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Your trip has been cancelled

For six months I have been planning my first trip to America in eight years. Flying overseas is complicated when you observe Shabbos and have a job that affords no vacation time because the company is so small there's nobody to cover for you. And I had to save up the money. But just when it seemed to be coming together, I get this email: Please find hereafter information concerning your flight XX XXXX on 06/XX/2026. We regret to inform you that your flight  has been cancelled. Our apologies for the inconvenience, we realise that this has a big impact on your travel plans. We are truly grateful for your understanding. In order to find a personalized solution together, we invite you to contact us by telephone at the number indicated on our site (local number, languages spoken and opening hours).                   Why is it canceled? It's be...

The news in Ohio

Somehow I found myself watching network news from Ohio today. I don't know how this came up on my screen but I know that it was an enjoyable experience even as I never watch network news. Oh, there was a weather report given by a fairly modestly dressed woman. And there was news about construction and state government. Yes, it was all women talking. They have become the talking heads on TV, which has become something of a fashion show. But their speaking was clear and done without shouting or hysterics like in Israel. It was calming. Then came news about the Mideast and it was all war, missiles, retaliation, death. I was reminded of Louis CKs observation that the world has changed so much but not in the Mideast. That's exactly the same.  I found myself dreaming of making aliyah to Ohio where a day is just a day, not another war saga. What I did to my life by moving to this lunatic asylum, it defies description. If I still knew how to cry, that's all I'd do.  Of course, ...

no geulah has not come

An aliyanik told me, "You won't recognize Jerusalem." Well, the only change I see is tht Yafo St now has a light rail. Not much else. As for Tel Aviv, it's more developed, but not so much and no more than many other places in the world. Actually, much less than many other places.

Britain Sold Palestine to Pay Its WWI Debt. The Balfour Declaration Was a Banking Deal

This takes the romance out of it and shows that money, war, death,  selfishness, and political intrigue have been part of the state of Israel from way back. 

Not Israel

  Top 25 Countries with Fastest Trains in the World 1. China — 430 km/h 2. Indonesia — 350 km/h 3. France — 320 km/h 4. Japan — 320 km/h 5. Morocco — 320 km/h 6. Spain — 310 km/h 7. South Korea — 305 km/h 8. Italy — 300 km/h 9. Germany — 300 km/h 10. Saudi Arabia — 300 km/h 11. Taiwan — 300 km/h 12. Belgium — 300 km/h 13. Turkey — 250 km/h 14. Russia — 250 km/h 15. Netherlands — 250 km/h 16. Uzbekistan — 250 km/h 17. United States — 240 km/h 18. Austria — 230 km/h 19. United Kingdom — 225 km/h 20. Finland — 220 km/h 21. Norway — 210 km/h 22. Switzerland — 200 km/h 23. Sweden — 200 km/h 24. Poland — 200 km/h 25. India — 160 km/h Source: UIC, International Union of Railways.

Not Israel

  Countries with the Richest Heritages in the World 1. Greece 2. Italy 3. Spain 4. France 5. Turkey 6. Mexico 7. Egypt 8. Thailand 9. Portugal 10. India 11. Japan 12. Brazil 13. China 14. Morocco 15. UK 16. Ireland 17. Argentina 18. Austria 19. USA 20. Australia 21. Indonesia 22. New Zealand 23. Germany 24. Vietnam Source: U.S. News & World Report