artists and,hopefully, appreciated by the listener.

What follows is a paste from an artist making a CD---remember that LPs and CDs had an album feel to them---even 78s in a book jacket format--granted too large. Ipods are back to 78 singles with no theme---see below what a truly talented artist feels about it---CDs will be gone in a few years and then there is nothing but downloads----sad.

On this new album, two fine fully-formed songs were dropped from the =project. One because it didn't fit thematically, and one because it =didn't fit esthetically. I have always had in my mind that an album is =like a book with chapters, and there should be a flow. A beginning, =middle and end. Yes, each song stands on its own, but it also fits with =its neighbors

So will this new album I'm making (not finished yet, and probably =withheld until a late Summer or early Fall release) be my last one? I =have to think that is a very real possibility. =20So I'll try to make it a good one.
Joel Mabus is the artist and author.

Technology seems to be overwhelming and helping only the people who think in short bursts and get dollars for their great improvements.

Thoughts from

DOD

The DOD is Dear Old Dad---and, frankly, DOD wonders at which point progress becomes regressive. Think of this---TV came along but did not replace radio. Now the Government will be replacing Analog TV with Digital--effectively voiding Television for non-cable/satellite subscribers with analog sets. That is not adding that is subtracting---from the least wealthy (i.e. poorest) of our society.

For a more cheerful outlook check the playlist page---always fun.

A Few Comments and Videos

2009-03-12T17:16:00.002-04:00

You will notice the videos have changed and both of the new ones here serve a purpose. Les Paul and Mary Ford, those two brilliant innovative musicians have been played a number of times on TRADITIONS where I have started a new feature that seems to be well received as the comments, calls, and notes have shown. The feature is a bit of a nostalgia trip back to the music of the 1950s and 1960s--and earlier-- as a tip of the imaginary hat to an old show that was on in those days on WPAT and hosted by Dave Miller---with the slogan "The Thrills of The Hills, The Best of The West, and The Tops in Pops".

Fear not--the guests and the new and also thematic material is still being played in abundance.

Now for a few non-musical thoughts. The news that Bernard Madoff pleaded guilty and was sent directly to jail--did not even get $200 since he did not pass GO and is just gone---certainly is a proper outcome. One thing I wonder about----who was the biggest winner here besides Bernie (up to this point and he is a loser)? Think about it for a moment.

The IRS collected taxes all these years on money that never existed except in the mind of the "investors" and also the mind of Bernie. Taxes were paid on statements sent to the IRS and the "investors". It seems like the IRS aka U S Govt. came out on top unless they decide to refund those tax collections.

As for the "investors" and I used quotation marks for a reason. Bernie was greedy but his clients were pretty much the same. Think about it. Markets fluctuate and his did not and the people just kept pouring money in the hopes of getting really rich. Then the market collapsed and the game was over.

There is plenty of sympathy to go around. Mostly for people who have been laid off, lost their medical insurance, pensions, and, I suppose, for a few of Bernie's investors who did not just put money in to take out quickly but hoped for some sort of secure pension with their investment.

Most surprising of all that knowledgeable people who run legitimate funds and pensions went along with this scheme. In that group I include the municipalities, the philanthropic foundations--regardless of religious beliefs.

Mike Burstyn, when I interviewed him for SUNDAY SIMCHA made a good comparison between Meyer Lansky (the part he plays in his one man show--LANSKY) and Bernie. Lansky, he stated, was a criminal but with a conscience with regard to Israel and fellow Jews. Bernie cared about no one and scammed his own co-religionists among others.

IT HAS BEEN A WHILE

2009-02-24T18:56:00.003-05:00

It has been a while for this page---which is probably why I called it the "Almost Daily Rooster"---I assume, of course you know what Hahn means in German and what a Rooster is a symbol of.

Now, if you are not a fan of Gilbert and Sullivan this will be a real turn off. If you are an aficionado---as I am--you will love this. It is, obviously, an import from that new modern marvel YouTube. A few comments after you view this piece:

Truly a wonderful production by the D'Oyly Carte Company back in 1990 and broadcast over BBC2. The piece is, of course, "I've Got A Little List" from The Mikado. Some things have been updated and some eliminated; which brings me to some commentary of G & S musicals. I just do not care for the updating and trying to make them fit today's times. G&S did not live in them just as Verdi and Puccini did not. That said, I hasten to add that in this particular piece it was proper to eliminate the racist lines that were there. One has to admit, however, that we play American Folk Music with such lines included---though always making mention of the times to put the pieces in perspective.

If you want to discuss G&S and have more here just let me know---as the Major General said in The Pirates of Penzance---"...I can quote the battles from Marathon To Waterloo in order categorical...". I can talk to you about G&S forever---something neither of us want, surely. It has to be added that to this day I have not found a lyricist who can rhyme obscure words and be topical as W S Gilbert.

Go to the playlist page and sign up if you will a follower of the blog---but you have to subscribe to Google---that may well prove to be a pain the lower section of your body.

INAUGURAL NOTES

2009-01-20T19:49:00.008-05:00

OK--you skipped over here and I welcome you.

Imagine the planning and coordination that had to go into this event and also that it went almost according to the clock. Amazing.

One has to wonder how the people braved the bitter cold as well as the VIP attendees. Mrs. Obama in a coatless outfit. Again--amazing.

Getting to the substance, which is more important, I was truly impressed by the Inaugural Address. It made some great points that one hopes will be carried out. It was also a delight to hear Pres. Obama talk of the inclusion of Christians, Muslims, Jews, and Non-Believers as opposed to the comments of Rick Warren in his ill-advised invocation.

If we are to separate Church from State then, certainly, Rev. Warren's comments were out of line. Jesus is not what this country needs---nor the world.

Rev. Lowry was a more captivating orator when he delivered the final benediction in rhyme---best to get the full impact on a re-play on TV or YouTube. Pres. Obama made his speech inclusive whereas Rev. Warren made the important point of non-inclusion. I, perhaps, missed something but I did not see a Rabbi or a Muslim Minister ( if that is the term) included in any of the functions. Yet I have to feel that Pres. Obama--nice to say that--is truly a hope for this nation's future.

Now a few thoughts on the ceremony:

1)A wonderful thing to see the peaceful transition of leadership as it was to see all the living former Presidents and VPs in the stands.

I got, however, the distinct impression that Jimmy Carter is not particularly liked by any of the exes as evidenced in the picture by the press at the meeting in the Oval Office and also by his cold reception while walking the hall to the entrance for the ceremony. Pres. Clinton and Bush (the elder) were in close conversation, W was nowhere in sight(a good thing, probably). My own opinion---he was an idealistic president and not a forceful one but showed his idealism and internationalism in his post-presidential years. He is straightforward and straight talking and in his books states what he believes right. This does not sit well with many---especially regarding the Middle East.

2) Aretha Franklin. Surely I am in the minority but I found her rendition of the song unbearable.

3) The poet delivering her poem---radio interviews with teachers and children who were tuned in---a moment of true boredom and incomprehension.

The bottom line is that this has to be the most memorable ceremony since FDR of JFK---and what a delight to hear a speaker who could speak whole sentences. I add that it is a wonder that there was such camaraderie between the outgoing and incoming presidents given that the speech was a pure and rightful critique of the past administration.

Will things change? We all hope so. Yet, interviews with Senate leaders have already talked about the importance of the lobbyists and their place in the scheme of things. Really? That, I thought, was about to end. Let us hope it does.

An Explanation About Posting Updates

2008-12-18T18:35:00.003-05:00

You will note that nothing has been added since September---save for a some new videos recently. Medical problems have precluded spending time on the site. That, happily, is now behind and new items to bore you will be up shortly.

The Playlists and Program Notes will also be getting updates.

A few comments on this site now:

The election is over and one has to wonder how much change is really going to happen. I applauded the alleged "changes coming". Seems some of the appointments are debts being paid and today the announcement of the clergyman who will give the invocation. Another bow to the "Conservatives"? Gee---don't Rabbis or Mullahs count? Perhaps a non-denominational person would have been real "change" for a rite of no importance to a country that claims to separate church and state.

Have you ever wondered why witnesses at trials swear on the bible? What if they are atheists or agnostics---does it still count?

The Palins---Sarah or Michael.

2008-09-11T19:50:00.008-04:00

I am guessing that many saw the interview--or parts of Sarah--with Charles Gibson. More will follow, apparently, on Nightline. While I can see many edits in the one on World News Tonight I do have to say that one word about the dear lady comes to mind---SCARY. Almost makes John McCain seems as if he won't chase those kids off the lawn. She will. Sarah, on the other hand, is such an open person. Did you know that there were so many African-Americans (OK--Black people) in Alaska? Sarah embraces them.

Good for her! The picture is from her own web-site and from photos of the Governor's annual picnic. You go Girl Go.
Sarah is in the middle with the apron---I know---she looks like one of the crowd.

Back to the ABC interview---the balance will be aired on Nightline on 9/11. The brief excerpts shown on the Nightly News showed her to be truly inappropriate--to say the least--as a choice for VP. After all VP means stepping into the Presidency if needed. Period.

When questioned about her foreign policy experience she said she had visited---in her entire lifetime--just 3 places. When asked if she had ever met any foreign leaders she said she had not but she surely could meet that challenge when it came to it ( and that many VPs had not). What were her views of the Bush Doctrines her reply was to ask what they were.

Her comments on her speech in a church about this being ""god's war" was truly answered by doubletalk.

You know it may well be that Mr. McCain thought this would be a counter to the Dems not having Hillary on the ballot. How wrong can one be. It is not about gender as it is not about race. It is about qualifications for office. The VP job is (Cheney excluded---a usurper, if you will) to become president. See the film "Advise and Consent"(better read the book) or think Harry Truman.

As to Hillary. The speeches and the experience should show you the difference of the two. I guess, briefly, one has to say that old cliche about John McCain---What Was He Thinking.

A few other points--Do not involve the family--OK So why parade them on-stage?

Do not involve the family--OK So why bring up your son going to Iraq?
Do not involve the family--OK So why show your future son-in-law
(best to see his My Space entry)
The bottom line to all this is---Sarah Palin's experience makes her a great speaker (aka BS artist--a political positive), and a person who knows nothing of foreign policy, economics, etc; Her reply to being close to Russia says it all. They are our neighbors---have you met a foreign leader---NO.

PERIOD

A Video We Should All See---Political Insight

2008-09-09T19:25:00.007-04:00

Below you will see some commentary on Sarah Palin. If you have not seen the possible groundswell for Michael Palin (the better choice) you should view this.

I would have put this on the left side but that would have meant ousting David Buskin and being accused of doing everything for the left. Anyway, there was much extraneous material had it not been done this way---=welcome the newest VP candidate---and the most qualified (after Joe Biden)

As you can see---foreign policy experience, executive experience, and diplomacy.

One has to also realize that he panders to no one. John McCain pandered in the most obvious and horrendous way by not choosing his choice for VP so as to satisfy the "right wing" and Evangelical base of the party.I for one, am no fan of Joe Lieberman. That said, he is more attuned to Mr. McCain than Michael Palin's namesake except for one thing---her appeal to ---let us be frank here "rednecks" and I don't know what they are called in Alaska.

Best we have Michael Palin on the ticket and leave Sarah to deal with her future son-in--law in his brand new suit and shave, her daughter, and her macho hubby of some sort of sporting fame.

WHICH PALIN IS MORE SUITED---MICHAEL OR SARAH

2008-09-02T19:54:00.005-04:00

What can one say? Think of this. Michael Palin was a crony of John Cleese who was, after all, the head of The Department of Silly Walks. Truly in touch with a commanding presence.

Sarah Palin looks here like she is signing her contract to be the star of 30 Rock. Oops that is someone else.

Could she be getting ready for an appearance on Saturday Night Live. Nope--someone else again.

So--to get serious. Hopefully she will be debating Joe Biden at some point. May I offer a line for him--which is probably not original--"..you, madam, are no Hillary Clinton".

Let us not kid ourselves this was a grandstand play for the female vote. Any intelligent person will have to realize that whatever the Vice Presidency is or is not (since she was not sure) it is, basically, a replacement for dead president. Period. Sure, Dick (aptly named) Cheney has made it more than it was intended to be. It is a replacement for a lost leader and also the tie-breaker in the Senate.

Picture this sad event if you will. The President (no kid if he is elected) passes on to that great place where all leaders are welcomed (name unspecified) and this kindly lady now is Commander in Chief, Leader of The Free World, loving mother of many, and now negotiating with N. Korea, Russia, Iran, etc; Enough said there.

Perhaps she might call on the Iron Lady of Britain for advice. It is too late to consult with the other women of strength and experience---Indira Ghandi, Golda Meir, Bhutto, and let us never forget Eleanor Roosevelt and one who is still with us--Hillary Rodham Clinton.

People now are saying that her children should be kept out of this. Oh, how pure and sincere. Think of this. She is pro-life. Her daughter is pregnant (17 yrs old) and she will marry Mr. Dreamboat.

My bet is that an abortion for her loose morals would have been a nightmare for dear old Mom and dear--and he is Old==John McCain.

When and if the divorce happens we will know how great this love is or was.

Putin is on the Red Phone--put him on hold my daughter has a problem and my youngest is teething. Can you not picture it?

As to John McCain. I am not great fan of Joe Lieberman but one has to say that his not choosing him (his first choice) was pandering of the first degree to the ultra-right evangelical wing. The world has problems greater than abortion rights.

So as the bible or some other tome state---you reap what you shall sow. You got Sarah. Bully!! You got problems.

OH---Michael Palin and John Cleese---what think you as choices as good or better than dear Sarah?

Michael Palin with a friend he would bring into the VP's quarters. A lot less then the brood ---and out of wedlock grandkids--that Sarah would bring.

Always recall his close connection with an importand department of state---Silly Walks. What more can one ask

SLIPPED SLIDED ALL THE WAY OVER HERE--GOOD

2008-08-06T19:06:00.004-04:00

Surely nice to have you skim over to this page. No sense diluting a page of Folk Items and also Program Updates with other material.

Let me start by thanking a correspondent (in the nicest sense of the word) for contacting me about the demise of Erik Darling. She was quite involved with his final care-giver and they were all musicians. Her concern was that The New York Times--oh that admirable gray lady---did not publish an obit. I have contact someone I know there and hopefully the sad deed will be done.

On a lighter note I have to say that since I have always been self-employed and never delegated things perhaps I will have to write my own eulogy and obit. Oh well, it will be brief. Who was it--Julius Caeser---"I came I saw I conquered?" I guess will go with "I came I saw I got lost". The end!. As for the "came" part--OH to be Jon Stewart and not be afraid of double entendres.

Since the idea was that these were the "other" items from the program notes page I want to add just a few non-musical comments---nothing serious but still, hopefully intersting.

Last week TCM aired the classic The Great Dictator. I have not seen it in over 30 years now. It was made in 1940 and Charlie Chaplin (aided by a brillian cast---including Jack Oakie, Paullette Goddard, and more) and was a wonderful satirical put-down of Hitler and his minions. Brilliantly done--by today's standards of special effects I am sure many will say the fake backgrounds and such leave a lot to be desired. It was, after all, 1940 and the content overides the effects.

