Good Morning America's Robin Roberts has worked very hard to get to where she is. Roberts was one of the best anchors on SportsCenter and at ESPN.
This morning, she went on air and announced that she is battling breast cancer. Not an easy thing to do, but another way to get the message out to people that they need to be diligent in taking care of themselves.
Roberts doesn't strike me as someone who isn't a fighter and won't give it her all, like she has everything else in her life. Good luck Robin - or as she would say, "Go on with your bad self."
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Monday, July 30, 2007
Crazy day in sports
I know it's hard to read - but here's the latest info from the Michael Vick case. Tony Taylor flipped and says there's no deal for him. If that's the case, then why flip at all??? Just strange stuff. Here's what Taylor told the feds.
The Atlanta Braves made a trade to get Mark Teixeira. Could be the move they need to win another division title. Hey Mets and Phillies fans - be afraid, be very afraid!!
One sad piece of news to report. To me, the greatest offensive mind in NFL history, Bill Walsh, passed away at the age of 75. I am sure SportsCenter will have a retrospective on the man who gave us the West Coast offense.
The Atlanta Braves made a trade to get Mark Teixeira. Could be the move they need to win another division title. Hey Mets and Phillies fans - be afraid, be very afraid!!
One sad piece of news to report. To me, the greatest offensive mind in NFL history, Bill Walsh, passed away at the age of 75. I am sure SportsCenter will have a retrospective on the man who gave us the West Coast offense.
The King of Sports Writing
When my comrades and I at USA Today.com started one of the best sites on the web, we had a big struggle in the newsroom trying to get writers to write for the web.
How many times and ways did I have to explain to people that even if the paper only gave you 10 inches of space, if you have 27 inches of a story, we can run it all on the web. Space is never an issue with us. They just didn't get it during my tenure there. It was as frustrating as can be. Nowadays, they are much better at working the web.
It wasn't until 1997 when I came to help build and run CNN/SI.com (now known as SI.com) editorially did I meet the one man that got it from day one: Peter King. Not only did he get it - but if he had it, our readers had it. From the Monday Morning Quarterback to the mailbag - Peter just understands how to use the medium like no one else.
If you don't read Peter every week and you are an NFL fan - then you don't understand the NFL. He's the best out there and you need to go check out this week's MMQB. He's got a great conversation with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell.
How many times and ways did I have to explain to people that even if the paper only gave you 10 inches of space, if you have 27 inches of a story, we can run it all on the web. Space is never an issue with us. They just didn't get it during my tenure there. It was as frustrating as can be. Nowadays, they are much better at working the web.
It wasn't until 1997 when I came to help build and run CNN/SI.com (now known as SI.com) editorially did I meet the one man that got it from day one: Peter King. Not only did he get it - but if he had it, our readers had it. From the Monday Morning Quarterback to the mailbag - Peter just understands how to use the medium like no one else.
If you don't read Peter every week and you are an NFL fan - then you don't understand the NFL. He's the best out there and you need to go check out this week's MMQB. He's got a great conversation with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell.
Late night host Snyder memories
Most of you know that I am a former journalist and although it isn't my profession now, it's my passion and love. It's something that is just in your blood and you can't escape.
With that being said, from time-to-time I will digress to talk about people who I think have changed media in a way that needs to be recognized.
One such person passed away yesterday, Tom Snyder. He was a late night television legend. Some of you who remember Dan Akroyd as a Saturday Night Live cast member and not as a Blues Brother, might remember when he parodied him.
Snyder was a good interviewer who didn't take himself too seriously. He interviewed many famous folks, but most remember his Charles Manson interview and his Kiss interview where Ace Frehley was drunk.
I am sure tonight on NBC Nightly News there will be a retrospective on his life and career. Be good to watch and see what they choose to show of his career.
With that being said, from time-to-time I will digress to talk about people who I think have changed media in a way that needs to be recognized.
One such person passed away yesterday, Tom Snyder. He was a late night television legend. Some of you who remember Dan Akroyd as a Saturday Night Live cast member and not as a Blues Brother, might remember when he parodied him.
Snyder was a good interviewer who didn't take himself too seriously. He interviewed many famous folks, but most remember his Charles Manson interview and his Kiss interview where Ace Frehley was drunk.
I am sure tonight on NBC Nightly News there will be a retrospective on his life and career. Be good to watch and see what they choose to show of his career.
Do you really need a new toy?
Having two children, there are toys all over the house. Seems like in every room, there is something for them to play with. And if they don't like the toys in the one specific room, they swap out from other rooms.
Heck, most of the time, they'd rather have a big box that they can color and just play in and around. And I have two girls - no boys.
But I was thinking, all of these years later, am I or any of my male friends any different?
The only difference I see is that our toys are technical and cost a bunch of money. We all have iPods, Blackberry's, cell phones, surround sound, HD, Tivo, flat screens, wireless high tech remotes and all of that junk.
But I have drawn a line in the sand - I am anti-iPhone. Not saying that it isn't a cool toy. Just saying I don't need it.
Shocking to hear me say that huh? I don't need it. My fingers quake when typing those words.
Why do I feel this way about what can be the coolest invention in a long time? Let's breakdown what it is.
It's an all in one product combining a phone, iPod and Blackberry. I have all of those and I like what I have at this point. Plus the email keypad to type is OK, not great. I am addicted to my Crackberry and I love the keypad on the older one I have. I didn't even get the newer ones because of it.
My friend Matt, who works for AT&T, told me to sit tight and the price will drop and the product will get better in less than a year. But I am not sure I would jump on the bandwagon when it comes to that.
I am scared, I must be growing up if I am feeling this way. The old me, would have gone out an bought the iPhone right away.
But I don't need a toy in every room anymore. I just need the right ones that get the job done. Besides, I rather spend the money buying the girls new dresses and toys.
More fun for me right now ... wait for October to see if it's more girls toys, or I get to buy toys for a boy.
I can definitely use a Tonka dumptruck right about now. Doubt I will get it.
Heck, most of the time, they'd rather have a big box that they can color and just play in and around. And I have two girls - no boys.
But I was thinking, all of these years later, am I or any of my male friends any different?
The only difference I see is that our toys are technical and cost a bunch of money. We all have iPods, Blackberry's, cell phones, surround sound, HD, Tivo, flat screens, wireless high tech remotes and all of that junk.
But I have drawn a line in the sand - I am anti-iPhone. Not saying that it isn't a cool toy. Just saying I don't need it.
Shocking to hear me say that huh? I don't need it. My fingers quake when typing those words.
Why do I feel this way about what can be the coolest invention in a long time? Let's breakdown what it is.
It's an all in one product combining a phone, iPod and Blackberry. I have all of those and I like what I have at this point. Plus the email keypad to type is OK, not great. I am addicted to my Crackberry and I love the keypad on the older one I have. I didn't even get the newer ones because of it.
My friend Matt, who works for AT&T, told me to sit tight and the price will drop and the product will get better in less than a year. But I am not sure I would jump on the bandwagon when it comes to that.
I am scared, I must be growing up if I am feeling this way. The old me, would have gone out an bought the iPhone right away.
But I don't need a toy in every room anymore. I just need the right ones that get the job done. Besides, I rather spend the money buying the girls new dresses and toys.
More fun for me right now ... wait for October to see if it's more girls toys, or I get to buy toys for a boy.
I can definitely use a Tonka dumptruck right about now. Doubt I will get it.
Friday, July 27, 2007
Primetime stupidity
Sometimes people just need to stop talking. Many NFLers have made comments about Michael Vick's situation. Emmitt Smith made some absurd comments last week about it and now here comes Deion Sanders.
Now I have to tell you, I love Deion. He's one of the greatest PR stunts ever invented. I will never forget when he was drafted and someone asked him what kind of contract he was looking for. In a quote that ran on the front of USA Today he said, "I want a contract that rhymes with my name. Neion, Deion, Million." Classic with the chains and the geri-curl do back in the day.
But now, I don't even know what to say about his column in his hometown News Press of Fort Myers. Read on and you will see why.
Deion’s take on Vick hits ESPN
Originally published on July 27, 2007
Fort Myers native Deion Sanders made plenty of national headlines during his NFL career. On Thursday, the former All-Pro found himself in the national spotlight again, thanks to his recent column in The News-Press about Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick, who is facing federal charges of running an illegal dogfighting ring.
Sanders’ column, which ran in last Sunday’s The News-Press, was debated on ESPN’s radio and television networks. ESPN radio host John Kincaid said Sanders’ computer should have reached out and grabbed his hands, preventing him from writing his opinion about the Vick case.
Here's his column
I would've never thought Mike Vick, one of the NFL's most exciting players — the man who makes the network execs smile every time he plays — would ever be indicted for crimes against man's best friend.The potential impact could be devastating.
He could lose millions worth of endorsements. Nike has already suspended the release of his new shoe. He could lose millions he was supposed to get from the Atlanta Falcons, if the club decides to cut him. That's unlikely, but it could happen if he's convicted or makes a plea arrangement.
Or his reputation might wind up so stained that he's never forgiven in the court of public opinion. That would be too bad for the 27-year-old superstar.This is all the result of perspective.
What a dog means to Vick might be a lot different than what he means to you or I. Hold on, don't start shaking your head just yet. Listen to me.
Some people kiss their dogs on the mouth. Some people let their dogs eat from their plate. Some people dress their dogs in suits more expensive than mine, if you can believe that.
And some people enjoy proving they have the biggest, toughest dog on the street. You're probably not going to believe this, but I bet Vick loves the dogs that were the biggest and the baddest. Maybe, he identified with them in some way.
