Today is Tisha B' Av (9th of Av)

In the Hebrew Calendar.  It is a very sad and memorable day in Jewish History

In 423 BCE, the first Holy Temple was destroyed by fire, as Nebuchadnezzar's Babylonian troops conquered Jerusalem. Also on this day, the second Temple was destroyed by the Romans in 70 CE. Tisha B'Av has long been a day of calamity for the Jewish people: on this day, during the time of Moses, Jews in the desert accepted the slanderous report of the 12 Spies, resulting in the decree postponing enter to the Land of Israel. Other grave misfortunes throughout Jewish history occurred on the Ninth of Av: The Spanish Inquisition culminated with the expulsion of Jews from Spain on Tisha B'Av in 1492. World War I broke out on the eve of Tisha B'Av in 1914 when Germany declared war on Russia; German resentment from the war set the stage for the Holocaust. On the eve of Tisha B'Av 1942, the mass deportation began of Jews from the Warsaw Ghetto, en route to Treblinka. Today, Tisha B'Av is the Jewish national day of mourning, when we don't eat, drink or bathe. Lights in the synagogue are dimmed, and we read the Book of Lamentations, Jeremiah's poetic lament over the destruction of Jerusalem.

This part was from a series I receive via email called This day in Jewish History. 

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A tribute to a wonderful and special friendship

by Chris!  - Great job and probably one of the best beach boy songs!

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WOWZA!

What a pic!   Can you say HAWT!?! I knew you could!

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Nova Roma - New Rome

Part of my entertainment and joy is reading.  I love books - I have almost 3000 books in my library in my office at home.  The majority of them are history books.  In 1998, I found out about this organization dedicated to learning and living the values and virtues of the Roman Republic and I just felt a strong connection and immediately joined.  Back in 1998, I actually had to mail in my application via surface mail.  I think, if memory serves, I was citizen number 12 (if you joined you became a citizen). 

Nova Roma's entire structure was based on the Roman Republic and if your a history geek like I am you will immediately see the attraction of trying to recreate an ancient society in this modern world using modern means of communication.  I was in essence one of the founders.  If you had an interest in Roman or ancient history, this was your place.  If you had an interest in military history, this was your place.  If you wanted to learn about the ancients, how they lived, ate, drank, even sex this was your place.  One of my favorite hangouts was the "Back alley" where we would just drop our "virtual toga's" and vent and be ourselves. LOL

On the whole most of us members took ourselves very seriously.  So seriously that I paid taxes (dues - yearly - and not just for myself but for those in my familia).  We had our organization structured just like the ancients based on Gentes (Clans).  And, I was the first member of the organization to complete the Cursus Honorum (Way of Honor) by holding the Quaestorship (Secretary), Praetorship (Judge) and Consul (Head of government).  I was Consul twice, and Censor.  I also had the largest Families in the organization (the Corneliae).  The name I went by in the organization was Lucius Cornelius Sulla Felix - named after the infamous dictator of ancient Rome. 

I met my two previous girlfriends from the organization. Nicola who was about 11 years younger than me and then my ex-fiancee Greta. 

I was also very controversial because I strove to be very traditional.  Of course I was also called a Nazi and a homophobe over there! LOL  Which was ironic because my namesake was a well-known bi-sexual individual (according to Plutarch). Yet at the same time I started become more...Jewish.  Even to this day, I am still a Senator there, a friend of mine pays my dues yearly, but I got very burnt out and tired that there were too many people in the organization who I felt did not take the goals seriously. 

UPDATE:  I forgot to add something important.  It was through this organization that I had my brush with fame.  Back in 2001 when Gladiator was nominated for 13 Oscars various media outlets contacted Nova Roma as a study group to get our opinions out as to the reason why Gladiator was so popular. As I was Censor at the time I fielded most of the interviews.  During the media blitz I was interviewed by KCBS Radio and the Associated Press.

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More Autobiographical stuff

When my mom was alive she had tapes of me when I was 3 or 4 years old and I was acting like a preacher.  She told me that that is what I wanted to be when I was very young.   But, I know I have always had a very strong interest in history.  Part of that was from studying the bible.  As I got older, specifically in my teenage years, I was mature for my age and very preceptive - that awakening really disenchanted me with the Church.  Let me explain.

My mom (Mifa-that was her name) was Jewish, born a Jew.  My grandmother (Luba - her name) and my grandfather (Robert - but everyone called in Bob) went to Shul occasionally but they never were that religious.  My mother got disenchanted for a number of reasons with the Jewish Faith - the main reason I recall was that she was not allowed to participate unless she paid the tithe.  Well she started exploring Christian religions and when she met my father (Jim) his family was very religious (my dad wasn't)  As she grew closer to his family they successfully converted her.  She converted before I was born. 

