Suicide Bomber Hits Netanya Pedestrian Mall. At this time, only the murderer died, thank god, though 58 people were wounded, two of them seriously and four moderately, when the terrorist blew himself near a coffee shop.
I have a friend living in Natanya... Just sent her E-mail... At the time of the attack she was supposed to be at her working place in Tel-Aviv... I hope...
Lorien said it @ 10:42 AM MT
Saturday March 29, 2003
How naive and ignorant can one get?
My heart aches for those "human shields" who went to Iraq to protect the Iraqi people with their bodies(Yea, right!). They've suffered so many disappointments lately, some of them will probably need some professional help when they return home. But you know what they say: The truth liberates!
But don't they also say: "If you're not smart enough to raise yourself above your ignorance - suffer the consequences quietly?"
"I was a fool to be a human shield for Saddam", says Daniel Pepper in the Jerusalem Post. He's a 23-year-old Jewish-American photographer living in Islington, north London. He declares at the opening of the article that he
wanted to join the human shields in Baghdad because it was direct action which had a chance of bringing the anti-war movement to the forefront of world attention.
It was inspiring: the human shield volunteers were making a sacrifice for their political views much more of a personal investment than going to a demonstration in Washington or London. It was simple you get on the bus and you represent yourself.
It took him 5 weeks to understand he fell into his own trap of ignorance...
We on the bus felt that we were sympathetic to the views of the Iraqi civilians, even though we didn't actually know any. The group was less interested in standing up for their rights than protesting against the US and UK governments.
I was shocked when I first met a pro-war Iraqi in Baghdad a taxi driver taking me back to my hotel late at night. I explained that I was American and said, as we shields always did, "Bush bad, war bad, Iraq good." He looked at me with an expression of incredulity.
As he realized I was serious, he slowed down and started to speak in broken English about the evils of Saddam's regime. Until then I had only heard the president spoken of with respect, but now this guy was telling me how all of Iraq's oil money went into Saddam's pocket, and that if you opposed him politically he would kill your whole family.
It scared the hell out of me. First I was thinking that maybe it was the secret police trying to trick me, but later I got the impression that he wanted me to help him escape. I felt so bad. I told him: "Listen, I am just a schmuck from the United States, I am not with the UN, I'm not with the CIA I just can't help you."
Pepper says he had read reports about Saddam's "work" on his people before. Ha... it didn't help much in his decision making process, did it? Only when a real person talked to his face, and he could see a genuine Iraqi pain, something has changed in the way he was thinking... and he decided to leave Iraq by taking a taxi to Jordan.
Once over the border we felt comfortable enough to ask our driver what he felt about the regime and the threat of an aerial bombardment.
"Don't you listen to Powell on Voice of America radio?" he said. "Of course the Americans don't want to bomb civilians. They want to bomb government and Saddam's palaces. We want America to bomb Saddam."
We just sat, listening, our mouths open wide. Jake, one of the others, just kept saying, "Oh my God" as the driver described the horrors of the regime. Jake was so shocked at how naive he had been. We all were. It hadn't occurred to anyone that the Iraqis might actually be pro-war.
Hallelujah!!! Go towards the light, people... go towards the light! They've always been there out in the open, those horror stories from Iraq. For years... but you didn't bother to learn or listen! The funny part is, Pepper says that he'd learned that most ordinary Iraqis thought Saddam had paid the human shields to come to protest in Iraq. What a joke!!!
And Pepper concludes:
It was as if the protesters were talking about a different country where the ruling government is perfectly acceptable. It really upset me. Anyone with half a brain must see that Saddam has to be taken out. It is extraordinarily ironic that the anti-war protesters are marching to defend a government which stops its people exercising that freedom.
Sigh... If all of us had to experience first hand everything before we form an opinion based on facts, the whole bloody 6 billion of us were on a constant move around the glob. It so much easier to just read... listen... and stop acting like pure souls detectives who try to solve all those conspiracy theories that pop up like fresh grass every day!
Darn... now I'm annoyed...
Lorien said it @ 12:56 PM MT
#1 Reason to Buy The Extended Warranty
I thought I should try and bring a smile to all those faces of yours who watch the news these days and don't find any good reason to smile... A friend sent this photo to me by E-mail, and though I don't know who I should credit for it, I'm tempted to put it here. Hope it works *s*...
#1 Reason to Buy The Extended Warranty
Lorien said it @ 11:22 AM MT
Thursday March 27, 2003
A break day
No writing about the war today. Didn't have time - or urge - to watch the news today... well, not as much as I use to anyway.
We finalized our will this morning. It's all signed and witnessed, and now we can forget about it since we plan to live long healthy fulfilled life *s*.
And what, may you ask, make my heart sing these days, if anything? I'm glad you asked ;-). I've just got off the phone with my sweet-soul friend Nancze from Oklahoma, and yesterday I talked to Faith in New York. Joy! Joy! Happy! Happy! It makes so much difference to go up to the next level and talk to a net friend live, after being in touch for a long time through E-mail, sites and blogs. Hearing the voices makes you feel you're closer... and it also made me wanna hug those 2 ladies even more *s*...
