“…And All Its Paths Are Peace”

 

“Its ways are ways of pleasantness, and all its paths are peace”.

 

These words describe the Torah, the five books of Moses, which encompass the L-rd’s laws given to the Jews from the mountain in the midst of the wilderness. The books set forth the ten commandments as inscribed by the finger of G-d, as well as the Oral Laws, which were written to preserve eternal knowledge.

 

They encompass a major body of work setting down the history of the Jewish people and their lineage; their chronology throughout the reign from family patriarchs, to the growing body split into tribes; side forays where they were ruled by others; returned rule to judgeship and prophets; succeeding, eventually, to kings in their successions.

 

Dispersion brought us out of the land G-d gave to us and thrust us to the four corners of the earth, with promises for our eventual in-gathering and return. The gathering of the Exiles has been happening ever since, but has been most noteworthy in the past century, with the accelerated rate of our return to Israel and the acknowledgment of its occurence as witnessed by the rest of the world.

 

King Saul was the first-named Jewish king. He was followed by King David, the shepherd boy from Bethlehem (our favorite); after which David’s son, Solomon (Shlomo), reigned. It was Solomon who is credited the collection of wise sayings found in the pages known as Proverbs, included as part of the Jewish Bible.

 

This proverb (Proverbs/3:17) affirms that the word of G-d contains within it the proper path in which the Jewish people are to follow in order that their lives will reach their happiest fulfillment with length of days. Our prayers maintain that these Laws and these ways should be always on our mind, as if we were wearing blinders to block out other distractions and to give our full-fledged focus to this task.

 

The premise is a repeated one throughout the entirety of the Bible. It features in the many stories of the enemies who have come up against the Jews, and had been either defeated, or victorious, relevant to how closely the Jews had acted in accord with G-d’s commands. If the Jews had followed G-d’s accords closely, they were treated favorably by G-d and were blessed. If they had fallen to worship of strange mannerism and custom not relayed as appropriate for them by G-d, then they were sorely punished and often met their downfall.

 

I have seen this directly in my own life. If I look back, I see how I have not been hewing to the ways established for me, and my life has suffered. As much as you put into it, is how much you will get from it. What you reap is what you have sown — both in the positive sense, and in the negative sense.

 

It is for this reason that I’m thinking that perhaps Israel ought to consider becoming a theocracy, as it once was. It was during those times, at least when the ruling kings of Israel were pious and listened to their Prophets, that Israel was a great and admired nation, with extensive land holdings in the Middle East, as well as great wealth. Our ports were humming with trade from nations far and wide, and Israel was a respected and feared nation.

 

King Solomon, David’s son, was a wise and great man. In addition to the book of Proverbs left as one of his legacies, he built the First Temple of G-d in Jerusalem. Our leaders in those days had great relations with other regional leaders, such as those of Tyre and Sidon. Other civilizations were more than happy to send their best craftsmen to work building Israel’s important edifices or other structures. It is still the case today where Israel has better employment opportunities than can be found in the vicinity of other places within the Middle East, but the respect and willingness to deal with Israel as it exists, nowadays, has all but evaporated.

 

Let us remember that our Bible stories were accurate depictions of the times and attitudes that reigned in those days. If we were to apply the same fortitude to living with the paths set before us today, as we had so long ago, then we might be able to see clear to being that light unto the nations that our nation deservedly needs to be.

 

We don’t need to return to the monarchy just yet, if at all. I do vaguely remember there being some consternation in the religious line to G-d, which frowned somewhat at our freewill choice to become like other nations by ruling as they did — with a man over us, rather than by directly by G-d. However, once the decision was made, G-d kindof got on board in trying to help us find those worthy enough to reign.

 

Israel presently runs on two separate systems: a Democratic Parliament, which is entirely secular, and via a consortium of religious bodies running in the background handling religious needs. One would hardly know the religious entity exists. Perhaps we could bring that to the fore. Perhaps Israel could be a religious country again, and just be a theocratic Democracy — meaning that positions would still be voted for, and elections would still be run, but just under the banner of Judaism. We could make Judaism king again.

 

That would help put to rest any gainsay regarding the direction toward which the naysayers and detractors think the country ought to be headed. It would remain Jewish, as it has been for millenia (with exceptions) and as it was recognized to be, yet still, as a Jewish national home, as per the Balfour Declaration of 1917.

 

In our Democratic fashion, we could still take a vote on whether Israel should become a theocratic Democracy. It could still retain the Parliamentary style rule that it has been using for decades, if it finds this preferential. So, it would be a Democratic Parliamentary theocracy. That would be interesting. It might even be a first. The only thing close I can think of would be the Saudi kingdom, because it is ruled as a theocracy, but it is also run as a monarchy. The problem is that it has become almost a “thuggocracy” due to nepotism, demanding that all relatives of the Saudi family be placed in ruling government positions. Alot of them do rise to the challenge, but not all are entirely meant to be doing what they’re doing. It could also be an open door to corruption, if one lets it.

 

Seeing as how the United Nations roundly condemns Israel, the single Democracy in the Middle East, yet never takes to task the human rights violations of those other nations surrounding Israel, such as the inequal, second-class status of women, or the staggering amount of violence of the continued wars waged against the Jews and Israel, it would seem utterly appropriate that the United Nations would be pleased to accept Israel as a sister-state in theocracy, given their self-same acceptance of all others.

 

Doing so would coaelesce the government into a more unified body, and the citizenry would still benefit under the state in its fairly well-established standards of education and economy. They would still be better off than living in many places elsewhere. And as before, the United Nations would have to find this arrangement acceptable where the citizenry is concerned, since they find it acceptable in Saudi Arabia and elsewhere. Standards must be applied equally, and Israel has been condemned as a democracy by the United Nations and by the world for far too long.

 

To everything there is a season, a time, and a purpose. Perhaps it is now the time and the season for a change.

 

---

 

Update (July 24, 2018):

 

And, so it did. Israel just passed in The Knesset a law reiterating and stressing the primal character and nature of the State of Israel as Jewish. While not a theocracy, Israel still retains its democratic character, while making the foundations of the thousands of years of Jewish rule and sovereignty over the area clear to outsiders and enemies, who wish to deligitimize the ancient and continual ties to the Jewish land that has existed for millenia:

 

Read here for an idea on the Basic Law as propounded, with further analysis:

 

Gherkin, Paul. “Deciphering the 2018 Basic Law in Israel — the Nation State of the Jewish People”. firstonethrough.wordpress.com; July 23, 2018:

https://firstonethrough.wordpress.com/2018/07/23/deciphering-the-2018-basic-law-in-israel-the-nation-state-of-the-jewish-people/

 

 

 

Pita Max!!!

 

What could be better than a healthful bowl of hummus and chips to scoop all that deliciousness into your mouth with? How about adding a tropical setting? Wait… How about a tropical setting and a gorgeous sunset, to go along with that? Yeah, that’s sounding good. A toasty fireplace, a comfy couch, a game of Scrabble and the snow piling up beside the logs outside, along with a cozy somebody to snuggle up with inside would also be a boon, but we’ve just strayed from the original plan. Okay, transplant that elsewhere; back to the tropics.

 

I’m thinking balmy breezes, a hammock swinging between the palms, some wide, white sandy beaches and a swath of warm, sea-blue water, warmer than a bathtub, to dip my toes into. How about unlimited drinks… Now, that’s starting to sound like a plan! Yeah — could use some soft drinks to cool me down, and maybe you could throw-in an open wine or beer bar, to boot? That’s not too much trouble, is it?

 

I know… Then, you could add a cruise on top of that vision you’re building up of the perfect vacation. Mmmm, sounds good. But, not a long one. Just a jaunt along that beautiful stretch of water: take in the scenery, maybe see how the rich and famous live in their waterfront homes.

 

You are not daydreaming. You are discovering one of the latest “Top 20” deals from Travelzoo.com. This unbelievable package from playtimewatersports.com sets sail from Miami aboard a 50-ft. catamaran on a two-hour excursion, including everything above, plus cheese, crackers, and fruit, for only $35.00 per person, excluding tax, tip and cozy-buddy (those are separate). This company also offers some other great-sounding day trips, such as the three-hour catamaran cruise to a sandbar, where you’re then free to use their personal watercraft and other toys, go paddleboarding or snorkeling, play aqua volleyball — all included in the reasonable costs of the package, as well. Most Thursdays through Sundays; Good through May 29, 2016. Except for the typos in the text at their web site, it all sounds like a great deal. You can check it out!

 

Go to playtimewatersports.com website:

http://playtimewatersports.com/

 

While you’re in the area then, if you happen to be in South Florida on April 2nd, you can extend the pita love and culture, and meet the iconic, incredible artist: Peter Max!!! Free!!! Peter Max is coming to Wentworth Gallery in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and Boca Raton, Florida on April 2nd, 2016. Peter Max’s work has single-handedly defined a generation, the ‘Sixties’, with his unique use of color, whimsy, and popular culture. His style has set modern standards of artistry, and yet his approachable warmth and remarkable talent lend his art a place in every heart. My newest favorites of his include his angels, the American flag, Lady Liberty, the world, and the fondly-remembered old “Love” styles, as well as the new “Love” styles. (We always remember our old loves, don’t we?)

 

See artist Peter Max:

 

FLORIDA:

Saturday, April 2, 2016:  1:00 – 3:00 p.m.

Wentworth Gallery, 819 East Las Olas Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, Florida

 

Saturday, April 2, 2016:  6:00 – 9:00 p.m.

Wentworth Gallery, Town Center Mall, Boca Raton, Florida

 

NEBRASKA:

Saturday, April 23, 2016:  6:00 – 9:00 p.m.

Gallery 72, 1806 Vinton Street, Omaha, Nebraska

 

Sunday, April 24, 2016:  1:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Gallery 72, 1806 Vinton Street, Omaha, Nebraska

 

MARYLAND:

Saturday, April 30, 2016:  1:00 – 3:00 p.m.

Wentworth Gallery, Westfield Montgomery Mall, 7101 Democracy Boulevard, Bethesda, Maryland

 

VIRGINIA:

Saturday, April 30, 2016:  6:00 – 9:00 p.m.

Wentworth Gallery, Tyson’s Galleria, 1807 U International Drive, McLean, Virginia

 

CONNECTICUT:

Thursday, May 5, 2016:  6:00 – 9:00 p.m.

Geary Gallery, 576 Boston Post Road, Darien, Connecticut

 

Saturday, May 7, 2016:  4:00 – 7:00 p.m.

Geary Gallery, 576 Boston Post Road, Darien, Connecticut

 

PENNSYLVANIA:

Saturday, June 11, 2016:  5:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Wentworth Gallery, King of Prussia Mall, 690 West Dekalb Pike, King of Prussia, Pennsylvania

 

NEW JERSEY:

Saturday, June 18, 2016:  5:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Wentworth Gallery, Mall at Short Hills, 1200 Morris Turnpike, Short Hills, New Jersey

 

• Please see the official Peter Max website to verify times, locations, appearances, addresses, etc., and to confirm if reservations are required, etc. Information subject to change without notice.

 

Official Peter Max website:

http://www.petermax.com/

 

If you will be attending the kick-off of Peter Max’s spring tour of artist appearances, there are several more Travelzoo deals (not a paid spokesperson!) in the Florida area you might wish to look into.

 

There is another, even cheaper, short cruise being run by Bayride Tours for only $15.00 per person, excluding tax and tip; $8.00 for kids aged 4-12. A Family Pass for two adults and two children is only $39.00! Children 3 and under sail free. Their boat isn’t a catamaran, but it is a new part of their fleet and trips run seven times per day, seven days per week. Good through December 31, 2016.

See their website, here, for information: http://bayride.com/

 

You can also book the Miami Hop On Hop Off 2-day bus pass, which gives you full access to four different routes around Miami. The double-decker bus has an open-air deck top, which will provide a unique viewpoint as you see some of the sights around Miami: South Beach, Calle Ocho/Little Havana, Vizcaya, the Miami Seaquarium, the Biltmore Hotel…. Many stops and opportunities abound for great sight-seeing daytrips.

 

Travelzoo.com announces the company’s special rates through August 31, 2016: $29.00 adult/$19.00 child (3-11; 2 and under free if vacant seat available). Book through your free Travelzoo.com site, or at the City Sightseeing website.

 

For continual up-to-date pricing, times, locations, other cities served (approximately 170), please call the tour operator, or visit their website:

http://www.citytours-miami.com/

 

Take advantage of these great rates and book your vacations with the money saved using these great discounted tour deals! It represents alot of dough you can save and stuff right back into your (PITA!!!) pocket!

Responsibility In Religion

Jewish religion takes ownership of our congregation in acknowledging both the good with the bad. We strive to improve ourselves through education, good deeds, and hope to abide by a code of good conduct relative to our understanding of the paths set before us by G-d and the ways by it that we are supposed to relate to the world. We may not always meet each and every goal along this path. It may, indeed, be hypocritical to hold someone to task who has failed in that task, but we accept them as ours, and accept that they have failed. They will fail at some tasks set before them. This is life, and realistic expectations maintain that such will happen.

 

However, it is good to have a sense of the ideal to reach for, even when we can’t reach everything that we would hope to. Holding out high hopes gives someone a goal to strive for. We don’t like bad behavior, either. But, alas — Jewish people also commit bad deeds. And yes, it’s sad, but we have to acknowledge that one of ours did that particular thing of which he stands accused. It doesn’t mean we like it, or condone it, but we don’t pretend it was done by the “man on the moon”, or the “boogeyman”, or any number of irrelevant others toward which blame could be transferred. Only in the most blatant acts of physically trying to separate oneself from Judaism itself would a decree of ex-communication be issued, where we would then “disown” the person from the religious community. It is very rare for this to happen, as it is always held out for the Jew to return to the religion. Once issued, it is as if the person is dead to the community, and does not exist.

 

We are to abide by 613 mitzvot, both positive and negative — the “Do’s” and the “Don’ts” — in Jewish law. If you think that’s alot, one need only look at the laws inherent in a Democratic society, such as exist in the United States, to find that the Jewish laws are quantifiably a cakewalk, in comparison! How many laws actually exist in the U.S.? And how many more so might there be in a much older Western society, such as that of Great Britain, say? Do we really follow each and every law on the books, like a perfect citizen, each and every one of us?

 

Well, not to be pessimistic, but the answer, as borne out by the over-crowded prison system, is resoundedly negative, in that regard. Our jail cells are top-full with people who have been placed there with a verdict of guilt for various infractions, ranging from slight to great. A recent article (unread) even mentions a man serving a life sentence for the non-return of a library item!

 

Old laws still on the books are routinely contravened in today’s society, and would be seen as discriminatory through the progressive, prismatic lenses by which we view issues, especially social ones, today.

 

I could never concile, at least in the younger formulation of my self, the viewpoint of a religious perspective which could disavow the behaviors associated with an individual as separate from the religion to which they identify. The behaviors belong to the individual, and the individual belongs to a religion. The tendency for certain religions to disavow the individual, on and off like a spigot, when they commit bad acts, and only confirm “membership” to one in good standing, is absolutely disingenuous.

 

I hope that those of the Christian faith won’t be too upset with my feelings about a few aspects of their religion that I feel needs closer consideration, if one wants to be honest about the whole thing. I can understand the adage to “Love the sinner, but not the sin”. But it seems that every time a self-professed Christian commits a heinous act, it is suddenly said of them that they are not a “true Christian”, and that a “true Christian” would never do such things.

 

The hypocrisy I find in this statement is that the Christian dogma believes that mankind is imperfect and imbued with Original Sin. They believe that only one way exists to G-d via the corporeal intermediary, or triumvirate conception of the embodiment of this ideal.

 

If the person accepts Christianity, but falls prey to the temptations of the world, as is his wont, due to Original Sin (according to Christianity), then how can he suddenly be said to be not a “true Christian”? Isn’t that just what Christianity reports itself to be? Don’t they claim ALL people to be sinners? To use a concept from the religion, the sinner comes to the congregation and suddenly it’s as if they were never known to them?

 

I’m sorry, but if you think about it really hard, the hypocrisy in the statement is there. They HAVE sin. They are imperfect beings. That is the major tenet of the religion. They can’t suddenly be cast-off when they did something wrong, so as not to cast aspersion on the religion, itself.

 

You need to own up to it. There are people in your religion that do bad things. They do it as a member of the religion, and they do it sometimes in the name of the religion (by following edicts found in that particular religion). I find it annoying to this day that people of Christian faith always resort to this disownership each and every time somebody sins (usually rather badly).

 

In the Jewish religion, we teach that man is supposed to act responsibly. There may be 613 mitzvot, and that must seem like a lot of rules to follow. We are not supposed to consider them a burden. They are to be a joy to us, a source of guidance, for ways to enhance our lives and bring us into conformance to a better way of living. It is said that there are two types of sin: that against man,  and that against G-d. The worse one is that against man. We are to seek forgiveness from those we have wronged, to repent for our actions, and to try to make amends.

 

In Judaism, we are to teach children in the way that they should go, so that they will not depart from it. In later classes as we mature, we have hopefully, by then, received ethics and morality classes to help us think through further issues. Pirkei Avot, The Ethics of Our Fathers, is a book of Jewish consideration of the subject.

 

In Judaism, we have debated the question posed by Cain to G-d, when he replied in response to G-d’s query concerning Cain’s knowledge regarding where his brother, Abel, was (who he had just killed): “Am I my brother’s keeper?” And the answer to that, is “Yes; I am my brother’s keeper” (I have failed you, my brother, Stephen). We have a responsibility to look after the welfare and actions of our brothers. This means guiding them, correcting them, caring for them, and more. It is our failure if we fail them.

 

We have standards to follow, and many times we fail to meet them. Christianity likes to make a main point out of this. They really like to ridicule the rules which we feel G-d set out before us to follow. We don’t presume to be superior because of this, and in fact it is noted in the Bible that we were considered “stiff-necked” people; but it is our religion and we believe the rules were never remanded.

 

Popular Christianity has changed through the Centuries on this matter: first teaching that only some of the rules applied; later teaching that the rules were replaced with the coming of J.C. Actually, even within the Christian Bible, it is stated by the man, J.C., himself, that he did not come to replace/do away with the (Jewish) Laws (of G-d). Yet, Christianity has done so, itself. As errors in Christian teaching become apparent throughout the Centuries, new dogma then begins to replace the old, changing in conformance to then-accepted precepts (until new errors are uncovered).

 

The religion of Islam is now taking a page from Christian teaching, using the same methodology which has worked so successfully, for so long, for the Christians. They now state that the people who are following the injunctions found in the teachings of their religion — whether by Imams, or by previous rulings of Hadith, or via new fatwas issued by religious councils — and who commit atrocities condoned in action just as verily by such, have actually “hijacked” their alleged-to-be “peaceful” religion.

 

The Hudabiyya agreement was a long-ago arrangement agreed to by the Muslims which allowed them time to build-up their resources to defeat at a later date those who had held the position of strength over them, at the time when the agreement had gone into effect. In today’s modern terms, we would call these “peace treaties” or “truces”, or the always-ongoing “peace process”. It has been determined that this sets the precedent whereby it is okay to lie to the enemy and make an agreement to any terms of peace, which can, later, conveniently be broken once they have gained sufficient strength. (Spoiler alert — too late!)

 

After writing yesterday that more Muslims need to stand against the violent acts perpetrated by those who come from their midst, I am happy to read a compilation of two instances translated by MEMRI (Middle East Media Research Institute) from Arabic into English today whereby Arabs of stature in certain communities have condemned these atrocities committed by Muslims, and fault their own culture and religion for producing such individuals. They give great credibility and consideration for their Muslim indoctrination into putting blame where it belongs: quite squarely on themselves.

 

Kudos for speaking up and out on behalf of truth. Now, however, you are two small voices in the wilderness, and the billion-plus others still beat to a different drummer. Have we the time to wait for their moderation conversion?

 

It’s been a very easy riposte to disqualify the sinner from the religion, then. As noted, though… It just so happens that it ISN’T “truly Christian” to do so.

———————————————————————–

Related: The article above deals with the collective responsibility, as I see it, of religion, as a whole. A recent article posted at the United with Israel website shares a thought about our responsibilities as individuals, told through the interpretation of religious teachings gleaned through a story in the Bible. If you would like to read this, I’ve connected the link to the site, here:

http://www.unitedwithisrael.org/living-torah-take-responsibility-and-dont-shift-the-blame/

 

 

Today On: Gaza

In my email inbox yesterday was an appeal for charity for a 12-year-old Jewish girl named Noa, living in Israel, who just recently celebrated her bat-mitzvah. Most people take for granted the milestone she has reached — in being granted a day of life in which to celebrate. Her mother, like most parents, struggles with the bills of raising her family. In this case, she does so as a single parent, with the added burdens of the high costs of the medical bills accrued in treating her daughter’s brain cancer. After multiple brain surgeries, chemotherapy, and radiation treatments, Noa is presently on a course of medication, given in phases. A campaign to assist the family is underway to meet the financial costs of care, beyond which the Israeli medical establishment doesn’t cover, and which extends yet further past the already-reduced pharmaceutical costs granted by the drug company. (For further information about this appeal, please see the link below).

 

The group undertaking this campaign, as well as other projects, was started by Rabbi Binyamin Gottlieb to assist the Jewish people forcibly evicted from their homes, businesses, and land during the August, 2005 Gaza Withdrawal. The Jewish people who were removed from Gaza and northern Samaria make up the communities of Gush Katif. They were left to fend for themselves, without remuneration or compensation from the government, which removed them in an attempt to create peace, based on Arab promises of a land-for-peace solution.