The best thing about viewing this classic was that, besides the brilliance and the foresight this artist (Chaplin) had, how he was the inspiration for so many after him. Watch Sid Caeser (as the doorman), The Marx Bros., Dick Van Dyke, and more. You can trace the roots or their humor there.

Chaplin's humor probably evolved from someone before him. Who that might be I know not.

You have, this film, his take on Hitler, Mussoloni, and also a reprise as the Jewish character---his Tramp.

A silent film star who transcended that and in this film has a most stirring speech at the end about "brotherhood" if you will.

Lastly, politics.

I cannot recall an election that has continued this long. I cannot recall a time when there was so much time and space alloted to it---the news cycles are, truly, overdoing things. One has to believe it is because of the saturation of the markets with all the channels available on TV. Sadly, most people do not listen to radio for intelligent insight (by that I mean the NPR outlets---not the blather of the AM A****holes).

The last campaign that seemed totally interesting--as I discussed with Roy Zimmerman on TRADITIONS was the Truman/Dewey Campaign. I believe Truman won---=not according to the Chicago Papers (I believe it was Chicago)

You have to credit this President, as probably the last one, to be one who was the "common man". The "man of the people.

Fpor example:

Upon leaving office and being offered positions in large corporations his comment was that they were trying to hire a President and the office is not for sale.p>How about his comment to Gen. MacArthur---you can keep Harry Truman waiting but not The President---he fired him (there is more to that, of course).

Without going into too much history here you might want to check historical facts about this simple man who achieved greatness---who, many say did the wrong thing with the A-Bomb (I disagree--too long to discuss here--Nagasaki--perhaps), who lived his life simply after the Presidency was thrust on him (amazingly with his Mother in Law in residence--who still did not like her son-in law).

On a much lighter note---I hope you check out the videos on all the pages.

Some New Videos to Enjoy

2008-07-18T17:57:00.003-04:00

As I said last week on TRADITIONS for too long we have neglected Steel Drum and the classic Calypso. Lets change that now. A new video is on your left---The Mighty Sparrow, who has been dubbed the greatest Calypso artist. It is debatable since there are and were so many great ones---Lord Invader, Lord Kitchener, Talbot Bros., Erskine Zuill, Hubert Smith, Lord Pretender, to name just a few. Mighty Sparrow is surely up there with all those.

As you probably know, much Calypso is poliltical and topical in content. Hubert Smith spoofed the Bermuda retailers taking advantage of U S sailors; Lord Invader talked of his love for Belgium, segregation in Arkansas, taking responsibility for fatherhood, and much more. Here you will see different sides of Might Sparrow---including topical material in this presidential campaign year.

If you have any Calypso artists you admire and would like to hear on TRADITIONS just leave a comment here or e mail me at wfdutraditions@yahoo.com . If I can locate the music it will be aired.

MIGHTY SPARROW

A LOOK BACK AND AN APPRECIATION OF THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE

2008-07-07T19:47:00.003-04:00

That sounds so pompous---"An Appreciation of the English Language". But, frankly, think of it and think of how it is used today by so many of the people on radio and television. Sound bites ( or is it bytes), screaming, obscenity, mono-syllabic words (bet they don't know what that means) and then you had prior to all this one person---and only one---who painted word pictures in the most beautiful tones so that a picture was not needed. Edward R. Murrow.

In September of 1962 WNET (Channel 13) had its inaugural broadcast. It was introduced by Edward R. Murrow. For pure perfect prose please do watch this video.. More about Channel 13 after that.

So===is that not the most profound use of the English language. Sadly, today's presenters on radio and TV (myself included) are a far cry from that pillar of linguistic and insightful verbiage. His descriptions of the liberation of Dachau, his description of the London Blitz, his bringing down the malevolent Joe McCarthy are just a few of the great moments that also imbued the talent of that group known as Murrow's Boys---Eric Sevareid, William Shirer, Larry LeSaur, Charles Collingwood, and more. Mainstays of radio and TV for generations---now gone. As is the language and the insights of that generation of broadcast journalism.

Now we have Fox News, CNN, and tabloid on air journalism. But there was a time!

To get back to WNET. This is still the bastion of civility and objective news. It is still the island of culture in what, years ago, was called, by the head of the FCC, "A Wasteland".

To reminisce about the early days of WNET that Murrow introduced---Play of the Week, Opera, lectures, and today, to some extent that still exists (not the play of the week---but there is Masterpiece Theater). Commercials---yes, they do have them now. They are called "...This program is supported by....". If funding were greater from the government perhaps that could be eliminated. If fund raising were not necessary so frequently perhaps that could be eliminated. Yet, when all is said and done, Edward R. Murrow was prescient in his introduction---this is still an oasis in vast wasteland.

If you find any of these insights and reminiscences interesting perhaps you might pass them on to friends who might share them as well. The assumption is you have friends and that they share your interests. Not something that is readily prevalent anymore.

SLIPPED SLIDED ALL THE WAY OVER HERE--GOOD

2008-07-02T19:33:00.003-04:00

Part of the promise was to make mention that one should separate talent from politics. Way back--wow--who knew that would be me saying that like ole gramps--in the days of the misguided war in Viet Nam we had criticism of Jane Fonda (among others). Thinking about that made me do a little hunting into the background of some folks who's music I have long admired and it does not diminish my feeling about it.

Specifically---Hank Snow. I was--still am---an admirer of his great talent. A talent which had brought him fame and fortune. In fact why not listen to his signature song now---which talks of his travels through this world. Then after you view it ask yourself---why would someone who, albeit a Canadian, support the candidacy of Geo. Wallace. Also, appear in his campaign.

But that is all old history now. My point is we have to separate the talent from the politics---in general. A few examples:

I am not a fan of westerns or "B"movies. Chuck Norris is a star there and has a talent for it. His politics are anathema to me but he should never be avoided by fans of his "talent".

Film or theatrical personalities that are politically active on the left or the right should not be avoided because of their beliefs. Talent should be separated from political views----YET--one does have to question the validity of comments and pontifications by these folks. What are the credentials? Surely, acting cannot be one of them.

Think about this --were it not for the hype heaped upon these people---Hank Snow included---would their political thought hold any more weight than yours or mine? Doubtful. It makes one realize that, sadly, politics has become peddled like soap on TV and radio. Issues take second place to the amount of money in a campaign. Sort of like a foregone conclusion as to a victor by the bankroll. Whatever happened to the promulgation of arguments, legitimate debates (ala Lincoln/Douglas), stump campaigning like HST and FDR and, yes, for Wallace---Henry that is.

On a lighter note---Hank Snow---just enjoy his music and I add that he did some wonderful work in setting up a foundation for victims of child abuse---which he suffered.

THOUGHTS ON TRUTH WITH MUSIC

2008-05-17T18:47:00.004-04:00

As Jon Stewart says of the Pres. (on the Daily Show) "...still Pres. Bush". Not for much longer will the reign of our own Dauphin continue (see Henry V) but end in a different way. Many people will be left saddened---not by his departure. Rather by the loss of loved ones through mis-information (a polite term), by an economy rapidly going down a sink-hole, by the word diplomacy tha went unheeded by the administration and only was resurrected by "statesmen" like Jimmy Carter.

Better to hear this in a musical way from some folks who, for years, have opened eyes that many folks did not want opened:

A Historical, Musical, and Meaningful Musical Treat

2008-05-09T19:05:00.006-04:00

If you have been to the main page---which you can click onto on the left side---you will note that I have, at some length, described to you the amazing and unforgettable musical SHLOMO.

Part of that musical encompasses the intersting and, surely, unusual connection that Shlomo Carlebach had with Nina Simone. The wonderful actor--Thursday Farrar (appeared in Aida amongst other things) truly captures Nina Simone. So--a brief look at Nina Simone and if you get the opportunity to see Ms Farrar in this production you will see the re-incarnation of this artist.

As to Shlomo Carlebach. As noted on the Program Notes page and also inthe musical his connection with Nina Simone, Pete Seeger, Bob Dylan, and more was unusual and yet so very understandable when one views his outlook on life and society.

What you see is only a small portion of the spirit this man created amongst the multitudes.

Between his charisma and that of Nina Simone you have the nucleus of a great musical and a great way of living life by learning some of their precepts.

A VERY SHORT SUGGESTION

2008-04-27T19:09:00.002-04:00

May 1 is the annual commemoration of Yom Hashoah. Some of you know that I commemorated it on Sunday Simcha this past Sunday with music and a touching piece by Edward R Murrow.

Those of a certain age will remember him and those of younger years will not realize how captured a word picture that, perhaps, a real image on TV cannot. I urge you to click on to the PLAYLIST Page of the Blog where you will find a few videos of Mr. Murrow and also the "Buchenwald" broadcast in its entirety.

Many commemorations will be taking place on May 1. Check local news sources for the places. In this area I know that the JCC of The Palisades is holding a wonderful commemoration with speakers who survived the Holocaust and also will have a candle lighting ceremony during the event.

Let us close this memo with---NEVER AGAIN--and that goes for all people--with particular thoughts on the sad plight of certain African nations and also, as always, the Middle East.

BRIEFLY NOTED

2008-04-15T17:42:00.002-04:00

A very brief note to urge you to check the videos on this page and also to click overe to the main page (Program Notes) where there some commentary and thanks for a terrific program that was put on by MODERN MAN this past Sunday in Orangeburg NY

TIME OUT FOR POLITICAL PUNDITRY & THE NEW VIDEOS COMING

2008-03-12T17:14:00.003-04:00

Just a few really brief thoughts touching on some very pertinent political issues--first:

Vladimir Putin and the Russian elections. They are now over and so successful were they for Putin that he went out for dinner at a posh hotel that evening. The waiter asked him what he would be ordering for dinner---

VP: STEAK
WAITER: And the vegetable?
VP: HE WILL HAVE THE SAME
=====================================================
Moving back to this side of the Atlantic one has to admire now EX-Governor Spitzer for his patriotism. He could well have outsourced his purchases of prostitutes to DC but, forever loyal to the local economy in his home state, he made sure that his hookers came from there.
======================================================

On a serious note after having heard is resignation speech. Talk about lifting lines without accreditation (that others seem to have complained about in the Dem. Pres. campaign) the now EX-Governor used the line about much being given a person and, therefore, much is expected. Sounds quite familiar.

Perhaps higher fees for hookers.

Lefty Frizzell's thoughts in the new video (She's Gone Gone Gone) might be applicable to Arrogant Elliot's ---sorry, Client 9's (now a punch line) situation.
=======================================================
If you came here from the PROGRAM NOTES PAGE you will know that the videos on this page will be a trip down memory lane and recall the slogan of one Dave Miller of WPAT many moons ago--The Best In The West, The Tops in Pops and The Thrills of the Hills.

Hank Snow is still there--now joined by Lefty Frizzell. Stay tuned for the changes.

A Step Back Into Musical History--C/W

2008-03-05T16:58:00.004-05:00

On Feb.24, while doing the TRADITIONS program on WFDU I dedicated set of music to one of the mainstays at the station---Paul Bain. It occurred to me at that point that it also gave me a chance to step back in time to some of the music I grew up with---and the radio programs.

Coincidentally this week is the birthday of Bob Wills of the famous Texas Playboys. In keeping with that this was a good time to merge the old and the new technology---so a few clips of Bob Wills on this page for a while. Also--more music I grew up with. RR songs as done by Hank Snow.

If you want to see what was played on that date--Feb.24 just click on the Playlist Page after going to the Program Notes Page.

Since this is now a bit of nostalgia let me reminisce for a moment. Requests for songs were honored if you sent in a post card with the request and then a reply was mailed to you giving the time it would be on. A simpler time--yet--on WFDU you still have that option. You also have the option of calling for a request and speaking with the "on-air" person. An unheard of thing in this metro area.

How about a little trivia quiz----the first 3 correct answers to either question will rcve a randomly selected CD. Just e-mail your response to: wfdutraditions@yahoo.com

Question #1: In the NY NJ Metro area the radio station WPAT had a host--Dave Miller who played this kind of music among other things (that's a hint). WHAT WAS HIS SLOGAN?

Question #2: In the NY NJ Metro area the radio station WAAT had a host--Don Larkin (recently deceased--I believe). WHAT WAS HIS SLOGAN?

The answer to either is acceptable. The first 3 responses get the CDs. Make sure you give a mailing address so you can rcve. the CDs. Your address will be not be used for anything other than sending the winners the CDs and will be deleted after the CDs are sent out.

UTAH PHILLIPS

2008-02-09T17:15:00.000-05:00

Hoping that you all have gotten some valuable tennis lessons from the previous videos on the page and a promise no football passing and receiving lessons will be offered here. Hell, don't even know the rules of Football---and care less.

In the past few days many newsgroups and e mails have mentioned of the dire straits that U. Utah Phillips is in with his heart problems. He was on a list for a heart transplant but now---to his great credit and humanity---has turned down any such offer. The reason he gives is that given his age and condition it would seem that there would be others with a better chance of longevity. He speaks of this in a most moving video. http://www.utahphillips.org/podcast/index.html

Utah Phillips is a brilliant story teller, humanitarian, singer, and also creator of some great historical songs. He rode the "rods", is a proud "hobo", and was a close friend of Kate Wolf (for whom he substituted many times when she became ill). In addition he was a great fan of some musicians who's music I grew up with--T. Texas Tyler --among others.

His song--Daddy What's A Train is a moving piece. The Goodnight Loving Trail a great historical song---nothing to do with time of day or love affairs. That just singles out two of the myriad brilliant pieces he has composed in addition to all the great stories, causes espoused, and staying current all the time.

May his life continue for many more moons.

A sample of some of his work is now on this page and hopefully you will appreciate either visiting or discovering this very humanistic human

Some Comments on Tennis and Video Changes

2008-01-29T17:20:00.000-05:00

Now that you have slid over here from the Program Notes page--welcome. Being a real tennis aficionado I just had to make a few comments now that the Australian open is over.

Tennis has come one hell of a long way in the past 30 or so years when it comes to money, notoriety, and fame for the players. The money is almost comparable to the totally incomprehensible amounts paid to ball players of all the games that have ball in the title. To put a positive light on this one has to mention that some players use this wealth -------whether from winnings,endorsements,appearances for worthy causes. They are the class acts.

Which is why I put this picture here---not of Roger Federer in a great tennis pose but rather with the people he helps through his foundation. As said--a class act.

Which brings me to a few thoughts about the Australian Open. Federer lost that one. The first loss in a long run of victories and gracious wins along with graciousness in this loss. You don't get that from all the players now or in other eras of tennis.

