Hockey, Arik, Mahmoud, Matzo, 'adult' stars, Hillel, Apache, Russia

Wednesday, 13 April 2005

Our beloved hockey team

Israel’s hockey team (yes, it exists) won the gold medal at an Ice Hockey Federation Division II tournament, moving up to Division I, one tier below the top guns.

It may take a few (or many) more years, but here we’re already fantasizing about an Israeli boy making it to a Stanley Cup championship game. In fact, we can already imagine it: “…And on defense, 2-time All-Star, Moshe Abramovich…”

Amen.

Sunday, 10 April 2005

Americans like Arik (and Mahmoud)

A survey undertaken by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) shows 42 percent of Americans have a favorable view of Prime Minister Ariel (Arik) Sharon, compared to 22 percent who say they don't like him too much.

On a more curious note perhaps, 27 percent of respondents said they have a favorable view of Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas.

Doesn't sound too impressive? keep in mind former Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat received a lowly 9 percent approval rating in a similar 2003 survey.

On an optimistic note, 74 percent of Americans said Israel is serious about reaching a peace agreement with the Palestinians, while 64 percent said the Palestinians are serious.

What's certain, if a peace agreement is indeed reached, both Arik and Mahmoud's popularity will skyrocket - and not only in America.

Thursday, 7 April 2005

I want my M(atzo)TV

This is must see TV. U.S. cable channel VH1 Classic gathered together a group of Jewish heavy metal and hard rock musicians (what must their moms think?), stuck them at a table adorned with matzo and Manischewitz wine (a sponsor, of course), and gave them a go at a seder. The musicians, including the newly revitalized Leslie West (Weinstein) of Mountain, and Dee Snider of Twisted Sister, apparently talk about how seders and Pesach influenced their music. Will someone send us a videotape of this show, which is airing several times during the holiday? Hat tip: Pig of Death.

Tuesday, 5 April 2005

For adults only...really

Self-proclaimed "good, smart little Jewish girl" (link is PG-13 rated) Joanna Angel, 24, of Brooklyn has just released a new hardcore video based on her website, which we will not link to from here.

“I feel like this is a part if me that’s always been there and just wasn’t showing,” Angel told the adult video news website that profiled her. “Because I kind of created this thing, I’ve never done anything that’s made me uncomfortable. Burning Angel is a reflection of me. And I still am a good, smart little Jewish girl running a porn Website."

For adults only, part two

Now is not the time to get into the story of Jews and the U.S. porn industry (both on- and off-screen). But here's another item from the Jews-in-porno file: (Previous generation) adult film industry "star" Ron Jeremy is now featured in a PETA ad (suitable for viewing by the PG-13 crowd) calling for neutering your pets (Hat tip: Jewlicious).

Monday, 4 April 2005

Y'all come now, y'hear

Well, now that Columbia University has determined many of its Jewish students are over-sensitive crybabies who were not abused by Israel-hating professors, despite compelling personal testimony to the contrary, the university's Hillel student group is sponsoring an event April 7 designed to entice students to spend a year in Israel. Along with the usual enticements - food, drink, and free admission - a "surprise" performance by a major Israeli band is planned. We're not supposed to tell who that is, but if you look here, you'll find out.

Chopper video

Extremely cool, exclusive video of the new, state-of-the-art Apache helicopters that are joining the air force.

Sunday, 3 April 2005

Stop Russian anti-Semitism now

The recent bid by Russian Orthodox activists to outlaw Jewish groups in the country must be dealt with seriously.

Signing such a petition is not a violent act, and some would say that if this is the extent of anti-Semitism in Russia, then our situation is improving.

However, the people signing these letters and petitions do not belong to some obscure and fanatic cult; some of Russia's most prominent cultural and political figures are taking part in this endeavor of hatred, and this means the idea behind it resonates far-beyond the confines of the groups that are actually orchestrating the anti-Jewish campaign.

Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom is scheduled to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the end of the month - and he must be adamant in his insistence that Putin address the issue promptly.

Things can get out of hand quickly, and it would be wise to nip this new trend in the bud.