 

First of all, peace should never be conditional, for any reason. Peace should come as a result of the actions of creating it by want and by not pursuing acts of war. The Arabs have never demonstrated that this is their intent. Instead, peaceful Israeli actions beget further Arab violence. Arab landmass gives them footing from which to launch their continued Jihad against the Jews and Israel. This policy has been a political failure in allowing the Arabs the experiment of self-rule within an Israeli sovereign state. There can only be one master for one land, and that happens to be the sovereign state of Israel. The decision to pursue war over peace is the precedent set by the Arabs. It is now time to reverse these disastrous accords.

 

Meanwhile, the Jewish people still suffer. Most of those evicted have lived in temporary caravans or from home-to-home amongst friends, still homeless after more than ten years since their own homes were gifted to the Arabs. They have yet to find employment, in many cases. Rabbi Gottlieb, himself, is one of these people who have been made to leave their home. He set up the charitable foundation, Yachdav, to help others like himself.

 

Jewish people have been made to be refugees for thousands of years. From foreign incursions into our land, to expulsions from the lands into which we were flung, Jews have been met with anti-Semitic fervor in decrees by governments against us, and by action in popular sentiment of the people. In medieval days, it was countries like Spain and England which expelled their Jews and confiscated Jewish property. All of Europe participated in giving up their Jews to the crematoria of the Nazis. The Arabs were no different. They drove out nearly a million Jews and confiscated their properties in the exodus preceding the Proclamation of Israel Independence of 1948.

 

It is therefore refreshing to find an Arab viewpoint in line with the Jewish one. Sheik Abdul Hadi Palazzi, secretary-general of the Council of Muslim Clerics in Italy, recently requested a visit to the Gush Katif Museum, set up in Jerusalem, to express his affirmation of the Jewish right to presence in the land, versus the movement to remove Jews from it, which he finds inethical, as does he the takeover by Arab terrorist organizations of Jewish sites. I wish that more people would speak out for Jewish rights to the land, such as Sheik Palazzi has done. Oddly, he looks familiar to me, much like the Arab-Jewish Doppelganger “effect” I mentioned in another article.

 

Prior to the Gaza Withdrawal in August of 2005, rallies were held around the world, hoping to demonstrate the peoples’ commitment opposing the plan. I made some great signs and wore them to the one I attended. The local photojournalist for the Jewish newspaper wanted to take my photo, but I didn’t want to appear in a leftist paper biased against Jewish rights in the land, so I declined.

 

I motioned the speaker on the podium to acknowledge publicly the rainbow which appeared over him. The rainbow is G-d’s covenant that He will always be with us. We don’t know His thoughts and plans, especially regarding unexpected results, such as those of Gaza. But, despite what might seem dire circumstances, it will undoubtedly be for the best (presently). And yes, the good gentleman stopped what he was doing and made mention of the rainbow.

 

Watching the IDF actually going in and bodily carrying Jews out of their homes was just too much. I will never forget the commentary from reportage covering the event by CNN (Cable News Network in the United States of America) describing “Jewish extremists”, with the accompanying video footage showing three teen-aged, or younger, girls huddled together, dressed in long skirts, I think, facing inwards and doing nothing. I was so angry, that it unleashed my decades long writer’s block, and I whipped off this poem in about 5 or 10 minutes or so, about my Palestinian ex-husband and the subject of the Gaza Withdrawal. It’s called ” V’Atah/After All”, and I posted it earlier, but I’ll recreate it here, again, for you. I hope you like it.

 

“V’Atah/After All” (by “Randyjw”)

 

Brilliant mind,

two souls intertwined

I thought you would leave

your past actions behind

But thousands of years

through grief and through tears

shows that Judaism and love

are most certainly blind

Blind to the cruelty of hatred’s intentions

Blind to the scheming of man’s machinations

Awaiting the day

when the world will say

We acknowledge your people,

your history, your nation

Alone we now stand

Exiled from our land

Our people have borne each concession

Alone we will stand

With our L-rd’s guiding hand

As we wait for the final redemption.

 

###

 

To learn more about the plight of the Jewish refugees from Arab lands, please see the website at Jimena:

http://www.jimena.org/

 

To learn more about the Yachdav Foundation and the projects currently supported, please visit:

http://www.yachdav.net/

 

To see the article on Sheik Palazzi’s visit to the Gush Katif Museum in Jerusalem, please visit:

http://shturem.org/index.php?section=news&id=40587

 

And here is the shirt I wore to the rally to protest the Gaza Disengagement:

 

          

 

Harry Belafonte, Miriam Makeba, and Chubby Checker Sing Jewish/Jewish-Themed Songs

 

I have one post dedicated to Jewish/Israeli song artists called “Shema Yisrael”, and another dedicated to the familiar songs of my youth and upbringing here in America, called “American Culture In Music”.  “American Culture In Music” contains many songs in many languages, reflecting the diversity and melting pot which is America. Jewish songs were a part of my youth, but did not receive as broad a recognition in American culture as the rest of the type of songs represented “American Culture In Music”.

 

It is interesting to see how individual cultures adapt to their newfound societies, combining their old traditions with the new. It is an educational experience to look at a review, from the future, back to the past, to see how it’s developed, integrated, and been influenced by the melding of different cultures within societies. While many people can probably sing “Havah Nagilah” and many of the tunes written for the film adaptation of Shalom Aleichem’s novel based on the reality of life for the Jews during Russian pogroms against them, via the popular movie musical, “Fiddler On The Roof” (for which I played the part of ‘Hodel’ in a grade school musical presentation), other artists’ renditions of some of these songs deserve a posting set aside and apart from both these lists for the special classifications or designations into which these fall. Two such are those by Harry Belafonte, Miriam Makeba, and Chubby Checker. It shows a blending of cultures in the performances of one through the songs and representative styles of the other.

 

Here they are singing one of my newest favorite songs, ‘Erev Shel Shoshanim’, and several renditions (live and on studio albums) captured via film and video, or pressed into vinyl, of Harry Belafonte’s versions of: “Havah Nagilah” and “Hineh Mah Tov”. I hope you enjoy their versions of these Jewish songs, and this informational, educational look at cultures of American society through song:

 

Erev Shel Shoshanim:

Harry Belafonte:

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c5nYc26rEGo&list=RDc5nYc26rEGo)

 

Erev Shel Shoshanim:

Miriam Makeba:

(https://youtu.be/gP0OuRVzpw0)

 

Harry Belafonte:

Hineh Mah Tov (1960; Concert: England):

(https://youtu.be/RCzUWap9rm0)

 

Harry Belafonte:

Hineh Mah Tov (Album: Return to Carnegie Hall):

(https://youtu.be/LwLtzxkgfV0)

 

Harry Belafonte:

Noah:

(https://youtu.be/1dG7QI3L5tI)

 

Chubby Checker [Added September 28, 2019]:

Havah Nagilah

(https://youtu.be/McKBRGeU1hM?list=PLzb6Bc1k2vUaebYV9sDxE_TBKl2sAWF7U)

 

Harry Belafonte:

Havah Nagilah (Album: At Carnegie Hall: The Complete Concert):

(https://youtu.be/KTCmKmofaKA)

 

Harry Belafonte:

Havah Nagilah (Harry Belafonte From Jamaica: Calypso):

(https://youtu.be/kVxAb97XyZM)

 

Harry Belafonte:

Havah Nagilah (TV: The Danny Kaye Show; with Danny Kaye):

(https://youtu.be/t_L1RAVm4js)

 

Purim for Belgium

Purim for Belgium

Purim celebrates the victory of good over evil, light over darkness, peace and happiness over terrorism. It is the Jewish story of a tempered decree meant to kill all Jews under the Persian Empire, at that time, supplemented with an additional decree allowing for our self-defense. We were victorious. We celebrate today to commemorate that victory. We stand with you, Belgium, in fighting terror today. We may not be able to celebrate our holiday openly, due to the present security considerations after the recent terror attacks, in Belgium’s public squares as originally planned, but know that we will celebrate privately, in solidarity with you, in private homes and synagogues worldwide. Terror shall not prevail. We stand with you, Belgium!

 

Women’s Advocate Needed In Film!

 

I just found the perfect job opp for those interested in advocating for women in film, about film, and through film! Okay, so it’s not a real job opp, because it’s an “internship”, as is so often the case (natch), but it’s definitely a great way to break into film and notch up some bona-fide creds in the industry.

 

Do you have a passion to help women be heard in a sometimes still male-dominated society? Would you like them to escape the bonds of oppression from domineering men and societies hindering female entry into occupations they would like to pursue, but can’t, because they are a woman? (Sometimes my own views are at odds with each other, due to factors such as upbringing and traditions, I think it is important to add, here.)

 

Now is the perfect opportunity to get involved with the Women’s Film Institute and have your own voice counted in the cause for women’s advancement. I’ve found so many great voices out there, waiting to be discovered… people such as one of my newest favorites, a male feminist (yessss!!!!!), or the lovely, multi-talented woman (my absolute favorite!!!) whose family left an oppressive country to find greater opportunities and freedoms elsewhere!

 

The great voices being discovered in the WordPress community now have another outlet for expression via this avenue: The Women’s Film Institute, another WordPress-powered site! Based in the nation’s film capital of the United States, in the sunny state of California, the Women’s Film Institute is seeking people who have a passion for driving forward women’s empowerment and expression in the issues and fields in which they engage. Perhaps they are prevented from doing so, but you can be their voice.

 

Just have the commitment to devote to reading, writing, and editing two posts per month, on average, in a voluntary capacity, from your remote location, and you’ve just entered through that new door I mentioned in my poem, ‘Wonder’, to set you on your way! An opportunity such as this is a definite rarity. Not only that, but it could lead to further opportunities and connections to branch out from once you have stepped along this unique path! What are you waiting for? Here are the details:

 

Found through my Indeed.com automated job search, it posted to my email inbox today, March 22, 2016, and lists the internship from yesterday, March 21, 2016. It directs further inquiry to the site, from which it practically displays the description verbatim. The company is the Women’s Film Institute, and lists the offering March 5, 2016, requesting a resume and your cover letter being sent to:

sfwomensfilmfestival@gmail.com.

Here is a link to the position from within the site:

http://womensfilminstitute.com/2016/03/05/bloggers/

 

and a link to the site, itself:

http://womensfilminstitute.com/

 

Good luck! And reserve me front row seating at your premiere!

 

Persian New Year

Happy New Year!!!

Happy New Year!!!

 

 

 

 

Wonder

 

Wonder

 

There are questions we may never learn

the proper answer for

And wonder in the wondering

beyond each unsealed door

 

We first must learn to take one step

in order that we may

begin the onward process

which will set us on our way

 

To paths we find before us

which were never known before

And now we have the answer

Since we opened up the door!

 

———————————————————————–

Inspired by the poem, “Is Life But A Dream?”, by Keith Garrett: http://keithgarrettpoetry.com/2016/03/19/is-life-but-a-dream/.

 

 

Kerry Not Lucky For Jews and Blacks

 

Today, John Kerry announced that ISIS is committing genocide against certain minority groups of people in Syria and Iraq. Okay, so do something about it!

 

For Jews, it took quite a long time to receive that designation following the Holocaust of our people preceding and throughout the World War II era. Some people refuse to even believe it occured, despite documentation and evidence to the contrary.

 

Now, not to belittle efforts to help the beleaguered, but I need to ask. Is there only a “genocide” occuring, then, in those specific countries of Iraq and Syria? Because it sure as heck seems like there’s been one occuring by Islamic killers of the black Christians, and others, in Africa. But, you just glossed right over that one, didn’t you.

 

And, then, there also seems to be an always percolating anti-Semitic slow-motion genocide of the Jewish people being perpetrated by the Islamic killers of Jews, but you keep glossing over that one, as well, don’t you… Rockets addressed to us in Hebrew with death messages from Iran don’t count in the sphere of the State Department and U.S. “official policy”.

 

So, what do you do? You make it specific to just ISIS IN SYRIA AND IRAQ, and you stick your fingers in your ears and say, ” Na-Na… I can’t hear you…” when the Jews try to alert the world to the same mania of Islamic killers murdering the Blacks and the Jews. Now, you don’t have to extend the same courtesies to the Blacks and the Jews, as you’ve worked it out so that you don’t have to! It only applies to the Middle Eastern folks from Iraq and Syria — NOT to Blacks and Jews.

 

Well, that explains it: it’s the “Blacks and the Jews”, again. Yeah, the Blacks and the Jews.

 

 

This post has been updated to reflect the present situation in that Christians may not be considered represented under this classification. My post has been edited in kind.

 

Randy’s Recipes: Ramen A-Go-Go

 

I’m a laugher. At just about everything. Including myself. I enjoy, and often succeed at, cracking myself up. That’s a good thing, as life has way too many sadnesses, of which I probably have more than someone’s fair share. So, I laughed at putting this up on the web as a recipe and at the name I decided to give it. Maybe this is what happens when you live by yourself for too long and really don’t get out much.

 

Randy’s Recipes: Ramen A-Go-Go

 

1 packet beef-flavored Ramen noodle soup

1 packet chicken-flavored Ramen noodle soup

Peanut butter (roughly Two tablespoons, or per taste)

Garlic (powder, or per preference) – a good shake, to taste

Wasabi (roughly 1/2 to 1 teaspoon, to taste)

(Update: My wasabi is a blended wasabi/horseradish one from brand: Silver Spring. It may make a difference in the outcome. So, you can use wasabi, or horseradish, or both. The one I used really livened up the soup).

Options to add-in: chopped scallions, soy sauce, coconut milk, curries or other spices, lemongrass, ginger, vegetables, fish, shrimp, chicken, meat, nuts, etc…..

Break noodles in half and add to water filled under halfway point of a medium saucepot. If using vegetables, or other items needing cooking, you might want to add these in now, also. Slightly past boil-point, turn stove to medium low and finish cooking noodles. Add packet seasonings at end. Pour into large serving bowl. Add good shake of garlic, peanut butter and wasabi. Crush down peanut butter with fork to dissolve and mix through soup. Add options which don’t need cooking here.

 

Whether Masala or Marsala, the ramen soups make a nice base stock from which to jump off and depart to flavors of other places: Korean, Chinese, Japanese, etc.

5.1 Yums Up

Apologies

I’ve been hacked again, successfully. The malicious people who would do this are probably laughing hysterically about it.

 

Anyways, my email and phone have always been kinda jiggy. Most of the time, the “like” button doesn’t load, so I often can’t just respond with a “like”. I’ll just write you a comment. I’m very verbose, anyways, so it sortof fits my style, but it’s more time-intensive and sometimes you much rather would give a “pat-on-the-back”. If I try to like or respond to someone, it often just shuts itself out. No dice. How annoying.

 

Anyways, I like to try to respond in some way to all who I can. If I haven’t, I apologize. Either I wasn’t able, I didn’t think I should, or it might have slipped by or through the cracks in a maelstrom of hack problems, life problems, or other.

 

Some sites are taking too long to load and I can’t visit. I’m sorry. The photography sites seem to be always giving me a problem. One seemed to be taking over my account; another was clouding up and going grey (I’d say ” dark’). That’s a shame, ‘cuz I appreciate nice photography and visual elements like design, but they’ve only given me tsuris (like, George).

 

To the recent Israel Travel Deal visitors, it’s affected my ability to respond to some of you. Thank you for your support. I hope you get to go to Israel and visit there, yourself. To the photographers, I’m sorry it affects you, too. It seems to keep emanating with photo sites, but I’m not sure just yet.

 

I apologize if I perchance don’t reply to you personally, but know that I would wish that life and G-d would show you how to be kind, and respond in kind.

 

Thanks.

 

 

 

Fields afoot

 

Fields afoot

 

Elegant

and unabashedly free

Less constrained by

Society

 

(for DM)

Israel Travel Deal: Mar/Apr/May/June – 2016

 

Israel Travel Deal:  5 Nights!!!

Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, or Both!

El Al Nonstop/Overnight from New York

Per Person, Double Occupancy

$999 – March/April (Selected Dates)

$1199 – May/June (Selected Dates)

Certain restrictions, dates, limitations apply.

Book with: https://exploreisrael.com/

(Mention TravelZoo)

A Top 20 Selection from TravelZoo.com

Released March 16, 2016

http://www.travelzoo.com/

Petition: Stop Funding the Palestinian Authority

 

Yesterday’s news is the same news hashed over again from four years ago. Actually it goes back even further than that, but that’s when I wrote the May 29, 2012 article, “Help the Economy — End Financing to Terrorists” (click to view: Help The Economy — End Financing To Terrorists) on my Newsnotes1.wordpress.com blog site.

 

In that article, I reported that Congress had passed a resolution to end funding to the Palestinian Authority, top-notch Holocaust deniers and purveyors of terrorism extraordinaire. Instead, President Barack Obama vetoed that Bill and released $192 million USD to the Palestinian Authority’s treasuries.

 

What did the United States receive in return? Apparent satisfaction, although nothing has been done to serve the humanitarian needs of the Arab Palestinian people, the purpose for which these funds had been furnished by the American taxpayers.  As stated by an Arab man at approximately 03:02 in the StandWithUs.com video, ‘Where Has All The Money Gone?” (click through links to see video on YouTube: StandWithUs.com: “Where Has All The Money Gone?”): “I didn’t see that the Palestinian Authority ever built a hospital, or a university, or a clinic, or even a kindergarten!” The money has simply vanished from the coffers of the Palestinian Authority into thin air.

 

All one has to do is to indeed, ‘Look up!’, into that same, heat-miraged, hamsin thin air to see for yourself what the Palestinian Authority has secured with its U.S. purchase: thousands of rockets. Have the Palestinians formed the newest replacement to the space program jettisoned by Obama from NASA? No, these are the kind of rockets one uses when seriously trying to destroy an enemy upon which one has declared war.

 

Oh, that war. Wait…what’s it called? Um, I’m not sure. Could be: ‘The Yom Kippur War: Yesterday and Today’. Could be: ‘Six Day War, and Counting…”. Could be: “‘Knife War’ plus ‘Intifada, Three’ Revisited”. I don’t know; ‘Caliphate, Continued…” kinda has a certain je ne c’est quoi about it.

 

The Palestinian Authority has fattened the personal bank accounts of the Palestinian leaders and their families: whether former P.L.O. leader, Yasser Arafat (now deceased) and his wife, Suha Arafat (long resident in Paris, France); Khaled Meshaal; or Ismail Haniyeh, both of Hamas, the designated terror group.

 

Most governments in Western civilization over the past decade have had Liberal, left-leaning leaders at their helms. Their attached economies have also gone into hibernation for the winter of these years, as well. Because of this, and I suspect it’s not for any more altruistic reason then that, the snap-back from the constituency has placed great pressure on their leaders to rein in spending and waste and to raise up their economic situation.

 

Election time is near for most. Time to heed the calls of the concerned, now. Trot out the petitions, Bills, and lip-service. Let’s hope it sticks.

 

In my email inbox yesterday was a report from Honest Reporting’s Israel Daily News Stream which reported the stance being maintained by the European Union in light of recent revelations of building construction in contravention of signatory agreements by which the European Union are bound to uphold.

 

Israel maintains sovereign control over all land and territories, despite common conceptions to the contrary. Judaea/Samaria is part of Area C, under total control militarily, civilly, administratively. This is erroneously referred to as The West Bank, to create semantic situations and infer facts which do not, in reality, exist. Area C completely surrounds other areas, B and A, over which Israel is sovereign as well, but is allowing the Palestinians an experimental opportunity in self-governance. Israel fully allows this in one area, and also allows further small areas where they will allow the Palestinians joint control alongside them. Given the terrorism and that this is Israel’s land, it is more than a fair arrangement.

 

But, Israel has been receiving the short end of the stick, being forced by terror to allow the terrorists to rein over us and to murder our citizens, as well as having the outside world contend that this is the way it should be and that we, who are suffering by death because of it, should submit. Most of us say “No More”. I don’t know when that changed from Never Again”.

 

Please read the articles forming the background to this issue. It will give you greater perception and clarity as to the real facts surrounding the Arab-Israeli conflict.

 

Please also sign the petition to stop funding the Palestinian Authority and forward it to your friends.

 

Thank you.

 

PLEASE SIGN THIS PETITION AND FORWARD IT TO YOUR FRIENDS TO SIGN

Petition:

Stop Funding the Palestinian Authority

A Project of United With Israel

http://stopfundingpa.org/

 

Related Articles:

 

Simons, Jake Wallis. “Outrage As EU Claims Diplomatic Immunity After Using Our Aid Money To ‘Meddle In The Middle East’ By Building On Disputed West Bank Land”; Daily Mail Online; March 15, 2016: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3480561/Outrage-EU-claims-diplomatic-immunity-using-aid-money-meddle-Middle-East-building-disputed-West-Bank-land.html

 

Israel, David. “EU Delegation Claims Immunity From Prosecution For Building 1,000 Illegal Arab Homes; March 15, 2016: http://www.jewishpress.com/news/eu-delegation-claims-immunity-from-prosecution-for-building-1000-illegal-arab-homes/2016/03/15/

 

“EU Claims Diplomatic Immunity to Illegally Fund West Bank Projects”; Israel Daily News Stream, HonestReporting.com; March 15, 2016: http://honestreporting.com/idns-03152016-russia-syria/

 

Rosenberg, David. “Report: UK Bankrolling Fogel Family’s Killers”; Arutz Sheva / Israel National News; March 27, 2016: http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/209936

 

Yashar, Ari. “New York Gives Pro-Terror Palestinian Activist $500,000”; Arutz Sheva / Israel National News; April 2, 2016: http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/210226

Randy’s Recipes: Open-Faced (Or Closed) Curried Chili Sandwich

Convenient, fast, throw-together, American-style. And not half-bad, either. Nowadays, American fare has developed into fusion food — the melting pot meeting of diverse cultures coming together to create something exciting and new, with old-culture sources as its base.

