NERC

NERC BLOG on Vacation!!!!!!!!

2008-11-26T12:08:00.000-08:00

Dear Fans,
Thanx for all your support. Unfortunately, the blog has had to go on an Hiatus for the time being.

Sincerely,
DMI

Big Blue Bug, R.I. pest removal icon, will take on a glow

2008-11-24T11:17:00.000-08:00

12:50 PM Mon, Nov 24, 2008
Mike McKinney

The Big Blue Bug will be more like the Big Blue Firefly this evening. But the seasonal significance will be very much about the winter holidays, not the hot summer nights.

The 16th annual holiday lighting of that only-in-Rhode Island symbol of pest control is slated for 5 p.m.

Some 5,200 energy-saving LED holiday lights, donated by Benny's, will adorn the visible-from-the-highway bug known as Nibbles.

Teny Gross, executive director of the Institute for the Study and Practice of Nonviolence, and a group of neighborhood children will do the ceremonial lighting honors, according to a news release.

Providence Fire Chief George Farrell, Gross and the Providence Streetworkers will visit 25 Providence homes to deliver gifts and "fire safety common sense."

At each stop, they will donate:
* The 1st Edition Nibbles Woodaway Holiday Ornament.
* A universal twin-pack of smoke detectors - donated by Benny's.
* A gift certificate to Stop & Shop.
* A "plush toy."

The lighting ceremony is slated to happen atop the New England Pest Control building roof, 161 O'Connell St., Providence.

-- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney

SYMS Bash

2008-11-23T14:47:00.000-08:00

'This is the season', as they say. And it definitely is at SYMS. B"H many Bochurim have found success at the latest Thanksgiving Bash. It's still going on and you can combine SYMS coupons with the Bash prices.
-------------
-------------bochurim shopping

Homer & DMI bundling up for another New England winter, brrrr

Motzei Shabbos @ the movies - w/ Rabbi Reisman

2008-11-23T14:38:00.000-08:00

Refusing to disappoint the Bochurim @ NERC and the other tens of thousands of people watching worldwide, Rabbi Reisman delivered another electrifying shiur last night.
Rabbi Reisman contacted all major jewish networks to be on hand for last night's shmuz because he touched upon some very sensitive and timely issues that were begging to be addressed. It is well worth one's time to get a hold of and listen to this shmuz.

MT to the Schloss's

2008-11-23T14:32:00.000-08:00

Once again, another MT to Mr. & (future) Mrs. Reuven Schloss, this time on signing an agreement with a landlord for an apartment here in Providence. YAY!

The Shmuz - special '07 Chanuka edition by Rabbi Wallerstein

2008-11-23T06:17:00.000-08:00

TheShmuz.com by Rabbi B. Shafier has become one of the integral part in growing as a person - @ NERC. B"H, Providence even had the z'chus to host Rabbi Shafier this past Elul z'man for a Shabbaton. Usaully the Shmuz is always delivered (weekly) by Rabbi Shafier himself. However, last Chanuka Rabbi Shafier invited the well known speaker, Rabbi Zecharia Wallerstein, to share some words of chizuk. Hope you enjoy!

Final Eruv Update!!!

2008-11-21T09:10:00.001-08:00

The eruv is NOT kosher.

Good Shabbos

Vort on Parshas Chayei Sarah by... Anonymous!

2008-11-20T23:01:00.000-08:00

In this week's פרשה, Eliezer, the servant of אברהם went to find a wife for יצחק. After he got there and met up with Rivka, Lavan, Rivka's older brother went out to greet him. The Possuk says (פרק כ"ד פסוק כ"ט) that וירץ לבן לקראתו - Lavan ran to greet him. However, in the next Passuk, it uses a much more relaxed לשון, the wording of ויבא אל האיש - and he came to the man, at a much more leisurely pace. Why the difference in wording?

The משך חכמה explains this with a גמ' in ב"ב on ט"ז:. The גמרא says on the פסוק of וה' ברך את אברהם בכל - that בת היתה לו ו"בכל" שמו - Avrahom had a daughter named בכל. Lavan presumed that he would marry בכל, and, when אליעזר showed up, לבן presumed that he was here with his wife - בכל, Avrahom's daughter. Therefore, he ran to greet אליעזר. Once, as the next פסוק relates, he heard רבקה explaining to her mother אליעזר's true cause, he slowed down.

NERC Davening Schedule for Shabbos Parshas Chayei Sarah

2008-11-20T22:33:00.000-08:00

פרשת חיי שרה

מנחה 3:55

שקיעה 4:20

סדר

מעריב 5:10

שחרית 8:15

סזק"ש מג"א 8:24

סזק"ש גר"א 9:07

סעודה

מנחה 3:47

שקיעה 4:19

מעריב 5:19

צאת 5:32

סדר מוצש"ק 7:15-8:45

Kaps for Prez!

2008-11-20T22:28:00.001-08:00

Tonight's short video interview with Presidential candidate Hillel S. Kapnick offers us a rare glimpse behind campaign his doors.

Mishmar @ NERC

2008-11-20T21:52:00.001-08:00

B"H, Thursday night Mishmar continues to strive @ NERC. Attendance has always been strong for this event but this year it rivals all others. This in-part is due to the pure dedication of many bochurim who see to it that everything works out the way it's supposed to. For example, Yechiel Arienoff, is the cholent man. From his 1st week in NERCthis year he took over the reigns of making the Mishmar cholent and has not let anybody down. His dedication to his peers is astounding. As well as to, A.L. (lenny) Englander, who week in and week out does his best to pick up the Mishmar snacks. And of course to Rabbi Lapin who gives the coolest shiur during that time.

Pizza night in Providence by Darren Boujle @ PHDS

2008-11-20T21:42:00.000-08:00

Tonight was the long awaited Pizza night @ the PHDS by Divine Providence Caterers. According to a few guys who were interviewed about the Pizza said it was totally awesome & scrumptious!

Thursday night with the spiritual guru of NERC - Rabbi Lapin

2008-11-20T21:36:00.000-08:00

Thursday nights are always a special event @ NERC, & it's not just because of the mishmar snacks and cholent at 12:00, rather at 11:00 Rabbi Lapin strides into Yeshiva armed with a freshly baked (literally right out of the oven) cake by his Rebbetzin. Everyone that attends this optional shiur gets to partake in the delicious cake. This year the thursday night shiur is learning the sefer "Shabbos Malkasa".

Eruv Update!!

2008-11-20T17:05:00.000-08:00

The eruv will not likely be kosher this week, and may actually take a few weeks to become usable

Marc Diamond

Socks of the year (so far)!

2008-11-20T13:04:00.001-08:00

They make air-bag's for a reason

2008-11-19T21:33:00.000-08:00

Siyum by Rabbi Schwartz

2008-11-19T20:32:00.000-08:00

Mazel Tov to Rabbi Dovid Schwartz on being mesayeim Meseches Chagiga tonight. Rabbi Schwartz made the siyum lez'chus the 1st yahrtzeit of his Grandmother, Gittel bas Dovid. Rabbi Schwartz asks that if everyone could learn even just 5-10 minutes, tonight & tomorrow, it would be a great z'chus for his grandmother's neshama.

------------

Getting into the spiritof Chanukah - Captain Smartypants sings Dreidel

2008-11-19T18:47:00.000-08:00

(credit to Chico & Mrs. Chico's Bubby!)

