My life under the iron rain

Click for Sderot - Israel Activism, Ynetnews

2008-02-27T08:56:00.001+02:00

Think Facebook is only for keeping up with friends or the latest gossip? Now the popular social networking website is being utilized as a powerful tool, taking the protests against the Qassam fire on Sderot to a global level.

Groups of students from the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom are using Facebook to organize mass oversees rallies in support of Sderot’s weary residents, calling on the world to aid the battered town.

This web-based activism initially started with a Facebook forum launched by two Israeli friends: Udi Ben-David (25) from Ashkelon, and Yonatan Saban of Jerusalem. In their forum, the two Israelis called on web surfers across the world to hold rallies in support of Sderot’s long suffering residents.

At first the two friends assumed that no one would heed their request, but they were pleasantly surprised. A few days later a deluge of websurfers from England, the US and Canada began to contact them and show interest in their Sderot campaign. More than 3,000 individuals confirmed their attendance at world-wide rallies, and an additional 20,000 surfers were invited to attend.

“I was shocked at how many people signed up for our campaign,” said Ben-David. “The people who signed up are mainly Jews who also got their friends to sign up. I think that hundreds of additional people will also hold and attend such rallies. We have had tremendous backing and it’s just amazing. It might serve to change things.”

The first of these worldwide demonstrations will be held on February 25th in Toronto Canada. A rally is planned for the 2nd of March in Manhattan, New York, followed by an additional rally the next day in Queens. A final New York demonstration will be held on the 5th of March in Brooklyn.

Three additional US demonstrations will be held on the 8th and 9th of March in Maryland, followed by a rally in Santa Barbara California on the 20th of March. A demonstration will also be held in London, but a date has not yet been set for this rally.

One person in each city is responsible for organizing and managing these rallies for Sderot. Benjy Davis, a 20 year-old New York college student, will be organizing the Manhattan rally. Davis has visited Sderot before, and knows all about the incessant Qassam attacks on the town first hand.

“I want the world to know that Sderot is not a Jewish problem, but the world’s problem,” said Davis. This is a humanitarian crisis which the world must act to resolve, especially as today we are all part of one global village. We plan to activate the Color Red alert system during the rally to show people just how frightening it really is.”

Max Salzmann (21), a fellow New York college student, wholeheartedly agrees. “People in Gaza are walking around normally and feeling safe, while people in Sderot live in fear. Sderot’s suffering is the world’s suffering," he said.

"The Qassams continue to land and it will not let up anytime soon," added Salzmann. "We do not oppose the Israeli government. On the contrary, we support it, and demand that it do more to help Sderot and its battered residents.”

It appears that now help for Sderot just might be a mouse-click away.

Click for Sderot - Israel Activism, Ynetnews

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Frankly, Mr. Morrissey

2008-02-23T23:48:00.004+02:00

Last night me and some of my good friends went to T.A. to special party made out mostly of Smiths songs,it was fun but dancing while listening to lyrics such as "hung by his pretty white neck" or Real Poetry (no sarcasm here) like
"but when you are tied to your mother's apron,no-one talks about castration",while seeing pretty girls moving her hips and smiling really makes the whole situation surreal,but maybe things like these makes such parties so special.

Morrissey is such a unique songwriter (at least during his tenure with the band) that he has the ability to make me feel he's singing especially to me,understanding the way I fell,my pains,my sorrows,and even the small moments of joy in my life,although he might sing about being misunderstood from an homosexual point of view,and while I'm not,suffering intolerance and rejection only for being myself really made me identify with his plight,showing that no matter of age,place or sexual orientation,what we all really need is a bit of love and understanding in this harsh and cold world we live in.

Oh,and by the way after the party I've made two conclusions:

1. Mika (the one that sing Love Love Me,and Grace Kelly) makes the Scissor Sisters sound like Led Zeppelin and Freddy Mercury like Axel Rose.

2. The song "Let's Dance to Joy Division" by The Wombats just SUCKS!

Today's Song : Australia - Shins (I asked the DJ to play this and he didn't had this so this is a nice opportunity to play it)

Today's Quote: It is easier to get forgiveness than permission.

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(Free) Music That Matters:The Prague Spirit EP - 1000000 a.d.

