As of now, about 125,000 people have been counted as dead in the tsunami disaster at south east asia.
For me, it's sad and devestating, but is also a miracle, since as many as 10000 israelis are traveling this region at any given time, and our death toll there stands on about 7 so far.
I know it makes no difference, but it's still a ray of light.
Okay, now, if you can spare some change (5 dollars and upwards) head over to Amazon and donate for the survivors. It's basically for food and medical supplies which they will need desperately over the next few weeks or even months.
And now to a sharp turn:
It's Welcome 2005, Goodbye 2004.
Over here, we have mixed feelings about New Year's Eve. or Sylvester's night.
As Jews, we have a totally different calendar which supposedly spans back to the beginning of life on earth. (which according to the bible would be about 5000 years ago, give or take)
We do celebrate new year's eve, but I suspect it's simply an excuse to party, drink a shitload of alcohol, and kiss at midnight. (which I always thought was a real nice touch :>)
Anyways, I wish you all a happy new year, and may your new year be better than the last in every possible way!
Have you ever had the "pleasurable" experience of trying out a dating site? (or two, or three or more)
I'm sorry to say I have, more than once.
Basically I'm enrolled to all the hebrew speaking dating sites, and also to some of the international ones. I mostly prefer the non-paying ones of course.. :)
Thing is, I have a solid reason to believe that all these sites contain fictional profiles, with fictional pictures, or simply do not bother to "clean" all the dead profiles (people who didn't login for 3 months for instance).
Also, I notice that when I write to girls on these sites, they almost never answer. I don't think it's because my profile sucks so bad.. :)
Also, I hardly ever get any applications. It makes you wonder..
All in all, I think it's not the best way to meet people.
You still need to get out, travel, go to places where you got a better chance to meet someone, and talk to her.
I like the media of the net, since it keeps you secure. You can take the sting out of the "blind-date" by making it less "blind".
I'd love to hear from you - what do you think about the dating scene, if you use dating sites, and what you prefer: The net, or real life options such as bars, dating agencies, single cruises and so on.
Today I want to recommend another Blog, which basically deals with.. Gadgets!
Yes, all those cool/geeky/techie battery eating critters that makes some people so happy they pee, and others to grow in frustration (if they can't make out how to operate the new 500$ gadget thet just bought, for instance) until they get red in the face, grab a gun, go up a tower, and.. well, you get the picture.
The area of interest in term of gadgetry spans from new and expensive espresso machines (the current post) to mp3/divx players and many other cool pieces of technology.
Ever wondered about god? Even the atheists believe in some kind of order in the world.
God is a comforting concept. Kind of a big, nice, yet sometimes strict dad that watches over us from above, sometimes does things we totally don't understand, but considered by so many to not only exist but count for a very big part of their lives.
I do believe god exists. The form in which he/she/it exists is of no consequence except for that which we give it.
Jewish people even have a special prayer for god that they can say after they've been rescued from death or a fate close to death. It's called "hagomel" and it's intended to thank god for delivering us from harm's way. Thankfully, I haven't had the need to say that prayer so far.
But, I didn't raise the subject of god for a theological debate. I wanted to read your take on the concept of god, and why does he "owe" us anything? People keep praying for his help, and get mad at him or fall out of faith when they're sure that bad things happened to them intentionally by god's hand. (in an "I'll-show-you-wh o's-master-of-his-domain" kind of way)
And speaking of hand - god doesn't have a hand!!! well, he could have if he wanted probably, but isn't it better not to need a hand? such a clumsy concept.. got no place to put them half the time, and you keep banging them up at the worst possible moment!
Oh, and I have a serious question for the atheists amongst you: What do you do when you come to a dangerous situation, and need urgent help, and there's no one near to call to for help? I mean, in the lack of god as a choice, what do you do? count the minutes? I'm not being a smartass, I am truly curious. (and I don't consider myself religious, even though I believe in god)
Anyways, It's approaching midnight, so I better head for bed soon. (Plus it's REALLY COLD here)
This is basically the same as the one i shown you the last time, only it uses a regular AA Battery, and claimed to be able to play 50 hours before it runs out of juice..
It has the same pricing as the tiny U2 , but the AA battery makes all the difference for me. Now all I gotta do it come up with the 300 Bucks or so for the 1GB model. (300 includes shipping and so on)
As a guy, who needs to get back to dating, the all idea is not that horrible.. what is horrible is the "blind date" concept.
I HATE blind dates.. call me calculated, but I prefer to know (at least) how the girl looks like, and sounds like, before I commit to a date.
I've been to several blind dates, and each time was a disaster or a mere failure.
I guess that's why the internet as a medium to meet girls - suits me like a glove. I can get to know the girl before we actually meet. It may take the edge off the "surprise" factor, but I rather have nice surprises at my birthday than surprises that resemble "the predator" smiling in front of me at a dinner table..
In my eyes, even though most girls (and some of the guys as well) would claim they go for the inside, the character, and so on (before looking at the packaging) - they rarely give the time of day if they don't like the appearance of the potential date.
I don't hide it: I look at appearance first. There, I said it!
I want the girl to look more than "passable". I want to be attracted to her in more than one level, but the first level must be physical. If there is no physical attraction, any other attraction would not be strong enough to hold a lasting relationship. Remember, that's an "In my eyes" statement.
I do believe in love in first sight, and I also believe in love that builds over time. But my rule still apply to both scenarios.
Now, give me some insights people! I'd love to read your feedback and opinions.. :)
This Is the Machu Picchu. It's located at Peru and it's considered one of the seven (or maybe it was eight?) world wonders.
On September 2000 I went to backpack in south america, and my trip began in Peru.
This View is the summation of a Beautiful trail named "The Inka Trail". I didn't go all the way as it's about 4 days hike (depending on where you start), and I didn't feel like doing too much in the oxygen deprived andes. At least when I just started.
The picture shows the wreckage of a once bustling city built in the mountains by the Inka. It was considered a secret as the path to it was hard to follow and quite treacherous. (as well as the fact that It was holding one of the largest temples the Inka had, and in it a hellava lot of gold)
The path leading to that place is amazingly beautiful. It's hard to walk, High up in the mountains, cold climate, but the view is breath taking (as well as the low oxygen level I mentioned before), and the colors, water and all of your surroundings just makes you go "Wow" every step of the way. (I really wanted to build an artificial waterfall for my apartment when I got back - just because of that place)
My day dreams always go back to that place. there is a moment when the valley clears out of the cover of clouds that usually envelopes it, and it is the meaning of the word "beautiful".
I do know, that when I return to travel, S. America is not necessarily going to be on the top of my "to go" list. But that place will always be attached to travelling in my mind.
Blurry Mind
