pianogonzology: NPR

Showing posts with label NPR. Show all posts

Sunday, February 2, 2020

Classy??? . . .

https://thriveglobal.com/stories/how-to-be-classy/

. . . I don't think so. . .

(from https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/trump-praises-pompeo-for-fight-with-npr-reporter-you-did-a-good-job-on-her/2020/01/28/34d314f6-41fb-11ea-b5fc-eefa848cde99_story.html)

". . . “Very impressive, Mike,” Trump said, jovially. “That reporter couldn’t have done too good a job on you yesterday. I think you did a good job on her, actually.” . . . Trump was referencing a confrontation Pompeo had with NPR’s Mary Louise Kelly after an interview in which she asked him why he did not do more to defend Marie Yovanovitch, the U.S. ambassador to Ukraine, amid a smear campaign that resulted in her losing her posting. . . Pompeo cut off their interview and then proceeded to curse and yell at Kelly for asking about Ukraine, the reporter later said. She said he used profanity when he asked her angrily, “Do you think Americans care about Ukraine?” He then asked her to find Ukraine on a blank world map, which she says she did. . .Pompeo did not apologize for his treatment of Kelly, instead issuing a statement in which he continued to attack her credibility, insisting that she had lied to him about the interview being about Iran. He also said their conversation after the interview was off the record, which she says she never agreed to. . ."

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Wednesday, June 6, 2018

Just Plain . . .

. . . funny

(from http://www.edrants.com/in-defense-of-chrissie-hynde-why-npr-needs-to-change-and-why-david-greene-is-a-sexist-fool/, an NPR interview by David Greene with Chrissie Hyde)
". . . Greene: People certainly thought in its day [sic] as being very different and really emboldening women.
Hynde: Okay, well I’m not here to embolden anyone.
From here, the NPR producer cuts away in aloof and hilarious fashion to a lengthy clip of “Brass in Pocket” to pad out time, leaving the listener wondering what embarrassing (and possibly more interesting) bits were left on the cutting room floor. . . If Greene had truly been interested in Hynde, he might have described her in less innocuous and truer terms. Moreover, Greene can’t even deign to praise the Pretenders. Instead, he gushes over the Rolling Stones rather than the band that Hynde has been a member of:
Greene: And the Rolling Stones. They came — I mean, I, I loved reading about how you sort of took some of the staging off to take it with you, almost as a souvenir.
Hynde: Yeah. Do you want me to repeat the story?
Greene: I’d love you to.
Hynde: Is that the question?
Greene: No. I’d love you to.
Hynde: Can I just not repeat the stories that I’ve already said in the book? Can we talk about things outside of that? Is that possible? I don’t want to do a book reading, as it were. . ."

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Other Ray Jozwiak Offerings

(To Access all Ray Jozwiak - Gonzo Piano music you can copy-and-paste this URL directly to
your browser: http://www.cdbaby.com/Artist/RayJozwiak)

Get your copy of OHO's Where Words Do Not Reach now!
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Also, be sure to visit: www.rayjozwiak.com and www.ohomusic.com

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Wednesday, May 10, 2017

Applicable . . .

Maybe you've heard that NPR's unique sports commentator Frank DeFord is retiring after 37 years on the job. A unique voice in the sports world, DeFord brought an original perspective to a world in which I, quite frankly (no pun intended) have little interest. DeFord is also very quotable . . .

(on college sports. . . )
"If the players aren't getting paid, there's something terribly, terribly wrong, and that's true only in the United States. Everywhere else, where money is involved with sport, the players get paid. But these poor kids in college, they're doing it for free, and that's just disgraceful."
-Frank Deford

Does this possibly apply to live music now that we've reached 2017?

What do you think?
Tell me at
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My latest solo offering, No Frills, is now available at - No Frills

(To Access all Ray Jozwiak - Gonzo Piano music you can copy-and-paste this URL directly to
your browser: http://www.cdbaby.com/Artist/RayJozwiak)

Get your copy of OHO's Where Words Do Not Reach now!
The Ocean City Ditty Video is now on YouTube
Also, be sure to visit: www.rayjozwiak.com and www.ohomusic.com

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Monday, September 26, 2016

Dear . . .

. . . NPR,

During a recent, morning show interview of a political, Christian, rapper, your reporter asked his guest if he would be voting in November. The musician said that yes, he would, first carefully choosing his local representatives and then added that he will cast a vote for a presidential candidate, but that candidate would not be Donald Trump or Hillary Clinton. To that, your reporter responded to the effect that, 'aren't you concerned that in so doing, you are not participating in the election at all, or not voting?' To his credit, the rapper had a quick, considered and intelligent response which in short said simply - NO. I, for one, agree with the latter's response and find your reporter's question (as many other questions and posits I have heard from them during this election cycle) contemptible.

