Fiasco Weekend

I went to watch the Ice Hockey game between USA and Finland at Sanna's place. After amazing dinner and great company as always we sat down in hope to watch some game. After very short 15 min the game was over ! USA was unstoppable and Finland was just playing into their hands with a complete blackout. Though I do not understand why Finns are so ashamed! Finland can still get bronze and be part of the 3 best countries, Isn't that something to be proud at?

Another fiasco that doesn't want to die and get more and more complicated is the Dubai story. Now Australia got involved into that story and it seems that too many assumptions are being made with no proves. I don't know who did it, might be the Israeli Mussad but might not. That's why proves are needed and countries should be more careful to my opinion. I won't say it's right to use fake passports but who are we kidding? It's still a secret service and done by spies, That's what it's all about!

That's it. Not really a busy weekend but sure was relaxed one. Vacation week is on and hope to finish the report on Namibia and get that part over with.

Reports

Reports are part of the studying experience and it's for sure needed in the working life but sometimes doing it over and over again forms some routine which kills your spirit and the will to live.

I like the laboratory work. After the practical training in Eilat its more clear about what you should know and learn. It's interesting and I consider it important since most things i would like to do in the future working life considering activated sludge, composting and other waste treatments methods.

Two more months, few more reports, one final thesis and its over! I do feel ready to start my life now and can't think of a better way to start them than by joining Becky for the rest of my life.



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Passion and Life !

Me and friends had some discussion about our football teams and to how you actually pick them or how they stuck with you to the rest of your life.

When I was little there was an amazing player, Moshe Sinai, the legendary number 7! maybe one of the best players ever played in Israel. Sinai started his career in Maccabi Yafo (Jaffa) and a year later moved to Hapoel Tel Aviv where he played till the end of his Israeli career (he played one year in Bevern, Belgium) except one year - 1989-1990 when he played for Bnei Yehuda Tel Aviv.

Bnei yehuda won the only Championship in the club's history. Sinai got back to Hapoel the following year while I got stuck with Bney Yehuda. Funny how the worlds treat you, huh?

Bnei Yehuda represent a small neighborhood in south of Tel Aviv. I won't bother you with the Jewish Israeli etnicity culture but there is absulutly no connection between the Kibbutz i was grew up in and that neighborhood. Totally opposite.

During the 80s and 90s Bnei Yehuda had the ability to fight the big teams from Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Haifa though when the money started to get bigger and more important the influence of the crowd and the atmosphere reduced as well, Bnei Yehuda faced the reality which many small teams faced in the 90s. From top league team in start of the 90s, Bney yehuda found herself fighting for survival each year until end of the milenium.

In may 2000 Bnei Yehuda relegated after 25 years in the Premier League. Everyone thought that this was the end of the club. Bnei Yehuda wanted to prove differentlly and in the following year promoted back to the top league. Bnei Yehuda qualified twice to europe games, once back in 2006 when they did it through the Israeli Cup and the second one was during the last year when they played in the Europa League qualifications from first round and was only team who pass to the last qualification there they lost to great PSV Eindhoven 2-0 at the end of the two games.

Bnei Yehuda proved that even a small team can survive in the modern football and that money is imported but its deffinately not everything. And I got stuck with Bnei Yehuda for the rest of my life, For better and worse! Thats what football and sport is all about, Thats what makes us happy ! at least sometimes...

Time pass fast

Was talking with a friend today about hair styles today and later on found myself looking at some pictures of mine from past years...

Ahhh, I can't believe how different I can be!

If you don't know me for long time or never really looked at my pictures in FaceBook or in Couchsurfing you might find this funny. Maybe even if you do...

Here it is, Enjoy!

2004, Snowdonia, Wales. Beardless !


2005, Alma Cave, Northern Israel.


2006, Bodom lake, Finland.


2007, Tampere, Finland. Winter beard?


2008, Arbel Mountain, Northern Israel.


2009, Eilat, Israel.

Making the desert bloom

During the last few months I have been experienced a bit the different perspectives and culture in the world. In October 2009 I went to Namibia as part of my final thesis research of waste management in two local municipalities.

Today there was a documentary on Israeli Channel 10 about the tribes in south Ethiopia and their way of living in the modern world. It wasn't very new images though I think that my visit to Namibia had some sort of influence on me.

I can understand the argument says that modernized society has many negative influence as many other tribes and countries experienced all over the world. I can agree that you can't just provide that to the people and expect instant change.