 

The lead-up to this recipe deservedly belongs elsewhere, as I think it’s better than the recipe itself. ‘Recipe’ is used lightly, as it’s just a throw-together and I can’t stand when people call such things creations, like I often make, recipes! Technically, though, the term does apply. My cooking creds are zilch, besides.

 

But, this polyglot quick-meal had a little taste and I figured I could share that. So, here it is.

 

Randy’s Recipes: Open-Faced (Or Closed) Curried Chili Sandwich

 

2 cans Chili (beef-and-bean, or vegetarian bean)

1/2 medium bag rice (white, or your preferred)

Curry powder (or seasonings of your choice; I used Pereg Brand Indian Curry)

Bread, sliced or torn (White, or your preferred; plain or toasted; I used Wonder-brand bread under this, and it added a just-right sweet note to the combination)

———————————————————————–

Pick dry rice of any grains that don’t look good and any foreign matter. Rinse the rice grains in a strainer and let drain. Place grains in a medium saucepot with water, filled about an inch or two above the top of the rice level (general measure; eyeball for right height — you’ll learn this with practice) and simmer until grains are moist but most of water has evaporated. Heat chili in another saucepot. Fold chili and rice together. Place into an oven-safe baking dish and generously sprinkle curry powder on top, leaving it on top to become heated and dried, as is. Bake at 375°F-400°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until desired dryness is reached. Place on bread and enjoy!

 3.4 Yums Up

Israel: Solving the World’s Problems, Not Causing Them

As it is said that “necessity is the mother of all invention”, so it is, also, that a medical breakthrough for deep wounds requiring innovative solutions has been discovered in Israel.

 

Terror attacks have taken face-to-face personal dimensions in the methodology of jihad currently being promulgated by Arabs living in, residing in, or passing through Israel in recent months. These up-close murder attempts on Israeli lives have been conducted mostly by individuals or small groups of Arabs, with some perpetrators not even yet having reached their teenage years. The latest weapon of choice for the Arabs has been the knife. There have been numerous attacks in Israel by this manner upon security personnel, police, Border Police, Rabbis, women, children, tourists, and just regular people going about their day.

 

The vicious nature of these attacks proves the vengeful nature behind them. It’s known that this method of attack points to the highly personalized, yet psychotic, mental psychology of the attacker, and the desire to inflict damage  due to emotionally charged feelings at a personal level of involvement, whether the attacker knows his victim, is projecting his feelings of anger and revenge upon a substitute victim, or is disocciated entirely from an issue but utilizes his enragement by acting out.

 

Israelis have borne the brunt of Arab anger due to Arab intolerance of the other within their midst. This applies to wherever they may be, because it applies to the personal sphere in which the Arab may find himself. If he is in his own land, the “Infidel” other is soiling its purity. If he is in your land, you are still an “Infidel” existing within the sphere of his space, even though it may be solely the personal space surrounding him. If he is Muslim, and you are not, you are “Kfir”.

 

Israel under Jewish sovereignty is a concept that the Arabs just can’t tolerate. It is not the land, itself, which is an affront to their existence, but the Jewish rule over it, that is intolerable to them. There you go. It’s the “other”, again. So, their solution is to kill everybody in Israel that are not Arab. If they are adhering to a strict Muslim viewpoint, this could include even Christian Arabs, such as the Christians of Lebanese descent, Egyptian Coptic Christians, Yazidi, and even Muslims thought to be confederate with such others, indicating their lenience in applying the rules of non-association with the other/”kfir”.

 

Arab children learn this concept at a very early age and receive emotional encouragement and reward for thinking in this vein. They are taught that the ultimate achievement is to kill Jews, and grow up hearing glorified tales of murder. Families of terrorists receive payments from their government for having lost a “shahid” (martyr) to “Jihad” (Holy War). The governments doling out this money receive funding through other countries, mostly Western ones, like the U.S. and the European Union, which means that, indirectly, we are supporting the murder of Jews by Arabs. Nobody has the “high ground” to declare such behavior moral or ethical. It is illegal and repugnant, by all strain of thought.

 

Arabs have been continuing their hatred and ethnic cleansing (even though the land is not theirs) against the Jews in Israel, and around the world, for millenia. The latest preferred method of inflicting death is via knife-stabbing. It goes through layers of the body and is particularly torturous, inflicting a painful and slow manner of death upon its victims. Videos in the usage of knives to be used by Arabs and their sympathizers against the Jews have given instruction on the places to strike on the body to cause maximum pain and damage — hopefully death.

 

Arab teens riding the light rail train attacked a security guard aboard the train this way. Women and men at checkpoints draw knives and attack Israeli security there. Lone terrorists run through popular shopping areas and attack all they can find. I heard the story of a vicious attack of a mall security man, bludgeoned repeatedly in the head with an axe by a Palestinian man who worked in the mall. He had actually been to the coffee canteen with this man, and the report says that he had no hesitation to open the door to him after dark. For his trust that this Arab man was unlike the others, he was felled. I thought of a kind security mall man who just sat with me and gave me a little tour around the mall he protected, as I was a new individual to Israel and didn’t speak a lick of Hebrew (I still really don’t). I really appreciated his kindness; maybe he sensed I was alone by myself there. I thought of him and was horrified. In fact, I’m crying now as I write these few lines.

 

An Israeli scientist, Moshe Rogosnitzky, has learned that gallium nitrate, the liquid form of a biometal called gallium, which helps to retard or stop bone loss in cancer patients, induces fibrinogen, the clot-forming protein in blood, to create external clots to stanch bleeding from deep wounds via flocculation, rather than to cause internal clots, which can dangerously occlude vessels, causing death.

 

More clinical trials are needed to gauge the efficacy of this promising treatment, which, if proven, can be included in all emergency response kits — a life-saving aid needed in these immediate and urgent times. To push this to trial faster, a crowd-funding campaign to raise $100,000.00 is underway (they had just reached over $3,000.00 through about 43 or 45 individuals, last I looked). The sponsoring group of the initiative is We Fund the Cure, a U.S. non-profit organization, who placed the campaign on the site, You Caring. If you would like to and are able to help out, I have included a link to that site; I haven’t done due diligence to ascertain the correctness or suitability of these agencies, so I leave that up to you, as usual. I hope you’ll take a look and do what you can. Please read up on this development and hope it will have many useful purposes in helping the world’s people. Israel again at work to help you and to help the world become a better place. Thank you. (Information on this development was initially gleaned as the lead-in article on today’s (March 14, 2016) subscription broadcast of Arutz Sheva 7/Israel National News email services, which I followed through to the YouCaring site; I did not look up medical journal references or use other publications or sources for this article).

 

https://www.youcaring.com/stop-the-bleeding-535753

 

Maximum, Cats-Are-Fun Cute!

Hold the press!

 

 

Take time to smell the babies!!!  And kitties!!!

 

 

Click through this cute-fest of cuddle-upagous seriousness!!!

 

“21 Pics Of Babies With Kittens That Will Fill Your Heart With Joy” (Sharethe.buzz):

 

http://sharethe.buzz/amazing/21-pics-of-babies-with-kittens-that-will-fill-your-heart-with-joy

 

Zombies, Palestinian-Style: They Are Risen

Zombies, Palestinian Style: They Are Risen

It’s getting close to Passover, which means it’s nearing Easter, as well, when Christianity will mark the time they believe their Messiah arose from death, and will declare “He Is Risen”. (It’s also the time that Jews will cower in fear, or at least I speak for myself, wondering to what extent the crowds will whip into their anti-Semitic rants and how far they will go in carrying out beatings and attacks on Jews, worldwide.) I guess that’s a sad way to look at it, but it’s been a reality for us, for the longest time.

 

I wrote in another post about being denied work at The Holy Land Experience because I am Jewish and do not believe in J.C. I do believe, though, that a Messiah will come. Like Judaism, like Islam, like Christianity, we all hold this out as a future expectation (May it come soon, even though I’m far from ready for it — the world is, though…).

 

My friend and her daughter toured through The Holy Land Experience with me. While it is a theme park, you need to plan your route inside, as the “attractions”, which are often shows, have certain starting times and may not run continuously throughout the day. I quickly plotted the best route, I thought, which would have allowed us to see the most things and the best things on offer. Instead, the little girl, thinking it was like Disney, wanted to just wander aimlessly here and there. We only saw the Scriptorium and nothing more, as we weren’t in the right place at the right time to see anything!

 

Entering the park, one views to the left a word or two formed in the topiary of the bushes. I didn’t understand the meaning of this seemingly Germanic expression, Heis Risen. We turned our heads this way and that, with puzzled expressions, until my friend finally burst out, “He Is Risen!” We had a good laugh about it, and yes, that’s what it was. The “e” and the “i” had grown too close to seem like separate words.

 

Well, I hope you won’t take offence at my usage of the phrase for this article. It obviously doesn’t infringe on Christian belief. I was waiting to actually research what I wanted to write for this article, but decided to wing it on the fly, due to commentary received regarding another post.

 

I’m sick of writing about Arab bad behavior in the name of Islam, to tell you the truth. But as long as they keep up with their intolerance and continue to massacre those of other religions and destroy the religious sites of others, they deserve my commentary. They deserve all scorn poured upon them. They deserve the insides of Israeli jail cells, without the opportunity to be released due to further hostage-taking or promises of peace.

 

Raymond Ibrahim, a Christian Arab who writes for Frontpage Magazine, as well as other publications, provides expert testimony regarding the situation for Christian Arabs living under Muslim domination in the Middle East. I was not familiar with the people in Syria known as the Yazidi, until the latest ravages of war in Syria razed them out of that land and scattered and dispossessed them throughout the world. Now many people know their name, but may not know the particulars about what is happening to them. The Copts, an Egyptian Christian denomination, are also being attacked and killed by Muslim mobs.

 

Raymond Ibrahim compiles an ongoing report on the attacks the Christian people in the Middle East have undergone. It is a sad, long list. It is even more telling that people are ignoring their plight. You should check out Frontpage Magazine and Ibrahim’s writings, as well as the rest of the offerings on the site. There is so much on offer there, things like: anti-Semitism on college campuses, the latest in jihad news, and network connections of groups and sponsors. There’s almost too much to read, but the articles will definitely open your eyes: http://www.frontpagemag.com/

 

Much of what is reported in the news media about the Middle East comes from the Arab side and goes unverified. A large part of the reason this occurs is because they are closed, government-reviewed media. They do not offer freedom of the press very much, if at all. For the most part, you will be escorted via a “minder” providing driving services (read: spy on your whereabouts; obstruct your path to learn of ‘unapproved’ subjects and places; and get you to interviews with pre-selected people who will tell you only things from a pre-conceived viewpoint).

 

In Israel, there is a “Palestinian” media office in Bethlehem which coordinates the information that gets out to journalists. I was made to wait outside, while my Palestinian ex-husband (boyfriend at the time) escorted a Christian woman inside, so that she could receive information to write favorable reports about the Arabs in a paper she was going to present to the Mexican government, if I recall correctly. She was so biased against the Jews, none of my arguments could dissuade her. She couldn’t see the validity of her bias when I pointed out that she only voiced one side, the Arab side, regardless whether she included some Jews on the same (wrong) side. She placated me with a promise that she’d allow the entire report to be viewed through my hands with an editor’s full rights, but this never occurred.

 

We have learned, over the years, that Arab reports are quite often fabricated, for one thing, or greatly exaggerated, for another. They are often provoked attacks, where an Israeli response is required — but you never see the initial provocation. Luckily, other sources sometimes have videotaped the same scene, and post the full clips online. However, the retraction and doubt, and the proof, never seem to make it to light. Such a scene will remain in the minds of the world-at-large, perpetuating an intentional lie, long after the truth is discovered and the incident is revealed as a hoax.

 

Arab funerary processions are often videotaped to drive home the propaganda of the so-called “Israeli war machine” killing innocent Arabs. But, Arabs have gone to great lengths to produce these videos. Not to just “come up” with a video — but to “produce” it in the fullest aspect of that word. Welcome to Pallywood! Yes, as it’s known, the “Jews have Hollywood”, India has Bollywood, and the Palestinians now have our “affectionate” term for their media hype, Pallywood.

 

These are full-fledged productions, although I suspect that they use real ammunition rather than blanks. Point-of-view camera shots capture the ensuing “action” from various angles. They break down the scene for one shot and move to shoot from another angle. Caught on YouTube are the supposed “funeral” processions of Arabs extolled for their kindness (yet attempting some heinous act against Jews): in attendance are the pallbearers, the entire village, and the wailing women. Perhaps it’s a small “body” of a child on a gurney (that always evokes lots of sympathy). An Israeli helicopter passes overhead — suddenly, “He is Risen!” The dead corpse pops off the gurney and runs to take cover (he doesn’t REALLY want to be dead)! He is alive! He never actually even died, but he is now reported as a death statistic on the Palestinian side! This has happened so often, it’s almost comical, were it not for the fact that Israel and Jews are on the line and are being killed and castigated — for nothing. For a big media production to play on your emotions!

 

Maybe you haven’t looked, but Palestinian lies are caught again and again in online forums such as YouTube. The face of the whole campaign by the Palestinians against the “evil” Israelis (read: Jews) became Muhammad Al-Durra, the twelve-year-old boy seen being shielded by his father as they take cover behind a barrel during volleys of gunfire. You see Muhammad and his father seated on the ground as ambulances come and go throughout the scene. Bullets raze a spot above their heads on the wall behind them. What you don’t see is the pause for the set-up behind Muhammad and his father of cameramen, who shoot video from their viewpoint. An ambulance stops before them and blocks the view. Muhammad is then seen lying down, unmoving. He is declared dead by someone yelling, off-camera.

 

The Israeli position lies at a different angle than the bullets which penetrated the wall behind them — it was the Palestinian position which was located in that line of attack.

The cameramen were unhurt in this whole exchange, although they were more clearly exposed. People pass in and out of the shot, non-chalantly. It is a film scene, and Muhammad, believing the cameras have stopped rolling since he has been declared dead, suddenly moves his arm and peeks out between it toward the film position. He Is Risen! His wounds have healed!

 

He is alive and well, and running around either Gaza or the West Bank, according to the mother of someone for security in Judaea and Samaria (“the West Bank”) tells our group, if I recall what she said correctly.

 

The person responsible for airing the scene, manipulated as it was, produced some, but not all of the additional footage — he didn’t want to be indicted for his false portrayal of news footage. The court of public opinion indicts him for his role in slandering the Jews and causing incitement to further violence against the Jews, I think.

(For Raul)

————————————————————————

I didn’t get to view/review all these, but they pertain to the case if you wish to learn more yourself.

 

Online/Print:

Phillips, Melanie. “The al-Durah Blood Libel”. Aish.com, November 14, 2007: http://www.aish.com/jw/mo/The_al_Durah_Blood_Libel.html?s=mrl&mobile=yes

 

Simmons, Rabbi Schraga. “Muhammad al-Dura’s Faked Death: The Mother of All Fauxtographies”; Aish.com: http://www.aish.com/jw/mo/Muhammad-al-Duras-Faked-Death.html?mobile=yes

 

Volli, Ugo. “Il caso Al Dura e la morale di Goebbels”, 22/05/2013; Cartoline; Rubriche: informazionecorretta.com: http://www.informazionecorretta.com/main.php?mediaId=&sez=280&id=49263

 

Online/Video:

The 2nd Draft Presents: “According to Palestinian Sources II: Al-Durah: The Birth of an Icon”. YouTube: https://youtu.be/DzsCBFhCsyY

 

YouTube post, AlfredDreyfus1: “Al Dura affair: the 10 seconds never shown by France 2”: https://youtu.be/75hiDGp89Xk

 

The David Project Foundation; Lecture by Philippe Karsenty. Six-Part YouTube video series post, ” Who Shot Muhammad al-Durrah? Was he shot?”:

1/6: https://youtu.be/mzHIddlFbc8

2/6: https://youtu.be/Bytr2kR-Ot8

3/6: https://youtu.be/dh5LW1nsJQU

4/6: https://youtu.be/aBsiTgxWoFI

5/6: https://youtu.be/YSY6WvKMgWY

6/6: https://youtu.be/XrIQUqq6-2I

 

Additional Reading (December 28, 2018):

 

Lieberman, Ari. “Pallywood Rears Its Ugly Head Again”. frontpagemag.com; December 28, 2018:

https://www.frontpagemag.com/fpm/272369/pallywood-rears-its-ugly-head-again-ari-lieberman

 

 

Cornering the Kindness Market

It seems that there’s a market for everything, these days — even kindness. Large and self-serving industries have gotten behind every imaginable ill befalling mankind: disease, environmental issues, war, humanitarian aid. For every category you can conceive, there are hundreds and thousands of organizations and people out there, ready to push their ideological agendas in these areas. They try to claim the “high ground”, garnering support with a lot of bullying and social shaming. If you hold a differing viewpoint, you will be castigated in the social sphere and be made to feel wronged, so that you will go along with “the crowd” and “get in line” with the rest of them.

 

At least, that’s what they hope. While they may be loud, pushy, and vocal, they are less prevalent than one might expect. They just happen to be holding the media microphone, right now, though.

 

People often try to disguise their desire to control you, because they are judging you and find you lacking, with the flimsy cover of “trying to act in your best interest”, that they “care for” you, and that they are trying to be “kind”. There are, of course, people who are kind and helpful, but that is not what I’m talking about. I’m talking about micro-managing people that are control freaks.

 

They always tell you what’s wrong with your life, and how you’re not going about your life correctly but should do things their way, and even go about setting things up for you this way, without your input, and in your name. I’ve tended to find, for instance, that people who complain often about how selfish other people are, are usually the ones who are selfish and trying to make you feel bad so that you, the unselfish one, will give them more and more.

 

There is even a business-end of the “sympathy crowd”, I’ve found. In going through a lot of difficult issues, especially those involving my family members and cancer, I’ve learned that there are many support groups out there. They truly help fill a need for someone searching for solace and comfort. When someone has experienced the same or similar problems that you might now be experiencing, or have been through, it helps to hear how other people have dealt with their problems, what their emotional feelings were, and how your circumstances might benefit from their knowledge. You find and create bonds with people through shared experiences.

 

What if, though, a whole “gang” of people believe that acting in a certain way represents all of kindness, but that you, yourself, must be cruel for not believing the same way? Because of my own viewpoints, this is how I find it, in just about all aspects of the “I Am Demonstrating My Kindness” market, which seems to exist in the social sphere. Yes, it’s a competition, and you will be judged for how well you comply.

 

I have kowtowed before its staggering weight, before (this is what’s known as giving in to “peer pressure”), and I’m REALLY ashamed that I do it, because it’s hard not to give in against even overwhelming pressures against you. I hang my head ashamedly to admit that. Basically, I guess what I’m talking about can be a form of bullying. It’s an overpowering might on one side trying to pick on, undermine, change, or just annoy those with whom they disagree/don’t like/want to push around, etc. I think they may feel inferior, or envy others, and need to make themselves feel better by trying to rule over others, in order to gain the upper hand.

 

These can also be found among the support groups. They are also a reason why lobbyists exist — to proactively promote their viewpoint in order to implement their agenda — plans to enact certain policies or procedures favorable to their views.

 

Of course, how one views each of these groups depends on individual viewpoints. Maybe you don’t like that they exist, at all. But, as long as people with differing views exist, so will there be different groups which exist to support their views.

 

They truly create controversial “hot-spot” issues — some acknowledged, others not. For instance, I don’t really believe in euthanasia. I think it could be taken advantage by those who do favor it, to impose their will on those who don’t. I guess I just value life, almost at all costs, even in pain, versus not existing at all and ending it the moment “quality of life” is diminished. I feel there is great value to life, even for those with diminished capacity. Hitler aimed to kill the disabled, feeling they were inferior, especially where his ideas of genetics and the Master Race were concerned. It may not seem enviable to you, in your own capacity, perhaps, as a fully-enabled person, but don’t think less of a person that may not quite be put together the way you are, and don’t determine that their life has lesser meaning because of it.

 

That, to me, is how the whole euthanasia idea comes across to me. I’ve heard the other side of the argument, and I’m not going to argue any other side here. My intent is just to show differences, and not a pro-con analysis of the merits of each. The point is that those in the euthanasia camp will try to make it seem cruel to prolong life. (Considering that it’s the only one we’ve got, I say “yes” to life and “no”, for as long as possible, to death.)

 

I think that there’s a natural process to getting old, slowing down, making peace with the whole idea that you are no longer on the uphill climb, but on the downward side of the slope. There is special savoring of the preciousness of life, of the memories held, of the friends made, of the lessons learned. It gives us a chance to make amends with those we’ve hurt, to come to terms with regrets and mistakes we’ve made in our lives, to relish the happiness, and the depth of love we might have shared. A life cut short, by any means, is a tragedy. Even an animal has a dying process, and their own way to go about it. I believe they love, hold memories, hold grudges, also forgive, and experience the world in much the same way, and even with special, or differing, abilities, as we do. Is it really more kind to not let them live out their natural life, as well? I know how some people feel about putting animals “to sleep”. Some people feel it’s more cruel to let them suffer with their agonies then to let them continue on. They’ve made that decision for an animal that can’t speak in our language, which might have a preference, if they could voice the opinion.

