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February 17, 2012

Paris court upholds LePen Holocaust decision

Leave a Comment / Is Featured?, News, Worldwide /

A Paris court upheld an earlier decision condemning extreme-right leader Jean-Marie Le Pen for “contesting” the Holocaust.

On Thursday a Paris appeals court upheld a 2008 decision, and said Le Pen was guilty of “the contestation of crimes against humanity.”

Le Pen was fined around 13,000 dollars and slapped with a three-month suspended jail sentence for saying in 2005 that, “in France at least, the German Occupation wasn’t particularly inhumane, even if there were some excesses—inevitable in a country of 550,000 square kilometers.”

Le Pen told the French news agency AFP he would appeal the decision. “It doesn’t surprise me [the ruling] comes during an electoral period,” he added.

Le Pen founded the National Front party, now run by his daughter, Marine, who is also vying for the French presidency, but has not been able to muster the 500 mayoral signatures needed to officially make it onto voting ballots in April.

Paris court upholds LePen Holocaust decision Read More »

Eating San Miguel de Allende [SLIDESHOW]

Leave a Comment / Blogs, California, Food, Is Featured?, Mobile Sections, News /

In my editor’s column I wrote about attending Shabbat services at the small congregation in San Miguel de Allende during a recent trip there.

But man doesn’t live by shul alone.  He lives by shul occasionally, and food obsessively.  Or that’s just me.

When we travel Naomi tends to look up minyans, I look up restaurants and markets. 

We stayed at a house with friends who had rented it complete with a cook.  She insisted on providing kosher meat for Naomi, the only one of us who keeps kosher.  That decision entailed many calls to contacts in San Miguel, then more e-mails and calls to a contact in Mexico City, from where the meat would come.  These sparked an ongoing debate via email and more phone calls between the eight of us over whether it was easier to just buy the meat at Trader Joes and carry it down.  That prompted calls to various Mexican friends as well as the Mexican customs agency, and the checking of web sites to determine if frozen meat could be carried into the country—ambiguous answers. That led to more debate over whether to rely on uncertain kosher meat from an unknown source in Mexico City, or risk carrying certain kosher meat all the way from LA.  That led me, in the middle of Trader Joes, to get out my iPhone and start translating the prices from peso to dollars,  from kilos to pounds, and comparing the costs, then finally, our friend made a decision. She bought the meat through a friend in Mexico City.  It was transported to a store in San Miguel, and we picked it up on arrival.

“It was easier to bring eight live people to the middle of Mexico than one piece of dead cow,” said my friend.

But kosher isn’t about easy—part of the point of it is, it’s hard.

Our cook made the chicken enchilada style, that is, robed in a roasted chili sauce.  We cooked the meat on the outdoor, rooftop grill, and served it with salsa and rajas. That salsa recipe will rate a future post of its own.

As for where we ate outside the home, I can recommend:

Cafe Rama

Owned by British Columbian Chef Jason Malloff, Cafe Rama is a San Miguel highlight.  Borscht in Mexico?  Yes.  It is one of the best borschts ever, a traditional Malloff family recipe that uses a little butter and cream.  If your bubbie had cooked for the Romanoff’s, she would have made this version, too.

Some rotisserie chicken place on some street.

The non-kosher among us decided this might be the best chicken of our lives.  Split, spread-eagled and rotisseried in front of an inferno of mesquite.  Marinated with pineapple and, I think, achiote.  One whole chicken was five dollars.  The seven of us fell on it like wolves.  Look at the slide show, and in another post I’ll find more info.

Da Andrea

A Neopolitan Chef, Andrea Lamberti, in the outskirts of San Miguel, serving homemade food in a vaulted cavern that used to be a horse stables.  Ravioli with huitlacoche, a mushroomy corn fungus, and snapper (huachinago) with marsh asparagus, or samphire, were the standouts.

Cafe Buenos Dias

Jason at Cafe Rama said this was the town’s best coffee, and, aside from the cafe at his place, it was.

