Category: Art and Culture
Newsweek asks: Who Exports the Most TV to the U.S.?
Posted on June 30, 2008 | Leave a Comment
Your choices (think very carefully…)
A. Italy
B. Sweden
C. Israel
D. India
You may not have guessd it, but Newsweek confirms that the winner is Israel! I’m not sure the last time I saw a Swedish-based show, so it may not have been a very tough competition. Regardless, Israel is starting to appear in Hollywood headlines by contributing shows such as “B’tipul (In Treatment)” and “The Ex List”. Apparently “too dark” for Americans, these shows are being adapted to American tastes and then produced.
“In Treatment” is a drama about a “therapist and his demanding clientele” , and was adapted by HBO. CBS will be premiering “The Ex List”, “a romantic comedy about a woman who learns from a psychic that she has already dated—and broken up with—her soulmate, and if she can’t narrow him down from her lengthy roster of suitors, she’ll spend life as a spinster.”
Other shows that are in the works are “A touch away” based on “Merhak Negia”, “a story of forbidden love between an Orthodox Jewish woman and a Russian immigrant” and “Loaded,” a ‘comedy about a quartet of dotcom millionaires”.
Not only are Hollywood studios impressed with Israel’s clever screenwriting, but they are truly blown away by our budgeting skills, claiming that Israelis make TV shows on less than a shoestring budget. Now that is something I can vouch for - just watch me in the Jerusalem Shuk(outdoor market). Give me 10 shekels, and I’ll come back with 3 bags of fruits and veggies. Hey, I think I’m on to some promising new titles, “America’ Next Top Bargainer” “Pimp my Agala” (Agala = granny shopping cart), the list goes on. HBO, if you’re reading this, remember who thought of it first.
Presidents Discussing Tomorrow
Posted on May 25, 2008 | 2 Comments
Here are some interesting ideas that were raised during the President’s Conference. First, I’d like to start with the opening session, titled “Presidents Discussing Tomorrow.” I’m only reviewing the Presidents that I thought were most interesting, so here goes, organized by speaker:
Tony Blair, former Prime Minister of the UK, currently on a quest for peace
Tony Blair opened up with a discussion on peace and democracy. He basically said that democracy, equality and justice are the solutions to all the world’s problems, and that we should be “open in hope, not closed in fear.” There was one problem with what he said: he said that no two democracies have ever attacked each other. My wise husband pointed out that Germany was a democracy, whether we like it or not, and they certainly attacked a few democracies, Britain included. Oh well, it was a nice thought. Read more»
Burd flies to the Western Wall for 40 days of prayer
Posted on May 22, 2008 | Leave a Comment
According to a kabbalist tradition, God answers the prayers of those who visit the Western Wall for 40 consecutive days. But not everyone lives in Jerusalem, and even denizens of the Holy City find it a challenge to visit the Old City shrine daily for nearly six weeks to avail themselves of divine intervention. Recognizing this need, in 2004 Jewish Quarter resident Batya Burd, 33, established Western Wall Prayers to say proxy prayers at the Kotel for those unable to be there personally.
The requested donation? Just over $2 per day, or $90 for heavenly help, smiles the petite brunette - who was a corporate lawyer in Toronto, Canada before getting into the God game. Read more»
The President’s Conference: facing tomorrow both good and bad
Posted on May 19, 2008 | 2 Comments
Last week, I attended The President’s Conference, which was titled “Facing Tomorrow.” For the uninitiated, The President’s Conference was a two-and-a-half-day gala affair where leading Jewish and non-Jewish thinkers, politicians, and moneyed men (yes, 9.9 times out of 10 they were men) got together to ponder the future of the Jewish people, both in Israel and in the Diaspora.
The conference was organized by The Jewish People Policy Planning Institute (JPPPI), a Jerusalem-based think tank that was commissioned by Israel’s President, Shimon Peres, to put the whole thing together. Read more»
Israeli busker leads the London underground scene
Posted on May 18, 2008 | 2 Comments
Few people riding the Underground in London realize that the amazing voice they hear on their way to work belongs to Hadar Manor, a former Lieutenant in the Israeli army. A recent “Ear to the Underground” contest, which votes on the best talent in the London-wide underground scene, crowned Manor as Queen.
