What does it mean to be “pro-Israel”?

We discuss this every day.  What exactly does it mean to be “pro-Israel”?  Are you a bad Jew if you arn’t (or are unsure)? (The answer is no).  A Link to the full article is below. Defining someone as “pro-Israel”—or, for that matter, pro-anything or anti-anything—is a way for people to simplify complicated questions when…

Read More

Build it an they will come? – A victory for the Progressive Jews Everwhere

This story highlights a huge victory for Progressive Judaism (equivalent to Reform in the US) in Israel.  Orthodox synagogues are funded entirely by the government, the rabbis are paid by the state, and they receive state funds.  Only orthodox, approved by the chief rabbi (I’m not a fan).  Thanks to those who supported the Ride…

Read More

Obama on Rail Transit

imagine if that beautiful AGV train awaited you… For me this is a two-issue election: The Iraq War (get out now), and environmental policy. What with all of the news about the “gas tax holiday” (see post below), Obama has emerged as the true winner.  I only hope that he is the democratic nominee, and…

Read More

The Bitter Side of Democracy

Sometimes I am convinced that a politician only spends half of their time actually working for the people, the other half being spent on ways that they can get re-elected.  Consider this: We have three senators running for president.  What have you heard them doing most in the past year?  Every time I read the…

Read More

Public Transportation courtesy of Stalin

IMG_0208, originally uploaded by swimfast. As I was traveling North to South in Russia, from Krasnodar to St. Petersburg, one thing stood out more than any other. Every city we were in, big or small, had amazing public transportation. Combining electric and diesel buses and electric trams it seems very possible to get around without…

Read More

California Gasoline Consumption Declining!!!

Personally, this is the news that I have been waiting for.  Granted this does not represent the entire US market however it is quite notable nonetheless.  According to the article, gas consumption has declined 4.5% compared to the same time last year.  It’s a sign that the policies in California are actually working and are…

Read More

Organic Hummus in Tel Aviv

AbaGilLogo, originally uploaded by swimfast. Check out this organic Hummus restaurant in Tel Aviv, sure to crave any hunger without chemicals: “Located at 55 Yehuda Halevi Street (at the corner of Yehuda Halevi and Yavne), this small and almost unnoticeable place offers fresh organic hummus, prepared daily, and without any preservatives or chemical substances. The…

Read More