April 06, 2008
Charlton Heston, Sci-Fi Visionary
When I think of Charlton Heston, who died yesterday, I think of him in his three epochal sci-fi roles: Planet of the Apes (1968), The Omega Man (1971), and Soylent Green (1973). I saw the latter two when they first appeared, Planet of the Apes as an adult. I found all three hugely entertaining and among the very few movies I have watched more than once.
'SOYLENT GREEN IS PEOPLE!!!!!"
Sorry, I just had to get that out of my system. I feel better now.
Of the three, The Omega Man had the biggest impact on me when I saw it as a 13 year old in 1971 at the venerable Border Theatre in Mission, Texas. Everything in the movie dazzled me, from the eerie, empty streets of Los Angeles to the extreme irony of Heston, as sole survivor scientist Robert Neville mouthing the words to "Woodstock" as he watches it in a theater. What really gripped my imagination? Hint: what would most appeal to a 13 year old curious about the many-splendored possibilities between a man and woman?
Continue reading "Charlton Heston, Sci-Fi Visionary"
Van | 04/06/08 at 07:43 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: Sensual pleasures
April 04, 2008
Imaginary Duets: Mac and Lazarus
Last night I had the pleasure of watching Black Snake Moan with Samuel L. Jackson and Christina Ricci. Besides having the greatest poster so far in the 21st century, Black Snake Moan gives a heartfelt picture of failings and redemption in the South. It takes its religion seriously, something that I imagine made as many people uncomfortable as the movie's premise. A classic line in the film summarizes the plot: "A half-naked white girl chained in your house?"
Jackson plays the farmer Lazarus (more than a little symbolism in that name), embittered by the end of his marriage, who finally gets back to his true calling of blues musician through his friendship with trailer-park strumpet Ricci. In watching Jackson play and the plot unfold against the background of sinners trying to get right with God, I was struck by the movie's spiritual connection to Robert Duvall's Oscar winning Tender Mercies, from 1983. While Tender Mercies got great reviews and rewards, Black Snake Moan was considered exploitative dreck by some reviewers.
But it's not. I'll tell you why.
Continue reading "Imaginary Duets: Mac and Lazarus"
Van | 04/04/08 at 02:47 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: Sensual pleasures
December 29, 2007
A Wee Bit o' Klezmer from Scotland
I've been listening to a klezmer CD that came my way lately, and I like it. "Zing!" by the Yiddish Song Project combines some original tunes, such as "Chicken Soup Freylekhs - A Love Song" with classics like "Bay Mir Bist Du Sheyn" and repositioned jazz numbers like "Whoopee."
YSP is based in Edinburgh, Scotland, the personnel is Stephanie Brickman (vocals), Phil Alexander (piano and accordian), and Jo Nicholson (clarinet). Brickman has a great, clear voice, just right for Yiddish song stylings.
I asked Brickman about the group, which started playing around Hanukkah 2006. She said in an email,
Continue reading "A Wee Bit o' Klezmer from Scotland"
Van | 12/29/07 at 09:39 PM | 1 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: Sensual pleasures
November 21, 2007
The Gale of Creative Destruction Claims Another Victim
First it destroyed the buggy whip industry, then US-made consumer electronics, then the auto industry. Is no sector of the American economy safe from the disruptive forces of technological and social change?
Evidently not. Now, pornographers are getting blown away by economist Joseph Schumpeter's "perennial gale of creative destruction."
In the November issue of Portfolio magazine, the fascinating article "Obscene Losses" clues readers in to the shriveling profitability of adult digital entertainment, as DVD sales decline, competition intensifies and the suits try to diversify their revenue base. Sound familiar? All that's missing is the lobbying force in DC calling for protection for an embattled industry, plus ads from the heartland extolling the virtues and economic necessity of the effected companies.
I want to see Wilford Brimley and Betty White as the spokespeople for this "save our industry" campaign.
Van | 11/21/07 at 09:02 AM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: Sensual pleasures
October 26, 2007
A poignant fact about this video is that Chicago native and beloved folk/blues singer-songwriter Steve Goodman, Cubs fan, and author of Arlo Guthrie's hit "City of New Orleans," was dying of leukemia when he sang this. He died in 1984 at the age of 36.