It seems that champions and nationalities go in cycles ----there were the Australian years, the Scandinavian years, American, and so on. It seems now we are in the Serbian or Slavic era. While I want to be positive I have to say that, to me, since this is an "individual" sport as opposed to a "team" sport it should not be an occasion for nationalistic demonstration or outbursts. In viewing Federer's match with the final winner of the tourney I was offended to see the family box of the winner decorated with the bunting of the Serbian flag. I find it a political statement that is not a welcome sight in what is a sport of individuals and their talent.

One of the commentators covering the event for ESPN commented on the rather crude remarks the mother of the future champ made to the press after the U S Open in hopes of getting a "rise" from Federer. Federer, according to the commentator, to his credit, did not jump at the bait and responded in a gracious manner worthy of a true champion.

The coverage of the games was excellent but there was to me a bit of a difference between the coverage for the Australian and the U S Open. In my opinion, the commentary was so much better at the Australian---there was not the constant prattling on about extraneous and, sometimes, nonsensical things---by commentators being paid big bucks and full of themselves. Yet, the camera work seemed to be quite a bit better at the U S event.

Tennis is a sport where the participants, on a professional level, really start at a early age and the championship plays end at a fairly young age. I hope that we will see a few more wins from the truly gracious player that Federer is. While there have been so many players --from the earliest days---the days of wooden rackets and slow and graceful play (think the days of Rod Laver)--to the current days of the power players with the modern rackets. With great grace Roger Federer seems to be almost like a ballet dancer on the courts. He moves on the court in, what seems, to be effortless motion. A really great artist always makes the difficult look easy.

So the change in the videos--why not watch some of Federer in action---just check the left side of the screen.

While you do that I shall go back to sorting the various business opportunities being offered from the desks of the very honest entrepreneurs of Nigeria and other places. Happily my keyboard contains a delete button---make sure yours does as well.

A Brief Mention of The Almost Daily Rooster

2008-01-17T18:46:00.000-05:00

Just a short update --no long commentary and a little quiz for a Capitol Steps CD.

The update--because you put on your skates and slid 0r rolled (depending on your skates) here from Program Notes--please watch a few videos of BROTHER THEODORE prior to Jeff Summerel's appearance on TABLETALK on Feb. 10 to talk of his new film about THEODORE---TO MY GREAT CHAGRIN. We shall THEODORIZE THE WORLD. It is important since the world suffers from bi-pedism, lack of Oleum Canus, and raincoats that are not loved. To decode that--best see the film---or the videos.

Oh---the quiz: A THEODORE Question. One that, hopefully, Googling will not help you with. THEODORE had many appearances on Merv Griffin and David Letterman (it was with Griffin that the BROTHER got added to his name--for reasons you would have learned in my interview with him a number of years ago)---BUT---prior to BROTHER THEODORE where did THEODORE appear in the 1950s when he had a cult following of college students. Specific location--hint: in NYC.

New Year and New Technology and New Posers

2008-01-01T18:49:00.000-05:00

The New Year is once again upon us and everyone is full of joyous wishes with the words---Have a Happy New Year---sort of like---Have A Nice Day. It is mentioned only mention it because many years back the late Peter Ustinov on had a great retort to those expressions on an appearance on one of the late night talk shows. His retort: " I have other plans". Just perfect.

The story just told is a good segue into some thoughts on technology and content. Television sets have gotten thinner and thinner and the picture quality has gone from good to better than excellent. On a par with what one sees at the multiplex---forget movie palaces---long gone. Here is a picture of a movie palace that has been restored--albeit a sepia tone of, arguably, the finest movie palace that existed all those years back--The Loews Paradise . Going there was an experience aside from the film. Going to the multiplexes today is also an experience that seems to compare with travelling on a crowded subway car.

An interesting divergence, then, with film. The film (or product) content and quality has gotten better and the facilities have deteriorated. Television on the other hand has gotten better in presentation with High Definition, 16:9 formatting, surround sound ( if you want). In direct opposition to content of cinema it broadcasts more inane and mindless pap so that one has to, many times, reach for the channels that show the old classics---in a new and clearer version. Progress? Well, probably as far as technology goes. As to content--how many more times do you want to see the "perp" brought to justice on Law & Order and its ilk? Long gone are the days of what was called--for good reason--"the golden age of television". It lived only for a short while with the likes of a Playhouse 90, Westinghouse Playhouse, Philco Playhouse, and the likes of free wheeling conversation with David Susskind, the comedy of Sid Caeser, and much more.

Someday we can reminisce about these programs, the early days of Television when there were only 7 channels and you had a rooftop antenna, when you had to switch a lever to get the higher ones, when wrestling was a mainstay (unlike the hype it now gets), and WNET did The Play of the Week---all great ones with actors that you now pay $100.00 a seat to see (if they are still around), when talk shows were just that and not places to just hype a show or a book. Think of Alexander King on Jack Paar, Katherine Hepburn with Dick Cavett. So many more. That was "Must See TV". Not what NBC will have you believe the current crop of crap is.

So there we have it. Technology without quality content as opposed to quality content with basic technology. That pretty much sums up the current state of things in this field.

Since you have read through this lengthy diatribe a prize should await. So a Program Poser awaits in the technology area. Since I am sure that Google is available one has to trust to honesty---try to pose one that might not work well on Google:

Given that what is now called Public Television and before Educational Television was hoped to be a non-commercial outlet for arts, literature, and cultural material what was the hope for FM Broadcasting when it first was born:

a) Commercial Free Music and Talk

b) Classical Music with Commercials

c) Straight News and Music with or without commercials

c) A duplication of the AM station that had the FM station

I could ask for the inventor of FM---but that would be easy to Google and also to see on the WFDU website. Major Armstrong was a pioneer that had his patents legally entangled (how politically correct is that?) by David Sarnoff of RCA. David Sarnoff also was instrumental in infringing on other inventors that might harm his hold on the communication technology.

An alternate query---and if you answer either one a randomly selected CD from TRADITIONS awaits:

It is New Years Day----who died this day at age 29 in the music field?

PROGRAMNOTES POSERS

2007-12-08T20:45:00.000-05:00

Since you have slid over here the poser follows---but---no Googling---it is the honor system.

The prize is a randomly selected CD from the library to the first 2 correct answers e mailed to wfdutraditions@yahoo.com

Hank Williams had another persona under which he recorded---can you name that persona?

Congratulations to the winner of the last query. That party received a Holly Near/ Ronnie Gilbert CD. You may recall the query about TABLETALK. The correct answer was Michael Oren and Judy Collins. There could have been many others---some of the guests included---Elizabeth Swados, Phil Patton, Authors of books such as Dough, Bug (Patton), Kate Hepburn, Sammy Davis Jr., Mayor LaGuardia, and many more.

Our next program on TABLETALK makes it go full circle. Some 5 years ago, when the show started, the first guest at my great behest was Eliz. Swados. She is back on Dec. 16 for an encore about her many new works and the good news about the older ones I queried her about---no recordings. That is changing. Tune in and find out.

Now for the non -musical commentary.

Not in the news and not something that might appear on any one's list of important matters to think about. Just some thoughts on relationships.

Two acquaintances. Same age. Approximately. Married same amount of years. Approximately. That would be about 50 years---give or take. One has/had a terrible relationship and his wife is dying of cancer. The other is an obsessive type who had, supposedly, a good relationship. The former is totally devastated and caring and the latter person has split with his spouse and refused to entertain the idea of medical attention for her. Attention she now, apparently, does not require. One can make many assumptions about what type of medical attention was required and why now it is not. The bottom line, as number crunchers are like to say, a person's true character comes out in the "crunch" time. Hopefully, we all can respond properly and adequately in that time.

As I say many times on the various radio programs----Philosophy 101 is now over. SO--did you hear the one about the ...............

Programnotes Posers

2007-12-03T18:59:00.000-05:00

Always good to have some alliteration. If you agree---as the song says---"yea" if not ---as the song says "boo". There is trivia for you---Arthur Godfrey in a really stupid song --Yea Boo. Arthur Godfrey---a name from the distant past that, to me, conjures up questions about why was this person so popular.. Did it, possibly, have to do with what is termed "the lowest common denominator"? I wonder.

Interestingly, he is not recalled as an icon of radio or TV as others are. The dustbin of history does have him stored there.

Back to alliteration and Programnotes Posers now that I have enticed you to slide over to this page where opinions --as seen above--are rampant.

A randomly selected CD is yours if you can can answer this question and e mail that to: wfdutabletalk@yahoo.com NO Googling---I am trusting the honor system here to my great chagrin---OH that is the title of the documentary on THEODORE---sorry.

Name 3 guests that have appeared on TABLETALK in the past 5 years--any 3.

THE QUESTION IS....

2007-11-20T19:16:00.000-05:00

Welcome and nice that you slid over here from Program Notes. Seems like I have a media empire growing here. It should only be so---Yiddish for that--=-Alevai. Correct me if I am wrong. NU--would the host of SUNDAY SIMCHA be wrong on that?

This page is dedicated to the non- radio program genres so the question will have nothing to do---should I say it the proper way-the way NPR or PBS might---naught to do (I could have been on PBS with that---I Could'a Been A Contender).

First the ground rules and the prize. As you know my TABLETALK program on WFDU is the exclusive outlet for the brilliant quarterly revue by THE CAPITOL STEPS and one of their truly clever CDs is offered as the prize.

To answer the question you will have to e mail: WFDUTRADTIONS@yahoo.com

The e mails are time stamped so the first correct answer wins the prize which will deliver many insightful laughs to you.

THE QUESTION: So as to prevent Googling---What is the name of the PERSON that was my guest on TABLETALK who spoke of The Six Day War and about his book on that subject? Hint: It was over 1 1/2 years ago.

Should not be too tough---if you listen to WFDU or if you figure out the experts in that field.

Veteran's Day Commemorated

2007-11-12T17:21:00.000-05:00

Once it was Armistice Day and a minute of silence was observed at 11 AM to commemorate the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month when the Armistice in WW 1 was declared.

A little digression here. There was a department store in NYC --Gimbels (remember--"does Macy's tell Gimbel's"?) and each year Mr Gimbel stood in the mezzanine area and blew taps whilst the customers stood in silence. You have to admire how things were and how, now, Gimbels is gone and Macys is just another conglomerate.. OK, that ends the digression.

Now Armistice Day is Veterans Day and no matter what day it comes out on it is always relegated to being a 3 day weekend. Retailers are happy (even though Mr. Gimbel had the decency to remember the date and its meaning) and it is a time of bargain hunting. In a way it is a metaphor for what our society is doing today vis a vis Iraq and the Iranian threats. Act as if nothing is happening and not have the public make any sacrifice while the paid military goes about its business and the hired contractors--read mercenaries--go about theirs. All at the behest of 2 bull headed men who avoided service when there was a draft and now commiserate with the wounded and the families of the dead that they sent into harms way.

Just a thought for this Veterans Day. Support the troops by supporting an administration that will get us out of this uncalled for quagmire and also restore the nation to the constitution that all previous generations defended.

Dollars and Less Donuts

2007-10-31T16:17:00.000-04:00

Today's news tells us the Port Authority (of NY/NJ) is coming up with a proposal to raise tolls----AGAIN. The plan, according to reports, is for an $8.00 toll on the tunnels and the Geo. Washington Bridge.

What does this have to do with donuts? Simple. The Port Authority is really looking out for our health and trying to fight obesity. Make the tolls higher and perhaps people will buy fewer snacks like donuts on their way to and fro. Another blessing in disguise---just as Dr. Pangloss tells us in Candide (see previous post).

All the talk of congestion pricing now becomes moot since an $8.00 toll would be equal to the fee Mayor Bloomberg wants to impose in Manhattan--BUT deduct the tolls paid on the Hudson and East River crossings. I guess the question, in the end, is which agency of OUR government can gouge us more.

How many cities have a charge this high to enter or leave them? Think of this: New Jersey side of the Hudson River to NYC --- $8.00.

New Jersey side of the Hudson River to Long Island--$17.00 (round trip).

OK--public transit. Is it inexpensive and convenient? No. Rough cost to park and take the ferry from NJ $20.00 (round trip). That gets you just into Manhattan. After that you are on your own with whatever the costs to go elsewhere. We could continue with the fares on the commuter rail lines but the numbers are getting astronomical.

Astronomical is something what we should pay for a ride into space and not to see relatives and friends, do business, support the economy with patronizing theater (also astronomical of late), restaurants, and museums. Think of business lost because of tolls and equate that with the benefits given to the people employed by the PA.

The Israelis might take a leaf from the PA's book at those crossing points--charge enough and no one will bother to insist on crossing.

How much, one has to wonder, does the PA need to support its operation which consists of valuable rental properties in addition to the crossings, the airports, and other sites? How much must the public be forced to pay to supply the pensions, benefits, and all the other amenities the workers of the bloated bureaucracy enjoy? You might ask the PA what the "other amenities" are. You will be quite surprised. Perhaps you won't.

Now to write a farewell note to my relatives and friends living across the river that will soon separate us almost as much as the Atlantic Ocean--the big pond--separates us from the old mother country of Great Britain.

WELCOME

2007-10-16T19:46:00.000-04:00

You probably got here from the invitation extended on THE PROGRAM NOTES page. Welcome. Hope you brought a virtual gift with you. Not nice to be invited and not bring something. Oh sure---people say no gifts. Have you ever gone to an affair and done just that? Everyone else brought something.

My gift to you is the entire Colbert roast at the press dinner. The gift will be here for a few days.

I am waiting for my virutal gift in my virtual life.

CANDIDE AND WHAT IT BROUGHT TO MIND

2007-10-13T18:46:00.000-04:00

Recently a concert version of Candide was presented on Cablevision Channel 778 (Voom Networks--still do not know what that is) but what a delight it was. This brilliant piece by Voltaire and composed and written for the stage by Leonard Bernstein and Lillian Hellman brought to mind, as the header states, some thoughts that relate to our world today.

Without going into the plot and story of Candide let me just say it was the Dr. Pangloss character that made me take pause and think of some things. Dr. Pangloss, you might recall, tried to teach his students that"...all things are for the best". No matter what bad things befell anyone he found the bright side. When he was about to be hung he found the bright side in the fact that "rope" was invented and a noose now was created---otherwise how could this work out.

Silly? Yes. Polyanaish ---certainly. Which is the point of all this and also Candide.

Sometimes we have ideals and we can truly create a movement that can change the course of events, history, and society. Usually it is one individual that comes along on an issue and that person's charisma and drive lead to the change. Yet, we never know what the change will bring us once it is accomplished. That is not to say it is bad to make the change. It is to say that we don't know what the ramifications of any movements will bring us.

We are told that using plastic bags at the Supermarket is bad---use Paper. Turns out that Paper has its own ecological problems. They have to do with energy use and tree replenishment. Some Supermarkets put a paper bag into a plastic one. Very ecologically minded markets. Locally I know of one that advertises that they will give you 2 cents for every re-used plastic bag of theirs. Come on--2 cents. This is the same store that gives you paper inside plastic.

Another issue is economic. I almost said "bigger" but it is not. It is on that level.

