Believe it or not, the Brooklyn Bridge is yet again for sale. This time, it's the Russians and Iranians trying to flog it to the rest of us. In other words; if you believe that the Iranians will not use the nuclear fuel the Russians are going to supply them(after Putin told Bush they wouldn't), the bridge is yours! Come on, people, does anyone not in a coma actually believe that? I'm a bit surprised that Bush took Putin's word that the deal was off. With all the brouhaha about an imminent US/Israeli attack on the Iranian nuke sites, Putin lied to Bush and went ahead with the Iranian deal, and everyone is now expected to believe the Iranians will behave? I don't think so. Things are going to get dangerously interesting here soon.
Another country of interest is Syria, who now has an agreement with Iran for the mutual protection of their terrorist networks. Assad is not on the Lebanese good guys list these days and are demanding a complete Syrian withdrawal from their country. The Syrians must stay in Lebanon, if only to keep the country in economic disarray. It is so not in Syria's interest for Lebanon to be allowed to be the flourishing successful country it once was. They must be oppressed at all costs. It's just not on for them to be allowed to join the western world. They must stay under the controlling thumb of backward oppression as applied by Assad. Syria made two big mistakes recently; the assassination of Al Hariri and the attack in Tel Aviv. These together just might be more than we and the US can allow to pass unchallenged. Of course, Assad did not personally approve the Tel Aviv attack, but he does bear responsibility for it by not closing down the Jihad offices. Now he has Washington, London and even Paris yelling at him and not even his deal with Iran is likely to save him this time. His days just might numbered. I hope. Have I mentioned that things over here are interesting?
I'm going to bring Pegasus in, get dressed and go to town. More later, time permitting.
Monday, February 28, 2005
Sunday, February 27, 2005
XP AND ME
Teadrinker got her computer yesterday and is scared stiff of it! She won't be on line until Tuesday on account of technical issues and of course I'm in deep trouble because XP has turned into my personal terrorist, and I need it working right so I can talk her through things. So far I've been able to talk her through most things she wanted from memory, but it's lots easier when doing it with her. It leaves me feeling pretty much like watching reports on suicide bombers. Helpless, frustrated and wanting to do physical harm. I did something to it and it worked just fine for a couple of days, but it went wild again today and I'll have to Gerald in to sort it. I spent all day fiddling with it and getting nowhere. Of course I was upset all day about the attack in tel Aviv. I had just settled in to watch CSI when they went to a news alert on Israel 1. The 4th string anchor they put on was worse than anyone I'd ever seen and Israel 10 hadn't come on with it yet. When they finally did, I went there and suffered through 20 minutes of their spare anchor until the regular crew got there. Watching this stuff on TV is almost as bad as being in it. They run the same the loop endlessly and repeat the exact same information over and over. I really wasn't surprised that it happened, and watching all the terror groups first claim credit, then deny it was kind of fun in a perverse way. The PA seemed pretty angry about it and pointed fingers very gently at Syria. They just might be in bigger trouble than they ever imagined. Al Hariri in Lebanon and now this. Ooops.
I have a miserable cold and a cough that won't quit, so I'm off to sleep as it's 01:30, and I feel crap.
Thursday, February 24, 2005
DECISIONS DECISIONS
GIMP HOUSE 22 Feb. 2005
Oh boy, have I done it now! Word is just about the only thing working on this %^*^&# computer. It self uninstalled ALL the hardware and will not under any circumstances allow me to reinstall even the modem. I think one of the major goofs was letting Child Genius install a bootleg XP Pro. I kind of liked it as long as it ran, but we didn't’t address the underlying issues and screwed up and corrupted files. My guess is that there is a virulent virus or two or thousand lurking in wait. We were just too lazy to reformat and now I’m paying the price. I’m going to have Gerald reformat the whole thing and install a legal XP Pro and Norton Security Suite. Ouch. I should have known that taking the easy way out would cost more in the end. Time, upset, and money. The first two are the worst, but the money is going to be a major owie. Now, if only The Philmore’s check would just arrive. Mordy deep sixed my credit card yet again, but when the check gets here, we are going to have a very painful, (for him) chat. I KNEW he was going to bounce my cell phone payments, but that was ok as I had over 1000 left on my card. I am going to waltz into the bank, check in hand and inform him that he has two choices; 1) He gives me back my card, gold with the 3,500 limit, or I change banks and write letters to management or, 2) I change banks and write the letters. He has taken his control thing too far this time. I have enough money to cover that option two and he would be well advised to choose option 1!
I think it might be a good idea to get the letter written. It’s not as if I don’t have the money locked up there to cover this month’s monstrous mistake. I do, and he’s just flexing his muscles. Bank of Israel is implementing a new law at the start of next year, whereby unauthorized overdrafts will be illegal. It has yet to be implemented and Mordy could and should have let it go this month and for sure not yanked my credit card. One has nothing to do with the other. And here I was so close to home free. The Philmore’s check will sort that, if it ever gets here. I think I’ll bang this on a floppy, go to the post boxes and try to find a computer to use until either Child Genius or Gerald can sort this one.
Feb 24 2005
Somehow I got the computer working again. Don't ask how because I have no idea how I accomplished this wonder of technology. For now, it's enough to know that I did it, and all by myself.
So, now I'm not in a panic to get Gerald to sort things. That can wait a bit.
I am much too busy at the moment trying to decide which is worse; feeling crap on a great sunny warm day, or feeling great on a bad weather day. All this because my latest cold has developed it's very own cough (which had me awake and coughing all night) and had me feeling dizzy and woozy all day. Then, just for the fun, there were the labor pains I had all afternoon. I've had two kids and even though the last one was 28 or so years ago, I haven't forgotten what labor feels like. I'm just grateful now that they went away, even if they have been replaced by those sore cough abdominal muscle pains. Those I can deal with. I was awake coughing at 0430 and gave serious consideration to getting up and being the first at the docs. After a short ponder, I decided to try to get a bit of sleep and pull the "Crips don't wait in line" tactic. It worked and I left the clinic armed with scripts for Contac and cough syrup, after a few choice words with the Russian bitch who actually thought she was going in before me. I very rarely pull that tactic at the clinic but I felt too crap to be polite, and the rule in most places is crips first. Most of the time I don't mind waiting as I have my very own chair with me, but I really felt crap today. After that, I went to Yoffee Coffee, had a nice chat with Richard and left a message for Child Genius, and went home by way of the butcher and picked up a few things for the weekend. You know, maybe I do have flu? I feel achey and cold inside, but as there is no medicine for flu, there's not much to be done about it. Tomorrow I'll go out for the papers, and a quick coffee, then back home to read the local scandal sheets and rest a bit. I'm going to need all my strength for next Monday. Teadrinker is getting her computer!!!! That should provide for some interesting posts in the future.
DECISIONS DECISIONS
GIMP HOUSE 22 Feb. 2005
Oh boy, have I done it now! Word is just about the only thing working on this %^*^&# computer. It self uninstalled ALL the hardware and will not under any circumstances allow me to reinstall even the modem. I think one of the major goofs was letting Child Genius install a bootleg XP Pro. I kind of liked it as long as it ran, but we didn't’t address the underlying issues and screwed up and corrupted files. My guess is that there is a virulent virus or two or thousand lurking in wait. We were just too lazy to reformat and now I’m paying the price. I’m going to have Gerald reformat the whole thing and install a legal XP Pro and Norton Security Suite. Ouch. I should have known that taking the easy way out would cost more in the end. Time, upset, and money. The first two are the worst, but the money is going to be a major owie. Now, if only The Philmore’s check would just arrive. Mordy deep sixed my credit card yet again, but when the check gets here, we are going to have a very painful, (for him) chat. I KNEW he was going to bounce my cell phone payments, but that was ok as I had over 1000 left on my card. I am going to waltz into the bank, check in hand and inform him that he has two choices; 1) He gives me back my card, gold with the 3,500 limit, or I change banks and write letters to management or, 2) I change banks and write the letters. He has taken his control thing too far this time. I have enough money to cover that option two and he would be well advised to choose option 1!