(http://www.thefiscaltimes.com/Columns/2016/06/21/Your-Vote-Third-Party-Candidate-Won-t-Be-Waste-2016)
". . . many voters will be looking at third party alternatives this year. But most will categorically reject minor party candidates, dismissing a vote for anyone other than Clinton or Trump as a wasted ballot. Such thinking is deeply flawed and very dangerous for America’s future. . . The belief that voting for a candidate destined to lose is a waste confuses voting with betting. Unlike the lottery, there is no immediate reward for picking the winning candidate. And, by voting for the “lesser of two evils,” each voter marginally helps a bad candidate take office. . ."

What do you think?
Tell me at
http://www.rayjozwiak.com/guestbook.html or at
http://www.ohomusic.com

My latest solo offering, No Frills, is now available at - No Frills

(To Access all Ray Jozwiak - Gonzo Piano music you can copy-and-paste this URL directly to
your browser: http://http://www.cdbaby.com/Artist/RayJozwiak)

Get your copy of OHO's Where Words Do Not Reach now!
The Ocean City Ditty Video is now on YouTube
Also, be sure to visit: www.rayjozwiak.com and www.ohomusic.com

Monday, June 13, 2016

Songs . . .

(from the desk of Rod Deacey)
". . . This Monday, we are delighted to welcome back an inspired performer described by Larry Groce of NPR’s Mountain Stage as “West Virginia’s premier songwriter.” The inimitable TODD BURGE can write and sing you a witty ditty about ANYTHING, and frequently does write about anything, or at least those things that no-one else would think to sing about. Todd’s buddy, Grammy-winning singer-songwriter TIM O’BRIEN says. “… he’s invented his own art form… his songs just keep getting better and better…” As if his stellar songwriting isn’t enough, he also plays a mean guitar, and his vocal gymnastics will blow you away! I think you can tell I like this guy – and you will, too! Come and experience West Virginia’s finest!

Monday’s Piano Prelude will be played for us by another musician from across the river, classical organist JIM MOON, who takes a break from his band, MOON MUSIC, to bring us some Scott Joplin ragtime tunes, sprinkled with classic Dylan, James Taylor and more! We are not sure if Christian will be taking care of our food and drinks or whether it will be surprise substitute Kat, back to help us again!

Three-song cameos will be supplied by award-winning songwriter ANNETTE WASILIK and another of our regular piano meisters, ROCKIN’ RAY JOZWIAK! Ray will also help me out later in the show, playing his best Americana piano… After the feature, poet JOHN HOLLY will read a couple of his poems, I’ll sing a couple of songs and read a poem, and TOMY WRIGHT (with us this week – Yea!) will close the evening…"

What do you think?
Tell me at
http://www.rayjozwiak.com/guestbook.html or at
http://www.ohomusic.com

My latest solo offering, No Frills, is now available at - No Frills

Wednesday, September 16, 2015

Dear . . .

. . . NPR,
In the interest of TRUE objectivity, I would suggest a correction be made regarding a comment made on your show. The male moderator, interviewing a political correspondent on Friday, September 11, 2015 said something to the effect that, 'Hillary Clinton may have a rival for the Democratic Presidential nomination in Joe Biden' implying that there are NO other Democratic candidates. Last time I checked, there were a few; Martin O'Malley and Bernie Sanders are two.. Please do not allow your on-air talent to decide any elections for the American people in advance. This flies in the face of one of the principles NPR is supposed to champion - OBJECTIVITY.

What do you think?
Tell me at
http://www.rayjozwiak.com/guestbook.html or at
http://www.ohomusic.com

OHO's "Ocean City Ditty," the CD single is now available at http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/oho4
(and, if you're in town, at Trax On Wax on Frederick Rd. in Catonsville, MD) OHO is Jay Graboski, David Reeve & Ray Jozwiak. Please Visit http://www.ohomusic.com

My latest solo offering, Just More Music by Ray Jozwiak, featuring original, instrumental piano music is now available at - Just More Music by Ray Jozwiak

(To Access all Ray Jozwiak - Gonzo Piano music you can copy-and-paste this URL directly to
your browser: http://http://www.cdbaby.com/Artist/RayJozwiak)

Also, be sure to visit:
http://www.rayjozwiak.com

Sunday, June 14, 2015

Damnedest . . .

. . . thing . . .

