5/30/2008 01:58:00 PM | 
Posted by
JoeSettler
Check your 20.
It seems that the Bank of Israel printed a little surprise for the people of Israel.
A certain limited number of the new polymer 20 shekel bills have "60 years of the state of Israel" imprinted on the back of them in red.
At the moment they're still worth NIS 20. But who knows? Maybe in a few years they'll be worth more (probably will be if they stay linked to the dollar).
It seems that the Bank of Israel printed a little surprise for the people of Israel.
A certain limited number of the new polymer 20 shekel bills have "60 years of the state of Israel" imprinted on the back of them in red.
At the moment they're still worth NIS 20. But who knows? Maybe in a few years they'll be worth more (probably will be if they stay linked to the dollar).
And speaking of the dollar, please tell me it hit rock bottom, and will now be going up. The situation is getting ridiculous. And everyone knows its ridiculous. There are plenty of large companies that are now setting their own currency rates at 4, 4.15, 4.2 and even 4.5. They've decided to resolve the problem themselves.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
"Anyone who intentionally caused any territory to leave control of the state or to fall under the authority of a foreign country, or an action that could cause such, his fate is death or life imprisonment."
Aryeh Eldad is sticking to his statements regarding the penalty for giving up territories to the enemy. And why shouldn't he, it's enshrined in law.
But the politicians of the Left have no shame. They've publicly stated that the law refers to a private citizen and not to a government or PM or MK in a peace process.
!
To begin with, I don't know of any private citizens that have that kind of power. Perhaps a soldier, but he would be court martialed. Maybe it might refer to certain lawyers representing the government (and here I can name quite a few). But I do know of politicians that have that power.
Nor do I see any reason to assume that the law is talking about a private citizen, it certainly doesn't differentiate, unless the Left are now saying that politicians are above the "Rule of Law" (which is what they are saying when it comes to their policies).
This lack of shame that pervades the government is the root cause.
Aryeh Eldad is sticking to his statements regarding the penalty for giving up territories to the enemy. And why shouldn't he, it's enshrined in law.
But the politicians of the Left have no shame. They've publicly stated that the law refers to a private citizen and not to a government or PM or MK in a peace process.
!
To begin with, I don't know of any private citizens that have that kind of power. Perhaps a soldier, but he would be court martialed. Maybe it might refer to certain lawyers representing the government (and here I can name quite a few). But I do know of politicians that have that power.
Nor do I see any reason to assume that the law is talking about a private citizen, it certainly doesn't differentiate, unless the Left are now saying that politicians are above the "Rule of Law" (which is what they are saying when it comes to their policies).
This lack of shame that pervades the government is the root cause.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Wow. I am stunned by the amazing strategic and tactical skills of our political and military echelons.
Israeli sources are saying that PA troops in the West Bank are now well trained and it isn't guaranteed that Hamas will immediately defeat them when the IDF pulls out and hands over "security".
Of course, the same source says that the PA hasn't really done anything real to fight terror and the terrorists (as we define the term, though in terms of PA troops attacking and killing Israeli civilians, they're doing quite fine).
(My sources say they are still poorly trained and aren't ready to fight Hamas if they actually wanted to).
While a minor (actually almost no) uproar was created when it was announced that the IDF will be moving one of its southern bases out of the Gaza missile range, they've now gone even one step further.
Welcome to Southern Lebanon in Southern Israel.
The IDF (and government) has decided that it can't defend the crossing stations as-is, so they are considering creating a buffer zone of a few kilometers (like we had in Southern Lebanon).
They will move the crossings EASTWARD, and create the buffer zone OUTSIDE of Gaza.
I almost feel sorry for the settlements that will now find themselves inside the newly created Gaza buffer zone. Almost, because who told those settlers to move there in the first place?
So there you have it, Ehud Barak has managed to truly redefine IDF doctrine from top to bottom, and it can be summed up in two words, "RUN AWAY".
Israeli sources are saying that PA troops in the West Bank are now well trained and it isn't guaranteed that Hamas will immediately defeat them when the IDF pulls out and hands over "security".
Of course, the same source says that the PA hasn't really done anything real to fight terror and the terrorists (as we define the term, though in terms of PA troops attacking and killing Israeli civilians, they're doing quite fine).
(My sources say they are still poorly trained and aren't ready to fight Hamas if they actually wanted to).
While a minor (actually almost no) uproar was created when it was announced that the IDF will be moving one of its southern bases out of the Gaza missile range, they've now gone even one step further.
Welcome to Southern Lebanon in Southern Israel.
The IDF (and government) has decided that it can't defend the crossing stations as-is, so they are considering creating a buffer zone of a few kilometers (like we had in Southern Lebanon).
They will move the crossings EASTWARD, and create the buffer zone OUTSIDE of Gaza.
I almost feel sorry for the settlements that will now find themselves inside the newly created Gaza buffer zone. Almost, because who told those settlers to move there in the first place?
So there you have it, Ehud Barak has managed to truly redefine IDF doctrine from top to bottom, and it can be summed up in two words, "RUN AWAY".
MK Aryeh Eldad is apparently an evil inciter. He dared to quote the Israeli law that states that anyone who tries to give away Israeli sovereign territory has committed an act of treason whose punishment is death or imprisonment. He asked Mazuz to investigate Olmert for treason.
All across the spectrum, cheap politicians are attacking MK Aryeh Eldad for quoting the law as it is written. The specter of Rabin has been raised again.
So just color me confused, because if all he did was quote the law, then how is he inciting for murder? Does the law incite for murder?
If they don't like the law, then strike it down, but at the moment it is the law, even if it is unenforced. And perhaps therein lies the problem. The law is inconvenient to some (who always happen to demand that the "Rule of Law" be followed), so they demand it be not only ignored, but never mentioned in polite company.
How is the average citizen to know what laws apply to him, when clearly some double-standards are officially in place, but knowledgeable only to a select few.
From: http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/126304
All across the spectrum, cheap politicians are attacking MK Aryeh Eldad for quoting the law as it is written. The specter of Rabin has been raised again.
So just color me confused, because if all he did was quote the law, then how is he inciting for murder? Does the law incite for murder?
If they don't like the law, then strike it down, but at the moment it is the law, even if it is unenforced. And perhaps therein lies the problem. The law is inconvenient to some (who always happen to demand that the "Rule of Law" be followed), so they demand it be not only ignored, but never mentioned in polite company.
How is the average citizen to know what laws apply to him, when clearly some double-standards are officially in place, but knowledgeable only to a select few.
From: http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/126304
Section B: Treason
97 (a). A person who, with intent to violate the sovereignty of the state, commits an act that has the potential to violate the state's sovereignty is liable to life imprisonment or the death penalty.
97 (b). A person who, with intent that any area be withdrawn from the sovereignty of the state or placed under the sovereignty of a foreign state, commits an act that has the potential to bring this about is liable to life imprisonment or the death penalty.
....
100. A person who commits an act revealing any one of the intentions listed in sections 97, 98 or 99 is liable to ten years imprisonment.
Monday, May 26, 2008
The American mathematician David Mumford, co-winner of the 2008 Wolf Foundation Prize in Mathematics, announced upon receiving the award yesterday that he will donate the money to Bir Zeit University, near Ramallah, and to Gisha, an Israeli organization that advocates for Palestinian freedom of movement.
Mumford, who received the prize from President Shimon Peres in the Knesset, said he has already contacted Bir Zeit University and Gisha, and they have agreed to accept his donation.
As Treppenwitz would say, another useful idiot (or would that be 2 in this case).