2008-02-22T00:58:00.008+02:00

Well,as a way to avoid the common blackouts I suffer while updating this blog (not to mention the long periods between updates...) I'm stretching the features of this blog towards the inclusion of more music,I'm a big music lover so I'd like to help spreading music I personally like,and being in financial strides it's also a way for me to find full albums for free (and legally),and so,unashamedly borrowing (if not copying) from the great Free Albums Galore blog I'll show here my personal choices of free albums every now and then.

1000000 a.d.,is,according to their label "a loosely knit collective of musicians" and their only constant member is e-Thrice Manwerd.

This collection of songs is,stylistically,a mixture of lo-fi aesthetics,acoustic rock and crude electronic effects,interesting tunes and unusual rhythms,the lyrics doesn't mean much to me but the music here is too good to ignore.

Here is a link to download the full album legally.

Homosexual activity cause of earthquake, Shas MK says - Israel News, Ynetnews

2008-02-20T20:03:00.003+02:00

Homosexual activity cause of earthquake, Shas MK says'The Gemara mentions a number of causes of earthquakes, one of which is homosexuality, which the Knesset legitimizes,' Benizri says regarding last Friday's tremor The recent earthquake that was felt across Israel was the result of the "homosexual activity practiced in the country", Knesset Member Shlomo Benizri said Wednesday.
"But I no of another way to prevent earthquakes; the Gemara mentions a number of causes of earthquakes, one of which is homosexuality, which the Knesset legitimizes," Benizri said.
During a special Knesset session on Israel's preparedness for the possibility of another earthquake hitting the region, the Shas member said "the Gemara refers to earthquakes as disasters, but you are searching only for the practical solutions how to prevent and repair.

Last month fellow Shas member Nissim Ze'ev stirred controversy when he referred to the local gay movement as a "plague that could destroy Jewish Israel," adding that it should be treated "just as the Health Ministry dealt with the bird flu epidemic."

Mike Hammel, chairman of the Israeli Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Association commented on Benizri's remarks saying "it is sad that a religious MK in Israel doesn't think earthquakes are God-made.
"On the other hand, I suppose we should be flattered he attributes us with such magical powers," he added.

"One must wonder why Shas MKs are so obsessed with the gay community… we can all recall the case of the American senator who fiercely spoke out against gays until it was found he himself was gay."

Homosexual activity cause of earthquake, Shas MK says - Israel News, Ynetnews

I wonder what Prof.Benizri thinks about reasons for other natural disasters,I'm waiting for other "pearls" of his "wisdom".

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Negev residents demand secured rooms - Israel News, Ynetnews

2008-02-16T22:37:00.004+02:00

Southern residents demand security: Residents of the southern Negev desert will be holding a demonstration outside the Prime Minister's Office in Jerusalem on Sunday. Local residents, headed by regional council head Alon Shuster, will be protesting while a ministerial committee headed by Prime Minister Ehud Olmert convenes in order to rule on fortifying Sderot and Gaza-region homes.

Shuster said that more than a year after PM Olmert promised immediate fortification for area residents, "we hope that proper decisions will be taken tomorrow and that the ministerial committee will adopt the IDF Home Front's decision to set up secured rooms, rather than all sorts of partial fortification solutions."
"We will not accept any solution except for secured rooms," Shuster said

Negev residents demand secured rooms - Israel News, Ynetnews

Alon Shuster happens to live in my kibbutz so it's nice spreading his word from time to time.

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Valentine's Syndrome

2008-02-14T03:29:00.003+02:00

It's already after 3 AM and one of the weirdest days of the year had begun,to be honest,I'm not supposed to celebrate Valentine's Day,but every opportunity to celebrate this funny-but-frustrating feeling called Love,is welcomed in my calendar.

I'm getting sentimental in days like these (must be my Latin side) so sometimes days like these bring me down,felling a bit lonely,and thinking about the love of my life,when and how I'll meet her,what will she look like,and so on...
And until that'll happen,all I need is two things: Patience and Hope...

Today's Song: Please,Please,Please Let Me Get What I Want - The Smiths

Today's Quote: The sooner you fall behind the more time you'll have to catch up.

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SDEROT...and the (not-so-sexy) rest...

2008-02-13T18:01:00.004+02:00

While reading the English edition of Ynet I stumbled upon this:

A group of tourists from the United States and Australia who recently arrived in Sderot, found the visit to the police station to be "an eye-opener," and vowed to spread the word of what they saw, heard and experienced in Israel back in their home states.