... And Faith, Nancze do hear some French in my accent, ehehe. Here on the net I'm English... Canadian... but as soon as I open my mouth, here comes the Israel part... with the accent and all *s*.
Ladies, it was marvelous talking to you two, and yes... It makes my heart , plus it puts a big all over my face...
Lorien said it @ 07:15 PM MT
Tuesday March 25, 2003
On political opinions and friendship
Charles asked his readers a question today: Are any of you losing friends over the Iraq War?
My two real life best friends have an opposite political opinion to mine on what's going on in Israel, but NO... We didn't let it come between us. That's what good friends mean - exchanging opinions and accepting the other's right to their own...
... But I sure noticed that since I've started posting my opinions on the war in Iraq, few people vanished from my comments... mmm... I wonder why...
Lorien said it @ 08:23 PM MT
Not all Canadians are against the USA war on Iraq
Lots of anger is coming from the Americans towards Canada at this time, regarding the non supportive statements Canadians spout all over the place. It's ho-so-very understandable! Some Canadian politicians, as regular citizens, do bad mouth the Americans in a very non respectful way.
CFCN reports that
Canada's decision not to support the U.S.-led war in Iraq has left plenty of Americans "upset and disappointed." That was the message the U.S. ambassador to Canada delivered today in a speech to business leaders.
"So many people in the United States are so disappointed that Canada is not fully supporting us now," said Paul Cellucci, the U.S. ambassador to Canada. "And that is why so many people in the United States are so disappointed that Canada is not fully supporting us now."
He said if the roles were reversed, the U.S. would back Canada without question.
"There is no security threat to Canada that the United States would not be ready, willing and able to help with," Cellucci told a breakfast meeting at the Toronto Economic Club.
LGF brings few links today as an example to the above, among them is America: its far too easy to ridicule you, an article from a college paper in Edmonton. But LGF also links to Canadian Friends of America, a supportive site by Jay Currie, a journalist and weblogger who writes for few Canadian papers.
And while visiting Kelly's place (a fellow Calgarian) earlier, I've found this link to the Calgary herald, which claims
Albertans are polarized over the American-led invasion of Iraq, with the province evenly divided over the emotional question of whether Canada should be fighting in the war, according to a Calgary Herald poll.
However, the poll suggests a clear majority of Calgarians believe Prime Minister Jean Chretien was wrong to keep Canada out of the conflict...
... The survey suggests a clear majority of Calgarians (58.1 per cent) want Canada fighting alongside its traditional allies: the United States, Great Britain and Australia.
That makes me very proud of my new hometown people today... The same hometown who showed 70% support of Israel few months ago. Got to say... I love those Calgarians *s*.
Lorien said it @ 05:50 PM MT
Monday March 24, 2003
4 years... and counting
4 years ago, today, my plane landed at Calgary's airport, carrying a very frightened, anxious but hopeful Israeli chick. I had 2 suitcases + a trolley with me, in which I've packed those carefully chosen items I felt I needed with me in my new life. Actually, I've packed 39 years of my life in those 3 suitcases. And that, my friends, wasn't an easy thing to do!
And today, 4 years later, I find myself never looking back, never questioning if this huge step was a mistake. I know it was the best thing ever happened to me!
I just know. 4 years ago I was dealt a good hand...
Lorien said it @ 11:18 AM MT
Sunday March 23, 2003
Just in case
it wasn't clear before...
Update: And while I'm on it, please check ProtestWarrior.com. (Link via Jennifer). This is how they make their point...
Lorien said it @ 08:50 AM MT
Saturday March 22, 2003
You're late. What took you so long?
Ok, anti-war protesters... Read this from the Guardian. If you really care about the people of Iraq, listen to what they say:
Afraid that the US and Britain will abandon them, the people of Safwan did not touch the portraits and murals of Saddam Hussein hanging everywhere. It was left to the marines to tear them down. It did not mean there was not heartfelt gladness at the marines' arrival. Ajami Saadoun Khlis, whose son and brother were executed under the Saddam regime, sobbed like a child on the shoulder of the Guardian's Egyptian translator. He mopped the tears but they kept coming.
"You just arrived," he said. "You're late. What took you so long? God help you become victorious. I want to say hello to Bush, to shake his hand. We came out of the grave."
"For a long time we've been saying: 'Let them come'," his wife, Zahara, said. "Last night we were afraid, but we said: 'Never mind, as long as they get rid of him, as long as they overthrow him, no problem'." Their 29-year-old son was executed in July 2001, accused of harboring warm feelings for Iran.
"He was a farmer, he had a car, he sold tomatoes, and we had a life that we were satisfied with," said Khlis. "He was in prison for a whole year, and I raised 75m dinars in bribes. It didn't work. The money was gone, and he was gone. They sent me a telegram. They gave me the body."
(Link via LGF).