 

Along with euthanasia comes a related issue regarding hospice care. I find that people who are for hospice care (as opposed to prolonging life and providing other means of extending life) are very hostile and militant about this issue. I have a hard time feeling that someone who wants this so badly for others is really the one I want to trust my own care to. Again, I understand wanting to be at home and living your last days there. But, I don’t feel that you are going to try very hard to save me, feeling as how you think I’d be better off just going off into the great sleep without any attempted efforts at deferrment, by any means. “Killer Kervorkian” is more fitting to me than “Kind Kervorkian”, though others most adamantly disagree.

 

I found this similar statement on a blog purporting to be all about “kindness”. As you can probably figure, I was rather disturbed to read that an emergency room technician of some sort despaired at having to save individuals and really, pretty much beneath, hoped for their demise. They didn’t appreciate intubation and other measures designed to save the person’s life. Lady or Sir, get out of the business, then. You seem to be in the wrong line of work. May I suggest the mortuary field or the Medical Examiner’s offices? You won’t have to suffer your wants, as it’s kindof already a done deal.

 

I came to the blog through a “like” on my recent post, “At Issue are the Issues”. The blogger removed their “like” after apologizing regarding offense I obviously took to articles posted there. I guess that, even with the apology, they saw fit now to withdraw their “like” because I was offended. So, does that mean they now “dis”-“like” me? Yes, I guess it must.

 

I’m entitled to my beliefs, as you are entitled to yours. You may not agree with mine above, but you’re not me. And, that’s okay… as long as you don’t let me or others die, because your beliefs prevent you from saving mine, or another’s, life.

 

Besides my horrified feeling about the E.R. tech posting their true leanings, I was equally appalled at other things at this site. First of all, they have “Kindness” categories listed from “A” to “Z”. There were so many categories! After reading a few articles, I definitely knew the left-wing, Israel-hating agenda I encountered, and have grown oh-so-familiar with. If you want to ask me if I’m going to depart from dealing with this? I don’t think I can — sorry. If I lose your readership, know that I’ll miss you and say “Shalom”, and wish you the best.

 

What was I so disgusted at? Well, it’s probably an accumulation of seeing this so much elsewhere, that when it came to this site, it was just the epitome of what the whole thing represents to me. But, here it is. I’ll tell you. First, the categories include Islam, Christianity, Muslims, India, China, Buddhism, and lots and lots of nice gestures and stories. Conspicuously absent are the categories: Jewish, Jews, Israel.

[Screenshots added about eight weeks later, below:]

Screenshot – May 5, 2016

 

Screenshot – May 5, 2016

 

Apparently, the kindness market is only associated with religions and people NOT of the Jewish faith — the message is not lost on anyone: least of all, me. Especially when it’s backed up with the following stories: how a Muslim woman in France gave out roses after the Charlie Hebdo and Hypercacher (kosher market) massacres in the Arab terror attack against the people they assumed to be Jews at the kosher market, and at the satirists who poked fun at their, and everybody elses, religion.

 

All the comments were fawning towards this Muslim woman’s actions who handed out flowers after the terrorist attacks. Go exchange that rose for the knives in the hands of the Arab terrorists attacking Jews. I don’t need salt rubbed into my emotional wounds, nor your effortless balm salved into the dead bodies of my brothers, lady. And the people that side with terrorists and sympathizers? By what crazy logic do you think that these murderers have any justification to kill Jews? Here is my screenshot (a feature I newly learned) of my comment:

And then there were the fawners over the “clock kid”, crying because he was detained and questioned. Anyone might’ve been questioned for bringing a defaced clock, inserted into a briefcase with all its wiring and mechanisms visible upon opening, with school violence the way it is. Was there an assignment to do this? I frankly question the kid’s motives. Muslims are trying to generate provocations against them, especially going after wealthy Jews. Sheldon Adelson is supposedly being sued over the Jews’ belief that Israel belongs to them. It does. He should countersue. Muslim women went to three different synagogues to “learn about” religion. No need to convert and try to get the land of Israel via the Jewish Right of Return law. Islam is close enough to Judaism; you can learn about religion through the libraries — it’s free; no costly temple membership dues. They’re probably looking for a discrimination lawsuit, but it won’t work. A religious body needn’t embrace others of another religion into their body. I was denied work at The Holy Land Experience because I am a Jew and do not believe in J.C. They are within their rights to do so as they are attached to a mission (Zion’s Hope, believe it, or not). I thought I could’ve worked at the gift shop — but, it’s true, I would have had to qualify my speech with alot of “allegedly” this and “supposedly” that (which would’ve gone over like a lead balloon…).

 

These fawning people all know that Arabs are killing Jews. Whatever their beliefs about the land (which are inaccurate, to be sure), do they think it justifies killing Jews? Apparently they do… That, to me, is quite the opposite of “kind”. Where are their voices of outrage against this? It is a sick mental disorder that produces this dichotomy. The school system and publishing industries have somehow done away with all the books linking Jews to Israel and Palestine (which IS Israel, plus Jordan, and part of Syria). I blame the leftists for throwing the books on the pyre that the Nazis missed and continuing what they set out to finish. Why do you not hear one word about Jews being killed, other than from Jewish sources? Well?

 

[Update: My attempts to find legitimate email addresses to write a complaint to an editor has recently returned only 404 messages, complete with assorted emoticons expressing regrets in various pose. I finally found the email address to which I addressed my email, subject header “In Kind”, which is hopefully the correct email which correlates to the static The Huffington Post “about us” page listing Howard Fineman as Global Editorial Director. It was only yesterday that we marked, in Israel, Yom HaShoah — Holocaust Remembrance Day. My, how quickly we forget…]

Screenshot – May 6, 2016

———————————————————————–

See a video on YouTube declaring “The Clock Kid”, Ahmed Mohammed’s, clock to be ‘a fraud’:

Thomas Talbot: “Ahmed Mohammed Clock Is ‘A Fraud'”:

https://youtu.be/CEmSwJTqpgY

At Issue Are The Issues

Issues, the kind which we vote upon, become enshrined in law through various processes. Sometimes, an individual starts a petition to gain signatures so that it can be heard before committees. It might require a given number of signers before this can occur. Occassionally it can be placed as a referendum vote on a ballot; this might be at the local or municipal levels. It also must be an accepted way to introduce an issue before the body; not all will allow this.

 

It can become introduced at the Federal level with a House Resolution, where it can be voted on to become a Bill (you will see these abbreviated as “H.R. + number…”). They are proposed, generally, by individual members of the House, who might join forces with others to set out these Resolutions. Once passed, they are turned over to other individuals who actually go about constructing the Bill by creating its specific legal language. It may wind up different than its original intent.

 

At least I think this is how it all works. It’s only vague concepts I’ve grasped from my limited understanding of Civics and phrases I’ve heard that gives me the basis of my writing here. What this really means, I don’t know. It’s one of the vagaries of a larger subject I have difficulties, in reality, fleshing out how this all fits together. It’s something that would probably behoove us to understand, though. I’m trying to sound intelligent, and perhaps I’ve made a great, big blunder obviously apparent to all, but myself. I think we sometimes just want to seem smart for appearances’ sake, rather than to admit ignorance to a subject everyone else already seems to be an expert analysis of. This could lead to making great, big, whopping mistakes, which could impact our lives enormously.

 

Issues are generally single-subject matters, which often have numerous subset issues inherent to them. There is generally no specific formula that can apply broadly across the spectrum of humanity as it exists for individuals, as each individual lives with multiple factors differentiating circumstances peculiar to that unique individual.

 

Nevertheless, laws are made to encompass the totality of the society falling under its governance. Laws should be crafted as broadly as possible without bias or discrimination toward certain subsects of its society. It seems, though, that aspects of some rule can just not weigh equally across the whole. This is not due to discriminatory practices bound up in its laws, but because of the nature and diversity of life. Some will fail, despite seeming advantages. Others will gain, despite seeming disadvantages.

 

Sometimes laws will be crafted to encourage certain outcomes, and some become disparate where groups may benefit. Tax laws, for instance, apply to everybody, but behave in different ways. It generally reflects the outlook of the administration of the presidential cabinets’ outlook. It can be more or less favorable to the corporation versus the individual. Oftentimes, though, in this simple classification, we overlook the benefits gained by the poor, and to those who help them, in the separate laws we have exempting these people from much of the tax laws. Especially where we allow non-profit and religious groups an exemption from the rules made for commercialism (we as an economy).

 

Most people, for instance, believe that the Affordable Care Act, passed by Congress without knowledge of its actual contents, created a safety net for the poor to receive healthcare they had previous “no access” to. Both statements are deceptive. We need to pay attention to words. Access, in free countries, is available to all. There is no discriminatory action and no physical barriers in place to prevent anyone from visiting a doctor or a hospital to receive medical care. Occassionally this has occurred at clinics providing abortions, and there are certain laws in place regulating demonstraters from blocking the paths of care-seekers. But, this is the exception, rather than the rule.

 

The agenda to create a system of government oversight of health insurance has led to the hijacking of the term “access” to create a false connection in peoples’ minds that their individual rights are being violated because they are being physically discriminated against and prevented from going to a doctor. Their “access” has never been under attack. The hijackers want health insurance under Socialist/Communist oversight, so that they can control health insurance. They don’t want health insurance to be ruled by the Corporations who had created them, to begin with. That would keep their grabbing hands away from being able to control your potential life-saving or life-denying decisions. Is the government so efficient and well-equipped to act fast in a literal matter of individual life or death? I don’t think they can. Could it come to that?

 

I’m not particularly enamored of insurance agencies, but I do contend that they perform a function in society, if it is only existing as a “necessary evil”; in fact, I have worked for companies which have served insurance agencies, so I point out the dichotomy. But, I’m sure we all likely have: maybe you waited on an insurance agent, maybe you bought car insurance, etc. So, it’s probably affected all of us who live in developed societies, where, eventually insurance agencies will become part of the scene.

 

Financing is the means by which another company extends to you the use of their money so that you can acquire something for yourself. Generally, the benefit to the company is that they will charge an interest on top of the original amount extended, so that they can earn something for providing this service. They can make whatever arrangements they desire toward the company whose product or services you’ve acquired, but until you’ve paid off the entire amount to the one who has extended you this privilege, it is they who actually own or “hold title” to that item.

 

For homes, the agreement is usually called a “mortgage” and the contract is considered a “lien”. Unless the home is purchased outright, then the mortgage-lender wants to ensure that their “property”, or investment, receives some protection and care. Their investments are protected by laws in their favor requiring insurance be purchased until the loan is paid-off in full, and the lien is released. The company also benefits if the mortgage payment becomes delinquent. They can forclose on the property to force the law to recognize their right to the property by the breach of agreement via non-payment, and take the property. Therefore, they have doubly gained through the acquisition of property they have already received some of your interest payments on.

 

I think it’s reasonable to have this requirement. I don’t particularly care for enforced insurance, though. It should be enough that a person sustains loss of their own property and that should be enough grief, then to have to additionally force unneeded or unnecessary payments, for nothing, upon them. Then I feel like it’s a parasitic relationship of unnecessary middlemen.

 

The Affordable Care Act has become this. It was never anything additional to help the poor, and it does not help the poor. It only forces marginal wage-earners to pay insurance companies money they can barely generate. They are at such low scales that they cannot afford their rent, food, and other expenses, and yet would be found to be criminals, by law, since now you must pay health insurance companies, regardless of whether you can actually utilize the services. They do NOT receive government subsidies to receive insurance if their wages are too low. This is fact; not hyperbole. I know because I have personally experienced it! Instead, you receive an exemption, whose number and reason (which you must get pre-determined ahead of time, every year, now) must be reported to the government on your tax forms to see if you’re in compliance. So now the government is breathing heavy down the necks of the nation’s poor (thank you, so very much, Democrat Socialists)!

 

What leaves me flabbergasted is that medical professionals are unaware of this, and believe that the poor are receiving healthcare! I’m amazed! A woman who had helped my mother through her breast cancer treatments later discovered her own breast cancer. This woman’s parents have been profoundly absent and unavailable to this woman, and my Mother has reciprocated to help this woman through her own battles. Thankfully, both women have survived! The woman is a healthcare professional, herself. I have had to explain and re-explain why poor people cannot get “Obamacare.” I’ve mentioned this same issue on one of my followers sites, whose wife, in the medical industry, he says, has seen more poor people receving healthcare. He definitely reveals his leanings…

 

Medicaid, which is paid for by anyone working “above-the-table” through taxes withdrawn from each paycheck based on a percentage of your earned wages, is a Federal program, administered at the state level, which covers some very minor medical coverage for poor families. It was already in existence prior to Obamacare (the Affordable Care Act) becoming law. What Obamacare has done is captured mandatory payments to health insurance companies from the people who are one level, earnings-wise, above those who would already be covered by Medicaid. The people at this next level are the ones who are taking chances with their hedged bets against their health and opting, either by necessity or close to it, to put tiny savings towards either larger purchases, or toward already existent needs. Their savings ability for home-ownership or a vehicle should not be infringed with new laws capturing their wealth to pay insurance companies. Aren’t insurance companies wealthy enough?

 

So, if I haven’t given you pause to change your voter registration from Democrat to Republican (since you now see that this is the result of a Democrat policy), let me explain further how you have been deceived. People hear what they want. I, myself, have never been taken by “hope” and “change” rhetoric. To me, it was always a slogan meaning nothing. President Obama has always said that this or that would be for “the middle class”. The rich can pretty much handle themselves, as they already demonstrate. But, you will notice how he’s practically never said that anything would be for “the poor” (except only in pretty much recent times). He’s always managed to exclude them!

 

Like I said, most people falsely assume that Medicaid covers all of the poor. It does not. Most people wrongly assume, because they hear what they want to believe and do not hear what is actually said, that it covers all people who are poor because Medicaid is the government program to help really poor families. But, it very rarely helps poor individuals, unless, perhaps, they have a pre-determined disability. So, how does this not help all of the poor? Because you are confusing the wording, where you believe that families include all of the poor. But, you are gravely mistaken.

 

Poor people, who happen to be single, are excluded from Medicaid! Because you can be poor, and not have had children, you are not included in the definition of an actual “family”. And so, millions of people, erroneously believing that poor people receive healthcare are wrong! They hear their own made-up definition, assigned as the “human family”, and vehemently stick to their guns, wrongly arguing their point! How cruel that a single person has to suffer some malady when they, at least, have not irresponsibly brought children into the world that they wouldn’t be even able to support. Aren’t we kindof “rewarding” irresponsibility by supporting irresponsible behavior? Will this perpetuate such further cycles of the same behavior, in the future? Why are single people, who have no-one, allowed to die of their conditions?

 

So, Democrats, I know you’d argue your point on a sinking ship and pop the inflatables, if others were to prove you wrong. You simply can’t admit ever being wrong, can you? Now you know what it means when you hear that some states haven’t expanded Medicaid. That means allowing single people to receive Medicaid, as well. The Federal government is trying to sweeten the pot towards further Socialism by dangling one-time subsidies to states which would initially assist them to cover all these additional people. Many states still hold out and won’t do so. I agree with that stance, even though I would personally benefit.

 

Young people may not understand that the government is not a fairy granting wishes with a magic wand. The government “budget” is money they are spending that they get from us, the American people. They take that money out of our paychecks, each and every check. They take it from home- and property owners via taxes they pay on these items. States collect it in sales taxes they impose (this can vary on the state). If you work for cash or pay someone in cash, taxes which might have been taken out may not be being taken, when they are supposed to have been. Employers use your social security number to show the wages and how much is withdrawn to pay your taxes. If you are not a citizen, whereby you would have received a social security number, you can still receive a different number, so that you can legally work and pay your taxes. If you have already illegally entered the country, and do not wish to be deported for doing so, then why would you get a number and make it easy for the government to find you and expel you? You wouldn’t. It’s a good bet that since you came in already breaking the laws, you likely might perpetuate being able to stay and working only at cash jobs and not paying taxes. Meanwhile, you’ll still benefit, with free education and healthcare, that the citizens have to cover by paying taxes. Now, I’m not against kids, or parents, and I’m certainly a compassionate person. But, where is the fairness? Can’t we still help people AND be fair? We are breaking our system, because the rules which we have in place to keep it operating are being flouted and ignored. There are too many free-loaders wanting freebies from less and less people creating wealth.

 

I’ve worked practically my whole life, except for some periods of unemployment. I’d work after school, and I’d work during the summer, even as a school-aged child. I may have lived with the immense privileges of what my parents bestowed through their own hard work and dedication, but nothing was handed to them. I greatly resent accusatory anti-Semitic slurs about wealthy Jews. We have worked hard against most odds and have succeeded. We didn’t enslave anybody to do so, and we were excluded by discrimination from jobs — we got around that and created our own, in addition to fighting for equal rights of all, paving the path for others behind us.

 

These last years have been a bear. I can’t find work and there are hardly any jobs to be found. I worked for over two years at a print shop, but suspended my employment there to be with my brother. He lived in Massachusetts — home of the pre-cursor to Obamacare, “Romneycare”. Cancer had eaten through his bones. He now had a hip replacement to give him “a leg to stand on”. About two weeks after learning of my brother’s diagnosis, my Mother learned she had breast cancer. She couldn’t be with us as she endured her own treatments. My brother passed away, about three months later. She missed it. I didn’t.

 

I only vaguely caught what President Obama said about whether we should really be throwing money toward old people, such as his Aunt Tillie, who needed a hip replacement or something with her leg or something, and that she eventually died, and why should we have done that at that point in her life and in her needs? I’m not quite sure what it was he said, but I only perked up my ears because of the similarities to my brother. He was advocating for Obamacare, and how just such a program would be so beneficial. He sure wasn’t thinking about preserving his Aunt Tillie’s life, with that idea — he was questioning the cost-benefit analysis of doing so!

 

I cannot tell you how infuriated it made me to hear him saying such things, when it seemed like he could be describing my own brother, in a state which subscribed to Romneycare. He sounds like Hitler, with that talk! My Father and his two brothers served in the armies of this country during World War II to keep our country free and so that we would not fall under Communism, Socialism, Fascism, or anything else that isn’t what our ideals uphold. I don’t want our loyalty to this country questioned when we declare our love for Israel and our right to live as free people in our homeland there, either. I can’t tell you, frankly, how glad I am that my Father flew 25 missions over Germany at the age of nineteen, living abroad throughout his service to this country, in harrowing ordeals with flak blowing holes through their planes, or losing engines, or what have you. I used to feel bad that we had to cause loss of life in order to preserve our ideals. We used major atomic bombs on our attackers in Japan. I am, and we probably always will, be very sad always that that had happened. But we won the war. Yeah, my Dad’s crew bombed the crap out of Hitler’s army. He was a noble gentleman, my Dad. He died from cancer at retirement age and didn’t get to see any benefit from the hard life he’d given to working and providing. I was in my mid-twenties. It was not easy for my Mother, and she has had to work all her life. She just quit work, in her early eighties, to help her significant other — a widowed man, also Jewish, who also was in the Mighty Eighth Air Force in a B-17.

 

Now, I think I have basal cell carcinoma. I haven’t been able to find work, so can’t get insurance that way. As already explained, my little work for a labor pool didn’t provide enough wages to cover insurance, so I’d been exempted. Long story short, I’m no longer there, either. I have to look around for a free clinic which might be able to get this off. I self-diagnosed based on similar photos from the internet.

 

I sincerely hope Trump becomes President. I want someone who can help bring jobs back to our economy so that I can have one, too. My food stamps in this circumstance have inexplicably been denied. I forgot to mention that although I had returned to my print job just one month after my brother passed away, I was only working part-time, while I drove my Mother to all her Doctor’s appointments for her cancer treatments. Meanwhile, I had helped the print shop and a friend who had just lost her job in the radio industry connect –she could use some work while she continued to seek work in the field she preferred, and they didn’t need to find somebody else (they told me to give them a call when I was ready to come back, anyways). When my Mother’s treatments were over (I had been staying there during the interim), my friend wouldn’t give up my job (she really hadn’t wanted to work there) unless I lived with her and paid her rent money! So, she instead wanted the money without having to do any work for it. I didn’t appreciate what I felt was blackmail, after I’d gotten her the darn job, so she won — she got to continue working to make her own money!

 

I lost. I gave up a very old friendship (but this was the final straw to a bunch of other such accumulated slights, over the years). I didn’t appreciate being kicked when I was already on the curb. And besides, the room I had been renting from an old boyfriend was supposedly going to be rented out, so I had nowhere to live when I was given one week to leave. I found a homeless shelter around the corner from my job at the print shop. I thought I could stay there at night while working during the day at the print shop. The shelter, though, didn’t let women leave during the day. The men got to leave, I guess because there were so many of them, that they just couldn’t contain them all. There were two or three other Jewish girls there, besides myself. One had a particularly difficult time, as she had a medical issue, and this situation was actually endangering her health. I left after a time because I was being “Jesused” by staff and a fill-in (guest staff). It receives state funds and that’s not really supposed to be happening like that. I received food stamps after that, and for quite awhile longer. There should be no reason, I feel, that I should not be still receiving them, when I have no job.

