Blog No. 252: Phil Ochs, Cats, CNN Town Hall

October 17, 2025

Phil Ochs

It is a good time for us to remember Phil Ochs: the songwriter, political activist and author of more than 100 topical songs of the 1960s and 70s...I was first introduced to him at Apple Hill Camp when I was about ten years old. My parents were leftists and they sent me to what Woody Allen referred to as a "Jewish socialist summer camp" when I was a kid...That is where I learned a whole bunch of protest songs, many of them written by Phil Ochs. They have stuck with me all these years later--I still remember every word.

Here is a selection of my favorites--no better time then to revive them now and salute this very talented and prolific songwriter who died tragically way to early, when he was only 35.

I'm Not Marchin Anymore

Draft Dodger Rag

There But For Fortune

The Highway Man

Changes

If you would like to delve deeper, here is a documentary all about this remarkable combination of musician/journalist/songwriter/politcal activist.

Cats, Energy, Vibrations and Edgar Cayce

I am an animal lover. When it comes to dogs and cats, I have always been partial to dogs but this youtube video above has given me a new perspective and just might make me a cat person too...

If even just a few of these observations about felines is true, I want to learn more...Thanks to discoveries in modern science, knowledge from ancient history through the Egyptians, the Celts and the Vikings and teachings from the the trance recitations of Edgar Cayce (known as the sleeping prophet), we have learned about the extraordinary abilities of cats.

I didn't know that:
*Every purr from your cat may be more than affection, it could be the exact healing frequency your energy needed to receive...

*Cats have an ability to detect electromagnetic fields

*They can read our energy

*The Egyptians believed that cats were living portals between the physical and spiritual worlds

*A cat’s purr vibrates at a frequency of 25 to 150 hertz, which is the same frequency at which muscles and bones repair themselves.

Bernie Sanders/AOC CNN Town Hall

CNN Town Hall October 15, 2025 with Bernie Sanders and AOC

I dropped one of my segments on this blog to include this very important CNN Town Hall with Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC). They spell out all the most important issues of the day--clearly and succinctly. Please share this with any of your friends and acquaintances on the other side--these two have the ability to speak to all of us and we need to have to stop just speaking to the choir...

Painting of the Week

Pam Smilow Black Heart mixed media on paper 9” x 14”

Charity of the Week:
Indivisible
NO KINGS DAY OCT. 18th

**Please show up on October 18th! and click image to** **donate** **and find a march near you… Bring a friend or two!**

About The Author

New York City based contemporary artist, Pam Smilow, began writing the creative lifestyle blog “things we love” in an effort to foster a sense of community during times of isolation and reflection. To read more about her and her art, visit her website and check out the essay written by Frank Matheis entitled The Sophisticated Innocence of Pam Smilow.

Source: old-age-young-at-heart-chorus-mark-nepo-no...

Blog No. 251: Do Protests Make a Difference, Mary Oliver Poem: Song for Autumn, Words of Wisdom

October 11, 2025

Do Protests Make a Difference

Feeling conflicted about showing up on No Kings Day on October 18th? Never been to a protest before? Don't believe it will make a difference? Think again!

Protests are the backbone of resistance. Showing up on the street, nonviolently, is a very valuable tool we have in our arsenal and has been proven to affect change all over the world throughout history...Still don't believe me: take a look at the links below:

The '3.5% rule': How a small minority can change the world
by David Robson, BBC correspondent

Do Protests Make a Difference, CBS News

Why is Protest Important from Amnesty International

We all complain...Now do something! SHOW UP ON OCTOBER 18TH at
NO KINGS DAY and be counted--No excuses! You have the power to make this the biggest protest in history! We are on our way but we need your help... Click here for a protest near you...