I think it might be a good idea to get the letter written. It’s not as if I don’t have the money locked up there to cover this month’s monstrous mistake. I do, and he’s just flexing his muscles. Bank of Israel is implementing a new law at the start of next year, whereby unauthorized overdrafts will be illegal. It has yet to be implemented and Mordy could and should have let it go this month and for sure not yanked my credit card. One has nothing to do with the other. And here I was so close to home free. The Philmore’s check will sort that, if it ever gets here. I think I’ll bang this on a floppy, go to the post boxes and try to find a computer to use until either Child Genius or Gerald can sort this one.
Feb 24 2005
Somehow I got the computer working again. Don't ask how because I have no idea how I accomplished this wonder of technology. For now, it's enough to know that I did it, and all by myself.
So, now I'm not in a panic to get Gerald to sort things. That can wait a bit.
I am much too busy at the moment trying to decide which is worse; feeling crap on a great sunny warm day, or feeling great on a bad weather day. All this because my latest cold has developed it's very own cough (which had me awake and coughing all night) and had me feeling dizzy and woozy all day. Then, just for the fun, there were the labor pains I had all afternoon. I've had two kids and even though the last one was 28 or so years ago, I haven't forgotten what labor feels like. I'm just grateful now that they went away, even if they have been replaced by those sore cough abdominal muscle pains. Those I can deal with. I was awake coughing at 0430 and gave serious consideration to getting up and being the first at the docs. After a short ponder, I decided to try to get a bit of sleep and pull the "Crips don't wait in line" tactic. It worked and I left the clinic armed with scripts for Contac and cough syrup, after a few choice words with the Russian bitch who actually thought she was going in before me. I very rarely pull that tactic at the clinic but I felt too crap to be polite, and the rule in most places is crips first. Most of the time I don't mind waiting as I have my very own chair with me, but I really felt crap today. After that, I went to Yoffee Coffee, had a nice chat with Richard and left a message for Child Genius, and went home by way of the butcher and picked up a few things for the weekend. You know, maybe I do have flu? I feel achey and cold inside, but as there is no medicine for flu, there's not much to be done about it. Tomorrow I'll go out for the papers, and a quick coffee, then back home to read the local scandal sheets and rest a bit. I'm going to need all my strength for next Monday. Teadrinker is getting her computer!!!! That should provide for some interesting posts in the future.
Saturday, February 19, 2005
WE JUST NEVER LEARN
It's bad enough that regular Israelis can not under any circumstances admit that they were wrong. I can't count the number of times I've seen an Israeli boss chew out an employee for something in front of other people, only to have the employee argue back and the whole thing escalates into a pitched battle with the employee being fired on the spot, in public. The whole thing could have been averted if the employee had only said one simple sentence, "I'm sorry, you are right. I will do my best to see that it never happens again." That one little sentence takes the wind right out of the boss' sails and turns the employee into a good guy. I've used that tactic many a time, and it works. If only the government had done something similar with the settlers. Here we are some 26 years after the evacuation of the Sinai settlements, and the government is going from bad to worse. They are completely ignoring the fact that the Sinai evacuation took place only 5 years after the settlers were SENT there. That's right, SENT there by their government, and that the Gaza folk were sent there, 26 years ago. There is a big difference between evacuating after 5 years and after 6 years. In fact, some of the Gaza evacuees are ex Sinai, again, with government blessing. For some inexplicable reason, our government would rather demonize, criminalize and disenfranchise the people it sent to Gaza settle there in the name of not only Israel, but the whole Jewish people. Why is that the government has such an impossible time saying "Thank you. You have performed an invaluable service for your country and people. Sadly, it's time leave, and we understand how hard it is for you." But an Israeli government can no more do that, than a regular Israeli can say "Sorry, I was wrong" What is wrong with us and why do we always have to be right, especially when we are wrong? And why can we never learn the past? Just about everyone agrees that the Sinai evacuation was a disaster, and gone about all wrong, so what do they do next time? The same exact thing, only worse. I am thoroughly outraged that hard working, honest, G-d fearing people, who were sent by their government to settle in the territories are being treated like this and turned in the bad guys in the story. As is anyone who dares agree with the settlers. We are all threats to the security of the country, and warmongers and worse. All this based on lie the 'so called palestinians are perpetuating about their population growth. Their figures have been proven to be completely wrong, yet, our leaders persist in using them to scare us into believing that their population will immininently over take ours. Not so, ain't gonna happen. How true it is that those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it. To me, the word doomed is the operative word in this digraceful episode of our history. I am afraid that the government's treatment of the settlers will eventually lead to the next diaspora. We have lost our sense of purpose and are only interested in furthering our own private lives, the other guy be damned. What I haven't quite figured out is; does it start at the top with politicians who accountable only to their parties, not the electorate, (with a PM who was elected to do one thing, then, for whatever reason, decided to do the exact opposite, and Knesset members whose loyalty is to the party from whose list they were elected) or does it start with the people who allow the political system to continue unchecked, rather than demand reform and accountability?
It's too sad for words. I just hope I'm not alive to see the end of Israel this time and chances are good that I won't be! We are so much better when united against a threat from without. We put aside our personal issues and pull together to save ourselves collectively, but the minute the threat is gone, or perceived to be less, turn right back to our personal issues, and the country be damned. The race after the almighty $ is disgusting as is hearing Israeli after Israeli say that they only want to be like the rest of the world. Well, guess what? We can never be like the rest of the world. We are Jewish and that sets us apart whether we like it or not. We have as a country lost our vision and purpose. I'm not sure it's too late this time, but I don't see a change in the offing. It happens every time we forget who we are, and try to be like everyone else.
It's too sad for words. I just hope I'm not alive to see the end of Israel this time and chances are good that I won't be! We are so much better when united against a threat from without. We put aside our personal issues and pull together to save ourselves collectively, but the minute the threat is gone, or perceived to be less, turn right back to our personal issues, and the country be damned. The race after the almighty $ is disgusting as is hearing Israeli after Israeli say that they only want to be like the rest of the world. Well, guess what? We can never be like the rest of the world. We are Jewish and that sets us apart whether we like it or not. We have as a country lost our vision and purpose. I'm not sure it's too late this time, but I don't see a change in the offing. It happens every time we forget who we are, and try to be like everyone else.
Thursday, February 17, 2005
JUST STOP AND THINK FOR A MINUTE
All this anti settler crap has gone way too far. Just who sent them to settle there, if not *US* as in, 'we the people' by way of our duly elected government, a Labour government, no less? Where the hells do they get off trying to disenfranchise and delegitimize the people they encouraged to settle there? Just how far can they go with their hypocrisy? Don't answer that! I'm beginning to get the picture. Go settle where the leaders want settlers, then, prepare yourself to be turned into a criminal for not agreeing to pick up and move when the very leader who was elected only because he promised not to do that has done a 180 and is now accusing you being a threat to the country/world and peace. It's too much.
On a much happier note. Orna and I cleared all the junk out of the spare room, moved the bookcase and put the computer desk in the corner with all the parts (monitor, printer, surge protector, etc.) on it, washed the dust away and lo and behold, a very nice guest room! It looks quite nice now that all the junk is up off the floor and the empty boxes and cartons are gone. In the not so great column, there's the missing purple tray thingy I need to find for the beautiful turkey I stuffed and roasted today. It is quite lovely, if I do say so myself. Back over in the good column; I just came back from a run to the mail box and there's a notice for an overseas package. Cab mentioned that she sent something. Bet it's that! I can't wait for morning to go get it!
Law and Order just started, so I'm taking my cold back to bed to watch and refill my meds boxes.
On a much happier note. Orna and I cleared all the junk out of the spare room, moved the bookcase and put the computer desk in the corner with all the parts (monitor, printer, surge protector, etc.) on it, washed the dust away and lo and behold, a very nice guest room! It looks quite nice now that all the junk is up off the floor and the empty boxes and cartons are gone. In the not so great column, there's the missing purple tray thingy I need to find for the beautiful turkey I stuffed and roasted today. It is quite lovely, if I do say so myself. Back over in the good column; I just came back from a run to the mail box and there's a notice for an overseas package. Cab mentioned that she sent something. Bet it's that! I can't wait for morning to go get it!