 

So, I don’t think our resources are equitably distributed either. I don’t see why millions of law-breaking immigrants should receive food stamps and free housing, when I’ve put in a number of working years and am left out in the cold. Four times or so at the labor pool I’ve had to stand up to anti-Semitic comments. It’s getting very bad out there with that. One time I told my boss about someone making anti-Semitic comments. He spoke to him privately. Five minutes later, he sent the guy to an assignment. I waited all day and never received an assignment. In fact, I hardly ever received assignments. I’d have to get up about 3:00 in the morning, ride my bike there and back (about 30-45 minutes, each way) (I have a valid license — safe driver, motorcycle, also — just can’t afford a vehicle; I also have an Israeli scooter license, but I think it’s expired, now) and sit there, day in and day out, and barely receive any work. Only when they started to let workers pick other workers for assignments was I then chosen. Do you think my obvious Jewish last name is preventing me from being hired when I submit resumes? I do, because so many people agree with the anti-Semitic Boycott/Divestment/Sanctions movement. Not against theocratic Iran, but against Democratic Israel.

 

Well, I’m not ready to say “Sayonara” just yet (wink, and acknowledgement to supporters/”friends”)! Neither should you be. You have 29 days before an election to change your party. I hope this opens your eyes to re-think what you have believed to be your reality.

 

A Note On The Vote:

 

A Note On The Vote:

 

Voting fraud and inconsistencies have been a part of the political landscape for quite a long time. It’s unfortunate that such should be the case, as we like to think ourselves above such shenanigans. Indeed, we have come a long way, but we are still apparently working on a process, since it seems that some people just don’t want to go along with the rules.

 

In the early days in American voting, we had Women’s Suffragette movements, so that women could earn the right to vote. We established the right to have voting monitors, as some recalcitrant people in certain states still attempted to prevent Black people from voting. And that was still after Black people were considered the property of people, and without human rights such as voting, which we finally put an end to. This can never again be a consideration — and I mean, never again.

 

We continued to have irregularities in the votes: problems with lost mail trucks going missing with all the absentee voter’s ballots in them; problems with absentee ballots of U.S. servicemen not getting counted; problems with hanging “chads” and numerous vote recounts…

 

Last presidential election of 2012, I waited in line for maybe 5 hours or so to vote (and this was early voting). Eventually striking up conversations with the people before me and after me, I recall the back-and-forth with the Black woman ahead of me (I think) who was voting for Obama, and myself, who was voting for Romney. Strangely, the security guard, who happened to be Black, would come down to the point where I was, and seemed to be counting the number of people in line, to that point. He would then go inside. Then he’d come back out and do it again. Each time, he seemed to write a small notation in a notebook he carried with him. When I got inside, the security guard seemed to be reporting something to a Black woman who sat at a table in the middle behind the registration people. I don’t know what they discussed briefly.

 

I was directed to a standing open booth and afterwards proceeded to the machines to insert my ballot. I walked towards an available machine where I wanted to insert my ballot. Instead, I was not allowed to use that machine. I had to briefly wait to use a machine that a man sitting right next to it (a Black man, if I recall) had been fiddling around by the base of the machine with. It seemed like he might have been doing something with the plug. I think they inserted my ballot for me (I don’t recall). I believe the machine said I was #333. I got out of there I think about 5 minutes past closing time, I think. I believe there were four machines. So, you mean to tell me that only about 1,300-1,500 people can vote, per day? (Number of votes per machine times number of machines?) Highly irregular, I thought, but I never really mentioned it, until recently, to someone with the Trump campaign.

 

I voted early again, in 2016, for presidential contender. This time, the entire vicinity was roped off. There were no areas for party supporters, normally present at the vote, to shout their last-minute support for the candidate they were volunteering for. Nobody to meet and greet the constituents. One political-shirt wearing person was trying to garner support for someone, perhaps for Senate, I never heard of. They certainly weren’t interested in me. In fact, they went rather out of their way to keep trying to avoid me, and find somebody, anybody, other than me to talk with. They went after the Hispanic-looking women with a zest. The only other person there was someone who asked if I’d voted, when I’d finished, and said they were with the fire association, but I didn’t want to discuss my vote, nor did I want to be hit up for a donation.

 

I proferred my license, and the bottom of my vote wound up being torn off, catercorner, as the woman tore it off the machine it printed out from. There was only about a second delay to come up to register. It was Saturday, but it was like a complete ghost town. I was directed down the aisle of booths where I could pick my preference. I marked my vote, and placed it in the security folder. I proceeded to the ballot machines. I did it myself. When I asked the man which way went up, he said it didn’t matter. When I was looking near the voting machines, there was a messy table with papers spread out all around it. I think I recall it being open to view. Sometime after I voted, it had been blocked from view to others and to foot traffic from other activity, by standing screens. My vote number was #113. I counted four machines, I think. It was about 2:00 p.m., I think. So, even being loose with the numbers or figures or time (since I don’t wear a watch and I’m generally incognizant of the time), that means: only about 460 voters… (115 rounded-up times four machines = 460).

 

Not that this is a racist statement, or anything, but every pollworker, with the possible exception of one greeter in the entrance, who may have been Black, or Hispanic, or Indian, was Black. Even the security guard, who I think was the same one as last time. When he saw me walking towards the place, he quickly ended his conversation with the person he’d been chatting with, and quickly walked back towards the entranceway. Not one White person, not one Jewish person, worked at the polls. How could this have happened? This certainly isn’t representative of the neighborhoods of the vicinity. I recognize several of the pollworkers from four years ago, I believe.

 

Now, I’ve just received a beleagured email from within the Trump campaign that people supporting Trump are being harrassed. I just want you to think carefully about whom you’re going to vote for. Are you really going to vote for the people who would stoop so low as to harrass another party? Is this what Americans want to portray? Is that who you are? (Indeed, as I’ve seen and experienced it, that is the case.) Count my vote — Trump!

 

A Video Worth Watching

 

I received an email from Breaking Israel News today, with an interesting video I think those who are concerned about how our humanitarian funds are being used throughout the world should watch.

 

America, along with most Western developed nations, provide much, if not most, of the funding for humanitarian aid to impoverished nations and people. It is quadruply more so because we give through our government, which uses American workers’ money to fund these efforts, without representation as to the beneficiaries of our largesse; and we give, yet again, by personal choice: both to secular agencies (whether for-profit, or not) and through contributing our money, property, and volunteer hours (some schools even make this a requirement toward graduation) to religious organizations. We also sacrifice on a personal basis for others: inviting the poor to a meal, giving some money to a wretched person by the roadside.

 

Many times, these efforts are turned against us: the person uses the door-way you’ve opened to rob you (an occurrence told to me based on an event which happened to them), or terrorists, being terrorists, instead turn around and buy supplies to create weapons to use against those who have tried to assist them to lead better lives.

 

They do this because they hate. I don’t need to waste millions of dollars to create a study which will reap millions of dollars to its creators to come up with wrong answers and no solutions. This only makes an industry out of terrorism. In fact, that’s their third greatest claim to fame, behind death and destruction, first and second, retrospectively.

 

At the moment, Arabs are targeting Jews in many ways: bullying on college campuses, and the latest: going after wealthy Jews. I guess they are trying to sue us for our beliefs that Israel belongs to us. So, they’re suing Sheldon Adelson. Just briefly saw it — I haven’t read the article. Also, Muslim women are trying to get into synagogues in Miami. They’re supposedly interested in learning about different religions (it was said by them, when questioned). Don’t bother. You’re not going to get Israel under the Jewish Right of Return Law by becoming Jewish. Islam is close enough to Judaism that your motives are circumspect. Change your religious leaders, if you’re looking for a change. Meanwhile, Jews should be suing the Arabs for the confiscation of our property in their unified attack against us in 1948 and driving us from our homes. Come to think about it, they should be sued for perpetuating every attack against us (which they have) and for all the loss of lives they’ve taken, and continue to take. That’s why all their countries are a great big mess. They need to stay in place and deal with the repercussions of all the messes they are making amongst themselves. They are doing this to themselves. Germans were others attacking Jews — that is a Holocaust; that is a genocide. It was not really genocide in the Catholic-Protestant Irish Wars, though both sides bombed and terrorized the other. The religious wars in the Arab countries are internecine. Islam vs. Islam (via the various sects); Islam vs. Christianity; and in Israel, Islam vs. Judaism. There seems to be a main component, a main theme, running through each of these. Look closely.

I should be able to retire, with the riches made from that revelation. But there aren’t any. I should humbly take my bow before the Nobel Peace Prize Committee — I have as much claim to it as President Obama does, without having even lifted a finger to achieve it. But, Sweden hasn’t called lately — okay, ever….

 

For saving the government millions of dollars, by suggesting we should end financing to terrorists, terror-supporting countries, and others, you’d think I’d be lauded. Instead, I get hacked, it seems. Not long ago, there was a story about an ex-FBI guy named Hasko, infecting people’s computers and devices with pornography-related hacks. Strangely, I had received a message from Hasko in my junk email. I didn’t open it, but I next clicked on an article about that very guy, and that is how I learned about it. Yesterday, a suspicious guy was driving up and down the street; today, in fact, I cannot see people’s pictures who comment — they are all being blue question-marked; but I can see other photos. After receiving my Breaking Israel News email, something happened, and it went to a site for older “cougars” looking for younger people. I’m not looking for anybody, and I did not click on that site! I don’t know what happened, but I didn’t do it! There is a back-connection I know to someone and/or people who could connect through me; there is an association there related to Jewish people, that may or may not necessarily be good, and I hope this is not a target on me.

 

There has been a concerted effort to target both Conservative-leaning individuals, especially via tax-related and other issues, but nobody dwells on the targeting of Israel-loving and Jewish people, that also supposedly occurred as well. The issue was a hot potato nobody wanted to address. Charges were denied, but also never really allowed for discovery.

 

I feel quite often like a big, giant archery target. This all should really appeal to conspiracy theorists everywhere. But where are they? They’re usually screaming about bankers (read: Jews) and industrialists (read: Jews) who control the world (read: Jews). They claim we’re all Socialists and Commies, but that’s the farthest thing from the truth. I almost cringed about learning Bernie Sanders’ Socialist leanings, and now here he is in the top spot to contend for the Presidency. It’s not that I don’t think Bernie Sanders is a fine human being. I actually do. It’s just that I very much disagree that we ought to change America to lean Socialist. Obama’s actions have already propelled us in that direction, and we desperately need to reverse course. So, again, where are the conspiracy theorists, and why don’t you hear them saying, “See? I told you so about the Jews…” with regard to Bernie Sanders? Maybe the whole conspiracy generates from the Left, then; that’s just a theory…

 

Now, let’s take a look at why our government has no money and why our country is broke. Take a look at this video, and see if we ought to end financing to people who use it against us:

StandWithUs.com / “Where Has All The Money Gone?” on YouTube.com (I inserted just a link here, but a video has appeared — Great… I’ll probably get sued…). Anyways:

 

 

Fantasia Live in Concert

 

Fantasia, Walt Disney Animation Studios’ greatest achievement, is now a multi-modal concert experience with a 90-piece Cszech National Symphony playing live selections from the original classical arrangements to a backdrop of scenes from the original animated movie, Fantasia, and Fantasia 2000, projected on-screen behind them in a concert/theater hall.

 

Fantasia was released in 1940. It was a technical masterpiece of celluloid animation, each cel painstakingly drawn and colored by the famed Disney studio artists, whose artwork has never been equalled in pioneering and achieving the depth and detail of this film art, since. Paired with some of the more famous and familiar classical music pieces such as several opuses from Tchaikovsky’s ‘The Nutcracker Suite’ and Ludwig van Beethoven’s ‘Sixth Symphony’/’The Pastoral Symphony’, the film explores several themes, including the evolution of life and the march of time (as in the hypothesis of the extinction of the dinosaurs) and the march of the seasons (the fall of leaves, the freezing of water, etc.). We see beautiful, dreamlike sequences of mythical flying horses, the Pegasus, galloping across clouds and cascading through rainbows. We see dancing mushrooms and balletic animal performances, all animated, of course. We see the learning apprentice, Mickey, discovering the power of the “magic” of what is Disney.

 

This film is rated by the American Film Institute as one of the top films of all time. It is my favorite, as well, having the most profound impact upon me as a child, and forever influencing my love of the art of animation, in all its forms. Some of my other favorite Disney animated-films are the older ones, as well: The Aristocats, and Lady and the Tramp, especially. I also love The Little Mermaid and Aladdin.

 

It was a special time to watch “The Wonderful World of Disney” as a child on t.v., when television was a fairly newer medium with less variety than exists today. There is something, though, to the maxim that ‘they don’t make ’em like they used to, though.’ (Filmsite.org assisted my memory in the recall of these sequences).

 

Now, the live show is on tour, with special discounts offered through travelzoo.com. Use the promotional code TZOO for up to $20.00 off on seating; some seats can be had for as little as $15.00 apiece (additional fees up to 12% may separately apply). Some venues are listed below; please recheck dates, locations, and times with proper sources. Some venues have piano soloist or other musical accompaniment.

 

Colorado:

• March 11 (Friday): Monfort Concert Hall – Greeley, Colorado / 7:30 p.m.

 

Florida:

• March 9 (Wednesday): Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall – Sarasota, Florida / 8:00 p.m.
• March 11 (Friday): Times-Union Performing Arts Center – Jacksonville, Florida / 7:00 p.m.
• March 13 (Sunday): The Adrienne Arsht Center – John S. and James L. Knight Concert Hall – Miami, Florida / 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.

 

New York:

• May 20 (Friday): David Geffen Hall – New York, New York / 7:00 p.m.
• May 21 (Saturday): David Geffen Hall – New York, New York / 1:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.

 

Winnipeg, Canada*:

• April 30 (Saturday): Centennial Concert Hall / 7:30 p.m.
• May 1 (Sunday): Centennial Concert Hall / 2:00 p.m.

*Features the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra

 

Japan:

Nagoya:

• May 3 (Tuesday): Aichi Prefecture Art Theater / 4:30 p.m.

Osaka:

• May 7 (Saturday): Main Hall Grand Cube Osaka / 5:30 p.m.

Tokyo:

• April 29 (Friday): Tokyo International Forum Hall A / 5:30 p.m.
• April 30 (Saturday): Tokyo International Forum Hall A / 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

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A thank-you to the people who’ve “liked” this post. I reciprocated with visits to your own sites, but was unable to write any comments or encouragement for you there, so I do so here.

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What Is He Up To?

What is this man up to? He has been driving up and down the small street, going around the block, first one way and then the other. Back and forth, about six times. He slowed down, seemingly to look at me, went to the end of the street, stopped there for a while, then took a left into the parking lot of a store at the corner,waited there a short time. Came back down, turned at the corner. Came back from the corner, went to the end, turned right. Kept doing this about six times back and forth. Hope this isn’t my Palestinian ex-husband. I caught him driving by.

Shema Yisrael

Created: Approximately November 24, 2015

Re-posted: March 5, 2016; Continual updates.

Shema, Yisrael are the opening words to one of the most meaningful, and probably one of the most well-known, prayers in Jewish precepts. The English translation of the Hebrew renders “Hear, O Israel”.

Following is an introduction to some wonderful Jewish and/or Israeli artists for you to Hear Israel for yourself. I hope this will open up a new world of the Middle East to you, with the ancient sounds of our various traditions, lands of our dispersion, modern interpretations, and others, as no other education could possibly inform you better than via our cultural heritage and language as expressed through performance. I hope it will give you an enhanced appreciation of Israel and her people through music appreciation, as well as showing you via other avenues. Please enjoy!

Music:

Ofra Haza: Ofra’s beautiful voice transcends cultures and ages in pure and timeless wonder. Find her music on: Youtube – Some great songs include: Neshikot BaYam; Im Ninalu; Shecharchoret; Yerushala’im Shel Zahav.

Ofra Haza – Im Ninalu (later version):

(https://youtu.be/ZRnzTTYk7_Q)

Ofra Haza – Yerushala’im Shel Zahav:

(https://youtu.be/YBNV8L7qjGE)

Here’s a nice, rhyming transliteration of Yerushala’im Shel Zahav:

(http://www.hebrewsongs.com/song-yerushalayimshelzahav.htm)

Ofra Haza – Im Ninalu (earlier version):

(https://youtu.be/O2xNTzlFSk0)

Ofra Haza – Shecharchoret:

(https://youtu.be/s0BL6jD56BE)

Ofra Haza – Neshikot BaYam (static-y intro):

(https://youtu.be/HHQxyxQQPio)

Ofra Haza – Mi Li Yiten:

(https://youtu.be/cWELOuqzwY4)

Ofra Haza – Forgiveness:

(https://youtu.be/NfcRY3g9Y2c)

Ofra Haza – I Want to Fly:

(https://youtu.be/xKdAJ8LqoN0)

Ofra Haza – Kaddish (Montreux Jazz Festival):

(http://youtu.be/5hQ0OkcLKuE)

Ofra Haza – Eli, Eli:

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lFcXeGtDg7w&list=RDlFcXeGtDg7w)

Ofra Haza – Ha’Kotel (The Wailing Wall):

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TCPfa86whTQ&list=RDTCPfa86whTQ)

Ofra Haza – Adamah:

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UjPq9Bupipg&list=RDUjPq9Bupipg)

Ofra Haza – Kol Ha’Neshama:

(https://youtu.be/uNORpY9uxPw)

Ofra Haza – Shir Ha’Frecha:

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kUAvhOvIsG4&list=RDkUAvhOvIsG4)

Ofra Haza – Love Letter:

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8KoZ0rcY4EE&list=RD8KoZ0rcY4EE)

Ofra Haza – Chai (1983 Eurovision song contest):

(https://youtu.be/Pc54OKvroEY)

Ofra Haza – Sof Kaitz (Summer’s End):

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JBPz4NXRarw&list=RDJBPz4NXRarw)

Ofra Haza – Laila b’Kna’an:

(https://youtu.be/xg5iDdznijg)

Ofra Haza – Hatzrif HaKatan:

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JKkVo5wFRqI&list=RDJKkVo5wFRqI)

Ofra Haza – Yad Anugah:

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ROoBR_WPxbg&list=RDROoBR_WPxbg)

Ofra Haza – (can’t read this; Arabic; ‘avi’):

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nTOtwp6iGOk&list=RDnTOtwp6iGOk)

Ofra Haza – A’salk (Montreux Jazz Festival):

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=asCLOFYNMj8&list=asCLOFYNMj8)

Ofra Haza – Shaddai (Montreux Jazz Festival):

(https://www.youtu.be/xrWBqxm4eS0)

Ofra Haza – Ehyeh Asher Ehyeh:

(https://youtu.be/FB9_nVfNSsU)

Ofra Haza – Ya Ba Ye

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hAY5Q5sxPDg&list=RDhAY5Q5sxPDg)

Ofra Haza – You:

(https://youtu.be/GPq6eGCXXP8)

Ofir Ben Shitrit: A sweet and beautiful voice. Find her music on: YouTube. Some wonderful songs include: Kiryah Yefeyfiyah, Im Ninalu, and more.

Ofir Ben Shitrit – Kiryah Yefeyfiyah:

(https://youtu.be/EPQrWRrk26s)

Ofir Ben Shitrit –

(https://youtu.be/1IR3CIhrkw0?list=PLC2Ejqlmbo1_KHSbkw5iN5LEL9pnZa2Kg)

Ofir Ben Shitrit – (an excerpt on The Voice/Israel):

(https://youtu.be/Rqr_WfbemWk)

Ofir Ben Shitrit – Im Ninalu:

(https://youtu.be/eY0wvCztlLA?list=PLC2Ejqlmbo1_KHSbkw5iN5LEL9pnZa2Kg)

Ofir Ben Shitrit – My Favorite Things (Hebrew):

(https://youtu.be/KluKxSQugOY?list=RD1IR3CIhrkw0)

Ofir Ben Shitrit – HaKayitz Ha’Acharon:

(https://youtu.be/r1IjRa2uNr4?list=PLC2Ejqlmbo1_KHSbkw5iN5LEL9pnZa2Kg)

Ofir Ben Shitrit, Aviv Geffen and More – Kutzim:

(https://youtu.be/cxZ71G-3pZI?list=PLC2Ejqlmbo1_KHSbkw5iN5LEL9pnZa2Kg)

Ofir Ben Shitrit – Katonti:

(https://youtu.be/0Tzkscx_MpQ?list=PLC2Ejqlmbo1_KHSbkw5iN5LEL9pnZa2Kg)

Anna Spitz: Find her music on Youtube. She reminds me of Kate Bush.

Anna Spitz –

(https://youtu.be/LD-_Qos-k-Q)

(https://youtu.be/mUQVs-d64tE)

(https://youtu.be/pPShYoaBwCs)

(https://youtu.be/ACbk4wi3Jgo)

(https://youtu.be/Y2TuEhzIUc8)

Reeva Nepon – This particular video, found on Youtube (Kids) is an Ofra Haza-inspired medley of her songs.

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9BBZG2g-j10)

Shlomo Gronich: Musical collaborations with many groups — but, I love his one with the Sheba Choir. Find his music on Youtube. Great songs include: Eli Attah (a prayer); Adon Olan (a prayer); and Ha-Masa (The Journey).