In short, go to san Miguel de Allende.  As for getting kosher meat there…. you figure it out.

Eating San Miguel de Allende [SLIDESHOW] Read More »

Siri-like Android app gives racist responses

Leave a Comment / Uncategorized /

ChaCha’s Iris app for Android has run into some serious problems. Beyond the fact that some people are offended by it’s apparent anti-abortion stance, the app gives some pretty racist responses. Like this one:

“Why are Jews so greedy?” ” title=”here” target=”_blank”>here. ChaCha has reacted to public criticism by tweaking its app.

Siri-like Android app gives racist responses Read More »

For Mideast foes’ Oscar films, family trumps flag

Leave a Comment / Entertainment, Film, Hollywood, Mobile Sections, News, Oscars /

As their nations warn of war, the Israeli and Iranian directors facing off at next week’s Academy Awards share a reluctance to see politics read into their movies, both of which are portraits of troubled families.

Joseph Cedar, director of Israel’s “Footnote,” and Asghar Farhadi, maker of Iran’s “A Separation,” stress that their works are about human issues and not conflicted governments that seem to be slipping into ever deeper diplomatic isolation.

Yet, even as the filmmakers put art before politics in competing for the Oscar in the foreign language film category, neither man can escape the fact he hails from a country that is vigilant about its portrayal at home and abroad.

Farhadi created his delicate, Golden Globe-winning divorce drama “A Separation” under Iranian censors who impose strictures in the name of Islamic morality and national morale.

“Footnote”, a comedy of errors about a father and son who are Talmud scholars locked in acid rivalry, has been remarked upon in, and welcomed in, Israel for what it lacks—any mention of the military or of regional enemies.

Cedar’s last movie, “Beaufort”, also was nominated for the foreign language film Oscar, but its depiction of Israeli troops under fire in Lebanon and the director’s anti-war rhetoric were denounced by some countrymen as defeatist.

“I learned not to interpret my own films,” Cedar said.

But, in an interview with Reuters, he described “Footnote” as an examination of a debate central to Jewish scholarship.

“The son is all about interpretation and commentary. The father is all about fact and verifiable empiric data. And sometimes I feel like the father, sometimes I feel like the son,” Cedar said.

He shied from offering a metaphor to the Jewish state itself, where pragmatism and ideology often clash and whose secular founding principles have been challenged by increasingly assertive religious minorities.

“There is something about this film that has allowed lots of audiences to see something different,” Cedar said.

LET AUDIENCES DECIDE

Farhadi has been similarly reluctant to entertain theories that his film is a parable for the struggle between Iran’s young dissidents and its paternalistic mullahs, and he told Reuters it is up to audiences to take from the movie what they will.

“I think in every story there are many hidden themes and it depends on which ones you choose to highlight. I included themes that mattered to me … and it depends on the viewer which of the themes emerge more strongly for them.”

“A Separation,” has earned critical acclaim around the world at film festivals and other events with its tale of an Iranian couple on the verge of divorce whose problems grow ever more complicated when other people become involved in their lives.

When asked recently by the Washington Post whether one bedridden old man weighing in on the couple’s issues represents the state, Farhadi chided the reporter, “if you have a political discourse about him, you are belittling this character.”

While Iran is notorious for its film censors – award-winning director Jafar Panahi was sentenced to jail in 2010 and banned from making films – it has remained cautious in its remarks about “A Separation.”

“Sometimes we see those who run these festivals grant precious awards to films whose main theme is centered on the poverty and hardships of a country’s people,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast told Reuters after “A Separation” won its Golden Globe Award in January.

“This should not lead our artists to ignore the glaring positive points and features of our nation, and instead illustrate the kind of things welcomed by such festivals’ organizers,” he said.

Farhadi has acknowledged adopting a non-partisan tone to get the film made in Iran but not because of problems with censors.

“No, I wasn’t confronted with any censorship,” he told Reuters. “Some countries did ask me, in order to show the film, that I should change the film’s title from what it is right now and I didn’t agree.”