Tourist says Sderot visit 'an eye opener' - Israel Activism, Ynetnews

It's a nice thing that people from abroad are interested in what's happening around here,but couldn't them (and the media as well) take a little more time also to visit the rest of the region as well?
You know,the western negev is not only Sderot,but also lots of kibbutzim and moshavim suffering too,kassam rockets hurting livestock,barely missing playgrounds and kindergartens,but I guess we're not that important for them because: a.we're too humble to mention it and b.Sderot,being a city,gets hit almost daily in houses and public places while the rest of the region,composed of small communities,get mostly hit in open grounds or agricultural fields,with the occasional casualty every now and then.

When the media will to recognize us too and how it's still a mystery to me...

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Milkin' Cash...

2008-02-12T18:34:00.005+02:00

One of the hardest things about being a student is the lack of time for work,with only two free days,and living relatively far from any major cities (Sderot and Ashkelon don't count),finding a job is no easy task,so in my despair I turned to a common solution: milking cows in my Kibbutz's stable.

For a long time I've tried to avoid doing such work but my present situation left me with little other choice,and besides my old folks insisted almost hourly I should do it,but in the other hand,the thought of cows defecating and\or urinating over my head,the kicks,the hours...

Well,yesterday I had my first shift and it wasn't that bad,the manager was supportive and I managed to go home relatively dry and clean,I guess I've exaggerated my bad memories and maybe I've found a way to earn money with flexible shifts and very close to home while I study.

Today's Song: Only You - Portishead

Today's Quote: Fight Hunger and Poverty: Eat the Poor!

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AG: Single-sex couples may adopt child not biologically related to them

2008-02-11T00:36:00.003+02:00

Same-sex couples can adopt children who are not biologically related to either partner, according to a recent ruling by Attorney General Menachem Mazuz. advertisement the decision means that homosexual and lesbian couples will be able to adopt children through the department of child welfare or a third party.

Mazuz's decision marks a watershed in granting equal rights to gays and lesbians in the sphere of family law. Until now, Mazuz had confined his activities to social and financial areas only.

In a discussion of the issue initiated by Welfare Minister Isaac Herzog and reported in Haaretz two months ago, it was determined that the term "ben zug" (partner, or spouse) in the Adoption Law includes a partner of the same sex and that it follows from this that a same-sex partner can be permitted to adopt the biological or adopted children of his or her partner.

AG: Single-sex couples may adopt child not biologically related to them - Haaretz - Israel News

May this be another small step forward towards a more tolerant and understanding Israel.

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2 brothers injured in rocket attack on Sderot

2008-02-09T22:12:00.003+02:00

"Eight-year-old boy sustains serious injuries to his legs, 19-year-old adolescent light-to-moderately hurt when rocket fired by Palestinians in north Gaza lands near residential building in western Negev town; Islamic Jihad's Al-Quds Brigades claim responsibility"

Taken from Ynet

Oh,the irony...

2008-02-09T04:05:00.003+02:00

This morning I went to the clinic of the kibbutz to receive the results of a blood test i took some days ago,and i received a surprising result: I have a deficiency of vitamin B12,how did I got and what symptoms it may cause? well,apparently I'm not eating enough red meat,me,a native Argentinian,being told that he's not eating enough red meat,it's like a Chinese being told he's not eating enough rice,and it may cause attention disorders,mood swings and problems in the nervous system,the doctor actually recommended me to increase (albeit slightly) the quantities of red meat I consume,and I suggested my family to help me follow the recommendations :) but my mother insisted I'll get my vitamins from brown bread and other boring and weird other sources...oh well.

Today's Quote: Ambition is a poor excuse for not having enough sense to be lazy.

Musical Censorship

2008-02-06T17:22:00.002+02:00

Today,whilst I was reading the news in Ynet I stumbled upon an article announcing the commercial release of the long awaited film "Control",which is a dramatized version of the life (and suicide) of Ian Curtis,singer of Joy Division,Poet,Icon,Genius and officially Tortured Soul.
The article itself was informative but I couldn't help notice a small,but annoying mistake,you see,the folks @ Ynet portrayed the movie as a documentary,which wasn't the case as people who really like the band (or at least it's genre) know that it's a drama,and so I wrote a comment informing about the mistake and expressing my enthusiasm of seeing the movie in the near future,and i checked the website hours again only to found they deleted the word "Documentary" and didn't publish my comment,the bastards,I guess the biggest news website in Israel didn't wanted to be portrayed as a bunch of musical know-nothings...or that I'm just a smartass with too much free time...

Now i have a semester holiday and some spare time for my musings and rants to match...

