Scene Around

October 11, 2013

We’re in the computer age...

I recently read this in a World Jewish Congress Digest (WJC):

“An independent computer lab reports that Israel was the target in the first quarter of 2013 of almost a million network attacks.

In layman’s terms, that means that every third Israeli computer is attacked by malicious malware programs, according to Kaspersky Labs which recently presented the data.

Globally regarded along with the United States as a leader in hi-tech web development, Israel is credited with developing groundbreaking programs on the burgeoning battlefield of cyber warfare, which can destroy infrastructure and stymie government operations.

A recent New Yorker (magazine) article on the subject identified both the U.S. and Israel as ‘the only nations to have deployed’ such programs... specifically the Stuxnet worm (reportedly a U.S.-Israel collaborative effort used against Iran) and Flame (a high-grade espionage tool, said to have been developed by Israel, which it will neither confirm nor deny).”

(None of the information in this article is classified. Not to worry!)

Planning a trip to South Florida?

If you are, there is something you’ve got to experience...an evening with acoustic guitarist/vocalist, PAULINHO GARCIA.

I’ve had the honor and pleasure of performing with Paulinho some years ago in Chicago, and I’ve just learned that he will be gigging in Florida very soon.

“Festival Miami 2013” is happening for the entire month of October and many wonderful entertainers, among them Paulinho, will be delighting audiences.

Paulinho has performances in South Florida set up, the next one being on Thursday, Oct. 17, at the University of Miami, Coral Gables, in the Gusman Concert Hall. The event begins at 7:15 p.m. with a question and answer period; the concert begins at 8 p.m.

Quoting a critic from Chicago (where native-Brasilian Paulinho resides), “Paulinho Garcia’s playing is magical.”

I own one of Paulinho’s fabulous CDs titled “Two For Brazil,” recorded with another terrific musician, GREG FISHMAN, tenor saxophone and flute... and a landsman of ours!

So make plans to go to Miami for “Festival Miami 2013,” enjoy all the wonderful artists, especially Paulinho, and when you do, give him my love!

Dog Day Afternoon...

No. Not the movie! Check out the photo of Westminster Center of Windermere resident, EVELYN TAYLOR, holding one of the sweetest volunteers ever.

DIANE HIRSCH, a dedicated volunteer for the Jewish Pavilion, and her dog, KAHLUA, brighten the lives of all they encounter.

According to staff: “Kahlua can be enjoyed in so many ways. Jewish Pavilion volunteer Diane Hirsch brings her dog, Kahlua, to visit residents at Westminster Center of Windermere.

The residents like Diane very much, but they adore Kahlua.

Volunteering with your pets is an ideal way to connect with seniors in long-term care. Petting an animal can be a source of comfort.”

For more information contact NANCY LUDIN, executive director at nanyludin@jewishpavilion.org.

I promised to repeat it...

The event is almost here... Tuesday, Oct. 15th, to be exact.

A recently formed group calling itself The Zionistas is presenting a most important program.

(The Zionistas is a coalition of Christian and Jewish men and women united for Israel.)

Their speaker will be Dr. JONATHAN MATUSITZ, associate professor in the Nicholson School of Communication at the University of Central Florida.

The location was recently changed to the Women’s Club in Casselberry.

The event is free and all are welcome to attend.

For further information, location, directions and time, phone SANDI SOLOMON at 407-575-9899 or reach her online at sansolomon@hotmail.com.

I recently heard from EMILY NEWMAN...

Emily, a caring gal and super advocate for senior citizens wanted me to tell my readers about the Orlando ‘s Senior Help Desk that is available to anyone.

Who might need the services of such a help desk, you ask?

These are some of the concerns people ask about: A parent who may need 24-hour care; Do assisted living facilities accept pets?; Nursing homes connected to a Jewish community; or assistance while caring for a family member who has dementia. What do all these people have in common?

They called the Help desk at the Jewish Pavilion and spoke with a senior resource specialist who has an extensive background in social work and case management as well as personal experience with her own relatives, she assisted each person in sorting through their situation, began to problem solve their various issues, and made recommendations with follow up to resolve their difficulties.

They say “Aging is not for sissies” and you need a helping hand to navigate life’s changes. (I say that every time I look into a mirror.) Please call Emily Newman at the Jewish Pavilion, 407-678-9363, with any questions, concerns, crises, or need for advice and unburden yourself. The Jewish Pavilion is a nonprofit that caters to our elderly of all faiths in long-term care. Visit http://www.jewishpavilion.org.

One for the road...

An Arab and a Jew go into a bakery. The Arab steals 3 pastries and puts them in his pocket. He says to the Jew, “See how good I am? The owner didn’t see anything!”

The Jew says to the Arab, “I am going to show you there is nobody better than a Jew.” He goes to the owner and says “Give me a pastry and I will show you a magic trick.”

Intrigued, the owner accepts and gives him a pastry.

The Jew swallows it and asks for another one. The owner gives him another one. Then the Jew asks for another one and swallows it just the same.

The owner is starting to wonder where the magic trick is and says “What did you do with the pastry?

The Jew answers, “Look in the Arab’s pocket.”