Lorien said it @ 11:58 AM MT
Friday March 21, 2003
On war and hope
It's amazing to watch live war on live television. The bombardment of Baghdad looks so surreal on the screen... I'm sure most of you are gazing at the small screen any chance you get to learn what's going on, right? One can't simply avoid it, I think... At least - I can't.
I was happy to learn there are allied troops near the Iraqi-Jordanian border, the same place from where the Iraqis fired the Scud missiles 12 years ago. This lowers the chance for them to do the same at this time. IDF believes threat here remains low, says Ha'aretz newspaper. Good! It allows me to take a deep breath and resume some hope nothing will happen in Israel.
Meanwhile, there are those who have other hopes:
Thousands of Palestinians holding pictures of Saddam Hussein poured out of mosques after Friday prayers to protest the US-led attacks on Iraq and cheered for the Iraqi leader to bombard Israeli cities with Scud missiles.
Oh well... Cheer your little hearts out as much as you desire... After all, you're well known for making the wrong choices most of the time...
Time of war... destruction... death... worries... sadness... hopelessness. My heart, thoughts and love are with my online friend Nancze, who's son Cliff is out there with the troops... and with all the others who are dead worried right now for their loved ones who are out there doing their job to protect us all.
Though all seem so dark and scary right now, we must not give up hope at this time... Hope that our future will be better... Hope that our world will be a better and safe place for us all after the war...
After all...
Lorien said it @ 03:57 PM MT
Thursday March 20, 2003
Let me present to you...
my new weight loss blog, Dancing towards a healthy lifestyle, is up and running! Creating it over the last 2 days sure helped me take my mind off the news... a bit. So from now on, I'll be doing the diet talking and reporting over there. Bookmark if you may... and come for a visit...
Lorien said it @ 05:07 PM MT
Wednesday March 19, 2003
Waiting mode
*Sigh*... The stress is killing, isn't it? Watching the news makes it worse, but it's hard to stay away when there are 4 hours to go... My stomach is turning upside down since this morning, and even the beautiful sunny day outside is not enough to make one forget... The world we're living at is not a nice place right now...
Mom told me this morning not to worry, because she doesn't... mmm... I'm trying, but it doesn't work...
Go read Salam's words. He lives in Baghdad (link via Balagan)...
And from the Jerusalem post: Public told to seal rooms, carry gas masks once war starts:
As soon as an American strike on Iraq commences, people will be instructed to carry their gas masks with them at all times, the security cabinet decided Tuesday night.
The decision follows closely on the heels of a Home Front Command announcement advising people to prepare sealed rooms in case of an Iraqi chemical or biological attack.
The IDF has been steadily increasing the public's state of preparedness as the US has edged closer to war. On Monday, it advised people to stock up on materials necessary for preparing a sealed room. Then on Tuesday, it gave the order to seal rooms and to renew gas mask kits, as well as calling up a limited number of reservists from antiaircraft units, units charged with the cleanup of hazardous waste, and units charged with deploying medicines and antidotes to the public.
Responding to the Home Front Command's order, hospitals, emergency centers, and other medical facilities across the country rushed to seal chambers for patients which include sophisticated air-filtration systems.
Lorien said it @ 01:50 PM MT
Tuesday March 18, 2003
Feel like praying?
Got this one on E-mail from a friend... Brings a smile to my face... Helps fight my worries... and I know Joe will forgive me *s*...
Prayer For Women
Dear Lord, I pray
For wisdom to understand my man,
Love to forgive him,
Patience for his moods...
Because, Lord, if I pray for Strength...
I'll beat him to death!!!
Lorien said it @ 06:50 PM MT
On the verge of war
In the light Of president Bush' announcement from yesterday, let me share Simon Wiesenthal's message:
"As a survivor of the Nazi Holocaust who lost 89 members of my family, I have experienced firsthand the horrors of war and bloodshed. I know that in any conflict many innocent lives will be lost. But history has taught us that the consequences of ignoring evil and terror pose an even greater risk for mankind.
The world has confronted Saddam before, but for twelve years he has refused to listen. President George W. Bush, British Prime Minister Tony Blair, and Prime Minister Jose Maria Aznar of Spain, do not seek to conquer Iraq but rather to confront a dictator who has used weapons of mass destruction and committed genocide against his own people.
I have spent a lifetime pursuing the perpetrators of evil, not for revenge, but in search of justice and in order to protect future generations from the horrors that I have lived through.
My experience has taught me that you cannot wait indefinitely on dictators. Adolf Hitler came to power in 1933, but for six years the world did not act. Had he been taken seriously then, the lives of innocent millions may have been spared.
We must remember that freedom is not a gift from heaven, we must fight for it every day."
Lorien said it @ 10:20 AM MT
Monday March 17, 2003
Where did this day go???
Did you have a nice St. Patrick's day??? Do I know someone who celebrates St. Patrick's Day???