Today's Song: Atmosphere - Joy Division

Today's Quote: The only reason people get lost in thought is because it's unfamiliar territory.

Finally...

2007-10-20T18:04:00.003+02:00

Finally...after long months of waiting,I'll start the photography course in Sapir college,in order to make time for studying I had to quit my mind numbing and soul wrecking job (why do you think there wasn't any activity in this blog for half a year?) as a customer service clerk in HOT,the cable TV company. I do feel a little scared and nervous but I guess it's a natural thing when you start something new in your life,I hope that I'll make some progress in the way I portrait life and the way I look at it and develop new perspectives,in photography as well as in life.

Today's Song: I Turn my Camera On - Spoon

Today's Quote: Creativity is Great, but Plagiarism is Faster.

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Postcard from Mefalsim

2007-08-08T21:24:00.002+03:00

Combining art protest and an "alternative" sense of humour,a resident of mefalsim made a very...how to put it...unique statement about the current state of affairs in the region:

(note to gentile and\or non-hebrew readers:the sticker reads "shalom" which means "peace")

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Postcard from Mefalsim

2007-02-26T01:13:00.002+02:00

A lone,slightly ripped,but firm Israeli flag waving,facing the sunset (and gaza)

Sabra Republic

2007-02-22T00:03:00.001+02:00

Until recently,Israel held proudly the title of "Only Democracy of the Middle East" but now we are steadily becoming the "South America of the Middle East",with numerous cases of corruption,the top of the police on trial,a rapist President,a pervert Minister of Justice and now Arcadi Gaydamak,a billionare with a more-than-shady past announcing the formation of a movement ironically called "social justice" and a recent poll gave him 14 MK's,should he turns the movement into a party.
what's next? a military coup? oh,wait a minute...

Today's Song: The Drowners - Suede

Today's Quote:There is light at the end of every tunnel...just pray it's not a train!

New Hasbara Strategy: The MySpace Diplomacy

2007-02-20T23:25:00.001+02:00

In yet another "brilliant" and "bold" move made to boost our Hasbara (the art of improving Israel's image in the world,mainly in the western media) policies,the Israeli consulate in NY opened a space for "the state of Israel" in MySpace,when i saw the headline,I thought it was a joke,maybe not a funny one,but still a joke,but no,an Israeli official,acting on behalf of the state made this stunt seriously thinking it would make the slightest contribution to the ailing "media war" with the Palestinian side,and what we have in the page,pretty girls,touristic photos,and photos of local celebrities,and some Hollywood stars in the friends list,Leonardo DiCaprio,George Clooney,Natalie Portman,and Regina Spektor (who?) among others,while the Palestinian side uses people with high IQ's and impeccable speech and manners to act on their behalf,and brilliantly,we are only left with trying to appeal to the lowest common denominator of the world's youth.

When i thought the image of our country was cheapened enough i saw that the same people responsible for the bizzare idea mentioned above also opened a blog called isrealli,which has,among it's very "Zionist" content,a video of Bar Refaeli posing in bikinis for Sports Illustrated,it seems that people are trying to win support for Israel through the hormonal activity of young men.

Now look,don't get me wrong,if a private person would make his own space making his own effort of showing another side of Israel,like I try to do for my kassam-stricken region,it would as understandable as welcomed,but in this case,the government,and it's representatives at home and abroad,should refrain from pathetic attempts like this which only degrades and cheapens our already deteriorating image to the world.

Today's Song: Pretty Vacant - Sex Pistols

Today's Quote: Whoever said nothing is impossible,never tried slamming a revolving door...

Ophir Pines-Paz in Kibbutz Be'eri

2007-02-20T13:26:00.002+02:00

Labor Party MK and former Minister Ophir Pines-Paz came to nearby Kibbutz Be'eri and yours truly,with a small group from Mefalsim,went to see him and listen to what he had to say,about the Party,the state,and his plans,should he be elected Party Chairman in the Party's primary elections that will take place next may,it was very interesting and he made very good points,the most important is that he's looking forward mainly to the chairmanship,and not to any certain ministry or portfolio,unlike our current chairman who took a portfolio incompatible with his own qualities...

Some photos from the event:

Ophir was very polite and he was very kind to have a picture taken with yours truly:

(oh,i forgot to comb my hair in advance...)

Our region,being a Labor Party stronghold,will be visited by notable members of the party in the next months,looking for support in their respective campaigns for chairmanship.

