Friday, September 16, 2011

Israel Allocates Millions To Renewable Energy Projects

Solar PanelIsrael's National Infrastructure Ministry will allocate NIS 13 million to renewable energy projects, hoping to encourage entrepreneurs to present their ideas for grants that will enable Israel to achieve energy independence.

There is particular interest in financing projects that will decrease international dependence on oil, as well as increasing solar and wind energies.

The success of this project has the potential to make Israel a leader in the renewable energy field, not only benefiting the the world in terms of being green but also providing sources of employment for Israelis with expertise in the field.

Read more about it here

This inspired me to turn off the lights and light a candle, and turn off the air conditioning and open a window.
Till next time!
J

Saturday, September 10, 2011

Ten Years Ago

It's a somber time for us as we contemplate the ten year anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. On the one year anniversary, I wrote this poem. As the ten year anniversary approached, Zoya suggested I write another poem and I found inspiration in Patricia Smith, the now 12 year old girl who ten years ago, at the age of 2, wore a red velvet dress and her mother's Medal of Honor. Her mother, Moira Smith, was a police officer in New York City. In the process of saving hundreds of lives, Moira Smith lost her own life when Tower 2 fell. So here is the poem I wrote for the ten year anniversary of September 11, 2001:

Ten years ago
The sky lit up
Two towers burned
Hope spilled from a cup

Ten years ago
The sky rained dust
Blood flowed like water
The Big Apple lost its crust

Ten years ago
Airplanes broke the crown
Ashes, ashes
We all fall down

Ten years ago
The air was a haze
Hysteria replaced Broadway
And left the world in a daze

Ten years ago
One little red velvet dress
Wore the badge of honor
And was left motherless

Ten years ago
The morning was so dark in September
3000 taken in the blink of an eye
Always remember

On this solemn day, please take a moment to reflect and remember.

Till next time,
J