An Instant In An Eternity

This is by no means a new topic. Technology is here to stay, well, here to advance and develop and take us along for the ride. We're not likely to get off this magical mystery tour any time soon, so best just get with the program, right? I'm not sure that works for me. If you know me, you know I do not have a smartphone. If you don't know me, you're probably about ready to close this webpage because, "what on earth? No smartphone?" One reason has to do with money - yeah, likely I'm on the cheap side here, but also because I'm not sure it's worth the money. It's a treadmill I'm not looking to get on because the only thing one loses is money each time around. It's also because I think they are damaging to us, to relationships, to the personal connectedness that we all need. Information is too readily available to us that we have to know it all and now. We have lost our sense of patience and adventure – who knows how to read a map anym...

Not to set my standards too high with two posts in one day...don't get used to it. Tonight begins Israel's Independence Day (יום העצמאות)*. As I am writing this I am watching the ceremony at Mt. Herzl and also listening to the music of the crazy street party two blocks away, as if I were there! The ceremony is remarkable and moving: 14 individuals are selected nationally to honor the State by sharing their personal story and contribution to the advancement of the country as the 12 torches are lit. This year the theme is focused on the advancement of education and culture for future generations. The representatives are an impressive cross-selection of the country - from all parts of the country, old, young, immigrants and native born Israelis. Additionally there are musical performances by kids, famous performers, dance groups, and the Army performance troupes. It has a strange football halftime show quality to it crossed with a military parade. ( Good story here ) Buildin...