You can still choose to condemn him, but I'm trying to take you inside his mind so you can understand where he might be coming from.
I'm sure all of the animal activists and Humane Society folks have a dart board with Vick's picture in the center of it. And if he plays this season, PETA is going to picket every stadium where he plays.Still, I must ask the question: Where is all of this going?
By now you've read all of the accusations about the cruelty involving the dogs — and I'm not just talking about their duels to the death. All of that is enough to make me cringe because I have three highly-trained protection German shepherds, just in case someone wants to rob my family.
Believe me, you don't want to deal with them. With one German command, our dog Yascho turns into Cujo. And for the record, I live around the corner from the police station, so it won't take them long to show up and save you from the dogs.
Now back to Vick.
Why are we indicting him? Was he the ringleader? Is he the big fish? Or is there someone else? The fights allegedly occurred at a property that he purchased for a family member. They apparently found carcasses on the property, but I must ask you again, is he the ringleader?
This situation reminds me of a scene in the movie "New Jack City," when drug dealer Nino Brown is on the witness stand and eloquently says, "This thing is bigger than me."Are we using Vick to get to the ringleader? Are we using him to bring an end to dogfighting in the United States?
The only thing I can gather from this situation is that we're using Vick.Was he wrong? Absolutely. Was he stupid? Can't argue with that. Was he immature? No doubt. But is he the ringleader? I just can't see it.
I believe Vick had a passion for dogfighting. I know many athletes who share his passion. The allure is the intensity and the challenge of a dog fighting to the death. It's like ultimate fighting, but the dog doesn't tap out when he knows he can't win.It reminds me of when I wore a lot of jewelry back in the day because I always wanted to have the biggest chain or the biggest, baddest car. It gives you status.
Can I pause for a moment to ask you a question?
Who shot Darrant Williams? Remember the Denver Bronco cornerback? I'm just more concerned about bringing to justice someone who killed a human. Or finding out who broke into Miami Heat forward Antoine Walker's home, tied him up and robbed him at gunpoint.
We're attacking this dogfighting ring the same way a teenager attacks his MySpace page after school (by the way parents, make sure you monitor your kids). We should have the same passion for man that we have for man's best friend.
The reason this is turning into a three-ring circus is that baseball is boring, basketball is months away, football is around the corner and we in the media don't have a thing interesting to write about.
How will this end up? I have no idea. All I know is Falcons fans better pray because Vick's backup is Joey Harrington. Enough said.
God bless and God willing I'll hollah at you next week.
— Deion Sanders, a North Fort Myers High School graduate, played in the NFL and Major League Baseball. He works as an analyst for the NFL Network and is part-owner of the Austin Wranglers of the Arena Football League.
Where should I even begin? Ya know what - I am going to let you begin... thoughts, comments and concerns??? Jump in and I will follow along ... but I am sure most of you know what I think.
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
The day after in Hotlanta
How many of you have actually read the FULL indictment from the Michael Vick case?
Seriously have you read the entire indictment? If you haven't please read this now.
It is by and far one of the most vile things you will ever read, if you can even finish it.
If any of it is remotely true, Vick shouldn't worry about Roger Goodell. He might try worrying about the U.S. legal system.
How do you think new coach Bobby Petrino feels? Check out Jeff Schultz's column in the AJC. Arthur Blank didn't sign up for this when he bought the team. Wanna know how bad it really is?? Even the AJC's Terrence Moore, who supports every African-American sports star no matter what, is saying that Vick is done in Atlanta. If that isn't a tell-tale sign, I don't know what is.
My former colleague Jon Saraceno sums up most people's thoughts on Vick in his column.
It's all over talk radio, it's all over television and for Michael Vick, it looks like his time in Atlanta can be over sooner than he would like. All that said, please don't tell me it's a race issue. If Tom Brady was running this situation instead of Vick - it would still be horrific and still be huge news.
On top of which, I am sure that there's more people that have gone to these dogfights that are name brand athletes. If they ever dig deep on this, I am terrified as to what they will find.
By the way, does ANYONE care about the cheating and the disaster that the Tour de France has become? It's embarrassing what the world is coming to, isn't it?
Seriously have you read the entire indictment? If you haven't please read this now.
It is by and far one of the most vile things you will ever read, if you can even finish it.
If any of it is remotely true, Vick shouldn't worry about Roger Goodell. He might try worrying about the U.S. legal system.
How do you think new coach Bobby Petrino feels? Check out Jeff Schultz's column in the AJC. Arthur Blank didn't sign up for this when he bought the team. Wanna know how bad it really is?? Even the AJC's Terrence Moore, who supports every African-American sports star no matter what, is saying that Vick is done in Atlanta. If that isn't a tell-tale sign, I don't know what is.
My former colleague Jon Saraceno sums up most people's thoughts on Vick in his column.
It's all over talk radio, it's all over television and for Michael Vick, it looks like his time in Atlanta can be over sooner than he would like. All that said, please don't tell me it's a race issue. If Tom Brady was running this situation instead of Vick - it would still be horrific and still be huge news.
On top of which, I am sure that there's more people that have gone to these dogfights that are name brand athletes. If they ever dig deep on this, I am terrified as to what they will find.
By the way, does ANYONE care about the cheating and the disaster that the Tour de France has become? It's embarrassing what the world is coming to, isn't it?
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Hi-Ho Jonny the Frog here... or is it Fozzie Barkan?
Wow - now that ain't grandma's blog... it looks different from the last time I looked.
The Barkan Dawg has gone through a bit of a redesign and the more I thought about it, Kermit and Fozzie are the perfect header to my page. Kermit always covers the news and Fozzie always makes fun of it. If that doesn't fit me, don't know what does.
Let me know whatcha think of the look? Green has always been my favorite color - so it fits my blog well. By the way, if you ever want help with design, make sure to click on Karen's link on the left side of the nav bar below - Swank has been awesome. Thanks Karen!
I am trying to grow readership and expand our horizons - so please pass along the new look and blog to your friends. I'm always appreciative of your following and would love to have more of an interaction with comments or things you'd like me to write about. With everything going on in the sports world plus the political spectrum, I should be busy for the next ten years.
So come on gang let's have some fun and make some noise. Look forward to more interaction with y'all.
The Barkan Dawg has gone through a bit of a redesign and the more I thought about it, Kermit and Fozzie are the perfect header to my page. Kermit always covers the news and Fozzie always makes fun of it. If that doesn't fit me, don't know what does.
Let me know whatcha think of the look? Green has always been my favorite color - so it fits my blog well. By the way, if you ever want help with design, make sure to click on Karen's link on the left side of the nav bar below - Swank has been awesome. Thanks Karen!
I am trying to grow readership and expand our horizons - so please pass along the new look and blog to your friends. I'm always appreciative of your following and would love to have more of an interaction with comments or things you'd like me to write about. With everything going on in the sports world plus the political spectrum, I should be busy for the next ten years.
So come on gang let's have some fun and make some noise. Look forward to more interaction with y'all.
Monday, July 23, 2007
Words you never thought you would hear from me...
OK - I hate to admit it, but I have to say something that is going to hurt me.
You ready? I'm not sure I can do this... here goes nothing.
Way to go Gary Bettman!
No, your eyes aren't seeing things and your browser is working well. I said it - the NHL commissioner is doing ONE thing right. Problem is right now, it's the ONE thing that every other commissioner in sports would kill to swap places with Gary on.
His league isn't dealing with a federal indictment that can really hurt his league. Now some may throw out the gambling mishap with Rick Tocchet, but it's no where near as crippling as the other leagues fun stories.
Let's start with baseball and Bud Selig. Hank Aaron's record is about to be passed by Barry Bonds, who is still under indictment. Matter of fact they got a six month extension on that one - congrats boys. Now can you get the info fast enough to save the Hammer's record? Out of all people, why does it have to be him? It's not often in life I root for the government, this one is an easy cheer for the U.S. and Hank.
We then move to the NFL where Roger Goodell is dealing with Michael Vick's fun. Have to say this much - Goodell is the strongest commissioner in sports by far. He stepped in and told Vick to stay away from training camp until the NFL finds out what's up. It's a paid suspension, but who cares? The money will just go to legal fees anyway. The happiest person with that decision? For sure Arthur Blank. He didn't want to have to cut Vick and then have all of his season ticket holders go postal on him and ask for their money back. Which trust me, in Atlanta, that is what would have happened if Blank cut him before due process.
And if you think we couldn't get any bigger and better than the NFL, good ol' David Stern in the NBA is hoping to wake up tomorrow to find that he is dealing with a cruel joke. Unfortunately for Stern, ex-referee Tim Donaghy's case is only going to get worse. Now Donaghy needs protection from some bad guys that want him to stay quiet...permanently! If he spills the beans on others involved in the NBA in any way, shape or form, we are looking at a scandal as big as the Black Sox in 1919. Not sure that I would bet .10 on him ever making it to witness protection, but I heard Vegas has him on the board as a 6-1 to make it to trial.
Did you read everything I just laid out for you??? How insane is all of it? Sports is supposed to be our escape. Now for these folks, they are just trying to escape jail and the repercussion of their mistakes.
Thank CBS for Big Brother 8. At least with that, you know what you get from Day 1. Stupid television to make you feel better for not being those people.
I am just thankful I am not a commissioner of a sports league. Hey, has David Beckham been indicted yet on anything?
Hey Gary Bettman - don't get used to it, but good job.
You ready? I'm not sure I can do this... here goes nothing.
Way to go Gary Bettman!