Oh well... anyway... I hope you had a nice day! *s*... Mine just went by without me noticing it. I was very busy designing a new layout for a new blog... Yeap, I decided to have a weight loss one... We'll see how it turns...
I had something I wanted to write about... Maybe later. Going to watch The outer limits now... Please stand by *s*...
Lorien said it @ 08:55 PM MT
Sunday March 16, 2003
Changes in the horizon?
For the last week or two I'm contemplating some changes in my online activities. After all, I've been online for the last 6 years. I've changed, my interests had been changed... others have changed too. There are places I don't feel at home anymore... There are places I might try to knock on their door and ask to come inside... I don't know, I still have to do some thinking about that.
My site will change as well. It's a long tedious job, and some time in the next few months I'll manage to finish it somehow... I will *s*.
This blog will continue to live because I love blogging. I also consider a separate blog for my weight loss and healthy lifestyle journey. It scares me a bit, but maybe that's what I need... an official commitment out in the open might give me another boost to go on with what I'm doing for the last 12 months... Still has to be decided...
I had a thought. Since some of you who come here had shown interest and mentioned you need some motivation regarding your health, workout and weight loss as well... How about forming an online group? I'd rather do that with people I already know... I think it might be easier??? Just let me know what you think, and if there are few of you who would like to come aboard, we'll move from there and decide how to do it.
Winds of change... let's hop on them together, shall we? *s*...
Lorien said it @ 07:07 PM MT
It was
a beautiful "springy" day yesterday. Blue sky, 13C, sunny... time to go out and take a deep breath of fresh air. We walked around EauClair market, one of our favorite spots in the city, enjoyed the sun, watched the people and captured some moment with our digital. (Click the thumbnails to enlarge).
A panoramic view of downtown Calgary, made out of 3 photos.
Me absorbing sun rays.
He was so cute... and his dad allowed us to take his pic.
The parking dog... had a very cool behind...
Lorien said it @ 10:22 AM MT
Thursday March 13, 2003
A will
We went to see a lawyer this morning, regarding our will. We don't have one just yet, but after talking to the lawyer we will have one in a week or so. We thought we need a will so when the time comes, our millions (Duh!!! Yea, right! *s*) will be distributed according to our wishes. Very tidy people, hey? *s*...
Talking about the will also made us think about organs donation. Both Joe and I decided - separately - that we're going to donate our brain to Alzheimer's research after we're gone. Yeap, that's what we feel we want to do!
Well, I guess it's not hard to understand why, is it? Since the research of this illness goes so slow due to the fact scientists don't have enough material to work on, and since both Joe and myself know this illness too well, we decided we'll do what we can to maybe help others in the future.
Other than that, it was a beautiful warm day. Temp. is 12C (54F) right now, and it feels like spring. A gorgeous day to put one's business after life in order *s*.
Mind you, we plan to live long... and very good... life ;-))!!!
Lorien said it @ 05:28 PM MT
Wednesday March 12, 2003
Is there anybody out there?
Geezz... It's so cold and lonely here... in the dark. Do you have a spare candle? Maybe a hug? Chocolate chips cookies? A word? Anything??????..............................................
Lorien said it @ 07:06 PM MT
Freedom of speech, or freedom of hatred dissemination?
Just got an E-mail from You Are Not Alone Israel Campaign site:
FREEDOM OF SPEECH, OR FREEDOM OF HATRED DISSEMINATION?!
On February 27, an extremist student group called Rutgers Association for Middle East Justice (RAMEJ) obtained a permission to hang a banner in the lobby of the Douglas College Center of the Rutgers University of New Jersey. "From the River to the Sea, Palestine will be free" - stated the slogan. The first part of the slogan (meaning "from the Jordan River to the Mediterranean Sea", i.e. territory of Israel) calls for the removal (to say the least!) of the State of Israel. Members of the Rutgers and other communities complained about this outrageous act to the Rutgers administration, asking officials to correct their mistake and to remove the banner. On March 6, in response to the calls, Rutgers Vice-president for Student Affairs Dr. Dennis issued a public statement, in which he declared that the banner should remain on display until its term expires on March 10, because it "protected free speech".
All I have to say to those RAMEJ's who composed this sign is: "Keep on dreaming, guys! I know you're dying to transform your dream into your goal, but that will never happen!!!".
And to Dr. Dennis... Did you give much thought about what's behind that sign? It's wonderful to guard freedom of speech, and sure - anyone can say what they think, but those morons call for an extermination of the state of Israel! By all means, let them talk, but by allowing the sign stay there, you help them spread their poisoned mission... You're giving them a voice... Very clever indeed!
Lorien said it @ 11:51 AM MT
Tuesday March 11, 2003
Freedom fries
Hey... Americans... No more "French fries" for you? From now on, it's "Freedom fries"??? Why am I always the last one to find out about things??? Nobody tells me anything!!!
BTW... Good move!!! *s*...
Lorien said it @ 06:08 PM MT
Monday March 10, 2003
This is how
my computer corner looks... This is where I spend quite a lot of time... where I spout my words... pics... graphics... talk to my mom and bro... whatever. (Nancze gave me the idea, so there it is).