Today's Song: Suedehead - Morrissey

Today's Quote: War does not determine who is right, war determine who is left.

IDF Chief Halutz resigns

2007-01-17T00:55:00.003+02:00

An earthquake in the military and political echelon: IDF Chief of General Staff Lt. Gen. Dan Halutz resigned Tuesday night. This was reported by the IDF Spokesperson's Office. Prime Minister Ehud Olmert expressed deep sorrow over the decision. Olmert, who knew beforehand that Halutz was going to resign, asked him to reconsider, but according to the PM's Office, Halutz's decision was decisive and as such, Olmert has no choice but to accept it. Despite vast pressure exerted on Halutz recently, pursuant to the second Lebanon war, the general originally seemed poised for the opposite action. In a press conference presenting the post-war investigation findings, Halutz said "I haven't heard calls from my superiors for me to leave. When they tell me to, I'll respond." Halutz addressed the imminent report by the Winograd commission, expected in February, and stated that if the commission took a different stance, he would comply "as it required." "I chose to take responsibility," said Halutz. "There are those who interpret responsibility as running away. I chose to deal with the investigation and a nation demanding a solution. That is responsibility."

IDF Chief Halutz resigns - News from Israel, Ynetnews

Postcard from Mefalsim

2007-01-15T10:18:00.002+02:00

The Grip in Concert!

2007-01-09T03:11:00.003+02:00

Just came back from an acoustic concert of a band called The Grip,I enjoyed it pretty much,it was a nice place with an intimate atmosphere,and i took some pictures from it:

Check out their MySpace page,and their website and listen to some of their songs,they sing in english so the language is not an issue in this case,i'm pretty sure you'll like their songs very much like i do :)

Today's Song: There There - Radiohead

Today's Quote: 7/5 of all people don't understand fractions.

Athlete stripped of Bahraini citizenship for competing in Israeli marathon (Ynet News)

2007-01-07T06:14:00.002+02:00

Here's something i've found in the Ynet News website:

Authorities have revoked the Bahraini citizenship of a Kenyan-born athlete who ran in an Israeli marathon, the nation's athletic union said Saturday. Bahraini runner Mushir Salem Jawher competed and won the Tiberias Marathon in Israel on Thursday, ending the race in just over 2 hours and 13 minutes. Most Arab states do not recognize Israel, and the Jerusalem Post newspaper said Jawher was the first athlete from an Arab country to compete in an Israeli marathon. Jawher was born in Kenya in 1978 and moved to Bahrain in 2003, according to the International Association of Athletics Federation. The Jerusalem Post cited Jawher as saying he was "very proud" to have run in Israel. Even though Bahrain has no official ties with the Jewish state, "It is a free country," the athlete was quoted as saying.

Athlete stripped of Bahraini citizenship for competing in Israeli marathon - Ynetnews

Yes,as bizarre as it may sound,an arab state punished an athlete with the sole charge of being a true sportsman...

A Winter Casualty

2007-01-07T01:30:00.002+02:00

As the winter finally came after a dry autumn,I fell prey to the flu,and suffered a severe cough,that cause my throat and tongue to sore,and when I wanted to sleep i couldn't because the coughing always woke me up,the sickness was the main reason why I didn't posted anything new on the last days.

In my despair i turned to cough syrup which didn't made the slightest change in my condition,now I'm taking cough pills which seem to work,albeit with its side effects,and it's always a good reason to enjoy one of my favorite drinks:lemon and honey tea.

On the other hand,the Winter always gives me the opportunity to take colorful pictures :)

Today's Song: Don't Panic - Coldplay

(the ONLY Coldplay song which i happen to really like and not automatically making my eyes to roll and my finger to change the radio and/or TV channel)

Today's Quote: The believer is happy. The doubter is wise.

Changes in the view,changes in the calendar

2007-01-02T10:11:00.001+02:00

Something has changed in the landscape of Mefalsim recently,almost overnight strange white blocks popped out of nowhere,after further observation I realized those strange blocks are mini-shelters strategically positioned in places where children frequent most.

In this reinforment process the Kindergarden and the Nursery have been fortified as well by an extremely thick concrete "roof over the roof" (when i'll find the right word for it i'll change it).

I wish that this year,2007,would be a more peaceful and tranquil year,to ourselves and our neighbors as well.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Today's Song: Hitherto - Cocteau Twins

Today's Quote: I'd kill for a Nobel Peace Prize.

