The Weekly Schmooze: Howard Stern vs. anti-Semites

A JPost column wrapping up Jewish culture news worldwide: UK's Kosher cooking star; Katy Perry slammed for pro-Israel tweet.

By LAHAV HARKOV
weekly schmooze 311 (photo credit: Courtesy)
weekly schmooze 311
(photo credit: Courtesy)
A few weeks ago, the Schmooze pointed out a trend in which Jewish comedians come up with creative Middle East peace initiatives. This week, it seems that the new comedy trend is anti-Semitism. In a New York Times article about Chris Tucker's career revival, Rush Hour director Brett Ratner reveals that Tucker calls him "Jew Boy," adding "he can call me whatever he wants, because we're friends."
Next,  a quiz. Who did comedian Andy Dick call a "money-grubbing Jew" with "a big fat hook nose" in a radio interview last week?
A) David LettermanB) Howard SternC) Jon Stewart
The correct answer is B, Howard Stern. Dick accused the shock jock of not paying him for hosting a show on Stern's digital radio channel, Howard 101. Stern, classy as always, said to Dick: "You're not getting paid a dime because your show sucks…Stop looking for handouts and waiting for the Jew to give you a job."
Singer Katy Perry was bombarded with anti-Israel tweets on Tuesday, after she wrote "Shalom" to an Israeli fan and said that she was praying for Israel.  One twitter user wrote "aren't they killing Palestinian babies at this moment?" Another tweeted: "I hope your private jet crash lands in Palestine so they stamp on you like the whore you are. See if Israel will help you." Perry later defended her tweet, writing "a kid asked me to pray for him, and I did. I don't support any side of violence in any place for any reason."
It looks like the Funny or Die's hit "Black and Jewish" video was more influential than expected. Two of the artists mentioned in the song – Drake and Lenny Kravitz – have collaborated on a new track, "Sunflower," for Kravitz's upcoming album Black and White in America.

On the other side of the pond, a Jewish mother from Manchester may be on the way to becoming the UK's new favorite TV cook. Bernette Clarke has become very popular ever since she was seen cooking in a televised documentary about the northern England Jewish community called Strictly Kosher. Now, the Jewish Chronicle reports that Clarke has traveled to London for a screen test, to see if she can reveal her recipes on a morning talk show. "I'm lively enough and I've got enough recipes to keep them going every single week for a year," Clarke said. Nigella, watch out!

The American football season is set to begin in two weeks, and JCCs of North America want in on the action. The umbrella organization for Jewish community centers has started an online fantasy football league with weekly prizes, with ESPN fantasy league expert Matthew Berry serving as league commissioner. Registration is at www.discoverjcc.com. Good luck!

A rock 'n' roll legend passed away this Monday. Jerry Leiber, who penned classic songs like "Hound Dog," "Love Potion No. 9," and "Stand By Me" with his writing partner Mike Stoller died at age 78. Leiber and Stoller ushered in a new era of teen-targeted music in the late 1950s, and continued to churn out hits for decades. Here's one of the duo's biggest hits, Elvis's "Jailhouse Rock."

The Weekly Schmooze collects the hottest Jewish culture news from around the world. Ranging from celebrities to philanthropy to quirky communities, we're here to schmooze about Jews. If you have any news to share with The Weekly Schmooze, write to: weeklyschmooze@gmail.com