Song for Autumn by Mary Oliver

SONG FOR AUTUMN

by Mary Oliver

In the deep fall

don’t you imagine the leaves think how

comfortable it will be to touch

the earth instead of the

nothingness of air and the endless

freshets of wind? And don’t you think

the trees themselves, especially those with mossy,

warm caves, begin to think

of the birds that will come – six, a dozen – to sleep

inside their bodies? And don’t you hear

the goldenrod whispering goodbye,

the everlasting being crowned with the first

tuffets of snow? The pond

vanishes, and the white field over which

the fox runs so quickly brings out

its blue shadows. And the wind pumps its

bellows. And at evening especially,

the piled firewood shifts a little,

longing to be on its way.

“Song for Autumn" by Mary Oliver
Reprinted by the permission of The Charlotte Sheedy Literary Agency as agent for the author.
Copyright © 2005, 2017 by Mary Oliver with permission of Bill Reichblum

Words of Wisdom

These words of wisdom were shared with me in my Wednesday morning yoga class by the wonderful teacher Stephanie Winchenbach. Spoken by James Van Der Beek of Dawson's Creek fame, how do we define ourselves..."What am I?" It is short and well worth the reminder and listen.

Painting of the Week

Pam Smilow Blue Tree mixed media on canvas $8500 And my granddog Frenchy, not for sale…

Charity of the Week:
Indivisible
NO KINGS DAY OCT. 18th

**Please show up on October 18th! and click image to** **donate** **and find a march near you…**

Source: old-age-young-at-heart-chorus-mark-nepo-no...

Blog No. 250: Jane Goodall/Krista Tippett Interview, Bernie AOC on the Shutdown, Everybody Knows by Leonard Cohen

October 4, 2025

Jane Goodall/Krista Tippett Interview (Revisited)

I posted this interview with Krista Tippett and Jane Goodall a few years ago but thought in light of Jane Goodall's death this week that it would be good idea to repost it again from blog No. 21. The title of the conversation from the nature and culture magazine Orion Magazine is The Shadow of Humanity

"It used to be that we thought we were the only beings capable of using tools. And that our intellect was way beyond any other animals in the animal kingdom. And we were the only ones who had feelings and the ability to self-reflect. Dismissing of animals as inferior to humans was a myth we told ourselves (not sure why that would make us feel good). Jane Goodall was a pioneer in the field of animal intelligence, leading the way in Well, take a look at crows! And elephants, whom Aristotle remarked as "the beast which passeth all others in wit and mind". Not to mention gorillas. Jane Goodall and Krista Tippett reflect on this subject in an interview in Orion Magazine. These days, I venture to say that animals might just be smarter than us humans…think QAnon...

Next time you are looking for something to watch, you might want to take a look at this wonderful documentary about her entitled The Hope

Bernie Sanders/AOC Explain the Shutdown

Photo courtesy Gage Skidmore (gageskidmore.com)

Bernie Sanders and AOC clearly explain the government shutdown and what it means for normal Americans.  

Everybody Knows by Leonard Cohen

EVERYBODY KNOWS
Still one of my all time favorites--for me Leonard Cohen is it! Click to hear him tell it like it is in a beautiful version of this song--love that instrument in the background but can't figure out what it is--please write it in the comment if you know what it is...

Everybody knows that the dice are loaded
Everybody rolls with their fingers crossed
Everybody knows the war is over
Everybody knows the good guys lost
Everybody knows the fight was fixed
The poor stay poor, the rich get rich
That's how it goes
Everybody knows
Everybody knows that the boat is leaking
Everybody knows that the captain lied
Everybody got this broken feeling
Like their father or their dog just died
Everybody talking to their pockets
Everybody wants a box of chocolates
And a long-stem rose
Everybody knows
Everybody knows that you love me baby
Everybody knows that you really do
Everybody knows that you've been faithful
Ah, give or take a night or two
Everybody knows you've been discreet
But there were so many people you just had to meet
Without your clothes
And everybody knows
Everybody knows, everybody knows
That's how it goes
Everybody knows
Everybody knows, everybody knows
That's how it goes
Everybody knows
And everybody knows that it's now or never
Everybody knows that it's me or you
And everybody knows that you live forever
Ah, when you've done a line or two
Everybody knows the deal is rotten
Old Black Joe's still pickin' cotton
For your ribbons and bows
And everybody knows
And everybody knows that the Plague is coming
Everybody knows that it's moving fast
Everybody knows that the naked man and woman
Are just a shining artifact of the past
Everybody knows the scene is dead
But there's gonna be a meter on your bed
That will disclose
What everybody knows
And everybody knows that you're in trouble
Everybody knows what you've been through
From the bloody cross on top of Calvary
To the beach of Malibu
Everybody knows it's coming apart
Take one last look at this Sacred Heart
Before it blows
And everybody knows
Everybody knows, everybody knows
That's how it goes
Everybody knows
Everybody knows, everybody knows
That's how it goes
Everybody knows
Everybody knows, everybody knows
That's how it goes
Everybody knows
Everybody knows