The Hudson River. I suppose it applies to other areas that have had, or are having a similar issue. Dr. Pangloss (Candide) would have been delighted with the efforts to clean up the Hudson----The Clearwater (as dreamed up by Pete Seeger), the Riverkeepers, and all the organizations that formed around it. Dr. Pangloss would have found this a bright spot amongst what happened after that happened. He would have said "...is it not wonderful how clean the river now is?" It is. So where is the negative. Dr. Pangloss never sees a negative (hell, he was hung and still saw the positive).

We see here a picture of the Hudson in NYC. That section was always a distance from the river but the view was good. Now picture the river a few miles north. A slum where no one wanted to live because of the pollution. Real Estate---worthless.

Idealism, in the guise of Clearwater, Riverkeepers, and more have, to their credit, cleaned up the river. Ecology benefited as any idealist would want. Marine life started to flourish. A lost and polluted waterway was saved and became a place that might be a place now for today's people could, once again, appreciate and enjoy. What about the residents who lived along the polluted waterway?

Dr. Pangloss would show you the bright side. You recall he even found a positive in the rope that was used to hang him. The realist will tell you that to every movement there is an effect that, perhaps, was not anticipated.

We applaud a clean river and the people that made it happen. Was it anticipated that the souls that lived amongst the pollution for years then became displaced for those who could pay the unbelievable prices that property costs along the shores of this former cesspool?

The manufacturing corporations polluted it and made money off it, now that the idealists have been victorious other corporations and wealthy individuals are reaping the profits.

Yes, the river is open to all (in most places--not all) to visit. To reside there is another issue.

An example offered is the Village of Piermont. Much negotiation led to a walkway open to the public only during certain hours along the river where high priced condos are now in the place where a factory once existed.

Dr. Pangloss might tell you that it is only expected that it be so. Would the creator of Clearwater? One truly wonders about that. It is truly hoped that Dr. Pangloss would be wrong and the Clearwater founder would agree. What, after all, was the dream of a clean Hudson? Ecology--certainly. There was more, it has to be believed.

News and Fake News

2007-10-09T18:55:00.000-04:00

Think back to a time when there was news on the radio that reported on the issues and events (major events of the day). At the birth of Television it carried over for a time. A short time.

Since all the serious commentators are leaving the stage given their age and given the economics of the medium (TV/Radio) it is most appropriate that the vacuum is filled by what is called "fake" news. The best thing is that more people, seemingly, find out about world events there than on the networks.

Take the 11 O'clock news on the networks. It can be summed up in these words---Fire, Accidents, Crime, Weather, and---exciting Sports news.

"Fake" news explores the national and international items giving people a sense of what is happening around this sad planet in a humorous way---and laughter is a great cure-all for the trials and tribulations of our lives.

There is legitimate news out there---it can be found on PBS and on NPR. The networks. Well, the Cronkites, the Severeids, the Brinkleys, the Koppels are gone. You do have pretty faces and multi million dollar anchors to look handsome and ---feminine---pretty (tip of the hat to Couric--another million dollar baby).

Perhaps BBC has it right---News Readers. That is what they are. Correspondents are a different breed.

Best now to listen and view "fake"news and interpret what it is about by reading a newspaper---they have the fire, crime, mayhem, and sports too---but you can select what to read.

The best of them all---doubtful one will see his kind again on U S Media.
As he said---Goodnight and Good Luck. We need it now.

What Should One Vote For--Who Should One Vote For

2007-09-30T18:55:00.000-04:00

Let me start right out by saying that I cannot say and will not say who one should vote for. What one should vote for is another story entirely

The issues abound. Health Care, Education, Environmental Matters, and, most of all, in large letters WARS. There are wars of necessity and wars of choice. Iraq is that perfect example where the administration has learned nothing from history, from Viet Nam, and other ill thought out and misrepresented causes.

We start with September 11, 2001. That date---which FDR coined for Pearl Harbor---will live in infamy. It should not, however, live as a platform for the self anointed heroes. It was not about Iraq and it never was. Iraq was about the stubbornness of an incumbent and that incumbent was correct in MISSION ACCOMPLISHED. If the mission was to mislead the US public, create havoc where none existed ( that effected our interests), create many dead and maimed (by some who avoided service) it more than succeeded.

Some of the candidates seem to be running on a 9/11 platform. One in particular. That one has flipped on his views on abortion, gun control, and other issues so many times you can now realize why the "nation's mayor" was so disliked in NYC. 9/11 is his platform. It his claim to fame. What has he done since then? Profited, changed his talking points to appease conservatives, gun lobbyists, and one has to credit him for taking calls from his 3d wife during a speech. Speak of staging and changing the subject--that is a master stroke of obfuscation.

There was a time when the U S was deemed a partner in world affairs. There was a time after 9/11 when the world was with us. There was a time when we used diplomacy. There was a time when we held our constitutional rights in high esteem. There was a time when this nation had leaders that could lead and lead garnering respect from other nations. Then we got (with a minority general vote) the Bush ---shall we say team or gang?

The bottom line is that the candidate that deserves the vote is the candidate that can show his/her (very diplomatic here) leadership that takes us beyond 9/11, mistaken revenge, and world dominance. The candidate who can bring civility, intellectual capacity, and diplomacy back to this sadly changed nation.

It has to be added here that, thankfully, in this nation commentary such as this is still permissable. Many parts of the world that is not so. Let us hope a new administration will insure that it stays this way.

Wishes and Updates

2007-09-13T15:41:00.001-04:00

Sincere best wishes for a happy, healthy, and fruitful new year.

In the memorable memories department you will note on the left side that a new one has been added. SHARON KATZ & THE PEACE TRAIN . Sharon will, shortly, once again grace us with her presence on TRADITIONS near the end of September. She and her group will be performing in New Jersey on October 5 and that will be a show not to be missed. For sheer joy and exuberance and also meaningful music this group has it all. Updates on her upcoming appearance will appear on the PROGRAMNOTES page.

Fall Approches --Some Random Thoughts on Political Self Interest

2007-08-29T19:32:00.000-04:00

Another sad anniversary of Sept. 11 will be upon us shortly. Much has been made of another public appearance by EX-mayor Giuliani. This writer understands that protocol calls for him to be invited. Courtesy, on his part, would be to decline.

An EX-mayor might be involved. A Presidential candidate should not be a part of politicizing this sad event. Not only, politicizing it but, given the controversy with the NYFD it seems like an insult. Hardly a day goes by in the Presidential campaign that this person invokes September 11---or as he says--9/11. The nation's mayor. Please!!

Would that the nation recalls that in his administration he was despised by minorities for his actions in their regard, his jumping to conclusions at the shooting (by police) of unarmed alleged (and found not to be) felons, and his great victory---the vagrants who washed car windows (an annoyance) were abolished.

The NYFD asked for radios that worked. Not done. The police commissioner (now in LA) got headlines for his effectiveness---fired. Replacement---a corrupt flunky. The budget---according to the NY Times Mayor Bloomberg inherited a bigger deficit than "Rudy" did. "Rudy" proclaims, in his press statements, he brought the deficit down. Perhaps one should believe the Times on this.

Mayor Bloomberg, to his credit, has been honest in faulting police and defending them when that was appropriate. Ably assisted, it must be added, by Ray Kelly. While many can critique his administration it has to be said that it is open and transparent---unlike the self serving and autocratic former non-resident of Gracie Mansion.

A last jab at the EX-thankfully-mayor. Will you be speaking morality as our moralistic president does regarding marriage? One wife annulled, another left at a press conference, and now one who---horrors---=you said should sit in on your cabinet meetings. Surely advice from an RN and one who consorts with a married man is just what this nation needs in public policy. Perhaps in Brothel Control. Expert advice welcome there.

We finally arrive at our hero. One who can lecture us on the mistakes of Viet Nam and the analogy to Iraq. Something he still did not learn from DOD--Dear Old Dad. Whereas Bush the Elder had the common sense to stop where he did our Bush could not seem to understand that Iraq was not Afghanistan. He--or
was it Dick Cheney ( and his great love for Halliburton) insisted on leading us into Iraq under false pretenses.

Now he has the unmitigated gall to compare this to the mistakes in Viet Nam.

His non-service there is a disgrace. Wrong war---yes. Criticism by one who never served and now declared another war---illegally, it seems. The most hypocritical act one can think of.

To be lectured by a person who avoided a conflict and created one, a person who avoided Hurricane Katrina until a lot of pressure, a person who has surrounded himself with obfuscators and war mongers and not diplomats is total anathema. It should also be, to any thinking person in this, sadly, negatively affected nation.

U S OPEN TIME and REALITY TIME

2007-08-25T20:00:00.000-04:00

You may well be wondering who this is . Althea Gibson. A true champion. Why not current people to lead this little essay off with would be a good question. They, as most things at today's U S Open don't do anything for without a heavy price. Woe that Althea was ahead of her time and ended up without the fortunes of today's athletes and the vendors at this large department store. That is what it is.

This will prove to be a long commentary touching on more than tennis.

This day was Arthur Ashe "Kids" day at the U S Open. Free to all attendees. There were the qualifying rounds ( as there have been all week---free), a concert (for a fee), and much selling of the usual merchandise that can be had anywhere else for a fraction of the price. Where else do you find bottled water for $5.00. Yes, the same size you get at the local deli for $1.00. Hope you did not want ice cream---a half gallon at a local market is somewhere between $2.50 and 5.00. A "pop" stick is 5.00 at the U S Open.

Hey, it is about tennis. Right? OK. The people watching the matches--the qualifying ones were the tennis aficionados. Acted like that as well. The rest of the crowd packed the main stadium for the concert. All well and good, but is that how tennis is now being sold? Is the intent to just make dollars and appeal to the lowest common denominator? Is Tennis, since its final acceptance into mainstream sports, destined to be relegated to the likes of what mass media expects and can sell.

It is fully appreciated that the Arthur Ashe Foundation---and what a great player he was---wants to bring more people into the world of Tennis. Perhaps more African-Americans. Is attracting people with second rate Rock and Hip Hop people the way to go? Remember that slogan---WWJD---well, what WWAAD. I doubt he would be a party to this nonsense. From what I saw this day I doubt it. Tennis was the last thing on many of the attendees minds. Best left unsaid which ones we speak of.

Personal note time now. I was in Ashe stadium watching Federer doing his practice when a Russian family walked in front (stay with me here--about Russian) and blocked the view. The fellow next to me said "...excuse me---you are blocking the view". Reply "...F**** You". I asked him to move over as well---his reply--"...F....Jew". The security guard (Black) came over and tried his best===his response was a comment by our Russian immigrant---"...You Black#&*^*&^^*" At which point he did call the NYPD over---and I commented--to my chagrin--"...if you want a pogrom it is too late---and you should be in a Gulag and now they are gone, damn it"..OK I leave out the "lazy ass"comment.

Now, the NYPD treated this bit of scum very courteously as they escorted him out. Sad to say he kept saying it was just like the old days again with the Soviets---how wrong is that---he never did get to that good old gulag.

We leave on a positive note and some comments about humanity. While this piece of "crap", hopefully, is not representative of his fellow nationals---though my doubts there are immense (truly immense from what I have seen)---in a very short few minutes I met some wonderful people of many ethnicities who were there for tennis and also for the courtesy that sport usually entails.

Some positive suggestions for attending the U S Open. Bring food or bring mortgage documents for purchase of a sandwich, take public transit (I did---after giving up trying to park), and bring the most patience you can muster. OR---best---watch it on TV. The view is better and the price is more than right.

Finally, the picture at the top. A true star before the total commercialization of this sport. Sad that she never received her true due. Althia Gibson---a true champion. In so many ways.

The Topical Updates

2007-08-23T19:27:00.000-04:00

While the "main page" Bill Hahn Program Notes is intended for exactly what it says---Program Notes and The Playlist page is self explanatory this page is intended to cover other topics that might not belong on those pages. Topics of currency. Any currency sent would be appreciated.

First a criticism of an anonymous person. When one posts a comment the request is to click on "Other" and give a name. Courtesy would require that. Just this week I was in conversation with a person on some business matters and after a friendly chat this person finally revealed her last name. I had suggested it would be the courteous thing to do since she knew mine when I introduced myself.

To alleviate any wonder about what the criticism was it was about the posting of the Family Guy videos. My response you can view on the "main page".

Time for the topical updates. This weekend following this--how the year flies---is, of course, Labor Day. A nice few videos are on the left side for you to enjoy. The song is a great anthem and there was a time when it was needed. A time when the struggles were hard and violent. Thanks to those years the struggles continue but, mostly, non-violently.
The economy has changed, industrial U.S. has changed and because of all this "globalization" and the amazing creation of wealth for the "barons" of today's economy---the International Corporations and their highly paid execs the need for solidarity--as the song says--is more important than ever.

It has to be said that some unions have also become "big business" and their leaders are lining their pockets. Yet, solidarity and commitment are still the only way to protect the average worker from the exploitation and out-sourcing of the work. Look--even good ole Al believed this---he was such a regular fella---

Looks like they knew how to doctor photos even before Photoshop---honesty is the name of the game. But, truth is Albert Einstein, that swinging guy of relativity was very pro people and workers.

The bottom line to all this is you get what you pay for. Think of the outsourcing, think of the Chinese imports, and think of where we are going on this Labor Day weekend---which, unlike everywhere else, is September and not May.

A few random--totally random thoughts to close this edition of The Almost Daily Rooster. As the title implies---ALMOST DAILY.

This past Wednesday the NY Times published some truly disturbing photos of wounded and maimed Iraq vets. Photos taken as portraits by a wonderful photographer. The most shocking, to me, was of the Marine at his wedding with his lovely bride and he in full dress uniform with no face---right---no face.

All I could think of was Geo. Bush and his photo ops in Maine, his speech comparing this with Nam to justify his stubborn insistence that he did the right thing. I also thought of Yugoslavia, Serbenica, and that area. Marshall Tito was a strong hand that separated these factions. OK, he was not Saddam Hussein. Yet, we used Saddam when we wanted him and he kept the parties separated. Albeit, violently. Yet, we care not a whit about violence when our interests are not involved. Think Sudan.

There are no pictures in this section because I felt that it would be too upsetting to view them---as I was upset by them. You can always go to the NY Times web-site to view these photos. Well, one picture---below. Geo. Bush's war does not affect everyone. The Hampton's parties continue and, unlike, FDR, HST, and others sacrifices are not called for. More ostentation is. Geo. Bush endorses it.

A whole riff can be done on what the NY Post has become since the days when Mr. Murdoch assumed control.

So on a happier note we end by going back to the beginning and realizing that things like Family Guy can make us laugh and escape from the reality of the terrible events that befall some people and leave the party goers quite unscathed. I also did not like my dear dog Brian being set upon.

The Week That Was and Is No More

2007-08-17T20:24:00.001-04:00

A week has gone by. Time now for a few updates.

Hell, I could not steal the whole name of that long gone program on TV. It has been a week and if you looked at the main page---Bill Hahn Program Notes--you already know that there are some clever videos for you to view here---Austin Lounge Lizards and --hope you are a fan---Family Guy. You have to appreciate Brian--what a pure-bred and Stewie what a little $^^#&@**#!. You have to love him.

