JERUSALEM — I was going to write an analysis of the current Israeli-Palestinian negotiations occurring right now in Washington, D.C., but I could not think of anything interesting to say since the present talks are nothing more than political theater. So, here some interesting articles after which I will provide further commentary… Continue reading
An Israel-Palestine Partition After Current Negotiations?
September 3rd, 2010 · Anti-Semitism, Anti-Zionism, Culture, Egypt, Iran, Islam, Israel, Jihad, Judaism, Palestine, Politics, Religion, The Middle East, War, War on Terror
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Wives and Concubines in Modern Dating
September 2nd, 2010 · Conservative Pundits, Culture, Dating, Economics, Europe, Feminism, Politics, Religion, Sex
The Spearhead (ahem) looks at Western society and sees more and more women purportedly choosing to become “modern concubines”:
If one takes a close look at contemporary American society, it appears that concubinage is gradually reasserting itself in Western culture and law. This is an inevitable result of the idea that men have an obligation to financially support illegitimate children; an idea that was rejected by Christians because it fatally weakens the incentives for women without significant property to engage in monogamous marriage. In fact, Islam prohibits concubinage as well… Continue reading
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The End of the Music Album and David Bowie Lyrics
September 2nd, 2010 · Business, Culture, Entertainment, Marketing, Music, Personal, Politics
For several decades, there was a trend in popular music named the “concept album.” Sadly, however, the trend seems to be dying:
For decades, the music industry has been looking to the album charts to establish what made a hit. In the past 10 years, though, album sales have… Continue reading
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Letter from Israel: Theories of Poverty in America and Israel
September 1st, 2010 · Business, Culture, Economics, Education, Globalization, Immigration, Israel, Judaism, Letters from Israel, Personal, Politics, Religion, The Middle East
Twentieth in an ongoing series
JERUSALEM — As much as I love working and writing from home during the day, there is one negative: The children next door.
No, I don’t hate kids. Let me explain.
Israel is a small, dense country. As a result, most people live extremely close to each other. The picture at the top of the post is… Continue reading
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Improving Journalism Worldwide Despite Political Bias
August 31st, 2010 · Boston, Business, Culture, Education, Journalism, Marketing, Massachusetts, Personal, Politics, The Boston Globe
BOSTON — When I was an editorial assistant at the Boston Globe while in college in the summer and fall of 2000, the newspaper went through a major redesign.
The “Metro” section was renamed “City & Region” (to improve branding in suburban areas). The newsprint, font, and type size were changed (to make the print easier to read and not rub off on readers’ hands) . The… Continue reading
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Understanding Politics and Partisanship
August 30th, 2010 · Conservative Pundits, Economics, Finance, Politics
BOSTON — New York Times columnist David Brooks proves once again why he is my favorite Republican:
Many conservatives declare that Barack Obama is a Muslim because it feels so good to say so. Many liberals would never ask themselves why they were so wrong about the surge in Iraq while George Bush was so right. The question is too uncomfortable.
There’s a seller’s market in ideologies that gives people a chance to feel victimized. There’s a rigidity to political debate. Issues like tax cuts and the
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How to Deal With Bill Collectors Calling at Work
August 29th, 2010 · Business, Economics, Finance, Politics
In 2009, U.S. consumer debt was $2.5 trillion. In January 2008, more than 4% of credit cards were more than thirty days past-due. The total amount of U.K. consumer debt now exceeds the country’s GDP. These are just a few of the available statistics. I am sure it has only become worse.
As a result, more and… Continue reading
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Sarit Hadad Lyrics and Israeli-Music Culture
August 28th, 2010 · Civil Liberties, Culture, Entertainment, Europe, Immigration, Islam, Israel, Judaism, Language, Music, Personal, Politics, Religion, The Middle East
JERUSALEM — From Britney Spears in the United States to Sarit Hadad in Israel to the Bendaly Family in Lebanon, everyone seems to like cheesy, pop music. It might be the only thing that these three countries have in common.
In a recent episode of the Israeli version of “American Idol,” pop singer Sarit Hadad performed a Hebrew-English cover of “Do You Love Me?” — a Lebanese pop… Continue reading
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