Pompeii

                                                 on Vesuvius -  Bay of Naples in the background

I visited Pompeii, many years ago. The sun was merciless  on that day (though it was not summer, but autumn) , making it difficult for me to concentrate on the archeological findings. I managed ,however, to spend  about three hours there.

The ancient  Roman city of Pompeii was destroyed by the 2-day Vesuvius  volcano eruption in 79 AD. The city got burried in volcanic ash  just like its neighbor Herculaneum and other villages in the  area.  

Pompeii was excavated in the 19th and 20th century in a fabulous state of preservation giving great insight into Roman everyday life.

I've recently read in an article, that the  activity of Vesuvius ,volcano overlooking the entire Bay of Naples,   was not the only cause of destruction. There was an earthquake going on at that time; perhaps stirred by the volcanic eruption.

It's amazing, how after so many years, scientists find new evidence, and reach new conclusions. They say, this is due to disciplinary interaction that wasn't  available before: geologists, forensic doctors, historians, architects - use an approach that connecta and integrates several methods and specialties in the pursuit of a common target.

Vesuvius overlooking archeological site of Pompeii (ai image)

Engelbert Humperdinck

 youtube video

I thought he was no longer with us, and then, I came upon a piece of news informing the reader that he would be on tour till the end of 2024.

He, the 88 amazing, popular british pop singer Engelbert Humperdinck (professional name),  Arnold George Dorsay  (real name).

I always had some trouble with pronouncing his professional name (originally the name of a german composer), but I loved his velvety voice and his romantic songs, so, no big effort.

Engel was one of ten children, born in India to a british couple.  His wife of 57 years, Patricia Dorsay, with whom he had four children, died in 2021, battling with both Alzheimer and Covid.  He was, of course, devastated,  by her suffering and death.

Among his famous songs (performed mostly in solo concerts format, but also in duet with other singers)  :    'Man without Love', 'Spanish Eyes', 'The last Waltz', 'I can't stop loving you',  'Quando, Quando', and many others.  Each of the songs - a pearl of great music, great lyrics and great performance.

youtube

Ticks and Tricks

 

Recently, there has been an outbreak of West Nilus Virus in Israel.

A few hundred  people have been infected , several people (elderly and immuno-compromised) have died.   In hebrew, the infection is shortly  called  'Kadahat  HaNilus' (Nilus Fever).

As it is summer with strong waves of heat and humidity, the Ministry of Health has issued some warnings concerning  flying /crawling insects and their bites.   People are advised to use repellents,  wear long sleeves and long pants to cover exposed skin, avoid places with a large population of bugs (parks, woods , gardens). 

Keeping bugs out  by sealing entry points (cracks, gaps etc..) and using mesh on windows , is the way to go. However,  these measures don't completely solve the problem.

Whenever I see any of the insects in the house, I try to act immediately. For ants I use water, for cockroaches  I've got a proper spray that eliminates them.  It goes without saying, that we have to maintain clean kitchen and bathroom; 

So far, I've not used any repellents. I might do, if necessary.

I've noticed that mosquitos (the ones biting us ) are active mainly in the dark; so,  lights on to prevent biting , is a good measure. A fan (near the computer or bed) is also  a good preventive measure; it keeps the flies away.

When outside, I sadly,  avoid the shadowy places with bushes and trees. It so happens that when I sit on a bench to rest for a few minutes, I get bitten (even through the sleeves and pants) and that's very annoying.  

So,  I'll prefer to walk on the sunny side of the street until I get to my destination ( applying sunscreen  prior to getting out of the house is a Must!). 

Hopefully, the crisis of the Nilus Virus , and the heat of the summer will both soon end.   I have no wish at all , to get adventurous and deal with bugs of any kind, neither at home, nor outdoors.

                                                                              insects among flowers (AI image)

Food Security.

I like it that our Ministry of Agriculture is going to add to its title - Food Security (It used to be- Ministry of  Agriculture , then  addition of ...Rural Development. Now it would be - Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security). 

There's Climate change and Military conflicts  out there, as well as increase in population - all of which  might endanger food supply ,  cause shortage, and hunger ( just to mention  one hazard of the last year - the yemenite Houthis terrorists attacking cargo ships in the Red Sea).

The current process of encouraging import and  dependence on other countries, has to be  reversed!   It is local agriculture and self- production   that have to be encouraged , nourished, and fortified  for our own sake.  Farmers should be given incentives to practice cultivation of sustainable crops.

Where there's need for import, as in the case of wheat, most of which is not grown in Israel ( or grains to feed the animals), diversifying import sources is important.  And , indeed, agreements have been signed with more than one country.  After all,  wheat is our bread - the most basic food!

Food security is seen , and rightly so, as a vital component of national security. Shortage of  food, lack of food diversity,  rise in prices, can lead to social unrest.

wheat  fields (AI image )