One of the comments on the "main page" were about the Men's Clothing district. Since this is not about radio programs and about the thoughts of weekly news and reminiscences let me do that. We shall forego all the news of this week---not that good, as usual. Mine disasters, Stock meltdowns, and the usual Bushisms of inanity (Gosh, Cal Coolidge where are you when you are needed--or even Van Buren).

I had mentioned on the main page about the site where MODERN MAN appeared n W. 22d St. Having gone out for dinner prior to the appearance I had a flashback to the 1960s-1980s when that area was (even before that) a thriving Men's Clothing district. Manufacturers, Retailers, and services and supplied that industry. OK--that picture on the left is of the Ladies Garment district in the same era. A vibrant industry that was a mainstay of the NYC economy and supplied us with the fashions of the day.

The industry is now long gone from that area and has been replace with restaurants, clubs, lofts, and boutiques. The men's clothing now comes to us from either the ships off loading $1000 suits from the East or the trunk of a car for $100. That is not all negative. Think of it as less formality in dress for the average person.

There was a time when one had to wear a suit to enter an elevator in that district. Since it has now changed to lofts for prices in the millions just being clothed is OK. After all you really need to conserve on clothing to pay that mortgage on the apartment that was carved out of a factory---that sells for over $1,000,000.

So the flashback was for the time when there were small elevators, cutters, pattern makers, and family owned clothing manufacturers. They are gone now. So am I. Happily. Is it progress? I don't know but I do know that things change and sometimes it is hard to recall how seemingly simple they were.

Finally, look to the left at the videos. It is hoped that you are Family Guy fans---if not, The Austin Lounge Lizards are there for your entertainment and discovery.

A Comedic Comment or Two

2007-08-10T18:05:00.000-04:00

This page has always been intended for some other thoughts than who is appearing where and what is happening on 3 much loved radio programs by a crowd of at least 3. Rumor has it that we have added another 2. It really helped going door to door with a soldering gun and locking their tuners in to 89.1.

We have all heard the old saw about--"..an apple a day keeps the doctor away". In truth it is a laugh a day that does that---and also the fact that the doctor does not make house calls anyway. So you really need that laugh a day---medically proven by your correspondent. I laughed for the past week each day and not one doctor showed up.

On a serious note. I think the note is High C. It really helps to have a big laugh each day. Whatever chemicals are involved they seem to help your person. So we need some help here. The segue now.

Take a look at this page and check the group on the left---The Austin Lounge Lizards. I have to separate all these great comedic groups for fear of emotional entanglements on their part---you will find Modern Man on the main page (Program Notes).

Topical and political humor is something that really needs to promulgated (you all owe me $5 for that word) in these times--or as The Austin Lounge Lizards say in one of their songs--We've Been Through Some Crappy Times Before.

Topicality is this page's middle name. Strange middle name but that is how it works.

Groucho is, of course, still on this page. One dares not remove Capt. Spaulding at the risk of ex-communication from the Order of the Place Where The Tuscaloosa.

A Brief Update.

2007-08-06T19:56:00.000-04:00

The update is that you should look at the post above this. This has been replaced. It was great. The new piece should also prove of interest

Please do check the left side of the screen and see a wonderful video of Mickey Katz's grandaughter---Joel Grey's (right; name change for business reasons) daughter doing one of his (Mickey Katz)"shtick" pieces---which has been played by him on SUNDAY SIMCHA. It is great--trust me! Have I got a car for you? Trust me. If you got here by clicking from Program Notes---A Blessing On Your Head. Mazeltov!

The top picture is the only one you want to view---click on that.

JFK & CAMELOT 44 Years Later

2007-07-31T18:29:00.000-04:00

Today's (7/31/07) NY Times had a full 2 page paid open letter from the current President of the Legal Transcription service that was involved in transcribing notes of many of the hearings regarding this horrendous event.

Mort Sahl appeared on my TABLETALK program where he talked of his skepticism of the official version of the event. He spent much time in trying to discredit it. It also, surely, effected his career. He was much involved with New Orleans DA, Garrison.

Many people were skeptical and, as to be expected, many people accepted the version of the Warren Commission.

The hope is that you will read the "open letter" that was referred to at the start. While it will not give a definitive answer, while it gives much detail (albeit some without support), and has some alleged facts that were not released until lawsuits were brought it does, once again, brings us to truly wonder.

While it would be important you read this letter some of the important points made by the letter writer are as follows:

1) Involved: FBI/CIA/Secret Service/LBJ/Mafia/Ruby---NOT Oswald

2) Recorded and witnessed calls from LBJ to the Dallas Hospital to ascertain that a deathbed confession (during surgery) was given by Oswald.

3) Doctored (as in altered) Autopsy reports and brain pictures (different brain)that do not show shots from below---rather than from above.

4) Ford Motor Co. changing the windshield of the car to not show a bullet entry .

5) RFK's not wanting to publicize his knowledge because--"blood would flow in the streets".

Best thing is to read the letter and draw one's own conclusions. Two questions jump out, it seems.

1) How was it possible to involve so many people without a leak.

2 How is it that so many people who have purported to know more have died in quick succession.

Scroll back to the picture at the top. That was taken moments before the shooting and, according to the open letter, the Secret Service Agent in the lead car was told to leave---to which he attested and wondered why.

Best to read the article. The dead cannot be brought back but, if this is true, those still here can be pursued and those not will have their historical images tarnished.

It is hard to believe, for this writer, that there was involvement by such people. Yet, the Open Letter does go into the purposes of the individuals and also their characters and drives.

WORTHWHILE MUSEUM MOMENTS

2007-07-17T19:09:00.000-04:00

The exterior shot of the wonderful building that houses the Museum of The City New York.

While the permanent exhibits at this venue are fascinating and a real walk back in New York City time the constantly changing "temporary" exhibits are wonders to behold. The presentation of them is a marvel.

Right now there are three exhibitions that should not be missed:

The Spanish Civil War. The details, the photos, the letters, the music, and the films shown bring this sad chapter of history to life. We visit the idealists of the International Brigades, The Lincoln Brigade---and we see what Ernest Hemingway meant--at that time---"...no men entered the earth more honorably than those that died in Spain". A terrible time. A time that, besides the horrors, gave rise to great art--Picasso's Guernica, music (Recorded recently on Appleseed Recordings, and also to great idealism by those who knew what was coming via the German collaboration in this.

The artifacts on exhibit are a wonderful compilation of photos and telegrams and handwritten letters by, not only those in the war, but also U S politicos who agreed with the International Brigades but who's hands were tied by law. Letters from LaGuardia, Ickes, and so many more make up the exhibit.

So---remember the old joke?---You read the Forward backwards. Yes, a great exhibit on Jewish life in New York---"The Jewish Daily Forward :Embracing and Immigrant Community" .

This exhibit opened on the 110th anniversary of the founding of this newspaper. Look closely at the shot on the left---you will notice it was taken at a later time. Note the Chinese writing on the side-wall.

The exhibition has so much interesting memorabilia of the various eras that encompassed the paper and its readers. As the exhibit shows---if you did not read the paper you were a "barbarian". The Jewish immigrants wanted, if not able to return home, to make a better life for themselves here---and the Forward was part of that.

The "Bintel Briefs" (basically---advice from the editor) forms a great part of this exhibit.
You will also find some great mementos and photos of the Jewish artists of the time===Eddie Cantor, Fanny Brice, Molly Picon, Tomashevsky, and many more. Surprisingly, Al Jolson is not included.

So--my letter now to Bintel Brief: Tell me dear editor for why is it that, much as I try, the listenership to my radio programs does not equal that of the big American Netvoiks. What to do?

If you have some patience and like to read a bit more let me tell you a great NYC story or two. Probably should be in the Metro Monday section of the Times.

The subway vs the buses. Go into a subway station and you will usually find abusive booth attendants. How they are allowed to stay on ===doing very little is beyond comprehension.

OK---Time to say something.

Get on a bus and find, many times, a cheerful and courteous driver.

I got on a 5th Ave. bus today and my metro-card, it turned out, had no money in it---oh, where are those good old days of coins and tokens. The driver, ever so courteously, said that it happens many times, and if I had a $1.00 bill, he was sure that some passenger would give me change to drop in the machine. I said---$1.00? He said--"hey, you are a senior citizen and, surely, a US citizen---that is the fare." Sure enough a friendly fellow rider came up with the change. Later this driver took the time to lower the mechanism for a handicapped individual with---as he said---"glad to see you are with some great grand-kids".

Sad part---he guessed my age. Oh well---as he said---it is good to be a man who looks as good as you .

NOW--to the bowels of hell---The New Y0rk Subways and the descendants of Torquemada that work there. Perhaps it is the lack of daylight. Booth attendants that stay on cell-phones and resent helping a patron, scream over loudspeakers to people who need assistance at a turnstile, and when asked a question about train destinations have not an inkling of the system. Asked about the machines that dispense Metrocards--and that I could not get one---"...they ain't working. OK?" . See below for what was the problem that this face of MTA to the public could not comprehend.

Ah, for the days of the token, the coins, and---long gone-- the nickel ride.

There is a happy ending---stay with me. No thanks to the Booth attendants (those poor abused people in the '70s--now getting their revenge). By the way--don't you wonder why with MetroCards and machines that dispense them they now have bulletproof enclosures---could it be that it is to protect the public from their behaviour?

Finally, having discovered the very tiny word "enter" beneath the # sign on the machine that dispenses Metrocards (Bank ATMs have a prominent "enter" button---why should we expect that from MTA?) I got my card. A lady with 2 children then came upon the machine. I told her of the problem and she was most appreciative.

The nice ending to all this is she was going to the Bronx Zoo with her 2 children---on on a back carrier and the other in a stroller. I helped her carry the stroller down the stairs to the train and she told me how---after I spoke of my admiration for her handling a stroller, a back-carrier, and two wonderfully behaved kids---that, in NYC you do not want a car and you do this so you do not sit in a house all day. Good for her!!

I guess the next thoughts have to be about the strength of women, the patience of women, and feeling that in the final analysis---they are the stronger gender.

I told you a happy ending---we leave the subterranean misfits of the MTA to bad memories and nightmares. They could well be the stars of the next horror film foisted on the public.

THE MARQUEE HAS CHANGED

2007-07-05T20:05:00.000-04:00

Amos n Andy have left the stage.

Please welcome KATE WOLF. One of the sadly departed artist at a tender age that is a regular feature on TRADITIONS with me. Also an artist much requested by many listeners.

It is hoped that you enjoy some of her music and videos. One song that she wrote was written for a funeral and can be used, as well, as a wedding song. I know people who have used it for both those meaningful occasions. The song---GIVE YOURSELF TO LOVE.

Since this site is not the one for the radio programming per se let us now revert to what it was intended for.

We can move the delightful Kate over if you request to: (Programnotes).

Topicality was the intent of this page. A few topics came to mind. "Congestion Pricing" was one. That only relates to NYC and the web is wider than that---so--one word---BAD.

Extra tax that is not termed as that. Think about people on the periphery and the drivers now scouting the area for parking spaces that are scarce and adding to the congestion and pollution there. One thing not mentioned---people living in the area of the "congestion pricing" will be penalized once they return to their own abodes in entering that area. Great!! Pay to pull into your driveway. God Bless George Orwell.

OK--it was more than one word. So moving on to justice or the supposed administration of such. Scooter Libby and the esteemed arbiter of the law---Geo. W Bush. Let us see if this is correct. There is a trial. There is a conviction. There is a sentence. Right so far? Judith Miller (right or wrong) there is a citation and a sentence---served. There are many in prison for "obstruction". Right? There are many in prison for Perjury. Right?

The question now is---were the same guidelines used? Were those transcripts read?

Let another query be posed. Would it be possible that li'l ole scooter might have actually told a few things that could embarrass---leave alone be indictable--to the President or the alleged VP (he does say he is not administration or legislation---he is--- though he does not allow for it Darth the Dark). One would have to take the position that li'l ole scooter had a full deck with a few jokers inside.

Bill Clinton (and others) had their assignations ---their peccadilloes---and they were not state issues. These are; and the holder of the office vying for the worst and most inept presidency in history continues on his path to claim that great title.

It is a certainty that this will not be a salve to the victims and the maimed survivors of an unecessary war brought to us by the lies and obfuscations delivered by the profiteers of it. How many more lives have to be lost, how many more maimed in the quest for a goal that was neither achievable, needed, or even presented in an honest way? El Presidente and El Vice (boy,does that word now get new meaning) Presidente have embarked us on a mission that was anathema to this nation prior to its founding.

Did not Viet Nam teach us anything---or is the dream of Halliburton, profit, and corporate greed that now drives what was an idealistic nation. A nation that seems fueled by digressions and obfuscations into alleged religious and other such side issues while we leave the world community to explore the road travelled, it seems, only the by the profit seeking and ego seeking administration and dear old Darth.

THE BLOGOSPHERE

2007-06-28T18:59:00.000-04:00

Let me start with a comment made in an interview I did with Rob Carlson and David Buskin (aka Modern Man). The comment comes from Rob Carlson--I paraphrase: " I am going to have blog and hope that people are as interested in me as I am interested in myself. You have to wonder how self centered and self indulgent people are."

Me---I agreed totally. My comment was to the effect that you have to wonder how many people are interested in the amount of bowel movements you have each day---unless, of course, they can sell you either a laxative or a medication to bind you up a bit. That is the reason that this blog and his (and Modern Man's) will focus on events, people, and performances in addition to matters of more import than personal constipation and/or the opposite.

Actually there is a great punchline to all this offered by David Buskin which you will have to tune in to TRADITIONS on July 15 to hear.

Now we have the important material out of the way and put Blogging into perspective why not move on to something that might serve as something of current interest. Iphones. Do you care? Do you need it? Do you need something that does more than allows you to make phone calls?

What do you think?

People have been lining up, apparently, to be able to be the first in their circle to have this electronic marvel. For a heavy price. Sort of like--hey, I am the first kid on the block to have newest gizmo---secret de-coding ring, newest bicycle, and so on. These are adults we are speaking of. Adults who still have the mentality of the kids they were---and the materialism that they have acquired in latter years.

Let's take inventory: Computer/e mail--can one not wait until the office or home?

Television---people left small screens decades ago why bother?

Other alleged amenities---Most phones (for who knows what reasons) have calculators, games, photo capability, and more.

Which brings us back to the original query. Why? One must really want to burn up some cash to be the first "kid" on the block. Probably a good idea to sign the contract, get one , and then get into a Bway show line, World Series line, or any line that might seem prestigious.

It has to be wondered who is the more clever---Humans or Sheep and Cattle. Many humans seem to act like them. At least they don't do it for alleged prestige.