Law and Order just started, so I'm taking my cold back to bed to watch and refill my meds boxes.
Wednesday, February 16, 2005
WAY TOO EARLY
Every now and then, City Hall gets it right. I decided that as the street is finished, it's time to get a no parking place marked outside Gimp House, in the hope that people will stop blocking only place I can go up from the street to the path. They arrived at 07:00 to paint 6 white lines-4 for the oblong box and 2 more the no parking X inside the box, to ask me where I want it. It took me a couple of minutes to understand what they were on about, even though I went to sleep early-01:00, 07:00 is not my best time! But, so what? I have a no perking space now.
I am truly sick and tired of the media going on and on about the 'threat from the right' In the same breath they point out that there *is* a serious threat, but the security types aren't doing anything about it because the high and mighty elected, who are threatened, feel they get more mileage from yammering about the threat and they (the security
types ) don't know who all to arrest! Of course if they *did* know, they'd have to arrest them and the threat would go away. There has been too little talk about Sharon's about face on the pullout from Gaza. Just on and on about the 'threat from the right' The man gives a whole new dimension to Chutzpa.
While watching the news, It hit me that we have really lost it. All the left wingers go on and on about wanting to just get on with improving their lives,ie: making money. They have lost the vision. We only get it right when threatened from outside, and not always then. Too many of us look at the army as a summer camp stepping stone and not as the one thing that protects us from threats from without. Soldiers should be kept out of any possible danger. Well, yeah, that would be nice, but it *is* the army and by definition....when people are sending children/youths with bombs strapped on to blow themselves up in civilian centers, who is supposed to take care of it? The local kindergarten? No sense over here. What will it take? As we have no constitution to guarantee things free speech, it's dangerous to voice opposition to the government line. They accuse everyone who does of being a threat to democracy and public order. I don't think so. Sharon himself is a threat to very things. He was elected because he swore not to pull out of Gaza, then turns around and does the very thing he swore not to do, the accuses those who want him to do what he swore to do of being dangerous, and the media backs him up. Had Mitznah won, and done such an about face, the media would be all over him. It's almost too much to bear at times.
On the other hand, watching Syria squirm has it's amusing aspects. It is so obvious that they killed Hariri, yet they are trying to blame everyone and their uncle (except us, for once) of doing it. No one is buying it and all fingers are pointing straight at Assad Jr. It will be interesting to watch developments there.
It's just after 09:00 so, I think I'll arm myself with some trash bags and start on the spare room. Orna will be in later to help move the big things and clean.
I am truly sick and tired of the media going on and on about the 'threat from the right' In the same breath they point out that there *is* a serious threat, but the security types aren't doing anything about it because the high and mighty elected, who are threatened, feel they get more mileage from yammering about the threat and they (the security
types ) don't know who all to arrest! Of course if they *did* know, they'd have to arrest them and the threat would go away. There has been too little talk about Sharon's about face on the pullout from Gaza. Just on and on about the 'threat from the right' The man gives a whole new dimension to Chutzpa.
While watching the news, It hit me that we have really lost it. All the left wingers go on and on about wanting to just get on with improving their lives,ie: making money. They have lost the vision. We only get it right when threatened from outside, and not always then. Too many of us look at the army as a summer camp stepping stone and not as the one thing that protects us from threats from without. Soldiers should be kept out of any possible danger. Well, yeah, that would be nice, but it *is* the army and by definition....when people are sending children/youths with bombs strapped on to blow themselves up in civilian centers, who is supposed to take care of it? The local kindergarten? No sense over here. What will it take? As we have no constitution to guarantee things free speech, it's dangerous to voice opposition to the government line. They accuse everyone who does of being a threat to democracy and public order. I don't think so. Sharon himself is a threat to very things. He was elected because he swore not to pull out of Gaza, then turns around and does the very thing he swore not to do, the accuses those who want him to do what he swore to do of being dangerous, and the media backs him up. Had Mitznah won, and done such an about face, the media would be all over him. It's almost too much to bear at times.
On the other hand, watching Syria squirm has it's amusing aspects. It is so obvious that they killed Hariri, yet they are trying to blame everyone and their uncle (except us, for once) of doing it. No one is buying it and all fingers are pointing straight at Assad Jr. It will be interesting to watch developments there.
It's just after 09:00 so, I think I'll arm myself with some trash bags and start on the spare room. Orna will be in later to help move the big things and clean.
Tuesday, February 15, 2005
IT WASN'T US
My very first thought when I heard about the car bomb that killed Al Hariri in Beirut was, how long will it take them to blame us? Am I paranoid, or what? The Syrians tried pointing their finger at us for a bout 1 minute, then trotted out some obscure group to claim credit. Evil as it may be, I quite enjoyed watching the Lebanese yelling nasty slogans against Syria. Lebanon was such a wonderful place, then the Jordanian king booted Arafart and his thugs out and Assad said go East, young terrorist men, and Lebanon got destroyed. Rather than remain an economic mecca in the midst of the other Arab states, Lebanon got dragged back into the 'modern Arab dark ages'. The other states, like Syria just can't stand the thought of a progressive, independent state in the area. They rule by keeping tyranny going full force.
Things around here are getting out of hand too. It's a little after 05:00 and I have yet another cold, so my anti Sharon tirade will have to wait. Time for another cold pill and a nice kip, until 09:30 or so. Orna is coming over and we are starting the Great Dust Cleaning Project that I've been putting since they broke through the wall for the *liberry* and tore up the street! Just call us Dust Busters. I also want to get out for a while the weather holds. Winter isn't over by a long shot and I fully intend to take full advantage of the break in the rain.
Things around here are getting out of hand too. It's a little after 05:00 and I have yet another cold, so my anti Sharon tirade will have to wait. Time for another cold pill and a nice kip, until 09:30 or so. Orna is coming over and we are starting the Great Dust Cleaning Project that I've been putting since they broke through the wall for the *liberry* and tore up the street! Just call us Dust Busters. I also want to get out for a while the weather holds. Winter isn't over by a long shot and I fully intend to take full advantage of the break in the rain.
Sunday, February 13, 2005
BUSY DAY
For once I actually accomplished a fair amount today. It was a slow day for posts from the VA, so I had time to go looking for a bunch of URLs that were lost in the Great Computer Crash of 2005. I actually found most of them! Then I grabbed Danny and he and Yechia put the new socket for Harley Too on the wall. The old one was causing ,most of the shorts that were blowing the breakers. The new socket is in a box with a cover!
Then I headed for town to look for Child Genius and get a Blistex for my vest pocket. Found the Blistex but didn't get hold of CG until I got home. I stopped in at Mara's for a coffee and there was a British photographer there who covers the middle East for a pool in London. He's very well educated in a liberal way. He rather thinks the Arabs are right and that we the Jews have no business being here (Biblical rights not withstanding) He thinks that the Moslems will eventually take over the world. After he'd gone on for a bit, I decided that I didn't want to have another stroke today, so let Mara rebut him. I adore Mara, but she does tend to ramble on about totally different things to what are actually being discusses. I just shut up. (Yes, I really did). He left and David the DOS (Religious) arrived and we had a lovely theological chat. This time Mara was pretty much left out because we were going at it hot and furious, while in fact agreeing on most things. There's nothing quite like an Israeli coffee shop! Richard wandered in and I pointedly asked him "How much for the coffee" His answer was "On the house. We still owe you for all your help" For that he got a big "Thank you" and I came home.
I hadn't been in for 2 minutes when Teadrinker called to announce that she ordered her computer today and should get it this week or next! I *have* created a monster, but one I'm proud of. It's going to be so much fun watching her go through what I went through when I got my first computer!
I tried to call my favorite ex husband(Yeas, I do know that I only have one, and therefore he's my favorite by default) to get him to send me an e mail as I got the one I sent him back, and he's interested in using Child Genius' service! They weren't home so I left a message, then called Irit who was dismissive and claims they don't have it and hinted that they deleted it because she's upset with him. It will be interesting to see how long it will be before she asks me for it! Not to mention how long it will be before she catches on that I only call if I have a question. This is going to be interesting.