Mumford, who received the prize from President Shimon Peres in the Knesset, said he has already contacted Bir Zeit University and Gisha, and they have agreed to accept his donation.
As Treppenwitz would say, another useful idiot (or would that be 2 in this case).
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Jameel was wondering to me today if Halutz is actually a Syrian Mole planted in the IDF. It didn't sound so far-fetched when he said it, all things considered.
Meanwhile the IDF has continued in the fine tradition created by Barak, as it moved a large jobnik base out of Gaza missile range, as opposed to actually using the IDF to stop the missiles.
I feel sorry for all the neighboring towns and cities that can't be pulled back out of firing range too.
I wonder how they plan to move the Kirya.
Rotter is weighing in and claiming that a big Gaza op is imminent.
Meanwhile the IDF has continued in the fine tradition created by Barak, as it moved a large jobnik base out of Gaza missile range, as opposed to actually using the IDF to stop the missiles.
I feel sorry for all the neighboring towns and cities that can't be pulled back out of firing range too.
I wonder how they plan to move the Kirya.
Rotter is weighing in and claiming that a big Gaza op is imminent.
Saturday, May 24, 2008
So let's see if I got this right, the guy who completely lost the Lebanon war, the guy who took destroyed a formerly profitable multi-million dollar company in the space of less than a year, that guy is now telling us that we can give up the Golan Heights! Talk about a ringing endorsement.
And you want to tell me that there isn't rampant anti-Semitism in England? I'm not into English sports, but I've certainly read enough of the stories about Avram Grant to see that the personal attacks on him clearly seemed to stem from anti-Semitism.
Sure, tell me the owner is Jewish, but the calls and pressure to fire him didn't originate from on top. And to fire him after he took the team further than they've ever been in 50 years!
Here's something interesting. A well-known Jewish leftist is now Persona Non Grata in Israel after meeting with Hizbollah. It's got to be confusing to all the Leftists, not knowing which enemy is OK to meet and which one isn't, and who is allowed to attack Israel and who isn't, and on what subjects.
And you want to tell me that there isn't rampant anti-Semitism in England? I'm not into English sports, but I've certainly read enough of the stories about Avram Grant to see that the personal attacks on him clearly seemed to stem from anti-Semitism.
Sure, tell me the owner is Jewish, but the calls and pressure to fire him didn't originate from on top. And to fire him after he took the team further than they've ever been in 50 years!
Here's something interesting. A well-known Jewish leftist is now Persona Non Grata in Israel after meeting with Hizbollah. It's got to be confusing to all the Leftists, not knowing which enemy is OK to meet and which one isn't, and who is allowed to attack Israel and who isn't, and on what subjects.
Friday, May 23, 2008
I just got this, so I figured I'd pass it on (Source: Unknown).
1. Scientists in Israel, found that the brackish water, drilled
from underground desert aquifers, hundreds of feet deep, could be used to
raise warm-water fish. The geothermal water, less than one-tenth as saline
as sea water, free of pollutants, and a toasty 98 degrees on average, proves
an ideal environment.
2. Israeli-developed designer-eyeglasses, promise mobile phone
and iPod users, a personalized, high-tech video display. Available to US
consumers next year, Lumus-Optical's lightweight and fashionable video
eyeglasses, feature a large transparent screen, floating in front of the
viewer's face that projects their choice of movie, TV show, or video Game.
3. When Stephen Hawkins visited Israel recently, he shared his
wisdom with scientists, students, and even the Prime Minister. But the
world's most renown victim of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), or Lou
Gehrig's disease, also learned something, due to the Israeli Association for
ALS' advanced work in both embryonic and adult stem cell research, as well
as its proven track record with neurodegenerative diseases. The Israeli
research community is well on its way, to finding a treatment for this fatal
disease, which affects 30,000 Americans.
4. Israeli start-up, Veterix, has developed an innovative new
electronic capsule that sits in the stomach of a cow, sheep, or goat,
sending out real-time information on the health of the herd, to the farmer
via Email or cell phone. The e-capsule, which also sends out alerts if
animals are distressed, injured, or lost, is now being tested on a herd of
cows, in the hopes that the device will lead to tastier and healthier meat
and milk supplies.
5. The millions of Skype users worldwide will soon have access to
the newly developed KishKish lie-detector. This free internet service, based
on voice stress analysis (a technique, commonly used in criminal
investigations), will be able to measure just how truthful that person on
the other end of the line, really is.
6. Beating cardiac tissue has been created in a lab from human
embryonic stem cells by researchers at the Rappaport Medical Faculty and
the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology's biomedical Engineerin g
faculty. The work of Dr. Shulamit Levenberg and Prof. Lior Gepstein, has
also led to the creation of tiny blood vessels within the tissue, making
possible its implantation in a human heart.
7. Israel's Magal Security Systems, is a worldwide leader in
computerized security systems, with products used in more than 70 countries
around the world, protecting anything from national borders, to nuclear
facilities, refineries, and airports. The company's latest Product,
DreamBox, a state-of-the-art security system that includes Intelligent
video, audio and sensor management, is now being used by a major water
authority on the US east coast to safeguard the utility's sites.
8. It is common knowledge that dogs have better night vision than
humans and a vastly superior sense of smell and hearing. Israel's
Bio-Sense Technologies, recently delved further, and electronically
analyzed 350 different barks. Finding that dogs of all breeds and sizes,
bark the same alarm when they sense a threat, the firm has designed the dog
bark-reader, a sensor that can pick up a dog's alarm bark, and alert the
human operators. This is just one of a batch of innovative security systems
to emerge from Israel, which Forbes calls 'the go-to country for
anti-terrorism technologies.'
9. Israeli company, BioControl Medical, sold its first electrical
stimulator to treat urinary incontinence to a US company for $50 Million.
Now, it is working on CardioFit, which uses electrical nerve stimulation to
treat congestive heart failure. With nearly five million Americans presently
affected by heart failure, and more than 400,000 new cases diagnosed yearly,
the CardioFit is already generating a great deal of excitement as the first
device with the potential to halt this deadly disease.
10. One year after Norway's Socialist Left Party launched its
boycott Israel campaign, the importing of Israeli goods has increased by
15%, the strongest increase in many years, Statistics Norway reports. In
contrast to the efforts of tiny Israel to make contributions to the world so
as to better mankind, one has to ask what have those who have strived to
eliminate Israel from the face of the earth done other than to create hate
and bloodshed.
1. Scientists in Israel, found that the brackish water, drilled
from underground desert aquifers, hundreds of feet deep, could be used to
raise warm-water fish. The geothermal water, less than one-tenth as saline
as sea water, free of pollutants, and a toasty 98 degrees on average, proves
an ideal environment.
2. Israeli-developed designer-eyeglasses, promise mobile phone
and iPod users, a personalized, high-tech video display. Available to US
consumers next year, Lumus-Optical's lightweight and fashionable video
eyeglasses, feature a large transparent screen, floating in front of the
viewer's face that projects their choice of movie, TV show, or video Game.
3. When Stephen Hawkins visited Israel recently, he shared his
wisdom with scientists, students, and even the Prime Minister. But the
world's most renown victim of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), or Lou
Gehrig's disease, also learned something, due to the Israeli Association for
ALS' advanced work in both embryonic and adult stem cell research, as well
as its proven track record with neurodegenerative diseases. The Israeli
research community is well on its way, to finding a treatment for this fatal
disease, which affects 30,000 Americans.
4. Israeli start-up, Veterix, has developed an innovative new
electronic capsule that sits in the stomach of a cow, sheep, or goat,
sending out real-time information on the health of the herd, to the farmer
via Email or cell phone. The e-capsule, which also sends out alerts if
animals are distressed, injured, or lost, is now being tested on a herd of
cows, in the hopes that the device will lead to tastier and healthier meat
and milk supplies.
