Category Archive
The following is a list of all entries from the Easily Amused category.
The Swedes Make the So-called TV Tax Almost Cool!
How about this for a TV Tax: The Swedish have got it right when it comes to the so-called TV Tax. First off- they don’t call it the TV Tax which is confusing and wrong— they call it the Broadcasting Tax, and define it as “Everyone who owns, rents or borrows a television receiver has to pay for a TV License. It doesn’t matter which channels you watch, the mere fact that you have a TV receiver makes you liable to pay for a license.” Perhaps if the tax was about broadcasting, and the actual receiver as opposed to the TV box then we could all get along here. I mean after all, that’s really what the tax is about: taxing us for government funded channels. But if I don’t watch those channels, can’t even get those channels on my TV and only use it to watch DVDs then I shouldn’t have to pay a TV tax which is really just a Broadcasting Tax. And believe me I have explained this to no end to the Israeli TV Tax folks, but they are just not interested (they literally don’t read the letters I send, emails, or phone calls). And furthermore if they could give people the option of not having a Channel receiver then the mess would be even less of a mess and maybe not a mess at all!
OK, this is a rant I have given way to many times. This time I am just saying check out the really cool way the Swedes have managed to inform people about paying their tax. Rather than sending threatening letters, giving you fines, and just assuming you are guilty of owning a TV and watching their amazing channels without paying for them, the Swedes say, hey, we’re good at what we do so check out our amazing commercial and will prove how awesome we are, and then pay your tax.
Check out this commercial which may start off slow, but believe me it’s so worth it to watch. Why you ask? Because in this version of the film the Felafel Ladies make an appearance, and if you watch it to the end then you too can make an appearance. Just watch it to see what I’m talking about. And just imagine if the TV Tax bureaucrats in Israel could get out of their mob mentality and actually do something this creative, perhaps people wouldn’t be fighting the tax at all, and just enjoy good entertainment!
“Srugim” the show, I ask you: “איפה (Where’s) Ha-Anglo?”
'Amir' with the felafel ladies!
The ever popular TV show “Srugim” is about to start its second season January 10, 2010. But cool people like me and my co-blogger and skinny friend Rebecca have already seen the first two episodes. How did we accomplish such a feat? Well it was simple really, during Hannukah the Jerusalem Cinameteque held the preimere for the new episodes along with a panel of the show’s producers, writers and one of the actors.
I have to admit that for Jerusalem this was pretty cool. Rebecca and I had front row seats which we thought would be great to view the subtitles extra large, but unfortunately Hebrew Ulpan was hardcore that night with no subtitles and lots of Israeli slang. While the seats didn’t help our Hebrew lesson, they were great because we ended up right in front of one of the actors of the show, Amos Tamam, who plays Amir. In some ways it was weird, you know, was I supposed to laugh extra hard in the funny scenes because he was behind me? Should I have sighed when it was sad? It felt like I was on the TV show, not him!
Anyway, I won’t give away anything so no spoiler alerts, but I will say this: For a show that does a pretty good job depicting Jerusalem’s young religious and semi-religious and non-religious crowd, where’s the token Anglo!! If you remember back to the first episode there was Stacy the ‘American immigrant-reform-lesbian’ that lived next door and was handy for some morning tefilin, but since that appearance we have yet to bump into any Anglos on the street, in classes, or date anyone — which is just hard to believe.
Come on Laizy! That’s the writer and director’s name; I’m not just calling him lazy! Where’s the Anglo? Either bring Stacy back for more episodes, which I am sure Shira Katz, my improv buddy would love or get an Anglo supporting character in the cast. You must know there’s a lot of us watching and basically there’s a lot of us in Jerusalem. So as you start to write the third season please keep us in mind. And, if you can’t think of a plot or two, let me give you some starters- just know that if you use my ideas I want the credit or at least a pat on the back!
Plots:
- Stacy has a (insert Jewish holiday here) party and invites the building. Here the characters meet and become buddies. They share a Shabbat or two, hang out on Emek Refaim and drink like an Anglo whose under age!
- The Anglo turned immigrant turned student who meets Hodaya at school.
- Nati dates an Anglo girl. That’s simple fun and goes a long way.
- Nati dates Molly. Hey it could happen!
- Yifat has to design something for The Big Felafel. Molly and Rebecca make a star appearance later to have reoccurring roles on the show. Get it! We play ourselves, it’s pure genius! The blog will truly come to life.
- Nati wants some underage booty and ends up at one of those bars with the ‘Shana Alef kids’ we’ve all come to hate.
