The Arts

Measuring ‘Measure for Measure’

There are Shakespearian scholars who feel that Measure for Measure is Shakespeare’s greatest play. This is very possible. It certainly is one of his best. It is very thoughtful. It addresses ancient unresolved problems of human nature that still exist today, and it prompts us to consider the good verses the evil inclination; male dominance over females and the frequent male harassments; the power of the sex drive over the intellect, morality and the inability to control it; hypocrisy, irony, religion, and other conflicts that invade all humans at times and are often unresolvable. [Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin]

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Israel Drazin-Rabbi Dr., Theatre, Film & Broadcast

‘Lit’ warms the Heart

Blindspot Collective in San Diego is known for its shows for young audiences, tackling difficult topics such as mental illness, the bullying of immigrants and the tribulations of the transgendered. They specialize in “forum theatre” in which audience members actually get to step into the show and give the actors do-overs with better outcomes. But, like all of us, the current situation has forced them to rethink how they do things. And so, they have created Lit: A Virtual Musical, written and directed by Desha Crownover of SD Junior Theatre with book and lyrics by Blake McCarty and Music by Ian Brandon. [Eric George Tauber]

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Eric George Tauber, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, San Diego County, Theatre, Film & Broadcast

‘We Are the Tree of Life’ debuts in San Diego

To commemorate Yom Hashoah, Ohr Shalom Synagogue screened the premiere of the documentary, We Are the Tree of Life: Carry On. The Zoom screening was introduced by former Ohr Shalom president, Susie Meltzer. Many participants in the film were in the Zoom audience, including Peter Yarrow of Peter, Paul and Mary fame. [Eileen Wingard]

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Eileen Wingard, International, Jewish History, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Theatre, Film & Broadcast

Good News from Israel (April 18, 2021)

In the April 18, 2021 edition of Israel’s good news, the highlights include:
–3 Israeli research breakthroughs into cancer, aging and obesity.
–NASA names two asteroids after their Israeli-Arab student discoverer.
–Japan praises Israel for its help on the 10th anniversary of the tsunami.
–A hi-tech Israeli competitor to zoom.
–Investment in Israeli startups breaks three all-time records.
–Israelis once again were able to properly celebrate the nation’s birthday. (Michael Ordman)

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Business & Finance, International, Jewish History, Michael Ordman, Middle East, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Science, Medicine, & Education, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Travel and Food

The Brothers Belland Team on Short Stories

Almost Havana: A Collection of Short Stories by F.W Belland and Chris Belland; Whiz Bang LLC, 2014; ISBN 9780692-378885; 192 pages; $14.95; Available on Amazon Amazon.com : almost havana By Donald H. Harrison SAN DIEGO – Brothers Fred and Chris Belland each contributed ten stories to this well-written collection. While reading older brother Fred’s stories,

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Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison

Balancing Act: Hank Azaria’s apology for voicing Indian character Apu on ‘The Simpsons’ should lead to an honest reckoning on our bias against accents

Hank Azaria’s recent apology for voicing the character Apu Nahasapeemapetilon, an Indian-born convenience store clerk on “The Simpsons,” has launched some fascinating discussions that touch on, but also transcend, the role of pop culture in shaping the world we all share. Azaria’s Apu has long come under fire for its stereotypical portrayal of Indian Americans.

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Theatre, Film & Broadcast

‘Planet Corona’ Is Everyone’s Current Residence

An American living in retirement in Jerusalem, Chaya Passow has been described by her friends as a “pollyanna,” one who tries to see the best in everything and everybody.  So when the coronavirus pandemic confined many people to their homes – except to go out for necessities or approved errands – she unsurprisingly decided to “glean from this unprecedented experience any lessons for better understanding the human condition, for self-improvement, for a closer connection to Hashem and others.” [Donald H. Harrison]

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Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison, Middle East

Good News from Israel (April 11, 2021)

Israel’s good news, the highlights include:
*Israeli scientists have found that bacteria can help fight cancer.
*Local and international students are returning to Israeli colleges.
*New Israeli visual technology can see both under the skin and from high in the air.
*Microsoft plans to invest over $1 billion in Israel.
*Israel has upgraded its plans for this year’s Independence Day celebrations [Michael Ordman]

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Business & Finance, International, Jewish History, Michael Ordman, Middle East, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Science, Medicine, & Education, The World We Share, USA

Book Provides Useful Pet Advice

The pandemic has changed many people’s daily routines. More folks have been spending time at home and because of this, pet adoptions have increased.  What better time to adopt a pet than while spending so much time at home! However, there have also been a lot of first time pet owners who need some guidance. [Mimi Pollack]

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Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Mimi Pollack, San Diego County, The World We Share

‘Mural’ Came From Deep in Pollock’s Unconscious

Since at least 2014, Mural (1943) has been on perpetual tour. So much has already been said about this large painting – books are devoted solely to the analysis of Jackson Pollock’s first great masterpiece. What else can possibly be said? In fact, there will always be new things to say. As with any work of genius, it exceeds every interpretation. Mural is generally regarded as a transitional work – between the mythological, Jungian abstractions and the later drip paintings which would secure Pollock’s world fame.

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Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Sam Ben-Meir