The Sun might be going down earlier these days, but for the bochurim in the B.M. there's nothing to worry about :)

2008-11-19T13:09:00.000-08:00

A furniture outing w/ Robert! (trip of the year, so far)

2008-11-18T16:26:00.000-08:00

Last night a few bochurim went furniture shopping with the Chosson (and dorm counselor) Reuven Schloss. The following are a selection of pictures from their outing.

-----------------Judy & Nozzi taking a rest @ Cardi's---------------

judy w/ his horse------------------------judy w/o his horse

Robert's chasuna hall---------------judy getting his hair done (b4 the big day)

Eating free Hagen daz & chillin' @ BOB's b4 the woman said 'no tv for Rabbi's' and shut it off

DMI & Nozzi playing golf in the gaming room------free candy on the house

shhhh.... the fish--------------------------um.... next!

can we have a parental supervidion in aisle 3, please!

Breaking News: Bochurim's laptop's being audited!!!

2008-11-18T13:19:00.001-08:00

Yeshiva spyware expert, Rabbi Beresh Edelman, delves into the deeper meaning behind the computer's of bochurim @ NERC.

(pic credit to Kaps)

MSL pics - week 2

2008-11-17T22:36:00.001-08:00

(picture credits to Yisrael Yavner)

Dov Shurin video - We Will Not Be Uprooted!!!

2008-11-17T22:23:00.000-08:00

1st a soda war (in yeshiva), now a MILK war, oy vey!

2008-11-17T21:57:00.001-08:00

20% @ Mostly Music (just click here - and type in coupon code PreChanukaBash08)

2008-11-17T12:26:00.001-08:00

Soda War!

2008-11-16T18:40:00.000-08:00

11/16/08 has become a monumental day in NERC history. It has been a day where the Bochurim have finally put their feet down and said 'NO' we can do better. Amidst some financial difficulties the Bochurim have silently accepted their fate to drink PriceRite soda instead of the Regular brand names so they could save thier Yeshiva some very needed funds. But the eagle-watchers spotted a deal @ Shaws Supermarket today that would allow the Yeshiva to purchase Coke products at a similar price to the PriceRite soda's. Without wasting time groups were organized in shifts to go back and forth to Shaws and load up as many as possible before filling up the maximum quota per person. A major yasher koach to all those who were involved (especially Lenny) and they should only have continued success in the future.
(pic kudos to Kaps)

Cumby's Coffee

2008-11-16T13:17:00.001-08:00

Today I went to Cumberland Farms located on Rochambeau and Hope, otherwise known as "Cumby's". There has been a lot of talk in town on whether or not their flavored coffee's have a Hechsher. So I did the simple thing and 'asked' them if I could see the Coffee that they use for all the different flavors. The woman was very nice and brought out all the boxes and showed me on each individual package an OU. The company that makes the coffee is 'Superior Coffee'. As for the cappuccino's, Hot Chocolate, etc.. I can not comment on them and wouldn't recommend them unless one spoke to a Rav or Mashgiach first. I also cannot testify that they use the same coffee in all Cumby's (though likely), and therefore it should be investigated at each location. Nostrovia!

Interesting video of the המנגנים orchestra recording 'Levado' on thier new CD labeled "Hu Levado"

2008-11-16T10:03:00.000-08:00

Motzei Shabbos w/ Rabbi Reisman

2008-11-15T21:56:00.000-08:00

B"H the city of Providence has the great privilege of watching Rabbi Reisman live every week on a wide HD screen @ the PHDS. And no-one knows to take advantage of a great deal more than the Bochurim at NERC. The following three pictures are from tonight's shiur:
#1 - Rabbi Reisman demonstrated with a globe the shortest route to get from NY to Eretz Yisrael and proves that the fakakta way that is depicted on the screen of airlines is truly the fastest way.
#2 - Rabbi Reisman cut open numerous different Esrogim to show the difference between them and then 'threw' them into the crowd so everyone could see.
#3 - A partial view of the crowd.

Weekly Vort!

2008-11-13T21:36:00.000-08:00

[This is a new addition to the NERC blog. Every week we will IY"H be posting a short vort on the parsha from an anonymous choshuv Bochur]

By the עקידה the פסוק says the following: קח נא את בנך את יחידך אשר אהבת את יצחק ולך לך אל ארץ המוריה והעלהו שם לעולה...(בראשית כ"ב-ב)ש - Take please your son, your only, that you love, Yitzchok, and take him to the land of Moriah, and bring him up as an olah. Why did 'ד use four לשונות to describe יצחק? Rashi explains that Hashem, fearing that asking Avrohom to do such a hard thing would drive him insane, broke it to him slowly. Alternatively he explains that this was done to give him extra שכר and to make the מצוה more precious to him.
An interestng alternative explanation is given by the חידושי הרי"מ (located in the אור גדליהו on פרשת לך-לך). Every statement of הקב"ה creates a מציאות. When ה' said את בנך, Avrohom felt within him the utmost feelings possible that a father can have for his son. When he said יחידך, it engendered feelings only possible for one to have for an only child. אשת אהבת, created a bond of the deepest love that can exist, and את יצחק channeled all these feelings into the relation between אברהם and יצחק. Then, and only then, did 'ה tell him to bring יצחק as a קרבן, because, only after such a strong and powerful bond was created, the depths of love between a father and son were now felt, only now was it possible for אברהם to give to 'ד in the greatest possible way, by bringing his son up as an עולה.

NERC Davening Schedule for Shabbos Parshas V'Yeira

2008-11-13T21:28:00.001-08:00

Mincha erev Shabbos - 4:00
Shkia - 4:25
seder
Ma'ariv - 5:15
Shachris- 8:15
Shochein Ad - 8:40
Sof z'man krias shma (M.A.) - 8:19
Sof z'man krias shma (GRA) - 9:02
seuda
Mincha - 3:52
Shkia - 4:24
Ma'ariv - 5:24
Tzeis - 5:37
Seder Motzai Shabbos - 7:15-8:45

Mattisyahu Kenneth Cole commercial

2008-11-13T12:39:00.000-08:00

Another Pruz Video

2008-11-13T12:36:00.000-08:00

This emotional music video is from a song on the last Michoel Pruzansky Cd "Pruz". It is track 3 and it's about a man who saved another man twice, 1st by the Sabbaro's bombing and 2nd on 9/11.

Feldheim Seforim Sale! (just click on this heading)

2008-11-13T12:01:00.000-08:00

30% off sale on all Feldheim books & seforim.
3 days only.
Chap'arein!

The eruv will NOT be kosher this week

2008-11-13T09:02:00.000-08:00

As part of the transition of the eruv to the hashgocho of Rabbi Heinemann of Baltimore, Rabbi Heinemann spent many hours inspecting our eruv. He pointed out a number of halachic issues that we need to correct in order for the eruv to be acceptable. We are in the process of working on this, but it will take some time. As a result, the eruv will not be usable at least this coming shabbat and possibly longer.

Marc Diamond

Rabbi Yechezkel Yudkowsky
(Kudos to R' Mosh Golden)

How the credit crunch is affecting the Jewish Community

2008-11-13T08:59:00.000-08:00

This past week our gabbai (mt to him) approached a guest in the Yeshiva and said, 'We want to give you an 'Aliyah' , what is your name?'

So the man answered, 'Esther ben Moshe.'

The Gabbai said, 'No, I need your name.'

'It's Esther ben Moshe,' the man said again .

'How can that be your name?'

The man answered, 'I've been having financial problems, so everything is now in my wife's name.
(credit to Mom)

Meis Mitzva

2008-11-12T15:10:00.000-08:00

Today some of the Bochurim had the privilege of performing one of the greatest |Mitzvos 'Meis Mitzva' as most of the elerly man's relatives were Kohanim.

