DISQUS

Rogel, that's beautiful. when did you guys go exactly? Did you go to visit anyone/family? With or without the girls? I would love to go visit the UK as I've only been a week in London but did not see as much as I was visiting someone.
Glad that you're 'accessible' here, I got 'messed' up with that descus thing and at one point I just forget my password etc...
At any rate, is this your photographer outlet? Did you use any fancy schmancy digital camera?

Ingrid

well, of all awards to get this got to be the most self explanatory, and PROUD award to receive..

I hope this comment takes as I totally do not remember my DISQUS login stuff (ah the online world, so many sign ons to remember...sigh)

it's nice to be part of a kick ass crowd!

Ingrid

I don't know Rogel if it's so much an issue of 'confidence' with the hosting countries. People know who they are and the long histories and identities they have. I don't think they realize how to deal with extremism and their starting point or default position (in some countries anyway) is one of acceptance for the sake of it rather than looking at it on case by case basis. Also, here in the US you have the history of 'rights and freedoms, you don't in Europe..
Ingrid

Wow, coming from Brigitte Bardot is saying something! Usually people who are totally focussed on animals are less considerate towards other people themselves. My mom is visiting from Holland and it is out of control how 'politically correct' or.. afraid perhaps Europeans have become? Call a spade a spade..the moment you allow intolerant elements in society to define discourse, you can kiss your own opinions goodbye! I've lived in Saudi Arabia, I've seen 'two sides' of ignorant AND enlightened Islam (in individuals of course!) and I've always been the first to be accepting of another person's belief system, BUT..intolerance is unacceptable. The nature of it is such that you can never give a hand as your whole body will be taken. Sometimes, when you think you automatically respect another human being, you DO need to be realistic enough that not everybody shares that respect.
I do worry about that Muslim intolerance in Europe. There are situations where you can say that they were not integrated well enough or at all into local society but the types of Muslims that seem to stir things up, would never be able to do so in their home country.
Ingrid

Rogel, I just posted something on the American dollar under the 'china' post today.. if you have time, tell me what you think about it. The almighty dollar ain't that mighty anymore. It is a good question. I am far from understanding economics 'properly' (whatever that means) but I signed up for an Aussie stock site that talks very candidly about the value (or lack thereof)of the dollar and other global financial issues. Here is the link, I think they are the Aussie version of Libertarians..
http://www.dailyreckoning.com.au/

Ingrid

Excellent story Rogel. AND..as someone who has lived in Saudi, I have to say I'm not surprised!! After having lived there, with no civic AND ciVIL society, it's no wonder that the findings of that study showed punishment by selfish players..ha!

Interesting find on Hillary not having been able to pay for her staff's health insurance. And didn't she and Bill make millions of dollars the last several years? I remember that when I took a documentary filmmaking workshop, the instructor said that she did not have much money to make the whole thing and she ended up paying herself last as in, not until the film was released. She made sure everyone she hired was paid before herself.. Hillary could learn a thing or two..

Ingrid

wait, is this the same Kareem last year who got detained? goes to show I've had too much going on and did not pay close enough attention.. I know last year some other (or the same??) Egyptian bloggers got detained and 'someone' (since I don't remember anymore) got released later on.. However, considering the state of affairs in Egypt, there will always be a blogger detained as long as people speak up. They (egyptian bloggers) sure are courageous,
happy trails Rogel,
Ingrid