(http://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2015/06/08/412314701/lost-posture-why-indigenous-cultures-dont-have-back-pain)
". . . if you look at drawings from Leonardo da Vinci — or a Grey's Anatomy book from 1901 — the spine isn't shaped like a sharp, curvy S. It's much flatter, all the way down the back. Then at the bottom, it curves to stick the buttocks out. So the spine looks more like the letter J. "The J-shaped spine is what you see in Greek statues. It's what you see in young children. It's good design," (Esther) Gokhale says. So Gokhale worked to get her spine into the J shape. And gradually her back pain went away. . . Americans are also much less active than people in traditional cultures, (Dr. Preveen) Mummaneni says. "I think the sedentary lifestyle promotes a lack of muscle tone and a lack of postural stability because the muscles get weak." Everyone knows that weak abdominal muscles can cause back pain. In fact, Mummaneni says, stronger muscles might be the secret to Gokhale's success. In other words, it's not that the J-shaped spine is the ideal one — or the healthiest. It's what goes into making the J-shaped spine that matters: "You have to use muscle strength to get your spine to look like a J shape," he says. . ."

Thursday, February 12, 2015

Fail . . .

NPR, of all media outlets, the very one frequently held as the gold standard of electronic journalism, has failed us. . . and this is not the first time. According to NPR, Hilary Clinton is the only 'household' name Democrat considering a run for the presidency. There you have it. Case closed. Over-simplified? Yes! True though? Yes!

But there are other, (and yes, possibly BETTER-qualified) well-suited candidates which NPR has failed to tell us about. Not only have they failed, they have subliminally told their audience that there is virtually no choice. Is that what NPR is SUPPOSED to tell us???

One of the (many) problems with our electoral system is the media's heavy influence over it. A candidate is not serious if he can't afford the millions it takes to wage a campaign, which includes paying the media for the exposure it provides.

In spite of what NPR or any other 'news' outlet tells you, there truly ARE other potential Democratic candidates such as Joe Biden, Bernie Sanders, Luiz Gutierrez, Al Franken, Tim Kaine & John Kerry. . .and don't forget, independent ones either.

What do you think?

Tell me at
http://www.rayjozwiak.com/guestbook.html or at
http://www.ohomusic.com

OHO's "Ocean City Ditty," the CD single is now available at http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/oho4
(and, if you're in town, at Trax On Wax on Frederick Rd. in Catonsville, MD) OHO is Jay Graboski, David Reeve & Ray Jozwiak. Please Visit http://www.ohomusic.com

My latest solo offering, Just More Music by Ray Jozwiak, featuring original, instrumental piano music will be released April 7, 2014 Just More Music by Ray Jozwiak

Saturday, December 27, 2014

OLD Friend . . .

(http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2014/12/23/372723222/woman-who-lied-to-facebook-about-her-age-dies-at-114 December 23, 2014)
Anna Stoehr became an Internet celebrity at age 113, when she owned up to fibbing on her Facebook account so she could join the social network. It was an unpredictable turn of events for Stoehr, who was born before the Wright brothers took their historic first flight. She died Sunday at age 114. "Anna lived alone on her farm in Potsdam, MN until she was 112," local KARE 11 TV reports. "She and her husband Ernest had farmed together. He passed away in 1998 at the age of 97." Facebook, whose software could not (and still cannot) account for a birth date before the year 1905, "sent her a bouquet of 114 flowers for her most recent birthday," the AP reports. Stoehr's story spread after her son Harlan, 85, went to a Verizon store to buy a phone for his mother. When she had trouble joining Facebook, she wrote the company a letter that included the line, "I'm still here." . . . The social network wasn't the only way Stoehr embraced technology late in life. When KARE 11 spoke to her before her birthday in October, she was using an iPad to hold video chats — in German — with a friend. "That's an aspect of my mom," Harlan told KARE in October. "She's been curious about everything all her life and continues to be curious about it."

What do you think?
Tell me at
http://www.rayjozwiak.com/guestbook.html or at
http://www.ohomusic.com

OHO's "Ocean City Ditty," the CD single is now available at http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/oho4
(and, if you're in town, at Trax On Wax on Frederick Rd. in Catonsville, MD) OHO is Jay Graboski, David Reeve & Ray Jozwiak. Please Visit http://www.ohomusic.com

My latest solo release, '2014' of original, instrumental piano music, can be downloaded digitally at:

(or you can copy-and-paste this URL directly to
your browser: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/rayjozwiak4)

Also, be sure to visit:
http://www.rayjozwiak.com

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

Tap It . . .

(fromhttp://www.npr.org/2014/11/03/357428287/tom-magliozzi-popular-co-host-of-nprs-car-talk-dies-at-77)
Tom Magliozzi, one of public radio's most popular personalities, died on Monday of complications from Alzheimer's disease. He was 77 years old.