Eleven days later, the Chicago Cubs played their first post-season game since 1945; Goodman had been asked to sing "The Star-Spangled Banner" before it; Jimmy Buffett filled in, and dedicated the song to Goodman. Some of Goodman's ashes were scattered at Wrigley Field, the home of the Chicago Cubs. He is survived by his wife and three daughters.
excerpt from: Sport (New York, N.Y.). v. 76, Apr. '85, p. 96. Kieth Moreland pondered what to do with an autographed baseball that he failed to deliver to folk singer Steve Goodman prior to Goodman's death. The singer wrote a humorous song, "A Dying Cub Fan's Last Request," in which he conjectured that the perfect ending to his funeral at Wrigley Field would be for outfielder Keith Moreland to "drop a routine fly" during the post-funeral game. Moreland, amused, signed the ball after learning that Goodman really was dying, and entrusted it to the writer, who never found time to deliver it. Ironically, Goodman passed away just as the Cubs were about to clinch the Eastern Division championship.
Judith | 10/26/07 at 08:40 PM | 3 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: Sensual pleasures
October 25, 2007
I Have Heard the Future of Baby Boomer Comic Folk Rock, And It's Called 'Modern Man'
I recently heard the group "Modern Man" play in NY, after hearing the group's three members on the invaluable WFUV. I told my son, when we heard them plug a show the next day at Lincoln Center Out of Doors, "We've got to go hear them," so we did.
The group does hilarious, intelligent songs on matters of the human condition. David Buskin, Rob Carlson and George Wurzbach showcase their ability to play in different styles, switching effortlessly between reggae, rap, Springsteen raves and beach music, quite an accomplishment for a trio. Then again, [note to Modern Man: here's a great quote to put on your albums or promotional materials] "Modern Man is the greatest power trio I've heard since Grand Funk Railroad redefined rock n' roll in the late 1960s." What thoughtful KT reader wouldn't enjoy "Jews Don't Camp" or "Worst Dominatrix in L.A."? They even go into political matters, with "Abdul the Reluctant Martyr" getting a music video.
I even paid Modern Man the highest compliment possible: I bought one of their CDs.
The guys tour constantly -- the website keeps an up-to-date list of appearances, so find one and go support these guys. Remember, if Van bought their CD, they've GOT to be good. Below, two Modern Men in action, tearing the roof off Lincoln Center and driving the crowd into an Upper West Side tush-shaking frenzy.
Van | 10/25/07 at 07:06 AM | 2 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: Sensual pleasures
October 24, 2007
You Gotta Have Heart
Judith | 10/24/07 at 10:51 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: Sensual pleasures
October 22, 2007
More scenes from my iTunes library : I Don't
I Don't Believe You - Bob Dylan
I Don't Care - Shivaree
I Don't Care Anymore - Laurie Freelove
I Don't Get It - Cowboy Junkies
I Don't Know - Kate & Anna McGarrigle
I Don't Know Where I Stand - Joni Mitchell
I Don't Need It To Rain - Tim Buckley
I Don't Sleep, I Dream - REM
I Don't Wanna Grow Up - Tom Waits
I Don't Want To Play - Ellen McIlwaine
I Don't Want To Wait - Paula Cole
I Dont Need Your Love Anymore - The Specials
Judith | 10/22/07 at 10:01 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: Sensual pleasures
October 12, 2007
Scenes from my iTunes library: Angel
Boachem L'shalom, Malachei haShalom, Malachei Elyon. . . .
Angel - Belly
Angel Dance - Los Lobos
Angel in the Dark - Laura Nyro
Angel Mine - Cowboy Junkies
Angel Song - Shlomo Carlebach
Angel's Share - 27
Angels de Menta - L'Ham de Foc
Angels of Grace - Po' Girl
Angels of the Wind - Terry Allen
Angels with Dirty Faces - Los Lobos
Judith | 10/12/07 at 06:00 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: Sensual pleasures
October 11, 2007
She sent him letters, and he received them with a strange delight...
Via the Corner, a poignant story about mating in captivity:
A married couple who didn't realise they were chatting each other up on the internet are divorcing.Sana Klaric and husband Adnan, who used the names "Sweetie" and "Prince of Joy" in an online chatroom, spent hours telling each other about their marriage troubles, Metro.co.uk reported. The truth emerged when the two turned up for a date. Now the pair, from Zenica in central Bosnia, are divorcing after accusing each other of being unfaithful.
