From Mayfest to sand Junes

June 2009 approaches like the French TGV speed rail in full flight. May has had its moments, incidents, and joyous times. Manchester United were able to win the premiership for the third successive time in as many years, but failed in their attempt to secure back to back European Champions League glory. As it has been said before, ‘the best team on the park that day were the deserving winners’.

Life and the weather in New York is warming up and the crowds are swarming in all the glorious and green parks that the great city has to offer. The winter hibernation syndrome has seemed to have passed and the unseen and concealed individuals of the weather-beaten winter magically reappear. The summery atmosphere apparently works wonders, as quasi depressants and borderline insanity patients find that in summer there is more to life.

I trekked north of the border to Toronto, Canada for the Jewish festival of Shavuot. I thank my brother and his family for their hospitality. I had not been to Canada (besides the time I ventured in for a quick few hours in 2006 for a wedding) since I had studied in Montreal, Quebec in 2002. I still cannot proclaim that I do in fact speak French. I will not be undertaking any French lessons for that matter. What I can reveal is, that I do intend on picking up some guitar lessons and a guitar as I make some sort of effort in gaining rock star status.

Canada is a beautiful place, (I know this statement is of arguable substance). As a part of the commonwealth it gives me great pleasure to once again see the sites and visit the country that is known for great Ice hockey teams and mediocre beer. Culturally, Canada can be likened to Australia in many ways, aspects and shared customs. Yes the Queen features on our money, yes we spell the word ‘colour’ the same way and yes we are both jealous of our neighbours (Australia is very envious of the New Zealand Haka). The many comparisons can be made, adduced and analysed, but at the end of the day ‘I still call Australia home’.

The world is still in a state of chaos and one can thank the media for that too. Obama continues to make changes, but that was predictable. North Korea tests its nuclear capacity whilst Israel tests its tenacity. Swine flu had some of the worlds’ attention, whilst the US dollar lost its bout on the international market. Automobiles are still being bought, but who knows how long it will be before the world reverts to the horse drawn coach and buggy (the Amish have the right idea).

We live in hope that these upcoming summer months (for all the northern hemisphere populace) can bring much serenity, safety and sanity to a rather nonsensical world. So instead of throwing hand grenades, throw a Frisbee or boomerang at your local beach or park. Instead of playing war games, play scrabble and bananagrams.

Pray one, pray all that the world remains protected from those barbaric individuals who attempt to cause havoc and destruction and that everyone has the best summer of their lives.

Bon Voyage to those who have travel plans for Cuba, Portugal and Sweden. good luck to my friends who have relocated to their various new posts around the world. May you go in peace and return in one piece.

Peace and party.

The uniqueness of the woman

"A Woman" 
 
 This is written in the Hebrew Talmud, the book 
 where all of the sayings and preaching of 
 Rabbis are conserved over time. 
 
 
 It says: "Be very careful if you make a woman 
 cry, because God counts her tears. The woman 
 came out of a man's rib. Not from his feet to be 
 walked on. Not from his head to be superior, but 
 from the side to be equal. Under the arm to be 
 protected, and next to the heart to be loved.

Pass this on to all exceptional women that you know.. 
and to men so they know the value of a woman. 

Congratulations FC Barcelona

Eto'o and Messi scored as Barcelona produced some magic against the Red Devils in Rome.

Barcelona are the Champions.

Commiserations to Manchester United.

Toronto, Canada

World wide web, i have arrived in Toronto, Canada. I haven't been to Canada since I completed Judaic studies at a college in Quebec in 2002. (I retract and admit that I had been back to Canada for a few hours in January of 2006 for a friends wedding.) I now have come to visit my brother and his family and peruse the scene for possible work opportunity.

North of America, yet still in North America lies a Commonwealth country with a bilingual character and a quasi european taste. 

Canada is unlike the United States in many ways, and I look forward to my little stint here.

Happy Shavout to all those celebrating. 

Champions League final - FC Barcelona V Manchester United.

I wish the best of luck to both teams who take the pitch in today's epic champion league's final in Rome, Italy. Two of the European giants of the game will battle for glory in a game that should provide pure athleticism, football sublime and goals.

Ronaldo and Messi are just two of the champions of players that will represent the teams. The question is, will it be the brilliance of one champion that decides the result or will a team of champions seal its fate.

May the best and fairest team win.

Canada (Toronto) bound

I am Canada bound on Wednesday 27th May. If anyone is in the Toronto vicinity, do not be a stranger and give a shout out.

Summertime hits New York

So I was wondering if the sun was dying and fading as the weather has been rather bleak of late here in NYC. Wednesday 20th May brought immense sunshine and light to New York. 

We barbecued rooftop style and enjoyed the heat and light of the sun. 

Bring on the summer.