The Schmooze lies at the intersection of high and low culture. Here, the latest developments and trends in Jewish art, books, dance, film, music, media, television and theater are all assimilated into one handy pop culture blog.
The Schmooze
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13 Culture Highlights of 2013
1. Obscenity Arms Race Sarah Silverman came out with a new HBO special this year, and was in the news for her new YouTube channel as well for wearing a cross. But she wasn’t the only woman working with blue material. Amy Schumer made a splash with her Comedy Central show “Inside Amy Schumer” and…
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‘Think Yiddish, Dress British’
It’s too bad Hanukkah and Christmas don’t coincide this year, because we’ve found the ultimate gift. Swiss Stays, a company that makes adjustable collar stays for men — yes, those things that come in the inside of your shirt collars — has teamed up with Saks Fifth Avenue to launch a special collection — “Think…
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Top 5 Middle Eastern Metal Albums of 2013
At some point in the early ’90s, folk metal acts from the Middle East received the decidedly un-PC neologism, Oriental Metal. The term, implying a heady mix of thrash guitars, throaty vocals and maqam-inflected scales, fell into disuse but the relevant bands did not. In a year when the Middle East was marked with military…
The Latest
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Can You Guess Michael Bloomberg’s Favorite Movie?
Genesis prize aside, it seems the most Jewish thing about outgoing NYC mayor Michael Bloomberg is his taste in movies. Mel Brooks’ “Blazing Saddles,” and “The Producers” and Woody Allen’s “Bananas” and “Sleeper,” all feature in Hizzoner’s top ten list, according to Buzzfeed editor-in-chief Ben Smith. For a complete list of “the classics,” as told…
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Monaco Gets Its Own (Jewish) Royal Baby
Finally, a royal baby frenzy we can get in on! Mazel tov to Monaco royal Charlotte Casiraghi and comedian Gad Elmaleh on the birth of their son, Raphael. The Morrocan-born French funny man and the daughter of Princess Caroline of Monaco have been together since 2011. Rumors of a pregnancy started flying in August, when…
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Top 7 Jewish Albums of 2013
“Bella Ciao” By Barbez Following up his 2007 ode to Paul Celan, Dan Kaufman writes a gothic masterpiece inspired by the ancient Roman Jewish community and the Italian Resistance to the Nazi occupation of Italy. Tracks like album opener “Et Shaare Ratzon” are swirling ahistorical melodies packed with aural hooks and haunting poetry about World…
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Zosia Mamet Dishes on Shoshana
Need something fun to read over Christmas? Check out the January issue of InStyle. The lovely Zosia Mamet — or really, Shosh from “Girls” — graces the stylish cover and dishes boys, clothes, and her fashionista alter-ego. Though according to her, Shoshana and her couldn’t be more different when it comes to style: “Shoshanna’s style…
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Best Experimental Jewish Music of 2013
This year, we ventured to create a set of five memorable 2013 releases that are not easily defined either as “Jewish music,” jazz, or klezmer, but represent alternative, thought-provoking musical experiments, rooted in yet transgressing Jewish musical traditions. Please note that the works below are listed in alphabetical order — there’s no ranking here. “Pillar…
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A Newly Beardless Mandy Patinkin Sings Yiddish
An ebullient Mandy Patinkin cool in a black V-necked sweater, cargo pants and sneakers, now the beardless former acting CIA director Saul Berenson on Showtime’s hit series “Homeland,” bounded up the stage at the Center for Jewish History at the YIVO-Institute for Jewish Research December 8 tribute to Yiddish ethnomusicologist Chana (Eleanor) Mlotek who died…
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Art School Stole His Virginity
Unlike most people, London art student Clayton Pettet knows the exact date he will lose his virginity. That’s because he’s planning on losing it in a live performance of homosexual sex on January 25, 2014. Pettet, who is Jewish and told The Daily Beast about his bar mitzvah and Israeli relatives, has managed to generated…
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KISS Makes Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Class of 2014
Get ready to rock and roll all night and party every day — or at least save the date for April 10. KISS will be among the class of 2014 inductees of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The Jewish boys of glam rock will be honored along side Nirvana, Peter Gabriel, Hall and…
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