My father, z”l taught me never start with an apology.
Ari - Complexity Theory for Dummies
Ari just started his third year of Law and Economics at the
Hebrew University. He spent the last few weeks of summer crash-writing a
seminar paper on the esoteric topic of Intellectual Property and Complexity
Theory. From what I understood following lengthy, complex and philosophical
explanations, Complexity Theory basically states that all things are connected
(I doubt the creators of Complexity Theory would give their blessing to such a
simplistic definition, but it’s not far off). Anyway his paper argued that
current laws of Intellectual Property require reappraisal in the light of the
information free-flow following Google/Internet/Open source etc. etc.. Ari informed
me that his paper, extensive as it was, did not do full justice to the issues
it raised and it would require at least three separate doctoral theses to do so.
If by the end of the year Ari has just one BA and LLB, Judy and I will be very very
happy (and more than a little relieved).
Elon - Think of a number
Elon made the acquaintance of a Russian immigrant in Tel
Aviv who hardly knows Hebrew but has native fluency in the international
language of magic. Elon has been inaugurated into the business and can now
stupefy you with mind-boggling tricks and sleight of hand. He has taken to
performing on street corners and hawking some of the more popular tricks to
intrigued passers-by.
Naphtali – Our Dapper Sapper
Naphtali completes his 16-month training course in just a
few weeks. It’s been a long hard haul but Naphtali makes light of it. While he reveals
what he can of his training, Naphtali will never complain (or boast) about how
tough the training is. 16 months of physical exertion have made Naphtali wiry
thin, fast and well-muscled. Don’t mess with him. With the impending start of
his actual service (as opposed to training), as Judy says, it’s time to start
worrying. I’ve started a gray hair inventory.
Orly - Drugs and rock and roll
Orly has started her second year of national service. This
year she is in Malkishua which is a rehabilitation village for drug addicts. The village residents are mostly
convicted criminals who are given the option of serving out part of their prison
sentence in Malkishua among the stunningly beautiful Gilboa mountains. Many are
delivered cuffed (ball and chain are no longer “in”). Orly reassures us that
the residents are non-violent, have not used heavy drugs, and have a record of
petty crimes. As you can imagine, these reassurances, passionate as they are,
do little to calm her Mother’s (and Grandmother’s) nerves.
Last week Orly began a course in Wingate to become a dance
teacher. Her first lesson was pure trauma. 4.5 hours of dancing at a pace,
intensity and level she had never before encountered. She came back elated but in
physical shock. Dancing ain’t for wimps.
Abigail comes of age
To celebrate Abigail’s batmitzva this year we made a lovely,
orderly, dignified party for close friends and family in September. After
Succot, we hosted a boisterous, wild and uncontrollable shindig for Abigail’s
friends. The buddies’ party included a treasure hunt, dancing, painting, a
magic show (from Elon and Elisheva), a barbecue, a bonfire (with marshmallows),
candy floss, a great film Judy made about Abigail, popcorn and some other stuff
I forget already. It was crazy, but great fun. Cleaning up afterwards, on the
other hand, was a nightmare. Abigail’s actual birthday fell earlier this week. After
two major parties, the actual date of her batmitzva was celebrated primarily
via Whatsapp.
Elisheva and Abigail - Roller Sofering
For those of you who prefer feet to wheels as a means of motion,
allow me to explain that a “roller surfer” (called in Israel a “roller sofer”) is
a precarious Siamese-twin skateboard-like contraption. It has two conjoined
platforms (one for each foot), that are free moving to an extent, connected by
a lynch pin. You stand on it like a skateboard and propel yourself forward by
wiggling your middle. Abigails“roller sofer” is one of her favourite batmitzva
presents. After a few days of inevitable beginner’s falls, Abigail and Elisheva
have mastered the body-wiggline and they now wind their way around the kitchen,
lounge - and when our shouting prevails, the garden as well - with surprising
grace. We’re thrilled. Anything that takes them away from the TV, computer and
smartphones is welcome.
We’ve got Judy Isaacs, Number 4
After a relaxing summer break, Judy is now back with her
head in her books (or rather her computer) teaching in university. Her months
of basketball training are paying off – she is a rising star. When I ask her how
many points did you score today and the answer is “I didn’t count”, I know it’s
probably upwards of 20.
Lance Armstrong had it all wrong
Recuperating from another running injury, a few months ago I
started cycling on the mountain bikes the children bought us for our 25th
wedding anniversary. With the help of a friend who is a cycling addict and who
is much better than me at fixing punctures, I got hooked. Here comes an
announcement. Cross-country cycling is fun. Like running, you can enjoy beautiful
routes off the beaten track and commune with nature. Unlike running, it doesn’t
knock the stuffing out of you. (Road cycling is like driving a car, without the
air-conditioning). Anyone who is too chicken or too whiny to take up running, try
cycling. Calorie for calorie it still beats channel zapping.
Love from us all
Judy, Michael, Ari, Elon, Naphtali, Orly, Abigail, Elisheva
Isaacs
Elkana
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