Care to share yours?
Lorien said it @ 12:06 AM MT
Sunday March 9, 2003
"I love you dad"
13-year-old Yuval Mendelevitch was one of the young people who died by the hands of a murderer in Haifa's bus explosion last week. (link via Imshin):
Each day, 13-year-old Yuval Mendelevitch made sure to call his father, telling him what he had done at school and what time he would be home.
On Wednesday, the conversation was cut short when a suicide bomber blew himself up on a city bus in this northern city, killing Yuval and 14 other passengers, many of them teenagers.
"Suddenly, out of nowhere, he said, 'I love you dad.' Then the line went dead," his father Yossi Mendelevitch told Israeli army radio Thursday. "It turns out that those were his last words."
I believe that before a someone dies, their whole lives go in front of their eyes like a movie, and they make some evaluation of what their lives worth, if they accomplished all they wanted... Can't stop thinking about this kid... What went through his mind just few seconds before the end? So young... his whole future was ahead of him... and then it all ended... So sad...
Lorien said it @ 12:26 PM MT
Holy cat
If a "Line cut" sounds like a "Lion cut"... what would the cat say? Hilarious!!! Don't miss that one *s*.
Lorien said it @ 11:42 AM MT
Saturday March 8, 2003
Cold talk
Me: I'll miss going to the gym again today. Damn, it's so cold out there... I can't walk over there...
Hubby: You're spoiled rotten, you know that? What about those I've seen yesterday riding their bikes around in -30C? If they can do it, why can't you walk to the gym??? It takes only 4 minutes to get there!
Me: Sure, those people you've seen were riding their bikes to get a way from the loony hospital personnel who were after them!
Lorien said it @ 02:50 PM MT
A digital addiction and family life
The more I read about digital photography (when my bro pushes me to do it ;-)), the more I realize that as in other areas of life, this one is very addictive. Since the development of new gadgets is quicker than light, and new cameras pop up like mushrooms after rain almost every week, I have to tell you - Families' well being is at risk here!
Don't believe me? Read this (from FM Forums):
Topic: What I like most about the 10D specs
(They're talking about the new digital camera from Canon, 10D, that just came out).
Brian Semotiuk: Is that it looks very similar to a D30! This means that I buy 10D, sell D30 and wife doesn't notice! BENT: That didn't work for me. The credit card company called to confirm the purchase and my wife answered the phone....."Honey did you order another camera for $1500?"........ "....ah yes dear, .....but it's just a little upgrade after I sell my camera..."
Lorien said it @ 10:24 AM MT
Friday March 7, 2003
German Holocaust Denier, Ernst Zundel - A refugee in Canada? Never!
Simon Wiesenthal Center addresses whomever is willing to listen to sign a petition,
For decades, German-born, Toronto resident Ernst Zundel, has been a leading voice for Holocaust deniers and antisemites. From his home in Canada, Zundel distributed Nazi, neo-Nazi, and Holocaust denial materials throughout the world. In 1996, he was declared a national security threat by Canada's intelligence agency.
After inciting hate in Canada for 43 years, he relocated to the United States in 2001. Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center for Holocaust Studies in Canada, together with other groups, were responsible for obtaining a ruling from the Canadian Human Rights Commission prohibiting Zundel from operating any hate sites in Canada. Thus, his move to the U.S. Recently, he was arrested by U.S. immigration authorities for overstaying his U.S. visitors' visa and was deported back to Canada.
Zundel is now seeking 'refugee' status in Canada because if he is deported to his native Germany, he awaits possible prosecution for illegal distribution of Holocaust denial materials into Germany.
The Simon Wiesenthal Center and Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center for Holocaust Studies in Canada are urging authorities in Berlin to suspend pending charges against Zundel. This would remove any foundation for his claim of refugee status and would enable his swift removal from Canada. It would not block prosecution for any future hate activity. At the same time, the Center is also urging Canadian authorities to act swiftly to bar Zundel from re-entering Canada.
Join the Simon Wiesenthal Center and Friends of the Simon Wiesenthal Center for Holocaust Studies' campaign to banish Zundel from North America forever by joining us in urging Canadian and German authorities to work together to deny his outrageous attempt to renew his hate activities by gaining refugee status.
Please act now by clicking here to sign the petition.
(link via Dawson speaks).
Lorien said it @ 11:22 PM MT
Thursday March 6, 2003
Have you asked yourself what the Iraqi people might want?
I'm sitting in a room on PalTalk, listening to Iraqi people talking after Bush's speech tonight. Most of them live outside Iraq, some of them live in the states.
One guy told from his memories that as a child he was sent by his dad to buy eggs, and he had to wait hours in line to get 12 eggs. He said that Saddam starved his own people, not the UN by its sanctions.