To bring us back to the original thought on this entry. Bowel Movements and Blogs. No mention of that or other physical manifestations---you would not care---and why should you. Unless you hope I die and inherit my Iphone which I do not own and will never have---I just want this: It makes calls. Period. If I want TV I will watch TV. Radio---ditto. Internet, Computer, Calculator---ditto. OK this is a cordless---Cell Phones are good---for Telephone calling.

Be the first kid on your block to say---I am not one of the sheep. Turn on your radio or you TV. Turn on your computer. Miracles of modern technology with better sound and larger pictures. An added bonus. You do not walk down the street looking as if you are either in a trance, talking to yourself, or, worse, driving a car and careening into an oncoming lane.

You have to ask yourself who looks crazier---the psycho walking down the street talking to the voices he hears or the cell-phone user talking to the voices he does hear that he---or she---could not wait to call later about whatever they are talking of. Perhaps---"I am almost home", " I just crossed the street"---or, worse---back to the beginning---"I just had a bowel movement and I just got arrested since it was in the middle of the street".

Thinking Back and Looking Forward

2007-06-15T19:00:00.000-04:00

Not looking that far back (Ford Model T) but thinking about the various incarnations and advances in technology one has to wonder how a person who has lived through so many of them will react and think about them. Be it autos, radios, TV, computers, and all the myriad advances that seem to have come upon us in a very rapid pace in the last number of years. Advances, good or bad, seem to have come about more rapidly in the last 50 years or so than in the many years preceding that time.

Radio has survived but not in the way that was its Golden Age. Not in the way when it was the "theater of the mind" and folks gathered around that set to listen to drama, comedy, and news. Now there is no gathering around a radio. It is either "talk" (some quite inane) and the current pop music with lots of commercials---save for the few stations on the left side of the dial still dedicated to non-commercial and interesting radio.

Television is something that might be interesting to recall since it is now the dominant form of so many of our lives. So, we start with that vintage TV set you see on the left. Those early days of Uncle Miltie, limited broadcast hours (with a person holding up a hand lettered sign showing the next day's fare), the Dumont Network, and so many other bits of nostalgia that can be related. Think of your TV sets---vertical hold control, horizontal hold control, and never forget to test your tubes every now and again at a tube tester. But, do NOT touch that high voltage section.

Hours extend, programs improve, and color is around the corner. CBS has a system. RCA has a system. The standard becomes the RCA one. Who needs a spinning wheel on a set to give you the color. CBS may well have used Betsy Ross as a consultant on that gem of an idea.

The 1950s brought us sets as you see on the left. Only over the air signals and a limit of channels from 2-13 (forget 3 or 4 in some areas). A time when you had an antenna and you had a lever to switch from the lower channels (2-5) to the higher ones (7-13). Strangely, there never seemed to be a 6. One sure was involved with the mechanics then. The programming was getting better as well as the mechanical involvement of everyone.

Color becomes prevalent and while some color casts (as they were called) were limited they finally captured the entire spectrum. The heat of the lighting was overcome and it became the standard. The programs---not better. Perhaps starting a slide in the other direction. Everyone is captivated and intrigued by color. Content is not as important, it seems, as the presentation. Sports become the major attraction in color and the "Golden Age" of drama, that was mostly in Black/White and all its shadings and nuances is fairly well forgotten. The great live shows of that B/W era also a victim of the love of color and the total immersion in pre-recorded programming by the broadcasters.

Next we are moved into a world of "cable" and "satellite" delivery of a signal. Myriad channels presenting, mostly, sports and re-runs. The rooftop antennas could only get the "air" channels so were limited. They could not give you the option of watching Law and Order 24/7, Nature 24/7, and never let us forget such wonders as constant re-runs of sit-coms of yore. Nothing is ever laid to rest in TV land.

Moving to HDTV now and that includes the wonders of LCD and LED displays and sizes from the small to the enormous. Enormous being in excess of 50". Well, one can still get a cell phone with a 2" picture. Go figure.

There now is the LCD or the LED TV in sizes from small to enormous. The picture is sharp and clear. Is it digital or is it analog? Frankly, it is not what one would expect. It is like the difference between a CD recording and an Analog (LP--vinyl--in pristine condition) recording. Harsh contrasts with no nuance of color or shadings. A B/W program will not show the shadings and nuance that an analog signal can. Compare a film, let us say, to this and you will see the difference. Being at a live show---concert or drama---the analog signal can capture it much better for nuance and shadings.

So, progress? Sure. Improvement? Up to a point.

For the current material offered on TV it is perfect. Would one get the same effect that one had from viewing some classics from film? It has to be no. Think of one of the best thrillers of all time---in B/W---The Third Man. Shadows played a major part in this. You do not get that in the HDTV and plasma formats mentioned.

I suppose we have to miss the person holding up that hand-lettered sign as we have to miss the early TV personalities . We do not, however, have to be happy with the deterioration of content and the loss of the technical nuances that were with us before HDTV.

Finally, what does the person who has lived through it all---crystal sets, radio, B/W TV, HDTV, DVD, and all the other letters of the alphabet that represent the world today feel and think?

The Weekly Marquee Change

2007-06-06T20:33:00.000-04:00

It is hoped that you will check out the new Movable Motion Memories this week. Gilbert and Sullivan (HMS Pinafore) have sailed away on the ocean blue. They always do.

A few shots of a television show that was, frankly, brilliant, witty, and not offensive as some have claimed. It is now banned from ever being aired on TV. Yet, think about this. African-American actors working in a TV series all those years back and doing a brilliant job of it. What other opportunities were there for them then. Pretty much---none.

Offensive it was not. It had the hardworking Amos, the rather nice but simple Andy, and the hustler in the form of George Stevens--The Kingfish--played by Tim Moore. In other words, pretty much what one would find in most sit-coms then and now---the nice person, the hustler, the dupe, and all those others in between.

True, the original radio show featured the two white creators and performers in what may well have been the most listened to show on radio in that era. Television had to have Black (African American ) actors. They got brilliant ones. Doing this show also created work for people who would not have found employment in media at the time. That is sad since these are and were wonderful artists.

Time has passed and now this show is "persona non grata". How sad that is. Think of the legacy of wonderful acting that is denied the world. Think, in addition, of later programs that were, frankly, offensive and have syndication. The Jeffersons come to mind. There are others.

The Goldbergs come to mind as another program that is, sadly, relegated to the trash bin of history. It was ethnic but it was warm and positive. "Desperate Housewives" it was not. "Friends" it was not."The Jeffersons"(truly offensive and aired ---forever in syndication) it was not. What it was represented a slice of life of that era. An era that we like to have nostalgic memories of and think we have left our sensibilities of it behind.

The media moguls think sophistication and "now" are trashy reality shows, 24 hour news, and bland sitcoms. Of course, there is always Law and Order. Pretty much 24/7 now. How it started and what it was supposed to be is another tale. Lady luck plays strange tricks.

Enjoy a few minutes of classic TV by some brilliant performers doing things that they could not have done were it not for the ability to air brilliant comedy---Amos and Andy.

THE MARQUEE HAS CHANGED

2007-06-01T16:56:00.000-04:00

As we bid farewell to some wonderful minutes spent with Harry Chapin on this site we say hello to another musical treat---some scenes from HMS PINAFORE. Unfortunately no videos exist of, arguably, the best interpreter of the patter material of G & S---namely---Martyn Green.

A trivia query for anyone who would like to post an answer---the G & S opera "Ruddigore" is a play on what words and caused quite the controversy when it was first performed? Not the show---the title.

The Past and The Present and Is It Better or Not?

2007-05-25T19:43:00.000-04:00

Not being a politician or an actuary that can cite all the figures I can just give some nostalgic reminiscences and some current anecdotal comments that might put this into perspective.

Is not that a beauty. Fins and all. You never did fly though. The cost at that time (1956) about $1,200. It is said that they don't build them like they used to. Not true. They last longer and and need less maintenance. The price, of course, reflects it. Even allowing for inflation. Cars can be talked about at another time since they are something that we can have or not have. Still we would survive. Housing is in that same category. Education as well. Outrageously priced these days for the middle class and lower earning person.

Medical costs is the one thing that one thing that needs to be addressed. That, unlike the other things, one does need to afford to survive.

The anecdotal part comes when I realized first hand the expense and the frustration experienced by persons---and there are many---without health insurance. Sitting in my doctor's office waiting to be seen I heard the receptionist inform callers who's insurance was not accepted by this practice or who had not insurance at all that the initial visit was $425.00 plus the costs of any tests. This was a specialist in NYC. My thought went immediately as to how fortunate I was to have insurance--albeit expensive. Then my thoughts turned to how unfortunate it is that in this nation we have so many uninsured people that can ill afford insurance on top of the rent, the education expense, and so many other things. Yet we are able to subsidize medicines to 3d world nations (by the way---what is the 2d world?). Hospitals will treat terrible cases from other nations---if they are dramatic---gratis. If they make headlines.

Is it not time that this country can come up with a single payer insurance plan sponsored by the government? I say sponsored because every time private insurers are involved--as drug companies---the "bottom line" becomes the gold standard and not the benefits. Since the government has seen fit to insinuate itself into our lives in so many ways. From taxes to surveillance. From Freedoms once taken for granted to the strictures we now find in place. Would this not also be a proper time to benefit the citizenry that is allegedly represented by the government?

The start said the writer was not an actuary or a politician. True. Politician and Actuaries can, surely, devise a plan that would protect and help the people that are supposed to be supported by the government to which their hard earned money has been paid via taxes. Support for them and not for the "pork", ill advised wars by an inept administration, and corruption scandals in abundance.

As to the nostalgia part of the start of this think of this---

Executive salaries in synch with company and employee earnings,

Rents in the 25% range of earnings,

House purchases --affordable with a small down payment and low interest

Medical Insurance--Employer provided or a small contribution

Automobiles---Debatable.

So--the question remains. The Past or The Present. Better or Not?.

You decide.

A Film Recommendation and Thought

2007-05-19T19:57:00.000-04:00

The thought is that how sad it is that some of our brilliant people are cut so short in life. Be it by illness, in the case of Kate Wolf, a tragic auto crash, in the case of Harry Chapin, and, while there are many others, a senseless murder that claimed the life of what would have evolved into a brilliant writing career of Adrienne Shelley is one that is focused on this day. Her film has been released in limited theaters and is just a brilliant piece of work.

While it has no relationship to "Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore" or the TV version "Alice" one has to say it could have been a prequil---Alice still married and how her life then evolved.

WAITRESS is the film.

Some great actors in a story that will have you laughing and crying. On the left you see Andy Griffith in a small and major role. On the right you see the three stars---the waitresses. On the right is the late (sadly) Adrienne Shelley. Her role is both comic and moving in a most realistic way. On the left is Cheryl Hines showing she can be much more than the brilliant straight man (person--for PC) to Larry David. Finally, in the middle, a moving performance by Keri Russell. You may know her from "Felicity" on TV---or many other works.

Let us also note the appearance--as we have of Andy Griffith. A small and yet major role that will have you moved to tears near the end. Think of Andy Griffith before the money making Mayberry period to "A Face In The Crowd". This is Andy Griffith. This is the quality of this film

Objectively this film has to be really recommended. Forget the maudlin start on my part, it is sad that the film-maker never got to see the final fruits of her labor. Sad that she was killed because, from news reports a laborer and a language barrier between them led to her murder

back to the film. The thought at the start was that it seemed almost like a "pre"quil to Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore. That was a wonderful film and so is this. It truly captures the emotions and the frustrations of a certain segment of society. Not to sound pompous. It captures raw emotions. While I believe the OB-Gyn segments are a bit over the top (you have to see the film) all else rings true. Perhaps you ladies who have been to OBGyns will correct me after seeing the film---but that was a bit hard to swallow.

WAITRESS is a wonderful and insightful film for this summer--and all year--to leave us with not only a good feeling (It is not a "feel good movie") and not blast us with the special effects. Summer Movies (when did that term come into being) specialize in that---noise, effects, etc; Meaning and depth are left to the sadly departed "art" theaters or local venues.

Great writing and performances abound in WAITRESS. So many films and so few of quality. This has quality.

Random Ramblings and Recommendations

2007-05-13T19:25:00.000-04:00

Since this is the Almost Daily Rooster I thought it time for an update so it would get a little closer to daily---but, still, almost.

For the next few days a few shots of The Little Flower on the You Tube Segment---Memories. Brother Theodore has moved to the main page since a film about him will soon be released and the filmmaker will be my guest on TABLETALK in the near future.

Speaking of films I had occasion to once again watch a film that has been around for over 8 years now and while it never achieved a great following in movie houses it is a truly memorable film. A Hungarian film (in German w. subtitles) that has been all around the world getting a large cult following it is available on DVD. I speak of Gloomy Sunday. Based on the legend of the song Gloomy Sunday and its inclining people to suicide it delves into the era before World War 2 and a brief time after. How people related before the war and what transpires during the conflict and the relations after it. Not to give the plot away, suffice it to say that it involves three men and one woman and their relationships. During the last 5 minutes of the film one must not avert one's eyes from the screen so as to see the slight thing that happens that explains the start of the film. But, that is plot. The film deals with people and relationships during hard times much more. Almost Shakespearean in its take on humanity.

Random Ramblings means I should ramble on a bit more than just a film. Good as it is. So let me ramble on about a comment I made on my Sunday Simcha program about a particular---alleged---entertainer. Alleged--great word. Raoul Felder, the attorney, who has co-authored a book, "Schmucks", with the alleged entertainer makes the comment that if one uses the term (in a case) "alleged" you have to know the person is guilty. He is being brought up before some ethics committee of the Bar (I believe that is the group). As to the alleged entertainer---Jackie Mason. I probably should not say alleged because if Felder is correct then he really is. Not in my book. Mr. Mason decided, for who knows what reason, to put something up on You Tube that totally slurs Barack Obama in a racist manner---something to the effect that he should have a job---not President---how about a head waiter or a waiter.

Mr. Mason's offensiveness has been a long on going thing that just seem to get worse as the years go by. There used to be punch lines. Now there is just nastiness and pomposity.

An archival interview of him by Terri Gross aired last week. It was from 1987. Strangely he was just as offensive to his interviewer then as he is now. Enough time spent on a bigoted and unfunny curmudgeon. We move on.

Presidential primaries. Without going into any depth on this. Have you wondered why we start at such an early date. Why this seems to now be a constant ongoing event that precludes a respite from one election to the next.

Some of us may remember when there were primaries and the candidate was chosen at the convention. Conventions, now, are rubber stamps and hoopla for the attendees after the all the primaries. States want to be first so as to show influence. The old way, it is said, led to smoke filled back room selections. Well, smoking is now out but there is something to be said for the older version. With few exceptions it gave us substantial leaders throughout our history. This way seems geared to only the dollars spent. Something not mentioned and perhaps not that influential in prior years. Yes, we live in a new era. But does that mean that money raised and fundraisers are the coin of the presidency. If that is so then it follows that one can just buy the office so why even bother with all the fore-play. Which, by the way, this seems to be. Thirsting for office and then reaching a climax at inauguration time. The last inauguration videos seemed to show just that with the Bush family--well, dear brother, in any case.

