Zimbabwe and Mugabe

Additionally, on the topic of Zimbabwe there is this;

Cholera Is Raging, Despite Denial by Mugabe - NYTimes.com

and this

http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,24791134-5012772,00.html

A 500 Million Zimbabwean Dollar note.

Currency

A friend of mine asked me to find out what one British Pound (GBP) would yield in Zimbabwean Dollars(ZWD) . 

So here are the results.

As of today, 11 December 2008, 1 GBP is worth $245,164 ZWD. Now this figure must be put into perspective. The numbers itself portray a shocking and disturbing depiction of the situation in Zimbabwe. However, the situation in Zimbabwe is far worse. Reports have shown that inflation, now called hyperinflation is at 231 million percent as of July 2008.

Staggering and startling.

Life and Death on the Subway

Tuesday evening 9 December 2008, or it may have already been early Wednesday the 10th, I was traveling on a Brooklyn bound A train. As the subway pulled into 59th St station, one could see emergency personnel and MTA employees scurrying about on the platform. A Brooklyn bound D train was in a stationary position, about a third of the way inside the station. Trapped between the Train carriage and the platform was a corpse. A upper torso covered by a white sheet could be seen. A tragic accident.

One minute the subway so full of life is snaking along the tracks, the next it meets death.

Train safely.

NYC First weekend December 2008 - Chaiton Wedding

Shavua Tov (greeting for the new week) from New York.

Well Shabat (Sabbath) was a great experience for all here in the cold fresh winter. Friday night we ( the men, and Chanel Joined us after Shul-Synagogue) prayed at the local on Eastern Parkway, and then proceeded to Aunt Basha for the Friday night Bash. We did Kiddush(blessing to sanctify the Sabbath, involves alcoholic beverage) , Hamotzi (blessing over the Sabbath bread) , L'chayim (said cheers) , Gefiltte (A sabbath fish delicacy), L'chayim, salads, L'chayim, L'chayim, soup. L'chayim(we toasted many a time) .... you get the drift?!

Was good times all round - jokes were recited, divrei torah propounded (words of torah-Jewish doctrine), food devoured etc etc.

Shabat Day, some males attended services at Ohlei Torah (A Synagogue) for Shabat Hakhel ( A Sabbath of gathering)followed by wedding like Farbrengen(Party). This was the start to the day of inebriates, or more fittingly Yaakov's Ofruf (last sabbath of freedom for an impending groom). The post ofruf Farbrengen, ( where tables are arranged and food and drink is thrown about) took place upstairs in 770(Another Synagogue) . Important Rabbi's (Jewish Spiritual leaders) with beards of all colours, shapes and sizes were giving over words of inspiration and last minute instructions to the groom. Many men ( some still boys) drank spirits of the day in honour of the Chosen(Chosen = groom, in hebrew it is Chatan) , Yaakov . His Brother did him proud, he apparently made it home. On the other hand, a certain member of the Anglesea st crew, was so caught up in the 'spirit'ual inebriate experience, and was last seen heading towards Ohlei Torah Chabad Yeshiva (A Jewish College) for some shut eye. Please notify parents.

The matrimony occurs tomorrow. Freezing temperatures are expected, but no cold feet is anticipated.

Rock on
Peace out

The Weekend was followed by the Chaiton/Gourarie Matrimony, and below are some sentiments.

Hi peoples. Once again.

This is a short version of the Wedding. It will be elaborated on in due course.

The cold bitter winds welcomed the newly Chaiton couple but the spiritual atmosphere of the holy matrimony was present. People were rugged up in coats and scarves and it looked like they were 'Back in the USSR'. As a side point, today the 8th of December marked 28 years since Mark Chapman gunned down John Lennon In New York. It seems like 'Yesterday'. ( even though I was not yet born)

Yaakov and Mushky Chaiton were married under the close observation and sanctification of Rabbi Gourarie, Father of the Bride. There were many Rabbi's and their Rebbetzins, including a surprise visit from Rabbi Ritchie Moss.

Punctuality was the theme of the day, and Rabbi Gourarie made certain that it the schedule was adhered to. The bride circled the groom 7 times, this was counted with meticulous precision by Rabbi Gourarie. Shabsi and Ruthie were filled with smiles, as was Rebbetzin Gourarie.

Yaakov put his foot down for the first and last time and they became Chaitonised. Dancing ensued and the reception was ready to start.

It seems that the only 2 people not to have cold feet were bride and groom.

Mazel Tov

Shlomy

My December visit to the Metropolitan Museum of Art - The 'Met'

Visited The Met today. I attempt to see the Artworks every couple of months. Pictured above is was one my favourites of the day, Arkhip Ivanovich Kuindzhi (Russian, 1842–1910), labeled 'Red Sunset on the Dnieper'.

My favourite exhibit is that found in the Blanche and Levine court. Warhol, Johns and Scully found amongst the Modern Art.

There was also a 'Machzor' Jewish Prayer book, dating back to 1270 from Amsterdam, Holland on display. Beautifully scribed and full of colour and paintings.

I also perused the European Painting collections, appreciating the art of Courbet, Renoir and Fre're.

A great day out.

Let it snow

Snow flurries descend on New York Saturday Night - 6 December 2008. The first of this winter season.

John Lennon (9 October 1940 - 8 December 1980) 28 years on

Monday 8th December marks the 28th anniversary since the shooting death of The Beatles front man John Lennon.

Some sentiments.....

'Imagine' if Lennon would have lived on to write, play and record additional music.
Or does 'Strawberry Fields Forever' do justice for music lovers.
Or shall we just be content and waltz down 'Penny Lane'.
I wonder how 'Dear Prudence is doing?
Are we navigating about in a 'Yellow Submarine'?
Is the world ready for a 'Revolution'?
Is it true 'She Loves You'?
Can we all not just 'Come Together'?
Or should we just 'Let It Be'?
'Yesterday' was 'The Long And Winding Road'.
Let us embrace 'All The Lonely People'.
So 'Twist and Shout' because 'All You Need Is Love'.
Because at the end of the day, in all simplicity 'I Wanna Hold Your Hand'.