And you know what Rogel? Ron Paul has touched a nerve with a lot of people. It never seizes to surprise me how much this passion for Ron Paul runs deep, well, not him as such but what he stands for. I was hoping to post on him and do a bit more research. Of course, you're right, being passionate and knowledgeable(informed)are two very different things. I actually meant 'both'. So in that vein, I need to do a little more research on Ron Paul when I post. I do think he speaks truthfully and pragmatically. He's probably (don't know that for sure) the only one who has mentioned the state of the American dollar and the chinese buying them. I'm not libertarian and don't think I ever will be, but there are aspects of it I can identify with. Of course, there are aspects of other viewpoints that might seem counter that I can identify with as well.
Do you hear much about Ron Paul in your neck of the woods? His bumperstickers and posters (including home made ones) are all over the place here but naturally, he's from texas)
How is everything with your beautiful family? Are the girls' eyelashes like sunbeams still? (I so have a soft spot for brown eyes and curly eyelashes) I trust they're doing well and are healthy happy kids. You seem to have a solid family though and that (with a great mama at the helm let's face it!) is always a good recipe for a strong family,
Ingrid

boy, it just goes to show. People put sports above politics. I can't help but stay irritated with the apathetic masses who do not have their priorities straight. I read an interesting article on Guliani in the New Republic (which I think you've introduced me to actually). Here in Texas, rumours abound with Perry (another one that ought to be impeached) being Rudy's potential running mate while Kaye Bailey Hutchinson is priming herself for the 'inherited' republican throne. sigh..well, I have enough going on not to stress myself out over that. People will wake up or wonder what happened when they've continued the cycle of partisan voting which will be at the detriment of the ordinary citizen..mark my word. Not that a lot of people notice much, they're watching the boob tube and vote the president based on which team he likes. Really, which politics gives you the most headache rogel? here in the US or back in Israel? ( I know, tricky question! Me, I think I could handle Israeli politics better, she said never having set foot in the country!!lol, at least the electorate is a bit more informed, no?)

Rogel, I just came back from holidays so now I'm doing my rounds visiting everyone I've neglected for so long. I noticed that you put 'libertarianism' under your post.  My question is off-topic but since I see 'Ron Paul for President' everywhere.. what do you think of the libertarians' approach for getting to office? I did go to one press conference/meeting for a libertarian here in TX, and I think they are more devoted to their outlook than even Republicans are. However, thinking political strategy, I do not believe that anyone will ever get voted into office if they do not try to hook up with independents. They will never get the voter's base needed to get into office, and more so than an independent, running for very high office(s) seems to be a waste of time and money that actually undermines them. In other words, they are being looked at as 'oh, one of those running again' when they never win. You probably can correct me with a few success stories in other parts of the US, but on the whole, libertarians run on principle, not on strategy and likelihood of a person to appeal to voters. You can tell I'm starting to think politics again. Hence I'm asking you since you always have an intelligent, thoughtful point of view. Btw.. how are the girls? Hope your family is doing well. Has your older daughter started school yet? Mine are due on monday.. hooray!!  My youngest will stay in school till 2:30, instead of noon like last year. Can't wait.Take care and you'll see me around more often,Ingrid

Those Brits do have a great sense of humour!Ingrid

ps.. I posted on the latest ad campaign from the Save Darfur organization.  Did you see the ad in the WSJ? I liked it. Never knew the China-Sudan connection in terms of their weapons sales. Anyhow.. I figured I'd write on it even though the few people that read it cannot effect anything.. how people are detached aren't they?Ingrid

btw zoolish,  if I did that, I could ramble on forever! anyhow, I followed suit and have tagged another 5 victims. I think only one of them responded, haven't checked back with them. Our summer holiday is now in full swing (i.e., kids at home sans summer camps) so I have to find creative ways to be online without shirking my 'mommy attendance' /supervision..Ingrid

will you look at that Fara Fawcett hair?? lol I believe the little one is Ronie right? How fast they grow, and your older one Tseela, is she getting ready for first grade? What class will she be in? She looks so big too (comparing from memory with some of the other pictures you posted of her)..  It is indeed a great weekend when you can relax with friends, no need to fuss, just good food, good conversation and yes, a wee bit of alcohol (a 'wee' for me because it makes me too sleepy too quickly) and your time off is well spent, cheers!Ingrid

