The Walkout

I have had mixed emotions about today. My daughter finished elementary school. I stood in her room as the teacher received gifts and accolades from parents and kids alike. The parents and relatives were supposed to wait outside for the students to walk out and give them a standing, clapping ovation. The clapping, a bit muted because each parent and relative held a camera, phone or similar recording device. Still, the significance was lost on me. Us. These kids were not returning to this school. K-5 was over. Only 7 more until K-12 is done. Put another way, it seems like half of their schooling is done. These kids weren’t racing to get out though. They were lingering…meandering…taking pictures… and in the corner, my daughter who I never see cry was crying. Her best friend ran over and hugged her. Her other close friends, great girls, came over too…each maybe realizing that in one way, this was it. A big chapter finished. Today’s big kids on campus are tomorrow’s young “newbies”.

I ran over and asked my daughter why she was crying? She said, “I can”t look at mom.”. I turn and see my wife bawling. Tears and emotions are contagious…like yawning, in a way. I will never forget my two girls, my wife and daughter, crying together over this milestone.

This was big moment. A big part of the ride. Will she remain sweet? Will she remain confident? Can she resist peer pressure? I pray that the answers are all “yes”.

G-d bless. G-dspeed. Baruch Hashem.

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My Daughter, The Graduate

Just yesterday, I was dropping her off at elementary school for kindergarten. Or so it seems…today is her last day in elementary school. She has graduated the 5th grade. I don’t even know what to say. That’s not right…I do. I miss that little pigtailed, chubby-cheeked tyke. She’s as precocious as ever but time seems to be moving now…then it seemed like the days were indefinite. Today, they seem more measurable. Its hard to maintain balance in life. I haven’t done that as well as I could. Some will say, “you’re young”. “You have time…”. Not much, I think. The hourglass stops for no one.

Congratulations to all the 5th graders. Make it last. Make it count.

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Detroit voters to decide marijuana measure – chicagotribune.com

The Detroit City Council did not pass or rule upon an ordinance allowing Detroit citizens to possess 1 ounce or less of marijuana legally — even if not for medicinal use or absent a prescription.  Rather, the Council did not vote on the proposed ordinance.  Rather, a referendum is being put to the City of Detroit voters in an upcoming election.  The City of Detroit residents will decide whether citizens in the City of Detroit can possess marijuana legally.  What do you think?

Detroit voters to decide marijuana measure – chicagotribune.com.

A Rivalry Is Born

Its soccer rivalry time. Germany, France, Brazil, Spain, Portugal, England…soccer rivalries abound. Players who play side by side on professional teams are now competing against one another on the world (cup) stage.

On a smaller scale, a soccer rivalry has broken out in my home. Harley (9) plays for the BBSC Blazers travel team. The Blazers archrival is Birmingham United. United’s newest member? Jaden (7)! My two boys now play for cross-town rivals–a soccer rivalry is born.

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America’s Jewish players

I am proud to say that there are a number of Jewish soccer players on the the United States World Cup team.  World Cup / Meet America’s Jewish players – Haaretz Daily Newspaper | Israel News.

vegan and the oil spill

In this environment, in which our environment is taking a beating, I am proud to be vegan. From oil spills, to natural gas explosions to leaks, it seems like we are doing less and less to compliment earth and other species and more to destroy it and them. Kudos to the vineyards deli, bacco, whole foods, plum market, in season, tallulah and the blue nile, to name a few, for offering us vegans food options. Whether it be for health reasons, animal rights or the environment, being vegan or vegetarian is even more important. G-dbless…

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Schalit flotilla sets sail to Tel Aviv

The pacifists?  The peace activists?  Calls for an international query, calls for the UN to investigate.  Calls for someone to investigate . . . Red Cross, Red Crescent — wanting to visit.  Mainstream media acting like frothing dogs.   And Lost amongst it all — Gilad Schalit!  Not one of these peace activists, etc. has even bothered to look in on Gilad Schalit.  Do they care?   Someone does —

via Schalit flotilla sets sail to Tel Aviv.

Helen Thomas speech canceled over Israel remarks – – When’s the CT Scan??

Helen Thomas, a senior member of the White House and Washington Press Corps wanted us Jews to “leave Palestine” and return to our “home . . . Poland, Germany and America.”  Uhh, Helen — our home is actually in Israel — Jews have been living in Israel for millenium — way longer than 60-70 years.  The idea that jews moved to Israel following the Holocaust is shared by the ignorant and uninformed amongst us.  Said to say that a journalist who has access to the president, white house, etc. is a member of the of this “ignorant” group. 

Helen Thomas speech canceled over Israel remarks | detnews.com | The Detroit News.

Her sppech should be cancelled.  (It was).  Let the neurological/psych evaluation begin.  CT Scan anyone?  Helen Thomas needs one . . .

IDF Soldier Told By “Peace Activist” — Go Back To Auschwitz

Passengers heard telling radio operator to “go back to auschwitz”.   These are the “peace activists” that Turkey, South Africa, etc. have been defending and wrapping in a holy turin.   These “pacifists” chanted “death to the jews” and “go back to auschwitz”.  As the grandson of Holocaust survivors, these statements and the public reaction to this incident reminds me more and more and more than ever of the need for Israel!  Barcuh Hashem (B’H”).

via IDF releases new \’Marmara\’ clip.

More Anti-Semitism/Israel Sentiment — Sweden’s Off My List Now Too

Dockworkers to launch week-long effort due to Mavi Marmara incident.

via Sweden to boycott Israeli cargo.