No, your eyes aren't seeing things and your browser is working well. I said it - the NHL commissioner is doing ONE thing right. Problem is right now, it's the ONE thing that every other commissioner in sports would kill to swap places with Gary on.
His league isn't dealing with a federal indictment that can really hurt his league. Now some may throw out the gambling mishap with Rick Tocchet, but it's no where near as crippling as the other leagues fun stories.
Let's start with baseball and Bud Selig. Hank Aaron's record is about to be passed by Barry Bonds, who is still under indictment. Matter of fact they got a six month extension on that one - congrats boys. Now can you get the info fast enough to save the Hammer's record? Out of all people, why does it have to be him? It's not often in life I root for the government, this one is an easy cheer for the U.S. and Hank.
We then move to the NFL where Roger Goodell is dealing with Michael Vick's fun. Have to say this much - Goodell is the strongest commissioner in sports by far. He stepped in and told Vick to stay away from training camp until the NFL finds out what's up. It's a paid suspension, but who cares? The money will just go to legal fees anyway. The happiest person with that decision? For sure Arthur Blank. He didn't want to have to cut Vick and then have all of his season ticket holders go postal on him and ask for their money back. Which trust me, in Atlanta, that is what would have happened if Blank cut him before due process.
And if you think we couldn't get any bigger and better than the NFL, good ol' David Stern in the NBA is hoping to wake up tomorrow to find that he is dealing with a cruel joke. Unfortunately for Stern, ex-referee Tim Donaghy's case is only going to get worse. Now Donaghy needs protection from some bad guys that want him to stay quiet...permanently! If he spills the beans on others involved in the NBA in any way, shape or form, we are looking at a scandal as big as the Black Sox in 1919. Not sure that I would bet .10 on him ever making it to witness protection, but I heard Vegas has him on the board as a 6-1 to make it to trial.
Did you read everything I just laid out for you??? How insane is all of it? Sports is supposed to be our escape. Now for these folks, they are just trying to escape jail and the repercussion of their mistakes.
Thank CBS for Big Brother 8. At least with that, you know what you get from Day 1. Stupid television to make you feel better for not being those people.
I am just thankful I am not a commissioner of a sports league. Hey, has David Beckham been indicted yet on anything?
Hey Gary Bettman - don't get used to it, but good job.
A picture says a thousand words....
I laughed when we saw this picture originally. Now that I look back at this picture from the AP that ran in Peter King's Monday Morning Quarterback, I can only think about how it's partially Arthur Blank's fault.
Not the charges specifically, but he hasn't held Michael Vick responsible for any of his antics. And don't tell me he fined him or yelled at him - if this was one of his Home Depot folks, would he have let this come down this way? Probably not.
Many people say that new coach Bobby Petrino wants to just start the season with Joey Harrington as his quarterback and not deal with all the drama and craziness that will surely follow Vick until all of this is decided in a court of law.
And that still needs to happen and we shouldn't pass judgement before we know the facts. And please don't make this a race issue. If he was white and doing all this supposed stuff, he would and should be in the same boat. This is an issue of a man who had thought he was bigger than he is. Just a sad, sad thing.
Only thing sadder is that people think Harrington is the "safe" way to go.... at least until his first pass in a regular season game. He's a better pianist that he is a quarterback.
Saturday, July 21, 2007
What a long, strange trip it has been
Morning all - back in Hotlanta and I think I am finally back on the Eastern Time Zone with my sleeping pattern as well.
Let me recap my last three weeks. It started at the end of June for the Red Lobster trip to Boston. We shot our SMT on a Coast Guard Cutter and it was just awesome. Last week we just launched the new RL website and chef's blog. Within a week or so, our first video casts and the video from the trip to Boston will be up. Take a look and tell me what you think about the site/pages.
From Boston, came home for 36 hours and then left for Israel. If you haven't read my past posts from that great trip, start on July 1 and read on. Just an incredible trip from our experiences with Wexner to our anniversary (7th) to my birthday. For those of you scoring at home, I am the exact same age as Red Lobster. Anyone know that answer? How about my Jack Benny reference in my past post? OK, the answer is 39. Next year is a biggie according to most folks - to me ... it's another year on the planet and that is all I ask for.
That being said, there will be a few special occasions throughout the year to celebrate. Details to come down the road, but I can tell you two places to look for me ... and both are so obvious: Las Vegas and Chicago. Might have to throw a stop in Denver for the Frozen Four for the first time in a few years.
OK - so back to the travel month from hell. I came home from Israel for three and a half days and then hit the road to Los Angeles for GCI Digital Media meetings this past week. Stayed at a great hotel called Shutters on the Beach in Santa Monica, but didn't get to really spend much time there as we were in a conference room most of our waking time.
But I was able to close out my trip in big time style. Left the meetings around noon and headed to meet a good friend Justin Simon, who interned for me at CNNSI.com (by the way, CNNSI.com launched 10 years ago this past week! Man time flies). Justin has been working on this idea for a long time and I have been helping him as best I can for a few years. At lunch he brought me his idea packaged and ready to go - it's called AlwaysLit. It's a product for smokers - it attaches your lighter to your pack of cigarettes, bong or pipe. The idea is that you won't lose your lighters anymore. Going to be a huge hit - check it out on the website and buy some. The price is $5 per unit. So excited!
From there - off to see the Stanley Cup with David McNab and his family. What an incredible afternoon this was. Kari threw the party at their community clubhouse and it was just a beautiful area and a great day. David's roommate from college and now Denver coach George Gwozdecky was there with his daughter for the day and we had a blast.
The highlight for me is the picture you see below of the McNab boys. David to the left, Max his dad, who won the cup with the Red Wings in the 50s and his brother Peter, who lost three times in the finals. Peter wouldn't touch the cup because of tradition/superstition and had to explain to his girls why he wouldn't, but said that because their uncle won it, they could touch it.
You can see all the photos from the day with the cup at my Photoworks page. There will be more coming as David had the team photographer there as well and we took a picture of David, George and me with the cup. Can't wait to see that one!
From there, I grabbed a red eye back to Atlanta and was home Friday morning. When I got in my car, it hit me what an awesome ride I just had and how lucky I was for all of it.
OK - about to get the kids up and going for a fun Daddy Daughter Day ... have no idea where to, but it's just great to go anywhere with them.
Let me recap my last three weeks. It started at the end of June for the Red Lobster trip to Boston. We shot our SMT on a Coast Guard Cutter and it was just awesome. Last week we just launched the new RL website and chef's blog. Within a week or so, our first video casts and the video from the trip to Boston will be up. Take a look and tell me what you think about the site/pages.
From Boston, came home for 36 hours and then left for Israel. If you haven't read my past posts from that great trip, start on July 1 and read on. Just an incredible trip from our experiences with Wexner to our anniversary (7th) to my birthday. For those of you scoring at home, I am the exact same age as Red Lobster. Anyone know that answer? How about my Jack Benny reference in my past post? OK, the answer is 39. Next year is a biggie according to most folks - to me ... it's another year on the planet and that is all I ask for.
That being said, there will be a few special occasions throughout the year to celebrate. Details to come down the road, but I can tell you two places to look for me ... and both are so obvious: Las Vegas and Chicago. Might have to throw a stop in Denver for the Frozen Four for the first time in a few years.
OK - so back to the travel month from hell. I came home from Israel for three and a half days and then hit the road to Los Angeles for GCI Digital Media meetings this past week. Stayed at a great hotel called Shutters on the Beach in Santa Monica, but didn't get to really spend much time there as we were in a conference room most of our waking time.
But I was able to close out my trip in big time style. Left the meetings around noon and headed to meet a good friend Justin Simon, who interned for me at CNNSI.com (by the way, CNNSI.com launched 10 years ago this past week! Man time flies). Justin has been working on this idea for a long time and I have been helping him as best I can for a few years. At lunch he brought me his idea packaged and ready to go - it's called AlwaysLit. It's a product for smokers - it attaches your lighter to your pack of cigarettes, bong or pipe. The idea is that you won't lose your lighters anymore. Going to be a huge hit - check it out on the website and buy some. The price is $5 per unit. So excited!
From there - off to see the Stanley Cup with David McNab and his family. What an incredible afternoon this was. Kari threw the party at their community clubhouse and it was just a beautiful area and a great day. David's roommate from college and now Denver coach George Gwozdecky was there with his daughter for the day and we had a blast.
The highlight for me is the picture you see below of the McNab boys. David to the left, Max his dad, who won the cup with the Red Wings in the 50s and his brother Peter, who lost three times in the finals. Peter wouldn't touch the cup because of tradition/superstition and had to explain to his girls why he wouldn't, but said that because their uncle won it, they could touch it.
You can see all the photos from the day with the cup at my Photoworks page. There will be more coming as David had the team photographer there as well and we took a picture of David, George and me with the cup. Can't wait to see that one!
From there, I grabbed a red eye back to Atlanta and was home Friday morning. When I got in my car, it hit me what an awesome ride I just had and how lucky I was for all of it.
OK - about to get the kids up and going for a fun Daddy Daughter Day ... have no idea where to, but it's just great to go anywhere with them.
Thursday, July 19, 2007
A Day with Stanley
Greetings from Yorba Linda, California. There are days in your life that you will always remember - today was one of those days.
I had the pleasure and honor of going to David McNab's Stanley Cup party. His bride, Kari, put together a beautiful party at their clubhouse of their community.
The party started at 3 pm with close friends and family. Thankfully, I fit into that category and got there early. When I arrived, it was great to see David, Kari and their girls, Ali and Erica.