Source: LyricFind
Songwriters: Leonard Cohen / Sharon Robinson
Everybody Knows lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Concrete Blonde also did a great cover on this same song as did many others.

My Studio this Week

Treee of Life Series: Midnight mixed media on paper 60” x 22” $4000

Charity of the Week:
Indivisible

Source: old-age-young-at-heart-chorus-mark-nepo-no...

Blog No. 249: KINDNESS!, Mountain Climber Sheroze Kashif, Martin Niemöller Quote

September 27, 2025

KINDNESS!

In all the 4+ years that I have been writing this newsletter, I want to encourage you to watch this video (click here) and share it far and wide and with everyone you know.

It's a compilation of acts of kindness put together from Steve Hartman's CBS Evening News "On The Road" series.

How is it that I have not heard of him before--his show has aired for a long time now. If it has the same effect on you as it did on me, it will make your face hurt from smiling.

I do believe kind people are the majority.

Hartman won two well deserved 2013 Edward R. Murrow Awards (presented by the Radio Television Digital News Association) for the CBS Evening News. Three of Hartman's stories won in the Best Writing category.

Please share with me your comments on the video--I'd love to know if it had the same effect on you that it did on me...

Mountain Climber Shehroze Kashif

You never know who you are going to meet in Maine--so many interesting people--and you never know who you are going to run into in, a sauna of all places! But since I talk to everyone, this is actually the second blog post I have dedicated to someone I met in that way, in this case in a YMCA in Boothbay.

This time I happened to be sitting next to a guy from Pakistan, which was already a little unusual in lily white Maine, and this was definitely no usual guy. Shehroze Kashif aka the "Broad Boy" holds the world record for being the youngest person to summit all fourteen 8000+ meter mountains.

I have always been fascinated by people who climb mountains and in awe of their ambition, although I could never imagine myself being that driven to do something like that. But Shehroze fell in love with the mountains on his first visit when he was 11, and one can say he fell in love and it was almost that he was born to climb...

Here is a short documentary entitled Above the Sleeping Giants about this young mountaineer who became Pakistan's youngest to climb all fourteen 8000+ meter mountains--fascinating and definitely as close as I will ever get to these sleeping giants...

Quote from Martin Niemöller

QUOTE FROM MARTIN NIEMÖLLER

First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a socialist.

Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a trade unionist.

Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—because I was not a Jew.

Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.

—This quote was attributed to Martin Niemöller (1892–1984), a prominent Lutheran pastor in Germany.

My Studio this Week

Charity of the Week:
Indivisible

Source: old-age-young-at-heart-chorus-mark-nepo-no...

Blog No. 248: Pep Talk from Bernie Sanders, Ian Volkov Speaks His Truth, No Kings Day Protest

September 19, 2025

Pep Talk from Bernie Sanders

This is the speech we all need to hear right now. It is short but will give us courage to keep going...

Please listen and allow him to be our fuel...What would we do without Bernie?

If there are numbers in the street, the media is forced to pay attention…

And while we are on the subject of pep talks, here is another one from the national treasure Heather Cox Richardson, spoken on September 18th. She is so wise, so calm, and we are lucky to have her as one of the most important voices in America right today, America's history teacher and one of our fearless leaders...

