Goings on

Flurry of political activities today. The PM is frantically trying to form a coalition govt as the last try several days back failed. He's abandoning the ultra-orthodox jewish parties and joining with the 2 largest secular parties. That's bad news for the ultra-orthodox as they controlled finance, education and health for the past 10 years ... hence enforcing their version of kosher rules and yeshiva schooling. Not now. The 2 secular parties are determined to cut down the influence of the rabbis.  http://www.haaretz.com/news/national/ultra-orthodox-to-feel-the-blow-as-unprecedented-power-in-israeli-government-ends.premium-1.508543

Just when you think life is too serious,
Nature takes a laugh - monkeyface
orchids

Also in the headlines today: Obama is coming next week and he'll be visiting the Basilica of the Nativity in Bethlehem. Security will be like crazy. And I'm not sure everyone in the Territories will be happy to have him in their town.  http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/obama-to-visit-church-of-nativity-iron-dome-to-be-moved-to-airport-for-photo-op.premium-1.508706  Anyway the newspapers claim some 10,000 police will be mobilised in Jerusalem to protect Obama.

News punters and observers are all unanimous tomorrow's conclave will be a long drawn-out affair ... maybe into 5 days or more. Here in Jerusalem, the franciscans will be celebrating a Mass of the Holy Spirit at the Last Supper Room for the conclave.

So many goings on ... yet everything seems so deja vu ....