FreeKanar tells he's in exile for the last 21 years. He finished university in 1981, in Baghdad. His cousin had 4 sisters and 3 brothers. In 1980 their mom was taken away... She was 50 years old, with high blood pressure. After 2 days his cousin was taken, and then his 2 brothers disappeared. No one knew what happened to them. FreeKanar fled Iraq after he was in prison for 4 months. His family is still in Iraq. His brother was taken after he fled, and his body was never returned.
AboAzmer (the moderator of the room) explains how 99% of the Iraqis voted for Saddam in the last elections. "You get an application form, where you have to fill "yes" or "no" for Saddam. If you mark "yes", you're safe. If you mark "no", you put your family and yourself in risk. That's how Saddam "got" 99% of the votes". AboAzmer also said that the war will be between Saddam and his gang and the Americans, not between the Iraqi people and the Americans. It's more likely that when the Americans start the war, many Iraqis will join them against Saddam's army.
Joe-Guitar explains that in Iraq, there's no freedom to talk... to do what one wants. The future of the people is in the regime's hands, including what they can learn in schools. "After school they tell you where to go, including you have to become a soldier", he says. "If you don't want to go to the army, you'll be killed. And they bring your parents to see you being killed. And they might be killed too. You're not allow to bury your son if he's considered a traitor for not wanting to fight...".
And Joe-Guitar's plea is: "Enter into the Iraqi brain and feel what they feel, before you judge Americans. Learn about what we've been through before you talk against America. Hopefully, one day we'll have the right to call ourselves Iraqis again".
starfish50, an American mom, tells about her son, a veteran of the Gulf war who is disabled because of being exposed to gas spread by the Iraqi forces.
VJ-Nick says: "The people of the world should realize that the children of Iraq need their help against Saddam. Understand our pain, help us liberate ourselves from Saddam and his weapons of mass murder who killed us 15 years ago, and left a generation of disabled people".
As far as I could hear, most Iraqi speakers were thanking the Americans in the room for wanting to remove Sadam. Amazing, don't you think???!!! Many of them talked about their friends or family members who were arrested, and never seen again. Some explained the Iraqis tried to get rid of Saddam, but failed. Saddam was and is too powerful. "That's why the Iraqis welcome anyone who can get rid of him", they say.
Something to ponder about... especially for those who go to Iraq to play human shields. Do the Iraqis want you to do that? Or, perhaps, they - at last - have hope to get free of Saddam's cruelty and years of torture?
Lorien said it @ 10:05 PM MT
Natural crystals
Trying to raise my head above the painful events of yesterday... Looking outside... Mother nature has some spectacle for us today, laying gently outside our window. It always amazes me how the spirit, when in pain, sends a glimpse through the eyes to find some solace in what's freely being displayed out there...
The beauty of it all becomes so much more through the camera's lens... doesn't it?
Lorien said it @ 11:57 AM MT
Wednesday March 5, 2003
Victim of terror - A friend of Israel
Just got an E-mail from Sharla Costelow, the widow of USS Cole's victim Richard Costelow, asking me to add her to my Friends of Israel list. I wrote back to her, saying:
"It touches my heart to no end to receive this mail TODAY, after the murderous terrorists stroke Israel yet again, claiming the life of 15 people and injuring dozens others. You, being hit directly by terror, know more than anyone else the anguish, pain, rage and helplessness one feels in the face of such horror... I can't begin to tell you how much your stand with my people today means to me... I feel like we share the same fate, and I'm sure everyone who comes to check the list will be thankful for your statement of friendship and support of Israel you made today. Bless be, dear lady".
Sharla wrote back :"I am proud that you would put my name on the list of those who support the people of Israel. My heart aches for all those who suffer in these horrific acts of terror".
I'm posting this here to honor the memory of Richard Costelow and the other 16 victims of terror on the USS Cole, and maybe to give some hope to Israelis that they're not alone in this horrid day.
Lorien said it @ 01:57 PM MT
Again - A bloody day in Haifa, Israel
At least 15 killed, 40 hurt in suicide attack on Haifa bus. This time, the security forces didn't manage to stop the homicidal maniac from caring out his devilish murderous goal.
I so hope Ilana is ok... Damn. And Hanan, thanks for the E-mail. My family lives in Ramla, so they're ok...
Lorien said it @ 09:34 AM MT
Tuesday March 4, 2003
Body language & Mixed Signals
I'm a huge fan of DR. Phillip C. Mcgraw, otherwise known as Dr. Phil. I watch his show every afternoon, no natter what the subject is. I know there are others who think he has gone too "Hollywoodie", but I don't care. I'm listening to his words, his advice, the psychological surgeries he performs on his show, and I find myself with an agreement with most of the things he says. Not only that, apparently I live my personal life according to his advice for the last few years... and I came to know and watch him only few months back.
Today's show was about mixed signals. According to Dr. Phil, body language speaks volumes - 93 percent of communication between people is non-verbal:
Body language speaks volumes. In fact, only 7 percent of communication is verbal, and 93 percent is nonverbal. Make sure the messages you think you're sending are being interpreted the way you want. Here's how Dr. Phil suggests you do that.