I do not agree to the idea that these tribes do not deserve a better life. Yes, BETTER life. These people live in a world where food depends on the environment mercy. Many people die due to hunger, diseases and tribe wars. It is definitely a world that can be much better. The tribes did accept modern changes though unfortunately it was the acceptance of assault rifles instead of spears.

I don't support the destruction of their way of living but providing your people food and safety for me is the first thing that will be always in the top of the priority. I always take Israel as an example. In the start of the 1900s there was nothing really there. The Jewish immigrants who came to Israel saw it as their promised land and therefore made it to be one.

David Ben-Gurion, the first prime minister of Israel, with his amazing leadership moved to live in the Negev desert, in Kibbutz Sde-Boker. By this move he was trying to make young people to follow him and fulfill his vision: making the desert alive and blooming. By looking 50 years backwards, I would say we relatively did it.

When a change is welcomed and worked for it will come. If you wait for others to do it for you, well, It won't. Whether African people will do it, that's totally in their hands.

Winter

I joined today to my friend Sanna and her guest Meaghan for a walk to Pyyniki tower for a coffee and of course donuts. The weather got nasty in last few days and from -5 degrees, sunny and windless its -15 cloudy and terribly windy...

Pyyniki is always a nice place to go to, specially if it's your first time. I don't need more than just sit for coffee with friends, I love it!

Studying is getting better, maybe its the fact that i just don't want to stay outside? Trying to get to uni everyday bring results and hope this productiveness will go on till end of April.

Headache...

Today was a weird day...

We had waste water laboratories until 4pm and than had nice coffee.
On the way to go home I was forced to go to Globe's meeting... OK, maybe not really forced, but it wasn't planned.

It was nice, heard some details about Permaculture from Mari and talked about different issues AND had some more coffee :)

When I finally got back home I got a terrible headache which 2 bottles of water and two 500mg pain killers did the work for making it go away. It was tough, I even missed my sauna this week (maybe will go there on Saturday...). I went to have a shower and now after this had gone I can sit and enjoy my free time.

So looking forward for tomorrow! another meeting about Namibia Thesis and in evening some board games evening at Vilhelmiina's place! sounds FUN!

The pride

Another Israeli movie was published at the Berlin movie festival. A month ago "Ajami" become the 3rd sequential Oscar foreign movie nominee ("Boufort" was nominee in 2008 and "Waltz with Bashir" was nominee in 2009) and "Phobidilia" was screened at Berlin a week ago.

This week another movie got some publicity. "Burdus" is a documentary movie of the small Palestinian movie who tells the story of the wall building and its consequences.

The reviewers said it is a very complete and neutral movie which shows the situation as it is. The producer of the movie (Ronit Avni) said she was surprised to be asked about how Israelies and Palestinians cooperate and how come not all Israelies use guns to solve problems.

The Israeli films are extremely important to the expression of the public opinion about political issues. During the last few years there is a struggle between the Industry and politicians who believes the films leads viewers to hate Israel while the industry, supported by other politicians, claims that showing the truth will get Israel close to other countries.

And well, we just need to sit down and enjoy good and entertaining movies :)

My first pie

OK, I'm sorry for not writing anything in last during the last weekend. It was nice meeting old graduated Environmental engineers who graduate back in 2000 till today. Later on Friday our class of 06enve (at least some) got together and that was just pure fun ! I will miss you all when I'll leave Finland in summer...

Saturday was just a continuation of Friday... We made a BBQ in Ritakatu. BBQ in Ritakatu was always an excuse to just meet friends and have some beer... That's just fun ! nothing more...



Sunday was dedicated to just rest though i made my first pie. After got the courage to do so from my lovely fiance, I did cut veggies, mixed all stuff together and put it in the oven and PRAYED!

It was delicious!
Becky and my mum will be proud of me :)

Thank You !

I should be more grateful about my life. Growing up in the Kibbutz was, to my opinion, the best way a kid can get his education. As I grew up I started to realize how much my parents do and will do all they can for my brother, my sister and for me.

I always joke about the stereotype of the Jewish rich people. we were never rich, my parents worked and still working very hard for every shekel that comes to the table. While other families spend money on trips to other country, mobile phones and other luxuries my parents never spent it on something they can't afford.

Sometimes I just need to remind myself to Thank them for everything! They will always be there for each of us when we will need it. It's how I would like to see myself and my kids grew up to.

Be a good person, live your life and be happy!
And for my amazing parents - THANK YOU!