Some of you know the story of Ali's boyfriend, who got drunk for the first time ever the night the Ducks won the cup. Got to meet him and he's a great kid. He laughed when David told him I knew the story.
I took a few more steps in and I saw another old friend George Gwozdecky and his daughter Adrienne. Gwoz and McNab have known each other since 73 when their were freshmen at Wisconsin together. Gwoz has won at every level he has been at and he won't touch the cup because he might win it someday.
Adrienne took a sip of champagne from the cup as did David's girls and it was awesome. McNab let anyone drink from the trophy and it was awesome to watch.
It was also great to see David's father Max, who won the cup with the Red Wings in 1950 and his brother Peter, who lost the cup three times in the finals. Peter didn't touch the cup as well - but he let his girls touch it.
Then at 6 p.m. David let a bunch of folks from his community and the girls friends. He spoke about how this isn't going to be a crazy party - but a respectful one because of the cup. I couldn't agree with him more.
During the night great hockey songs were being played. Best of the night was the Brass Bonanza - McNab worked for the Whalers and the girls love the song. It is a classic among classics.
It was my third night where I have been around the cup and it's better each time. This is better because David waited 29 years to have this night and I am so happy I could crash it!!!
What an incredible night.... Pics will be up later.
Off to party more with Stanley before catching the 11:55 p.m. Delta back to the ATL!
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
California Dreamin'
Hey - sitting in Santa Monica and the weather is great. Staying at The Shutters and it's right on the beach - just an awesome property. Highly recommend if you head out this way.
In Digital Media meetings today and tomorrow and have a great story to tell about Thursday.
For those regular readers, you know hockey is my passion outside my family and friends. You also know that my friend, David McNab, is the assistant general manager of the Anaheim Ducks. They just won Lord Stanley's Cup and each member of the team gets a day with the cup.
Amazingly - I get off the plane in LA and David is calling me. It just so happens that Nabber's day with the Cup is Thursday. As in this week when I am here!!!! He tells me that he wants me to come to his party and drink from the Cup.
Karma baby! My beautiful bride gives me the OK to take the redeye so I can go spend the day with the one thing she knows I love that isn't my family.
OK - back to meetings..... Off to Santa Monica Pier later.
Pics with me and Lord Stanley on Friday!!!
Monday, July 16, 2007
Consistency is why Bonds is where he is
We should be getting ready to celebrate the passing of one of the greatest numbers in sports within the next month or so. The home run record is about to fall. This should be a happy occasion that all of us at the water coolers should be celebrating and laughing about.
But for the most part, America isn't laughing. Most of us baseball fans are angry that one of the greatest records in sports is going to go into the hands of an absolute ass.
Sorry, I wish there was a better word in the English language to describe Barry Bonds, but there isn't. He is what he is. He has never made any bones about it either. He was not kind before the steroid era and he's gotten worse since he started taking whatever he told us he isn't taking.
Defenders of Bonds? Are you there? Watch the video from yesterday's game and see the two-faces of a great baseball player. He signs a ball for a fan because that's what the whole team does before the game and then after he berates a sportswriter in the locker room.
"It's an embarrassment for me to be wearing this [expletive deleted] uniform 'cause of the way I'm playing. There, that's it. Now go away," Bonds said at his locker.
Look, I understand that going hit less in a series you got swept in can bother you, but this isn't his first rodeo. He has done this crap on a regular basis and therefore deserves the public scrutiny.
Here's something to ponder. If Ken Griffey, Jr. stays healthy and is neck and neck with Bonds right now for the record, could Bonds be a bigger ass than he already is? I guarantee that 95% of the country would be cheering for Junior to break the record first.
As if that weren't enough, Bonds is going to break the record of a great man named Henry Aaron. The Hammer had death threats and all kinds of garbage that he had to go through because of racial tension in our country. He was graceful and decent throughout it all and now his record is going to fall to a cheater and an ass.
It just isn't right. Bonds may be a great baseball player, but he doesn't deserve to wear this crown and own this record. Sorry Bud Selig - but sleep well, it's on your head and your watch that all of this has gone down. When you are dead and buried we will be cursing you for turning a blind eye to the Steroid Era that put Bonds over the top. Bonds may get a standing ovation when he hits 756, but you should take a bow as well for helping him.
The saddest part of all of this is that now I have to cheer for Alex Rodriguez to catch up to Bonds. He's the only one that can catch him and if my choice is between the two, I would choose the Yankee (or whatever he will be next season) or the cheater.
Somewhere Babe Ruth is laughing and having another beer and cigar.
But for the most part, America isn't laughing. Most of us baseball fans are angry that one of the greatest records in sports is going to go into the hands of an absolute ass.
Sorry, I wish there was a better word in the English language to describe Barry Bonds, but there isn't. He is what he is. He has never made any bones about it either. He was not kind before the steroid era and he's gotten worse since he started taking whatever he told us he isn't taking.
Defenders of Bonds? Are you there? Watch the video from yesterday's game and see the two-faces of a great baseball player. He signs a ball for a fan because that's what the whole team does before the game and then after he berates a sportswriter in the locker room.
"It's an embarrassment for me to be wearing this [expletive deleted] uniform 'cause of the way I'm playing. There, that's it. Now go away," Bonds said at his locker.
Look, I understand that going hit less in a series you got swept in can bother you, but this isn't his first rodeo. He has done this crap on a regular basis and therefore deserves the public scrutiny.
Here's something to ponder. If Ken Griffey, Jr. stays healthy and is neck and neck with Bonds right now for the record, could Bonds be a bigger ass than he already is? I guarantee that 95% of the country would be cheering for Junior to break the record first.
As if that weren't enough, Bonds is going to break the record of a great man named Henry Aaron. The Hammer had death threats and all kinds of garbage that he had to go through because of racial tension in our country. He was graceful and decent throughout it all and now his record is going to fall to a cheater and an ass.
It just isn't right. Bonds may be a great baseball player, but he doesn't deserve to wear this crown and own this record. Sorry Bud Selig - but sleep well, it's on your head and your watch that all of this has gone down. When you are dead and buried we will be cursing you for turning a blind eye to the Steroid Era that put Bonds over the top. Bonds may get a standing ovation when he hits 756, but you should take a bow as well for helping him.
The saddest part of all of this is that now I have to cheer for Alex Rodriguez to catch up to Bonds. He's the only one that can catch him and if my choice is between the two, I would choose the Yankee (or whatever he will be next season) or the cheater.
Somewhere Babe Ruth is laughing and having another beer and cigar.
Friday, July 13, 2007
Alarming welcome back
So last night we put the kids to bed at 8 p.m. and we went to sleep at 8:20. We were just wiped out ... we started to catch up on television that we missed, but fell asleep in the first minutes of watching.
At 3:15 a.m. the house alarm went off saying their was a fire in the basement. I went flying out of bed scared half to death and the kids never woke up. Not even a peep from them. Luckily, there was no such fire and I searched the whole house and everything was fine.
ADT called and everything was cool except the woman told me that I had no zone 15 where it said there was a fire. I called this morning and I went through this exercise of trying to figure it out, but of course a technician has to come out to find out what's up.
We went back to sleep and got to sleep until about 6:15 - so we are close to being back on schedule. This trip to LA may be a bit fun for my system next week.
At 3:15 a.m. the house alarm went off saying their was a fire in the basement. I went flying out of bed scared half to death and the kids never woke up. Not even a peep from them. Luckily, there was no such fire and I searched the whole house and everything was fine.
ADT called and everything was cool except the woman told me that I had no zone 15 where it said there was a fire. I called this morning and I went through this exercise of trying to figure it out, but of course a technician has to come out to find out what's up.
We went back to sleep and got to sleep until about 6:15 - so we are close to being back on schedule. This trip to LA may be a bit fun for my system next week.
Couple of things I forgot to mention that I noticed while in Israel. First - we walked by a tattoo parlor and I laughed. You aren't allowed to be buried in a Jewish cemetery if you have one, so it's funny that there is one in Jerusalem. Still not as funny as the sign I saw years ago in Tennessee - "Tattoos while you wait." As if there was another way to do this?
The other thing is cats. There are cats EVERYWHERE in Israel walking the streets. All I could think about was the final episode of the Sopranos where the cat followed Paulie everywhere. Just funny.
Great to be back in the States - missed the kids, my bed and all the other comforts of home. It makes what my new friend, and Israeli soldier, Zach Nussbaum did that much more incredible. Here's his picture for those who wanted to see him. Keep him in your thoughts and be thankful we have kids like him on our side! Have a great weekend.
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Back in the saddle ...
What a great way to start the day but landing at Hartsfield Airport. It was great to be home ... until we were randomly picked to have our bags searched. I have to tell you that the morons at the airport that run security have no clue. If you want to see how security is done right - go to Israel.
The woman who was checking us out FIRST was asking us all kinds of questions like where did you learn Hebrew - where are you from - why are you here ... and more. Then your checked bags go through a high tech machine to make sure they are clear of all issues. Then you check in and they ask more questions. You then go through security and get this - don't have to take your sneakers off. I am telling you - when you get through security there - you know you are in a safe place.
Unlike Atlanta where this moron of a woman asks me to open the suitcases and then asks me about everything I bought. Do you really think she knows what a havdalah set and a talit are????
To my liberal friends out there ... open your eyes and realize that you are wrong on security. PLEASE.
Once we got through and got out of there, I was happy. We got to the house and the girls were sooooo happy to see us and I know we were soooo happy to see them.
At the office for a little bit - hitting a wall right now, but I will fight to make it through the day.
More later....