5. The millions of Skype users worldwide will soon have access to
the newly developed KishKish lie-detector. This free internet service, based
on voice stress analysis (a technique, commonly used in criminal
investigations), will be able to measure just how truthful that person on
the other end of the line, really is.
6. Beating cardiac tissue has been created in a lab from human
embryonic stem cells by researchers at the Rappaport Medical Faculty and
the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology's biomedical Engineerin g
faculty. The work of Dr. Shulamit Levenberg and Prof. Lior Gepstein, has
also led to the creation of tiny blood vessels within the tissue, making
possible its implantation in a human heart.
7. Israel's Magal Security Systems, is a worldwide leader in
computerized security systems, with products used in more than 70 countries
around the world, protecting anything from national borders, to nuclear
facilities, refineries, and airports. The company's latest Product,
DreamBox, a state-of-the-art security system that includes Intelligent
video, audio and sensor management, is now being used by a major water
authority on the US east coast to safeguard the utility's sites.
8. It is common knowledge that dogs have better night vision than
humans and a vastly superior sense of smell and hearing. Israel's
Bio-Sense Technologies, recently delved further, and electronically
analyzed 350 different barks. Finding that dogs of all breeds and sizes,
bark the same alarm when they sense a threat, the firm has designed the dog
bark-reader, a sensor that can pick up a dog's alarm bark, and alert the
human operators. This is just one of a batch of innovative security systems
to emerge from Israel, which Forbes calls 'the go-to country for
anti-terrorism technologies.'
9. Israeli company, BioControl Medical, sold its first electrical
stimulator to treat urinary incontinence to a US company for $50 Million.
Now, it is working on CardioFit, which uses electrical nerve stimulation to
treat congestive heart failure. With nearly five million Americans presently
affected by heart failure, and more than 400,000 new cases diagnosed yearly,
the CardioFit is already generating a great deal of excitement as the first
device with the potential to halt this deadly disease.
10. One year after Norway's Socialist Left Party launched its
boycott Israel campaign, the importing of Israeli goods has increased by
15%, the strongest increase in many years, Statistics Norway reports. In
contrast to the efforts of tiny Israel to make contributions to the world so
as to better mankind, one has to ask what have those who have strived to
eliminate Israel from the face of the earth done other than to create hate
and bloodshed.
-- Advertisement --
Sometimes people forget, but the women were standing around Har Sinai too! (I bet you didn't know that).
I wasn't sure at first if you call it a Yeshiva, a Seminary, a Jewish Center for Advance Learning, or a Midrasha (apparently Midrasha is the right term), but Nishmat definitely has programs for any Woman who wants to learn Torah.
Nishmat has been around for a while, but I recall they really gained attention when they started their Women's Halachic Hotline and program for Yoatzot (primarily women Halachic experts for women related Halachic questions - that makes sense to me).
This summer (July 1 to July 22) they are running a series of summer programs for all levels of Jewish women, from beginners to very advanced, and for all ages too. And of course they have their year round, regular post-high school programs, as well as full and part-time learning programs for adults.
The summer program also includes some "Israel Experiences" such as Shabbatonim and Tiyulim.
So all you women reading this blog, go check out Nishmat because this is your opportunity to really learn something.
And if you're a guy, have I got a Shidduch for you. (OK, that was totally out of place, but I couldn't resist.)
Sometimes people forget, but the women were standing around Har Sinai too! (I bet you didn't know that).
I wasn't sure at first if you call it a Yeshiva, a Seminary, a Jewish Center for Advance Learning, or a Midrasha (apparently Midrasha is the right term), but Nishmat definitely has programs for any Woman who wants to learn Torah.
Nishmat has been around for a while, but I recall they really gained attention when they started their Women's Halachic Hotline and program for Yoatzot (primarily women Halachic experts for women related Halachic questions - that makes sense to me).
This summer (July 1 to July 22) they are running a series of summer programs for all levels of Jewish women, from beginners to very advanced, and for all ages too. And of course they have their year round, regular post-high school programs, as well as full and part-time learning programs for adults.
The summer program also includes some "Israel Experiences" such as Shabbatonim and Tiyulim.
So all you women reading this blog, go check out Nishmat because this is your opportunity to really learn something.
And if you're a guy, have I got a Shidduch for you. (OK, that was totally out of place, but I couldn't resist.)
Thursday, May 22, 2008
I love reading Moshe Feiglin, he always has a different angle on everything.
No Knee-Jerk Reactions
by Moshe Feiglin
This week’s Mabat Sheni show featured a debate between Yesha Council head Danny Dayan and extreme Left MK Avshalom Vilan. Vilan recently proposed legislation that would apply the Evacuation/Compensation law to the Jewish residents of Judea and Samaria, compensating them for their property now as a way to encourage them to leave.
In the expected knee-jerk reaction, Yesha Council head Dayan argued eloquently against the proposal. The morning after the show, I sent out a press release in support of Vilan’s proposal. The facts on the ground turn up some interesting results to support Vilan’s idea.
First of all, there are almost no homes, apartments or caravans to buy or rent in Judea and Samaria. Nearly one hundred per cent occupancy. This situation is partly due to the government prohibition against building or development in most of the area. But the fact is that a lot more people want to get in than to leave. Housing prices in Judea and Samaria have soared as a result, making rentals in my home town of Karnei Shomron, for example, more expensive than in comfortably-within-the-Green-Line Kfar Saba. In addition, Judea and Samaria have the highest birth rates in the country, meaning that it is thank G-d, getting crowded. Nobody is interested in forcing people to stay. If Vilan’s proposal would lure a few non-committed residents out, they would be replaced in no time by highly idealistic and committed people.
Secondly, I hope that Vilan is fair enough to extend his proposal to all the areas in Israel for which the state is incapable of providing security. Some residents of the Kfar Aza kibbutz near Gaza have already left their homes after a kibbutz member was killed by a Kassam. This murder, like so many others, would not have happened if Israel had not adopted the hallucinatory policies of Vilan and his ilk. But the sad truth is that presently, residents of all the areas within Kassam range should have the same privileges that Vilan has so graciously proposed to the settlers. They should also be paid to move to a place where the state can protect them.
By the way, Vilan’s proposal is obviously just a lot of hot air. Israel has not even properly compensated the settlers that it forcibly evicted from their homes in Gush Katif under the current Evacuation/Compensation law. How would it possibly compensate others who willingly leave?
So there is no need for the knee-jerk reaction. It is time to call the Leftists’ bluff and to expose their ridiculous logic for all to see.
No Knee-Jerk Reactions
by Moshe Feiglin
This week’s Mabat Sheni show featured a debate between Yesha Council head Danny Dayan and extreme Left MK Avshalom Vilan. Vilan recently proposed legislation that would apply the Evacuation/Compensation law to the Jewish residents of Judea and Samaria, compensating them for their property now as a way to encourage them to leave.
In the expected knee-jerk reaction, Yesha Council head Dayan argued eloquently against the proposal. The morning after the show, I sent out a press release in support of Vilan’s proposal. The facts on the ground turn up some interesting results to support Vilan’s idea.
First of all, there are almost no homes, apartments or caravans to buy or rent in Judea and Samaria. Nearly one hundred per cent occupancy. This situation is partly due to the government prohibition against building or development in most of the area. But the fact is that a lot more people want to get in than to leave. Housing prices in Judea and Samaria have soared as a result, making rentals in my home town of Karnei Shomron, for example, more expensive than in comfortably-within-the-Green-Line Kfar Saba. In addition, Judea and Samaria have the highest birth rates in the country, meaning that it is thank G-d, getting crowded. Nobody is interested in forcing people to stay. If Vilan’s proposal would lure a few non-committed residents out, they would be replaced in no time by highly idealistic and committed people.