Rogel, I don't think this is related to which party gets in government. Have you ever seen Yes Minister or the Yes Prime Minister series? In it, the professional bureaucrat exclaims to the Minister's secretary.. "Bernard, Bernard! Prime Ministers come and go but the bureaucracy is here to stay FOREVER!" (get it on dvd if you can, it's quite hilarious, it's a British comedy that poked fun at government but in a way that people all over the world can relate too, even Margaret Thatcher liked it)
Anyhow, it took years for me as well to get my green card but that was also because we moved several times and 'it' (the application) got put somewhere they did not know, they had to find it. When we moved to Austin Texas, that's where the San Antonio INS office processed me and in a few weeks' time, I got it! It apparently is one of the most efficient INS offices in the country. Of course being a border state, they have no interest in creating more backlog than necessary. Money is always at the root of every gov't agency anywhere in the world. If an agency does not use up all their money that was put in a budget, than it is assumed 'higher up' that they do not need it. Hence, the agencies will pad their budgets just to make sure they have 'enough' money..
There are ways to have an efficient system, it's just a matter of political will and logic.. (I know, that is funny isn't it!!??)
btw.. am working on the 'tag'!
Ingrid

Rogel! This is a first (to participate in one of those 'tag' you're it type things)! How should I proceed?
Let me know tomorrow. Right now, I really ought to turn the computer off and go to bed!
later!
Ingrid
ps, I'd love to!

too bad that Jonathan went back to blogging in Hebrew, can't read a thing he writes! lol
as for Bloomberg. I'm an Independent and I wish that in this bleep country the notion of a non dem or rep candidate was more accepted. The idea of starting an Independent party is almost counter to the notion of an independent but perhaps that is the way to go. Instead of solely having an Independent candidate, one has to get into 'the system' by being a party first..
Ingrid

The problem with religion in this country is that it is so politicized. I do believe in evolution and science. Religion plays a different role in human psychology. But also, just see how the religion card here in US politics has divided people and steered them away from issues that matter to their fellow Americans. In a democracy, you care for all, not just your own..
Ingrid

that is also not particularly smart. As one of the commenters to that article said; so they are flying over 17 times contributing to the global warming? But I do get your point which would be mine; what purpose does shaming do? Other than to create anger and not enlightening people to contribute. Has anyone heard of incentives?
shaming ain't it!
Ingrid

LOL, that IS funny!
Ingrid

you know Rogel, my pragmatism says that in order to reduce global warming, one needs to tackle the big sources that could actually affect change such as coal plants for instance. I am starting to write (on my permie blog) about the nuclear energy debate, which it really is in the 'green zone'. I think all the ways to help out individually as mentioned in the Time article, however laudable, has more of a conscientiousness factor. That said, conscientiousness is what ultimately will make for great changes.
Now if Sheryl Crow wants to use only one wipe for her 'business', I sure hope she'll follow the eastern customs of not eating from her right hand! LOL
Ingrid

what a drama this is in this country. In the Netherlands, when they allowed gay marriage, it was not such a big deal. When will this country go back to this seperation of church and state, religion and politics? arrghh!
Ingrid

how old is she Rogel? The pink with her dark hair and eyes are gorgeous! I had to laugh when I first saw that picture (I looked at the other ones and I could see she looked happier there) but it reminded me of when my son had a b'day when he was younger and he got a bit 'verklempt' with all that attention! That's how she looks to me but I'm sure I must be wrong. I am soo jealous of those eyelashes..wow! Happy belated birthday little girl , wish I could have had some of that cake..hmmmmm..
Ingrid

Great post Rogel, thanks for writing about this. I did not even get the fact that Bahrain belongs to the UN (diing doong!!), well, since Mahmoud's trial has been postponed till May 3rd, (the judges' mother passed away), we can write some more pieces about this,
Ingrid

oh man rogel.. my mom complains 'steen en been' about all the taxes that the ordinary person has to pay in the Netherlands. I tell you, if people realized how much and on how many things people pay taxes in Europe, they'd stop complaining here about taxes being too high..
interesting article..I must have missed it in the WSJ or was the article only online?
Ingrid