Well we went to church my entire life but by the time I was about 15 years old I had serious doubts.  See, I always thought between my sister and I that I was the most religiously devout.  Yet, she was the one to be baptized.  I never did.  Internally I always tried to question myself as to why did she feel confident enough to go that step yet I never felt that confident.  By the time I started to drive, the last thing I wanted to do on my Sunday's was to go to church.  On top of all of these issues it was around this time that my parents marriage was ending.  (This in of itself is a LONG story). Suffice to say I stopped going to church.

Between the ages of 17/18-25 - I think I was an agnostic.  My sister says I was an Atheist, but I wasn't.  I never doubted that G-d existed, but I would say I was on the fence.  What changed me was my time at Cal Baptist.  I loved that school up until I got my Bachelors Degree.  It felt like the family I never had.  There was a closeness between the employees that was unlike everywhere I have worked (except here at Skyce because all of the management is of the same family!).  When I had to take day classes there I had to attend chapel, and though I didn't care for it, I didnt truly mind - as long as it did not affect my job duties.

Well by the time my lawsuit started I was, I guess searching and in 1998 I found Nova Roma (also another post).  From there I met other people who were very interested in Roman History.  From there I met a friend who went by the alias Lucius Sicinus Drusus.  He told me about Partners in Torah.  Because he knew I was becoming aware of my heritage in a greater way and that I was doing alot of studying on my own but he knew that some guidance would be an asset to me. 

He was right.  I really enjoyed my time with that organization.  This was while I was still living in Pasadena.  It was through them that I visited a Shul for my very first time and enjoyed a Sabbath.  I really really enjoyed it and still think about it.  Since I have moved I haven't really tried to join a Shul, I guess I feel somewhat intimidated.  But, it is something that I think I will enjoy doing because I felt ...I felt home.  I can't explain it.  But, I really liked the feeling once I got over my embarrassment for not being able to speak Hebrew or understand all to the davening. 

I hope that my trip to Israel will ignite similar feelings within my mind and soul and that I will feel like I am home when I am there. 

Anyway, that is my journey. 

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Logan Act anyone?

For anyone who has a passing interest in politics one of the few laws that we have that have never been tested is the Logan Act which basically outlaws private citizens from trying to create and implement their own personal foreign policy.  I guess Dhimmi Carter (Ex president Jimmy Carter) needs a refresher course that he is no longer President (Thank G-d!).  Because it is now being reported that Dhimmi Carter is negotiating with Hamas!  I can't believe it...well actually I can..this is a guy who has said we should support Hamas, who supervised the elections in Gaza and West bank and routinely hangs out with Fidel (when he isn't dead). 

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COOL Dance song

This is one of my favorite dance song's currently.  It just has an infectious beat!

Edun - Put them up!

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Old School Is on!!!!

So its time for some old school clips!!! Ok ok, all of these are awesome jams.

Skee Lo - I wish

This is the JAM!!!

Positive K - I gotta man


LL COOL J - Loungin


Ice Cube and George Clinton - Bop Gun


Mellow Man Ace - Mentirosa (Liar)


Souls of Mischeif - This is how we chill from 93 Til

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Harry Potter - Order of the Phoenix

GREAT MOVIE.  I saw it this morning - just got home from it.  It is definitely the best movie so far!  This is one movie I am going to see again at the theaters probably next weekend!   If you can, go and see it...it was a very fast flowing movie. 

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Vacation update

Well well well its not for another vacation update!

I just got offered to teach 4 additional classes beginning in Sept and October.   I am doing the three classes now...and now a total of 5 beginning Mid Sept and October. 

This means not only am I right on track for the vacation...but damn near have all the money I originally budgeted.   This is OUTSTANDING! 

Israel here I come!  And I can't wait!!!

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The Height of Coolness

These guys are my absolute favorite - no one - I mean no one can top these guys in the essence of COOLNESS!

I have this book about the Rat Pack and there is one chapter and all it has is a list of women's name - a who's who in Hollywood from the 1940s-1960s and every name listed in there were names of women they slept with.  It's freaking amazing!!!

Ladies and Gentleman - The Rat Pack

It's history in 1 minute!







From Ocean's 11 - Ain't that a kick in the head

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So - What's going on today?

How is everyone doing?  Did everyone see the Harry Potter movie?  Did everyone wait until midnight to get the "last" book?  I know my copy should be coming in on Monday!   Though I will probably end up getting another copy of the book tomorrow - just to start reading it.

So anything interesting going on?

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Funniest comment of the day - Harry Potter Edition

Goes to Tushar D

Spoiler from Harry Potter book 7:

Lord Voldemort went on a rampage, killing wizards by the dozens.

Then he walked into Dick Cheney. Cheney said, "that is enough Tom". Vodemort has not been seen since.

This was posted on a thread focused on Dick Cheney becoming President today - because Bush had a Colonoscopy!

The Nutroots are freaking out at this development that Cheney is now the President!

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Tasha and Dishka wallpaper

BHK72 - sent me this link for wallpaper he has created focusing on the exquisitely lovely Tasha and Dishka.  Enjoy!

As soon as I saw these wallpapers, I knew I just had to share them!  Very excellent!