Cedar said he had briefly met Farhadi and looked forward to seeing him again in the “cultural arena” of Hollywood’s Oscars.

“Putting aside all of these geopolitical sides, it (“A Separation”) is a film that really raises the level of the whole competition,” he said.

Reporting by Dan Williams; Editing by Bob Tourtellotte

For Mideast foes’ Oscar films, family trumps flag Read More »

Relearning What We Knew: Antibiotics Don’t Help In Sinus Infections

Leave a Comment / Blogs /

Most of us are personally familiar with the symptoms of a sinus infection – congested nose, cough, fever, pain in the forehead or cheeks, and general misery. It’s impossible not to feel sympathetic for patients with sinus infections, and it’s understandable that they want to do whatever it takes to feel better as soon as possible. And for many doctors and patients “as soon as possible” means “antibiotics”. In fact, almost one fifth of antibiotic prescriptions are given for patients with sinus infections (sinusitis).

Here’s where the story gets complicated. Doctors have known for a long time that sinus infections almost always improve even without antibiotics. Originally we thought that the reason for this was because most cases of sinusitis were caused by viruses, which are unaffected by antibiotics. It was thought that only the minority of cases of sinusitis that were caused by bacteria required antibiotics. But it turned out that even most cases of bacterial sinusitis improved on their own, with most people feeling better in ten days regardless of antibiotics.

So the prevailing teaching has long been that for acute sinusitis the best treatment is nasal decongestants and medications for the cough, pain, and fever. Only the tiny number of people who don’t improve in ten days should be prescribed antibiotics. Still, many doctors either don’t know this recommendation or acquiesce to patients’ expectations for antibiotics. I have certainly been guilty of this misuse of antibiotics many times. A sick patient pleading for antibiotics may be misguided, but he’s rarely in the mood for a lesson about the medical literature and the potential harms to society of antibiotic overuse.

Now, when you’re healthy, is a good time for that lesson, and ” target=”_blank”>Got A Sinus Infection? Antibiotics Probably Won’t Help (Shots, NPR’s Health Blog)
” target=”_blank”> Antibiotics Do Nothing to Cure Sinus Infections, Study Says: Most cases resolve on their own, and use of drugs can encourage resistance, researchers say (Chicago Tribune)
” target=”_blank”> NDM-1: No Drug Matters (my most recent post about antibiotic resistance)

Important legal mumbo jumbo:
Anything you read on the web should be used to supplement, not replace, your doctor’s advice.  Anything that I write is no exception.  I’m a doctor, but I’m not your doctor.

Relearning What We Knew: Antibiotics Don’t Help In Sinus Infections Read More »

Looking Before Leaping….and Pandering

Leave a Comment / Blogs, Judaism, News /

This week The New York Times announced its new correspondent in Jerusalem, Jodi Rudoren. A Times’ staffer who has had a long career as a domestic reporter for the paper and with no discernible experience or expertise in foreign affairs or the Middle East.

Inevitably, given the interest in the Middle East and press coverage of that region, there are numerous articles (including a ” title=”concluded” target=”_blank”>concluded that Rudoren had exhibited “not only questionable judgment but also an overt bias against Israel even before she landed in the country.”  There must be others who are opining on Rudoren with practically no evidence to go on. A simple Google search of “Jodi Rudoren and Israel” turns up 18,200 results and the appointment was just announced on Monday.

I don’t know Rudoren, I don’t presume to be familiar with her journalistic skills (but then I suspect neither do Rosner nor Tobin). But what I do know is that the reflexive anticipation of bias and lack of professionalism from a career professional is an often wrongheaded approach.

I distinctly remember the hue and cry that came from some leaders of the Jewish community when George Shultz was selected as Secretary of State by Ronald Reagan after Alexander Haig’s resignation in 1982. You might have thought that Yassir Arafat would be running American foreign policy by the tone of the commentary.