Watching the IBA Saturday night weekend news drove we wild last night. It was mostly CNN stories with subtitles. I am resolved to write them a letter stating that if I wasn't CNN, I don't need it regurgitated by IBA, and that they might want to get off their butts and do some reporting instead of relying on CNN to inform them. Much as Israel 10 is almost too leftist for me, at least they do their own reporting, even if their lad in DC is just a recycler for Dan Rather et al. They *do* have a couple or so independent thinking leftys like London and Kirschenbaum. I might not agree with them, but at least they do the work and come to their own conclusions, left though they be!
In IBA's favor, they *did* do an item on the proposed Gaza scarper and let their interviewees talk about the referendum and rebut the government line. What a radical idea; the People deciding an issue. Sharon can whine all he wants, but his election WAS NOT a mandate to scarper, rather the very opposite, and he can not use the "I know things now that I didn't know then" excuse. Tank G-d and the internet for Fox News and Gartwaite. Now, if we could just get Dwight Schultze(my prophet) back on the air, I'd be a lot happier. Time to climb into bed with a cup of soup. At least I got some things done today and feel pretty good about that!
Then I headed for town to look for Child Genius and get a Blistex for my vest pocket. Found the Blistex but didn't get hold of CG until I got home. I stopped in at Mara's for a coffee and there was a British photographer there who covers the middle East for a pool in London. He's very well educated in a liberal way. He rather thinks the Arabs are right and that we the Jews have no business being here (Biblical rights not withstanding) He thinks that the Moslems will eventually take over the world. After he'd gone on for a bit, I decided that I didn't want to have another stroke today, so let Mara rebut him. I adore Mara, but she does tend to ramble on about totally different things to what are actually being discusses. I just shut up. (Yes, I really did). He left and David the DOS (Religious) arrived and we had a lovely theological chat. This time Mara was pretty much left out because we were going at it hot and furious, while in fact agreeing on most things. There's nothing quite like an Israeli coffee shop! Richard wandered in and I pointedly asked him "How much for the coffee" His answer was "On the house. We still owe you for all your help" For that he got a big "Thank you" and I came home.
I hadn't been in for 2 minutes when Teadrinker called to announce that she ordered her computer today and should get it this week or next! I *have* created a monster, but one I'm proud of. It's going to be so much fun watching her go through what I went through when I got my first computer!
I tried to call my favorite ex husband(Yeas, I do know that I only have one, and therefore he's my favorite by default) to get him to send me an e mail as I got the one I sent him back, and he's interested in using Child Genius' service! They weren't home so I left a message, then called Irit who was dismissive and claims they don't have it and hinted that they deleted it because she's upset with him. It will be interesting to see how long it will be before she asks me for it! Not to mention how long it will be before she catches on that I only call if I have a question. This is going to be interesting.
Watching the IBA Saturday night weekend news drove we wild last night. It was mostly CNN stories with subtitles. I am resolved to write them a letter stating that if I wasn't CNN, I don't need it regurgitated by IBA, and that they might want to get off their butts and do some reporting instead of relying on CNN to inform them. Much as Israel 10 is almost too leftist for me, at least they do their own reporting, even if their lad in DC is just a recycler for Dan Rather et al. They *do* have a couple or so independent thinking leftys like London and Kirschenbaum. I might not agree with them, but at least they do the work and come to their own conclusions, left though they be!
In IBA's favor, they *did* do an item on the proposed Gaza scarper and let their interviewees talk about the referendum and rebut the government line. What a radical idea; the People deciding an issue. Sharon can whine all he wants, but his election WAS NOT a mandate to scarper, rather the very opposite, and he can not use the "I know things now that I didn't know then" excuse. Tank G-d and the internet for Fox News and Gartwaite. Now, if we could just get Dwight Schultze(my prophet) back on the air, I'd be a lot happier. Time to climb into bed with a cup of soup. At least I got some things done today and feel pretty good about that!
Saturday, February 12, 2005
THERE JUST ISN'T ENOUGH TIME
There just isn't enough time in the day for me to get half the things I want to do started, never mind finished. My dear Child Genius has more or less taken over this computer in the evenings, which is fine because he does all the maintenance stuff and it seems to be running great, in spite of XP.
I spoke to The Philmore the other day and he has sent me a nice fat check that will put things back on track after the Harley Too purchase. Of course, I'll have to let him use Harley Too if he comes for a visit.............but, that's the least I can do in return for renewed financial health!
I found some old pictures the other day. I scanned the one of my grandfather from 1968, taken in Miami, then went on a search for the 4 generation picture of me, my mother, grandmother and Irit, which had been put in the Japanese lacquer box for safe keeping and scanned that one too! I'm going to have them made into proper pictures, framed and added to the rogues gallery (Mom & Dad's wedding picture, Mom's portrait and her high school picture) in my room.
I'm in a total rage about the government again. It's not enough that Sharon is doing the exact opposite of what he was elected to do, he's still selling the 'so called' Palestinian poplulation lie, and accusing those who want a referendum of being against peace and democracy. He has convinced himself that he can ignore, no deny everything he ran on/for and do as he wants. I haven't been this disgusted with a PM since Barak scarpered out of Southern Lebanon and brought the terror into Israel proper. Sharon actually asked that Hebrew terms be used (another pet peeve) but continues to use the Arabic himself. I must stop watching the news, or another stroke will be inevitable. I could go on about this for hours, but I have to write a note to The Philmore and convince my printer to print!
I spoke to The Philmore the other day and he has sent me a nice fat check that will put things back on track after the Harley Too purchase. Of course, I'll have to let him use Harley Too if he comes for a visit.............but, that's the least I can do in return for renewed financial health!
I found some old pictures the other day. I scanned the one of my grandfather from 1968, taken in Miami, then went on a search for the 4 generation picture of me, my mother, grandmother and Irit, which had been put in the Japanese lacquer box for safe keeping and scanned that one too! I'm going to have them made into proper pictures, framed and added to the rogues gallery (Mom & Dad's wedding picture, Mom's portrait and her high school picture) in my room.
I'm in a total rage about the government again. It's not enough that Sharon is doing the exact opposite of what he was elected to do, he's still selling the 'so called' Palestinian poplulation lie, and accusing those who want a referendum of being against peace and democracy. He has convinced himself that he can ignore, no deny everything he ran on/for and do as he wants. I haven't been this disgusted with a PM since Barak scarpered out of Southern Lebanon and brought the terror into Israel proper. Sharon actually asked that Hebrew terms be used (another pet peeve) but continues to use the Arabic himself. I must stop watching the news, or another stroke will be inevitable. I could go on about this for hours, but I have to write a note to The Philmore and convince my printer to print!
Wednesday, February 09, 2005
XP AND ME
I still can't say I like it, but I'm learning my way around it, and I've found a way to make almost everything the most beautiful purple, so I guess it's not a total disaster. Child Genius is pleased with how well it's working that he's taken to coming over to work here! He has his very own server/hosting business, and I don't call him Child genius for nothing. He managed to get a scrabble game installed here, but it's not as good as the old one I had, that was for 98, and will not install on XP!
I've been plagued with power cuts all evening. Something is shorting, and for once it's not Harley Too's connection. I suspect the drier, and have turned it off for now. I'll investigate in the morning. Child Genius called just as I was drifting off for a kip, and as last night was another late one, I'm fading fast.