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Newest Tasha and Dishka Tribute

And, it dethroned Dan's clip from the top of Tasha's profile.


Great job BHK72!

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Gaza Expulsion - Duh!

62% of Israelis say Gaza expulsion was a 'fiasco'

YOU THINK??  I don't see how ANYONE can think appeasement is going to be the ultimate path to peace.  When will we learn that the only true path to peace is to show these Arabs that we will fight with every weapon in our arsenal to protect the lives of our citizens and the innocents.  Until they learn that for every life they take we will take 10 - will they realize that war is not the best avenue.  Golda Meir said it the best, "We will have peace with the Arabs when they love their children more than they hate us."

Thanks to Israel Matav!

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Disneyland

I believe that all transplanted Californians get stuck with the same type of stereotype.  When someone finds out that I am from California I usually get asked - did you go to Disneyland all the time..perhaps the most exaggerated statement is "Wow, if I lived that close to Disneyland (within say 30-45 min) I would be going to Disneyland everyday!"  I would give a chuckle when I hear that type of response.    In reality I think I have been to Disneyland about 10 times.  The most I ever visted Disneyland was 3 times in one year.  That was in 1990.  Since that time - I avoided going - I just got really burnt out and the last time I went there I had just so much fun - I would rather that be my last experience. 

In 1990, my sister and I went there - I believe it was my birthday gift for her.  We had a great time - it was her favorite place.  She still goes there.  Earlier in the year she and my brother-in-law went there and I stayed at their place watching my niece and nephew.   Anyway, it was a fun day. 

About a month later, I was back again - this time my high school academic club FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) had their state convention at the DisneyLand Hotel - right across the street from the park.  That convention lasted 3 days and we had free access to the entire park.  It was great being there with my friends - no parents and just enjoying ourselves with very minimal need for funds since everything was paid for in advance.  I loved going on star tours! That was around the time it was a brand new ride if memory serves me correctly.  I remember the final day of the convention, the entire organization through a dance party.  My gf  (Diep) - at the time - and I had a great time.  The music was awesome - 80's dance music with a huge video screen - it reminded me of Club MTV now that I think about it. And I even remember clearly driving home from the park. 

Now my final trip to Disneyland occurred the day I graduated High School.  In California there was a yearly tradition that during the month of June Disneyland would be open all night long for High School students.  It was called Grad Night.  Disneyland would book decent concerts as well throughout the park free of charge during that month.  I remember in 1989, New Kids on the Block performed there.  I was SO glad not to be graduating in 1989!  Anyway, in 1990, there were 4 acts booked.  Jody Watley, Seduction and Stevie B - I am not sure about the 4th act - nor did I watch him).  Our day at the park actually occurred the day we graduated (which sort of sucked because most of us wanted to have celebration parties at home and such)  but we already knew a couple of months in advance that Grad night was at the specific date so we were able to adjust our plans and parties ahead of time.  Anyway, my graduation ceremony ended probably around 3-4 pm then I had to be back at my "old" high school (Ramona) around 6 pm in preparation to travel to Anaheim.  We got to the park around 9 pm and we were at Disneyland until 6 am!   All night long we were there with some other high schools enjoying the park, the concerts, each other, and saying our final goodbyes to most of our friends and acquaintances.  The concerts were outstanding - my favorite was Seduction, then Jody Watley and then Stevie B - in that order.  I went on just about every ride I could - from Splash Mountain, Star Tours, the Matterhorn - even the submarine - which I don't think exists anymore!  The concerts were cool and were some of my favorite artists at the time - especially Seduction, because they were hot!    Then as the sun was rising, we loaded back on the bus, taken back to our school and returned home. 

The one criticism I had was that there was an actual dress code.  But as soon as we got in the park we broke it.  Men were supposed to be in slacks and tie and women were to be in dresses or gowns.  That was not happening! LOL  I remember getting into the park and changing into something less formal!

Anyway, here are some clips of the artists that I saw that day in concert!

Seduction - Heartbeat

This is one of my subscribers - Night Tracks - will have to make another post about this later   ONE OF MY ALL TIME FAVORITE SONGS!

Seduction - True Love


Jody Watley - Looking for a new love


Jody Watley - Friends


Stevie B- Spring Love


Stevie B- Party your body

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1 Music Video - two clips

Yep, its the same song but different versions.   That should tell you how much I like this song!  It is one of my FAVORITE Dance tunes.  When I get depressed or feel lonely - I play generally will put on this tune at some point.  Sometimes music can have a very comforting affect - and this song has that affect on me.

Olive - Your Not alone


Olive - Your Not Alone

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Netanyahu - Clip

Since Mere Rhetoric is down for the month - I gotta at least try to pick up his mantle

Watch this! I really hope that Netanyahu is the next Prime Minister of Israel.  If I could, I would vote for him hands down! 

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Cowbell - Dow at 14000.41

Thanks, Nancy!

And thanks Ace for the cool grapic!

I blame Bush for this low performing economy!

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