Secondly, I hope that Vilan is fair enough to extend his proposal to all the areas in Israel for which the state is incapable of providing security. Some residents of the Kfar Aza kibbutz near Gaza have already left their homes after a kibbutz member was killed by a Kassam. This murder, like so many others, would not have happened if Israel had not adopted the hallucinatory policies of Vilan and his ilk. But the sad truth is that presently, residents of all the areas within Kassam range should have the same privileges that Vilan has so graciously proposed to the settlers. They should also be paid to move to a place where the state can protect them.
By the way, Vilan’s proposal is obviously just a lot of hot air. Israel has not even properly compensated the settlers that it forcibly evicted from their homes in Gush Katif under the current Evacuation/Compensation law. How would it possibly compensate others who willingly leave?
So there is no need for the knee-jerk reaction. It is time to call the Leftists’ bluff and to expose their ridiculous logic for all to see.
After the surprise attack on Chanukah candles this year, I am waiting for the denouncements of Lag BaOmer. Why haven't the greens come out to demand one less bonfire?Actually, I can't stand the bonfires. And honestly I don't get it. To me it's one very weird Israeli custom.
But the bonfires are great for the environment. The next day, the sky is always covered with gray clouds.
What better way to help reduce global warming than by creating artificial cloud cover to help reflect away the globally warming rays of the sun and other stellar bodies?
So all you environmentalists out there, go light up a bonfire - it's for the environment.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
I wonder if anyone else has noticed that Google is slowing down big time. I don't mean in terms of the response time for a search, but in terms of how fast it is updating with new data.
Obviously some ("important") sites get updated quickly in Google, while others later, but it seems in general that their search for/on sites is no where near as quick as it used to be.
I used to get alerts for things within a half hour of items being posted. Now I get it 3 days later.
Has the Internet become too wide and too slow? Have Google's servers and network hit a wall/ceiling?
Will this make the news, and is it news at all?
Obviously some ("important") sites get updated quickly in Google, while others later, but it seems in general that their search for/on sites is no where near as quick as it used to be.
I used to get alerts for things within a half hour of items being posted. Now I get it 3 days later.
Has the Internet become too wide and too slow? Have Google's servers and network hit a wall/ceiling?
Will this make the news, and is it news at all?
These past few days, one of my kids has been trying to teach my youngest child how to "behave" properly and how to speak English.
So something that is locked or sealed is now called "Pesach". A locked cabinet is "Pesach", a locked door is "Pesach".
When something shouldn't be touched (like his HIS ball, HIS toy, or HIS computer game) we hear, "No, it's Shabbat".
While it's cute, as a parent, I suspect we're really not getting the right message across to our kids about what the holidays are about.
Hmmm.
Any advice?
So something that is locked or sealed is now called "Pesach". A locked cabinet is "Pesach", a locked door is "Pesach".
When something shouldn't be touched (like his HIS ball, HIS toy, or HIS computer game) we hear, "No, it's Shabbat".
While it's cute, as a parent, I suspect we're really not getting the right message across to our kids about what the holidays are about.
Hmmm.
Any advice?
In response to Hamas's blocking fuel access for the average citizen, Gazan's have gone green (and I don't mean donkeys).
In Gaza, they are using cooking oils and electric cars.
Cooking oil isn't the best solution, and it's better to use some sort of gas/oil mixture, and some claim it's bad for the environment.
And while it's nice they have "electric" cars, all they really did was string together car batteries. Not exactly a practical, rechargeable solution.
But hey, why not?
In Gaza, they are using cooking oils and electric cars.
Cooking oil isn't the best solution, and it's better to use some sort of gas/oil mixture, and some claim it's bad for the environment.
And while it's nice they have "electric" cars, all they really did was string together car batteries. Not exactly a practical, rechargeable solution.
But hey, why not?
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
3 IDF soldiers who shot terrorist sentenced to 10 days military prison
Three IDF soldiers, all residents of Beit El, were sentenced Tuesday to ten days in military prison for hiking in the Ein Yavrod area north of Ramallah without the army's permission.
During the hike they shot to death a Palestinian who allegedly opened fire on them.
Honestly, what more could you add to this article that doesn't already explain everything that is still wrong in the army?
(By the way, the Halamish brothers are supposed to go to jail today - another absurdity).
That's it. I've put my quest on hold for a new orange T"Z case.
I looked. I asked. They don't exist anymore.
I sent the wife to get me a new blue case from Misrad Hapnim, and she was told I can't get one unless I return to them my old blue one (which of course I don't have).
So I went there myself and pulled out the pieces of my old orange case and was immediately told that as someone Orange, I could have a new case, but she doesn't have any Orange ones to give me either, so I have to take Blue.
I transferred my papers, but it feels weird in my pocket.
I looked. I asked. They don't exist anymore.
I sent the wife to get me a new blue case from Misrad Hapnim, and she was told I can't get one unless I return to them my old blue one (which of course I don't have).
So I went there myself and pulled out the pieces of my old orange case and was immediately told that as someone Orange, I could have a new case, but she doesn't have any Orange ones to give me either, so I have to take Blue.
I transferred my papers, but it feels weird in my pocket.
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Jameel and I have been looking for replacement Orange T"Z covers, as ours have become completely worn out. We can't find them anywhere.
Anyone one know where we can get some?
Anyone one know where we can get some?
Call me a Global Warming Skeptic, I have no problem with that.
Saul Singer wrote an important and intelligent piece in response to those who have turned Global Warming into a religion - taking nature out of the equations and completely or primarily blaming it on human behavior.
Required reading in my opinion.
Having said that, I am all in favor of reduced fossil fuel emissions (less local pollution, more savings?), and alternative energy sources like nuclear power and the like. My gas bill is way too high.
Of course, while people have been talking about bio-fuels as alternatives to traditional gas, now we’re hearing that that is causing part of the food shortage.
Suddenly cows passing gas in mass amounts are causing the rise in methane in the air…
Seems you just can’t win.
Anyway, reader Leora asked that I talk about Electric cars and Israel, so here it goes.
I like the idea of Electric cars. They’re very sci-fi. Quiet too.
Of course, they have the same problems as your laptop. Short battery life, and long recharge times.
Israel is a world leader in Electric car development. We’ve got a guy named Shai Agassi (his blog) who started a company full of smart people who knew they could easily find investment money and get big salaries when you talk alternative energy solutions to the right people.
One idea he is promoting is swappable batteries at every gas station. Drive in, swap the old battery with an already recharged one, and away you go.
Anyway, electric is the future, especially as I think we’ve reached the end-stage on existing and future oil fields (unless someone figures out how to easily and cheaply extract it from shale).
Of course, how you produce that electric energy is a big question too. Producing it with polluting fuels is the most common method in Israel (Asthma is a big problem in Haifa, supposedly from the polution caused by the Israel Electric Company).
Actually, Israel is not a world leader in producing electricity from alternative methods.
The country is controlled by the Israel Electric Corporation, and it is actually illegal to produce your own electricity for commercial use.
If you drove around the Golan you might have seen the windmills sitting there, you’d know they are just sitting there and not producing electricity, because that would be illegal for them to do.
Now, the IEC claims they are planning to put solar powered systems in the Negev.
Israeli companies are the leader in developing that too, but don’t count on us actually using it that quickly. That would be illegal for anyone but the IEC to do, and what is there incentive?