I had a fine rage at the TV during the news. The mad man is bulldozing ahead with his peace(piece) plan with absolutely no regard for the will of the people, and with a total disregard for any logic. I'm really afraid that this the road map to the end of Israel as a homeland for the Jewish people. The 'so called Palestinians are making ludicrous demands, like the release of terrorists who are in our prisons for murder, those with blood on their hands. Excuse me? Convicted murderers being released will contribute what exactly to peace? It's just too insane to contemplate. If the insanity of our political leaders (snerk) isn't enough, the Arab MKs are behaving in such a way that if it were in any other country, they'd be shot at dawn for treason. They act as if our Knesset were the 'so called' Palestinian parliament (a nonexistant entity), and it drives me wild. Why can't we trade with them? The Ara area and the triangle for our settlements? Oh, foolish me! The Arab residents of those areas would never agree, so we have to vacate villages, and they just stay where they are. Unbelievable. Sorry, I'm starting to think disjointedly and think maybe it's time for bed. Early tonight, it's only 1202
I've been plagued with power cuts all evening. Something is shorting, and for once it's not Harley Too's connection. I suspect the drier, and have turned it off for now. I'll investigate in the morning. Child Genius called just as I was drifting off for a kip, and as last night was another late one, I'm fading fast.
I had a fine rage at the TV during the news. The mad man is bulldozing ahead with his peace(piece) plan with absolutely no regard for the will of the people, and with a total disregard for any logic. I'm really afraid that this the road map to the end of Israel as a homeland for the Jewish people. The 'so called Palestinians are making ludicrous demands, like the release of terrorists who are in our prisons for murder, those with blood on their hands. Excuse me? Convicted murderers being released will contribute what exactly to peace? It's just too insane to contemplate. If the insanity of our political leaders (snerk) isn't enough, the Arab MKs are behaving in such a way that if it were in any other country, they'd be shot at dawn for treason. They act as if our Knesset were the 'so called' Palestinian parliament (a nonexistant entity), and it drives me wild. Why can't we trade with them? The Ara area and the triangle for our settlements? Oh, foolish me! The Arab residents of those areas would never agree, so we have to vacate villages, and they just stay where they are. Unbelievable. Sorry, I'm starting to think disjointedly and think maybe it's time for bed. Early tonight, it's only 1202
Tuesday, February 08, 2005
DID YOU MISS ME?
It only took a week, but I am now back on line, thanks to my newly adopted Child genius Geek. He is truly a gifted child, (he must be if he talked me into going with the much detested XP) but so far, so good, and I am slowly but surely getting things back to normal (QUIET UP THERE IN THE PEANUT GALLERY) It was not a great week without the computer, stuck in the house due to very stormy, wind and rain, but at least I had some new books and TV in between power cuts.
Child Genius and I pulled an all nighter to install XP and the peripherals. He even found me an edition of Scrabble with *YAY* a purple template. He's learning, and just might be moving into Gimp House with me as his mother has sort of given him the boot (this hot on the heels of his school giving him the boot) He's too smart for our conventional square peg in a square hole school system, and they just don't know what to do with gifted kids here. He runs his own website hosting business and is doing very well with it. He's not only a gifted geek, he's a very nice kid, and if his mother has no objections, he can have the spare room. Yes, he does know that keeping my computer alive and well is part of the deal!
I'm off to look for more of my missing favorites.
Child Genius and I pulled an all nighter to install XP and the peripherals. He even found me an edition of Scrabble with *YAY* a purple template. He's learning, and just might be moving into Gimp House with me as his mother has sort of given him the boot (this hot on the heels of his school giving him the boot) He's too smart for our conventional square peg in a square hole school system, and they just don't know what to do with gifted kids here. He runs his own website hosting business and is doing very well with it. He's not only a gifted geek, he's a very nice kid, and if his mother has no objections, he can have the spare room. Yes, he does know that keeping my computer alive and well is part of the deal!
I'm off to look for more of my missing favorites.
Monday, January 31, 2005
MISERY
As you can imagine, I've been playing Ragamuffin's last few days over and over in my mind. It doesn't help the guilt at all, but thinking back, I've come to the conclusion that no one in this neighborhood would dare hurt either of my dogs. Due to the state of things here in Sprintzak City (don't ask, just read it with a sneer) it is much more likely that she was bitten by something, or ate something bad from the spraying that was done during Operation Clean up, separately or together did her in. If it *was* someone here, word would get back to me PDQ and whoever it was would find hell looking like paradise in comparison to what they would go through at my hands.
I found Raggy in 1992 when she was an itty bitty scrap of a puppy who had been abandoned. She had found her way into a government office, and took refuge under my chair because other people there were scaring her. I picked her up and went around the whole building asking if she belonged to anyone. When all answers were negative, I took her with me, bought her a collar and lead, took her home, gave her a bath, hand fed her (she was on the verge of starvation) and when the time came, got her her shots.
I miss her so much it's hard to put into words. I feel like a murderer. Peg keeps looking for her, and when he doesn't find her, turns accusing eyes on me. I can't help thinking that if I'd paid more attention to her and less to the skating championships, maybe, just maybe I would have noticed that something was very wrong with her, and the vet might have saved her. She deserved much better from me.
Peg and I are totally miserable, but he seems to be slowly realizing that there might be advantages to being an 'only child' while at the same time wishing she was still here with us. I'm not leaving him alone for now. I'm staying in with him. I took him with me yesterday when I went to check the mail, and rain is forecast for the rest of the week, starting today. I wish I could take him with me when I go out, but he's too old and has a very healthy fear of vehicles, and as I charge all over town on the main roads, I just can't drag him along.
I still have bouts of hysterical guilty crying, and they hit at the most unexpected times. I also get an odd physical reaction-a cold wave that goes through my body every time I think of her, and the guilt is overwhelming.
Last night, when I left the kitchen, my heart almost stopped. There are a couple of floor cloths just the other side of the fridge and a white one was on top. It took a second to realize what it was and another storm of weeping followed. This morning I put all the floor cloths in a bucket with the white one on the bottom.
I know it will take awhile before I pull out of this, but when I do, I'll get back to *normal* (not) posts.
Thank you for the hug, Fingers and to the VAers for all the support. It helps.
I found Raggy in 1992 when she was an itty bitty scrap of a puppy who had been abandoned. She had found her way into a government office, and took refuge under my chair because other people there were scaring her. I picked her up and went around the whole building asking if she belonged to anyone. When all answers were negative, I took her with me, bought her a collar and lead, took her home, gave her a bath, hand fed her (she was on the verge of starvation) and when the time came, got her her shots.
I miss her so much it's hard to put into words. I feel like a murderer. Peg keeps looking for her, and when he doesn't find her, turns accusing eyes on me. I can't help thinking that if I'd paid more attention to her and less to the skating championships, maybe, just maybe I would have noticed that something was very wrong with her, and the vet might have saved her. She deserved much better from me.
Peg and I are totally miserable, but he seems to be slowly realizing that there might be advantages to being an 'only child' while at the same time wishing she was still here with us. I'm not leaving him alone for now. I'm staying in with him. I took him with me yesterday when I went to check the mail, and rain is forecast for the rest of the week, starting today. I wish I could take him with me when I go out, but he's too old and has a very healthy fear of vehicles, and as I charge all over town on the main roads, I just can't drag him along.
I still have bouts of hysterical guilty crying, and they hit at the most unexpected times. I also get an odd physical reaction-a cold wave that goes through my body every time I think of her, and the guilt is overwhelming.
Last night, when I left the kitchen, my heart almost stopped. There are a couple of floor cloths just the other side of the fridge and a white one was on top. It took a second to realize what it was and another storm of weeping followed. This morning I put all the floor cloths in a bucket with the white one on the bottom.
I know it will take awhile before I pull out of this, but when I do, I'll get back to *normal* (not) posts.
Thank you for the hug, Fingers and to the VAers for all the support. It helps.
Saturday, January 29, 2005
RAGAMUFFIN
Ragamuffin
I wonder how long it will take to stop crying. My beloved Ragamuffin, who has been with me since 1992 had to be put down today. She got fed some poison, (most likely by one of my idiot neighbors) and didn't respond to anything the doggy doc did when he got here. I decided that it would be better for her to just let go. The hardest thing I've ever had to do. I loved being her human, I loved her. She was a wee bundle of pure love. She didn't care that I was completely nuts, she just loved me and wanted to with me all the time, no matter what. The one, albeit very small comfort, was that I got to hug her, kiss her, tell her how much I loved her, and say goodbye before she got her last shot. She was so far gone that she didn't even react, which got a storm of weeping from me. Doggy doc took her inside at that point and gave her the shot. He actually thought he was going to take her away in a supermarket poly bag. No supermarket bag for my Amuffin. She went in a purple trash bag, not as trash but as greatly loved and respected part of me.