Rabbi Heinemann comes to Providence

2008-11-11T14:40:00.001-08:00

Today the city of Providence had the great z'chus of hosting Rabbi Heinemann from Baltimore. Rabbi Heinemann was in-town to assess the eruv situation and speak with the eruv committee. (Picture from left to right is: Mr. Barros, Rabbi Heinemann, R' Pinny Berlin, Rabbi Shmuel Tailtlebaum, Rabbi Naftali Karp)

Uh Oh! Important Kashrus update!

2008-11-11T14:37:00.000-08:00

Chicago Rabbinical Council

2701 West Howard Street

Chicago, IL 60645

(773) 465-3900 Fax: (773) 465-6632

Rabbi Sholem Y. Fishbane Rabbi Dovid Cohen

Kashruth Administrator Administrative Rabbinic Coordinator

fishbane@crcweb.org dcohen@crcweb.org

Anheuser-Busch Beer Products

Mott's, a division of Dr Pepper/Snapple Group, sells a beverage called Clamato which contains clam powder, and Anheuser-Busch recently introduced a beverage called Chelada which is a mixture of Budweiser beer and Clamato. In recent months, Kashrus Magazine wrote that since Chelada is tunnel pasteurized on the same equipment as other beer products, the public should avoid all Budweiser products until the process is "inspected by a competent kashrus expert". [While investigating the issue of Chelada, we also became aware of a related issue stemming from another Anheuser-Busch product called "Bud Light Lime"].

The cRc, which certifies many items produced in the same plant as the Clamato, investigated this concern via visiting the plants where Clamato and Chelada are produced, reviewing formulas, extensive discussions with the companies, and independent research. The following are our conclusions:

§ Anheuser-Busch beers sold in bottles are free and clear of any concerns.

§ Dr Pepper has already made changes to the production of the Clamato used in Chelada, without changing its basic recipe, so that Anheuser-Busch beers sold in cans will also be acceptable.

§ The kosher status of Anheuser-Busch beers are not affected by the Bud Light Lime beverage bottled on shared equipment.

The rationale for these conclusions are beyond the scope of this statement, and will be presented to kashrus professionals at their AKO Conference to be held on November 13, 2008. A more detailed version of this statement, is posted on the cRc website, for more info please see:http://www.crcweb.org/kosher/consumer/Anheuser-Busch%20Report%20(Nov%202008).pdf

www.crcweb.org.

Do not reply to this alert address. Please send all responses to info@crcweb.org

(Thanx to Mrs. Moskowitz for the heads up)

Bikur Cholim

2008-11-10T21:26:00.000-08:00

As an illustration to the great deeds that NERC guys do - this is a Picture of the Chosson, Reuven 'Robert' Shloss, performing the mitzva of bikur cholim @ Miriam Hospital in Providence (11/11/08).

Can u guess? (extra credit if u guess who's it is:)

2008-11-10T14:31:00.000-08:00

special thanx to Mrs. Chico for the poll

How much do u think this chair was bought for? ( surveys)

The Trap & Catch

2008-11-08T18:43:00.001-08:00

The following are pictures of the rat-coon traps being prepared and then the CATCH!

Pics from Motzai Shabbos Live - 1st week of 2008-'09

2008-11-08T18:32:00.000-08:00

Awesome Chaveirim video!

2008-11-08T18:20:00.000-08:00

Daring rescue of a Mother Opussum by undercover NERC agents!

2008-11-06T18:57:00.000-08:00

This is a highly classified video that was released by NERC security agents this evening. The video contains the dramatic rescue of a Mother Opossum. The pictures are of its child before it was rescued only an hour earlier (unfortunately video cannot be released of that rescue).

Happy Birthday to Zuber-man!!

2008-11-06T13:56:00.000-08:00

The NERC blog would like to wish a very special happy "17th" birthday to the youngest bochur in NERC, Yossi Zuber-'man'. Yossi stems from the heart of Boston and is a devout Bostoner Chassid.

Kaps is back!

2008-11-06T12:35:00.000-08:00

Well this time it's not just the shoes, NERC's stylist is at it again & he's in full armor. Post what you think, and oh.. did you notice the socks?!

Time to save a life? (Then read and e-mail or call)

2008-11-06T12:33:00.000-08:00

A Washington D.C. hospital is seeking a court order that would allow the hospital to disconnect a 12-year-old Brooklyn boy from a ventilator and end the medications that keep his heart beating.

The Children’s National Medical Center says the boy is brain dead. However, the boy’s parents are Orthodox Jews, and their attorney says the concept of brain death is not recognized by Jewish law. Attorney Jeffrey Zuckerman says the family’s beliefs should be respected.

The boy, Motl Brody, was diagnosed with severe brain cancer and has been at the hospital for six months. Doctors pronounced him dead Tuesday after tests found no brain activity.

In documents filed at D.C. Superior Court, the hospital says its “scarce resources are being used for the preservation of a deceased body.”

UPDATE: Askanim (community activists) working on the case have reached out to YWN and requested that people contact the hospital and demand that they respect the families wishes.

Children’s National Medical Center:
Main Hospital Address:
111 Michigan Ave., N.W
Washington, D.C 20010

tbear@cnmc.org or mshaw@cnmc.org (Subject: DON’T TAKE MOTL BRODY OFF LIFE SUPPORT!)

Volunteer Services: 202-476-2062
Public Relations: 202-476-4500
General Information: 202-476-3000
Advocacy and Community Affairs: 202-476-4930

http://www.childrensnational.org/ContactUs/default.aspx

Help a fellow New Englander

2008-11-06T05:59:00.000-08:00

Leah Larson is founder and editor of yaldah magazine. As leah would love to expand her amazing work, the financial costs are great. However, with our help leah can win 100,000 to help her reach her goal. All you need to do is take a minute of your time and go to www.wellsfargo.com/somedaystories and vote for "evelyn from MA" (its under her moms name). Thanks so much and pass it on!

Wild goose chase (just it wasn't a goose)

2008-11-05T19:59:00.000-08:00

After a 40 minute chase with a spider on the loose, Nossi "Nozzi" Gerstman finally scaled the Yeshiva ladder to catch the spider and brought some calm back at NERC Blog Headquarters.

Round 2

2008-11-05T12:20:00.000-08:00

Steven edges DMI in the 2nd round of the NERC Tennis tournament in a 6-6 game overtime shootout.

hummmm... ZEMIROS (by DMI)!

2008-11-04T17:34:00.000-08:00

I'm in the middle of recording Shabbos Zemiros for some people and I figured once I'm uploading it for them I might as well share it with anyone else who might benefit from it. So far I've only uploaded Shabbos night (which the link is to), if anyone else has requests for any other recordings I'd be more than happy to share them. This is the link to download the night Zemiros:
http://drop.io/dminightzmiros

Lonely bochurim!

2008-11-04T17:29:00.000-08:00

(Update) There are now only two bochurim reportedly looking for a meal Friday night (the third was successful in securing a meal). If you can help these fine young men out they would greatly appreciate it.

DMI beats opponent in overtime!

2008-11-04T12:05:00.000-08:00

In a tennis match unparalleled to others (this year) DMI made a mad comeback to wipe out
another Bochur
-7 games to 5- in the NERC tennis tournament.

Vote, Drink, Eat.. all for FREE!!!

