I don't even know what to say, Shir. I'm saddened, and feel like I'm watching my own country go to hell in a handbasket, and you must be feeling the same way.

ION, I dreamed of Koogie last night (the cat I had for nearly 20 years, who died what passes for peacefully in his sleep curled up next to me). I'm sitting on the couch, and all of a sudden, my skinny grey lich-cat was curled up in my arms purring. What's odd is that I knew it was a visit and not a re-creation of a time when he was alive. Then he crawled up onto his favorite perch, draped over my shoulder, and gave the long, contented sigh that said he was settling in for a while.

It was very nice.

We scoop and flush the natural litters- we used to use Swheat Scoop (wheat) but we haven't found it here yet. We are currently using a pine litter. I don't mind scooping.

What's odd is that I knew it was a visit and not a re-creation of a time when he was alive.

I like that dream.

Connie, that's a wonderful dream.

Paging Jilli, I found a bag of the body-art quality henna and indigo from hennaforhair.com that I bought last year (I think), and then chickened out of using. If you want it, it's yours.

Today's summery, in uni:

Much discussion about what's going on, mostly because it's so hard to say who's right or wrong. Clearly the siege on Gaza is wrong, but once it's on, it cannot be broken in that way. It should be an internal decision, or it won't work.

Both sides were incredibly stupid. If the ships would have pass their cargo to Israel to be checked in its harbors, everything would have been OK (and yes, Israel would have passed it. It's doing so with every good that's coming to Gaza). And I understand Israel's seeing this as trying to attack its borders, and the fear that once it'll allow one flotilla to pass, more will come, now bearing weapons. And whoever thought that IDF won't take over the ship when it'll be approaching Israel's water is very, very naive. But the reaction? Dear God. The imagery I had in my head the entire day was senile seniors who don't understand why the medical crew wants to stick needles and IV into them and fight with them.

I still want to see the complete footage, to know who started the violence on the ship (basically, Israel, doing that act outside of its territorial water (another reason why we were so stupid) - though it wouldn't have happen if the ships would have passed the cargo via Ashdod harbor in the first place; but I want to see if the ship's men actually attacked our soldiers first, as it being reported here, and can it be considered as self defense. Because I want to know just how bad things are. I'm a masochist like that).

I saw my classmates looks of fear and desperation when some guys called the "just checking you're not abroad or anything, in case of" call from the IDF. Even the right-wingers. I saw some great guys (even though they're not as left as me) looking at the screen of his computer on the videos of a soldier being beat down by the ship's men, shocked and fearing for themselves. A few conversations with my fellow men students ended with "you can talk all you want, it's me who will be sent into the Strip with a perforated APC".

So, everyone agrees that the situation is shitty, nobody has a clue what to do, nobody wants to die, some facts under debate (how bad things at Gaza are), and we've learn that Cato is, as always, relevant: [link]

“Be assured, then, that when you decide on the fate of Lentulus and the other prisoners, you at the same time determine that of the army of Catiline, and of all the conspirators. The more spirit you display in your decision, the more will their confidence be diminished; but if they shall perceive you in the smallest degree irresolute, they will advance upon you with fury. Do not suppose that our ancestors, from so small a commencement, raised the republic to greatness merely by force of arms. If such had been the case, we should enjoy it in a most excellent condition; for of allies and citizens, as well as arms and horses, we have a much greater abundance than they had. But there were other things which made them great, but which among us have no existence; such as industry at home, equitable government abroad, and minds impartial in council, uninfluenced by any immoral or improper feeling. Instead of such virtues, we have luxury and avarice, public distress, and private superfluity; we extol wealth, and yield to indolence; no distinction is made between good men and bad; and ambition usurps the honors due to virtue. Nor is this wonderful; since you study each his individual interest, and since at home you are slaves to pleasure, and here to money or favor; and hence it happens that an attack is made on the defenseless state.

“But on these subjects I shall say no more. Certain citizens, of the highest rank, have conspired to ruin their country; they are engaging the Gauls, the bitterest foes of the Roman name, to join in a war against us; the leader of the enemy is ready to make a descent upon us; and do you hesitate, even in such circumstances how to treat armed incendiaries arrested within your walls? I advise you to have mercy upon them; they (continued...)

( continues...)

are young men who have been led astray by ambition; send them away, even with arms in their hands. But such mercy, and such clemency, if they turn those arms against you, will end in misery to yourselves. The case is, assuredly, dangerous, but you do not fear it; yes, you fear it greatly, but you hesitate how to act, through weakness and want of spirit, waiting one for another, and trusting to the immortal gods, who have so often preserved your country in the greatest dangers. But the protection of the gods is not obtained by vows and effeminate supplications; it is by vigilance, activity, and prudent measures, that general welfare is secured. When you are once resigned to sloth and indolence, it is in vain that you implore the gods; for they are then indignant and threaten vengeance.

In the days of our forefathers, Titus Manlius Torquatus, during a war with the Gauls, ordered his own son to be put to death, because he had fought with an enemy contrary to orders. That noble youth suffered for excess of bravery; and do you hesitate what sentence to pass on the most inhuman of traitors? Perhaps their former life is at variance with their present crime. Spare, then, the dignity of Lentulus, if he has ever spared his own honor or character, or had any regard for gods or for men. Pardon the youth of Cethegus, unless this be the second time that he has made war upon his country. As to Gabinius, Statilius, Coeparius, why should I make any remark upon them? Had they ever possessed the smallest share of discretion, they would never have engaged in such a plot against their country".

Typo, again, I hope you friends are OK.

I also found out today just how much I'm still in denial that Bibi is the PM: I kept saying that "Olmert needs to be back with a clear statement", etc.. Yay. That really helped to convince my talk mates.

Still have not heard. According to free Gaza movement, cement, water filters and stuff not sanctioned is NOT passed into Gaza. If the ship was just carrying food and medicine it could have been passed on, but not these goods which are not allowed. (Cement might be allowed if you can tell exactly what building it will be used in. But this is intended to repair the sewage and water supply which is too general.) So can you explain when the policy changed where stuff Israel had announced was not allowed is now allowed in?

So can you explain when the policy changed where stuff Israel had announced was not allowed is now allowed in?

It never changed, as much as I know.

OK - so the stuff coming by flotilla had no other way to get in.