And finally, you may have heard of the Red-Dead or Med-Dead project (recently revived at Peres’s latest shin-ding). They would produce hydroelectric power from the elevation differential of the water being transferred. Cool idea (especially in the hot summer when we maybe could swim in it). Again, I’m not counting on it so quickly, but it is very interesting, as it would also solve some of the region’s potable water issues too.
So in answer to your question, Israel is a world leader in alternative energy development. We are behind the curve in implementation.
Saul Singer wrote an important and intelligent piece in response to those who have turned Global Warming into a religion - taking nature out of the equations and completely or primarily blaming it on human behavior.
Required reading in my opinion.
Having said that, I am all in favor of reduced fossil fuel emissions (less local pollution, more savings?), and alternative energy sources like nuclear power and the like. My gas bill is way too high.
Of course, while people have been talking about bio-fuels as alternatives to traditional gas, now we’re hearing that that is causing part of the food shortage.
Suddenly cows passing gas in mass amounts are causing the rise in methane in the air…
Seems you just can’t win.
Anyway, reader Leora asked that I talk about Electric cars and Israel, so here it goes.
I like the idea of Electric cars. They’re very sci-fi. Quiet too.
Of course, they have the same problems as your laptop. Short battery life, and long recharge times.
Israel is a world leader in Electric car development. We’ve got a guy named Shai Agassi (his blog) who started a company full of smart people who knew they could easily find investment money and get big salaries when you talk alternative energy solutions to the right people.
One idea he is promoting is swappable batteries at every gas station. Drive in, swap the old battery with an already recharged one, and away you go.
Anyway, electric is the future, especially as I think we’ve reached the end-stage on existing and future oil fields (unless someone figures out how to easily and cheaply extract it from shale).
Of course, how you produce that electric energy is a big question too. Producing it with polluting fuels is the most common method in Israel (Asthma is a big problem in Haifa, supposedly from the polution caused by the Israel Electric Company).
Actually, Israel is not a world leader in producing electricity from alternative methods.
The country is controlled by the Israel Electric Corporation, and it is actually illegal to produce your own electricity for commercial use.
If you drove around the Golan you might have seen the windmills sitting there, you’d know they are just sitting there and not producing electricity, because that would be illegal for them to do.
Now, the IEC claims they are planning to put solar powered systems in the Negev.
Israeli companies are the leader in developing that too, but don’t count on us actually using it that quickly. That would be illegal for anyone but the IEC to do, and what is there incentive?
And finally, you may have heard of the Red-Dead or Med-Dead project (recently revived at Peres’s latest shin-ding). They would produce hydroelectric power from the elevation differential of the water being transferred. Cool idea (especially in the hot summer when we maybe could swim in it). Again, I’m not counting on it so quickly, but it is very interesting, as it would also solve some of the region’s potable water issues too.
So in answer to your question, Israel is a world leader in alternative energy development. We are behind the curve in implementation.
As members of Leftwing organizations and Arabs continue to uproot trees and farms planted by Jews, this continued yesterday with a gang of Arab terrorists burning down of an entire wheat field (planted before Shmittah) in the Shomron of the town of Yitzhar.
Like other attacks on Jewish farms this was documented and viewed by the army, who for a change attempted to stop it.
Plenty of articles for you to read on the subject:
http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/126202
http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/123467
http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/95882
http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/122107
http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/121585
Like other attacks on Jewish farms this was documented and viewed by the army, who for a change attempted to stop it.
Plenty of articles for you to read on the subject:
http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/126202
http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/123467
http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/95882
http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/122107
http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/121585
The JP has some great Omlet related lines from some rich Americans and fund-raisers:
And my personal favorite:
- Most Jewish donors would never give a nickel to an Israeli politician," a veteran senior American Jewish fund-raiser said over the weekend .
- "Israel's election laws need changing," agreed the fund-raiser. "I understand they're really Byzantine."
- Your laws are screwed up," quipped an American Jewish donor and lay leader. "If every prime minister has been accused of the same thing, there's something wrong with the system."
And my personal favorite:
- "People are joking that the whole conference was held so they [the police] could question everybody in one go," a senior Jewish executive said.
Friday, May 16, 2008
Food prices are again rising in Israel, and not just on rice (a single bag of rice went up from NIS 8 to NIS 13).
On average I would say that the average price for food products (especially staple products) in the supermarkets rose at least 10%-15% in the past two months. I don't have documented statistical data to back it up, other than the price tags on some new and old items I happen to have, and my rising weekly shopping bill.
Again, Israel's very large weak sector is tremendously hurt by this.
This is very disturbing.
On average I would say that the average price for food products (especially staple products) in the supermarkets rose at least 10%-15% in the past two months. I don't have documented statistical data to back it up, other than the price tags on some new and old items I happen to have, and my rising weekly shopping bill.
Again, Israel's very large weak sector is tremendously hurt by this.
This is very disturbing.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Here are two recent pieces by Moshe Feiglin on Law and Ethical Behavior. Convenient timing that.
The Rule of Law and Other Troubles
For all of those waiting to see Olmert forced out of office, I suggest that you don't hold your breath. Olmert is a product of his times and surroundings. His corruption is not a meteor that exploded here with no warning. It is more like the tip of a very slippery iceberg that reaches into the depths and cannot easily be removed and forgotten.
The corruption from which Israel suffers is based on its culture of "the rule of law." The law should be nothing more than a tool, designed to keep the peace and define the limits of what is permissible and what is prohibited. The law is meant to reflect - not shape - a national culture. It is meant to direct our public lives according to the values dictated by our culture and traditions. In a normal situation, the law does not "rule." What does rule is justice and morality. The law is designed to help society define its unique expression of justice and morality.
In Israel, justice and morality have disappeared from our national lives. In their stead, we have the "rule of law." "The rule of law" is abused to justify every abomination and to make every outrage legitimate. Because, after all, there is nothing worse than opposing "the law."
This is a unique strain of fascism - an odious form of idol worship. The "rule of law" idol was implanted in the brains of the soldiers who carried out the Expulsion from Gush Katif. Their natural Jewish morals were neutralized by "the rule of law", held in much higher esteem than any other values (obeying G-d's commandments, for example).
And who is the prime minister of the state of "the rule of law?" A seasoned lawyer, of course. A small-time criminal acts against the law. A medium criminal evades the law, while a big-time criminal commits his crime by means of the law. Our current prime minister is a medium criminal. He just may manage to prove that he didn't break the law, after all.
Livni Next in Line?
What if Olmert steps down? Who is the right candidate to replace him? Is there anybody in the Kadimah party that is not corrupt? Tzipi Livni?
Tzipi Livni is a member of the big-time criminal party. In other words, she is a member of the party that commits its crimes by means of the law. I do not know of any money that Livni stole. But she is guilty of a much more serious robbery. Livni was elected by the public to serve as a Knesset member in the Likud party and to expedite its policies. But to the cheers of the media that took an active part in the vote heist arranged by Sharon, Livni took the electoral check that she had received from the voters and - instead of depositing it in the account to which she was sent - deposited it in the account of a different party.
This successful political heist - more corrupt than a financial heist - has positioned Livni as the prime ministerial hopeful. So please don't tell me that Livni is not corrupt. She may not have "broken the law," but from an ethical standpoint her actions are reprehensible.
Be that as it may, Livni is not the problem. I do not think that she understands that she is corrupt. Why should she? The Israeli public does not understand, either.
What Next?
I do not think that Olmert will fall in the very near future. The corruption that the current Olmert scandal had begun to reveal is much broader and deeper than Olmert's personal involvement. It will eventually encompass many more public personalities and organizations.