Truth Speaker Conductor Ilan Volkov

Click image above to hear Ilan Volkov’s impassioned speech to his audience at the BBC proms.

It takes a lot of courage to stand up and stand out, to stick your neck out even when others deem it is inappropriate to say something at that particular day or time. Ilan Volkov, prominent and renowned Israeli conductor, used the opportunity he had in front of a serious classical music audience at BBC Proms to speak his truth when he had the opportunity to reach a lot of people. And as he responded to a heckler, "You can go if you don't want politics--politics is part of life." I beg you to do whatever is in your power to stop this madness--every little action matters...

The pain he expresses in his heart, I feel it too...

Nationwide Demonstration October 18th

SO SHOW UP! Click image above to find a protest near you.

As many of you know, I usually like to focus on positive, optimistic stories in this blog and to steer clear of the news of the day. God knows we have enough of the darkness in our daily lives and I think it is imperative that we try and stay steadfast in preserving hope and not letting them take away our joy. But sometimes I just can't avoid trying to rally the masses, especially when I feel that we all have to get active and not just gripe.

On October 18th, there will be a mass nationwide protest (nokings.org) and I would like to urge you, whether you have protested before or not, to get out there on October 18th--plan ahead now to be free that day and recruit some of your friends to join you. Here is the link for you to find a local protest near you (zoom in to find your location).

The truth of the matter is that those who remain silent, whether they like it or not, are complicit. Please realize that it is so important that we have numbers in the street that day--to demonstrate to our lawmakers that we do not agree with the attack on our democracy and the desecration of the U.S. constitution and human rights. We need desperately, as one of the most effective tools right now, to show that we are not going along with this administration before it is too late. And while you are at it, get involved in other ways as well--on the local level, through boycotts (look at how successful the Tesla boycott has been--and think back to the United Farmworks Union strike in the 1960s).

I have been impressed with so many people in Maine who are out there on the bridges of their towns week after week with signs of protest but we need more of us. It is energizing to participate and it also shows the public, many of them honking in support as they drive by, that we are out there trying to resist and that they should join us... My mother was a victim of Nazi Germany and there were many that were against the regime but kept their mouths shut. We cannot make that same mistake over and over again...I believe we are the majority...so let's go! For the sake of all of us...

Born during the AIDS crisis, this pink triangle poster refers back to the symbol known for its association with the persecution of homosexuals in Nazi Germany in the 1930s and 1940s.

Painting of the Week

Pam Smilow, mixed media on paper, 30” x 22” $1500

Charity of the Week:
Indivisible

Source: old-age-young-at-heart-chorus-mark-nepo-no...

Blog No. 247: Gabor Mate on Joy and Play, Growing a Sweet Potato Indoors, Crispy Rice Salad

September 14, 2025

Gabor Mate on Joy and Play

The original Christopher Robin stuffed animals, now living at the New York Public Library. Click image to read more about them.

I loved Winnie the Pooh. My daughter loved Winnie the Pooh. Who didn't love this treasure of a book called Winnie the Pooh! Generation after generation is familiar with this classic and it's characters: Milne's real son Christopher Robin's stuffed animals: the loveable Winnie (named for a brown bear in the London Zoo), Piglet, Eeyore, Kanga, Roo and Tigger.

The Hungarian-born Canadian physician and addiction expert is no exception. Gabor Maté expounds on one of his favorite children's book and why it means so much to him. His explanation contains a lesson for all of us. Have a quick listen--it's an important reminder for all of us.

Click on this image above to hear Gabor Maté’s important lesson…

Growing a Sweet Potato Vine

I just moved into a new place that is somewhat lacking in light and greenery. Came across this "How to grow a sweet potato" online and thought I would give it a try. I always loved the intense green of the sweet potato vine leaves you see growing in planters all around NYC and have heard they couldn't be easier to grow. And if you get the right shape potato, the sweet potato itself looks beautiful and almost like some exotic mini African tree trunk. Follow this youtube video to find out how easy it is.