Shlomo Gronich and the Sheba Choir – Eli Attah:

(https://youtu.be/gw7dm4RJMFY)

Shlomo Gronich and the Sheba Choir – Adon Olam:

(https://youtu.be/uGSJG0IEKn8)

Shlomo Gronich and the Sheba Choir – Ha – Masa (The Journey):

(https://youtu.be/rlV9agzNOek)

Dikla Hacmon: Find her music on places including Youtube. Great songs include: Ana Bachoach; Nishba; Harei et Mekudeshet Li; and Va’Eem Tavo’ee Elay.

Dikla Hacmon – Ana Bachoach:

(https://youtu.be/w0BhBqu-DTw)

Dikla Hacmon – Nishba:

(https://youtu.be/Vuul2eNeq2U)

Dikla Hacmon – Harei et Mekudeshet Li:

(https://youtu.be/J66EwlHN-ZQ)

Dikla Hacmon – Va’Eem Tavo’ee Elay:

(https://youtu.be/-FggloZz32A)

Nana Mouskouri: Internationally acclaimed, unique styling, and diverse range of genres have set Nana Mouskouri as a fan favorite. Find her music on Youtube. Able to sing in multiple languages, some of her best include, with Mike Brant: Erev Shel Shoshanim.

Nana Mouskouri – Erev Shel Shoshanim:

(https://youtu.be/eFvrMAjVrIA)

Reb Shlomo Carlebach: Music on YouTube.

Reb Shlomo Carlebach – Kol Nidrei:

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AFxv_gI70ZU)

Esther Ofarim: Find her music on Youtube. Great songs include: A Taste of Honey; Le Vent et La Jeunesse (French).

Esther Ofarim – A Taste of Honey:

(https://youtu.be/MZj_oeqFlJ8)

Esther Ofarim – Le Vent Et La Jeunesse (French):

(https://youtu.be/qrLzcoBxn0g)

Yasmin Levy: Find her music on YouTube. Great songs include: Nacio En El Amo; Adio Querida; Firuze; Mal de l’Amor; Una Hora En La Ventana.

Yasmin Levy – Naci En El Amo:

(https://youtu.be/619GY-vS8A0)

Yasmin Levy – Irme Kero:

(https://youtu.be/4kFhqS1yMuI?list=PLBC07D7D5B368C34F)

Yasmin Levy – Ven Kerida Ven Amada:

(https://youtu.be/7C7o7AKWIf0?list=PLBC07D7D5B368C34F)

Yasmin Levy – Keter (Crown):

(https://youtu.be/Nghtf_VP-tE?list=PLBC07D7D5B368C34F)

Yasmin Levy – Adio Querida:

(https://youtu.be/DdcusOXh_f8)

Yasmin Levy – Firuze:

(https://youtu.be/1swgg7D0MaI)

Yasmin Levy – Mal de l’Amor:

(https://youtu.be/FIAv19v6kLw)

Yasmin Levy – Una Hora En La Ventana:

(https://youtu.be/sygnx_yvYqc)

Yasmin Levy and Amir Shahsar – Niña de las Flores:

(https://youtu.be/OvFzLhYtsAc?list=PLBC07D7D5B368C34F)

Yasmin Levy – Madre…

(https://youtu.be/XQvqxrRkw_s?list=PL0LL6dQu5PUD5D7f5pyoCEsmfIEINbr-H)

Yasmin Levy – Porque:

(https://youtu.be/UfaEYs9QAR4)

Yasminb Levy – Sho’ef K’mo Eved:

(https://youtu.be/mD2WeWXZdb4?list=PL0LL6dQu5PUD5D7f5pyoCEsmfIEINbr-H)

Yasmin Levy – La Allegria:

(https://youtu.be/Ry1YjNYu6YY)Yasmin Levy – La Hija…

(https://youtu.be/B51AWXsXNIk?list=PL0LL6dQu5PUD5D7f5pyoCEsmfIEINbr-H)

Shiri Maimon: New music, classics and more, in updated, but still relevant, styles. Find her music on YouTube. Some of her great songs include: Bashanah Haba’ah, Kama Ahavah with Shimon Boskilah, Teahvi Ktzat Et Etzmoch; v’Rotziti Shetodeah; Now That You’re Gone; MeChakah Shetashuv.

Shir Maimon – Bashanah Haba’ah:

(https://youtu.be/4ojXjl5nLWU)

Shiri Maimon and Shimon Boskilah – Kama Ahavah:

(https://youtu.be/DYH3zJjlXnc)

Shira Maimon – Teahvi Ktzat Et Etzmoch:

(https://youtu.be/UBpT0q-eZD4)

Shiri Maimon – Now That You’re Gone:

(https://youtu.be/534cKbwChxU)

Shiri Maimon – MeChakah Shetashuv:

(https://youtu.be/06SAlQPjGZg)

Rivka Zohar: Meaningful, and beautifully sung, songs. Find her music on YouTube. Great songs include: Mah Avarech.

Rivka Zohar – Mah Avarech:

(https://youtu.be/6kaWe7Y50fs)

Hadar Ozeri: Beautiful Psalms and more. Find her music on YouTube. Some of her great songs include: Psalm 121 and HaLevai:

Hadar Ozeri – Psalm 121:

(https://youtu.be/qFViCmK6M40?list=PLQXaZ_19IyN8TseAbKtA558zMZK32szSI)

Hadar Ozeri – HaLevai:

(https://youtu.be/tTnRuybuDBY)

Shaylee Atari: I found this beautiful singer through the writer of the song, Ifty Kerzner (via YouTube). Find her music on Youtube. Great songs include: Etzleinu Bagan.

Shaylee Atari – Etzleinu Bagan:

(https://youtu.be/Y05rqt0YHtw?list=RD1IR3CIhrkw0)

Avaya: I found this beautiful singer on Youtube. Find her music also on Youtube. Great songs include: Hatikvah.

Avaya – Hatikvah:

(https://youtu.be/pI974v1Jdig)

Shalva Band: So special. Find their music on Youtube. Great songs include Hadelet Tihiyeh P’tuchah, their One Day/Medley song, and Shir Ha’Re’ut.

In sign and song:

(http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/272826)

Shalva Band / God Bless America:

(http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/272852)

Shalva Band – Hadelet Tihiyeh P’tuchah:

(https://youtu.be/jUVVw7YTSBI)

Shalva Band – One Day / Medley:

(https://youtu.be/KN5n4eSNGIA)

Shalva Band – Shir Ha’Re’ut:

(https://youtu.be/tAsojiZFqh0)

Havazelet Ron: A pure and mature voice. Find her music on Youtube. Great songs include: Kiryah Yefeyfiyah, Tiyul Leili (Cholot Midbar), and more.

Havazelet Ron – (This one in German):

(https://youtu.be/ElXCfhnJKyM)

Havazelet Ron – Kiryah Yefeyfiyah:

(https://youtu.be/5JeSqMMhtGU)

Havazelet Ron – Tiyul Leili (Cholot Midbar):

(https://youtu.be/dGU8x4Hzhhg)

Havazelet Ron – Haroa Hakatana:

(https://youtu.be/bRugxYARoqg)

El Banat: Find their music on YouTube. Great songs include: Maksima; Maagalim.

El Banat – Maksima:

(https://youtu.be/SeAl4PWhZIo)

El Banat – Maagalim:

(https://youtu.be/l5AxKYFa6TY)

Yamma Ensemble: Putting Psalms to music. Find their music on YouTube.

(https://youtu.be/73QA00odga4?list=RDEPQrWRrk26s)

Tamar Bloch: A beautiful singer in many Middle Eastern voices. Find her music on YouTube in these great ensembles and groups: Habibti Ensemble; Zaaluk; Andalucious; El Banat; and more:

Zaaluk – En Casa de mi Padre:

(https://youtu.be/KsH6KX5OBXU)

Habibti Ensemble – Baghdad:

(https://youtu.be/bkUYJImXlrQ)

Andalucious – Hassebni:

(https://youtu.be/C1lBtjlcALA?list=RDC1lBtjlcALA)

Mor: Find her songs on YouTube. Great songs include Machzik Li Et HaYad.

Mor: Machzik Li Et HaYad:

(https://youtu.be/BuP3NVBjGxI)

Dudu Fisher: Dudu Fisher was a cantor and is the son of a Holocaust survivor. His father grew up in Poland and was taken into hiding from the Nazis by his best friend’s family, the Kvarchuks. Attending a Dudu Fisher concert is an emotional and moving experience, as these videos attest. Find more of his music on: Youtube. Some of his great songs include (theme song from) Exodus, which was penned by Pat Boone, and these:

Dudu Fisher – (Posting): Kantor’s Tears: Dudu Fisher at Synagogue Krakow:

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m-hRt3mcitQ&list=RDm-hRt3mcitQ)

Dudu Fisher – The Prayer, Les Miserables (Bring Him Home), sung before Pastor John Hagee during the time of his birthday, referencing the four-years’ captivity, to-date at that time, by Hamas of Gilad Shalit:

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=45B8IqU9IJM&list=RD45B8IqU9IJM)

HaDuda’im V’HaParva’im: Find their music on YouTube. Great songs include: Tsel U’me Be’er:

HaDuda’im V’HaParva’im – Tsel U’me Be’er:

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vxA1AlH9o-0&list=RDvxA1AlH9o-0)

Yaakov Shwekey: Find his music on YouTube. Great songs include: If I Should Forget Thee, O Jerusalem; Shema Yisroel.flv.

Yaakov Shwekey – Shema Yisroel.flv:

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S8D1DuVmtVQ&list=RDS8D1DuVmtVQ)

See also these nice YouTube compilations of “Im Eshkechek Yerushalayim”:

Yizkerem YouTube Compilation; Yaakov Shwekey – Im Eshkechek Yerushalayim (If I Forget Thee, O Jerusalem).

~~shaynky911~~ YouTube Compilation; A Shmuel Borger / Amudai Shaish Production; Im Eshkechek Yerushalayim.

Simcha Leiner: Find his music on YouTube. Some great songs include: “A Musical Masterpiece” with Yedidim Choir; Conducted by Yisroel Lamm:

Simcha Leiner and Yedidim Choir – A Musical Masterpiece:

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=De-_Ub4x5BQ&list=RDDe-_Ub4x5BQ)

Shloime Dachs: Find his music on YouTube. Some great songs include: Shema Yisrael.

Shloime Dachs – Shema Yisrael:

(http://youtu.be/dV2jxTUuL44)

Mordechai Ben David: Find his music on YouTube. Some great songs include: Kumzits 1 / Shiru LaMelech:

Mordechai Ben David – Kumzits 1 / Shiru LaMelech

(https://youtu.be/nCbTQZNWpns)

Idan Amedi: Find his music on YouTube. Some great songs include: Mah At Margishah; Sivon; Chelek Mehazman; Ad Sheyaaleh Hayom Habah.

Idan Amedi – Mah At Margishah:

(https://youtu.be/AeH0XKsiq_4)

Idan Amedi – Sivon:

(https://youtu.be/rBoAeXkmpsc)

Idan Amedia – Chelek Mehazman:

(https://youtu.be/iUMQ1NjHsqY)

Idan Amedi – Ad Sheyaaleh Hayom Habah:

(https://youtu.be/8WQ-hCDe-nQ)

Neil Diamond: Find his music on YouTube, and Everywhere. Some great songs include: Cracklin’ Rosie and Cherry, Cherry.

Neil Diamond – Cracklin’ Rosie and Cherry, Cherry:

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dxExoU-jyOw&list=RDdxExoU-jyOw)

Aviv Geffen and Matti Caspi: Find their music on YouTube. Some great songs include: Mistovev. Update: On March 8, 2016, a knife-wielding Arab terrorist killed visiting Lubbock, Texas student, Taylor Force, in Tel Aviv-Yafo. Breaking free of a gathering crowd, the terrorist headed toward 26-year old Yishay Montgomery, whose father and grandfather are, incidentally, also from Lubbock, Texas. Clumsily, Yishay fell. (Frankly, I believe, an angel watched over his step.) He was able to whack the guitar he had been carrying over the terrorist’s head. The police shot the terrorist further along down the tayelet. (Hartman, Ben. “‘Guitar Hero’ Adjusting to Newfound Fame After Trying to Hinder Jaffa Terrorist”; The Jerusalem Post; March 9, 2016.) The singer in this video, Aviv Geffen, replaced Yishay’s broken guitar. Thank you, Yishay, and thank you, Aviv. You both rock! In addition to ten others injured, Fox news writes a nice article about the slain victim, Taylor Force. Taylor had been an Eagle Scout, a National Honor Society student, a West Point graduate, and came from a long line of military servers in his family. He had served at Fort Hood, as well as having seen deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan. He has seen major terror hotspots by going out and confronting them. Terror felled this fine gentleman, at 28, in Israel, while he was on a school trip with Vanderbilt University (Fox News: “American Murdered in Israel was West Point Grad who Served in Iraq and Afghanistan”; FoxNews.com; March 9, 2016). I don’t know how to thank you for your service, Mr. Force, and family. My gratitude goes beyond words, but… Shalom. Thank you. Rest forever at peace, knowing that you did your best to try to bring peace to the rest of the world. I’m sorry you lost your life to the purpose. Update – December 21, 2018: The United States Senate Committee on Foreign Relations passed the advancement of the bill on August 3, 2017, and on March 23, 2018, President Trump signed it into law.

Aviv Geffen and Matti Caspi – Mistovev:

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fGTfINnNVMg&list=RDfGTfINnNVMg)

Eliad: Find his music o: YouTube. Some great songs include: Siman.

Eliad – Siman:

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gc47KqYnmjg&list=RDgc47KqYnmjg)

Maor Edri: Find his music on Youtube. Some great songs include: Kululu.

Maor Edri – Kululu (sound is silent, at first):

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sDRETnvAvdE&list=RDsDRETnvAvdE)

Eyal Golan: Find his music on YouTube. Some great songs include: Elohai; K’She’At I’to; He Who Believes; Va’Ani Koreh Lach; Al Tamori; Ha’Ahavah Ha’Yeshanah; Bi’Ladai’ich; Kol Ha’Chalomot; Ba’Iri; Bishvilech.

Eyal Golan and Nikos Ortis – K’She’At I’to:

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=agsItmAUZqs&list=RDagsItmAUZqs)

Eyal Golan – Mi Sh’ma’amin:

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gHWqcdsW_08&list=RDgHWqcdsW_08)

Eyal Golan – Va’Ani Koreh Lach:

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCFnAPoWvmA&list=RDRCFnAPoWvmA)

Eyal Golan – Bishvilech:

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j3FMqG4FN_g&list=RDj3FMqG4FN_g)

Eyal Golan/Variant Versions of K’She’At Ito:

Eyal Golan – K’She’At Ito (Studio Version):

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g4t2GDIoquE&list=RDg4t2GDIoquE)

Eyal Golan – K’She’At Ito (Music Video Official):

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x8BSv_FkNHg&list=RDx8BSv_FkNHg)

Eyal Golan – Kol Ha’Chalomot (Studio Version):

(https://www.youtu.be/rgqHT-iy8kA)

Moshik Afia – Find his music on YouTube. Some great songs include: Mah Itach; Chalom Matok; Tfos; Shover Sh’tikah; Al Tachil; Holechet Lach BaSheket; Sach HaKol Neshikah; Mekavim; Rega Amitai; Letof Mesuchan; Od SheMatzati; At Ba’Achat.

Moshik Afia – Mah Itach (Music Video Official):

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ugO2ueMtis&list=RD9ugO2ueMtis)

Moshik Afia – Shover Sh’tikah:

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UQkqY1xJXic&list=RDUQkqY1xJXic)

Moshik Afia – Al Telchi:

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4qWwxQm_QX8)

Moshik Afia – Holechet Lach BaSheket:

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Bo35vIgXRY&list=RD0Bo35vIgXRY)

Moshik Afia – Rega Amitai:

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_3g-ecop-bg&list=RD_3g-ecop-bg)

Moshik Afia – Letof Mesuchan:

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pk9hMrBdQE0&list=RDPk9hMrBdQE0)

Moshik Afia – Od SheMatzati:

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lAtswY4KvK8&list=RDlAtswY4KvK8)

Moshik Afia – Mah Itach (Studio Version; Same as Concert Version, with Different Picture):

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YXJt9043KW0&list=RDYXJt9043KW0)

Shlomo Katz: Find his music on Youtube. Some reat songs include: Od Yishama (There Will Be Heard).

Shlomo Katz – Od Yishama (There Will Be Heard):

(https://youtu.be/_DbMc-xbYOQ?list=PLMsoBWRyDM56WNWnS31I7XJ5VIQbRoAXZ

Shlomo Katz, et al – Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach Yartzeit Concert finale.mov:

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=idiZPCY83k0)

Yehuda Katz: Find his music on YouTube. Some great songs include: Bachatzi Halayla (Midnight Escape); Woman of Wisdom and Valor (Eshet Chayil); B’Simchah Rabah (We’re So Happy); Calling Out to You (Elecha); Libi U’b’sari; Loving Life (Mi Ha’Ish); Reflecting Light (K’Gavnah); All Together; Purple Royalty (Shoshanah Ya’Akov); Dancing in Mezeritch; Hand in Hand (Yamin V’Smol); Nigun Lewis; You Are the Kind; Traveller’s Prayer (T’filat HaDerech); Yibaneh HaMikdash, with friends: Raphael Barkats, Chanan Elias, Shlomo Katz, Aron Razel, Yankele Shemesh, Chizki Soifer.

Yehuda Katz – Bachatzi Halayla (Midnight Escape):

(https://youtu.be/u0UN_06tess?list=PLMsoBWRyDM56WNWnS31I7XJ5VIQbRoAXZ)

Yehuda Katz – Woman of Wisdom and Valor (Eshet Chayil) (composed by Reb Shlomo Carlebach):

(https://youtu.be/nb73TalRKYw?list=PLMsoBWRyDM56WNWnS31I7XJ5VIQbRoAXZ)

Yehuda Katz – B’Simchah Rabah (We’re So Happy) (composed by Reb Shlomo Carlebach):

(https://youtu.be/d30TDPPxs3A?list=PLMsoBWRyDM56WNWnS31I7XJ5VIQbRoAXZ)

Yehuda Katz – Calling Out to You (Elecha) (composed by Reb Shlomo Carlebach):

(https://youtu.be/cH_Vv9Sr9qc?list=PLMsoBWRyDM56WNWnS31I7XJ5VIQbRoAXZ)

Yehuda Katz V’hamagal –  Libi U’b’sari:

(https://youtu.be/wEQYpCcnmnE?list=PLMsoBWRyDM56WNWnS31I7XJ5VIQbRoAXZ)

Yehuda Katz – Loving Life (Mi Ha’Ish):

(https://youtu.be/geMyb2pImuM?list=PLMsoBWRyDM56WNWnS31I7XJ5VIQbRoAXZ)

Yehuda Katz – Reflecting Light (K’Gavnah):

(https://youtu.be/UWOz_gWJXP4?list=PLMsoBWRyDM56WNWnS31I7XJ5VIQbRoAXZ)

Yehuda Katz – All Together (composed by Meir Banai, Yair Nitzani):

(https://youtu.be/b7X_ENnjvNw?list=PLMsoBWRyDM56WNWnS31I7XJ5VIQbRoAXZ)

Yehuda Katz – Purple Royalty (Shoshanah Ya’Akov):

(https://youtu.be/ygEvI8SrXgo?list=PLMsoBWRyDM56WNWnS31I7XJ5VIQbRoAXZ)

Yehuda Katz – Dancing in Mezeritch:

(https://youtu.be/qhooIOY71RY)

Yehuda Katz – Hand in Hand (Yamin V’Smol) (composed by Reb Shlomo Carlebach):

(https://youtu.be/5so_kNsFDlE)

Yehuda Katz – Nigun Lewis (composed by Reb Shlomo Carlebach):

(https://youtu.be/7Yvh0Pgsgk4)

Yehuda Katz – Givat Shmuel Carlebach:

(https://youtu.be/NmtYlDBFK54)

Yehuda Katz – You Are the Kind (composed by Reb Shlomo Carlebach):

(https://youtu.be/YHAezU-oMhE)

Yehuda Katz, Reva L’Sheva – Traveller’s Prayer (T’filat HaDerech):

(https://youtu.be/Rvvl75WbBK4)

Yehuda Katz, Raphael Barkats, Chanan Elias, Shlomo Katz, Aron Razel, Yankele Shemesh, Chizki Soifer (recorded by Chanan Elias) – Yibaneh HaMikdash:

(https://youtu.be/M9mCDqCKbkA)

Benny Friedman: Find his music on YouTube. Some great songs include: Yesh Tikvah.

Benny Friedman – Yesh Tikvah:

(https://youtu.be/PIPCHjFC9yk?list=PLzb6Bc1k2vUaebYV9sDxE_TBKl2sAWF7U)

Sliichot prayers:

(https://youtu.be/O9Y1WQziOoQ)

Yuval Dayan: Find her music on YouTube. Some great songs include: Od Shetachazor.

Yuval Dayan – Od Shetachazor:

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pCVl3mhEk7g&list=RDpCVl3mhEk7g)

Beinoni: Find his music on YouTube. Great songs include: Deep Roots.

Beinoni – Deep Roots:

(https://youtu.be/TovnZeD7XEs)

One Family – Music on YouTube includes, World Champion:

One Family – World Champion:

(https://youtu.be/wq1I9vAoL1s)

Ishai Levy: Beautiful music. Find on YouTube, Spotify and others.