Israel's loss of destiny has blocked its national life flow. The stench of the corruption swamp created in its place can no longer be ignored. True Jewish leadership with vision can drain the swamp of corruption and restore Israel to its national destiny and vitality. And that means that we must be prepared to lead.
Elections will take place in Israel - sooner or later. We [Manhigut Yehudit] must be completely prepared for the elections for the Knesset and the race for prime minister.
The Rule of Law and Other Troubles
For all of those waiting to see Olmert forced out of office, I suggest that you don't hold your breath. Olmert is a product of his times and surroundings. His corruption is not a meteor that exploded here with no warning. It is more like the tip of a very slippery iceberg that reaches into the depths and cannot easily be removed and forgotten.
The corruption from which Israel suffers is based on its culture of "the rule of law." The law should be nothing more than a tool, designed to keep the peace and define the limits of what is permissible and what is prohibited. The law is meant to reflect - not shape - a national culture. It is meant to direct our public lives according to the values dictated by our culture and traditions. In a normal situation, the law does not "rule." What does rule is justice and morality. The law is designed to help society define its unique expression of justice and morality.
In Israel, justice and morality have disappeared from our national lives. In their stead, we have the "rule of law." "The rule of law" is abused to justify every abomination and to make every outrage legitimate. Because, after all, there is nothing worse than opposing "the law."
This is a unique strain of fascism - an odious form of idol worship. The "rule of law" idol was implanted in the brains of the soldiers who carried out the Expulsion from Gush Katif. Their natural Jewish morals were neutralized by "the rule of law", held in much higher esteem than any other values (obeying G-d's commandments, for example).
And who is the prime minister of the state of "the rule of law?" A seasoned lawyer, of course. A small-time criminal acts against the law. A medium criminal evades the law, while a big-time criminal commits his crime by means of the law. Our current prime minister is a medium criminal. He just may manage to prove that he didn't break the law, after all.
Livni Next in Line?
What if Olmert steps down? Who is the right candidate to replace him? Is there anybody in the Kadimah party that is not corrupt? Tzipi Livni?
Tzipi Livni is a member of the big-time criminal party. In other words, she is a member of the party that commits its crimes by means of the law. I do not know of any money that Livni stole. But she is guilty of a much more serious robbery. Livni was elected by the public to serve as a Knesset member in the Likud party and to expedite its policies. But to the cheers of the media that took an active part in the vote heist arranged by Sharon, Livni took the electoral check that she had received from the voters and - instead of depositing it in the account to which she was sent - deposited it in the account of a different party.
This successful political heist - more corrupt than a financial heist - has positioned Livni as the prime ministerial hopeful. So please don't tell me that Livni is not corrupt. She may not have "broken the law," but from an ethical standpoint her actions are reprehensible.
Be that as it may, Livni is not the problem. I do not think that she understands that she is corrupt. Why should she? The Israeli public does not understand, either.
What Next?
I do not think that Olmert will fall in the very near future. The corruption that the current Olmert scandal had begun to reveal is much broader and deeper than Olmert's personal involvement. It will eventually encompass many more public personalities and organizations.
Israel's loss of destiny has blocked its national life flow. The stench of the corruption swamp created in its place can no longer be ignored. True Jewish leadership with vision can drain the swamp of corruption and restore Israel to its national destiny and vitality. And that means that we must be prepared to lead.
Elections will take place in Israel - sooner or later. We [Manhigut Yehudit] must be completely prepared for the elections for the Knesset and the race for prime minister.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
A Grad Missile (Katyusha Rocket) just hit the an Ashkelon Shopping Mall. The missile directly hit the Medical Clinic located on the top floor.
Conflicting reports regarding number of injured and damage.
All updates will be on the Muqata.
Conflicting reports regarding number of injured and damage.
All updates will be on the Muqata.
Invitation: laying cornerstone for A NEW JEWISH TOWN IN SHDEMA
BETWEEN HAR CHOMA AND EASTERN GUSH ETZION
tomorrow -- THURSDAY MAY 15th, 2008
You -- and also of course President Bush and his entire entourage -- are cordially invited to the laying of the cornerstone to a new Jewish city "Shdema". Shdema will be built on the exact location where the IDF army base "Shdema" used to be. The Shdema army camp was abandoned by the IDF and by the Israeli government as part of Olmert-Livni's plan to build an Arab city there. Shdema is located south of Har Choma, on the new Eastern Gush Etzion- Jerusalem road. Only an insane government that has no qualms abandoning its citizens to Arab terror can come up with such an outrageous idea as building the enemy new cities in strategical locations, thus endangering the lives of Jews in Jerusalem and Gush Etzion.
Even if you cannot come, please help by faxing this invitation STRAIGHT to President Bush's hotel. Fax number is below.
PROGRAM for THURSDAY MAY 15th, 2008 (details: 0505-500834 – 0505-777254- 02-9961292- 0505246770)
* Leaving from Kiryat Arba-Hebron at 8:30 am, Efrat southern gate at 8:45 am, Tekoa main gate at 9:00 am,
Har Choma (from police station) at 9:00am.
* Laying of Cornerstone by MK Prof. Arieh Eldad and the Rabbi of Nokdim. Tour of Shdema. Painting and cleaning of abandoned buildings. Lectures by Rabbi Sharbaf from Hevron and Attn Elyakim Haetzni.
* Approximate return: 1:00pm
FRIDAY MAY 16th: TOURING SHDEMA AND SURROUNDINGS
8:30 am bus will leave Kiryat Arba. 9:00 am bus will leave Efrat
Thanks: to Women in Green and other groups -- for organizing this appropriate and moving event!
Please fax this invitation directly to President Bush at his hotel. He needs to feel that many people are inviting him -- the whole Israeli public, in fact.
FAX NUMBER OF US PRESIDENT GEORGE BUSH'S HOTEL IN ISRAEL - 2 numbers: 02-6208880 02-6208882 -- IF BUSY, TRY AGAIN, hotel desk operates 24 hours a day so perhaps try late at night
IF FAX LINE SEEMS NOT TO BE WORKING, CALL THE KING DAVID HOTEL 972-2-6208888 AND REQUEST THAT THE FAX-LINE BE CHECKED.
YOUR FAX'S FIRST LINE SHOULD READ: "PLEASE DELIVER THIS FAX TO YOUR GUEST, US PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH"
BETWEEN HAR CHOMA AND EASTERN GUSH ETZION
tomorrow -- THURSDAY MAY 15th, 2008
You -- and also of course President Bush and his entire entourage -- are cordially invited to the laying of the cornerstone to a new Jewish city "Shdema". Shdema will be built on the exact location where the IDF army base "Shdema" used to be. The Shdema army camp was abandoned by the IDF and by the Israeli government as part of Olmert-Livni's plan to build an Arab city there. Shdema is located south of Har Choma, on the new Eastern Gush Etzion- Jerusalem road. Only an insane government that has no qualms abandoning its citizens to Arab terror can come up with such an outrageous idea as building the enemy new cities in strategical locations, thus endangering the lives of Jews in Jerusalem and Gush Etzion.
Even if you cannot come, please help by faxing this invitation STRAIGHT to President Bush's hotel. Fax number is below.
PROGRAM for THURSDAY MAY 15th, 2008 (details: 0505-500834 – 0505-777254- 02-9961292- 0505246770)
* Leaving from Kiryat Arba-Hebron at 8:30 am, Efrat southern gate at 8:45 am, Tekoa main gate at 9:00 am,
Har Choma (from police station) at 9:00am.
