About Ed Zwirn

Ed Zwirn is a journalist/editorial professional with a focus on financial trends and practices. He lives out in the woods in Bethel, NY, not far from where the Woodstock Music and Arts Festival was held in 1969. As a financial writer, his work has appeared in The Wall Street Journal, The New York Post, CFO Magazine and news services including Dow Jones Newswires and Informa Global Markets. Ed also spent three years in Ukraine, where he ran an English-language news service. He now divides his time between his freelance journalism, song and poetry writing, and barbequing and lawn-mowing on his 2.5 acre property.

Holiday special: Kol Nidre – The Al Jolson Project

Al Jolson in the 20's movie "The Jazz Singer", singing Kol Nidre

Al Jolson in the 20’s movie “The Jazz Singer”, singing Kol Nidre

Just in time for the Jewish High Holy Days, the Entertainment Plus Creations Al Jolson Project releases its recording of tenor Kevin Hanek singing Kol Nidre.

NASHVILLE, TENN, UNITED STATES, October 2, 2016 /EINPresswire.com/ — Central to The Al Jolson Story is the scene in the 1927 “talkie” in which the Jazz Singer leads one of the holiest prayers in the Jewish religion as his cantor father listens from his deathbed across the street from the synagogue.

In this first full-length movie featuring synchronized sound, electrified theatergoers actually got to hear Jolson as he sang melodies like My Gal Sal and Waiting for the Robert E. Lee. Then, as his father lay on his deathbed across the street from the synagogue, the musical mode switches from pop tunes of the day to a 1,300-year standard, as the rebellious Jazz Singer sings the Kol Nidre. “We have our son back,“ are the cantors last words.

To fill out this key musical component of the Al Jolson catalog, The Al Jolson Project has recruited heldentenor Kevin Hanek, who on Sept. 30 recorded his own Kol Nidre accompanied by Kathy Geary on the piano. Continue reading

Banking, Tax Regs Eat Into Marijuana Profits

By Ed Zwirn

(published Aug.19, 2016 in CFO.com

marijuanamoneyThe legal cannabis sector is experiencing geometric revenue growth, but finance execs face formidable challenges managing the money.

If one looks at the top line, the legal marijuana business may very well be the stuff that entrepreneurial dreams are made of. As of this writing, some 25 states in the U.S. have passed laws that allow for some degree of medical or recreational use of the cannabis plant.

Continue reading

Hemp food sales in the US set for growth

Sales of hemp-based foods are growing in the U.S.

Sales of hemp-based foods are growing in the U.S.

Just-food.com

July 19, 2016

By: Ed Zwirn

The liberalisation of regulations has opened the door to hemp­based food products in various US states. Growing consumer interest in the natural products industry also looks set to support expansion of what remains a nitch area. Ed Zwirn looks at the prospects for this fledgling sector. Continue reading