Crispy Rice Salad

CRISPY RICE SALAD
From Sivan's Kitchen on Instagram

INGREDIENTS FOR SALAD🥗
🥬1/2 of a savoy cabbage
💚about 4 green onions
🫛about 2 cups sugar snap peas chopped
🌿1/2 bunch fresh mint
🌿1/2 bunch fresh cilantro
🫛1 cup shelled edamame
🥑1 avocado

or for variation:
•4 Persian cucumbers
•1/2 bunch fresh mint
•1/2 bunch fresh cilantro
•about 5 scallions
•1 cup shelled edamame
•1 avocado
•1/2 cup chopped peanuts

INGREDIENTS FOR DRESSING:
🫙1/4 cup soy sauce
🫙1/4 cup seasoned rice vinegar (it’s a bit sweeter)
🛢️2 tbsp. Oil
🫙1 tbsp. brown sugar
🍋‍🟩1/2 lime
🧄1 garlic clove

INGREDIENTS FOR CRISPY RICE:
•2 cups of white raw rice cooked and cooled
•1 heaping tbsp. chili paste
•3 tbsp. Oil

INSTRUCTIONS:
1. PREPARE THE CRISPY RICE:
* Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
* Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and in a large bowl, combine the cooked white rice, chili paste, and vegetable oil. Mix well.
* Spread the rice mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet and bake for about 40 minutes, tossing the rice every 10 minutes to ensure even baking. Watch closely to avoid burning.
* Once crispy and golden, remove from the oven and let cool. This can be done ahead of time.

2. PREPARE THE VEGETABLES:
* Chop all your vegetables and place them in a large bowl.
* Add the edamame and diced avocado to the bowl.

3. MAKE THE DRESSING:
* In a small bowl, combine the ingredients.
* Whisk together until well mixed.

4. ASSEMBLE THE SALAD:
* Add the chopped roasted peanuts and the cooled crispy rice to the bowl with the vegetables.
* Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
* Serve immediately and enjoy!

Note: If preparing this salad ahead of time, add the avocado, crispy rice, and peanuts just before serving to maintain their texture. The crispy rice will become slightly soggy if it sits in the salad for too long.

Painting of the Week

Tree of Life Series, mixed media on paper, 60” x 22” $4000

Charity of the Week:
Southern Poverty Law Center

Source: old-age-young-at-heart-chorus-mark-nepo-no...

Blog No. 245: No Place Like Maine, About Bees, Crumble Recipe (Copy)

September 5, 2025

There's No Place Like Maine

Nothing like a family vacation in our favorite vacation spot in the state of Maine, "the way life should be!"  I am not sure all vacation places are like this but Maine seems to attract generation upon generation of summer people who continue to carry on the family tradition...our family included.  Our special spot is mid-coast.  

This year there are sixteen of us in a huge house and you could say it is a bit of a United Nations--we have two Chinese, two Danes, one Brit, a Greek, two Puerto Ricans and the rest of us mundane Americans (although many of us hold multiple European passports)...Feel so lucky to be able to gather and that everyone wants to come time and again...so many beautiful memories over the years.  Blessed...

My nephew Aaron Schoenfelder has documented much of his experiences in the state with these wonderful paintings--creativity does flourish in our breed...

About Bees

click image above to see more animal prints by Pam Smilow and Gert Mathiesen

My friend Regina is one of the foremost beekeepers in Maine and she has mentored many newcomers to the field.  I had the good fortune of suiting up with her one day and going into one of her four hives and having a look.  Totally fascinating!  I was a little nervous at first but realized I was totally protected by the suit and the bees weren't interested in me anyway...

We all love honey.  Here is a crash course on the wonder of bees and that sweet divine nectar they produce:

Click to watch a brief video, courtesy Flow Hive US, honeyflow.com

Click to watch how beeswax is made, courtesy Flow Hive US, honeyflow.com

And on my travels across bee-land, I came across this cool Australian company called Flow who have invented a new kind of beehive, easier on the beekeeper and easier on the bees.