It's just Peg and me now. Poor Pegasus, he's wandering back and forth looking for her. He's going to miss her as much as I already do. Teadrinker keeps telling me that I should be happy we had such a great life together, but knowing that just makes it harder.
Even worse is that as I'm not talking with Irit, there's no comfort there. It's just me, the computer, and Peg. I knew it would be hard, but not how hard. If I don't get a grip and stop crying, I'm going to short out the keyboard. I must find something physical to do. I think I'll print out Muffy's pic, put it in an envelope with the other pics I have for Teadrinker and scoot into town to drop in the mailbox, then, wash the floor. I have just enough time to do that before I have to be in Turin (via Eurosport) for the next event.
Ragamuffin, I loved you, I love you still, and hope will be happy wherever you are.
Wednesday, January 26, 2005
ARIEL SHARON AND WORLDS
And they have what to do with each other? I made the mistake of going to news after finding myself in my own bed, safely home from the World Figure Skating Championships in Turin, Italy. I was feeling a bit drained from doing the Golden Waltz 20 times, but at same time floaty happy. I *do* love that dance, and for the most part it was done beautifully. Then, I went to the news, only to see our fearless leader, Ariel Sharon going on about the threat to democracy that the settlers in Gaza represent. EXCUSE ME? The nerve of the man. The people who object to his wholesale sell out of our homeland by giving in to demands made by those who would destroy us. The settlers themselves have been begging for a referundum on the issue and Sharon refuses to entertain so much as the thought of it. What could be more democratic than a national referendum on what is turning into the most important issue to confront us since 1948. The settlers have even comitted to agreeing to abide by the results of the referundum.........but Sharon can not be trusted to abide by the results. It's not that long ago that he agreed to abide by the decision of the party Central Committee; after he lost that vote, he continued as if it never happened. AND HE HAS THE NERVE TO CALL THOSE CALLING FOR REFERENDUM A THREAT TO DEMOCRACY? Is it any wonder I was a bit off during the pairs competition, but he really pisses me off. At least I can smirk and say to myself "*I* didn't vote foe him, but I have to live with the mistake, even though, as it turns out, he lied through his teeth to get elected and is propagating the so called Palestinian lie about their population figures, which has been totally exposed and debunked by us bloggers! It's a complete total lie that the Arrab population will overtake ours, and Sharon and the pro unilateral withdrawal lot are still spouting that crap. Serves us right for thinking he wouldn't cave in to the Mitzna plan, which is based on a so called Paestinian lie!
It's time now to haul the trash out of Gimp House, make some breakfast/ lunch and get myself over to Turin for the Original Dance competition this afternoon and the Pairs Short Prog this evening.
It's time now to haul the trash out of Gimp House, make some breakfast/ lunch and get myself over to Turin for the Original Dance competition this afternoon and the Pairs Short Prog this evening.
Tuesday, January 25, 2005
GOING SKATING
Well, not exactly. But as close as I can get from a wheelchair! The European Figure Skating Championships start today with full coverage by Eurosport, so I'll be glued to the tube while my imagination is on the ice! My body might not be capable of so much as standing in skates on ice, but inside I can still feel every move. I don't quite know how to explain it, but I *can* feel it, which is wonderful and the thing that allows me to watch skating without wanting to shoot myself. Soooooo, I rather doubt I'll be here much before the weekend. I'm going to Europeans. The world will just have to take of itself until I get back!
Sunday, January 23, 2005
NOTHING'S WORKING RIGHT
Gerald was here for hours today and the only thing accomplished was getting the scanner/printer/copier connected and running. It's an independent thing and makes noises as and when it pleases. It does, however, work and I got the pictures of the Great Motorcycle Trip Around The Country to Break In The MZ scanned! Ha! On the other hand, Yahoo Messenger will not work, not even after being un, then, reinstalled. *G* left me with a few things to do, but they refused to be done. He's off to do research on that lousy stinking rotten trojan horse. I guess I shouldn't be too upset as the important things *are* working. E Mail, Firefox and the PSC! The rest will be sorted as and when. It's going to be a long week without Yahoo, and with the rain.
The local geniuses, the very same ones who tore up the street not long after the *liberry* was finished and tore up part of it only 4 days after it was finished, decided that no one needed to park anywhere near Gimp House and parked a huge ugly green garbage "frog" right outside, then proceeded to cut down some trees which were placed neatly in the middle of the street so that no one could get close. They also planted a huge skip not far away. Insanity reigns supreme in Kiryat Shmonah. I wonder what nonsense they have planned for me tomorrow. It's supposed to storm, so heaven help us!
The local geniuses, the very same ones who tore up the street not long after the *liberry* was finished and tore up part of it only 4 days after it was finished, decided that no one needed to park anywhere near Gimp House and parked a huge ugly green garbage "frog" right outside, then proceeded to cut down some trees which were placed neatly in the middle of the street so that no one could get close. They also planted a huge skip not far away. Insanity reigns supreme in Kiryat Shmonah. I wonder what nonsense they have planned for me tomorrow. It's supposed to storm, so heaven help us!
Saturday, January 22, 2005
IT'S SO SIMPLE
Blame it on the dishwashing! I decided to spoil myself with the gimp version of beef Wellington and as I can not, repeat CAN NOT work in a kitchen with a full sink, I did the dishes, which lead me directly to THE ANSWER. Ok, "what was the question" is a good place to start, but as usual it must be approached from the twists of a warped gimp's mind. The differences between the 3 major religions to come out of this epiphany are thusly, and in order by age. Judaism, the oldest and most problematic to adherents of the other two, is quite simply a handbook that tells anyone who is interested how to have a good life here on this earth. There is very little about afterlife and such, and certainly no way anyone who practices Judaism as set forth in the Old Testament can control anyone else. Or at least, not until the Ultra Orthodox perverted that and now there are self proclaimed rabbis telling those willing to relinquish their personal responsibility how to live. There are thousands who will not make the smallest, most inconsequential decision without asking the rabbi. Then, along came the good folks who perverted everything Jesus stood for, which was exactly what is written in the O.T. and came up with Christianity, which is supposed to be a blueprint for how to have it good both in this life and the afterlife, with a few twists thrown in for holding the reins....The Pope and today's various churches. I find it interesting that they include the O.T. on their scared writings list while at the same time denying the parts that would take away their control over their minions. Then, along comes Islam which focuses on how to live this life in such a way that will bring great and wonderful rewards in the next life. They would much rather control the day to day lives of their believers and keep them in poverty and misery with promises of a miraculous paradise in the next life.
So, what do we have here?
Judaism-How to live in this life, almost no mention of the afterlife.No formula for mass control of people.
Christianity-How to live well in both this and the afterlife, with a lot of crowd control thrown in.
Islam-How to live this life in such a way to guarantee a glorious afterlife. Major control.
So, there it is, the explanation of why Jews are so hated. Judaism has no place for mass control. Every man, woman, and child is responsible for his/her own life, and there's no need to obsess over heaven or hell because what is important is THIS LIFE. So, if everyone were Jewish, there would be no need to go into all the rigmarole of afterlife like the Christians and Muslims do, while claiming that their religions originated in Judaism.
How easy is that?
Ok, I'm going away now
So, what do we have here?
Judaism-How to live in this life, almost no mention of the afterlife.No formula for mass control of people.
Christianity-How to live well in both this and the afterlife, with a lot of crowd control thrown in.
Islam-How to live this life in such a way to guarantee a glorious afterlife. Major control.
So, there it is, the explanation of why Jews are so hated. Judaism has no place for mass control. Every man, woman, and child is responsible for his/her own life, and there's no need to obsess over heaven or hell because what is important is THIS LIFE. So, if everyone were Jewish, there would be no need to go into all the rigmarole of afterlife like the Christians and Muslims do, while claiming that their religions originated in Judaism.
How easy is that?