2008-11-04T06:02:00.001-08:00

Yeshiva guys will be glad to learn that if you get out and vote today you can hop over to Starbucks and receive your Tall FREE coffee (however you like it)!
And for everyone else.. Ben & Jerry's will be giving out a free scoop of Ice Cream to voters! (credit to Mrs. Moskowitz)

Exclusive Interview with Manny

2008-11-03T14:56:00.000-08:00

Earlier today we got a chance to sit down with one of NERC's favorites, Manny (Murray) Goldstein. Manny offered us a glimpse of his colorful life in the time that was allotted to our interview.
NERC: Manny, tell us a little about your background, for example which school(s') did you attend for High School?
Manny: Well after attending Torah Institute in Baltimore for elementary and middle school my Rabbeim recommended that I go to a small place in Lakewood. So I started off 9th grade in Lakewood but I left half-way into the year right before the school closed down due to a lack of students. So for the second half of 9th grade I attended Yeshivas Chofetz Chaim in Baltimore. Then for 10th grade I was shipped off to Norfolk. I then stayed on in Norfolk through 12th grade. Undoubtedly these were the best years in my life before coming to NERC. I still have a very close Kesher with Norfolk and I visit there often, they're like family to me. I've also eaten with Shreshevsky before, I'm sure you've heard of the whole scandal with him & WexTrust?!
NERC: Yes, unfortuanitly we have. It's a very sad story.

NERC: How would you describe yourself?
Manny: For starters, I just want to say I'm not wishy-washy (chuckle). I'm saying that because I went collecting with another Bochur last year in Cleveland and a woman called him 'wishy-washy' and it caused him a lot of distress. However, I am often refereed to as 'Goofy', I think that stemmed from an incident in 10th grade when i shoved a teacher through a stain glass window and my Principal called me a 'Goof-off'.

NERC: Who are your Chavrusa's this year?
Manny: For first seder I'm learning with the Rosh Yeshiva and second seder I'm learning with Rabbi Lapin (and Tuna-beigel). Then for supper (on Sunday, Monday & Wednesday) I have the special z'chus of learning with Rafi Felder. I recently instituted a point system with Rafi. Every 50 points he receives he gets another prize. Tonight he will be receiving his first prize, a soda from Cumby's, but we're still looking for transportation as i did not grow up in the frigid temperatures of Russia. After Rafi receives the next 50 points he has opted for a large peanut butter Twix bar. And for Night Seder I am learning with NERC's masmid, Yossi Szcochet.

NERC: We wish Rafi all the best and definitely hope he gets that Twix bar. Now tell us Manny, what inspires you.
Manny: I'm an avid reader of 'Rabbi Freifeld speaks' and it provides me with endless inspiration, I really recommend to every jew who wants to grow in life.

NERC: Would you be intrested in pairing up with other Bochurim and visiting the elderly in Providence?
Manny: Most people that are put into Nursing Homes are put there against their will and are most often neglected and lonely. Anything that can ease the loneliness of the elderly I would love to partake in. Also I feel this could in some way combat the evil culture that plagues our society. I hope you guys feel as passionate as me on this topic?
NERC: Well we can definitely say that you 'are' quite passionate and we do share some of your feelings on this issue.

NERC: Tell us some of your Favorite's?
Manny: As most Yeshiva Bochurim I'm a big fan of Coffee.
NERC: What kind of Coffee?
Manny: Specifically Iced coffee and Iced Lattes My Favorite Author is Eli Yishai, who happens to be the Author of my favorite book 'Bankers Trust'.
My favorite singer is Yaakov Shwekey.
And my favorite composer is Yossi Green.
I have two favorite songs; one is song by MBD and composed by Abie Rotenberg, which is called 'Memories'. The other is 'Anavim', which is song by MBD and Yossi Green, and composed by Yossi. My favorite cake is not from Zishe's.
My favorite pair of glasses is from ZenniOptical.com
My favorite magazine is the Shadchan-Magazine.
My favorite Friend to assist is Yoel 'Homer' Simpson, especially when it has to do with his classmate Angila. I can't really think of anything else off the top of my head.
NERC: That's fine, it sure seems from the way that you fired off your favorites you're definitelywishy-washy!
Manny: Funny (laughs)

NERC: Being that we're less than 12 hours from Voting day are you at all umped about going to vote, and where will you be voting.
Manny: I am defiantly on fire. I've been campaigning for McCain for a long time and I don't want to miss this big opportunity to vote for him. I will be voting in the Epoch Nursing home on the Butler Campus. I have been told from DMI (who has voted there in the past) that the line could be a few hours long. So I'm going to go first thing after Shachris with DMI and hopefully get back in time for first seder. I'm excited about getting all that time to spend with him but I'm a little nervous because I don't want to miss any of 1st seder. I was also thinking that if we do happen to finish voting with some time to spare maybe we'll visit some elderly people, that would be nice.

NERC: Manny, we can't thank you enough for allowing us this time to sit down and talk with you. You defiantly don't leave us hanging and it was a pleasure spending this time with you. Hope to have you back some time soon, Thanks!
Manny: It was more my pleasure than yours, because I've always admired your site and would do anything to help contribute to your work. Thanks for having me.

DMI's first lunch!

2008-11-03T13:10:00.000-08:00

Our author has finally taken the time to sit down and eat lunch with the 'guys'. It is reported that this is his first lunch in NERC this year. Well we hope to join with him in many more!

Thank Yumm :)

2008-11-02T15:30:00.000-08:00

The bochrim would like to thank Mr. & Mrs. Moskowitz (otherwise known as the Chico's) for so lovingly greeting them for a new z'man with delicious cakes.

Supper time

2008-11-02T15:07:00.000-08:00

Hey hungry ones, NERC has hired a new bochur to take charge of supper after our long-time favorite, M.Z. Weismann, recently stepped down from his position. The new supper guy is Yechiel 'cholent' Arienoff. Yechiel comes from a very distinguished lineage as his father has been the head Chef in Yeshivas Torah V'Daas for many years now. We would like to thank M.Z. for all his hard years of pure loyal dedication (yeki style), and we wish Yechiel the best of luck at his new position.

Chavrusa Switcharoo

2008-11-02T14:01:00.001-08:00

There was a slight change in Chavrusa's to start the z'man (in 1st seder). The Yehuda's, (the Chosson) Yehuda Menchel & Yehuda Manela, are now learning together. And Yechiel "cholent" Arienoff will be learning with Yossi Zuber-'man'. We wish them the best of success with each other!

Mazel Tov Rabbi's!!!

2008-11-02T13:24:00.000-08:00

On behalf of NERC we would like to wish a hearty Mazel Tov to Rabbi Naftali Karp (Executive director of NERC) & Rabbi Beresh Edelman (Kollel dude), on successfully completing and receiving their S'micha from Rabbi Heinemann.

Garage opener video

2008-11-02T11:11:00.000-08:00

Someone sent me this video, it's a little late, but it still gets the job done!

credit: Avrumi Kahan (aka - tuna beigel)

We're back!!

2008-11-02T11:06:00.000-08:00

Editor on vacation

2008-10-30T07:39:00.000-07:00

The Chief editor of staff (CES) will be on vacation until Sunday (or possibly Monday), so the site will not be updated in the meantime. But please feel free to leave comments on posts of the past. Please be patient and thanx for all your support!

(Update) Are coffee houses Kosher?

2008-10-29T11:45:00.000-07:00

(Update below)
In an exclusive interview yesterday with one of our esteemed senior Kollel members, R' Pinny Berlin, we explore some very interesting issues regarding coffee houses that will surely keep you on edge.