"I was suddenly in love. It was amazing. We seemed to be stuck in the same kind of miserable marriage. How right that turned out to be," Sana, 27, said.
Adnan, 32, said: "I still find it hard to believe that Sweetie, who wrote such wonderful things, is actually the same woman I married and who has not said a nice word to me for years".
Kate Bush wrote a song about a similar situation . . . .
Continue reading "She sent him letters, and he received them with a strange delight..."
Judith | 10/11/07 at 07:12 PM | 3 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: Sensual pleasures
October 10, 2007
Bad dancing around the world
Hey, wherethehellismatt was in Israel this summer! Dancing in Dizengoff Square. I look forward to that video.
Interview with Matt:
Continue reading "Bad dancing around the world"
Judith | 10/10/07 at 08:30 PM | 1 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: Sensual pleasures
September 21, 2007
More scenes from my iTunes library: God
Apropos for Yom Kippur. Sort of.
God Bless the Child - Asleep at the Wheel
God Give Me Strength - Elvis Costello
God is a Real Estate Developer - Michelle Shocked
God is Not Sleeping (live) - Mavis Staples
God Loves a Drunk - Norma Waterson
God Made an Angel - Timbuk 3
God Song - Beth Orton
God Child - Sonny Landreth
Goddess of Death - Carly
Judith | 09/21/07 at 04:06 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: Sensual pleasures
September 16, 2007
"The current biggest provider of snuff pornography is the Muslim extremist movement."
Interview with film director David Cronenberg.
Amy Taubin: I want to ask you about "At the Suicide of the Last Jew in the World in the Last Cinema in the World" [Cronenberg’s four-minute film for Chacun son cinéma, the compilation put together for the 60th anniversary of the Cannes Film Festival]. I didn’t think anyone could do anything anymore that would make that audience really uncomfortable, but your film did.
Judith | 09/16/07 at 07:18 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: Sensual pleasures
September 15, 2007
Scenes from my iTunes library: Ballad
Ballad - the Four Bags
Ballad Of A Thin Man - Bob Dylan
Ballad Of Alfie Hinds - Martin Carthy
The Ballad of Easy Rider - Fairport Convention
The Ballad Of Horselover Fat - The Court and Spark
The Ballad Of Lucy Jordan - Marianne Faithfull
The Ballad Of Peter Pumpkinhead - XTC
The Ballad Of Seymour Cray - Judy Henske
Ballad Of The Absent Mare - Leonard Cohen
Ballad of the Soldier's Wife - Marianne Faithfull
Ballad of Weaverville - Mary McCaslin
The Ballad Of You & Me & Pooneil - Jefferson Airplane
Ballade - Matthias Ziegler
Balladen om den förtrollade (B. of the Bewitched) - Fri Fot
Balladen om systern och brodern (The Ballad of the Sister & Brother) - Ranarim
A Ballata Of Francesco Landini, Lasso! Di Donna - Judy Collins
Judith | 09/15/07 at 09:05 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: Sensual pleasures
July 04, 2007
Democracy Whiskey Sexy 2007
The Stuck Mojo video showcased on LGF reminded me of Dr Frank's response to the invasion of Iraq, "Democracy Whiskey Sexy." (Lyrics below)
I was going to link to an mp3 but I wasn't able to find one on the web lately, so let me recommend my Fourth of July playlist from last year, which leads off with "Democracy Whiskey Sexy" and includes more music you might not hear elsewhere, like Boxharp and Michael Hall.