Ok, I'm going away now
THIS JUST IN
In direct violation of my own rule (if I can't break my own rule, who can?) I am copying the following by this Mike Levine who said it as well, if not better, that anyone else who tried to say it. I couldn't agree more. Thank you Mike for saying it so well.
J'ACCUSE..!
Isralert.com source: subscriber/commentator Mike Levine
I, Mike Levine, citizen of Israel and the United States, accuse you, NY
Times, LA Times, Boston Globe, Denver Post, Atlanta Constitution, CNN,
Times of London, and thousands of other newspapers and TV networks worldwide. I accuse you of gross bias against, and naked hatred towards the Jewish state of Israel.
For years most of you have shown a clear bias in favor of the Arab
Muslims and Palestinians, taking every opportunity to demonize Israel, the only
Democracy in the Middle East, and the only Jewish state in the world.
But in the past two weeks you have raised your hatred to a new high,
while your journalistic standards have fallen to new lows.
While coverage of the earthquake and tsunami in Asia has been extensive,
and your reporting of international fund raising and rescue efforts has
been massivie, you wrote hardly a word about the fact that Israel was one of
the very first to offer substantial aid and send medical rescue missions to
the stricken areas! Within hours planeloads of well trained rescue people and
experienced trauma doctors were on their way.
Israel is one of the tiniest nations on earth, with a total population
far less than many cities of the world, yet in the first hours following the
earthquake and flooding, Israel assembled hundreds of doctors and other
medical personnel, many planeloads of medical supplies, tents, food,
blankets, even baby diapers. While other, much larger, much richer
nations,
were still rubbing their eyes in disbelief, Israel was already setting up
many aid stations in the worst hit areas.
Nor did you report the unbelievably hateful refusal of S! ri Lanka , and a
couple other Muslim states, to accept the entry of Jewish medical and
rescue personnel, although they did cynically accept the supplies and equipment sent by Israel.
I accuse world media of gross incompetance.
I accuse world media of abrogation of journalistic integrity.
I accuse world media of sheer and transparent prejudice against Israel
and the Jews.
I accuse world media of pandering to the Islamic nations hatred of
anything Jewish.
Only a few publications outside Israel mentioned the major contribution
being made by Israel. Only a very few pointed out that Israel's per capita
contribution of manpower, equipment, supplies, and money WAS THE HIGHEST
IN THE WORLD!
Only a few bothered to mention that only a tiny trickle of aid was
offered by all of the world's Muslim nations, nations sitting on half of the
world's oil reserves, nations raking in billions of dollars daily, nations whose
elite live lives of such oppulence as can hardly be imagined by most of
the world's masses.
Saudi Arabia sat unmoved for a week while the world scrambled to raise
funds and send massive aid, then magnanimously pledged a measly ten
million dollars, a pledge which has yet to be paid! Imagine, this from a brother
Muslim state, a state that provided families of Palestinian suicide
bombers with $150,000,000 (one hundred fifty million dollars) during the past
year alone!
Kuwait, the second richest Muslim nation, pledged an equally paltry ten
million!
You people in Chicago.did you read any of this in your newspapers? How
about you good people in Dallas? Paris? Berlin? Melbourne? Did any of
you read or hear of Israel's incredible generosity of spirit, manpower, and
money? Did you read one editorial praising the fact that the Jewish state
unselfishly came to the i! mmediate aid of Muslim nations that have long
called for the destruction of Israel?
No, chances are you did not. Maybe you ought to let your editors know
how you feel about their treatment of Israel and the Jewish people. Because
if you don't speak out, they will continue to believe no one gives a damn
about Israel, and they will continue speaking of Israel only in negative terms,
writing only about how the Jewish state mistreats the Palestinians and
their terrorists.
Join me when I say to world media loud and clear .J'ACCUSE!
J'ACCUSE..!
Isralert.com source: subscriber/commentator Mike Levine
I, Mike Levine, citizen of Israel and the United States, accuse you, NY
Times, LA Times, Boston Globe, Denver Post, Atlanta Constitution, CNN,
Times of London, and thousands of other newspapers and TV networks worldwide. I accuse you of gross bias against, and naked hatred towards the Jewish state of Israel.
For years most of you have shown a clear bias in favor of the Arab
Muslims and Palestinians, taking every opportunity to demonize Israel, the only
Democracy in the Middle East, and the only Jewish state in the world.
But in the past two weeks you have raised your hatred to a new high,
while your journalistic standards have fallen to new lows.
While coverage of the earthquake and tsunami in Asia has been extensive,
and your reporting of international fund raising and rescue efforts has
been massivie, you wrote hardly a word about the fact that Israel was one of
the very first to offer substantial aid and send medical rescue missions to
the stricken areas! Within hours planeloads of well trained rescue people and
experienced trauma doctors were on their way.
Israel is one of the tiniest nations on earth, with a total population
far less than many cities of the world, yet in the first hours following the
earthquake and flooding, Israel assembled hundreds of doctors and other
medical personnel, many planeloads of medical supplies, tents, food,
blankets, even baby diapers. While other, much larger, much richer
nations,
were still rubbing their eyes in disbelief, Israel was already setting up
many aid stations in the worst hit areas.
Nor did you report the unbelievably hateful refusal of S! ri Lanka , and a
couple other Muslim states, to accept the entry of Jewish medical and
rescue personnel, although they did cynically accept the supplies and equipment sent by Israel.
I accuse world media of gross incompetance.
I accuse world media of abrogation of journalistic integrity.
I accuse world media of sheer and transparent prejudice against Israel
and the Jews.
I accuse world media of pandering to the Islamic nations hatred of
anything Jewish.
Only a few publications outside Israel mentioned the major contribution
being made by Israel. Only a very few pointed out that Israel's per capita
contribution of manpower, equipment, supplies, and money WAS THE HIGHEST
IN THE WORLD!
Only a few bothered to mention that only a tiny trickle of aid was
offered by all of the world's Muslim nations, nations sitting on half of the
world's oil reserves, nations raking in billions of dollars daily, nations whose
elite live lives of such oppulence as can hardly be imagined by most of
the world's masses.
Saudi Arabia sat unmoved for a week while the world scrambled to raise
funds and send massive aid, then magnanimously pledged a measly ten
million dollars, a pledge which has yet to be paid! Imagine, this from a brother
Muslim state, a state that provided families of Palestinian suicide
bombers with $150,000,000 (one hundred fifty million dollars) during the past
year alone!
Kuwait, the second richest Muslim nation, pledged an equally paltry ten
million!
You people in Chicago.did you read any of this in your newspapers? How
about you good people in Dallas? Paris? Berlin? Melbourne? Did any of
you read or hear of Israel's incredible generosity of spirit, manpower, and
money? Did you read one editorial praising the fact that the Jewish state
unselfishly came to the i! mmediate aid of Muslim nations that have long
called for the destruction of Israel?
No, chances are you did not. Maybe you ought to let your editors know
how you feel about their treatment of Israel and the Jewish people. Because
if you don't speak out, they will continue to believe no one gives a damn
about Israel, and they will continue speaking of Israel only in negative terms,
writing only about how the Jewish state mistreats the Palestinians and
their terrorists.
Join me when I say to world media loud and clear .J'ACCUSE!
I WONDER
Sometimes I just can't help but wonder what makes some people tick. I joined a macrobiotic list a while ago and have yet to post there. I did contact the owner and we exchanged mails for a while. I even tried to design a poster for them but never did get it right and when I did get an almost ok version, she couldn't open it, neither could the alternative addy she gave me. That was the end of exchanges with anyone on that list. The alternate addy was even more cynical and caustic than I would dare be about someone I had never met or even corresponded with.
