עבודה עברית

Avoda Ivrit is a glitzy project of new versions for songs spanning Israel's 60 years of independence. Two such projects were initiated, the first covering 50 songs, and released to commemorate Israel's 50th anniversary. The second came out last year to mark Israel's 60th, and you guessed it, included 60 songs. Some are spectacular (Assaf Amdursky, Aya Korem and more). You can buy the songs in full (and as ring-tones) for your phone. A fitting tribute to the country with more cell phones than people.

Free iPod Hebrew support

Hebrew support for iPod users is now freely distributed by iDigital. Kol hakavod! Works like a charm. Instructions are in Hebrew, contact me if you need a summary in English.

Enviromental Smoker

This is Mr. Gideon Ezra, Israel's minister for the "protection of the environment". His questionable policies have raised much debate in Israel's green community. Nevertheless, I understand he recycles his empty Marlboro boxes.

Prof. David Mumford and the Wolf Prize

Prof. David Mumford of Brown university --- the recipient of this year's prize for mathematics by the Wolf foundation in Israel --- decided to donate the prize money to Palestinian academia to "enable the academic community in occupied Palestine to survive and thrive".

It's not the lack of funds that's keeping Palestinian academia from thriving. Rather, it is that Chemistry labs in Palestinian universities are used to teach bomb manufacturing techniques and that those Palestinian scientists who attempt to collaborate with Israelis risk their reputation and their lives.

Prof. Mumford mis-used a celebration of scientific achievement to shout out his political agenda, not to help the Palestinian people, or else he would have donated the money to a UN relief organization.

Cambridge Geese

We ran into these family of geese on a recent bike tour in Cambridge taking a leisurely Saturday stroll near the museum of science. Can you imagine anyone eating foigras after such a domestic scene?

Aya Hahatula, 1996-2007

איה החתולה
1996-2007


It is with great sorrow that I report the passing of our beloved Aya on Friday evening. An abrupt seizure took her away from us in a matter of seconds, unexpectedly and without warning. There is solace in that her demise was quick and painless but her sudden departure from our lives, without preamble or warning, has plunged us into sadness and regret. If only we had just one more day with Aya to hug and bid farewell. Her high-pitched friendly meows still linger, echoing from the crowded bookshelves of our small apartment. Not even Yohanan's cries of sorrows can overcome them.

Aya's eventful life spanned two corners of the globe. She enjoyed hunting Israeli cockroaches in her early days in Givatayim, and towards her 6th year undertook a transatlantic voyage with Yoav to seek novel opportunities in the new world. In Boston however, the absence of a work visa and a vexing empathy for squirrels resulted in early retirement to a carefree life of leisure. She greeted each morning sun stooped beside the window sill, taking a breath of fresh air to induce an appetite. She would then park herself in front of her food bowl for lengthy amounts of time, occasionally grazing at her semi-private wheat garden to facilitate digestion.

Aya was never particularly agile or cunning, and was therefore put at a disadvantage for gaining food over Yohanan's adversarial behavior. She compensated by her keen sense of hearing, clumsily rushing from the bedroom to the sharp opening sound of a can of cat food to beat her competition. She was a keen lover of corn nibblets and on the rare occasions in which she was offered them, she indulged in roasted beets. She loved company, and would often jump on the lap of formal guests, or a juicy plate of chicken legs, which we have since abolished. Each night she fell asleep at our feet on the communal bed, and that is how I will remember her. To her last day, Aya was a "cat's cat" --- outgoing, cheerful and boisterous. We are so fortunate to have had her.

Commencement 2007

Folding the flags in front of Widener Library signaling the end of commencement ceremonies for 2007. By my count, old Widener Library has seen 90 Harvard commencements since its solemn dedication in 1916. During my masters commencement it rained heavily. Umbrellas, it turned out, are useless when 20,000 people sit huddled together.
My rented gown, having been dirty to begin with, ending up a disgusting pile of damp cloth. I saw my PhD commencement in Pierce hall through closed circuit television. On T.V., the event has its own official commentators, as if it's a sporting match.