Avoiding the Agony

"A long, long time ago...
I can still remember
How that music used to make me smile.
And I knew if I had my chance
That I could make those people dance
And maybe they'd be happy for a while."
- Don McLean, "American Pie"

"Whatever you do, don't mention the war! I mentioned it once, but I think I got away with it."
- Basil Fawlty

In the month since Israel's latest struggle for survival began, I have blogged about most every other topic I can think of, but have pointedly avoided writing about the war. This is not only because many others in the J-blogosphere are doing such a stellar job at covering it (they are), or because I think I'd have little, in quality or quantity, to add to the available deluge of information and opinion (also true). But it's also simply this: just as the war refugees from the North need (relatively) safe places to live while the bombing and fighting is going on, so too J-blog readers need places to go where they can be - albeit briefly - informed, enlightened, amused, and - most of all - distracted from the fear and tragedy that has become our nation's daily reality.

So please, by all means*, stay in touch with what our people are going through, and support Israel in any way you can. And then, when you need a break, stop by here... and take a few minutes to recharge, recreate, and redirect for a bit. If not make you smile, I'll try to at least help you, temporarily, stem the tears.

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* Though some means are certainly better than others! Here are the handful of sites - among many other good ones - that I've been using myself to stay current on the war news and related events:

These three provide nearly continual, up-to-date news. I keep them up on my screen all day, and refresh constantly:

• The Muqata
• Jerusalem Post
• Arutz-7

These provide analysis, commentary, and links to a multitude of other invaluable sources and resources:

• Elder of Ziyon - and please respond to his Charity Challenge to double your donation to Israel!
  
• Soccer Dad
• Daled Amos
• Treppenwitz