We first asked Pinny what his thoughts we're on Kosherstarbucks.com?
Pinny responded that many of their heterim don't seem to flow l'chatchila & some not even b'de'eved.

NERC: Pinny give us an example of what might not be kosher l'chatchila?
Pinny: Well according to their site, Starbucks makes their own whip-cream, and in most stores both products that are used to make the whip-cream are kosher. Now the site claims that since it is made with cold utensils and they are washed in-between uses that would only be ok according to the M'chaber but not the Rama (who we pasken like).

NERC: Well that's a very interesting point, but what product is Kosher and would end up not being ok even B'd'eved?
Pinny: Simple, let's say you want to order a latte. A latte is made up of Steamed milk (or cream). Now since you want to remain on the safe side you ask for steamed milk (because a lot of creamers are not Kosher, and you therefore must check 'every' time), well that steamer might have been used to steam non-kosher creamer or any other non-kosher liquid and then you are running into real issues.

NERC: So basically you're telling us that we shouldn't order any latte's or even a Frappuchino (with a creme base and not a coffe base)?
Pinny: Ha, well i'm not a Rabbi (yet) but I would caution everyone to steer clear from them for the time being. I am trying to get in contact with kosherstarbucks.com to talk over my issues with them and we will see what happens. So I will definitely keep you guys posted. Thanx for having me on!

NERC: Pinny we thank you for giving us some of your valuable time and we hope that we'll be able to come to the bottom of all this soon. Good Night!

Update: R' Pinny has informed us today that he did not mean that the making of the whip-cream was an issue, rather all the utensils that are used for anything could be an issue as the keilim are washed in a dish-washer (and not by Boris) w/ (possibly non-kosher) soap along w/ utensils that were used for treif! Pinny said he spoke to some Poskim who agree with him on this issue. And as you can see was posted on another site: "The coffee must come from a large urn and not from a coffee pot, or from a kettle - glass or otherwise. It would thus provide assurance that the urn could not be have been washed in a sink together with Treifa dishes." (www.teaneckshuls.org/SelectedPosts/KosherStarbucksProducts.htm)

Thank you Pinny for alerting us to this grave issue and we will be contacting some Poskim to get to the bottom of this issue.

Wedding of Avrumi to Shlomit

2008-10-29T09:34:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow night, (which would be Thursday night) our proud Alumnus, Avrumi Friedman will be marrying Shlomit Gross from Long Beach.
The Chassuna will be @ the Sands in Atlantic Beach, NY.
The Shmorg is @ 6:30 & Chuppah @ 7:30.
The Chosson reminds everyone to be on time (or early) to get great food and drinks!
The address for the hall is: 1395 Beech st., Atlantic Beach, NY 11509

Vort for Reuvan & Rachel

2008-10-29T09:21:00.000-07:00

The vort for the NERC dorm counsler will be taking place this Motzai Shabbos Kodesh @ his Parents house.
Time: 9:00 pm until 12

p.s. Anyone who might need a ride back to Providence from the Vort please leave a comment.

Good News, NERC blog Fans!

2008-10-28T19:20:00.000-07:00

As the bein-hazmenim comes to a close the NERC blog will be returning to it's original intent of content. The blog will be exclusively discussing matters that pertain to NERC, the building and students. So stay tuned.
(This sudden transformation is greatly impart to the many hate-mail & death-threats that we've been receiving)

Brilliant! (I bet u he's not the smartest one in his family)

2008-10-28T16:42:00.000-07:00

Accused man allegedly drives stolen SUV to court

2 hrs 23 mins ago

SAN ANSELMO, Calif. – Police have charged a man with stealing a Lexus SUV he drove to court the day a jury was to decide whether to convict him in a separate auto theft case. The man was arraigned Monday on charges of receiving a stolen vehicle and receiving stolen property after police saw him approach the stolen Lexus in front of the courthouse with its keys in hand.

Police were attracted to the SUV after bystanders noticed several Yorkshire terriers mulling around it.

The man was also charged with animal cruelty and leaving animals in an unattended vehicle.

Meanwhile, the 37-year-old San Francisco hairstylist was convicted in the other case. He was charged with possession of a $125,000 Porsche Carrera that had been stolen from a San Anselmo home.
_
Information from: Marin Independent Journal, http://www.marinij.com

This was on a Jewish Website

2008-10-27T11:59:00.000-07:00

What is a Yoily-Coke-Head?

There's a new term going around lately, Yoily-Coke-Head. So the question is what is a Yoily-Coke-Head? The answer is, a Yoily-Coke-Head is an ex-Chasidishe 'Yoily' that just doesn't know when he has had enough coke. Unlike the regular 'moderne chevrah' that have grown up on the street all their life exposed to drugs, and at least, for all it's worth, know when they're about to blow their mind out, the Yoily-Coke-Heads just can't get enough and usually end up going completely bonkers from their drugs.

Of course drugs are bad for you and extremely destructive, but what makes it even worse is when someone has no idea what he is even doing. These Yoily-Coke-Heads have no idea what coke is and how how it effects them. Because of their ignorance and apathy they end up either killing, or badly injuring, themselves or others. If only they would at least try to learn a little bit about their habit and its potential devastation, they may avoid some really major irreversible problems in life.

I knew staying out of shape would pay off one day!

2008-10-27T11:18:00.000-07:00

Runners camp, sleep in barns as floods cancel race
By JENNIFER QUINN, Associated Press Writer Jennifer Quinn, Associated Press Writer – Sun Oct 26, 4:40 pm ET

LONDON – Hundreds of mountain runners spent the night in tents and hastily organized shelters after a long-distance race in England's Lake District was called off due to heavy rain and flooding, British authorities said Sunday.

Just after 2 p.m. Sunday, race organizers said all the participants had been accounted for. About a dozen people were treated for minor injuries and mild hypothermia.

About 2,500 athletes began the Original Mountain Marathon on Saturday morning before the race was called off around midday, police said. Almost 800 people stayed overnight in shelters such as barns, a school and a visitor's center, while some 1,700 camped out in the hills.

Competitors were scattered across the 50 mile course over mountains as high as 7,054 feet when heavy rain and high winds rolled into much of the Lake District, about 300 miles north of London. It was the first time in the race's 41-year history that the event was canceled.

"The event is billed as a tough event and competitors know what they are letting themselves in for. It's held at this time of year annually for a reason because the weather is part of the test," said Neil Talbott, who competed in the race. "There are various categories and you are not allowed to take part in the harder courses unless you have previously competed in the marathon."

The area near the race had about 2.5 inches of rain over the past 24 hours.

Competitors raced in pairs and were required to carry all their own equipment, including tents, sleeping bags, waterproof clothing and enough food for 36 hours.

"These people are equipped for two days in the hills," organizer Jen Longbottom told Sky News. "They're not day walkers who are going out with a small rucksack and can't look after themselves."

Talbott, 27, said that the wind had reduced him to crawling along parts of the course on all fours — but that he was already looking forward to next year's race.

"I do not regret competing in the event because it is what I have trained hard for," said Talbott, a trainee fighter pilot with the Royal Air Force. "Despite the weather, it was a great experience and I can't wait for next year."

Glad I use T.F. Green!

2008-10-27T11:16:00.000-07:00

Runaway poodle delays flights at Boston airport

BOSTON – Choochy the poodle is a "runway runaway." Boston's Logan International Airport officials say Choochy escaped from her kennel as she was being unloaded after a flight from Detroit Saturday night and scampered across runways and taxiways.