* Laying of Cornerstone by MK Prof. Arieh Eldad and the Rabbi of Nokdim. Tour of Shdema. Painting and cleaning of abandoned buildings. Lectures by Rabbi Sharbaf from Hevron and Attn Elyakim Haetzni.
* Approximate return: 1:00pm
FRIDAY MAY 16th: TOURING SHDEMA AND SURROUNDINGS
8:30 am bus will leave Kiryat Arba. 9:00 am bus will leave Efrat
Thanks: to Women in Green and other groups -- for organizing this appropriate and moving event!
Please fax this invitation directly to President Bush at his hotel. He needs to feel that many people are inviting him -- the whole Israeli public, in fact.
FAX NUMBER OF US PRESIDENT GEORGE BUSH'S HOTEL IN ISRAEL - 2 numbers: 02-6208880 02-6208882 -- IF BUSY, TRY AGAIN, hotel desk operates 24 hours a day so perhaps try late at night
IF FAX LINE SEEMS NOT TO BE WORKING, CALL THE KING DAVID HOTEL 972-2-6208888 AND REQUEST THAT THE FAX-LINE BE CHECKED.
YOUR FAX'S FIRST LINE SHOULD READ: "PLEASE DELIVER THIS FAX TO YOUR GUEST, US PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH"
I wrote a post that could be considered contraversial by some. I asked Jameel and Lurker if they think I should post it or not.
Jameel said absolutely not on his blog, and both said the subject doesn't interest them.
They then went on and on, in over 10 emails about the subject (and derivative subjects).
And they then both finished the thread with the statement that the subject matter doesn't interest them so they have no opinion on whether I should post it or not.
Aarghhh. That's doesn't help at all.
Jameel said absolutely not on his blog, and both said the subject doesn't interest them.
They then went on and on, in over 10 emails about the subject (and derivative subjects).
And they then both finished the thread with the statement that the subject matter doesn't interest them so they have no opinion on whether I should post it or not.
Aarghhh. That's doesn't help at all.
I have no supporting documentation for this, so I will leave out the names, though the original story is quite explicit in its details.
This story has been making the rounds in the Chareidi circles, but I haven't seen it in the mainstream media, so for the moment we'll file it under Chareidi Urban Legends.
Apparently a boy (obviously in Israel) was recently taken into the emergency room in bad shape. He had a seriously bad allergic reaction to something he ate.
The only thing he had eaten that day were frankfurters.
I know you health nuts will say what you will about frankfurters, but they really are a staple food whether you like it or not. (Unfortunately you can't find real ones in Israel, just watery chicken mash).
The only problem is that the boy isn't allergic to any of the ingredients in the hot dogs. He had an allergy to milk (allergy, not intolerance - different symptoms).
An investigation was run, and it was discovered that this major kosher hot dog factory in Israel had added... a powdered milk derivative into their formula.
Believe it or not.
This story has been making the rounds in the Chareidi circles, but I haven't seen it in the mainstream media, so for the moment we'll file it under Chareidi Urban Legends.
Apparently a boy (obviously in Israel) was recently taken into the emergency room in bad shape. He had a seriously bad allergic reaction to something he ate.
The only thing he had eaten that day were frankfurters.
I know you health nuts will say what you will about frankfurters, but they really are a staple food whether you like it or not. (Unfortunately you can't find real ones in Israel, just watery chicken mash).
The only problem is that the boy isn't allergic to any of the ingredients in the hot dogs. He had an allergy to milk (allergy, not intolerance - different symptoms).
An investigation was run, and it was discovered that this major kosher hot dog factory in Israel had added... a powdered milk derivative into their formula.
Believe it or not.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
A Food For Thought Question.
Let's say you lived in a third world country, where the only way to get anything done was to pay a bribe to government officials. Imagine that this was known to be the only way for permits to be granted, business deals to be closed, roads or schools built, or even to prevent the tax authorities from paying you unfair and disproportionate attention.
Perhaps no different than the formal system of institutionalized bribes and payoffs that the Ottoman empire was built around.
We can even call it Baksheesh, if you want.
So, if you wanted to live your life normally, and you pay off the required officials, did you, as an average citizen, actually do something unethical?
And if this has become the accepted mode of behavior, is the politician or bureaucrat actually guilty of unethical behavior too?
Let's say you lived in a third world country, where the only way to get anything done was to pay a bribe to government officials. Imagine that this was known to be the only way for permits to be granted, business deals to be closed, roads or schools built, or even to prevent the tax authorities from paying you unfair and disproportionate attention.
Perhaps no different than the formal system of institutionalized bribes and payoffs that the Ottoman empire was built around.
We can even call it Baksheesh, if you want.
So, if you wanted to live your life normally, and you pay off the required officials, did you, as an average citizen, actually do something unethical?
And if this has become the accepted mode of behavior, is the politician or bureaucrat actually guilty of unethical behavior too?
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Here is an interesting tidbit I just found out.
The Oilam is always saying we must be more green, ecologically aware, and take positive action against global warming.
But there is only one country in the entire world that began 2008 with more trees than it had in 2007 (and 2006...).
Yup, that is Israel.
How cool is that?
And you can thank the KKL-JNF for that. (and that's even with moving the donor plaques from tree to tree!)
(Trees help prevent global warming - if global warming really exists).
The Oilam is always saying we must be more green, ecologically aware, and take positive action against global warming.
But there is only one country in the entire world that began 2008 with more trees than it had in 2007 (and 2006...).
Yup, that is Israel.
How cool is that?
And you can thank the KKL-JNF for that. (and that's even with moving the donor plaques from tree to tree!)
(Trees help prevent global warming - if global warming really exists).
-- Advertisement --
For some reason I am being inundated with visitors (not complaining) from sites like "The High Road", "Small Dead Animals" and "Because No One Asked" to name a few.
Welcome. I talk local politics here too.
Apparently you are all looking for cool things to do in Israel, and the idea of learning to shoot with Israeli special forces soldiers at Caliber-3 is on top of your list.
You have very good taste.
But while you're at it, just to let you know, in Israel we have more than just shooting. We have jeeping, canyoning, mountain biking, and other adventures.
Here is a video of the "IDF Experience" with the "Israel Challenge" guys.
You see! We have more than just shooting here.
For some reason I am being inundated with visitors (not complaining) from sites like "The High Road", "Small Dead Animals" and "Because No One Asked" to name a few.
Welcome. I talk local politics here too.
Apparently you are all looking for cool things to do in Israel, and the idea of learning to shoot with Israeli special forces soldiers at Caliber-3 is on top of your list.
You have very good taste.
But while you're at it, just to let you know, in Israel we have more than just shooting. We have jeeping, canyoning, mountain biking, and other adventures.
Here is a video of the "IDF Experience" with the "Israel Challenge" guys.
You see! We have more than just shooting here.
Friday, May 09, 2008
Honestly, I'm only lightly paying attention to continuing internecine fighting in Lebanon. Nothing new that Arabs are killing each other and it barely makes the news.
But, when Hezbollah (read: Syria... Iran) does manage to complete its takeover of Lebanon, well, then Beirut will be in the news again. Because the attacks on Israel will recommence.
Not much to add here on that, except following the fall of the Beirut airport, you would think that would be headlines.
...
As I'm writing this, control of the Beirut TV stations were lost to the Lebanon government, and finally the news outlets are paying attention. (I guess it's only news when its something you can relate to personally).
But, when Hezbollah (read: Syria... Iran) does manage to complete its takeover of Lebanon, well, then Beirut will be in the news again. Because the attacks on Israel will recommence.
Not much to add here on that, except following the fall of the Beirut airport, you would think that would be headlines.
...
