The Arts

Getting to Know Edna Ferber by Following Her ‘Giant’ Odyssey

This biography of novelist Edna Ferber was written by her grandniece Julie Gilbert, who had access to Ferber’s journals, relatives, friends, and co-workers in addition to archival sources. The result is a splendid recounting of the high points in Ferber’s life, with particular emphasis on the research, production and success of “Giant,” both in its novel and movie forms. [Donald H. Harrison]

Getting to Know Edna Ferber by Following Her ‘Giant’ Odyssey Read More »

Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison, Jewish History, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast

Moving to a New Apartment While Retaining Two Cultures

Yeh Yeh surprises her with a present: a new mezuzah, explaining that Zayde had told him that would be a good present for her new home.  When they all sit down for Shabbat dinner inside the new apartment, Zayde gives Miri another gift:  two small guardian lions that she can put on the chest of drawers by her bed. [Donald H. Harrison)

Moving to a New Apartment While Retaining Two Cultures Read More »

Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Humane Society Gift Shop Items Provide Double Benefits

When I returned recently from a camping trip at San Elijo State Beach, it was with Chanukah items from the nearby thrift shop of the Rancho Coastal Humane Society. They were gifts not only for us, but also for the critters because all proceeds go to feed and house the animals at the society. [Cailin Acosta]

Humane Society Gift Shop Items Provide Double Benefits Read More »

Cailin Acosta, Holocaust, International, Israel, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast

Today’s Jewish Birthday: Nina Gordon

Courtesy of Wikipedia Nina Gordon (November 14, 1967), is an American singer, songwriter, and guitarist. She co-founded the alternative rock band Veruca Salt and played on their first two studio albums, American Thighs (1994) and Eight Arms to Hold You (1997). During that time, Gordon wrote the band’s hit singles “Seether” and “Volcano Girls”. After leaving Veruca Salt, she released two solo

Today’s Jewish Birthday: Nina Gordon Read More »

Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Today's Jewish Birthday, Wikipedia

‘Living After Midnight’ Depicts Dementia with Compassion and Humor

Why write a play about a topic that makes everyone uncomfortable, anxious or fearful? Because it is a journey many of us will take personally, or bear witness by accompanying a loved one. This frightening, frustrating and largely inevitable voyage is the road to dementia. [Eva Trieger]

‘Living After Midnight’ Depicts Dementia with Compassion and Humor Read More »

Eva Trieger, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast

Poems, Songs of Inge Strusberg, Ehud Manor to be Featured Nov. 19 at JCC

A program, “Jewish Poets of the Past,” will feature works by the Peruvian-Jewish poet, Inge Strusberg, and the Israeli poet/song writer, Ehud Manor, in a program at 7 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 19, in the Astor Judaica Library of the Lawrence Family JCC. It is presented by Jewish Poets–Jewish Voices under the auspices of the Center for Jewish Culture. [Eileen Wingard]

Poems, Songs of Inge Strusberg, Ehud Manor to be Featured Nov. 19 at JCC Read More »

Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Eileen Wingard, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Males Buy Themselves Trouble when Suppressing Emotions

Dr. Levant, a renowned psychologist, delves into the underlying emotional and psychological challenges that many men face in contemporary society. He addresses the traditional notions of masculinity that often compel men to suppress emotions, leading to detrimental effects on mental health and interpersonal relationships. The book provides insights into overcoming these stereotypes and encourages men to engage in healthier emotional expression and vulnerability. [Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D]

Males Buy Themselves Trouble when Suppressing Emotions Read More »

Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Lifestyles, Michael Mantell, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Veterans Deserve Our Appreciation on Monday and All Days

Veterans Day weekend is here and almost everyone gets a day off from school, work or just another day for those who are retired. But it is more than a vacation from our daily responsibilities. Those who served deserve to be honored and one day cannot thank them enough for putting their lives on the line for our freedom to be in America. [Cailin Acosta]

Veterans Deserve Our Appreciation on Monday and All Days Read More »

Cailin Acosta, Israel, Jewish Religion, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, Trivia, Humor & Satire, USA

Campers Find a Tree of Life in Cardiff-by-the-Sea

I came across an exhibit behind a glass cabinet sponsored by the Gourd and Basket Guild San Diego, California. Its goal is to preserve, promote and perpetuate the appreciation of gourd and basket art by providing a supportive, sharing and educational environment. [Cailin Acosta]

Campers Find a Tree of Life in Cardiff-by-the-Sea Read More »

Cailin Acosta, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Today’s Jewish Birthday: Morley Safer

Courtesy of Wikipedia Morley Safer (November 8, 1931 – May 19, 2016) was a Canadian-American broadcast journalist, reporter, and correspondent for CBS News. He was best known for his long tenure on the news magazine 60 Minutes, whose cast he joined in 1970 after its second year on television. He was the longest-serving reporter on 60 Minutes, the most watched and most profitable

Today’s Jewish Birthday: Morley Safer Read More »

Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Today's Jewish Birthday, Wikipedia

‘Gift Shop of Gratitude’ Links Common Souvenir Items to How Readers Experience Life

Playing Cards suggest a gallery of portraits of the people most influential in your life; bobbleheads might immortalize the people you put on a pedestal; scented candles might bring back favorite aromas such as burning leaves in Fall (now outlawed for reasons of air pollution) or perhaps the smell of a relative’s pipe tobacco. [Donald H. Harrison]

‘Gift Shop of Gratitude’ Links Common Souvenir Items to How Readers Experience Life Read More »

Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Business & Finance, Donald H. Harrison, Staff and Bylined Contributors