The woman who was checking us out FIRST was asking us all kinds of questions like where did you learn Hebrew - where are you from - why are you here ... and more. Then your checked bags go through a high tech machine to make sure they are clear of all issues. Then you check in and they ask more questions. You then go through security and get this - don't have to take your sneakers off. I am telling you - when you get through security there - you know you are in a safe place.
Unlike Atlanta where this moron of a woman asks me to open the suitcases and then asks me about everything I bought. Do you really think she knows what a havdalah set and a talit are????
To my liberal friends out there ... open your eyes and realize that you are wrong on security. PLEASE.
Once we got through and got out of there, I was happy. We got to the house and the girls were sooooo happy to see us and I know we were soooo happy to see them.
At the office for a little bit - hitting a wall right now, but I will fight to make it through the day.
More later....
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Homeward Bound
Sitting at the airport in Tel Aviv. Man do these guys do security right. If Americans pulled their heads out of their you know what ... We might get it right.
By the way - I am serious about this. What good are civil liberties if you are DEAD??? I am all for profiling - NOT racial profiling - profiling for everyone. No one here questions anything for security - they know the importance of it. Why can't we as a society figure that out?? The day we do we will live a better life.
Sat by the pool this afternoon and chilled out. Weather was great - we haven't seen a cloud in the sky all week. Just beautiful. If you haven't been here - make it a priority.
Anyway - can't wait to get home. Service in Israel is pretty slow and after 11 days here - it's enough. You know it's time to leave when I cannot wait to see Delta.
OK - more later from seat 1C.
All my bags are packed ... I'm ready to go....
For those of you that are as old as I am, you remember Peter, Paul and Mary's Leavin' on a Jet Plane. Well we have about 7 more hours until we leave for the airport and as great a time as we have had here, we are ready to go home and see the girls.
Woke up and went to Yad Vashem - haven't been here since they reopened it. It's beyond words - very powerful and very scary. For those of you who know me a tiny bit, I will warn you know that I am recharged and ready to get on my projects for the Atlanta community more than ever before. And if I call you and/or email you about giving or getting involved in something, you had better be ready for me. After seeing what I have seen and studying what I have studied - don't give me excuses because I am not going to hear them.
We are living in serious times and we need serious people and I am serious about making sure our community, our children and our family in Israel get whatever they need to keep us going. L'dor V'dor - from generation to generation ... it's our time and it's our turn. As Newt Gingrich told us - what would you do or give if Israel was hit by a nuclear bomb tomorrow? Why would you even wait for tomorrow when you can try and save her and the U.S. way of life today?
If you come to Israel and don't get charged up - not sure that you ever can. To finish the song, "don't know when I'll be back again ... oh babe, I hate to go."
OK - off the soapbox for now... but I will be knocking on doors in Atlanta soon and you better answer because I won't stop until you answer our call to our mispaucha.
Some random thoughts from Israel. First, cell phones. These people all have them and NONE of them know the word vibrate. In Yad Vashem and they tell everyone to turn them off, but of course the Israelis don't care. Walking through and you can hear rings from time-to-time.
Second - driving. These people may the NY cabbies look timid. They are all nuts and they honk more than Neil Barkan ever has (mom, I ain't kidding!). They scream, they yell, they drive like madmen. You have to see this for yourself to believe it.
Third - the David Citadel hotel is a nice spot. Highly recommend it to all of you.
Fourth - went to buy a challah today at the bakery we love and they had none. Don't sell them except on Shabbat. Disappointing - but very interesting. I am sure we aren't the first ones or the last to ask for them on a non-Friday.
Lastly, the funny moment from the day. As we came down from breakfast this morning we saw Howard Friedman, AIPAC's President. He was walking with someone and he introduced Elizabeth and me to. We shook the man's hand and said hello and then they left. A minute later Howard comes back to tell me that we just met the new Prime Minister of the Palestinan Authority. Elizabeth looked at me and I looked at her and we wiped our hands off and laughed. Only Howard Friedman could pull that one off. Just classic.
OK - off to the pool for a little bit... more before we leave.
Woke up and went to Yad Vashem - haven't been here since they reopened it. It's beyond words - very powerful and very scary. For those of you who know me a tiny bit, I will warn you know that I am recharged and ready to get on my projects for the Atlanta community more than ever before. And if I call you and/or email you about giving or getting involved in something, you had better be ready for me. After seeing what I have seen and studying what I have studied - don't give me excuses because I am not going to hear them.
We are living in serious times and we need serious people and I am serious about making sure our community, our children and our family in Israel get whatever they need to keep us going. L'dor V'dor - from generation to generation ... it's our time and it's our turn. As Newt Gingrich told us - what would you do or give if Israel was hit by a nuclear bomb tomorrow? Why would you even wait for tomorrow when you can try and save her and the U.S. way of life today?
If you come to Israel and don't get charged up - not sure that you ever can. To finish the song, "don't know when I'll be back again ... oh babe, I hate to go."
OK - off the soapbox for now... but I will be knocking on doors in Atlanta soon and you better answer because I won't stop until you answer our call to our mispaucha.
Some random thoughts from Israel. First, cell phones. These people all have them and NONE of them know the word vibrate. In Yad Vashem and they tell everyone to turn them off, but of course the Israelis don't care. Walking through and you can hear rings from time-to-time.
Second - driving. These people may the NY cabbies look timid. They are all nuts and they honk more than Neil Barkan ever has (mom, I ain't kidding!). They scream, they yell, they drive like madmen. You have to see this for yourself to believe it.
Third - the David Citadel hotel is a nice spot. Highly recommend it to all of you.
Fourth - went to buy a challah today at the bakery we love and they had none. Don't sell them except on Shabbat. Disappointing - but very interesting. I am sure we aren't the first ones or the last to ask for them on a non-Friday.
Lastly, the funny moment from the day. As we came down from breakfast this morning we saw Howard Friedman, AIPAC's President. He was walking with someone and he introduced Elizabeth and me to. We shook the man's hand and said hello and then they left. A minute later Howard comes back to tell me that we just met the new Prime Minister of the Palestinan Authority. Elizabeth looked at me and I looked at her and we wiped our hands off and laughed. Only Howard Friedman could pull that one off. Just classic.
OK - off to the pool for a little bit... more before we leave.
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Last tango in Jerusalem...
Well it was a great birthday. We got back from Safed and went shopping for a little bit.
After we got cleaned up we went out for dinner at Darna - a Moroccan restaurant and it was great. Only problem was that the service here is horrific. It took 2 1/2 hours for dinner. The other night we went to another place and it took 3 hours. If you order a drink at the David Citadel bar - you better have 30 minutes to wait for it. It's unreal how slow it is here - no matter where you go.
The only other issue with the trip is the showers here - for some reason they just can't figure out the drains in the shower and the water builds up and runs into the rest of the bathroom.
Otherwise - it's perfect :-)
Time for bed - one more day here and we are going to Yad Vashem and the Menachim Begin Museum as well as a few more special stops before seeing Delta on our way home to see those cute kids that we miss terribly! Our longest time away from them and I can't wait for Daddy Daughter day with Abbie this weekend.
More tomorrow and then we will see ya stateside.
After we got cleaned up we went out for dinner at Darna - a Moroccan restaurant and it was great. Only problem was that the service here is horrific. It took 2 1/2 hours for dinner. The other night we went to another place and it took 3 hours. If you order a drink at the David Citadel bar - you better have 30 minutes to wait for it. It's unreal how slow it is here - no matter where you go.
The only other issue with the trip is the showers here - for some reason they just can't figure out the drains in the shower and the water builds up and runs into the rest of the bathroom.
Otherwise - it's perfect :-)
Time for bed - one more day here and we are going to Yad Vashem and the Menachim Begin Museum as well as a few more special stops before seeing Delta on our way home to see those cute kids that we miss terribly! Our longest time away from them and I can't wait for Daddy Daughter day with Abbie this weekend.
More tomorrow and then we will see ya stateside.
Jack Benny, I am here...
Good morning - July 10th - and I have successfully made it to another birthday. And the chance to spend it in Israel is pretty special. For those who didn't get the Jack Benny line, I am 39. Seriously.
Last night we had our Wexner graduation ceremony. It was a great night with our new families in Cleveland and Los Angeles. The one thing that has made this experience even more special is that we have made lifelong friends in those cities as well as Atlanta. I am going to Los Angeles next week for business and I am going to see a bunch of the Wexner LA folks. Been invited to stay and have dinner at some folks homes as well as joining in a mitzvah of the birth of a child. It's just awesome to make the kinds of relationships that we have made.
Came back to the hotel last night and Howard Kohr and Howard Friedman from AIPAC are sitting in the lobby. We knew they were coming and glad to catch up with them.
It's 8:46 a.m and the Cohen's (yes Mr. and Mrs. Witt - they are still alive and well!) and we are heading to Safad for the day. It's a place of mysticsm which Seth will love and Elizabeth and I have been before and are going to see an artist we like.
Have a great guide named Danny that Seth got from UJC. Riding in a minivan and having a blast. Off tonight to Morocan restaurant called Darna - favorite place here for dinner.
That's it for now....more later.
Monday, July 09, 2007
Syrian border
Good morning all - spent the night at a kibbutz for our anniversary. We met up with the group that went to the Golan Heights for dinner at a restaurant owned by a former Colonel in the army named Kobe. Great guy.
So after dinner Rabbi Jay Moses, who is charge of our program, gets up and announces our simcha. So the two man band starts to play music and the next thing you know we are up and dancing. Was classic way to spend our seventh anniversary. We will always laugh about it.