Ishay Levi –

(https://youtu.be/rMfBg0OPuXc?list=PLFgquLnL59akKAm-BzEGUi1swo8v-UFTZ)

Narkis: Find her music on YouTube. Great songs include: Galbi.

Narkis – Galbi:

(https://youtu.be/Vo2wHhdxKf4)

Keren Peles and Ron Buchnik: Find their music on YouTube. Great songs includeL Me’Ever Lanehar.

Keren Peles and Ron Buchnik – Me’Ever Lanehar:

(https://youtu.be/E6fgnGEsocE?list=PLFgquLnL59akKAm-BzEGUi1swo8v-UFTZ)

Maor Edri and Mooki: Find their music on YouTube. Great songs include: Kotev Shirim.

Maor Edri and Mooki – Kotev Shirim:

(https://youtu.be/S2K7VomBnSQ?list=PLFgquLnL59akKAm-BzEGUi1swo8v-UFTZ)

Izkis and Eti Biton: Find music on YouTube.  Great songs include: Sagapo.

Izkis and Eti Biton – Sagapo:

(https://youtu.be/h1kGvrH8CyU)

Akiva Turgeman: Find his music on YouTube. Great songs include: Al Tazvi Yada’im.

Akiva Turgeman – Al Tazvi Yada’im:

(https://youtu.be/u3n2SLWQsXk)

Rotem Cohen: Find his music on YouTube. Some great songs include: El Ha’Olam Shelach.

Rotem Cohen – El HaOlam Shelach:

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hC8q4Gab_xM&list=RDhC8q4Gab_xM)

Shuli Natan: Find her music on YouTube. Great songs include: Yerushalayim Shel Zahav.

Shuli Natan – Yerushalaim Shel Zahav:

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vYp_c4YsiKo&list=RDvYp_c4YsiKo)

Roni Dalumi: Find her music on Youtube. Some great songs include: Ten.

Roni Dalumi – Ten:

(https://youtu.be/ZINnbP08Kzs?list=PLCE2txRE9iH5mE6-m0OBOSglYFDwZ43i3)

Noa Kirel: Find her music on YouTube. Some great songs include: מגיבור לאויב

(https://youtu.be/2REhb6ywcpM?list=PL8F3F6FrXuEIMshtDBj2s5ZLJTFbq_ABy)

Ohad Moscowitz: Find his songs on YouTube. Some great songs include: Melech Malchei Hamlachim/Mi Bon Siach (The Rose – Cover); Chupah (with Yedidim Choir); Birkat Chupah (All of Me – Cover).

Ohad Moscowitz – Melech Malchei Hamlachim/Mi Bon Siach (The Rose – Cover):

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVDrRWJlYU0&list=RDXVDrRWJlYU0)

Ohad Moscowitz And Yedidim Choir – Chupah:

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rh0WyxH1TnE&list=RDRh0WyxH1TnE)

Ohad Moscowitz – Birkat Chupah (All of Me – Cover):

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eVdYqdr3zdw&list=RDeVdYqdr3zdw)

Jo Amar: Find his songs on YouTube. Great songs include: Kochavi Sokah; Shalom Leven Dodi:

Jo Amar – Kochavi Sokah:

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6yxbHLFHw8&list=PLINtTB03kzq3NbilQeZXqd5w20arlOdaS&index=14)

Jo Amar – Shalom Leven Dodi:

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kOQtA5XozVA&list=PLINtTB03kzq3NbilQeZXqd5w20arlOdaS&index=2)

Samson Kemelmakher: Find his songs on:= Youtube. Some great songs include: Shtetele Beltz.

Moshe Peretz: Find his music on Youtube. Some great songs include: Ulai Ha’Lailah; Yaldah K’tanah; and the very moving project with Israeli newspaper, Yediot Acharonot, named “My Brother”.

Moshe Peretz – Ulai Ha’Lailah:

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NHDuKGNNTc8&list=RDNHDuKGNNTc8)

Moshe Peretz and Agam Buchbut – Yaldah K’tanah:

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kJnOQQ815LQ&list=RDkJnOQQ815LQ)

Agam Buchbut: This young singer has been at her craft for years. I like her early work. Find her music on YouTube. Some great songs include Yaldah K’tanah, with Moshe Perets (see above), and BaYom HaZeh.

Agam Buchbut – BaYom HaZeh:

(https://youtu.be/MYKvKLpugPA)

Shlomit Levy: Find her music on YouTube. Some great songs include: Tzur Menati; A’Salk.

Shlomit Levy – Excerpts of concert footage: Tzur Menati; A’Salk…

(http://youtu.be/TAxXOM-p-_k)

Shir: Find their music on Spotify. Some great songs include: Laila, Laila; Erev Shel Shoshanim; Have Nagila; Ba’Shanah Ha’Ba’ah.

Chava Alberstein: Find her music on Youtube. Some great songs include: Chad Gadya.

Chava Alberstein – Chad Gadya:

(https://youtu.be/DHdVYy5B6JM)

Idan Raichel Project: Find their music on YouTube. Some great songs include: Bo’i.

Idan Raichel Project – Bo’i (with dedication):

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=25FxYQ5w-NI&list=RD25FxYQ5w-NI)

Chanan Ben-Ari: Find his music on YouTube. Some great songs include: Mimcha Ad Elai.

Chanan Ben-Ari – Mimcha Ad Elai:

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gA1WcPP9uLk&list=RDgA1WcPP9uLk)

Pe’er Tasi: Find his music on YouTube. Some great songs include: the Yves and Lir Remix of ‘Way of Peace’.

Liel Kolet: Find her music on YouTube. See if you can find her really nice PBS special; Some great songs include: Hallelujah; and The Dream of Tomorrow.

Liel Kolet – The Dream of Tomorrow (with Kol HaNeshamah intro):

(https://youtu.be/65tpkO55JI8)

Hallelujah:

TheGuitarNick (Learn Guitar Fingerstyle + TAB; http://www.GuitarNick.com):

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BXmrDmR07SM&list=RDBXmrDmR07SM)

Leonard Cohen: Find his music on YouTube. Some great songs include: Hallelujah.

Leonard Cohen – Hallelujah (Considering the person/listing, do you see anything ironic with the URL address containing the word, “pork”, in it?):

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ttEMYvpoR-k&list=RDttEMYvpoR-k)

Daniel Kahn: Find his music on YouTube. Some great songs include: Hallelujah.

Daniel Kahn: Hallelujah (Yiddish):

(https://youtu.be/XH1fERC_504)

Mike Brant: Find his music on YouTube. Some great songs (in Hebrew; most others are French) include: Erev Shel Shoshanim; Erev Tov, and Diber Elai B’Prachim.

Mike Brant – Erev Shel Shoshanim:

(https://youtu.be/3b4A5qMcFgk)

Mike Brant – Erev Tov:

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6k9Na3HHegk&list=6k9Na3HHegk)

Mike Brant – Diber Elai B’Prachim:

(https://youtu.be/ZQKAqCiCr4o)

Shai Hamber: Find her music on YouTube. Great songs include: B’toch; Yesh Li Koach; V’At; Karov Elecha; Pri Ganech; Shalechet.

Shai Hamber – B’toch:

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f2C7R_IWdzg&list=RDf2C7R_IWdzg)

Shai Hamber – Yesh Li Koach:

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rgEZyvFUn3g&list=RDrgEZyvFUn3g)

Shai Hamber – V’At:

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hA5KarhIKQ4&list=RDhA5KarhIKQ4)

Shai Hamber – Karov Elecha:

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rO9l_tXqeAc&list=RDrO9l_tXqeAc)

Shai Hamber – Pri Ganech:

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GcujPbGFN18&list=RDGcujPbGFN18)

Shai Hamber – Shalechet:

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pG_LsGwaskc&list=RDpG_LsGwaskc)

Eden Ben Zaken: Find her music on YouTube. Great songs include: Pisah Mezichroni.

Eden Ben Zaken – Pisah Mezichroni:

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fn6cLOjtqto&list=RDFn6cLOjtqto)

Barbra Streisand: One of the greatest voices of all time. Find her music and movies: YouTube and everywhere. Some great movies include: Yentl; Some great songs include: Avinu Malkeinu; HaTikvah.

Barbara Streisand – HaTikvah; and Conversation with Prime Minister of Israel, Golda Meir, approx. 1978:

(http://youtu.be/8uPHaioopKM)

Barbra Streisand – Avinu Malkeinu:

(http://youtu.be/KUXeiIURirI)

Alma Gluck: Find her music on YouTube. Great songs include: HaTikvah (Israeli National anthem recorded in 1918!); and Chanson Hebraique (recorded in 1917!). Violinist Efrem Zimbalist (Sr.), her husband.

(http://youtu.be/lDJUDqtxK6M)

Mordechai Ben-David: Find his music on YouTube and Spotify. Some great songs include: Mi Ha-Ish?:

Mordechai Ben-David: Mi Ha-Ish?:

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_yi-wFdgc-8&list=RD_yi-wFdgc-8)

Helmut Lotti – Find his music on YouTube. Some great songs include: Shalom Aleichem; Havah Nagilah.

Helmut Lotti – Shalom Aleichem:

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uPcffro3fQs&list=RDuPcffro3fQs)

Helmut Lotti – Havah Nagilah:

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tXS73OD8MMI&list=RDtXS73OD8MMI)

Eden Alene: Israel’s winner of The Next Star to Eurovision contest for 2020, find her music on YouTube. Some great songs include: Fire; Better.

Eden Alene – Better:

(https://youtu.be/mPv1pHGVaS0)

Daklon: Find his music on YouTube. Great songs include: Ahuvat Levavi.

Daklon – Ahuvat Levavi:

(https://youtu.be/MBMRVb60VrA)

Moshe Haim: Find his music on YouTube. Some great songs include: Od Yom Yavoh.

Moshe Haim: Od Yom Yavoh

(https://youtu.be/zh7WdYVFsUI?list=PLq5znWywlAlVK1HilsPSJo8xgiOae4Njs)

Moshe Giat: Find his music on YouTube. Some great songs include: Shmur Eli Al Chayali:

Moshe Giat – Shmur Eli Al Chayali:

(https://youtu.be/B5633wZ51nA?list=PLq5znWywlAlVK1HilsPSJo8xgiOae4Njs)

Mashup of Jewish songs through the ages; brought to you by YouTube:

Benny Friedman and Meir Kay:

(https://youtu.be/7qJRgbFeP6A)

Y-Studs:

(https://youtu.be/gbeArPQqsc8)

Radio Lev Hamedina (radio station): Find it on: TuneIn (Requires free app download); net streaming and other apps available for this station via the internet.

Kol Israel (curated radio and news):

http://www.kol-israel.com

Today’s A Great Day!

 

To G-d first, of course, and to my parents and the people who make it all happen for me. After that, I don’t know to whom I owe my gratitude today, but … thank you for changing my YouTube links to embedded video! It made my site so much more fun to have it right there! I guess I’ll have to be alot more careful to choose less-offensive, more family-friendly video. Hopefully, I won’t be infringing copyrights by having the video itself, rather than just a link. I was in the middle of correcting links which looked like they weren’t going to take, when all of a sudden everything went black. There were rectangles where the links were. And suddenly, Light! Cameras and Action! I bawled like a baby! Hopefully I didn’t sign up for this by mistake when I was pressing all kinds of buttons and now will owe money, cuz I don’t really have it! But, I do think it’s great!

 

Secondly, it’s day one of Early Voting Day here in Mystery-ville. I’ve been up all night trying to work on this blog and now I’m utterly exhausted and bleary-eyed. I’ve got IBS and my stomach has been acting up for nigh three days. I don’t care. In a short while, I’m gonna get my crutches and go. I had to stand for about 5 hours for last presidential election; I don’t think my knee can take it, so the crutches will help. Voting Trump in for Republican contender. I love him.

 

I can’t wait to get my next newest addition: my “I voted” WordPress sidebar sticker!

 

Randy’s Recipes: Pistachios and Cool Whip (Mom’s)

 

Charity Begins At Home

My Mom claims to have not even known how to boil water when she first started cooking. Luckily, by the time of my arrival, she was practically a gourmet chef. We have a very large extended family, many members of which I barely know, if at all. One relative on my Father’s side had married three times, and had about ten children with each wife (or so I’ve heard; recently another cousin said it was about eight with each — I don’t know). I never could quite follow the descriptions of our connections, and gave up in my youth to figure out such complications. So now, they’re basically what I would call “cousins”; beyond that, I couldn’t deign to relate (or should I say, “relate”).

 

My Mother spent considerable time with a particular female relative, and they learned many crafting techniques together: beadwork, various artwork, and others. They discovered the places to shop to make a home, the clothing to wear to adorn themselves as beautifully as their countenances deserved, and the dishes to prepare to please their husbands and families. Both women were accomplished cooks, and my Mother’s style and recipes were greatly influenced by this particular cousin. They were equally impressive in their service work, in their positions of employment, and in their efforts to assist other humanitarian and charitable organizations and endeavors.

 

The husband of this cousin of mine was a “gabbai” for the Conservative temple and prepared children for b’nai mitzvah (their bar- and bat-mitzvah services). He also helped me prepare for my own bat-mitzvah. He was strongly in favor of female participation in Jewish rites, as well as in assisting people who wished to convert to Judaism.

 

I grew up in the same region in a time of strong, emerging equality issues, including for those of women. Conscientiousness was being raised about the way in which we treat people (or rather, about seeing with new eyes the way we HAD been treating people), and to try to change it through raising both our awareness and our standards, in the formulation of new laws and new ideas. These were rising in movements such as the Civil Rights movement, Feminism, Disability rights, and others. My mother and my cousins helped pave the way with their actions. While I may have reticence about the necessary impact this will play on our society and in our religion, I cannot escape that it has been made a part of me, even with my change to a modern, more Conservative outlook today.

 

One of the earlier jobs my Mother held was working for a non-profit agency. It helped advocate for people with developmental delays, as well as providing a place for such children to learn and grow. Many laws, due to the advocacy of organizations and grassroots advocacy such as these, were created and passed, and form the basis for our existing precedents in these areas.

 

That workplace, in addition to teaching skills to some of the program’s participants, was a large home and had the atmosphere as such. At Christmas, they set up a tree with decorations, and it lent a sentimental, nostalgic, and homey feel to the place. I sometimes played with the children upstairs, or learned to type using the fantastic, new-fangled IBM Selectric III typewriter (and occasionally typed letters there) — a fondly remembered and still-favorite (were they still to be around) choice of office equipment.

 

I loved all of the workers there. It was a small group of about five or six people. I remember how particularly brilliant and compassionate the program worker was. She was a Hindi woman, whose son, I believe, was affected with these issues. We lost her at a young age — she who had shown the way — she who had so much to give to the world — instead given over to cancer. Our own family was touched by these issues, as well.

 

One of the workers there had been my “fake” Aunt. She and my “fake” Uncle are no longer living. When my “Uncle” passed away, they named one of their fund-raising events in his honor. In order to help the programs and the functioning of the building and the assistance to people needing and creating resources for those with disabilities, funds were needed to sustain them. They often created multiple, large-scale efforts, which became almost a vanguard in fund-raising events standards and in raising the bar.

 

They devised major marathons and garnered the participation of local media and celebrities. They secured corporate sponsorship and partnership with the entities to make it all happen: water from bottlers; ice from the ice house; signage, security, everything. They put together golf classics and tennis tournaments. My “Aunt” developed rapport with generous people such as Tony Bennett, Frank Sinatra, and others, who were the most gracious, kindest people you could imagine — always helping out for these events (sadly, I never met them, but their pictures with my “Aunt” and my Mother hung on our walls). Frank Sinatra has been so kind to the Jewish people, and we loved him so much. His name adorned the international student center at Hebrew University in Jerusalem. It was very sad that a Hamas terrorist from east Jerusalem committed a bombing in the cafeteria inside that center, killing students just making a start in their lives by trying to better themselves there. Update: I think here is the appropriate place to insert the sad news of the sudden passing recently of Frank Sinatra, Jr., son of the man honored above. The Jewish people lose, in the Sinatra family, people who have cared greatly, in compassion, not only for us, but for the world. The children give much when the family is a part of the American story in such a public way. Thank you for being with us every step of the way. You will be greatly missed.

Here is a link to a brief summary of Frank Sinatra’s work with the Simon Wiesenthal Center:

http://www.wiesenthal.com/site/apps/s/content.asp?c=lsKWLbPJLnF&b=4442915&ct=14807077#.VvdGCacpCSw

 

So my childhood was spent oftentimes in the kitchen, alongside my Mother, helping her with chores to prepare meals. I can’t say it ever really “took” in me, but only now, in the second half-century of my life, are the things I’ve been making something I could actually enjoy, and say, hmmmm… that was actually delicious (surprise, surprise)!

 

We were forever the home of large gatherings and dinner parties, and I’d be enlisted to offer hors d’oeuvres, clear and set new courses, and dry dishes as she washed, sometimes until 11:00 p.m., or later. She was such a dedicated homemaker, in addition to working full-time, with additional side jobs as well, and she kept an immaculate, impeccably decorated home. She slaved away to scrub the floors on her hands and knees and ironed our clothing after washing them at 2:00 in the morning, after an already full-day’s work.

 

A two-income household in those days was fairly rare; little did we realize it would become practically a necessity in today’s day and age. Women were mostly the home-makers, and for many, that was their sole job. But my Mom did it all.

 

She instilled in me the practical outlook of a hard-working work-ethic, and I worked at a young age for family friends or contacts secured for me, back when it was permissible to do so without screamers of child-slavery, a totally different matter, changed the country’s relationship with work, in general. Today’s “kids” sometimes don’t start their first jobs until they’re in their mid-twenties!

 

It’s important for young kids to spend time with their parents, in the mundane chores as well as in the special outings or events. This provides family continuity and cherished memories they will look back on and impart in special anecdotes to their own children. I recall the hours of cooking preparation spent with my Mother; I wish the osmosis would have imparted my Mothers’ special touch to me.

 

I had to pick up my clothes, keep my room and house neat, make my bed and sometimes that of my parents or to help with it, sometimes help fold the laundry or linens, set the table nightly and clear the dishes, and sometimes help wash or dry the dinner dishes.

 

One of my food chores was to grind walnuts into a can to use in various baked goodies, such as butter-horns, apple coffee-cake (some people say apfelkuchen), and other yummy things. These ground walnuts feature in many of the baked items my Mother made.

 

So my Mother learned her trade craft in various manners and means. Many of her recipes come from my cousin mentioned above. One of the many fund-raisers for the agency where she worked also included the compilation of a cookbook, which was sold to raise money for the agency. My Mother contributed many of her own recipes to it, as well as calling up all her friends for theirs. And if those friends had friends who were cooks of any decent stature, they, too, would contribute recipes. The director’s wife was a great cook, and contributed many of her own recipes, as well. So, there are a couple of cookbooks whose recipe authors are people I know, and may have touched my life in some way: family friends, acquaintances, and more.

 

They were transcribed many times over (and often taste-tested, first). After publication, they were often re-written out and dispersed to even more friends. I, myself, spent weeks and months, recently, transcribing maybe four-dozen recipes for an old school-friend who requested it. Sometimes I might err and can’t figure out whether the “t” of my Mother’s recipes means “teaspoon” or “tablespoon” (if you find out I was wrong and I haven’t found it, I hope, perhaps, you’ll let me know). Sometimes, treasured family recipes get lost. That is a huge devastation. Sometimes, someone might have it that you passed it along to. Sometimes you have to settle for a different, not-as-good version. Occasionally, they come from published sources. Due to many moves, and many copies along the way, I hope that the sources haven’t become too obscured or garbled. If I print a recipe in this manner, it is assuming safe authorship, with the hope it isn’t accredited beforehand elsewhere. If so, it is unintentional.

 

With so much build-up, you would think that I am going to prepare you for a complex entree worthy of the fanfare leading up to it. But, below you’ll find just a simple, easy, non-gourmet dessert that’s easy, and throw-together, and light. In a way, it is a tribute to my Mom (who’s still with us, thank G-d). Her favorite ice-cream flavor was pistachio. The pistachio nut is an ingredient mostly associated with Iran/Persia, as well — basically out there in the relative proximity to the Middle East. So, I think it will be brought out to you, here, in this measure, with that in mind.

B’teh Avon!

————————————————————————

Randy’s Recipes: Pistachios and Cool Whip (Mom’s):

 

1 package instant pistachio pudding

1 Large can crushed pineapple with juice

1 Large can chunked pineapple without juice

Walnuts, chopped

6 Tablespoons Cool Whip (or other whipped cream-like topping)

 

Put all together and add Cool Whip last.

8.1 Yums Up

Wild Theory 1

 

Wild Theory 1

 

I’ve been told countless times that I have a twin in some nearby town closeby to the place where I grew up. It’s quite possible, in all actuality, that they could be related familially to me, as I was adopted as a child, and have read stories about adoptees, or in-vitro fertilized-assisted people later discovering siblings they were never aware of. And then it’s fun to read about the similarities they find in common when they do a comparison of traits and characteristics between themselves. Because of my particular identity in this way, the concept of having a blood sibling where you share chromosomes and genes from the same parent, or parents, gives me an oddity of feeling in that it is an unusual relationship. I’m not even able to verbalize correctly the essence of my thought here — I’ve already erased different words in its stead.