- While the gang hangs out at a café on Emek Refaim a Birthright group invades their space. But one of the members leaves a lasting impression on someone in the group. (it’s not porn, just romance)
- Amir teaches an Anglo Hebrew for extra money and ends up setting up the Anglo with either Nati or Reut (depending on if it’s a boy or girl).
- Reut meets an Anglo boy at synagogue over Kiddish- hott!
- Hodaya becomes friends with an Anglo at her bar who is also debating her level of religiosity.
Laizy, I got more if and when you want it! Just write us!
To join the Bring Back Stacy Facebook Group click here
Photo credit (thanks): Rebecca for the first photo and Dana Lavi Dekel for the bottom 2 photos
To watch the show’s first season for free online
Beautiful Sufganiyot
We may not have Dunkin Donuts here in Israel, so Chanukah time and Roladin bakery’s sufganiyot (Israeli version of donuts) are the closest we can get. Most sufganiyot could be confused with a roll – a big round piece of cakey bread, with a dot of filling which could fall off if you’re not careful. However, I think there are a few bakeries that really put in the extra effort (read: filling)
- Cafe Ne’eman – King George St. I recommend the white chocolate
- Marzipan Bakery – Mahane Yehuda Market & Rahel Imenu St., Jerusalem
- Roladin – Mamilla Mall [featured below]
Is it wrong to frame this picture and hang it over my couch? I think it’s beautiful. I recommend the chocolate chocolate flavor. Pure heaven. I think I’m gonna have to keep going back until I’ve tried every flavor.
Flavors include macchiato, halva, pistachio, vodka melon, banana, with all sorts of goodies sprinkled and added on top. For more sufganiya goodness, read Haaretz’s writeup.
Chanukah Time! Flash Mob in Jerusalem
In case you’ve been following my tweets you may have noticed that I’m obsessed with Improv Everywhere and the whole idea of going into places and doing random things to surprise strangers and cause a scene. Every time I’m in the central bus station or supermarket in Jerusalem, I just want to break into song and dance or freeze in place like they did in Grand Central Station in New York City or Tel Aviv’s version.
I finally got my chance to partake in a flash mob last Friday at Jerusalem’s popular hangout spot, the midrachov/Ben Yehuda St. Nefesh B’nefesh organized the mission, taught us the dance, and now, released the official video. Enjoy and Happy Chanukah!!
And if you still want more, here’s the Making of the Flash Mob Video.
Here are some of my other favorite Improv Everywhere videos:
THE ROSH HASHANA VIDEO: Laugh your way into the new year!
It’s that time of year: apples, honey, prayers and tons of celebration…the Jewish New Year. And once again Benji and I hit the streets, this time in Tel Aviv, to find out how Israelis plan to celebrate the holiday and what sins they may want to say “sorry” for. Check out the clip and learn more about Benji at www.whatwarzone.com.
Get Your Fourth of July Party on in Jerusalem!
If you’re a former U.S. citizen, you know that even though you live in Israel, giving up certain American holidays is not easy. Case in point: the Fourth of July, Independence Day. While July 4th celebrations mirror those of Israel’s Independence Day, not celebrating the actual day, Fourth of July, is just too much!
I can b-b-q any day of the year (not really, but I could try and find someone that would b-b-q for me everyday of the year) but there is something that makes the meat a little juicer on Fourth of July. I could watch fire crackers go off almost everyday throughout the summer, thanks to the loads of weddings in Jerusalem, but the fireworks of Fourth of July seem to sparkle and crack just a little bit more.
What I am saying is celebrating Fourth of July does not end when you make Aliyah from America. You can’t give up the cheerleader in you that wants to jump for joy on that particular day. It’s not that I am rooting for America’s independence but more for my hamburger, day off and awesome display of fireworks in the middle of summer, that’s the essence of the big day—a day that can leave a big hole if you don’t celebrate properly.
So, here are a few ways to party down for the holiday. Do one or all of them, but just don’t forget to celebrate and fill the hole (and the stomach)!
Themed Shabbat meal: Yes friends, if you like cheesy then take advantage of this year’s celebrations which fall on Shabbat day. You can have b-b-qs (if you keep Shabbat then b-b-q right before Shabbat comes in and keep meat on hot grill or hot plate), make cakes with red, white and blue frosting and make sure to invite lots of friends who bring lots of drinks!
Saturday Night go out:
Summer on the “Roof”:
10:30pm
B-B-Q & Bar
Live musical performances: Remedy and Holler Band and more!
Fireworks at midnight
Location: 37 Pe’er Kening (Talpiot, across from the Hadar mall)
Tickets cost NIS 80, but if you reserve them before then it’s NIS 60! There are also special group prices. For more info or to order tickets call Gita at 052-562-4488 or Assaf at 054-396-0799
Get Started Early: July 1, 2009
Starting at 3pm
AACI’s Independence Day Celebrations
Schedule of Events:
2:30pm Grand Opening:
Exhibitions, hot dogs & refreshments for sale, tickets for movies on sale, music, AACI table selling raffle tickets and tickets to Roy Zaltsman performance, Chinese Auction and more!
