Jubilant January and fabulous February

I’m back after a brief hiatus from the world of blogging. I hope everyone has settled in to this new year of 2011. During the latter stages of 2010 I married the most wonderful and gorgeous girl in the world. It was magical. It was beautiful. It was divine.

The New Year in the North brought much snow, crippling the city of New York. It was warzone type stuff filled with disorder, chaos and more. Many lessons were learned from the weather; never trust the weatherman! (Additionally, rain boots are very useful)

During January, England somehow regained the Ashes, but were beaten by minnows Ireland at the World Cup (for cricket fans). Japan narrowly beat Australia in the Asian Cup (Soccer/Football). It was heartbreak all over. On a happier note, I celebrated my birthday – thanks for the wishes.

Unrest across North Africa continued as mass protests in Egypt took place. I called it, the wild wild (Middle) East. (Other North African countries had demonstrations too, but this is nothing new.) The Egyptian people were keen to overthrow President Hosni Mubarak, and they succeeded as Mubarak stepped down after a violent Egyptian revolution. Libyans continue to kill each other, as the nation attempts to bring down Colonel Gaddafi (More on this story in next month’s post).

Thousands of kilometres away, down under in the motherland, wild winds and torrential rain destroyed communities and towns in Queensland, Australia. While across the Tasman a massive earthquake caused unbelievable damage and loss of life in Christchurch, New Zealand (now known as Crisis Church).

Pirates still continue their hijacking in the waters off of Africa, while petrol prices soar and currencies fluctuate. Apple unveiled the latest iPad 2, and Steve Jobs looked very proud as he showed the world, his latest swanky device. The Oscars were decided, and Charlie Sheen and John Galliano made headlines (and fools of themselves) for various reasons.

One of my good friends bid farewell to bachelorhood and I congratulate the new couple on their journey. At the wedding I witnessed a very interesting dance. Mazal Tov.

We find ourselves in the lunar-Jewish Month of Adar. It is a month of joy and triumph. It is a month of luck and rescue. I wish everyone a very happy Purim and may it be so joyous that you cannot tell the difference between Gaddafi, Sheen and Galliano.

"Burnt Books" by Rodger Kamenetz

Rabbi Nachman of Bratslav and Franz Kafka. Need we say more!

Burnt Books is a highly enjoyable analysis of a Torah legend, Rabbi Nachman and the literary great, Franz Kafka. Kamenetz, an academic from New Orleans travels to Uman, Ukraine for the annual New Year pilgrimage to the grave of Rabbi Nachman. Equipped with a Kafka coffee mug and a rich knowledge of Kafka, Kamenetz explores and examines the two lives of these men.

Both burnt their books, both told tales and both died at a young age.

Was Kafka a reincarnation of Rabbi Nachman?

Please read with the utmost 'simcha' - joy.

Shalom Mor - 'Sipri li'

The very talented Israeli guitarist/singer Shalom Mor has a new song out called 'Sipri li'. Shalom has played for international artists Idan Raichel and Matisyahu, amongst others.

Enjoy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hhZzOsBdkv8

Our very own white Australia day (in New York City)

January 26 is Australia day. It is a day in which Australians (both in Australia and abroad) will at some point refer to their beloved country as the 'sunburnt country', or "I still call Australia home", they might even chant the proverbial Ozzie, Ozzie, Ozzie, whilst consuming beer and partaking in a genuine Australian themed barbie (barbeque).

The national anthem, 'Advance Australia fair' will be sung and the Australian flag waived by the many inhabitants of this multi-cultured Island. Australians will boast that they have the best beer and beaches, and who could argue with that?

26 January 2011 in New York is a grey winter day, mixed with white snow flakes - however February is just ahead.

I still call Australia home.

Happy Australia day.

'Zeitoun' by Dave Eggers

Set in New Orleans, this is a true story of a Syrian born American, called Zeitoun. In the aftermath of the devastating Hurricane Katrina of 2005, Zeitoun who has remained in his hometown of New Orleans, uses his personal canoe to rescue the elderly and whomever else in need of attention. During these times of anarchy and total lawlessness in New Orleans after Katrina, Zeitoun is wrongly arrested and incarcerated.

The story is one of faith, courage and reward and is a lesson that physical destruction and human defilement can sometimes be restored.

November 2010

Greetings - some time has elapsed since my last entry. Events have occurred. Babies have been born. Seasons have changed.

Things are good in the Northern Hemisphere.

I do intend to update happenings shortly.

Until then, stay warm and healthy.

'Life of Pi' - By Yann Martel

Yann Martel is the author, Pi Patel the main human character and then there is a Bengal tiger. It is a story of tragedy, drama and achievement. Set in the blue waters of the Pacific Ocean, Pi (or rather 3.14) spends months on a lifeboat with a Bengal tiger. They were en-route to Canada before their cargo ship sunk. They capsize together, they bond together and they share history together.

Martel has the ability to capture a captivating story of determination, fearlessness and courage.