Large families

There is a very nice article in Haaretz: http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/907695.html

Its about big families and how parents of these families deal with things in mass without worrying the little details and holding items or people under a microscope. The authors contention is that these families create a strong sense of community and group within the children. Small families tend to create individuals.

My friends frequently comment that my children seem to be the best of friends. Part of that may be because they are all boys and there is little long term friction. Yet another part may be because they are part of a large family and they have no choice but to find ways to get along.

I'm happy that my house is full of people, my own kids and others kids who happen to be hanging around. I would not have it any other way.

Food Rationing by Race

Bob Grosso reposted this except from September 18, 1942. It was originally in the blog The Old Foodie. It is labeled: Decree Concerning Food Supply for Jews.

Read the original. We are told that in Nazi Germany, Jews were not considered people. This post reinforces that message. Why waste rationed food on a populace that you are planning on killing.

At this time of year during the 10 days of redemption, we can only pray that such an event never happen again and further that somehow, the Jewish people and the world gained something from those times.

I don't think I could be an atheist, because then I would have to say that bad people can do bad things with no repercussions. Death is the great equalizer, but sometimes, death is too easy a way out. Sure, you don't get to kill other people anymore, but there is no way to bring them back. You "won".

I would prefer to believe in God and the soul. It would be fitting if those who were killed had the chance to come back and try again, while those who did the killing were summarily destroyed!

May we never experience such times again.

Escape Pod

Every half a year or so, I get hooked on portable media. During a family trip, we listened to audio cd's (The Destroyer was one of our favorites). For a while, I was listening to Daf Yomi every day, but I find that I loose interest if I'm not up-to-date.

Now, I'm listening to Science Fiction stories. I've discovered Escape Pod. Its a well presented audio podcast of science fiction (and some fantasy) stories. For better or worse, I like it best when I'm driving. My commute is about 40 minutes, which is perfect for this podcast.

The Escape Pod team has decided to focus ONLY on sci-fi. They are spinning off a podcast called "Pod Castle" for the fantasy stuff. I'll probably subscribe to that one also.

It is soooo much easier to stay up-to-date on fiction when you get weekly updates and reminders. I'm a big fan of space opera and was excited to hear about a lot of new stuff coming out of the UK. Its good to know that sci-fi is still alive and kicking!