Not taking sides here there is just one candidate that I have to make mention of. In a negative way. Nice shot above of Rudy (Or as the crow says---Rudy, Rudy,Rudy). Mayor of NYC who, prior to 9/11, was a disaster. A few heroic photo-ops and he is a hero who now flip flops on all the things he said in NYC. His stand on abortion---one thing here another in the "heartland". Lowered the crime rate in NYC---no--his Police Commissioner did that and got credit. Fired. Took the spotlight from Mr. DA. Sensitivity to the racial make-up of NYC---immediate acceptance of police versions of horrific incidents---unlike the current office holder.

The other strange thing---and it is strange--is his comment on asking his latest wife to sit in on cabinet meetings. A real expert. Perhaps in marital matters given her and his track records. Maybe she could arrange a marriage between opposing forces. Other than that. Who knows.

Let us all await a leading candidate to think about. A candidate of substance. Heaven, or something like that, knows we need someone at this time in history. We do not have it now.

Last thought. John Edwards. Let us see how it plays out. At this point I have to feel that he is the most sincere and experienced person in the race. Also, a man of substance that has overcome much personal difficulty and does not insinuate his religious beliefs into his politics. He has made much money but that is what our capitalistic system preaches. He also, seems, to have kept his ideals. You cannot want more than that.

More Transit Thoughts

2007-05-04T19:41:00.000-04:00

I had occasion to visit the soon to be green city with Mayor Bloomberg's enthusiastic urging and planning. Its the little things that present the problems.

First a digression. I was there to do an interview for TABLETALK for the benefit of the listener. Note--I left out (s). It will air on May 13 and the author is a quite interesting person that you may well find interesting as you will her work.

Back to the point of this. Public transit. NYC is probably one, if not the best, system around. Yet, like a department store or any business dealing with the public, the face you present to the public is the image you leave. It is, additionally, a reason for getting or not getting repeat business. I know Public Transit will not be getting the Mayor's business, Donald Trump's, or any one in that "price range". You can see the earlier post about that.

The picture shows a man about to walk into the jaws of hell. A place where there is great train service but should he need to speak to the attendant at a booth---well, he will enter the 3d circle of hell.

Time for the sad tale of how unionization (which I have always supported) has now led us into the jaws of hell. I had thought this was a rare occurrence that happened a while back at the 96St. station of the --I still call it the IRT. On 96th and Lexington Ave. The attendant just speaking with her lover on the phone and yelling obscenities at anyone that needed her help. Why she keeps her job is a mystery--save unionization. Why she has a lover is the bigger one. OK--back to serious. Today I find that my Metro Card has a 6.00 balance left but the card expired. Why would it expire? Strange. OK the problem can be solved by going to the booth and speaking with the, supposedly, intelligent attendant being paid to deal with the public. Guess what. She has a lover as well. She never got off the phone. For me, or the person before me, she apparently corrected the situation but never managed to speak to me --or the person before me. When asked if the card was now valid the response was---"...what do you think, man--leave me alone already".

Back in the sad 1970s people fire-bombed token booths. Tokens and cash seem to be gone. Is this the revenge of the attendants. Let's make a film.

It seems to me that it is about time that people are held responsible for their performance and fired if it is not up to par. Let us be frank, not Donald or any other of the elite who will never ride the cattle cars of hell will deal with these people. Just as airlines have to put on their best face it seems that the MTA should have to do that as well.

So, the question then becomes how is it that the fares get higher and higher and the people hired that deal with the public get more incompetent and abusive. Seems like an inverse relationship to the price of the ticket.

The saddest part is that the system is much improved since the 1970s (and earlier) and the staffing has moved in the complete opposite direction.

Some positive suggestions might be the way to go now.

Since cash is not used anymore on NYC transit. Since tokens are a memory, why not make these attendants a memory as well. Given that cash is not the coin of the realm in transit then it follows that those alleged purveyors of cash or credit are obsolete. I do believe that the total absence of cash for fares is a hardship for many. Think about it. You could deposit your coins or tokens and get your ride. Now you had better pay in advance and get that card. No cash for advance purchases. Tough luck. Sure you can get that Metro Card for that one ride by giving the attendant the $2.00. Problem is the attendant either ignores you or abuses you. And one wonders why the ill will befalling the MTA.

Why is the word "firing" and the word "performance" so hard for the management and the union to understand.

I will do a piece of nostalgia on the subways at a later date--the days when there was an IRT, a BMT, an IND. The subways are a marvel of transport. Sad that abusive people behind bullet proof glass (for good reason) is now the image presented to the public. OH--I noticed that there are now signs on the trains that attacking an MTA employee can carry a 7 year prison sentence. Enough said about Public Relations. Even management know who they are dealing with.

I think a picture tells a thousand words. It is so said.

I have always supported unionization and how it has helped workers. The pendulum, as it will so often do, has swung. We pay taxes, we pay fares, do we also not have the right to see abusive incompetents fired?

Now to see about getting a job in the public area with all the wonderful amenities---protection against my insolence, my incompetence, and last but not least my dislike for the people I deal with.

I have to end this by presenting an anecdote of a happy incident. Whilst the 96th St incident was fresh in my mind I boarded a NYC bus and met the most delightful bus driver and thanked him for his courtesy and brightness. Telling him about the earlier incident (96th St Lex) his comment was "..I expect no less from the Subway Folks--not nice people at all". Pearls of wisdom. And, also, of truth

So, the moral is if you want people to ride transit and avoid mid-town congestion make it pleasant. Make it affordable. Make sure you the system is rid of the abusive people that present its public face. It --as they say---ain't pretty.

Who's Green City Is It?

2007-04-30T20:17:00.000-04:00

We leave the comfortable nostalgia of the the old radios and face some reality now. Mayor Bloomberg and his ideas on Congestion Pricing. This will be a bit dry and broken only with a few pictures to brighten the page. Like the one on the left. The George Washington Bridge. Magnificent. Expensive to cross for the pleasure and necessity to get to Mayor Bloomberg's center of the universe.

Let us tally up the cost of going to NYC.

Tolls 6.00 ( 7.00 on the MTA ones). Add now the proposed 8.00 Congestion Pricing. You can do the addition.

In one way there is already congestion pricing. People parking uptown to save the horrendous parking fees in midtown. They take the public transit options.

Now comes the reality part of this, hopefully, read commentary.

Public Transit is not all that inexpensive, it is not a pleasure to ride most times, and perception and reality play into this a lot. What will happen, as it always does, the "haves" will go their merry way into the heart of the city and the "have nots"---which now include the alleged middle class---are priced out. As in housing.

A few prices to think about: Bway Tickets: 100.00

Dinner: 100.00

Congestion 8.00

Parking (uptown until they figure out demand) 10.00

Tolls (Long Island ) 7.00

Do you have children---

Baby Sitting 50.00 (estimate)

Moving away from the entertainment portion of this and going to the daily commute for breadwinners (what an old term that is).

Transit (NYC public) 4.00

Transit to NYC 325.00 average

Driving:

Tolls: 7.00 (average)

Congestion Price 8.00

Parking: 15.00 (uptown)

Public Transport 4.00 (Round trip)

I think what we are seeing is a major problem that affects not only this area but our nation, to some extent. The disparity of wealth. One person, recently, made the comment that the middle class and the poor will no longer be allowed---by not being able--to live in a city. Any city. Mayor Bloomberg, who has done wonderful things, is adding to this with this proposal. It was part of his quite positive and creative package and also his most controversial. All the wonderful additions to public transport and infrastructure would come first. Hopefully. What is really being said is that the masses---the middle class and poorer elements---will be taken care of by public transport and all the people who come in taxis, limos, and can afford the cost of private cars will come in anyway.

Until we find alternate sources of power (read Electric Cars that were sunk) and better forms of conservation this is an idea that should be quickly sunk as some of those positive ones were.

I applaud Mayor Bloomberg for his other wonderful ideas and polices. As, he himself, I believe, felt this was the most controversial. As is the issue in New Jersey of selling off public facilities (Turnpikes,etc;) to re-pay debt. Privatizing public properties so that the public can once again be gouged---privately. Then, when their budget again needs help, surely they can find some other thing to sell that their residents can pay for. Perhaps they can privatize their own legislature and you can buy your seat as some politicos do with the massive funds they accumulate from the private sector.

I did promise a picture to help in the dryness of the commentary---

Do you think the guy with the bad hair will worry about Congestion Pricing? I doubt it. As I doubt that Michael Bloomberg will.

You and I. Well, that is a different matter. So, I suppose, the final question becomes that if we live in a democracy do we have the same rights and privileges as they do? Or, as in Communism, which was supposed to be the great equalizing force, only the "nabobs" did.

The next time you go into NYC think about it. Are you and The Donald equal or not.

Some Radio & TV Nostalgia

2007-04-27T19:35:00.000-04:00

Well---Thanks for hopping over from the main page. First have a gander of a pic or two to set the mood:

OK. you are in the mood if you are of a certain age. The TV is a 1953 vintage Philco and the radios a wooden tabletop--just do not think of a computerThink of a classic model that some of us sat around to listen to the likes of Jack Benny, Fred Allen, The Shadow, The Lone Ranger and for those serious minded folks---Ah Yes there is good news tonight---Gabriel Heater. For the masses there was then---as there is now---a rabble rouser and caterer to the masses---Walter Winchell. Now it is people like O'Reilly and his ilk.

This is a trip to some nostalgia and, even though, it will be a brief mention of radio and more on a few TV personalities I hope for it to be more upbeat than the previous comments. We will focus on a TV personality that has not been seen in many a moon and who, in my never so humble opinion, was one of the great innovators in TV. His influence is felt to this day in the likes of people with special effects, the comedy of MAD TV, and so many more. More about that genius later.

A few reminiscences for some of you of an earlier radio age. An age that is long gone but, at times, is resurrected on Public Radio with some programs like Prairie Home Companion (PRI) and locally with Short Sh0rts. Theater of the mind.

A few pictures of the giants that came from vaudeville to radio and then to TV (which then was once again vaudeville---electronic style)

Jack Benny on left and Fred Allen who never really did make it on TV---but one of his greatest lines---to me--- Fred Allen says to a censor at his network---"...where were you when the page was blank". He also chided his network for the overabundence of execs---"...why they even have VPs for wiping the drool off little children's mouths that are touring the building".

While nostalgia is the order of the day it is really meant to bring you one of the Television geniuses that we never seem to see any more. There was Milton Berle, Ed Sullivan (who singlehandedly brought back vaudeville for a time), Red Skelton, and there was the one person who used the medium of TV to blend the electronic capabilities of it to comedy and bring in his own wonderful sense of humor. Ernie Kovacs. Let us visit a few of his wonderful creations now

First, though, a picture of the Television Pioneer and genius. Ernie Kovacs. Creater of so many characters and effects on TV that had never before been seen. While
Ed Sullivan and others had used TV as an extension of vaudeville Ernie Kovacs brought a new dimension to it. Innovation that has its influence on the likes of much of what see today. Be it MAD TV, David Letterman, Jon Stewart and more.

Kovacs was born in NJ in 1919 and died, tragically, in an auto accident at the tender age of 43. He had, as the history goes, been returning from a party. In those 43 years years this Hungarian descendant had accomplished much in that short life. Film and TV.

There are always a lot of re-runs of old TV programs. Very few are ever seen of this pioneer genius. The effects, the brilliant takes on subjects, and the characters he created are nowhere to be seen today--except at archives at places like the Museum of Broadcasting. He created characters like Percy Dovetonsils

Such poetry---"Thoughts While Falling Off the Empire State Building". His famous poem for Christmas. Amongst others.

Then there was also:

Yes---the famed Nairobi Trio. Which included Jack Lemmon. In addition one could find so many other innovations. The use of special effects that could create a hole in his head in which one could see through it and view more action, the destruction of the studio at the end of the program. Some of these are classics of comedy. The move from vaudeville to the electronic era with, still, the brilliance of the spoken word I, again , bring you to Percy Dovetonsills.

Ernie Kovacs was a pioneering genius of Television. He also appeared in films. None very memorable, yet, his presence added a great comic persona to them. Such as North To Alaska, It Happened to Jane, and Five Golden Hours and others. You know the famous many others. Though in this case the not so famous many others.

His comic genius was truly meant for innovation in television.

As it so often, sadly, happens some of our greatest artists in all genres leave us at a tender age. It happens through disease, auto accidents (in this case), and other tragic circumstances left unsaid. Yet, we delight in the fact that they were there for us and were able to bring us to a new level of entertainment, wisdom, or whatever you feel is important.

Would that Ernie Kovacs were still with us with his innovations and creativity.

Today we do not have his like. We have imitations that do not come up to the master himself. Yet, we have new people that use Television in creative ways that bring us the truth as Ernie Kovacs did. About the human condition. Think Jon Stewart and The Daily Show, Stephen Colbert, and a very few others.

Think, also, of WFDU in the smaller area, obviously, and programs like Traditions and Sunday Simcha. Think also of WNYC and its interesting pundits. Think, as well, of the little that is left on radio and TV that can address issues and people in a creative and interesting way.

If you want more profiles of some of the old radio or TV greats---in my never humble opinion you can always leave a comment. Whatever it is.

You might also visit the Public Radio Quest Website to make a comment after you search out my name (billh891) and listen to my audio presentation (2 minutes)..As the politicos say----your support is welcome .

Andy Kaufman--A Remembrance

2007-04-14T18:54:00.000-04:00

Andy Kaufman died at the tender age of 35 in April of 1984 and we are near that date now. I was put in mind presenting this remembrance by some comments regarding Sacha Baron Cohen (aka Borat, Ali G) read on another site in our cyberworld.

It has to be stated at the start that this is not a comparison of the two. Sacha Baron Cohen openly talks of his characters and gives interviews about them. Andy Kaufman was his characters. He never stepped out of that persona.

A reporter might interview the characters or he might interview Andy. They were separate.

Andy was what we call, now, a performance artist. He was not a comedian per se. There was another performance artist before him before that term came into common usage and he will be profiled at a future time. I refer to THEODORE. I mention him now because of his demise in April of 2000. An aside here. I had the honor of an interview with him for TRADITIONS in 1996.

Andy' story is so well told in a bio by his cohort, friend, and writer, Bob Zmuda. There is also another bio by a man of similar name--Bill Zehme. Each one a good read to find out about the mind and great talent of Andy Kaufman.

My first introduction to his talent and his great ability to put people on was a Dick Van Dyke variety program (which came after his sit coms) and this very untalented individual came on and proved how awful he was. One had to believe that a huge error in auditioning and casting had been made. THEN---he wound up his little phonograph on stage, turned around, mussed his hair, and pulled up his collar and---before a cottage industry was formed---Elvis emerged.