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Shame

Israel is having talks about Joining the OECD - The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development which involves all leading countries in the world.

Israel is a leader in many areas such as agriculture and technological development though in some areas Israel drops way back. One of these areas is the environment protection and approach.

Israel has a debate about the building of a new coal power plant. There might be need to more energy resources though i doubt coal should be even a choice when we just entered 2010!.

The National Electricity Corporation claims the project is clean and meet all European standards. I find it ridiculous and absurd...



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Sport is a wonderful thing

Maccabi "Kabilio" Yafo (Jaffa) (Which plays in the 5th league in Israel) won the leader of the national league (The 2nd league in Israel) 1-0 during their match in the 8th round in the national cup.

Maccabi Yafo was an empire in Israel till the late 80s. After got into financial problems due to lack of management they were force to put an end to their legacy.

The Fans didn't like the decision and decided to take the team into their own hands. Each fan bought a "stock" of the team and donated money. Past players came to help the club and played for the team in the 6th league. They qualified already in the first year to the 5th league. Today they are leading the 5th league and will probably qualify to the 4th league at the end of the year.

Hapoel Jerusalem (National League) did similar thing and so did Hapoel Tel-Aviv in Basketball. All these teams got inspired by the English team Wimbledon fans were first to understand that they can do it better and a team is exist for the fans and not opposite.

I just enjoy watching and reading this. I even admire these people who follow their dream and heart.


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Coffee...

My Israeli Elite coffee is officially gone. I love that coffee! It taste better, it makes me miss my family less :) and well, it gives the feeling of home...

I don't really care about the quality, I do drink TAMK's coffee!

Was about to try and order some coffee in ebay and judaicawebstore but they are asking for it a bit too much.

So having Nestle and well, It's not that bad :)

Priceless

Today I got a nice present! I invited a friend for coffee, well, tea for her, And she brought me a traditional painting :)

After being very unproductive today that made me feel better... Did I mentioned that friends are Priceless? :D

So now just need to find a nice frame !





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Lovely day

Ahhhh , I can't believe I'm being so productive these days...

Talked with Becky in the morning after few days we couldn't due to all laboratories at uni. Later I went to town and bought Becky Valentine Pressie, sent it and even made a card! Got help from a best friend and even added a coffee into a nice start of the day :)

Then I went to Aino-Maija's course, her last class. I'm really happy to have that course in TAMK and I do hope there will be many like this course in the future. today we had a lecture about Aerosols and their participation in the big concepts of Global Warming and Climate Change. It was interesting and I learned a lot. It's amazing how little I know about all this subject...

After uni I went home and did some laundry... IOT bought new drier and my clothes are extra soft :D Finally my clothes feel as moms ! :D

Resting the rest of the day before the big thesis writing Saturday I will have tomorrow !

Happiness

North of Israel got covered with snow. If there is something that makes Israelies happy, It is snow. Happiness for few days or even if it last for less than a day.

I can just let the Pictures talk by themselves...

Childhood

This morning I had a look at a friend's profile in Facebook showing some nostalgy pictures from the Kibbutz. Life was so simple and calm there, just perfect !

I loved the Kibbutz!

It's shame that the Kibbutz will never be the same and I guess it's an idea that will never be created again.

I'm Happy I took part of it, even though just shortly till age of 13...

Rough Days...

Today was special day !

It started with efficient day at the waste laboratories which allowed us to go home at 13:00 instead at 16:00 ! WOOHOO! THAT meant only one thing - noon beer !

Followed by nice walk to center, buying present to Becky and ended with neighbors coming for coffee.

I don't know what people have against noon beer. It's only one beer, it's not like we gonna stay in the pub all day and night and have a fun day at wastewater laboratories the day after. I like social drinking, Its good for relaxing, for spending time with friends and well, It has BEER.

So now finishing risk management task and off to bed !

Wax on ! Wax Off !

Ahhh, I just had some memories, not really pleasent ones, about the army service. Well, Specific time at the army service when they try to teach you that everyone are equal and that someone has to do the dirty work. I refer to the time you learn to wash dishes!

While I was making dinner few days ago I burned some pot that was on the stove. I have no idea what was there but after an hour of cooking it was all black. After few trials with different cleaning chemicals and other creative solutions I got some steel wool. Ahhh, the memories !

Took me about 35 min of scratching and scrubing and walla ! clean as new ! Who said you learn nothing in the army ?!