1. Take time in the morning to ask yourself: "What kind of statement am I making to the world today?" It comes across differently, for example, if you've got a mohawk or a suit on.
2. Pay attention to your voice quality and whether or not you make eye contact. People respond to both, and you can change them.
3. For every thought you have, there's a physiological reaction in your body. So when you're depressed, angry or happy, you may be telling others volumes without speaking a word.
4. You never get a second chance at first impressions. And they can really matter. Treat them as such.
5. Your deeds speak louder than your voice or any non-verbal communication.
6. Recognize that your partner's "filters" will fill in the blanks. Try to understand how your actions may be interpreted when you're vague.
7. Test your non-verbal cues with a friend.
I remember myself wondering what kind of signals my body sends out. For years I used to look aside, or down, while talking to people I didn't know well. I attributed it to my natural shyness. Yeap, I'm a shy person... still, but now a days I try to maintain eye contact at all times. I've forced myself to do it at the beginning, but now it comes naturally, and I see the impact it makes on people... a good one.
I also know my face impressions transmit my feelings. I always say I can't be a good poker player, because my face always show what I feel. And frankly, sometimes I wish it didn't *s*.
I still find myself surprised sometimes when I watch myself on video (from the wedding) or on those movies Joe makes with the digital camera. I still feel I have to work on my body language, to make sure I broadcast what I feel, and not mixed signals.
How about you?
Lorien said it @ 05:28 PM MT
Monday March 3, 2003
Report on change of lifestyle
<start report>
I forgot to mention it on Feb. 25th, so I'll do it now *s*... It's been a year since I've started my journey towards an healthy physical lifestyle. My main goal was to keep my high blood pressure (180/110 at the time) down to normal levels without any pills. I'm happy to report that for the last 2 weeks I've been off any kind of pill, and my levels stays on 120/75 most of the time. This is a HUGE achievement for me, so allow me to pat my shoulder here... I'm a very happy camper right now! *s*.
How do I do it? I work out 5 times a week in the gym. Every time takes around 90 minutes, in which I do cardio on bikes and treadmill for 70 minutes, and another 20 minutes of weights. After 2.5 months in the gym I'm starting to find new muscles in my body, and what do ya know? I also discovered I have bones in my body. Isn't that an amazing discovery? *s*...
At home, I also do Abs Yoga from a video cassette, stretching exercises and now I have a gym ball as well. My mom says I've been a lazy type before, and now I've gone to the kuku side. (Oh well, mom... As long as I feel good, I don't mind being called a kuku *s*).
My secondary goal was to lose weight. So far, I've lost 17 kg (37 pounds), and all in all 23 kg (50 pounds) from my highest weight 2 years ago. Most of it melted in the first 6 months, and then it became a slow and tedious process, but hey, at least I didn't gain some of it back, so I'm happy on this as well *s*.
My goal is yet to lose 14 kg (31 pounds). I'll try to get there in 30 weeks from now... towards the end of September 2003. No rush, I have all the time I need to do it right this time!!! *s*. </end report>
I search the net a lot these days for info that will help me do it all in an easier manner. So here are some links I've found, that might help you as well:
Information
Inspiration weblogs
Forums
-CalorieKing.com - Food Database + calorie values -Lose weight with Water - Explains why it is so important to drink lots of water.
-Stretching Exercises 101
-The Blood Type Diet Online - That's the one I do. It's good for me! -The Basic Food Groups - One opinion by Dr. Berenstein.
-Melting Away
-Scale Whore
-This is WEIGH Better!!
-Chrysalis
-Many Fires (burn below the surface)
-Through the Looking Glass
-This is WEIGH Better!
Lorien said it @ 11:28 AM MT
Sunday March 2, 2003
If money were no concern
I've just found this at Sainteros, and I'm going to play along, because this is something I think of every time I fill a lottery ticket *s*... so here goes:
What would you do if money were no concern? - Go visit my family in Israel and Joe's family in Holland more times every year.
- Travel travel travel... Lots to see out there...
- Buy a motor home of course! Best way to travel in North America, and while doing it, visit my online friends.
And while at home
- Buy a piece of land by the river/lake, build my SMALL dream house and decorate it.
- Build the best computer possible with all the latest gadgets.
- Buy myself the time of the best dentist in town and renovate my mouth.
- Drive a Mustang convertible... Yellow!.
- Buy all the computer graphics programs I want, and learned to work with them.
- Take course in Computer Graphics, Webpage building, Oil painting, Furniture design, Interior design, digital photography.
- Volunteer in the food bank and the animal shelter.
- Might go back to play the piano... who knows *s*...
- Spend more time experimenting and creating... no matter what the format is...
- Have someone to clean my house full time job! *s*...
- (I'm sure there are more things that don't come to mind right now...).
You know what? Joe heard the list and said : "Just enjoy life to the fullest!!!" Yea... I agree... we try do it now too... and it works quite nicely. But hey, with all that money rolling out of our pockets, it'll be much easier, right? *s*...