Airport spokesman Phil Orlandella says the poodle evaded airport personnel for more than 17 hours and delayed at least eight flights.

About 15 state police, firefighters, operations personnel and even electricians chased Choochy late into the night, delaying flights for up 30 minutes.

Orlandella says the poodle was frightened, tired and hungry when she was finally lured to safety with food early Sunday afternoon.

The dog was treated for minor injuries at an animal hospital and returned to her family.

US Attacks Syria, Seven Killed near Iraqi Border

2008-10-26T11:51:00.000-07:00

by Tzvi Ben Gedalyahu
(IsraelNN.com)

Two to four United States helicopters attacked Syria, near the Iraqi border, Sunday evening, killing at least seven people. The site was near the target Israel bombed last year.

Foreign media reported that residents in the village of Al-Sukkariya, east of Damascus and about five miles from the border, saw seven dead bodies and four wounded men being rushed to a clinic. Syrian government news agencies confirmed the attack. A private Syrian television channel reported that nine men died and 14 were injured

Two of the helicopters reportedly landed in the village, where eight American soldiers jumped out and carried out the operation. The soldiers quickly returned to the helicopters, and all of the craft left the scene.

It was the first time the U.S. has attacked on Syrian land.

American military spokesperson Sergeant Brooke Murphy said officials are investigating the report.

The targets reportedly were construction workers and were civilians. Israel reportedly attacked the area last September, and most reports indicated that the target was a nuclear site under construction.

Going in style

2008-10-25T22:45:00.001-07:00

Texas Bank Robbery Suspect Flees In Black Limo

Texas Bank Robbery Suspect Uses Black Limousine As His Getaway Vehicle

IRVING, Texas, Oct. 24, 2008

(AP) Economic times may not be that tough for a suspected bank robber in the Dallas area. Irving police said the on-the-lam suspect used a limousine as his getaway vehicle.

Police said a Comerica Bank branch was held up Friday, then the suspect jumped into the passenger side of a black limo, which sped away.

Police spokesman David Tull said the man escaped with an undisclosed amount of money.

The limo was also being sought.

For Robert! (wonder what happened to the ducks?)

2008-10-25T22:42:00.000-07:00

Lightning Strikes Only Once _ But Kills 52 Cows

What Are The Odds? A Single Lightning Bolt Kills 52 Cows Pressed Against Fence In Uruguay

MONTEVIDEO, Uruguay, Oct. 24, 2008

(AP) Lightning struck only once _ but 52 cows are dead at an Uruguayan ranch. The newspaper El Pais reports that the cows had pressed against a wire fence during a storm when the lightning bolt struck in the northern state of San Jose. A photograph released by the San Jose Police Department shows the black and brown cows lying dead in a long row. The newspaper said Friday that veterinarians at the scene confirmed the cause of the deaths, which happened Wednesday. The veterinarians told the newspaper that cows often crowd around fences to seek protection during storms. Meteorologist Fernando Torena told the newspaper he wasn't surprised that a single lightning bolt killed so many cows. But he called it "very bad luck."

2008-10-24T11:09:00.000-07:00

Instructions for a fun time on the interstate.................

Step 1. Tie balloons to car.
Step 2. Drive like a bat out of he....
Step 3. Watch people freak out!!!!

credit: Avrumi Kahan (aka - tuna beigel)

Mazal Tov??

2008-10-24T11:01:00.000-07:00

A doctor rushes in to the waiting room in Sha'are Zedek hospital where three men are waiting and tells one of the men, 'Mazal Tov, Mazal Tov, Mazal Tov, Mazal Tov! Your wife just had quadruplets!' When he recovered his composure, the proud father said, 'That figures, we're from Kiryat Arba.'

Shortly thereafter a nurse emerges, shaking her head. 'It's a record!'
she exclaims to the second man, 'your wife just had octuplets!'
'Wow,' said the astonished dad,
'But I guess that figures, too. We're from Kiryat Shmoneh.'

The third man turns pale, staggers to a chair and cries out
'Gevalt! We're from Meah Shearim!'

Credit to: Avrumi Kahan (aka - Tuna-beigel)

Help me cross the street, lol!

2008-10-24T10:58:00.000-07:00

Michoel Pruzansky Taseh Mitzvah

2008-10-24T08:26:00.001-07:00

'Silence In Shul...Or Your Kids Die!'

2008-10-23T11:48:00.000-07:00

by Erica Morris - Thursday 23rd October 2008

A Stamford Hill shul has promised to launch an investigation into how leaflets appeared in the building warning worshippers that their children would die if they spoke during services.

Congregants at the Jacob Benjamin Elias Synagogue were shocked to see a pile of the "outrageous" flyers at the site over the High Holy Days, with at least one actually stuck up on a door.

The leaflets, attributed to New York-based Project Shul, feature a number of grim cautions, among them 'If one does not teach his children how to act in shul, he is punished and his children die', 'To save yourself from war and your children from dying do not talk in shul', 'It is a mitzvah to embarrass one who engages in idle conversation', 'it is proper for every community to appoint people to supervise with threats to those who talk during davening' and 'Woe is to the people who talk in shul for we saw how many congregations were destroyed because of this'.

Many of the quotations are taken from the Torah or from rabbinical commentaries.

Brandishing the leaflets a "disgrace", one distraught congregant, who has been a member of the shul for several decades, told TJ: "To say somebody's child is going to die for talking in shul is outrageous."

And condemning the synagogue for allowing the flyers into the building, he added: "I don't believe that nobody knew where it came from, that doesn't make sense. It was taped up on the door. It just doesn't sit right with me."

The synagogue's Vice Secretary Saul Einy told the Jewish News that a meeting would be held to review the shul's security video to try and discover who was responsible. He said: "The fact is, either someone came in without our permission or someone from the synagogue brought them in. Either answer I'm not happy with."

He added: "The committee will meet up in a week and there are several avenues we are looking at to get to the bottom of this."

Sharing his thoughts on the leaflet, Bushey Synagogue's Rabbi Meir Salasnik said: "The literature of Judaism through thousands of years is immense, and it includes strong statements, sometimes promising great benefits for simple actions and at other times warning of horrendous punishments for what may seem to most people as trivial sins.

"Many Jews respond to logical reasons given for concentration in prayer. At the same time, there are Jews who respond to the sort of threat of punishment that a number of the quoted statements warn of. The ideal is to do good for its own sake and not to escape punishment."

Chairman of the Rabbinical Council of the United Synagogue Rabbi Yitzchak Schochet said: "Decorum in synagogue is of paramount importance. It is a place of divine worship which has to be upheld with the highest respect and regard.

The Jewish News columnist added: "If they could sit quietly and maintain a proper dress code in churches and mosques why not in synagogues? However, there is a way in which to convey that message and the threatening tone and quotes used, especially where it goes to the core of one's mortality and that of their children, is frankly pathetic and wholly inappropriate."

News source: www.totallyjewish.com

Sheez, they sure don't make things like they used to!

2008-10-22T23:07:00.000-07:00

Woman survives blast probably started by TV remote

Wed Oct 22, 8:53 pm ET

BILLINGS, Mo. – Authorities in southwest Missouri say a TV remote control probably triggered an explosion that destroyed a Christian County home on Tuesday morning.

The only person in the home at the time, Cindy Curry, 66, was blown outside but had only minor injuries. Firefighters said it's amazing she survived at all.