According to TotallyJewish.com, Manor is appreciative of the support she received from the London Jewish community. She has performed for a number of Jewish organizations in London including Limmud, the ZF and JNF. Hadar has been in London for five years and considers herself an “ambassador for Israel. I think every Israeli abroad is an ambassador”. She plans to return to Israel for a show in Tel Aviv later this year.
Here she is, Hadar Manor singing “Queen of the Underground”. One very talented lady indeed.
Celebrating Israel’s 60th with Videos, Websites, Blogs, Birthday Cards, Conferences, Snacks, and more
Posted on May 5, 2008 | 2 Comments
Dear Israel,
I know we have neglected you a bit on our site in the past few months, but this birthday has put our priorities back in focus. As I get alerts and updates on all of the celebrations in your honor, I get that warm fuzzy feeling about how special it is to live here (despite the wacked out taxi drivers and funny hours at the post office).
As a mini-present (and it’s the thought that counts, right? we’re done with the buying each other things stage I hope), I’ve compiled a list of as many websites, videos, blogs, conferences, snacks (?!), etc. that I could possibly find that are dedicated in entirety to you, your innovations, your accomplishments, and your commitment to being an open home to the Jewish people. (cheesy enough? stole it from another Hallmark card I saw in the Israel birthday card store)
Thanks for making us proud and Happy b-day from israelplug! Read more»
Pulp Fiction meets McDonald’s meets schwarma
Posted on April 6, 2008 | 2 Comments
Maybe you’ve seen this McDonald’s commercial, but it’s really cute so I thought I’d post it for those of you who might have missed it.
In this commercial, fake John Travolta and fake Samuel L. Jackson (who are very good) remake the famous scene in Pulp Fiction where they discuss the different names for Big Macs all over the world. In this version, fake John tells fake Sam that the pita bread with turkey meat in it is called a McSchwarma in Israel, but the best part is when he tells fake Sam how Israelis ask for it. Very cute. Read more»
Tel Aviv Eateries “on a roll”: 100th sushi restaurant opened
Posted on February 10, 2008 | Leave a Comment
Tel Aviv celebrated the opening of its 100th sushi restaurant, and thus became the third largest sushi market in the world (in per capita terms) behind New York and Tokyo. Thus, Ben Gurion’s dream of a cultural melting pot has been replaced with a sushi platter of trendy, cultural diversity. Not to worry, an Israeli influence can still be felt, as approximately 20% of said restaurants are kosher.
Tel Aviv isn’t alone: new sushi restaurants can be seen sprouting up everywhere around Israel, from the Golan Heights to Eilat. With Japanese cuisine constituting the fastest growing sector, more and more people are moving the gefilte fish aside for some savory hosomaki.
Looking for a good place to eat?
Feeling adventurous? Here’s a little sushi DIY:
Israeli duo come out “on top” down under with Australian Open tennis win
Posted on February 7, 2008 | Leave a Comment
Israel’s top tennis pair made history this weekend, winning the Australian Open doubles title and becoming the first Israeli pair ever to win a Grand Slam event. The Australian Open is one of four major tennis tournaments that take place during the year, and Israeli duo Andy Ram and Yoni Erlich came out “on top” down under, thanks to inspired play which included not losing one set! In addition to a check of 400 thousand dollars, their efforts awarded them national admiration, including a phone call from Israel’s prime minister, Ehud Olmert.
A bit of background on Andy and Yoni
“We really have to thank the great Israeli crowd,” Erlich said of the Israeli fans that made the long trip to Australia to cheer them on. The win was a long time coming for the duo, which several times has gotten close to a coveted Grand Slam title, always coming up just short. Starting off the tennis season in such great form, as well as the relief of finally “getting the monkey off their back,” the Israeli pair is in a good situation to repeat their historic win during this year.
Follow all Israeli tennis results
Spock (Leonard Nimoy) explains the Jewishness of Star Trek
Posted on January 31, 2008 | Leave a Comment
Leonard Nimoy, the legendary actor who played Spock on Star Trek, gives a great speech on the Jewish elements in Star Trek, and how he based the Vulcan hand greeting on the Kohanim he saw in his synagogue in his youth.
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