Someone at LGF recommended this mashup from the Stuck Mojo site:
Continue reading "Democracy Whiskey Sexy 2007"
Judith | 07/04/07 at 12:50 AM | 1 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: Sensual pleasures
June 19, 2007
Hellloooo, Oscar: National Lampoon's '72 Virgins'
The creative wits at National Lampoon have released a trailer for a possible movie called "National Lampoon's 72 Virgins." You can vote here on whether it should be made or not. What do KTers think? Number one with a bullet? . . . more »Van | 06/19/07 at 06:15 AM | 2 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: Sensual pleasures
June 01, 2007
I Love You, You're Perfect, You're Chinese
Staying firmly behind the cultural curve, I barely had any awareness of the smash musical "I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change" until I had a chance to see it recently -- the Mandarin version playing through this weekend at . . . more »Van | 06/01/07 at 06:57 AM | 1 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: Sensual pleasures
May 31, 2007
Kinky Jews Film Night in B'klyn: Passion Under the D Train
Those rascals at Kinky Jews are having a gala double feature on Sunday in Brooklyn, as two classics of Jewish cinematic erotica (the only ones?) unspool: are you ready for Assraelis and Yiddish Erotica? Alas, I won't be able to . . . more »Van | 05/31/07 at 08:57 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: Sensual pleasures
May 11, 2007
Teapacks at Eurovision
Remember Teapacks, the Israeli band whose entry to the Eurovision contest, "Push the Button," was deemed too edgy and political (but was entered anyway after an outcry from their fans)? We posted about the controversy and a bunch of their . . . more »Judith | 05/11/07 at 07:24 AM | 4 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: Sensual pleasures
May 07, 2007
The Words and Worlds of Alan Furst
I finished the last page of "The Foreign Correspondent" and realized I have read every novel by Alan Furst. I've never done that before. That says something about what I think about his novels, all set in the 1930s and . . . more »Van | 05/07/07 at 07:10 AM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: Sensual pleasures
May 04, 2007
Lit Cafe: Jewish Women Who Walk the Walk and Write the Talk
The JCC in Manhattan hosted a rollicking event last week with its Lit Cafe. What a theme: "Young, Jewish and S-xual: Women Writers Who Walk the Walk and Write the Talk." Not only did the all-star line-up write the talk, . . . more »Van | 05/04/07 at 06:50 AM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: Sensual pleasures
May 03, 2007
'Black Book': Verhoeven Blasts Off with Bombs and Beauties
I never thought I saw films based on their director, but I have to revise that claim. After seeing "Black Book" recently, I decided I owe it to myself to see as many works by Paul Verhoeven as possible. I . . . more »Van | 05/03/07 at 06:47 AM | 2 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: Sensual pleasures
April 30, 2007
Hangin' with Lubovitch (Lar, Not Chabad)
I recently had the pleasure of hanging out with Lubovitch -- not Chabadniks in Crown Heights, but rather the Lar Lubovitch Dance Company, which peformed a series at the Skirball Center for the Performing Arts at New York University. I . . . more »Van | 04/30/07 at 11:28 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: Sensual pleasures
April 19, 2007
'Maude' on DVD: The Unbearable Lightness of Adrienne Barbeau
Those of us who worship at the delirously cantilevered shrine of Adrienne Barbeau cried out in delight recently when the first season of the 1970s TV show "Maude" appeared on DVD. Justly praised as a star vehicle for Bea Arthur, . . . more »Van | 04/19/07 at 09:58 PM | 1 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: Sensual pleasures
April 09, 2007
Ellen Barkin: World Enough and Time on Page Six
Continuing her brave self-healing as a struggling single mom, Jewish love goddess Ellen Barkin showed the kind of spunk that has made her a favorite celebrity among Kesher Talk readers, who clamor for constant coverage of her new life. According . . . more »Van | 04/09/07 at 06:24 AM | 5 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: Sensual pleasures
April 08, 2007
He is Risen, Indeed: Horndog Preachers Speak Out
Discussions of evangelical Christians rarely mention s-e-x in a positive light. The shenanigans of Jimmy Bakker, Jimmy Swaggart and now Ted Haggard keep alive that stereotype of repression and acting out. "Completely heterosexual" Haggard was back in the news lately . . . more »Van | 04/08/07 at 10:42 AM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: Sensual pleasures