In fact, there was more to arouse suspicion about Shultz than there is today. Shultz was coming to office after serving as president of the Bechtel Group, a company that was among the largest, if not the largest, contractors in the Arab world. He would serve alongside Caspar Weinberger, the Secretary of Defense, who had been vice president and general counsel of Bechtel. There were ample grounds for suspicion as to where Shultz’s sympathies might lie. The smart voices in the Jewish world kept quiet and decided to give Shultz the benefit of the doubt. The yellers and demagogues who wanted to impress their constituents and donors with their cojones—let loose on Shultz.

The error of the critics’ attitudes became apparent in fairly short order.

Shultz was among the most sympathetic American leaders on matters related to Israel, Soviet Jews and a slew of other topics. His historic six and a half year tenure as Secretary of State was remarkable for its fairness and support for Israel in very difficult times (the Lebanon War, terror attacks, etc.). The folly of the pre-emptive critics stands as a

model of stupidity and constituent pandering

to this day.

Clearly, it is wiser to hold your fire and not assume what you can’t know—-someone’s future conduct. Most people want to do their job well and be fair. Let’s assume that’s the case with Rudoren, as it was with Shultz.

Looking Before Leaping….and Pandering Read More »

Opinion: The true story behind the most famous story of the second intifada, and the media war

Leave a Comment / News, Opinion /

On September 30th, 2000, during the Al-Aqsa Intifada, one photo was all over the news. The photo showed a little boy, crying, leaning against a wall, with his father sitting in front of him, crying as well and trying to protect his son. This photo, of Muhamad and Jamal A-Dura, was taken during a fire exchange between IDF soldiers and a raging Palestinian crowd, and young Muhamad was killed by a stray bullet. That photo, of the boy and his father, became one of the international symbols of the Al-Aqsa Intifada. It presented the IDF as a killing machine, not showing mercy, even for innocent children.

This is not a one- time thing. Our hands are tied when it comes to the greatest war of all: the media war. Our army may be one of the strongest, most powerful armies in the world, but we are helpless when it comes to media publication.

Having been born and raised in Israel, I had constantly been protected by soldiers. Throughout my childhood, I admired the IDF. After serving in the IDF I can say from firsthand experience that the army does not attack without purpose- they are the Israeli Defence Force. Unfortunately, the media oftentimes provides a skewed perspective and portrays the IDF as aggressors.

Most people never stop and ask questions when they watch photos such as this. How did the boy even get there? What did he do at a war-zone? Was he really killed by the IDF? Was he killed on purpose? No one knew. No one cared. And I don’t blame anyone for not digging any deeper, I probably wouldn’t.  In the age of instant messaging where whoever publishes last- doesn’t count, people don’t care about the circumstances. They’re only looking for the results. We are always in a hurry, and need to get as much information as possible as quickly as possible. The newspapers compete for readers, and so they choose headlines that will capture our attention. We don’t have time. We read headlines, and that’s that.

Muhamad’s father, Jamal, showed the world his scarred body. A damage made by the IDF. This attack, he said to the world press, paralyzed his arm and damaged his leg. All that on top of losing his son to the vicious attacks, aimed for citizens for no apparent reason, made by the Israeli army.

Earlier this week, we finally witness a small victory in the ongoing Media War: it has been proven that the damage made to Jamal A-Dura wasn’t the outcome of that so called Israeli attack. His medical file was exposed, and showed that his arm was paralyzed in 1992. This damage was caused by the Hamas, which attacked A-Dura, probably due to his relations with a rival group, Fatach.

I can’t begin to explain the despair we feel every time we watch the international news. It hurts to know that some people receive only partial information.

Even in the age of Photoshop, when it is very clear to us that photos are not a true representative of reality, we still perceive them as such. When we look at a photo, we don’t ask questions. Sometimes we forget the photos are taken by someone with a certain ideology.  As human beings, we tend to feel sorry for the “little guy”. For the defenseless child standing in front of a big gun. This is exactly why Israel is constantly losing every battle in the Media War. We live in a state of our own and we have a great big army. For the international reader- that is enough to call the battle. 