Woke up this morning and went up to the Israel Syria border. Funny part is that there was a ski slope/alpine slide near it - was awesome.
We then went to the outpost where we looked over Syria. It was so close to where we stood it's insane. Kobe said we were 24 miles from Damascus. Just wild stuff.
Cindy Chazan and I walked over to talk to the two soldiers in the outpost. Cindy is originally from Montreal and started talking to one of these young men who spoke great English. So she asked where he was from and he said Toronto. His name is Zach Nussbaum and he made ayliah a year ago and is here by himself. When we asked why his answer was simple, yet floored me. "I am Jewish - I felt it was my responsibility to do it."
Wow. 20 years old and he sums up a feeling of why we do what we do in our community standing on the border of Syria. Wild.
Think of the sacrifice he made? And to do it all by yourself??? He left everything he had because he felt this was something he had to do. He could be in college drinking a Molson Canadian dating coeds and look where he is.
Just makes you proud to know kids like this exsist. Hope is here in Israel - I'll say it again - American media sucks!!!!! Anyone from the New York Times or Canadian Post talk to this kid???? Just absurd. Stop trying to sell news and show the truth.
OK - soapbox moment - and now the moment is over.
We took his picture on someone cell phone and we have Zach's parents number. We are going to call them to let them know he's doing well. We will them get their email and send them his picture. This is a call that usually would seem weird - but I am sooooo looking forward to making it and letting them know about their son. They should be very, very proud of him.
We also gave him and his partner Vladimir from the Ukraine bottled water, m&m's, ruggalah, and a GQ magazine. If we had it on the bus we gave it to them.
After wishing him well and saying goodbye - he went back to work and got back to watching his post. I hope he knows how much the short visit meant to us - and I hope it made his day if nothing else. I know that I am going to tell his story to everyone at home. Zach earned that respect and opportunity in my mind.
Off to lunch now and back to Jerusalem for graduation. Only two days left here - where did this trip go? Time does fly when having fun.
Until later....
Sunday, July 08, 2007
Border Patrol
So we just stood literally on the border of Israel and Lebanon. And it was wild.
Yes Wendy - I avoided all international incidents and am still alive and well!!!
Stood on the exact spot where the Israeli soldiers were captured. It was eerie but very cool. It's nice to be able to see these things without the filter of American media. It's embarrasing to even talk about how what they show us isn't what you see on the idiot box. Someday -maybe one of them can get it right. I seriously doubt it - because it won't sell ad space or get viewers.
Anyway - we had a great view of Lebanon and have some pictures coming tomorrow. We also will have great pics from all the other cities soon. All going to put up on web and share links with each other.
We met some soldiers and one worked in and lived in Atlanta for a bit running a kiosk in Lenox Mall. Small freakin' world.
OK - that's it for now - off to next stop. More later....
Lunch with soldiers
It's not 1:46 JST and we just got done having lunch with soliders at an army base near the border.
We sat with a young man who's originally from South Africa. He has been in the Army for a year and was in tank commander school. He literally was new to the base - he had been there three hours when we ate with him. Food wasn't bad - schnitzel. BTW - the flies here are huge - can saddle these suckers up.
But I digress.
The soldier and all of the other soldiers were carrying their machine guns. Placed it at his feet when eating.
By the way - we have a retired Colonel who is giving us our tour... He also led our discussion with UNIFIL officers from India and Italy. I would write more about the conversation - but I would have to kill you. Seriously though - I wish I could tell you differently - but they were useless.
The man from India said that they could stop a car, but not search it. Yeah - that's gonna work?! Just nuts.
I asked Ezra our guide if Israeli's think the UN is as useless as we in the U.S.A. think and he said they like them a little - but not a ton.
OK - back on the bus and the ride continues.... More later.
Seventh Heaven
Live from the bus ... The question of the day - brought to you by Barkan Wines of Israel - where were you 7 years ago today?
Mmmm ... I know my answer....and I better know it or Elizabeth will kill me!! I was walking down the aisle at the Temple getting hitched. Amazing how quickly time flies huh? Have to tell you this is the best anniversary trip yet. Although Napa the first year didn't suck.
Went to dinner last night at a place called Eucalipsys. Good dinner - but I wanted to rename the place the S.S. Minnow because it was a three hour tour..... And the chairs were not comfortable. Food was good and the chef was a cool guy. He kept explaining everything - which I think is why it took so long!
As I said we are on a bus heading North towards the Lebanon border. We are meeting with UN (booooo!!!) and IDF officers. We will see where the two Israeli soldiers were kidnapped. We will be at Misgav Am where Mike Ginsberg lived ... Hopefully get to see his wife Chaya.
Our tour guide Ezra Korman is from Ithaca, NY originally. He went to Cornell and is friendly with Dan Berman from the ATL.
We are going to spend the night at K'far Bloom - the hometown of our Atlanta friend Tovah Cohen.
Going to be a great, great trip up North. Can't believe that we will be home in four days - trip has just flown by sooooo quickly.
OK - got the iPod on and Little Feat's "Oh Atlanta" on.... Makes me miss the girls and home.
Ezra's on the bus pa giving us background for our trip...
Till later ....
Saturday, July 07, 2007
Good Morning America
Well hello out there in Blogland ... how the heck are ya?
Things here on the other side of the pond are just fantastic. Thanks to those who have commented and if you have any question - send 'em along. Good to know that someone out there is reading. Hope you are enjoying the pictures as well. We just added the Karlin's pictures to the site - so check em out... trying to load as many as I can to share. Haven't had the time to put taglines on them - but you can see we are loving it here.
We had the morning off and slept in until 10 a.m. - cannot tell you the last time I did that. Woke up, had breakfast in the Executive Club and then hung out until lunch. The group is down in Torah study right now and I am just burnt on sitting in a room with no windows ... so I am sitting on the balcony over looking the Old City and blogging away.
Funny thing happened this morning - I woke up and I was about to leave the room and I grabbed my kippot to wear. Don't know that I am doing it more for anything than spirituality during Shabbot but there's something to it. Couple friends even asked me about it at lunch and all I can say is that it just feels right. And isn't that what religion should be - what feels right. When talking to my new friend Avi from Tel Aviv - he told me what he thought was amazing during his time in the U.S. was that we have different levels of Judaism and here it's pretty Black Hat or not. He enjoyed seeing all the differences and how we all still love our base of Judaism. There's something to it - but still - we in America look at the Orthodox differently than we do the Reform folks. But here there's a serious disconnect between Secular Jews and Religious Jews. Just sad.
I have had a little time to digest last night's trip to the Kotel. Didn't say in the post last night - but I teared up when I got there. I was thinking about all of my ancestors and family that came before me to give us the opportunities we have.
I thought about my dear friend, Brian Fishman, that never had the chance to see what I have seen and it hit me hard then. He passed 8 years ago - I came to Israel for the first time 6 months after his passing. That trip was as emotional a trip as I ever have had. Since that trip I have gotten married (7 years as of tomorrow), had two wonderful children with a third on the way, done some great work in our community and have met some incredible people with whom Elizabeth and I have shared an awesome experience with.
As I stood there yesterday it came back to something that I said in my original writings from my trip to China, "but for the grace of God go I."
So here I am - living Brian's and my dream. Doing my best to live every day as well as I can for the two of us. I know that he's on my shoulder guiding me through this journey.
OK - off to class.... more later.
Things here on the other side of the pond are just fantastic. Thanks to those who have commented and if you have any question - send 'em along. Good to know that someone out there is reading. Hope you are enjoying the pictures as well. We just added the Karlin's pictures to the site - so check em out... trying to load as many as I can to share. Haven't had the time to put taglines on them - but you can see we are loving it here.
We had the morning off and slept in until 10 a.m. - cannot tell you the last time I did that. Woke up, had breakfast in the Executive Club and then hung out until lunch. The group is down in Torah study right now and I am just burnt on sitting in a room with no windows ... so I am sitting on the balcony over looking the Old City and blogging away.
Funny thing happened this morning - I woke up and I was about to leave the room and I grabbed my kippot to wear. Don't know that I am doing it more for anything than spirituality during Shabbot but there's something to it. Couple friends even asked me about it at lunch and all I can say is that it just feels right. And isn't that what religion should be - what feels right. When talking to my new friend Avi from Tel Aviv - he told me what he thought was amazing during his time in the U.S. was that we have different levels of Judaism and here it's pretty Black Hat or not. He enjoyed seeing all the differences and how we all still love our base of Judaism. There's something to it - but still - we in America look at the Orthodox differently than we do the Reform folks. But here there's a serious disconnect between Secular Jews and Religious Jews. Just sad.
I have had a little time to digest last night's trip to the Kotel. Didn't say in the post last night - but I teared up when I got there. I was thinking about all of my ancestors and family that came before me to give us the opportunities we have.
I thought about my dear friend, Brian Fishman, that never had the chance to see what I have seen and it hit me hard then. He passed 8 years ago - I came to Israel for the first time 6 months after his passing. That trip was as emotional a trip as I ever have had. Since that trip I have gotten married (7 years as of tomorrow), had two wonderful children with a third on the way, done some great work in our community and have met some incredible people with whom Elizabeth and I have shared an awesome experience with.
As I stood there yesterday it came back to something that I said in my original writings from my trip to China, "but for the grace of God go I."
So here I am - living Brian's and my dream. Doing my best to live every day as well as I can for the two of us. I know that he's on my shoulder guiding me through this journey.
OK - off to class.... more later.
Friday, July 06, 2007
The Wall on Shabbat
Not to be redundant, but WOW! Just went to the Western Wall right before sundown here in Jerusalem and it was just incredible.