Curry's husband, Jerry, said he smelled propane gas in the 10-year-old house late Monday. But the smell was gone Tuesday morning, so he went out to have breakfast with friends.

His wife then turned on the TV, and Billings Fire Chief Henry Bos said it appears the remote control ignited propane still in the house.

The couple lost two of their dogs and a bird.
__
Information from: KOLR-TV, http://www.kolr10.com

Shlomo Katz video - live in Melbourne

2008-10-22T20:43:00.000-07:00

After receiving such positive feedback on the Nochi Krohn video, I am going to be posting another fan favorite. This one is of the world famous Shlomo Katz (many of you know his brother Eitan) singing live in Melbourne. It's an awesome video so sit back and Enjoy!!
p.s. personally it gets really good half way in when he changes songs!

If only other people would have such dedication for essential items... (sigh)

2008-10-22T20:15:00.000-07:00

Florida Man Uses BB Gun After Stealing Deodorant

Fla. Police Say Man Used BB Gun To Make His Getaway After Stealing Deodorant From Supermarket

DANIA BEACH, Fla., Oct. 22, 2008

(AP) Authorities said a man used a BB gun to make his getaway after stealing deodorant from a Dania Beach supermarket on Monday afternoon.

Publix employees told Broward deputies that they saw two men shoplifting deodorant spray Monday afternoon. A manager caught up with a 23-year-old man at a store next door. When the manager asked the man to return the deodorant, authorities say he pulled what looked like a black handgun.

Assuming it was a real gun, deputies closed off a nearby apartment complex and put a school on lock down. They also called in a helicopter and dogs to help with the search. They eventually found the man, who still had the deodorant and BB gun.

The man was charged with robbery with weapon and was being held on $50,000 bail.
___
Information from: South Florida Sun-Sentinel, http://www.sun-sentinel.com
Copyright 2008 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Seinor's are striking back

2008-10-20T13:20:00.000-07:00

Ohio Woman, 89, Accused Of Keeping Kids' Football

Interception: Police In Ohio Arrest 89-year-old Woman Accused Of Holding Kids' Football

BLUE ASH, Ohio, Oct. 20, 2008

(AP) Police in Ohio say an 89-year-old woman was facing a charge of petty theft because neighborhood children accused her of refusing to give back their football. Edna Jester was arrested last week in the Cincinnati suburb of Blue Ash. Police said one child's father complained that Jester kept the youngsters' ball after it landed in her yard. Police Capt. James Schaffer said there has been an ongoing dispute in the neighborhood over kids' balls landing in the woman's yard. Jester said Monday she has received many calls and didn't have time to discuss the matter any more. Jester is to appear in court next month. The maximum penalty for a petty theft conviction in Ohio is six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. ___
Information from: The Cincinnati Enquirer, http://www.enquirer.com
Copyright 2008 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Wild NERC guyz @ it again.

2008-10-20T13:11:00.000-07:00

One of the guys at NERC who goes by the surname of Tuna-Beigel sent me a picture of one of his chol-hamoed adventures that he wanted to share with the public. Don't do this @ home, and keep safe!

Talk about scams, wow!

2008-10-20T10:34:00.000-07:00

Caribbean Hostage Reports Were a Scam - Major Chillul Hashem

October 20, 2008

Foreign Ministry officials are angry after having learned the reports of 15 Israeli employees of the Ashtrom Company being held hostage by 300 Chinese laborers in the Caribbean last week were a scam and nothing more – intended to enlist assistance in extricating themselves from a business deal gone sour.

It appears they were never held hostage and they called for diplomatic intervention to resolve the labor dispute. Israeli Ambassador to the Dominican Republic Amos Radian condemned the actions of the construction company and its employees, stating they took advantage of the government’s policy of coming to the assistance of any Israelis in trouble, anywhere in the world. “It was nothing more than an imaginary situation involving three Israelis who duped the government and their families to extricate themselves from a monetary crisis.”

Radian explains that he has since learned that at no point was there 15 Israelis being held hostage over a salary issue for the laborers. The Israelis interviews, along with family members, duped the public into believing they are in a life-threatening situation when in actuality, this was never the case.

“I was in touch with two Israelis who were there and they showed me some horrific photos, even suggesting we deploy a military rescue to get them out safe. They said the Chinese could storm their rooms with knives and weapons at any moment. Local police reported that was not the case and the Chinese never made any such threats against the Israelis.”

It now appears the 15 Israelis were actually three and the 300 Chinese were 60. it appears the three were subcontractors for Ashtrom, responsible for electrical work, employing the Chinese laborers, who were not paid their salaries for the past three months.

“The other Israelis were not involved and remained in the area in a showing of solidarity their colleagues. They were able to come and go as they please. The reports of hostages and captives was totally fictitious,” the ambassador added.

At the end of the day, a major Chilul Hashem and Ashtrom paid the Chinese workers the money due them, totaling about $1 million.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)

Watch out for those birds!

2008-10-20T09:56:00.000-07:00

Iran busts 'spy pigeons' near nuclear site

Security forces in Natanz have arrested two suspected "spy pigeons" near Iran's controversial uranium enrichment facility, the reformist Etemad Melli newspaper reported on Monday.

One of the pigeons was caught near a rose water production plant in the city of Kashan in Isfahan province, the report cited an unnamed informed source as saying, adding that some metal rings and invisible strings were attached to the bird.

"Early this month, a black pigeon was caught bearing a blue-coated metal ring, with invisible strings," the source was quoted as saying of the second pigeon.

The source gave no further description of the pigeons, neither their current status nor what their fate will be.

Natanz is home to Iran's heavily-bunkered underground uranium enrichment plant, which is not far from Kashan.

The activity is the focus of Iran's five-year standoff with the West, which that fears it aims to develop nuclear weapons.

Tehran vehemently denies the charge.

Last year, Iran issued a formal protest over the use of espionage by the United States to produce a key intelligence report on the country's controversial nuclear programme.

Copyright AFP 2008, AFP stories and photos shall not be published, broadcast, rewritten for broadcast or publication or redistributed directly or indirectly in any medium

I wonder if they portion out lunch in Tehran also?

2008-10-19T16:13:00.000-07:00

World record sandwich? Iranians eat evidence

Fri Oct 17, 2008 11:42am EDT

TEHRAN (Reuters) - Iran failed Friday to register what it said would be the world's largest sandwich in the Guinness book of World Records after people rushed forward and began eating it -- before it was measured.

Event organizers had planned to stuff the 1,500-meter-long sandwich with 700 kg of ostrich meat and 700 kg of chicken, and display it in a park in the capital Tehran.

But as the sandwich was being measured, chaos ensued. The giant snack was gone in minutes, a Reuters witness said, leaving the three Guinness representatives present with a dilemma.

One of the event's organizers said video footage of the sandwich would be sent to Guinness officials.

"We still think the sandwich will be recorded in the Guinness book because of all the evidence and footage that we will send them," Parvin Shariati said.

(Writing by Zahra Hosseinian; Editing by Janet Lawrence)

Double check your passengers before leaving the zoo on your next Chol HaMoed trip!

2008-10-19T16:06:00.000-07:00

Texas Zoo Says Camel And Pony Sidekick Are Missing

Texas Zoo Says 6-foot Camel Named Moses And His Pint-size Pony Sidekick Coco Are Missing

CEDAR CREEK, Texas, Oct. 17, 2008

(AP) A 6-foot-tall camel named Moses and his pint-size pony sidekick Coco are missing from a small Texas zoo. Officials at Capital of Texas Zoo in Cedar Creek, about 15 miles southeast of Austin, have reported the theft of the kid-friendly creatures.