Remember that headlines and pictures are meant to target readers’ emotions- they don’t always show the full truth. As Karl Popper once said, “Put everything to question. Things will be true only when no one can question them anymore.”

Since you can’t see beyond the limits of what you are shown, all I can recommend, and beg you to do, is this: Whenever you hear or read about something that seems to lack explanation, check yesterday’s news. It may help you see things more clearly…

Noga Gur-Arieh’s new blog

Israelife

will be premiering shortly on JewishJournal.com.  Keep an eye out for more here!

Opinion: The true story behind the most famous story of the second intifada, and the media war Read More »

Israel warns citizens of terror attacks abroad

Leave a Comment / Israel, News /

Israel warned its citizens of possible terrorist attacks targeting them abroad.

An unnamed official with Israel’s Counterterrorism Bureau told reporters Friday that intelligence gained from the foiled Iranian attackers in Bangkok indicated that more attacks are in the works, Haaretz reported.

“I call on Israelis abroad to show awareness and take basic steps to reduce possible harm,” the official said, adding that they should “take note of suspicious objects and refrain from taking packages from strangers” and “be attentive to the directives of local security forces.”

The warning comes after an accidental explosion in the Thai capital on Tuesday that led to the arrest of three Iranians. Police say Israeli diplomatic staff were the intended targets.

Earlier in the week, bombs targeting Israeli diplomats were detonated in Georgia and India. The wife of an Israeli envoy was injured.

Israel warns citizens of terror attacks abroad Read More »

Clinton: Iran letter ‘important step’

Leave a Comment / News, United States /

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton welcomed Iran’s stated willingness to restart negotiations and called it an “important step.”

In comments to reporters after a meeting Friday at the State Department with Catherine Ashton, the European Union policy chief, Clinton said any resumption of negotiations with Iran would require sustained effort.

“We must be assured that if we make a decision to go forward, we see a sustained effort by Iran to come to the table to work until we have reached an outcome that has Iran coming back into compliance with their international obligations,” Clinton said. “We’re evaluating all of these factors. But I think it’s fair to say … that we think this is an important step and we welcome the letter.”

The letter in question was sent to Ashton on Tuesday by Iran’s chief nuclear negotiator, Saeed Jalili, which proposed new discussions between Iran and the West.

Tensions over Iran’s suspected nuclear weaspons program have been increasing steadily in recent weeks as increasing sanctions are imposed on the Islamic Republic and speculation persists of a possible Israeli military strike.

Clinton: Iran letter ‘important step’ Read More »

Quest For Harmony On The Pearl River Delta (PHOTOS, VIDEO)

Leave a Comment / Travel /

Whether or not we name it, we all seek a balance between the moving parts of our lives. We strive for agreement between our physical and spiritual worlds. Yet, too often we find ourselves incapable of summoning this state of being. Why?

There is a place whose people have been on a never-ending quest to achieve a concord between life’s jagged puzzle pieces. And some believe they have found its secrets.

Hong Kong, Macau and Guangdong: three pearls in one exquisite setting. Each distinct, yet bound together by a cultural veneration of harmony. Just as a wick needs a flame, some of us can’t live without exploring our existence, and I inevitably find myself turning to the East and the wisdom of the Ancients in search of the roots of the human desire for harmony.

Harmony implies balance and the ability to integrate different elements into a pleasing unity. It incorporates the Chinese concept of Yin and Yang, opposite forces that come together to form a whole.

Chinese philosophers and religious leaders have long honored harmony as an ideal. Confucius, the great Chinese thinker, spoke of “harmony without uniformity.” He taught that the world is full of differences and contradictions, but that righteous people should try to balance them to achieve a vital equilibrium.

Taoists believe that by following practices that achieve balance in daily life, they gain harmony with the universe. And the Buddha said that for the enlightened one, harmony is his joy, his delight and his love.