Seth got to see it for the first time and seeing his reaction to the Orthodox at the Wall was just awesome. For those that haven't been there - new photos are going up right now at Photoworks. The women and men are separated at the Wall. We gave sedukah and had an incredible moment at one of the most spiritual places on the planet.
We walked back to the hotel and are about to go have Shabbat dinner and Oneg at the hotel.
Funny part is that the original episode of Friends is on television here right now. I saw Elmo yesterday and guess what, he spoke Hebrew really well.
Hard to believe we have been here for five days already. Time flies when you are having fun - even more in the homeland. Get here soon...
Lila Tov.
Seth got to see it for the first time and seeing his reaction to the Orthodox at the Wall was just awesome. For those that haven't been there - new photos are going up right now at Photoworks. The women and men are separated at the Wall. We gave sedukah and had an incredible moment at one of the most spiritual places on the planet.
We walked back to the hotel and are about to go have Shabbat dinner and Oneg at the hotel.
Funny part is that the original episode of Friends is on television here right now. I saw Elmo yesterday and guess what, he spoke Hebrew really well.
Hard to believe we have been here for five days already. Time flies when you are having fun - even more in the homeland. Get here soon...
Lila Tov.
Shabbat Shalom
Wow - hey Teaneck are ya listening? Mr. and Mrs. Witt - you there? Hi Abbie, Miriam, Morgan and Danielle - we miss ya!
Just another amazing day in Jerusalem.
We met with our groups of people from each city in Wexner and our Israeli friends from the Wexner Fellows group and had a great conversation.
After that, from 11 a.m. until 2:30 we walked around Jerusalem. We started by going schook - Mahane Yehuda - it's a huge outdoor market with all kinds of incredible things. From fruit to fish to meat to kippot, - you want it you can get it there. Elizabeth brought us to a wonderful bakery called Marzipan and it was awesome. Got a challah from there... oh man, it's awesome.
Seth Cohen and I went to a great store to by tallis' and found ones that we loved. The man who sold them to us was great and Seth asked him what he thought about Americans and whether we should make aliyah or come visit ... he said that if Americans came to visit once every two years - everyone would be very, very happy.
Side note - this is Seth's first trip here - my second. It's awesome to be able to watch someone so involved in our community (and one of my best friends) experience Israel for the first time. I know Elizabeth enjoyed taking me here 8 years ago and now I get to see what she saw through me. Hope. Life. Love. Amazement. Joy. It's something everyone should experience with mispaucha!
While walking around - the spirit of the city was hopping and just incredible. Don't listen to those morons on television - Jerusalem is alive and doing very well. Get off of your butts and come visit - there's nothing like being here. Tel Aviv is like New York - but this city is just incredible and so spiritual (for you Karlin!) I love it. I cannot wait for the day my girls will come here for USY or whatever they want. Elizabeth had a chance to study here for 6 months and loved it. I will do everything in my power to make sure that this city will be here and this vibrant for my girls to come to.
Got back to the hotel and Rabbi Goodman and Rae were in the lobby. They looked good and it was great to see them. Also ran into Tim and Sandi Wulinger from Cleveland who we know through AIPAC. Sad to say, Sandi broke her ankle here. But she was in good spirits nonetheless.
Ida and Irwin Haber - you are sorely missed and often thought of and spoken about. We hope and pray for your father's good health! See ya soon.
Tonight we are going to the Wall and to the Kotel. I am sooooo excited about it... going to be great. We have such a great group of people in Wexner from our sister cities and we have had a great time talking and learning with them. For those who want an incredible learning experience - check out Wexner and if it is coming to your town. I recommend this more than anything I have done.
So much so that when we get home we, along with Cohen's, have decided to look into finding someone to teach us Hebrew. With our girls starting day school, it's important for us to learn and we have decided to jump into the pool. Sure it won't be easy, but I would LOVE to come back to Jerusalem with my girls and be able to speak the language.
That's it for now ... about to clean up and get ready for a spiritual night. Good night and good luck from the David Citadel Hotel.
Just another amazing day in Jerusalem.
We met with our groups of people from each city in Wexner and our Israeli friends from the Wexner Fellows group and had a great conversation.
After that, from 11 a.m. until 2:30 we walked around Jerusalem. We started by going schook - Mahane Yehuda - it's a huge outdoor market with all kinds of incredible things. From fruit to fish to meat to kippot, - you want it you can get it there. Elizabeth brought us to a wonderful bakery called Marzipan and it was awesome. Got a challah from there... oh man, it's awesome.
Seth Cohen and I went to a great store to by tallis' and found ones that we loved. The man who sold them to us was great and Seth asked him what he thought about Americans and whether we should make aliyah or come visit ... he said that if Americans came to visit once every two years - everyone would be very, very happy.
Side note - this is Seth's first trip here - my second. It's awesome to be able to watch someone so involved in our community (and one of my best friends) experience Israel for the first time. I know Elizabeth enjoyed taking me here 8 years ago and now I get to see what she saw through me. Hope. Life. Love. Amazement. Joy. It's something everyone should experience with mispaucha!
While walking around - the spirit of the city was hopping and just incredible. Don't listen to those morons on television - Jerusalem is alive and doing very well. Get off of your butts and come visit - there's nothing like being here. Tel Aviv is like New York - but this city is just incredible and so spiritual (for you Karlin!) I love it. I cannot wait for the day my girls will come here for USY or whatever they want. Elizabeth had a chance to study here for 6 months and loved it. I will do everything in my power to make sure that this city will be here and this vibrant for my girls to come to.
Got back to the hotel and Rabbi Goodman and Rae were in the lobby. They looked good and it was great to see them. Also ran into Tim and Sandi Wulinger from Cleveland who we know through AIPAC. Sad to say, Sandi broke her ankle here. But she was in good spirits nonetheless.
Ida and Irwin Haber - you are sorely missed and often thought of and spoken about. We hope and pray for your father's good health! See ya soon.
Tonight we are going to the Wall and to the Kotel. I am sooooo excited about it... going to be great. We have such a great group of people in Wexner from our sister cities and we have had a great time talking and learning with them. For those who want an incredible learning experience - check out Wexner and if it is coming to your town. I recommend this more than anything I have done.
So much so that when we get home we, along with Cohen's, have decided to look into finding someone to teach us Hebrew. With our girls starting day school, it's important for us to learn and we have decided to jump into the pool. Sure it won't be easy, but I would LOVE to come back to Jerusalem with my girls and be able to speak the language.
That's it for now ... about to clean up and get ready for a spiritual night. Good night and good luck from the David Citadel Hotel.
Thursday, July 05, 2007
Awesome night in Jerusalem
Howdy ho campers - just got back to the room at 1 a.m. JST and we had an unreal evening.
We blew off dinner with Marci and Seth Cohen and two couples from Cleveland and walked to dinner in the German Colony for Falafel. We found a great little joint and it was just awesome. It was great to get out of the hotel and conference after being in meetings and lectures all day long.
We got to interact during the day with people from other cities and with Israeli members of the Wexner program that study at Harvard. My group had two great Israeli men names Baruch and Avi. They shared their thoughts with us as to why we as American Jews are so important to them in Israel. It was a great jumping off point to a great conversation as to why the Israeli's are so important to us and beyond.
Avi is an IDF officer and is married and lives with three children in Tel Aviv. He and I have hit it off and I can tell from just this one night that we are going to have a relationship of some sort after this trip. He is the type of man that in a few years time, I can see him making a major difference in the Israeli government if he wants to.
Then we went to dinner. We walked back and were treated to a concert from Israel's hottest band called Hadag Nahash. They were awesome and are well known for The Bumper Sticker song. People were up and dancing and the place was rocking. Sorry to say we have pictures to follow of Michael Karlin and Seth Cohen getting down and funky in the front of the stage. It was absolutely hysterical.
After that, there was a group of about 10 of us from Atlanta that went back to the bar at the hotel and talked about everything going on with our program. A few of us went out on the patio and I treated to some great Cuban cigars. We sat and watched the moon over the Old City as we talked about topics from A to Z.
It has been a great trip and tomorrow we go to the Kotel for Shabbat. It's going to be an awesome night tomorrow that I know I am going to be emotional at for so many reasons. Most likely for the fact of who has walked these streets and have been in these areas. We are beyond fortunate to follow in their footsteps and it's just something that everyone should experience. So if you haven't been to Israel - no matter what religion you follow - what the heck are you waiting for???
More tomorrow - good night and good luck from Jerusalem!
We blew off dinner with Marci and Seth Cohen and two couples from Cleveland and walked to dinner in the German Colony for Falafel. We found a great little joint and it was just awesome. It was great to get out of the hotel and conference after being in meetings and lectures all day long.
We got to interact during the day with people from other cities and with Israeli members of the Wexner program that study at Harvard. My group had two great Israeli men names Baruch and Avi. They shared their thoughts with us as to why we as American Jews are so important to them in Israel. It was a great jumping off point to a great conversation as to why the Israeli's are so important to us and beyond.
Avi is an IDF officer and is married and lives with three children in Tel Aviv. He and I have hit it off and I can tell from just this one night that we are going to have a relationship of some sort after this trip. He is the type of man that in a few years time, I can see him making a major difference in the Israeli government if he wants to.
Then we went to dinner. We walked back and were treated to a concert from Israel's hottest band called Hadag Nahash. They were awesome and are well known for The Bumper Sticker song. People were up and dancing and the place was rocking. Sorry to say we have pictures to follow of Michael Karlin and Seth Cohen getting down and funky in the front of the stage. It was absolutely hysterical.