 

Yet, that is my norm. To think of anything else (which most of the world would consider their “normal”) is, to me, just plain … weird. Oftentimes, I have fun asking people what they think my background is (ethnicity, heritage, ancestry, etc.), and then laughing at the responses I get, because it’s funny to hear what they come up with, and then there’s the curiosity factor regarding the adoption matter. I do know I’m Jewish, and that is my ancestry. I have some funny stories about these, and I think I’ll save them for possible future stories.

 

Meanwhile, I’ve mentioned in other posts some wild theories I have, but I haven’t formally listed them. I have yet to explain them to myself, let alone to others, so verbalizing their actual components is going to prove problematic. But, I’ll try to give it a go – mostly for amusement, both of myself and for others.

 

Today, the universe has been emphasizing the nature of “twin-ness”. The feral cat, which I’ve known now for a time and who features in several of my posts, has a Doppelganger kitty, who has today taken up residence within the inner gate of the outer property.

 

Secondly, I received a great email from http://honestreporting.com/ today (March 2, 2016) featuring several great articles. One was about archaeological finds relating to Jewish presence within the land of Israel. The accompanying photo displayed an ancient gold necklace, featuring a medallion pendant with bas-relief menorah and religious symbols, such as the shofar, on its face, hanging from a beautiful, gold, chain which appears like a woven tube, with filigree-styled barrel clasps; the other jewelry of nice, but simply-styled golden earrings, hoop-styled, seem very old and I’m envisioning these as perhaps some of the jewelry carried by the Israelites on our journey out of bondage, from Egypt. Did all of the gold given by the Egyptians to us at our departure make it into the smelter to be cast as the Golden Calf in the wilderness? It was supposed to have been. Maybe it is Jewish styling.

 

The next article was pretty interesting, as well. It advertises the speaking event to be held March 7th, in Jerusalem, to hear Ishmael Khaldi, Israel’s first Bedouin diplomat. His B.A. and Master’s Degrees were obtained in Israel (of course!!!) and he has served with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). He has also served in Israel’s Ministry of Defense, as well as having served with the Israeli police.

 

That he did all that is not at all odd, as some people might presume. What I do find odd is an uncanny resemblance, in an Arab way, to our president, Barack Obama. His bearing, his haircut (!!!), the tilt of his head… I don’t know, that’s just my impression. You can see his picture in this promotional send-out for the event at the website: http://honestreporting.com/hrkhaldi-event/ .

 

And these signs heralding “twins” are what reminded me of my theory: that many people have a “doppelganger”, a twin, which exists somewhere in the world. I don’t know and haven’t done research to know what specific attributes are given to a “doppelganger”, or if that’s the same meaning we attribute to a twin.

 

What if we have a twin who is the embodiment of everything we are, but in a different body, and who considers themselves to be our sworn enemies? What does this mean — cosmically? That we should just live with each other in peace, I presume, would be the expected answer. Could they be an “Evil Twin”, something giving me chills as I re-think the Stephen King novel, Twin?

 

I don’t know. I find it hard to believe that I, myself, have anyone that looks just that much like me that people should remark so. But, they have. And then one day, I discovered a small black-and-white photo in a magazine of a model in a cape, and I thought she looked just like me. Now, I don’t purport to “look like a model” and most people seem to act as if I’m invisible, let alone worthy of a second glance. Yet, there she was, and I was pretty amazed and thought that we did look just alike.

 

One day, I walked into a shop in Israel and inside was an Arab woman who looked so much like a Jewish woman I know, that it was astounding! The two shared the same line of business, look alike, gesture alike, and even sound alike, in the tone of their voices and in their phrasing and choices of words! I was so flabbergasted and explained the coincidence to the woman in the shop. I asked if I could take her picture, and she let me and I said I would send her a picture of the Jewish woman. I should never have said that, because I had second thoughts and didn’t do so. I got to thinking about security factors and had to decide if I might be putting the person in risk, and changed my mind. I didn’t send it, so I wound up telling an inadvertent lie, which wasn’t its original intention. I’m sorry to the woman to whom I erred against, at least in this public statement, though I’ve not done the right thing to apologize personally.

 

I tried to correct it, by coincidence, in that the ex-husband of the Jewish woman was going to travel through the Middle East, and I thought he’d be interested to see this woman, and perhaps be able to rectify my mistake and show her a picture of his ex-wife, to see the commonality. I know. What a mess, right? He is also in the same business as the two women. I don’t know if he ever made it over there; I think I recall that he didn’t. Now he no longer works at that job. Business is bad and he was let go. All I can think of in my mind is “Oh, what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive…” A true statement, for sure.

American Culture In Music

Created: Approximately March 2, 2016

Updated: January 10, 2017 – Third-party video availability subject to change.

 

These songs featured prominently in my childhood, growing up in America during the 60’s and 70’s, the era from which most of this music originated. It also includes the songs, which became favorites, from the generation of my parents, and the sentimental oldies even they listened to. There’s no way to describe the eras of the 20’s, 30’s and 40’s, drenched in emotionalism, unless you re-experienced them through performance media, such as recordings and film. Yep — they don’t make ’em like they used to. The same can be said for the hoppin’ 50’s, caught between the innocence of varsity sweaters and poodle skirts, and the greasers, the vehicle-centric realm of cruisers and cars. From the psychedelic, peace activism and rock-band explosions on the British and American scenes of the 60’s, to the carefree soft-rock sounds of the 70’s, this music each relays the sounds of its decade like no other really can. The decades continue on, in the heyday disco days of the eighties, turning into punk rock, and then the indy and grunge rock scene of the nineties. The following two decades saw trance, electronic dance, more diversity and closer fusions of all things, everywhere. This is it’s story, told only from the perspective of my own growing-up years, as only my story could tell; the rest has to be told by you. This is an aural educational journey to take a look back through time and place, sound and space, as no other school could teach, except by personally experiencing it for yourself. And this is to its purpose — alone.

 

I hope you enjoy these classics as much as I do.

 

A Lover’s Concerto:

The Toys; Original:

(https://youtu.be/FmJ1AqtTuyo)

 

 

A Lover’s Concerto:

Kelly Chen:

(https://youtu.be/HeyocZdBVE4)

 

 

Afternoon Delight:

Starland Vocal Band:

(https://youtu.be/UDeCdqfwmY4)

 

 

Age of Aquarius/Let The Sunshine In:

The 5th Dimension:

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kjxSCAalsBE&list=RDkjxSCAalsBE)

 

 

Ain’t No Sunshine:

Bill Withers:

(https://youtu.be/YuKfiH0Scao)

 

 

Autumn Leaves:

Frank Sinatra:

(https://youtu.be/zWmLw1dZSWc)

 

 

Autumn Leaves/Les Feuilles Mortes (French):

Yves Montand:

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xo1C6E7jbPw&list=RDXo1C6E7jbPw)

 

 

Black and White: * Unavailable

Three Dog Night:

(https://youtu.be/4f65mO146Zo)

 

 

By The Time I Get To Phoenix:

Glenn Campbell; Original; 45RPM; Mono:

(https://youtu.be/0NeHeNZkH7k)

 

 

California Dreamin’:

The Mamas And The Papas:

(https://youtu.be/dN3GbF9Bx6E)

 

 

Chloe (The Swamp Song): * Unavailable

George Probert:

(https://youtu.be/gitlVdy1088)

 

 

Chloe (The Swamp Song): * Unavailable

Grand Dominion Jazz Band:

(https://youtu.be/sqbOEFEkFE4)

 

 

Dancing Queen:

ABBA:

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XYSSD0SVhN0&list=RDXYSSD0SVhN0)

 

 

Didn’t We?:

Glenn Campbell:

(https://youtu.be/7u4G50iBkK0)

 

 

Do You Know The Way To San Jose?:

Dionne Warwick:

(https://youtu.be/jqWt49o7R-k)

 

 

Downtown:

Petula Clark:

(https://youtu.be/l60S18sG3_U)

 

 

Ebb Tide:

Arthur Prysock:

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I6w58QvLn1M&list=RDI6w58QvLn1M)

 

 

Everybody’s Talkin’:

Harry Nilsson:

(https://youtu.be/2AzEY6ZqkuE)

 

 

This Land Is Mine (Exodus, The Theme From) (Lyrics):

Andy Williams:

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qTqMs58mMwU&list=RDqTqMs58mMwU)

 

 

Exodus (, The Theme From) (Instrumental):

Ernest Gold:

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cT3-mOHqva8&list=RDcT3-mOHqva8)

 

 

Galveston:

Glenn Campbell:

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZTbTHlTmDX8&list=RDZTbTHlTmDX8)

 

 

Georgie Girl: * Unavailable

The Seekers:

(https://youtu.be/wslbfYEizLk)

 

 

Girl From Ipanema:

Astrud Gilberto:

(https://youtu.be/giyzx-xeLko)

 

 

Golden Earrings:

Danny Purches:

(https://youtu.be/2H-ku8NvZeM)

 

 

Golden Earrings:

Peggy Lee:

(https://youtu.be/qWnVg5eidq8)

 

 

Golden Earrings:

David Neal:

(https://youtu.be/OKAneOuDS6A)

 

 

Golden Earrings:

Fabulous Hollywood!

The Hollywood Sounds of

Frank DeVol and His Orchestra:

(https://youtu.be/iphOePrFnqI)

 

 

Going Out Of My Head:

Little Anthony And The Imperials:

(https://youtu.be/Kq204wG8UfA)

 

 

Golden Earrings: * Unavailable

Tamra Rosanes:

(https://youtu.be/AXDwGJl97eU)

 

 

Golden Earrings:

The Clebanoff Strings and Percussion (?)

The Golden Age of Light Orchestras:

100 Great American Light Orchestras;

Volume One:

(https://youtu.be/GSKrgZjwTU8)

 

 

Golden Earrings:

Tanya Karamanos – Violin and Musicians:

(https://youtu.be/1iV4C9oSK0Y)

 

 

Guantanamera: Various Artists;

Original Music By Jose Fernandez Diaz;

Based On A Poem By Jose Marti –

 

Guantanamera:

Huecco, et. al; Traducao Portugues:

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VPtB6NXiz1g&list=RDVPtB6NXizg)

 

 

Guantanamera:

Dennis Greenwood; English; Lyrics:

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJt_q3_ROf0&list=RDwJt_q3_ROf0)

 

 

Guantanamera: * Unavailable

Nana Mouskouri; French:

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uIjSPFgQl00&list=RDuIjSPFgQl00)

 

 

Guantanamera:

Joe Dassin; French:

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5YeaKaAwbsM&list=RD5YeaKaAwbsM)

 

 

Guantanamera:

Lucrecia with Andy Garcia; Spanish:

(https://youtu.be/zf9iDO8WwMk)

 

 

Guantanamera:

Compay Segundo; Spanish:

(https://youtu.be/9QO4aegj-jA)

 

 

Guantanamera:

Jose Feliciano; Spanish:

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lmyQOq4MAdY&list=RDlmyQOq4MAdY)

 

 

Guantanamera:

Julio Iglesias; Spanish:

(https://youtu.be/ikVNjQApJ4A)

 

 

Guantanamera Twist and Shout:

The Mavericks; Tarrytown;

November 1, 2014; Spanish:

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tcUVTjGzwsU&list=RDtcUVTjGzwsU)

 

 

Guantanamera:

Compay Segundo with Lucrecia and Joseito Fernandez and Famous Singers; Spanish:

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uwY4wkQXtz0&list=RDuwY4wkQXtz0)

 

 

Guantanamera: * Unavailable

Julio Iglesias and Nana Mouskori; French:

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZSJAW9oHAXU&list=RDZSJAW9oHAXU)

 

 

Guantanamera:

ABBA; Spanish:

(https://youtu.be/jg6CscmG6-8)

 

 

Guantanamera:

Luciano Pavarotti, Celia Cruz and Jarabe De Palo; For Afghanistan; Spanish:

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AvQR_OcNG8w&list=RDAvQR_OcNG8w)

 

 

Guantanamera:

Helmut Lotti; Spanish:

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uB0VSOrNhJ8&list=RDuB0VSOrNhJ8)

 

 

Guantanamera: * Unavailable

TheGuitarNick (Learn Fingerstyle + TAB; http://www.GuitarNick.com):

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RDSv-hGfzI9-0&list=RDRDSv-hGfzI9-0)

 

 

Harper Valley PTA:

Jeannie C. Riley:

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aOZPBUu7Fro&list=RDaOZPBUu7Fro)

 

 

Here Comes The Sun:

The Beatles:

(https://youtu.be/2tO3835ZGSo)

 

 

Honey: * Unavailable

Bobby Goldsboro:

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZYZE7QQa1Z4&list=RDZYZE7QQa1Z4)

 

 

If I Had A Hammer:

Peter, Paul and Mary (Live):

(Civil Rights March; Washington, D.C.; 1963):

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AKgm9ARmOMM&list=RDAKgm9ARmOMM)

 

 

If You’re Going To San Francisco (Lyrics):

Scott McKenzie:

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EskS_SoGqww&list=RDEskS_SoGqww)

 

 

I’ll Never Smile Again:

Frank Sinatra, Jo Stafford and The Pied Pipers:

(https://youtu.be/kEPnhszmKuo)

 

 

I’ll Never Smile Again:

Jo Stafford:

(https://youtu.be/aZ8COLbG5wA)

 

 

In The Mood:

Glenn Miller:

(https://youtu.be/c2aqHGaSxRI)

 

 

In The Mood:

Glenn Miller:

(https://youtu.be/xPXwkWVEIIw)

 

 

Joy To The World:

Three Dog Night:

(https://youtu.be/xsa6txKXb3w)

 

 

La Vie En Rose*:

Foxtails Brigade:

(https://youtu.be/-NK9zdPj-os)

 

 

Leavin’ On A Jet Plane:

Peter, Paul and Mary:

(https://youtu.be/F9pbDeUmpnwe)

 

 

Lost In Love:

Air Supply:

(https://youtu.be/3G4nyXNleq0)

 

 

Massachusetts: * Unavailable

The Bee Gees:

(https://youtu.be/f4JlL10lgXs)

 

 

Meditation:

Foxtails Brigade:

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-zEidLuKYk&list=RD0-zEidLuKYk)

 

 

Message To Michael:

Dionne Warwick:

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9f3WPBREdjo&list=RD9f3WPBREdjo)

 

 

My Sweet Lord:

George Harrison:

(https://youtu.be/0kNGnIKUdMI)

 

 

Never On Sunday:

Sirtaki (?) / Stevan Vagner (Post):

(https://youtu.be/GI9MIOpyOVA)

 

 

Norwegian Wood:

The Beatles:

(https://youtu.be/VPsEYpvnnRA)

 

 

One Less Bell To Answer:

The 5th Dimension:

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ZcA3kiaQb0&list=RD9ZcA3kiaQb0)

 

 

One Toke Over The Line: * Unavailable

Brewer and Shipley:

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MNKL9onYB_8&list=RDMNKL9onYB_8)

 

 

One Toke Over The Line:

Brewer and Shipley:

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gVxA1MkEkyo&list=RDgVxA1MkEkyo)

 

 

Puff The Magic Dragon:

Peter, Paul and Mary:

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FnMmuFaguc&list=RD9FnMmuFaguc)

 

 

Put Your Hand In The Hand:

Elvis Presley (Concert):

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Nkp_t2RUaA&list=RD6Nkp_t2RUaA)

 

 

Saying Something Stupid Like I Love You*:

Edgar Ramirez; Jennifer Lawrence:

Excerpt from JOY – Twentieth Century Fox:

(https://youtu.be/QswAZPumAwk)

 

 

Saying Something Stupid Like I Love You:

Frank and Nancy Sinatra:

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=meQUdezfMhk&list=RDmeQUdezfMhk)

 

 

Qualche Stupido Ti Amo / Saying Something Stupid Like I Love You:

Andrea Bocelli and Veronica Berti:

(https://youtu.be/yzyEsiivVD0)

 

 

Saying Something Stupid Like I Love You:

Robbie Williams; Nicole Kidman:

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rtrXxgtYGUw&list=RDrtrXxgtYGUw)

 

 

Saying Something Stupid Like I Love You:

Ilias Michailakis and Christine:

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0GauYVx4oS8&list=RD0GauYVx4oS8)

 

 

Saying Something Stupid Like I Love You:

Priscilla and Nico:

(https://youtu.be/-4lBQs7ISMI)

 

 

Seasons In The Sun:

Terry Jacks:

(https://youtu.be/9E_IBciZoP4)

 

 

Senza Fine*: * Unavailable

Andrea Bocelli (Concert):

(https://youtu.be/QqCmC-7QUoA)

 

 

(Sittin’ On) The Dock Of The Bay:

Otis Redding:

(https://youtu.be/rTVjnBo96Ug)

 

 

Smoke Gets In Your Eyes:

Engelbert Humperdinck

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J35KrD0t_VU&list=RDJ35KrD0t_VU)

 

 

Smoke Gets In Your Eyes:

Nana Mouskouri:

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sNQVhSYvKkw&list=RDsNQVhSYvKkw)

 

 

Somewhere/One Hand, One Heart/I Have A Love:

Barbra Streisand/Johnny Matthis:

(https://youtu.be/OZAHNH2FT90)

 

 

Sunny:

Bobby Hebb:

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ILEXei9rfhw&list=RDILEXei9rfhw)

 

 

Sunny:

Bobby Hebb and Ron Carter:

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uRWyxzmNdJc&list=RDuRWyxzmNdJc)

 

 

The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down:

Joan Baez:

(https://youtu.be/C_ksYL26lZE)

 

 

The Very Thought Of You:

Engelbert Humperdinck

(https://youtu.be/5E1ugy_-ogQ)

 

 

The Very Thought Of You:

Nat King Cole:

(https://youtu.be/tOaWJu8Wuj0)

 

 

The Windmills Of My Mind:

Neil Diamond:

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEDtJrhAkF0&list=RDdEDtJrhAkF0)

 

 

These Boots Were Made For Walkin’:

Nancy Sinatra (Lyrics) / * Decided to delete

(Looks like a personal video message; Sorry ’bout that, but it seemed to have the best sound quality):

 

 

Those Were The Days:

Mary Hopkins:

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZUsmEcJSdzc&list=RDZUsmEcJSdzc)

 

 

Up, Up And Away:

The 5th Dimension:

(https://youtu.be/5akEgsZSfhg)

 

 

When Will I See You Again:

Three Degrees:

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HUSYj5zq144&list=RDHUSYj5zq144)

 

Wichita Lineman:

Glenn Campbell:

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJBvdEBpHE8&list=RDTJBvdEBpHE)

 

 

Wichita Lineman:

Glenn Campbell; Concert Footage, 2006:

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E80727OUUDI&list=RDE80727OUUDI)

 

 

Yellow Bird:

The Kingston Trio:

(https://youtu.be/bIC7hmSMq54)

 

 

Yellow Bird:

Johnny Tillotson:

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y0d6jFSYEzo&list=RDy0d6jFSYEzo)

 

 

Yellow Bird:

The Brothers Four:

(https://youtu.be/RdvUm-CJhVc)

 

———————————————————————-

* Andrea Bocelli sings these on his David Foster-produced PBS special, “Love In Portofino”.

 

These pressings and video clips showcase the sound of the times as represented by its diverse people — the legacy of our pride, and were the discs that were spun in broadcast studios, dance halls, and homes across America. It was a time of discovery, mergence, and awakening; carefree, yet still cognizant and concerned. A movement of unity was beginning in quietude and celebration. These were the days.

 

Thank you to all the artists and to those who support them, both out-loud and in quiet, as well as to those who can only hint their approval. Your voices will all be heard, one day.

Putumayo Presents South Africa

Putumayo Presents South Africa

Putumayo World Music (p) and ©2010 Putumayo World Music. (http://www.putumayo.com)

Missing liner notes.

 

1. Soul Brothers – Ujaheni

Good song about moonbeams, or something…

 

2. Bholaja – Mbombela

Hey la’Osteen! Island-vibe; nice tune. I like this singer’s voice.

 

3. Mahube – Oxam

Xylo-centric; starts off Christmas-y. Beta-wey (Better Way?)

 

4. Blk Sonshine – Nkosi

Really cool – Sounds like human mouth instruments. Then it’s a rap-slide jazz thing. In English.

 

5. Nibs van der Spuy – Beautiful Feet

English lyrics. Reggae-plucked Flamenco-cooled. Weird.

 

6. Steve Dyer – Mananga

Fast-moving familiar tune done in a hoot-like way. Instrumental only.

 

7. Miriam Makeba – Orlando

Sounds like old-time 20’s/30’s/40’s flapper and War Era sister groups (like the Andrews sisters) in African language. Miriam Makeba receives a brief mention in Andrew Hussey’s book, The French Intifada: The Long War Between France and Its Arabs, on page 215, and is described as an anti-apartheid militant, mentioned in the context of having attended the first Pan-African Cultural Festival in Algeria in 1969.

 

8. Phinda – Tiki Tiki

It does sound like African take on Polynesia emerging from the ’40’s and ’50’s.

 

9. Johannes Kerkorrel – Halala Afrika

Acoustic guitar, Dutch folk-style, with Ha-la-la Afrika background.

 

10. Zoro – Work

Reggae. I think I’ve heard this tune before. Cliff? Marley? Tosh? Sounds too low and too harsh – Guess it makes a point.

 

11. Kaya – Vulamasango Mandinke

I like it. Very rich in vocals.

 

12. Soweto Gospel Choir – Ngahlulele

The high voice is so round and able. A good fit for the closing song of the album (CD).