Andy Kaufman's career spanned so few years and most of it you can read in his two great bios (my recommendation is Bob Zmuda's) but let us mention a few characters he created and some of his greatest "performance artist" put-ons. First--that great and alleged star--Tony Clifton

Great big hit in, as he says, the tri county area who could have been a star if only Andy had let him. Yes---it is Andy. Sometimes, however, it was Bob Zmuda. Andy never did own up to it.

There was also his intent on being a world famed wrestler which ended up in some surgery and damage to his neck. not to mention his altercation on the Letterman show with his opponent.
The wonderful stories of Andy Kaufman abound. The saddest is probably that some thought his dying of cancer at such a tender age was also one of his put-0ns.

Given the nastiness of some alleged comics today--those with no point except for "shock" and it is not even shocking anymore, merely gratuitous inanity, one has to admire and recall, while we miss, this performance artist who created, not only lovable characters, but characters that could be disliked. All done in the greatest comedic sense.

Andy Kaufman was a brief breath of fresh air into the stale comedic world of that time--excepting just a few creative individuals. I am happy that the closing of my Sunday Simcha program (which if you click on the main page you will know more about) is part of our closing theme---from a performance at Carnegie Hall where he had 2o buses waiting to transport people to a place for milk and cookies and joined them in the libation.
Hopefully you are bringing laughter wherever you are spending eternity---it is not here as some people believe. We all wish it were.

In a way it is. On Sunday Simcha Andy's voice closes each program.

YOU ARE MISSED BY THE MULTITUDES---ANDY, TONY, LATKA, AND ALL THE OTHER PEOPLE YOU INHABITED.

A profile of THEODORE will be published shortly.

Or as THEODORE might comment---once I have finished stirring up the brew of Oleum Canus and dealing with the Dr. Herman Rashoko and his love for his raincoat and the other important and meaningful matters my practice requires I shall surely present this immense trove of treasure to you.

The Madness of March and The Madness of Our Society

2007-04-10T19:05:00.000-04:00

Each picture gives us a definition of "madness". March Madness is pictured on the left in the person of Don Imus, the self proclaimed shock jock of intellect. The top shot is of the horrors awaiting our troops in a war created under false pretenses by the other self proclaimed person of intellect---but he did use the words--"shock and awe". So, in some ways he is also a
shock jock".

Don Imus, for reasons that must defy understanding, attracts a bevy of guests with "credentials". One has to wonder why he has to pander to the lowest common denominator with his racist and, frankly, inane remarks about some people who have spunk, spirit, and are showing leadership and athletic qualities. They have guts and he has a microphone. They play a game and he plays the game of attracting listeners.

Is it possible to attract listeners without resorting to belittling---in the worst ethnic terms---a group of women who have achieved what we are supposed to believe is a goal of continuing an education to lead them to productive and affirmative lives? One has to hope it is. The Howard Sterns and others attract that lowest common denominator.

Don Imus has done much good philanthropic work. That being the case it has to be a mystery why he cannot lead an intelligent discussion as others do. Granted, their listenership is smaller. (Local New York programming always is) He could be a proselytizer to elevate the level of intellect instead of lowering it. This is not his first foray into offensive behaviour. This time, though, it seems he has finally hit that nerve that awaited him. Politicos are fair game. Ambitious, African American athletes trying to do their best are not. They are also not fodder for small talk to attract the racist audience that listens to this pap.

The picture at the top also referred to the other issue of an egotistical person and, as Laurel and Hardy used to say, "...this is a fine mess you have gotten us in". On a much bigger scale than a petty person as Imus we have the famed "W". The great poser for pictures in flight uniforms he never wore in any combat, the protector of our alleged interests if there is oil there, the eloquent speaker of morality and decency relating to nations without oil and not getting our support, and the great decider making decisions that affect people in ways he was never affected. Or, worse, made sure he was not affected. Think here of the Viet Nam Era.

When is it that this nation lost its way and started to follow the negative nasties that permeate this land. Be it television's inane presentations, inane radio personalities, and worse, lying and lacking leadership.

Let us read about the Roman Empire and other such eras and how they fell and beware of the affects of the sad things we are now calling cultural icons and leaders.

A Must See Film

2007-04-07T19:36:00.000-04:00

I hope this has grabbed your attention. On the left are two of the cars with one of the proud lessees that had to give it back to GM.

A while back I saw some "coming attractions" for a film with the title you see above---WHO KILLED THE ELECTRIC CAR. I was looking forward to seeing it but I guess it just came and went and now is on DVD.

Al Gore's documentary received much notoriety ( to say the least) and now that I have seen this it has to be part and parcel of what that was. I was riveted to it.

Forget electric golf carts and such, forget the early cars that were electric and were slow, and think, rather, how is it that the internal (though some say "infernal") combustion engine is the transportation mode of choice.

This film will answer all those questions and do it in the most interesting and exciting way. You, as I, probably never heard of the EV1 from GM and some others followed made by Toyota and Ford. The film shows us who was allowed to lease these vehicles---celebs for the most part--and when the realization came to the corporations of how it could hurt their business of after market parts and oil companies realizing the danger to them of decreased sales it all came to a quick end. Faster than the best brakes on any GM car.

Some facts you will see in the film:

infrastructure for charging-----almost in place

range between charges---------accomplished

power----------------------------0-60 in 7 sec.

Best now to view this film and find out how GM purchased the battery company and then sold it to the oil people (who closed it), how they threatened lessees who wanted to buy the cars, how Ford could not do it because they never owned their cars, how the subsidiaries of the various automakers were delighted---think of one of the most dramatic scenes in film---a picture of the parts for an internal combustion car ----tailpipes, mufflers, catalytic converters, etc; and those of the electric---batteries, electric motor. PERIOD. Sure, there are the interiors and the A/C and all that which has nothing to do with the aftermarket for the gasoline powered cars.

Toyota should be mentioned here. They claim to be environmentally friendly. They also had an electric car. Gone. They now push their Prius while bringing out the biggest SUV/Truck yet. An interesting aside in the film is that the Army has electric tanks. Proving that electricity can carry the load---no pun intended.

As a film it is interesting, entertaining, and, above all, will arouse you to what is really going on. What is really going on has to do with the constant promise of a wonderful thing to come---Hydrogen Cells and such when already have answers that are not profit generating to our capitalistic cabal of corporations abetted by the loyal lobby.

It pains me to think how many of people have been fighting and dying in wars to protect these selfish interests that tell us there are no alternatives. There are. Oil is a depletable resource and will only rise in price. Electricity is not if it is produced with non depletable resources---Solar, Water, etc; American ingenuity --of which we once bragged--has a car that has now been shredded and left in a museum (disabled) because it might be realized how well it worked.

Hopefully you will view this film and be as disturbed as I was. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) may well be the heavy in this scenario. After passing a law of "0" emissions they, after lobbying, withdrew it. Effectively killing the EV and allowing the pollution of the air in California to continue.

Best to see the film to find out all the details and also be, frankly, and, sadly, entertained.

A last few thoughts on the subject that might not be covered in the film. Toyota, unlike GM, did sell some of their EVs to their lessees and some of them are still on the road. Ford, as said, did not own theirs and the Scandinavian company that did took them back. GM, as also said, shredded--yes shredded--their products. Shame. Let us not ever think kindly of this behomoth. Should they ever ask for a government handout---as Chrysler did to to our detriment---remember this at all times.

See the film and check the websites relative to it.

A Brain Teaser With A Logical Answer

2007-04-05T15:51:00.000-04:00

Having heard this a while ago and having taken some hours to figure out the solution I wanted to throw this out to you. IF and WHEN you get it just write the answer under Comments.

Here is the problem to solve: There are two pieces of rope. They are of different lengths and/or thickness. The one thing they have in common is that they both will burn for exactly 1 hour.

How can you determine when 45 minutes have elapsed by using the burning of the rope(s). You can only use the rope(s) and the matches to light the rope(s).

This is really simple---as all things are---once you realize how it is done.

The Almost Daily Rooster Crows Once Again

2007-03-29T19:40:00.000-04:00

You might wonder about the title--Daily Rooster. If you read the bio and know some German you will get it.

We are rapidly approaching a confluence of Judeo/Christian holidays. Passover and the end of Lent leading to Good Friday and Easter are soon upon us. Each speaks to us of recovery, resurrection and freedom. Christianity, in all its many guises and sects, evolved from the Old Testament and continued it evolution. Other faiths have followed other paths. Some, as Islam, are, basically, faiths that started in the same area with the same roots. Which can, I suppose, lead us to that great old joke about ---had Abraham's kin turned right he would have had the oil and Ishmael the sand and rocks.

Much sand has passed over the desert or water over the fall and Christians have persecuted Jews, Muslims have, and are, creating terror to make their faith the major influence in this sad planet.

I want to be clear that this does not mean all Muslims (when did it not mean Moslems) just as one cannot paint Christians, Jews, Buddhists, etc; with one brush.

The truth in all this is that is the tyrants in many lands, the desecration of our own constitution by a megalomanic president, the selfish interests in natural resources for riches (read oil in this case), and the blind faith of people of all beliefs that have led us into this sad situation.

It is always the right thing to offer the solution and to offer a proposal that negates the negativity. It seems obvious. Thinking! Do you believe? Why do you believe? What do you believe? Do you, honestly, believe that it the idealistic principle your leaders also believe---or your greater being.

If any of the answers is NO then people can let go of all the hatred and evil events that are befalling us.

Faith seems to divide and not unite. Perhaps Faith in WE is what is needed---however one spells WE in all languages.

The Edwards Situation

2007-03-26T20:39:00.000-04:00

Many opinions pro and con regarding the campaign. Should he run. Should he not run. Is he selfish, is she subservient to a male figure. All these things have surfaced and been explored ad-nauseum by the alleged pundits.

I like John Edwards. I like his sincerity and his openness.

Politics aside now. I guess you might call it "full disclosure" or "truth in advertising".

I can speak from a very personal standpoint. I do not know of his wife's disease, its prognosis, or its treatability. I believe I do know what they are feeling and what I feel is the course they should take. This is from, as said, a very personal standpoint---having been through this very same situation (no---I was not running for president). My wife also had cancer. I say "had" because the past tense is what has occurred quite a few years back.

Since we are now in this 21st century with all the electronic new media I suppose a picture of her would be appropriate to join that of Mrs. Edwards.

OK. There it is.

Now I have to say that I admire Mrs. Edwards and Mr. Edwards for a number of reasons that I am able to truly relate to.

She shows, to me, the same "spunk"--call it "heroism" if you want-- that my wife did in the face of a tough uphill fight. He, John Edwards, is certainly not in the same economic area that I inhabit. Yet, I believe we share the same feelings. Feelings that are confirmed by brave and devoted women that have the same commitments to our lives and our futures.

I do not know how Mrs. Edwards will fare. I do, however, believe that however she fares her husband is a strong person who will, not only support her in the best way he can, but will, at the same time, have the commitment and the devotion to fulfill his promise to the rest of us. OK--to put it as simply as one can and use a "yiddishism"---which he, probably knows not of, ---he is a ""mensch". Frankly, it is been a long time since we had one in the White House. I give you Harry Truman for that.

The Campaign Trail

2007-03-24T19:16:00.000-04:00

The lonely rider leading the pack on the campaign trail is what all the candidates want to be. Seems like right now that person has a lot of company and probably will get a lot more in the months ahead.

The campaign seems to keep starting earlier each year and long gone are the days of a convention where the candidate is chosen It has become a pre-ordained thing by that time. Was the old way better or is this? I am not sure. I do suspect that this year's really early start has to do with a lot of dissatisfaction--to use a mild term--with our situation in many areas. From a wrong war, scandals, and much more.

The list of candidates seems to be growing in both parties. The Democrats seem to have some really viable ones and the Republicans seem to have ones that are saying what people like to hear. Take Rudy Guiliani. Some call him the "country's mayor". Best they check what New Yorkers think of him. If there were an election on September 10, 2001 you would have seen a real loser. Now the comments from him have to do with some great generalities to placate as many voters as is possible---from Abortion, Gun Control, etc;. As one quiz show today asked--what did Rudy Guiliani have more of than all the other candidates----the answer is divorces and never telling the truth to the spouses about any of them.

John McCain seems to have gone from the idealistic straight talker to being one who is saying, what he believes, to be the politic things to say. Can't blame him there. Can't support that either. It is not the McCain of the earlier years.

On the positive side I do believe that the Democrats have a field of contenders that offer promise to this, sadly, poorly served and misrepresented nation. Misrepresented in the world and also to its citizens.

We have John Edwards, Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, and Bill Richardson. All are such great choices. Some wag said that Richardson is the least disliked and, therefore, viable. The fact is that he is probably the most experienced and the least charismatic. That counts these days. It may well have counted before. Think JFK on TV vs RMN. I can't say anything about Jackson vs Adams since it was just a wee bit before my time.

John Edwards has said he is continuing his campaign even with the sad news about his wife. She says that she supports him in that and one has to hope that she means that in a positive and not in a subservient way.

Barack Obama is a person who is young, less experienced than others but certainly puts on the face of an idealistic and charismatic (there is that word again) person

Hillary Clinton is someone I think you may have heard of. Since the U S is among nations that have not had a female chief executive while some, such as India, Israel, UK, and others have one has to think that is surely a wonderful and viable option. Bill, surely, would stay home as a "house husband". Do you believe that? Advice and ambassadorships are some wonderful options there.

Many great choices on the Dem side. Very few on the party of Lincoln's side.

One pairing I particularly like: Edwards/Obama or Obama/ Edwards. They could use a bumper sticker slogan--"Bring Idealism Back To US".

Many people have purchased bumper stickers from me so, perhaps, they might as well. If not that is OK. It, as it is said, is the thought that counts.

An Introduction to Another Side Of The Blogosphere

2007-03-23T19:34:00.000-04:00

Just a brief mention here of an item that could not be put on the profile. This is really a link for those of you who would like to share some of my thoughts---agree or disagree--on items not related to the musical and entertainment portions of the "Blog" pertaining to radio programs.

Some thoughts about current events, rather strange---or self serving--people as I mentioned in the other blog in mentioning "The Noimpact man".

Frankly, I thought it best to separate the musical content from the rest---so links are available for those of you interested. Your thoughts would, surely, be welcome. As it is said, to paraphrase, "....heads are better than one".

We might share some political, topical, and social thoughts. I am thinking at this point of my comments yesterday regarding "no impact man". Probably something best separated from the entertainment and musical content of the blog. Albeit the music and its content has sociological significance as opposed to the "pop" culture and the "pop" music.

I have to say, at this point, that I have heard a lot about Blogs, a lot about alleged news promulgated under that guise on the Internet, and also about The Huffington Post. Given all that I thought that since a whole new avenue of "speech" (accurate or not) has been opened I would from time to time also add to the verbiage and add to the inundation of all of us with opinions. Hopefully, mine will be based on some fact and, yet, I am sure I will make errors and await your comments and corrections.

This will not be a daily but more of an occasional newsletter, if you will.

As said, your comments are welcome as they are on the other site.

There is a link on the side bar to my main page which is all about radio, music, CD reviews, and upcoming musical events.