After that, there was a group of about 10 of us from Atlanta that went back to the bar at the hotel and talked about everything going on with our program. A few of us went out on the patio and I treated to some great Cuban cigars. We sat and watched the moon over the Old City as we talked about topics from A to Z.
It has been a great trip and tomorrow we go to the Kotel for Shabbat. It's going to be an awesome night tomorrow that I know I am going to be emotional at for so many reasons. Most likely for the fact of who has walked these streets and have been in these areas. We are beyond fortunate to follow in their footsteps and it's just something that everyone should experience. So if you haven't been to Israel - no matter what religion you follow - what the heck are you waiting for???
More tomorrow - good night and good luck from Jerusalem!
Thursday Thoughts
Great day again. Been having a great group discussion of folks from each city and from Israel about Jewish life. The conversation was just awesome. We will meet again after lunch and another great speaker.
Ruth Calderon spoke to us. She is the founder and head of Alma College in Israel.
Ami Ayalon is here with us and is on his phone during the introduction. Classic.
She has us reading a poem called Rabbi Love - very interesting text and we are discussing it meaning. Just like we do in our Wexner classes.
Rav Rahumi used to sit
In front of Rava in Mehoza
He used to come home (wife)
Every Yom Kippur eve
One day the shma'ata attracted him.
His home (wife) was waiting:
Now he is coming, now he is coming.
He did not come
Her mind weakened.
She dropped a tear from her eye.
He was sitting on the roof;
The roof collapsed under him,
And his soul rested.
She says the words "used to" in text means someone will die in a few lines....classic.
In Aramaic - Woman means home. If you aren't married - you are homeless to them. She then quotes REM - "it's the end of the world as we know it." All from context of poem.
She is comparing Israelis to American Jews and asking who is the house and who is the man sitting on the house.
It's a great conversation that will lead to better discussion later in our group.
Until later....
Thursday morning
Boker tov - sitting listening to President-elect Shimon Perez. The twice former Prime Minister is addressing us on Jewish leadership.
The man looks incredible - must be in his mid-80s and is sharp as well. Great opportunity to hear from one of the greats of Israel.
He's talking about how he never thought race issues would get solved in U.S. - now Oprah and Condi are so powerful.
The Israeli economy is booming according to him. Changing to individuality and it's working. Says terrorist scary because doesn't matter if the live or die - paradise either way.
Scary. Talked about changing to hybrid cars. Global warming big issue. He spoke about not looking back but look forward and be curious about the future.
Stayed to take questions and was great.
Great speaker - great man.
More later.
Wednesday, July 04, 2007
Back in Jerusalem
Great day again ... I know you are shocked. Went to a pre-army academy that was just awesome and then we went to Ariel. Met with Ron Nachman the Mayor of Ariel and the founder of the settlement.
Some of the pictures you will see are how close we are to Ramallah from the Gush Emunim settlement. Just wild - not at all like you see on that Crappy News Network based in Atlanta.
Have a bunch of pictures from today online at Photoworks. There are photos from me and Seth Cohen - downloading as many as I can to share with y'all.
That's it for now - have more later but off to another group meeting and then dinner with family friends in town.
By the way Mr. and Mrs. Witt - Marci and Seth are doing well and eating properly.
Some of the pictures you will see are how close we are to Ramallah from the Gush Emunim settlement. Just wild - not at all like you see on that Crappy News Network based in Atlanta.
Have a bunch of pictures from today online at Photoworks. There are photos from me and Seth Cohen - downloading as many as I can to share with y'all.
That's it for now - have more later but off to another group meeting and then dinner with family friends in town.
By the way Mr. and Mrs. Witt - Marci and Seth are doing well and eating properly.
Out and about....
While you are sleeping on the other side of the pond ... We are out seeing Settlements.
Just went to Psagot to the Settlement of Gush Emunim. It is 30 years old and it overlooks El Bireh and Ramallah. Literally as you will see from the pictures later - it's a stones throw away from Ramallah.
We met with one of the founders of Gush Emunim, Aryeh Felheimer. He let his know that he is about to celebrate his 60th wedding anniversary.
The settlement is very pretty with nice homes and a beautiful shul.
Now driving up Route 60 to see more Settlements. More later....
Boker Tov!
Happy 4th to one and all. Off to see the Settlements today - very interested to see what we see.
Pictures up from yesterday's visit to artist/poet Rivkah Miriam's house and she was very interesting. Look at her house - very old school. Drawings on the walls - wild stuff. The dogs wouldn't leave us alone. One is just hideous looking. The other was licking the floor.
Got a great picture of Steve Koonin listening to her and working at the same time. Classic.
Ami Ayalon spoke to us last night was very good - only issue was his voice was putting us all to sleep. Finally got a good night sleep.
OK - off and running the way we always do.
Monday, July 02, 2007
Sunrise on the Old City
Boker tov campers ... woke up at 4 a.m. time here in Jerusalem. Was going to take an Ambien and then decided to try it drug free. Boy did I mess that one up.
Have a breakfast meeting at 8:15 and then some things in town we are doing before free time around 3 p.m. For my wife, probably means shopping. But for me it probably means afternoon nap time.
The sun is just starting to rise on the Old City and I will take picture later from the room and post them on my Photoworks page ... stop by and see what we are seeing as we go. It's been eight years since I have been here and it feels like a lifetime ago.
There's no doubt that no matter what your religious beliefs are - you must come to Israel once in your lifetime. It's a life altering trip for sure.
Until later ... enjoy.
Have a breakfast meeting at 8:15 and then some things in town we are doing before free time around 3 p.m. For my wife, probably means shopping. But for me it probably means afternoon nap time.
The sun is just starting to rise on the Old City and I will take picture later from the room and post them on my Photoworks page ... stop by and see what we are seeing as we go. It's been eight years since I have been here and it feels like a lifetime ago.
There's no doubt that no matter what your religious beliefs are - you must come to Israel once in your lifetime. It's a life altering trip for sure.
Until later ... enjoy.
A league of their own
I used to love to watch highlights from the old days of sports. One of my favorites is a Vince Lombardi scene when he was pacing the sidelines for the Green Bay Packers. He's walking back and forth and sees another horrific mistake made by his team and screams out, "what the hell is going on out here!"
Right now, I'd like to borrow that line and give it to Gary Bettman and the NHL after the first day and a half of free agency,
I am trying to figure out why the NHL sat out the season two years ago only to cry poverty and explain how the league cannot go on the way it has. They need a new economic system was a rallying cry for owners. Hey Gary, after the NY Rangers spent 80 mil on two plays, what do you say about that great new system of yours?? Now that the Atlanta Thrashers and Nashville Predators are going to keep it to the lower end of the payroll scale - how's that going to sit in those cities? And if you are in the city of Brotherly Love - your suffering looks over soon thanks to a bunch of moves and spending some serious coin.
The NHL is a great product since the lockout. The rules changes are awesome for the game and the fans. But they have no real television contract and that won't change anytime soon. So unless you are a die hard fan - why would you even know or try to find Versus?
We are heading down a bad path again for the league as far as financials are concerned. And Gary, don't gimme the economic crap anymore. These owners and general managers know exactly what's up. Some can make the money with the higher payrolls and others can't and adjust to it.
So it's a league of haves and have not's once again. Glad we wasted a year to solve this problem.
Right now, I'd like to borrow that line and give it to Gary Bettman and the NHL after the first day and a half of free agency,
I am trying to figure out why the NHL sat out the season two years ago only to cry poverty and explain how the league cannot go on the way it has. They need a new economic system was a rallying cry for owners. Hey Gary, after the NY Rangers spent 80 mil on two plays, what do you say about that great new system of yours?? Now that the Atlanta Thrashers and Nashville Predators are going to keep it to the lower end of the payroll scale - how's that going to sit in those cities? And if you are in the city of Brotherly Love - your suffering looks over soon thanks to a bunch of moves and spending some serious coin.
The NHL is a great product since the lockout. The rules changes are awesome for the game and the fans. But they have no real television contract and that won't change anytime soon. So unless you are a die hard fan - why would you even know or try to find Versus?
We are heading down a bad path again for the league as far as financials are concerned. And Gary, don't gimme the economic crap anymore. These owners and general managers know exactly what's up. Some can make the money with the higher payrolls and others can't and adjust to it.
So it's a league of haves and have not's once again. Glad we wasted a year to solve this problem.
Wow
Sitting poolside at the David Citadel Hotel having dinner with everyone from Atlanta, LA, Cleveland, Chicago, San Francisco and Houston.
It's a picture perfect evening - if I tried to draw it up - couldn't even come close. View of the Old City right behind us - and our room over looks it as well. The picture attached is from the balcony of our room. Just awesome.
To know that we are fortunate is one thing .... Must give back to make it mean something.
Until later .... Toda raba
Live from Israel...
It's 6 pm here and we are on the bus on the way to Jerusalem. Got here an hour early on Delta ... I know you are shocked as we are to hear that.
Absolutely beautiful here - been eight years since I have been here and it's as pretty and scenic as ever. We are sharing a bus with our bretheren from Houston and singing in Hebrew as we drive to hotel.
Weather is awesome - mid 80s and sunny. Will update as we go.... Shalom!
Sunday, July 01, 2007
Off to Israel
At the Crown Room on the E concourse - wife is driving me nuts already asking if I am scared we are flying together with the girls here. Answer is I hate flying any way, shape or form.... I just try not to think about it.
Anyway - should be a great trip. Will update daily so stay tuned for wild, fun stories.
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