3:00pm Screening of It Happened One Night, Screening for Children of Chihuahua of Beverly Hills
5:00pm Screening of Fargo, Screening for Children of Aliens vs. Monsters
7:00pm Live Performance of Roy Zaltsman Special Telepathy Show, Screening for Children of Hotel for Dogs
7:45pm AACI Hai Society Reception (by invitation only)
8:45pm Greetings
9:00pm Israel’s Premiere Screening of Public Enemies
Movies/Show NIS 28 each (Special Reduced Price)
To Order Tickets Online go to: www.jer-cin.org.il/Default.aspx?Lang=En
For Directions go to: tickets.jer-cin.org.il/Cinematheque/Getting%20Here…
Hotdogs for Sale! -Kosher-
Apple Pie/Brownies
Chocolate Chip Cookies for Sale!
Saidels Bakery & Herby’s Bakeshop
Location: Jerusalem Cinemateque 11 Hebron St. For more information about the celebration, call 02-561-7151
A New Taste of the Jerusalem Food Scene
I tend to use this blog as place to rant and rage about the frustrations of daily life in Israel. Whether it’s dealing with the special customer service providers, crying about bureaucratic offices or sulking over lack of food choice in Jerusalem, it’s normally me and not my skinny friend and co-blogger Rebecca who uses this as a forum for complaint.
But today the only tears you will find are those of great joy. What could make me feel this way? Did I hear you say food? That’s right, I’m giving you two reasons to put the frustration aside and literally eat up the good news.
Reason #1: The Ye Old English Tea Room
Friends, the Ye Old English Tea Room is not only a super cute café, but more importantly they serve pancakes, French toast and real maple syrup. If you close your eyes you can actually imagine you are having brunch on a real Sunday, 
even if they only serve breakfast on Friday. The rest of their menu has a more classical English style taste, but everything is very fresh and only cooked after you order it.
I have been there twice and walked away happy each time. The first time I ordered a sandwich sampler and then shared my plate with my friends who had ordered equally delicious items from cranberry breads and scones to traditional potato pies. They also have traditional teas and tomato juice (that they bring with Tabasco 
sauce, Worchester sauce and salt and pepper- a meal in itself).
My second trip was a Friday so naturally I chose to have pancakes and skinny friend and co-blooger Rebecca had French toast. We both enjoyed the meal practically licking the plate (well maybe that was just me). The meals cost around NIS 45-55, so if you are two people you will spend around NIS 100- that’s not too bad! And of course I have added a link to an Eluna 10% discount coupon for all us shekel pinchers!
I said it earlier, but the café is beautifully designed, with lots of light, exquisite colors and decorative furniture, not to mention a little play house for the kids. And you’ll also find a guest book where you can add suggestions. What did I say: I asked that there be a bottomless pot of coffee that comes with a breakfast meal and that of course the breakfast meal should be served daily!
Click here to get your 10% coupon
Reason #2: Rumor has it Mexican food is coming our way!
If you recall, in an earlier post about the lack of Mexican food, I pooped my pants over the deficit of any real salsa to be found across Jerusalem. The post generated other angry citizens that too were frustrated with the burrito-less city — but break out the tamales because Mexican is making a comeback! According to a comment on the post, Benyamin 
writes: Good News! Long time Israel resident and Canadian guy ‘Mike’ (formerly of Mike’s Place – not the founder) has opened ‘Mike’s Kitchen’ in association with Yankee’s Bar near Zion Square. So why is this good news? Because he is developing a menu that includes some Mexican favorites and this former Angelino is assisting him. While the menu is a bit on the eclectic side, the Mexican dishes will be authentic Los Angeles taquiera style food. You know, Sonora with the L.A. touch!”
Don’t let the tears drip on the computer keys, but take it all in. The restaurant is set to open at the end of June, just in time for summer burritos every day of the week! Benyamin later wrote he hopes to add his own, “personal enchiladas, hand-made frijoles and tortilla chips with red and avocado salsas,” for the big opening day. Benyamin, tell us where and when and we will be there, drooling and ready!
Three Weeks of NIS 3 Coffee!
While it may seem like the holiday season is over, there is still much to celebrate. How about NIS 3 coffee? I don’t know about you, but I’m jumping up and down (and not just because I had three cups of pure caffeine joy!). What café finally got the memo that coffee doesn’t have to be expensive? Café Hillel on Emek Refaim right here in Jerusalem, that’s who!