April 07, 2007
Otter Love
If you can stand the kitchy-koo soundtrack, this really is sweet. Watch all the way to the end. (Via Done With Mirrors) . . . more »Judith | 04/07/07 at 08:45 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: Sensual pleasures
April 04, 2007
Scary-Voice Man Gets a New Gig
I was placidly listening to WQXR this afternoon when a familiar voice cut through my bovine contentment. The voice was pitching the BMW Series 7, luring me to Deutchland's finest levels of engineered comfort and confidence when it hit me. . . . more »Van | 04/04/07 at 10:29 PM | 1 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: Sensual pleasures
March 27, 2007
Push the Button gets the nod
Some good news: "Push the Button" has been allowed into the Eurovision contest, after some controversy over the lyrics. So that's a good excuse to post the video again. (More Teapacks videos here.) UPDATE: Ra'anana Ramblings waxes nostalgic about Eurovision . . . more »Judith | 03/27/07 at 09:04 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: Sensual pleasures
'South Park' Meets Dickens: The Crisis Deepens
The songs of the "South Park" movie continue to echo in my happy household. A few weeks ago "Blame Canada" captured my son Shmoikel's attention, and that led to an entry, "South Park Meets Sondheim," that called down the wrath . . . more »Van | 03/27/07 at 08:05 PM | 1 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: Sensual pleasures
March 23, 2007
A Thumping Good Time at KinkyJews Lit Event
KinkyJews packed the house last night at the KGB Bar on E. 4th Street for its Jewish lit-erotica readings. I arrived before the 7:30 start time and found the first reading already in progress (what, a Jewish event that starts . . . more »Van | 03/23/07 at 07:04 AM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: Sensual pleasures
March 21, 2007
Ben's Non-Review of 300, part II
Via Rubicon3, the 300 Workout. Yes, you too can train like a bare-chested pseudo-Spartan. (More about the workout and the gym.) [ UPDATE: About the training, from the gym itself. ] Ben from NYC's previous nonreview of 300 is here. . . . more »Judith | 03/21/07 at 10:02 PM | 1 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: Sensual pleasures
March 19, 2007
Visual DNA
Read my VisualDNA™ Get your own VisualDNA™ From Mary, who got it from Karol, who got it from Rightthinking Girl, who got it from Sheila O'Malley (who I hadn't read for awhile and was happy to be reacquainted with; . . . more »Judith | 03/19/07 at 09:57 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: Sensual pleasures
March 16, 2007
Calling All KinkyJews for an Evening of Fine Literature
Our fun-loving landsmen at Kinky Jews are having a haimishe literary event on March 22 at the KGB Bar in New York, from 7 pm to 9:30 pm. Called "An Evening of Jewish Lit-Erotica," it promises to be an exploration . . . more »Van | 03/16/07 at 07:20 AM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: Sensual pleasures
March 11, 2007
Michael Stipe with Hair
Time for a palate-cleanser. Last month the Way-Back Machine of YouTube brought us 3 Woodstocks. This month it's a coupla train songs from REM. Rockin performance of "Driver 8" and "Can't Get There from Here" from 1985. One of my . . . more »Judith | 03/11/07 at 08:47 AM | 2 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: Sensual pleasures
March 07, 2007
Sondheim Does South Park: "Something For Everyone, Blame Canada Tonight!"
A strange musical confluence on Saturday compelled me to write this. First, my son Shmoikel told me he couldn't get a song to stop running through his head. That's "Blame Canada," from "South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut." Some of . . . more »Van | 03/07/07 at 06:46 AM | 0 Comments | 1 TrackBacks | Categories: Sensual pleasures
March 06, 2007
Kesher Talk: we never stop working for you
You may have noticed all the recent Amazon links - we enjoy finding books and media which are relevant to our posts, and we hope you enjoy the convenience and maybe some pleasant and unexpected discoveries. I also went back . . . more »Judith | 03/06/07 at 09:02 AM | 1 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: Sensual pleasures
Sex Toys of Doom: Links Now Available
The many hundreds of KT readers who felt a burning sense of anxiety at not being able to read Tristan Taormino's two-part expose in the Village Voice called "Dangerous Dildos" can relax. Since KT first reported on her shocking report, . . . more »Van | 03/06/07 at 06:47 AM | 1 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: Sensual pleasures
