The Good, The Bad

I'm about to head back from my in-laws, where we spent a nice, easy Shabbos, to our apartment, but a few quick items of interest:

I added a comment to everyone who was nice enough to comment in my demographic post - thank you all for commenting, and if you haven't yet (or even if you have), feel free to add yourself!

Just before Shabbos I read this fascinating article. Good ol' Israeli genius. Quick sum-up: An Israeli invented a system of evacuating people quickly from skyscrapers and other tall buildings in the event of a major disaster or fire on lower stories. There are obviously issues, such as ensuring that people don't fight to get on these lifts, but the overall idea is genius. There's a video demonstration there as well which is impressive. Oh - of course, stupid NYC won't even try it yet.

Just after Shabbos, I read this disturbing piece of news. The US envoy to the Palestinians basically promised to get them aid, despite the Bush adminstration's claims that they would not (and their actual request of aid return). We'll see what happens, but this is a terrible sign. It currently seems as if it did not take long at all for the US to sell out their values (and Israel) for absolutely nothing. Pathetic.

Shavua Tov, everybody!