Scene Around

The future is here...

I am so proud of Israel and all of its fabulous accomplishments. For instance, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev is the epicenter of a talent and technology boom that is transforming the world:

The Advanced Technologies Park (ATP) is a public-private partnership with Ben-Gurion University (BGU), the Beer-Sheva municipality and Gav-Yam Negev. Tenants include EMC, Oracle, Deutsche Telekom, Elbit, Jerusalem Venture Partner's Cyberlabs, Hewlett Packard, Allscripts, WeWork, as well as BGN Technologies, BGU's technology transfer company, and others.

When completed, the ATP will encompass 16 buildings on 23 acres, with two million square feet of office and lab space. It will bring 11,000 high-tech jobs to the Negev, allowing BGU graduates to remain in Beer-Sheva and surrounding communities.

Scientists at BGU's Zuckerberg Institute for Water Research are developing desalination and water reuse technologies to ensure the availability of high quality water for Israel, its neighbors, and drought-stricken regions throughout the world. They are working with China, India, and across Africa, implementing and improving water systems. They're even working with California and other state officials to solve local water management issues.

Read this and smile...

Researchers at BGU's National Institute for Biotechnology in the Negev (NIBN) and Center for Regenerative Medicine, Cellular Therapy and Stem Cell Research are working on treatments and potential cures for various forms of cancer, genetic diseases, autoimmune diseases, infectious diseases, injuries, and more.

(So many of my family members and friends died of cancer that I got all choked up when I read this. Maybe all cancers will be curable in my lifetime... or at least my three sons and my grandchildren.)

An example of their progress, (and not only cancer) a team of scientists created an algae-based patch that mends damaged tissue. Another group is helping reverse the effects of osteoarthritis and bone injury through cartilage regeneration. One research team is attempting to regenerate heart cells from cells taken from the hand, while another is working on the development of nano-drug carriers that target cancer cells, eliminating side effects, and improving recovery chances.

(I'm smiling, especially because recently I went to the hospital wanting a face-lift. They gave me a heart valve instead! Oh well...)

Wait! There's more...

With the goal of reducing the world's reliance on fossil fuels, researchers at BGU are developing a wide range of alternative energy solutions. Innovations include converting carbon dioxide and hydrogen into a green fuel that could power diesel-powered vehicles and jets; a breakthrough in solar energy storage that could power a country even at night; clean and efficient thermoelectric power generation; and the production of biofuels from microalgae, liquid fuels from a variety of feed stock, and fuel for cars made from recycled tires.

(Israel... you are the hope of the world!)

Scams, scams, scams...

It's bad enough that every third phone call I receive is a scam these days. Here's another to be warned about: CharityWatch gives the Humane Society of the United States a D rating for using half of every donation dollar on overhead... and the Better Business Bureau has removed its accreditation of HSUS.

If you want to help homeless pets, please give to your local shelter.

(I love dogs and have never been without one. In fact, I told my spouse before he died, that our dog, Chloe, was our biological child. He replied that he's been known to lay down with bitches! Oy vay!)

She was special...

I know the Heritage covered this sad news, but Harriett Lake was a treasure and I feel compelled to say something.

She was always a joy to be around, and always so kind to me, as was her deceased husband, Hymen.

And according to NANCY LUDIN, CEO of the Jewish Pavilion, "she was a local philanthropist and patron of the arts, was a true woman of valor and all of Central Florida is a better place because of the changes she made to our world."

(And another word from me. Harriett Lake was a beautiful woman, inside and out. It's hard to imagine a world without her.)

JCC39ers Cinema Sundays...

On July 29th in the Senior Lounge of the Roth Family JCC in Maitland, the movie "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks," featuring OPRAH WINFREY, will be shown.

(Not to be missed!)

Shout-Out...

Greetings and a Happy Birthday to Outback Restaurant, Aloma Avenue, Winter Park, server, KALEN PENTON, who always does a great job!

Also, one of my favorite people in the world, BENJAMIN AGAMIE, is celebrating 25 years of dedicated service to UPS.

(so nu? Bring me a package!)

One for the road...

Miriam and her friend Renee meet up in their local cafe for their usual chat. The subject of their discussion this time is the untimely death of one of their friends. 

"I felt absolutely terrible when I heard the news about Sonia," says Miriam.  

"Yes," says Renee, "I too felt awful on hearing the sad news, especially as she was the same age as us. If only I could find out in advance exactly where I'm going to die."

"Why?" asks Miriam, "What good would it do if you knew where?"

"Because I would then make sure I never go there," Miriam replies.

(Will that work????)