Snoring in the face of danger

2006-12-30T22:46:00.001+02:00

My Father (left) and some old dude checking a fallen kassam rocket,Mefalsim,31.8.06.

People in this region,myself included,got accustomed to hear the kassam alarms almost on a daily basis,people even make jokes about it,for example,when we hear the explosion sound that follows the alarm people say it's Ahlama Peretz (the slightly obese wife of Amir Peretz) jumping into a pool...
There are people here that are terrified when the alarm rings,and it's the most natural reaction i can think of,but more and more people are getting apathic about this almost to the point of being nonchalant,people died already from the rockets,but we keep something of a "stiff upper lip" in the face of danger,people living in the north maybe can relate to that behaviour but people living in Central Israel (the vast majority) just can't understand it,one friend of mine from Tel-Aviv visited me and when we were leaving the grocery store the alarm started and she was very surprised that people kept behaving like nothing happened,like they sensed no threat,and I slowly walked with her under the outer roof of the store,just in case;my girlfriend (who also lives in Central Israel) stayed over to sleep in my house,the alarm ranged in the morning and it woke us up,and she couldn't believe that my first reaction was to sleep again immediately.
This reality of our lives being threatened daily is turning us indifferent about it,it's not very natural,but it's something close to a survival strategy,we have 2 choices,to act like this and wait for the best or to live in fear and panic and satisfy the terrorists.

Today's Song: Jeopardy - The Sound
Today's Quote: If you think there is good in everybody,you haven't met everybody.

Postcards from Mefalsim

2006-12-30T10:12:00.001+02:00

Photography is a favorite hobby of mine,ever since as a little boy I received from my uncle his old camera,i know that i'm not quite skilled at it but I enjoy it very much,so once in a while i'll publish here some of the pictures i took,and all of them were captured here in Mefalsim :)

Another color in the rainbow

2006-12-28T02:39:00.002+02:00

In an unprecedented event in Israel, seven secular Jews who view Judaism as a culture, as opposed to a religion, will be ordained as rabbis Friday in Jerusalem.The ceremony, which will be held at the Israel Museum, comes after the ordainees completed three years of study at the International Institute for Secular Humanistic Judaism in Jerusalem. Twenty five additional students are currently studying at the program.The organization, which promotes "secular humanistic Judaism," is closest to the Reconstructionist Judaism movement in the United States, said Oren Yehi-Shalom, 35, who will be ordained at the ceremony. Yehi-Shalom said that the participants do not pray to God, but believe in man's humanity.The group's Web site lists the belief in God "as a literary character," citing the Dutch philosopher Spinoza, who is recognized as the founder of modern Biblical criticism.

Secular rabbis to be ordained in J'lem | Jerusalem Post

It's always interesting to get to know other currents in the jewish spectrum,other ways to express jewishness according to one's beliefes,but ironically Israel,the state of the jews,doesn't recognize nor tolerates this diversity,one can only look at that fact with disbelief...

Today's Song: Blood Meridian - Hope of the states

Today's Quote: The only reason that I talk to myself is because that I'm the only one whose answers I accept.

We made it! (and we're lucky to have survived to know it)

2006-12-21T17:06:00.002+02:00

It's funny,i always complained as a kid about the lack of media coverage about our region,and now,with the cordial help from our neighbors from the other side of the fence we're almost "media darlings",pity that the only thing the interests the media is our struggle and nothing much more than that:

Hanukkah celebrations in Negev kibbutzim and communities surrounding the Gaza Strip took place as scheduled in protected buildings, with most kibbutz members said routine was important for the children. “There is a feeling that as long as the rockets land outside the community, then everything is okay and we can go on with our lives,” Shaar Hanegev Regional Council Head Alon Shuster said. “We will continue our struggle to protect kibbutz members’ homes.”

No Hanukkah celebrations in Sderot - News from Israel, Ynetnews

...and happy hanukkah to you all...

Today's Song: Frightened - The Fall

Today's Quote: You tried, and you failed, so the lesson is, never try. - Homer J. Simpson

Blame it on Israel!

2006-12-20T16:32:00.001+02:00

After another daily checkup of my favorite blogs i stumbled upon a cute little song written,composed and sung by Patrick Henry,it's called "It's all because of Israel":

Iraq is in a mess that some are calling civil war

And IT'S ALL BECAUSE OF ISRAEL

One might've thought the Sunni-Shi'a conflict counted more

But IT'S ALL BECAUSE OF ISRAEL

No doubt the world was moving toward a peaceful golden future

Until Zionism brought it to a halt

Now at last we know the name

Of the country we should blame

Everything is Israel's fault

(That's what Iran says)

Everything is Israel's fault

(So why take chances?)

