After learning that President Trump is taking Hydroxychloroquine, I consulted medical websites to check on the drug’s side effects. [Laurie Baron, Ph.D]
Side effects of Hydroxychloroquine Read More »
Lawrence Baron, Trivia, Humor & Satire
Actor and comedian Jerry Stiller died last week at the age of 92. Stiller was most famous for playing the quintessentially Jewish, but technically non-Jewish Italian Frank Costanza, father of George Costanza on the Seinfeld sitcom. Born to Polish immigrant parents, Stiller grew up in Brooklyn and the Lower East Side, and studied drama after serving in the army during World War II. He married comedian and actor Anne Meara, and the two created a hugely successful comedy duo, focusing on their lives as an intermarried couple. Among their bits was an “I hate you” routine, in which Meara called Stiller a “matza head” and he called her a “shillelagh shiksa.” What was one of Jerry Stiller’s first acting roles? [Mark D. Zimmerman]
Jewish trivia quiz: Jerry Stiller, z”l Read More »
Jewish History, Mark D. Zimmerman, Trivia, Humor & SatireYou pretend that you’re washing your hands for 20 seconds, but only do it for 15. … You’re starting to have sexual fantasies about Angela Merkel. [Laurie Baron, Ph.D]
You might have cabin fever if — Read More »
Lawrence Baron, Trivia, Humor & Satire
Comedian Billy DeVore, who co-hosts the Cincinnati Reds’ focused podcast “The New Nasty Boys,” has come out with his debut album: Drinking at the Kids Table. Loud, self-deprecating and rather crude, DeVore cracks wise about being overweight (Having a gym membership just means he can watch Sports Center in another building.) rescuing cats, and the challenges of married life. His wife Alicia views him not so much as a pet project like “This Old House” but more like “Extreme Home Makeover.” [Eric George Tauber}
Comedy album review: ‘Drinking at the Kids Table’ Read More »
Eric George Tauber, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Trivia, Humor & Satire
Rabbi Andrew Baker, an official with both the American Jewish Committee and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), says because of the coronavirus pandemic, there probably will be a drop in anti-Semitic incidents in 2020. However, this is because potential targets, such as synagogues and Jewish schools, have been closed during the pandemic. When re-opened, he said, they may become targets again. [Our Shtetl San Diego County column by Donald H. Harrison]
AJC rabbi fights international anti-Semitism Read More »
Donald H. Harrison, International, Jewish History, Middle East, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Science, Medicine, & Education, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Trivia, Humor & SatireTrump’s sending you back to work, shut in. / To boost the GDP./ He’ll provide your gloves and masks, shut in./ But they’re no guarantee./ ‘Cause he don’t care too much for your health. / Money can’t buy your health. [Parody by Laurie Baron, Ph.D]
Can’t Buy Your Health Read More »
Lawrence Baron, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Trivia, Humor & Satire
A funny fictional book (Jerry Klinger’s Boynton Beach Chronicles), reviewed in last week’s column, has triggered memories of our real-life visits to the Sunshine State. [Joel H. Cohen]
Florida visits: Landsmen’s life, klansman’s knife Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Joel H. Cohen, Trivia, Humor & Satire
By Elona Baron as told to Laurie Baron SAN DIEGO — (Photo 1) I’ve heard there may be a meat shortage. To prepare for that eventuality, I’m chewing on my stuffed rabbit a lot. (Photo 2) This is my owner’s son. Since I’m worried he might leave the house and not wear a mask or
Elona (the dog)’s coronavirus photo album Read More »
Lawrence Baron, Trivia, Humor & SatireThis week President Trump told Americans to consider themselves warriors in the battle against coronavirus and the mobilization to reopen the economy. Here are dispatches from the front lines to guide them. [Satire by Laurie Baron, Ph.D]
Dispatches from the War on Coronavirus Read More »
Lawrence Baron, Trivia, Humor & SatireTwelve score (Jared searched on Google to tell me how many years a score was) and fourteen years ago, the founding fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation sanctioning slavery, and dedicated to the proposition that all white men with property were created equal. They did a decent job drafting the constitution, but not as great as I could have done. None of them ever had their own highly rated TV show! I would have omitted Articles I and III. [Satire by Laurie Baron, Ph.D]
How Trump would have given the Gettysburg Address Read More »
Lawrence Baron, Trivia, Humor & SatireHoney holds a significant place in Jewish tradition, most prominently at Rosh Hashanah when we dip apples in honey for a sweet new year. There was a question as to whether honey is actually kosher. The Mishna says in Tractate Bechorot, “That which comes from something which is Tameh [non-Kosher] is Tameh, and that which comes of that which is Tahor [Kosher] is Tahor.” Therefore, for example, camel’s milk and stork eggs are not kosher as camels and storks are not kosher animals. Why is honey kosher, when the bees which produce it are not kosher? [Mark D. Zimmerman]
Jewish trivia quiz: Honey bees Read More »
Mark D. Zimmerman, Trivia, Humor & Satire
Of the Jewish friends and relatives who have migrated to the land of the Early Bird – southern Florida –few have supplied as many laughs and good feelings as William Rabinowitz, the fictional hero of Jerry Klinger’s book, Boynton Beach Chronicles: Tails of Norman. [Book review by Joel H. Cohen]
Chai-times and humor among Florida’s Jewish retirees Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Jerry Klinger, Jewish Religion, Joel H. Cohen, Lifestyles, Trivia, Humor & SatireSince many governors and the president are rushing to reopen the economy even before the White House guidelines for reopening have been met, job seekers looking for safe work should apply for these positions. [Satire by Laurie Baron, Ph.D]
Help wanted after a safe reopening Read More »
Lawrence Baron, Trivia, Humor & Satire
While pawing through the newspaper today before I chewed it up, I noticed a report about the first case of a human transmitting Covid19 to a dog. Given the incompetence shown by the Golden Deceiver when he advised ingesting or injecting bleach or Lysol as a cure for the disease (which is akin to telling dogs to eat rat poison if they don’t want to be bitten by a rat), I have decided that the United States needs to appoint a top dog to manage the pandemic. [Satire by Laure Baron channeling his dog Elona]
The country needs a top dog Read More »
Lawrence Baron, Trivia, Humor & Satire