Zoo founder Michael Hicks says that the 3-year-old, 500-pound camel and the nearly quarter-century old pony are "best friends" and follow each other.

Hicks, who lives on the grounds of the zoo, told The Associated Press that both animals were wearing halters when he last saw them in a front pasture Tuesday night.

He discovered the one-hump camel and the female Shetland/Welsh mix pony were gone Wednesday morning. Hicks says overnight rain washed away any potential vehicle tracks.

Hicks has offered a $400 dollar reward for information leading to the safe return of his animals.
___
On the Net:

http://www.capitaloftexaszoo.org

Copyright 2008 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Rare Calebach video

2008-10-19T07:54:00.000-07:00

This is a link to a rare video of Shlomo Carlebach davening on Hoshna Raba.
http://www.tsofar.com/zofar/mashtap/show.asp?id=43

The Nochi Krohn Band Live

2008-10-19T06:36:00.000-07:00

Recently, I've gotten a lot of e-mails asking if i could post a video of the Nochi Krohn Band who's CD was a smashing success a few years ago. So here's a video of them live on the Sameach Music Podcast singing 'ki heim chayanu'. (If you want more videos - just ask!)

Um.. I think this summarizes New England 4 u!

2008-10-16T21:44:00.000-07:00

Woman, 88, Says She Overpaid Land Taxes Since 1970

Massachusetts Woman, 88, Who Paid Taxes Since 1970 On Land She Doesn't Own Wants Money Back

AGAWAM, Mass., Oct. 16, 2008

(AP) An 88-year-old Massachusetts woman wants a refund after learning that she's been paying taxes for nearly four decades on land she doesn't own. Valeria Novak, of Agawam, says the amount she has overpaid since 1970 probably totals less than $2,000. Nonetheless, she feels she deserves an abatement because it was the city's mistake.

Agawam Assessor Kevin Baldini told the Republican newspaper of Springfield that he feels bad for Novak, but state law does not allow for tax refunds going back that far.

The mistake was discovered when Novak went to City Hall to clear up a question about a neighbor's property. She was shown a map indicating that her Main Street home had been assessed for 8,000 square feet more than she actually owned.

Novak said she'd love to get the money back so she can spend it on her seven grandchildren and one great-grandson.
__
Information from: The Springfield Republican, http://www.masslive.com/news/

Ok NERC guys, this is just a reminder to be more wary on the disguises that we chose!

2008-10-16T21:37:00.000-07:00

Man In Gorilla Suit Wins Bet, But Gets Arrested

Pa. Police Arrest Wanted Man Who Went To Buy Cigarettes In Gorilla Suit To Win Bet

ALTOONA, Pa., Oct. 16, 2008

(AP) A man who went to buy cigarettes in a gorilla suit to win a bet with his girlfriend is now being accused of receiving stolen property. Altoona police said they noticed a 20-year-old man walking down the city's Sixth Avenue just after midnight on Wednesday dressed as an ape.

Police said that when they stopped the man, they discovered he was wanted for receiving stolen property.

Police said the man told them he had gone to the convenience store in disguise because his girlfriend had bet him he wouldn't do it.

The man was charged with receiving stolen property and was released on bond.

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Information from: Altoona Mirror, http://www.altoonamirror.com

Copyright 2008 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Chag Kasher V'Sameach

2008-10-13T13:41:00.000-07:00

A Gut Yom Tov to all of our followers, and may we all spend the next Yom Tov - together in Yerushalayim!

Banning time!

2008-10-13T10:40:00.000-07:00

Well it's Yom Tov time once again and you all know what that means... Banning time. The following is the link to the Chaptzem.blogspot Ban-Omatic page where anything and everything can be banned with all the haskomes that one could possibly need! (just copy & paste the link in your browser bar) http://home.graffiti.net/chaptzem/banomatic.html

Kollel wives are being warned this Yom Tov to be careful in regards to their cooking procedures.

2008-10-12T18:33:00.000-07:00

Woman says she was shot in the leg by her stove

Associated Press
Wed., Oct. 8, 2008

SEKIU, Wash. - A woman said she was shot in the leg by her stove. Cory Davis told the Peninsula Daily News she had just stoked her cast-iron heating stove Sunday when she heard a loud bang and was struck in her left calf.

Davis said a case of shotgun shells spilled about a month ago at her home and one must have landed in the newspapers she used to light the stove.

She removed a metal fragment herself and was treated Monday at Forks Community Hospital.

Copyright 2008 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Barack Obama's cousin - the "Rabbi". Must see video on his Synagouge 'B'nei Zakon' in action!

2008-10-12T14:47:00.000-07:00

Barack Obama's Wife's Cousin Is a "Black Hebrews" Rabbi

by Aryeh Haffner

(IsraelNN.com) Barack Obama's wife’s cousin is a Rabbi, according to the Jewish magazine Forward. Michelle Obama's first cousin once removed, Capers Funnye, shepherds the flock at a mostly black Israelite synagogue on Chicago’s South Side, the Beth Shalom B’nai Zaken Ethiopian Hebrew synagogue.

The Black Israelite congregations, often called Black Hebrews, are a very small and mostly separate stream from mainstream Judaism and are not recognized as Jews by the Chief Rabbanite of Israel.

Although Rabbi Funnye's congregation refers to itself as Ethiopian Hebrew, it is not connected to the Ethiopian Jews who have immigrated to Israel en masse in past decades and are recognized as Jews by the Israel Chief Rabbanite.

Forward reports that Rabbi Funnye’s mother, Verdelle Robinson Funnye (pronounced fuh-NAY), and Mrs. Obama's paternal grandfather, Frasier Robinson Jr., were sister and brother.

Rabbi Funnye converted to Judaism in a ceremony supervised by the Black Israelite rabbis. He later underwent another conversion procedure, reportedly supervised by Orthodox and Conservative rabbis. He has a Black Israelite ordination.

Grand Central Freeze

2008-10-12T13:41:00.000-07:00

Due to some very positive feedback from friends on the following video I am posting it for the public.
On a cold Saturday in New York City, the world’s largest train station came to a sudden halt. Over 200 Improv Everywhere Agents froze in place at the exact same second for five minutes in the Main Concourse of Grand Central Station. Over 500,000 people rush through Grand Central every day, but today, things slowed down just a bit as commuters and tourists alike stopped to notice what was happening around them.
If you thought this video was cool they've done similar stunts in famous places all around the world. E-mail me or leave a comment if you want to see their other video's.

Watch out! PETA's getting dangerous!

2008-10-12T12:22:00.000-07:00

Rabbi Alleges Threat Over Chicken Ritual

New York City police are investigating a rabbi's complaint that threatening e-mails were sent in connection with the slaughter of chickens to atone for sins before Yom Kippur, the Jewish Day of Atonement.

Rabbi Shea Hecht of the National Committee for Furtherance of Jewish Education says the e-mails were sent by supporters of a People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals campaign opposing the ritual, known as kapparot. He says some people added threatening and anti-Semitic comments to an online PETA form letter.

The Brooklyn-based Jewish organization slaughters about 4,000 chickens.

A PETA spokesman says the ritual is abusive and unnecessary.

-- Associated Press

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/10/10/AR2008101002891.html

HASC 21 preview

2008-10-12T12:12:00.000-07:00

For all those music junkies out there I have posted the HASC 21 DVD preview which will probably be coming out over the next week or so. Feel free to leave your comments about it, good or bad!