Too Much 80s Music

80s music made a huge comeback in Israel a few years ago. Unfortunately this trend refuses to leave us. It seems to haunt me in every cafe I’m sitting it.

There was some good music in that decade. I like U2’s first albums, The Police, Dire Straights, and the Pixies among other (few) acts. But those rock bands, despite their popularity, weren’t the sound of those times. The discovery of synthesizers caught the attraction of musicians, the media and the public.

Electronic music has evolved since then. The sound became better, the use became wiser and the songs less idiotic. But back then, songs like these were big hits:

Just heard it while surfing the web on my laptop using wireless technology in 2010. Stupid words and bad sound. The cold singing styles continues as I type…

Here’s something that’s more to my liking. Neil Young and Dave Matthews collaborate in a show for Haiti. It’s a combination of hi-tech recording equipment with low-tech acoustic guitars and excellent performers.

I hope that more songs like these will be heard in the cafes in Tel Aviv…

Tel Aviv Brochure Post #4937

Yet again, I’m flaunting my city and especially my neighborhood.

Tel Aviv has “Houses from within” weekend every year. This time, I went into the house across my home. The big house, from the 20s is being renovated for a few years, and will be in the works for a few more.

This house, and the one next door, will turn into a min-hotel and an apartment complex. There will be a bar and a swimming pool on the roof for the rich kids. I live in a standard apartment building that was built in the 90s.

So, I usually hear the noise and see the dust. This “Houses from Within” weekend gave me the opportunity to get inside, and look at my hood from above.

Here are more pictures, including an underground tour under Dizengoff center and a tour about sustainability with MK Nitzan Horwitz in the center of town.

Free Lunch 2.0

After complaining on Twitter that a meal of noodles wasn’t tasty, the restaurant contacted me and sent me again the dish I ordered. 

I’ve mentioned before that I began using Twitter (@yohay), and I use it more frequently now. Due to the growing popularity of the #fiddme tag (thanks @yosit), I occasionally post my experiences from various meals that I eat.

Last Wednesday, a colleague of mine and I ordered some Asian food to the office, from a restaurant called Giraffe. We ordered their “Spicy dish” of noodles with meat and vegetables. We both felt that it wasn’t spicy, nor hot, nor warm. It didn’t have too much of a taste. I usually order other dishes from this restaurant, and I’ve always been pleased. I guess it’s a matter of taste.

I complained on Twitter, saying that it was a disappointment. On Sunday, I suddenly got an email from a guy from the restaurant, saying that he saw my complaint, and that they’re taking it seriously.

This guy monitors the Twitter account of the restaurant, and he reached my mailbox via the contact form in my blog. My blog is linked in my Twitter account. Web 2.0 magic!

After a few emails, he asked for my phone number, saying that the restaurant’s manager wanted to speak to me. I told the whole story to the manager. He just asked if I’ll be in the office in the next 40 minutes, saying he’ll send the dish again.

After 30 minutes, the dish arrived at the office. They also sent a dessert. My colleagues helped me with eating up all the food. Thanks Gil and @taltalush This time it tasted really good!

I ran lots of tweets when the story unfolded. @lisang urged me to write a blog post about this story in English, so that Israeli Anglos that are used to appalling service, will see an example of good service. Not only good service, but also sophisticated means of communication!

Here’s the dessert, courtesy of Taltal:

God Bless America!

Obama made it! I’ve followed the elections throughout the night (here in Israel), and I’m so happy. This is one of the most exciting moments.

Change

He did it with great style: At the time of the writing, he’s leading 349-159 in electors, and 5% in popular votes. Some results are still missing, but there’s no doubt that his victory is huge. A true landslide victory.

I had a few doubts regarding the polls, especially when I’ve seen somewhere the following question: Do you know someone that race influences his decision? A third of the people said Yes. Of course, no one admitted that he’s influenced, but a third of the people “know somebody” like that.

Well, at the end, it didn’t happen. The victory is huge, and the change that will happen in America, and around the world will be very tremendous.

What I expect to see

First, changing the state of mind regarding the economy is major. Even if he fails to provide health care for all Americans, putting this issue high on the agenda will help many Americans.

Another economic change is in tax policy: stating “spread the wealth” doesn’t really comply with the American way (McCain attacked him on this), and getting support for these socialist (god forbid) ideas in the US, will have a huge impact all over the world.

Regarding Iraq, I don’t have great expectations: the direction is outwards anyway. He won’t do it instantly, but it will happen soon.

And the biggest change is of course the color. Everyone talks about it. Obama declared that “Anything is possible“. A black man in conservative America’s White House is truly inspiring for everyone seeking for a positive change around the world.

In the meantime in the middle east

And what impact will it have on Israel? Well, we’re holding elections in three months, and there’s nothing to wait for. Our politicians are bad, boring, and cannot provide or even imagine any positive change. Maybe Obama’s victory will impact the next general elections.

But, in the municipal scene in my beloved Tel Aviv, Obama’s victory can give a push to Dov Khenin, my candidate for mayor. His red-green ideas, his dare to imagine while adopting practical ideas from to make these dreams real and his passionate campaign are somewhat similar to Obama’s way. I hope that Obama’s victory will give a push to our campaign in Tel Aviv, ending on November 11th.

I’m celebrating!