March 04, 2007
More Tipex/Teapacks videos
I added more Tipex videos from YouTube - at the end of this post. Also a translation of "Push the Button" from one of the YouTube postings. UPDATE: Via Aussie Dave, a more lengthy article in the Independent, with full . . . more »Judith | 03/04/07 at 02:55 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: Sensual pleasures
March 01, 2007
Push the Button
[ UPDATE: More Teapacks videos added! Plus translation. ] The Israeli Eurovision entry that is causing such a stir. (And the usual double standard - see the end of this post.) Sort of the Pogues crossed with Gogol Bordello, brought . . . more »Judith | 03/01/07 at 11:43 PM | 1 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: Sensual pleasures
Farewell, New Mix 102.7, Buenvenidos, 92.7 Que Buena
Imagine my shock recently when I turned on my car radio to 102.7 FM, WNEW, "The New Mix," home of beloved dance classics (Barry White, Tavares, Donna Summer, stuff I've never heard) and genuine non-robotic DJs with a Brooklyn edge . . . more »Van | 03/01/07 at 07:15 AM | 2 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: Sensual pleasures
February 27, 2007
Mediterranean lamb marinade
I just made a marinade for a lamb chop. Or maybe it's a relish. Proportions are for you to decide. Toast pinenuts in olive oil till light brown. Add more olive oil. (Try Aguri or Agrumato Meyer Lemon infused olive . . . more »Judith | 02/27/07 at 01:19 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: Sensual pleasures
Consumer Alert: Beware the Adult Toys of Doom
Village Voice columnist Tristan Taormino has written two eye-opening pieces in her "Pucker Up" column in the Village Voice about toxic adult toys. Many such items -- you know what they are -- have a component from industrial chemicals called . . . more »Van | 02/27/07 at 06:21 AM | 3 Comments | 1 TrackBacks | Categories: Sensual pleasures
February 26, 2007
Crass commercialism
I'm playing with putting specific Amazon ads in some posts - what do you think? If I stick with that I'll take down the Amazon sidebar ads which never make me any money anyway. I'm also going to start embedding . . . more »Judith | 02/26/07 at 11:43 PM | 4 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: Sensual pleasures
February 25, 2007
3 Woodstocks
[ Welcome Pajamas Media readers. The Amazon links at the bottom act dodgy on some browsers - sorry. I would love it if some CSS mavens help me figure it out. ] I've been listening to a lot of Patricia . . . more »Judith | 02/25/07 at 02:14 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: Sensual pleasures
February 17, 2007
If Valerie Plame and Joe Wilson were drinks, what would they be?
[ Judith says - Wow! Synchronicity! ] From the collected humor of Just One Minute Syl contributes: Valerie Flame: Valery Flame: water Valery Flame, NOC: water with paper umbrella Wilson: mint tea Wilson morning after: Important Hair of the Dog . . . more »Alcibiades | 02/17/07 at 09:06 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: Sensual pleasures
The mystery of the Plaid Martini
For several years my blogging partner-in-crime Mary has been in search of a possibly apocryphal libation called a "plaid martini." She and I have accosted countless bartenders in vain, even deeply experienced and scholarly mixologists like those at Park Blue, . . . more »Judith | 02/17/07 at 08:58 PM | 4 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: Sensual pleasures
February 15, 2007
More Josef6
Occasional Kesher Talk co-blogger Benjamin Kerstein is still posting his novel online. So far five six chapters are up. It's about a mass delusion. Or is it? . . . more »Judith | 02/15/07 at 08:18 AM | 2 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: Sensual pleasures
February 13, 2007
Winter
There's a Nor'easter blowing in. . . . . . . more »Judith | 02/13/07 at 11:23 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: Sensual pleasures
If you please
Via the Corner - the Siamese Cat Song from "The Lady and the Tramp" - in Hebrew. . . . more »Judith | 02/13/07 at 07:25 AM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: Sensual pleasures
February 12, 2007
NYTimes gets the kaffiyeh kraze wrong too
Speaking of people who think Israel is an "apartheid state" . . . . you might assume a scruffy youngster with a kaffiyeh around his/her neck would be booking it down to the Judson Church for some (self) righteous Palestinian . . . more »Judith | 02/12/07 at 12:26 AM | 2 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: Sensual pleasures
January 31, 2007
Has '24' Jumped the Shark?