Not long after that there was a whole spate of "philosophical" e mails that left me wondering if these people have any awareness of reality beyond their little rose colored liberal worlds. These people all live in one of the most dangerous Areas of the world and actually have convinced themselves that if they think positive thoughts nothing *bad* will happen to them. I wonder how they will explain being blown off the face of the earth in a terror attack (G-d forbid) . That's just fine, but then, they are so secure in their bubble that they blithely post their phone numbers, addresses and directions to their homes in their posts. Ok, that's their right, but what really gets me is this: They are heavy into macrobiotics which is just fine, I'm a bit into it as well. The thing is the way they are so into the whole "how can I be a better person through macrobiotics?" thing. And trying to link it to Judaism. Um, Judaism answers that question all by itself and the answer is not by being self absorbed with the search for the answer. The answer is right there on the first page! And if you keep reading it becomes clear that the best way to become a "better person" is not to worry about it, but to do, to act, to follow the rules so clearly set out for us in the Tanach, by being selfless and doing for others as much as we can with no thought for what *I* will get from it.
My personal view of Judaism is that it pretty much boils down to two things. 1) our relationship with G-d and 2) our relationships with other people. The rules governing the latter far outnumber the ones for the former, and only G-d can judge or forgive us for our transgressions against Him, and only our fellow "man" can forgive us for things to do with them. There's not much crossover between the two. What I don't get about the ones worrying so much about becoming "better" is how this escapes them when it's so simple. Have you helped anyone lately even with as little as a kind word, or by just listening to them? Have you gone out of your way to do a kind deed? Have you donated money to a charity or bought a struggling neighbor something you know they need? Have you told your school department that you will anonymously donate the school, and book fees for a family that can not pay them next September? Do you have a smile and kind word for people you meet out and about? Or are you so concerned with bettering yourself that all those things are lost in your struggle for self betterment? Or is lip service to those ideals and telling others how to be better as far as it goes?
I'm just wondering here, not pointing fingers. I only know these people through their posts. They might do all those things and more. I don't know, but I tend to wonder about people who seem to be so self absorbed.
I went into town yesterday for the first time in over a week and stayed at the coffee shop way too long. There was a very nice ex Yank-NYC- who lives in Metula there and we had a lovely chat. Richard sat with us most of the time and we had some fun with the guy. We did our *act* on him. Richard is very quick on the uptake which is one of the reasons he's so much fun. It went a bit like this: R-"How old are you anyways?" W- "47"
Me-"Ah, a child" W- "Hardly" R- Yup, a mere young 'un" Me- There's still time to raise him up right!" R-"Listen to your mother, she knows what's best for you" All-burst into spontaneous laughter! Being silly can be so much fun especially when it consists of nothing at all.
I stopped at the grocery store on the way home and picked up few things, then came in and collapsed into bed where I stayed with the TV and a book until I was rudely awoken at 11:00 by Teadrinker. I didn't get to sleep until after 04:00. No reason, just not sleepy. My cold is gone, but I still feel yucky and weak. Sitting at the computer had no appeal, and I didn't pay much attention to the 'tube' either. I did perk up when the news was on. Richard and Mara and I talked a bit about the developments with Abu Mazzen and his attempts to secure the Strip (Gaza). My brilliant contribution was to the effect that someone must have landed on him HARD, and lo and behold, they said on the news that the US told him to get his act together, or else! Vindicated yet again. I hope it's not just an Arafart style crack down that is an act only and this time it will lead somewhere. They are always going on about 'trust building'. Ok, let's take this to a level we all understand; if we lose the trust of a friend or family member, how long does it take to earn it back? Earn is the operative word here. We can't just say "sorry" and all is forgiven. It takes time, sincerity and effort to earn it back. How much more at that level, where mistrust has been a major element for so many years? I hope that Abu Mazzen is sincere and that things can move ahead. I remember well the days of not so long ago when we could go to the major towns in the West Bank and be very welcome. It would be wonderful to go back to that. I still have trouble getting my head around forcing our settlements to move, while there is no move on their side. Of course, there are some areas that could simply be included in their state with not one family being displaced from their home........but sadly, I can't see that so logical thing happening. It's all about *us* giving in to their demands. Could someone please spread a little logic over here?
Ok, enough is enough. Time to organize some breakfast........at 14:30 almost....
Not long after that there was a whole spate of "philosophical" e mails that left me wondering if these people have any awareness of reality beyond their little rose colored liberal worlds. These people all live in one of the most dangerous Areas of the world and actually have convinced themselves that if they think positive thoughts nothing *bad* will happen to them. I wonder how they will explain being blown off the face of the earth in a terror attack (G-d forbid) . That's just fine, but then, they are so secure in their bubble that they blithely post their phone numbers, addresses and directions to their homes in their posts. Ok, that's their right, but what really gets me is this: They are heavy into macrobiotics which is just fine, I'm a bit into it as well. The thing is the way they are so into the whole "how can I be a better person through macrobiotics?" thing. And trying to link it to Judaism. Um, Judaism answers that question all by itself and the answer is not by being self absorbed with the search for the answer. The answer is right there on the first page! And if you keep reading it becomes clear that the best way to become a "better person" is not to worry about it, but to do, to act, to follow the rules so clearly set out for us in the Tanach, by being selfless and doing for others as much as we can with no thought for what *I* will get from it.
My personal view of Judaism is that it pretty much boils down to two things. 1) our relationship with G-d and 2) our relationships with other people. The rules governing the latter far outnumber the ones for the former, and only G-d can judge or forgive us for our transgressions against Him, and only our fellow "man" can forgive us for things to do with them. There's not much crossover between the two. What I don't get about the ones worrying so much about becoming "better" is how this escapes them when it's so simple. Have you helped anyone lately even with as little as a kind word, or by just listening to them? Have you gone out of your way to do a kind deed? Have you donated money to a charity or bought a struggling neighbor something you know they need? Have you told your school department that you will anonymously donate the school, and book fees for a family that can not pay them next September? Do you have a smile and kind word for people you meet out and about? Or are you so concerned with bettering yourself that all those things are lost in your struggle for self betterment? Or is lip service to those ideals and telling others how to be better as far as it goes?
I'm just wondering here, not pointing fingers. I only know these people through their posts. They might do all those things and more. I don't know, but I tend to wonder about people who seem to be so self absorbed.
I went into town yesterday for the first time in over a week and stayed at the coffee shop way too long. There was a very nice ex Yank-NYC- who lives in Metula there and we had a lovely chat. Richard sat with us most of the time and we had some fun with the guy. We did our *act* on him. Richard is very quick on the uptake which is one of the reasons he's so much fun. It went a bit like this: R-"How old are you anyways?" W- "47"
Me-"Ah, a child" W- "Hardly" R- Yup, a mere young 'un" Me- There's still time to raise him up right!" R-"Listen to your mother, she knows what's best for you" All-burst into spontaneous laughter! Being silly can be so much fun especially when it consists of nothing at all.
I stopped at the grocery store on the way home and picked up few things, then came in and collapsed into bed where I stayed with the TV and a book until I was rudely awoken at 11:00 by Teadrinker. I didn't get to sleep until after 04:00. No reason, just not sleepy. My cold is gone, but I still feel yucky and weak. Sitting at the computer had no appeal, and I didn't pay much attention to the 'tube' either. I did perk up when the news was on. Richard and Mara and I talked a bit about the developments with Abu Mazzen and his attempts to secure the Strip (Gaza). My brilliant contribution was to the effect that someone must have landed on him HARD, and lo and behold, they said on the news that the US told him to get his act together, or else! Vindicated yet again. I hope it's not just an Arafart style crack down that is an act only and this time it will lead somewhere. They are always going on about 'trust building'. Ok, let's take this to a level we all understand; if we lose the trust of a friend or family member, how long does it take to earn it back? Earn is the operative word here. We can't just say "sorry" and all is forgiven. It takes time, sincerity and effort to earn it back. How much more at that level, where mistrust has been a major element for so many years? I hope that Abu Mazzen is sincere and that things can move ahead. I remember well the days of not so long ago when we could go to the major towns in the West Bank and be very welcome. It would be wonderful to go back to that. I still have trouble getting my head around forcing our settlements to move, while there is no move on their side. Of course, there are some areas that could simply be included in their state with not one family being displaced from their home........but sadly, I can't see that so logical thing happening. It's all about *us* giving in to their demands. Could someone please spread a little logic over here?
Ok, enough is enough. Time to organize some breakfast........at 14:30 almost....
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