Dream on baby... Dream on
Lorien said it @ 02:18 PM MT
A Jewish-American connection
A new friend sent me this story on E-mail, thinking I'll enjoy it. I did!!! Very much. I always like to read stuff about real people, find out things from their background. I think you'll enjoy this one as well *s*.
Colin Powell's Boyhood
The South Bronx in 1950 was the home of a large and thriving community, predominantly Jewish. In the 1950s the Bronx offered synagogues, mikvas, kosher bakeries, and kosher butchers - all the comforts one would expect from an observant Orthodox Jewish community.
The baby boom of the postwar years happily resulted in many new young parents. As a matter of course, the South Bronx had its own baby equipment store. Sickser's was located on the corner of Westchester and Fox, and specialized in "everything for the baby" as its slogan ran. The inventory began with cribs, baby carriages, playpens, high chairs, changing tables, and toys. It went way beyond these to everything a baby could want or need.
Mr. Sickser, assisted by his son-in-law Lou Kirshner, ran a profitable business out of the needs of the rapidly expanding child population. The language of the store was primarily Yiddish, but Sickser's was a place where not only Jewish families but also many non-Jewish ones could acquire the necessary for their newly arrived bundles of joy.
Business was particularly busy one spring day, so much so that Mr. Sickser and his son-in-law could not handle the unexpected throng of customers. Desperate for help, Mr. Sickser ran out of the store and stopped the first youth he spotted on the street. "Young man," he panted, "how would you like to make a little extra money? I need some help in the store. You want to work a little?" The tall, lanky black boy flashed a toothy smile back. "Yes, sir, I'd like some work." "Well then, let's get started."
The boy followed his new employer into the store. Mr. Sickser was immediately impressed with the boy's good manners and demeanor. As the days went by and he came again and again to lend his help, Mr. Sickser and Lou both became increasingly impressed with the youth's diligence, punctuality and readiness to learn.
Eventually Mr. Sickser made him a regular employee at the store. It was gratifying to find an employee with an almost soldier-like willingness to perform even the most menial of tasks, and to perform them well.
From the age of thirteen until his sophomore year in college, the young man put in from twelve to fifteen hours a week, at 50 to 75 cents an hour.
Mostly, he performed general labor: assembling merchandise, unloading trucks and preparing items for shipments. He seemed, in his quiet way, to appreciate not only the steady employment but also the friendly atmosphere Mr. Sickser's store offered. Mr. Sickser and Lou learned in time about their helper's Jamaican origins, and he in turn picked up a good deal of Yiddish.
In time the young man was able to converse fairly well with his employers, and more importantly, with a number of the Jewish customers whose English was not fluent. At the age of seventeen, the young man, while still working part-time at Sickser's, began his first semester at City College of New York. He fit in just fine with his, for the most part Jewish classmates, hardly surprising, considering that he already knew their ways and their language. But the heavy studying in the engineering and later geology courses he chose proved quite challenging. The young man would later recall that Sickser's offered the one stable point in his life those days.
In 1993, in his position as the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff - two years after he guided the American victory over Iraq in the Gulf War - General Colin Powell visited the Holy Land. Upon meeting Israel's Prime Minister Yitzhak Shamir in Jerusalem, he greeted the Israeli with the words "Men kent reden Yiddish" (We can speak Yiddish). As Shamir, stunned, tried to pull himself together, the current Secretary of State continued chatting in his second-favorite language. Colin Powell never forgot his early days working at Sickser's.
Lorien said it @ 11:40 AM MT
Saturday March 1, 2003
2HaTs first anniversary
A year ago today my decision to open a weblog of my own became reality. It took me a while to bring myself to do it, because the thought was there months before... and finally, on March 1st, 2002, I've launched 2HaTs.
How did I come up with the name 2HaTs? Well, I knew I was going to write about my life here in Canada in comparison with my life there, in Israel. So I wrote down the words here and there. Then I looked at those words again, and this time saw them in this shape: Here and There. Hey, that gives me a HaT, right? Then I thought: Actually, I'm wearing 2 hats in my life... The Israeli one and the Canadian one. And that's how the name 2HaTs was born *s*...
On march 1st, 2002, I wrote in my first post: "Hhhhmmm... Ladies and gents... Welcome to............... Wait a sec! Who am I talking to? I'm sure there's no one here yet. Well, that's the grand opening anyway *s*. I'm a weblogger now. I'm putting the key in... and here we gggggooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!". I was very excited, and had hopes to be interesting enough for people to come visit and read what I had to say... I still have those hopes, a year later...
I've found many new friends through this form of communication. Some came and went, some came to stay. To those I say: Thank you for hanging around and sharing my life with me. I love you a lot *s*.
So... Happy birthday, 2HaTs! At times, I wasn't sure you'll live to see your first birthday... I guess I was wrong *s*.
A break day
, plus it puts a big 
all over my face...
4 years... and counting