The sixth season of '24' still draws me every week, but it's doing a worse job drawing me in. Other places have commented on the especially wooden civics debates and the PC tendencies in those stilted conversations. The series feels . . . more »Van | 01/31/07 at 07:00 AM | 2 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: Sensual pleasures
January 29, 2007
Via Pajamas . . . . the geekiest film ever. The Erik Spiekermann clip is a riot. (Think Sprockets.) I studied graphic design in my first round of art school, and made a modest living as a calligrapher in . . . more »Judith | 01/29/07 at 10:54 PM | 3 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: Sensual pleasures
I'm Spending Time Up on Choctaw Ridge
When I hear the same 40-year old song twice on the same day, I try to find cosmic meaning in the event. The song in question: that chilling acoustic slice of Southern gothic, "Ode to Billie Joe" by Bobbie Gentry. . . . more »Van | 01/29/07 at 09:44 PM | 2 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: Sensual pleasures
January 17, 2007
More home movies from Israel
The other thing I like about Video Egg is that the video goes live as soon as you post the code, no waitng for it to "process" and get approved. The upload process itself takes a few minutes, but still . . . more »Judith | 01/17/07 at 03:25 PM | 2 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: Sensual pleasures
Evening at the Akko Harbor
I'm going to put up the conference videos with Video Egg. In YouTube there is no way to make a video just available to whoever reads your blog. Either it's out there for anyone to access at YouTube, or you . . . more »Judith | 01/17/07 at 08:13 AM | 6 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: Sensual pleasures
January 15, 2007
2 out of the 24 of '24'
'24' started off mid-crisis last night in its two-hour ad-soaked kick-off, instead of building up to a threat. Bombs are exploding in major cities, the government is befuddled and/or aggressive, CTU is bickering. Jack is back. Blogs4Bauer has it all. . . . more »Van | 01/15/07 at 07:07 AM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: Sensual pleasures
January 14, 2007
'24' Goes Mel Gibson
The two-hour kick-off of '24' comes soon, and I want to see how far the show goes with its depictions of the ravaged body and soul of Yaacov "Jack" Bauer, the Jewish terrorist-fighter kidnapped by the Chinese at the end . . . more »Van | 01/14/07 at 06:00 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: Sensual pleasures
January 05, 2007
To Start the Morning Laughing . . .
. . . try watching the unrated version of Team America: World Police. For extra naughtiness, be sure to get the uncensored version I almost choked on my toast. And now, back to Durkadurkastan. . . . more »Van | 01/05/07 at 07:05 AM | 1 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: Sensual pleasures
January 04, 2007
Pan's Labyrinth
I saw Pan's Labyrinth over the holiday weekend; and unlike the vast majority of films these days, I was still puzzling over the meaning days later. I've been unhappy with it the last few days because I felt the . . . more »Alcibiades | 01/04/07 at 11:33 AM | 2 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: Sensual pleasures
December 23, 2006
Shabbat music Saturday: Shabbat menucha
Laura Wetzler sings about the day of rest. An old Sephardic melody - you can hear the flamenco influence. I didn't go to the kotel for Shabbat after all. It was raining. I hate rain anyway and standing outside for . . . more »Judith | 12/23/06 at 11:44 PM | 4 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: Sensual pleasures
December 17, 2006
Last Waltz at Tower Records
Tower Records is finally closing this week. I took one last spin through the store on 67th Street and Broadway in New York and for under $40 scooped up the following: Los Mocosos -- Shades of Brown Los Mocosos -- . . . more »Van | 12/17/06 at 07:27 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: Sensual pleasures
December 12, 2006
Schaap & Schwartz: The Super Ultra Mega Music Brains
In the realm of music influences, radio personalities Phil Schaap and Jonathan Schwartz both made me what I am today. In the early 1980s, listening to them on New York radio completed my move away from Top 40 into the . . . more »Van | 12/12/06 at 11:28 PM | 1 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: Sensual pleasures
December 11, 2006
Not the same old kugel
See that ad in the left sidebar? Pamphlet Guys took a break from war reporting to offer a palate cleanser (literally) in the form of a blogger cookbook. A Jewish blogger cookbook. It's about 50 black and white pages, no . . . more »Judith | 12/11/06 at 01:17 AM | 2 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: Sensual pleasures
December 07, 2006
The Transfatty Manifesto
Now that New York City has banned the use of trans fat in restaurants, I expect a fevered underground of of artery-clogging speakeasies to arise in the shadows of the city. They will operate quietly, via secret knocks and code . . . more »Van | 12/07/06 at 09:54 PM | 2 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: Sensual pleasures
November 26, 2006
Things Spotted Around NYC on the Post Thanksgiving Weekend
So, the first Christmas trees are already on sale on Broadway on the Upper West Side. Actually, the scent of the Christmas trees as you stroll around the streets is ne of my favorite things about the Holiday season. I . . . more »Alcibiades | 11/26/06 at 02:48 PM | 3 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: Sensual pleasures
November 24, 2006
Shabbat music Friday: Proclaim freedom
Someone else out there likes Divahn. Here's a YouTube creation using their version of popular Shabbat song Dror Yikra as a soundtrack to images of Jews and Israel: I can't wait till that second album comes out. In the meantime, . . . more »Judith | 11/24/06 at 11:47 AM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: Sensual pleasures
November 23, 2006
Now be thankful
An early live recording of Fairport Convention, in the spirit of the season: Back when Dave Swarbrick and Richard Thompson had baby faces...... . . . more »Judith | 11/23/06 at 12:20 PM | 2 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: Sensual pleasures
"May I ask what the turkey did?"