As I'm writing this, control of the Beirut TV stations were lost to the Lebanon government, and finally the news outlets are paying attention. (I guess it's only news when its something you can relate to personally).
Monday, May 05, 2008
Ha’aretz claims that their probe indicates that the current Olmert investigation revolves around Olmert using his position to help promote his wife’s artwork and art career.
I’m not much of a modern art critic, but how much would you pay for these, and would you really want them in your house?
I’m not much of a modern art critic, but how much would you pay for these, and would you really want them in your house?
(Gads, I don't even want to see it on the blog!)My wife has another theory.
Forget million dollar discounts on Cremioux. This involves a much better way of
And seriously, after looking at those two samples of her work, can there be any doubt in anyone’s mind what the buyers were really buying for all that money?
You read it here (JoeSettler) first.
From the SOS-Israel Site, in honor of the 60 years of the State of Israel:
The picture is of the Neve Dekalim Shul and Hesder Yeshiva that was destroyed by the Expulsion. The orange text says "Destruction of 35 years of Settlements in Gush Katif". The text below lists all the Jewish towns that were destroyed.
The picture is of the Neve Dekalim Shul and Hesder Yeshiva that was destroyed by the Expulsion. The orange text says "Destruction of 35 years of Settlements in Gush Katif". The text below lists all the Jewish towns that were destroyed.
Sunday, May 04, 2008
What are you doing for Yom Ha'atzmaut?
We want to know (actually we don't have plans yet, and are simply out of ideas).
So far, Jameel invited us to go to Chomesh with him. But let's hear what else may be on the table.
If anyone is going (or went) on an Israel Challenge adventure (jeeping, canyoning, hiking, rappelling, shooting, etc.) let me know also. I'd like to hear how that went, and maybe even give you a guest post.
We want to know (actually we don't have plans yet, and are simply out of ideas).
So far, Jameel invited us to go to Chomesh with him. But let's hear what else may be on the table.
If anyone is going (or went) on an Israel Challenge adventure (jeeping, canyoning, hiking, rappelling, shooting, etc.) let me know also. I'd like to hear how that went, and maybe even give you a guest post.
Last week, Olmert destroyed a Swimming Pool that was an Obstacle to Peace.
This pool, built in the middle of a 25 home "outpost" (all on Jewish owned land), was preventing progress on Peace Talks with our enemies who are still trying to kill us.
Actually the owner is a well known lawyer who defends (and wins) cases for Settlers against political persecution. I guess that put him on someone's black list.
Anyway, now that Olmert is under, what is being called, a very serious investigation, it is only a matter of time before he pulls a Sharon and starts Kow Towing to the Left to save his political chair (or what sits on the chair).
That means more uprooting and destruction is on the way, God forbid.
This pool, built in the middle of a 25 home "outpost" (all on Jewish owned land), was preventing progress on Peace Talks with our enemies who are still trying to kill us.
Actually the owner is a well known lawyer who defends (and wins) cases for Settlers against political persecution. I guess that put him on someone's black list.
Anyway, now that Olmert is under, what is being called, a very serious investigation, it is only a matter of time before he pulls a Sharon and starts Kow Towing to the Left to save his political chair (or what sits on the chair).
That means more uprooting and destruction is on the way, God forbid.
Saturday, May 03, 2008
Every now and then when I have free time, I drive the kids all the way over to Elazar to the zoo. It’s a great zoo, but unfortunately, the only time they seem to be open is when I am busy (and you have to make reservations to get in anyway).
So we drive there, and stand outside looking at the ostriches and the peacock (occasionally the ducks if we can see them).
While driving around with the family this Friday I had a great idea.
Bat Ayin is full of Granolies and Hippies (half of them doctors, lawyers and programmers in the real world).
I bet they have animals.
So we drove in and asked the country boy driving a tractor, and found out that someone there actually does run a farm.
And lo and behold, chickens, roosters, peacocks, goats, ducks, geese, (quails?) and puppies galore.
We asked permission to go in and got it. (Always important.)
The kids were in heaven, they could pet all the animals, and all the animals wanted to be petted (especially the puppies, and especially the puppy who wanted to go home with my son, and my son wanted to take the puppy home).
I’m not telling you all to go down there, as this is someone’s private home and business and really not a petting zoo, and they shouldn’t be pestered by the crowds, but what a bunch of nice people they are in Bat Ayin, and what a great time my kids had.
So we drive there, and stand outside looking at the ostriches and the peacock (occasionally the ducks if we can see them).
While driving around with the family this Friday I had a great idea.
Bat Ayin is full of Granolies and Hippies (half of them doctors, lawyers and programmers in the real world).
I bet they have animals.
So we drove in and asked the country boy driving a tractor, and found out that someone there actually does run a farm.
And lo and behold, chickens, roosters, peacocks, goats, ducks, geese, (quails?) and puppies galore.
We asked permission to go in and got it. (Always important.)
The kids were in heaven, they could pet all the animals, and all the animals wanted to be petted (especially the puppies, and especially the puppy who wanted to go home with my son, and my son wanted to take the puppy home).
I’m not telling you all to go down there, as this is someone’s private home and business and really not a petting zoo, and they shouldn’t be pestered by the crowds, but what a bunch of nice people they are in Bat Ayin, and what a great time my kids had.
Friday, May 02, 2008
The Left loves to claim that Jerusalem isn’t united because Jews don’t live in “Arab” neighborhoods. Of course when Jews move into “Arab” neighborhoods, the Leftists howl and scream (what a strange definition of Leftist we have in Israel, how far from liberal they really are).
The Jerusalem Post has an article about a new upper-class neighborhood/project called Nof Zion which is being built in Jebl Mukaber. The Leftists are fuming. And the Jews are moving in.
The other day we were driving through Ras el-Amud (spelled something like that) – it is on/near Har HaZaitim.
You should go if you get the chance. It has the most amazing view of Jerusalem and the Old City from another vantage point. One of the local Arabs even invited us to take a look at his house.
Normally I would have gone in, but due to a severe lack of time we had to decline.
Anyway, as we were driving through we were surprised to see a new project there being built called Ma’aleh haZaitim. A fitting name due to its proximity to Har HaZaitim. Where else but Israel would the biggest selling point be the proximity of the neighborhood to a cemetery.
They are now beginning to build phase 2 of the project. It’s very nice.
Jerusalem United – as it should be.
The Jerusalem Post has an article about a new upper-class neighborhood/project called Nof Zion which is being built in Jebl Mukaber. The Leftists are fuming. And the Jews are moving in.
The other day we were driving through Ras el-Amud (spelled something like that) – it is on/near Har HaZaitim.
You should go if you get the chance. It has the most amazing view of Jerusalem and the Old City from another vantage point. One of the local Arabs even invited us to take a look at his house.
Normally I would have gone in, but due to a severe lack of time we had to decline.
Anyway, as we were driving through we were surprised to see a new project there being built called Ma’aleh haZaitim. A fitting name due to its proximity to Har HaZaitim. Where else but Israel would the biggest selling point be the proximity of the neighborhood to a cemetery.
They are now beginning to build phase 2 of the project. It’s very nice.
Jerusalem United – as it should be.
Thursday, May 01, 2008
So the price of gas in Israel is about to go up... again, this time to $7.19 a gallon.
My parents asked me how do we survive with gas that high?
I don't know.
Ben Bayit answered in the comments section:
B/C your home costs 1/3 the price of an equivalent sized home in a major Orthodox neighborhood in the USA, and your kids tuition costs about 25% of equivalent tuition from K thru College, and health care costs about 25% of what it does in the USA.
That makes up for a lot of gasoline.
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