Everything is Israel's fault

And here is the mp3.

Be sure to visit his website and listen to his song,especially to "Stand with Israel" where our neighbors from Sderot are mentioned,enjoy.

Today's Song: Bullet with butterfly wings - The Smashing Pumpkins

Today's Quote: When everything is coming your way, you're in the wrong lane.

2 Different posts for the price of 1!

2006-12-19T14:12:00.001+02:00

1st of all i want to be extremely original and accept Time Magazine's "Man of the Year Award" (along with millions and millions more :),I've made a little acceptance speech for the occasion:
I always knew since those lonely and long afternoons after-school back in 1995,while me and others were sitting and staring at the screen like zombies and waiting up to 5 min. for a website to fully load on Navigator ver.2,that something good will eventually come of this,i want to thank my computer teachers,Shem,for introducing me to this wonder,and Eli Bir,for letting me and others hang around in the technology room of the school and allowed me to keep discovering the hidden wonders of the Internet for hours as an unofficial after-school activity,I want to thank my parents for connecting our home computer to the internet and satisfying my growing internet addiction even further :) (applauds)

And now for something completely different.
A couple of hours ago I heard that Joseph Barbera sadly passed away,and myself being a HUGE Tom & Jerry fan,I want to make a very small homage to the man and the great couple he was part of,by posting one,IMHO,of the best Tom & Jerry episodes ever made:Pecos Pest

Today's Song: Boys don't Cry - The Cure
Today's Quote: A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory.

An unusual event

2006-11-15T05:59:00.001+02:00

Last Tuesday,at math class,i had the middle-course test,against all odds and expectations,i received 65 points,and actually passed a math test,why i was so surprised you might ask,well,let's just say that math was,and still is,a nightmare,just looking at all this numbers gathered with letters,in grids,tables and strange structures freaks me up,I never was very brilliant at math as long as i can remember myself,and I was diagnosed with A.D.D. and dyscalculia,so it's also scientifically proven why i hate math so much,but destiny intervened and i have to receive more than 56 points at the final test,in January 29th,just 4 days after my 25th birthday,so i can study photography (a favorite hobby of mine) next year,and maybe,just maybe make a carrer of something which i happen to like very much.
Oh,the irony...

Today's Song: Numbers - Kraftwerk
Today's Quote: Me,ambivalent? Well,yes and no.

Black "Celebration"

2006-10-27T10:16:00.001+02:00

Good morning to the nonexistent readers of this blog,I'm now resting after a nice monthly party of the Israeli Depeche Mode Fanclub ,it was fun,except for the sound,as usual,sometimes too loud,and sometimes you can hear yourself (and others) sing a beautiful song like a bunch of cats in a dark alley at night.
Anyway here is an official t-shirt from their last tour which i bought in last month's party:

Nice color,nice pic,looking good as usual...

And now let's look at the back of the shirt:

Lots of countries,Depeche are popular in more and more places...but wait,i see there's something that catches my eye...

Well,of course,our small country is listed right at the end,just i want to share with you a little fact about that concert in Israel...it never took place!!!

Me and other hundreds,if not thousands of Israeli fans were full of joy when in December of 2005 Depeche Mode announced a long anticipated first concert ever in Israel,and we rushed to buy the tickets with 10-9 months in advance.

The months passed and we eagerly waited for the 3rd of August,but then the war in Lebanon erupted (I won't discuss about it in this post) and the eagerness was replaced with lots and lots of worries,but the band assured they will come,and if they announced it,it will eventually happen,right?

Well,as you know,and lots of us still remember,the show was canceled just THREE (3!) days before it was supposed to take place,and because it was supposed to be the final gig of the tour it was impossible to reschedule it.

The months passed,and now I know that my bitterness because of it,though justified,was also exaggerated,still,i feel a little pinch in my heart when i see that little ISRAEL in the list,or when I stumble by chance upon a note about the gig written before it,I still hope someday will come and I will have the pleasure to see my favorite band in my country.

The only thing that still pisses me off is when stupid people say to me:"I'm sure you felt REAL BAD when they canceled the show".

Today's Song: The Sun and the Rainfall - Depeche Mode
Today's Quote: Out of my mind. Back in five minutes!