Courtesy honeyflow.com. “With our new invention it was now possible to harvest honey from a beehive quickly and easily, without disturbing the bees and without requiring a honey shed or special extraction equipment. We were convinced that our invention could change beekeeping forever. Now it was time to introduce the Flow Hive to the world.”

Click image to shop all these innovative beehives by Flow Hives

Steve and Maia's Famous Crumble Recipe

My beautiful mom and daughter, many moons ago!

MAIA AND STEVE'S CRUMBLE

Topping: 
mix together 

1 cup old-fashioned oats

1/2 cup brown sugar, packed 

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened 

1/3 cup all-purpose flour

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1/4 tsp salt

Filling: 
mix together 

3 cups fruit #1

2-3 cups fruit #2

1/4 cup flour
 
2 tbsp brown or white sugar 

Spices (cinnamon or vanilla etc)
Bake at 375 degrees for approx. 40 minutes

Painting of the Week

Painting by my very talented nephew Aaron Schoenfelder. Click image to see more of his work.

Charity of the Week:
Unicef Aid to Gaza

Source: old-age-young-at-heart-chorus-mark-nepo-no...

Blog No. 246: Child Prodigy Identifies Music, Tennis and Boris Becker, Billy Collins Poem

August 31, 2025

Toddler Identifies Classical Music

Not much to say about this one except click here and take a listen. How does one explain this! Isn't it wonderful that there is mystery and magic in the world...

Tennis and Boris Becker

It is U.S. Open Tennis time right now--it has been going on for two weeks now and the finals are this weekend. This is one of the sports I really enjoy watching (and in the past, playing) so I always look forward to this time of year. It reminds me of my Dad too--he was a big tennis player and took my sister and I to some of the U.S. Open tournaments, even way back when when it was still held at Forest Hills.

I recently met the filmmaker Alex Gibney and his wife Anne DeBevoise and decided to have a look at his documentary on Boris Becker entitled Boom Boom! The World vs. Boris Becker since I've been in the tennis mood. I remember Becker pretty well--he was of my era--a very exciting time in tennis--and the film brought me back to the primary players of that period. It was fun seeing some of the more recent interviews in the film, all these men players all grown up and looking older. My favorites were Bjorn Borg (I think everyone's favorite) and Guillermo Vilas and my least favorites were John McEnroe and Jimmy Connors (America's sore sport, poorly behaved players in my humble opinion) ...

Boris Becker was a German wunderkind, the youngest player to win Wimbledon--he already had two of those titles by the time he was 19. Aside from his stunning sports prowess and his sheer power, he also had a colorful underside when he ended up in jail for tax evasion a bunch of years later...Becker has a very interesting story and this film does a good, thorough job of covering it as well as showing an insider's look at the sport and what it takes psychologically as well as physically to be a champion. Gibney is a great storyteller and I highly recommend this documentary, available on Apple TV

Forgetfulness by Poet Laureate Billy Collins

FORGETFULNESS
BY Billy Collins

The name of the author is the first to go
followed obediently by the title, the plot,
the heartbreaking conclusion, the entire novel
which suddenly becomes one you have never read, never even heard of,

as if, one by one, the memories you used to harbor
decided to retire to the southern hemisphere of the brain,
to a little fishing village where there are no phones.

Long ago you kissed the names of the nine muses goodbye
and watched the quadratic equation pack its bag,
and even now as you memorize the order of the planets,

something else is slipping away, a state flower perhaps,
the address of an uncle, the capital of Paraguay.

Whatever it is you are struggling to remember,
it is not poised on the tip of your tongue
or even lurking in some obscure corner of your spleen.

It has floated away down a dark mythological river
whose name begins with an L as far as you can recall

well on your own way to oblivion where you will join those
who have even forgotten how to swim and how to ride a bicycle.

No wonder you rise in the middle of the night
to look up the date of a famous battle in a book on war.
No wonder the moon in the window seems to have drifted
out of a love poem that you used to know by heart.

Painting of the Week

Charity of the Week:
Unicef Aid to Gaza

Source: old-age-young-at-heart-chorus-mark-nepo-no...