As the volume increases of those scary childhood words, “Back to School”, wouldn’t it be nice if the much talked about Core Curriculum included courses to Teach Peace, Parenthood and other important adult life lessons. But we are one step behind since, this school year, attracting quality teachers for our overcrowded schools is stressed to the limit. Our nation is in the midst of a Teacher Shortage due to the layoffs during the 2008 recession. And the equation of High Student Loans and Low Teacher Pay complicates efforts in hiring qualified people for one of the most important jobs of our society. http://tinyurl.com/plqspjy

This humorous video is…“Dedicated to the amazing teachers who take care of our kids all year and don’t make enough money”. Enjoy (last year’s) back to school hip-hop rap by the (oh so) adorable Holderness Family

Emagine if Peace Courses were a requirement for international curricula. Take note, United Nations, on a truly meaningful mission for your next agenda.  Terror attacks like the ones Thailand experienced this week could be obsolete, but sadly, 20 people died and over 100 were injured.  Those who really need a lesson in respect and understanding are the crazies connected to Daesh (they like to be called Islamic State, so I never refer to them by their prefered name). Daesh has taken control of 3/4 of Syria including a famous ancient city housing valuable artifacts and antiquities. The renowned 82 year old archeologist, Khaled al-Asaad, “held the key” to its treasures and for keeping this info from the evil monsters, he was beheaded, mutilated and displayed for other “traitors” to see.http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/aug/18/isis-beheads-archaeologist-syria

How can any human being act so inhumanely?  Who is teaching these evil lessons and why are young westerners joining their forces? This story of 3 young UK girls just confounds me: http://tinyurl.com/DaeshLureGirls.  Yet while a handful of brainwashed souls are headed to Syria, 6.5 million Syrians have been displaced while 3 million are refugees in neighboring countries, many headed to Europe. Will those much needed Lesson of Peace commence in our lifetime or even in this millennium?  On a lighter connected note,

I’m not sure if any of you are watching the new HBO show, The Brink (with Tim Robbins and Jack Black), but it is funny, irreverant and satariclly mirrors the crazy world we live in. http://www.hbo.com/the-brink

This week’s update on the Iran deal includes a partner for Schumer and some inspection news.  Senator Robert Menendez joined the now Pack of Two Democratic Senators to oppose the Iran deal.  The congress is several weeks away from their vote with many legislators still seriously conflicted with their choice.  Again, much thanks to their efforts in trying to make the right decision for this seemingly “lose, lose” situation.  The other news is that supposedly Iran will self-inspect one of their sites though the accuracy of this concern and extent (of self inspection) needs more investigation. Either way, the big question is can we truly trust Iran…?

International bias, anti-semitism, anti-Israel (however it’s labeled), displayed its evil side this week as the organizers of the Spanish Music Festival, Rototom Sunsplash, cancelled (Jewish) Reggae superstar, Matisyahu from its lineup because he wouldn’t sign a political BDS (Boycott, Divestment, Sanction) statement against Israel. The BDS movement, withRoger Waters as its lighting rod, has been successful at persuading (some) artist to boycott Israeli stages, but this is their first attempt at extending their reach to a global stage. Matisyahu was singled out because he is Jewish (he’s not Israeli) as no other artist was asked to sign a statement. Though some musicians of the festival also wanted him off the stage since he “represents” Israel because he is Jewish and supports the country. Their attempt failed as the Spanish Government loudly objected and forced the festival organizers to apologize and re-invite Matisyahu back. No word yet whether he will accept.  By the way, bravo to the many performers who don’t succumb to the BDS pressure, like Kanye West(performing in Tel Aviv this month), Paul McCartney, Billy Joel, Rihanna, Alicia Keys, Madonna, Lady Gaga, Red Hot Chilli Pepers and Tom Jones.  But there are still some who refuse to play and abide by the boycott.  They include Elvis Costello (though his wife Diana Krall did play there), Jon Bon Jovi, Annie Lennox and Stevie Wonder. The BDS movement accuses Israel of being an apartheid state as seen in this Spanish poster below. Many South Africans have come to Israel’s defense to pronounce that she is far from an apartheid state and proclaiming it diminishes the true meaning of apartheid and the struggles that South Africa endured.  As mentioned many times in these messages, Israel is flawed (like all nations) but clearly more democratic than most as her Arab population is represented in all streams of society included her Supreme Court.

Speaking of one of my favorite topics, music, have you ever tried to list the top 100 songwriters of all time? Who do you think is # 1, think Robert Zimmerman.  Where do Paul and John fit?  Who made the top 10 list? Smokey, Stevie, Carole… If this info interests you, here is the complete Rolling Stone list with commentary. I first scrolled to the bottom of the list to view the top 10 and cruised past Taylor Swift at spot 97. Where do your favorite artist rank? Hope you enjoy this comprehensive (though debatable) compilation.

“You are the apple of my eye…” Stevie Wonder

Though Hannan is an avid/amature guitarist, our daughter, Liat, has taken her musical banjo/guitar skills one step further and formed a new band, with friend, Kyle McGonegle, called Lake Toba which they describe as a lyrical old-timey duo. Here are a few of their songs:

Near the year anniversary of the pivotal Ferguson incident that brought Black Lives Matter to the forefront of our bias county, is not the time for the creative and provocative Key and Peeleto end their satirical outlook on our flawed society. Early next month, the Key & Peele show will culminate its 3rd and final season on the Comedy Network.  Here is one of their last skits; a provocative view of our bias society. Beware, it is uncensored: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rg58d8opQKA

As our Jewish New Year of Rosh Hashana approaches, I thought it would be helpful to include this comedical yet inspirational and instructional demonstration of a genuine Balabusta (cousin to Zero Mostel) preparing Matzah Soup for a sweet Italian foodie, Mo Rocca.

On Aug. 26th, we remember son (of Randy and Diane), brother (of Amanda and Sam), grandson and dear friend to many, George A. Orley z”l on the two year anniversary of his passing. May his soul and spirit continue to give us strength in our efforts at improving our world.