A joke from my friend Pamela: A young man named Jon received a parrot as a gift. The parrot had a bad attitude and an even worse vocabulary. Every word out of the bird's mouth was rude, obnoxious and laced . . . more »Judith | 11/23/06 at 11:13 AM | 5 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: Sensual pleasures
November 20, 2006
Monday 6:30 PM Actor's Workshop - be there!
If you are in the NYC area this evening (Monday), head down to the Actor's Playhouse on 7th Avenue just south of Sheridan Square, for NEWS TO ME! Doors open at 6:30pm, show starts at 7pm. NEWS TO ME features . . . more »Judith | 11/20/06 at 04:18 PM | 1 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: Sensual pleasures
November 06, 2006
A day in the life
Via Bill INDC . . . . the ultimate YouTube cliche: . . . more »Judith | 11/06/06 at 12:31 AM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: Sensual pleasures
November 05, 2006
The New Metrosexual James Bond
Look, It's not just for the US army, it's become a World Wide Meme The sharing and caring side to Bond: Strong yet sensitive, introducing the Bond that bleeds. Casino Royale is the story of how Bond got started, . . . more »Alcibiades | 11/05/06 at 07:06 PM | 2 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: Sensual pleasures
November 01, 2006
Let us now praise weird snacks
Fairway, the gourmet supermarket of the Upper West Side, is now carrying dried gooseberries again. I used to buy them whenever I shopped there (although they are expensive), and then they stopped carrying them. They look like large raisins, but . . . more »Judith | 11/01/06 at 03:26 PM | 4 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: Sensual pleasures
October 27, 2006
Michael Weiss Quintet at the Vanguard thru Sunday night
My brother got a rave review in the NYTimes yesterday, well-deserved and overdue. He has been slaving in the jazz trenches for 25 years, appreciated by cognocenti and unknown by everyone else. The pianist Michael Weiss knows a lot . . . more »Judith | 10/27/06 at 05:42 PM | 1 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: Sensual pleasures
October 26, 2006
Future News: Campuses Explode After Jeff Foxworthy CD Found in Toilet
Nov. 15, 2006: Southern campuses in the U.S. exploded in rage today following reports that a Jeff Foxworthy CD had been found in a toilet at the University of Georgia. "Death to those who insult Jeff Foxworthy!" screamed thousands of . . . more »Van | 10/26/06 at 09:18 PM | 1 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: Sensual pleasures
October 25, 2006
Gotcha
To accompany any grim vengeful mood you may be in . . . . Patricia Barber, ladies and gentlemen . . . Any woman who doesn't wear makeup and sips Cognac on stage is okay by me. . . . more »Judith | 10/25/06 at 03:51 PM | 0 Comments | 1 TrackBacks | Categories: Sensual pleasures
October 22, 2006
Good News for '24' Fanatics: Season 6 Trailer Coming
If the year has two seasons for you -- '24' season and the rest of the year -- then the first signs of changing weather are coming. On Tuesday, Fox will broadcast a trailer for season six, online and during . . . more »Van | 10/22/06 at 09:24 AM | 1 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: Sensual pleasures
October 19, 2006
One Night With the King
Check this out - a cheesy costume drama of Megillat Esther! (via Life of Rubin) I still want to see it, tho. It's got John Rhys-Davies and Omar Sharif and Peter O'Toole. The scenery-chewing will be first-class. (Find a theater . . . more »Judith | 10/19/06 at 08:36 PM | 3 Comments | 1 TrackBacks | Categories: Sensual pleasures
October 17, 2006
"My Name is Rachel Corrie": All the Rachels
The original US producer of the new off-Broadway run of the London hit "My Name is Rachel Corrie" wanted to "contextualize" the play by providing for structured discussion, but the UK producers refused and the production languished until taken up . . . more »Judith |