Labor Accidents

2006-10-26T02:47:00.001+02:00

I have a little confession to make,I'm a member of the (Israeli) Labor Party,i made it as a way to make my little influence (myself being a Center-Left Progressive) in the major party of the Israeli left wing (and because when you're a kibbutznik,such as yours truly,it's almost expected from you,he he :)

The main problem with being a member of this party is that I always have to bare the big mistakes made by our leaders over the years:

In 1999,after 3 years of Netanyahu's rule,and after much hopes and expectations,Ehud Barak,former Commander in Chief of the IDF rose to power with a formidable result for the Party
only to make one little...really little mistake...he let SHAS enter his government,the same SHAS that,along with the other Ultras' parties,and self-hating seculars (aka secular right-wingers) keeps delaying the civil marriage law proposals since it's inception,and other pro-civil rights law proposals,"it's for the good of the state" our leaders said,and although some minor protests occurred (such as my father's termination of his membership) we reluctantly accepted,and we watched,not really surprised actually,how the religious parties undermined his coalition and his term became the shortest of an elected prime minister,falling short of full two years by a couple of months.

The party leader that followed him was the slightly incompetent,gray and uncharismatic Benjamin Ben-Eliezer (aka Fuad) who failed to make the smallest impression on the government (he was the MOD) ,let alone in his own party,and the next one was Amram Mitzna,which i have respect towards him because of his ideals,but he too lacked leadership,which is essential in a party full of instigators,and we were hardly surprised when he was,to pit it in mild words,jumped over by Ariel Sharon.

And then...Amir Peretz,frankly i had hopes for him,i really wanted him to succeed,because i...ahem...dislike Ben-Eliezer,and because I believe that Shimon Peres is at his best as a minor partner to the right leader...history proves it to us but he's still ignoring the hint...
So,i voted for Peretz,well,i think i was the youngest voter in the Labor primaries as well as in the chairman elections.i hoped and truly believed that he could do a lot to improve the situation here in the western Negev,as he lives right next to us,in Sderot,and for the Negev and the Galilee,that he could make a change in the social policies.
But he accepted the Defense Portfolio...

Still,I'll keep my upper lip stiff as usual and keep waiting for someone in the Party who can get close to the ankles of Yitzhak Rabin (RIP) which is,sadly,by now,a fairly decent thing to ask for any Israeli Politician.

Today's Song: All Together Now - The Farm
Today's Quote: I'm a nobody, nobody is perfect, therefore I'm perfect.

It's Raining Again...

2006-10-24T23:11:00.001+02:00

Just on my way back home from my girlfriend's house in Tel-Aviv,there i was sitting half-asleep in the bus during the night ride when suddenly i saw some flashes in the horizon..lightnings...but I stepped out the bus when the rain was already over...pity.

Tomorrow I'm back in college to continue my math class,after missing two lessons in a row,i should better get a stronger grip on myself if i want to succeed and learn photography next year (my dream).

Today's Song: Let's Go Out Tonight - The Blue Nile
Today's Quote: "You're only young once,you can be immature forever"

A Minor Disturbance

2006-10-23T05:10:00.001+02:00

There I was,at college,minding my own business,studying in my math class when suddenly the familiar and automatic female prerecorded voice anounced "Tzeva Adom,Tzeva Adom" (Red color) ,which is the kassam alarm,and all we had to do is just wait and listen to the explosion sound right afterwards,maybe one day i can record the sounds so you also can have the experience as well :) .

Just good-ol' routine here,downloading episodes of my favorite TV Show,CSI,and CSI: NY is turning into my favorite of the 3,although i like the other 2 very much as well.

Today's Song: Soul Fossa - Woven
Today's Quote: "As I said before, I never repeat myself"

Introduction

2006-10-22T08:37:00.001+02:00

well first of all...allow me to introduce myself,David is the name,why David you might ask? long story,all I can tell is that the statue of David,in Florence has something to do with that.

I live in a region in Israel called the Negev,well,the Western Negev would be more accurate,which is "worldwide famous" for being the area that surrounds Gaza Strip.

This is Gaza Strip,and the E Point is Kibutz Mefalsim,my Kibutz,Home.

As some people might know,our region is attacked daily by kassam rockets fired from our "neighbors",what i want to show the world is that although we are threatened on a daily basis,we're also keen on preserving our sanity,our "joie de vivre" and most of all,our attempts to live a life as normal as possible.

I know,because i do it too.

and this blog will be the account of my attempt.