Although I previously reported that Café Hillel would be opening at a new location on Emek, it turns out that they have changed their minds and decided to stay at their original location and renovate. The café itself is closed but for the next three weeks you 
can get NIS 3 coffee at the little side barista they opened up during the renovation process. The cheap coffee isn’t just hot; you can also get ice café for NIS 9. It isn’t as cheap as my all-time love of NIS 5 ice café at Marzipan in the shuk, but it’s a bigger cup and low fat (supposedly). In any case these are just some of the amazing deals worth pooping your pants over.
Good bargains don’t just happen. Either you or someone you know has hunted them down, passed them along or created them on their own. We cheap buggers have to stick together and look after each other to ensure the deals keep coming. That’s why I implore you to not only take advantage of the next three weeks while the coffee is NIS 3, but to tell the cashier, manager or owner to permanently keep the NIS 3 coffee as a part of the menu. I think in the long run they will end up making more money off the NIS 3 coffee than any of their ridiculously over-priced salads. Also, if the coffee is NIS 3 now, but after the renovations the price goes back up to NIS 15, we will all feel scammed — and nobody goes to a restaurant that rips them off.
Friends, drink and be merry, but don’t forget to be cheap and persuasive too!
The Eve of Election Day or A Clogged Toliet You decide!
On the eve of Election Day, I am one of many that still don’t have a clue who they should vote for and the choice of crappy or corrupty isn’t much incentive. The next Prime Minister might be a repeat Bibi. While most people feel he will change the current political situation, I believe he only buys us time until he becomes a copy cat Olmert or Sharon. And
speaking of Kadima, if Livni wins, it’s just more of the same with “uni” being the key word in all of her decisions (unilateral ceasefire, unilateral pullout). And then there is Barak, who might have the same name as Obama, but can’t run the same campaign of change and yes we can. As he has shown, no he really can’t and he probably won’t. Finally we have Lieberman who has managed to climb his way to the top despite his ongoing criminal investigation. Then again, criminal investigation seems to be part of the job requirements for Prime Minister nowadays.
Along with the major players there are the other smaller teams to bat for and you can read more about them in my co-blogger and skinny friend, Becca’s post. But friends, here are some people that recently made headlines that I think would make a better job as Prime Minister then any of the current candidates running. If only there was a fill in the blank vote I could vote for one of them or some kind of inanimate object like a toothbrush or coaster.
Enjoy voting tomorrow and may the best man, woman or thing win the honor (laughing) of Israeli Prime Minister and all its glory (more laughing).
Headline Candidates:
Robert Holding: So who is this dude? Well he is a 72-year-old British milk man who was delivering milk and marijuana to his elderly customers. Holding is currently on probation for his dealing-which is great, because now he has time to be the Prime Minister of Israel. Obviously this is a man that thinks health care is a vital issue and would make that his top priority.
“Recessionista“: What exactly is a recessionista and why would she be a good candidate? Well Mandi Norwood, former editor-in-chief of Cosmopolitan and Mademoiselle Magazines has decided that during these rough times it’s ridiculous to spend a lot of money on material things, so instead she has jumped on the band wagon with cheap Jews and made it trendy to be stingy.
The word recessionista — originally a person who enjoys dressing fashionably on a budget — has gained rapidly in currency and now embraces the worlds of dining, entertaining and beauty.
It was declared the word of the week on the Macmillan Dictionary Web site last week and is one of the top fashion buzz words of 2009, along with its sibling “chiconomics,” according to the Global Language Monitor. Norwood will clearly focus on fixing the government’s budget, getting good deals on importing and exporting and probably cut taxes. And we all know what tax I would like to see go…the dumbest of all, the TV tax. Finally a candidate that really understands her constituents.
An Elementary School Principal: Now this is no regular principal, this is a principal with a unique set of principles. Remember how your parents threatened that they would clean your mouth out with soap if you said a bad word? Well this principal exercised his powers to make a 6-year-old boy clean out a clogged toilet (apparently the boy clogged the toilet after using paper towels instead of toilet paper to do his business) with his bare hands. That soap is looking pretty good right now. Anyway, the principal is currently being investigated (remember a key part of the PM Job) and is on a leave of absence. I think the principal would be a candidate that focuses more on the security situation, creating new policies to flush out the current situation, unclogging a toilet of bad decision making over the last few years.
Maybe it’s good these folks aren’t running, they really would make the decision so much harder!
Don’t Have a Happy Chanukkah have a Funny Chanukkah!!
Benji and I are at it again. Watch Benji attack the people of Jerusalem to find out what Chanukkah is all about in the Holyland!
The Big Felafel 