Tom and his brother, Ray, became famous as "Click and Clack the Tappet Brothers" on the weekly NPR show Car Talk. They bantered, told jokes, laughed and sometimes even gave pretty good advice to listeners who called in with their car troubles.

If there was one thing that defined Tom Magliozzi, it was his laugh. It was loud, it was constant, it was infectious.
Tom (right) and Ray grew up great friends despite a 12-year gap between them. Both graduated from MIT before going into the car repair business. i

Tom (right) and Ray grew up great friends despite a 12-year gap between them. Both graduated from MIT before going into the car repair business.
Courtesy of Car Talk

"His laugh is the working definition of infectious laughter," says Doug Berman, the longtime producer of Car Talk. He remembers the first time he ever encountered Magliozzi.

"Before I ever met him, I heard him, and it wasn't on the air," he recalls.

Berman was the news director of WBUR at the time.

"I'd just hear this laughter," he says. "And then there'd be more of it, and people would sort of gather around him. He was just kind of a magnet."

The Magliozzi brothers grew up in a tough neighborhood of East Cambridge, Mass., in a close-knit Italian family. Tom was 12 years older, the beloved older brother to Ray. They liked to act like they were just a couple of regular guys who happened to be mechanics, but both of them graduated from MIT.

After getting out of college, Tom Magliozzi went to work as an engineer. One day he had a kind of epiphany, he told graduates when he and Ray gave the 1999 commencement address at their alma mater.
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NPR's Holiday Favorites
A 'Car Talk Carol'

He was on his way to work when he had a near-fatal accident with a tractor-trailer. He pulled off the road and decided to do something different with his life.

"I quit my job," he said. "I became a bum. I spent two years sitting in Harvard Square drinking coffee. I invented the concept of the do-it-yourself auto repair shop, and I met my lovely wife."

Well, he wasn't exactly a bum; he worked as a consultant and college professor, eventually getting a doctoral degree in marketing. And Tom and Ray Magliozzi did open that do-it-yourself repair shop in the early '70s. They called it Hackers Haven. Later they opened a more traditional car repair shop called the Good News Garage.

They got into radio by accident when someone from the local public radio station, WBUR, was putting together a panel of car mechanics for a talk show.

"They called Ray, and Ray thought it was a dumb idea, so he said, 'I'll send my brother' and Tom thought, 'Great, I'll get out of breaking my knuckles for a couple of hours.' And he went over and he was the only one who showed up," Berman says.

Berman says the station liked what Tom did and asked him to come back the next week. This time he brought Ray. The rest, as they say, is history.

In 1987 Car Talk went national on NPR. The Magliozzi brothers were a huge success. Listeners loved their blend of humor, passion, expertise and just plain silliness.

What do you think?
Tell me at
http://www.rayjozwiak.com/guestbook.html

OHO's "Ocean City Ditty," the CD single is now available at http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/oho4
(and, if you're in town, at Trax On Wax on Frederick Rd. in Catonsville, MD) OHO is Jay Graboski, David Reeve & Ray Jozwiak

My latest solo release, '2014' of original, instrumental piano music, can be downloaded digitally at:

(or you can copy-and-paste this URL directly to
your browser: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/rayjozwiak4)

Also, be sure to visit:
http://www.rayjozwiak.com

Friday, November 1, 2013

A Pot . . .

. . . or the kettle . . .

(from http://www.today.com/entertainment/katy-perry-naked-female-pop-stars-put-it-away-8C11488069)
Naked pop stars, hear Katy Perry roar: In a recent interview with NPR's "Weekend Edition," the Grammy-nominated singer protested the ongoing nudity present among women in music these days, and said it was time to "put it away."

"I do see myself becoming this, whatever, inspiration out of default right now, 'cause it's such a strange world," she told Scott Simon during an Oct. 26 chat to promote her new album, "Prism." "Like females in pop — everybody's getting naked. I mean, I've been naked but I don't feel like I always have to get naked to be noticed."

Perry has pushed the envelope on her own nudity, posing on the cover of "Teenage Dream" in the nude (though covered in crucial areas), and has worn suggestive clothing in her videos, like a bra that shoots whipped cream ("California Gurls").

When Simon asked if she was speaking of any one particular too-naked musician, Perry demurred. "I'm not talking about anyone in particular. I'm talking about all of them. I mean, it's like everybody's so naked. It's like, put it away. We know you've got it. I got it too. I've taken it off for — I've taken it out here and there. ... I know I have that sexy card in my deck, but I don't always have to use that card."

. . . or DOES she???

What do you think?
Tell me at
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My latest release, Black & White Then Back,
can be downloaded digitally at:

(or you can copy-and-paste this URL directly to
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Also, be sure to visit:
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